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diff --git a/40262-8.txt b/40262-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f2bfcb2..0000000 --- a/40262-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11857 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank Merriwell's Triumph, by Burt L. Standish - -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: Frank Merriwell's Triumph - The Disappearance of Felicia - -Author: Burt L. Standish - -Release Date: July 17, 2012 [EBook #40262] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK MERRIWELL'S TRIUMPH *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - FRANK MERRIWELL'S TRIUMPH - - OR - - THE DISAPPEARANCE OF FELICIA - - BY - BURT L. STANDISH - - AUTHOR OF - _The World-renowned "Merriwell Stories"_ - - PUBLISHED EXCLUSIVELY IN PAPER-COVERED - EDITION IN THE NEW MEDAL LIBRARY - - STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS - 79-89 SEVENTH AVE., NEW YORK CITY - - - - - Copyright, 1904 - By STREET & SMITH - - Frank Merriwell's Triumph - - All rights reserved, including that of translation - into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian. - - - - -Publisher's Note - -Very few of our readers have any idea of the task that the growing -popularity of the S. & S. novel imposes upon us. - -We don't refer to the mere manual labor of manufacturing, but to the -vast expenditure of time, money and energy necessary to keep the quality -of our lines up to the high standard that we have educated our readers -to demand. - -In order that the S. & S. novel may continue to be all that we claim for -it, we have invaded cloth-book fields and have made arrangements with -several well-known publishers to print exclusive editions of books by -famous authors--books about whose great merit there is not a single -doubt. - -The S. & S. novel has prospered mightily and for that reason we can well -afford to give our readers that literature that is acceptable to every -man and woman who seeks mental relaxation after a hard day's work at the -office, store or factory. - -The S. & S. novels are great popular educators, reaching, as they do, -every city and hamlet in this vast country of ours, instilling a desire -to read in thousands of persons who would have cared nothing for -literature if they had not become aware of the wholesome, unalloyed -pleasure that the S. & S. novels afford. - -Please send for our complete catalogue showing the S. & S. 2700. - - STREET & SMITH, Publishers - NEW YORK - - - - -"ALGER" - -What a pleasant sound the name of Horatio Alger, Jr., has to boys who -read clean, wholesome stories of adventure! - -His name on a book means that it is a "good one"; that the money -invested in it is well invested. - -Street & Smith publish the most complete list of his works in their -famous S. & S. novels--it contains nearly all of them. - -If you want your boys to read helpful books, buy the "Algers" in the -Medal and New Medal Libraries. - -PRICE, 10c. and 15c. PER COPY AT ALL NEWSDEALERS - -If sent by mail, add four cents per copy to cover postage. Complete -catalogue upon request. - -STREET & SMITH, Publishers, NEW YORK - - - - - CONTENTS - - I. A COMPACT OF RASCALS. 5 - II. DAYS OF RETRIBUTION. 12 - III. THE MAP VANISHES. 24 - IV. THE NIGHT WATCH. 34 - V. WILEY'S DISAPPEARANCE. 54 - VI. WILEY MEETS MISS FORTUNE. 70 - VII. A STARTLING TELEGRAM. 79 - VIII. FELIPE DULZURA. 90 - IX. WHAT THE MONK TOLD THEM. 104 - X. THREE IN A TRAP. 112 - XI. RUFFIANS AT ODDS. 122 - XII. A LIVELY FISTIC BOUT. 136 - XIII. MACKLYN MORGAN APPEARS. 148 - XIV. THE MESSENGER. 157 - XV. A DESPERATE SITUATION. 172 - XVI. CROWFOOT MAKES MEDICINE. 184 - XVII. HOW THE MEDICINE WORKED. 190 - XVIII. A BUNCH OF PRISONERS. 195 - XIX. THE VALLEY OF DESOLATION. 206 - XX. THE FINDING OF THE BABES. 220 - XXI. THE LOTTERY OF DEATH. 227 - XXII. AN ACT OF TREACHERY. 244 - XXIII. NEW RICHES PROMISED. 259 - XXIV. WHAT HAPPENED TO DICK. 272 - XXV. HOW WAS IT DONE? 286 - XXVI. FORCED TO WRITE. 296 - XXVII. COMPLETE TRIUMPH. 303 - - - - -FRANK MERRIWELL'S TRIUMPH. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -A COMPACT OF RASCALS. - - -They were dangerous-looking men, thirty of them in all, armed to the -teeth. They looked like unscrupulous fellows who would hesitate at no -desperate deed. Some of them had bad records, and yet they had served -Frank Merriwell faithfully in guarding his mine, the Queen Mystery, -against those who tried to wrest it from him by force and fraud. - -Frank had called these men together, and he now stood on his doorstep in -Mystery Valley, Arizona, looking them over. Bart Hodge, Frank's college -chum and companion in many adventures, was behind him in the doorway. -Little Abe, a hunchback boy whom Merriwell had rescued from ruffians at -a mining camp and befriended for some time, peered from the cabin. Merry -smiled pleasantly as he surveyed the men. - -"Well, boys," he said, "the time has come when I shall need your -services no longer." - -Some of them stirred restlessly and looked regretful. - -"To tell you the truth," Frank went on, "I am genuinely sorry to part -with you. You have served me well. But I need you no more. My enemies -have been defeated, and the courts have recognized my rightful claim to -this property. You fought for me when it was necessary. You risked your -lives for me." - -"That's what we is paid for, Mr. Merriwell," said Tombstone Phil, the -leader. "We tries to earn our money." - -"You have earned it, every one of you. I remember the day we stood off a -hundred painted ruffians in the desert; I remember the hunting of Jim -Rednight; and I don't forget that when Hodge and I stood beneath a tree -near Phoenix, with ropes about our necks, that you charged to the rescue -and saved us. Have I paid you in a satisfactory manner?" - -"Sure thing!" - -"You bet!" - -"That's whatever!" - -"You don't hear us kick any!" - -"We're satisfied!" - -These exclamations were uttered by various men in the gathering. - -"I am glad to know, boys," declared Frank, "that you are all satisfied. -If you must leave me, I like to have you leave feeling that you have -been treated on the square." - -"Mr. Merriwell," said Mexican Bob, a wizened little man, "I ken chew up -the galoot what says you ain't plumb on the level. Thar's nary a critter -in the bunch whatever makes a murmur about you." - -"You can see, boys," Frank went on, "that I have no further use for you -as a guard to my property. If any of you wish to remain, however, I -shall try to find employment for you. There's work enough to be done -here, although it may not be the sort of work you care to touch. I need -more men in the mine. You know the wages paid. It's hard work and may -not be satisfactory to any of you." - -The men were silent. - -"As we are parting," Merry added, "I wish to show my appreciation of you -in a manner that will be satisfactory to you all. For that purpose I -have something to distribute among you. Hand them out, Hodge." - -Bart stepped back and reappeared some moments later loaded down with a -lot of small canvas pouches. - -"Come up one at a time, boys," invited Merry, as he began taking these -from Bart. "Here you are, Phil." - -He dropped the first pouch into Tombstone Phil's hand, and it gave forth -a musical, clinking sound that made the eyes of the men sparkle. - -One by one they filed past the doorstep, and into each outstretched hand -was dropped a clinking canvas pouch, each one of which was heavy enough -to make its recipient smile. - -When the last man had received his present, they gathered again in front -of the door, and suddenly Tombstone Phil roared: - -"Give up a youp, boys, for the whitest man on two legs, Frank -Merriwell!" - -They swung their hats in the air and uttered a yell that awoke the -echoes of the valley. - -"Thanks, men," said Merry quietly. "I appreciate that. As long as you -desire to remain in Mystery Valley you are at liberty to do so; when you -wish to depart you can do so, also. So-long, boys. Good luck to you." - -He waved his hand, and they answered with another sharp yell. Then they -turned and moved away, declaring over and over among themselves that he -was the "whitest man." One of those who repeated this assertion a number -of times was a leathery, bowlegged, bewhiskered individual in greasy -garments known as Hull Shawmut. If anything, Shawmut seemed more pleased -and satisfied than his companions. - -The only one who said nothing at all was Kip Henry, known as "the -Roper," on account of his skill in throwing the lariat. Henry was thin, -supple, with a small black mustache, and in his appearance was somewhat -dandified, taking great satisfaction in bright colors and in fanciful -Mexican garments. He wore a peaked Mexican hat, and his trousers were -slit at the bottom, Mexican style. Several times Shawmut glanced at -Henry, noting his lack of enthusiasm. When the Thirty retired to their -camp down the valley and lingered there, Henry sat apart by himself, -rolling and smoking a cigarette and frowning at the ground. - -"What's the matter, pard?" asked Shawmut, clapping him on the shoulder. -"Didn't yer git yer little present?" - -"Yes, I got it," nodded the Roper. - -"Then what's eating of yer?" - -"Well, Shawmut, I am a whole lot sorry this yere job is ended. That's -what's the matter. It certain was a snap." - -"That's right," agreed Kip, sitting down near the other. "We gits good -pay for our time, and we works none to speak of. It certain was a snap. -Howsomever, such snaps can't last always, partner. Do you opine we've -got any kick coming?" - -"The only thing I was a-thinking of," answered Kip, "is that here we -fights to keep this yere mine for him, we takes chances o' being called -outlaws, and--now the job is done--we gits dropped. You knows and I -knows that this yere mine is a mighty rich one. Why don't we have the -luck to locate a mine like that? Why should luck always come to other -galoots?" - -"I ain't explaining that none," confessed Shawmut, as he filled his -pipe. "Luck is a heap singular. One night I bucks Jimmy Clerg's bank -down in Tucson. I never has much luck hitting the tiger, nohow. This -night things run just the same. I peddles and peddles till I gits down -to my last yeller boy. If I loses that I am broke. I has a good hoss and -outfit, and so I says, 'Here goes.' Well, she does go. Jim's dealer he -rakes her in. I sets thar busted wide. When I goes into that place I has -eight hundred in my clothes. In less than an hour I has nothing. - -"Clerg he comes ambling along a-looking the tables over. I sees him, and -I says: 'Jim, how much you let me have on my hoss and outfit?' 'What's -it wurth?' says he. 'Three hundred, cold,' says I. 'That goes,' says he. -And he lets me have the coin. Then I tackles the bank again, and I keeps -right on peddling. Yes, sir, I gits down once more to my last coin. This -is where I walks out of the saloon on my uppers. All the same, I bets -the last red. I wins. Right there, Kip, my luck turns. Arter that it -didn't seem I could lose nohow. Pretty soon I has all the chips stacked -up in front of me. I cashes in once or twice and keeps right on pushing -her. I knows luck is with me, and I takes all kinds o' long chances. -Well, pard, when I ambles out of the place at daylight the bank is -busted and I has all the ready coin of the joint. That's the way luck -works. You gits it in the neck a long time; but bimeby, when she turns, -she just pours in on yer." - -"But it don't seem any to me that my luck is going to turn," muttered -the Roper. - -"Mebbe you takes a little walk with me," said Shawmut significantly. -"Mebbe I tells you something some interesting." - -They arose and walked away from the others, so that their talk might not -be heard. - -"Did you ever hear of Benson Clark?" asked Shawmut. - -"Clark? Clark? Why, I dunno. Seems ter me I hears o' him." - -"I knows him well once. He was a grubstaker. But his is hard luck and -a-plenty of it. All the same, he keeps right on thinking sure that luck -changes for him. Something like two years ago I loses track of him. I -never sees him any since. But old Bense he hits it rich at last. -Somewhere in the Mazatzals he located a claim what opens rich as mud. -Some Indians off their reservation finds him there, and he has to run -for it. He gits out of the mountains, but they cuts him off and shoots -him up. His luck don't do him no good, for he croaks. But right here is -where another lucky gent comes in. This other gent he happens along and -finds old Bense, and Bense he tells him about the mine and gives him a -map. Now, this other lucky gent he proposes to go and locate that mine. -He proposes to do this, though right now he owns two of the best mines -in the whole country. Mebbe you guesses who I'm talking about." - -"Why," exclaimed Henry, "you don't mean Mr. Merriwell, do yer?" - -"Mebbe I does," answered Shawmut, glancing at his companion slantwise. -"Now, what do yer think of that?" - -"What do I think of it?" muttered the Roper. "Well, I will tell yer. I -think it's rotten that all the luck is to come to one gent. I think Mr. -Merriwell has a-plenty and he can do without another mine." - -"Just what I thinks," agreed Shawmut. "I figgers it out that way myself. -But he has a map, and that shows him where to find old Bense's claim." - -"See here," said Kip, stopping short, "how do you happen to know so much -about this?" - -"Well, mebbe I listens around some; mebbe I harks a little; mebbe I -finds it out that way." - -"I see," said Henry, in surprise; "but I never thinks it o' you. You -seem so satisfied-like I reckons you don't bother any." - -"Mebbe I plays my cards slick and proper," chuckled Shawmut. "You sees I -don't care to be suspected now." - -"What do you propose to do?" - -"Well, partner, if I tells you, does you opine you're ready to stick by -me?" - -"Share even and I am ready for anything," was the assurance. - -"Mr. Merriwell he proposes hiking out soon to locate that thar claim o' -Benson Clark's. I am none in a hurry about getting away from here, so I -lingers. When he hikes I follers. When he locates the claim mebbe he has -to leave it; mebbe I jump it; mebbe I gits it recorded first. If he -don't suspect me any, if he don't know I'm arter it, he don't hurry any -about having it recorded. That gives me time to get ahead of him. If -you're with me in this, we goes even on the claim. It's a heap resky, -for this yere Merriwell is dangerous to deal with. Is it settled?" - -"Yere's my hand," said Kip Henry. - -Shawmut clasped the proffered hand, and the compact was made. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -DAYS OF RETRIBUTION. - - -When Merry had dismissed the men, he turned back into the cabin and sat -down near the table. - -"Well, that's the end of that business, Bart," he said. - -"Yes," nodded Hodge, sitting opposite. "I congratulate you on the way -you handled those men, Merry. No one else could have done it as well. If -ever I saw a collection of land pirates, it was that bunch." - -Frank smiled. - -"They were a pretty tough set," he confessed; "but they were just the -men I needed to match the ruffians Sukes set against me." - -Milton Sukes was the chief conspirator against Frank in the schemes to -deprive him of the Queen Mystery Mine. - -"Sukes will hire no more ruffians," said Hodge. - -"I should say not. He has perpetrated his last piece of villainy. He has -gone before the judgment bar on high." - -"And the last poor wretch he deluded is an imbecile." - -"Poor Worthington!" said Merry. "I fear he will never be right again. It -was his bullet that destroyed Sukes, yet no man can prove it. What he -suffered after that during his flight into the desert, where he nearly -perished for water, completely turned his brain." - -"You want to look out for him, Frank. I think he is dangerous." - -Merry laughed. - -"Ridiculous, Hodge! He is as harmless as a child. When I let him, he -follows me about like a dog." - -Even as Frank said this, a crouching figure came creeping to the door -and peered in. It was a man with unshaven, haggard face and eyes from -which the light of reason had fled. - -"There he is!" exclaimed this man. "There is my ghost! Do you want me, -ghost?" - -"Come in, Worthington!" called Frank. - -The man entered hesitatingly and stood near the table, never taking his -eyes from Merry's face for a moment. - -"What you command, ghost, I must obey," he said. "You own me, body and -soul. Ha! ha! body and soul! But I have no soul! I bartered it with a -wretch who deceived me! I was an honest man before that! Perhaps you -don't believe me, but I swear I was. You must believe me! It's a -terrible thing to be owned by a ghost who has no confidence in you. But -why should my ghost have confidence! Didn't I deceive him? Didn't I kill -him? I see it now. I see the fire! It is burning--it is burning there! -He has found me as I am setting it. He springs upon me! He is strong--so -strong! Ha! his feet slip! Down he goes! His head strikes! He is -unconscious!" - -The wretch seemed living over the terrible experiences through which he -had passed on a certain night in Denver, when he set fire to Merriwell's -office and tried to burn Frank to death. He thought he had accomplished -his purpose, and the appearance of his intended victim alive had turned -his brain. - -As he listened Hodge shivered a little. - -"Never mind, Worthington," said Frank. "He is all right. He will escape -from the fire." - -"No, no, no!" gasped the man, wringing his hands. "See him lying there! -See the fire flashing on his face! See the smoke! It is coming thick. I -must go! I must leave him. It is a fearful thing to do! But if he -escapes he will destroy me. He will send me to prison, and I must leave -him to die!" - -He covered his eyes with his hands, as if to shut out a terrible -spectacle. - -"No one sees me!" he whispered. "Here are the stairs! It is all -dark--all dark! I must get out quick, before the fire is discovered. I -have done it! I am on the street! I mustn't run! If I run they will -suspect me. I will walk fast--walk fast!" - -Merry glanced at Hodge and sadly shook his head. - -"Now the engines are coming!" exclaimed the deranged man. "Hear them as -they clang and roar along the streets! See the people run! See the -horses galloping! They are coming to try to put out the fire. What if -they do it in time to save him! Then he will tell them of my treachery! -Then he will send me to prison! I must see--I must know! I must go back -there!" - -"He shall not send you to prison, Worthington," asserted Merry -soothingly. "He shall be merciful to you." - -"Why should he? Here is the burning building. Here are the engines, -panting and throbbing. See! they pour streams of water on the building. -No use! It is too late; you cannot save him. He is dead long before -this. Who shall say I was to blame? What if they do find his charred -body? No man can prove I had a hand in it. I defy you to prove it!" - -Shaking his trembling hands in the air, the wretch almost shrieked these -words. - -"This," muttered Bart Hodge, "is retribution." - -"I must go away," whispered Worthington. "I must hide where they can't -see me. Look how every one stares at me! They seem to know I have done -it! These infernal lights betray me! I must hide in the darkness. Some -one is following me everywhere. I am afraid of the darkness! I will -always be afraid of the darkness! In the darkness or in the light, there -is no rest for me--no rest! Did you hear that voice? Do you hear? It -accuses me of murder! I am haunted! My God! Haunted, haunted!" - -With this heartbroken cry he sank on his knees and crept toward Frank. - -"You're the ghost that haunts me!" he exclaimed. "It is my punishment! I -must always be near you, and you must haunt me forever!" - -Merry touched him gently. - -"Get up, Worthington," he said regretfully. "Your punishment has been -too much. Look at me. Look me straight in the eyes, Worthington. I am -not dead. You didn't kill me." - -"No use to tell me that; I know better." - -"It is hopeless now, Hodge," said Merry, in a low tone. "The only chance -for him is that time will restore his reason. You may go, Worthington." - -"I must stay near by, mustn't I?" - -"You may stay outside." - -With bowed head and unsteady steps the man left the cabin and -disappeared. - -Little Abe had remained speechless and frightened in a corner. Now he -picked up his fiddle, and suddenly from it came a weird melody. It was a -crazy tune, filled with wild fancies and ghostly phantoms. - -"He is playing the music of that deranged soul," murmured Frank. - -The sound of the fiddle died in a wail, and the boy sat shivering and -silent in the corner. - -"This is a little too much of a ghostly thing!" exclaimed Merry as he -arose and shook himself. "Let's talk of something else, Hodge. To-morrow -we start for the Mazatzals, and I have everything ready. If we can -locate that mine, one-half of it is yours." - -He took from his pocket a leather case and removed from it a torn and -soiled map, which he spread on the table. Together he and Bart examined -the map once more, as they had done many times before. - -"There," said Frank, "is Clear Creek, running down into the Rio Verde. -Somewhere to the northwest of Hawley Peak, as this fellow indicated here -on the map, in the valley shown by this cross, is Benson Clark's claim." - -"The location is vaguely marked," said Bart. "We may search for it a -year without discovering it." - -"That's true; but we know approximately somewhere near where it is." - -"Well," said Hodge, "we will do our best. That's all any one can do. It -is your fortune, Frank, to be lucky; and for that reason we may be -successful." - -"Something tells me we shall be," nodded Merriwell. - -The start was made next day, and the journey continued until one -afternoon Merry and Bart Hodge stood looking down into a deep, oblong -valley in the heart of the Northern Mazatzals. With them was Cap'n -Walter Wiley, a former seafaring man, who had been Frank's friend in -many thrilling adventures in the West. Little Abe had come with them -from Mystery Valley, as had Worthington, but they were at the camp Merry -had established some distance behind. - -"I believe this valley is the one," Merry declared; "but how are we -going to get into it? That's the question that bothers me." - -"There must be an inlet or outlet or something to the old valley," said -Hodge. "It cannot be just a sink hole dropped down here like a huge oval -basin in the mountains. There is a stream running through it, too. It is -wooded and watered, and there is plenty of grass for grazing." - -"I am almost positive this valley is the one Benson Clark told me of. I -am almost positive it is the one marked on my map. Clark was shot and -dying when I found him. He didn't have time to tell me how to get into -the valley." - -"We seem to have struck something that impedes navigation and -investigation and causes agitation," put in Cap'n Wiley. "I would truly -love to have the wings of a dove that I could fly from these heights -above. Poetry just bubbles from me occasionally. I must set my colossal -intellect at work on this perplexing problem and demonstrate my -astounding ability to solve entangling enigmas. (Webster's Dictionary -does contain the loveliest words!) Let me think a thought. Let all -nature stand hushed and silent while I thunk a think." - -His companions paid little heed to him; but he continued to discuss the -problem of descending into the valley. - -"I have visited the northern end and the southern end," said Frank, "and -I have explored this side and surveyed the other side through my field -glasses. There seems no break in these perpendicular walls. This valley -seems like one of those Southwestern mesas inverted. They rise sheer -from the plains, and it is impossible to reach the top of many of them. -This drops straight down here, and it seems impossible to reach its -bottom." - -"The more difficult it is," said Bart, "the greater becomes my desire to -get down there." - -"Same here," smiled Frank. "The difficulty makes it something of a -mystery. Scientific expeditions have spent thousands of dollars in -reaching the top of the Mesa Encantada, in New Mexico. By Americans it -is called the Enchanted Mesa. Now, the mere fact that we can't seem to -get down into this valley throws an atmosphere of mystery over it, and -to me it is an enchanted valley." - -"Hush!" whispered Wiley, with one finger pressed against his forehead. -"A mighty thought is throbbing and seething in my cohesive brain. If I -only had my gravity destroyer here! Ha! Then I could simply jump down -into the valley and look around, and, when I got ready, jump back up -here. By the way, mates, did you ever know why it was that Santos-Dumont -retired from this country in confusion and dismay? You know he came over -here with his old flying machine, and was going to do stunts to amaze -the gaping multitudes. You know he suddenly packed his Kenebecca and -took passage to foreign shores. The secret of his sudden departure has -never been told. If you will promise to whisper no word of it to the -world, I will reveal the truth to you. - -"Just before Santy arrived in the United States I succeeded in -perfecting my great gravity destroyer. As I have on other occasions -explained to you, it was about the size of an ordinary watch, and I -carried it about in my pocket. By pressing a certain spring I -immediately destroyed the force of gravity so that, by giving an easy, -gentle sort of a jump into the air, I could sail right up to the top of -a church steeple. When I got ready to come down, I just let go and -sailed down lightly as a feather. When I heard that Santy was going to -amaze this country with his dinky old flying machine, I resolved to have -a little harmless amusement with him. - -"With this object in view, I had a flying machine of my own invented. It -was made of canvas stretched over a light wooden frame, and along the -bottom, to keep it upright, I had a keel of lead. My means of expulsion -was a huge paddle wheel that I could work with my feet. That was the -only thing about the machine that I didn't like. There was some work -connected with it. To the rear end of the arrangement I attached a huge -fanlike rudder that I could operate with ropes running to the cross -pieces, like on ordinary rowboats. - -"Mates, there never was a truer word spoken from the chest than that the -prophet is not without honor save in his own country. I had this flying -machine of mine constructed in Cap'n Bean's shipyard, down in Camden, -Maine, my home. The villagers turned out in swarms, and stood around, -and nudged each other in the ribs, and stared at my contrivance, and -tried to josh me. Even Billy Murphy gave me a loud and gleeful ha-ha! -They seemed to think I had gone daffy, but I kept right on about my -business, and one day the _Snowbird_, as I called her, was finished. She -was a beauty, mates, as she lay there, looking so light and airy and -fragile. - -"By that time I had become decidedly hot under the collar on account of -so much chaffing from the rustic populace. Says I to myself, says I: -'Cap'n, these Rubes don't deserve to see you fly. If you let them see -you fly you will be giving every mother's son of them two dollars' worth -of entertainment free of charge.' Now, it isn't my custom to give -anything free of charge. Therefore I advertised in the _Herald_ that on -a certain day I would sail the a๋rial atmosphere. I stated that before -doing so I would pass around the hat, and I expected every person -present to drop two dollars into it. I thought this was a clever idea of -mine. - -"On the day and date the people came from near and far. They journeyed -even from Hogansville, South Hope, and Stickney's Corner. When I saw -them massed in one great multitude in and around that shipyard and on -the steamboat wharf, I made merry cachinnation. - -"But alas! when I passed through that crowd with my hat and counted up -the collection, I found I had a lead nickel, a trousers button, and a -peppermint lozenger. That was all those measly, close-fisted people -donated for the pleasure of seeing me navigate the ambient air. Although -I am not inclined to be over-sensitive, I felt hurt, and pained, and -disappointed. I then made a little speech to them, and informed them -that over in Searsmont there was a man so mean that he used a wart on -the back of his neck for a collar button to save the expense of buying -one, but I considered him the soul of generosity beside them. I further -informed them that I had postponed sailing. I minded it not that they -guffawed and heaped derision upon me. I was resolute and unbending, and -they were forced to leave without seeing me hoist anchor that day. - -"In the soft and stilly hours of the night which followed I seated -myself in the _Snowbird_, applied my feet to the mechanism, pressed the -spring of the gravity destroyer, and away I scooted over Penobscot Bay. -When the sun rose the following morning it found Cap'n Bean's shipyard -empty and little Walter and his flying machine gone. - -"I was on hand when Santos-Dumont arrived in New York. I sought an -interview with him, and I told him I proposed making him look like a -plugged quarter when he gave his exhibition. I challenged him to sail -against me and told him I would show him up. Santy didn't seem to like -this, and he made remarks which would not look well in the _Sabbath -School Herald_. Indeed, he became violent, and, though I tried to soothe -him, I discovered myself, when the interview ended, sitting on the -sidewalk outside of the building and feeling of my person for bumps and -sore spots. - -"You can imagine with what dignity I arose to my feet and strode -haughtily away. More than ever was I determined to make old Santy look -like an amateur in the flying business. However, he took particular -pains while in New York to scoot around in his machine when he knew I -was not informed that such was his intention. With a great deal of craft -and skill he avoided coming in competition with me. One day some part of -his jigger got out of gear and he had it removed into the country to fix -it. I located him and followed him up. I have forgotten the name of the -village where I found him; but the people were getting much excited, for -he had stated that at a certain time he would show them what he could -do. - -"He had gathered scientific men from Oshkosh, Skowhegan, Chicago, and -other centres of culture and refinement. Among them was Professor -Deusenberry, of the Squedunk Elementary College of Fine Fatheads. I -succeeded in getting at Professor Deusenberry's ear. He had a generous -ear, and there was not much trouble in getting at it. I told him all -about my _Snowbird_, and informed him that I had her concealed near at -hand and proposed to show up Santos when he broke loose and sailed. I -took him around to see my craft; but when he looked her over he shook -his head and announced that she'd never rise clear of the skids on which -I had her elevated above the ground. - -"Well, mates, the great day came around, and promptly at the hour set -Santos rose like a bird in the air. I was watching for him, and when I -saw him gliding about over the village I promptly started the _Snowbird_ -going. The moment I shut off the power of gravitation I scooted upward -like a wild swan. I made straight for Dumont's old machine, and there -before the wildly cheering people, whose shouts rose faint and sweet to -my ear, I proceeded to do a few stunts. I circled around Santos when he -was at his best speed. I sailed over him and under him, and I certain -gave him an attack of nervous prostration. In his excitement he did -something wrong and knocked his machine out of kilter, so that he -suddenly took a collapse and fell into the top of a tree, where his old -craft was badly damaged. I gently lowered myself to the ground, and as I -stepped out of the _Snowbird_ Professor Deusenberry clasped me to his -throbbing bosom and wept on my breast. - -"'Professor Wiley!' he cried, 'beyond question you have solved the -problem of a๋rial navigation. Professor Wiley----' 'Excuse me, Professor -Deusenberry' said I, 'but I am simply plain Cap'n Wiley, a salty old tar -of modesty and few pretensions. I have no rightful claim to the title of -professor.' - -"'But you shall have--you shall have!' he earnestly declared. 'I will -see that you're made professor of atmospheric nullity at the Squedunk -Elementary College of Fine Fatheads. Your name shall go ringing down -through the corridor of the ages. Your name shall stand side by side in -history with those of Columbus, Pizarro, and Richard Croker.' - -"That night I was wined, and dined, and toasted in that town, while -Santos-Dumont stood outside and shivered in the cold. The scientific men -and professors and men of boodle gazed on me in awe and wonderment and -bowed down before me. Professor Deusenberry was seized with a -determination to own the _Snowbird_. He was fearful lest some one else -should obtain her, and so he hastened to get me to set a price upon her. -I was modest. I told him that I was modest. I told him that in the cause -of science I was ready to part with her for the paltry sum of five -thousand dollars. In less than ten minutes he had gathered some of the -moneyed fatheads of his college and bought my flying machine. - -"I suggested to them that the proper way to start her was to get her -onto some eminence and have some one push her off. The following morning -they raised her to the flat roof of a building, and, with no small -amount of agitation, I saw that Professor Deusenberry himself -contemplated making a trip in her. When they pushed her off he started -the paddle wheels going, but without the effect of my little gravity -destroyer to keep her from falling. She dropped straight down to the -ground. When they picked the professor up, several of his lateral ribs, -together with his dispendarium, were fractured. I thought his confidence -in me was also broken. At any rate, I hastened to shake the dust of that -town from my feet and make for the tall timber. - -"Nevertheless, mates, my little experience with Santos-Dumont so -disgusted and discouraged him that he immediately left this country, -which explains something that has been puzzling the people for a long -time. They wondered why he didn't remain and do the stunts he had -promised to do. Even now I fancy that Santy often dreams in terror of -Cap'n Wiley and his _Snowbird_." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE MAP VANISHES. - - -While Cap'n Wiley had been relating this yarn Merriwell seemed utterly -unconscious of his presence. Having produced his field glasses from the -case at his side, he was surveying the impregnable valley. Suddenly he -started slightly and touched Bart's arm. - -"Look yonder, Hodge," he said, in a low tone. "Away up at the far end of -the valley where the timber is, I can see smoke rising there." - -"So can I!" exclaimed Hodge. "What does it mean?" - -"There is but one thing it can mean, and that is----" - -"There's some one in the valley." - -"Sure, sure," agreed Cap'n Wiley. "Somebody has found a passage into -that harbor." - -"Do you suppose," asked Hodge, in consternation, "that there are other -parties searching for that mine?" - -"It's not unlikely." - -"But you were the only one told of its existence by Benson Clark." - -"Still, it's likely others knew he was prospecting in this vicinity." - -"It will be hard luck, Merry, if we find that some one has relocated -that claim ahead of us." - -"That's right," nodded Frank. "The fact that there is smoke rising from -that part of the valley proves it is not impossible to get down there. -It's too late to-day to make any further effort in that direction. We -will return to the camp and wait for morning." - -"And if you find other men on the claim, what will you do?" - -"I haven't decided." - -"But it belongs to you!" exclaimed Hodge earnestly. "Clark located it, -and when he died he gave you the right to it." - -"Nevertheless, if some one else has found it and has registered his -claim, he can hold it." - -"Not if you can prove Clark staked it off and posted notices. Not if you -can prove he gave it to you." - -"But I can't prove that. Clark is dead. He left no will. All he left was -quartz in his saddlebags and some dust he had washed from the placer, -together with this map I have in my pocket. You see, I would find it -impossible to prove my right to the mine if I discovered other parties -in possession of it." - -Bart's look of disappointment increased. - -"I suppose that's right, Merry," he confessed; "but it doesn't seem -right to me. The Consolidated Mining Association of America tried to -take your Queen Mystery Mine from you on a shabbier claim than you have -on this mine here." - -"But I defeated them, Bart. You must not forget that." - -"I haven't forgotten it," Hodge declared, nodding his head. "All the -same, you had hard work to defeat them, and, later, Milton Sukes made it -still harder for you." - -"But I triumphed in both cases. Right is right, Bart; it makes no -difference whether it is on my side or the other fellow's." - -"That's so," Hodge confessed. "But it would be an almighty shame to find -some one else squatting on that claim. I'd like to get down into that -valley now!" - -"It can't be done before nightfall, so we will go back to camp." - -They set out, and an hour later they reached their camp in a small -valley. There they had pitched a tent near a spring, and close at hand -their horses grazed. As they approached the tent, little Abe came -hobbling up to them. - -"I am glad you're back," he declared. "That man has been going on just -awful." - -"Who? Worthington?" questioned Merry. - -"Yes; he said over and over that he knew his ghost would be lost. He -declared his ghost was in danger. He said he could feel the danger -near." - -"More of his wild fancies," said Hodge. - -"Mates," observed Cap'n Wiley, "if there's anything that upsets my zebro -spinal column it is a crazy gentleman like that. I am prone to confess -that he worries me. I don't trust him. I am afraid that some morning I -will wake up and find a hatchet sticking in my head. I should hate to do -that." - -"I am positive he is harmless," declared Merry. "Where is he, Abe?" - -"I don't know now. A while ago he just rushed off, calling and calling, -and he's not come back." - -Frank looked alarmed. "He promised me he would stay near the camp. He -gave me his word, and this is the first time he has failed to obey me -implicitly in everything." - -"He said he'd have to go to save you." - -"It was a mistake bringing him here, Frank," asserted Hodge. - -"But what could I do with him? He wouldn't remain behind, and I knew the -danger of leaving him there. Any day he might escape from the valley and -lose himself in the desert to perish there." - -"Perhaps that is what will happen to him now." - -Merry was sorely troubled. He made preparations to go in search of -Worthington without delay. But even as he was doing so the deranged man -came running back into the camp and fell panting at his feet. - -"I have found you again, my ghost!" he cried. "They are after you! You -must beware! You must guard yourself constantly!" - -"Get up, Worthington!" said Merry. "I am in no danger. No one can hurt a -ghost, you know." - -"Ah! you don't know them--you don't know them!" excitedly shouted the -lunatic. "They are wicked and dangerous. I saw them peering over those -rocks. I saw their evil eyes. Abe was asleep. I had been walking up and -down, waiting for you to return. When I saw them I stood still as a -stone and made them believe I was dead. They watched and watched and -whispered. They had weapons in their hands! You must be on your guard -every minute!" - -"I have heard about crazy bedbugs," muttered Wiley; "but I never saw one -quite as bad as this. Every time I hear him go on that way I feel the -need of a drink. I could even partake of a portion of Easy Street -firewater with relish." - -Worthington seized Frank's arm. - -"You must come and see where they were--you must come and see," he -urged. - -"Never mind that now," said Merry. "I will look later." - -"No! no! Come, now!" - -"Be still!" commanded Merry sharply. "I can't waste the time." - -But the maniac continued to plead and beg until, in order to appease -him, Merry gave in. - -Worthington led him to a mass of bowlders at a distance, and, pointing -at them, he declared in a whisper: - -"There's where they were hiding. Look and see. There is where they were, -I tell you!" - -More to pacify the poor fellow than anything else, Frank looked around -amid the rocks. Suddenly he made a discovery that caused him to change -countenance and kneel upon the ground. Bart, who had sauntered down, -found him thus. - -"What is it, Frank?" he asked. - -"See here, Hodge," said Merry. "There has been some one here amid these -rocks. Here's a track. Here's a mark where the nails of a man's boot -heel scratched on the rocks." - -Hodge stood looking down, but shook his head. - -"You have sharper eyes than I, Frank," he confessed. "Perhaps -Worthington has been here himself." - -"No! no!" denied the deranged man. "I was afraid to come! I tell you I -saw them! I tell you I saw their wicked eyes. This is the first time I -have been here!" - -"If he tells the truth," said Frank, "then it is certain some one else -has been here." - -Behind Worthington's back Bart shook his head and made signals -expressive of his belief that whatever signs Frank had discovered there -had been made by Worthington. - -"Now, you see," persisted the madman; "now you know they were here! Now -you know you must be on your guard!" - -"Yes, yes," nodded Merry impatiently. "Don't worry about that, -Worthington. I will be on my guard. They will not take me by surprise." - -This seemed to satisfy the poor fellow for the time being, and they -returned to the tent. There a fire was again started and supper was -prepared. Shadows gathered in the valley and night came on. Overhead the -bright stars were shining with a clear light peculiar to that -Southwestern land. - -After supper they lay about on the ground, talking of the Enchanted -Valley, as Merry had named it, and of the mysterious smoke seen rising -from it. Later, when little Abe and Cap'n Wiley were sleeping and -Worthington had sunk into troubled slumber, through which he muttered -and moaned, Frank and Bart sat in the tent and examined the map by the -light of a small lantern. - -"Beyond question, Merry, the mine is near here. There is not a doubt of -it. Here to the east is Hawley Peak, to the south lies Clear Creek. Here -you see marked the stream which must flow through that valley, and here -is the cross made by Clark, which indicates the location of his claim." - -They bent over the map with their heads together, sitting near the end -of the tent. Suddenly a hand and arm was thrust in through the -perpendicular slit in the tent flap. That arm reached over Frank's -shoulder, and that hand seized the map from his fingers. It was done in -a twinkling, and in a twinkling it was gone. - -With shouts of astonishment and dismay, both Frank and Bart sprang up -and plunged from the tent. They heard the sounds of feet running swiftly -down the valley. - -"Halt!" cried Merry, producing a pistol and starting in pursuit. - -In the darkness he caught a glimpse of the fleeing figure. - -"Stop, or I fire!" he cried again. - -There was no answer. Flinging up his hand, he began shooting into the -gloom. He did not stop until he had emptied the weapon. Having run on -some distance, he paused and listened, stopping Bart with an -outstretched hand. - -Silence lay over the valley. - -"Did you hit him?" asked Bart. - -"I don't know," confessed Frank. - -"I can hear nothing of him." - -"Nor I." - -"You may have dropped him here." - -"If not----" - -"If not, my map is gone." - -As he was talking, Frank threw open his pistol and the empty shells were -ejected. He deftly refilled the cylinder. - -"By George, Merry!" whispered Bart, "Worthington may have been right -when he told you he saw some one beyond those bowlders." - -"He was." - -"Then we have been followed! We have been spied upon!" - -"No question about it." - -"Who did it?" - -"That's for us to find out." - -Together they searched for the man at whom Frank had fired in the -darkness. They found nothing of him. From the tent little Abe began -calling to them. Then Worthington came hurrying and panting through the -darkness seeking them. - -"They have gone!" declared the man wildly. "They were here! In my sleep -I felt them! In my sleep I saw them!" - -"We must have a light, Hodge," said Frank. "Bring the lantern." - -Bart rushed back to the tent and brought the lantern. With it Frank -began examining the ground. - -"Poor show of discovering any sign here," he muttered. - -After a time, however, he uttered an exclamation and bent over. - -"What have you found?" questioned Hodge excitedly. - -"See here," said Frank, pointing on the ground before him. - -On a rock at their feet they saw fresh drops of blood. - -"By Jove, you did hit him!" burst from Bart's lips. "If we can follow -that trail----" - -"We will find the man who has that map," said Merry grimly. "I wonder -how badly he is wounded." - -"Blood!" moaned Worthington. "There is blood on the ground! There is -blood in the air! There is death here! Wherever I go there is death!" - -"Keep still!" said Frank sharply. "Look out for Abe, Bart." - -Then he began seeking to follow the sanguine trail with the aid of the -lighted lantern. It was slow work, but still he made some progress. - -"We're taking big chances, Merry," said Bart, who had a pistol in his -hand. - -"It's the only way we can follow him." - -"Beware!" warned Worthington, in a hollow whisper. "I tell you there is -death in the air!" - -They had not proceeded far when suddenly a shot rang out and the bullet -smashed the lantern globe, extinguishing the light. Hodge had been -expecting something of the sort, and he fired almost instantly in -return, aiming at the flash he had vaguely seen. - -"Are you hurt, Merry?" he asked. - -"No; the lantern was the only thing struck. Did you see where the shot -came from?" - -"I caught a glimpse of the flash." - -Then a hoarse voice hailed them from the darkness farther down the -valley. - -"You gents, there!" it called. - -They did not answer. - -"Oh, Frank Merriwell!" again came the call. - -"It's somebody who knows you," whispered Hodge. - -"What is it?" called Merry, in response. - -"You holds up where you are!" returned the voice, "or you eats lead -a-plenty." - -"Who are you?" - -"That's what you finds out if you come. If you wants to know so bad, -mebbe you ambles nearer and takes your chances o' getting shot up." - -"It's sure death to try it," warned Hodge, in a whisper. - -"Death and destruction!" Worthington screamed. "It is here! Come away! -Come away!" - -He seized Merry and attempted to drag him back. Frank was forced to -break the man's hold upon him. - -"I must save you!" the deranged man panted. "I knew it would come! Once -I left you to perish in the flames; now I must save you!" - -He again flung himself on Frank, and during the struggle that followed -both Hodge and Wiley were compelled to render assistance. Not until the -madman had been tripped and was held helpless on the ground did he -become quiet. - -"It's no use!" he groaned; "I can't do it! It is not my fault!" - -Merry bent close and stared through the gloom at the eyes of the -unfortunate man. - -"You must obey me," he said, in that singular, commanding tone of his. -"You have to obey me! Go back to the tent!" - -Then he motioned for Hodge to let Worthington up, and Bart did so. -Without further resistance or struggling, the man turned and walked -slowly back to the tent. - -"Go with him, Wiley, and take Abe with you." - -Although Wiley protested against this, Frank was firm, and the sailor -yielded. Then, seeking such shelter as they could find amid the rocks -and the darkness, Bart and Frank crept slowly toward the point from -which that warning voice had seemed to come. A long time was spent in -this manner, and when they reached the spot they sought they were -rewarded by finding nothing. - -"He has gone, Frank," muttered Hodge. "While we were struggling with -Worthington, he improved the opportunity to escape." - -"I fear you are right," said Merriwell. - -Further investigation proved this was true. In vain they searched the -valley. The mysterious unknown who had snatched the map and who had been -wounded in his flight by Frank had made good his escape. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE NIGHT WATCH. - - -They were finally compelled to give up the search, although they did so -with the greatest reluctance. - -"Unless it aids the other fellow to locate the claim first," said Bart, -"the loss of the map cannot be much of a disadvantage to you, Merry. It -could give us no further assistance in finding the claim." - -"That's true," muttered Frank. "But the fact that mysterious men have -been prowling around here and one of them has secured the map seems to -indicate there are others who are searching for Benson Clark's lost -claim. If they locate it first----" - -"It's rightfully yours!" growled Hodge. "No one else has a real claim to -it. Clark gave it to you." - -"But he made no will." - -"All the same, you know he gave it to you." - -"We have discussed all that, Hodge," said Merry as they returned to the -tent. "If other parties find the claim first and begin work on it, they -can hold it." - -Wiley was teetering up and down in front of the tent, apparently in an -uneasy state of mind. - -"I have faced perils by sea and land!" he exclaimed, as they approached. -"It doesn't behoove any one to shunt me off onto a lunatic and a cripple -when there is danger in the air. My fighting blood is stirred, and I -long to look death in the mouth and examine his teeth." - -Neither Merry nor Bart paid much attention to the spluttering sailor. -They consulted about the wisdom of changing their camping place for the -night. - -"I don't think it is necessary," said Frank. "Whoever it was, the -prowler secured the map, and I fancy it will satisfy him for the -present. Something assures me that was what he was after, and we have -nothing more of interest to him now." - -After a time they decided to remain where they were and to take turns in -guarding the camp. The first watch fell on Bart, while Frank was to take -the middle hours of the night, and Wiley's turn came toward morning. It -was found somewhat difficult to quiet Worthington, who remained -intensely wrought up over what had happened; but in time Merry induced -him to lie down in the tent. - -Little Abe crept close to Frank and lay there, shivering somewhat. - -"You have so many enemies, Frank," he whispered. "Who are these new -enemies you have found here?" - -"I don't know at present, Abe; but I will find out in time." - -"Why must you always have enemies?" - -"I think it is the fortune of every man who succeeds to make enemies. -Other men become jealous. Only idiots and spineless, nerve-lacking -individuals make no enemies at all." - -"But sometime your enemies will hurt you," muttered the boy fearfully. -"You can't always escape when they are prowling about and striking at -your back." - -"Of course, there is a chance that some of them may get me," confessed -Frank; "but I am not worrying over that now." - -"Worthington frightens me, too," confessed the boy. "He is so strange! -But, really and truly, he seems to know when danger is near. He seems to -discover it, somehow." - -"Which is a faculty possessed by some people with disordered brains. I -fancied the fellow was dreaming when he declared he saw some one hiding -behind those rocks to-day; but now I know he actually saw what he -claimed to see." - -"Oh, I hope they don't get that mine away from you! You have taken so -much trouble to find it!" - -"Don't worry," half laughed Merry. "If they should locate the mine ahead -of me, I can stand it. I have two mines now, which are owned jointly by -myself and my brother." - -"Your brother!" exclaimed Abe, in surprise. "Why, have you a brother?" - -"Yes; a half-brother." - -"Where is he?" - -"He is attending school far, far away in the East. I received some -letters from him while you were in Denver." - -"Is he like you?" - -"Well, I don't know. In some things he seems to be like me; in others he -is different." - -"He is younger?" - -"Yes, several years younger." - -"Oh, I'd like to see him!" breathed Abe. "I know I'd like him. What's -his name?" - -"Dick." - -"Perhaps I'll see him some day." - -"Yes, Abe, I think you will. By and by we will go East, and I will take -you to see him at Fardale. That's where he is attending school." - -"It must be just the finest thing to go to school. I never went to -school any. What do they do there, Frank?" - -"Oh, they do many things, Abe. They study books which prepare them for -successful careers, and they play baseball and football and take part in -other sports. They have a fine gymnasium, where they exercise to develop -their bodies, which need developing, as well as their brains. In some -schools, Abe, the development of the body is neglected. Scholars are -compelled to study in close rooms, regardless of their health and of -their individual weaknesses. And many times their constitutions are -wrecked so that they are unfitted to become successful men and women -through the fact that they have not the energy and stamina in the battle -of life, at which successes must be won. - -"I don't know that you understand all this, Abe, but many parents make -sad mistakes in seeking to force too much education into the heads of -their children in a brief space of time. It is not always the boy or -girl who is the smartest as a boy or girl who makes the smartest and -most successful man or woman. Some of the brightest and most brilliant -scholars fail after leaving school. Although at school they were wonders -in their classes, in after life others who were not so brilliant and -promising often rise far above them." - -"I don't know nothing about those things, Frank," said the boy. "You -seem to know all about everything. But I want you to tell me more about -the school and the games they play and the things they do there." - -"Not to-night, Abe," said Merry. "Go to sleep now. Sometime I will tell -you all about it." - -Long after Merry's regular breathing indicated that he was slumbering, -little Abe lay trying to picture to himself that wonderful school, where -so many boys studied, and lived, and prepared themselves for careers. It -was a strange school his fancy pictured. At last he slept also, and he -dreamed that he was in the school with other boys, that he was straight, -and strong, and handsome, and that Dick Merriwell was his friend and -companion. He dreamed that he took part in the sports and games, and was -successful and admired like other lads. It was a joyful dream, and in -his sleep he smiled and laughed a little. But for the poor little -cripple it was a dream that could never come true. - -In the night Frank was aroused by Bart, who lay down, while Merry took -his place on guard outside the tent. The night was far spent when Frank -awakened Wiley to take a turn at watching over the camp. - -"Port your helm!" muttered the sailor thickly, as Merry shook him. -"Breakers ahead! She's going on the rocks!" - -"Turn out here," said Frank. "It's your watch on deck!" - -"What's that?" mumbled the sailor. "Who says so? I am cap'n of this -ship. I give off orders here." - -Merry seized him by the shoulders and sat him upright. - -"In this instance," declared Frank, "you're simply the man before the -mast. I am captain this voyage." - -"I deny the allegation and defy the alligator," spluttered Wiley, waving -his arms in the dark. "I never sailed before the mast." - -Frank was finally compelled to drag him bodily out of the tent, where at -length Wiley became aware of his surroundings and stood yawning and -rubbing his eyes. - -"This is a new turn for me, mate," he said. "It has been my custom in -the past to lay in my royal bunk and listen to the slosh of bilge water -and the plunging of my good ship through the billows, while others did -the real work. I always put in my hardest work at resting. I can work -harder at resting than any man I know of. I have a natural-born talent -for it. Nevertheless, Cap'n Merriwell, I now assume my new duties. You -may go below and turn in with the perfect assurance that little Walter -will guard you faithfully from all harm. Though a thousand foes should -menace you, I will be on hand to repel them." - -"That's right, Wiley; keep your eyes open. There may be no danger, but -you know what happened early this night." - -"Say no more," assured Wiley. "I am the embodied spirit of active -alertness. Permit rosy slumber to softly close your dewy eyes and dream -sweet dreams of bliss. Talk about real poetry; there's a sample of it -for you." - -Smiling a little at the eccentricities of the sailor, Frank slipped into -the tent and again rolled himself in his blanket. - -Rosy dawn was smiling over the eastern peaks when Frank opened his eyes. -The others were still fast asleep, and Merry wondered if Wiley had -already started a fire preparatory for breakfast. It seemed singular -that the sailor had not aroused them before this. Stealing softly from -the tent, Merry looked around for the captain. At first he saw nothing -of him, but after some minutes he discovered Wiley seated on the ground, -with his back against a bowlder and with his head bowed. Approaching -nearer, Frank saw the sailor was fast asleep, with a revolver clutched -in his hand. - -"Sleeping at your post, are you?" muttered Frank, annoyed. "Had there -been enemies near, they might have crept on us while you were sleeping -and murdered the whole party. You deserve to be taught a lesson." - -Making no noise, he drew nearer, keeping somewhat to one side and behind -the sailor, then bent over and uttered a piercing yell in Wiley's ear. -The result was astonishing. With an answering yell, the sailor bounded -into the air like a jack-in-the-box popping up. As he made that first -wild, electrifying leap he began shooting. When his feet struck the -ground he started to run, but continued shooting in all directions. - -"Repel boarders!" he yelled. "Give it to them!" - -Frank dropped down behind the bowlder to make sure that he was protected -from the bullets so recklessly discharged from the cap'n's revolver. -Peering over it, he saw Wiley bound frantically down the slope toward -the spring, catch his toe, spin over in the air, and plunge headlong. By -a singular chance, he had tripped just before reaching the spring, and -he dived into it, splashing the water in all directions. This -termination of the affair was so surprising and ludicrous that Merry was -convulsed with laughter. He ran quickly out, seized the sailor by the -heels, and dragged him out. Wiley sat up, spluttering and gurgling and -spouting water, very stupefied and very much bewildered. - -This sudden commotion had brought Hodge leaping from the tent, a weapon -in hand, while Abe and Worthington crawled forth in alarm. - -Merry's hearty laughter awoke the echoes of the valley. - -"Why do you disturb the placid peacefulness of this pellucid morning -with the ponderous pyrotechnics of your palpitating pleasure?" inquired -Wiley. "Did it amuse you so much to see me take my regular morning -plunge? Why, I always do that. I believe in a cold bath in the morning. -It's a great thing. It's a regular thing for me. I do it once a year -whether I need it or not. This was my morning for plunging, so I -plunged. But what was that elongated, ear-splitting vibration that -pierced the tympanum of my tingling ear? Somehow I fancy I heard a -slight disturbance. I was dreaming just at that moment of my fearful -encounter with Chinese pirates in the Indian Ocean some several years -agone. Being thus suddenly awakened, I did my best to repel boarders, -and I fancy I shot a number of holes in the ambient atmosphere around -here." - -"You did all of that," smiled Merry. "I found it necessary to get under -cover in order to be safe. Cap'n, you certainly cut a queer caper. It -was better than a circus to see you jump and go scooting down the slope; -and when you plunged into the spring I surely thought you were going -right through to China." - -"Well," said the sailor, wiping his face and hands on the tail of his -coat, "that saves me the trouble of washing this morning. But I still -fail to understand just how it happened." - -"You were sleeping at your post." - -"What? Me?" - -"Yes, you." - -"Impossible; I never sleep. I may occasionally lapse a little, but I -never sleep." - -"You were snoring." - -Wiley arose, looking sad and offended. - -"If I did not love you even as a brother I should feel hurt by your -cruel words," he muttered, picking up an empty pistol that had fallen -near the spring. "But I know you're joking." - -"You just said you were dreaming, Wiley," reminded Frank. "Is this the -way you are to be trusted? What if our enemies had crept upon us while -you were supposed to be guarding the camp?" - -"Don't speak of it!" entreated the marine marvel. "It hurts me. In case -I closed my eyes by accident for a moment, I hope you will forgive me -the oversight. Be sure I shall never forgive myself. Oh, but that was a -lovely dream! There were seventeen pirates coming over the rail, with -cutlasses, and dirks, and muskets, and cannon in their teeth, and I was -just wading into them in earnest when you disturbed the engagement. - -"In that dream I was simply living over again that terrible contest with -the Chinese pirates in which I engaged while commanding my good ship, -the _Sour Dog_. That was my first cruise in Eastern waters. The _Sour -Dog_ was a merchantman of nine billion tons burthen. We were loaded with -indigo, and spice, and everything nice. We had started on a return -voyage, and were bound southward to round the Cape of Good Hope. I had -warned my faithful followers of the dangers we might encounter in the -Indian Ocean, which was just literally boiling over with pirates of -various kinds. - -"One thing that had troubled us greatly was the fact that our good ship -was overrun with rats. I set my nimble wits to work to devise a scheme -of ridding us of those rats. I manufactured a number of very crafty -traps, and set them where I believed they would be the most efficacious. -You should have seen the way I gathered in those rats. Every morning I -had thirty or forty rats in those traps, and soon I was struck with a -new scheme. Knowing the value of rats in China, I decided to gather up -those on board, put about, and deliver them as a special cargo at -Hongkong. With this object in view, I had a huge cage manufactured on -the jigger deck. In this cage I confined all the rats captured, and soon -I had several hundred of them. These rats, Mr. Merriwell, saved our -lives, remarkable though it may seem to you. Bear with me just a moment -and I will elucidate. - -"We had put about and set our course for the Sunda Islands when an -unfortunate calm befell us. Now, a calm in those waters is the real -thing. When it gets calm there it is so still that you can hear a man -think a mile away. The tropical sun blazed down on the blazing ocean, -and our sails hung as still and silent as Willie Bryan's tongue after -the last Presidential election. The heat was so intense that the tar in -the caulking of the vessel bubbled and sizzled, and the deck of the -_Sour Dog_ was hot as a pancake griddle. Suddenly the watch aloft sent -down a cry, 'Ship, ho!' We sighted her heaving up over the horizon and -bearing straight down on us." - -"But I thought you said there was no wind," interrupted Merry. "How -could a ship come bearing down upon you with no wind to sail by?" - -"It was not exactly a ship, Mr. Merriwell; we soon saw it was a Chinese -junk. She was manned with a great crew of rowers, who were propelling -her with long oars. We could see their oar blades flashing in the sun as -they rose and fell with machine-like regularity. I seized my marine -glasses and mounted aloft. Through them I surveyed the approaching -craft. I confess to you, sir, that the appearance of that vessel -agitated my equilibrium. I didn't like her looks. Something told me she -was a pirate. - -"Unfortunately for us, we were not prepared for such an emergency. Had -there been a good breeze blowing, we could have sailed away and laughed -at her. As there was no breeze, we were helpless to escape. It was an -awful moment. When I told my crew that she was a pirate they fell on -their knees and wept and prayed. That worried me exceedingly, for up to -that time they had been the most profane, unreligious set of lubbers it -was ever my fortune to command. I told them in choice language just -about what I thought of them; but it didn't seem to have any effect on -them. I told them that our only chance for life was to repel those -pirates in some manner. I warned them to arm themselves with such -weapons as they could find and to fight to the last. We didn't have a -gun on board. One fellow had a good keen knife, but even with the aid of -that we seemed in a precarious predicament. - -"The pirate vessel came straight on. When she was near enough, I hailed -her through my speaking trumpet and asked her what she wanted. She made -no answer. Soon we could see those yellow-skinned, pigtailed wretches, -and every man of them was armed with deadly weapons. Having heard the -fearful tales of butcheries committed by those monsters, I knew the fate -in store for us unless we could repulse them somehow. Again I appealed -to my men, and again I saw it was useless. - -"The pirate swung alongside and fastened to us. Then those yellow fiends -came swarming over the rail with their weapons in their teeth, intent on -carving us up. The whole crew boarded us as one man. Just as they were -about to begin their horrid work a brilliant thought flashed through my -brain. I opened the rat cage and let those rats loose upon the deck. As -the Chinamen saw hundreds of rats running around over the deck they -uttered yells of joy and started in pursuit of them. - -"When they yelled they dropped their cutlasses and knives from their -teeth, and the clang of steel upon the deck was almost deafening. It was -a surprising sight to see the chinks diving here and there after the -rats and trying to capture them. To them those rats were far more -valuable than anything they had expected to find on board. For the time -being they had wholly forgotten their real object in boarding us. - -"Seeing the opening offered, at the precise psychological moment I -seized a cutlass and fell upon them. With my first blow I severed a -pirate's head from his body. At the same time I shouted to my crew to -follow my example. They caught up the weapons the pirates had dropped, -and in less time than it takes to tell it that deck ran knee-deep in -Chinese gore. Even after we had attacked them in that manner they seemed -so excited over those rats that they continued to chase the fleeing -rodents and paid little attention to us. - -"If was not more than ten minutes before I finished the last wretch of -them and stood looking around at that horrible spectacle. With my own -hand I had slain forty-one of those pirates. We had wiped out the entire -crew. Of course, I felt disappointed in having to lose the rats in that -manner, but I decided that it should not be a loss, and straightway I -began shaving the pigtails from the Chinamen's heads. We cut them off -and piled them up, after which we cast the bodies overboard and washed -the deck clean. - -"When I arrived in New York I made a deal with a manufacturer of hair -mattresses and sold out that lot of pigtails for a handsome sum. It was -one of the most successful voyages of my life. When Congress heard of -the wonderful things I had done in destroying the pirates, it voted me a -leather medal of honor. That's the whole story, Mr. Merriwell. I was -dreaming of that frightful encounter when you aroused me. Perhaps you -may doubt the veracity of my narrative; but it is as true as anything I -ever told you." - -"I haven't a doubt of it," laughed Frank. "It seems to me that the most -of your wonderful adventures are things of dreams, cap'n. According to -your tell, you should have been a rich man to-day. You have had chances -enough." - -"That's right," nodded the sailor. "But my bountiful generosity has kept -me poor. In order to get ahead in this world a fellow has to hustle. He -can't become a Rockefeller or a Morgan if he's whole-souled and generous -like me. I never did have any sympathy with chaps who complain that they -had no chance. I fully agree with my friend, Sam Foss, who wrote some -touching little lines which it would delight me to recite to you. Sam is -the real thing when it comes to turning out poetry. He can oil up his -machine and grind it out by the yard. Listen, and I will recite to you -the touching stanzas in question." - -In his own inimitable manner Wiley began to recite, and this was the -poem he delivered: - - "Joe Beall 'ud set upon a keg, - Down to the groc'ry store, an' throw - One leg right over t'other leg, - An' swear he'd never had a show. - 'O, no,' said Joe, - 'Hain't hed no show;' - Then shift his quid to t'other jaw, - An' chaw, an' chaw, an' chaw, an' chaw. - - "He said he got no start in life, - Didn't get no money from his dad - The washing took in by his wife - Earned all the funds he ever had. - 'O, no,' said Joe, - 'Hain't hed no show;' - An' then he'd look up at the clock, - An' talk, an' talk, an' talk, an' talk. - - "'I've waited twenty year--let's see---- - Yes, twenty-four, an' never struck, - Altho' I've sot roun' patiently, - The fust tarnation streak er luck. - 'O, no,' said Joe, - 'Hain't hed no show;' - Then stuck like mucilage to the spot, - An' sot, an' sot, an' sot, an' sot. - - "'I've come down regeler every day - For twenty years to Piper's store; - I've sot here in a patient way, - Say, hain't I, Piper?' Piper swore. - 'I tell yer, Joe, - Yer hain't no show; - Yer too dern patient'----ther hull raft - Just laffed, an' laffed, an' laffed, an' laffed." - -"That will about do for this morning," laughed Frank. "We will have -breakfast now." - -That day Frank set about a systematic search for some method of getting -into the Enchanted Valley, as he had called it. Having broken camp and -packed everything, with the entire party he set about circling the -valley. It was slow and difficult work, for at points it became -necessary that one or two of them should take the horses around by a -d้tour, while the others followed the rim of the valley. - -Midday had passed when at last Merry discovered a hidden cleft or -fissure, like a huge crack in the rocky wall, which ran downward and -seemed a possible means of reaching the valley. He had the horses -brought to the head of this fissure before exploring it. - -"At best, it is going to be a mighty difficult thing to get the horses -down there," said Bart. - -"We may not be able to do it," acknowledged Merry; "but I am greatly in -hopes that we can get into the valley ourselves at last." - -When they had descended some distance, Frank found indications which -convinced him that other parties had lately traversed that fissure. -These signs were not very plain to Bart, but he relied on Merry's -judgment. - -They finally reached a point from where they could see the bottom and -look out into the valley. - -"We can get down here ourselves, all right," said Hodge. "What do you -think about the horses?" - -"It will be a ticklish job to bring them down," acknowledged Merry; "but -I am in for trying it." - -"If one of the beasts should lose his footing and take a tumble----" - -"We'd be out a horse, that's all. We must look out that, in case such a -thing happens, no one of us is carried down with the animal." - -They returned to the place where Wiley, Worthington, and little Abe were -waiting. When Frank announced that they could get into the valley that -way, the deranged man suddenly cried: - -"There's doom down there! Those who enter never return!" - -"That fellow is a real cheerful chap!" said the sailor. "He has been -making it pleasant for us while you were gone, with his joyful -predictions of death and disaster." - -They gave little heed to Worthington. Making sure the packs were secure -on the backs of the animals, they fully arranged their plans of descent -and entered the fissure. More than an hour later they reached the valley -below, having descended without the slightest mishap. - -"Well, here we are," smiled Merry. "We have found our way into the -Enchanted Valley at last." - -"Never to return! Never to return!" croaked Worthington. - -"It's too late to do much exploring to-night, Merry," said Hodge. - -"It's too late to do anything but find a good spot and pitch our tent." - -"Where had we better camp?" - -After looking around, Merriwell suggested that they proceed toward the -northern end of the valley, where there was timber. - -"It's up that way we saw smoke, Frank," said Hodge. - -"I know it." - -As they advanced toward the timber they came to a narrow gorge that cut -for a short distance into the side of a mighty mountain. The stream -which ran through the valley flowed from this gorge, and further -investigation showed that it came from an opening in the mountainside -itself. Beside this stream they found the dead embers of a camp fire. - -"Who built it, Frank?" asked Bart, as Merry looked the ground over. "Was -it Indians, do you think?" - -Merriwell shook his head. - -"No; it was built by white men." - -Hodge frowned. - -"It makes little difference," he said. "One is likely to be as dangerous -as the other." - -"We will camp here ourselves," decided Merry. - -The animals were relieved of their packs, and they busied themselves in -erecting a tent and making ready for the night. Little Abe was set to -gathering wood with which to build a fire. Darkness came on ere they had -completed their tasks, but they finished by the light of the fire, which -crackled and gleamed beside the flowing stream. - -Wiley had shown himself to be something of a cook, and on him fell the -task of preparing supper. He soon had the coffeepot steaming on a bed of -coals, and the aroma made them all ravenous. He made up a batter of corn -meal and cooked it in a pan over the fire. This, together with the -coffee and their dried beef, satisfied their hunger, and all partook -heartily. - -"Now," said Wiley, as he stretched himself on the ground, "if some one -had a perfecto which he could lend me, I would be supinely content. As -it is, I shall have to be satisfied with a soothing pipe." - -He filled his pipe, lighted it, and lay puffing contentedly. Bart and -Merry were talking of what the morrow might bring forth, when suddenly -Worthington uttered a sharp hiss and held up his hand. Then, to the -surprise of all, from some unknown point, seemingly above them, a voice -burst forth in song. It was the voice of a man, and the narrow gorge -echoed with the weird melody. Not one of them could tell whence the -singing came. - - "Where dead men roam the dark - The world is cold and chill; - You hear their voices--hark! - They cry o'er vale and hill: - 'Beware! - Take care! - For death is cold and still.'" - -These were the words of the song as given by that mysterious singer. -They were ominous and full of warning. - -"That certainly is a soulful little ditty," observed Wiley. "It is so -hilariously funny and laughable, don't you know." - -Frank kicked aside the blazing brands of the fire with his foot and -stamped them out, plunging the place into darkness. - -"That's right," muttered Hodge. "They might pick us off any time by the -firelight." - -A hollow, blood-chilling groan sounded near at hand, and Wiley nearly -collapsed from sudden fright. The groan, however, came from the lips of -Worthington, who was standing straight and silent as a tree, his arms -stretched above his head in a singular manner. - -"The stars are going to fall!" he declared, in a sibilant whisper that -was strangely piercing. "Save yourselves! Hold them off! Hold them off! -If they strike you, you will be destroyed!" - -"Say, Worth, old bughouse!" exclaimed Wiley, slapping the deranged man -on the shoulder; "don't ever let out another geezly groan like that! -Why, my heart rose up and kicked my hair just about a foot into the air. -I thought all the ghosts, and spooks, and things of the unseen world had -broken loose at one break. You ought to take something for that. You -need a tonic. I would recommend Lizzie Pinkham's Vegetable Compound." - -"Keep still, can't you!" exclaimed Hodge, in a low tone. "If we hear -that voice again, I'd like to locate the point from whence it comes." - -"Oh, I will keep still if you will guarantee to muzzle Worth here," -assured the sailor. - -The deranged man was silent now, and they all seemed to be listening -with eager intentness. - -"Why doesn't he sing some more, Merry?" whispered Bart. - -After some moments, the mysterious voice was heard again. It seemed to -come from the air above them, and they distinctly heard it call a name: - -"Frank!" - -Merry stood perfectly still, but, in spite of himself, Bart Hodge gave a -start of astonishment. - -"Frank Merriwell!" - -Again the voice called. - -"Great Cๆsar's ghost!" panted Hodge in Merry's ear. "Whoever it is, he -knows you! He is calling your name. What do you think of that?" - -"That's not so very strange, Bart." - -"Why not?" - -"Since we came into the valley, either you, or Wiley, or Abe have spoken -my name so this unknown party overheard it." - -"Frank Merriwell!" distinctly spoke the mysterious voice; "come to me! -You must come! You can't escape! You buried me in the shadow of Chaves -Pass! My bones lie there still; but my spirit is here calling to you!" - -"Booh!" said Wiley. "I've had more or less dealings with spirits in my -time, but never with just this kind. Now, ardent spirits and _spritis -fermenti_ are congenial things; but a spooky spirit is not in my line." - -"I tell you to keep still," whispered Hodge once more. - -"I am dumb as a clam," asserted the sailor. - -"Do you hear me, Frank Merriwell?" again called the mysterious voice. "I -am the ghost of Benson Clark. I have returned here to guard my mine. -Human hands shall never desecrate it. If you seek farther for it, you -are doomed--doomed!" - -At this point Worthington broke into a shriek of maniacal laughter. - -"Go back to your grave!" he yelled. "No plotting there! No -violence--nothing but rest!" - -"Now, I tell you what, mates," broke in Cap'n Wiley protestingly; -"between spook voices and this maniac, I am on the verge of nervous -prostration. If I had a bottle of Doctor Brown's nervura, I'd drink the -whole thing at one gulp." - -Having shouted the words quoted, Worthington crouched on the ground and -covered his face with his hands. - -"What do you think about it now?" whispered Bart in Frank's ear. -"Whoever it is, he knows about Benson Clark and his claim. He knows you -buried Clark. How do you explain that?" - -"I can see only one explanation," answered Frank, in a low tone. "This -man has been near enough at some time when we were speaking of Clark to -overhear our words." - -"This man," muttered Wiley. "Why, jigger it all! it claims to be an -ethereal and vapid spook." - -"Don't be a fool, Wiley!" growled Hodge. "You know as well as we do that -it is not a spook." - -"You relieve me greatly by your assurance," said the sailor. "I have -never seen a spook, but once, after a protracted visit on Easy Street, I -saw other things just as bad. I don't think my nerves have gained their -equilibrium." - -"What will we do about this business, Merry?" asked Hodge. - -"I don't propose to be driven away from here by any such childish -trick," answered Frank grimly. "We will not build another fire to-night, -for I don't care to take the chances of being picked off by any one -shooting at us from the dark. However, we will stay right here and show -this party that he cannot frighten us in such a silly manner." - -"That's the talk!" nodded Hodge. "I am with you." - -"Don't forget me," interjected the sailor. - -"You!" exclaimed Frank sharply. "How can we depend on a fellow who -sleeps at his post when on guard?" - -"It's ever thus my little failings have counted against me!" sighed -Wiley. "Those things have caused me to be vastly misunderstood. Well, it -can't be helped. If I am not permitted to take my turn of standing guard -to-night, I must suffer and sleep in silence." - -Having said this in an injured and doleful manner, he retreated to the -tent and flung himself on the ground. - -Frank and Bart sat down near the tent, and listened and waited a long -time, thinking it possible they might hear that voice once more. The -silence remained undisturbed, however, save for the gurgle of the little -brook which ran near at hand. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -WILEY'S DISAPPEARANCE. - - -Night passed without anything further to disturb or annoy them. The -morning came bright and peaceful, and the sun shone pleasantly into the -Enchanted Valley. Wiley turned out at an early hour, built the fire, and -prepared the breakfast. - -"Seems like I had an unpleasant dream last eve," he remarked. "These -measly dreams are coming thick and fast. Night before last it was -pirates; last night it was spooks. It seems to be getting worse and -worse. If this thing keeps up, I will be in poor condition when the -baseball season opens in the spring." - -"Then you intend to play baseball again, do you, cap'n?" asked Merry. - -"Intend to play it! Why, mate, I cannot help it! As long as my good -right arm retains its cunning I shall continue to project the sphere -through the atmosphere. To me it is a pleasure to behold a batter wildly -swat the empty air as one of my marvelous curves serenely dodges his -willow wand. I have thought many times that I would get a divorce from -baseball and return to it no more. But each spring, as the little birds -joyfully hie themselves northward from their winter pilgrimage in the -Sunny South, the old-time feeling gets into my veins, and I amble forth -upon the turf and disport myself upon the chalk-marked diamond. Yes, I -expect to be in the game again, and when little Walter gets into the -game he gets into it for keeps." - -"What if some one should offer you a prominent position at a salary of -ten thousand a year where you would be unable to play baseball?" -inquired Merry, with a sly twinkle in his eye. "You'd have to give it up -then." - -"Not on your tintype!" was the prompt retort. - -"What would you do?" - -"I'd give up the position." - -Frank laughed heartily. - -"Cap'n, you're a confirmed baseball crank. But if you live your natural -life, there'll come a time when your joints will stiffen, when -rheumatism may come into your good arm, when your keen eye will lose its -brightness, when your skill to hit a pitched ball will vanish--then what -will you do?" - -The sailor heaved a deep sigh. - -"Don't," he sadly said, wiping his eye. "Talk to me of dreadful -things--funerals, and deaths, and all that; but don't ever suggest to me -that the day will dawn when little Walter will recognize the fact that -he is a has-been. It fills my soul with such unutterable sadness that -words fail me. However, ere that day appears I propose to daze and -bewilder the staring world. Why, even with my wonderful record as a ball -player, it was only last year that I failed to obtain a show on the -measly little dried-up old New England League. I knew I was a hundred -times better than the players given a show. I even confessed it to the -managers of the different teams. Still, I didn't happen to have the -proper pull, and they took on the cheap slobs who were chumps enough to -play for nothing in order to get a chance to play at all. - -"I knew my value, and I refused to play unless I could feel the coin of -the realm tickling my palm. I rather think I opened the eyes of some of -those dinky old managers. But even though Selee, McGraw, and others of -the big leagues have been imploring me on their knees to play with them, -I have haughtily declined. What I really desire is to get into the New -England League, where I will be a star of the first magnitude. I had -much rather be a big toad in a little puddle than a medium-sized toad in -a big puddle. The manager who signs me for his team in the New England -League will draw a glittering prize. If I could have my old-time chum, -Peckie Prescott, with me, we'd show those New England Leaguers some -stunts that would curl their hair. - -"Speaking of Peckie, Mr. Merriwell, reminds me that there is a boy lost -to professional baseball who would be worth millions of dollars to any -manager who got hold of him and gave him a show. Play ball! Why, Peckie -was born to play ball! He just can't help it. He has an arm of iron, and -he can throw from the plate to second base on a dead line and as quick -as a bullet from a rifle. As a backstop he is a wizard. And when it -comes to hitting--oh, la! la! he can average his two base hits a game -off any pitcher in the New England League. To be sure, the boy is a -little new and needs some coaching; but give him a show and he will be -in the National or American inside of three seasons." - -"Are you serious about this fellow, cap'n?" asked Frank. "I am aware -that you know a real baseball player when you see him, but you have a -little way of exaggerating that sometimes leads people to doubt your -statements." - -"Mr. Merriwell, I was never more serious in all my life. I give you my -word that everything I have said of Prescott is true; but I fear, like -some sweet, fragile wild-woods flower, he was born to blush unseen. I -fear he will never get the show he deserves. While these dunkhead -managers are scrabbling around over the country to rake up players, he -remains in the modest seclusion of his home, and they fail to stumble on -him. He is a retiring sort of chap, and this has prevented him from -pushing himself forward." - -"You should be able to push him a little yourself, cap'n." - -"What! When I am turned down by the blind and deluded managers, how am I -to help another? Alas! 'tis impossible! Coffee is served, Mr. Merriwell. -Let's proceed to surround our breakfast and forget our misfortunes." - -After breakfast Frank and Bart discussed the programme for the day. They -decided to make an immediate and vigorous search for the lost mine. It -was considered necessary, however, that one of the party should remain -at the camp and guard their outfit. Neither Abe nor Worthington was -suitable for this, and, as both Frank and Bart wished to take part in -the search, Wiley seemed the only one left for the task. - -"Very well," said the sailor, "I will remain. Leave me with a Winchester -in my hands, and I will guarantee to protect things here with the last -drop of my heroic blood." - -In this manner it was settled. The sailor remained to guard the camp and -the two pack horses, while the others mounted and rode away into the -valley. - -Late in the afternoon they returned, bringing with them a mountain goat -which Merry had shot. As they came in sight of the spot where the tent -had stood they were astonished to see that it was no longer there. - -"Look, Frank!" cried Bart, pointing. "The tent is gone!" - -"Sure enough," nodded Merriwell grimly. "It's not where we left it." - -"What do you suppose has happened?" - -"We will soon find out." - -Not only had the tent and camping outfit disappeared, but the two pack -horses were missing. Nor was Wiley to be found. - -Hodge looked at Merry in blank inquiry. - -"Where is this fellow we left to guard our property?" he finally -exclaimed. - -"You know as well as I," confessed Frank. - -"As a guard over anything, he seems to be a failure." - -"We can't tell what has happened to him." - -"What has happened to him!" cried Bart. "Why, he has taken French leave, -that's what has happened! He has stolen our horses and piked out of the -valley." - -Merry shook his head. - -"I don't believe that, Hodge," he said. "I don't think Wiley would do -such a thing." - -"Then, why isn't he here?" - -"He may have been attacked by enemies." - -"If that had been the case, we would see some signs of the struggle. You -can see for yourself that no struggle has taken place here." - -"It's true," confessed Merry, "that there seem to be no indications of a -struggle." - -"Do you know, Frank, that I never have fully trusted that chap." - -"I know, Bart, you made a serious mistake on one occasion by mistrusting -him. You must remember that yourself." - -"I do," confessed Hodge, reproved by Merry's words. "All the same, this -disappearance is hard to explain. Our tent and outfit are gone. We're -left here without provisions and without anything. In this condition it -is possible we may starve." - -"The condition is serious," Frank acknowledged. "At the same time, I -think it possible Wiley decided this location was dangerous and -transferred the camp to some other place. That's a reasonable -explanation of his disappearance." - -"A reasonable one perhaps; but if that had happened! he should be here -on the watch for our return." - -"Perhaps we have returned sooner than he expected." - -"Well, what's to be done, Merry?" - -"We will sit here a while and see if he doesn't turn up. At least, we -can make some sort of a meal off this mountain goat." - -"A mighty poor meal it will be!" muttered Hodge disgustedly. - -A fire was built, however, and the mountain goat served to appease their -hunger somewhat, although without salt it was far from palatable. There -was plenty of feed and drink for the horses, therefore the animals did -not suffer. In vain they waited for Wiley to return. Afternoon faded -into nightfall and the sailor came not. - -"Do you propose to remain here all night, Merry?" inquired Bart. - -Frank shook his head. - -"I don't think it advisable. We will find another spot." - -With the gloom of night upon them, they set out, Frank in the lead. He -had taken notice of a clump of thick timber in another part of the -valley, and toward this he rode. In the timber they ensconced themselves -and prepared to pass the night there. Worthington was strangely silent, -but seemed as docile and as harmless as a child. When all preparations -to spend the night in that spot were made, Frank announced to Bart that -he proposed to go in search of their missing companion. - -"What can you do in the night?" questioned Hodge. "You can't find him." - -"Perhaps not," said Merry; "but I am going to try." - -"I hate to have you do it alone." - -"You must remain here to look out for Abe and Worthington." - -When this was settled, Merry set out on foot. During their exploration -of the valley he had observed a deep, narrow fissure near the southern -extremity, into which the stream plunged before disappearing into the -underground channel. To him on discovering this it had seemed a possible -hiding place for any one seeking to escape observation. Something caused -him to set his course toward this spot. - -An hour later, from a place of concealment high up on a steep bank, -Frank was peering into the fissure. What he discovered there surprised -and puzzled him not a little. On a little level spot close by the stream -a tent had been pitched. Before the tent a small fire was burning, and -squatted around this fire were three persons who seemed to be enjoying -themselves in fancied security. The moment Merry's eyes fell on two of -them he recognized them as having been members of the Terrible Thirty. -They were the ruffians Hank Shawmut and Kip Henry. The third person, who -seemed perfectly at his ease as he reclined on the ground and puffed at -a corn-cob pipe, was Cap'n Wiley! - -Was Wiley a traitor? This question, which flashed through Frank's mind, -seemed answered in the affirmative by the behavior of the sailor, who -was chatting on intimate terms with his new associates. - -Of course Frank had decided at once that Shawmut and Henry had somehow -learned of his expedition in search of Benson Clark's lost mine and had -followed him. Henry's left hand was swathed in a blood-stained bandage, -the sight of which convinced the watching youth that it was this fellow -who had snatched the map and who afterward had been winged in the -pursuit. In spite of appearances, Frank did not like to believe that -Cap'n Wiley had played him false. From his position he was able to hear -the conversation of the trio, and so he lay still and listened. - -"We sartain is all right here fer ter-night," observed Shawmut. "We will -never be disturbed any afore morning." - -"Perchance you are right, mate," said the sailor; "but in the morning we -must seek the seclusion of some still more secure retreat. My late -associate, the only and original Frank Merriwell, will be considerable -aroused over what has happened. I am positive it will agitate his -equipoise to a protracted extent. My vivid imagination pictures a look -of supine astonishment on his intellectual countenance when he returns -and finds his whole outfit and little Walter vanished into thin, -pellucid air." - -Shawmut laughed hoarsely. - -"I certain opine he was knocked silly," he said. - -"But he is a bad man," put in Henry. "To-morrow he rakes this valley -with a fine-toothed comb. And he is a heap keerless with his shooting -irons. Look at this yere paw of mine. He done that, and some time I'll -settle with him." - -The fellow snarled the final words as he held up his bandaged hand. - -"Yes," nodded the sailor, "he has a way of shooting in a most -obstreperous manner. The only thing that is disturbing my mental -placitude is that he may take to the war path in search of my lovely -scalp." - -"Confound you!" thought Frank, in great anger. "So you are a traitor, -after all! Hodge was right about you. You're due for a very unpleasant -settlement with me, Cap'n Wiley." - -"What binds me to you with links of steel, mates," said the sailor, "is -the fact that you are well supplied with that necessary article of -exuberancy known to the vulgar and unpoetical as tanglefoot. Seems to me -it's a long time between drinks." - -"You certain must have a big thirst," observed Shawmut, as he produced a -cold bottle and held it toward the sailor, who immediately arose and -clutched it with both hands. - -"Mates, it has been so long since I have looked a drink in the face that -it seems like a total stranger to me. Excuse me while I absorb a small -portion of mountain dew." - -His pipe was dropped, and he wiped the mouth of the bottle with his hand -after drawing the cork. He then placed the bottle to his lips and turned -its bottom skyward. - -"So it is for that stuff you sell your friends, is it?" thought Frank. - -Having remained with his eyes closed and the bottle upturned for some -moments, the sailor finally lowered it and heaved a sigh of mingled -satisfaction and regret. - -"My only sorrow," he said, "is that I haven't a neck as long as a -giraffe's. If the giraffe should take to drink, what delight he would -enjoy in feeling the ardent trickle down his oozle! Have something on -me, boys." - -He then returned the bottle, and the ruffians drank from it. - -"There," said Wiley, picking up his pipe, "my interior anatomy glows -with golden rapture. I am once more myself. Oh, booze, thou art the -comforter of mankind! You cause the poor man to forget his sorrows and -his misfortunes. For him you build bright castles and paint glorious -pictures. For him you remove far away the cares and troubles of life. -You make him a king, even while you make him still more of a pauper. You -give him at first all the joys of the world and at last the delirium -tremens. - -"Next to women, you are the best thing and the worst thing in this whole -wide world. Mates, you see I am both a poet and a philosopher. It's no -disparagement to me, for I was born that way, and I can't help it. Ever -since my joyful boyhood days on Negro Island I have looked with a loving -eye on the beauties of nature and on the extracted fluid of the corn. -But what of this world's riches has my mighty intellect and my poetic -soul brought me? I am still a poor man." - -"But you won't be long arter we diskeevers this mine," said Shawmut. "If -you sticks by us, we gives you a third share." - -"Your generosity overwhelms me. But it must not be forgotten that we yet -have Frank Merriwell to dispose of. It is vain for you to try to -frighten him away from this valley. Last night you attempted it with -your spook trick, but it didn't work." - -"What's that?" exclaimed Henry. "What are you talking about?" - -"Oh," said the sailor, "you can't deceive little Walter. We heard you -doing that spook turn. But it was time wasted." - -Henry and Shawmut exchanged puzzled looks. - -"You certain will have to explain what you are driving at," growled -Shawmut. - -"Don't you know?" - -"None whatever." - -"I fear you are still seeking to deceive me." - -"Not a bit of it," averred Henry. "Whatever was yer talking about, -Wiley?" - -"Why, last eve, after we had partaken of our repast and were disporting -ourselves in comfort on the bosom of mother earth, there came through -the atmosphere above us a singing voice which sang a sweet song all -about dead men and such things. Afterward the voice warned us to hoist -anchor, set sail, and get out of this port. It claimed to be the voice -of Benson Clark, the man who first found the mine here, and who was -afterward shot full of holes by some amusement-seeking redskins. I -surely fancied you were concerned in that little joke, mates." - -Both the ruffians shook their heads. - -"We has nothing to do with it," denied Shawmut. - -"Well, now it is indeed a deep, dark mystery," observed the sailor. "Do -you suppose, mates, that the spook of Benson Clark is lingering in this -vicinity?" - -"We takes no stock in spooks," asserted Henry. - -"And thus you show your deep logical sense," slowly nodded the sailor. -"I congratulate you; but the mystery of that voice is unsolved, and it -continues to perplex me." - -The listening man high up on the embankment was also perplexed. If -Shawmut and Henry knew nothing of the mysterious warning voice, the -enigma was still unsolved. As he thought of this matter, Merry soon -decided that these ruffians had spoken the truth in denying all -knowledge of the affair. These men talked in the rough dialect of their -kind. The unseen singer had not used that dialect; and, therefore, the -mystery of the valley remained a mystery still. - -Frank continued to watch and listen. - -"It's no spook we're worried about," declared Henry. "If we dispose of -this yere Merriwell, we will be all right. With you ter help us, Wiley, -we oughter do the trick." - -"Sure, sure," agreed the sailor. - -"Thar is three of us," said Shawmut, "and that certain makes us more -than a match for them. The kid and the crazy galoot don't count. We has -only Merriwell and Hodge to buck against." - -"They are quite enough, mates--quite enough," put in the sailor. "We -will have to get up early in the morning to get ahead of them." - -"This yere Merriwell certain is no tenderfoot," agreed Shawmut. - -Wiley arose and slapped the speaker on the shoulder in a friendly, -familiar manner. - -"Now you're talking," he nodded. "He is a bad man with a record longer -than your arm. I have dealt with hundreds of them, however; and I think -my colossal brain will be more than a match for him. Did you ever hear -how I got the best of Bat Masterson? It's a thrilling tale. Listen and I -will unfold it to you. You know Bat was the real thing. Beyond question, -he was the worst bad man that ever perambulated the border. Yet I -humbled him to his knees and made him beg for mercy. That was some -several years ago. At that time--" - -Wiley was fairly launched on one of his yarns, but at that moment Frank -Merriwell heard a slight movement and attempted to turn quickly, when he -was given a thrust by a powerful pair of hands, which hurled him forward -from the embankment and sent him whirling down toward the tent below. - -Frank struck on the tent, which served to break his fall somewhat, but -he was temporarily stunned. When he recovered, he found himself bound -hand and foot and his three captors surveying him by the light of the -fire. - -"Well, wouldn't it jar you!" exclaimed the sailor. "It was almost too -easy. Why, mates, he must 'a' been up there listening to our innocent -conversation, and somehow he lost his hold and took a tumble." - -Shawmut laughed hoarsely. - -"It was a mighty bad tumble for him," he said. "He falls right into our -paws, and we has him foul. Now we're all right. Talk about luck; this is -it!" - -Kip Henry shook his wounded and bandaged hand before Frank's eyes. - -"You did that, hang you!" he snarled. "Now you gits paid fer it!" - -As the ruffian uttered these words he placed a hand on his revolver and -seemed on the point of shooting the helpless captive. - -"Wait a minute, mate," urged Wiley. "Let's not be too hasty. There are -three of us here, and I have a sagacious opinion that any one of us will -take morbid pleasure in putting Mr. Merriwell out of his misery. I -propose that we draw lots to see who will do the little job." - -"You seem mighty anxious to take a hand at it!" growled Henry. - -"I wish to prove my readiness to stand by you through thick and thin," -asserted the sailor. "In this way I shall win your absolute confidence. -Should it fall on me to do this unpleasant task, you will see the job -most scientifically done." - -As he made this assertion Wiley laughed in a manner that seemed wholly -heartless and brutal. - -"I didn't think it of you, cap'n!" exclaimed Frank. - -"That's all right," returned the sailor brazenly. "I'm a solicitor of -fortune; I am out for the dust. These gents here have assured me that I -shall have a third interest in the mine when it is located. Every bird -feathers its own nest. I have a chance to feather mine, and I don't -propose to lose the opportunity. If the task devolves upon me to -transport you to the shining shore, rest easy in the assurance that I'll -do a scientific job. I will provide you in short order with a pair of -wings." - -"That's the talk!" chuckled Shawmut. "How does we settle who does it?" - -"Have you a pack of cards?" inquired Wiley. - -"Sartin," said Shawmut, fishing in his pocket and producing a greasy -pack. "We has 'em." - -"Then I propose that we cut. The one who gets the lowest does the -trick." - -That was agreed to, and a moment later the cards had been shuffled and -placed on a flat stone near the fire. Henry cut first and exposed a -king. - -"That lets you out," said the sailor. "I can beat that. Come ahead, Mate -Shawmut." - -Shawmut cut and turned up a trey. - -"I reckon I'm the one," he said. - -Then Wiley cut the cards and held up in the firelight a deuce! - -Both Henry and Shawmut uttered exclamations. - -"Well, you has your wish," said the latter. "Now it's up to you to go -ahead with the business." - -Wiley actually smiled. - -"Let me take your popgun, mate," he said, extending his hand toward -Henry. "Mine is a little too small to do the trick properly." - -Henry handed over his pistol. - -Wiley examined it critically, finally shaking his head. - -"It's a mighty poor gun for a man of your standing to carry, mate," he -asserted. "Perhaps you have a better one, Shawmut? Let me see." - -Shawmut also gave up his pistol. - -Having a revolver in each hand, Cap'n Wiley cocked them both. - -"They seem to be in good working order," he said. "I should fancy either -of them would kill a man quicker than he could wink his eye." - -"You bet your boots!" said Henry. - -"That being the case," observed Wiley, "I will now proceed to business." - -Then, to the surprise of the two ruffians, he leveled the pistols -straight at them. - -"Now, you double-and-twisted yeller dogs!" he cried, "if you so much as -wiggle your little finger, I will perforate both of you! I have the -pleasure to inform you that I am a fancy pistol shot, and I think I can -soak you with about six bullets each before you can say skat." - -The astounded ruffians were taken completely by surprise. - -"What in blazes does you mean?" snarled Shawmut. - -"I mean business," declared the sailor. "Did you low-born whelps think -that Cap'n Wiley would go back on his old side pard, Frank Merriwell? If -you fancied such a thing for the fraction of a momentous moment, you -deceived yourselves most erroneously. Now you keep still where you are, -for I give you my sworn statement that I will shoot at the first move -either of you make." - -As Wiley said this he stepped close to Frank, beside whom he knelt, at -the same time keeping the ruffians covered. He placed one of the -revolvers on the ground and drew his hunting knife. With remarkable -swiftness he severed the cords which held Frank helpless. - -"Pick up that shooting iron, Merry," he directed. "I rather think we -have these fine chaps just where we want them." - -Frank lost no time in obeying, and the tables were completely turned on -Shawmut and Henry. - -"Stand up, you thugs!" ordered Merry. "Stand close together, and be -careful what you do." - -Infuriated beyond measure, they obeyed, for they were in mortal terror -of their lives. - -"Take those ropes, Wiley, and tie their hands behind their backs," -directed Frank. - -"With the greatest pleasure," laughed the sailor. And he proceeded to do -so. - -When the ruffians were thus bound Merry turned to Wiley, whose hand he -grasped. - -"Cap'n, forgive me!" he cried. "I was mistaken in you. I couldn't -believe it possible; still, everything was against you. How did it -happen?" - -"A few words will clear up my seeming unworthiness," said the sailor. -"When you departed to-day I found everything calm, and peaceful, and -serene about the camp, and, after smoking my pipe a while, I fell asleep -beside the tent. When I awoke these fine gentlemen had me. They -proceeded to tie me up to the queen's taste. Seeing my predicament, I -made no resistance. I permitted them to do just as they liked. I -depended on my tongue, which has never failed me, to get me out of the -predicament, I saw them gather up the outfit, pack it on the horses and -prepare to remove it. During this I craftily assured them that I would -gleefully embrace the opportunity to join issues with them. - -"It's needless to enter into details, but they decided that it was best -to let me linger yet a while on this mundane sphere while thinking my -proposition over. So I was brought thither, along with the goods and -chattels, and I further succeeded in satisfying them that they could -trust me. It was my object, when I found they were well supplied with -corn juice, to get them both helplessly intoxicated, after which I hoped -to capture them alone and unaided. Your sudden tumble into this little -nest upset my plans in that direction, but everything has worked out -handsomely." - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -WILEY MEETS MISS FORTUNE. - - -When they returned with their captives and the stolen horses and outfit -to the timber in which Frank had left Hodge and the others it was -learned that Worthington had disappeared. In vain they searched for him. -He had slipped away without attracting Hodge's attention, and he failed -to answer their calls. In the morning the search was continued. They -returned to their former camping place at the head of the valley where -the mysterious voice had been heard, and there Frank finally discovered -some rude steps in the face of the cliff, by which he mounted to an -opening which proved to be the mouth of a cave. - -There were evidences that this cave had been occupied by some person. -Merry saw at once that this unknown person might have been in the mouth -of the cave at the time the mysterious voice was heard, and that beyond -question he was the singer and the one who had warned them. - -It was midday when Worthington was found. They discovered him in a -thicket, locked fast in the arms of another man, whose clothes were -ragged and torn, and who looked like a hermit or a wild man. The thicket -in that vicinity was smashed and broken, and betrayed evidences of a -fierce struggle. Worthington's hands were fastened on the stranger's -throat, and both men were stone-dead. - -"I know that man!" cried Merry, in astonishment. "I met him in Holbrook -last spring. I told him of Benson Clark's death. He was once Clark's -partner. Since that time he must have searched for Clark's mine and made -his way to this valley. This explains the mystery. This explains how he -knew me and knew of Benson Clark." - -"Yes, that explains it," nodded Hodge. "But now, Frank--what are we to -do?" - -"We will give these poor fellows decent burial, and after that----" - -"After that--what?" - -"Shawmut and Henry must be turned over to the law. We must dispose of -them as soon as possible. Then there will be plenty of time to return -here and locate Benson Clark's lost mine." - -And that plan was carried out. In a few days Frank Merriwell, Bart -Hodge, Cap'n Wiley and little Abe rode into Prescott, Arizona, escorting -their captives, whom they turned over to the officers of the law. Merry -was ready to make a serious charge against the men, but, after listening -to his story, the city official said: - -"Better not trouble yourself about it, Mr. Merriwell. Those chaps are -old offenders! They have been wanted for some time for stage robbing, -horse stealing, and for the malicious murder of a man in Crown King and -another in Cherry. Did you ever hear of Spike Riley?" - -"Seems to me," said Frank, "I have heard of him as a bad man who was -associated with the Kid Grafton gang." - -"Well, sir, this chap you call Shawmut is Spike Riley. Since then little -has been heard from him. I am glad to get my hands on him." - -"Then I'll leave him to your gentle care," said Frank, with a smile. -"You will relieve me of further bother on his part. As for Henry----" - -"Henry!" laughed the official. "Why, he's got a record pretty nearly as -bad as that of Riley. He is known down in Northern Mexico as one Lobo, -and he has been concerned with Juan Colorado in some few raids. I think -there is a reward offered for both of these men. In that case I presume -you will claim it, sir." - -Cap'n Wiley, who had listened with his head cocked on one side and a -peculiar look in his eyes, now coughed suggestively. Frank glanced at -the sailor and smiled. - -"In case there is a reward, sir," he said, "it belongs to this -gentleman." - -As he rested a hand on Wiley's shoulder the latter threw out his chest -and swelled up like a toad taking in air. - -"Thanks, mate," he said. "My modesty would have prevented me from -mentioning such a trifling matter." - -"Oh, I will give you all the credit that's your due, cap'n," assured -Merry. "You pulled me out of a bad pickle and tricked those ruffians -very handsomely." - -"That will do, that will do," said the sailor. "Let it go at that, -Frank, old side partner. It is as natural for me to do such things as -for the sweet flowers to open in the blooming spring. I never think -anything about them after I do them. I never mention them to a soul. -Why, if I were to relate half of the astounding things that have -happened to me some people might suspect me of telling what is not -strictly true. That's what binds my tongue to silence. That's why I -never speak of myself. Some day my history will be written up, and I -shall get great glory even though I do not collect a royalty." - -"This is a pretty good thing, Merry," said Hodge. "It relieves you of -all responsibility in regard to those ruffians, and you can now go about -your business." - -In this manner it was settled, and Frank left the two ruffians to be -locked up in the Prescott jail. - -Rooms were obtained at the best hotel in the place, and both Frank and -Bart proceeded without delay to "spruce up." Having bathed, and shaved, -and obtained clean clothes, they felt decidedly better. - -It was useless for Cap'n Wiley to indulge in such needless trouble, as -he regarded it. - -"This is not my month to bathe," he murmured, as he sat with his feet on -the sill of Frank's window and puffed leisurely at a cigar. "Besides, I -am resting now. I find myself on the verge of nervous prostration, and -therefore I need rest. Later I may blossom forth and take the town by -surprise." - -Later he did. Although he had jocosely stated that it was not his month -to bathe, he indulged in such a luxury before nightfall, was shaved at a -barber's shop and purchased a complete outfit of clothes at a clothing -store. He even contemplated buying a silk hat, but finally gave this up -when he found that silk hats of the latest style were decidedly scarce -in Prescott. When he swaggered into Frank's room, where Merry and Hodge -were holding a consultation, they both surveyed him in surprise. - -"I am the real thing now," he declared. - -"What has brought about this sudden change on your part?" questioned -Frank. - -"Hush!" said the sailor. "Breathe it softly. When I sat by yonder window -musing on my variegated career I beheld passing on the street a charming -maiden. I had not fancied there could be such a fair creature in this -town. When I beheld her my being glowed. I decided that it was up to me -to shed my coat of dust and grime and adorn myself. I have resolved to -make my ontray into the midst of society here." - -"But aren't you going back with us to the Mazatzals?" questioned Merry. - -"When do you contemplate such a thing?" - -"We expect to leave to-morrow." - -"Why this agitated haste?" - -"You know we've not definitely located Benson Clark's lost claim, -although we feel certain it must be in the Enchanted Valley or in that -vicinity. We're going back to prospect for that mine. If you return with -us and we discover it, of course you will have an interest in it." - -"Thanks for your thoughtful consideration, mate. At the same time, it -seems to me that I have had about enough prospecting to do me for a -while." - -"Do you mean that you're not going with us?" exclaimed Hodge, in -surprise. "Why, if we discover that mine it may make you rich!" - -"Well, I will think the matter over with all due seriousness," said -Wiley easily. "I know you will miss my charming society if I don't go." - -"It may be the chance of your lifetime," said Merry. - -"I'm not worrying about that. Wherever I go, Dame Fortune is bound to -smile upon me. I have a mash on that old girl. She seems to like my -style." - -"I think you will make a mistake, Wiley, if you don't go," asserted -Frank. - -"Possibly so; but I've made so many mistakes in the brief span of my -legitimate life that one or two more will hardly ruffle me. If I have to -confess the truth to you, that valley is to me a ghastly and turgid -memory. When I think of it I seem to hear ghostly voices, and I remember -Worthington raving and ranting about death and destruction, and I -picture him as we discovered him in the thicket, dead in the clutch of -another dead man. These things are grewsome to me, and I fain would -forget them." - -"All right, cap'n," said Frank; "you are at liberty to do as you like." - -Then he and Bart continued arranging their plans. - -That evening Wiley disappeared. Frank and Bart left little Abe at the -hotel and went out to "see the sights." In the biggest gambling place of -the town they found the sailor playing roulette. Wiley had a streak of -luck, and he was hitting the bank hard. Around him had gathered a crowd -to watch his plunging, and the coolness with which he won large sums of -money commanded their admiration. - -"It's nothing, mates," he declared--"merely nothing. When I was at Monte -Carlo I won eleventeen thousand pesoses, or whatever they call them, at -one turn of the wheel. Such a streak of luck caused the croupier to die -of apoplexy, broke the bank, and put the Prince of Monte Carlo out of -business for twenty-four hours. The next day the prince came to me and -besought me to leave the island. He declared that if I played again he -feared he would die in the poorhouse. As it was, he found it necessary -to mortgage the Casino in order to raise skads to continue in business. -To-night I am merely amusing myself. Five thousand on the red." - -"Well, what do you think of that?" asked Hodge in Frank's ear. - -"I think," said Frank, "that it is about time for Cap'n Wiley to cash in -and stop playing." - -He pushed his way through the throng and reached the sailor. - -"Now is the time for you to stop," said Frank in Wiley's ear, speaking -in a low tone, in order not to attract attention, for he knew such -advice would not be relished by the proprietor and might get him into -trouble. - -"Never fear about me, mate," returned the sailor serenely. "Ere morning -dawns I shall own this place. Talk about your gold mines! Why, this -beats them all!" - -"It's a wise man who knows when to stop," said Frank. - -"It's a wise man who knows how to work a streak clean through to the -finish," was the retort. "I have my luck with me to-night, and the world -is mine. In the morning I shall build a fence around it." - -"Red wins," quietly announced the croupier. - -"You observe how easy it is, I presume," said Wiley, smiling. "I can't -help it. It's as natural as breathing." - -Frank saw that it was useless to argue with the sailor, and so he and -Hodge left him still playing, while they strolled through the place. -There was a dance hall connected, which provided amusement for them a -while, although neither danced. Barely half an hour passed before Frank, -who was somewhat anxious about Wiley, returned to note how Wiley was -getting along. - -Luck had turned, and Wiley was losing steadily. Still he continued to -bet with the same harebrained carelessness, apparently perfectly -confident that his bad luck could not keep up. - -"He will go broke within twenty minutes if he sticks to it, Frank," said -Hodge. - -Merry nodded. - -"That's right," he agreed; "but he won't listen to advice. If we attempt -to get him away, we will simply kick up a disturbance and find ourselves -in a peck of trouble. Even if he should cash in now and quit ahead of -the game, he'd come back to it and lose all he's won. Therefore we may -as well let him alone." - -They did so, and Bart's prophecy came true. The sailor's reckless -betting lowered his pile so that it seemed to melt like dew before the -sun. Finally he seemed to resolve on a grand stroke, and he bet -everything before him on the red. - -The little ball clicked and whirred in the whirling wheel. The -spectators seemed breathless as they watched for the result of that -plunge. Slower and slower grew the revolutions of the wheel. The ball -spun around on its rim like a cork on the water. At length it dropped. - -"He wins!" panted an excited man. - -"No--see!" exclaimed another. - -The ball had bobbed out of its pocket and spun on again. - -"Lost!" was the cry, as it finally settled and rested securely in a -pocket. - -Wiley swallowed down a lump in his throat as the man behind the table -raked in the wager. - -"Excuse me," said the sailor, rising. "I hope you will pardon me while I -go drown myself. Can any one direct me to a tub of tanglefoot?" - -As he left the table, knowing now that it would cause no disturbance, -Frank grasped his arm and again advised him to leave the place. - -"I admit to you," said Wiley, "that I was mistaken when I stated that I -had a mash on Dame Fortune. I have discovered that it was her daughter, -Miss Fortune. Leave me--leave me to my fate! I shall now attempt to lap -up all the liquids in the place, and in the morning I'll have a large -aching head." - -Frank insisted, however, and his command led Wiley reluctantly to permit -them to escort him from the place. - -"I might read you a lecture on the evils of gambling, cap'n," said -Merry; "but I shall not do so to-night. It strikes me that you have -learned your lesson." - -"It is only one of many such lessons," sighed the sailor. "By this time -I should have them by heart, but somehow I seem to forget them. I wish -to tell you a secret that I have held buried in my bosom these many -years. It is this: - -"Somewhere about my machinery there is a screw loose. In vain I have -sought to find it. I know it is there just as well as I know that I am -Cap'n Wiley. Now, you are a perfect piece of machinery, with everything -tight, and firm, and well oiled, and polished. As an example you are the -real thing. Perhaps to-morrow I may conclude to follow in your -footsteps. Just tuck me in my little bed and leave me to dreamy -slumber." - -After being left in his room, however, Wiley did not remain long in bed. -Knowing they would not suspect such a thing of him, he arose, and -dressed, and returned to the gambling house. When morning came he was -not only broke, but he had pawned everything of value in his possession -and was practically destitute. - -"Well," said Merry, having discovered the cap'n's condition, "I presume -now you will return with us to the Mazatzals?" - -"No use," was the answer; "I shall stay here in Prescott. I have my eye -on a good thing. Don't worry about me." - -It was useless to urge him, for he persisted in his determination to -stay there. And so before leaving Frank made some final arrangements -with him. - -"I have wired for my mail to be forwarded here, Wiley," he said. "If -anything of importance comes, anything marked to be delivered in haste, -I wish you would see that it reaches me. Cannot you do so?" - -"Depend upon me, Frank," assured the sailor. "I will not fail you in -this. But before departing it seems to me that you should make -arrangements that any such message be delivered into my hands." - -"I will do so," said Merry. "Now, see here, cap'n, I don't like to leave -you strapped in this town. At the same time, I don't care to let you -have money of mine to gamble with. If I provide you with some loose -change, will you give me your word not to use it in gambling?" - -"Your generosity is almost ignoble!" exclaimed Wiley. "However, I accept -it in the same manner that it is tendered. I give you my word." - -"Well, that goes with me," nodded Merry. "Before leaving I shall see -that you are fixed with ready money." - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A STARTLING TELEGRAM. - - -Sunset in the Enchanted Valley. Below the little waterfall which plunged -down into the fissure at the southern end of the valley Frank and Bart -had toiled hard all through the day. Their sleeves were rolled up and -their clothes mud-bespattered. There they had worked in the sandy soil -near the stream, and there they had found the shining stuff for which -they sought. Every panful was carefully washed in the stream, showing -dull yellow grains in the bottom when the last particles remained. - -Not far away, on the level of the valley above them, set near the -stream, was their tent. In front of it little Abe was building a fire -and was seeking to prepare supper for them, knowing they would be -ravenously hungry when they quit work for the night. At intervals the -cripple hobbled to the brink of the fissure and looked down at them as -they toiled. - -No one had troubled them since their return to the valley. No longer did -the place seem enchanted or mysterious. All the mysteries were solved, -and it lay sleeping and silent amid that vast mountainous