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diff --git a/old/64800-0.txt b/old/64800-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2144c01..0000000 --- a/old/64800-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9345 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Buffalo Bill's Still Hunt, by Colonel -Prentiss Ingraham - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Buffalo Bill's Still Hunt - The Robber of the Range - -Author: Colonel Prentiss Ingraham - -Release Date: March 12, 2021 [eBook #64800] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: David Edwards, Susan Carr and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO BILL'S STILL HUNT *** - - - - - Buffalo Bill’s Still Hunt - - OR, - - The Robber of the Range - - BY - - Colonel Prentiss Ingraham - - Author of the celebrated “Buffalo Bill” stories published in the - BORDER STORIES. For other titles see catalogue. - - [Illustration: Colophon] - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION - - PUBLISHERS - - 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York - - - - - +----------------------------------+ - | | - | Copyright, 1907 | - | By STREET & SMITH | - | ----- | - | Buffalo Bill’s Still Hunt | - | | - +----------------------------------+ - - - All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign - languages, including the Scandinavian. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - PAGE - IN APPRECIATION OF WILLIAM F. CODY 1 - I. CROSSING THE RIO GRANDE. 5 - II. DESERTED. 19 - III. SILK LASSO SAM, THE OUTLAW. 24 - IV. BONNIE BELLE OF POCKET CITY. 29 - V. LIFE AT PIONEER POST. 43 - VI. THE LAST APPEAL. 48 - VII. THE DOOMED OUTLAW. 62 - VIII. A FAIR PLOTTER. 77 - IX. A VISITOR AT PIONEER POST. 87 - X. THE REALITY OF AN IDEAL. 101 - XI. THE DEPARTURE. 115 - XII. CAUGHT IN THE ACT. 129 - XIII. IN HANGMAN’S GULCH. 144 - XIV. TURNING THE TABLES. 163 - XV. A MIDNIGHT INTERVIEW. 177 - XVI. A BORDER BURIAL. 186 - XVII. A SISTER OF MERCY. 196 - XVIII. RETURN OF THE SCOUTS. 219 - XIX. THE TELLING BLOW. 228 - XX. THE SURGEON’S MISSION. 238 - XXI. ACCUSED. 252 - XXII. BUFFALO BILL’S MAD RIDE. 261 - XXIII. THE COLONEL RECEIVES A LETTER. 279 - XXIV. TREACHERY. 292 - XXV. THE SURGEON SCOUT’S WARNING. 304 - XXVI. BONNIE BELL’S WORK DONE. 314 - - - - - IN APPRECIATION OF WILLIAM F. CODY - - (BUFFALO BILL). - - -It is now some generations since Josh Billings, Ned Buntline, and -Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, intimate friends of Colonel William F. -Cody, used to forgather in the office of Francis S. Smith, then -proprietor of the _New York Weekly_. It was a dingy little office on -Rose Street, New York, but the breath of the great outdoors stirred -there when these old-timers got together. As a result of these -conversations, Colonel Ingraham and Ned Buntline began to write of -the adventures of Buffalo Bill for Street & Smith. - -Colonel Cody was born in Scott County, Iowa, February 26, 1846. -Before he had reached his teens, his father, Isaac Cody, with his -mother and two sisters, migrated to Kansas, which at that time was -little more than a wilderness. - -When the elder Cody was killed shortly afterward in the Kansas -“Border War,” young Bill assumed the difficult rôle of family -breadwinner. During 1860, and until the outbreak of the Civil War, -Cody lived the arduous life of a pony-express rider. Cody volunteered -his services as government scout and guide and served throughout -the Civil War with Generals McNeil and A. J. Smith. He was a -distinguished member of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry. - -During the Civil War, while riding through the streets of St. Louis, -Cody rescued a frightened schoolgirl from a band of annoyers. In true -romantic style, Cody and Louisa Federci, the girl, were married March -6, 1866. - -In 1867 Cody was employed to furnish a specified amount of buffalo -meat to the construction men at work on the Kansas Pacific Railroad. -It was in this period that he received the sobriquet “Buffalo Bill.” - -In 1868 and for four years thereafter Colonel Cody served as scout -and guide in campaigns against the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. It was -General Sheridan who conferred on Cody the honor of chief of scouts -of the command. - -After completing a period of service in the Nebraska legislature, -Cody joined the Fifth Cavalry in 1876, and was again appointed chief -of scouts. - -Colonel Cody’s fame had reached the East long before, and a great -many New Yorkers went out to see him and join in his buffalo hunts, -including such men as August Belmont, James Gordon Bennett, Anson -Stager, and J. G. Heckscher. In entertaining these visitors at Fort -McPherson, Cody was accustomed to arrange wild-West exhibitions. In -return his friends invited him to visit New York. It was upon seeing -his first play in the metropolis that Cody conceived the idea of -going into the show business. - -Assisted by Ned Buntline, novelist, and Colonel Ingraham, he started -his “Wild West” show, which later developed and expanded into “A -Congress of the Rough Riders of the World,” first presented at Omaha, -Nebraska. In time it became a familiar yearly entertainment in the -great cities of this country and Europe. Many famous personages -attended the performances, and became his warm friends, including Mr. -Gladstone, the Marquis of Lorne, King Edward, Queen Victoria, and the -Prince of Wales, now King of England. - -At the outbreak of the Sioux, in 1890 and 1891, Colonel Cody served -at the head of the Nebraska National Guard. In 1895 Cody took up the -development of Wyoming Valley by introducing irrigation. Not long -afterward he became judge advocate general of the Wyoming National -Guard. - -Colonel Cody (Buffalo Bill) died in Denver, Colorado, on January -10, 1917. His legacy to a grateful world was a large share in -the development of the West, and a multitude of achievements in -horsemanship, marksmanship, and endurance that will live for ages. -His life will continue to be a leading example of the manliness, -courage, and devotion to duty that belonged to a picturesque phase -of American life now passed, like the great patriot whose career it -typified, into the Great Beyond. - - - - - BUFFALO BILL’S STILL HUNT. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - CROSSING THE RIO GRANDE. - - -The Rio Grande, the great dividing-line between Mexico and the United -States, was swelling rapidly into a flood under recent rains, which -had sent torrents dashing from the mountain lands toward the Gulf. - -A carriage, drawn by two horses, had halted upon the banks at the -ford, the Mexican driver on the box seeming afraid to venture into -the turbid stream. - -Within the vehicle were two persons, one in the garb of a nun of the -Church of Rome, the other a young and beautiful girl of sixteen, with -dark hair and glorious eyes that revealed her Spanish blood. - -“Well, Pedro, why do you halt here?” asked the nun of the driver. - -“It is dangerous to cross, Sister Felicite,” was the answer. - -“And the river is rising?” - -“It is, sister.” - -“You know the ford, Pedro?” - -“Perfectly, sister.” - -“How deep will the waters come?” - -“They will wash through the carriage, Sister Felicite.” - -“Then what is to be done, Pedro?” - -“Alas! I know not,” was the dejected reply. - -“If you return, the road is dangerous, night is coming on, and there -is no ranch within fifteen miles.” - -“Very true, sister.” - -“What shall we do, then?” the nun asked anxiously. - -“Place greater weights in the carriage, sister; open the doors, to -let the water run through and not wash it away; let me mount the box -with Pedro, to use the whip, while he manages the horses, and we can -get across.” - -The speaker was the young girl, and the nun looked at her with an -expression of amazed horror. - -“Why, child, what do you mean?” - -“Oh, Sister Felicite, I do not mind a ducking or danger, for I have -crossed many a stream beyond its banks.” - -“The señorita is right, Sister Felicite, for it is our only chance,” -Pedro said. - -“And the river is constantly rising, so that there is no time to -delay,” Nina de Sutro remarked, in a determined manner, her face full -of spirit and courage. - -“What do you think, Pedro?” asked the nun. - -“It is all that we can do, sister.” - -“Then act upon the Señorita Nina’s suggestion at once.” - -The driver sprang from his box, and at once began to pack the vehicle -with stones to weight it down. - -The baggage was taken from the boot and placed on top, and Sister -Felicite mounted there, also, seated upon the cushions. - -Nina climbed to the seat next to the driver’s upon the box; then the -man mounted to his place, seized his reins, and, with a searching -glance across the river, to where the trail left the waters on the -other shore, he urged the horses into the now turbulent and deep -stream. - -It was a perilous undertaking, but the nun was silent and calm, the -young girl fearless-faced and determined, the driver, Pedro, seeming -anxious and nervous, understanding the danger more thoroughly, -perhaps with a premonition of what lay in their path. - -The carriage at times was swept along for a few feet; the horses time -and again lost their footing but the brave driver knew the ford -well, and Nina de Sutro understood just when to use the whip, for she -carefully watched every movement of Pedro and the horses. - -As they neared the other shore one of the horses suddenly sank out of -sight into a hole, and the pull dragged the driver over upon the top -of his now struggling team. - -The vehicle swept around suddenly, the driver was beaten down by the -plunging, struggling horses, and was swept away upon the surging -current. - -But Nina de Sutro had seized the reins, and, to her great delight, -the vehicle was swept upon a bar, where its downward course was -arrested, and the horses regained their footing once more. - -Poor Pedro! - -“Alas! we, too, must go to join him soon,” said Sister Felicite, with -calm resignation. - -“Yes, sister, the waters are flowing more rapidly, and we will soon -be swept away,” was the response of the young girl, who was still -cool and full of nerve, though her face had blanched at thus being -confronted by what appeared to be sure death. - -“Keep up your courage, for I will come to your aid!” - -The voice came from the bank, where a horseman had suddenly dashed -down the hill and come to a halt. - -“I will see if my lasso will reach you. Catch it, señorita, as I -throw!” cried the horseman, and he launched the coil into the air, -when it was caught by Nina, while the nun on the top of the carriage -muttered a fervent: - -“Holy Mother, I thank thee!” - -A cheer broke from the lips of the horseman, who was splendidly -mounted and equipped, and dressed in the garb of a Mexican gentleman -ranchero. - -The horseman had been riding along the ridge-trail upon the Mexican -side of the river. - -He saw the danger, just as the driver was dragged from his seat, -and, wheeling his horse, he dashed down to the bank, to see that the -vehicle was at the mercy of the waters and very soon would be swept -away with its occupants. - -At once he had seized the long lariat he had hanging from the horn of -his saddle. - -He was a man whose handsome face and courtly manners would win -admiration anywhere. His fine physique was set off by his elegant -Mexican dress, and he wore upon his head a sombrero richly -embroidered in gold and silver, a tiny crossed American and Mexican -flag being upon the brim on the left side. - -His hair was very long, falling far down his back, and he wore a -mustache and imperial which gave him a military air. - -His horse was richly caparisoned, and it looked ready for any service -its master demanded. - -His lasso coil having been most skilfully launched over the waters -and caught by Nina de Sutro, the horseman called out in a voice of -command: - -“Tie a firm knot about the dash of the carriage, and I will make fast -my end to this tree.” - -The girl obeyed with alacrity, and, dismounting, the man took his -stake-rope, and, throwing aside his hat, jacket, belt of arms, and -boots with heavy spurs, plunged into the stream, and was, with a few -vigorous strokes, carried to the vehicle, which was just balancing -upon the bar of sand, the horses barely keeping their feet. - -The stake-ropes of the horses were taken from the boot and tied -securely to the one carried by the rescuer. The new line was then -made fast to the pole, the stranger meanwhile acting rapidly and -coolly, while he said: - -“Have no fear now, ladies, for I will swim ashore with this line, -attach it to my saddle, and my horse will drag your carriage ashore. -You, miss, hold the reins, but cling to the carriage top-rail, should -the vehicle capsize, as this lady must also do. Now all is ready, and -there is no time to lose.” - -With this he sprang into the stream once more, and was whirled away -by the swiftly flowing current. He swam splendidly, and landed below, -just as he reached the end of the united stake-ropes. - -Running up the bank, he made the end fast to his saddle-horn, and, -seizing the lasso tied to the tree, untied it and took position near -his horse--the intelligent animal seeming to understand just what was -expected of him. - -“All ready, now!” cried the horseman, to the nun and Nina upon the -box of the carriage. The latter still held the reins and whip. - -Then he started his horse slowly forward, thus drawing, with the -stake-ropes attached to the saddle-horn and the lasso which he held, -the horses and vehicle up against the current of the surging stream. - -At the call of the stranger, Nina gathered the reins, and at the same -time laid the whip upon the backs of the horses. - -They plunged forward and were over their depth at once, while the -carriage sank nearly to the top, the waters dashing through the -doors, which had been opened wide and made fast. - -This alone saved the carriage from being upset by the pressure of the -waters. - -The noble horse ashore drew hard, and the rescuer also pulled with -all his might, the lasso and stake-ropes, fast to the pole and -dashboard, being taut as a wire. - -As the horses and vehicle swept off of the bar they swung toward the -shore, and, after a moment of intense suspense to the nun and Nina, -they beheld the team gain a footing; then the carriage began to rise -from the stream, and a moment after the stranger plunged in, seized -the bits of the animals, and led them a hundred feet up the current -to the ford, where a landing could be made. - -A moment more and the panting horses had dragged the vehicle out of -danger, while the stranger cried: - -“Saved, and only a foot wet!” - -“Yes, sir, you have saved this child’s life and mine, and Heaven will -reward you for it. But, alas! poor Pedro has gone to his doom. May -the blessed Mother have mercy upon his soul!” - -“_Amen!_” came the low, but fervent response of the young girl, and -holding out her hand to the stranger, she said in a frank manner -natural to her: - -“You have saved Sister Felicite and poor little me from death, for -without your aid we were doomed. Oh, señor, never will I forget you -and the scene of this day!” - -The stranger bowed courteously, and replied: - -“It was my fortune to be near to aid you. Now let me drive you to the -Mission San José, where I suppose you are to pass the night, for it -is but a mile away.” - -“You are most kind, sir; but do not let me lead you from your way, -for I can drive.” - -“No, the road is bad and dangerous, and I will see you to safety -before I leave you.” - -The baggage was then taken from the top, and placed in the boot -again; the nun entered the carriage, Nina retaining her seat upon -the box, seeming not to hear the good Felicite’s gentle command for -her to sit with her. Springing to his seat, the stranger called to -his horse to follow, and drove off with the skill of an experienced -driver. - -The Mission San José was reached in safety, and there the stranger -left them, but Nina de Sutro never forgot that ride, or the face of -the man who had saved her life. - -Without a word regarding himself, not even giving his name or -calling, the daring rescuer of two lives had sprung into his saddle, -after reaching the mission, raised his sombrero courteously, and, -dashing spurs into his horse, had gone off like the wind. - -“Who is he, Father Ambrose?” asked the nun, addressing the head -priest of the Mission. - -“I do not know, Sister Felicite, for I never saw him before; but he -shall have the prayers of the church for his noble deed done this day -for you and this child,” was the response, and the travelers were -made comfortable at the Mission for the night. - -The next day another driver was secured, and Sister Felicite and her -fair young charge, who was going to the City of Mexico, to a convent, -to receive her education, went on their way. - -But Sister Felicite soon discovered that the peril through which -they had passed had seemed to cast a gloom upon the heart of Nina de -Sutro. The young girl became thoughtful, and no longer gathered wild -flowers when they halted to rest by the wayside. - -Arriving at the convent, Nina did not have the same merry nature as -before, and her leisure hours seemed to be passed in reveries. - -After some months at the convent, the girl went into the city, to -pass a short vacation with her kindred, and to accompany them to a -grand tournament which was given by army officers and gentlemen fond -of such sports. - -There was a bull-fight, then a riding-match for a prize, a -shooting-match, a combat on horseback with swords, and lasso-throwing. - -There were champions in each different sport, and one winning a prize -was to hold himself ready to defend it should any one challenge him -to do so at the time that it was presented to him in the arena. - -The bull-fight had ended disastrously, for the infuriated animals -had killed several horses and wounded half a dozen of the amateur -fighters, until not another one dared enter the ring, it was -supposed, when, to the surprise of all, a horseman, splendidly -mounted, rode into the arena. - -He was masked, and wore the richest of costumes. Who he was no one -knew, and he had merely given his name as the “Cavalier of the Rio -Grande.” - -The maddened bull made a rush for him that caused all to hold their -breath with suspense. - -Just as all believed the horse would be gored to death, the skilful -rider wheeled him out of harm’s way, spurred him alongside of the -bull, and, leaning from his saddle, drove his sword to the hilt into -the great brute’s side. - -The games were then continued, and, just as the victor in the -shooting-match was receiving his prize, in rode the stranger, still -wearing his mask, and challenged him to contest for the trophy he had -won. - -The victor gladly consented, but only to surrender, soon after, the -beautiful prize to the unknown Cavalier of the Rio Grande! - -And so it was with the one who had gained the prize for riding--a -horse, saddle, and bridle of great value--for the unknown was on hand -to challenge him and win. - -In the combat on horseback with swords, the unknown was there to -grasp the prize won by the victor as soon as he went forward to -receive it. Then came the sports with the lasso, and once more it was -the unknown who defeated the champion. - -In addition to the prize--a purse of gold, in this case--a silk lasso -was presented, one beautifully woven of crimson hue, and of great -strength, length, and beauty. - -The last test of skill was a sword-combat, fought with rapiers, and -it was said that the gallant young officer who won the prize had no -equal in Mexico. - -But into the arena rode the unknown, and, dismounting, he threw his -glove down at the feet of the champion. It was promptly picked up by -the victor, who was the commander of a crack command of lancers, and -the two soon advanced to face each other. - -Like fiery serpents the steel blades writhed around each other and -flashed in the sunlight, and men, and women, too, had begun to feel -that at last the unknown had more than met his match. - -“The unknown was a fool to offer combat to Major Delano, after being -tired out with his other combats,” said a rich banker, a kinsman of -Nina de Sutro. - -Through all, the young girl had watched with white face every -contest, her eyes riveted upon the masked face of the unknown; but -she caught the words of her kinsman, and said quickly: - -“A hundred pesos, señor, that the unknown defeats Major Delano.” - -“Bravo! just hear the child! But I accept your wager, Nina, and---- -Holy Heaven, see there!” - -A cry of bravo went up from the crowd, for somehow the major was -seen to catch the point of the unknown’s sword, and it pierced his -heart. - -How it happened no one seemed to know, and the explanation of the -unknown was accepted, for, instantly unmasking, he faced the judges, -and said in a voice that reached every ear: - -“Pardon, señors, but the officer was so confident of disarming me -he pressed forward, slipped, and, not guarding my thrust, my sword -pierced his breast.” - -He bowed his head, to await the decision of the judges, while from -the lips of Nina de Sutro fell the words in a quivering voice: - -“I felt that it was so. He is my hero of the Rio Grande!” - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - DESERTED. - - -A year after the fatal tournament in the City of Mexico, a grand -masquerade ball was being held in a salon in New Orleans, and thither -had flocked the beauty and the chivalry of the Crescent City. - -Among the cavaliers present who had attracted much attention by his -elegance of form and gorgeous attire was one in Mexican costume. - -He had flirted with many of the fair belles, and was always in demand -for a waltz, so gracefully did he dance, and a favored maiden present -was envied by all the others as the Mexican seemed to devote more of -his attention to her than to any one else present. At last he said to -her: - -“Though unknown to you, señorita----” - -“How do you know that I am a señorita?” was the low query, in the -sweetest of voices. - -“My heart tells me that you have never loved, that you are not a -wife; but though unknown to you, let me beg that you take a stroll -with me in the moonlight. Will you go?” - -“Yes.” - -The word was hardly audible, but the Mexican drew the tiny hand into -his arm and led her from the salon, out upon the piazza, and thence -into the moonlit garden, halting at an arbor. - -“Do you know that I can tell who you are, señorita?” the man asked. - -He saw the start that she gave at his words, and then she asked: - -“Who am I?” - -“The beautiful Miss De Latour, whom all the men in the city are -wildly in love with.” - -“How do you know?” - -“Because from the first moment I saw you I loved you, and I have time -and again sought to win a glance from you, and only yesterday did you -favor me with a smile, as I rode by your house; or was I mistaken, -and the smile but the reflex of some pleasant thought?” - -“Señor Marvin, you are mistaken, for I am not Celeste de Latour, the -loveliest and richest girl in the city.” - -“Not Miss De Latour? Surely you are not deceiving me?” - -“No, you are deceiving me, señor, in telling another that you love -her, _for I am your wife, Austin Marvin_!” - -With dexterous hand, she unmasked the man and herself at the same -instant, revealing the faces of the Cavalier of the Rio Grande and -Nina de Sutro. - -“My God! Nina, you here?” gasped the man, his face turning livid in -the moonlight. - -“Yes, Austin Marvin, I am here on your track. I loved you, my hero -among men, with all my heart and soul. Believing you an honorable -man, I fled from the convent with you, to become your wife, though a -mere girl. - -“After a few short months you tired of me, because you knew that I -would not get my fortune until I was twenty-one. Then you deserted -me in a strange land; but I followed you, after reading your cruel -note, and I have found you here after a long and weary search, here, -breathing words of love, as you supposed, to another woman. - -“But, Austin, my husband, I will forgive all if you will go with me -from here, for in a few short years I will be in possession of my -riches.” - -Quickly came the answer of the man: - -“You have conquered, Nina, and if you will forgive me I will go with -you.” - -“Come, for I forgive all,” was the happy answer. - -One week later Nina de Sutro wrote the following letter, addressed -to an army officer who was her guardian, and who had married her -kinswoman: - - “I have given you great distress of mind and heart, and yet love - was my guide, and I believed I acted for the right in leaving the - convent to wed the man whom I met under strange circumstances, and - who once more crossed my path to command me as he might a slave. - - “I have lived in a few short months my romance, burned the candle - to the end, and am a deserted wife, finding that I married one - who was a villain, one who sought me alone for my riches, and - finding that I could not, until twenty-one years of age, control my - fortune, fled from me, leaving me alone in a strange city. - - “I tracked him, found him making love to another, forgave him all, - and lo! once more he deserted me, this time taking my money and my - jewels, and in my despair I wish to hide the grave in my heart from - all except you, to whom I now make this confession, and the Mother - Superior of the convent, to whom I shall at once return, begging - her to receive me once more as a pupil, as my elopement was not - known, it being said that I had been called suddenly home to the - United States. - - “She will take me back, for well I know her kind heart, and when I - have finished my education, if you, my sweet cousin, will allow me, - I will come to you, still known as Nina de Sutro--your name, which, - as my guardian, you gave to me, for I wish not to have the world - know of my unhappy wedded life and the sorrow I have brought upon - myself. - - “As for the man who was my husband, I will not care what his fate - may be, nor will I breathe his name even to you or the Mother - Superior, for my past of misfortune, my dream of bliss that ended - almost in despair, shall be as a sealed book.” - -The letter was addressed to an officer of the United States Army, who -was stationed at a frontier post of the Northwest. - -And back to the convent went the unhappy girl, made her confession, -was forgiven and received as before, for the good Mother Felicite, -the superioress, loved her as her own child, and wept bitter tears of -regret when, two years after, she finished her school-days and went -to join her guardian and his wife in the United States. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - SILK LASSO SAM, THE OUTLAW. - - -The coach on a branch of the Overland Stage Trail, with its terminus -at Pioneer Post, was upon its way to its destination, with an extra -hand known as Ribbons upon the box, Horseshoe Ned, the regular -driver, being laid up for a short while. - -It had reached a part of the trail where there was a steep and rugged -descent to the bed of a swiftly flowing stream known as Deep Dell -Brook, and Ribbons had brought the team of six horses to a halt for a -short rest and a cooling draft of water. - -There was a steep ascent upon the other side of the brook, with rocky -cliffs some thirty feet in height upon either side for a few hundred -yards. - -Ribbons, the driver, was a good hand with the reins, a bold fellow, -and one who did not shrink from driving the Overland trails no matter -what the danger might be. - -He was seated upon his box with the air of one who felt that a few -hours more would give him rest, when suddenly a man rode down into -the trail ahead of him, and two faces peered over the rocky cliff, -their eyes glancing along the barrels of their rifles. - -“Hands up, Ribbons, or take the consequences,” said the horseman -riding toward the stage, and at the same time the men on the cliff -covered the driver with their rifles. - -“Pilgrims, we is in fer it!” cried Ribbons, turning to the window of -the coach; and a voice quickly answered: - -“Road-agents, eh? Well, I fight.” - -With this, the speaker leveled his revolver at one of the men on the -cliff, and pulled trigger. - -The man leaped to his feet, and, tottering, fell into the road below, -while his companion on the other cliff fired a shot into the coach. -At the same moment the horseman shouted: - -“Ha! that is your game, is it, Ribbons?” - -With his words, he pulled trigger, and the driver sank back dead on -his seat. - -“Ho, men, head off this coach, and I’ll see who this gamecock is -who dares fire upon Silk Lasso Sam and his band,” and the horseman -spurred toward the coach, when several shots rang out of the window, -one of which dropped his horse and another wounded him in the -shoulder. - -The highwayman returned the fire, just as a mounted man came rapidly -to his aid, and riddled the coach with bullets, though the plucky -defender inside fired again, this time wounding the horse ridden by -the outlaw coming to the aid of his chief. - -The animal fell heavily, but the rider landed upon his feet and -sprang to one side of the coach, while his chief threw the door open -upon the other. - -“It’s over with him, so we have nothing to fear now,” said the chief, -as he saw the form of the defender of the coach lying in a heap, and -his life ebbing rapidly away from the wounds he had received at the -hands of the outlaws. - -“Frank dead, one horse ditto, and another dying, so the old coach -should pan out well, to repay us, Pat,” said the chief; and he added: - -“Not to speak of my own wound, but which amounts to little.” - -He drew the body of the brave passenger from the coach as he spoke, -and with deft hands, as though long experienced in such work, went -through his search for booty. - -A well-filled purse, some jewelry, a watch and chain, and a wallet of -papers, were what he found, and quickly the outlaw chief looked them -over. - -Then he stood for some time lost in a deep reverie, as though with -little fear of danger to himself, until suddenly he broke out with -the words: - -“By Heaven, but I’ll risk it! Yes, if I hang for it, I will!” - -“Do what, sir?” asked his companion. - -“Pat, I am going to play a bold game for gold, for I shall go to the -fort, and you are to help me out.” - -“Go to the fort, sir?” asked the amazed man. - -“Yes, I shall go as a passenger in Ribbons’ coach, one who fired upon -the road-agents and was wounded, and afterward was robbed. Quick! -get me the clothes off that man and help me to disguise myself--yes, -here is a dressing-case belonging to him, and I will soon have off my -beard and mustache. - -“Then I will place the body of the passenger in the coach, in another -of his suits of clothes, for he traveled well supplied, and Frank can -be left where he fell, for they will send back to the scene of the -hold-up when I reach the fort.” - -“Ah! captain, you have clean lost your senses.” - -“Not a bit of it, Pat, for I see a chance to visit the fort without -the slightest danger, and there is one there whom I wish particularly -to see, for it means big money for me.” - -As he spoke the daring man was making his toilet, having quickly -shaved off his mustache and imperial. - -“Now, Pat, stand there and empty a couple of revolvers into the -coach,” he said, “and then you get Frank’s horse, take that dead -man’s luggage, and go to the retreat, but say nothing of where I am, -or when to expect me back; only do you keep in Spy’s Cañon, to be -ready to meet me, or a messenger I may send there. Now I am ready, -and do you get off at once, for a body of cavalry might happen along -this way.” - -Mounting the box, where the dead Ribbons still lay, after a few more -words of instructions to his man, the outlaw chief drove on up the -hill, holding the reins like one who was a skilled driver. - -His outlaw companion followed a moment after, with the luggage of the -dead passenger, leaving his dead comrade and the horses lying in the -trail. - -Half an hour after the coach had rolled away, a horseman came dashing -upon the scene and drew rein. - -The horseman was Buffalo Bill, the king of scouts, and he cried -sternly: - -“This is Silk Lasso Sam’s work!” - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - BONNIE BELLE OF POCKET CITY. - - -Of all strange camps and communities ever seen upon the frontier -that of Pocket City, in Yellow Dust Valley, was the strangest. It -was named from the fact that it fitted into the valley among the -mountains like a pocket in a dress, and also on account, perhaps, of -there having been found just there a number of rich pockets of gold. - -Yellow Dust Valley was a home of miners, a couple or more thousands -being scattered along the sides of the mountains, and Pocket City, -situated near the upper end, was the headquarters of all. - -There the stage-line had its ending, and there was a semi-monthly -coach from Pocket City to the main stem of the Overland Trail. There -was a post-office, a hotel known as the Frying Pan, a saloon and -gambling-resort called the Devil’s Den, several stores, a combination -blacksmith and wagon-shop, with smaller drinking and betting-places, -and several boarding-houses. - -The camps were the resort of a very wild element of humanity, -varying from honest men to horse-thieves, road-agents, gold-grabbers, -and desperadoes of the very worst type. - -The most prominent person in Pocket City was a woman, or, rather, -a young girl, because she could scarcely be over nineteen. She had -arrived in Pocket City one day in a coach which had been held up, and -had defended herself so well that she had shot one of the robbers -dead, and enabled the driver to get away. - -The “big man” of Pocket was in that coach, returning from the East. -He had received a mortal wound, and was so tenderly cared for by the -young girl that, upon arriving at his home, he had told her frankly -that he would make her his heiress, as he had no one to claim his -riches. - -And so it was that Bonnie Belle, as he had called her, after a -daughter who had died years before, became the postmistress, -stage-agent, landlady of the Frying Pan Hotel and of the Devil’s Den. - -What had brought the young girl to Pocket City no one knew; but -Landlord Lazarus had not been in his grave a day before the rough -element discovered that the mistress of the Frying Pan intended to be -the _master_ there. - -She made the hotel a success, would have no cheating in her -gambling-saloon, sold only the best of liquors, stood no nonsense -from any of the men, and was treated with marked respect. - -She was a beautiful creature, too, with a mass of red-gold hair, -large, lustrous black eyes, full of a dreamy sadness, perfect -features, and a form of exquisite grace. - -She was wont to dress neatly about the hotel and in attending to her -other duties there, and when out for a ride on one of her spirited -horses wore a buckskin habit and gold-embroidered sombrero. - -Kind to all, with charity for men’s failings and sins, and generosity -toward all in suffering and distress, Bonnie Belle had won the hearts -of all the miners, as well as their admiration and respect. - -Not the most hardened villain in the camp would have dared say aught -to cast a slur upon Bonnie Belle if he valued his life, for he would -have been seized and made an example of very quickly. - -Many a poor, sick miner had been sent to his home by her, and she was -ever ready to lend aid and do an act of mercy. If a man was hungry -and had no money, he got food at the Frying Pan freely. If a miner -was sick, some delicacy was sent him from Bonnie Belle’s table. - -It was not a wonder, then, that some grateful miner had called her -the Beautiful Samaritan. - -What had brought her to the wild West, unless to do good, no one -could understand, and men wondered and marveled over and over the -strange fact of such a refined being seeking a home amid such rude -surroundings. - -One wing of the Frying Pan Bonnie Belle had fitted up for her -especial use. - -It was surrounded by a high stockade wall, taking in an acre of land, -where there was a spring, rustic arbor, hammock, and flowers. - -There was no way of entering this garden-spot save through her -rooms in the hotel, in the wing referred to, and which were five in -number--an office, sitting-room, dining-room, and two bedrooms. - -There was a piazza running around the wing, and she certainly was -most comfortable in her border home. - -She had Chinese servants, and kept the place as neat as possible, -while she kept hunters out to supply the table with game, had a large -chicken-yard and garden, and, having no bar connected with the hotel, -managed to keep an orderly home for her boarders, who were numerous. - -Bonnie Belle was in the gambling-saloon of Devil’s Den. It was in -full blast, for the bar across one end was crowded with drinkers, -the faro-bank, roulette-table, rouge-et-noir, and games of dice were -going, with plenty of players about them, and a score or more tables -had men at them gambling with cards. - -There was a dense atmosphere of smoke in the vast saloon, in which -mingled the clinking of glasses, rattling of dice, shuffling of -cards, and hum of conversation, in which there was some sudden burst -of profanity now and then. - -Quietly Bonnie Belle entered the saloon from a side door, and, as -soon as she was discovered, a hush like a wave swept over the crowd -of three or four hundred men present. - -No better mark of respect could have been shown her than this, and -the man that uttered an oath while she was present would have found -himself covered by a score of “guns” instantly, until he made ample -apology for his offense. - -Speaking pleasantly here and there, Bonnie Belle made the tour of the -gaming-tables, all of which made a commission upon all money put up, -but the dealers were not allowed to bet against the players, and any -trickery quickly ended a man’s position of trust in the Devil’s Den, -for, as a miner expressed it: - -“Bonnie Belle are squar’ all round.” - -Suddenly, as she made the rounds of the tables, she came face to -face with a man who had just entered the Devil’s Den. He was dressed -in miner’s garb, and was a commanding-looking man, with a handsome, -full-bearded face and wearing his hair long. - -His look was that of a man reared in refinement, and his manners, as -he spoke to various of those whom he passed, were courtly and gentle. - -“Ah, Deadshot Dean, I am glad to see you. Do you play to-night?” and -Bonnie Belle held forth her hand, which the man grasped warmly, while -he doffed his hat as he replied: - -“No, Bonnie Belle, I merely looked in for a moment. Is it too late to -get some supper at the Frying Pan?” - -“No, I will go over at once and order it,” and she passed on, leaving -the saloon by the rear door by which she had entered, and which led -along a stockade lane at the base of the mountain range to her own -quarters. - -The man addressed as Deadshot Dean quietly made the tour of the room, -and it was evident from the greetings bestowed upon him and the -attention he attracted that he was no ordinary personage. - -He had come to the mines some years before to work a claim, for which -he brought papers giving him all right and title thereto, and he had -met with varying success ever since. - -He was known as the Miner of Hangman’s Gulch, as his cabin was -isolated and near a spot where all the hangings in Yellow Dust Valley -took place. - -No other cabin was within a mile and a half of him, for the -superstitious miners would not seek claims within a mile-limit of -Hangman’s Gulch, which was regarded by many as haunted, and was -looked upon by all as a place accursed. - -His home was situated upon a spur around the base of which wound a -trail, and his claim was an eighth of a mile distant from his cabin. - -Generous to all, peaceful in his nature, but a dangerous man to -arouse, he had won his name of Deadshot Dean by defending himself -against half a dozen desperadoes on one occasion, and since then had -shown himself to be a man of courage and determination which no peril -could daunt. - -Leaving the Devil’s Den, the miner had gone directly to the Frying -Pan, and Bonnie Belle met him at the office, and said: - -“I have ordered your supper brought to my dining-room, Deadshot Dean, -so come in here, for I know that you have news for me.” - -“I have, indeed, Bonnie Belle,” was the answer. - -“When did you get back?” - -“To-night. I came by my cabin, but would not stop to get supper, for -I was anxious to see you.” - -“You went to the fort?” - -“I did, but following the trail of that map, found in the room of the -gambler whom I was forced to kill, I met Buffalo Bill and Surgeon -Powell on the war-path, and guided them, with a party of soldiers, to -the retreat of the outlaws.” - -“And captured them?” - -“Yes, or killed them.” - -“And Silk Lasso Sam?” quickly asked the woman, her face showing -intense anxiety as she asked the question. - -“Was captured.” - -“And where is he now?” - -“A prisoner at Pioneer Post.” - -“He will be hanged, of course?” - -“Yes, for his crimes are many, as you know, and he was immediately -sentenced, before I left the fort, to die upon the gallows, along -with his men who had been captured.” - -“Alas! my poor, sinful brother, he deserves the shameful fate that -he is to meet, and from which I have in vain striven hard to save -him.” The tears came into the beautiful eyes of Bonnie Belle, while -Deadshot Dean said: - -“You have been a most devoted sister, Bonnie Belle, to that man, and -he has brought his fate upon his own head; but let me tell you all -that has happened since I left here to track Silk Lasso Sam and his -band to their lair. - -“Bonnie Belle, for I must continue to call you by the name you are -known by to the miners, and not by that of Ruth Leigh, as I knew you -in the years gone by, when you were a little girl, I----” - -“Yes, call me Bonnie Belle, Carrol Dean,” said the girl sadly. - -“Then, Bonnie Belle, let me tell you that I deem the course you have -pursued to check the career of your wicked brother all that you could -do. You would have been his accomplice, though innocently, in his -crimes if you had allowed him to go on in, his desperate deeds of -lawlessness.” - -“I feel that, Carrol Dean; I know it.” - -“Yon know well that when your father, your brother, and yourself -lived in luxury upon your plantation home, that Arden was wild, -wayward, and dissipated.” - -“Alas, yes!” - -“He caused your father much suffering, was dismissed from the navy, -and had to leave the German university because he killed a fellow -student, and your father’s wealth and influence barely saved him from -the gallows for taking another life. - -“Then came his rivalry of me for the love of Kathleen Clyde, who is -now my wife, and you remember how he shot me down in her presence, -fled, believing he had killed me, and forging your father’s name, -secured a large sum from the bank, and became a fugitive from -justice?” - -“Alas! I know all.” - -“You and your father, with sorrow in your hearts, went abroad, and -his failing health brought you back to America, to ranch-life in -California. He died there, and then you sought the reformation of -your wicked brother, seeking him in these wilds, where few other -women would have, or could have, come as you have done. - -“You found him at last in Silk Lasso Sam, the leader of an outlaw -band, and failing to turn him from his wickedness, you did only -right to let him go his way and raise no hand longer to save him. -Fortunately, I was driven to this land to make money by digging in -the old claim my father had bought, for now you have a friend, a -brother, in me, and you must do as I say.” - -“I will.” - -“I did not seek the downfall of your brother through any feeling of -revenge, but because I had been secretly made, by Colonel Dunwoody, -of Pioneer Post, through having saved the life of Buffalo Bill, -as you remember, a Secret Service scout. I did not know until you -told me, before my going, that Silk Lasso Sam was your brother, my -old foe, and remembering you only as a girl just verging into your -teens, I did not recognize Ruth Leigh in Bonnie Belle. I tracked your -brother to his lair, and let me tell you of his latest villainy.” - -“Tell me all, for I wish nothing hidden from me.” - -“After visiting you here, he broke every pledge he had made you. He -went, with two followers, to the Overland Trail to Pioneer Post, -and lay in ambush until the coach came along, when he held it up. -One plucky passenger opened fire, killing one of the outlaws and -slightly wounding the chief, whose horse, also was shot under him. -In retaliation, the outlaws killed the driver and the passenger, and -then the daring idea seized upon your brother to enter the fort.” - -“And he was captured?” - -“Not then, for he played passenger, and was treated with the greatest -kindness by all. Being in secret communication with his men, he -arranged a plot to have a young lady there, Miss Clarice Carr, the -belle of the fort, and himself captured by the band, intending to -force from her a large ransom for her release. - -“Little did she suspect his treachery, and they were captured and -taken to the secret retreat of the outlaws, one of whom pretended to -be Silk Lasso Sam, the chief. Fortunately, it was just then that I -reached the trail and found Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell upon it, -with the soldiers. - -“The map, however, enabled me to guide them there, and to Miss Carr’s -horror, she discovered the perfidy of the man she had believed to be -a gentleman. He denied the charges against him, but I made myself -known to him, and he said no more, and was taken to the fort, tried, -and sentenced to die upon the gallows.” - -“My poor, unfortunate, erring brother,” said Bonnie Belle sadly. - -“Yes, it is a sad case, yet you have done far more than your duty to -save him.” - -“I feel that I have sacrificed, I was going to say, my self-respect -to do so.” - -“No, no, not that, for you are true as steel to yourself, even though -you are what you are in this wild land. Your brother, with whom I had -an interview, pledged his word not to make his relationship to you -known, and begged that you would forgive and forget him.” - -“I will forgive, but I can never forget.” - -“He bade me also to tell you that you must let me be as a brother to -you; that you must go with me to my home in the East, where you will -find a sister in my wife, and be loved by her father and my child. - -“Yes, Ruth, you must go with me, for I am going East to see my -family, and then return here to work my mine, which I find is going -to pan out rich. I will take you with me by the first stage, and when -I return, if you will trust me, I will settle up your affairs in -Pocket City as best I can for you, so do not refuse.” - -“Carrol Dean, I will go with you and give up this wild life,” was the -low reply. - -Two weeks after the east-bound stage carried as passengers Bonnie -Belle and Deadshot Dean, the former believing that she was leaving -the wild West forever, where her brother’s life was soon to end in -shame and suffering. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - LIFE AT PIONEER POST. - - -Pioneer Post was a gem as a frontier post, for it was charmingly -located upon a bluff overhanging a river, with sloping hills -stretching down from the plateau on the summit to the plains below, -and a vast expanse of scenery upon every side. - -Strongly built, it was well armed and an ideal fort. Many officers -had their families there, and Colonel Dunwoody, the bachelor -commandant, had a most hospitable staff, while he was ever ready to -add to the enjoyment and comfort of those under his command. - -He was a handsome man, who had been promoted from lieutenant to the -rank of colonel for services rendered in action. He was a perfect -soldier, a thorough disciplinarian, and though having the means to -live in luxury in the fort, he yet was ready to put up with the -greatest hardships in the field. - -There was an officers’ club in the fort, a ladies’ club, and with -polo, lawn-tennis, rowing on the river, hunting, riding, and -fishing-parties, life passed most pleasantly to all, notwithstanding -the fact that danger was constantly near, and the shadow of death -often came into their midst. - -The garrison was a large one, and there were numerous belles and -beaux in the military family of the colonel. There was one bachelor -captain of cavalry, Dick Caruth, who was a general favorite with -all, and considered a fine parti by mothers with daughters in the -matrimonial mart, for he was a very handsome, daring fellow, with a -fortune and the hope of speedy promotion. - -Lieutenant Vassar Turpin, the colonel’s aide, was another catch, and -there were half a dozen more. - -Among the ladies were two who were known as the Rivals. One was Nina -de Sutro, a Mexican maiden reared mostly in the United States, and -who dwelt with her guardian and kinsman, Colonel Ravel de Sutro and -his beautiful wife, who was also a native of the sunny land of Mexico. - -It was no wonder that Nina de Sutro at twenty was a belle, for she -was very beautiful, and she was brilliant and accomplished, though -perhaps a little too satirical and bitter at times. - -Her rival was Clarice Carr, a young lady who was as popular with her -own sex as with the men. Those who made comparisons between Nina de -Sutro and Clarice Carr were wont to decide almost invariably that the -latter was the loveliest woman of the two. - -She was highly accomplished, having passed much of her life abroad, -was an artist, songstress, and musician, as well; while few men dared -follow her lead when mounted. With a very large fortune under her -control, she preferred to live with her old schoolmate and relative, -Mrs. Lester, the wife of Major Lionel Lester, next officer in rank to -Lieutenant-Colonel De Sutro at the fort. - -“I love the free life of these Western wilds far more than all the -gaieties of metropolitan life,” she was wont to say, and there was -little doubt but she spoke the truth. - -Thus far neither Clarice Carr nor Nina de Sutro had been won by any -of their numerous lovers, and men began to fear that they had both -taken secret vows to become old maids. - -If a rivalry existed between the two, it was Nina, not Clarice, that -revealed it, for the latter appeared to know no rival and to live for -others rather more than herself. - -She admired Nina de Sutro greatly, yet felt pained at times to hear -her cut deeply when the opportunity offered, and often wound the one -she gave the stinging rejoinder to, while, with a look or smile she -would call him again to her side. - -“She is a sad coquette, or heartless one, perhaps, and cannot help -it. At times I fear she has had some great sorrow to embitter her -life, and, if so, I pity her and could never reproach.” - -So said Clarice Carr of Nina de Sutro to her confidante and devoted -friend, Louise Lester. - -“So I have thought, Clarice, and Lionel also suggested it, for she is -all softness at times, and again almost cruel toward her admirers,” -was Mrs. Lester’s comment. - -When Silk Lasso Sam, in his disguise as the wounded passenger hero, -Austin Marvin, had come to the fort, he had devoted himself at first -to Nina de Sutro, and she claimed to have met him in Mexico, where he -had saved her life. - -But the secret of that meeting, the secret that was between them, she -did not reveal, and he dared not do so. - -But soon after he turned his attention to Clarice Carr, and it -ended as the miner related to Bonnie Belle, in the leading of the -maiden into a treacherous trap from which she would not have escaped -without large ransom, but for Deadshot Dean’s tracking the outlaws -to their lair, with Buffalo Bill. - -When the maiden was rescued, and the outlaws brought prisoners into -camp, the excitement was intense, and disciplined soldiers though -they were, there were mutterings of such intense hatred heard against -Silk Lasso Sam that a double guard was placed about him. - -That they had all been most cleverly taken in, every officer had to -admit, though they could not but admire the magnificent nerve and -daring of the outlaw chief, who they realized was no ordinary man, -and hoped that an end would soon come to his many red deeds when he -died on the gallows. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - THE LAST APPEAL. - - -The coach out of Pocket City carried as passengers Carrol Dean and -Bonnie Belle, on their way East to the home of the miner. - -Bonnie Belle did not say to her friends in Yellow Dust Valley that -she would not return, for she feared that the result might be -disastrous to her interests there. She told them she was going East -on an important mission, and her interests in Pocket City were left -to the management of the one who held the position of clerk in the -Frying Pan Hotel. - -Deadshot Dean had written to his wife to expect him home soon, and -that he would bring with him one whom she would also be glad to -welcome. - -The stage-trail from Pocket City led within forty miles of Pioneer -Post, and into the one from the fort at a point where there was a -station with a corral of horses for the coaches and couriers. - -It was while the coach was nearing this station that the driver -heard the clatter of hoofs behind him, and, turning his head, saw a -horseman coming along at rapid speed after the coach. - -His first thought was that he was a road-agent in chase, and his next -that the man might be a courier bearing despatches from the fort. But -the horseman soon overtook the coach, and called out: - -“Ho, driver, have you Bonnie Belle a passenger with you?” - -“I has,” was the reply of Sandy Gill, the driver, and he eyed the -horseman curiously. - -“Then I have a letter for her.” - -“A letter for me?” and Bonnie Belle looked out of the coach-window -with surprise at the man, who was dressed as an army courier, and was -well mounted. - -“Are you Bonnie Belle, miss?” - -“Yes, I am so called.” - -“Of Yellow Dust Valley?” - -“Yes, of Pocket City.” - -“I have a letter, then, for you, miss.” - -“Who has sent me a letter?” - -“Its reading will tell you, miss.” - -“You are not from the Yellow Dust country?” - -“No, miss, I am from the fort at Pioneer Post.” - -Bonnie Belle started at this, and glanced at the miner. - -“What does it mean?” she asked Dean, seeming anxious not to touch the -letter for some reason. - -The miner asked: - -“Do you come from the fort, my man?