solitude. - -"Well, Bart," said Frank, as he dropped his spade, "it seems to me that -the thing is done to our satisfaction. At the northern end of the valley -we have found Clark's quartz claim, and the specimens we have taken from -it seem decidedly promising. Here we have located this placer, and we -know from what we have washed out that it is rich and will prove -extremely valuable while it lasts. Now it's up to us to register our -claims and open them for operation in the proper manner. We ought to be -satisfied." - -"Satisfied!" exclaimed Bart. "You bet I am satisfied! What if I had -remained in Boston, Merry? Why, I would be plugging away to-day on a -poor paying job, with decidedly poor prospects ahead of me. It was a -most fortunate thing for me when I decided to stick by you and come -West." - -Frank smiled. - -"It was lucky, Hodge," he agreed. "But I don't forget that you came -without a selfish thought on your part. You came to help me in my fight -against Milton Sukes. I am far better pleased for your sake than for my -own that we have had this streak of luck. Let's knock off for the night, -old man. There's no reason why we should stick to it longer." - -As they were climbing from the fissure by the narrow and difficult path, -little Abe came rushing excitedly to the brink above and called to them. - -"Come quick! Come quick!" he cried. - -"What's the matter, Abe?" asked Frank, alarmed by the boy's manner. - -"Somebody's coming," said the hunchback; "a man on a horse. He is coming -right this way. He has seen the tent!" - -"We may have some trouble after all, Merry," said Hodge. - -Ere they could reach the head of the path near the waterfall they -plainly heard the thudding hoofs of the horse coming rapidly in that -direction. When they had reached the level ground above they beheld the -horseman approaching. It seemed that he observed them at the same time, -for he suddenly waved his hat in the air and gave a yell. - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Merry, "I know him! It is Wiley!" - -"Right you are!" agreed Hodge. "What the dickens could have brought him -here at this time?" - -"Perhaps he has some message for me. You know I made arrangements with -him to bring any message of importance." - -The sailor drew up his horse as he approached. - -"Ahoy there, mates!" he cried. "At last I have struck port, although I'd -begun to wonder if I'd ever find it. This confounded old valley has -moved since I was here last. I thought I knew just where it was, but I -have spent two whole days cruising around in search of it." - -"Hello, cap'n!" said Frank. "You're just in time for supper." - -"Supper!" exclaimed the sailor. "Say it again! Supper! Why, I have been -living on condensed air for the last twenty-four hours. Look at me! I am -so thin and emaciated that I can't cast a shadow. Hungry! Mates, a -bootleg stew would be a culinary luxury to me. I will introduce ravage -and devastation among your provisions. This morning I found an empty -tomato can and another that once contained deviled ham, and I lunched -off them. They were rather hard to digest, but they were better than -nothing." - -He sprang down from his horse, which betrayed evidence of hard usage. - -"How did you happen to come?" asked Merry. - -Wiley fumbled in his pocket and brought forth a telegram. - -"I believe I made arrangements to deliver anything of importance -directed to you," he said. "This dispatch arrived in Prescott, and I -lost no time in starting to fulfill my compact." - -Merry took the telegram and quickly tore it open. There was a look of -anxiety on his face when he had read its contents. - -"Anything serious the matter?" asked Hodge. - -"It's a message from my brother, Dick," answered Frank. "You know I -wired him to address his letters to Prescott. He didn't stop to send a -letter. Instead he sent this telegram. You know Felicia Delores, Dick's -cousin, with whom he was brought up? The climate of the East did not -agree with her, therefore I provided a home for her in San Diego, -California, where she could attend school. Dick has learned that she is -ill and in trouble. He wants me to go to her at once." - -"What will you do?" asked Hodge. - -"I must go," said Frank quietly. - - * * * * * - -Frank mounted the steps of a modern residence, standing on a palm-lined -street in San Diego, and rang the bell. He was compelled to ring twice -more before the door was opened by a sleepy-looking Mongolian. - -"I wish to see Mr. Staples at once," said Merry. "Is he home?" - -"Mistal Staple not home," was the serene answer, as the Chinaman moved -to close the door. - -Frank promptly blocked this movement with a foot and leg. - -"Don't be so hasty," he said sharply. "If Mr. Staples is not home, where -can I find him?" - -"No tellee. Velly solly." - -"Then I must see Mrs. Staples," persisted Merry. - -"She velly sick. Velly solly. She can't slee anyblody." - -"Well, you take her my card," directed Merry, as he took out a card-case -and tendered his card to the yellow-skinned servant. - -"No take cald. She tellee me no bothal her. Go 'way. Come -bimeby--to-mollow." - -"Now, look here, you son of the Flowery Kingdom," exclaimed Merry, "I am -going to see Mrs. Staples immediately, if she's in condition to see -anyone. If you don't take her my card, you will simply compel me to -intrude without being announced." - -"Bold, blad man!" chattered the Chinaman, with growing fear. "I callee -police; have you 'lested." - -"You're too thick-headed for the position you hold!" exasperatedly -declared Merry. "Take my card to Mrs. Staples instantly, and she will -see me as soon as she reads my name, Frank Merriwell, upon it." - -"Flank Mellowell!" almost shouted the Celestial. "You Flank Mellowell? -Clome light in, quickee! Mladam, she expectee you." - -The door was flung open now, and Frank entered. - -"Well, you have come to your senses at last!" he said. - -"You no undelstand. Blad men velly thick. Blad men make velly glate -tloubal. Little glil she glone; mladam she cly velly much, velly much!" - -"Hustle yourself!" ordered Frank. "Don't stand there chattering like a -monkey. Hurry up!" - -"Hully velly flast," was the assurance, as the Mongolian turned and -toddled away at a snail's pace, leaving Frank in the reception room. - -A few moments later there was a rustle of skirts, and a middle-aged -woman, whose face was pale and eyes red and who carried a handkerchief -in her hand, came down the stairs and found him waiting. - -"Oh, Mr. Merriwell!" she exclaimed, the moment she saw him. "So it's -really you! So you have come! We didn't know where to reach you, and so -we wired your brother. He wired back that he had dispatched you and that -he thought you would come without delay." - -Her agitation and distress were apparent. - -"Felicia," questioned Frank huskily; "what of her?" - -"Oh, I can't tell you--I can't tell you!" choked the woman, placing the -handkerchief to her eyes. "It's so dreadful!" - -"Tell me, Mrs. Staples, at once," said Frank, immediately cool and -self-controlled. "Don't waste time, please. What has happened to -Felicia? Where is she?" - -"She's gone!" came in a muffled voice from behind the handkerchief. - -"Gone--where?" - -The agitated woman shook her head. - -"No one knows. No one can tell! Oh, it's a terrible thing, Mr. -Merriwell!" - -"Where is Mr. Staples?" questioned Frank, thinking he might succeed far -better in obtaining the facts from the woman's husband. - -"That I don't know. He is searching for her. He, too, has been gone -several days. I heard from him once. He was then in Warner, away up in -the mountains." - -Merry saw that he must learn the truth from the woman. - -"Mrs. Staples," he said, "please tell me everything in connection with -this singular affair. It's the only way that you can be of immediate -assistance. You know I am quite in the dark, save for such information -as I received from my brother's telegram. It informed me that Felicia -was in trouble and in danger. What sort of trouble or what sort of -danger threatens her, I was not told. In order for me to do anything I -must know the facts immediately." - -"It was nearly a month ago," said Mrs. Staples, "that we first -discovered anything was wrong. Felicia had not been very well for some -time. She's so frail and delicate! It has been my custom each night -before retiring to look in upon her to see if she was comfortable and -all right. One night, as I entered her room, light in hand, I was nearly -frightened out of my senses to see a man standing near her bed. He saw -me or heard me even before I saw him. Like a flash he whirled and sprang -out of the window to the veranda roof, from which he easily escaped to -the ground. - -"I obtained barely a glimpse of him, and I was so frightened at the time -that I could not tell how he looked. Felicia seemed to be sleeping -soundly at the time, and didn't awake until I gave a cry that aroused -her and the whole house as well. I never had a thought then that the man -meant her harm. She was so innocent and helpless it seemed no one would -dream of harming her. I took him for a burglar who had entered the house -by the way of her window. After that we took pains to have her window -opened only a short space, and tightly locked in that position, so that -it could not be opened further from the outside without smashing it and -alarming some one. I was thankful we had escaped so easily, and my -husband felt sure there would be no further cause for worry. He said -that, having been frightened off in such a manner, the burglar was not -liable to return. - -"Somehow it seemed to me that Felicia was still more nervous and pale -after that. She seemed worried about something, but whenever I -questioned her she protested she was not. The doctor came to see her -several times, but he could give her nothing that benefited her. I -continued my practice of looking in at her each night before retiring. -One night, a week later, after going to bed, something--I don't know -what--led me to rise again and go to her room. Outside her door I paused -in astonishment, for I distinctly heard her voice, and she seemed to be -in conversation with some one. I almost fancied I heard another voice, -but was not certain about that. I pushed open the door and entered. -Felicia was kneeling by her partly opened window, and she gave a great -start when I came in so quickly. A moment later I fancied I heard a -sound as of some one or something dropping from the roof upon the -ground. - -"I was so astonished that I scarcely knew what to say. 'Felicia!' I -exclaimed. 'What were you doing at that window?' - -"'Oh, I was getting a breath of the cool night air,' she answered. 'With -my window partly closed it is almost stuffy in here. Sometimes I can't -seem to breathe.' - -"'But I heard you talking, child,' I declared. 'Who were you talking -to?' - -"'I talk to myself sometimes, auntie, you know,' she said, in her -innocent way. She always called me auntie. I confess, Mr. Merriwell, -that I was completely deceived. This came all the more natural because -Felicia was such a frank, open-hearted little thing, and I'd never known -her to deceive me in the slightest. I decided that my imagination had -led me to believe I heard another voice than her own, and also had -caused me to fancy that some one had dropped from the roof of the -veranda. After that, however, I was uneasy. And my uneasiness was -increased by the fact that the child seemed to grow steadily worse -instead of better. - -"Often I dreamed of her and of the man I had seen in her room. One night -I dreamed that a terrible black shadow was hanging over her and had -reached out huge clawlike hands to clutch her. That dream awoke me in -the middle of the night, and I could not shake off the impression that -some danger menaced her. With this feeling on me I slipped out of bed, -lighted a candle, and again proceeded to her room. This time I was -astonished once more to hear her talking as if in conversation with some -one. But now I knew that, unless I was dreaming or bewitched, I also -heard another voice than her own--that of a man. My bewilderment was so -great that I forgot caution and flung her door wide open. The light of -the candle showed her sitting up in bed, while leaning on the footboard -was a dark-faced man with a black-pointed mustache. I screamed, and, in -my excitement, dropped the candle, which was extinguished. I think I -fainted, for Mr. Staples found me in a dazed condition just outside -Felicia's door. She was bending over me, but when I told her of the man -I had seen and when she was questioned, she behaved in a most singular -manner. Not a word would she answer. Had she denied everything I might -have fancied it all a grewsome dream. I might have fancied I'd walked in -my sleep and dreamed of seeing a man there, for he was gone when my -husband reached the spot. - -"She would deny nothing, however, and what convinced us beyond question -that some one had been in her room was the fact that the window was -standing wide open. After that we changed her room to another part of -the house and watched her closely. Although we persisted in urging her -to tell everything, not a word could we get from her. Then it was that -Mr. Staples wired Richard, your brother. - -"Three days later Felicia disappeared. She vanished in the daytime, when -every one supposed her to be safe in the house. No one saw her go out. -She must have slipped out without being observed. Of course we notified -the police as soon as we were sure she was gone, and the city was -searched for her. Oh! it is a terrible thing, Mr. Merriwell; but she has -not been found! Mr. Staples believes he has found traces of her, and -that's why he is now away from home. That's all I can tell you. I hope -you will not think we were careless or neglected her. She was the last -child in the world to do such a thing. I can't understand it. I think -she must have been bewitched." - -Frank had listened quietly to this story, drinking in every word, the -expression on his face failing to show how much it affected him. - -"I am sure it was no fault of yours, Mrs. Staples," he said. - -"But what do you think has happened to her? She was too young to be led -into an intrigue with a man. Still, I----" - -"You mustn't suspect her of that, Mrs. Staples!" exclaimed Merry. -"Whatever has happened, I believe it was not the child's fault. When I -placed her in your hands, you remember, I hinted to you of the fact that -there was a mystery connected with her father's life, and that he was an -outcast nobleman of Spain. Where he is now I cannot say. I last saw him -in Fardale. He was then hunted by enemies, and he disappeared and has -never been heard from since. I believe it was his intention to seek some -spot where he would be safe from annoyance and could lead his enemies to -believe he was dead. I believe this mystery which hung like a shadow -over him has fallen at last on little Felicia. I would that I had known -something of this before, that I might have arrived here sooner. I think -Felicia would have trusted me--I am sure of it!" - -"But now--now?" - -"Now," said Frank grimly, shaking his head, "now I must find her. You -say you heard from your husband, who was then in a place called Warner?" - -"Yes." - -"Then he may have tracked her thus far. It's a start on the trail." - -Mrs. Staples placed a trembling hand on Frank's sleeve. - -"If you find her--the moment you find her," she pleaded, "let me know. -Remember I shall be in constant suspense until I hear from you." - -"Depend upon me to let you know," assured Frank. - -A moment later he was descending the steps. He walked swiftly along the -palm-lined streets, revolving in his mind the perplexing problem with -which he was confronted. Seemingly he was buried in deep thought and -quite oblivious of his surroundings. As he passed around a corner into -another street he glanced back without turning his head. Already he had -noted that another man was walking rapidly in the same direction, and -this sidelong glance gave him a glimpse of the man. - -Three corners he turned, coming at length to the main street of the -city. There he turned about a moment later and was face to face with the -man who had been following him. This chap would have passed on, but -Frank promptly stepped out and confronted him. He saw a small, wiry, -dark-skinned individual, on whose right cheek there was a triangular -scar. - -"I beg your pardon," said Merry. - -"_Si, se๑or_," returned the man with the scar, lifting his eyebrows in -apparent surprise. - -"You seem very interested in me," said Merry quietly. "But I wish to -tell you something for your own benefit. It is dangerous for you to -follow me, and you had better quit it. That's all. _Adios!_" - -"_Carramba!_" muttered the man, glaring at Frank's back as Merriwell -again strode away. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -FELIPE DULZURA. - - -Frank did not find Rufus Staples at Warner. He had been there, however, -and gone; but no one seemed to know where. The afternoon of a sunny day -found Merry mounted on a fine horse, emerging from the mountains into a -black valley that was shut in on either side by savage peaks. Through -this valley lay a faint trail winding over the sand and through the -forests of hideous cactus and yucca trees. - -He had not journeyed many miles along this trail ere he drew up. Turning -his horse about, he took a powerful pair of field glasses from a case -and adjusted them over his eyes. With their aid he surveyed the trail -behind him as far as it could be seen. - -"I thought I was not mistaken," he muttered, as his glasses showed him a -mounted man coming steadily along from the foothills of the mountains. -"I wonder if he is the gentleman with the scarred cheek. I think I will -wait and see." - -He dismounted and waited beside the trail for the horseman to approach. -The man came on steadily and unhesitatingly and finally discovered Frank -lingering there. Like Merry, the stranger was well mounted, and his -appearance seemed to indicate that there was Spanish blood in his veins. -He had a dark, carefully trimmed Van Dyke beard and was carelessly -rolling a cigarette when he appeared in plain view. His clothing was -plain and serviceable. - -Merry stood beside his horse and watched the stranger draw near. Frank's -hand rested lightly on his hip close to the butt of his holstered -revolver, but the unknown made no offensive move. Instead of that he -called, in a pleasant, musical voice: - -"Good-day, sir. I have overtaken you at last. I saw you in advance, and -I hastened somewhat." - -"Did you, indeed?" retorted Merry, with a faint smile. "I fancied you -were coming after me in a most leisurely manner. But, then, I suppose -that's what you call hurrying in this country." - -"Oh, we never rush and exhaust ourselves after the manner of the East," -was the smiling declaration, as the handsome stranger struck a match and -lighted the cigarette. - -Although Frank was confident the man was a Spaniard, he spoke with -scarcely a hint of an accent. In his speech, if not in his manner, he -was more like an American. - -"Seems rather singular," questioned Frank, "that you should be traveling -alone through this desolate region." - -"The same question in reference to you has been troubling me, sir," -retorted the stranger, puffing lightly at his cigarette. "To me it seems -altogether remarkable to find you here." - -"In that case, we are something of a mystery to each other." - -"Very true. As far as I am concerned, the mystery is easily solved. My -name is Felipe Dulzura. I am from Santa Barbara. I own some vineyards -there." - -Having made this apparently frank explanation, the man paused and looked -inquiringly at Merry, as if expecting at least as much in return. - -Frank did not hesitate. - -"My name is Frank Merriwell," he said, "and I am a miner." - -"A miner?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You can't have any mines in this vicinity." - -"Possibly I am looking the country over for an investment." - -"It's possible," nodded Dulzura. "But from your intelligent appearance, -I should fancy it hardly probable." - -"Thanks for the compliment. In regard to you, being a planter, it seems -quite unlikely that you should be surveying this region in search of a -vineyard. It seems to me that I have been fully as frank, sir, as you -have." - -Felipe Dulzura lifted an objecting hand. - -"I have not finished," he protested. "I didn't mean to give you the -impression that I was seeking vineyards here. Far from it. On the -contrary, having a little leisure, I am visiting the old missions in -this part of the country. They interest me greatly. There was a time, -long ago, you know, when this land belonged to my ancestors. My -grandfather owned a vast tract of it. That was before gold was -discovered and the great rush of 'forty-nine occurred. - -"I presume it is needless to state that my grandfather's title to his -lands was regarded as worthless after that and he lost everything. He -died a poor man. My father was always very bitter about it, and he -retired to Old Mexico where he spent his last days. I am happy to say -that he did not transfer his bitterness toward the people of this -country to me, and I have found it to my advantage to return here and -engage in my present occupation. You should see my vineyard, Mr. -Merriwell. I think I have one of the finest in the State." - -The manner in which this statement was made seemed frankly open and -aboveboard. To all appearances, Felipe Dulzura had nothing to conceal -and was unhesitating in telling his business. - -"I, too," declared Merry, "am interested in the old Spanish missions. -They remind me of the days of romance, which seem so far removed." - -"Ah!" cried Dulzura, "then it may happen that we can journey a while in -company. That will be agreeable to me. I confess that the trail has been -lonely." - -The planter was most agreeable and friendly in his manner, and his smile -was exceedingly pleasant. In every way he seemed a most harmless -individual, but experience had taught Merry the danger of always -trusting to outward appearances. - -"Company of the right sort will not be disagreeable to me," assured -Frank. - -"Good!" laughed Dulzura. "I am sick of talking to myself, to my horse, -or to the landscape. I am a sociable chap, and I like some one to whom I -can talk. Do you smoke, Mr. Merriwell? I have tobacco and papers." - -"Thank you; I don't smoke." - -"Ah, you miss one of the soothing friends of life. When I have no other -company, my cigarette serves as one. This beastly valley is hot enough! -The mountains shut it in and cut off all the cool breezes. However, ere -nightfall we should get safely out of it and come to San Monica Mission. -It lies yonder near the old Indian reservation. I have heard my father -tell of it, and it has long been my object to see it." - -For some little time they chatted, Dulzura seeming to be in the most -communicative mood, but finally they prepared to go on together. When -they were ready Frank suggested that his companion lead the way, as it -was far more likely that he knew the trail better. - -"No, no, Mr. Merriwell," was the protest. "There is but one trail here. -Like you, I have never passed over it. You were in advance; it would -scarcely be polite for me to take the lead." - -Frank, however, had no thought of placing himself with his back turned -on the self-styled planter, and, therefore, he insisted that Dulzura -should proceed in advance, to which the latter acquiesced. As they rode -on through the somewhat stifling heat of the valley, the Spaniard -continued to talk profusely, now and then turning his head and smiling -back at Merry. - -"Next year," he said, "I mean to visit Spain. I have never been there, -you know. Years and years ago my ancestors lived there. I trust you will -pardon the seeming egotism, Mr. Merriwell, if I say it's not poor blood -that runs in my veins. My ancestors far back were grandees. Did you ever -hear of the Costolas? It's likely not. There were three branches of the -family. I am a descendant of one branch." - -"Costola?" murmured Frank. "The name seems familiar to me, but I presume -there are many who bear it." - -"Quite true. As for our family, however, an old feud has nearly wiped it -out. It started in politics, and it divided the Costolas against -themselves. A divided house, you know, cannot stand. My grandmother was -a Costola. She was compelled to leave Spain. At that time another branch -of the family was in power. Since then things have changed. Since then -that powerful branch of the family has declined and fallen. It was not -so many years ago that the sole surviving member was compelled, like my -grandmother, to escape secretly from Spain. He came to this country and -here lived under another name, taking that of his mother's family. I -don't even remember the name he assumed after reaching America; but I -did know that the surviving Costolas hunted him persistently, although -he managed to evade and avoid them. What has become of him now is -likewise a mystery. Perhaps he is dead." - -The speaker suddenly turned so that he could look fairly into Frank's -face, smiling a little, and said: - -"It's not likely this interests you, sir." - -"On the contrary," Merry smiled back, "I find it quite interesting. To -me Spain is a land of romance. Being a plain American, the tales of -those deadly feuds are fascinating to me. I presume the Costolas must -have possessed large estates in Spain?" - -"Once they did." - -"And the one you speak of--the one who was compelled to flee from the -country--was he wealthy?" - -"I believe he was reckoned so at one time." - -"And now," said Frank, "if this feud were ended, if any offense of his -were pardoned, could he not claim his property?" - -"That I don't know," declared Dulzura, shaking his head. - -"Well, then, if he has any descendants, surely they must be the rightful -heirs to his estate." - -"I doubt, sir, if they could ever possess it. It must eventually be -divided among his living relatives." - -"Ah!" cried Merry. "I understand, Mr. Dulzura, why you must have a -particular interest in visiting Spain. It seems probable that you, being -distantly related to this exiled nobleman, may finally come into -possession of a portion of his property." - -"It's not impossible," was the confession, as the man in advance rolled -a fresh cigarette. "But I am not counting on such uncertainties. -Although my grandfather and my father both died poor, I am not a pauper -myself. To be sure, I am not immensely rich, but my vineyards support me -well. I have lived in this country and in Mexico all my life. In fact, I -feel that I am more American than anything else. My father could not -understand the democracy of the Americans. He could not understand their -disregard of title and royalty." - -Frank laughed. - -"Had he lived in these days," he said, "and associated with a certain -class of degenerate Americans, he would have discovered that they are -the greatest worshipers of titles and royal blood in the whole world." - -"I think that may be true," agreed the Spaniard, puffing at his -cigarette. "I have seen some of it. I know that many of your rich -American girls sell themselves for the sake of titles to broken-down and -rakish noblemen of other countries. I think most Americans are ashamed -of this." - -"Indeed they are," seriously agreed Merry. "It makes them blush when a -rich American girl is led to the altar by some broken-down old _rou้_ -with a title, who has spent his manhood and wrecked his constitution in -dissipation and licentiousness. Almost every week we read in the papers -of some titled foreigner who is coming to America in search of a rich -wife. We don't hear of the scores and scores of American girls with -wealthy parents who go abroad in search of titles. But we have forgotten -the Costolas. Can you tell me anything more of them?" - -"You seem strangely interested in them," said Dulzura, again glancing -back. "It almost seems as if you had heard of them before." - -"And it almost seems so to me," confessed Frank. "I think I must have -heard of them before. Sometime I shall remember when it was and what I -have heard." - -But, although they continued to talk, the Spaniard told Merry nothing -more of interest in that line. Finally they relapsed into silence and -rode on thus. - -Frank's thoughts were busy when his tongue became silent. He remembered -well that the most malignant and persistent enemy of little Felicia's -father was a man who called himself Felipe Costola. This man had made -repeated efforts to get possession of Felicia, but had been baffled by -Delores and had finally lost his life in Fardale. Beyond question, -Felipe Costola was dead, and what had become of Juan Delores no man -seemed to know. - -Putting two and two together, Frank began to wonder if Delores might not -be a Costola who had assumed the name of his mother's family while -living in Spain, thus arousing the everlasting enmity of all the -Costolas, and who had finally been compelled to flee to America. In many -respects the history of this man agreed with that told by Juan Delores -himself. He had once told Frank the name and title by which he was known -in Spain, but never had he explained the fierce enmity of Felipe -Costola. Now Merry was speculating over the possibility that Delores -must have once been a Costola. - -If this was true, then little Felicia was, by the statement of Dulzura, -the rightful heir to the estate in Spain. Meditating on this -possibility, Frank fancied he obtained a peep behind the curtain which -hid the mystery of Felicia's disappearance. With the child out of the -way, a false heir might be substituted, and the schemers behind the plot -would reap their reward. - -The shadows of evening were thickening in the mountain when Merry and -his companion passed from the valley and reached the abrupt foothills. -Here the trail was more clearly defined, and soon they were startled to -see standing beside it an aged Indian, who regarded them with the stony -gaze of the Sphinx. Dulzura drew up and asked the Indian in Spanish if -the San Monica Mission was near. The reply was that it was less than -half a mile in advance. - -They came to it, sitting on a little plateau, silent and sad in the -purple twilight. It was worn and battered by the storms of years. On its -ancient tower the cross stood tremblingly. A great crack showed in its -wall, running from base to apex. In the dark opening of the tower a huge -bell hung, silent and soundless. - -Merry drew up and sat regarding the ancient pile in almost speechless -awe and reverence. It was a monument of other days in that sunny land. -Here, long before the coming of the gold seekers, the Spanish priest had -taught the Indian to bow his knee to the one true God. Here they had -lived their calm and peaceful lives, which were devoted to the holy -cause. - -"Come," urged Dulzura, "let's get a peep within ere it becomes quite -dark. There must be an Indian village somewhere near, and there, after -looking into the mission, we may find accommodations." - -Frank did not say that he was doubtful if such accommodations as they -might find in an Indian village could satisfy him; but he followed his -companion to the stone gate of the old mission, where Dulzura hastily -dismounted. Even as Frank sprang from his horse he saw a dark figure -slowly and sedately approaching the gate. It proved to be a bare-headed -old monk in brown robes, who supported his trembling limbs with a short, -stout staff. - -Dulzura saluted the aged guardian of the mission in a manner of mingled -worship and respect. - -"What do ye here, my son?" asked the father, in a voice no less unsteady -than his aged limbs. - -"We have come, father, to see the mission," answered the Spaniard. "We -have journeyed for that purpose." - -"It's now too late, my son, to see it to-night. On the morrow I will -take you through it." - -"You live here alone, father?" - -"All alone since the passing of Father Junipero," was the sad answer, as -the aged monk made the sign of the cross. - -Frank was deeply touched by the melancholy in the old man's voice and in -the lonely life he led there in the ruined mission. - -"What is the mission's income?" questioned Merry. - -"Our lands are gone. We have very little," was the reply. "Still Father -Perez has promised to join me, and I have been looking for him. When I -heard your horse approaching I thought it might be he. It was but -another disappointment. Still, it matters not." - -"Let us take a peep inside," urged Dulzura. "Just one peep to-night, -father." - -"You can see nothing but shadows, my son; but you shall look, if you -wish." - -He turned and moved slowly along the path, aided by the staff. They -followed him through the gate and into the long stone corridor, where -even then the twilight was thick with shadows. In the yard the foliage -grew luxuriantly, but in sad neglect and much need of trimming and -attention. - -At the mission door they paused. - -"Let's go in," urged Dulzura. - -"To-morrow will be time enough," answered Frank, a sudden sensation of -uneasiness and apprehension upon him. - -At this refusal Dulzura uttered a sudden low exclamation and took a -swift step as if to pass Merry. Frank instantly turned in such a manner -that he placed his back against the wall, with the door on his left and -the old monk close at hand at his right. - -Suddenly, from beyond the shadows of the foliage in the yard, dark forms -sprang up and came bounding into the corridor. Out from the door rushed -another figure. Dulzura uttered a cry in Spanish and pointed at Frank. -They leaped toward him. - -Merry's hand dropped toward the holster on his hip, but with a gasp he -discovered that it was empty. Instead of grasping the butt of his -pistol, he found no weapon there with which to defend himself. - -For all of the shadows he saw the glint of steel in the hands of those -men as they leaped toward him, and he knew his life was in frightful -peril. - -How his pistol had escaped from the holster, whether it had slipped out -by accident, or had in some inexplicable manner been removed by human -hands, Frank could not say. It was gone, however, and he seemed -defenseless against his murderous assailants. - -In times of danger Frank's brain moved swiftly, and on this occasion it -did not fail him. With one sudden side-step, he snatched from the old -monk's hand the heavy staff. With a swift blow from this he was barely -in time to send the nearest assailant reeling backward. The others did -not pause, and during the next few moments Frank was given the liveliest -battle of his career. - -"Cut him down! Cut him down!" cried Dulzura, in Spanish. - -They responded by making every effort to sink their knives in Frank. -They were wiry, catlike little men, and in the gloom their eyes seemed -to gleam fiercely, while their lips curled back from their white teeth. - -Merriwell's skill as a swordsman stood him in good stead now. He took -care not to be driven against the wall. He whirled, and cut, and struck -in every direction, seeking ample room for evolutions. He knew full well -that to be pressed close against the wall would put him at a -disadvantage, for then he would not have room for his leaps, and swings, -and thrusts, and jabs. - -The fighting American bewildered and astounded them. He seemed to have -eyes in the back of his head. When one leaped at him from behind to sink -a knife between his shoulders Frank suddenly whirled like lightning and -smote the fellow across the wrist, sending the steel flying from his -fingers to clang upon the stones. The old monk lifted his trembling -hands in prayer and tottered away. What had happened seemed to him most -astounding and appalling. - -"Come on, you dogs!" rang Frank's clear voice. "Come on yourself, Felipe -Dulzura, you treacherous cur! Why do you keep out of reach and urge your -little beasts on?" - -The Spaniard uttered an oath in his own language. - -"Close in! Close in!" he directed. "Press him from all sides! Don't let -one man beat you off like that!" - -"You seem to be taking good care of your own precious hide," half -laughed Frank. Then, as the opportunity presented, he made a sudden rush -and reached Dulzura with a crack of the staff that caused the fellow to -howl and stagger. - -It did not seem, however, that, armed only with that stick, Merry could -long contend against such odds. Soon something must happen. Soon one of -those little wretches would find the opportunity to come in and strike -swift and sure with a glittering knife. - -The racket and uproar of the conflict startled the echoes of the mission -building, and in that peaceful, dreamy spot such sounds seemed most -appalling. Frank knew the end must come. Had he possessed a pistol he -might have triumphed over them all in spite of the odds. - -Suddenly in the distance, from far down the trail toward the valley, -came the sound of singing. As it reached Merry's ears he started in the -utmost amazement, for he knew that tune. Many a time had he joined in -singing it in the old days. Although the words were not distinguishable -at first, he could follow them by the sound of the tune. This is the -stanza the unseen singers voiced: - - "Deep in our hearts we hold the love - Of one dear spot by vale and hill; - We'll not forget while life may last - Where first we learned the soldier's skill; - The green, the field, the barracks grim, - The years that come shall not avail - To blot from us the mem'ry dear - Of Fardale--fair Fardale." - -"Fair Fardale!"--that was the song. How often Frank had joined in -singing it when a boy at Fardale Military Academy. No wonder Frank knew -it well! By the time the stanza was finished the singers were much -nearer, and their words could be plainly distinguished. Dulzura and his -tools were astounded, but the man urged them still more fiercely to -accomplish their task before the singers could arrive. - -The singing of that song, however, seemed to redouble Merry's wonderful -strength and skill. He was now like a flashing phantom as he leaped, and -dodged, and swung, and thrust with the heavy staff. His heart was -beating high, and he felt that he could not be defeated then. - -Finally the baffled and wondering assailants seemed to pause and draw -back. Frank retreated toward the wall and stood waiting, his stick -poised. The musical voices of the unseen singers broke into the chorus, -and involuntarily Frank joined them, his own clear voice floating -through the evening air: - - "Then sing of Fardale, fair Fardale! - Your voices raise in joyous praise - Of Fardale--fair Fardale! - Forevermore 'twixt hill and shore, - Oh, may she stand with open hand - To welcome those who come to her-- - Our Fardale--fair Fardale!" - -It was plain that, for some reason, Dulzura and his band of assassins -had not wished to use firearms in their dreadful work. Now, however, the -leader seemed to feel that there was but one course left for him. Merry -saw him reach into a pocket and felt certain the scoundrel was in search -of a pistol. - -He was right. Even as Dulzura brought the weapon forth, Frank made two -pantherish bounds, knocking the others aside, and smote the chief rascal -a terrible blow over the ear. Dulzura was sent whirling out between two -of the heavy pillars to crash down into the shrubbery of the yard. - -That blow seemed to settle everything, for with the fall of their master -the wretches who had been urged on by him took flight. Like frightened -deer they scudded, disappearing silently. Merry stood there unharmed, -left alone with the old monk, who was still breathing his agitated -prayers. From beyond the gate came a call, and the sound of that voice -made Frank laugh softly with satisfaction. - -He leaped down from the corridor and ran along the path to the gate, -outside which, in the shadows, were two young horsemen. - -"Dick--my brother!" exclaimed Merry. - -"Frank!" was the cry, as one of the two leaped from the horse and sprang -to meet him. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -WHAT THE MONK TOLD THEM. - - -"By all that's wonderful!" exclaimed Merry, as he beheld his brother. "I -thought I must be dreaming when I heard you singing. Dick, how did you -come here?" - -"I heard nothing from you, Frank," was the reply. "I didn't know for -sure that you had received my message. I did know that Felicia was in -trouble and in danger, and so I resolved to hasten to her at once. When -I reached San Diego I found she was gone and that you had been there -ahead of me. I have been seeking to overtake you ever since. This -afternoon we saw you far away in the valley, although we could not be -certain it was you. You had a companion. We thought it might be Bart -Hodge." - -Dick had made this explanation hastily, after the affectionate meeting -between the brothers. - -"It was not Hodge," said Frank; "far from it! It was a man I fell in -with on the trail, and a most treacherous individual he proved to be." - -Then he told of the encounter with Dulzura's ruffianly crew, upon -hearing which Dick's companion of the trail uttered a cry. - -"Whoop!" he shouted. "That certain was a hot old scrimmage. Great -tarantulas! Why didn't we come up in time to get into the fracas! -Howling tomcats! but that certain would have been the real stuff! And -you beat the whole bunch off, did you, Mr. Merriwell? That's the kind of -timber the Merriwells are made of! You hear me gently warble!" - -"Hello, Buckhart!" exclaimed Frank, as the chap swung down from the -saddle. Brad Buckhart and Dick Merriwell were chums at the Fardale -Military Academy, and Frank knew him for one of the pluckiest young -fellows he had ever met. Buckhart was a Texan through and through. - -"Put her there, Mr. Merriwell," said Brad, as he extended his hand--"put -her there for ninety days! It does my optics a heap of good to rest them -on your phiz. But I'll never get over our late arrival on the scene of -action." - -"We knew you were here somewhere, Frank, when we heard you join in 'Fair -Fardale,'" said Dick. - -"And by that sound the greasers knew I had friends coming," added Merry. -"It stopped them and sent them scurrying off in a hurry." - -"Where are they now?" asked Brad. "Why don't they sail right out here -and light into us? Oh, great horn spoon! I haven't taken in a red-hot -fight for so long that I am all rusty in the joints." - -"Where is Felicia, Frank?" anxiously asked Dick. - -Merry shook his head. - -"I can't answer that question yet," he confessed. "I have followed her -thus far; of that I am satisfied, for otherwise I don't believe these -men would have attacked me." - -Through the shadows a dark figure came slowly toward them from the -direction of the mission building. - -"Whoever is this yere?" exclaimed Buckhart. - -"It's the old priest," said Merry, as he saw the cloaked and hooded -figure. - -The old man was once more leaning on his crooked staff, which Merry had -dropped as he hastened to meet his brother. Even in the gathering -darkness there was about him an air of agitation and excitement. - -"My son," he said, in a trembling voice, still speaking in Spanish, "I -hope you are not harmed." - -"Whatever is this he is shooting at you?" inquired Buckhart. "Is it -Choctaw or Chinese?" - -Paying no attention to Brad, Merry questioned the monk, also speaking in -Spanish. - -"Father," he said, "who were those men, and how came they to be here?" - -"My son, I knew not that there were so many of them. Two came to me to -pray in the mission. The others, who were hidden outside, I saw not -until they appeared. Why did they attack you?" - -"Because they are wicked men, father, who have stolen from her home a -little girl. I am seeking her, hoping to restore her to her friends." - -"This is a strange story you tell me, my son. Who is the child, and why -did they take her from her home?" - -"There's much mystery about it, father. She's the daughter of a Spanish -gentleman, who became an exile from his own country. There are reasons -to suppose she may be an heiress. Indeed, that seems the only -explanation of her singular abduction. I have traced her hither, father. -Can you tell me anything to assist in my search?" - -The old man shook his hooded head, his face hidden by deep shadows. - -"Nothing, my son--nothing," he declared, drawing a little nearer, as if -to lay his hand upon Frank. "I would I could aid you." - -Suddenly, to the astonishment of both Dick and Brad, Merry flung himself -upon the monk, grasping his wrist and dropping him in a twinkling. He -hurled the agitated recluse flat upon his back and knelt upon his chest. - -"Frank! Frank!" palpitated Dick. "What are you doing? Don't hurt him!" - -"Strike a match, one of you," commanded Merry. "Give us a look at his -face." - -The man struggled violently, but Frank's strength was too much for him, -and he was pinned fast. - -Dick quickly struck a match and bent over, shading it with his hands, -flinging the light downward upon the face of the man Merry held. - -"Just as I thought!" Merry exclaimed, in satisfaction, as the light -showed him, not the features of the old monk, but those of a much -younger man, with dark complexion and a prominent triangular scar on his -right cheek. "This is not the holy father. He couldn't deceive me with -his attempt to imitate the father's voice. I have seen this gentleman on -a previous occasion. He dogged my steps in San Diego after I left Rufus -Staples' house." - -It was, in truth, the same man Merry had warned on the street corner in -San Diego. The little wretch swore savagely in Spanish and glared at his -captors. - -"Spare your breath, my fine fellow," said Frank. "Profanity will not -help you." - -"Well, whatever was the varmint trying to do?" cried Buckhart. "I -certain thought he was going to bless you." - -"He would have blessed me with a knife between my ribs had I been -deceived by him," asserted Merriwell. "In my saddlebags you will find -some stout cord. Give it to me." - -A few moments later, in spite of his occasional struggles, the captured -rascal was securely bound. - -"There," said Merry, "I think that will hold you for a while. Now, boys, -I am going to see what has become of the holy father. This is his -cloak." - -"You're not going back there alone," protested Dick, at once. - -"Not on your life!" agreed Buckhart. "We are with you, Frank." - -They followed him into the yard, where the darkness was now deep, and -came together to the entrance of the mission, but without discovering -anything of the aged monk. Standing in the corridor, they peered in at -the yawning door, but could see or hear nothing. Frank called to the -monk, but only echoes answered him from the black interior of the -mission. - -"Here's where you may get all the fight you want, Buckhart," he said -grimly. "Be ready for anything, boys." - -"I am a heap ready, you bet your boots!" answered the Texan, who had a -pistol in his hand. - -"Same here," said Dick. - -Frank struck a match on the cemented wall. A cold wind from the interior -of the building came rushing through the open door and blew it out. It -was like the breath of some dangerous, unseen monster hidden within the -mission. Merry promptly struck another match. This time he shaded it -with his hands and protected it until it sprang into a strong glow. -Then, with his hands concaved behind it, he advanced through the -doorway, throwing its light forward. Almost immediately an exclamation -escaped his lips, for a few feet within, lying on the cold floor, he -discovered a human form. As he bent over the figure, he saw to his -dismay it was the monk from whose body the brown cloak had been -stripped. - -Then the match went out. - -"Is he dead, Frank?" whispered Dick. - -"I can't tell," answered Merry. "I didn't get a fair look at him. We -will know in a moment." - -He lighted another match and bent over the prostrate man. The light -showed him the eyes of the monk fixed stonily on his face. It also -showed him that a gag had been forced between the old man's teeth and -fastened there. The father was bound securely with a lariat. - -"He is far from dead!" exclaimed Merry, in satisfaction. "Here, Dick, -cut this rope and set him free. Get that gag out of his mouth, while I -hold matches for you to do so." - -Soon the rope was cut, the gag removed, and together they lifted the old -man to his feet. Frank then picked him up and carried him out into the -open air. - -"You seem to have met with misfortune, father," he said. "I sincerely -hope you are not harmed much." - -"My son," quavered the agitated monk, "it is not my body that is harmed; -it is my spirit. Against no living creature in all the world would I -raise my hand. Why should any one seize me and choke me in such a -manner? Much less, why should any who profess to be of the holy faith do -such a thing?" - -"They were frauds, father--frauds and rascals of the blackest dye." - -"But two of them came here to pray," murmured the priest, as if he could -not believe such a thing possible. "Have we not suffered indignities -enough? Our lands have been taken from us and we have been stripped of -everything." - -"They were infidels, father. You may be sure of that." - -"Infidels and impostors!" exclaimed the old man, with a slight show of -spirit. "But I couldn't think men who spoke the language of old Spain -and who prayed to Heaven could be such base creatures." - -"What they certain deserve," growled Buckhart, unable to repress his -indignation longer, "is to be shot up a whole lot, and I'd sure like the -job of doing it." - -"I don't understand it--I cannot understand it!" muttered the monk. -"It's far beyond me to comprehend. Why did they set upon me, my son?" he -questioned, his unsteady hand touching Frank's arm. "Why did they seek -to slay you?" - -"Wait a minute, father, and I will explain," said Merry. - -He then told briefly of the abduction of Felicia and his pursuit of her -captors. As he spoke, the aged listener betrayed some signs of -excitement. - -"My son, is all this true?" he solemnly questioned. "You are not one of -our faith, yet your words ring true." - -"I swear it, father." - -"Then I have been twice deceived!" cried the old man, with surprising -energy, shaking his hands in the empty air. "Yesterday there came here -two men and a sweet-faced child. They told me they were taking her home. -I believed them. With her they knelt at the shrine to pray. I blessed -them, and they went on their way." - -"At last!" burst from Merry's lips. "Now there's no question. Now we -know we're on the right trail! Father, that little girl is a cousin of -my half-brother here. He will tell you if I have spoken the truth." - -"Every word of it is true," affirmed Dick, who spoke Spanish as fluently -as Frank. "If you can tell us whither they were taking her, father, you -may aid us greatly in our search for her." - -"Alas! it is not possible for me to tell you! I know that they were -bound eastward. Beyond these mountains are the great San Bernardino -plains, a mighty and trackless desert. Where they could go in that -direction I cannot say." - -"Is it possible to cross the desert?" questioned Dick. - -"It is a waste of burning sand. Who tries to cross it on foot or mounted -is almost certain to leave his bones somewhere in that desert." - -"Then if they kept straight on----" - -"If they kept straight on," said the old monk, "I fear greatly you will -never again behold the child you seek." - -"They are not fools!" exclaimed Frank. "It is not likely they will try -to cross the desert. The fact that they have taken so much trouble to -endeavor to check pursuit here is proof they felt hard pushed. Is there -no town, no human habitation beyond these mountains?" - -"No town," declared the father. "Straight over to the east you will come -to the El Diablo Valley. It is deep and wild, and in it are some ruined -buildings of stone and cement. Tradition says they were built long ago -by Joaquin Murietta, a Californian outlaw, who waged war on all -Americans. He expected to retreat there some day and defend himself -against all assailants. At least, so the legend runs, although I much -doubt if he built the castle which is now called Castle Hidalgo. Of late -it has another occupant, who has taken the name of Joaquin--Black -Joaquin he is called." - -"Well, this is somewhat interesting, too," declared Merry. "Is this new -Joaquin endeavoring to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor?" - -"I believe there is a price upon his head." - -Merry turned to Dick with sudden conviction. - -"Our trail leads to Castle Hidalgo," he asserted. "I am satisfied of -that. I am also satisfied that I have here encountered some of Black -Joaquin's satellites." - -"And I will wager something," Dick added, "that we have one of them this -minute, bound hand and foot, a short distance away." - -"That's right," said Frank, "and we may be able to squeeze a little -information from him. Father, the man who has your cloak is outside the -gate. Perhaps you may know him. Come and look at him." - -Together they left the yard and came to the spot where the man with the -scar was supposed to be. On the ground lay the old monk's cloak, but the -man was gone. Undoubtedly he had been set free by some of his comrades. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THREE IN A TRAP. - - -The day was declining when Frank, Dick, and Brad came down into El -Diablo Valley. It was, indeed, a dark, wild place, and for some time it -seemed almost impossible of access. No plain trail led into it. On an -elevation in the valley they had seen a ruined pile that bore a strong -resemblance to a crumbling castle. The very appearance of these -buildings belied the tale that Joaquin Murietta had built them there. -Had they been so recently constructed their ruined condition was -unaccountable. It seemed certain that at least a hundred years had -passed since their erection. About the valley and the castle appeared -hanging an air of mystery and romance. - -That any one should choose such a remote and desolate spot to rear those -buildings was beyond comprehension to the three young Americans who now -beheld the ruins for the first time. Somehow those crumbling stones -reminded them of the march of Cortez and his conquering treasure -hunters. What Spaniard of that day, left behind in Mexico and supposed -to be dead, had enriched himself with the treasures of the Aztecs and -had escaped northward, only to find himself imprisoned in the new land, -and to finally use a part of his treasures to erect this castle? - -During the middle hours of the day alone did the southern sunshine fall -soft and golden in El Diablo Valley. Therefore, they descended into the -shadows and approached the castle, which seemed to lie silent and -deserted in the midst of the valley. - -"It's a whole lot strange we never heard of this place before," observed -Buckhart. "Of course, others have seen it." - -There was a cloud on Dick's face. - -"Do you think, Frank," he questioned, "that there is any hope of finding -Felicia here? Since leaving the mission we have seen nothing to indicate -that we were still on the right trail." - -"It's a good deal like hunting for a needle in a hay-stack," confessed -Merry. - -"Maybe those galoots who have her doubled back on us," suggested Brad. -"Maybe they turned on us there at the mission." - -"It's not impossible," was Merry's regretful admission. "However, we are -here, and we will find what there is to find." - -There were no echoes in the valley. It seemed a place of silence and -gloom. As they approached the ruins they surveyed them with increasing -wonder. There were old turrets and towers, crumbling and cracked, as if -shaken by many earthquakes. The black windows glared at them like grim -eyes. - -"I will bet my boots that there is no one around this yere ranch," -muttered Buckhart. "Perhaps that old priest fooled us a whole lot." - -Merry shook his head. - -"I am sure not," he said. - -They mounted the rise on which the castle was built and passed through a -huge gate and dark passage, coming into a courtyard, with the crumbling -ruins all around them. Here they paused. Suddenly at one of the narrow, -upper windows of the old turret a face appeared. Some one was there -looking out at them. Frank's keen eyes were the first to discover it. -Then to their ears came the cry of a voice electrifying them. The face -at the window pressed nearer, and, together with the voice, it was -recognized. - -Dick gave a shout of joy. - -"Felicia!" he exclaimed. "There she is, Frank. Can you see her in that -window up there? Felicia! Felicia!" - -But even as he called to her thus she suddenly vanished. As they stared -at the window, another face showed for a moment and another pair of eyes -looked down at them. - -Then these also disappeared. - -"Waugh!" exploded Brad Buckhart. "Here's where we get into action." - -"She's there," declared Frank. "She's there--a captive!" - -"It's sure to be a red-hot scrimmage," said Buckhart, looking at his -revolver. "Take care that your guns are ready for action." - -They leaped from their horses and swiftly approached the ruins, leaving -the animals to wander where they might in the valley, well knowing they -would not leave it. - -Up the stone steps they bounded, coming to the deepset door, which by -its own weight or by the working of time had fallen from its hinges. -Nothing barred them there, and they entered. As they dashed in, there -was a sudden whirring sound, and they felt themselves struck and beaten -upon as by phantom hands. This was startling enough, but Frank -immediately comprehended that they were bats and the creatures were -fluttering wildly about them. From one dark room to another they -wandered, seeking the stairs that should lead them up into the turret. - -"We need a light," said Merry. - -"That certain is correct, pardner," agreed Buckhart. "We are a heap -likely to break our necks here in the dark." - -"But we have no light," panted Dick, "and no time to secure a torch. If -we waste time for that we may lose her." - -"Where are those pesky stairs?" growled the Texan. - -Their search led them into a huge echoing room that seemed windowless. -Frank was exasperated by the aimlessness of their search. Had they not -seen Felicia's face at the window and heard her voice, the silence and -desolation of the place must have convinced them that it was in truth -deserted. But now, of a sudden, there was a sound behind them. It was a -creak on the rusty stairs. It was followed by a heavy thud and absolute -silence. - -"What was that?" asked Dick. - -"It sounded to me," muttered Merry, "like the closing of a massive -door." - -A moment later he struck a match, and by its light they looked around. -Holding it above his head, it served to illumine the chamber dimly. - -"Wherever did we get into this hole?" asked Brad. "I fail to see any -door." - -The repeated lighting of matches seemed to show them only four bare -walls. At last Frank found the door, but he discovered it was closed. -More than that, he discovered that it was immovable. - -"Boys," he said grimly, as the match in his fingers fluttered out and -fell into a little glowing, coal at his feet, "we are trapped. It's -plain now that we did a foolish thing in rushing in here without a -light. That glimpse of Felicia lured us into the snare, and it will be -no easy thing to escape." - -"Let me get at that door!" growled Buckhart. - -He flung himself against it with all his strength, but it stood -immovable. They joined in using their united strength upon it, but still -it did not stir. - -"Well, this certain is a right bad scrape," admitted the Texan. "I don't -mind any a good hot fight with the odds on the other side, but I admit -this staggers me." - -"What are we to do, Frank?" whispered Dick. - -"Easier asked than answered," confessed Merry. "It's up to us to find -some means of escape, but how we can do so I am not ready to say." - -"Pards," said the Texan, "it seems to me that we are going to get -a-plenty hungry before we leave this corral. We are some likely to -starve here. The joke is on us." - -"Hush!" cautioned Merry. "Listen!" - -As they stood still in the dense darkness of that chamber they heard a -muffled voice speaking in English. It seemed to be calling to them -derisively. - -"You're very courageous, Frank Merriwell," mocked the voice; "but see -what your courage has brought you to. Here you are trapped, and here you -will die!" - -"Hello!" muttered Merry. "So my friend, Felipe Dulzura, is near at -hand!" - -The situation was one to appall the stoutest heart, but Frank Merriwell -was not the one to give up as long as there was the slightest gleam of -hope. Indeed, in that darkness there seemed no gleam. It is not -wonderful that even stout-hearted Brad Buckhart began to feel that "the -jig was up." - -In most times of danger, perplexity, or peril, Dick relied solely on -himself and his own resources; now, however, having Frank at hand, he -turned to him. - -"Is there any chance for us to escape?" - -"Boys," said Merry, "we must not think of giving up until we have made -every effort in our power. The first thing to be done is to sound the -walls. You can help me in this. Go around the walls, rapping on them and -listening. See if you can find a hollow place. This is not the donjon, -and it may have been originally intended for something different from a -prison room." - -Directed by him, they set about their task, sounding the walls. Hopeless -enough it seemed as they went knocking, knocking through the darkness. -When the room had been circled once and no discovery made, Buckhart -seemed quite ready to give up the effort in that direction. Frank was -not satisfied, but continued feeling his way along the walls, rapping -and listening as he went. Finally he remained a long time in one place, -which aroused the curiosity of his boy comrades. - -"Have you discovered anything?" asked Dick. - -Before replying Merry struck a match. - -"Here, boys," he said, "you will see there is a crack in the wall. That -may be the cause of the hollow sound I fancied it gave. But, look!" he -added, holding the match high above his head, "see how the crack widens -as it rises toward the ceiling. By Jove, boys! it's almost wide enough -up there for a cat to get through." - -Then the match burned too short to be held longer, and he dropped it. -Several moments he stood in silence, paying no heed to the words of Dick -or Brad. His mind was busy. Finally he said: - -"Get up here, boys, both of you. Face this wall and stand close -together. I want to climb on your shoulders. I am going to examine that -crack. It may be our only hope of salvation." - -They followed instructions, and Merry mounted to their shoulders, on -which he stood. In this manner he was high enough to reach some distance -into the crack in the wall. He found nothing but crumbling bits of -cement and stone, which was a disappointment to him. - -"Keep your heads down," he said. "I am going to see if I can loosen some -of this outer coat of cement here. It may rattle down about your ears." - -He pulled away at the cement, cleaving it off easily and exposing the -fact that the wall was somewhat shabbily built above a distance of eight -feet from the floor. An earthquake or convulsion of nature, or whatever -had caused the crack in the wall, had seriously affected it, and it -seemed very shaky and unstable indeed. - -Several times he shifted about on the boys' shoulders to give them rest, -as his heavy boots were rather painful after remaining in one position a -few moments. They were eager to know what progress he was making. - -"I can't tell what it amounts to, boys," he declared. "This crack may -lead nowhere, even if I can make an opening large enough to enter." - -At length he was compelled to descend in order to give them a chance to -rest. Three times he mounted on their shoulders and worked at the cement -and stones until the skin of his fingers was torn and his hands -bleeding. He was making progress, nevertheless, and it seemed more and -more apparent that, if given time enough, an opening might be made there -at that height in the wall. In his final efforts he loosened a mass of -the stuff, that suddenly gave way and went rattling and rumbling down -into the wall somewhere. To his intense satisfaction, this left a hole -large enough for a human being to creep into. - -"Brace hard, boys," he whispered. "I am going to make a venture here. I -am going to crawl into this place." - -"Be careful, Frank!" palpitated Dick. "What if you get in there and the -old wall crumbles on you! You will be buried alive! You will be -smothered, and killed!" - -"Better that than starvation in this wretched hole," he half laughed. -"We will have to take chances if we ever escape at all. Steady now." - -They stiffened their bodies, and he gave a little spring, diving into -the opening as far as he could and slowly wiggling and dragging himself -forward. In this manner he gradually crept into it, although it was no -simple matter. There was barely room enough for him to accomplish this -feat, and when it was done he lay still a few moments to rest. As he lay -thus he heard some of the stones and cement rattling and falling beneath -him, and felt the whole wall seem to settle. His heart leaped into his -throat, for it seemed, indeed, that he was about to be smothered and -crushed to death in that place. Still he did not retreat. Instead of -that, he squirmed and crawled forward as fast as possible. Suddenly a -mass of the wall came down upon his back and shoulders, and he was -pinned fast. - -Trying to squirm forward still farther, he found himself held as if in -the jaws of a vise, and never in his adventurous career had his position -seemed more desperate and helpless. Dust filled his eyes and nostrils, -and he seemed smothered. - -Summoning all his wonderful strength, Merry made a mighty effort. -Suddenly, as he did so, the wall beneath him seemed to give way, and -downward he fell, amid showers of stones and cement, which rained upon -him. He had fallen into some sort of open space, and, although somewhat -dazed and stunned, he quickly crept forward to escape the falling mass -of stuff. In this he was successful, and, although the air of the place -seemed dense and stifling, he was practically uninjured. - -As soon as possible, he sought to learn what kind of a place he had -dropped into so unexpectedly. There were yet a few matches left in his -match safe, and one of these he lighted. Its light showed him a small, -narrow passage, leading away he knew not where. Behind him there was a -mass of fallen debris where the top of the passage had caved in. Even -then still more was threatening to fall, and he quickly moved away. - -"I have heard of secret passages in old castles and mansions," Frank -muttered, "and this must be one of them. Where will it lead me? It must -take me somewhere, and this is better than remaining in the chamber -where we were trapped." - -For a long time he felt his way cautiously onward along the passage. He -came in time to its end. His hand could feel nothing but the bare -stones, and it seemed that the passage terminated there. Once more he -struck a match, the light of which revealed to him nothing of an -encouraging nature. - -"Well," he said, "I seem to be in a trap still. It can't be possible -this was simply a blind passage. Why was it constructed? There must be -some way of getting out of it." - -Again at the end of the passage he fell to sounding the wall and -listening. His hands roamed over it, feeling every protrusion or -irregularity. Finally he touched something that was loose. Immediately -he pressed it with considerable vigor, upon which there was a faint -muffled click, and a heavy door that had been skillfully covered by -cement swung slowly against his hands. - -Frank's wonderful command of his nerves kept him from uttering an -exclamation of satisfaction. He quickly seized the edge of the door and -pulled it wide open. Fresh air rushed in upon him, and he filled his -lungs with a sensation of satisfaction and relief. - -He now thought of returning and seeking to assist Dick and Brad in -following him, but after a few moments he decided to investigate still -further. Soon he found himself on a high terrace, which opened into an -inclosed courtyard of the ruins. As he leaned there, looking down, the -ring of ironshod hoofs came through the arched gate, reaching his ears. -A moment later two horsemen rode into the courtyard, leading behind them -three animals. The clank and clang of the horses' feet upon the -flagstones echoed in the inclosure. Merry drew back, watching and -listening. - -"Three fine beasts," said a voice in Spanish. "And they are ours, -comrade. The chief said we were to have them if we captured them." - -"Why not?" sullenly returned the other man. "Are we to have nothing? Is -the chief to get it all?" - -"Hush, Jimenez!" hastily warned the first speaker. "Better not let him -hear you utter such words." - -"At least one can think, Monte," retorted Jimenez. "We take all the -risks, and what do we get? Not even when we faced that young devil -Americano at the mission did the chief put himself in peril. He urged us -on, but he took good care of his precious self, I noticed." - -"If you talk more in this manner, Jimenez," exclaimed Monte, "with you I -will have nothing whatever to do!" - -"Bah! You are a coward," snarled the other. "Now, be not hasty in your -movements, for I, too, am armed." - -"Fly at it!" whispered Frank, in satisfaction. "Go at each other, and do -your prettiest. Cut each other's throats, and I will applaud you, you -rascals!" - -But the two scoundrels did not engage in an encounter. After growling a -little at each other, they proceeded with the horses to a part of the -courtyard where the stables seemed to be, and there disappeared. Merry -did not have to watch long for their return. They again crossed the open -space below and disappeared; but, listening where he stood, he heard -their voices, and they seemed ascending stairs not far away. - -His curiosity now fully aroused, with a pistol in his hand, Frank stole -onward as swiftly as possible in an attempt to keep track of them. He -left the terrace and came to the stairs by which they ascended. Even as -he stole like a panther up those stairs, he caught the hum of voices and -the flash of a light. - -Thus it was that the daring young man at last reached a dark nook, from -which sheltered spot he could peer through an open door into a lighted -room where several men were gathered. Beyond doubt these were the -members of Black Joaquin's band, several of whom had set upon him at San -Monica Mission. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -RUFFIANS AT ODDS. - - -Some of the men were idly lounging about as they smoked, while others -were playing cards. The card players were gambling, and money clinked on -the table before them. A picturesque and desperate-looking group they -were, yet Merriwell felt and knew by experience that they were far more -dangerous in appearance than in actual fact. He had met a number of them -face to face, and succeeded in holding them in check with no more than -the crooked staff of the old monk for his weapon of defense. They were -the kind to strike at a man's back and cower before his face. - -The card players did not always get along amicably. At times they -quarreled excitedly, over their game. Finally one of them lost -everything and flew into a passion, roundly berating his more lucky -companions. They laughed at him as they puffed their cigarettes. - -"What matters it, Pachuca?" cried one. "It is only a little. Soon you -will have more." - -"Oh, yes, much more!" smiled another. "The chief has promised you plenty -when he shall get the girl safely away." - -"I much prefer money to promises," solemnly retorted Pachuca. "It's an -honest game I play. Why should I win with you?" - -"Now, it's best that you have a care with your tongue," rather hotly -returned one of the winners. "Yesterday it was your luck to win; now it -is mine." - -"Is it luck you call it?" sneered Pachuca. "Ha! ha!" - -"Yes, luck. What was it when you won?" - -"It was my skill," declared Pachuca loftily. "But even skill is no match -for some methods." - -At this the little fellow who had won the most sprang up and struck the -table with his fist, glaring across at Pachuca. - -"Do you dare say to my face that I cheat?" he sharply cried. "Speak it -out, if you do!" - -Merry was quite satisfied by the course events seemed to be taking, for -he felt that it might be much to his advantage if a quarrel between -these two men followed. - -Pachuca, however, shrugged his shoulders and showed his teeth, as he -rolled a cigarette. - -"You have won, Ramon," he returned. "Keep the money. My turn comes." - -"Any time you like," was the defiant challenge. "When I lose it is not -like a stuck pig that I squeal." - -Then Ramon sat down as if quite satisfied, and the game proceeded -without Pachuca participating further. - -Merry was disappointed. Still he saw there was bad blood among the men, -and he felt that what he had heard in the courtyard and since indicated -dissension and dissatisfaction. - -As the gamblers continued they again fell to speaking of "the girl." - -Suddenly behind him, toward the stairs, Merry heard a soft footfall. He -pressed himself closer into the darkness of his niche and scarcely -breathed as a man brushed past. This man halted in the door, hearing -something of the words of the gamblers. Suddenly he stepped forward. - -"What is this?" he demanded angrily. "Again you are talking too much. I -have warned you before. You are not to speak at all of the girl. You -know she's here; let that be enough, and hold your tongues!" - -"Hello, my fine friend!" whispered Frank to himself, as the light fell -on the face of the newcomer and he saw that there was a scar on the -man's cheek. "So it's you?" - -Sudden silence fell upon the men. The man with the the scar singled out -Ramon, at whom he pointed. - -"You are always talking too much," he declared. "When will you learn -better?" - -As he stood behind the table, Ramon's hand slipped down to his sash, -where it touched the hilt of a knife, and the look on his face was far -from pleasant. - -"It's me you always single out, Carlos!" he exclaimed. "Why do you never -talk thus to the others?" - -"Because it is you who make trouble. It is you I have been compelled to -caution. What think you the chief would say should he hear you?" - -"The chief!" cried Ramon. "Where is he? It is easy to make promises, -Carlos. How know we that we are to receive all that is promised?" - -"Have you not been satisfied in the past?" - -"Not always," was the bold retort. "I am not the only one; there are -others here who have not been satisfied. It is time to speak plainly. -When all danger is over----" - -"It is already," was the assertion. - -"How so?" - -"You know the three dogs who followed the trail have been trapped. They -are secure, and never from this place will they go forth." - -"But there may be others. There was another who followed us far." - -"What of him?" sneered Carlos, snapping his fingers. "He has long lost -the scent. It is only these three fellows who tracked us here, and -better for them had they never come. Here their bones will rot!" - -"If that is true, there is now nothing to prevent the chief from -carrying the girl whither he likes. Who is she? That you have not told -us, Carlos." - -"That is nothing to you. It is a matter to concern the chief alone." - -"Ah! we know she must be of great value to him, else he would have never -taken so many chances. Why was she deceived with the tale that she was -to be carried to her father?" - -"How know you so much?" grimly demanded Carlos. - -Then suddenly he wheeled on Jimenez. - -"It's you who talk a great deal likewise!" he snarled. - -Up to this point Jimenez had been silent. Now, like a flash, he sprang -up and advanced to the side of Ramon. - -"My tongue is my own," he harshly said. "On it no one has placed a lock. -What harm has the child done that she should be deceived? We are the men -who did the work; why should not we be trusted? Answer that--if you can. -I know that she was told that she should find her father here. I know, -too, that he is a fugitive and has long hidden from his enemies. -However, I know that she was led to believe that he had sent for her. -Where is this man?" - -"You fool!" burst from Carlos. "I knew that it was a mistake when you -were placed to guard her. I knew it was unsafe that she should tell you -too much. Wait until the chief learns of this." - -"Let him pay us what he has promised," said Ramon. "We will take it and -be silent. He may then go where he pleases and carry the girl. Carlos, -we are not the only ones here who demand to see this money and to hear -it clink in our hands. Comrades, it is time we show our colors. Let -those who are with me stand forth." - -At this there was a stir. Some of the men seemed to hesitate, but a -moment later two more men came over to the side of Ramon and Jimenez. - -"This is not all," Ramon declared. "There are still others who are not -satisfied with bare promises. Let the chief satisfy us. Where is he?" - -Merry had been so deeply interested that he failed to hear a step behind -him, and had not he been cautiously pressed in the shadows of his nook -he might have been observed. The approaching man, however, had heard -sounds of a quarrel in that room, and he strode past Frank and entered -by the door. - -"Who calls for me?" he demanded, in a clear, steady voice. "Why all this -uproar?" - -"Joaquin!" muttered one, while others exclaimed, "The chief!" - -And Frank recognized Felipe Dulzura! - -Sudden silence fell upon them. Dulzura, whom Frank now knew to be Black -Joaquin, stood boldly looking them over. Despite the assertion made by -one of the men that the chief was one who avoided danger, his bearing -now seemed that of utter fearlessness and command. - -"Speak!" he exclaimed. "What is the meaning of this?" - -"Ask Ramon," said Carlos. "He will tell you--perhaps." - -Ramon drew himself up. The time had come that he must face the matter -unflinchingly. - -"It is this," he said; "we have been promised much and have received -little. Some of us are not satisfied." - -"Indeed!" exclaimed Black Joaquin. "And you are one of the dissatisfied, -I see." - -"I am," was the admission; "but I am not alone. You will find that there -are many more. Ask them. You will find nearly all are dissatisfied." - -The chief glanced them over, and what he saw in their faces convinced -him that Ramon spoke truly. Suddenly he smiled on them in that pleasant -manner of his, and his voice was soft and musical as he spoke again. - -"I would not have any of my faithful fellows dissatisfied," he declared. -"If there is anything I can do in justice, let them name it." - -Carlos seemed disappointed by this unexpected manner of their leader. - -"It is that you have promised us a great deal we have not received," -said Ramon. - -"And is it yet time?" was the placid question. - -"Why not? You said the time would come when the girl was safely yours, -with no danger of pursuit. To me it seems that time has come. The three -Americans who pursued you are captured and cannot escape. The girl is -now yours to do with as you like. Is it strange we suspect she is a -prize of great value? If she were not, why should Black Joaquin put -himself to so much trouble?" - -"You are right," smiled the man Merry knew as Dulzura. "But you are -hasty. It is only lately the pursuers I most feared have fallen into my -hands. Had you waited a little it might have given me more satisfaction. -You were always too hasty, Ramon." - -The rebuke was of the mildest sort, and Ramon accepted it without a show -of anger. - -"However," continued the chief, "I can pardon you this once, but you -shall be satisfied. I have not at hand all I have promised you, but it -is where I can soon secure it. Nevertheless, I have something here, and -it shall be divided among you." - -As he said this, he drew forth a leather pouch, which he flung with a -careless gesture upon the table. It struck with a heavy thud and a -slight clanking sound. - -"I call upon you," he said, "to see that it is divided equally and -fairly. The rest shall be paid you soon. Carlos, I would speak with -you." - -He then turned toward the door, and Carlos followed him. Outside, in the -shadows, they halted not fifteen feet from Frank. - -"Carlos," said Joaquin, "not one coin more will those dogs get. I have -no further use for them. You and I must abandon them and get away before -the coming of another day. It is no longer well for us to remain in this -land. As Black Joaquin my work is done. Can we reach Spain in safety -with the girl, our fortunes are made. But those snarling curs will -object if they suspect we are contemplating leaving them behind. You I -depend on. You know where the wine is kept. Take this which I give you -and with it drug the wine. When you have done so, bring it for them to -drink. Make merry with them, and encourage them to drink deeply. They -will sleep soundly after that, and we shall have no trouble. I will get -the girl ready. Before those fools awaken I shall be far from here, and -we can laugh at them." - -"Good!" said Carlos, having accepted from Joaquin's hand the bottle -proffered him. "It shall be done. Leave it to me." - -The chief clapped his trusted comrade upon the shoulder. - -"Faithful Carlos!" he said. "With me you shall share the reward. Lose no -time, for time is precious now." - -"The Americans," questioned Carlos, "what of them?" - -"Leave them where they are. Let them starve there." - -Little did they dream when they turned away that they were followed by -Frank Merriwell, who observed the greatest possible caution. They -separated, and it was Black Joaquin whose footsteps led Frank through -many winding ways and up long flights of stairs into one of the turrets. -When Joaquin unbarred the door and entered the little room up there -Frank was near at hand. Merry stole forward and peered into that room, -from which the light shone forth. - -"She's there!" he told himself, in deep satisfaction, as he beheld -Felicia. - -The captive girl had been weeping. When Joaquin saw this he spoke to her -in a voice that seemed full of tenderness and compassion. - -"My dear child," he said, "why do you shed these foolish tears?" - -"Oh, sir!" exclaimed Felicia, "where are the friends I saw from the -window? Why are they not permitted to come to me?" - -"They are near and you shall see them soon," was the treacherous -promise. - -"How am I to believe you?" cried the girl. "You told me I should find my -father here. You told me he was hiding here to escape his enemies. You -told me he had sent for me to come to him, longing to see my face once -more. I believed you. I trusted you. At your command I even deceived the -good friends I knew in San Diego. Now I fear it was wrong and wicked for -me to do so. Now I know it was wrong! But what was I to do? You told me, -over and over, that my father would be placed in awful peril if I -breathed a word of the truth." - -"Which clears up that part of the mystery," thought Frank, as he -listened outside. - -"I told you nothing but the truth," declared Joaquin. "Your father sent -that message to you by me." - -"But he is not here--he is not here!" panted the distressed child. "You -said I should find him here. If you deceive me in that, why not in -everything?" - -"Your father was here, but ere we could reach this place he found it -necessary to depart. Enemies were searching for him, and he was forced -to flee; but he left a message for me, telling me whither he went and -directing me to bring you. Trust me, Felicia, and you shall soon see -him." - -Frank quivered a little with rage as he listened to the lying wretch. - -Felicia drew a little nearer and looked earnestly into the face of the -man. - -"Oh, I can't believe you are deceiving me!" she said. "You do not seem -so terribly wicked." - -He laughed pleasantly. - -"I know it must seem suspicious to you, child; but trust me a little -longer." - -"If you had only let my friends come to me!" - -"Within two hours you shall be with them. Some of my men, I regret to -say, I cannot trust, and so I hastened to send your friends away. They -are not far from here, and we will join them. Are you ready to go, -child?" - -"Quite ready," she answered. - -"Then give me your hand and trust me in everything." - -She placed her hand confidingly in his, and they turned toward the door. -Then Black Joaquin found himself face to face with a great surprise, for -in that doorway stood Frank Merriwell, a cocked pistol leveled straight -toward the scoundrel's heart. - -"Up with your hands, Joaquin!" commanded Merry sharply. "One moment of -hesitation on your part and I shall pull the trigger. I will send your -black soul to the bar of judgment as true as my name is Frank -Merriwell!" - -The villain paled and was utterly dumfounded by the marvelous appearance -of the man he believed secure in the dungeon. - -"Put up your hands!" palpitated Frank, and in that second command there -was something that caused Black Joaquin to quickly lift his hands above -his head. - -"One cry, one sound, even a murmur from your lips, will cause me to -shoot you on the spot," declared the young American. - -Felicia had been spellbound, but now she started forward, uttering a -cry. - -"Be careful," warned Frank, not taking his eyes off Joaquin for an -instant. "Don't touch me! Keep out of the way!" - -She paused and hastened to say: - -"You must not hurt him, Frank. He is taking me to my father." - -"He has lied to you from start to finish, like the treacherous snake he -is," asserted Merry. "He doesn't mean to take you to your father." - -Then he advanced two steps, and another command came from his lips. - -"Face about, Joaquin," he said, "and walk straight toward that wall. Be -quick about it, too." - -Now, for all of the complaints of his followers that he seldom placed -himself in danger, Black Joaquin was not a coward. Nevertheless, in -those terrible, gleaming eyes of the American youth he had seen -something that robbed him of his usual nerve and convinced him beyond -doubt that unless he obeyed to the letter he would be shot on the spot. -This being the case, he turned as directed and advanced until his face -was against the wall. - -"Stand thus," said Frank, "and don't move for your very life." - -One glance around showed him a blanket upon a couch. Behind Joaquin's -back he quickly took out and opened a knife. - -"Here, Felicia, take this and cut that blanket into narrow strips. -Hasten as much as possible." - -She was, however, too trembling and excited to make the needed haste. -Seeing this, Frank lost no time in searching Joaquin's person and -disarming him, removing every dangerous weapon he found upon the man. - -When this was done, he directed Felicia to bring the blanket, and, -holding his pistol ready in his left hand, he gave her directions and -assistance in cutting and tearing it into strips. As soon as one good, -strong strip had been removed from the blanket Frank took it, seized -Joaquin's hands, twisting them downward and backward behind his back, -and tied them thus. After this he was able to remove from the blanket -further strips he needed, although as he worked his pistol was ready for -instant use. All the while he kept Joaquin with his face toward the -wall, three times cautioning the man against turning his head in the -slightest. - -With the strips removed from the blanket Joaquin's ankles were securely -tied. Then Frank unceremoniously kicked the fellow's feet from beneath -him and lowered him to the floor upon his back. The rage, fury, and -hatred in the conquered fellow's eyes was terrible to behold, but -Merriwell heeded it not in the least. Deftly he rolled a wad of the -blanket and forced it between Joaquin's teeth. With another piece of the -torn blanket he fastened it there, knotting a strip behind the man's -head. He took pains to make this as secure as possible, so that it would -require no simple effort to remove it. - -"Now, Black Joaquin, otherwise known as Felipe Dulzura," said Frank, -standing over the man and looking down on him, "we will bid you -good-night. You can rest easy here until your comrades recover on the -morrow and release you. Perhaps they will find you. I hope, for your -sake, that you do not smother before they awaken and come here. You have -my best wishes for a short life and a speedy hanging." - -With Felicia he left the chamber, closing and barring the door behind -them. - -Thus far Frank's success had been enough to astonish himself, but now he -thought with dismay of Dick and Brad still confined in the chamber from -which he had escaped. As with Felicia he descended the stairs he paused, -hearing in some distant portion of the ruins the sound of singing. - -"Carlos is doing his work," he thought. "He has brought them the wine. -Thanks, Carlos; you have given me great assistance." - -Merry decided that it would be necessary to conceal Felicia somewhere -while he sought to return to Dick and Brad by means of the secret -passage. - -He found his way back to the terrace from which he had first looked down -into the courtyard after his escape. As they reached that place, Merry -heard beneath him some slight sound that caused him to again look -downward. He was surprised to see a dark figure coming from the -direction of the stables and leading three horses. His surprise -increased when the feet of the horses gave forth no more than a faint, -muffled sound on the courtyard flagging. - -"What's up now?" he asked himself. "That must be Carlos preparing for -flight. Whoever it is, he has muffled the feet of those horses. More -than that, I believe they are our horses." - -The human being and the horses crossed the courtyard and disappeared -into the arched passage that led outward. - -"Keep close behind me, Felicia," whispered Merry. "Be courageous. I may -have to leave you for a short time; but I will return as soon as -possible." - -He had decided to conceal her in the secret passage while he endeavored -to return to the prison chamber. The door of the passage he found to be -slightly ajar. Swinging it open, he entered, with Felicia at his heels. -Barely had he advanced ten feet into the passage before he felt himself -suddenly clutched by a pair of strong hands. - -"Keep still, Felicia!" called Frank, knowing she would be greatly -frightened by the struggle. - -Instantly the hold of these hands slackened and a joyous voice exclaimed -in his ear: - -"Frank! Frank! my brother, is it you?" - -"Dick!" gasped Frank; "how did you get here?" - -"We managed to pry open a hidden door which was disclosed when a part of -the wall fell after you crept into that opening," said Dick. - -"Where is Brad?" - -"That's what I'd like to know. We separated to search for you. He was to -meet me here. We agreed on a signal. When you entered the passage -without giving the signal I thought you must be an enemy." - -"It's up to us now," said Merry, "to find Brad and get away from here in -a hurry. We have a fine chance to do so. I can't explain everything, but -I will tell you later. Here is Felicia." - -"Felicia!" gasped Dick. - -She uttered a low cry of joy, and the cousins were clasped in each -other's arms. - -"Come," said Merry. "Moments are precious." - -"But Brad----" - -"We will hope that luck may lead us to him." - -But it was something more than luck, for Brad Buckhart was returning to -meet Dick as he had promised when they encountered him. He heard them, -and, thinking it might be Dick, whistled the soft signal agreed upon. -Immediately Dick answered, and when the Texan found them all together, -he came very near throwing up his hat and giving a cowboy yell. - -"Oh, great jumping horned toads!" he whispered. "If this don't beat the -record you can have my horse, saddle, and the whole blamed outfit! Talk -about your miracles! So help me Davy Crockett, this is the greatest on -record. You hear me gurgle!" - -"There is yet danger in the air," said Merry. "As we were seeking the -passage I saw a man, leading three horses with muffled feet, crossing -the courtyard below. It must have been Carlos, Black Joaquin's -lieutenant, for they planned a flight to-night, and Joaquin's wretched -gang has been drugged." - -"Guess again," advised the Texan, chuckling. "The gent you observed was -yours truly, Bradley Buckhart." - -"You?" gasped Frank, astonished. - -"Precisely, pard--precisely. I was it. In my perambulations I discovered -our horses, and it struck me as being something a whole lot proper to -get them outside and have them where we could straddle them in a hurry -when we took to our heels. I muffled their feet with the aid of -blankets, and I can lead the way straight to them." - -"Brad, you're a dandy!" laughed Frank softly. "Watch out for Carlos and -lead on, you son of the Lone Star State." - -They had come down into the courtyard when somewhere above, amid the -ruins, there was a sudden sound of high-pitched voices, followed by a -single pistol shot. Then came silence. - -"If fortune is still with us," said Merry, "the bullet from that pistol -lodged in the carcass of Carlos. Evidently he has kicked up some sort of -trouble, and I fancy a little chap by the name of Ramon fired that -shot." - -Outside the ruins they came upon the horses where Buckhart had concealed -them. They were not long in mounting. Frank took up Felicia behind him, -and away they rode into the night, with no hand raised to stay them. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -A LIVELY FISTIC BOUT. - - -Three days later they arrived in San Diego, where Felicia was returned -to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Staples, the former having given up the -search in despair. - -It was Frank who led a party of Americans to the Castle Hidalgo, in El -Diablo Valley. The only human being found there was a man who had been -shot and left where he fell in one of the chambers of the ruins. As -Merry looked at the body, he grimly said: - -"Retribution, swift and terrible, overtook you, Carlos, on that dark -night. Who can say the hand of Providence was not in it? You were the -only one who might have given us trouble, for your chief was bound and -gagged, and your mates were drugged by your own hands. It is likely that -Black Joaquin yet lives; but it is certain he must in time meet his just -deserts." - -Fearing that Black Joaquin would not give up his scheming to get -possession of the girl, Frank decided that it was unsafe to leave her in -San Diego. Therefore, when he started on his return to Arizona, -accompanied by Dick and Brad, he took Felicia along. - -The railroad journey to Prescott was made without any incident worth -recording. Having arrived there, Merry secured accommodations at the -best hotel, for he expected to remain in the place a day or more before -setting out for his new mines in the Enchanted Valley, where he had left -Wiley and Hodge. - -Little Abe was found safe in Prescott, where he had been left by Merry. -But for the fact that what she had passed through had shaken Felicia's -nerves and left her in a very excited frame of mind, the whole party -would have been in high spirits. Dick was anxious to visit the mines, -and the prospect was also attractive to Buckhart. - -Imagine Frank's surprise, on leaving the hotel an hour after his -arrival, to encounter Cap'n Wiley on the street. The sailor looked -somewhat battered and weather-worn, and there was an unnatural flush in -his cheeks and a suspicious odor upon his breath. The moment his eyes -fell on Merry he stopped short and made a profound salute. - -"Mate Merriwell!" he cried, "it is with a sensation of the most profound -satisfaction that my eyes again behold your unexpected reappearance." - -"Cap'n," said Frank soberly, shaking his head, "I fear you have been -looking on the corn juice. There is something suspicious about your -breath and your heightened color." - -"Hush!" said the marine marvel. "The dreadful ordeal through which I -have lately promulgated myself made it necessary for me to take -something in the way of medicine. Mr. Merriwell, there have been riotous -doings since you departed." - -"Any trouble in regard to the new mine?" asked Merry, somewhat -anxiously. - -"Oh, no; nothing of that sort. I have been tending strictly to business. -At the suggestion of Mate Hodge, I gathered up in Cottonwood, Central -Butte, Stoddard, Bigbug, Cherry and elsewhere a score of hale and hearty -laborers and piloted them safely to the valley, where they now are. He -then sent me hither for supplies and other needed articles. I have -secured half a dozen more good men, who will journey with us to the -valley." - -"Now, Wiley," said Frank, "tell me about these men you say you have -engaged. What sort of men are they?" - -"They are charming," assured the sailor. "You remember your Terrible -Thirty." - -"Yes." - -"Well, they are men of the same class. They are the real thing." - -"But I am afraid such men are not just what we want, cap'n." - -The sailor looked surprised. - -"Why not?" he questioned. - -"What we need are miners, not fighting men. It happened that I was able -to control the Thirty, and they proved valuable to me at that time. You -remember that as miners I couldn't retain one of them. You say you have -picked up some more men here?" - -"Sure, sure." - -"I'd like to look them over, cap'n. Where are they?" - -"If you will perambulate with me, I will present you to the bunch. I -have them corralled not far away." - -"Lead on," said Frank. "I will look them over." - -Wiley led the way straight to a saloon, which they entered. As they -walked in, several men were drinking at the bar, and Merry distinctly -heard one of them, a huge, pockmarked fellow, say: - -"It sure is ten chances to one the gent loses his mine afore he ever -sets eyes on it again." - -Frank recognized the fellow at a glance. He was a desperado with a bad -reputation, and was known as Spotted Dan. - -"There they are," said Wiley. "Those fine boys I have collected. You can -see at a glance that they are the real thing." - -"Altogether too real!" muttered Frank. - -He was confident that the words of Spotted Dan referred to him, and in a -twinkling his mind was made up. - -"Mates," said Wiley, calling the attention of the ruffians, "it gives me -untold pleasure to introduce you to Mr. Merriwell, the owner of the -mines I told you about." - -They turned and looked Frank over. His youthful appearance seemed to -surprise them, and it was evident that they regarded him as a -tenderfoot. - -Frank lost no time. - -"It's my duty to inform you, gentlemen," he said, "that Cap'n Wiley has -made a slight mistake. I shall not need you." - -This seemed to astonish them. - -"What's that?" cried Spotted Dan hoarsely. "Whatever is this you says, -mister?" - -Frank quietly repeated his words, upon which one of the ruffians swore. - -"I reckons you is the one mistaken," said Spotted Dan, stepping out. "I -opines, sir, that you does need us." - -"Then you opine wrong." - -"We has been engaged all fair and square, and we sticks by it. We -proposes to see that you sticks by it, too." - -"Cap'n Wiley had no authority from me to engage anybody," declared -Merry. "That being the case, you can see at once that no agreement made -with him counts for anything." - -"Say you so?" sneered Dan. "Well, now, we thinks a heap different." - -"What you think is a matter of indifference to me," said Merry, looking -the ruffian straight in the eyes. - -"Whatever does you take us fer?" snarled the pox-marked fellow. "We're -no kids to be fooled with this yere way. You shakes us none whatever. If -you tries it----" - -"What then?" asked Merry, in a low tone. - -"What then? Well, by the everlasting, I chaws you up! I flattens you -out! There will be a funeral in Prescott to-morrow!" - -"There may be," said Frank; "but, if there is, you will be highly -interested, and yet you will know nothing about it." - -Spotted Dan glared at Merry in his fiercest manner. It seemed to -astonish him that the smooth-faced young man was not in the least awed -by this fierceness. - -"Look a here, Mr. Merriwell," he said, "do yer know who yer dealing with -in this yere piece of business?" - -"From all appearances, I should say that I am dealing with a -thoroughbred ruffian," was the serene answer. - -"Yer dealing with a bad man with a record, and don't yer forget it," -snarled Dan. "My record is as long as my arm. And whar I goes I leaves -graves in my footsteps. I adds to the population of the cemeteries." - -"You're plainly a big bluffer and a blowhard," said Frank. - -Then, as Spotted Dan made a suspicious movement, quick as a flash of -light a pistol appeared in Merriwell's hand. - -"Don't try to pull a gun on me, you big duffer!" exclaimed the youth. -"If you do, I will run a couple of tunnels in you." - -"Correct in the most minute particular," chipped in Cap'n Wiley. "He -will do it scientifically and skillfully. When it comes to shooting, he -is a shooter from Shooterville. Say, you oughter see him shoot out a -pigeon's eye at four thousand yards! Why, he can shoot with his feet -better than any man in this bunch! At the same time I happen to be -provided with a couple of large-bore fowling pieces, and I shall feel it -my duty to shed real gore in case any of you other gents take a notion -to chip in to this little circus." - -While speaking the sailor had produced a pair of Colt's revolvers, which -he now flourished with reckless abandon. - -"Oh, that is the way yer does it, is it?" sneered Spotted Dan. "Mebbe -yer thinks this settles it. Well, wait and see. You has the drop now; -but our turn comes. It's a good thing fer you, young feller," he -declared, still glaring at Frank, "that I don't git my paws on yer. Ef -I'd ever hit yer a crack with my maul you would sprout wings instanter. -Sometimes I gits at yer, tenderfoot, and I hammers yer all up." - -"You think you will," retorted Merry. "You might find yourself up -against a snag." - -"Waal, ef I can't knock you stiff in less than one minute, I'll take to -my hole and stay thar for a year." - -"I presume you would consider this engagement ended in case you fail to -put me down and out in short order?" said Merry. "If you were the one -whipped, you would call all dealings off?" - -"Sartin sure. I'd be so ashamed of myself I'd never look a dog in the -face again." - -"Give your weapons to one of your pards there," directed Merry. "I will -pass mine to Wiley, and I'll agree to take off my coat and give you a -chance to do me up right here." - -"I think I smell smoke," murmured the sailor, sniffing the air. "I think -I smell fire and brimstone. I think there will be doings around here -directly." - -"Whoop!" cried Spotted Dan. "It's a go! Say, I makes you look like a -piece of fresh beefsteak in just about two shakes." - -Then he turned to one of his companions and handed over a pistol and -knife. He wore no coat, and when he had cast his old hat on the floor -and thrust back his sleeves, exposing his brawny, hairy arms, he -declared he was ready. - -The barkeeper had remonstrated. Merry was known in Prescott, and to the -man behind the bar he said: - -"Whatever damage is done I will pay for. I will set 'em up for every one -who comes in for the next hour besides." - -Then he placed his revolver on the bar and coolly drew off his coat, -which he lay beside the pistol. - -"Keep your ellipticals parabolically peeled," warned Cap'n Wiley. "The -gent with the dented countenance looks like a Peruvian dog. I don't know -as there is a Peruvian dog, but I judge so, because I have heard of -Peruvian bark." - -Merry said nothing. His face was calm and grim as he thrust back the -sleeves of his woolen shirt. He had a handsome forearm, finely developed -and finely moulded, with the flesh firm and hard and the supple muscles -showing beneath the silken skin. - -"Come on!" cried Spotted Dan eagerly. "Step right out yere and git yer -medicine." - -The ruffian's friends were chuckling and muttering among themselves. - -"Dan paralyzes him the first time he hits him," declared one. - -"You bet your boots he does!" put in another. - -"I seen him break Bill Goddard's neck with a blow down in Buckeye," said -a third. - -Frank removed his wide-brimmed hat and laid it on the bar, tossing back -his head with a slight shaking motion to fling a lock of hair out of his -eyes. Then he suddenly advanced to meet his antagonist, his arms hanging -straight at his sides and his hands open. It seemed as if he invited -annihilation, and Spotted Dan improved the occasion by making a strong -swinging blow with his huge fist, aiming straight at the face of the -fearless youth. - -Quick as a flash of light, Merry ducked just the slightest and tipped -his head to one side. - -Dan's fist shot over Frank's shoulder. With a quick movement of his -foot, Merriwell struck the ruffian's feet from beneath him, and the -giant crashed to the floor so heavily that the glasses and bottles -rattled on the shelves behind the bar. - -With a roar of surprise, Spotted Dan made a spring and landed on his -feet. Before him stood Merriwell, still with his hands hanging at his -sides, regarding him with just the faintest suggestion of an amused -smile. That smile was enough to infuriate the bruiser beyond -description. - -"Dodges, does yer!" snarled the man. "Well, dodge this if yer ken!" - -Again he struck, and again Merry escaped by simply tipping his head like -a flash over upon his shoulder and crouching the least bit. He did not -lift a hand to ward off the blow. Like a panther he leaped to one side, -and his outstretched toe caught his enemy's ankle as the force of that -blow, wasted on the empty air, sent Dan staggering forward. A second -time the fellow went crashing to the floor. A second time he sprang up -with amazing agility for one so huge and ponderous. - -"Whatever kind of fighting does yer call this?" he shouted, in a rage. -"Why don't yer stand up like a man and fight? Is that all yer can do? -Does yer know nothing else but jest ter dodge?" - -"You're too easy," declared Frank. "I hate to hurt you--really I do. It -seems a shame." - -"Yah!" shouted the infuriated man. "You would hurt nobody if yer hit -um." - -"I beg you to pause a moment, Daniel," put in Wiley. "Have you made your -will? If not, I entreat you to do so. If he ever hits you--oh, luddy, -luddy! you'll think you've been kicked by a can of dynamite." - -The ruffian's companions had been astonished by the ease with which -Merriwell escaped Dan's blows; but they, too, believed the fight would -quickly end if Merry stood up and met his enemy. - -Spotted Dan slyly edged around Frank, seeking to force him into a -corner. Apparently without suspecting the fellow's object, Merry -permitted himself to be driven back just as Dan seemed to desire. -Getting the young mine owner cornered, as he thought, the bruiser -quickly advanced, seeking now to seize him with one hand, while the -other hand was drawn back and clinched, ready for another terrible blow. - -With a snapping movement, Frank clutched the wrist of Dan's outstretched -arm. There was a sudden twist and a whirl, and although the ruffian -struck with all his force, he felt his shoulder wrenched in the socket -and knew he had missed even as he delivered the blow. That twisting -movement turned the fellow about and brought his arm up behind him on -his back. Then Merry sent him forward with a well-directed and vigorous -kick. - -"It is too easy!" sighed Cap'n Wiley, sadly shaking his head. "It isn't -even interesting. I fancied possibly there might be some excitement in -the affair, but I am growing sleepy, and I fear I shall miss the finish -while I take a nap." - -Spotted Dan was astonished now. Never had he encountered any one who -fought in such a singular manner, and he could not understand it. Just -when he felt certain that he had the youth where he wanted him, Merry -would thwart his design and trip him, or, with the utmost ease, send him -staggering. - -"Dern yer! What makes yer fight with yer feet?" rasped the ruffian. -"That ain't no way whatever ter fight. Fight with yer fists on the -squar, and I will annihilate yer." - -"I don't believe that anything was said about the style of fighting," -retorted Merry pleasantly. "However, if you don't like my methods I will -agree not to use my feet any more." - -"That settles it!" roared Dan. "I will fix yer in thirty seconds now." - -"Dear, dear!" yawned Wiley, leaning on the bar. "How sleepy I am! I -think this bout should have been pulled off under Marquis of Deusenbury -rules. I, too, am against the use of feet. Cut it out, mates, and come -down to real business." - -"Very well," said Frank. - -"You kick no more?" questioned the ruffian. - -"Not to-day." - -"Then I thumps the head off you right away." - -Spotted Dan sailed into it then, and for a few moments the fight was -rather lively, although the ruffian was doing all the hitting. That is, -he was trying to do all the hitting, but he was wasting his blows on the -air, for Frank parried them all or ducked and dodged and escaped by such -cleverness as none of Dan's comrades had ever before witnessed. Still -the bruiser was the aggressor, and they were confident he would soon -weary the youth, when a single blow would bring about the finish of the -encounter. - -Indeed, one thing that led Dan on and made him force the fight harder -and harder was the fact that Merry seemed to be panting heavily and -betrayed signs of great exhaustion. The desperado was sure the youth was -giving out, and so, although he was likewise somewhat winded, he -continued to follow Merry up. At length, quick as a flash, Frank's -manner changed. He no longer retreated. He no longer sought to escape -his enemy. He made Dan parry two heavy blows aimed at him. Then he -countered, and the big fellow was sent reeling. Like a wolf Frank -followed the bruiser up, hitting him again and again until he went down. - -Cap'n Wiley roused up a little at this and observed: - -"That's somewhat better. Now it grows slightly interesting. But he -hasn't oiled his machinery and started in earnest yet. Wait a few -moments, gents, and see him cut parabolical circles through the -diametrical space around Daniel's dizzy cranium." - -Spotted Dan sat up, astonished beyond measure at what had happened. He -saw Frank standing at a little distance, with his hands on his hips, -smiling down at him and showing not the least sign of exhaustion. The -man who had seemed winded a few moments before and ready to drop was now -as fresh and unwearied as if nothing had happened. - -Through the bruiser's dull brain crept a suspicion that he had been -deceived by this handsome, smooth-faced young man. He knew now that -Merriwell could fight in the most astounding manner. This, however, -enraged him to such an extent that he banished reason and coolness and -rose to charge on Merry, with a roar like that of a mad bull. Frank -avoided the rush, but hit the ruffian a staggering blow on the ear as he -went past. Dan turned quickly and charged again. - -Four times the big bruiser charged, and four times Merry avoided him and -sent him reeling. The fourth time Frank followed him up. He gave Spotted -Dan no chance to recover. Blow after blow rained on the man's face and -body. Dan was driven back until he was close upon the card table that -sat in the rear of the room. Then, with a swinging upward blow, -Merriwell's fist hit the fellow on the point of the jaw, and the ruffian -was actually lifted off his feet and hurled clean over the table against -the wall. He fell to the floor and lay there in a huddled, senseless -heap, literally knocked out. - -Frank turned toward the bar, rolling down his sleeves. - -"Watch his pards like a hawk, Wiley," he said. "Now is the time they may -try treachery, if ever." - -"Depend on me," nodded the sailor. - -Frank quickly slipped on his coat and placed his hat upon his head. Then -he turned to the amazed ruffians, saying, quietly: - -"Gents, you heard the agreement between us. If I whipped that fellow, -the engagement which he claims to have made for himself and for you -through Cap'n Wiley was off. I think you will acknowledge that he is -whipped. That settles it." - -He backed toward the door of the saloon, followed by the sailor, also -backing in the same manner and keeping his pistols ready. When the door -was reached Merry turned and disappeared, and Wiley followed him. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -MACKLYN MORGAN APPEARS. - - -"Mate," said Cap'n Wiley, as they hurried along the street on their way -back to the hotel, "you are in every minute particular the finest -specimen of exuberant manhood that it has ever been my fortune to -associate with. Of course, I felt sure you would do up that fellow, but -you came through the seething and turgid fray without so much as a scar. -I don't believe he even touched you once." - -"Yes, he did," said Merry, "a couple of times. He hit me on the -shoulder, but the blow was spent, and he caught me a fair one over the -heart. I leaped away just in time to spoil the effectiveness of that." - -"But you are certainly the supreme fighter of this period of scrappers. -If you chose to enter the ring, you might be champion of the world. It -would delight my soul to be able to put up a real fight like that." - -"It disgusts me," returned Merry. - -"Wha-a-at?" gasped the sailor. "I think I fail to catch your meaning." - -"It disgusts me," repeated Merry. "If there is anything that makes me -feel degraded, it is being compelled to take part in a fight of that -sort. I was practically forced into it on this occasion. I saw those -fellows meant mischief, and I felt that the only way to settle the -affair was to give that big duffer a thumping. It's about the only -reasoning a man can use on men of his calibre. Words and arguments fail -to affect them, and a good thrashing moves them to respect." - -"But do you mean to tell me," said Wiley, "that you are not an admirer -of the manly art of self-defense? Do you mean to tell me that you take -no interest in the prize ring and the glorious heroes of it?" - -"If there is anything for which I have absolutely no use," said Merry, -"it is a professional prize fighter. To me prize fighting is the most -degrading of all the so-called sports." - -"This is more than passing strange," said the sailor. "If such can be -the case, will you elucidate to me how it happened that you ever learned -to use your little dukes in such a marvelously scientific manner?" - -"I think it is the duty of every American youth to learn to defend -himself with his fists. No matter how peacefully inclined he is, no -matter how much of a gentleman he is, no matter how much forbearance he -may have, there is bound to come a time in his life when he will be -forced to fight or suffer insults or bodily injury. As a rule, I never -fight if I can avoid it. In this instance I might have avoided it for -the time being, but I was certain that if I did so the matter would -culminate in something more serious than a fistic encounter. Had I -escaped from that saloon without meeting Spotted Dan, he and all his -partners would have regarded me as afraid of them, and you know very -well that they would have sought to force trouble on me at every -opportunity. The easiest way to settle the whole matter was to fight -then and there, and therefore I did so." - -"Well, you oughter feel proud of the job you did!" - -"Instead of that, I feel as if I had lowered and degraded myself. I'll -not throw off the feeling for some time. To make the matter still worse, -it was a saloon fight. However, I do not go there to drink. Out in this -country the man who does business with the men he finds here is -sometimes compelled to enter a saloon." - -"That's true--quite true," sighed Wiley. "I sometimes find it necessary -to enter one myself." - -By this time they had reached the hotel, and as they entered the office -Merry suddenly paused in surprise, his eyes fastened on a man who stood -before the desk. - -This man was tall and well dressed, with a somewhat ministerial face and -flowing grayish side whiskers. He was speaking to the clerk. - -"I see here the name of Mr. Frank Merriwell on the register," he was -saying. "Can you tell me where to find him?" - -"Mr. Merriwell!" called the clerk. "Here is a gentleman inquiring for -you." - -The man at the desk turned and faced Frank. - -"Is that so?" muttered Frank. "It is Macklyn Morgan!" - -Morgan, one of the money kings of the great Consolidated Mining -Association of America, looked Merriwell over with a glance as cold as -ice. - -"How do you do, sir?" he said, in a calm, low voice. "It seems that I -have found you at last." - -"From your words," returned Merry, "I should fancy you had been looking -for me for some time?" - -"I have." - -"Indeed?" - -"Yes, I have looked for you in Denver, in Holbrook, and at your Queen -Mystery Mine." - -"It appears that I have given you considerable trouble?" - -"Not a little; but I was determined to find you." - -"You have done so." - -"Yes; you can't hide from me." - -"I have not the least desire in the world to hide from you, Mr. Morgan." - -"You say so," returned the man, with a cold sneer; "but I am certain you -have taken pains to keep out of my way for the last two weeks." - -"You are utterly mistaken. I would not take pains to keep out of your -way for two minutes. What do you want of me?" - -"I have a little matter to talk over with you--some private business." - -"I was not aware that there could be business dealings of any sort -between us, Macklyn Morgan." - -"Be careful!" warned Morgan, lifting a thin finger. "You are putting on -a very bold face." - -"And is there any reason why I should not? I know, Mr. Morgan, of your -methods at the time of my affair with the C. M. A. of A." - -"I have not forgotten that." - -"Nor I. Nor do I regret that, although the C. M. A. of A. was compelled -to give up its unlawful efforts to rob me, you entered into a -combination with another moneyed rascal to accomplish the work." - -"Be careful!" again warned Morgan. "I am not the man to whom you can -talk in such a manner." - -"Like any other man, you are one to whom I can tell the truth. If the -truth cuts, so much the worse for you, sir." - -"Don't get on your high horse, young man; it will be better for you if -you refrain. Don't be so free with your accusations, for you will soon -find that there is an accusation against you of a most serious nature." - -"What new game are you up to, Mr. Morgan? It seems to me that the -failures of the past should teach you the folly of your plots and -schemes." - -"I have told you that I wish to have a private talk with you, young man. -Perhaps you had better grant me the privilege." - -"As far as I am concerned, there is no necessity of doing so; but really -I am curious to know just what you're up to. This being the case, I will -not object. I have a room, and we may go there." - -"Your record indicates that you are a desperate character, Merriwell. I -should hesitate to place myself alone with you in any room unless you -were first disarmed. If you will leave your weapons here at the desk we -will go to your room." - -"I am quite willing in case you leave your own revolver, sir." - -"I never carry a revolver, Merriwell." - -"But you have one in your pocket now," declared Frank positively. - -He seemed to know this to be a fact, and, after a moment's hesitation, -Morgan took out a small revolver, which he laid upon the desk. - -"I thought it best to provide myself with such an article while in this -part of the country," he said. "There it is. I will leave it here." - -Immediately Frank walked to the desk and placed his own pistol upon it. - -"Come," he said. "You may follow me to my room." - -In Frank's room, with the door closed behind them, Merry motioned to a -chair. - -"Sit down, Mr. Morgan," he said, "and make whatever statement you -choose. I will listen." - -Morgan took the chair. - -"First," observed Morgan, "I wish to speak of Milton Sukes." - -"I thought likely." - -"You know the interests of Mr. Sukes and myself were closely allied." - -Frank laughed. - -"Yes; although Sukes was at the head of the concern, I know that you -conspired with him to defraud me." - -"Have a care!" again warned Morgan. "You are now dealing with a man of -power and influence." - -"I have dealt with such men before. As a bugaboo, the mere fact that you -have money does not frighten me in the least, Mr. Morgan. If, like -Sukes, you fancy that money gives you power to commit any fraud, like -Sukes, you are to learn your mistake." - -"I know all about your scandalous attack on Mr. Sukes in Denver. I know -of your attempted blackmailing of him, Merriwell. You did try to -blackmail him, and you can't deny it." - -"You lie, Morgan!" retorted Frank, with perfect control of himself. - -"Then what was the meaning of your threat to expose his mining -operations?" - -"Morgan, Milton Sukes pitted himself against me and attempted to rob me -of my mine. When he did so he aroused my fighting blood. He was defeated -in every effort he made against me, and the decision against him in the -courts of the Territory was the final blow that upset his plans. In the -meantime I had learned that his Great Northwest Territory Mining Company -was a swindle of the most outrageous sort. I had threatened to expose -him, and, when he found himself whipped to a standstill, he sought to -enter into a compact with me, by which I was to remain silent and let -him go on with his dishonest work. - -"He sent one of his tools to me with a contract for me to sign. I tore -it up. As I say, my blood had been aroused, and I warned him then that -neither cajolery nor money could silence me. I warned him that I would -expose and disgrace him, so that every honest man in the country would -regard him with scorn and aversion. Had it been mere blackmail, Sukes -could have silenced me with money. He sought to do so, but found he was -barking up the wrong tree. He threatened libel suits and all that; but I -kept on at my work. As a last desperate resort he paid an employee of -mine to fire my office in Denver, and the result of that affair was that -the treacherous fellow who betrayed me fancied I had perished in the -fire. It drove him insane. He pursued Sukes relentlessly, and it is -certain that Sukes was finally killed by that man's hand." - -"So you say, Merriwell; but I hold quite a different opinion--quite a -different opinion." - -"Whatever your opinion may be, Morgan, it is a matter of absolute -indifference to me." - -Macklyn Morgan showed his teeth. - -"You may think so just now, young man, but you will change your mind. I -have been investigating this matter thoroughly. I have followed it up -faithfully. I know how and where Sukes was shot. I have taken pains to -secure all the evidence possible. You were present at the time. You were -there in disguise. Why did you pursue and hunt him in disguise? It looks -black for you, Mr. Merriwell--it looks black. These things will count -against you at the day of reckoning, which is surely coming. How will -you explain your behavior to the satisfaction of the law?" - -"That's no matter to worry you, Macklyn Morgan," calmly returned -Merriwell. "If there is anything of explanation, I shall have the -explaining to do. Don't trouble yourself over it." - -"You have a great deal of nerve just now, young man; but it will -weaken--it will weaken. Wait until you are arrested on the charge of -murder. Had you killed an ordinary man it might have been different; but -Milton Sukes was a man of money, a man of power, a man of influence. All -his money, if necessary, will be used to convict you. You cannot escape. -Just as true as this case is put into the hands of the law you will -eventually be hanged." - -In his cold, calm, accusing way, Morgan was doing everything in his -power to unsettle Frank's nerves. As he spoke, he watched the youth as a -hawk watches its prey. - -"I fail to see your object in coming to me with this," said Merry. "It -seems most remarkable. If you intend to push such a charge against me, -why don't you go ahead and do it? Why do you tell me what you -contemplate doing? The proper method is to secure every scrap of -evidence and then have me arrested without warning and thrown into -jail." - -"I have all the evidence I need," asserted the money king. "Merriwell, I -have men who will swear that you fired that shot." - -"Did they see me do it?" - -"They did." - -"Most amazing, Morgan! Are you aware of the fact that Sukes was shot in -the dark? Are you aware that every light in the place had first been -extinguished by other shots? Will you explain to me how any one could -have seen me shoot him under such circumstances?" - -"One of the men was standing within two feet of you. He saw the flash of -your weapon, as did the other man, who was a little farther away." - -Frank smiled derisively. - -"Wonderful evidence!" he said. "I doubt a great deal if a jury anywhere -in this country would convict a man on such proof. At the time, as I -think you will acknowledge, there was another man who did some shooting. -I deny that I fired the shot. But even had I done so, who could say that -it was not I who shot out the lights and the other man who killed Milton -Sukes?" - -"Did you know that you left a pistol with your name upon it in a hotel -where you stopped in Snowflake?" - -"I did nothing of the sort." - -"You did, Merriwell! The bullet that killed Sukes is in my possession. -It is a bullet such as would have been fired from that pistol. The -pistol is in my possession, Merriwell! I have the evidence against you, -and you can't escape!" - -"Although you are lying in every particular, Morgan, I am curious to -know what your game may be. What is behind this singular procedure of -yours?" - -Macklyn Morgan seemed to hesitate for a few moments, and then, leaning -forward on the edge of his chair and holding up one finger, he suddenly -exclaimed: - -"There is only one escape for you!" - -"And that is----" - -"If I abandon the case you may escape. If I drop it there will be no one -to push it." - -"And you will drop it?" questioned Merry, with pretended anxiety. "On -what inducements?" - -"Now you're coming to your senses," nodded the man. "Now I fancy you -comprehend just where you are. You possess several mines, and they are -of considerable value. I have spent some money to get possession of one -of those mines, having, as both Milton Sukes and I believed, a good -claim to it. I speak of the Queen Mystery. Frank Merriwell, the day you -deed over to me the Queen Mystery and give me possession of it I will -abandon my determination to prosecute you for murder. I will even place -such proofs as I have in your hands and you may destroy them. Of course -there will remain the two men who are ready to swear they saw you fire -the shot, but they may be easily silenced. That's my proposition. And it -is by that method alone you can save your neck. Now give me your -answer." - -"I will!" exclaimed Merriwell suddenly. - -And then, with a spring, he seized Macklyn Morgan by the collar. -Immediately he ran the man to the door, which he hurled open. - -"That is my answer!" he cried, as he kicked Morgan out of the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE MESSENGER. - - -As Morgan was hurled headlong from Merry's room he collided with a man -outside, who was very nearly upset. This young man caught a glimpse of -Frank in the act of violently ejecting the man of money, and what -immediately happened to Morgan was the result of this discovery. - -"What's the meaning of this great agitation by which you seek to -overthrow my corporosity?" savagely demanded Cap'n Wiley, for it was he. -"This insult to my indignity is several degrees beyond my comprehension, -and without waste of verbosity or the expenditure of violent language, I -feel called upon to precipitate your corporosity on its journey." - -Saying which, he sprang, catlike, on the millionaire, seized him, ran -him swiftly along the corridor and flung him head over heels down the -stairs. As Morgan crashed to the bottom, Wiley stood at the head of the -stairs, his arms akimbo, nodding with satisfaction, and remarked: - -"Possibly that jarred you some." - -Morgan was not seriously hurt, but he arose in a terrible fury. - -"I will land you both where you belong for this outrage!" he declared, -white to the lips. "I will place you both behind iron bars!" - -Then he limped away. Merriwell had followed, and his hand fell on the -sailor's shoulder. - -"Why do you mix up in this, Wiley?" he demanded sternly. "It was not -your quarrel." - -"If I have offended by my impulsive and impetuous demeanor, I entreat -pardon," said the sailor. "When the gent bumped me and I saw that he had -been scientifically ejected by you, I couldn't resist the temptation to -give him another gentle boost." - -"And by doing so you may find yourself in a peck of trouble," said -Frank. "That man has power and influence, and he will try to make good -his threat, which you heard. He is a money king." - -"What is money?" loftily returned Wiley. "I scorn the filthy stuff. But, -regardless of his money, it seems to me that you unhesitatingly elevated -his anatomy with the toe of your boot." - -"It was my quarrel, Wiley; and there is no reason why you should pitch -in." - -"My dear comrade, I ever feel it my duty to stand by my friends, and -your quarrel in some degree must be mine. I inferred that in some manner -he offended you most copiously." - -"He did arouse my ire," admitted Merry, as he walked back to his room, -followed by the sailor. "But he is the sort of a man who will seek to -make good his threat and place us behind bars." - -"It will not be the first time your humble servant has lingered in -endurance vile. In connection with that, I might mention another little -nannygoat. On the last occasion when I indulged too freely in Western -jag juice I was living in regal splendor in one of those hotels where -they have lots of furniture and little to eat. I started out to put a -red stripe on the city, and somewhere during my cruise I lost my -bearings. I didn't seem to remember much of anything after that until I -awoke with my throat feeling as dry as the desert of Sahara and my head -splitting. - -"Just where I was I couldn't tell. I had some vague remembrance of -whooping things up in glorious style, and knew I had been hitting the -redeye. In a somewhat dormant condition I stretched my hands above my -head, and, to my horror, they encountered iron bars. This aroused me -slightly, and I looked in that direction and beheld before me, to my -unutterable dismay, the bars I had touched. 'Cap'n,' says I, 'you have -again collided with the blue-coated guardians of the peace, and you are -pinched.' - -"I noted, however, that these iron bars seemed somewhat frail and -slender, and it struck me that my colossal strength might be able to -bend them. With the thought of escape, I wrenched the bars apart and -thrust my head between them. By vigorous pushing I injected my -shoulders, but there I stuck. In spite of all my desperate efforts, I -could not crawl through, and I finally discovered that I couldn't get -back. I floundered and kicked a while and then gave it up and yelled for -help. My cries finally brought some one, who entered the place and -dragged me from the trap, at the same time nearly shaving off my left -ear with one of the bars. My rescuer proved to be a hotel attendant, who -asked me, in no small astonishment, what I was trying to do. Then, to my -inexpressible relief, on sitting up and looking round, I found that I -was in my own room at the hotel, where I had somehow landed, and that my -delusion had led me to endeavor to escape from limbo by crawling through -the bars at the head of my iron bedstead. I gave the attendant who had -dragged me out seven thousand dollars and pledged him to eternal -silence. This is the first time my lips have ever betrayed the tale to -mortal ears." - -In spite of the humor of the sailor's whimsical story, Merry did not -laugh. This convinced Wiley that the affair with Macklyn Morgan was far -more serious than he had at first apprehended. - -"Cap'n," said Frank, "I wish you would find Dick and send him here. -After that, if you can get track of Morgan and keep watch of his -movements it will be a good thing. I'd like to know just what he means -to do." - -"Depend upon me," nodded the sailor. "I will shadow him with all the -skill of those heroes about whom I used to read in the yellow-backed -literature." - -Saying which, he hastily left the room. Within ten minutes Dick appeared -and found Merry walking up and down. - -"What's the matter, Frank?" he asked. "From Wiley's words I inferred -there was trouble in the air." - -"There is," Merry nodded; and he proceeded to tell his brother the whole -story. - -Dick's indignation burst forth. - -"The unmitigated scoundrel!" he cried. "Tried to force you to give up -the Queen Mystery, did he?" - -"That was his game." - -"Well, you didn't give him half what he deserves. And he threatened to -have you arrested for murder--you, Frank, arrested for murder!" - -Merry smiled grimly. - -"That was the threat he made." - -"But it was a bluff, Frank--a bluff pure and simple. He will never try -that game." - -"You can't tell what a man like Morgan may try. Sukes was desperate and -dangerous, but I regard Macklyn Morgan as even more so. As a rule, he is -quiet, cold, and calculating, and he lays his plans well. He would not -have started in on this thing had he not been convinced that there was a -good prospect of succeeding." - -"Why, he can't succeed! It is impossible!" - -"I don't propose to let him succeed, but I feel certain I am going to -have a hot time with him. I am ready for it; let it come." - -Again Frank's fighting blood was aroused, and Dick saw it in the -sternness of his handsome face and the gleam of his flashing eyes. - -"That's the talk, Frank!" cried the boy, thrilled by the spirit of his -brother. "They can't down you. They've tried it and failed too many -times. But what are your plans now? You intend to start for the new -mines early to-morrow?" - -"I may alter my plans. I may remain here for a while to face Macklyn -Morgan. For all of his power and his money, I think I have a few friends -and some influence in Prescott. There is one, at least, whom I can -depend upon, and that is Frank Mansfield. He is white to the bone, and -he always stands by his friends." - -"But you cannot depend upon your friends alone in an emergency like -this," said Dick. "You will have to rely on yourself. Of course, Brad -and I will stand by you, no matter what happens." - -While they were talking Wiley came rushing in. - -"The gent who lately descended the stairs with such graceful impetuosity -is now in consultation with the city marshal," he declared. "I traced -him thither, and I have left one Bradley Buckhart to linger near and -keep an eagle eye upon his movements." - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Dick; "I believe he does mean to have you arrested, -Frank." - -"His movement seems to indicate something of the sort," was Frank's cool -confession. "I suppose he will make a charge of personal assault, with -the idea of putting me to inconvenience and detaining me until he can -again try the effect of his threats of arrest on a more serious charge. -Were I sure things are all right at the Enchanted Valley, I would not -mind. I am afraid you have made a mess of it, cap'n, in sending those -men there." - -"It seems that I have a clever little way of putting my foot into it," -retorted the sailor. "When I seek to do what I supremely consider to be -for the best I make a bobble." - -"Yet we will not worry over that now," said Merry. "However, in case of -emergency, Dick, I wish you to have my horse constantly ready for me. If -anything happens that I decide to get out in a hurry, you, and Brad, and -Wiley are to take care of Felicia and little Abe." - -"All right," nodded Dick. "I will see to it at once." - -Ten minutes later Frank was standing alone upon the steps of the hotel, -when a man on horseback came riding furiously down the street. He was -covered with dust, and his horse was so spent that it was only by the -most savage urging that the beast was forced into a gallop. Behind the -man, at a distance, came two more horsemen, who were likewise spurring -their mounts mercilessly. Plainly they were in pursuit of the man in -advance. - -As Merry was wondering what it meant, the horse of the fugitive went -down, as if shot, directly in front of the hotel, flinging the rider, -who seemed stunned. - -With a great clatter of hoofs, the pursuers came up and stopped short, -leaping from their saddles. As one of them dismounted, he whipped out a -wicked-looking knife. Both seemed to be desperadoes, and it was evident -that their intention toward the fugitive was anything but friendly. - -Now, it was not Frank's nature to stand idly by and see two men jump on -a third who was helpless and do him up. Without a moment's hesitation, -Merry leaped from the steps and rushed upon those men. A heavy blow sent -one of them to the ground. - -The other had stooped above the fallen man when Frank's toe precipitated -him headlong and caused him to roll over and over in the dust. - -At the same time Merriwell drew a pistol. - -"Get up and sneak, both of you!" he ordered. "If you linger, I will blow -a window in each of you!" - -Muttering oaths, the ruffians rose, but the look they saw in Frank's -face caused them to decide that the best thing they could do would be to -obey. - -"It's none of your funeral!" cried one, as he grasped the bridle rein of -his horse. - -"But it will be yours if you linger here ten seconds!" retorted Merry. -"Git! If you value your skins, don't even turn to look back until you -are out of shooting distance." - -As the baffled ruffians were retreating, the fugitive sat up, slowly -recovering from his shock. - -"Thank you, pard," he said. "It was mighty lucky for me you pitched in -just as you did. But for you, they had me dead to rights, and I opine -they would have finished me." - -"What is it all about?" questioned Merry. - -"Got a message," answered the man. "Got to send it without fail. They -meant to stop me. It has been a hot run. They headed me off from Bigbug, -and I had to strike for this town. They've wasted lots of lead on me; -but they were riding too fast to shoot well. And I didn't hold up to -give them an easy chance at me." - -As the man was speaking, Merry assisted him to his feet. His horse had -likewise risen, but stood with hanging head, completely pegged out. - -"Poor devil!" said the man, sympathetically patting the creature's neck. -"It's a wonder I didn't kill you. But even if I did, I was going to send -the message to Frank Merriwell, if possible." - -"What's that?" shouted Frank, in astonishment. "A message to Frank -Merriwell! Man, I am Frank Merriwell!" - -"You?" was the almost incredulous answer. "Why, Hodge told me to wire to -San Diego. He said it might reach you there." - -"I am just back from San Diego. Give me the message." - -The man fumbled in his pocket and brought forth a crumpled piece of -paper, which he placed in Merriwell's hand. - -Opening the paper, this was what Merry read: - - "If possible, come at once. Trouble at the mines. Plot to seize - them. --Hodge." - -"Come into the hotel," said Frank, turning to the man who had brought -this message. "We will send some one to take charge of your horse." - -The man followed him. Having asked that the horse be cared for, Merry -instructed his companion to follow, and he proceeded to his room. - -"What's your name?" he asked. - -"It's Colvin--Dash Colvin." - -"Well, Colvin, you are from the Enchanted Valley?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You were one of the men engaged by Wiley, I presume?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"It seems that Hodge trusts you?" - -"He did, sir." - -"What's the trouble there?" - -"Those men are plotting a heap to take the mines, sir. Hodge discovered -it." - -"How did he make the discovery?" - -"That I don't know. He discovers it, somehow, and he sends me with this -yere message. He picks me out and asks me could he trust me a whole lot. -I tells him he could, and he chances it. I plans with him to git out in -the night, and I does so." - -"But you were followed?" - -"Yes. One of the crew sees me a-talking with Mr. Hodge, and they -suspects me. Arter that they watches me mighty close. That makes it -plenty hard for me to git away. I don't opine I am much more than out of -the valley afore they finds out I am gone. I didn't think they'd git on -so quick, and so I fails to push as hard as I might at first. Shortly -after sun-up I sees two horsemen coming miles behind me. Even then I'm -not dead sure they're arter me. But they was, sir--they was. I had a -hard run for it, but I have made good by getting the message to you." - -"And you shan't lose by it, Colvin. Be sure of that. Did you know about -this plot to seize the mines--before Hodge discovered it?" - -"I knows there was something up, sir; but the rest of the gang they -don't trust me complete, and so I don't find out just what was a-doing. -I sees them whispering and acting queer, and I thinks there's trouble -brewing before Hodge speaks to me about it." - -"What sort of men are they?" - -"A right tough lot, Mr. Merriwell. They has liquor, too. Somehow it's -brought to them, but the head one of the bunch, Texas Bland, he don't -ladle it out free at once. He seems to keep it for some occasion later." - -Merry's face wore a serious expression. - -"How many men do you think there are in this plot?" - -"Fifteen or twenty, sir." - -"All armed?" - -"Every mother's son of them." - -"If I had my Thirty!" muttered Frank. - -But he was not prepared with an organized force to meet the plotting -ruffians, and he felt that it would require precious time in order to -get together a band of fighting men. - -"Whatever do you propose to do, Mr. Merriwell?" asked Colvin. - -"I see it is necessary for me to lose no time in reaching the mines." - -"But you don't go alone, I judge? You takes some good men with you?" - -"If possible." - -"Better do it, sir. That gang is a heap tough, and it takes twice as -many men to down 'em." - -"Not twice as many of the right sort. I have two or three comrades I can -depend upon." - -"But two or three are no good, Mr. Merriwell; you hears me." - -"Perhaps not; but if I can get the move on those rascals it will count -in my favor." - -"Now, don't you reckon any on holding those mines with the aid of two or -three backers," warned Dash Colvin. "You will never do it." - -At this juncture Dick came in. - -"Your horse is ready, Frank," he said. "I have given orders to have it -saddled and held prepared for you." - -"I may have to use it within an hour." - -Dick immediately perceived that some new development had transpired, and -he glanced from his brother to the stranger in the room. - -"What is now, Frank?" he anxiously questioned. - -"Read that," said Merry, thrusting the message into his hand. - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Dick, "this is bad business, Frank--bad business! -How did you get this?" - -"It was brought by Mr. Colvin here. He was pursued and barely reached me -with his life." - -"Which I allows I would not have done but for Mr. Merriwell himself," -said Colvin. "My horse throws me unexpected, and the two galoots arter -me has me down and is about to silence me some when Mr. Merriwell takes -a hand." - -"Are you sure this is straight goods?" questioned Dick. - -"That's Bart's writing," declared Merry. "I'd know it anywhere." - -"Then there can be no mistake." - -"Certainly not. Colvin tells me that there are fifteen or more ruffians -in this plot." - -"Do you believe, Frank, that it is their scheme?" - -"I can't say." - -"Perhaps this Macklyn Morgan is behind it." - -"He may be." - -"I believe he is!" cried Dick. "Somehow I am confident of it, Frank. If -he detains you here in Prescott, you will lose those mines. You must get -out of this place without delay." - -"It certainly looks that way. I shall do so, Dick." - -"But we must go with you." - -"Have you thought of Felicia? She is here. Some one must remain to look -after her." - -"But, good gracious, Frank! I can't stay here, knowing that you are in -such difficulties. It is impossible!" - -"It may seem impossible to you, Dick, but you know the peril through -which Felicia has lately passed. You also know that Black Joaquin is at -liberty and may find her again." - -"But can't we take her?" - -"Do you think she is prepared to endure the hardships she would be -compelled to face? No, Dick, it can't be done. You will have to stay -with her." - -"I will be crazy, Frank. When I think of you pitting yourself against -such odds I will literally explode." - -Dick's cheeks were flushed and he was panting with excitement. It seemed -that even then the scent of battle was in his nostrils and he longed for -the fray. - -"Don't let your hot blood run away with your judgment, boy," half smiled -Merriwell. "Colvin, do you know anybody in Prescott?" - -"I reckons not, sir." - -"You don't know a man you can depend upon--a good fighter who will stick -by us if paid well?" - -"Nary a one, sir." - -"Then that's not to be reckoned on." - -Merriwell frowned as he walked the floor. Of a sudden there came a sound -of heavy feet outside and the door burst open. Into the room strode Brad -Buckhart, color in his cheeks and fire in his eyes. - -"Waugh!" he cried. "Get out your artillery and prepare for action!" - -"What's up now, Brad?" demanded Frank. - -"I certain judge they're after you in earnest," said the Texan. "Cap'n -Wiley left me to watch a fine gent named Morgan. I did the trick, and -I'll bet my shooting irons that Morgan has a warrant sworn out for you -this minute, and he is on his way here with officers. They mean to jug -you, pard, sure as shooting. You hear me gently murmur!" - -"Then," said Frank calmly, "it's about time for me to make myself scarce -in Prescott." - -"If you're going, you want to get a move on," declared Brad. "I am not a -whole lot ahead of old Morgan and the officers." - -Even as he spoke there reached their ears the sound of many feet -outside. - -"Here they come!" said Dick. - -With a leap, the Texan reached the door and pressed himself against it. -A hand fell on the knob of the door, but the powerful shoulder of -Buckhart prevented any one from entering. Immediately there was a heavy -knock. - -"Open this door!" commanded a voice. - -"Who is there? and what do you want?" demanded Buckhart. - -"We want Frank Merriwell. Open this door!" - -"Perhaps you will wait some," retorted Brad. - -Then another voice was heard outside, and it was that of Morgan himself. - -"Break down the door!" he commanded. "Merriwell is in there! Break it -down!" - -"Remember my instructions, Dick," said Frank, as he coolly turned and -opened a window. "Just hold this window a moment." - -On the door there fell a crashing blow. - -"That's right!" growled Buckhart, who remained immovable. "I hope you -don't damage yourself in doing it." - -Frank balanced himself on the window ledge, glancing downward. - -"Remember, Dick," he said again. - -Crash, crash! fell the blows upon the door. It could not withstand such -shocks, and the hinges began to break clear. - -"I am good for four seconds more!" grated Brad, maintaining his -position. - -Frank made a light spring outward and dropped. It was more than fifteen -feet to the ground, but he landed like a cat upon his feet, turned to -wave his hand to Dick, and disappeared round the corner. - -Dick quietly lowered the window. - -"Let them in, Brad," he said. - -The Texan sprang away from the door and two men came plunging into the -room as it fell. Behind them was a third, and behind him was Macklyn -Morgan. - -Dick faced them, his eyes flashing. - -"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. - -"Where is Frank Merriwell?" questioned one of the officers. - -"He is here! He is here!" asserted Morgan, in the doorway. "I know he is -here!" - -"You're a whole lot wise," sneered Buckhart. "You certain could have -given old Solomon a few points! I admire you a great deal--not!" - -"He is hiding somewhere in this room," asserted Morgan, paying no -attention to the Texan. - -"If that is so, he may as well come out," said the leading officer. "We -will have him in a minute." - -"Go ahead," said Dick, beginning to laugh. "Pull him out." - -Dick's laughter was tantalizing, and one of the officers became enraged -and threatened him. - -"Why, you're real amusing!" said Dick. "Ha! ha! ha! Oh! ha! ha! ha! Some -one has a door to pay for. There is a joke on somebody here." - -"Who are you?" demanded Morgan. - -Dick took a step nearer, his dark eyes fixing on the man's face. - -"Who am I? I will tell you who I am. I am Frank Merriwell's brother." - -"His brother? I have heard of you." - -"Not for the last time, Macklyn Morgan; nor have you heard of Frank for -the last time. Your plot will fizzle. Your infamous schemes will fail. -You know what the plotting of your partner, Milton Sukes, brought him -to. Look out, Mr. Morgan--look out for yourself!" - -"Don't you dare threaten me, you impudent young whelp!" raged Morgan. - -"You will find, sir, that I dare tell you just what you are. Your money -and your power do not alarm me in the least. You're an unscrupulous -scoundrel! You have trumped up a charge against my brother. He will fool -you, and he will show you up, just as he did Milton Sukes. Where is -Sukes now? Look out, Macklyn Morgan!" - -Although usually able to command his passions and appear cold as ice, -the words of this fearless, dark-eyed lad were too much for Morgan, and -he lifted his clinched fist. - -Quick as thought, his wrist was seized by Buckhart, who growled in his -ear: - -"If you ever hit my pard, you will take a trip instanter to join Milton -Sukes down below!" - -Then he thrust Morgan aside. In the meantime the officers had been -searching the room. They opened the closet, looked under the bed, and -inspected every place where a person could hide. - -"You're mistaken," said one of them. "Your man is not here." - -"He must be!" asserted Morgan. "I know it!" - -"You can see for yourself he is not here." - -"Then where is he?" - -As this question fell from Morgan's lips there was a clatter of hoofs -outside. Morgan himself glanced from the window and quickly uttered a -cry of baffled rage. - -"There he is now!" he shouted. "There he goes on a horse! He is getting -away! After him!" - -"And may the Old Nick give you the luck you deserve!" laughed Dick. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -A DESPERATE SITUATION. - - -Morning in the Enchanted Valley. Bart Hodge was standing in front of a -newly constructed cabin. His ear was turned to listen for sounds of -labor from the lower end of the valley, where a crew of men was supposed -to be at work building other cabins. The valley was strangely still. - -"They're not working," muttered Hodge, a dark frown on his face. "They -have quit. What will this day bring? Oh, if Frank were only here!" - -Finally, as he stood there, to his ears from far down the valley came a -faint sound of hoarse voices singing. - -"I know the meaning of that!" he declared. "They're drinking. At last -Bland has given them the liquor. They're getting ready for their work." - -He turned back into the cabin, the door of which stood open. From a peg -on the wall he took down a Winchester rifle and carefully examined it, -making sure the magazine was filled and the weapon in perfect working -order. He also looked over a brace of revolvers, which he carried ready -for use. - -Tossing the rifle in the hollow of his left arm, he left the cabin and -turned toward the end of the valley where the men were engaged. He -observed some caution in approaching that portion of the valley. At last -he reached a point amid some bowlders from which he could look down into -a slight hollow, where stood some half-constructed cabins upon which the -men had been working. - -Not one of them was at work now. They were lying around carelessly, or -sitting in such shade as they could find, smoking and drinking. Several -bottles were being passed from hand to hand. Already two or three of -them seemed much under the influence of liquor, and one bowlegged fellow -greatly amused the others by an irregular, unsteady dance, during which -he kicked out first with one foot and then with the other, like a skirt -dancer. At intervals some of them sang a melancholy sort of song. - -"The miserable dogs!" grated Bart. "They're ready to defy me now and -carry out their treacherous plans." - -A tall man, with a black mustache and imperial, stepped among the -others, saying a word now and then and seeming to be their leader. - -"You're the one, Texas Bland!" whispered Hodge. "You have led them into -this!" - -As he thought of this his fingers suddenly gripped the rifle, and he -longed to lean over the bowlder before him, steady his aim, and send a -bullet through Texas Bland. Bart was unaware that two men were -approaching until they were close upon him. This compelled him, if he -wished to escape observation, to draw back somewhat, and he did so. He -did not crouch or make any great effort at hiding, for such a thing he -disdained to do. He was not observed, however, although the men stopped -within a short distance. - -"Well, what do yer think o' this game, Dug?" said one of them, who was -squat and sandy. - -"I reckons the boss has it all his own way, Bight," retorted the other, -a leathery-faced chap with tobacco-stained beard. - -"The boss!" exclaimed Bight. "Mebbe you tells me who is the boss?" - -"Why, Bland, of course," said Dug. "He is the boss." - -"Mebbe he is, and then--mebbe again," returned the sandy one. - -"Well, we takes our orders from him." - -"Sartin; but I reckons he takes his orders from some one else." - -Bight pulled out a bottle. - -"Now," he said, "he furnished plenty o' this. My neck is getting dry. -How is yourn, Dug?" - -"Ready to squeak," returned Dug, grasping the bottle his comrade -extended. - -When they had lowered its contents until very little was left, Bight -observed: - -"I s'pose Bland he's going to chaw up this yere chap, Hodge?" - -"Sure thing," nodded Dug. "Pretty soon he calls Hodge down yere on a -pretense o' business or something, and then he kicks up a fuss with him. -He has it all fixed for several of the boys to plug him as soon as the -fuss starts. That settles his hash." - -The eyes of Bart Hodge gleamed savagely. - -"I wonder how he gits onter it that anything's up?" questioned Dug. -"Mebbe that sneak, Colvin, tells him." - -"Mebbe so," nodded Bight. "Anyhow, nobody trusts Colvin none, and I -opines he'd been polished off here ef he'd stayed." - -"And he'll sartin never git very fur," declared Dug. "Them boys arter -him will sure run him down and make buzzard bait o' him." - -Hearing this, Hodge knew for the first time that there were men in -pursuit of Colvin, his messenger, who had slipped out of the valley the -previous night. Colvin had sworn, if he lived, to carry the message for -Frank to the nearest telegraph station and send it. But he was pursued -by ruffians who meant to slay him. It was doubtful if he reached a -telegraph office. If he failed, of course Merriwell would remain -uninformed as to the situation in the Enchanted Valley and would not -hurry about returning there. - -Even if Colvin succeeded, it might be too late. Bart believed it -probable that Merry was in San Diego or that vicinity, and therefore it -would take him some time to reach Prescott and travel by horse from -Prescott to the valley. Long before he could make such a journey the -mutineers would be able to accomplish their evil design. - -"Who do you s'pose is back of this yere business, Dug?" said Bight. "You -thinks Bland is not behind it, does yer?" - -"Dead sartin. Bland he never does this fer hisself. He wouldn't dare. It -wouldn't do him no good." - -"Why not?" - -"Because he can't hold this yere mine and work it. Somebody locates him, -and he has to evaporate, for his record counts agin' him. Howsomever, he -can jump the mine for some other gent and git paid fer doing the trick, -arter which he ambles into the distance and gently disappears. This is -his little game, and I will bet on it." - -"I wonders some who the gent is behind it." - -"That's nothing much ter us as long as we gits our coin." - -"Does we git it sure?" - -"You bet I gits mine. Ef I don't, there'll be blazes a-roaring around -yere." - -"Why, you don't buck up agin' Bland none?" half laughed the other. "You -knows better than ter do that." - -"I don't do it by my lonesome; but if I raises a holler there is others -does the same thing. But I will git my dust, all right. Don't you worry -about that." - -At this point several of the men in the vicinity of the unfinished -cabins set up a wild yell of laughter. One of their number had attempted -to imitate the awkward motions of the former dancer and had fallen -sprawling on his stomach. Immediately after this burst of laughter the -men began to sing again. - -"That oughter bring this yere Hodge over this way," said Dug, with a -hoarse laugh. "Ordinarily he comes a-whooping to see what is up, and he -raises thunder. He sets himself up as a boss what is to be obeyed, and I -reckons so far he has had the boys jumping when he gives orders." - -"If he comes over now," observed Bight, "he gits his medicine in a -hurry. I don't care any about shooting him up, so I am for staying away -from the rest of the bunch." - -"Oh! what ails yer?" growled Dug. - -"It's murder!" said Bight. - -"Well, I opines you has cooked yer man afore this?" - -"Ef I ever has," retorted Bight, "it certain was in self-defense." - -"I reckon you're something of a squealer, pard," sneered Dug. "You wants -to git your share o' the dust without taking no part in the danger. You -tells how you raises a roar if you don't git your coin, but what does -yer do to earn it?" - -"Well, I fights some when I has to," returned Bight, rather savagely. -"Mebbe you talks too much to me, Dug, and you gits yourself into some -trouble." - -Bight was ugly now, and his companion involuntarily retreated a step, -for the squat chap had a reputation as a fighter. - -"Go slow, pard!" exclaimed Dug. "I am not a-picking trouble with you." - -"All right, all right," nodded Bight, "Only just be a little keerful--a -little keerful. Don't think just because a gent don't keer about -shooting another gent down promiscuous-like that he is soft and easy. -There's Texas Bland out yander. He has a reputation as a bad man. Well, -partner, I picks no quarrels with him, but if he stomps on my tail he -gets my claws." - -"What's that?" exclaimed Dug, in astonishment. "You ain't a-giving it -ter me that you bucks up agin' Bland, are yer?" - -"I am a-giving it ter yer that I does in case I has to. I don't propose -any ter have ter do it. I jines in with this yer move because it seems -popular with the gang, and I am none anxious ter work myself. This yere -is a nice bunch o' miners, now, ain't it? Why, the gent what hires this -outfit and brings it yere had a whole lot better stick to his sailoring -business! He may know how to pick out seamen, but it's right certain he -makes a mess of it when it comes to engaging miners." - -"That's right," agreed Dug. "And he certain is the biggest liar it ever -were my pleasure to harken unto. The way he can tell things to make a -galoot's eyes bug out is a whole lot remarkable. Whither he gits his -lively imagination I cannot surmise. Let's see, whatever was his name?" - -"Wiley--Cap'n Wiley he calls himself." - -"Well, however does he happen to be hiring men for this yere mine? I -don't judge any that he is interested in it." - -"Not a whole lot. The mine is owned by a gent named Merriwell, and by -this yere Hodge. Them two locates it." - -"Relocates it, you mean. I onderstand it were located original by -another gent what is dead now. And I reckons some that it is through -this other gent's action that the man that is back o' this yere jumping -movement is going to stake his claim to the mine. I hears one o' the -boys say that if Bland ain't back o' the game, it sartin is a gent with -heaps o' money--one o' them yere money kings we hears about." - -This conversation was of no simple interest to Hodge, for, although it -did not reveal the instigator of the movement, it satisfied him that the -plot did not originate among the men themselves. Some enemy of Frank -Merriwell must be behind it all. As Sukes was dead, it was not easy for -Bart to conjecture who this new enemy was. - -After a few moments more the two ruffians finished the contents of the -bottle and moved slowly away. This gave Hodge an opportunity to turn -back toward his cabin, and he hastened to get away from that dangerous -locality. - -"It's well for me that I suspected what was up," he muttered, as he -hurried along. "Under ordinary circumstances, failing to hear the men at -work and hearing their singing and shouts, I should have hastened over -and demanded to know the meaning of it. As a result they would have -finished me in short order. Now I am prepared for them. But what can I -do? What can I do alone?" - -The situation seemed desperate and hopeless. - -Another fellow in Bart's position, and realizing his desperate peril, -might have lost no time in getting out of the valley. Even though he -happened to be a courageous person, his judgment might have led him to -pursue such a course, for certainly it seemed a wild and hopeless plan -to think of remaining there alone and contending against those ruffians. - -Bart, however, was an obstinate chap and one in whom fear was an emotion -seldom experienced. Not that he had always been fearless, for as a boy -he had sometimes felt the thrill of terror; but his iron will had -conquered, and time after time he had refused to submit to the approach -of the slightest timidity, until at last fear seemed banished from his -heart. Now, as he hastened back to the cabin, he revolved in his mind -certain thoughts in regard to the situation; but not once did he -entertain the idea of leaving the valley and abandoning it to those -desperadoes. - -"I will stay," he muttered. "I will stay as long as I am able to shoot. -While I live they will never gain full possession of the valley. Merry -left me here to guard this property, and I will do it with my life. But -for Wiley's carelessness----" - -He stopped, suddenly struck by a startling suspicion. - -"Was it carelessness?" he asked himself. - -An instant later he was ashamed of the suspicion, for he remembered how -on other occasions he had suspected Wiley, and each time had found -himself wrong. - -"No, no," murmured Hodge; "it was simply a blunder, on Wiley's part. He -remembered Merriwell's thirty, and thought he was doing the right thing -in engaging men of similar calibre. The cap'n is on the level." - -Still troubled and perplexed by his thoughts, he grew, if possible, more -fixed in his determination to defend the mines single-handed. He -approached the cabin, the door of which was still standing open as he -left it. Hurrying in, he stopped, suddenly turned to stone as he saw -sitting on the floor, with his back against the wall, a human being, who -was calmly smoking a long pipe. - -A moment later the muzzle of Bart's revolver covered this figure, which, -however, did not stir or lift a hand. Coming, as he did, from the bright -light outside into the shadows within the cabin, Hodge failed at first -to note more than that the smoker who sat thus was wrapped in an old -blanket. After a moment or two, however, he finally saw that he was face -to face with an aged, wrinkled, leathery-skinned Indian. The little -sharp eyes of the old savage were fixed steadily on Bart's face, and he -betrayed not a symptom of alarm as Hodge brought the rifle to bear upon -him. With stoical calmness he deliberately pulled at his pipe. - -"What in thunder are you doing here?" demanded Hodge, in astonishment. - -"Ugh!" was the only reply vouchsafed. - -Somehow that grunt seemed familiar. Bart had heard it before, but it -simply increased his amazement. Lowering the rifle, he stared -wonderingly. - -"Great Scott!" he breathed. "Is it possible? Are you old Joe?" - -"Heap same," was the curt answer. - -In a twinkling Bart dropped the rifle on the table and strode forward to -shake the hand of an old friend. - -"Old Joe Crowfoot!" he shouted. "Where under the stars did you drop -from?" - -"Joe he come visit. How, how!" - -"Why, you amazing old Nomad!" cried Bart, in delight. "You're always -turning up just when you're wanted the most, and if ever you were wanted -it is now." - -"Frank him not here?" - -"No." - -"Joe he want see Frank." - -"If that's the case, you will have to wait a while." - -"Strong Heart he better be here," declared the aged redskin. "Heap lot -o' trouble pretty soon." - -"That's right, Joe. But how do you know anything about it?" - -"Joe he know. Him no fool. Him find out." - -Bart had extended his hand, and now he assisted the old man to his feet. -Although old Joe tried to conceal the fact, he seemed rather stiff in -his joints just then. - -"What's the matter, Crowfoot?" questioned Bart. "Rheumatism troubles you -again?" - -"Debble got old Joe in his bones," indignantly returned the savage. "Old -Joe him no good any more. Make old Joe mad when him think he no good." - -Under other circumstances the indignation of the redskin over his -infirmities might have been somewhat amusing. - -"But tell me--tell me how you came to be here at this time," questioned -Hodge. "We last saw you away up in Wyoming. You said then that you'd -never travel south again." - -"Heap think so then. When winter he come Joe have debble ache in his -bones plenty bad. Sabe?" - -"And so the rheumatism and cold weather drove you south, eh?" - -"One time," said the redskin, drawing his blanket about his shoulders -with an air of dignity, "Joe him face cold and never feel um. One time -him no care how cold. One time he laugh at snow and ice. Then all him -bones be good. Then old Joe a heap strong to hunt. Now it ain't the -same. Once Joe him hunt the grizzly bear for game; now he hunt poker." - -In spite of himself, Bart was forced to smile. He knew something of the -skill of old Joe at the white man's game of poker, and the thought of -the old Indian who had once tracked the grizzly now turned to gambling -was both amusing and remarkable. - -"So that is what brought you south. You turned this way to escape the -cold and to find at the same time the kind of game you were after?" - -"Heap so," nodded Crowfoot, as he produced from beneath his blanket a -greasy pack of cards. "I came to play some. Mebbe I find um good players -here." - -"I don't know where, Joe," said Hodge. - -"Mebbe over yon," suggested the Indian, waving his hand toward the -southern end of the valley. - -"See here, Joe," said Bart, "those men down there are my enemies. They -have betrayed me. There are valuable mines in this valley, and they -belong to Frank Merriwell and myself. These ruffians mean to seize them. -Even now they are ready to shoot me on sight, and intend to drop Frank -when he appears." - -"Heap bad," observed Joe, without betraying the slightest emotion. - -"Bad!" cried Hodge. "I should say so!" - -"Too many for you, Black Eyes," asserted the redskin. "Mebbe you pull up -stake and lope?" - -"Not by a blamed sight!" grated Hodge. "I will stay here and defend -these mines as long as I am able to lift a weapon." - -The Indian shook his head. - -"Heap young, heap young," he declared, as if speaking to himself. "Blood -hot. Joe him know. Once him blood hot." - -"Well, you don't suppose I'd let them drive me out, do you?" indignantly -demanded Hodge. "You don't think I'd betray Frank like that! He left me -here in charge of the property, and here I will remain. I want you to -stick by me, Joe." - -"Ugh!" grunted the old fellow noncommittally. "Mebbe not much difference -to old Joe. I may croak pretty soon now. Mebbe only make it some -quicker." - -"Perhaps that's right," said Hodge slowly. "I have no right to ask you -to lose your life in helping me fight against overwhelming odds. It's -not your quarrel, Joe. You can do as you please." - -"Joe him think it over," said the Indian. "No like to see Frank lose um -mines, but him have plenty more." - -Bart turned away, not without a feeling of disappointment. As he did so, -through the still open door he caught a glimpse of a man who was -advancing toward the cabin. Instantly he strode toward the door, and his -eyes rested on Texas Bland, who was several rods away. - -"Oh, Mr. Hodge!" Bland called at once. "I want yer ter come over yon. -The men has quit work, and they refuse to strike another stroke." - -Trying to repress and conceal his indignation, Bart asked, as if wholly -unsuspicious of the real situation: - -"What's the matter, Bland?" - -"I dunno," lied the scoundrel. "I can't make 'em work; perhaps you can, -sir." - -Suddenly, almost without being aware of what was happening, Bart -permitted his hot indignation to get the best of his judgment. -Instantly, as he stepped out of the cabin, he blazed: - -"You're lying, Bland, and I know it! I am on to the whole dastardly -game! You're at the bottom of it, too! You have incited the men to -mutiny. I know your plot, you treacherous whelp! I know you meant to get -me over there for the purpose of assassinating me. The end of this -business will be a rope for you, Bland. Go back and tell your dogs I am -onto their game. Go back and bring them here. They will meet a hot -reception!" - -Texas Bland had been astonished, but now, quick as a flash, he whipped -out a revolver for the purpose of taking a shot at Hodge, whose hands -were empty. Rapid though he was in his movements, he was not quick -enough, for within the cabin sounded the loud report of a rifle, and the -bullet knocked Bland's pistol from his hand, smashing two of his -fingers. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -CROWFOOT MAKES MEDICINE. - - -Although taken by surprise, the man looked at his benumbed and bleeding -hand a moment, then pulled from his neck a handkerchief tied there and -wrapped it around the mutilated member. By this time Hodge had his own -pistol out, and Bland was covered. - -"You're lucky to get off with your life, you treacherous cur!" he cried. -"Now make tracks, and hurry about it, too." - -"All right," said the leader of the ruffians, still with amazing -coolness. "But you pays dear for this hand--you and the gent inside who -fires the shot." - -With that he turned his back and hastily strode away, the handkerchief -already dripping with blood and leaving a red trail behind him. - -Hodge watched until the hurrying man disappeared down the valley. -Reentering the cabin, he found old Joe standing near the table on which -still lay Bart's Winchester. The Indian had refilled his pipe and was -smoking again in his most imperturbable manner. - -"Crowfoot," said Hodge, with sincere gratitude, "I owe you my life. It's -lucky for me you fired just when you did. An instant more and Bland -would have shot me down. How did you happen to be so quick with the -shot?" - -"Look um rifle over," grunted the old man. "Pick um rifle up. When Black -Eyes him go out, Joe think mebbe white man act crooked. Joe watch him -white man. When white man tries to shoot, Joe him shoot." - -"You're a jewel, Crowfoot!" declared Bart; "but this thing will bring -trouble to the cabin in a hurry. As soon as Bland can have his hand -cared for, he will lead those ruffians over here to wipe us out. Now is -your chance to get away." - -"Oh, no great hurry," returned Crowfoot. "Plenty time, plenty time." - -"On the contrary, there may be very little time. If you're going, you -had better go at once." - -"Plenty time," persisted the old man placidly. "Joe too old to hurry. -They no come right away. Mebbe Joe him look around a little." - -As the old fellow was leaving the cabin, Bart called: - -"Here's your own rifle, Joe, standing in the corner. Don't you want to -take it?" - -"Leave him there now," returned the redskin. "Take him bimeby." - -Outside the door, leaning against the wall, were a pick and spade. To -Bart's surprise, the old man picked these implements up and shouldered -them; after which he found Bland's revolver where it had fallen on being -knocked from the man's hand by the bullet, and took that along. Crowfoot -turned northward toward a tangled wild thicket, into which Bart saw him -disappear. - -"Well, of all peculiar things for him to do!" muttered Hodge, completely -puzzled. "What the dickens is he up to?" - -This question bothered Bart not a little, and, after a time, having made -sure none of the ruffians were yet approaching from the south, Bart -caught up his rifle and ran swiftly toward the thicket. On entering the -tangled underbrush, he soon came in sight of Crowfoot, who, although he -must have heard the other approaching, paid no attention whatever. The -defender of the mines paused in amazement as he noted the Indian's -occupation, for old Joe was busily at work, engaged with pick and -shovel, digging in the ground. - -"What in the name of all mysteries are you doing, Crowfoot?" asked -Hodge, as he approached and stood nearer. - -"Dig a little," returned the old man, with something like a joking -twinkle in his keen black eyes. "Mebbe get some exercise. Strong Heart -him great on exercise. Crowfoot hear Strong Heart tell exercise much big -thing." - -Now, Hodge knew well enough that the aged redskin was not expending so -much energy and labor in mere exercise, and he lingered to watch a while -longer. Pretty soon old Joe unearthed a long root that ran beneath the -ground, which he immediately seized and dragged forth with considerable -grunting. Hodge noted then that he had one or two similar roots lying -near. - -"Mebbe him be 'nuf," observed Crowfoot, as he severed the last root -unearthed and placed it with the others. "Think him be. Joe he get -plenty exercise for to-day." - -Then, abandoning the pick and shovel where he had dropped them, the old -man gathered up the roots and started to retrace his steps to the cabin. -Still wondering at Crowfoot's strange actions, Hodge followed. - -The sunshine lay warm on the valley, which seemed deserted save for -themselves. - -"Man git hand hurt, him no hurry back much," observed Crowfoot. - -"Not yet," said Hodge. "But he will come and bring his dogs with him -soon enough." - -When the cabin was reached Crowfoot stood some moments looking at a -little pile of wood lying in a corner near the open fireplace. - -"You build a fire, Black Eyes," he said. "Joe him cold--him cold." - -"Well, your blood must be getting thin," declared Hodge. "You can bake -out in the sun to-day if you want to." - -"No like sun bake," was the retort. "Too slow; not right kind. Want fire -bake." - -"Oh, all right," said Bart, ready to humor the old man. "I will have a -fire directly." - -To his surprise, while he was starting the fire, old Joe brought in more -wood that had been gathered in a little pile outside and threw it down -in the corner. Several times he came with an armful of wood, but -finally, seemed satisfied. - -"There's a good hot fire for you, Joe," said Hodge. "Now toast yourself, -if you want to." - -"Ugh!" grunted the Indian. "You keep watch. Keep eye open wide. Mebbe -bad palefaces come soon." - -Bart knew this was a good suggestion, and he proceeded to watch for the -possible approach of the enemy. At the same time, he occasionally turned -from the open doorway to observe what Crowfoot was about. The old Indian -did not seem very anxious to warm himself at the fire. Instead of that, -he took the roots he had dug and held them toward the fireplace, turning -them over and over and warming them thoroughly, after which he beat off -the particles of dirt that clung to them. While he was beating one of -the roots by holding it toward the fire, he had the others arranged on -the flat stones of the hearth quite near the blaze, where they also -would receive warmth from the flames. - -At last, his curiosity reaching a point where he could repress it no -longer, Hodge again asked old Joe what he was doing. - -For some minutes the Indian did not reply. Once or twice he grunted to -himself, but finally said: - -"Joe him make medicine. Sometime him big medicine maker." - -"Oh, so that's it," said Hodge. "You are making medicine for your -rheumatism?" - -"Ugh!" was the answer to this. - -Bart was surprised and almost annoyed as the day dragged on and the -ruffians failed to appear. It seemed remarkable that they should delay -the attack so long; still, he was confident that it must come sooner or -later. All through the day after securing his roots old Joe worked over -them patiently by the fire. He dried them and turned them over and over. -And, while he was handling one of them and turning it before the heat -like a thing he was toasting, the others remained in a long mound of hot -ashes. The patience of the Indian over such a trifling task was -something to wonder at. - -As night came on Crowfoot paused to say: - -"Now, Black Eyes, keep sharp watch. Bad white men come to-night. Mebbe -they try to ketch um sleeping." - -The first half of the night, however, passed without alarm. During these -hours the old redskin continued to putter with his roots, which he -carefully scraped with a keen knife. At midnight he buried them in the -ashes, on which hot coals were heaped, and then directed Bart to lie -down and sleep. - -"Joe him watch now," said the old fellow. - -Trusting everything to the redskin, Hodge rolled himself in a blanket -and slept soundly for two hours. He was awakened by Joe, who stirred him -with a moccasin foot. - -"Get up, Black Eyes," said the old fellow, in a whisper. "Pretty soon we -fight." - -"Those ruffians?" questioned Bart, as he leaped to his feet. - -"They coming," declared Crowfoot. - -He was right. Bland and his desperadoes were creeping on the cabin, -hoping to take its defenders by surprise. Crowfoot pointed them out, and -when they were near enough, Hodge called from the window for them to -halt. Realizing they were discovered, they sprang up and charged. - -Instantly Bart and the redskin opened fire on them, Hodge working his -repeater swiftly and accurately, while the clear spang of Crowfoot's -rifle was heard at irregular intervals. The ruffians were unprepared for -such a defense, and, as they saw several of their number fall and others -were wounded, they halted, wavered, then turned and fled. Looking from -the window, the starlight showed the defenders a few wounded men -dragging themselves away. - -"Pretty good," said Joe. "No more bother to-night." - -With which he turned from the window, uncovered his roots, and replanted -them in a fresh pile of hot ashes. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -HOW THE MEDICINE WORKED. - - -Having left their horses picketed in a secluded spot, four men came -stealing down the steep and narrow fissure that was the one entrance -into the Enchanted Valley. Three days had passed since Dash Colvin stole -out of that valley in his desperate attempt to carry the message to -Frank. The third night had fallen. - -Frank had arrived, and with him were Pete Curry, of Cottonwood, an -officer who knew him well and liked him, and two deputies whom Curry had -called into service. Frank had picked these men up at Cottonwood after -his flight from Prescott. The promise of a liberal reward under any -circumstances, and possibly of a big capture, had led them to accompany -him. Before seeking to descend into the valley they had seen from the -heights above, far away to the southern end, the glow of two or three -bright fires, and had heard at intervals something like singing. - -Frank feared the entrance to the valley might be in the hands of the -enemy and guarded. He was relieved on discovering that this was not so, -and his satisfaction was great when, with his companions, he found -himself in the valley with no one to block the way. - -"What next, Mr. Merriwell?" asked Curry, in a low tone. - -"I am for finding out what is going on down there to the south," said -Frank. - -"All right, sir. Lead on. We're with you." - -In time they approached near enough to look down upon that portion of -the valley where the unfinished cabins were, and saw two or three fires -burning there. Men were lying around on the ground in the light of these -fires. Others were staggering about in a peculiar manner. Now and then -one of them would utter a wild yell and dance about like a crazy man, -sometimes keeping it up until, apparently exhausted, he ended by -flinging himself on the ground and seemed immediately to fall asleep. - -As Frank and his companions watched these singular movements they saw -three men join hands and execute a singular dance in the firelight. - -"Cๆsar's ghost!" muttered Merry, "am I dreaming?" - -"What's the matter, pard?" asked Curry. - -"Look at those three men--look at them closely. One of them is an -Indian." - -"Sure thing," said Curry. - -"And I know him!" palpitated Merry. "If my eyes don't fail me, it is old -Joe Crowfoot." - -"Who is old Joe Crowfoot?" - -"A redskin I have believed to be my friend." - -"Waugh!" ejaculated Curry, in disgust. "There never was a red whelp as -could be trusted." - -"But you don't know Crowfoot." - -"I know 'em all. Here is this yere Crowfoot a-whooping her up with your -enemies, Mr. Merriwell. What do you think of that?" - -"It's mighty singular," confessed Merry. "Look! look! they are -drinking!" - -It was true. The dance had stopped and one of the three had flung -himself on the ground. Crowfoot bent over this fellow and offered him a -bottle, which he eagerly seized. The Indian snatched it from the man's -lips, refusing to let him drink all he seemed to desire. It was then -given to the other men, and afterward the old redskin passed from one to -another of the reclining men, rousing those he could and offering them -the bottle. Some drank, but others seemed too nerveless to hold the -bottle in their hands. - -"Well, this yere is lucky for us," declared Curry. "The whole bunch is -paralyzed drunk. We oughter be able to scoop 'em in without any great -trouble." - -"I wonder where Hodge is," speculated Merry. "I wonder if they have -killed him." - -This possibility so aroused Frank that he was determined to seek Bart -without delay. Curry was opposed to this; but Frank had his way, and -they stole off leaving Crowfoot and his newly chosen companions to -continue their carousal. As they approached Bart's cabin, there came -from the window a sharp command for them to halt. Merry recognized the -voice and uttered a cry of satisfaction. - -"Hodge!" he called. "It is I--Frank." - -From within the cabin there was another cry of joy, and a moment later -the door flew open and Hodge came running toward them. - -"Merry, thank Heaven you're here!" he exclaimed, - -"Thank Heaven you're still alive!" returned Frank. "I was afraid I might -arrive too late. Tell me what has happened. How have you managed to -stand those ruffians off?" - -"They attacked the cabin twice," said Hodge; "but we were ready for them -both times." - -"We? But aren't you alone?" - -"I am now; but old Joe Crowfoot----" - -"Crowfoot--what of him?" - -"He was with me. I don't know what has become of the old man now. He -left to-night as soon as darkness fell, saying he was going to take a -look at the ruffians down yonder. The old man is pretty well used up; he -is nearly dead with rheumatism. He spent the greater part of the time -after coming here in digging roots and making them into medicine by -drying them at the fire, scraping them, then grinding them into powder -between stones, finally preparing a decoction with water and the powder -of the roots." - -Frank then told Bart what he had lately seen, and Hodge was greatly -astonished. - -"Old Joe down there with those men?" he muttered. "Why, I don't see----" - -"Ugh!" grunted a voice near at hand, and out of the shadows slipped -another shadow that unhesitatingly approached. It was Crowfoot himself, -as they immediately perceived. - -"How, how, Strong Heart!" said the old man, extending his hand to Frank. -"Heap glad to see um." - -"Why, you old wretch!" cried Merry. "We saw you a short time ago down -there with that bunch of claim jumpers drinking and whooping things up. -What do you mean by such conduct?" - -"Old Joe him got very bad rheumatism," returned the redskin. "Him make -medicine. Him think mebbe um white men down there got bad rheumatism, -too. He give um white men some medicine. He find um white man drinking a -heap. Joe he mix um medicine with drink. They like medicine pretty good. -One white man, who lead um, him get shot up a great lot. Him in no shape -to lead um some more. So white men they wait for more men to come. Now -they very much tired. They sleep a lot. Come down see um sleep. You like -it." - -Of a sudden the truth dawned on Frank. - -"Why, you clever old rascal!" he laughed. "Hanged if I don't believe -you've drugged them some way!" - -"Joe he give um medicine, that all," protested the redskin. "Sometimes -medicine make um sleep. Come see." - -"Come on," said Frank, "we will follow this slick old rascal and find -out how hard they are sleeping." - -As they approached the cabins at the lower end of the valley they saw -the fires were dying down, while from that locality no longer came -shouts and singing, and, in truth, all the ruffians seemed fast asleep -on the ground, where they had fallen or flung themselves. - -Unhesitatingly Crowfoot led them amid the mass of drugged men, and the -sinking firelight revealed on his leathery face a ghost of a shriveled -smile. - -"Medicine heap good sometimes," he observed. "Strong Heart find him -enemies sleeping. Mebbe he takes hatchet and chop um up? Joe he get many -scalps." - -"You're a dandy, Crowfoot!" laughed Frank. "Here they are, Curry, the -whole bunch. You can gather them and escort them to Cottonwood, or -anywhere you please." - -"And a great haul it is, pard," nodded Curry. "I sees three gents now -what has rewards offered for them. It's my opinion that they hangs. Get -to work, boys, and we will tie up the whole bunch so they can't wiggle -when they awake." - -Old Joe looked on in apparent dissatisfaction and dismay. - -"You no chop um up some?" he questioned. "You no kill um a heap. Then -what Joe him get? He no have a scalp." - -"What do you get, Joe?" exclaimed Merry. "You have saved my mines for -me. You get anything you want--anything but scalps." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -A BUNCH OF PRISONERS. - - -Pete Curry and his two deputies set off the next morning with their -prisoners--thirteen in all. They were taking the ruffians direct to the -nearest point where they could be confined and afterward delivered for -trial into the hands of certain officers, who would take several of them -to different parts of Arizona where they had committed crimes. At noon -the second day they reached a point in a barren valley where the sun -beat fiercely. Scorched mountains rose to the east and west. They came -to a halt. - -In the party of sixteen there were only three horses, ridden by the -officers. The prisoners had been compelled to tramp over the desert, the -mountains, and valleys. The wrists of each captive were bound behind his -back. - -A tough-looking, desperate lot they were, taken all together. There were -Mexicans and men with Indian blood in their veins among them. They had -weather-beaten, leathery, bearded faces. Many of them had a hangdog -expression. Their eyes were shiftless and full of treachery. - -It was a most important capture for Curry, as there were among those men -desperate characters for whose apprehension rewards had been offered. In -short, it was a round-up of criminals that would make Curry's name known -as that of a wonderfully successful officer of the law. He was proud of -his accomplishment, although he regretfully admitted to himself that he -deserved very little credit for it. He and his two companions had -already been well paid by Frank Merriwell. - -Now, with his weapons ready, Curry was watching the prisoners, while his -two companions sought for water in the bed of the creek. - -"How are you hitting her, Bill?" he called. - -"She's moist, Pete," answered one of the diggers. "There's water here." - -"It takes a right good while for her to gather in the hole," said the -other digger. "If we makes a hole big enough, we will have some in an -hour or so." - -Curry took a look at the sky, the mountains, and the westering sun. - -"Well, I opines we stops here a while," he said. "We may as well." - -A big, burly fellow among the captives carelessly stalked toward Curry, -who watched him with a keen eye. - -"I say, Pete," said the prisoner familiarly, "mebbe you tells me just -how this yere thing happens. I am a whole lot bothered over it." - -"Why, Bland, I has you--I has you foul," retorted Curry, with a grim -smile. - -"That I certain admits," nodded the other; "but how it was did is what -puzzles me a-plenty." - -"You has some bad habits, Bland," returned the captor. "You monkeys with -firewater, and, for a man like you, with a price on him, it's a keerless -thing to do." - -"No firewater ever lays me out," proudly retorted he of the drooping -black mustache. "I knows my capacity when it come to the real stuff. But -what I gits against this yere time is different a whole lot." - -The deputy sheriff smiled again. - -"Mebbe you're right, Bland," he admitted. "You thinks yourself a heap -clever, but this time you is fooled right slick." - -Texas Bland frowned. - -"I confess, Pete, that it cuts me deep to realize it, but it certain is -a fact that I gits tripped up. However, how it happened is what I wants -ter know. There sure was dope in that booze." - -"Likely you're correct," nodded Curry. - -"How does it git there?" - -"Have you noticed a certain old Injun in this bunch sence we started -out?" asked the officer. - -"No," said Bland, shaking his head. "I looks fer him some, but he is not -yere. Does yer mean to insinuate that the old varmint loaded this bunch -with dope?" - -"Well, how does it look to you?" - -"Why, ding his old pelt!" exclaimed the captive indignantly. "Some of -the boys knowed him. Some o' them had seen him afore. One or two had -seen him to their sorrer. They say to me that he plays poker somewhat -slick. When he comes ambling into our camp, seeming a whole lot jagged -hisself, I was a bit suspicious; but the boys what knowed him says he is -all right, and so I takes a drink with him. Arter that I gits a heap -sleepy and snoozes. Next I knows you is there, Pete, and you has us -nailed solid." - -"That's about the way of it," nodded Curry. - -"And the old whelp dopes us, does he!" growled Texas Bland. "Whatever -does he do that fer?" - -"Why, Bland, that yere old redskin is a friend of Mr. Merriwell. He -gives you the dope to help Merriwell. When we comes down into the valley -there and finds you all sleeping sweetly, the old Injun proposes to -scalp you up some. To be course, we objects, and then he seems mighty -disappointed-like. He seems to think he is cheated. He seems to reckon -that, having done the job so slick, your scalps belong to him." - -Bland listened with a strange look on his face and a vengeful glare in -his deepset eyes. - -"So that's however it is!" he growled. "Well, I am some glad I finds it -out." - -"Mebbe it relieves your mind some of worry," returned the captor; "but -it does you little good." - -"Don't you think it!" returned Bland harshly. "I settles with that old -Injun, you bet your boots!" - -"First you settles with the law, Bland. You roams free a long time with -a good price on your head. I am sorry fer you, but I reckons you are due -to stretch hemp." - -Texas Bland actually laughed. - -"Pete," he said, "the rope ain't made yet what hangs me." - -"Your nerve is good, but I opine you're wrong this yere time. I has you, -Bland, and I keeps you. I deliver you to them what wants you bad." - -"That's all right, Pete," was the cool retort. "No hard feelings on my -account, you understand. I takes my medicine when I has to, and so I -swallows this all pleasant and smiling. Just the same, you mark what I -tells you, the rope ain't made what hangs Texas Bland. I goes back -a-looking for that red skunk later, and I pots him. When I gits a -chance, I starts a lead mine in his carcass. The idea of being fooled by -a redskin galls me up a heap. But you don't tell me any how it happens -you drops down thar and gathers us in just then." - -"I am some acquainted with Frank Merriwell. I has done business for him -before. When he comes sailing into Cottonwood and locates me, he says: -'Curry, I am up against it some, and I needs assistance.' 'I am yours to -order,' says I. 'Whatever is a-doing?' - -"Then he up and tells me that a gent with a whole lot of coin, what -calls himself a money king, is trying to get possession of some new -mines he has located. This gent, he says, has faked up a false charge -against him and gives him a heap o' trouble. This gent's partner once -tried mighty hard to get his paws on another mine belonging to -Merriwell, and in the end he runs up against a bullet and lays down -peaceful and calm. This gent's name were Sukes. The one what is -a-bothering Merriwell now is Macklyn Morgan." - -"You interest me a-plenty," nodded Bland. "Now, there were some gent -behind this yere deal what says it pays us well if we seizes those -mines. Just who it were that puts up the coin fer the job I didn't know -for sure. All I knows is that it comes straight through a gent what I -depends on, and the coin is in sight the minute we delivers the mines -over. I reckons, Pete, the gent you speak of is the one what lays the -job out fer us." - -Curry nodded. - -"Likely that's all correct, Bland. But he makes a big mistake if he -thinks this yere Merriwell is easy. Merriwell is a fighter from 'Way -Back." - -"He is a whole lot young." - -"In experience he is a whole lot old. Mebbe he don't grow whiskers much, -but he gets there just the same. Whiskers don't always make the man, -Bland. With all his money, this yere Sukes don't get ahead of Merriwell -any. When Morgan he tackles the job he finds it just as hard or harder. -It does him no good to fake a charge that Merriwell shoots up Sukes." - -"Where did this yere shooting happen, Pete?" - -"Over yon in Snowflake." - -Bland shook his head. - -"Then it's ten to one he gits disturbed none fer it. If he proves -conclusive this yere Sukes bothers him, why, supposing he did do the -shooting, it convicts him of nothing but self-defense down in this yere -country!" - -"Sukes was a whole lot wealthy, you understand." - -"All the same, I reckons it is pretty hard to put murder on a gent -yereabouts in case he is defending his rights." - -"That's so," nodded Curry, at the same time lifting his eyes and -watching with interest several horsemen who now appeared far up the -valley, riding toward them through the heat haze. - -Bland noticed Curry's look and turned in the same direction. - -"Who does you allow is coming?" he questioned, with repressed eagerness. - -Instead of answering, Curry called to the men who were laboring in the -bed of the creek. - -"Oh, Bill! Oh, Abe! Come up yere right away." - -The inflection of his voice indicated that something was wrong, and the -two men hastened to join him. - -Curry motioned toward the approaching horsemen. - -"Mebbe we is troubled some," he observed. "We needs to be ready." - -The horsemen came on rapidly. There were seven of them in all. Like -Curry and his two companions, the captives watched the approaching men -with no small amount of anxiety. As the horsemen drew near, having told -Bill and Abe to watch the prisoners closely, Curry rode forward. - -"Howdy, gents!" he called. - -"Howdy!" returned one of the men. "Is that you, Curry?" - -"Surest thing you know," said the deputy sheriff. "Somehow I don't seem -to recall you any." - -"That's none strange," said the spokesman of the party. "I am Gad -Hackett. No particular reason why you should know me." - -"Whatever are you doing yere?" inquired the officer suspiciously. - -"Just making a short cut, leaving all trails, from Fulton to Oxboro." - -"Say you so? Seems ter me you're hitting in the wrong direction." - -"I reckon I know my course," returned Hackett. "I have traveled this -section a-plenty. There seems to be a good bunch of you gents. Whatever -are you a-doing?" - -"We're holding up for water now," answered Curry evasively. "Mebbe you -hurries right along? Mebbe you has no great time to waste?" - -"We look some for water ourselves," returned the other man. - -"Well, you has to look mighty sharp yereabouts. We digs our own water -hole, and unfortunately we can't share it any. If you goes down the -valley a mile or two, mebbe you finds a locality where water is easier -to reach." - -"Seems ter me you're some anxious to hurry us on," laughed Hackett. -"We're slightly tired, and I reckons we holds up for rest, water or no -water." - -"That being the case," said Curry, "let me give you some advice. Yander -I has a few gents what are wanted for various little doings in different -parts, and I am takin' pains careful-like to deliver them over. They're -lawbreakers to the last galoot of the bunch. Mebbe you bothers them -none. I does my duty." - -"Oh--ho!" retorted Hackett, "so that's how the wind blows! Why, certain, -Curry, we interferes none whatever with your business. Instead o' that, -we helps you any we can in running in your bunch of bad men." - -"Thanks," returned the deputy sheriff coolly. "So long as I am not -bothered with, I needs no help." - -Hackett laughed again. - -"I see, pard," he said, "you counts on gathering in the reward money -yourself, and proposes to divide it none. All right; you're welcome." - -Then, with his companions, he again rode forward. Curry looked them over -critically. In his eyes, with one or two exceptions, they appeared -little different from the collection of ruffians who were his prisoners. -With them he recognized one man, at least, who had an unenviable -reputation--a tall, pockmarked individual--no less a person than Spotted -Dan. - -There was in the party a man who seemed strangely out of place there. -His every appearance was that of a tenderfoot, while his face, with his -shaven lips and iron-gray beard, looked like that of a stern old church -deacon. Somehow this person interested Curry more than all the others. -He wondered not a little at the appearance of such a man in such a -party. - -"Who is the parsonish gentleman?" asked the deputy sheriff, as Hackett -came up with him. He spoke in a low tone and jerked his hand slightly -toward the tenderfoot. - -"That?" said Hackett loudly. "Why, that is Mr. Felton Cleveland, a -gentleman what is looking around some for mining property, and it is him -we escorts to Oxboro. He engages us to see that he gets there all -safe-like, and he is in a hurry." - -The man indicated did not betray that these words had reached his ears, -although he had not missed the statement. - -"He looks more like a missionary than a mining man," declared Curry. - -As the new arrivals reached the captives and their guards, Felton -Cleveland was soon looking the captives over with an expression of -interest, not to say of sympathy. He turned to the deputy sheriff and -observed: - -"It seems hardly possible, sir, that so many men could be lawbreakers; -still, their faces indicate that they are desperate characters." - -"I reckon you're some unfamiliar with this part of the country," -returned the officer. "We tries to keep our towns clean, but down along -the Mexican border there are a few bad men. Sometimes they go in -bunches." - -"But it is remarkable that you should capture so many of them at one -time. Do you mind telling how it happened?" - -"I am not feeling a whole lot like talking just now," returned the -deputy sheriff. "I opines you takes my word for it that they are just -what I says." - -"Oh, certainly, sir--certainly," nodded Cleveland. "I don't dispute you -in the least. I assure you it is not mere idle curiosity on my part, for -I have interests in this part of the country, and I wish to be well -informed about it and its inhabitants. However, if you don't care to -tell me what these men have been doing, we will let it drop." - -"Well, I don't mind saying that they was caught redhanded trying to jump -a claim. Mebbe that is the charge made agin' a few o' them, but I -reckons the most of the bunch is to face things a heap more serious." - -"Trying to jump a claim?" said Cleveland. "Where was this, if you don't -mind giving that much information?" - -"Over yon," answered Pete indefinitely, with a wave of his hand. - -"Well, it's truly remarkable that you should be able to capture so many -of them. They outnumber you, it appears. If they are such desperate men, -it surely is a strange thing that you could take them all." - -"We has a way of doing things sometimes, mister. Let me advise you to -keep your own eyes open. Mebbe some o' that bunch you has is not to be -trusted too far." - -"There is no reason why they should betray me," was the assertion. "I -have nothing on my person that could tempt them. They will be paid well -when we reach our destination. That should be enough to guarantee their -faithfulness to me." - -"You're some wise in leaving your valuables behind," nodded Curry. - -Some of the captives attempted to converse with the newcomers, but -Curry's companions promptly put a stop to that. Between Spotted Dan and -one or two of them passed significant looks. The horsemen dismounted, as -if to take a brief rest and give their animals a breathing spell. - -Gad Hackett lighted his pipe and engaged one of Curry's comrades in -conversation. Seeing this, Curry approached them and quietly said: - -"You talks a little, Bill--a very little." - -Bill nodded. - -"I knows my business, Pete," he assured. - -Hackett laughed. - -"Why does he seem so mighty suspicious?" he asked. "We don't bother him -none." - -After talking with Bill a few moments, however, he turned to Abe and -engaged him in conversation. He seemed careless and indifferent in his -manner, and occasionally a few low words passed between them. After a -time, Abe examined the water hole and announced that water was rising in -it. Bill joined him, and they were on their knees beside the hole when a -startling thing happened. Curry suddenly felt something thrust against -the back of his head and heard a harsh voice commanding him to stand -still or be shot in his tracks. - -The voice was that of Spotted Dan, who held the muzzle of a revolver -touching the deputy sheriff's head. Curry knew on the instant that he -was in for it. He knew better than to attempt the drawing of a weapon, -although one hung ready in the holster at his side. Hackett, a pistol in -his hand, appeared before the officer. - -"We don't care to shoot you up, Curry," he said; "but we has to do it if -you gits foolish. Put up your hands." - -"Whatever is this game?" exclaimed the startled man. "You arrays -yourself agin' the law. You gits yourself into a heap o' trouble." - -"Put up your hands," repeated Hackett sharply. "If you delays any, the -gent behind you blows off the top of your head." - -Knowing the folly of refusing to obey, Curry lifted his empty hands. -Hackett then removed the revolver from the officer's holster. -Instinctively Curry turned his eyes toward the water hole to see what -was happening to his assistants there. He found them on their feet, but -covered by drawn weapons of several men. He saw them also disarmed. Then -one of the newcomers went among the captives and rapidly cut their bonds -and set them free. - -Texas Bland turned to Curry and laughed in his face. - -"Pete," he said, "I tells you a while ago that the rope is not made that -hangs me." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE VALLEY OF DESOLATION. - - -Six persons, all mounted, sat on their horses and gazed down the valley. -From that elevation they were able to see its full length. The six were -Dick Merriwell, Brad Buckhart, Cap'n Wiley, Dash Colvin, little Abe, and -Felicia Delores. Being aware that Macklyn Morgan had started with a -number of desperate men in pursuit of Frank, in spite of Frank's -admonition to stay in Prescott and care for Felicia, Dick found it -impossible to remain quiet. - -He knew his brother was in deadly danger, and he longed to be with him -when the tug of war came. Feeling certain likewise that the men employed -by Cap'n Wiley and taken to the Enchanted Valley as miners were -desperate characters, it did not seem possible to Dick that Frank and -Bart unaided could cope with so many and overcome them. - -Dick had not worried long over the matter. Calling Brad, he said: - -"Buckhart, I am going to follow Frank and the men who are in pursuit of -him." - -The eyes of the Texan gleamed. - -"Pard," he said, "I observed that you were notified to stay hereabouts -and guard your cousin. Frank told you to do that. Do you let on that -you're going to disobey orders?" - -"I can't stay here, Brad. I feel certain Frank needs me. His enemies are -very powerful and desperate. What would I think of myself if anything -serious happened to my brother? I should hate myself forever afterward." - -The rancher's son nodded. - -"I allow that's dead right, partner," he agreed. "I am feeling some that -way myself. I certain smell smoke in the air, and I have an itching to -be in the midst of the fray. But whatever are you going to do with -Felicia?" - -"Why, I did think of leaving her here with you. I thought of leaving you -in charge of her." - -"What, me?" squealed the Texan. "Leave me behind when there's a ruction -brewing? Do you mean, pard, that you propose to cut me out of this yere -scrimmage? Oh, say, Dick, you'd never treat me that low down! I came -West to stick by you a heap close, and I am going to do it. Why don't -you leave your cousin in the care of Cap'n Wiley?" - -"I wouldn't dare," answered Dick. "Wiley is square enough; but he is -careless. Besides that, how can I find my way to the Enchanted Valley -unless guided by Wiley himself?" - -"That's so. I never thought of that. You've got to take Wiley -along--unless you can get hold of that man Colvin, who brought the -message to Merry." - -Dick frowned a little, seeming deep in serious thought. - -"Then there's the hunchback boy," he finally muttered. "Possibly he -might know the trail, but I doubt it." - -"You can't depend on him none whatever," put in Buckhart. "He looks like -a good wind would blow him away." - -Dick rose to his feet. - -"Brad," he said, "we will find Wiley and talk this matter over." - -The sailor was found, and he turned an attentive ear to Dick's words. - -"My young mate," he observed, resting a hand on Dick's shoulder, "I have -been seriously meditating on the problematical problem of hoisting -anchor and setting my course for the Enchanted Valley all by my -lonesome. In my mouth danger leaves a sweet and pleasant taste. I love -it with all my yearning heart. If you are bound to set sail for the -Enchanted Valley, I am ready to ship with you as pilot. It may be well -for me to do so. If I linger here I may dally with the delusive -jag-juice. When there is no temptation I can be the most virtuous man in -the world. Yes, my boy, we will pull out of Prescott and cut away toward -the valley in question. You may depend on me." - -"Then let's lose no time!" impatiently exclaimed Dick, feeling a -powerful desire to hasten to his brother's side. "Let's make -preparations without the least delay." - -This was done. Dick found Felicia and little Abe together, for the two -had become fast friends in a short time. Felicia settled the question in -regard to herself by immediately declaring that she was ready to -accompany them. - -"It will do me good," she said. "The doctor in San Diego told me that -what I most needed was more open-air exercise. I am feeling much better -now. Oh, you will take me with you, won't you, Dick? Please take me!" - -"Me, too," urged little Abe. "You can't leave me behind." - -It was found necessary to take them both, and when the time for starting -came Cap'n Wiley appeared in company with Dash Colvin, the messenger. -Colvin likewise was anxious to return to the Enchanted Valley, for he -declared that there were two of his late companions in the valley with -whom he had a score to settle. Although they had pursued him into the -very heart of Prescott, on recovering from the effects of that desperate -race he had sought them in vain. He learned, however, that they had -joined Macklyn Morgan's party in the pursuit of Frank. - -Thus it may be seen how it happened that Dick and his friends were -watching to see what transpired in the barren valley amid the mountains -at the time when Morgan's party released Texas Bland and his ruffians -from the custody of Pete Curry, of Cottonwood. Wiley had pressed forward -with such restless determination that they were close on the heels of -Morgan and his men when this valley was reached, although this fact was -not known by any of the men in advance. Provided with a powerful pair of -field glasses, Dick watched what transpired, and saw Curry and his -assistants held up while the captured desperadoes were set free. - -Although he had only his eyes to observe what was taking place, Buckhart -grew greatly excited and eagerly proposed a dash into the valley for the -purpose of aiding Curry. - -"Steady, Brad, old man!" warned Dick. "We're too far away for that. By -the time we got there the whole thing would be over. The best we can do -is to keep quiet and take care that we are not seen." - -"Who do you suppose those men are?" asked Buckhart. - -"It doesn't seem possible!" Dash Colvin was muttering to himself. - -"What is it that doesn't seem possible?" questioned Dick. - -"Let me take your glass a moment," requested Colvin. - -Dick handed it over. The man took a hasty look through it. - -"Well, of all things wonderful, this is the most remarkable!" he -exclaimed. - -"What is it?" questioned Dick impatiently. - -"Yes, whatever is it you're driving at?" demanded Buckhart. - -"Speak up, you, and keep us no longer in suspenders!" cried Wiley. - -"Those men--those men who have been released----" - -"What of them?" demanded Dick. - -Colvin passed the glass quickly to Wiley. - -"Take a look yourself, cap'n," he directed. "You oughter to know some of -them." - -After one glance, the sailor ejaculated: - -"Dash my toplights! Shiver my timbers! May I be keelhauled if they ain't -that sweet little aggregation I gathered for the purpose of operating -the new mines! Why, there's Texas Bland! I recognize his sable mustache -and flowing hair." - -"That's it," nodded Colvin--"that's it exactly. They are the very men. -What air they doin' here?" - -"A short time ago they seemed to be in endurance vile. If I mistake not, -three gentlemen in that party were escorting them as captives of war to -some unknown port. Mates, I will stake my life there have been -voluminous doings in the Enchanted Valley. Something of a critical -nature surely happened there." - -"But Frank is not in that party," said Dick. "Where can he be?" - -"At this precise moment," confessed Wiley, "I am in no calm and placid -frame of mind, therefore I am unable to answer the riddle. One thing, at -least, is certain: Those gay boys have not seized your brother's -property. That should relieve your agitated mental equilibrium to a -conclusive susceptibility." - -"We take chances of being seen here," said Dick. "Let's retire." - -They did so, but from a point of partial concealment continued to watch -everything that occurred in the valley. Within an hour Morgan's men, -accompanied by the rescued ruffians, turned toward the south, which -action assured the watchers that once more they were headed for the -Enchanted Valley. They appropriated the horses of Curry and his two -assistants, taking also the weapons of the three men, who were left -a-foot and unarmed in that desolate region. The trio was warned not to -follow and were further advised to make straight for Cottonwood or the -nearest camp. Apparently Curry and his assistants decided this was the -only course to pursue, for they turned to the north and hurried up the -valley. Morgan and his men soon disappeared far away to the south. - -Burning with eagerness to know the truth, Dick rode forward into the -valley the moment the ruffians were beyond view. He was followed closely -by Buckhart and Colvin. Cap'n Wiley remained long enough to caution Abe -and Felicia to remain where they were, for, knowing nothing of Curry and -his companions, Wiley fancied it possible there might be trouble of some -sort. - -"I will look out for Felicia," declared little Abe, whose violin was -hung over his back by a cord. "I will take care of her." - -"All right, my noble tar," said the sailor. And then he also rode -forward into the valley. - -Curry and his assistants halted in some alarm when they saw four -horsemen dashing swiftly toward them. As they were unarmed, they could -not think of offering resistance in case the quartette proved to be -enemies. Being on foot, they could not escape, and, therefore, they did -the only thing possible, which was to wait for the approaching riders. - -Dick was the first to reach them. - -"We have been watching this whole affair," he said. "We don't understand -it." - -"Well, we do!" growled Curry in disgust, while his companions growled -likewise. "We understands that we have lost a bunch of valuable -prisoners." - -"But how did you happen to have such prisoners in the first place?" -questioned Dick. - -"That's our business, yonker. Why should we be for telling you any?" - -"Because I am interested. Because those men are my brother's enemies." - -"Who is your brother, kid?" - -"Frank Merriwell." - -"What?" shouted Curry. "Whatever are you giving us?" - -"He is giving you the dead-level truth, stranger," put in Brad, - -"That's right," agreed Dash Colvin, coming up. "Look here, Pete Curry, -you knows me and I knows you. This boy is Frank Merriwell's brother." - -"That being the case," said Curry, "he wants to get a hustle on and join -his brother some lively. That fine bunch you saw hiking down the valley -is bound for Frank Merriwell's new mines, which they propose seizing a -heap violent. We counts ourselves some in luck to get off with whole -skins from such a measly outfit. All the same, if we had played our hand -proper I reckon they'd never set that lot of mavericks loose. I am -a-plenty ashamed of myself." - -"But tell me," urged Dick, "how you came to have those men as -prisoners?" - -Curry then briefly related the whole story, to which Dick and his -friends listened with the greatest interest. - -"That's how it were," finished Curry. "I allows to your brother I sure -could take that gang to the nearest jail. He and his pard, Hodge, stays -to guard their mines, leaving the job of disposing of those tough gents -to we three. We makes a fizzle of it, and now the whole outfit is bound -back for the Enchanted Valley. They are frothing to get at your brother -and do him up. At the same time, they counts on salivating the old Injun -what fools them a-plenty." - -"Frank will fight to the last," said Dick. "We must help him some way. -We're all armed, and I think we can furnish you with weapons. Are you -with us, or are you ready to give up?" - -"Pete Curry, of Cottonwood, gives up none at all," was the reply. "I -counts on hiking somewhar to get weapons and horses and then hustling -back for the purpose of doing whatever I can to help your brother." - -"If you try to do that, you will be too late to render any assistance," -declared Dick. - -"Then give us some shooting irons and what goes in 'em and we're with -yer," said Curry. - -This arrangement was quickly settled on, after which Dick rode back for -Felicia and little Abe. When he reached the spot where they had been -left, however, he was not a little surprised and alarmed to find they -were no longer there. In vain he looked for them. He called their names, -but his voice died in the silence of the desolate hollows. There was no -answer, and Dick's fears grew apace. - - * * * * * - -What had become of Felicia and little Abe? - -Left to themselves, they fell to talking of the singular things which -had happened. - -Felicia's horse champed its bit and restlessly stamped the ground. - -"That horse acts awful queer," said the boy. "He has got a funny look in -his eye, just the same as a horse I once saw that was locoed. You know -what that is, don't you?" - -Felicia laughed. - -"I was born in the West," she said. "Of course I know what it means when -an animal is locoed. They have been eating loco weed and it makes them -crazy. But I don't think this horse has been doing that." - -"Never can tell," said the hunchback. - -"Why, it should have shown on him before." - -"Not always. Sometimes it breaks out awful unexpected. Look how your -horse rolls its eyes. Say, I'm going to----" - -Abe did not tell what he was going to do, for, starting his own horse -forward, he reached for the bridle of Felicia's animal. To the horse it -seemed that the boy's hand was large as a grizzly bear. The animal -started back with a snort of alarm, quivering with sudden terror. - -"Whoa! whoa!" cried Abe, hastening in his attempt to seize the -creature's bit. - -These efforts simply served to add to the horse's fear, and suddenly he -wheeled and went tearing away, Felicia being unable to check its flight. - -Immediately the hunchback pursued, his one thought being to overtake the -girl and save her from danger, for he was now confident that something -was the matter with the horse. - -If the creature was really locoed, Abe knew it might do the most -astonishing and crazy things. To a horse thus afflicted a little gully a -foot wide sometimes seems a chasm a mile across, or a great ravine, -yawning a hundred feet deep and as many in width, sometimes appears no -more than a crack in the surface of the earth. Deluded by this distorted -view of things, horses and cattle frequently plunge to their death in -gorges and ravines, or do other things equally crazy and unaccountable. - -Felicia's horse fled madly, as if in fear of a thousand pursuing demons. -The girl was a good rider, and she stuck to the animal's back with -comparative ease, although unable to check its wild career. - -Doing everything in his power to overtake the runaway, the hunchback boy -continued the pursuit, regardless of the direction in which it took -them. The flying horse turned hither and thither and kept on and on -until it was in a lather of perspiration and was almost exhausted to the -point of dropping. Mile after mile was left behind them in this manner, -Abe finding it barely possible to keep the runaway in sight. At length -they came from the hills into a broad plain, and there, in the very -midst of the waste, the runaway halted with such suddenness that Felicia -barely saved herself from a serious fall. What had caused this sudden -stopping of the horse was impossible to imagine, but the beast stood -still with its fore feet braced, as if fearing to advance another inch. -It quivered in every limb and shook all over. - -Felicia heard the clatter of horses' hoofs and turned to see little Abe -coming with the greatest haste. The boy cried out to her, and she -answered him. - -"Oh, Felicia!" he panted, as he came up on his winded horse; "I'm so -glad you're safe! Get down, quick--get down! He might run again!" - -She slipped from the saddle to the ground, and little Abe also -dismounted, but now neither of the horses showed the slightest -inclination to run. Both were in such an exhausted condition that they -stood with hanging heads, their sides heaving. - -"I was afraid you'd be killed, Felicia!" gasped the boy. - -Then he saw her suddenly sink to the ground and cover her pale face with -her hands. Quickly he knelt beside her, seeking to soothe and reassure -her. - -"It's all right--it's all right," he said. "Don't you cry, Felicia." - -"Where are we, Abe?" she whispered. - -"We're right here," was the answer, which seemed the only one he could -give. - -"Where is Dick?" - -"He will come pretty soon. Don't you worry." - -"We must find our way back. Can you do that, Abe?" - -"Of course I can," he assured stoutly. "Just you trust me." - -Then once more he did his best to reassure her, and after a while -succeeded in calming her somewhat. To his relief, she did not cry or -become hysterical. Over and over the boy assured her that he could find -the way back without the least trouble, and after a while he must have -convinced her this was true. - -"You're so brave, Abe," she half smiled. - -"Brave!" he exclaimed. "Me! I reckon you don't know me! Why, I ain't -brave at all! I'm just the biggest coward that ever lived." - -She shook her head. - -"Don't tell me that," she said. "I know better. You're just as brave as -you can be." - -"Well, I never knowed it before," he said wonderingly. "If I am brave, -it is something I never found out about myself. My, but I was scared -when I saw that horse run!" - -"What will Dick think when he finds us gone?" - -"Oh, he will foller us, he will foller us," nodded the boy. "Don't you -worry about that. We'll meet him coming." - -"But I will never dare mount that horse again." - -"Course you won't. You will take my horse. I will ride that critter. -Just let him try to run with me!" He said this as if he really fancied -he could control the animal in case it attempted to run away with him. - -The horses were submissive enough while the hunchback removed and -changed their saddles. The animal that had lately seemed crazy and -frantic with fear was now calm and docile. Apparently the furious run -had worked off the effect of the loco weed. - -After a while, Abe did what he could to assist Felicia to mount, and -then managed to scramble and pull himself with no small difficulty to -the back of the other horse. They turned their animals to retrace the -course over which they had come. This, however, was to prove no small -task, for the runaway had twisted and turned in a score of different -directions during its flight; and, shortly after entering the hills, Abe -found himself quite bewildered as to the proper course they should -pursue. This fact, however, he tried to conceal from Felicia, knowing it -would add to her alarm. So they rode on and on until finally they came -to a tiny stream that lay in the little hollows of a broad watercourse. -There they found water for themselves and horses. - -Now, for the first time, Felicia began to suspect that they were not -retracing the course over which they had come. - -"I don't remember this place," she said. - -"Of course you don't," put in Abe quickly. "It's a wonder you remember -anything. By jing! you must 'a' been awful scart when that horse was -running so. Course you didn't notice much of anything else." - -"But are you sure, Abe--are you sure we're taking the right course?" - -"Just you leave it to me," nodded the hunchback. - -"But what if we should miss Dick? If we should not find him, what would -become of us, Abe? We might starve here, perish from thirst, or be -killed by Indians or something." - -Abe did his best to laugh reassuringly. - -"Don't you go to getting all fussed up that way. We're all right. Let's -hurry up now, for it is getting late." - -It was getting late. The sun hung low in the west and the afternoon was -far spent. In the boy's heart there was a great fear that night would -come upon them and find them alone in that wild region. When they sought -to push on, the horses barely crept forward, having been badly used up -by the mad flight and pursuit. - -Lower and lower sank the great golden sun. - -"Abe," said Felicia, at last, her face pale and drawn, "we're lost. -Don't try to deceive me; I know it." - -"Mebbe we are turned round some," he admitted. "But that ain't any -reason why you should get frightened. There are lots of mining camps -pretty near here. And even if we don't find Dick--which we shall--we -will be just sure to find a town." - -The girl's chin quivered, and it was with no small difficulty that she -kept back her tears. Finally, as the sun dropped behind the western -ranges, the horses seemed to give out entirely, refusing to proceed -farther. - -"No use, Abe!" murmured Felicia. "We may as well give up and stop right -here to-night." - -"I am just awful sorry," murmured the boy; "but don't you be afraid. I -will guard you. I will watch you all night long. There shan't anything -touch you, I tell you that." - -They were in a long, shallow valley where there was some scanty herbage, -and the horses were permitted to find such grazing as they could. The -western sky glowed with glorious colors, which gradually faded and -passed away, after the bright, silvery stars gleamed forth, and the heat -of the day passed before the night was fairly on them. - -Felicia lay down in the silence, gazing up at the millions of stars -above them. Abe sat near, wondering what he could do to reassure her. At -length he thought of his fiddle and pulled it round from his back, where -it hung. Lifting the loop of the cord over his head, he held the fiddle -to his bosom, softly patting and caressing it. After a time, he found -his rosin and applied it to the bow. Then he put the instrument in tune -and began to play. - -The music was soft, and sweet, and soothing, like the lullaby of a -mother over a sleeping child. With this sound throbbing in her ears, -Felicia finally slept. When he knew she was fast asleep, the boy slipped -off his coat and spread it over her shoulders. - -The silence of the night was awesome, and he felt keenly the lonely -desolation of their situation. So again he lifted the fiddle to his -chin, and again it throbbed with such a soft, sweet melody that even the -twinkling stars seemed bending to listen. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE FINDING OF THE BABES. - - -"Get up yere, pard," said one of the two men who were standing guard -over Macklyn Morgan's bivouac. "I sure hears some queer sort of a wild -critter a-yowling out yander." - -Morgan himself had been eager to push forward through the night toward -Merriwell's valley, but the men lately released from the custody of Pete -Curry were exhausted by their tramp and refused at nightfall to proceed -farther. Therefore, it had been necessary for the party to divide or to -stop where they were and make camp. The latter course had been decided -upon. - -Not feeling positive that Curry and his comrades would not follow them, -Morgan had given orders for two of the men to remain constantly on guard -through the night. Of course the guard was to be changed at intervals. -Now, shortly after nightfall, one of the original two appointed to watch -over the camp called his comrade for the purpose of listening to certain -strange sounds which came to his ears through the darkness. - -They advanced cautiously to the top of a ridge, where they halted and -stood listening. The sounds could be faintly heard now and then. - -"Whatever does yer make of it, partner?" asked the one who had first -heard them. - -"Mighty quar sounds for a wild critter to make," declared the other. - -"Just what I thought. More like some sort o' music." - -"That's it. Dinged if it ain't something like a fiddle!" - -"Mebbe we'd better nose out that way and see if we can diskeever what it -is." - -"We leaves the camp onprotected." - -"Only for a short time. There won't anything happen, partner. This yere -standing guard is all foolishness, anyhow." - -"I reckon you're right." - -"Then come on." - -Together they advanced in the direction from which the strange sounds -seemed to proceed. As they made their way slowly and cautiously into the -valley they were able to hear those sounds more and more distinctly, and -before long both were satisfied that it was indeed a fiddle. - -"Well, wouldn't that chaw yer up!" muttered one. "Whoever does yer -reckon is a-playing a fiddle out yere?" - -"You have got me." - -"Well, we will certain find out. Have your gun ready, pard, in case we -runs into a muss." - -Pretty soon they saw through the starlight two horses grazing unhobbled -and unpicketed. - -"Only two," whispered one of the men. "We are as many as they be." - -"Whar are they?" - -The violin was silent now, and they remained crouching and awaiting -until it began again. It led them straight to the spot where little Abe -sat playing beside the sleeping girl. So absorbed was he in his music, -with his head bowed over the violin, that he failed to observe the -approach of the men until they were right beside him and one of them -stooped and took him by the shoulder. With a cry of terror, the boy -sprang up. - -Felicia awoke in great alarm and sat up, staring bewildered at Abe and -the two men. - -"Oh, ho!" said one of the guards. "What is this we finds? It is a -strange bird we diskeevers." - -"There's two," said the other. "And, by smoke, t'other one is a gal!" - -"Don't you touch her!" shrilly screamed the boy. "Don't you put a hand -on her!" - -He endeavored to jerk himself from the grip of the man who had seized -him, but the strong hand held him fast. - -"Whatever is the use to jump around this yere way?" said the man. "We -ain't a-hurting you none. Don't git so excited-like. Mebbe it's a right -good thing we finds ye yere." - -"Who are they, Abe? Who are they?" whispered Felicia. - -"I dunno," confessed the boy, filled with regret and despair at his own -carelessness in permitting the men to come upon them in such a manner -while he was absorbed in his playing. "But they shan't hurt yer. I won't -let um." - -"Mebbe you tells us what you're doing yere, you two kids," suggested one -of the men. - -"We're jest lost," said Abe. - -"Only that?" laughed the man. "Well, that sure is nothing much. Perhaps -if we don't find yer you stays lost. Where did yer get lost from?" - -"Oh, I know you won't hurt us!" said Felicia quickly. "Why should you? -We can't hurt any one. My horse was frightened and ran away. Abe tried -to catch him. That was how we got separated from Dick and the others." - -"Dick! Who is this yere Dick?" - -Before Abe could check her, Felicia answered. - -"Why, Dick Merriwell!" - -"Hey?" ejaculated one of the men. "Merriwell! Why, I sure opines that -name is a heap familiar. Dick Merriwell! Mebbe you means Frank -Merriwell?" - -"No! no! I mean Dick Merriwell, his brother." - -"His brother?" burst from both of the men. - -"Yes," said Felicia. - -"Then he has a brother, has he? Well, this is right interesting and no -mistake." - -"You bet it is!" ejaculated the other. "Where is this yere Dick -Merriwell, Hunchy?" - -It was the old hateful name which Abe detested, and his soul revolted -against it. - -"Don't you call me Hunchy!" he shrilly exclaimed. "I won't be called -Hunchy!" - -In his excitement he actually bristled at the ruffian. - -"Ho! ho!" laughed the other man. "What do yer think of that, partner? -Why, he is going ter soak me one." - -"Ho! ho!" came hoarsely. "That's what he is. Don't let him hit yer hard, -for he'll sure fix yer!" - -The one who had addressed Abe as "Hunchy" now removed his hat and made a -profound bow. - -"I begs yer pardon, your royal highness," he said. "If I treads on the -tail of yer coat any, I hopes you excuses me. I am not counting to rile -you up any, for I reckon you might be a whole lot dangerous." - -Abe knew this was said in derision, but he muttered: - -"I won't have anybody calling me Hunchy no more. Don't you forget that!" - -Felicia was clinging to the cripple now, and he could feel her -trembling. He put one of his long arms about her and sought to reassure -her by a firm pressure. - -"If I hasn't offended your highness," said the man who had asked the -question, "perhaps you tells me now where this Dick Merriwell is?" - -"Don't tell him, Abe!" whispered the girl. "They are bad men. I'm afraid -of them." - -"I wist you could tell me," said the boy. "I'd like ter find him -myself." - -"Then he is somewhere yereabouts?" - -"Don't tell!" breathed Felicia again. - -"I dunno 'bout that," said Abe. "Mebbe he is two hundred miles away now. -I dunno." - -"Ef he is so fur, however is it you expects ter find him in a hurry?" - -Barely a moment, did the boy hesitate, and then he declared: - -"Why, he was a-going through to Californy on the train. We live down on -the Rio Verde. Our dad, he's got a cattle ranch down there. Yesterday we -started out to go to Flagstaff. They wouldn't let us go alone, so we -runned away. We thought mebbe we could find the way there all right, but -I guess we can't." - -The two men looked at each other in the starlight and shook their heads. - -"Sounds fishy," said one, immediately detecting that this statement -conflicted with the one made by Felicia. - -"A whole lot," agreed the other. - -Felicia had gasped when she heard Abe fabricate so glibly. It was a -surprise to her, and she was almost sorry she had cautioned him not to -tell the facts to those men. - -"Well, you certain is off the trail, kids, providing you're bound for -Flagstaff. It's right lucky we finds you. We takes you to the camp, and -mebbe your dad what you speaks of pays us well if we returns you to him -safe and sound. I opines he runs a pretty big ranch." - -"You bet," said the boy quickly. "He's got one of the biggest down that -way. He has jest heaps of cattle and keeps lots of cowpunchers." - -"That being the case," chuckled the man who had grasped the boy's -shoulder, "he certain pays liberal when he gits his children back. Now -you two come along with us." - -He marched them along, one on either side, while his companion set out -to catch the grazing horses and bring them. - -Felicia slipped from the man's hand and again sought Abe's side, -pressing close to him. In his ear she whispered: - -"I am afraid we're in awful trouble now, Abe. You remember the bad men -we saw in the valley before my horse ran. Perhaps these are two of -them." - -"Better be ketched by bad men than starve," he returned, with an effort -to reassure her. "I have seen heaps of bad men before this, and I am -still alive." - -One of the horses was easily captured, but, to the surprise of the man, -the other one charged viciously at him. When he sought to get at its -head, the creature wheeled with a squeal and kicked wildly. - -The man swore. - -"What ails ye, drat yer?" he growled. - -Then he released the docile animal and turned his attention to the -other. - -To his astonishment, the creature was fierce as a raging lion. It -charged on him repeatedly, and he escaped only by the utmost nimbleness. -It squealed, and whirled, and kicked in all directions. Apparently it -fancied a thousand men were trying to capture it, and its wild gyrations -were exceedingly surprising, to say the least. - -After a little, the man ran away when he found the opportunity and stood -at a distance, with his hands on his hips, watching the cavorting -creature. - -"The dinged hoss is sure crazy!" he declared. "Why, its a-trying to chew -itself up, or kick itself to pieces. Never see but one critter act that -way before." - -"It's locoed," said Abe to the man with him. - -Immediately this man called to his companion, saying: - -"Let the beast alone. The kid says it's locoed, and ef that's so, I -reckon it's no good to anybody." - -"Never see no locoed horse feed nateral like this one was," returned the -other. "I opines the critter is just ugly, that's all." - -But, suddenly uttering snorts and squeals, the horse went dashing off -into the distance, as if pursued by some frightful thing. Nor did it -stop until it had disappeared far, far away. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE LOTTERY OF DEATH. - - -Men were lying about on the ground, sleeping where they had dropped. -Picketed horses were grazing at a little distance. The most of the men -slept heavily, but one or two routed up as the guards brought the boy -and girl and the captured horse to the bivouac. - -"Whatever has you there?" growlingly asked one of the men who had -awakened. - -"Some lost children we finds near yere," was the answer. - -Macklyn Morgan, wrapped in his blanket, had also awakened. His curiosity -was aroused, and he flung off the blanket and got up. - -"Children!" he said. "How does it happen that there are children in this -wretched region?" - -One of the men explained how he had heard the sound of the fiddle, which -had led them to the boy and girl. He also repeated Abe's story, adding -that it sounded "fishy." The interest of Morgan was redoubled at once. -He immediately turned his attention to the hunchback. - -"Going to Flagstaff to meet Frank Merriwell's brother, did you say?" he -questioned, attempting a kindly manner. "Seems to me that was rather a -crazy undertaking, my lad. And what is Frank Merriwell's brother doing -in Flagstaff?" - -"He jest said he was going there on his way to Californy," declared Abe, -trying to stick to his original story and make it seem consistent. "We -hope to see him there." - -Felicia was silent; but she felt that Abe's yarn was not believed by the -men. - -"How did you happen to know this Dick Merriwell?" questioned Morgan. - -Abe started to reply, but faltered and stammered a little, whereupon -Felicia quickly said: - -"I am his cousin." - -Instantly the man's interest was redoubled. - -"His cousin, eh?" he exclaimed. "Now we're getting at it. Curtis, start -a fire. I want to look these children over." - -While the man thus ordered was complying Morgan continued to question -the girl and boy, but now his interest seemed centred in Felicia. - -"So you are also the cousin of Frank Merriwell?" he said. "Tell me more -about these two Merriwells. I have heard of Frank Merriwell, and I -consider him a most excellent young man. I admire him very much." - -He endeavored to make his words sound sincere, but little Abe fancied -there was a false ring in them. - -"You know Dick is Frank's half-brother, sir," said the girl. "He attends -school in the East. I was at school in the same place once, but the -climate didn't agree with me, and so Frank sent me West for my health." - -"Have you seen him lately?