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“And you were sent with a letter for Bonnie Belle?” - -“I was, sir, and upon reaching Pocket City, and learning that she had -gone East by coach, I came on after her.” - -“Who is this letter from?” - -“I do not know, sir; but it was given to me by an officer at the -fort, with orders to place it in the hands of Miss Bonnie Belle with -the greatest despatch.” - -“Give me the letter,” and Bonnie Belle held out her hand, which -trembled as she read the address and seemed to recognize the writing. - -“It is from----” and she said no more. - -But Deadshot Dean recognized by her look of significance that she -could only mean her brother, then a condemned prisoner at the fort. -She nerved herself to break the seal, and asked: - -“Is there an answer?” - -“I was told that there was, miss.” - -At this the miner stepped out of the coach, and left her to read the -letter alone, for he saw that she was deeply affected. - -While the miner, the courier, and the stage-coach driver were talking -together, she read the letter. It was written in cipher, and she said: - -“It is the alphabet which my poor brother taught me to write when I -was a very little girl. He felt that I would remember it, and has -written something he dared not let any other eye see, I suppose. Oh, -if it should be an appeal to me to save him!” - -She dashed the tears from her eyes, and nerved herself to read the -letter which she seemed to dread so much. It was as follows: - - “MY DARLING SISTER: Do you remember away back when you were a - little girl of ten, and I was dismissed from the navy, that you - said, when father and mother were cold toward me, that you would - never desert me? - - “Do you recall again, when I came home from Germany, dismissed from - the university on account of the fatal duel I fought, you again - were my little comforter? - - “So it has been through all, even when, maddened with jealousy, I - sought the life of Carrol Dean, and, to escape, took my father’s - money, you were the one to aid me secretly with funds and to cheer - me with your loving letters. - - “Every pledge I have made you I have ruthlessly broken, and I feel - that you have utterly lost confidence in me. - - “I have a friend in the fort who gets a messenger to carry this - letter to you, and it is my last appeal, for through Carrol Dean - you have heard that I am under sentence to die upon the gallows. - - “Now I see my crimes in all their enormity, and I am not fit to - die. I have repented, yet I would live to atone by good deeds for - all the wicked ones I have been guilty of, and hence this my last - sad appeal to you, my loving, faithful sister. - - “Whatever you attempt to do, you can, I know, and I ask you to - set me free, that henceforth, far from these scenes, I may live a - better life and atone for the past. - - “Do I appeal in vain, my sister? If not, send word by the - messenger, simply: - - “‘I will.’ - - “If in vain, send simply: - - “I will not.’ - - “Feeling that I do not appeal in vain, believe me your unhappy - brother, - - “THE DOOMED OUTLAW.” - -Over and over again did Ruth Leigh read this letter from her doomed -brother. He had struck the right chord in appealing to her as he did, -for he admitted his guilt, and, repenting, wished to live only for -atonement for the past. - -Bonnie Belle was deeply impressed by the letter. Her brother had been -her idol from her earliest girlhood, and she had condoned his sins, -and hoped for his reformation in the end. - -Had the reformation come at last? - -It seemed so to her, and hence she decided to yield to this last -appeal, to give him one more chance. Then she called to the courier, -and said: - -“Let me give you this for your trouble, so report that your services -are paid for, please.” - -With this she placed in his hand a bill, which the miner saw had an L -upon it. - -“Thank you kindly, miss. But the answer?” - -“Is for you to report that I simply said: - -“‘I will.’” - -“Yes, miss, I will not forgit it.” - -With this the courier turned away, mounted his horse, and started -back upon the trail, while Bonnie Belle said to the driver: - -“You are very kind to delay so long for me, and I thank you, Sandy.” - -“Never mind the delay, Bonnie Belle, for I can make it up. Are you -ready to go on now?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then jump aboard, Deadshot Dean, and I’ll send the critters ahead -lively.” - -The miner obeyed, and the coach rolled rapidly on its way. - -For some time neither the driver nor the girl spoke. He would not ask -her the nature of the letter she had received, unless she chose to -reveal it; yet he could guess that it came from her outlaw brother. - -On her part, she was wondering how she could confide her secret to -Carrol Dean. After a while she decided that she could not tell him -all, for it would be his duty to thwart her in her humane intention. -So she said: - -“Carrol Dean, you have been as a dear, good brother to me, and I hope -that I may ever so regard you; but I fear that you will not approve -of what I have decided to do.” - -“What is it, Bonnie Belle?” - -“I have a letter from my brother.” - -“I guessed as much.” - -“It is written in cipher, and was sent to me through some one in the -fort who is friendly toward him.” - -“I hardly believe that possible, so bitter was the feeling toward -him. He must be an ally of his in some way.” - -“That may be. But the appeal from him is a strong one, and I have -decided to see him.” - -“Do you mean it, Ruth?” asked the surprised miner. - -“Yes.” - -“You are wrong in doing so, very.” - -“It may be that I am, but in this case I feel that I must see him. He -is an outlaw, it is true. He has committed many crimes as Silk Lasso -Sam, the road-agent chief, and yet now he is down, ironed hands and -feet, a prisoner at the mercy of his foes. He is under sentence of -death, and will soon be led upon the gallows, to die at the end of a -rope. - -“He will have not one near to cheer his last moments, to breathe one -kind word, to utter one word of forgiveness, and he will be thrown -into a nameless grave. With all his sins weighing him down, he is yet -my brother, and I will not be a coward and desert him in his last -moments. No, I sent him word that I would come to him, and I will.” - -The earnest argument of the girl touched the miner deeply. He -realized just how she felt and suffered, and said: - -“I appreciate fully, Ruth, your position and your sorrow, and your -kind heart does you credit; but in going to see your brother, to be -with him in his last hours, to place him in the grave of a dishonored -man, will not your sufferings be increased?” - -“They may be, and yet what will be my sufferings to his despair? No, -no, I shall go.” - -“I will not say a word against it. Shall we catch the next coach -back?” - -“No, for you are not to go.” - -“Do you expect me to leave you?” - -“Yes, you must go to your family, and I will go back alone. I will -go to Chicago, and then turn back from there and return to the fort. -When I have done all in my power, Mr. Dean, for that stricken man, I -will go to your home in the East. Need I say more?” - -“No, I will trust you; but I would gladly return with you and wait -until all is over.” - -“That I cannot, will not allow. I must go alone,” was the determined -reply of Bonnie Belle, and the miner urged no more. - -Several days later a carriage drove up to the army headquarters in -Chicago, and a lady wearing a heavy veil got out. - -As she reached the reception-room she suddenly came face to face with -the general’s orderly, and, throwing back her veil, she extended her -hand, and said pleasantly and in a tone of surprise: - -“Why, Bainbridge, you here?” - -“As I live and move, it’s Bonnie Belle!” cried the orderly, grasping -the extended hand in both his own. - -“Yes, Bainbridge, and I am glad to see you once more, though I did -not know that you were a soldier.” - -“Yes; I came home, as you know, with a snug little fortune in gold, -but I speculated and lost it, and some months ago, when in hard luck -here in Chicago, I stopped the horses of the general’s carriage when -they were running away, the driver having been thrown from the box, -and the general and his wife were inside. - -“He asked me what he could do for me, and I said that, as I had a -record as an old soldier, I would enter the army again, and he made -me his orderly, and here I am, Bonnie Belle, and as glad a man as -ever was to see your beautiful face again, for it takes me back to -the mines, and the time you saved my life that night in Devil’s -Den. I’ll never forget you for it, Bonnie Belle, for if you had not -vouched for me, the boys would have hanged me sure.” - -“They certainly would have done so, Bainbridge, and have been sorry -for it the next day, when they found out who the real criminal was. -But is the general in?” - -“No, Bonnie Belle, he has gone out to lunch, but he will soon return, -so walk into his private office and await his coming.” - -“Is no one there?” - -“Not a soul at this hour, miss.” - -“I will go, then.” - -She was led by the orderly into the private quarters of the general -commanding, and as she halted near the desk, she asked: - -“Bainbridge, will you kindly get me a glass of water?” - -The orderly promptly disappeared upon the errand, and quickly Bonnie -Belle stepped to the desk, glanced at something that caught her eye, -and thrust it in her pocket. - -“Who is the assistant adjutant-general, Bainbridge, on the general’s -staff?” she asked casually, after drinking the water and thanking him -for it. - -The orderly told her, and then the two had quite a long talk together -before the officer referred to entered. - -“A lady to see the general, sir, upon important business,” said the -orderly. - -“Be seated, madam, for the general will return very soon.” - -A moment after the general entered and bowed as he saw a lady in -waiting. When she threw back her veil, revealing her beautiful face, -he seemed impressed, and said, with marked courtesy: - -“How can I serve you, miss?” - -“Permit me to ask you, general, if I can confide a secret to you and -yet keep my name from you?” - -“Certainly, if you wish.” - -“My mission, then, sir, is one of sorrow to me, for I come to ask a -favor of you.” - -“Of what tenor, miss?” - -“There has been captured at Pioneer Post a noted criminal, for he is -an outlaw and road-agent, known as Silk Lasso Sam.” - -“Yes, I have word from Colonel Dunwoody, of the fort, and that he has -been sentenced to death for his crimes.” - -“Is this legal, general?” - -“It is justice and military law, for that prevails in that wild land -of lawlessness.” - -“Suppose that he were already amenable to the civil laws for crimes -committed, could he not be taken from the military prison for trial -East?” - -“That may be, but I apprehend no such demand.” - -“Nor do I, sir, only I wished to know if I should appeal to the -civil or the military for permission to see this condemned man, and -be with him in his last moments.” - -“Ah! that is the situation, is it, miss?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“What is this man to you?” - -“All that I have in the world of near kindred, sir--_my brother_.” - -“Indeed? You have my sympathy indeed, my dear lady.” - -“And is your sympathy deep enough, may I ask, to allow of your -permitting me to go to this doomed brother of mine, be with him in -his last hours, and, when your military law has been satisfied by -his death, to permit me to claim the body for burial? Remember, I do -not attempt to deny his crimes, or to palliate them in the slightest -degree, for he deserves death for breaking the laws of his land as he -has; but I do beg for this mercy for him, and for me, that you permit -me to be with him in his last moments.” - -The general bit his lips, and the adjutant turned his gaze earnestly -upon the fair pleader, for he, too, was impressed. - -“My dear young lady, I will not deny you. I will grant your request,” -said the general. “Colonel, write out an official order to Colonel -Dunwoody, to permit this lady to see her brother at will, and to turn -over the body of the man to her after his execution.” - -“I thank you, sir, most sincerely,” and the tears came into the -beautiful eyes of the girl. - -The order was written, signed, and sealed, and both officers arose as -Bonnie Belle took her leave, the general himself opening the door for -her, while the orderly, in the corridor, escorted her to the carriage. - -“Here is my address, Bainbridge, so call on me this evening, and do -not say to any one that you know me.” - -“You can rely on me fully, Bonnie Belle,” answered the orderly, as he -closed the door. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - THE DOOMED OUTLAW. - - -In a cabin of stout logs, with floor and roof of the same solid -material, to make escape impossible, narrow apertures in either end -for windows, and a door of heavy timber, barred with iron, sat a man -under sentence of death. - -Before his door, his beat being from corner to corner of the cabin, -paced a sentinel on duty. - -The cabin stood apart from the regular guard-house, and was so -situated that all approaching and leaving it could readily be seen -from the soldiers’ barracks which it fronted. - -The prisoner was heavily ironed with manacles about his ankles, and -they were chained to the floor, though he had length enough to walk -to the door and to his cot. - -The man sat in an easy chair facing the door, which was partially -open, giving him a glimpse of the plains and mountains beyond. - -The chair, a cot, table, and some books were all that there was in -the room to add to his comfort. - -The face of the man, though pale, was not despairing, and upon it -rested no look of anxiety, though but too well he knew that there was -no help for him; that he was doomed to die upon the gallows. - -Dressed in border costume, clean-shaven, and neat in appearance, he -looked almost contented with his lot. - -The prisoner was the outlaw chief, Silk Lasso Sam, he who held up the -coach and killed the driver and a passenger, afterward playing his -game so boldly as Austin Marvin, and being received into the fort -with every hospitality, until he could kidnap, with the aid of his -band, Miss Clarice Carr, to hold until she paid a large ransom for -her release. - -There were others of his band in the fort as prisoners, but these -were kept apart, as the outlaw chief had asked to be alone. He had -faced his accusers at the trial without flinching, had not quailed -under the gaze of those whom he had wronged, and had appeared really -interested in the testimony given by Miss Carr as to what he had done -after their being captured by the men of his band. - -When he arose to receive the sentence of the military tribunal, he -did not show the slightest sign of emotion, and some said that he -even smiled serenely when the judge-advocate told him that his doom -was to be death upon the gallows. - -From his position the prisoner was watching through his cabin door -the sun nearing the horizon. Suddenly he started, for he saw an -officer and a lady approaching his prison. - -They drew nearer, the sentinel halted, faced them, and came to a -present, as the officer of the day said: - -“Sentinel, you are to permit this lady to enter the cabin to visit -the prisoner, and you are to walk your beat thirty paces from the -cabin.” - -The door opened then to admit the lady, as the officer walked away, -and the sentinel stepped off his thirty paces, so as to be out of -hearing of what was said. - -“Well, Nina, you have come,” said the prisoner, as he rose from his -chair and motioned to her to sit down, while he took a seat upon his -cot. - -“Yes, at your bidding, for Colonel Dunwoody sent for me and said that -you had certain things you wished done, and asked if you might not -communicate them to me. What is it you would have me to do?” - -The girl spoke calmly and coldly. The man smiled, and replied: - -“There is much that I would have you do.” - -“Let me know what it is?” - -“I have a letter here, written in cipher, to one in Pocket City. It -is most important that it should be delivered, for it concerns the -happiness of more than one.” - -“Well?” - -“You must see that it is delivered.” - -“I cannot.” - -“You can and you must.” - -“I know not how, for I would not do one act to bring suspicion upon -myself.” - -“There are a dozen officers here desperately in love with you, and -willing to do your bidding.” - -“That may be.” - -“You must tell one of them that you wish to send a letter to Pocket -City for me, to one there whom I am interested in, and he is to get a -courier, one of the cowboys about the post, to take it.” - -“I cannot.” - -“You must, I say.” - -“I will not compromise myself.” - -“There is nothing to compromise you, but it might did you ask Colonel -Dunwoody to send the courier for you.” - -“No.” - -“I say yes, and, if you refuse, I shall simply ask to see Colonel -Dunwoody, and tell him that you are my wife.” - -“No, no, no!” - -“Then do as I say.” - -The woman was silent a moment, and then said: - -“I will do it. Where is the letter?” - -“Here, already written and addressed.” - -Nina de Sutro looked at the address, and read aloud: - - “To Bonnie Belle, - “The Frying pan Hotel, - “Pocket City, - “Yellow Dust Valley.” - -“Another victim, I suppose, of your treachery?” she said, with a -sneer. - -“She is one I love.” - -“Ah! so you once told me.” - -“Are you jealous?” - -“Thank God, no!” was the emphatic rejoinder. - -“You will prove that by sending the letter?” - -“I will,” she replied, and she placed it in her bosom. - -“Is this all?” she asked, as she turned toward the door, as though to -end the interview. - -“No.” - -“What else have you to say?” - -“I am under sentence of death.” - -“I am well aware of that.” - -“I am to die upon the gallows.” - -“So I know.” - -“That will disgrace you.” - -“In what way, pray, will it affect me?” - -“I am your husband.” - -“Alas, yes!” - -“And you will, then, feel the dishonor.” - -“It will not be known.” - -“It might leak out.” - -“I shall take good care that it shall not.” - -“Well, that is all the sympathy you show.” - -“For you, yes.” - -“I who saved your life.” - -“Yes, and then wrecked it.” - -“You are a very beautiful wreck.” - -“Thank you.” - -“You have grown more beautiful since I saw you last.” - -“My heart is not seen.” - -“Then it is hurt, is it?” - -“It was cruelly hurt, yes, and by you, as well you are aware, Silk -Lasso Sam, the outlaw. But I got over the wound, the sting of -dishonor of becoming your wife, and I shall bury the past in the -grave with you. If I am bitter, seemingly heartless now, your cruelty -made me so; but you did not destroy my whole trust in manhood, thank -Heaven, and I may yet find new happiness in life.” - -“In wedding Colonel Dunwoody?” sneered the man. - -He expected to see her start at his words. But she did not even -change color, and answered most serenely: - -“Yes, if I can win him, when, by your death upon the gallows, I -become a widow.” - -“Why observe such formalities as my being alive?” - -“Because you have not made me so vile as you are, embittered though -my life has been,” was the stern response. - -“Well, I am sorry to block your game, but I must.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“I mean simply that I cannot find it in my heart to die just to make -you a widow.” - -“I do not yet understand.” - -“I must be more explicit. I do not intend to die.” - -“You mean that you will not die on the gallows?” - -“Yes, about that.” - -“But you are sentenced.” - -“Yes, and have stood under the shadow of death a hundred times, yet -live.” - -“This time there will be no escape for you.” - -“Oh, yes, there will.” - -“Do you intend to commit suicide?” - -“Oh, no, I do not intend to hand in my checks yet, but to live.” - -“There is no pleading for pardon that will save you.” - -“I do not intend to plead.” - -“And nothing that I could say would be of avail.” - -“I do not ask you to say anything.” - -“What, then?” - -“To act.” - -“What can I do?” - -“Much.” - -“I can do nothing for you, nothing whatever.” - -“Let me tell you that, unaided, from this place I could not escape. I -am sorry, very sorry, not to make a widow of you in a few weeks, so -that you could wed the colonel, but I cannot die just to oblige you, -and so I call upon you to save me. A moment’s thought will prove to -you that you are to-day in command of about half the officers in the -fort, married and single, while Miss Clarice Carr divides the honors -with you, and I will admit, for candor urges me to do so, that she -holds perhaps a trifle more power.” - -“Then get her to aid you.” - -“I would gladly do so were it possible, which it is not, as I am not -bound to her as I am to you, so cannot force obedience from her.” - -“You were a fool to come here as you did, and kidnap her.” - -“I would have been considered deuced clever had I gotten a big ransom -for her return and escaped from harm’s way.” - -“But you did not?” - -“That is owing to Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell hanging so -persistently upon my trail, and having me under suspicion, aided by -that miner, Deadshot Dean, running me to earth as he did. Luck was -against me in spite of my holding trumps.” - -“Well, as you have put your head in the noose you must abide the -consequences.” - -The man laughed, and then replied: - -“I am one never to yield to odds, and they are heavy against me now. -Feeling as I do, I have sent for you that I might ask you to aid me -to escape.” - -“I cannot.” - -“I say that you shall.” - -“I could not do so.” - -“You must find a way, for you are as ingenious as you are beautiful, -and you have money, and that is half the victory won. If you refuse, -then I shall, at the last moment, before ascending the steps of the -gallows, ask to speak a word and will name you as my wife. You know -me, so do _you_ abide the consequences, Nina, my wife.” - -The woman’s face became pallid, and she gasped for breath; but -quickly recovering herself she said: - -“I will do all in my power to save you, for I _know_ that you will -carry out your threat.” - -The man gazed at the woman with a malicious smile as she turned upon -her heel and walked toward the door. - -“I have triumphed,” he said. - -“Over a weak woman,” was her fierce reply, as she turned upon him, -her face now glowing with anger and hatred. - -“A woman, but never a weak one. Are you going?” - -“Yes.” - -“Good-by.” - -“We shall not meet again.” - -“I do not mind that, only if I go to the gallows do you remember to -be there to hear my last words.” - -“They will never be uttered.” - -“That means that I will be aided to escape?” - -“Yes.” - -“I thank you for your unintentional kindness, and I regret that my -love of life will not permit me to prove my appreciation by making -you a widow. Good-by, Nina.” - -“Good-by, Silk Lasso Sam, the outlaw,” and with a little laugh she -glided out of the door, not hearing his muttered words: - -“Now with my sister to aid me, as she surely will, and Nina de Sutro, -the gallows will never see me its victim.” - -“You can return to your post, sentinel, close to the cabin,” said -Nina, as she passed the soldier, who gave her an officer’s salute and -obeyed. - -Straight to headquarters went Nina de Sutro, and sent her name in to -Colonel Dunwoody, asking an interview. The colonel came out himself -to receive her, and, walking with her to the end of the piazza, apart -from the sentinel on duty, placed a chair for her. - -“This is an unexpected honor,” he said pleasantly. - -“I have come on business, Colonel Dunwoody.” - -“I am at your service, be the motive of your visit what it may, Miss -Nina.” - -“Thank you, sir. - -“You know that I went with your permission to visit the prisoner this -afternoon?” - -“I gave orders that you should be allowed to do so, Nina.” - -“Of course, Colonel Dunwoody, I feel for that unfortunate man, in -spite of his having been proven an outlaw, a most kindly feeling.” - -“I can understand that thoroughly, Miss Nina, in that you owe to him -your life, not to speak of having seen him afterward in Mexico win -honors that only a hero could. It is a terrible misfortune that such -a man as he was capable of becoming should allow his moral character -to be broken utterly and sink to the level of a common criminal. - -“Brave I admit him to be, a genious in his way, one whose deeds -would make him a splendid commander, and with his good looks, -accomplishments and courtly manners, the wonder in my mind was -that you did not fall desperately in love with him, for few girls, -circumstanced as you have been, Miss Nina, could have held their -hearts in their keeping. You are made of very stern and sterling -material, my dear Miss Nina de Sutro.” - -“I thank you for saying so, Colonel Dunwoody, but as to this -unfortunate man.” - -“Yes.” - -“You said that he had asked to see me that I might serve him in some -way, as he wished to trust me with certain business to transact for -him?” - -“Such was the communication that Captain Caruth brought me from him.” - -“Well, sir, I went to see him, and I was there fully an hour. Though -he did not say as much, he is most deeply interested in a young woman -in Pocket City, and he has written her a letter which he wished me to -send to her by courier.” - -“Indeed?” - -“I, of course, would do nothing without consulting you, and so said -to him that I would take the letter and send it through if possible.” - -“You have the letter, Miss Nina?” - -“Here it is, sir.” - -The colonel glanced at the address and said: - -“It is to Bonnie Belle, one of the most remarkable characters in this -land of strange people. - -“She is a young and very beautiful girl, I have heard, for I have -never seen her; but I have heard much of her through Surgeon Frank -Powell, Captain Caruth and Buffalo Bill, who know her well.” - -“What do they say of her, sir?” - -“That she is a young lady scarcely twenty, of great loveliness of -form and face, accomplished and refined, yet one who has killed her -man, as they have it out here, runs a hotel and gambling-den and is -beloved by every man in the mines.” - -“Can she be this man’s wife?” asked Nina in a low tone, and she would -not look the colonel in the face as she asked the question. - -“It may be so, though I cannot believe that she knows him as he -really is, for she is not one, from all I have heard, to be the ally -of such a man, his confederate in crime.” - -“Well, colonel, he wishes this letter sent through to her, and I -promised to do so for him, so I appeal to you for your consent.” - -“I cannot refuse the appeal, Miss Nina, for I can really see no harm -in the letter, and it would be hard to refuse a favor asked by a man -in his position, wicked as he is.” - -“Oh, I thank you, Colonel Dunwoody, for you are always kind and just.” - -“I will send my aide with the letter to a courier to take it at once -to this strange woman.” - -And so it was that the letter that overtook Bonnie Belle on the -eastward trail was sent. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - A FAIR PLOTTER. - - -Nina de Sutro went from the quarters of Colonel Dunwoody to her own -pleasant rooms in the house of Lieutenant-Colonel Ravel de Sutro. - -She had an extended view of miles and miles of the superb scenery -visible from the fort. There was a large herd of cattle, guarded by -picturesque-looking cowboys in the distance. - -A drove of horses were feeding a few miles away, and a couple of -troops were drilling down in the valley, and all preparing to cease -work as the day was closing. - -In the plaza of the fort the band was playing, and upon the bluff -overhanging the river, officers, ladies and children were gathered -awaiting the time for parade, a spectacle which no one at the fort -ever cared to miss. - -But upon this evening all these scenes and actions held no charm for -Nina de Sutro. She threw herself into a chair in front of the open -window in her sitting-room, and with her hand clasped over one knee, -a favorite attitude of hers in reverie, began to think. - -“How can I save that man from the gallows?” at last burst from her -lips, and revealed what her thoughts were. “He must be saved, or he -will ruin me, for he will carry out his threat. I know that he will -show me no mercy; that he will not soften in his last moments, but -grow more revengeful, so he must never go to the gallows. - -“Surely the devil is tempting me when I feel stealing into my brain -and heart the thought that if he were _poisoned_ it would be believed -that he committed suicide. The act would silence him forever, thus -keeping my secret and making me a widow by the same murderous deed. -No! no! I am not wicked, and what I did do wrong was not so intended, -for I became his wife, believing that he loved me. - -“If I hate him now, and God knows that I have had cause, and love -another, has he not given me cause, and has not that other won me by -contrast in being so noble a specimen of true manhood? No, I will do -no wrong, for I am not wicked, and what I am he made me. - -“But dare I lose the man I now love with all my heart and soul by -letting him know my secret? Dare I let that man come out upon the -gallows and name me as his wife? No, that cannot, shall not be, for I -will save him, though, until I know that he is dead I can never wed -the one I love. Yet how am I to do it?” - -This question she could not answer. In thinking it all over her brow -grew clouded, her lips set sternly and she seemed as though plotting -some daring, desperate deed. - -“I have no sympathy for him, so can only act from my own selfish -motives,” she said after a while. “I feel for him, yes, and as he -saved my life I should now save his. This should prompt me, too; but -can I save him and not compromise myself?” - -Again she was lost in silent reverie for a long while, to at last -have her face light up as she sprung to her feet with the words: - -“_Yes, I can do it, and I will._” - -She paced up and down the room now in an excited manner, and then -said: - -“Yes, at the masquerade, when I put on top-boots, a military cloak -and hat, and the false mustache and imperial every one took me for -Lieutenant Dade, who is just my size, and my chance to aid _his_ -escape is to wait until the time when the lieutenant is to be -officer of the day. - -“He can prove an alibi, and I will see to it that I do also, for it -can be done. I shall pray for rain on that night, and I can slip out -and search the cabin, pass the sentinel, call him into the cabin, and -cover him while the prisoner binds and gags him. Then, in a cowboy -suit I take him, he can leave the fort for the scouts’ quarters and -thus secure a horse and make his escape, for he will have a night’s -start. - -“If he is captured then I cannot help it, and I can do no more. Of -course it will be thought that some one of the cowboys was the ally -of the outlaw, for he is said to have had spies at the post, and no -one will ever suspect me, for I shall so plan it that no suspicion -shall fall upon me. - -“I can have the prisoner speak of me before the soldier as an ally -and one who has played the part of Lieutenant Dade to aid his escape, -and this will free the officer from all trouble. Yes, this must be my -plan, unless some better plot should come to me between now and that -awful day of execution. - -“I will ask the general, when the courier comes back, to allow me to -see the prisoner and report that his letter was delivered, and then -I can tell him of my plot, and may the saints aid me in carrying it -out.” - -The courier sent to Pocket City, with the letter from the condemned -prisoner to Bonnie Belle, returned in good time to the fort and -reported to the officer who had sent him there. - -“I went to Pocket City, sir, and found that the lady had just started -East that morning on the coach.” - -“Then you did not see her?” asked Lieutenant Turpin, the colonel’s -aide. - -“Oh, yes, sir, for I followed and overtook the coach, and gave her -the letter.” - -“And was an answer given you, Jack?” - -“No letter, sir, only the lady told me to say that her answer was -simply: - -“‘I will.’” - -“Well, I’ll so report to the colonel.” - -This the young officer did and Colonel Dunwoody at once sent for Nina -de Sutro. - -She came to the headquarters and was told the report of the courier, -after which the colonel said, without her having to make the request -to see the outlaw again: - -“Now, Miss Nina, will you be good enough to deliver this answer to -the prisoner, who I suppose will understand it, or shall I send word -by Lieutenant Turpin?” - -“I will go, sir, but may I see the courier, so that I can fully -understand the report?” - -“Certainly, I will have him sent to your quarters, so that you can -question him, and at your own pleasure you can send for the officer -of the day to escort you to the outlaw’s cabin.” - -“I will see the courier upon my return home, sir,” was the answer, -and Nina de Sutro half an hour after saw Texas Jack enter the gate -and walk rapidly toward the quarters of Lieutenant-Colonel De Sutro. - -She met the scout at the door, for she knew him well, and he bowed -courteously and said: - -“I have orders to report to you here, Miss De Sutro.” - -“Ah! it was you then, Texas Jack, who took the letter to Pocket City?” - -“Yes, miss, I was the courier, for although it was to have been sent -by a cowboy it was decided that it would be best to have me go.” - -“And you found the one to whom it was addressed at Pocket City?” - -“No, miss, she had started East in the coach that morning, and so I -rode on and overtook her.” - -“And her answer?” - -“Was: - -“‘Simply say that _I will_.’” - -“What else?” - -“Not a word, miss.” - -“Who is she?” - -“One of the handsomest ladies I ever saw.” - -“A lady?” said Nina, with a sneer. - -“Yes, indeed, Miss De Sutro, one of the noblest of her sex if only -half that is said of her goodness is true.” - -“Yet she is the keeper of a border hotel and gambling-den?” - -“True, miss, yet she’s a lady for all that.” - -“Where was she going?” - -“East, the driver told me, on a visit.” - -“She did not turn back?” - -“Oh, no, miss, she kept on in the coach.” - -“And then?” - -“She paid me most liberally, giving me fifty dollars, which I have -already handed in to the treasurer of the Scouts’ League, for aid to -our men when they are in distress and ill.” - -“Just what I would expect of you, Texas Jack; but the prisoner asked -me to pay for the services of the courier.” - -“Thank you, Miss De Sutro, but I made no charge for my services -in this matter, and I certainly would not take money from a man -under sentence of death, no matter what his crimes may have been,” -responded the scout. - -“Well, Texas Jack, I can only thank you most kindly for the outlaw -prisoner.” - -The scout now departed, and soon after Nina de Sutro sought the -officer of the day, and found that he had already received orders to -conduct her to the cabin of the prisoner. As before, the sentinel was -withdrawn out of hearing, and when the visitor entered, Silk Lasso -Sam arose to receive her. - -“I have news for you,” she said coldly. - -“Well?” - -“The courier to Pocket City has returned.” - -“Ah! and he found the one to whom I sent that letter?” - -“Yes, he overtook her on her way East.” - -“On her way East?” The man spoke with an anxiety of look and tone -which Nina de Sutro could not but observe. - -“Yes.” - -“Then she sent no answer to my letter?” - -“She did.” - -“Ha! and that answer was----” - -“‘_I will._’” - -“That answer was sufficient,” he said, in a voice full of relief. - -“You are satisfied with it, then?” - -“I am.” - -“I do not understand it.” - -“Nor is there need that you should do so.” - -“Well, it is a matter of most perfect indifference to me; but I asked -to see you to-day, to deliver the message.” - -“You are very kind.” - -“That I might tell you of the plot I had formed to save you.” - -“Say rather to prevent the exposure of the fact that you are my wife.” - -“Well, have it any way you please, but I have hit upon a plan which -I hope will be successful, and I desire to make it known to you. If -anything better presents itself I will find a way to acquaint you -with the fact. Now hear my plan.” - -She then told just what she had decided upon. - -“It will do, I think; but, if you decide upon another let me know in -time,” said the man. “I shall need some money when I go, so do not -forget to bring it the night of my escape.” - -And thus these two parted again. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - A VISITOR AT PIONEER POST. - - -Horseshoe Ned, the driver of the Overland coach running to and from -Pioneer Post, drove into the fort with an all-important air toward -sunset one evening, caused by having a lady seated upon the box with -him. - -She was attired in mourning, wearing a heavy crape veil which she -drew over her face as she approached the gate in the stockade wall. - -But Horseshoe Ned knew that it was a very beautiful face, with large -eyes that were simply magnificent, though she hid them under a pair -of eye-glasses when she drew her veil about her. - -Who she was Horseshoe Ned did not know, more than that she had been -transferred to his care by the driver who had had her in charge up to -the station where his run ended. - -“I say, Pard Ned, jist let yerself out in entertainin’ thet leddy, -fer she are a sweet one and jist as perlite as kin be. She rides on -the box right through, and wants ter know ther whole history o’ ther -trail as we goes along. She are mournin’ fer somebody as is dead and -gone, I guesses, from her dressin’ in black, and I feel sorry for -her, for I sees away back in her eyes that she hain’t just happy, -notwithstandin’ her pretty smile.” - -So had said the driver who had given her into the charge of Horeshoe -Ned, who replied: - -“I’ll treat her same as a princess, pard; but what is her name?” - -“I hain’t heerd it, pard.” - -“Waal, she’s a beauty, so interdooce me.” - -The past guardian on the trail of the fair stranger led Horseshoe Ned -up to the lady, as she came out from breakfast at the station, and -said: - -“Here’s whar I leaves yer, miss, but I gives yer inter charge o’ ther -best driver on ther Overland, and one who has got a name as a dandy -all round, take him at what yer please. He are Horseshoe Ned, miss, -and he takes ther old hearse through ter ther fort, and yer see he’s -got ther best coach and team on ther entire outfit. - -“Don’t be skeered, though his run has been known as the Death Trail, -fer on it Silk Lasso Sam and his men have been hanging out for -deviltry, though that game won’t be played no more. Not knowin’ your -name, miss, I can’t interdooce you ter Horeshoe Ned, only him ter -you.” - -“My name is----” and after a short hesitation she added the name: - -“Ruth Arden, Mr. Baldy.” - -Having learned the name, Baldy was not going to leave the -introduction half done, so said quickly: - -“Miss Ruth Arden, Horseshoe Ned, and if you don’t treat her -first-class yer quarrels with me.” - -“I am sure that he will do all in his power, Mr. Baldy, to make my -ride as pleasant a one as it has been with you.” - -And Horseshoe Ned did, for he showed how he could drive, gathered -wild flowers here and there for his fair passenger, told her the -legends of the trails, and showed her the scenes of Silk Lasso -Sam’s red exploits, and graves which he had been the one to dot the -roadside with. - -“I tell yer, miss, thet Silk Lasso Sam is a terror, and I has seen -him do killin’ more times than I cares to remember. It hain’t been so -very long since he kilt my Pard Ribbons, and he has nipped me slight -several times; but that is his business and drivin’ is mine, and it’s -every man to his occupation, and I must say Silk Lasso Sam stood -above ’em all in what he undertook.” - -“And he is now a prisoner at the fort, sir?” - -“Yes, miss. He’s soon ter be hanged, they says, though I won’t -believe it until I sees it.” - -“Why, do you think he’ll receive a pardon?” - -“A pardon, miss? Silk Lasso Sam receive a pardon? No, indeed, miss, -never from God or man!” was the vehement response. - -“He has been so very wicked, then?” - -“He has had nothing but wickedness in his heart, miss. Nobody has -been able to escape him, men, women or children, for he is merciless -to all, and but for Buffalo Bill, Surgeon Powell and a miner named -Deadshot Dean, he’d hev gone on his wicked ways and done no end of -harm.” - -“I am sorry to hear that he was a man of whom nothing good could be -said, for it is seldom you find a man who has fallen so low as that,” -sadly said the passenger. - -“He brought it on himself, miss.” - -“Yes, I can believe that; but why is it that you do not believe that -he will be hanged?” - -“Well, miss, he has been in so many tight places, and always gives -his foes the slip in some way, that I has begun to think he hain’t -born ter be hanged.” - -“One cannot live an evil life and never expect just punishment in the -end, sir.” - -“Just punishment for him, miss, would be, to my thinking, solitary -confinement in a cell where he’d hev ther chance ter be alone with -his conscience and feel all ther deeds he has been guilty of, for -shootin’ would be too good fer him, and hangin’ would soon be over -with. But there’s the fort, miss, and we’ll soon be there. Has you -friends there, miss?” - -“I have a letter to Colonel Dunwoody,” was the reply, and after a -couple of hours’ rest the visitor to Pioneer Post presented herself -at headquarters and asked to see Colonel Dunwoody. - -The colonel received his fair visitor without any ceremony, wondering -what had brought a lady by coach so far to see him. - -He saw a form of exquisite grace, clad in black, and when she threw -back her veil and her face was revealed in all its beauty he was -fairly startled, for it brought to him at once the memory of an ideal -portrait which he had seen in the long ago, and which he had in vain -sought to find the counterpart of in life. - -He bowed and led her to a seat, while he said in the courteous manner -natural to him: - -“Pray tell me how I can serve you--miss.” - -He added the _miss_ after a slight hesitation, for it did not appear -to him that he stood in the presence of a married woman. - -“Permit me to introduce myself, Colonel Dunwoody, as Miss Ruth -Arden, and to say that I am here to present a letter to insure the -fulfilment of the request I shall have to make you.” - -She gazed into the handsome face of the man before her with a look in -which there was both confidence and admiration commingled. - -She had heard of the daring, dashing Indian-fighter, the youngest -officer of his high rank in the army, and one whom report said was as -noble in nature as he was brave. - -“I assure you, Miss Arden, I should be most happy to do all in my -power for you, even did you not bear this letter,” said the colonel -as he broke the seal of the letter. - -A cloud crossed his brow as he read the purport of the communication, -an official permission for Miss Arden to visit her brother, the -outlaw chief known as Silk Lasso Sam. - -“Your brother, Miss Arden?” asked the colonel, and there was almost -reproach in the tone. - -“Yes, sir, your prisoner is my brother, for I will not disown him, -even though I must deeply regret that he is so unfortunate as to be -under sentence of death for his many heinous crimes.” - -“Miss Arden, I deeply deplore his fate, especially the more since -now I have met you. I felt in my conversation with him, that he had -been well born and reared a gentleman, whatever the sad circumstances -which had made him a criminal and fugitive from justice. I extend to -you my deepest sympathy, and I will at once escort you to the place -where your brother is held a prisoner and arrange that you see him -alone.” - -“You are indeed most kind to me, Colonel Dunwoody, and you have my -deepest gratitude.” - -“May I ask where you have obtained quarters while here, Miss Arden, -and how long your stay will be?” - -“I have secured a room in the sutler’s home, sir, and his wife is -most kind to me. I shall remain only until the next stage departs for -the East.” - -“Permit me to say that my friends, Major and Mrs. Lester, will be, I -know, most happy to entertain you while here, and you will find at -their house a relative, Miss Clarice Carr, who I know will extend you -the warmest of welcomes also, for she is a true woman.” - -“Perhaps, sir, it would be best for me to remain at the sutler’s, for -you know that, no matter what I may myself be, I am the sister of -the condemned outlaw.” - -“Through no act of your own; your misfortune, not your fault, Miss -Arden, and my friends will regard you and your position as I do.” - -“You are most kind, sir.” - -“Then shall we go first to Major Lester’s quarters?” - -“You know best, Colonel Dunwoody, only I do not wish to be an -intruder and----” - -“Come, Miss Arden, for such a thing as your intruding is not to be -thought of. Though our trade is war, we soldiers are yet not wholly -heartless,” and the colonel led the way from his quarters. - -The home of Major Lester was one of the best in the fort, and -situated slightly apart from the others. Clarice Carr was seated upon -the piazza as they approached, a book in hand, but she arose and met -the colonel cordially, and cast a quick glance at the beautiful girl -accompanying him. - -There was something in the face of Ruth Arden which seemed to win her -at once. - -“Miss Carr, let me present to you Miss Ruth Arden, a young lady who -is here on the sad mission of visiting her unfortunate brother and -bidding him farewell, for I refer to the outlaw chief, now under -sentence of death.” - -Instantly Clarice Carr stepped up to Ruth and kissed her, while she -said quickly, with an intuitive knowledge of why the colonel had -brought her there: - -“And you will be my guest, will you not, while you are here, for you -will need me to cheer you up, I know?” - -The tears came into the beautiful eyes of Ruth, and she said in a -voice that quivered: - -“Yes, for your sympathy and friendship will be so dear to me.” - -“You did just what I was going to request of you, Miss Clarice, for -Miss Arden is at the sutler’s, but I will have her things sent here, -as I know that Lester and that sweet wife of his will do as you have, -ask Miss Arden to be your guest.” - -“They will, indeed, Colonel Dunwoody, but they are not at home just -now.” - -“Well, Miss Arden will return here when she has seen her brother.” - -“I will come within an hour, Miss Arden, to fetch you back with me,” -was the prompt reply of Clarice, and both Ruth and the colonel gave -her a look of gratitude for her thoughtfulness. - -All wondered as they saw Colonel Dunwoody escorting a veiled lady in -the direction of the cabin where Silk Lasso Sam was held a prisoner. - -Captain Dick Caruth was officer of the day, and Colonel Dunwoody -sent a soldier in search of him. He joined them at the barrier which -shut off the prisoner’s cabin, and was introduced to Ruth, who still -kept her veil concealing her face completely, for in spite of being -dressed differently, and with her hair arranged in a different style -from what she had worn it as Bonnie Belle, the captain had seen her -at Pocket City, and she did not wish to be recognized. - -Then, too, she desired also to avoid Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Frank -Powell, who also knew her well, and might recognize her as Bonnie -Belle. - -Captain Caruth bowed low, heard what the colonel had to say, and at -once said: - -“I will report to the prisoner his sister’s coming, Colonel Dunwoody, -and”--turning to Ruth--“if I can serve you in any way command me -during your stay here, Miss Arden.” - -“You are all so good to me,” was the low reply. - -Captain Caruth at once hastened on ahead and coming to the sentinel, -he said: - -“Sentinel, march forty paces from the cabin and take up your beat -there, for there is a lady to see the prisoner alone.” - -The sentinel saluted and obeyed, and opening the cabin door Captain -Caruth entered. - -Silk Lasso Sam greeted him politely, while he said in a tone in which -there was some sarcasm: - -“This is an honor, Captain Caruth, I appreciate.” - -“The honor, sir, is to come in the visit of one whom you should have -thought of ere you allowed yourself to become what you now are,” was -the stern reply. - -The prisoner started and his face changed color. - -“I do not comprehend, sir,” he faltered. - -“You have a sister, sir?” - -“Yes, my sister Ruth.” - -“Miss Arden, your sister, is now here to visit you, for she is coming -with the colonel.” An expression of joy swept over the face of the -outlaw while he said in a tone that seemed sincere: - -“God bless her for coming here to see me. She is a brave, noble girl, -true as steel.” - -“It is to be regretted that you did not think of her in the past.” - -“I did, and of my mother, too; but I was born bad, my heart was -wicked from boyhood and it was destined for me to be the devil I -am.” The prisoner spoke bitterly, and Captain Caruth said in a kindly -tone: - -“Well, Arden, your sister is here, and so take what comfort you can -from her visit. She can remain an hour, and see you alone.” - -“I thank you, sir,” and the outlaw bowed his head as the captain -turned and left the cabin. - -“I have told your brother of your coming, Miss Arden, and he is ready -to receive you. I regret that I cannot free him of his irons while -you are with him, but it cannot be.” - -“I do not ask it, sir. He must not expect favors where he has shown -none, and led the life he has,” was the reply. - -The colonel then escorted Ruth to the door, and bowing, said: - -“The sentinel will inform you, Miss Arden, when Miss Carr comes for -you.” - -Ruth bowed in silence, and entered the cabin. - -Her brother sat there, in irons, his head bowed upon his hands. She -turned pale at the sight, brave as she was, and stood for an instant -regarding him. Then she said, softly: - -“Arden, my brother.” - -He arose slowly, his face pallid, and in silence extended his -manacled hands. Either he was playing a part with perfect acting, or -he felt deeply and despairingly his situation, and that she should -see him thus. - -“My poor brother,” she said, laying her hand lightly upon his -shoulder. - -“You pity me, then, Ruth?” he asked, in a quivering voice. - -“From the very depths of my heart and soul I pity you, brother. That -is why I came at your call, came when I received your letter, to say -what words of cheer I could to you.” - -“You came to do more, Ruth?” - -“You mean to save you?” - -“Yes,” he said eagerly. - -“I have come to save you, brother, for with you I feel that you are -not fit to die, that you should have time for repentance, should do -all in your power to atone for the past.” - -“God bless you, Ruth, and I know that he will. I felt that you would -not desert me in my last hour.” - -“No, I have long tried to save you, have worked so hard to help you, -to take you from your evil life, and it seemed all in vain, for you -seemed wedded irrevocably to sin, and every pledge you made me was -broken. - -“But I am not here to upbraid you, but to have a long talk with you. -Sit down and let me tell you just what I have done and why I am -here.” She gently forced the prisoner into his chair while she began -to pace slowly up and down the cabin. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - THE REALITY OF AN IDEAL. - - -The interview between the brother and sister was brought to an end by -the coming of the sentinel, who reported that Miss Carr awaited Miss -Arden. - -“I will join her immediately, please say,” was Ruth’s response, and -then she turned again to her brother. - -“You will see me again before you go, Ruth?” - -“Yes, for I will be here four days and shall ask the colonel for -leave to spend an hour with you each morning and afternoon. You have -made me very happy, Arden, in the promises you have made me, and I -feel that you will keep them.” - -A moment more and she was gone. The sentinel took his post again -without the door, and just beyond Clarice Carr awaited with Major -Lester and his wife. They greeted her most cordially, the major -saying: - -“We decided to come after you also, Miss Arden, and you must feel -perfectly at home with us.” - -“Yes, my dear Miss Arden, the colonel has done us a favor in -allowing us to claim you while here,” Mrs. Lester remarked. - -Thus greeted, Ruth felt that she was among friends, and she went to -the major’s quarters as to her own home, so hospitable was their -treatment of her. - -Not a word was said about the prisoner, her brother, to render her -unhappy, and refusing themselves to company that night, except the -colonel, who called, they devoted the evening to their fair guest. - -At the request of the colonel Clarice sung for them, and when she had -done so she turned and asked: - -“Do you not sing, Miss Arden?” - -“Yes, I am devoted to music,” was the simple reply. - -Urged to sing, she sat down to Clarice Carr’s harp which stood -nearest to her side, and she had only to run her fingers over the -strings to show that it was an artist’s hands that touched them. Then -in a rich, melodious contralto she sang that old but charming ballad: - - I cannot sing those old songs, - We’ve sung so oft together. - -Her hearers listened breathlessly, for her voice stirred their inmost -hearts, and, when she had ceased, she said softly: - -“I do not know why I sang that song, for it was my brother’s -favorite, and we often have sung together, for he has a superb voice, -or, rather, had when I knew him in the long ago.” - -It was her first reference to her outlaw brother since entering -the house, and, brave men that they were, Colonel Dunwoody and -Major Lester felt the tears dimming their eyes in sympathy for the -beautiful girl. - -But she quickly said, as though to destroy the effect she had caused -by her song: - -“You have an exquisite soprano, Miss Carr, and I sing alto, so -suppose we have a duet.” - -“Willingly,” and several duets were sung until Mrs. Lester said: - -“Now I am not half-satisfied yet, and, as the colonel has a lovely -tenor and my husband sings bass, I insist upon a quartette.” - -All readily agreed, and the four fine voices accorded wonderfully -well together, and until a late hour the musical treat was kept up. - -At last the colonel left, after a pleasant little supper, and as he -walked back to his quarters he was in a contemplative mood, for he -mused aloud: - -“At last I have met my ideal. I did begin to feel that in that -brilliant woman Nina de Sutro I had found her, and that Clarice -Carr was one to make me a happy man; but no, she of the dreamy eyes -is my ideal, the reality of the portrait I saw years ago, and often -wondered if I would ever meet a woman with just such a face. - -“And now the one who has that face is the sister of the vilest man -who ever crossed my path. Still, an angel and a devil may be akin, -and so it is with that man and this beautiful girl. Ah, me! I wish I -could look back into the life of Ruth Arden and read it as an open -book, for she interests me more than I would admit even to myself; -yes, fascinates me.” - -And thus musing, Colonel Dunwoody reached his quarters. - -In the meanwhile those at the major’s had gone to their rooms for the -night. - -Both Major Lester and his wife had spoken most kindly to Ruth and -said that they were sorry she was not to remain at the fort, and -Clarice had escorted the guest to her room. - -A sitting-room divided the chamber of Clarice from the one occupied -by Ruth, and the two had talked together before saying good night. - -“You are tired I know, so I must not keep you up any later, for it -is midnight,” said Clarice. “We breakfast at nine, you know,” and she -kissed Ruth, who, hesitating an instant, replied: - -“Miss Carr, you have been so sweet to me, so sisterly, that I wish to -make a confession to you, but in confidence. I do not wish to deceive -you, and, therefore, I will tell you that Arden is not my name. True, -it was my mother’s maiden name, but I assumed it, for the one I bear -has been dishonored by my brother, and I did not wish to bring shame -upon an honored name by letting it be known who the man you know as -Silk Lasso Sam really is. - -“To others I am Ruth Arden, to you, in confidence, I will say that -I am Ruth Leigh, and my poor brother’s real name is Arden Leigh. -Good night,” and Ruth glided quickly away to her room, while Clarice -murmured gently: - -“Poor girl, yours is a noble nature.” - -Ruth did not ask the favor of Colonel Dunwoody, to be allowed to see -her brother daily, for it was not necessary. - -He anticipated her by calling the next morning and asking for her. - -“I have given orders, Miss Arden, that you shall be allowed to go to -and from the prison where your brother is confined at your will.” - -“You are most kind, Colonel Dunwoody.” - -“No, I am only just, for you have come a long way, have you not, -to see one whom your woman’s heart clings to in spite of what he -may be. A mother’s love and a sister’s are to me the purest of all -affections, and I can understand just how you feel toward the one who -has gone to the bad as your unfortunate brother has.” - -“I appreciate all that you say and do for me, Colonel Dunwoody, and -I make no effort to disguise my deep love for my brother, for I -remember him only as he ever was toward me in the past. His nature -was warped, and he went wrong when quite a young man, and just when -we began to feel that he was saved, that he had seen the evil of his -ways and was coming back to a life of honor, one whom he loved, whom -he idolized in truth, told him that she could never be his wife, that -she loved another. - -“That blow made a madman of him and he sought to take the life of his -rival, and from that day became a fugitive and a wanderer, a hunted -man, feeling that the hand of every one was against him. I do not -defend him, and I ask no mercy for him; but I thank you for your -goodness in allowing me to see him often the few days that I will be -here.” - -“It would be cruel to ask you to remain longer,” said the colonel. - -“No, I must go my way, Colonel Dunwoody.” - -“And do you wish me to send any communication to you when--when--_all -is over_?” - -“Nothing, thank you, sir. I wish no tidings of what occurs after I -leave the fort.” - -“But surely we will see you again?” - -“Where and when?” - -She asked the question quickly, almost excitedly. - -“That remains alone for you to say, Miss Arden, for I do not wish you -to drift out of our memories and our lives, after having crossed our -paths as you have.” - -“I am but the sister of the outlaw Silk Lasso Sam, remember.” - -“Granted.” - -“This does not deter you from wishing to keep up a friendship with -me?” - -“Not in the slightest, for I abhor the old Biblical law of visiting -upon the children the sins of the fathers, only applying it in your -case to a sister’s suffering for a brother’s crimes.” - -“You are generous, you are just,” and Ruth held out her hand, which -the colonel held while she continued: - -“See if you wish my friendship when you hear of me again. If you do, -then Miss Carr can tell you of me, for she has promised to be my -friend and correspond with me. Now can I go and spend an hour with -that unfortunate brother of mine, over whom the shadow of the gallows -hangs like a nightmare?” - -“Yes, I will escort you to the cabin.” - -When the day came around for the departure of the coach, Major Lester -and his wife felt the deepest regret at having to give up their -lovely guest. - -They had become deeply attached to her, and yet they could not urge -her to remain longer, for they wished her to be far away when the day -of execution came which would end the guilty career of Silk Lasso Sam -and the lives of his men, sentenced to die at the same time. - -Both the major and his wife had observed the deep interest felt by -the colonel in their guest, and had spoken of it to each other. - -“The colonel’s heart has been touched by the sorrow of that beautiful -girl,” said Mrs. Lester, and her husband replied: - -“Pity begets love, it is said, and I really wish the colonel would -care for her, as she is a very superior girl, and, whatever the -faults of the brother, she is as pure as snow.” - -Of course, all in the fort had come to understand just why Ruth had -come, and those who saw her had felt deepest compassion for her. That -she was a lady all acknowledged, whatever Silk Lasso Sam might be. - -During her stay at Major Lester’s all had discreetly kept away from -that officer’s home, well understanding that Miss Arden cared for no -visitors, though nearly every lady in the fort left their cards “for -Miss Arden,” as an appreciation of her misfortunes, and sympathy in -her sorrows. - -Nina de Sutro had heard of the coming of this visitor to the doomed -man. He had not spoken to her, during their short married life, of -having a sister; in fact, he had said nothing to her of his past. - -Who then, she wondered, was this beautiful woman, for she did not -regard her as really his sister. Not connecting her in any way with -Bonnie Belle, she looked upon herself, Bonnie Belle and this stranger -as three, perhaps, who held a claim upon the outlaw. - -She felt no jealousy of her, for she hated the prisoner too sincerely -for that emotion to find lodgment in her heart; but she was anxious -to know who she was, and all about her. - -She had been told that she was very beautiful. She would see and know -for herself, for she said: - -“I must see and talk with that woman.” - -When Nina de Sutro set out to do anything, she accomplished it. She -resolved that she would see Ruth Arden, and have a talk with her. - -The interest shown in her by Colonel Dunwoody she could not -understand, any more than she could why the Lesters had made her -their guest, and Clarice Carr seemed so devoted to her. - -She dared not speak to her in public, as it was known that Ruth met -no one, nor cared to. She must see her, then, at the major’s. So she -plotted to do so in her own way. That way was to get Mrs. Lester and -Clarice away for some reason, and then go and call, for the major -would be either on duty or at the club. - -There was to be a gathering of the ladies for their weekly talks -over acts of charity, sewing for the soldiers’ children, or parties, -dinners, or excursions to be held, and so Nina planned to have the -meeting when the major would be absent and Mrs. Lester and Clarice -would have to attend. - -She used Mrs. De Sutro her kinswoman as a catspaw, telling her that -she wished to give a party and that Mrs. Lester and Clarice were to -be consulted, while she, Nina, was to be kept in ignorance of the -affair. - -Then she went to visit an officer’s wife living nearest to the -Lesters, and when she saw, from her seat in the window, first the -major go out, then the two ladies, she waited until they entered her -own house and then ended her visit abruptly. - -At once she walked by the Lester home, and suddenly turned into the -gate. Running up the steps, she opened the door and called aloud: - -“Clarice! Clarice!” - -At the same time she entered the sitting-room. At her call Ruth -Arden, who was there, arose, and, meeting her, said pleasantly: - -“Miss Carr and Mrs. Lester have both gone out. May I ask who it is -that I shall tell them called?” - -Nina de Sutro was taken aback, for she beheld before her a woman of a -beauty of face and form she had not dreamed she possessed. - -“I am Miss De Sutro. Are you Miss Ruth Arden?” she asked. - -“I am.” - -“Will you, knowing as I do your reasons for coming to the fort, let -me offer you my sincere sympathy?” - -“You are very kind, and I thank you, Miss De Sutro.” - -“Remember, Miss Arden, it is more than an ordinary interest that I -feel in you, as your brother saved my life when I was a schoolgirl, -going to Mexico to attend the convent where I was educated. Meeting -him here, in the part he was playing with such daring, and believing -him to be a man of honor when I met him, I felt more than a passing -regard for him, and we were, I may say, the best of friends, yet I -never heard him speak of having a sister.” - -“Yet you see that he has one, and I am sorry he was taken from me, -when I was a mere girl, by circumstances which drove him a fugitive -from our home. I have tried hard to redeem my misguided brother, Miss -De Sutro, to bring him back from the path he has chosen, but all in -vain, and now he sees an ignominious death staring him in the face, -and I thank Heaven that our father and mother are both dead, and that -I alone remain to suffer the ignominy and despair of his deeds which -bring him in shame to the grave.” - -Nina de Sutro listened to every word uttered by the girl, her eyes -seeming to pierce to her heart, and she saw only purity, truth, and -honor upon every feature, and, after again expressing her sympathy, -turned and left the room, while she said to herself, with decided -emphasis: - -“There is no deception there, for that girl is his sister, and is -more unfortunate than even I am, for she loves him.” - -Hastening home she found that Mrs. De Sutro and her two visitors had -gone to join the “Petticoat Convention,” as the officers called the -gathering of the ladies, and, seeking Clarice, she said in a whisper: - -“I have just seen that beautiful girl.” - -“Do you mean Miss Arden?” - -“Yes, I ran over to see you, and, calling your name, she came out of -the sitting-room to say that you and Mrs. Lester had gone out. I had -a short talk with her, and, Clarice, I pity that poor girl from the -bottom of my heart, for she really loves that villainous brother of -hers.” - -“I know that she does,” was the quiet reply of Clarice, who did -not like it that Ruth, who had sought to avoid every one, had been -intruded upon by Nina de Sutro. - -When Nina left Ruth the latter gazed after her a moment and then -said: - -“Miss De Sutro came here on purpose to see me, I feel certain. Well, -she accomplished her purpose, and what will be the result? I will ask -Arden about her, and his saving her life.” - -As it was time for her to visit her brother she put on her hat and -went out. Just as she reached the end of the parade she came suddenly -upon an officer, who started slightly, and, as he saw her face pale, -said quickly: - -“Do not be alarmed, Miss Arden, for I could never betray a woman, and -your secret is safe with me.” - -“You recognize me then, Surgeon Powell?” - -“Yes, as Bonnie Belle, and Buffalo Bill also recognized you, but to -no one else than myself has he made it known. We both know, Miss -Arden, that you are here to rescue Silk Lasso Sam, and you are -playing a bold game daringly; but it is our duty to thwart you if we -can. Good morning,” and Surgeon Frank Powell raised his hat and went -on his way. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - THE DEPARTURE. - - -It was with really a sad heart that Clarice Carr felt that she must -say farewell to Ruth Arden. She had become greatly attached to her -in the few days she had been at the fort, and she recognized what a -superior woman she was, young in years but old in experience. - -The major and his wife also were sorry to see her depart, for they -too had been drawn to her most closely. - -When the time came for her departure Colonel Dunwoody came over to -the major’s and for a moment saw Ruth alone. - -“Miss Arden, I hope and feel that we will meet again, and I wish to -say to you that it is my wish that you will command me in any way in -which I can ever be of service to you. Will you promise me this, Miss -Arden?” - -“I will, Colonel Dunwoody, although I am now under the deepest -obligations to you.” - -“No, I do not so consider it; but there is one thing more, and pardon -me for referring to it.” - -“Yes.” - -“When this is all over, when the end has come, I will have the body -of your brother decently buried for your sake, and the grave marked -so that it can be found if need be. The major has told me that there -was a fortune left by your father, and to get possession of it you -may wish to secure a certificate of his death.” - -“It is not necessary, Colonel Dunwoody, as my father left the entire -estate to me, having disinherited my brother. I would gladly have -shared it with him, had he changed his career, or given his share to -his wife or children, had he married, which, however, he told me he -had not done. If you will give him decent burial, sir, I shall be -very grateful, and I desire to leave with you the funds necessary -for----” - -“No, no, Miss Arden, I will keep an account of the expenses and -notify you at the proper time. But here comes the coach, and -farewells must be said.” - -Mrs. Lester, the major, and Clarice then came forward, and all said -farewell with deep regret, the colonel handing the girl to a seat -upon the box by the side of Horseshoe Ned, who seemed proud to have -his fair passenger again under his charge. - -Then Ned gathered up his reins, called to his leaders, and away -whirled the coach at a slapping pace, while the eyes of Ruth were -seen to turn with a longing look toward the cabin where her brother -was in irons, and must soon go forth from his prison to the gallows. - -The coming of Ruth had created much comment. Had she been an ordinary -person it would have been less thought of, but all who saw her -recognized her as a lady at once. She was very beautiful, and her -manner strangely fascinating. - -Her coming carried out the old saying that no man is so vile but has -one good woman to love him. She had bravely met her brother, had done -all in her power to cheer him, and then had gone her way. It would -have been only harmful to her and to him for her to have remained -longer, as all agreed. She had shown her good sense in going. - -As the coach rolled away Surgeon Frank Powell and Buffalo Bill were -standing near the latter’s quarters. - -“Bill, she is really going,” said the surgeon, as he saw Ruth upon -the box with Horseshoe Ned. - -“So it seems, doc. What you said to her must have frightened her off.” - -“You mean about being aware that she came here to rescue the -prisoner?” - -“Yes.” - -“It may be.” - -“She is really, then, the sister of that outlaw?” - -“Oh, yes; as there are no others in the secret I can tell you now -that the miner, Deadshot Dean, told me as much.” - -“Well, she is a brave, noble girl; but here she comes.” - -The coach rolled by just then, and both Surgeon Powell and Buffalo -Bill raised their hats, a salutation which Ruth returned with a very -gracious bow. They watched the coach until it left the stockade -through the gateway, and then Buffalo Bill said: - -“Doc?” - -“Yes, Bill.” - -“I am on the trail of knowledge.” - -“Well?” - -“I wish to see what she is going to do?” - -“Miss Arden?” - -“Exactly.” - -“She can do nothing else than go East now, for Deadshot Dean said he -intended taking her with him.” - -“She may, and she may not go East. No one in the fort knows her, -other than you and I, as Bonnie Belle of Pocket City, for she has -guarded that secret, I am sure.” - -“Yes, wholly.” - -“Now she may go back to Pocket City.” - -“Suppose she does?” - -“She came here to rescue her brother beyond all doubt, and, finding -that you were aware of that fact, having recognized her, she has gone -her way.” - -“Very wisely.” - -“That remains to be seen.” - -“What are you driving at, Bill?” - -“Well, that woman idolizes that wicked brother of hers, and all the -miners in Yellow Dust Valley idolize her. Did she wish to make a -dash and rescue her brother she could get every man in the valley to -follow her lead, so I am going to see just what her destination is.” - -“A good idea,” responded Doctor Powell, and half an hour after -Buffalo Bill rode away from the fort following the trail of the -stage-coach. - -“They is two dandies from ’wayback, miss.” - -Such had been Horseshoe Ned’s comment regarding Surgeon Powell and -Buffalo Bill as the coach rolled by them. - -“Who are they?” innocently asked Ruth. - -“Ther one in fatigue uniform is Doctor Frank Powell, miss, better -known as ther Surgeon Scout, for he’s one of the best Injun-fighters -and trailers on ther plains, and no man has had a more dangerous life -than he has lived. He’s a dead shot, and don’t know no more what fear -is than I does about preachin’ ther Gospil. Ther’ ain’t no squarer -and better man in the wild West than White Beaver, as the Injuns call -him, nor a better surgeon, scout, and all-around man, either.” - -“You certainly give him a most delightful recommendation, Horseshoe -Ned; but, who is the one in buckskin and the broad sombrero who was -talking to him?” - -“That are Buffalo Bill.” - -“Yes, I have heard of him, as I have also of the Surgeon Scout, for -they are known everywhere, it seems, through their deeds.” - -“Yes, miss, they is, for a fact. - -“Buffalo Bill is chief of scouts at the fort, and he is a man to tie -to when one needs a friend. It war them two, if you’ll pardon me for -saying it, along with the miner from Pocket City, thet captured Silk -Lasso Sam and his gang, and stopped highway robbery on this trail.” - -“Then you think there will now be no more holding-up of coaches on -the Overland?” - -“Not on ther trail I runs, miss, I’m thinking.” - -So the coach went along its way. Horseshoe Ned delighted at -exhibiting his skill as a driver and striving hard to keep Ruth from -dwelling upon the fact that she had parted with her brother forever. - -Just as the coach drove down into Deep Dell Brook, where it had been -last held-up and Ribbons had been killed, Horseshoe Ned said: - -“I tells yer, miss, it’s a comfort ter feel yer kin halt in thet -stream ter water your horses, and not be expecting a shot all ther -time.” - -“Yes, for you have risked dangers enough to enjoy some sense of -security now,” was Ruth’s answer. - -But hardly had the words been uttered when suddenly down the trail -beyond, leading into the stream, rode a horseman. He was dressed in -black, but rode a snow-white horse, though all of his trappings were -of sable hue. - -The horseman was masked, and wore a black sombrero, but his hair -fell in heavy waves upon his broad shoulders, concealing even his -neck, while, as he wore gauntlet gloves, no one could have told from -his appearance whether he was paleface, Indian, Chinese, or negro. - -“Hands up, Horseshoe Ned, for you carry a rich prize,” cried the -horseman, as he reached the water’s edge, and leveled his rifle at -the driver. - -“Waal, I’ll be etarnally roasted, ef thet don’t beat all, for I were -jist sayin’ ther trail were clear o’ varmints like you.” - -“Silence! Hold on there, my pretty lady, for I’ll send a bullet -through your brain as quickly as I would shoot Horseshoe Ned, if you -attempt to show your claws,” sternly cried the highwayman. - -This command was caused by seeing the action of Ruth, who had drawn -toward her a small valise she had behind her upon the top of the -coach, and in which she had a revolver, that had before rendered her -good service. Not expecting a hold-up, she had not kept the weapon -near her. There was something in the tone of the man that indicated -his intention to be as good as his word, and Ruth raised her hand -from the satchel. - -“Say, robber, if yer don’t consider me rude, I’d like ter ask yer -who yer be, for I thought ther old gang had been wiped out?” - -“The old gang was, but I have come to hunt the trails, and I am here -to stay. That lady is well fixed, as I happen to know, so I will -trouble her for her money, and all else of value she may have with -her. If she refuses, I will kill you, Horseshoe Ned, and hold her a -captive until she pays far more than I can now rob her of. I hope you -both understand the situation.” - -“I understand you is a thief I’d like ter git a rope onto once,” -growled the driver, while Ruth said: - -“Yes, I understand the situation perfectly, Sir Robber. You have -the power to rob me, and so I submit to your brute force only. I -have with me considerable money, a thousand dollars perhaps, and -some jewelry, as you have said, and I will give all if you demand -it, but I would like to ask to keep a little money, and several -trinkets, which, of little value to you, are most valuable to me from -association. May I keep these and a hundred dollars in money?” - -It would seem that few could resist this appeal, but the robber had -the power and he meant to use it. - -“No, not a dollar, or anything of value shall you keep. I risk my -life to rob, and I demand all, so give it up, or I draw trigger on -Horseshoe hied and you are my captive. Come, no nonsense, so hand -over your wealth,” and the robber rode nearer to the coach. - -The man moved nearer, riding into the stream to do so. - -The team of horses looked at him askance as though appreciating the -situation, while the face of Horseshoe Ned grew black with rage. - -“Ter think I can’t protect her,” he muttered. - -To have his fair passenger robbed of her money and jewels while -in his keeping was a terrible thought to the driver. Yet he was -powerless, as the slightest resistance on his part meant instant -death to him. So the road-agent, still covering the driver with his -rifle, rode nearer to the coach. - -“You will force me to-give up all?” said Ruth, in a voice that showed -she was deeply moved. - -“Every dollar and valuable you have along,” was the stern rejoinder. - -“Then I suppose there is no help for me,” and she opened the satchel -and placed her hand within it. - -“None, my pretty miss, for I need all you have, and more, too.” - -“Then take all that I have to give!” - -As the words were uttered the hand came quickly out of the satchel, -and a sharp report followed. - -With a cry of pain the road-agent dropped his rifle into the stream, -for his right arm was shattered. Then, with a savage oath, he dropped -his left hand upon his revolver on his hip. - -But quickly a second shot rang out, and, notwithstanding the plunging -team, which brought all of Horseshoe Ned’s energies to bear to stop -them from turning short around in the stream, the bullet was truly -aimed and the left arm dropped to his side, the weapon falling into -the water. - -“My God, miss, don’t kill me!” cried the road-agent, and he wheeled -his horse by a movement of his body and a word, to dash away. - -“I hate to harm that beautiful animal, but he must not escape,” cried -Ruth, now thoroughly aroused, and for the third time her revolver was -raised. - -A quick glance along the barrel and the third shot rang out. Although -the horse was bounding up the hill at full speed, the aim was true -and the animal dropped upon his knees, stumbled, and went down, -throwing his rider hard. - -“I’ll catch him, miss, if you can hold the team,” cried Horseshoe -Ned, after giving vent to a wild yell of admiration for the girl’s -crack shooting and the success she had met with. - -But as he spoke there came a rushing sound behind them, a plunge, and -a horseman was crossing the stream with mighty leaps. - -“Buffalo Bill!” yelled Horseshoe Ned wildly, and in an instant the -scout had crossed the stream and was by the side of the wounded -outlaw. - -“Don’t kill me, for I cannot resist,” said the road-agent faintly. - -Snatching the mask from his face, Buffalo Bill said: - -“Ah! I know that face. You are the one of Silk Lasso Sam’s band who -escaped. Ho, Ned, you did some crack shooting here, even if you did -not kill him.” - -“It wasn’t me did it, Buffalo Bill,” responded Ned, who had now -driven up to the spot. - -“Not you?” - -“Nary.” - -“Who then?” - -“This young leddy, and she knows how ter use a gun, says I.” - -“I did not wish to kill him, so broke his right arm. Then, as he drew -a revolver with his left, I sent a bullet through that, and my third -shot was to bring down his horse to prevent his escape.” - -“Well, miss, you are a crack shot, and the fellow, is the last one -of Silk Lasso Sam’s band, so that now there will be a clear trail to -travel, I guess. I will have you take him on with you, Horseshoe Ned, -and bring him back to the fort with you on your next run.” - -“I’ll die if I am not cared for,” groaned the man. - -“Well, if I was in your place, pard, I’d want to die, as yer’ll hang -as sart’in as I knows yer name,” put in Horseshoe Ned. - -“I did no harm,” whined the man. - -“Oh, no, yer didn’t, but it wasn’t your fault all ther same, for yer -intended ter rob this young lady and threatened to shoot her, too.” - -“Well, Ned, I’ll do the best I can for his wounds until you reach the -station where the doctor can care for him, and you must be particular -that he does not escape.” - -“Yer won’t go along then, Bill?” - -“No, for I am on a little scouting-expedition I cannot neglect. I -heard your shots, Miss Arden, so rode on to see what was the matter. -I congratulate you upon your nerve and splendid shooting.” - -“I thank you, sir, for praise from such a man as Buffalo Bill is -worth having.” - -“It was just splendid the way she did it, Bill,” said Horseshoe Ned, -who now, with the scout, set to work to dress the wounds of the -road-agent. - -Taking from her satchel several handkerchiefs Ruth tore them into -strips for bandages and aided in dressing the wounds which she had -made. - -At last the work was done, the road-agent was placed in the coach and -the doors secured firmly, and his traps were placed on the top. - -Mounting the box again with Horseshoe Ned, Ruth said good-by to -Buffalo Bill and the team moved on once more. - -But after waiting for some little time, Buffalo Bill mounted and rode -on after the coach. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - CAUGHT IN THE ACT. - - -Buffalo Bill followed on the trail of the coach, with no desire to be -seen again by the woman whom he was watching. He had not intended to -be seen, but the firing had quickly taken him to the rescue. - -“If she goes back to Pocket City she means mischief of some kind, -for having failed to rescue her brother by strategy she will do so -by force, I feel sure. If she was really the ally of her brother it -is certain that the outlaw she wounded did not know it, for no look -passed between them that I could see, and she would not have fired on -him had she known him. I would find it hard to believe that Bonnie -Belle is in league with outlaws.” - -Thus mused the scout as he rode on after the coach. - -It was night when he reached the station where Horseshoe Ned’s run -ended, and he went at once to the hotel. He found Ned there and -learned that his passenger had taken the outgoing coach eastward. - -“That settles it,” mused the scout. “She goes East and not to Pocket -City. She has given up the idea of rescue as impossible. Poor girl, I -pity her, and only wish she loved one in some way worthy of her deep -regard.” - -Then he said aloud: - -“Well, Ned, what do you think of Miss Arden?” - -“I think she is just the dandyest girl I ever crossed ther trail of, -Bill. What a team she and Miss Clarice Carr would make together, for -thar’s another one I sets great store by. But, Bill, ef yer hed seen -Miss Arden work up thet lettle racket to a climax yer’d hev died o’ -joy. - -“Yer see I give up all for gone, when she talked ther same way and -invited thet sarpint ter take ther things. She opened ther satchel -and out come a gun, and oh, my! Bill, she’s ther deadest shot I ever -seen, barrin’ you and Surgeon Powell.” - -“She has nerve of an uncommon order, Ned, and she sends a bullet to -dead center. But where is your prisoner?” - -“He’s in ther tavern under guard, the doctor havin’ fixed up his -wounds.” - -“Are they very bad?” - -“Ther leetle bone in his right arm were smashed, and ther bullet -grazed the one in his left, but he’ll be well enough to hang with -t’others of ther gang, for it’s his neck we wants in prime condition -for thet occasion. But whar is you goin’, Bill?” - -“I thought I would ride on here and see if you needed any aid going -back with your man?” - -“No, indeed, for I’ll tie him on the box with me; but I’ll be glad of -your company, Bill, if you will go along.” - -“Thank you, no, for I’ll continue on in my scouting along the range -to-morrow.” - -Staying that night at the tavern, Buffalo Bill left bright and early -the next morning, taking the trail for Yellow Dust Valley. - -He was well-mounted, and it was not yet sunset when he rode by the -lonely cabin of the miner, Deadshot Dean, where he had so nearly lost -his life at the hands of the desperadoes who had captured him as Silk -Lasso Sam. - -The cabin was closed and doubly locked, and an air of desolation and -desertion was upon all. The scout had hitched his horse down in the -valley, and walked up to the cabin. - -Going to the rear of it, around the cliff he stood gazing at the fine -view from that point until suddenly he heard a noise near the cabin. - -Quickly he made his way there and felt sure that some one was -striving to break in. Voices reached his ear, too, and one said: - -“Yer ain’t moved her, Jerry, so let me get a whack at her, as I fer -one don’t intend ter be caught in this neighborhood arter dark, fer -this is too near ther Hangman’s Gulch ter suit me.” - -“And it don’t please me a little bit.” - -“Take ther ax and let fly, for thar’s money inside I is dead -sart’in,” was the reply. - -The scout placed his foot on the projecting ends of the logs and -quickly ascended to the roof, which was nearly flat and made of -boards on top of logs, slanting toward the cliff under which the -cabin stood. - -He drew a revolver in each hand, knelt down, and, peeping over, saw -the two men hard at work to break in the door. So far they had made -no impression upon either the locks or the door, and, covering both -of them with a revolver, Buffalo Bill said sternly: - -“Hands up, pards, for I want you both!” - -The voice coming from over their heads, and just after their -expressed dread of being so near Hangman’s Gulch when night came on, -brought from the lips of each man a cry of fright. They shrank back, -looked up, and saw their danger. - -“Hands up, I say!” roared Buffalo Bill. - -Quickly they obeyed, and in an instant the scout had leaped down from -the roof and confronted them. - -“Breaking into Deadshot Dean’s home, are you? Well, I am glad I -happened along at this time, for the miner is a friend of mine, and -I guess you are citizens who will not be missed if you are called -suddenly away from Pocket City. I’ll take your weapons, sir,” and the -scout slipped the revolver and knife from the belt of one of the men. - -“And yours, too,” and the second one was disarmed. - -“Ain’t you Buffalo Bill?” - -“So I am called.” - -“Waal, I might have knowed it, fer yer is alus around when yer ain’t -wanted.” - -“I’m a scout, you know,” was the smiling answer. - -“Waal, what does yer treat us this way fer?” - -“When I get you to Pocket City it is more than likely you’ll find -out,” was the scout’s significant reply. - -The two house-breakers did not relish the reply of Buffalo Bill. They -felt that they were in dangerous hands and had been caught in an act -that would not be tolerated in Yellow Dust Valley. - -It would never do to be taken into Pocket City as prisoners. Their -reputations there were of a very unsavory character. They must get -away at all costs, for an enraged border crowd was hard to manage and -would only argue the matter after they were hanged. - -“I say, Buffalo Bill, this is a darned good joke,” said one of the -prisoners. - -“What is?” - -“Your making us prisoners.” - -“Yes, it is funny.” - -“I doesn’t see ther joke,” growled the other. - -“You haven’t the sense of humor that your companion has, for he sees -it,” said the scout. - -“But I means this, Pard Buffalo Bill; we was sent here by Deadshot -Dean ter git some things for him, and as he bed lost his key he told -us ter knock in ther door, don’t yer see?” - -“I see where you did the knocking, yes.” - -“Now jist go with us ter Deadshot Dean, and he’ll say it’s all right.” - -“Where is he?” - -“Up ther cañon thar. We’ll show yer.” - -“Look here, Deadshot Dean went East weeks ago, and you cannot play -any bluff game on me.” - -“I tells yer ther truth.” - -“You couldn’t tell the truth, either one of you, except by accident. -No, I am going to Pocket City, and you go with me. I caught you -breaking into the cabin of an absent miner, and I shall so report to -the miners and give you up to them.” - -“They’ll hang us.” - -“That is your misfortune, not my fault.” - -“And we so innercent,” whined one. - -“See here, Buffalo Bill, we don’t want ter hand in our chips no more -than you does, so if yer plays quits with us we’ll divvy.” - -“What will you divide?” - -“I’ve got nigh a thousand in money here with me, and Jerry have got -about half as much, so you kin hev all if yer’ll let us go.” - -“Yes, all of fifteen hundred dollars.” - -“Well, it is more money than I make in a year with chief of scouts’ -pay, but if it was ten times as much, you could not bribe me to -do a mean act. I know you are two scamps, and as I caught you -house-breaking, I’ll so report your acts. Come, you go with me. Stand -close up behind this man, sir.” - -“Tom, we is goners.” - -“Dead sart’in, Jerry.” - -Having placed the men at close step, Buffalo Bill buckled their -belts together, and fastened them about their waists. - -“I’ll carry ther weapons, Buffalo Bill.” - -“No, thank you, Jerry, I can do so,” was the smiling reply. - -Shouldering the ax and iron bar the two men had brought with them, -and sticking their weapons in his belt, until he looked like a -walking arsenal, Buffalo Bill made his prisoners march down the hill -before him. - -There he found his horse, and, mounting, ordered the men to face -toward Pocket City and march. They did so with low curses and whines. - -It was just before sunset, as they passed Hangman’s Gulch, and they -glanced up into the dark recesses of the cañon, with many a misgiving -that they would soon be more intimately acquainted with the weird and -dreaded spot. - -Just as twilight was falling, the scout heard the supper-horn of the -Frying Pan Hotel, and from that moment a stream of humanity began to -pour out of the mines and cabins, and flow toward the rendezvous of -the miners on every night. - -They quickly caught sight of Buffalo Bill, whose handsome face and -form were seldom seen in Yellow Dust Valley, and, beholding his -prisoners, they began to call out, in many an odd question, as to -what it meant. - -“Ho, Tom and Jerry, what’s up?” - -“Ain’t thet Buf’ler Bill?” - -“What has yer got ’em in limbo fer, pard?” - -“Has they been robbin’ a hen-roost?” - -“Say, pard, what has they been up ter?” - -“Is yer goin’ ter hang ’em?” - -“They’ll be no loss.” - -“How did yer git yer foot inter it, Tom and Jerry?” - -Such questions flowed too fast for replies, and, though the scout -remained silent, the two prisoners tried to explain, but were -constantly cut off by fresh questions. At last a commanding voice -said: - -“Ho, scout, what have those fellows been doing?” - -The speaker was a storekeeper in the camps and a man of considerable -prominence, being captain of the Vigilantes. He stood in front of the -Frying Pan, where he had gone to get his supper. - -“I was coming along the valley, sir, near Deadshot Dean’s cabin, -and went up to take a look at it, when I saw those two men trying -to break in the door. Here is the ax and the bar they used. I -climbed upon the roof and had them where I wanted them, so made them -prisoners, determined to bring them to Pocket City and turn them -over to the miners, with a statement of the facts.” - -“They have a very bad record, sir, and have got their heads at last -into the noose. Remember, Tom and Jerry, it has not been a week since -I warned you that you were getting to the end of your rope. You, sir, -I am told, are Buffalo Bill, chief of scouts at Pioneer Post?” - -“I am, sir.” - -“Then turn over your prisoners to me for trial by our miners’ laws, -sir, for I am Scott Kindon, captain of Vigilantes and proprietor of -the Miners’ Market, as my store is called. I am glad to meet you, -Buffalo Bill, so dismount and be my guest at the hotel to-night.” - -Buffalo Bill dismounted and led his horse to the stables. He was -shown to a pleasant room, where he freshened up for supper, and found -every attention bestowed upon him by the clerk whom Bonnie Belle had -left to manage her affairs in her absence, and who seemed anxious to -treat the scout well. - -Bonnie Belle’s quarters were all securely locked up in her absence, -but otherwise the hotel was in full blast and the Vigilante captain -and Buffalo Bill sat down to a very tempting supper. - -The prisoners had been placed in safe hands and with their guards -were eating supper near, so the scout had an opportunity to see how -much kindness was bestowed upon the two men. - -“You see the boys wish to do the best they can for them, as they -regard them as dying men,” explained the storekeeper. - -“Dying men?” - -“Well it amounts to that, as we shall try them after supper, and that -means a verdict of guilty.” - -“What is the use of trying them if the verdict is assured?” asked -Buffalo Bill, with a smile. - -“Well, for effect. You caught them trying to break into Deadshot -Dean’s cabin and rob it, and you brought here with you the implements -they used, while you bear testimony to their guilt.” - -“True, but why not run them out of the camps, under penalty of death -if they return?” - -“That would never do, for, of course, every fellow that is run out -has a purse made up for him by the sympathetic miners, and hereafter -every man that wanted money would do some act to be sent away for, -whereas if we try these men, find them guilty and hang them, Pocket -City will rid itself of two notorious scoundrels and their end will -serve as a wholesome lesson for others.” - -“Well, if they are all you say they are they deserve hanging, yet I -suppose it would have been better for me to have taken them to the -fort to get justice.” - -“They will get justice here, for we will try them by the law of -right. Now let us go and arrange for the trial.” - -“Need I appear in the matter, sir?” - -“Well, as I am judge, I’ll ask you to take a seat with me on the -bench.” - -“You are very kind, sir; but I am only a witness.” - -“Well, you will have to face the prisoners and the crowd, so take a -seat with me on the ‘bench.’” - -The “judge” evidently felt the importance of his position, and, as -he left the supper-room, lighted his pipe, and took up his position -upon the piazza, where seats had already been placed for him and the -prisoners. - -The _bench_ was one in reality, and Buffalo Bill sat down next to the -judge, while the prisoners were placed in front of them. - -The crowd had now increased to several hundred men, yet they were -not noisy, and their silence was more expressive than their shouting -would have been. - -The prisoners were white with fear, for they sat where the light of a -number of lanterns fell full upon them. They cast uneasy glances at -the judge, baleful ones at Buffalo Bill, and pleading ones over the -crowd, where they looked in vain for some sympathetic face. - -The Vigilante captain called the meeting to order by rapping with his -bowie-knife upon the bench. It was as effective, however, as a golden -gavel in Congress would have been. Instantly there was a death-like -silence. - -“Gentlemen,” began the Vigilante captain, after clearing his throat, -“you have honored me by making me captain of the Vigilantes of Yellow -Dust Valley, and also have bestowed upon me the more honored title of -Judge of the Criminal Court of Pocket City. - -“There are many of us present who remember that Yellow Dust Valley -was a very dangerous place of abode before the Vigilantes were -organized, for lawlessness and disorder reigned supreme. But since -they began to hunt down criminals and this court to sentence them for -their crimes, see the change. Why, there has not been a murder in -Pocket City for thirty-six hours. - -“A short while since this gentleman occupying a seat upon the bench -with me, was ambushed by a gang of desperadoes, and would have -been hanged but for the intervention of our honored fellow citizen, -Deadshot Dean, now absent, who killed the ringleader and saved a -valuable life. - -“Two of that gang are now arraigned before you as prisoners, charged -with another offense against law and order. This gentleman, my fellow -citizens, I desire to introduce to you as a man whose name has spread -from pole to pole, from the rising to the setting sun, as you will -know when I tell you that he is Buffalo Bill.” - -A wild roar like thunder answered the words of the judge, and Buffalo -Bill arose and bowed to the compliment bestowed upon him. - -“Now, gentlemen,” resumed the judge, “let me tell you that on his way -to Pocket City this evening Buffalo Bill saw a sight which I am going -to ask him to relate to you.” - -Thus urged, the scout arose and simply told his story as it is known -to the reader. Then the judge resumed: - -“You have heard, gentlemen, and this case is tried according to law -and Gospel, for as soon as we have heard your decision in the matter, -and I can guess what it will be, I will pass sentence, after which -I will read a chapter in the Bible and the Ten Commandments to the -prisoners and end by singing the Doxology. Now, gentlemen, are these -men guilty or not guilty?” - -“Guilty,” came with another roar like thunder. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - IN HANGMAN’S GULCH. - - -The two prisoners fairly quaked under the angry response of “guilty” -to the question of the judge, and Buffalo Bill quickly arose and -signified his desire to speak. The judge rapped for silence and said: - -“We will hear what the great scout has to say.” - -“I would say, gentlemen, as a government officer, it is my wish to -have full justice done these men. It is true that I caught them -robbing a miner’s cabin, or attempting to do so; but, there are -crimes far more heinous than that, and I beg that you will, in their -case, give them as light a punishment, as possible, for I am sure -they will heed the warning they have had.” - -The words of the scout fell upon deaf ears, when he made an appeal -for mercy. He might as well have attempted to stem the current of a -river as stay that mad element of humanity, for all eyes turned from -him to the judge, who said: - -“You have heard the appeal of our distinguished friend for mercy, and -we will be merciful. As these men have been unanimously pronounced -guilty, our mercy will be not to long keep them in the agony of -their approaching doom, and hence I do hereby sentence them to be -taken within the hour to Hangman’s Gulch, and there to be hanged by -the neck until all life shall leave them, for the good order of this -community must and shall be preserved.” - -Again a roar greeted these words, and once more rapping for silence -the judge said: - -“Officers, do your duty.” - -The two guards stepped forward, and over the head of each prisoner -placed a noose. Then the judge opened the Bible and read, just why -Buffalo Bill did not know, the story of Daniel in the den of lions. -This he followed with the Ten Commandments. Three hundred voices -then sang the Doxology, and the judge arose, and, locking his arm in -Buffalo Bill’s, led the way to Hangman’s Gulch. - -The guards and their prisoners followed, the twelve men who were to -draw the doomed men into mid-air, each grasping the rope of their -respective victim. - -A slow and solemn step was kept to Hangman’s Gulch, the many lanterns -casting flickering shadows, as they marched along. At last the place -was reached, already dotted with the graves of many men who had thus -been tried and executed. - -Into the dark weird place they filed, and soon approached the gallows -where so many others had died. - -The two prisoners were moaning, like men in physical pain, for they -were cowards at heart. Then they began to plead for mercy. But as -well might they have appealed to the cliffs about them as to that -crowd, for while some there were doubtless merciful, they were too -greatly in the minority to dare speak what they felt. - -The ropes were thrown over the beam, which was greased, and, at a -signal from the judge, the twelve men upon each line drew their -victims up into mid-air, silencing their cries for mercy. - -Then, back from Hangman’s Gulch surged the crowd, laughing and -talking as they went over the affair, and it was generally agreed -that Pocket City would be the better for the hanging. - -The Vigilante captain felt that he had done his duty, so repaired -to his store in a very self-satisfied humor, while Buffalo Bill -accompanied him for a short time, and began, in a quiet way, to -question him about Bonnie Belle. - -All he could learn was the fact that not a man in Yellow Dust Valley -was there to say one word against her, all holding her as above -reproach. Nothing was known of her antecedents, and there was not -the slightest suspicion that she was connected in any way with the -road-agents under Silk Lasso Sam. - -She had gone East upon some business of her own, the storekeeper -said, and Deadshot Dean, the miner, had been her escort, and, not -aware that the latter was a married man, Scott Kindon hinted that he -believed there was a strong feeling of friendship between the two. -This might result in marriage, and the “judge” hoped that it would, -as the miner was a splendid fellow in his opinion. - -Then, learning that the driver of the stage-coach was in Pocket City -that night, Buffalo Bill sought him out. He found him at the Devil’s -Den, having just won all the money at poker which his adversary had. - -He greeted the scout pleasantly, said that he had come in a couple of -hours before, and was glad to feel that the trail was free of outlaws. - -“I wish to ask you, Pard Sandy, something about Bonnie Belle?” said -Buffalo Bill. - -At once Sandy was all attention. - -“Waal, pard, what kin I tell yer?” - -“You took her in your coach when she went East?” - -“Sure.” - -“And the miner?” - -“Deadshot Dean?” - -“Yes.” - -“He went along, too.” - -“Where did you leave them?” - -“Waal, she left me at the trail junction.” - -“And the miner?” - -“He went on East on the regular coach.” - -“And Bonnie Belle?” - -“She took the upper branch trail via Omaha.” - -“East?” - -“Yes.” - -This answer caused Buffalo Bill to ponder deeply. - -Bonnie Belle surely started East. Why then did she leave Deadshot -Dean at the Overland junction and take the upper trail which led her -through Chicago? Why did she turn back unless she had received some -word from the fort, where her brother was a prisoner? - -Texas Jack, he recalled, had gone off on a special mission, which had -not been reported to him. He would inquire if Texas Jack had been to -Pocket City. So he asked Sandy if he had seen Texas Jack. - -“Oh, yes.” - -“Where?” - -“He came to Pocket City, and then followed on after the coach.” - -“Why?” - -“He had a letter for Bonnie Belle.” - -“From where?” - -“The fort.” - -“From whom?” - -“I don’t know.” - -“Did he overtake the coach?” - -“Yes.” - -“Did he deliver the letter?” - -“He did, pard.” - -“And receive an answer?” - -“Not a written one, pard.” - -“A verbal answer?” - -“Yes.” - -“Do you know what it was?” - -“I heard her say, ‘Tell him simply that I will.’” - -“Ah! and then?” - -“Texas Jack went back on the trail, and I drove on with my -passengers, Deadshot Dean leaving me by one trail at the junction and -Bonnie Belle going by the upper trail.” - -“And you did not hear of her passing back over the trail?” - -“See here, Buffalo Bill, you is chief of scouts at Pioneer Post I -knows well, and you has a right ter ask all questions of me, but I -wants ter say if it’s ter get Bonnie Belle inter trouble, I’ll be a -dumb man, sart’in, and don’t you fergit it.” - -“Pard Sandy, that little woman has no better friend than I am, and I -would protect, rather than do one act to cause her trouble; but I am -on a secret trail, which I wish to see the end of, and you can help -me by answering my questions and perhaps save much trouble, for I -believe there is a plot on hand to rescue Silk Lasso Sam and his men -by force, and you surely do not wish to see those devils again turned -loose upon the trails more revengeful than ever?” - -“I does not, and I thanks you for being square with me, Buffalo Bill. -The fact is I did not _hear_ of Bonnie Belle’s going West ag’in, but -I happen to know thet she did go, and that’s all I can tell you.” - -“Well, I’ll ask no more, Sandy, to-night at least. Good night,” and -Buffalo Bill remained in the Devil’s Den while the driver left it -with his winnings in his pocket. - -The scout was the cynosure of all eyes as he leisurely strolled about -the gambling-saloon, going from table to table, risking a few dollars -at faro, and winning, then being equally as lucky at roulette, -rouge-et-noir, and dice-throwing, when he received a challenge from a -miner to play him a game of cards. - -“Oh, yes, I’ll play if you wish, though I had not intended to when I -came in,” said the scout. - -“Waal, I plays for big stakes, and don’t you forgit,” was the answer -of the challenger. - -Buffalo Bill took his measure in a steady look at him. He thought -that his face was familiar, but he was not sure, for he could not -recall where he had seen him before. - -He was a man even larger than the scout, for he was more brawny, -weighing over two hundred pounds and as hard as iron. His face was -bearded, his hair worn long, and he carried no knife in his belt, but -instead four revolvers, two in front and one on each hip, so that -no matter where he dropped his hand it must fall upon the butt of a -“gun.” - -He wore no superfluous clothing, either, his miner’s shirt, corduroy -pants, top-boots, and slouch-hat, pulled down over his eyes about -making up his wardrobe. - -The carrying of four revolvers had gained him the name of “Pistols,” -and that he knew how to use them, too, several graves upon Sunset -Hill gave testimony. - -He was peacefully inclined when not drinking, but when under the -influence of liquor his best friends avoided him religiously, and -those who saw him challenge Buffalo Bill to play cards felt that -the scout had made a mistake in accepting, for they discovered that -Pistols was drinking, and that meant a row they were certain. - -In answer to the remark of the man that he played for big stakes, -Buffalo Bill asked in his quiet way: - -“What do you call big stakes, pard?” - -“What does I call big stakes?” - -“Yes, that is the question I asked.” - -“Waal, I call a game without a limit big money.” - -“Are you able to stand a game without a limit?” - -“Is I? Ask my pards if I can’t call yer at a thousand and pay if I -loses.” - -“Oh, a thousand is your limit, then?” - -“Can you match me?” - -“If I could not I would not play with you; but when you said without -limit, I wished to know what you meant, as you can size my pile at a -thousand. Now you know what I can do, so say whether you will play or -back down?” - -“Back down?” yelled the miner savagely. - -“Yes,” was the perfectly calm response. - -“I never backs down agin’ any odds.” - -“Then play,” said Buffalo Bill, in the coolest manner possible. - -The interest in the games going on in Devil’s Den very quickly were -centered in the match between Buffalo Bill and Pistols. - -“I’m out for scalps,” the miner had said, in a voice that was heard -all over the saloon. - -At this Buffalo Bill looked him squarely in the face and there was -something in the look that controlled the man, and he said: - -“I see now that you have been drinking. Had I suspected this I would -not have played with you, for I never play with a drunken man. Behave -yourself now, or quit before trouble follows.” - -There was that in the words and look which mastered the man, for he -made at first no reply; but then he said: - -“What did I say to make you mad?” - -“Nothing, for I am not angry; but you said you were out for scalps, -and I wish you to understand that I take the same trail when there is -need for it.” - -The man appeared cowed, for he said: - -“We don’t want trouble, Buffalo Bill, so shall I git a fresh pack of -cards, and will yer take a drink?” - -“Thank you, I do not care to drink, and you take my advice and let it -alone. But get the cards.” - -An angry gleam came into the eyes of Pistols. He made no reply, and -walked to the bar after a fresh pack of cards. - -“Shuffles, give me a fresh pack and some whisky, too,” he said. - -“Here’s the cards, Pistols, but take my advice and don’t drink any -more, for Buffalo Bill is a stranger here,” said Shuffles. - -“Waal, he wants ter git better acquainted with ther folks. Whisky, I -said, straight, strong, and blistering.” - -Had Bonnie Belle been there he would have refused. But to do the -best he could he took a half-empty bottle, hastily poured water into -it, and set it before the man, hoping to have him get but half the -quantity. The miner suspected, held it up to the lamp, and looked at -it. - -“Is this pale sherry, Shuffles?” - -“It’s whisky.” - -“You lies, for you have drowned it with water, so you kin hev it.” - -Quick as a flash he dashed the stuff full into the face of poor -Shuffles, who, blinded and maddened, drew his revolver and fired a -shot at random. It was the last act of his life, for he dropped dead -with a bullet in his brain, while Pistols called out: - -“He put water into my whisky, pards, and then shot at me, so I kilt -him. Thar he lies ahind the bar.” - -To put water in whisky was a criminal offense which the miners of -Yellow Dust Valley could not forgive or forget, and so Shuffles lost -the sympathy of the crowd by his heinous act, while Pistols rose in -their estimation for visiting just punishment upon one who would do -such a thing. - -“Now, Pard Studley, I wants some whisky,” and Pistols turned to the -bartender nearest, who quickly placed a fresh bottle before him, -while the miner took the other which had caused the trouble, and, -dashing it against the wall at the rear of the bar, shivered it to -atoms. - -“Yer sha’n’t p’izen no one else with watered whisky,” he said. - -Then, turning to those who had gathered about him, he said: - -“J’ine me, folks, in a lettle beverage, for I’m bettin’ high it will -be ther Simon-pure article. Does yer catch on?” - -They “caught on” with alacrity, and with the upturned face of -Shuffles, the eyes wide open staring into his own, Pistols poured his -glass full to the brim and dashed it down his throat. - -A hush had fallen upon the crowd during this scene, and a few of the -timid ones, or, rather, those who wished to avoid being in a row, -silently withdrew from the building. - -There were several who felt that Buffalo Bill was making a sad -mistake in having accepted the challenge of Pistols, while others -knew that had he not done so, a row would have been precipitated at -once, for he would certainly have insulted the scout then and there. - -A few now hastened to tell Buffalo Bill, who had not risen from his -seat, that Pistols had just killed Shuffles, and had then taken a -tumblerful of whisky, so was in a dangerous mood. - -“He didn’t have quite enough ter brace him fer trouble with you, -pard, for he has heerd o’ you, as we all has, and that’s why he got -more. He’s primed now, and will go off like a hair-trigger,” a miner -said. - -“Yaas, so jist go out and let him alone,” another added. - -Buffalo Bill smiled serenely. It was a smile that some who saw it -felt boded mischief. Then he said complacently: - -“I never seek trouble, gentlemen, unless I am after a man I know -needs running down, and duty compels me. I sought no trouble with -your comrade, and merely accepted his challenge, so he can turn it -into any game that suits his humor best.” - -“Here he comes now,” cried a voice, and just then Pistols was seen -approaching the table where Buffalo Bill sat, a cigar between his -teeth. - -With a lurch Pistols dropped into his chair and glared at Buffalo -Bill. - -“I has come back!” he said. - -“So I see.” - -“There’s ther pack o’ cards,” and he tossed them upon the table. - -Buffalo Bill picked them up, glanced at them, and said: - -“Yes, they are all right.” - -“Did yer think I’d git any as wasn’t?” - -“Not being acquainted with you I didn’t know.” - -“Waal, we’ll git better acquainted, I’m thinking.” - -“Perhaps.” - -“Come, don’t git skeered, fer I ain’t goin’ ter shoot, only I hed ter -kill a feller over that, just now, and I is loadin’ my gun ag’in.” - -“You are very wise.” - -“Yer see he insulted me.” - -“I can hardly believe that possible.” - -There were a number who heard this reply who appreciated its sarcasm. -Pistols felt that there was a meaning in it he could not fathom, so -he did not try, and said: - -“Yes, he put water in my whisky.” - -“Did he not know you?” - -“Yaas, only he tried to play a underhand game on me. We has been -mighty good friends, Shuffles and me, for he has twice saved my life, -and he meant well toward me, I is sart’in, fearin’ I sh’u’d git too -much, so he put water in my whisky, and I’d kill my brother fer a -insult like that.” - -“I can believe you; but may he not have been only wounded?” - -“Yer don’t know me, pard, for I never wastes powder and lead, but -shoots to kill. I is sorry my poor pard Shuffles committed suicide, -for he should have know’d me well; but he’s out o’ misery now, and -I’ll pay all ther expenses of ther funeral and give him a beautiful -send-off on ther trail ter glory, an’ put up a stone over him with -a inscription as a warnin’ to them who puts water in whisky, which -I drinks ter git all o’ ther leetle devil out of it I kin. Does yer -tumble?” - -“Oh, yes; but do you still wish to play with me?” - -“Does I?” - -“Yes.” - -“Why, pard, I is in fer a game o’ anything with you.” - -“Then let us begin.” - -The words were so quietly uttered, the look of the scout was so calm, -that it checked the devil gaining the ascendency of the man for a -minute. - -“All right, pard, I is ready.” - -The cards were shuffled, cut for the deal, and Buffalo Bill won. Then -the game was begun. - -All who watched the two men, and they were all who could crowd about -them, saw that the scout was as cool as an icicle, showing not the -slightest dread of what any one who was near felt sure must end in a -deadly encounter between the two players. - -Buffalo Bill serenely smoked his cigar, his face remaining -impassive, and yet those who watched him closely saw that his eyes -were rather upon his adversary than his cards. - -The game was played more carefully by Pistols than those who saw -him believed possible, for he was cautious in all he did and leered -maliciously at Buffalo Bill when he gained a point. At last he seemed -to brighten up and said: - -“A hundred on my hand, Buffalo Bill.” - -“Mine is worth twice that sum.” - -“I’ll add that more to mine.” - -“So will I,” was the quiet response. - -“I calls yer.” - -“Four aces,” and Buffalo Bill laid the cards upon the table. - -“Durn yer,” said the miner without showing his hand, and the scout -pocketed the money. - -That Pistols felt his loss was evident to all, for his face grew -darker and an uglier look came into his eyes. - -“Well, how much is your hand worth, Mister Pistols?” asked the scout, -when the climax of the second game came around. - -“It’s worth a hundred,” and Pistols appeared confident, then. - -“No more?” - -“Well, what is your hand worth?” - -“Just five hundred dollars, no more no less.” - -The miner started. Could it be possible that the scout held a better -hand than he did this time? No, it could not be. The lightning would -not strike twice in the same spot. - -“I jist says show up to ther tune of five hundred.” - -Buffalo Bill put up the money he had just won, adding more to it, and -said: - -“There, match that with five hundred.” - -The miner drew out a greasy buckskin bag and took out a roll of -bills. He counted out very slowly five hundred dollars, and it could -be seen that very little remained in the bag. - -“Thar she goes, and yer needn’t squint at ther bag, fer thar is more -whar thet come from. Now I’m thinkin’ your money is mine, so show yer -hand.” - -“Four aces,” said the scout, without the change of a muscle. - -“Four aces!” roared the miner. “Four aces agin’ my four kings! How -comes that?” - -“You dealt, pard, and were more generous to me than to yourself,” and -Buffalo Bill very quietly put the money in his pocket, while he said: - -“I’ll play you another game to give you a chance to win back your -money, or lose more, if you wish it.” - -“There’s only one more game I’ll play with you, Buffalo Bill, and -that’s with these,” and the miner quickly leveled his revolvers. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - TURNING THE TABLES. - - -The miner’s words and act at once cleared a lane behind Buffalo Bill -and himself between the crowds that had gathered around. - -But the act did not appear to disturb the scout. If caught off his -guard by the sudden drawing of his revolvers by Pistols, Buffalo Bill -remained as cool as before, and said: - -“Then you are willing to play a square game with me with revolvers, -are you?” - -“I is going ter play a game with you, yes, but there’s others in it -besides, for I has something to say to you, Buffalo Bill.” - -“Talk fast then, old man, for life’s short, you know.” - -“Oh, it’ll be short enough to you, when I tells what I knows agin’ -you.” - -“What do you know?” - -“I knows that you was ther cause o’ havin’ two innocent men strung up -in Hangman’s Gulch this night. I only wish I’d been at ther hangin’, -for them wouldn’t hev been ther men thet got choked.” - -“I am listening.” - -“But me and my pard, Dave Dunn, got in too late ter save them poor -murdered men, and when I heerd what had been done, says I, thet as -Buffalo Bill will hev ter die ter-night, I’ll jist be his heir by -winning his money fu’st. So I axes yer ter play me.” - -“And I did?” - -“Yaas, for sure.” - -“And I became your heir, as you put it.” - -“So far.” - -“Well, what else?” - -“A heap, for I wants ter let ther folks know thet Dave Dunn and me -were up in ther range and seen you breakin’ inter ther cabin’ o’ -Deadshot Dean.” - -A murmur went through the crowd at this, while Buffalo Bill said -indifferently: - -“Is that all? - -“Why, I feel relieved, for I was afraid you were going to accuse me -of cheating you.” - -“Oh, no, yer played square enough, for I was a-watchin’ yer; but we -seen yer breakin’ inter Deadshot’s cabin, and Tom and Jerry caught -yer at it. But you was too soon for them, got them under ther muzzle -of yer gun, and trotted them off as house-breakers when you was the -thief.” - -“Why did you not at once come to their rescue?” asked Buffalo Bill, -when the uproar which these words created had in a measure subsided. - -“We was up in Eagle Nest Mountain, and it took us a long time ter git -down to ther valley and up to Pocket City. Then we found thet ther -folks hed believed you, Buffalo Bill, agin’ them men, and it were too -late. So we talked it over, and thar is jist a large-size community -here ter-night as says you has got ter hang, too.” - -“Why not make it by unanimous consent, Mister Pistols, for it would -sound better when reported at the fort to Colonel Dunwoody?” - -The crowd gave vent to a murmur of admiration at the scout’s pluck. -He did not appear to be in the least degree disturbed by the danger -he most certainly was in. - -“Oh, I knows yer is game, and I has just seen thet yer kin bluff, but -thet don’t go now.” - -“What does?” - -“Ropes is trumps.” - -“You intend to hang me, then?” - -“We does.” - -“Without judge or jury?” - -“We have set on your case, and it is agin’ yer.” - -“When am I to be hanged, please?” - -“Afore dawn.” - -“Isn’t that crowding matters a little?” - -“No more than you crowded it agin’ them two poor boys as was hanged -to-night.” - -“And you saw me break into Deadshot Dean’s cabin?” - -“I did.” - -“And the other witness?” - -“Was Dave Dunn.” - -“I do not believe anybody here who has common sense will believe -any such charge against me,” said the scout, while, with his elbows -resting upon the table at which he sat, Pistols held his revolver, -covering the heart of the scout. - -“Yer don’t believe it?” - -“No, I don’t.” - -“Pards, does I tell the truth?” - -In his excitement the miner turned his head, and in that instant his -revolver was struck upward and knocked from his hands by Buffalo -Bill, who now held him covered with his weapon. - -“A turn about is fair play, Mister Pistols.” - -Some laughed at this, but Pistols swore roundly, yet dared not move, -for he saw he was caught, the left hand of the scout lying upon his -own weapon where it had fallen upon the table, the right holding his -revolver within a foot of his eyes. - -But the words of the miner had been answered by a savage chorus of -voices, crying: - -“You is right, Pard Pistols, for Buffalo Bill is the guilty man.” - -Still, the pluck of the scout did not desert him, and he never -changed expression at the outburst. Encouraged by the cries of his -comrades, though under cover of the scout’s pistol, the miner said: - -“See here, Buffalo Bill, you has half a hundred guns on you, but we -don’t intend ter shoot yer, but hang yer, as you got poor Tom and -Jerry strung up, so up with yer hands, mighty quick, says I.” - -“Yes, up with your hands, Buffalo Bill!” shouted the crowd savagely, -while scores of revolvers covered the scout as he still sat at table, -facing the ringleader, whom he yet held his revolver upon, the muzzle -within a foot of his eyes. - -It certainly did look bad for Buffalo Bill, and for two reasons. -First, the charge of Pistols, backed by Dave Dunn, a reputable -miner, seemed to be believed by a great many of those present. - -Second, the crowd that backed Pistols was not only numerous, but -composed of the very worst element in the mines. This shut off many, -who felt that the accusation was utterly false, from lending any aid. - -Pistols was certainly in danger of instant death at the hands of the -scout, but the latter was equally in danger of sudden death from the -backers of his accuser. Thus the situation rested until Buffalo Bill -broke the silence with: - -“See here, Pistols, I recall that ugly face of yours, now that I get -a better look at it, and I remember you as one of Powder Face Pete’s -gang who ambushed me some time ago, under pretense that I was Silk -Lasso Sam. You wished to get rid of me then, because I make this -country too hot for just such men as you and your ilk. - -“Now, what are you going to do about it, Mister Pistols, for if I am -facing death, you are just as close as I am to it, so begin business -when you please, and you’ll find that I’ll never hang, and dying, -will take company along, so as not to get too lonesome on the trail -across the Dark River.” - -The splendid pluck of Buffalo Bill, at bay against a crowd, -delighted many present. But those who surrounded him were his foes, -and the better element hung back, feeling that a terrible scene must -follow the first shot fired. - -Pistols felt his situation keenly. The danger had sobered him. His -desire was to see Buffalo Bill hanged by the crowd, and it began -to look as though he would not be there to witness it. He felt -how certain death was for him if his comrades pushed the scout to -extremes. - -Such was the situation, and the suspense to all was fearful, -especially to Pistols and the scout, though the latter was, as a -miner expressed it to a pard: - -“Beautifully serene.” - -The crowd was becoming restless, and there were those who did not -love Pistols and would push matters to a climax to get him killed -that they might then hang the scout. - -But, just as it seemed that in another instant must come a crash, a -loud, stern voice rang out with: - -“What does this mean, holding a government officer under your guns? -Room here, men!” and, hurling men right and left by his giant -strength as though they were children, the Surgeon Scout strode to -the side of Buffalo Bill, who still sat at the table, covering the -miner with his revolver. - -A perfect yell of joy burst from many in the crowd, who thus gave -vent to their pent-up feelings as they saw the splendid form of Frank -Powell, the Surgeon Scout, in uniform, stride into the midst of the -scene. - -“Ah! doc, just in time to keep me from killing this gent, and being -made a target of myself for half a hundred bullets,” said Buffalo -Bill, still unmoved. - -“It seems that I am just in time, Bill, and if I mistake not there -are men in this crowd who will dangle at a rope’s end for this work, -if they harm a hair of your head. What does it mean?” - -The ugly element in the crowd was still paramount. It had only -received a temporary check by the coming of the Surgeon Scout. - -The greatest number of the miners present were now, however, -decidedly upon the side of law and order, but the devil in the nature -of the others was destined to lead them on to trouble. - -They did not care whether Pistols died or not at the hands of Buffalo -Bill. They hated Bill and his body-guard because they were the foes -of the bad element in the mines. They hated the army, because it put -down lawlessness. - -Here was a chance to wipe out the chief of scouts and Surgeon Powell, -of both of whom they stood in the greatest awe. - -This ugly element were sixty to two, and they had nothing to lose. -The army would sweep down upon the Yellow Dust Valley, of course, but -who could be found who was guilty, who could be punished? - -Thus the men who had backed Pistols argued, and with a desire for -a row, a wish to sacrifice Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout, and -enough whisky in them to make them reckless of consequences, they -began to crowd closely upon the center of attraction, where Cody sat -still covering Pistols, and with the Surgeon Scout by his side, a -revolver in each hand. - -It was a most critical moment, for the officer and the scout saw that -the authority of the latter was going to be defied. - -“Men, don’t mind what Brass Buttons says, for, as he’s chipped inter -the game, he goes with Buffalo Bill. Don’t shoot, for that means -innocent men hurted, but capter them two gamecocks alive and hang -’em. Does I say right?” and the burly ruffian who had constituted -himself leader gazed at the crowd with a look that demanded -recognition. - -The yell that greeted his words showed the temper of the crowd, -which began to sway to and fro wildly, preparing for a rush upon the -two men now at bay. - -“I am sorry you came, Frank, for it only brings you into a tight -place,” said Buffalo Bill, in a low tone to the Surgeon Scout, and he -at once drew a second revolver from his belt to have it ready, though -he did not take his eyes off of the miner whom he covered. - -“I don’t mind it, Bill, and I’m always ready to die, if need be, for -a comrade. If they make a rush, kill that man, then stand back to -back with me and let us make a record before we go under,” was Frank -Powell’s response. - -“I’m with you, Frank,” rejoined Cody, and he added, addressing the -miner: - -“You started this circus, Mister Pistols, but you won’t see the end -of it.” - -“Cuss you, I’ll call ’em off if you’ll call it quits,” returned -Pistols eagerly, now thoroughly terrified when he saw another leader -in the field who meant to precipitate matters independent of him. - -“Pard, you talk in your sleep, for you could no more call off that -pack than you could tell the truth. No, you set the tune and the song -must be sung through.” - -In the meanwhile, the Surgeon Scout was watching the wildly swaying -crowd, which were gradually drawing closer about them, and he was -just about to open fire when there suddenly rang out a clear voice -above the noisy hum: - -“Hold! What does this mean, I should like to know?” - -Instantly there was silence, intense in that it followed such an -uproar. - -Then hats were doffed, the crowd swayed apart, and toward the table -where Buffalo Bill still held the miner under cover of his revolver, -and the Surgeon Scout stood at bay by his side, glided Bonnie Belle. - -She was dressed in a blue dress, trimmed with silver braid, wore a -slouch-hat with a heavy sable plume, and carried a revolver in each -hand. Behind her came Sandy, the driver of the Overland, and then -Scott Kindon, the captain of the Vigilantes. - -But, Bonnie Belle neither needed aid nor asked it. Her simple -presence commanded respect. - -They had deemed her far away in the East, and like an apparition she -had glided through the door she always entered by, and her white -face, now stern and threatening, showed that she was in no humor to -trifle with. - -“Ah! Surgeon Powell, it is you, and you also, Buffalo Bill, whom -these roughs hold at bay? And for what?” - -“I was scouting, Bonnie Belle, and came upon two men, Tom and Jerry -they called them, breaking into Deadshot Dean’s cabin. I made them -prisoners, brought them here, and the Vigilantes hanged them. -To-night this man, whom I have covered, accused me of breaking into -the cabin, and he was not long in getting willing hands to hang me, -and, but for the coming of Surgeon Powell, it would have been over -ere this.” - -“And I only checked the trouble for a few minutes, Bonnie Belle, -as the men turned upon me, also. I took Buffalo Bill’s trail and -followed him here, for somehow I feared he might need aid. You have -saved us both by your timely coming, unless these gentlemen wish to -push their quarrel to a conclusion.” - -But the gentlemen did not seem to be so inclined, or, if they did, -the words of Bonnie Belle checked them, for she said sternly: - -“No, there will be no trouble here, for the man who raises a weapon -against you I will kill. As for you, Pistols, if you ever enter my -hotel or this saloon again, I will see that you do not do so a second -time. Shuffles, do you hear what I say about this man?” - -A silence followed, and, as no answer came, Bonnie Belle called again: - -“Shuffles!” - -“If you are calling your man left in charge here, Bonnie Belle, he is -dead,” said Buffalo Bill, as no one else seemed to care to speak. - -“Shuffles dead?” she repeated, with a start. - -“Yes.” - -“When did he die?” - -“To-night.” - -“Ha! he was killed?” - -“Ask one of your men here to tell you about it, Bonnie Belle.” - -She called a bartender and was told the story. She listened in -silence, making no comment, and then turned to Scott Kindon and asked: - -“Captain, is this not a case of murder?” - -“It looks so, Bonnie Belle.” - -“This man Pistols has been carrying too high a hand for the safety -and comfort of the good citizens in Yellow Dust Valley, and it -appears to me that he needs disciplining by the Vigilantes.” - -“Say the word, Bonnie Belle, and he travels the trail to Hangman’s -Gulch,” the Vigilante captain said very decidedly. - -Bonnie Belle was lost for a moment in thought, while Pistols gazed at -her with a look of pleading and despair commingled. At last she spoke: - -“No, Captain Kindon, I will not say the word, for I wish no man’s -life upon my conscience, where it can be avoided. The mines will be -the better for the taking off of those men, Tom and Jerry, and it -would make it more respectable to rid us of this man Pistols. He has -no mine or claim here, carries his fortune with him, I believe, so -give him until sunrise to get out of the camps, while, that he may -not be lonesome, let this man who was leading the attack upon Surgeon -Powell and Buffalo Bill go with him. - -“Shall it be so, comrades?” and Bonnie Belle glanced over the crowd -which answered with a yell that nearly raised the roof. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - A MIDNIGHT INTERVIEW. - - -Pistols was too happy to escape with his life to grumble at anything -that might be put upon him, and he was only too anxious to get away -from the saloon and start upon his exile, feeling that there was -safety only in placing many miles between himself and Yellow Dust -Valley. - -Dave Dunn, the other alleged witness against Buffalo Bill, had been -led into making the charge by his comrade Pistols, and, seeing how -matters were going, had slipped out of Devil’s Den and hastened to -his cabin to prepare for an immediate farewell to Pocket City. - -The burly fellow who had made himself a leader against Surgeon Powell -would have been glad to have escaped the notice of Bonnie Belle. But -her words had brought the eyes of the Vigilantes upon him, and he -was anxious to get away, and so with Pistols skulked out into the -darkness. - -They had hastened to their respective quarters then, making an -agreement to meet at Dave Dunn’s in half an hour’s time, and when -the sun rose the two were making tracks down the valley, carrying -their belongings upon a pole slung between two of them, and with all -the wealth they possessed in their pockets. - -“I would like to see you and Buffalo Bill, Surgeon Powell,” Bonnie -Belle had said, in a low tone. - -“We are going at once to the hotel.” - -“I will see you there,” and Bonnie Belle circled about the room, -greeted everywhere with the most cordial welcome. - -In the meanwhile Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill were congratulated -on all sides by those who had not had the nerve to come to their -rescue. - -But they received all that was said coldly, gaging it at about what -it was worth, and passed out of the saloon on to the hotel. - -The scout already had a room there, and the surgeon was given one -next to him, and so they repaired to them at once. - -“It came over me, Bill, to follow you, believing I might be of -service. I am not superstitious, as you know, but I had a dream in -which I saw you in a close place with Indians about you, and when I -awoke it was all so vivid to me that I wrote the colonel a note and -started upon your trail without waiting until dawn. I went on to the -end of Horseshoe Ned’s run, and he told me you were going down to -Pocket City, so here I came.” - -“And just in time, Frank, to save my life.” - -“It seems so. I was told you were here, so I went over to the Den and -saw what was going on, so chipped in. But, though I postponed matters -for a while, we both would have been food for coyotes at this present -time had not Bonnie Belle arrived as she did.” - -“And how did she come?” - -“I do not know.” - -“She started East from the Junction.” - -“Well, she came here instead, fortunately for us---- Come in!” - -A Chinese servant entered and said: - -“Misses say ’Melican man come with Chinaman.” - -This invitation was promptly accepted by the surgeon and the scout, -and they were led by the Chinaman to the private quarters of Bonnie -Belle. There she had a supper spread out for them, though it was -after one o’clock, and, receiving them cordially, said: - -“I wish to have a talk with you, gentlemen, and you will join me at -supper, please.” - -They readily consented, the Chinaman waiting upon the table, and -Bonnie Belle showing herself to be a most charming hostess. - -The supper over, and the Chinaman having departed, Bonnie Belle -handed her guests a couple of fine cigars and said: - -“I enjoy the fragrance of tobacco smoke, so please light them.” - -They did so, and then Bonnie Belle threw herself into an easy chair -in a tired way and said: - -“I am really fatigued, for I have had a long ride since leaving the -fort. I knew that you were upon my trail, Buffalo Bill, and I am glad -that you were, as you came up in time to have served both Horseshoe -Ned and myself well, but for the fact that our enemy had already been -placed hors de combat.” - -“Yes, you are fully able to protect yourself, Bonnie Belle,” said the -scout. - -“And others, too,” remarked Surgeon Powell. - -“Well, as I wished to throw you off the scent I went on