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"When?" - -"In Prescott, a few days ago. He was there, but some bad men made a lot -of trouble for him and he left." - -"This boy is your brother?" asked Morgan, indicating Abe. - -"Why, yes, sir!" broke in Abe, quickly, seeing that Felicia would soon -be trapped. "I am a sort of brother; an adopted brother, you know." - -"Oh, that's it?" said Morgan. "But if you were living on a ranch down on -the Rio Verde, how did you happen to be in Prescott when Frank Merriwell -was there?" - -"Why, we jest went there. Dad he took us there," hastily asserted the -hunchback, seeking to maintain the original deception. - -"Is that true?" asked Morgan of Felicia. - -She was silent. - -"Of course it's true!" indignantly exclaimed the boy. - -"It seems to me that you are somewhat mixed, my child. Now, I advise you -to trust me. It will be the best thing you can do. I advise you to tell -me the truth. At this time we're on our way to join Frank Merriwell and -help him to defend his new mines. He has many enemies, you know. We -might take you directly to him." - -"Oh, splendid!" exclaimed the girl, all her suspicions disarmed. "Frank -will be so glad! We thought, perhaps, you might be his enemy; that's why -we were afraid of you." - -Macklyn Morgan forced a laugh, which he tried to make very pleasant and -reassuring. - -"You see how wrong you were," he said. "You see now that it's a mistake -to try to deceive me. It's best to tell me the truth and nothing else. -This story about living on a ranch--how about it?" - -"Oh, Abe told you that when he thought you must be Frank's enemy," said -Felicia. - -"Then it wasn't quite true?" - -"No, no." - -"And you were not on your way to Flagstaff to meet Dick Merriwell -there?" - -"No; we left Prescott in company with Dick and some friends, who were on -their way to join Frank." - -Felicia hastened on and told the entire story. - -Abe listened in doubt as to the wisdom of this, shaking his head a -little, but remaining silent. - -"Now we're getting at the facts," smiled Morgan, as the fire was started -and its light fell on his face. "It's much better for us all." - -He had assumed a free, benevolent, kindly expression, and to the girl it -seemed that he could not be deceiving them. Morgan continued to question -her until at length he learned everything he desired. - -"Now, my child," he said, "just you rest easy. We will soon join Frank -Merriwell, and, of course, this brother of his with his friends will -arrive all right in due time." - -Morgan then stepped over to where one of the sleeping men lay and -aroused him. - -"Wake up, Hackett," he said, in a low tone. "Something mighty important -has taken place." - -He then told the man what had happened, and Hackett listened -attentively. - -"It seems to me," he said, "that these yere kids are going to be an -incumbrance on us." - -"That's where you're wrong," asserted Morgan. "With the aid of these -children we ought to be able to bring Frank Merriwell to some sort of -terms." - -"I don't see how, sir." - -"Why, it's plain he thinks a lot of this girl. We have her. If that -doesn't trouble him some, I am greatly mistaken." - -"Mebbe you're right," nodded Hackett. "I reckon I begin to see your -little game, Mr. Morgan. Let me look these yere kids over some." - -He arose and proceeded to the fire, in company with Morgan, who -cautioned him, however, to say little to the boy and girl, fearing -Hackett might make some observation that would betray the truth. - -"She's some pretty, sir," said Gad, admiring Felicia; "though she's -nothing but a kid. I reckon she makes a stunner when she gits older." - -"Hush!" said Morgan. "That's nothing to you." - -"Oh, I has an eye for female beauty!" grinned Hackett. "It's nateral -with me." - -Suddenly, to their surprise, without the least warning, a man seemed to -rise from the ground a short distance away and walk straight toward the -fire. Hackett had his pistol out in a twinkling, but he stood with mouth -agape as he saw the newcomer was an old Indian, about whose shoulders a -dirty red blanket was draped. It was Felicia, however, who was the most -surprised, and a cry left her lips, for she recognized old Joe Crowfoot. - -Even as she uttered that cry the eyes of the old redskin shot her a -warning look that somehow silenced her. Without giving Hackett as much -as a glance, old Joe walked up to the fire, before which he squatted, -extending his hands to its warmth. - -"Well, dern me, if that don't beat the deck!" growled Hackett. "These -yere red wards of the government are a-getting so they makes theirselves -to home anywhere. And you never knows when they're around. Now, this -yere one he pops right out o' the ground like." - -Then he turned savagely on Joe. - -"What are you prowling around yere for, you old vagrant?" he demanded -threateningly. "Who are you?" - -Crowfoot rolled his little beady eyes up at the man. - -"Heap flying bird," he answered. "Go through air; go everywhere. Go -through ground. White man did him see red snake with horse's head? Injun -ride on red snake like the wind." - -"What's this jargon?" muttered Morgan. - -"Hark!" warned the Indian, lifting a hand. "You hear the flying lizard -sing? See that big one up there. See um great green eyes." - -Then he stared straight upward, as if beholding something in the air. -Involuntarily both men looked upward, but they saw nothing above them -save the stars of the sky. - -Felicia, who knew old Joe very well, was more than astonished by his -singular manner and remarkable words. Her first impulse had been to -spring up and greet him joyously, but the look from his black eyes had -stopped her. Now, as if she were a total stranger to him, he gave her no -attention. Suddenly he thumped himself on the breast with his clinched -fist. - -"Injun him all iron!" he declared. "Him like pale-face iron horse. When -sun he comes up again Injun he go on white man's iron track. He blow -smoke and fire and shriek same as iron horse." - -"Well, bat me, if the old whelp ain't daffy!" exclaimed Hackett. "He's -plumb off his nut, sure as shooting." - -"When Injun him lay down to sleep," said Crowfoot, "many stars come and -jump like antelope over him. No let him sleep. Him try to scare um away, -but star no scare. Bimeby Injun he get sick. He get up and run away. -Then star chase um Injun." - -"You're right, Hackett," said Morgan, "He's loony, for a fact." - -At this point one of the guards came walking up to the fire. The moment -his eyes fell on Crowfoot he uttered a shout that instantly aroused -every one of the sleeping men. - -"By the great horn toads!" he exploded savagely; "that's the old skunk -what drugged the whole bunch of us when Pete Curry nabbed us! Whatever -is he doing here?" - -Without even looking up, Crowfoot began to chant a strange, doleful song -in his own language. - -"The boys will certain salivate him," asserted the guard, as the men -were rising and approaching the fire. - -Old Joe apparently heard nothing and saw nothing. That singular chant -continued. - -"He is dead loony," said Hackett. - -"Then mebbe he's been taking some of his own dope," growled the guard. -"The boys will knock some o' his looniness out o' him, you bet!" - -As the men gathered around, a number of them recognized the aged -redskin, and immediately there was a great commotion. Several drew their -weapons, and it seemed that Joe would be murdered on the spot. With a -scream of terror, Felicia flung herself before the old man, to whom she -clung. - -"No! no! no!" she cried. "You shall not hurt him!" - -In the excitement old Joe whispered in her ear: - -"Keep still, Night Eyes. Um bad men no hurt Joe. Him touched by Great -Spirit. Nobody hurt um man touched by Great Spirit." - -This, then, was the old fellow's scheme. This explained how it happened -that he dared venture into the nest of desperadoes. Among the Indians of -all tribes a deranged man is regarded with awe as one who has felt the -touch of the Great Spirit. No redskin will harm a deranged person, -believing the vengeance of the Great Father must fall on whoever does -such a thing. Shrewd as he was, Crowfoot had not yet discovered that -palefaces did not regard crazed people with such a feeling of awe. - -"Take the girl away," roared several of the men. "Let us settle with the -old Injun." - -If Morgan thought of interfering, he was too late, for rude hands seized -Felicia and dragged her away, in spite of her struggles. She cried and -pleaded, but all her efforts were useless. Crowfoot paid no attention to -her, nor did he heed the threatening weapons in the hands of the -ruffians. Rising to his feet, he did a solemn dance around the fire, at -the same time continuing his doleful chant. - -"That yere certain is a death dance for him," muttered Hackett, who -realized that the men were aroused to a pitch at which they would insist -on wiping the fellow out. - -"The black moon him soon come up," said Joe, standing with one hand -outstretched as he finished his dance. "Then we see spirits of many dead -warriors chase um buffalo over it." - -"You will have a chance to take a chase with the rest o' the bunch," -snarled one of the men. "Stand back, boys, and watch me cook him." - -"Hold on!" cried another, catching the man's wrist. "I opine I am in -this yere." - -Immediately an argument arose as to which of them should have the -satisfaction of killing the Indian who had once fooled them so -thoroughly. While this was taking place Joe continued, apparently -oblivious of his danger, talking of flying horses and a dozen other -impossible creatures. He must have realized that his apparent madness -was making no impression on these men, but he seemed determined to play -the game through to the finish. At length, he squatted again beside the -fire, resuming his doleful chant. - -By this time it had been settled that some one of the party should have -the privilege of shooting the Indian, for it was agreed that to waste a -number of bullets on him was folly. There was some discussion as to the -manner of choosing the slayer, but the desperadoes finally decided on -drawing lots. - -Hackett, who took no part in this demand for the Indian's life, was -chosen to prepare the lots, which he did. Then the men eagerly pressed -forward to draw. The one who drew the shortest piece was to be the -"fortunate" individual. All the while Crowfoot was guarded by men with -drawn and ready weapons. Had he made an effort to get away he would have -been riddled immediately. - -Finally the lots were compared, and a half-blood Mexican, with leathery -skin, drooping mustache, deep-furrowed face, and matted black hair, was -the one who held the shortest piece. He laughed as he displayed it. - -"Stand back!" he cried, flashing a pistol and striding forward to within -four paces of the Indian. "I will settle him with one piece of lead." - -Then, as this wretch lifted his weapon, old Joe realized at last that -his game had failed utterly. There was no escape for him. His long life -had led him at last to this, and he believed he stood at the gateway of -the happy hunting grounds. Had there been hope of escape he would have -made the attempt. Now, as he still crouched by the fire, he drew his red -blanket over his head, and from beneath its muffling folds came the sad -and doleful chant of the redman's death song. - -The executioner stood fair and full in the firelight. He brought his -weapon to a level and a shot rang out. It was not he, however, who -fired. From somewhere near at hand a report sounded, and the pistol flew -from his hand as the bullet tore through his forearm. A yell of pain -escaped his lips. - -Instantly the ruffians were thrown into the utmost confusion. Feeling -that they were about to be attacked, they hastened to get away from the -fire, the light of which must betray them to the enemy. - -In spite of his age, like a leaping panther, old Joe shot to his feet. -With one hand he seized little Abe, whom he snatched clear of the -ground. And the next instant the old savage was running for his life. -Two or three shots were fired, but in the excitement Crowfoot was -untouched. - -They were given no further time to turn their attention on him. From out -of the shadows came a single horseman, bearing straight down upon them, -his weapons flashing. The recklessness of this charge and the astounding -suddenness with which it came was too much for the nerves of those men. - -Felicia had been released by the man who was holding her as the first -shot was fired. This man pulled a weapon and fired once at the shadowy -horseman, after which he ran like a frightened antelope, for a screaming -bullet had cut his ear. It seemed that the horseman meant to ride -Felicia down. In her fear she stood still, as if turned to stone, which -was the best thing she could have done. - -As he swept past her, the rider swung low to one side in the saddle, and -somehow one strong young hand grasped her and snatched her from the -ground. She felt herself lifted with such suddenness that her breath -seemed snapped away, and then she lay across the horse in front of the -rider, who now bent low over her. - -Bullets whined, and whistled, and sang about them, but some good fairy -must have guarded them, for they were untouched. On they went. The -sounds of irregular shooting fell farther and farther behind them. - -Felicia had not fainted, although her senses swam and she seemed on the -verge of losing consciousness. She could not understand just what had -taken place. Suddenly her rescuer began to laugh, and a strange, wild, -boyish laugh it was. It thrilled her through and through. - -"Dick!" she gasped. "Oh, Dick!" - -He straightened up and lifted her, holding her before him with one -strong arm. - -"Felicia!" he exclaimed, "are you hurt?" - -"Oh, Dick! Dick!" she repeated, in wonder. "And is it you?" - -"You are not hurt?" he persisted in questioning. - -"No, Dick--no." - -"Thank goodness!" - -"But how was it? My head is swimming; I can't understand. I am dazed." - -"Well, I fancy I dazed those fine gentlemen a little," said the boy. -"Felicia, I have been searching, searching everywhere for you. We -followed your trail as well as we could. When night came we had not -found you. I couldn't rest. What fate it was that led me to those -ruffians I cannot say, but I believe the hand of Heaven was in it. In -their excitement over Crowfoot none of them heard my approach. I was -quite near when that brute lifted his weapon to shoot Joe. I didn't want -to kill him, and I fired at his arm. It was a lucky shot, for I hit him. -He stood between me and the firelight, so that the light fell on the -barrel of my pistol. Crowfoot took his cue quickly enough, for I saw him -scamper." - -"How brave you are! How brave you are!" murmured the girl, in untold -admiration. "Oh, Dick, I can't believe it now." - -"It was not such a brave thing, after all," he said. "I suppose most -people would call it folly. But I had to do it. Why, old Joe saved my -life a dozen times when I used to hunt with him years ago. He loved me -as a father might love a son. You see it was impossible for me to keep -still and see him murdered. I had to do something to save him. He can -hide like a gopher on the open plain." - -"But Abe, Dick--Abe?" - -"I saw Crowfoot snatch him up as he ran. We must leave Abe to old Joe." - -"Listen, Dick! Are they pursuing us?" - -"We have the start on them, Felicia, and I don't believe they will be -able to overtake us if they try it." - -Through the night they rode. At the first opportunity Dick turned from -his course and doubled in a manner intended to baffle the pursuers. - -"It will be a long pull back to Bart and the others, Felicia," he said; -"but I think we can make it all right. For all of the time I have spent -at school, I have not forgotten the lessons taught me by Crowfoot when I -was a mere kid. He taught me to set my course by the stars, the wind, -the trees, by a score of things. To-night our guide shall be the stars." - -Brad Buckhart was worried and troubled greatly over Dick's long absence, -and was on guard where they had camped as night fell. The Texan tramped -restlessly up and down, now and then pausing to listen. The others -slept. Wiley snored lustily and muttered in his sleep. - -"Avast, there!" he mumbled. "Put her to port, you lubber!" - -Then, after snoring again in the most peaceful manner, he broke out: - -"Right over the corner of the pan, Breck, old boy. Let's see you make a -home run off that bender!" - -Brad moved still farther away that he might listen without being -disturbed by the sailor. Far in the night he seemed to hear a sound. -Kneeling, he leaned his ear close to the ground and listened -attentively. - -"Horseman coming," he decided. "It must be Dick--it must be!" - -Finally the hoofbeats of the approaching horse became more and more -distinct. Then through the still, clear night came a clear, faint -whistle. - -"Dick it is!" exclaimed the Texan joyously. - -Dick it was, and with him he brought Felicia safely back to them. They -did not arouse the others, but she was wrapped in blankets and left to -sleep, if possible, through the remainder of the still, cool night. -Young Merriwell's story filled the Texan with unbounded astonishment and -admiration. He seized Dick's hand and shook it with almost savage -delight. - -"Talk about a howling terror on ten wheels!" he exclaimed. "Why, you -simply beat the universe. You hear me gurgle! Now you just turn in, for -I reckon you're a whole lot pegged out." - -"Well, sleep won't hurt me if I can corral some of it," acknowledged -Dick. - -Brad continued to stand guard, thinking that later he would arouse one -of the others to take his place. His restlessness and worry had passed -somewhat, and after a time he sat down, thinking over the startling -things that had happened. It was thus that, exhausted more than he knew, -he finally slid to the ground and also slept. The night passed without -any of them being disturbed. But in the morning the first man to awaken -was Pete Curry, who sat up, rubbing his eyes, and uttered a shout of -astonishment. The remaining sleepers awoke and started up. - -What they saw astounded them no less than it had Curry, for on the -ground near at hand lay little Abe, with Joe Crowfoot's dirty red -blanket tucked about him, and within three feet sat the redskin, calmly -and serenely smoking his pipe. - -Dick flung off his blanket and was on his feet in a twinkling. - -"Crowfoot!" he joyously cried, rushing forward with his arms -outstretched. - -For one who complained of rheumatism and advancing age the redskin rose -with remarkable quickness. Usually stolid and indifferent in manner, the -look that now came to his wrinkled, leathery face was one of such deep -feeling and affection that it astounded every one but himself. The old -man clasped Dick in his arms as a father might a long-lost son. To Curry -and his companions this was a most singular spectacle. Curry had seized -a weapon on discovering Crowfoot. He did not use it when the old fellow -remained silent and indifferent after his shout of astonishment and -alarm. - -That the boy should embrace the Indian in such an affectionate manner -seemed almost disgusting to Curry and his assistants, all three of whom -held Indians in the utmost contempt. For a moment it seemed that the old -man's heart was too full for speech. Finally, with a strange tenderness -and depth of feeling in his voice, he said: - -"Injun Heart, Great Spirit heap good to old Joe! He let him live to see -you some more. What him eyes see make him heart swell with heap big -gladness. Soon him go to happy hunting ground; now him go and make um no -big kick 'bout it." - -"Joe, I have longed to see you again," declared Dick, his voice unsteady -and a mist in his eyes. "Sometimes my heart has yearned for the old days -with you on the plains and amid the mountains. I have longed to be with -you again, hunting the grizzly, or sleeping in the shade by a murmuring -brook and beneath whispering trees. Then you taught me the secrets of -the wild animals and the birds. I have forgotten them now, Joe. I can no -longer call the birds and tiny animals of the forest to me. In that way -I am changed, Joe; but my heart remains the same toward you, and ever -will." - -Now the old redskin held Dick off by both shoulders and surveyed him up -and down with those beady eyes, which finally rested on the boy's -handsome face with a look of inexpressible admiration. - -"Heap fine! Heap fine!" said the old man. "Joe him know it. Joe him sure -you make great man. Joe him no live to see you have whiskers on um face, -but you sure make great man. Joe him getting heap close to end of trail. -Rheumatism crook him and make um swear sometime." - -"Don't talk about getting near the end of the trail, Crowfoot," laughed -Dick, whose heart was full of delight over this meeting. "You old -hypocrite! I saw you last night! I saw you when you took to your heels -after I perforated the gentleman who contemplated cutting your thread of -life short. Rheumatism! Why, you deceptive old rascal, you ran like a -deer! If your rheumatism was very bad, you couldn't take to your heels -in that fashion." - -Crowfoot actually grinned. - -"Injun him have to run," he asserted. "Bullets come fast and thick. If -Injun him run slow mebbe he get ketched by bullet." - -Little Abe had risen on one elbow, the blanket falling from his -shoulders, and watched the meeting between Dick and the old savage. -Felicia also was awakened, and now she came hastening forward, her dark -eyes aglow and a slight flush in her delicate cheeks. - -"Joe! Joe! have you forgotten me?" she asked. - -The redskin turned at once and held out his hands to her. - -"Night Eyes," he said, with such softness that all save Dick and Felicia -were astonished, "little child of silent valley hid in mountains, next -to Injun Heart, old Joe him love you most. You good to old Joe. Long -time 'go Joe he come to valley hid in mountains and he sit by cabin -there. He see you play with Injun Heart. Warm sun shine in valley -through long, long day. All Joe do he smoked, and sat, and watched. -Bimeby when Night Eyes was very tired she come crawling close up side -old Joe and lean her head 'gainst Joe, and sleep shut her eyes. Then old -Joe him keep still. When Injun Heart he come near old Joe, him say, -'Sh-h!' He hold up his hand; he say, 'Keep much still.' Then mebbe Night -Eyes she sleep and sleep, and sun he go down, and birds they sing last -good-night song, and stars shine out, and old Joe him sit still all the -time. Oh, he no forget--he no forget!" - -Somehow the simple words of the old redskin brought back all the past, -which seemed so very, very far away, and tears welled from Felicia's -eyes. - -"Oh, those were happy days, Joe--happy days!" she murmured. "I fear I -shall never be so happy again--never, never!" - -"Oh, must be happy!" declared the old fellow. "Dick him make um Night -Eyes happy. Him look out for Night Eyes." - -"Just the same," she declared, "I would give anything, anything, to be -back in that valley now, just as I was long, long ago." - -With his head cocked on one side, Cap'n Wiley had been watching the -meeting between the Indian and his young friends. Wiley now turned to -Buckhart and remarked: - -"I am learning extensively in this variegated world. As the years roll -on my accumulation of knowledge increases with susceptible rapidity. Up -to the present occasion I have been inclined to think that about the -only thing a real Injun could be good for was for a target. It seems to -my acute perception that in this immediate instance there is at least -one exception to the rule. Although yonder copper-hued individual looks -somewhat scarred and weather-beaten, I observe that Richard Merriwell -hesitates in no degree to embrace him. Who is the old tike, mate?" - -"Why, old Joe Crowfoot!" answered Brad. "The only Indian I ever saw of -his kind." - -Immediately Wiley approached old Joe, walking teeteringly on the balls -of his feet, after his own peculiar fashion, made a salute, and -exclaimed: - -"I salute you, Joseph Crowfoot, Esquire, and may your shadow never grow -less. May you take your medicine regularly and live to the ripe round -age of one hundred years. Perhaps you don't know me. Perhaps you haven't -heard of me. That is your misfortune. I am Cap'n Wiley, a rover of the -briny deep and a corking first-class baseball player. Ever play -baseball, Joe, old boy? It's a great game. You would enjoy it. In my -mind's eye I see you swing the bat like a war club and swat the sphere -hard enough to dent it. Or perchance you are attempting to overhaul the -base runner, and I see him fleeing wildly before you, as if he fancied -you were reaching for his scalp locks." - -"Ugh!" grunted old Joe. "No know who um be; but know heap good name for -um. Joe he give you name. He call you Wind-in-the-head." - -At this the others, with the exception of Wiley himself, laughed -outright. The sailor, however, did not seem at all pleased. - -"It's plain, Joseph," he observed, "that you have a reckless little -habit of getting gay occasionally. Take my advice and check that habit -before it leads you up against a colossal calamity." - -"Wind-in-the-head he talk heap many big words," said the Indian. "Mebbe -sometime he talk big words that choke him." - -"That's a choke, Wiley," laughed Dick. - -"And that certainly is the worst pun it has ever been my misfortune to -hear," half sobbed the sailor. "One more like that would give me heart -failure. Did you ever hear of the time I had heart failure in that -baseball game with the Cleveland Nationals? Well, mates, it was----" - -"We can't stand one of them before breakfast, Wiley," interrupted Dick. -"It may prove too much for us. After breakfast we will endeavor to -listen while you relate one of your harrowing experiences." - -"But this thing is burning in my bosom. I long to disgorge it." - -"You have to let it burn, I think. We should be on the move by this -time." - -Thus Wiley was repressed and prevented from relating one of his -marvelous yarns, not a little to his disgust. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -AN ACT OF TREACHERY. - - -It was past midday. Guided by Wiley, who seemed to know the way well, -the party had pushed on into the mountains and followed a course that -led them over ragged slopes and steep declivities. - -Finally the sailor paused and turned. - -"There, mates," he said, stretching out his hand, "barely half a mile -away lies the Enchanted Valley. I have a tickling fancy that we have -reached it ahead of that delectable crew we sought to avoid." - -Even as he said this, Pete Curry uttered an exclamation and pointed -toward the mouth of a ragged ravine or fissure, from which at this -moment several horsemen suddenly debouched. They were followed closely -by a band of men on foot. - -"That's the whole bunch!" exclaimed Curry. "And they're coming as fast -as they can chase theirselves. They are heading to cut us off." - -"That's right!" burst from Dick. "We've got to make a dash for it. Lead -the way, Wiley, and be sure you make no mistake." - -A hot dash it was for the fissure that led into the Enchanted Valley. -The enemy, yelling like a lot of savages, did their best to cut the -party off. Seeing they would fail at this, they opened fire, and a few -bullets sang dangerously near the fugitives. - -"Oh, bilge-water and brine!" muttered the sailor. "There'll certainly be -doings when we attempt to scurry down that crack into the valley! It's -going to be a very disagreeable piece of business for us." - -Nearer and nearer they came to the fissure for which they were heading. -Straight toward the beginning of it they raced, Wiley telling Dick it -would be necessary for several of them to halt there and try to stand -off the enemy while the rest of the party descended. But as they reached -the beginning of the fissure, from behind some bowlders two young men -opened fire with repeating rifles on the pursuers. In a moment the hail -of bullets sent into the ranks of the enemy threw them into confusion. A -horse dropped in its tracks, and another, being wounded, began bucking -and kicking. One man was hit in the shoulder. - -This unexpected occurrence threw the pursuers into consternation, so -that they wheeled immediately and sought to get beyond rifle range. - -"Avast there, my hearties!" cried Wiley, as he caught sight of the -youths who knelt behind the bowlders. "Permit me to lay alongside and -join you in the merry carnage." - -"Hello, Wiley!" called Frank, who, aided by Hodge, had checked the -ruffians. "It seems that we happened up this way at just about the right -time." - -"At the precise psychological moment," nodded the marine marvel. "This -being just in time is getting habitual with you." - -While the enemy was still in confusion Frank and Bart hastened to join -the new arrivals and greet them. Of course they were surprised to see -Curry and his companions, and the story told by the deputy sheriff, who -explained everything in a few words, made clear the cause of his -unexpected reappearance at the valley. - -"A ministerial-looking gentleman who called himself Felton Cleveland, -eh?" said Frank. "He was with the gang that cut loose your prisoners, -was he? Well, I am dead sure Felton Cleveland is----" - -"Macklyn Morgan!" cried Dick. "I saw him last night. He is the man." - -"And Macklyn Morgan is the instigator of this whole business," said -Frank. "Wiley, get Abe and Felicia down into the valley without delay. -We have got to stand this gang off right here. We can't afford to let -them reach this entrance to the valley. We're in for a siege. You will -find provisions down there at the cabin. Bring supplies when you return. -Abe and Felicia will be safe down there as long as we hold this -passage." - -"Ay, ay, sir!" said the sailor. "I am yours to command." - -Fortunately near the mouth of the fissure there were heaped-up bowlders -which seemed to form something of a natural fortress. Behind these rocks -the defenders concealed themselves, their horses being taken down into -the valley one after another. For a long time the enemy made no -offensive move. It seemed to Frank and his friends that the ruffians had -been dismayed by their warm reception, and they seemed disagreeing. - -"If they will only chew the rag and get into trouble among themselves, -it will be greatly to our advantage," said Hodge. - -"Let them sail right into us if they are looking for a warm time!" -exclaimed Brad Buckhart, who seemed thirsting for more trouble. "I opine -we can give them all they want." - -Wiley brought a supply of provisions from the valley, and the defenders -satiated their hunger while ensconced behind the bowlders. - -"This is even better than salt horse," declared Wiley, munching away. -"One time when shipwrecked in the South Atlantic, longitude unty-three, -latitude oxty-one, I subsisted on raw salt horse for nineteen -consecutive days. That was one of the most harrowing experiences of my -long and sinuous career." - -"Spare us! Spare us!" exclaimed Frank. "We have got to stand off those -ruffians, so don't deprive us of our nerve and strength." - -"Look here!" exclaimed the sailor, "this thing is getting somewhat -monotonous! Whenever I attempt to tell a little nannygoat somebody rises -up and yells, 'Stop it!' Pretty soon I will get so I'll have to talk to -myself. There was a man I knew once who kept a bowling alley and the -doctor told him he mustn't talk; but he kept right on talking. He talked -everybody deaf, and dumb, and black, and blue, and stone-blind, so at -last there was nobody left for him to talk to but himself. Then he went -to talking to himself in his sleep, which disturbed him so that he -always woke up and couldn't sleep. The result was that he became so -utterly exhausted for the want of rest that it was necessary to take him -to the hospital. But even in the hospital they couldn't keep him still -until they gagged him. That was the only thing that saved his life. What -a sad thing it would be if anything like that should happen to me!" - -Late in the afternoon the enemy made a move. Protected by rocks and such -cover as they could find, they attempted to close in on the defenders of -the valley. - -Frank was keenly alert, and he discovered this move almost as soon as it -began. Immediately he posted his companions where they could watch, and -they agreed on a dead line, across which they would not permit the -ruffians to creep without firing on them. As the ruffians drew nearer -the cover was less available, and when the dead line was crossed the -defenders opened fire on them. Within three minutes several of the enemy -had been wounded, and the advance was not only checked, but the ruffians -were filled with such dismay that the greater part of them took to their -heels and fled. Several of these might have been shot down, but Frank -would not permit it. - -"I opine that just about gives them all they want for a while," said -Brad Buckhart. - -It seemed that he was right. The besiegers disappeared amid the rocks, -and the afternoon crept on with no further effort in that direction to -enter the valley by assault. - -Some of the defenders were beginning to wonder if the enemy had not -given up when, with the sun hanging low, a man appeared in the distance, -waving a white handkerchief, attached like a flag to the end of a stick. - -"Whatever's up now?" muttered Pete Curry. - -"It is a flag of truce," said Merry. - -"Look out, Frank!" exclaimed Bart. "It may be a trick." - -Merry rose and stood on a mound of bowlders, drawing out his own -handkerchief and waved it in return. - -"What are you going to do?" asked Hodge. - -"I am going to find out what they are up to," was the answer. - -"I tell you it may be a trick." - -"We will see." - -The man in the distance with the flag of truce immediately advanced -alone. Barely had he walked out into full view when Merry said: - -"It is Macklyn Morgan, or my eyes are no good!" - -"Old Joe he fix um," said the aged Indian, carefully thrusting his rifle -over the rocks and preparing to take aim. - -"Stop him!" exclaimed Merry. "Don't let him fire on a man with a white -flag!" - -The old savage seemed greatly surprised and disappointed when he was -prevented from shooting. - -"When um Morgan man he is killed that stop all trouble," said Joe. "Good -chance to do it." - -"Watch him close, Dick," directed Frank. "I am going out there to meet -Morgan." - -"Let me go with you." - -"No; he's alone. I will go alone. He is taking his chances. If anything -happens to me, if one of those ruffians should fire on me, Morgan knows -my friends here will shoot him down. Still, there may be some trick -about it, and I want every one of you to watch close and be on the -alert." - -"Depend on us, Frank," said Dick. "Only I'm sorry you won't let me go -with you." - -A few moments later Merriwell strode out boldly from the rocks, with the -white handkerchief still fluttering in his hand, advancing to meet -Morgan, who was slowly coming forward. - -They met in the centre of the open space near the little heap of -bowlders. In grim silence, regarding his enemy with accusing eyes, Merry -waited for Morgan to open the conversation. - -"This is a very unfortunate affair, young man," said the hypocritical -money king. "I am sorry it has happened." - -"Are you?" asked Frank derisively. - -"I am, I am," nodded Morgan. "It's very bad--very bad." - -"If you feel so bad about it, sir, it's the easiest thing in the world -for you to bring it to an end." - -"But you are the one to terminate it, young man." - -"How do you make that out?" - -"You know how you can settle this affair without delay. You heard my -proposition in Prescott." - -"I believe I did. It was very interesting as the proposition of a -thoroughly unscrupulous man." - -"Don't get insulting, Mr. Merriwell. I am doing my duty. Milton Sukes -was my partner. Do you think I can conscientiously ignore the fact that -he was murdered?" - -"I fail to understand what that has to do with me." - -"You know I have proofs," said Morgan sternly. "You know they will -convict you." - -"I know nothing of the sort. You have no proofs that are worth being -called that." - -"Everything points accusingly and decisively at you. You were Mr. Sukes' -bitter enemy. It was to your advantage that he should be put out of the -way. He annoyed you. He gave you great trouble." - -"And I fancy, Macklyn Morgan, that I annoyed him a little. But why do -you pretend that it is on his account you are carrying out this lawless -piece of business? You know its nature. You know in your heart that you -are a hypocrite. You have even offered, if I turn over my property to -you here, to make no proceeding against me. Is that the way you obtain -justice for your dead partner? Is that the sort of justice you are -looking for, Morgan? Don't talk to me of justice! I know the sort of man -you are! I know you from the ground up!" - -"Be careful! Be careful! You are making a mistake, young man. Mr. Sukes -annoyed you and harassed you because he believed you held property that -he should possess--property that rightfully belonged to him. He obtained -no satisfaction from you. If I am willing to settle with you by securing -possession of this undeveloped mine here, which I now offer to do, you -ought to think yourself getting off easy. It is not often that I enter -into an affair of this sort. It is not often that I take hold of it -personally. I allow my agents to carry such things through under my -directions. In this case, however, I have considered it best to see the -matter to an end myself. I confess that it seemed probable that you -might be too slick for my agents." - -"No thanks whatever for the compliment. Have you anything new to -propose, Mr. Morgan?" - -"My proposition is this: that you and your companions retire at once -from this vicinity, and if you do I give you my word that you will not -be molested. It is an easy and simple way to settle this whole affair. -If you comply, we will let the Sukes matter drop where it is. You will -escape prosecution for murder. Think well of it--think well. It is the -best thing you can do. You are trapped now. You are penned in here and -you can't get out. If we see fit, we can lay siege to this place and -keep you here until we starve you out. In the end you will be compelled -to surrender. In the end you will lose everything. If you force me to -such a course, not only will I obtain possession of this undeveloped -mine, but I tell you now that I shall do my best to see you hanged for -the murder of Milton Sukes." - -Frank laughed in the man's face. - -"It's plain," he said, "that even now, Macklyn Morgan, you don't -understand me. It's plain that you still fancy it possible to frighten -me. You are wasting your time, sir. Go ahead with your siege and see -what comes of it." - -This seemed to enrage Morgan, for suddenly he violently shook the flag -at Frank and cried: - -"Then take the result of your obstinacy!" - -Instantly there were several puffs of white smoke from beyond the -distant rocks and Frank pitched forward upon his face. - -At the same moment Macklyn Morgan made a spring and dropped behind a -little pile of bowlders, where he was fully protected from the defenders -of the valley. - -Apparently Frank had been treacherously shot down in cold blood while -under the flag of truce. - -The watchers of the defense were horrified as they saw Frank fall. Dick -uttered a savage cry and would have rushed out from behind the rocks had -he not been seized by Brad Buckhart. - -"Steady, pard--steady!" warned the Texan, finding it difficult to detain -young Merriwell. - -"Let go!" panted Dick. "Don't you see! My brother! The dastardly -wretches have shot him!" - -"And do you propose to prance out there and let them shoot you up, too? -Do you propose to let these measly galoots wipe out the Merriwell family -in a bunch? Cool down, pard, and have some sense." - -Bart Hodge had been no less excited than Dick, and nothing could have -prevented him from rushing forth to Frank had he not suddenly made a -discovery as he sprang up. His eyes were on his chum of school and -college days, and he saw Frank quickly roll over and over until he lay -close against a bowlder, where he would be protected in case the enemy -fired again. Then, as he lay thus, Merry lifted the hand that still -clutched the white handkerchief and waved it in a signal to his friends. - -Hodge was shaking in every limb. - -"He is not killed!" he exclaimed. - -"Heap keep still," came from old Joe. "No shot at all. Him all right. -Him see gun flash, him drop quick, bullets go over um. Him fool bad -palefaces a heap." - -"What's that?" fluttered Dick. "Do you mean that he wasn't hurt, Joe?" - -"No hurt him much," asserted the old savage, "Strong Heart he have keen -eye. He watch all the time. He see gun flash. He see smoke. He drop -quick." - -It was not easy to make Dick believe his brother had not been hurt, but -Frank managed to convey to them by signals that he was all right. Their -relief was unbounded. Indeed, Dick's eyes filled with a mist of joy, -although his anxiety was intense, for he feared that his brother might -still be in a position where the enemy could get further shots at him. -Frank, however, hugged the rocks closely, and there was no more -shooting. - -On the other side of the bowlders lay Macklyn Morgan, his evil heart -filled with triumph, for he believed Merriwell had been slain. His -astonishment was unbounded when he heard Frank's voice calling his name. - -"Morgan," called Merry, "can you hear me?" - -"Yes, I hear you," answered the astounded villain. "So they didn't kill -you outright, did they?" - -"Hardly that," returned Merry. "They didn't even touch me." - -"What did you say?" burst from Morgan. "Why, those men were the best -shots in our party! They were carefully chosen for this piece of -business." - -"A fine piece of business, Macklyn Morgan!" contemptuously retorted -Merry. "And you planned it, I presume! You are a smooth-faced, -hypocritical man of wealth, known far and wide and greatly respected -because of your riches. Yet you have descended to a piece of business -like this! Sukes was bad enough, Morgan; but you're a hundred times -worse. You have failed in your most dastardly plot, just as you will -fail in everything. Lie still, Macklyn Morgan. Keep close to those rocks -where you are, for if you show yourself you will be riddled by my -watching friends. From this time on your life will not be worth a pinch -of snuff if they get a chance at you." - -So the two men, the fearless youth and the treacherous money king, lay -each sheltered by the bowlders while the sun sank in the west and day -slipped softly into night. When the shadows had deepened sufficiently, -Frank crept away on his stomach toward the valley, taking the utmost -pains not to expose himself, and, through his skill in this, returned at -last in safety to his friends, who welcomed him joyously. - -"Heap well done!" grunted old Joe. "But now Strong Heart him know more -than to trust um bad men. No do it some more." - -Dick was able to repress his emotion, although Frank read in the few -words his brother said the intense anxiety he had felt. - -"What will be their next move?" exclaimed Hodge. - -"They will attempt to overpower us by some sudden move to-night," said -Frank. "We must remain on the alert every moment." - -The stars came out bright and clear, as they always do in that -Southwestern land, and, if possible, their light seemed more brilliant -than usual. The night advanced, and still the enemy before them remained -silent. It was Curry who discovered something down in the valley that -attracted his attention and interested him. He called the attention of -Frank, who saw down there a light waving to and fro and then in circles. - -"Whatever does yer make of that, pard Merriwell?" asked Curry. - -"It's a signal," said Frank--"a signal from Abe and Felicia. They are -seeking to attract our attention. I must go down there at once." - -"There's trouble of some sort down there, Frank," said Dick, who had -reached his brother's side. "Let's go quickly." - -Merry found Bart and directed him to take charge of the defense at that -point and be constantly on the alert. With Dick close behind him, he -hastened down the fissure leading into the valley. In the narrow place -through which they descended the starlight was dim and uncertain, yet -they hastened with reckless speed. Reaching the valley, they made -straight for the cabin, where the signal light was still waving. As they -drew near, they saw the grotesque figure of little Abe swinging a -lighted torch over his head and then waving it round and round. The -flaring torch revealed Felicia, who stood near. - -"What's the matter, Abe?" demanded Frank, as he dashed up. - -"I am glad you saw it! I am glad you came!" said the boy. "Frank, those -men are trying to get into the valley another way." - -"Where? How?" - -"Felicia saw them first. Some of them are on the other side." - -"But there is no entrance save the one we are defending." - -"They are planning to get in by descending the face of the precipice. We -saw them creep down over the rocks, three or four of them, and it took -them a long time. They have reached a precipice that is perpendicular." - -"That should stop them." - -"I watched them through your field glasses, which I found in the cabin. -They were letting themselves down with the aid of ropes." - -"Ropes?" exclaimed Dick. - -"A new game," said Frank. - -"Can they descend that way?" questioned the boy. - -"It's possible," admitted Frank. "Show us where they are, Abe. Drop that -torch and lose not a moment." - -The hunchback led the way, running on before them, and they followed him -closely. As they came at length to the vicinity of the precipice, they -saw through the pale starlight that Abe had spoken truly, for already -long lariats had been spliced together, and, by the aid of these, which -now dangled from the top of the precipice to the bottom, one of the men -had already begun to descend. They saw the shadowy figure of his -companions waiting above, and it seemed that the men did not dare trust -themselves more than one at a time upon the spliced rope. - -"We've got to stop that, Frank!" panted Dick. - -"We will stop it," said Merry. "Don't attract attention. Let's get -nearer." - -They stole forward still nearer, watching the man as he came down slowly -and carefully. This man had descended almost half the distance when a -sudden rifle shot broke the stillness of the valley. Immediately, with a -cry, the dark form of a man dropped like a stone. - -Frank and his companions had been startled by the shot, but Merry -instantly recognized the peculiar spang of the rifle. - -"Old Joe!" whispered Merry. - -As they stood there a silent figure came slipping toward them, and the -old Indian stopped close at hand. - -"Bad men no come down that way," he said quietly. "Joe him shoot pretty -good--pretty good. Joe him think mebbe he shoot four, five, six times, -he might cut rope. Joe him shoot once, him cut rope. Joe him got -rheumatism. Him pretty old, but him shoot pretty good." - -"Was that what you fired at?" asked Merry, in astonishment. "You didn't -shoot at the man on the rope?" - -"Plenty time to shoot man when Joe him find out he no cut rope," was the -retort. "When rope him cut one man he come down pretty fast. Him strike, -bump! Mebbe it jar him some." - -"The fall must have killed him instantly," said Frank. "If you cut that -rope, Joe, you have spoiled their attack on this side of the valley. -Stay here. Watch sharp, and make sure they don't resume the attempt. If -they do, Abe can signal again." - -"All right," said Crowfoot. "Me watch." - -With this assurance, Frank felt safe to return again to the defenders -above, and Dick returned with him. When he told what had taken place in -the valley Cap'n Wiley observed: - -"I had it in for Joseph Crowfoot, Esquire, for calling me -Wind-in-the-head; but I will overlook the insult. Evidently the old boy -is a whole army in himself." - -As they lay waiting for the attack they fully expected must take place, -there came to their ears from the direction in which the enemy was -supposed to be the sounds of shots, followed immediately by hoarse -yelling and more shooting. - -"Well, what do you make of that, Merry?" cried Hodge. "There seems to be -a ruction of some sort going on over there." - -Frank listened a few moments. The sound of the shooting receded, and the -yelling seemed dying out in the distance. - -"It may be a trick," he said; "but I am in hopes those ruffians have -quarreled among themselves. If it is a trick, we will keep still and -wait. Time will tell what has happened." - -Time did tell, but all through the rest of the night they waited in vain -for the attack. When morning finally dawned the mountains lay silent in -the flood of light which poured from the rising sun. Nowhere was the -enemy to be discovered. - -Old Joe came up to them from the valley and declared that the men on the -other side had been driven away. The fate of their comrade seemed to -dishearten them, and they had crept back like snails over the rocks and -vanished during the night. - -It was the old Indian who set out to find what had happened among the -besiegers led by Morgan. He slipped away among the rocks and brush and -vanished like a phantom. He was gone an hour or more when he suddenly -reappeared and beckoned to them. - -"Come see," he invited. - -They knew it was safe to follow him, and they did so. Where the enemy -had been ensconced they found one man, sorely wounded and in a critical -condition. That was all. The others, to the last rascal of them, had -vanished. - -"Where have they gone, Joe?" exclaimed Frank. - -"Ask him," directed the Indian, motioning toward the wounded man. "Mebbe -he tell." - -This man was questioned, and the story he told surprised and satisfied -the defenders beyond measure. Disgusted over their failure to get into -the valley, the ruffians had plotted among themselves. A number of them -had devised a plan which to them seemed likely to be profitable. Knowing -Macklyn Morgan was a very rich man, they had schemed to take him -personally, carry him off, and hold him in captivity until he should pay -them handsomely for his freedom. Not all the ruffians had been taken -into this plot, and when the schemers started to carry Morgan off there -was an outbreak and some shooting, but they got away successfully. - -With Morgan and the leading spirits of the affair gone, the others -quickly decided to give up the assault on the valley, and that was why -they had departed in the night, leaving the wounded man behind to such -mercy as Merriwell and his friends might show. - -"Well, what do you think of that?" exclaimed Dick. - -"Think?" said Frank, with a laugh. "Why, I think Macklyn Morgan has been -caught in his own trap. Now let him get out of it!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -NEW RICHES PROMISED. - - -When a week had passed Frank and his friends began to feel that all -their troubles were over, for the time being, at least. Old Joe -Crowfoot, who had been scouting in the vicinity, reported that he found -no signs of probable marauders and himself settled down contentedly to -smoke and loaf in the warm sunshine of the valley. With Dick and Felicia -near, where he could watch them occasionally or hear their voices, the -peaceful happiness of the old fellow seemed complete. - -Cap'n Wiley likewise loafed to his heart's content And if ever a person -could make a whole-souled and hearty success of loafing it was the -cap'n. He became so friendly with Crowfoot that old Joe even permitted -him sometimes to smoke his pipe. - -One beautiful morning the entire party was gathered in front of -Merriwell's cabin talking things over. - -"There seems nothing now, Frank, to prevent us from securing miners and -opening up this new claim," said Hodge. "Macklyn Morgan seems to have -disappeared off the face of the earth." - -"Perhaps he has learned that it is dangerous for a man like him to -attempt dealing with the ruffians of this part of the country," put in -Dick. "It seems certain now that he was actually carried into captivity -by the very gang he employed to seize these mines." - -"But he will get free all right," declared Frank. "He will turn up again -sometime." - -"If they don't kill him any," said Buckhart. - -"They won't do that," asserted Merriwell. "They can make nothing out of -him in that fashion; but they might make a good thing by forcing him to -pay a large sum for his liberty." - -"Well, now that everything seems all right here, Frank," said Dick, "I -suppose Brad and I will have to light out for the East and old Fardale." - -"Waugh! That certain is right!" exclaimed the Texan. "We must be on -hand, pard, when Fardale gets into gear for baseball this spring." - -"Baseball!" cried Wiley, giving a great start. "Why, that word thrills -my palpitating bosom. Baseball! Why, I will be in great shape for the -game this season! My arm is like iron. Never had such a fine arm on me -before. Speed! Why, I will put 'um over the plate like peas! Curves! -Why, my curves will paralyze 'um this year!" - -"Ugh!" grunted old Joe. "Wind-in-the-head blow a heap. Him talk a lot -with him jaw. Mebbe him jaw git tired sometime." - -"Look here, Joseph," expostulated Wiley, "I don't like sarcasm. If I -didn't love you as a brother, I might resent it." - -"Great horn spoon!" cried Buckhart, scratching vigorously. "These fleas -are the biggest and worst I ever saw. You hear me murmur!" - -"What, these?" squealed Wiley, in derision. "Why, these little creatures -are nothing at all--nothing at all. They just tickle a fellow up a bit. -Fleas! Say, mates, you should have seen the fleas I have beheld in my -tempestuous career. You should have seen the fleas I met up with in the -heart of darkest Africa. Those were the real thing. Don't 'spose I ever -told you about those fleas?" - -And he told them a long and wonderful story about African fleas. - -"Ugh!" grunted the old Indian, when Wiley had finished. -"Wind-in-the-head biggest blame liar old Joe ebber see." - -Some days later, with the exception of Hodge and Crowfoot, Frank and the -rest of his party arrived in Prescott. Hodge and the aged redskin were -left, together with one of Pete Curry's men, to guard the valley after a -fashion. Besides going to Prescott for the purpose of seeing his brother -and Buckhart off, Frank had several other objects in view. With him he -brought considerable ore, taken from the quartz vein they had located in -the valley, and also a small leather pouch that was nearly filled with -dull yellow grains and particles washed from the placer mine. With these -specimens Frank proceeded direct to an assayer, who was instructed to -make an assay and give a report. - -Following this, Frank set about picking up some genuine miners who knew -their business and who could be relied on. It was his purpose to keep a -few men at work on the claims while he completed the plans talked over -by himself and Hodge and arrange for the transportation to the valley of -such machinery as they needed to work the mines. As far as the placer -was concerned, this was not such a difficult problem. With the quartz -mine, however, it was quite a serious matter, as the valley was far from -any railroad and extremely difficult of access. - -Frank knew very well that it would cost a big sum of money to begin -practical operations on the quartz claim, and already, for a young man -of his years, he had his hands pretty full. Hodge, however, had been -enthusiastic, and Merry felt that Bart would, with the greatest -readiness and satisfaction, remain where he could oversee everything and -carry all plans out successfully. - -Merry felt that he was greatly indebted to Wiley, and he saw that the -sailor had one of the best rooms in the best hotel of Prescott and was -provided with every comfort the house could afford. This was not the -only way in which Frank intended to reward the captain. - -Wiley himself was somewhat "sore" because he had declined to accompany -Frank and Bart at the time they had returned to the valley and -successfully located Benson Clark's lost mines. - -"'Tis ever thus," he sighed wearily, when the matter was spoken of. "I -will bet eleventeen thousand dollars that I have lost more than a barrel -of good opportunities to become rotten with wealth during my sinuous -career. Not that I haven't felt the salubrious touch of real money to an -extensive extent, for sometimes I have been so loaded down with it that -it rattled out of my clothes every step I took. When I sauntered -carelessly along the street in days past I have shed doubloons, and -picaroons, and silver shekels at every step, and I have often been -followed by a tumultuous throng, who fought among themselves over the -coin that rained from my radiant person. Still to-day here I am broke, -busted, while the world jogs on just the same, and nobody seems to care -a ripityrap. Excuse these few lamentations and wails of woe. By and by I -will take a little medicine for my nerves and feel a great deal better." - -"Don't worry over it, Wiley," said Frank, laughing. "It will all come -out in the wash. I don't think you will die in the poorhouse." - -"Not on your tintype!" cried the sailor. "I propose to shuffle off this -mortal coil in a palace." - -"Wiley," cried Frank, "I believe you would joke in the face of old Death -himself!" - -"Why not? I regard life as a joke, and I don't propose to show the white -feather when my time comes. I will have no mourning at my funeral. I -propose to have my funeral the gayest one on record. Everybody shall -dress in their best, and the band shall play quicksteps and ragtime on -the way to the silent tomb. And then I shall warn them in advance to be -careful, if they want to finish the job, not to pass a baseball ground -where a game is going on, for just as sure as such a thing happened I'll -kick off the lid, rise up, and prance out onto the diamond and git into -the game." - -"Don't you worry about what will become of you, cap'n," advised Merry. -"For all that you failed to stick by us in relocating those claims, I -fancy we shall be able to make some provisions for you." - -"That's charity!" shouted Wiley. "I will have none of it! I want you to -understand that little Walter is well able to hustle for himself and -reap his daily bread. Not even my best friend can make me a pauper by -giving me alms." - -"Oh, all right, my obstinate young tar," smiled Merry. "Have your own -way. Go your own course." - -"Of course, of course," nodded Wiley. "I always have, and I always will. -Now leave me to my brooding thoughts, and I will evolve some sort of a -scheme to make a few million dollars before sundown." - -Wiley's schemes, however, did not seem to pan out, although his brain -was full of them, and he had a new one every day, and sometimes a new -one every hour of the day. Knowing they were soon to be separated again, -Dick and Felicia spent much of their time together. It was Merriwell's -plan, of which he had spoken, to take Felicia to Denver and find her a -home there where she could attend school. - -The assay of the quartz Merry had brought to Prescott showed that the -mine was marvelously rich. Beyond question it would prove a good thing, -for all of the great expense that must be entailed in working it. On the -day following the report of the assayer, Merry was writing letters in -the little room of the hotel provided for such use when a man entered, -approached him, and addressed him. - -"Excuse me," said this man, who was middle-aged and looked like a -business man from the ground up. "I suppose you are Mr. Frank -Merriwell?" - -"That's my name." - -"Well, my name is Kensington--Thomas Kensington. Perhaps you have not -heard of me?" - -"On the contrary, I have heard of you, Mr. Kensington. I believe you -have a mine in this vicinity?" - -"Yes, and another in Colorado. I hear that you have lately located a -promising quartz claim. I understand that the assay indicates it is a -valuable find." - -"Perhaps that's right," admitted Merry; "but I am at a loss just how you -acquired the information." - -"My eyes and ears are open for such things. I am in Prescott to have a -little assaying done myself, and I happened, by the merest chance, to -hear Mr. Given, the assayist, speaking with an assistant about the -result of his investigation of your specimens. You understand that it -was barely a chance." - -"I presume so," said Merry. "I don't suppose that Given would talk of -such matters publicly." - -"And he did not, sir--he did not. I assure you of that. I have also -learned, Mr. Merriwell, that you have other mines?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"And this new claim of yours is inconveniently located at a distance -from any railway town?" - -"That is correct." - -"Now, I am a man of business, Mr. Merriwell, and if you care to have me -do so, I would like to investigate your property with the possibility of -purchasing this new mine of yours." - -Frank was somewhat surprised. - -"I am not at all certain, Mr. Kensington, that I wish to sell. Besides -that, I have a partner who would have to be consulted in the matter." - -"But we might talk it over, sir--we might talk it over. Are you willing -to do so?" - -"I have no objections to that." - -Kensington then drew up a chair and sat down close by the desk at which -Merry had been writing. - -"If I were to make you an offer for your property, on being satisfied -with it as something I want," he said, "would you consider it?" - -"It's not impossible. But you must remember that my partner is to be -consulted in the matter." - -"Of course, of course." - -"He might not care to sell. In that case I can do nothing." - -"You might use your influence." - -Frank shook his head. - -"I wouldn't think of that, sir. I would leave the question entirely to -Hodge, and he could do as he pleased." - -"Do you fancy that there is a possibility that he might be induced to -sell in case the offer seemed an advantageous one?" - -"Yes, I think it possible." - -"Good!" nodded Kensington. "That being the case, we can discuss the -matter further. Do you mind showing me the report of the assayer?" - -"Not at all. Here it is." - -Merry took the paper from his pocket and handed it to Kensington, who -glanced over the figures and statements, lifted his eyebrows slightly, -puckered his lips, and whistled softly. - -"Do you mean to tell me, Mr. Merriwell, that this assay was made from an -average lot of quartz from your mine, or was it from specially chosen -specimens?" - -"Mr. Kensington, I had this assay made for myself, and not for the -public. I had it made in order that I might find out just how valuable -the mine is. That being the case, you can understand that I would not be -foolish enough to pick what appeared to be the richest ore. On the -contrary, sir, I took it as it came." - -Again Kensington whistled softly, his eyes once more surveying the -figures. - -"How far is this mine from the nearest railroad point?" - -"Just about one hundred miles." - -"And in a difficult country as to access?" - -"Decidedly so," was Merry's frank answer. - -"It will cost a huge sum to open this mine and operate it." - -"There is no question on that point." - -"Still, this report shows it will be worth it, if the vein pans out to -be one-half as promising as this assay of your specimens." - -Merry laughed. - -"Mr. Kensington," he said, "it is my belief that we have not fully -uncovered the vein. It is my conviction that it will prove twice as -valuable as it now seems when we get into it in earnest." - -For some moments Kensington continued to whistle softly to himself. It -seemed to be a habit of his when thinking. - -"Are your other mines valuable, Mr. Merriwell?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"As valuable as this one?" - -"I believe they are." - -"And you have them in operation?" - -"I have one of them in operation." - -"That is the Queen Mystery, I believe?" - -"Then you have heard of it, sir?" - -"There is not much going on in mining matters in Arizona that I have not -heard of. It's my business to keep posted. You have never thought of -selling the Queen Mystery?" - -"Mr. Kensington, the Mystery is opened and is in operation. I have not -contemplated selling it, and I do not think I shall do so. If you wish -to talk of this new mine, all right. I can listen. Nothing whatever may -come of it, but I see no harm in hearing whatever you have to say." - -"Now we're getting at an understanding, Mr. Merriwell. Of course, I -wouldn't think of making you any sort of an offer for your mine unless -thoroughly satisfied as to its value. I should insist on having it -inspected by men of my own choice, who are experts. Their report I can -rely on, and from that I would figure." - -"That would be business-like," Merry nodded. - -"And you would have no objections to that, of course?" - -"Certainly not, sir. Still, you must not forget that I have a partner -who might object. It will be necessary to consult him before anything of -the sort is done." - -"All right, all right. Where is he?" - -"He is at the mine." - -Kensington seemed somewhat disappointed. - -"I was in hopes he might be in Prescott." - -"He is not." - -"Another point, Mr. Merriwell. Are you certain your title to this -property is clear?" - -"Absolutely certain, sir." - -"I am glad to hear that. Of course, I should look into that matter -likewise. Unless the title was clear, I wouldn't care to become -involved." - -"In that case," said a voice behind them, which caused them both to -start slightly, "I advise you, Mr. Kensington, to let that property -alone." - -Merriwell turned quickly and found himself face to face with Macklyn -Morgan! - -"Morgan!" exclaimed Frank. - -To the ministerial face of the money king there came a smile of grim -satisfaction, for he knew he had startled Frank. - -"Yes, Mr. Kensington," he said, "you had better be careful about this -piece of business. There are some doubts as to the validity of this -young man's claim to that mine." - -Kensington did not seem pleased, and immediately he demanded: - -"How do you happen to know so much about it, sir?" - -"Because I am interested. My name is Macklyn Morgan. It is barely -possible you have heard of me?" - -"Macklyn Morgan!" exclaimed Thomas Kensington. "Why, not--why, not----" - -"Exactly," nodded Morgan. "I belong to the Consolidated Mining -Association of America. You may know something of that association; it's -quite probable that you do." - -"I should say so!" exclaimed Kensington, rather warmly. "I know that -it's a trust and that it has been gobbling up some of the best mines in -the country." - -"Very well. You know, then, that the C. M. A. of A. makes few mistakes. -As a member of that association I warn you now that you may involve -yourself in difficulty if you negotiate with this young man for this -mine which he claims." - -Frank rose to his feet, his eyes flashing with indignation. - -"That will about do for you, Morgan!" he exclaimed. "I think I have -stood about as much from you as I am in the mood to stand. Mr. -Kensington, this man does belong to the Consolidated Mining Association. -That association attempted to get possession of my Queen Mystery and San -Pablo mines. I fought the whole bunch of them to a standstill and made -them back water. They have given up the fight. But after they did so -this Mr. Morgan, in conjunction with another one of the trust, did his -level best to wring the Queen Mystery from me. - -"The matter was finally settled right here in the courts. They were -beaten. It was shown that their claims to my property were not worth a -pinch of snuff. Since then Sukes, this man's partner, met his just -deserts, being shot by one of his tools, a half-crazed fellow whom he -led into an infamous piece of business. This Morgan is persistent and -vengeful. He has trumped up some silly charge against me and tried to -frighten me into giving up to him my Queen Mystery or my new mine. It is -a pure case of bluff on his part, and it has no further effect on me -than to annoy me." - -Both Kensington and Morgan had listened while Frank was speaking, the -latter with a hard smile on his face. - -"You can judge, Mr. Kensington," said Morgan, "whether a man of my -reputation would be the sort to take part in anything of that kind. When -it comes to bluff, this young fellow here is the limit. I tell you once -more that you will make a serious mistake if you have any dealings with -him. Any day he is likely to be arrested on the charge of murder, for -there is evidence that he conspired in the assassination of my partner. -It even seems possible that he fired the fatal shot. That's the kind of -a chap he is." - -"Mr. Kensington," said Frank, with grim calmness, "this man, Morgan, has -done his level best in trying to blackmail me out of one of my mines. -This murder charge he talks about he has trumped up in hopes to frighten -me; but I fancy he has found by this time that I am not so easily -frightened. I can prove that he employed ruffians to jump my claim--to -seize these new mines. We were forced to defend it with firearms. Morgan -himself tried to have me treacherously shot, but he was not the kind of -a man to deal with the ruffians he had employed, and he fell into a -trap, from which he has now somehow escaped. He was captured and carried -off by those same ruffians of his, whose object it was to hold him until -he should pay a handsome sum for his liberty. Either he has managed to -escape or he has paid the money demanded by those rascals." - -Morgan laughed. - -"It is not possible, Mr. Kensington, that you will believe such a -ridiculous story. I give you my word--the word of a gentleman and a man -of business and honor--that the whole thing is a fabrication." - -"Morgan," said Frank, "I propose to make this statement public just as -you have heard it from my lips. If it is not true, you can have me -arrested immediately for criminal libel. I dare you to have me arrested! -If you do, I shall prove every word of what I have just said and show -you up as the black-hearted rascal you really are. Instead of having me -arrested, it is more than likely that you will employ some ruffian to -shoot at my back. I'll guarantee you will never try it yourself. If I -were to step out here now and make a similar charge against Mr. -Kensington, what would be the result?" - -"By thunder!" burst from Kensington, "I'd shoot you on sight!" - -"Exactly," nodded Frank. "And so would Macklyn Morgan if the statement -were false and if he dared." - -Morgan snapped his fingers. - -"I consider you of too little consequence to resort to any such method. -I am not a man who shoots; I'm a man who crushes. Frank Merriwell, you -may fancy you have the best of me, but I tell you now that I will crush -you like an eggshell." - -As he said this his usually mild and benevolent face was transformed -until it took on a fierce and vengeful look, which fully betrayed his -true character. Quickly lifting his hand, Merry pointed an accusing -finger straight at Morgan's face. - -"Look at him, Mr. Kensington!" he directed. "Now you see him as he is -beneath the surface. This is the real Macklyn Morgan. Ordinarily he is a -wolf in sheep's clothing, and it is only the clothing he reveals to -those with whom he has dealings." - -Instantly the look vanished from Morgan's face, and in its place there -returned the mild, hypocritical smile he sometimes wore. - -"I acknowledge that my indignation was aroused," he said. "And I know it -was foolish of me. I have said all I care to. I think Mr. Kensington -will have a care about making any negotiations with you, Merriwell. Good -day, Mr. Kensington." - -Bowing to Frank's companion, Morgan coolly walked away and left the -room. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -WHAT HAPPENED TO DICK. - - -Just at dusk a horse came galloping madly up toward the front of the -hotel, bearing on its back an excited, frightened, pale-faced girl. It -was Felicia. Brad Buckhart happened to be leaving the hotel as the girl -pulled up her sweaty horse. - -"Oh, Brad!" she cried, and her voice was filled with the greatest -agitation and distress. - -The Texan made a bound down the steps. - -"What is it, Felicia?" he asked. "Whatever is the matter? My pard--he -went out to ride with you! Where is he now?" - -"Oh, where is he? Oh, where is he?" cried Felicia. - -"You don't know? Is that what you mean? Oh, say, Felicia, don't tell me -anything has happened to my pard!" - -"Brad! Brad!" she gasped, swaying in her saddle, "a strange thing has -happened. I can't account for it." - -In a moment he lifted her down in his strong arms and supported her, as -he tumultuously poured questions upon her. - -"What's this strange thing, Felicia? What has happened? Where is Dick? -Tell me, quick!" - -"Oh, I wish you could tell me!" she retorted. - -"He went out with you?" - -"Yes, yes!" - -The Texan made an effort to cool down. - -"Look here, Felicia," he said. "We're both so excited we don't hit any -sort of a trail and stick to it for shucks. If anything whatever has -happened to my pard, I want to know it right quick. Keep cool and tell -me all about it. What was it that happened?" - -"But I tell you I don't know--I don't know," came faintly from the girl. -"We rode some miles to the south. It was splendid. We laughed, and -chatted, and had such a fine time. Then, when we turned to come back, I -challenged Dick to a race. My horse was just eager to let himself out, -and we raced. I had the lead, but my horse was so hard-bitted that I -couldn't look back. Two or three times I called to Dick, and he -answered. I heard his horse right behind me, and felt sure he was near. -Once I thought he was trying to pass me, and I let my horse out more. - -"I don't know how far I went that way, but it was a long, long distance. -After a while his horse seemed letting up. He didn't push him so hard. -Then I pulled up some and called back to him again, but he didn't -answer. I had to fight my horse, for he had the bit in his teeth and was -obstinate. After a while I managed to turn, and then I saw something -that gave me an awful jump. Dick's horse was a long distance away, and -was going at a trot, but Dick was not in the saddle. The saddle was -empty, and Dick was nowhere to be seen." - -"Great tarantulas! Great horned toads! Great Panhandle!" exploded -Buckhart. "You don't mean to tell me that my pard let any onery horse -dump him out of the saddle? Say, I won't believe it! Say, I can't -believe it! Why, he can ride like a circus performer! He is a regular -centaur, if I ever saw one! Whatever is this joke you're putting up on -me, Felicia?" - -"No joke, no joke!" she hastily asserted. "It's the truth, Brad--the -terrible truth! Dick was not on the horse. I don't know what happened to -him, but he wasn't there. As soon as I could I rode back to find him. I -rode and rode, looking for him everywhere. I thought something must have -happened to him that caused him to fall from the saddle. I wondered that -I had heard no cry from him--no sound." - -"And you didn't find him?" - -She shook her head. - -"I found nothing of him anywhere. I rode until I was where we started to -race. After that I had called to him, and he had answered me more than -once. I know that, at first, he was close behind me." - -"Jumping jingoes!" spluttered Brad. "This beats anything up to date! You -hear me warble! You must have missed him, somehow." - -"It is not possible, Brad. I stuck to the road and followed it all the -way through the chaparral, beyond which we had started to race this -way." - -"Then you raced through a piece of woods, did you?" - -"Yes, yes." - -"Do you remember of hearing him answer any to your calls after you had -passed through those woods?" - -"I don't remember." - -"Oh, Brad, what if he was thrown from his horse and some wild animal -dragged him into the chaparral after he fell senseless on the road! You -must find him! Where is Frank? Tell Frank at once!" - -"That's good sense," declared the Texan. "But wherever is Dick's horse?" - -"I don't know where the animal is now. I paid no further attention to it -after I found Dick was missing." - -By this time the Texan had heard enough, and, lifting Felicia clear off -her feet, he strode into the hotel with her, as if carrying a feather. -Just inside the door he nearly collided with Cap'n Wiley. - -"Port your helm!" exclaimed the sailor. "Don't run me down, even if you -are overloaded with the finest cargo I ever clapped my eyes on." - -"Hold on, Wiley!" commanded Brad. "Just you drop anchor where you are. I -want you." - -"Ay, ay, sir!" retorted the marine. "I will lay to instantly. Ever hear -the little story about the captain who ran out of provisions and, -getting hard up, decided to have eggs for breakfast and made his ship -lay two?" - -"Cut your chestnuts out, now!" growled the Texan. "Where is Frank?" - -"I last saw his royal nibs in close communion with a gentleman who is -literally rotten with money." - -"Not Macklyn Morgan?" - -"Well, hardly. He is not chumming with old Mack to any salubrious -degree. It was Thomas Kensington." - -"Do you know where Frank is now? If you do, find him instantly and tell -him something has happened to Dick." - -"Ay! ay!" again cried Wiley. "Just you bear off and on right where you -are, and I will sight him directly and bring him round on this course." - -The sailor hurried away, leaving Brad to question Felicia still further -about the road they had taken outside of Prescott. - -Fortunately Frank was easily found, and Wiley came hurrying back with -him. - -"What is it, Brad?" asked Merry, controlling his nerves and betraying -little alarm, for all that he saw by the appearance of Felicia that some -serious thing had occurred. - -"Oh, Frank--Dick!" she panted. "You must find him--you must!" - -The Texan quickly told Merry what had happened as related by Felicia. - -Frank's face grew grim and paled a little--a very little. His jaw -hardened, and his eyes took on a strange gleam. - -"I opine I know just the road they took," said Buckhart. "She has told -me all about it. I am dead certain I can go straight back over that -trail." - -"Wiley," said Merry, still with that grim command of himself, "get a -move on and have some horses saddled and made ready." - -"Leave it to me," cried the sailor, immediately taking to his heels and -dusting away. - -By this time others in the hotel knew what had happened, and a number of -people had gathered around. Unmindful of them, Frank took Felicia on his -knee as he sat on a chair and questioned her. - -"Oh, Frank!" she suddenly sobbed, clasping him about the neck. "You will -find Dick, won't you?" - -"As sure as I am living, Felicia," he asserted, with that same confident -calmness. "Don't you doubt it for a moment, dear. Rest easy about that." - -"You don't think some wild animal has got him?" - -"I hardly fancy anything of that sort has happened to my brother." - -Merry called for the housekeeper, who soon came and he turned Felicia -over to her, saying: - -"Look out for her, Mrs. Jones. Take care of her and don't let her worry -more than can be helped." - -"Lord love her sweet soul!" exclaimed the housekeeper, as she received -the agitated girl from Frank and patted and petted her. "I will look -after her, Mr. Merriwell. Don't you be afraid of that. There, there, -dear," she said, softly stroking Felicia's cheek. "Don't you take on so. -Why, they will find your cousin all right." - -"You bet your boots!" muttered Brad Buckhart, who was examining a -long-barreled revolver as he spoke. "We will hit the trail and find him -in less than two shakes of a steer's hoof." - -Wiley now came panting back into the room, struck an attitude, and made -a salute. - -"Our land-going craft are at the pier outside." - -Frank paused only to kiss Felicia and whisper a last word in her ear. As -he turned to leave the room, he came face to face with Macklyn Morgan -near the door. - -Morgan looked at him in a singular manner and smiled. - -"Excuse me, sir. You seem to be in a great hurry about something." - -Merry stopped short and stood looking straight into the eyes of his -enemy. - -"What is your next low trick, Morgan?" he said. "Let me tell you here -and now, and don't forget it for an instant, if ever any harm comes to -me or mine through you, you'll rue it to the last moment of your -miserable life." - -With which he strode on out of the hotel. - -Away out of Prescott they clattered, and away into the gathering -darkness of a soft spring night. The cool breeze rushed past their ears -and fanned their hot cheeks. Frank was in the lead, for Wiley had taken -pains to see that Merriwell's own fine horse was made ready for him. - -"Is this the road, Buckhart?" the young mine owner called back. "This is -the one Felicia told us to take, isn't it?" - -"Sure as shooting!" answered the Texan. - -"We don't want to make any mistake in our course," put in the sailor. -"That would be fatal to the aspirations of our agitated anatomy. At the -same time we want to keep our optical vision clear for breakers ahead. -We may be due to strike troubled waters before long." - -"That's what we're looking for!" growled Buckhart, who seemed hot for -trouble of some sort. - -Onward they rode along the brown trail. Beneath them the ground seemed -speeding backward. The lights of the town twinkled far behind them. -Frank's keen eyes detected something that caused him to drop rein and -swerve from the road. At a short distance from the trail a horse was -grazing. This animal shied somewhat and moved away as Merry approached, -but Frank's skill enabled him, after a little, to capture the creature, -which proved to be saddled and bridled. - -"Dick's horse," he said. "Hold him, Buckhart. I want to make an -examination." - -Brad took the creature by the head, and a moment later Frank struck a -match, which he protected in the hollow of his hand until it was in full -blaze. He then examined the saddle and the creature's back. Several -matches were used for this purpose, while both Buckhart and Wiley waited -anxiously for the result. - -"What behold you, mate?" inquired the sailor. - -"Nothing," answered Frank. And it seemed there was relief in his voice. - -"Whatever did you expect to find?" questioned the Texan. - -"I hoped to find nothing, just as I have," was the answer. "Still, I -thought it possible there might be blood stains on the horse. It is not -likely there would be hostile savages in this vicinity. Indeed, such a -thing is almost improbable; yet it was my fancy that Dick might have -been silently shot from his saddle." - -"How silently?" asked Brad. "Shooting is pretty certain to be heard, I -opine." - -"Not if done with an arrow." - -"But the Injun of this day and generation is generally provided with a -different weapon." - -"That's true; but still some of them use the bow and arrow even to-day." - -"I don't reckon a whole lot on anything of that sort happening to my -pard," asserted the Texan. - -"Nor I," admitted Frank. "But I thought it best to investigate." - -The horse was again set at liberty. They had no time to bother with it -then. Once more they found the trail and rode on. - -Before them loomed the dark chaparral, into which wound the road they -followed. On either hand the tangled thicket was dark and grim. - -"A right nasty place for a hold-up!" muttered Buckhart, whose hand was -on his pistol. - -"If any one tries that little trick," observed Cap'n Wiley, "it's my -sagacious opinion that they are due to receive a surprise that will -disturb their mental condition and throw their quivering nerves into the -utmost agitation. I am ready to keep the air full of bullets, for in -that way something will surely be hit. Reminds me of the time when I -went gunning with Johnny Johnson. We came to a promising strip of -forest, and he took one side and I took the other. Pretty soon I heard -him banging away, and he kept shooting and shooting until I grew black -in the face with envy. I reckoned he was bagging all the game in that -preserve. In my seething imagination I saw him with partridges, and -woodcock, and other things piled up around him knee-deep. - -"For just about an hour he kept on shooting regular every few seconds. -At last I came to him, for I didn't find a single measly thing to pop -at. Imagine my astonishment when I found him idly reclining in a -comfortable position on the ground and firing at intervals into the air. -'John, old man,' says I, 'what are you doing?' 'Wiley,' he answered, 'I -am out for game. I haven't been able to find any, but I know where there -is some in this vicinity. I arrived at the specific conclusion that if I -could keep the air full of shot I'd hit something after a while, and so -I am carrying my wise plan into execution.' Oh, I tell you, John was a -great hunter--a great hunter!" - -"Better cut that out," said Frank. "This is a first-class time for you -to give your wagging jaw a rest, cap'n." - -"Thanks, mate; your suggestion will be appropriated unto me." - -Through the chaparral they went, their eyes searching the trail and -noting every dark spot on the ground. At length they came to the farther -border of the thicket, but without making any discovery. - -"Here's where Felicia said the race began," said Brad. "We haven't found -a thing, Frank--not a thing." - -Still Merry led them on a little farther before halting and turning -about. - -"What's to be done now?" anxiously inquired the Texan. - -"We will follow the trail back through the chaparral," said Frank. "We -will call to Dick. That's the only thing it seems possible for us to -do." - -Having decided on this, they rode slowly back; calling at intervals to -the missing lad. The thick chaparral rang with their voices, but through -it came no answer. The cold stars watched them in silence. By the time -they had again debouched from the chaparral Brad was in such a state of -mind that reason seemed to have deserted him. He actually proposed -plunging into the thicket and attempting to search through it. - -"You couldn't make your way through that tangle in broad daylight," -declared Merry. "Don't lose your head, Buckhart." - -"But, Frank--my pard, we must find him!" - -"We will do everything we can. We may not find him to-night. But I will -find him in time." - -"What has become of him?" groaned the Texan. - -"It's my belief," said Merry, "that he is in the hands of my enemies. -This is a new blow at me. I saw something of it in the eyes of Macklyn -Morgan when I faced him in the hotel just before we started. There was a -look of triumph on his face." - -"Whoop!" shouted Brad. "Then he's the galoot we want to git at! It's up -to us to light on him all spraddled out and squeeze the truth out of him -in a hurry. Just let me get at him!" - -"And you would simply make the matter worse than it is. You must leave -this thing to me, Buckhart. You must hold yourself in check unless you -want to injure Dick. I will deal with Macklyn Morgan." - -"You," said Wiley. "I fancy you have hit on the outrageous and egregious -truth. I don't know just what egregious means, but it sounds well there. -Morgan has scooped Richard and proposes to hold him hard and fast until -he can bring you to terms." - -"I think very likely such is his plot," nodded Merry. - -"He ought to be shot!" exploded Brad. "It was a whole lot unfortunate -that the ruffians who carried him off did not keep him." - -"How do you think the trick was done?" questioned Wiley. - -"I haven't decided yet," admitted Frank. "But I feel sure my brother is -nowhere in this vicinity now. It's my object to see Morgan again without -delay." - -With this object in view Merriwell lost no further time in riding -straight toward Prescott. When the town was reached he set out -immediately to find Morgan, having first told Brad to see Felicia and do -his best to soothe her fears. - -Felicia was waiting. She started up as the Texan tapped on her door. - -"There, there, child!" exclaimed Mrs. Jones, who was still with her. -"Sit down and keep quiet. I will see who it is." - -When the door was opened and Buckhart entered, Felicia cried out to him: - -"Dick--you have found him?" - -"Well, not exactly that," said the Texan; "but I opine Frank will find -him pretty quick now." - -The girl was greatly disappointed. - -"Then you know what has become of him?" she asked. - -"I opine we do," nodded Buckhart. - -"He is safe?" - -"You bet he is. He is all right, Felicia. We know well enough that he -isn't hurt a bit." - -She seized his hands. - -"Tell me," she pleaded, "tell me all about it." - -Brad was placed in an awkward position, and he felt that it was -necessary to draw on his imagination. - -"Why, there is not a great deal to tell," he said. "I reckon Dick's -horse must have stumbled and thrown him. It stunned him some, of course. -Then there were some gents what happened along and picked him up, and -that's about all." - -She looked at him in doubt and bewilderment. - -"But I didn't see any one. Why didn't I see them?" - -Buckhart coughed behind his hand to get a little time for thought. - -"Why, these yere gents I speak of," he said, "were afraid to be seen, -for they have been up to some doings that were not just exactly on the -level. That being the case, they took him up all quietlike and stepped -into the chaparral with him, and doctored him, and fixed him O. K. Of -course, they will want to be paid for that little job, and that's why -they are keeping him. You leave everything to Frank. He will settle with -them and bring Dick back as sound as a nut. You hear me chirp?" - -Having made this statement, the Texan felt greatly relieved. He had -managed to get through it some way, although it was a hard strain on -him. Still, Felicia was not entirely satisfied, and her fears were not -fully allayed. - -"If these men are bad men," she said, "won't they harm Dick some way?" - -"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Brad. "What a foolish notion to get into your -head, Felicia. Whatever good would it do them to harm him? What could -they make out of that? It's up to them to take the best care of him, so -Frank will feel like coughing up liberal when he settles. You can see -that easy enough. So don't worry over it any more." - -"No, don't worry over it any more, child," put in Mrs. Jones. "Just go -to bed. The strain on you has been severe, and you must rest." - -"Oh, I'm afraid I can't rest until I see Dick! Don't you think I may see -him soon? Don't you think Frank will bring him here right away?" - -"Oh, mebbe not," said Brad. "It may take some time, for Frank thought -likely Dick had been carried to Goodwin, or Bigbug, or some place. You -see, we didn't find out just where they had taken him. All we found out -was that he had been taken somewhere and was all right. You let Mrs. -Jones tuck you in your little bed, and you just close your peepers and -get to the sleeps. That's the best thing for you to do." - -Fearing she might suspect that he had not stuck by the truth if she -questioned him further, Brad now made the excuse that he had to hurry -away, and quickly left the room. In the meantime Frank had been -searching for Morgan. He fully expected to find Morgan without trouble, -and in this he was not disappointed. The money king was talking with -Thomas Kensington in the hotel bar. - -"I beg your pardon, Mr. Kensington," said Merry. "If I'm not -interrupting an important matter, I'd like a word or two with this man." - -Morgan lifted a hand. - -"You will have to excuse me, sir," he said. "I am quite busy now." - -"On the other hand," said Kensington, "we have finished our business. -Mr. Morgan followed me here and wished to talk of mining matters. I am -in no mood to discuss such matters to-night." - -He bowed to Frank and turned away. - -Morgan gave Merriwell a defiant look. - -"I cannot waste my time on you, young man," he said. "It's altogether -too valuable." - -"You have wasted considerable time on me in the past, and I have been -compelled to waste some on you. This night has brought matters to a -climax. I know your game; but it will fail, just as every trick you have -tried has failed. I have a few words to say to you. My brother is -missing." - -"What's that to me? I care nothing about your brother." - -"Yet you attempted not so very long ago to hold him as a hostage. It was -your scheme to force me into dealing with you by holding my brother a -prisoner in the hands of your ruffians." - -"Be careful, young man! Don't accuse me of anything like that! If you -do, I'll----" - -"You'll what?" demanded Merry, grim as flint and cold as ice. "Now, what -will you do, Macklyn Morgan?" - -"I'll make you smart for it!" - -"It's about time you learned, sir, that your threats have no effect on -me whatever. As I have said, my brother is missing. If he is not in -Prescott to-morrow morning, it will be the worse for you. Do you know -how I dealt with Milton Sukes? Do you know that I investigated his -business methods and found out about his crooked dealings, so that when -I was ready to expose him he was driven desperate? Macklyn Morgan, are -you immaculate? Do you mean to tell me that your career as a maker of -millions has been unspotted? Do you mean to tell me that you never have -been concerned in any crooked schemes? I know better, Morgan. I know how -a man like you makes his money. As I dealt with Sukes, so I will deal -with you! I will investigate. I will learn the truth, and then I will -expose you. To-day you may be concerned in several questionable -projects. If those schemes are rotten, the world shall know it. I shall -take hold of this thing in earnest, and I'll do for you what I did for -Sukes." - -"That's a threat on my life!" cried Morgan, turning to the others who -were near. "Gentlemen, I call on you to bear witness that this man has -threatened my life." - -"You know better, sir, I have threatened nothing but your crooked -business. Your life is safe as far as I am concerned. But you will see -that my brother is in Prescott to-morrow, or I'll hold you up for the -inspection of the whole country and show people what a thoroughbred -scoundrel you are! That's all I have to say to you, sir. Good night." - -Frank turned his back on Morgan and walked out of the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -HOW WAS IT DONE? - - -What had happened to Dick? Intentionally he had permitted Felicia to -keep the lead in the race through the chaparral. It is possible he might -have overtaken her had he tried. He had no thought of danger, and he was -wholly unprepared when out from the shadows of the chaparral shot a -twisting, writhing coil, the loop of which fell over his shoulders and -jerked him like a flash from the saddle. The shock, as he struck the -ground, drove the breath from his body and partly stunned him. Before he -could recover he was pounced upon by two men, who quickly dragged him -into the edge of the thicket, where a third man--a half-blood -Mexican--was coiling the lariat with which the boy had been snatched -from the horse's back. - -These men threatened Dick with drawn weapons. - -"Make a sound or a cry, kid," growled one of them, "and we sure cuts you -up!" - -The boy's dark eyes looked fearlessly at them, and he coolly inquired: - -"What's your game? I have not enough money on me to pay you for your -trouble." - -"Ho, ho!" laughed one of the trio. "We gits our pay, all right, younker. -Don't worry about that. Tie his elbows close behind him, Mat. Mebbe we -best gags him some." - -"No, none of that," declared the one called Mat. "If he utters a cheep, -I'll stick him sure." - -But the other insisted that Dick should be gagged, and this they finally -and quickly did. With his arms bound behind him and a gag between his -teeth, he was lifted to his feet and forced into the depth of the -thicket. The Mexican, who was called Tony, seemed to know a path through -the chaparral, although it was dim and indistinct, and this they -followed. - -Thus it happened that when Felicia missed Dick and turned back she found -no trace of him. On through the thick chaparral they threaded their way, -now and then crouching low to push through thorny branches, their -progress necessarily being slow. For a long time they tramped on, coming -finally to an opening. - -Several horses were grazing there. No time was lost in placing the -captive boy on the back of a horse and fastening his feet together -beneath the animal's belly. Already it was growing dusky, but those men -knew the course they would pursue. The Mexican and Mat mounted one -animal and followed Dick, while the biggest man of the party, who had -once been addressed as Dillon, now took the lead. - -Starry night came as they still pushed on, but they had left the -chaparral behind and were on the trackless plain. Finally it was decided -that the captive should be blindfolded. By this time his jaws were -aching, and he was greatly relieved when the gag was removed. They -seemed to think there was little danger of his cries being heard should -he venture to shout for help. Dick did not shout; he felt the folly of -it. - -Long hours they rode, and the bandage over the boy's eyes prevented him -from telling what course they followed. At last they halted. The cords -about his ankles were released, and he was unceremoniously dragged from -the saddle to the ground. Following this, he was marched into some sort -of a building. There at last the bandage was removed from his eyes, and -even his arms were set free. Dillon and Mat were with him. The Mexican -had been left to care for the horses. - -"Now, kid," said the big man, "you makes yourself comfortable as you -can. Don't worry none whatever; you're all safe here. Nothing troubles -you, and we looks out for you. Oh, yes, we looks out for you." - -"Why have you brought me here?" asked Dick. - -"We lets you guess at that a while. It amuses you perhaps, and passes -away the time." - -"If my brother finds out who did this----" - -"Now, don't talk that way!" cried Mat. "We don't bother with your -brother any. We does our business with other parties." - -"So that's it--that's it!" exclaimed Dick, "My brother's enemies have -paid you for this piece of work." - -"That's one of the little things you has to guess about," hoarsely -chuckled Dillon. "Thar's a bunk in the corner. I sure opines this place -is stout enough to hold you, and all the while Mat or I sits in the next -room. If we hears you kick up restless-like, we comes to soothe you. -We're great at soothing--eh, Mat?" - -"Great!" agreed Mat. - -"If you has a good appetite," continued Dillon, "in the morning we gives -you a square feed. Oh, we treats you fine, kid--we treats you fine. We -has orders to be ca'm and gentle with you. We're jest as gentle as two -playful kittens--eh, Mat?" - -"Jest so," agreed Mat. - -"Of course, you being young, it disturbs you some to be introduced to us -so sudden-like. Still, you seems to have a lot of nerve. You don't git -trembly any, and you looks a heap courageous with them fine black eyes -of yours. By smoke! I almost believes you has it in yer ter tackle us -both, kid; but you'd better not--you'd better not. It does no good, and -it ruffles our feelings, although we is so ca'm and gentle. When our -feelings is ruffled we are a heap bad--eh, Mat?" - -"Sure," agreed Mat. - -"That's about all," said Dillon. "Now we bids you a pleasant good night, -and we hopes you sleeps sweet and dreams agreeable dreams--eh, Mat?" - -"We does," nodded Mat. - -Then they backed out through the door behind them, which led into the -front room of the building, leaving Dick in darkness, as the door was -closed and barred. - -Dick knew there was very little chance for him to escape unaided from -the clutches of those ruffians. Still, he was not the sort of a boy to -give up, and he resolved to keep his ears and eyes open for any -opportunity that might present itself. Left without a light, there was -no hope of making a satisfactory examination of his prison room until -the coming of another day. - -He flung himself down on the couch and meditated. But for the fact that -he was in fine physical condition, his fall when jerked from the saddle -might have injured him seriously. As it was, he had simply been somewhat -shaken up. He felt a slight soreness, but regarded it as of no -consequence. Of course, he understood the game the ruffians were -playing. Beyond question he was to be held as a hostage in order that -Frank's enemies might force Merry into some sort of a deal concerning -the mines. - -His one satisfaction lay in the belief that Felicia had escaped. As he -lay there on the bunk, he could hear the mumbling voices of his captors -in the next room. After a time his curiosity was aroused, and he felt a -desire to hear what they were saying. - -Silently he arose and stole over to the partition between the rooms. -This partition was strangely thick and heavy for a building in that part -of the country. Seemingly it had been constructed for the purpose of -safely imprisoning any one who should be thrust into that room. Although -he pressed his ear close to the partition, he was unable for some time -to understand anything the men were saying. He moved softly about, -seeking a place where he might hear better, and finally found it in a -crack beneath the massive door, through which shone a dim light. - -Lying flat on his back, with his ear near this crack, the boy listened. -To his satisfaction, he was now able to hear much of the talk that -passed between the men. Plainly but two of them, Mat and Dillon, were in -the outer room. - -"This piece of work certain pays us a good thing, Mat," said Dillon. -"The gent what has it done is rotten with coin, and we makes him plank -down a heap liberal." - -"What does yer know about him, pard?" inquired Mat. "Whoever is he, -anyhow?" - -"Why, sure, I hears his name is Morgan, though I deals with him direct -none at all myself." - -"Well, partner, this is better and some easier than the railroad job." - -"All the same, Dan gets a heap sore when he finds we has quit t'other -job. And, as for this being less dangerous, I am none certain of that." - -"Why not?" - -"Well, this yere Frank Merriwell they say is a holy terror. Dan hisself -has had some dealings with him, you know. He knocks the packing out of -Dan down at Prescott not so long ago." - -"Down at Prescott," thought the listening boy; "down at Prescott. Why, I -supposed it was up at Prescott. If it's down, Prescott must be to the -south. In that case these fellows doubled and turned north after -scooping me in." - -This was interesting to him, for one thing he desired to know very much -was just where he had been taken. As he was meditating on this, Dick -missed some of the talk between the men, for in order to understand what -they were saying it was necessary for him to listen with the utmost -intentness. - -"Do you allow, Dillon," he finally heard Mat say, "that Dan will stick -to his little plan to hold up that train?" - -"I opine not. He won't be after trying it all by his lonesome. One man -who holds up a train and goes through it has a heap big job on his -hands." - -"So that's the kind of a railroad job they were talking about!" thought -Dick. "They surely are a tough lot." - -"Mebbe he comes searching for us," suggested Dillon. - -"Mebbe so. Ef he does, we has to deceive him." - -"He gits a whole lot hot, I judge." - -"You bet he does. And when he is hot we wants to keep our eyes peeled -for a ruction." - -"That's whatever." - -Although Dick listened a long time after this, the conversation of the -ruffians seemed of no particular importance. Finally they ceased -talking, and evidently one of them at least prepared to sleep. Dick -arose and returned to the bunk, where he lay trying to devise some -possible method of escape. Scores of wild plans flittered through his -brain, but he realized that none of them were practical. - -"If I could get word to Frank," he thought. "But how can it be done--how -can it be done?" - -Such a thing seemed impossible. At last he became drowsy and realized -that he was sinking off to sleep, in spite of his unpleasant position. -He was fully awakened at last by sudden sounds in the outer room. There -came a heavy hammering at the door, followed by the voice of one of -Dick's captors demanding to know who was there. Dick sat upright on the -bunk, his nerves tingling as he thought of the possibility that the -ruffians had been followed by a party of rescuers, who were now at hand. - -The one who was knocking seemed to satisfy the men within, for Dick knew -the door was flung open. He swiftly crossed the floor and lay again with -his ear near the crack beneath the door. - -"Well, you two are a fine bunch!" declared a hoarse voice that seemed -full of anger. "You keeps your dates a heap well, don't yer! Oh, yes, -yer two nice birds, you are!" - -This was the voice of the newcomer. - -"Howdy, Dan?" said Mat. "We thinks mebbe yer comes around this yere -way." - -"Oh, yer does, does yer?" snarled the one called Dan. "Why does yer -think that so brightlike? Why does yer reckon that when you agrees ter -meet me at Win'mill Station I comes here to find you five miles away? -That's what I'd like to know." - -"Windmill Station," Dick said to himself. "Five miles from Windmill -Station, and Windmill Station is some twelve or fifteen miles north of -Prescott." - -"You seems excited, Dan," said Mat, in what was intended to be a -soothing manner. "Mebbe we has reasons why we didn't meet you any." - -"Reasons! If you has, spit 'em out." - -"Yes, we has reasons," quickly put in Dillon. "Dan, we finds we is -watched a whole lot. We finds somebody suspects that little game we -plans." - -"Is that so?" demanded the newcomer, with a sneering doubt in his voice. - -"That's what it is," asserted Mat. "We don't have a chance to move much -without being watched, and so we reckons we does best to drop this -little job for the time being." - -"Is that so?" sneered Dan. - -"Didn't we say it was?" indignantly demanded Dillon. "You hears us, I -judge." - -"Now, who is it what watches you so closelike?" questioned the -dissatisfied man. "Mebbe you tells me that." - -"We don't know just who it is, but we has been followed for the last two -days. You know a hold-up down on the Southern Pacific gits people -suspicious. Mebbe they thinks we had a hand in that." - -"Which we didn't have any at all," hastily put in Mat. - -"So you two fine chaps takes water?" contemptuously cried Dan. "You -throws up a chance to make a good thing? Why, it was a snap! We could -'a' stopped the train, gone through her, and then hiked it for Mexico -hot foot, and the Old Boy hisself wouldn't 'a' ketched us." - -"Mebbe not," admitted one of the other men. "But we opines it would 'a' -been a whole lot bad for us if the holding up had been expected. Look -here, Dan, we thinks it right and proper to put this thing off some. We -thinks mebbe in a week or so we is in fer it." - -"Oh, that's how you figgers. Why didn't you let me know about it any? -That's what I'd like ter have yer explain. You leaves me a-waiting and -a-watching fer yer while you bunks down yere all ca'm and serene-like. -That's what sores me to the limit." - -"We thinks," said Mat, "if we goes to meet you, mebbe we is seen, and -that makes more suspicions. We thinks the best thing to do is to lay -low. We're right sorry that we couldn't keep the app'intment, but it -happens that way, and there is nothing else fer it." - -"Well, it is evident ter me that you two are squealers. You both lack -nerve, and I quits you cold. The whole business is off, understand -that." - -"Well, if you gits hot and quits us that way, we can't help it," said -Dillon. - -"Well, I does quit. What I wants is my blanket I leaves in yar. I takes -that an' gits out, and you two goes to blazes for all of me." - -Evidently Dan started for the back room at this moment, and the -listening boy prepared to spring away from the door. At the same time -Dick was seized by a sudden determination to attempt a dash for freedom -the moment the door was opened. He knew he might not succeed, but there -was a slim chance of it, and he decided to take that chance. Both the -ruffians on guard, however, were startled when Dan proposed getting his -blanket from the back room. Quickly Dillon interposed. - -"Hold on, Dan!" he cried. "Never mind that blanket. We fixes that all -right with you. Yere is mine. You take that." - -Had Dick been able to see them he would have beheld the newcomer, a -huge, pockmarked individual, standing in the centre of the floor, -staring at the men before him in no small surprise. - -"Why, whatever is this?" asked Dan. "I opine I takes my own blanket." - -"But mine is worth more than yours," hastily asserted Dillon. - -"And you're a heap anxious ter give it up in place of mine, I sees. -That's right queer. I don't just understand your generosity. It seems -mighty curious." - -"It's all right, Dan," declared Mat. "Take the blanket." - -"Not by a blamed sight," roared the big man. "I takes my own blanket. I -goes into that room. I sees what you has in there." - -As he said this, he suddenly whipped out a long revolver, with which he -menaced the man who attempted to bar his progress. - -"Get out of the way," he commanded, "or I furnishes funeral stock for -the undertaker." - -"He's coming!" whispered Dick. "They can't stop him!" - -The boy rose to his hands and knees, where he listened a moment more. He -heard the men on guard protesting, but their protestations availed -nothing, and a moment later a hand was on the door. - -Dick sprang up. The bar that held the door fell, and it was flung open. -With a spring, Dick was out into the lighted room, bending low and -striking the man with the revolver like a battering-ram full and fair in -the pit of the stomach, bowling him over. As Dan went down, his fingers -contracted on the trigger of the pistol, and a shot rang out. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -FORCED TO WRITE. - - -Dick's daring and reckless break for liberty might have been successful -but for the fact that the outer door had been closed and securely -fastened after the entrance of Spotted Dan. - -Dan went down with a shock that jarred the whole building, and the boy -leaped toward the door. Both Dillon and Mat uttered cries of -astonishment and grabbed at him. He avoided their hands and reached the -door, but as he was trying to unfasten it they fell on him. - -Young Merriwell's fighting blood was up, and for at least five minutes -he gave the ruffians the hardest sort of a struggle. Using hands and -feet in unison, he made them howl as he repeatedly hit and kicked them. -With all his force, he drove his knee into Mat's stomach and doubled the -fellow up like a jackknife. - -At this juncture the boy had nearly whipped both the men. Dillon was -panting and dazed, but he had drawn a pistol and reversed it in his -hand, so that he gripped the barrel. With the butt of the weapon he -struck a blinding blow at the fighting boy's head, and by chance the -blow landed full and fair. - -Down Dick dropped and lay stunned on the floor. Dillon stood looking -down at the lad, muttering savagely, while Mat gasped for breath and -held both hands on his stomach. Spotted Dan had recovered from the first -shock, and now stood, with his hands on his hips and his feet wide -apart, watching what transpired. He had not even lifted a hand to take -part in the struggle. - -"Well, drat the kid!" snarled Dillon. "He sure comes nigh slipping right -through our fingers." - -"Confound him!" panted Mat, still gasping for breath. "He soaks his knee -inter my solar plexus and pretty nigh puts me out." - -"Haw! haw! haw!" laughed Spotted Dan, throwing back his head. "Well, you -two gents sure has a highly interesting time of it. So that was why yer -didn't want me to go for my blanket! So that's what yer had in the back -room yer didn't want me ter see! Well, I reckons I has clapped my -peepers on this yere youngster before. I opines I smells your little -game. I rather jedge I understands why you drops the railroad job. You -seems ter strike another job that interests you a heap more." - -Without paying any attention to the pockmarked fellow, Dillon bent over -the motionless boy, muttering: - -"I wonder if I cracks his skull? That certain was a good rap I gave -him." - -Blood was trickling down from Dick's hair, and on one side of his head -was a cut. - -"I don't care ef you did finish him!" grated Mat. - -"Well, I does," asserted Dillon. "We knocks ourselves out of a good -thing ef that happens." - -"A good thing," laughed Spotted Dan. "Well, gents, you counts me in on -that good thing. You plays no game like this on me, none at all!" - -Dick stirred and opened his eyes. - -"He is all right," said Mat. - -The boy looked up at the two ruffians near him and then struggled to his -elbow, his black eyes full of defiance. - -"Give me a fair show and I'll try it again!" he weakly exclaimed. "If -I'd a fair show then I wouldn't be here now. I was weaponless. You were -three to one against me, and still you had to use a weapon to put me -down and out." - -"Haw! haw! haw!" again roared Spotted Dan. "These yere Merriwells sure -is fighters." - -Mat turned on him hotly. - -"I reckon you found that out in Prescott the first time you met Frank -Merriwell," he said. - -Dan suddenly stopped laughing and scowled blackly. - -"Don't git so personal!" he cried. "Mebbe I don't like it any!" - -Dick lifted his hand to his head and saw blood on his fingers when he -looked at them. Then from his pocket he took a handkerchief, which he -knotted about his head. - -"Better put your bird back into the cage," advised Dan. "Ef yer don't, -mebbe he flutters some more. When he flutters he is dangerous." - -"That's right," nodded Dillon, laying hold of Dick. "We will chuck him -back there in a hurry." - -"Take your hands off me, you brute!" panted the boy. "I will go back of -my own accord. Let me alone." - -Dillon dragged him to his feet, but, with a wrench, he suddenly tore -free. If the ruffians expected him to resume the effort, they soon found -he had no such intention, for, with a remarkably steady step, he walked -across the floor to the open door of his prison room. - -In the doorway he turned and faced them, the handkerchief about his head -already showing a crimson stain on one side. His dark eyes flashed with -unutterable scorn and contempt. - -"I know you all three!" he exclaimed. "Wait till my brother finds out -about this business. The whole Southwest won't be large enough to hide -you in safety." - -Then he disappeared into the room, scornfully closing the door behind -him. - -"Gents," said Spotted Dan, "for real, genuine sand, give me a kid like -that!" - -Then the bar was once more slipped into its socket, and the door was -made secure. With throbbing head and fiery pulse, Dick lay on the bunk -in that back room as the remainder of the night slipped away. - -With the coming of another day he heard the faint hoofbeats of a horse -outside, and knew some one had ridden up. Then the muttering of voices -in the next room came to him, and his curiosity, in spite of his injury, -caused him to again slip to the door and listen at the crack beneath it. - -He heard the voice of a strange man saying: - -"I am to take the letter back myself. The youngster must be forced to -write it. Leave it to me; I will make him do it." - -"Partner," said the hoarse voice of Spotted Dan, "I opines you takes a -mighty big contract when you tries to force that kid inter doing -anything of the sort." - -"Leave it ter me," urged the stranger. "Let me in there, and I will turn -the trick." - -A few minutes later Dick hastily got away from the door and pretended to -be sleeping on the bunk, his ears telling him the bar was being removed. -A flood of light shone in, for there was no window to that dark room to -admit daylight. The four men entered, one of them bringing a lighted -lamp in his hand. - -The boy pretended to awaken and then sat up. He saw that the newcomer -had a mask over his face, making it plain he feared recognition by the -captive. - -"Yere," said Spotted Dan, "is a gent what wants ter see you some, my -young gamecock. He has a right important piece of business to transact -with yer, and I reckons it pays yer ter do as he tells yer." - -The masked man came and stood looking at the boy. - -"Kid," he said, in what seemed to be an assumed manner of fierceness, -"you've got to write a letter to your brother, and you will write it -just as I tells yer. Understand that? If you refuse, we will stop -bothering with you any by wringing your neck and throwing you out for -buzzard bait. We can't afford to waste time fooling, and we mean -business. Time is mighty important to us." - -"What do you want me to write?" asked Dick. - -"We wants you to write a letter telling your brother that you are in the -hands of men who proposes to carve you up piecemeal unless he makes -terms with a certain gent who wants to deal with him for some of his -property. No need to mention this gent's name, mind that. Don't put it -into the letter. You tells your brother nothing whatever about us save -that we has you all tight and fast. But you tells him that, onless he -comes to terms immediate, we sends him to-morrow one of your thumbs. In -case he delays a while longer, we sends him t'other thumb. Then, if he -remains foolish and won't deal any, we kindly sends him your right ear. -If that don't bring him around a whole lot sudden, we presents him with -your left ear. Arter that we gits tired when we waits twenty-four hours, -and we shoots you full of lead and lets it go at that. Mat, pull over -that yere box right close to the kid's bunk, where he can sit all -comfortable-like and write on it." - -A box was dragged out of a corner and placed before young Merriwell, who -sat on the edge of the bunk. Then a sheet of paper was produced and -spread in front of the lad, while the stub of a lead pencil was thrust -into his fingers. - -"Now write," savagely ordered the masked man--"write just what I tells -yer to a minute ago!" - -Dick hesitated, but seemed to succumb. Through his head a wild scheme -had flashed. It bewildered him for a moment, but quickly his mind -cleared and he began to write. He did so, however, with the utmost -slowness, as if the task was a difficult and painful one. Spotted Dan -was surprised to see the boy give in so quickly. He had fancied Dick -would have obstinately refused until compelled to obey. - -"Don't put in a thing but just what I tells yer to," commanded the -masked man. "If yer does, youngster, you has ter write another letter, -for we won't deliver this one any at all. If you wants to get free, you -has good sense and obeys all peaceful-like." - -"All right," muttered Dick, as he slowly labored over the beginning of -the message to Frank. - -"Why, seems ter me this yer boy's eddication has been a heap neglected," -said Dillon. "He finds it a whole lot hard to write." - -The masked man resumed his position where he could read what was being -written. Somehow it didn't seem to please him, for of a sudden he seized -the sheet of paper and tore it up. - -"Why for do you ramble around that yere way?" he demanded. "You puts it -down plain and brief, with no preliminaries. Understand that?" - -Then he produced another sheet of paper and laid it upon the box. -Immediately Dick flung down the pen and lay back on the bunk. - -"You go to Halifax!" he exclaimed, his eyes flashing. "I will write it -just as I want to, or I won't write it at all." - -The man instantly whipped out a long, wicked-looking knife. - -"Then I slits your oozle!" he snarled. - -"Slit away!" defiantly retorted the boy. - -Spotted Dan broke into a hoarse laughter. - -"What did I tell yer!" he cried. "I certain knowed how it would be." - -The masked man seized Dick and held the knife menacingly before his -eyes. - -"Will you do as I tell you?" he hissed. - -"I will do as I choose," retorted the nervy lad. "I don't propose to -write anything save what you order, but I will write it in my own way. -If I can't, then I won't write at all." - -The man hesitated, then straightened up. - -"Well, you sure has sand, or you're the biggest fool for a kid I ever -saw," he declared. "Go ahead and write her out, and then I'll examine -her and see that she's all right." - -So once more Dick took the pencil and began to write. He preserved the -same deliberate slowness in constructing the early portion of the -missive, but finally began to write faster and faster, and finished it -with a rush, signing his name. - -"Well, the kid's eddication seems to be all right, arter all," observed -Mat, as he admiringly watched the boy speedily scribble the last -sentence. "Mebbe he is out of practice some, to begin with, and so he -writes slow till he gits his hand in." - -The masked man took the letter and carefully read it over. - -"Why were you so particular to say, 'No house shelters me?'" he asked. -"That yere is dead crooked. Is you trying to fool your brother up some?" - -Dick actually laughed. - -"I put that in just to help you out, gentlemen," he declared. "You have -been so very kind to me I should hate to see anything happen to you." - -The masked man wondered vaguely if the boy was mocking them, but decided -almost immediately that he had really frightened Dick to such an extent -that the young captive had put those words in to show his willingness to -hold to the demands made upon him. - -"Well, this will do," nodded the wearer of the mask, folding the paper -and thrusting it into his pocket. "Now, pards, just keep the boy all -ca'm and quiet, and mebbe his brother comes to his senses and settles -the deal, arter which we evaporates and leaves them to meet up with each -other and rejoice." - -Then he strode out of the room, and his three companions followed, -closing the door and leaving Dick once more to gloom and solitude. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -COMPLETE TRIUMPH. - - -Frank found the letter thrust under the door of his room at the hotel in -Prescott. He was reading it over and over when Brad Buckhart, wearing a -long, doleful face, came into the room. - -"You don't find no trace whatever of my pard, do you, Frank?" he asked. - -"I have a letter from him here," said Frank. - -"What?" shouted the Texan, electrified by Merry's words. "A letter from -him?" - -"Yes." - -"Why should he write a letter? Why didn't he come himself, instead of -doing that?" - -"Well, from what he says in the letter, I fancy it is impossible for him -to come," said Merry. "Here, Buckhart, read it and see what you make of -it." - -He handed the missive to Brad, who read it through, his excitement -growing every moment. This is what the Texan read: - - "Dear Frank: I now am held fast in hands that care little for my - life. No house shelters me. I am not near Prescott. If you - search, you will find wind and nothing more. Have had a hot mill - with my captors, but to no use whatever. S.tay here I must. Brad - will worry, so don't fail to show him this. - - "The men who have me swear to mutilate and finally kill me - unless you come to terms immediately. You are to settle with the - man who has demanded from you your mines and has threatened you - with arrest for murder. As soon as you make terms with him, I am - to be set free. If you refuse to make terms, this man swears to - chop me up by inches. To-morrow you will receive one of my - thumbs; next day the other thumb. Then, if you still delay, an - ear will follow, and its mate will be delivered to you - twenty-four hours later. If you remain obstinate, I shall be - killed. - - "Your brother, - Dick." - -"Great horn spoon!" shouted Buckhart, flourishing the missive in the -air. "Great jumping tarantulas! This certain is a whole lot tough! Why, -Frank, what are you going to do about it? You've got to rescue him, or -else give in to old Morgan, for they will chop him up if you don't." - -"How am I going to rescue him," said Merry, "when I don't know where to -find him?" - -Brad now stood quite still, with his hands on his hips, a look of -perplexity and distress on his face. - -"That's so, Frank," he muttered, shaking his head. "I am afraid they've -got you." - -"Do you notice anything peculiar about that letter?" questioned Merry. - -"Peculiar? Why, I dunno. Somehow it don't sound just like Dick, though -I'll swear it's his writing. I know his writing." - -"Yes, I am certain it is his writing; still, the first part of it sounds -peculiar. I suppose that's because he was ordered to write certain -things and had to take them down from dictation. But look here, Brad," -Merry continued, taking the letter from the Texan's hand. "Notice that -word, 'sta.y.' Why do you suppose he dropped a period into the midst of -it?" - -"Accident," said Brad. "Must have been." - -Frank shook his head. - -"Somehow I don't think so," he declared. "Somehow there seems to me -there is a hidden meaning in this letter. I am half inclined to believe -it is a cipher letter." - -"Gee whilikins!" cried the Texan. "Mebbe that's so!" - -Together they puzzled over it a long time, and the Texan grew more and -more excited. Finally he shouted: - -"Let me have it, Frank--let me have it! That's why he wanted you to show -it to me. See, he says for you to show it to me. He opined I'd tumble to -the cipher and read it all right." - -The boy's hands were shaking as he held the letter. From head to feet he -quivered with the excitement he could not control. - -"Steady, Buckhart," said Merry, laying a calming hand on his shoulder. -"Then you believe there is a cipher in it, do you?" - -"Sure as shooting! I know there is! You hear me shout! Once on a time, -at Fardale, he studied out right before me a cipher letter that was -written this same way by one of his enemies. He reckoned I would -remember that. He reckoned I would tumble and read the cipher in this -letter." - -Although Frank must have been excited also, he still restrained himself. - -"If that's the case," he said, "you should be able to read this with -ease. Go ahead and do so." - -"Gimme a pencil," panted the Texan. - -Frank did so, and then Brad began by underscoring the first word of the -letter after Frank's name, following with the second word, having -skipped one, then he skipped two, and underscored the next word. Then -skipped three, underscoring the next, and so on through the greater part -of the first paragraph. When this was finished, the words underscored -read as follows: - - "I am in little house near windmill sta.y." - -"There she is!" Brad almost yelled, waving it wildly around his head. -"That's the message. I followed her up further, but it ends right there. -After that he just writes what they tell him to." - -"'I am in little house near windmill sta.y,'" read Frank, having taken -the paper from the Texan's hand. "Are you certain that 'sta.y' comes -into it?" - -"Well, part of her comes into it," averred Brad. "She comes into it up -to the period, at least. I reckons that's why the period comes in there. -'Sta.'--what does that stand for, Frank?" - -"Station," said Merry at once. "He has written that he is in a little -house near Windmill Station. That's it, Brad, my boy. We know where to -find him at last, thanks to you." - -"No, Frank; thanks to that fine head of his. What are we going to do?" - -Frank walked over to a corner of the room and picked up a Winchester -rifle, which he examined, a resolute grimness on his handsome face. - -"We're going to find that little house near Windmill Station," he said, -in a calm, low voice. "And when we find it, Buckhart, there will be -something doing." - - * * * * * - -Another night had fallen when a party of at least a dozen persons, all -armed and ready for anything that might take place, surrounded and crept -up to the little house where Dick was held a prisoner near Windmill -Station. Frank led this party, and when the house was thoroughly -surrounded, he advanced without hesitation to the door, Buckhart at his -side, carrying in his hand an axe. - -"Give me the axe!" whispered Merry, as he extended his rifle to Brad. - -A moment later a crashing blow fell on the heavy door. When of a sudden -Frank swung the axe and made blow after blow at the door, it shook, and -cracked, and splintered before the attack upon it. - -"Lay on! lay on!" urged Cap'n Wiley, who was close at hand and ready for -the encounter. "Knock the everlasting jimblistered stuffing out of her!" - -Within the hut there was no small commotion. - -Dick had been waiting. He heard the first blow, and it brought him to -his feet with a bound. He heard the ruffianly guards in the outer room -uttering excited exclamations. Then he shouted: - -"Beat it down, Frank--beat it down! Here I am!" - -He could not be sure his words were heard above the sounds of the -assault on the door, but at this moment, with a great splintering crash, -the door fell. Then came shouting, and shots, and sounds of a struggle. -It was over quickly, and Dick was waiting when the door of his prison -room was flung wide and his brother sprang in. - -"Hello, Frank!" he cried laughingly. "You're on time. They haven't begun -chopping me up yet." - -"Where's my pard?" shouted Buckhart, as he came tearing into the room. -"Here he is!" he whooped joyously, clasping Dick in his arms. "Say, -pard, you're a dandy! But I don't believe I'd tumbled to it that there -was a cipher message in that letter if Frank hadn't suspected such a -thing." - -At this moment Cap'n Wiley appeared at the door. - -"Mate Merriwell," he said, "there's a fine gent out here who has a -shattered knee and says he's bleeding to death. Perhaps you had better -take a look at him." - -Frank turned back, followed by Dick and Brad. In the outer room both Mat -and Dillon were prisoners in the hands of Merriwell's comrades, one of -them having a bullet in his shoulder. But on the floor lay another man, -who had been found there with them, having arrived a short time before -the appearance of the rescuers. It was Macklyn Morgan, and his knee, as -Wiley had declared, was shattered by a bullet. - -"I am dying, Merriwell!" said Morgan, his face ghastly pale. "You have -triumphed at last. I will bother you no more." - -Frank quickly knelt and ripped open the man's trousers leg with a keen -knife. Then he called sharply for a rope, which he tied loosely about -Morgan's leg above the knee, thrusting through a loop in it a strong -stick supplied him by Wiley. With this stick he twisted the rope until -it cut into the flesh and stopped the profuse bleeding. - -"Now, Morgan," said Merry, "we will do our best to save your life by -getting you to the nearest doctor in short order." - -"Why should you do that?" whispered the money king wonderingly. - -"I don't care to see even my worst enemy die in such a manner," was the -answer. - -Macklyn Morgan did not die, although he must have done so but for the -prompt action of Frank at that critical moment. He lost his leg, -however, for it was found necessary to amputate the limb at the knee. - -It was some days after this operation that Morgan called for Frank, -begging his attendant to bring Merry to him. When Merry stood beside the -cot on which the wretched man lay, Morgan looked up and said: - -"I have been thinking this thing over, Mr. Merriwell, and the more I -think about it the greater grows my astonishment at your action. The -doctor has told me that you saved my life. I can't do much to even up -for that; but from this time on, Frank Merriwell, I shall never lift a -hand against you." - -THE END. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Merriwell's Triumph, by Burt L. 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