eastward by -stage; but only for a couple of stations, where I secured a horse -and guide, going across country to head off Sandy on his way here. I -caught his coach and made him promise not to tell of my arrival, so -he drove, as there were no other passengers, at once to the stables, -and I got out there and ran to my rooms here. It was Sandy who heard -of the row in the Den, and he came for me, just as I intended going -into the saloon as a surprise. Now I have a favor to ask of both of -you.” - -“Granted before asked,” said Surgeon Powell. - -“Ditto,” responded Buffalo Bill. - -“You are very kind, to offer to grant me a favor without knowing what -it is. Suppose I ask you something that you cannot conscientiously -do?” said Bonnie Belle, with a smile. - -“That is impossible, for _you_ would not ask anything of us which we -cannot conscientiously do,” was the response of the surgeon. - -“It is not too much to ask, I feel. It would have to be much, indeed, -for us to refuse you, Bonnie Belle, for both of us owe you our lives, -and you may be sure, if not profuse in thanks, we appreciate that -we are under obligations to you,” and Surgeon Powell’s manner was -sincere. - -“Do not speak of what I did, for one does not deserve either thanks -or gratitude for doing one’s duty. No, I only wished to ask you both -not to betray me.” - -“Not to betray you?” - -“Yes, for no one knows here, except you two gentlemen, that I am the -sister of the condemned outlaw, Silk Lasso Sam. Not a soul do I wish -to know it.” - -“And no one shall through me,” said Powell. - -“Nor through word of mine,” added Buffalo Bill. - -“I believe that Captain Caruth suspected me, and yet when I met him -face to face at the fort he did not by any act show that he did. He -simply looked as though he recalled Bonnie Belle in Miss Ruth Arden, -and, if so, I wish that you would ask him also to keep my secret.” - -“I will.” - -“And he will do it.” - -“I do not care to have any one here know that I am the sister of the -outlaw, for it would bring me under a suspicion here with many which -I would not care for. Now I can do good, and I have a certain power -over the wildest spirits here, which you had an opportunity to see -yourselves to-night.” - -“We did, indeed,” said Buffalo Bill. - -“And it was in our behalf. You have indeed wonderful power over -the wild savages that congregate here in Pocket City,” the surgeon -remarked. - -“As the sister of the outlaw chief, no matter how innocent I might -be, you can well understand how I would lose my power. A wicked man -might influence them, yet not a wicked woman. It is only by holding -myself pure in all things that I retain my influence, and I wish to -be so respected unto the end.” - -“You are a very remarkable woman, Bonnie Belle, and one whom both -Cody and myself hold the highest respect for. Let me tell you, if it -is a pleasure for you to know it, that you are most highly respected -and admired by all at the fort, especially by the warm friends you -made in Colonel Dunwoody, Major and Mrs. Lester, and Miss Carr. - -“Did they know you as Bonnie Belle they would not change their -opinions in one iota regarding you. But, I can well understand that -this community, knowing you to be the sister of Silk Lasso Sam, would -at once suspect you of being secretly his ally in wrong-doing, so -your secret shall be kept.” - -“I thank you most sincerely, Surgeon Powell.” - -“And permit me to say, Bonnie Belle, that I switch off your trail at -once. I followed, for I believed that you intended to rescue your -brother,” said Buffalo Bill. “I believed that you went to the fort -to accomplish it by strategy, and, finding yourself thwarted, gave -it up. Then, I frankly confess, my idea was that you intended to -accomplish by force what you had failed to do by strategy, that is, -secure a number of men here who would follow your lead and thus -rescue your brother.” - -“No, I would not accomplish his rescue, save his life even, by the -taking of another life. What I could not accomplish by strategy I -would not do by force.” - -“I can believe that of you now, since what you have done and said -to-night.” - -“Let me tell you, Buffalo Bill, what I could have done to-night,” -said Bonnie Belle eagerly. - -“Yes.” - -“I could have seized both you and Surgeon Powell, sent you into -hiding where your best scouts could not have found you, and there -have held you as hostages to be given in exchange for my brother, or -put to death if he was executed.” - -“You are right; you surely could have done that.” - -“Without doubt,” added Frank Powell. - -“But I would not do so, and I would not be known as connected with -the outlaw in any way, and I thank you both for your promise not to -betray me. It is late now, so I will say good night, and I will be -glad to have you breakfast with me at nine, for that will give you -seven hours’ sleep. Good night.” - -They bowed themselves out, both impressed with the thought that they -had stood in the presence of a very superior woman and one as pure -as a pearl, in spite of her surroundings and the calling she followed -as mistress of the Frying Pan and the Devil’s Den. - -“Frank, I would not place a straw in the way of that girl to do her -harm,” said Buffalo Bill, as the two friends reached their room. - -“I would protect her from harm with my life, Bill,” was the Surgeon -Scout’s rejoinder. - -“Do you know she takes the coming execution of her brother, loving -him as she does, very coolly. - -“Yes, Bill, and it sets me to thinking.” - -“And me.” - -“You have an idea?” - -“Yes.” - -“What is it?” - -“That she may accomplish by strategy after all the rescue of Silk -Lasso Sam.” - -“It may be, for she is a very clever woman, and one dangerous to balk -when she sets her mind upon carrying out a plot.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - A BORDER BURIAL. - - -The morning dawned upon Yellow Dust Valley with Pistols, and Dave -Dunn, and their other ally, Maddox, making tracks out of the valley -with an anxiety to place many miles between themselves and the -citizens of Pocket City in as short a space of time as was possible. - -Crowds are proverbially fickle, and the thought in the minds of the -three fugitives was that the mob might decide to change its mind -and hang them, when it came to attend the funeral of Shuffles, whom -Pistols had so wantonly shot. - -While these three were keeping up a quick step for safety, as if by -common consent, Pocket City was taking a holiday. - -The miners had held open house at Devil’s Den until very late, or, -rather, early, for the gray of dawn was visible in the east when the -doors of the saloon were at last closed. - -Business had been good for the saloon, and bad for many a gambler, -and the employees were anxious to get the accounts straightened out -before Bonnie Belle examined the sales, expenses, and profits. - -Shuffles had been a universal favorite, for he was always polite, -obliging, and generous. He could never refuse a poor devil a drink -and would chalk the amount against himself, so that at the end of the -month he would only have a small sum coming to him out of his wages. - -Bonnie Belle had held the money back until just before her departure -for the East, when she had placed him in charge of the saloon, and at -the same time said to him: - -“Shuffles, you have been here for several years, and Landlord Lazarus -gave you the name of being a very honest man. In the past ten months -you have charged to yourself nearly two-thirds of your wages for -favors shown others who have never paid you. - -“I have kept it back, as I knew that it would be loaned away or -spent. I now hold for you the sum of what those amounts are, and -its total is a trifle over eight hundred dollars. When it reaches a -thousand I shall send it to your mother, of whom you have so often -spoken to me, to keep for you, and who you say has a mortgage on her -little farm which she and your two younger brothers are working hard -to pay off. How much is that mortgage?” - -Shuffles could hardly speak, his heart was so full of joy and -gratitude. But at last he faltered: - -“It is eleven hundred dollars, miss, for I sent mother fifty dollars -last week; but, oh! what can I do to thank you for your goodness to -me?” - -“Act as squarely by me as you have done in the past, and manage the -Den for me until further instructions.” - -“I will, miss, I will.” - -And upon the very night of Bonnie Belle’s return poor Shuffles -shuffled off this mortal coil, murdered for doing a kind act in -preventing Pistols from getting drunk, unmindful of the terrible fate -of a man who waters another man’s whisky. - -There was no contract between Bonnie Belle and her dead clerk, but -the morning after his death she arose, and her first duty was to -write a long letter to his mother, stating that he had been shot by a -desperado, whom he had once saved from being killed. - -She also stated that he should be buried with proper decency, -and that his effects should be sent to her at once, along with -twelve hundred dollars salary in her hands, due him, while a purse -contributed by the miners she begged her acceptance of, as it would -show in what esteem her dead son was held by those among whom he -associated. - -There was not a word as to his calling, or a word to cast a shadow -upon the mother’s love for her son. - -Bonnie Belle had just finished her letter when Surgeon Powell and -Buffalo Bill were ushered into her pleasant sitting-room, by Sly -Cheek, the Chinaman, who deserved his name most certainly. She -welcomed them pleasantly, told them of her letter to Shuffles’ -mother, and added: - -“Pocket City was up all night, so is resting now, for it is arranged -to give poor Shuffles a grand funeral this afternoon. An itinerant -organ-grinder was shot here some months ago, and his instrument -has been pressed into service as a brass band, while a quartet of -really fine voices are rehearsing a hymn which some clever fellow -has discovered can be sung to the air of “Tramp, Tramp, the Boys -are Marching,” the chorus being an original one written by a poor -poet here who gave up the pen for the pick and has made a failure -with both. You surely will remain to the funeral, gentlemen, of poor -Shuffles, for it would be a mark of respect the miners would never -forget you for showing?” - -“Outside of that inducement, Bonnie Bell, I would not miss it for the -world,” said the Surgeon Scout, with enthusiasm. - -“Yes, I know we should enjoy it,” Buffalo Bill added absent-mindedly, -his eyes upon a venison steak which Sly Cheek had just helped him to. - -“Enjoy it, Buffalo Bill?” said Bonnie Belle reproachfully. - -“No, I mean we should be delighted to attend, for if there is -anything that will keep me away from church on a Sabbath day it is -to attend a first-class border funeral, when the chief mourner is -generally the man who turned up the toes of the lamented corpse. -We will see Shuffles laid to rest, Bonnie Belle, and, as you spoke -of raising a purse for his mother, let me offer you now a hundred -dollars.” - -“Wait, please, until I call for the subscription, and then I will -accept your very generous offer,” was Bonnie Belle’s response. - -It was when the bugle sounded at noon, calling the miners to dinner -at the Frying Pan, the Pocket City really awoke to the situation. - -Scott Kindon, the Vigilante captain, set the example of respect by -closing his store and hanging in front of it a piece of black calico. - -The Devil’s Den had not been opened after its night closing, and the -door had been tastefully draped by Bonnie Belle with crape. - -The body of Shuffles was laid out upon the piazza of the Frying Pan, -in a coffin. A United States flag, brought into requisition on all -occasions, was spread over it, and two miners stood guard over the -remains, rifles in hand. It is safe to predict that had Pistols put -in an appearance then he would have been at once placed in the same -position of the lamented Shuffles. - -The crowd began to gather from one end of the valley to the other, -and miners came up with the hand-organ of the dead grinder in a -wheelbarrow. Placing the organ at the foot of the coffin one of the -miners began to play, and all during dinner such airs were ground out -as: - -“Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “The Girl I Left Behind Me,” “A Life On -the Ocean Wave,” “John Brown’s Body,” and others more or less suited -to the occasion. - -There were many extras who took dinner at the Frying Pan that day, so -that the Chinese servants were kept busy; but there was enough for -all, for Bonnie Belle kept a generously supplied table, and there was -never heard the slightest murmur of discontent. - -At last Bonnie Belle appeared upon the piazza, and, as the bars had -all been closed, she looked upon a sober crowd, though not a few were -still unsteady from the effects of drinking the night before. - -At her appearance all head-gear was raised. She was dressed in black, -slouch-hat, sable plume and all, as a mark of respect, and carried in -her hand a small basket. - -“Comrades,” she said with one of her sweetest smiles, and placing her -hand gently upon the head of the dead man lying in the coffin, “I -thank you all for coming here, for we are burying to-day a friend, -one whom we can all call by that sacred name, a name so often abused. -You knew poor Shuffles as he was yesterday, the day before, and -always, true as steel, generous to a fault, and a good man as far as -he understood right and wrong. - -“You know that he was murdered while he sought to do a kindness. But -you do not all know that he has a poor mother in the far-away State -of Connecticut living upon a farm which she and her three sons were -trying to free from debt. The oldest son lies here, dead, and no help -will she ever get from him now. - -“So it is that I ask you, in your generosity to contribute as you -can and will to the purse I wish to raise and send to her. One of -our guests here, Buffalo Bill, was the first to volunteer, and most -liberally, and he was followed by his comrade in arms, Surgeon Frank -Powell, and now I ask all to come forward and contribute their mite, -be it ever so little.” - -She turned to Buffalo Bill and he dropped a roll of bills into the -basket; Surgeon Powell did the same, and then the employees of the -Frying Pan and Devil’s Den followed, after which the miners came -forward in a steady stream, while, not to be outdone, the Chinese -servants “clubbed in” for the mother of the dead “’Melican man.” - -“Surgeon Powell, will you please count this contribution and state to -the donors just what it amounts to?” asked Bonnie Belle. - -The Surgeon Scout obeyed, and answered: - -“Gold-dust valued at five hundred dollars, bills amounting to four -hundred and fifty; gold pieces, one hundred and sixty, and silver one -hundred and forty, with a score of I. O. U.’s amounting to a hundred -dollars.” - -“I will cash those I. O. U.’s, and that makes a most generous -contribution of thirteen hundred and fifty dollars,” said Bonnie -Belle. - -This ceremony over with, the pall-bearers were called, the body was -taken up, and the cortège started for Sunset Hill, Bonnie Belle -escorted by Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill, and the miners following -in fours, while the organ led the way with “The Campbells are -Coming,” and “John Brown’s Body.” - -Arriving at the grave the hymn was sung by the quartet, all joining -in the original chorus written by the miner-poet, with a will that -sent a roar of melody down the valley to rebound from the distant -cliffs with many an echo. - -Then the body was lowered into the grave, while Surgeon Powell took -up a shovel and said in his deep, sympathetic voice: - -“We commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, -dust to dust.” - -Then as all stood with bowed, uncovered heads, there arose upon the -air a voice full of melody and pathos singing: - - “Nearer my God to Thee.” - -From beginning to end in her superb, rich tones, Bonnie Belle sang -the beautiful hymn, and when the last word was uttered, tears rolled -across faces furrowed and brown which had not been thus wet since -childhood. Manly hearts heaved convulsively with emotions which -overwhelmed them, and many a miner went to his cabin home from Sunset -Hill a better man for the burial he had witnessed of poor Shuffles. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - A SISTER OF MERCY. - - -Let us now return to the fort, after the departure of Ruth Arden. It -has been seen how the coach was held up on the trail, at Deep Dell -Brook, and that the road-agent quickly met his punishment at the -hands of Ruth, whose shooting was the admiration of Horseshoe Ned, -for he told the story over and over again at the station. - -Buffalo Bill, it has also been seen, followed the trail until -convinced that Ruth had gone East, and yet, to make sure, he had gone -to Pocket City, where he had saved Deadshot Dean’s cabin from being -broken into, and got Tom and Jerry into trouble for their lawless -housebreaking. - -Having had the dream he had, of Buffalo Bill being hemmed in by -redskins, Surgeon Powell, his stanch friend, had gone off upon his -trail, with a result already known to the reader. - -The departure of the chief of scouts and the Surgeon Scout, so soon -after the going of Ruth Arden, set a number in the fort to thinking -what it could mean. - -The visit of the young girl was discussed over and over again, not -only in the officers’ families, but at the clubs, and also in the -barracks among the men and in the settlement adjoining the fort. - -It seemed strange to outsiders that Colonel Dunwoody should be so -attentive to the sister of an outlaw, and that Major Lester and his -wife should have her for their guest, while Clarice Carr had been -seen so much with her. - -At the officers’ club the younger men hinted that it was a case of -love at first sight with the colonel, and all wondered just how it -would turn out. Certain the colonel had made no effort thus far to -get a pardon for the prisoner, even though doubtless urged to do so -by the outlaw’s beautiful sister. - -There was one thing which Ruth had asked of Clarice Carr, and that -was to see her brother and try and influence him for a better life, -even though, as she said, she knew that he was under the shadow of -the gallows, and that the day of his doom was drawing near. - -In obedience to this wish, the day after the departure of Ruth, -Clarice Carr obtained permission from the colonel to visit the -prisoner. It was given freely for her to go and come at will, as -Ruth had asked it. She accordingly went to the cabin, accompanied by -Captain Caruth, and the sentinel had orders to admit her. - -Arden Leigh, the outlaw, sat there, as he had when his sister had -visited him, taking matters very calmly. He arose at her entrance, -the clanking of his chains sounding very harsh in the ears of Clarice. - -“Miss Carr, this is an honor I had not anticipated,” he said, -standing and motioning to her to take his seat. - -“Your sister asked me to see you, and I have come to know if there is -aught that I can do for you.” - -“It is more than kind of you, Miss Carr, as you are the one I plotted -to rob of a large ransom. You have a good heart to forgive me.” - -“I only hope that all your sins may be forgiven as readily as I -forgive your sin against me, sir. But is there aught that you need -that I can send to you?” - -“Nothing. My wants are few, and they will be but for a short while, -as you know just one week from to-day I am to be hanged.” - -“So soon?” - -“Yes, it is to be on Friday, the thirteenth of the month.” - -“And are you prepared to die, Mr.--Mr.--Arden?” - -“In what sense do you mean, Miss Carr?” - -“Have you made your peace with God and man?” - -“I leave my life to man, who will take it, and if I have a soul it -must go to the keeping of God, who gave it.” - -“Then you will not pray for forgiveness for your sins?” - -“I will ask no mercy of a God whose laws I have outraged, and I ask -nothing of man. I have taken human life, and I have committed every -sin in the calendar of wickedness, I suppose. Yet all might have been -different had my earlier years been shaped in a different way, Miss -Carr. - -“My mother was lenient and forgiving, my father allowed me free -rein, and the only check I had upon my temper and temptations was my -little sister, then too young to understand me, or guide me aright. -When I fell in love with one who could have brought me back from the -precipice I was upon; could have made a good man of me, ready to -atone for the past in every way in my power, I found that she turned -from me for the love of another, my rival, whom I hated. - -“That was the turning-point of my life, Miss Carr, and from that -day I made men and women alike fair game. You see what my evil life -has brought me to, and, as I do not believe in death-bed repentance, -in outraging God and humanity, I will not now, when I can do nothing -else, appeal for mercy for sins I committed with my eyes open, and -without mercy to those who were my victims. - -“As I have lived, so will I die, Miss Carr, without fear. Come and -see me executed, will you not?” and Silk Lasso Sam smiled as sweetly -as though the shadow of death hovered not over him. - -Clarice Carr was greatly shocked at the words and indifference of -the doomed man to his fate, his execution upon the gallows, and his -recklessness of pardon beyond the grave. But she said, calmly and -sincerely: - -“Mr. Arden, though I would shun the scene in which you must be an -actor soon, as I would shun an open grave, yet, if my presence there -could add one atom of comfort to you, could smooth your last moments, -as your sister’s loving heart might, I would go with you willingly -under the very shadow of the gallows, and be the last one to clasp -your hand in farewell.” - -The man started at her words and half-held out his manacled hands, -while his face changed from its stern expression to one of softness. - -“It is just such women as you, Miss Carr, who keep the world good, -and my sister is one like you. Had I my life to live over again -I would be a different man, but now I shall face the alternative -unflinchingly. I thank you for your kindness in coming to me, for it -shows a forgiving spirit and sacrifice of self, and my sister will -appreciate it I know.” - -Clarice could say no more to such a man. She, too, was not one to -believe that a man can sin at will, commit the most heinous of -crimes, and then, when the law gets its clutch upon him and he can -sin no more, when the shadow of death is upon him, that he can turn -from his wickedness to prayer, to repentance, as a drowning man -catches at a straw. - -So she wisely did not linger, for what could she tell such a man of -sweet forgiveness, or what could she say to console him in the face -of the hangman fitting the noose for his neck. - -“If you feel that I can serve you, Mr. Arden, send for me. I will -send you some books to read, and if there is anything we can prepare -for you to eat we will gladly do so.” - -With this Clarice Carr left the cabin of the doomed outlaw. She had -done her duty, and, unless he sent for her, she would not care to -see him again. Should he send for her to cheer him in the last awful -moment, she would go without the slightest hesitation. - -Returning to her home, she told Major Lester and his wife just what -had occurred, and they, too, felt that she had done only what was -right. And yet, the next evening the sentinel on duty at the cabin -saw Miss Carr approaching. - -He had had orders to admit her at her will, and, as she drew near, -her face closely veiled, she said, in a low tone: - -“You have orders to admit Miss Carr, have you not, sentinel?” - -“Yes, miss. Pass on!” and the sentinel resumed his steady pace to and -fro, as soon as he had taken the outer beat, some thirty paces away -from the cabin. - -“Ah! Miss Carr, you have come again to see me in my loneliness,” said -the prisoner, rising as the visitor entered. - -The veil was thrown back, and, instead of Clarice Carr, it was Nina -de Sutro who stood before him. - -“Nina! is it you?” - -“Sh---- It is not for you to call me by that name where it might be -heard. I am Miss De Sutro to you, as to others.” - -“Why this disguise in coming to see me?” - -“Am I disguised?” - -“You surely wear the dress and hat of Miss Carr, and a veil?” - -“True, about the hat, and being veiled, for I borrowed the hat to -trim one like it; the veil is mine, for I did not care to have my -face seen, and the dress is Mrs. De Sutro’s and is a match for one -belonging to Clarice.” - -“But why?” - -“Well, I do not intend to compromise myself, and I could find no -excuse to ask to come and see you, so I decided upon strategy.” - -“You were anxious to see me, then?” - -“Nothing of the kind.” - -“Why did you come, then?” - -“Because I had to do so.” - -“Ah! a woman’s reason.” - -“Yes, _because_.” - -“And you impersonated Miss Carr?” - -“I did, for she has gone off with a party for a drive to the -settlement, and you know that she got permission from Colonel -Dunwoody to see you, as _your sister_ asked it.” - -“You speak as though you did not believe it was my sister?” - -“Yes, she said so.” - -“And you doubt her?” - -“Oh, no.” - -“What then?” - -“I would believe anything she told me, for I never saw a truer, -lovelier face, so unlike your own.” - -“Mine is stamped indelibly with crime.” - -“I am glad that you admit as much. But I went to see your sister.” - -“She refused to see any one.” - -“Very true, but I am no blunderer, and I went about it in a way that -won.” - -“I hope you will not blunder when it comes to my rescue.” - -“That is why I have come to see you.” - -“Well?” - -“I have come to tell you that I do not intend to rescue you, or even -make the attempt,” was the cool reply of the woman. - -The man started visibly at her words. He gazed at her with a look -which seemed to pierce to her very soul. - -“Do you mean what you say?” - -“I do.” - -“You do not intend to attempt my rescue?” - -“I do not.” - -“You have changed your mind?” - -“I have.” - -“For some reason?” - -“Yes.” - -“What?” - -“Well, I see no need of it.” - -“You do not?” - -“I do not.” - -“You have thought of the consequences?” - -“I have.” - -“You know that if I am not rescued I will only die upon the gallows?” - -“Oh, yes.” - -“Still you refuse?” - -“I do.” - -“You are aware of my threat?” - -“To expose me?” - -“Yes.” - -“To tell every one that you are my husband?” - -“Yes. It will disgrace you.” - -“Oh, yes, in one sense of the word.” - -“And you do not care?” - -“Well, not so much as I did.” - -“You are willing to be considered the wife of the outlaw, Silk Lasso -Sam?” - -“No, I am not willing.” - -“What then?” - -“I cannot help myself.” - -“Then rescue me.” - -“I cannot.” - -“Then I shall keep my threat.” - -“All right.” - -“You seem indifferent?” - -“I am not indifferent; but I shall, when I see that there is no help -for it, go to Colonel Dunwoody with Lieutenant-Colonel De Sutro and -his wife and tell him the truth.” - -“You dare not.” - -“Oh, yes, I dare. I shall have as witnesses Major and Mrs. Lester, -Clarice Carr, Captain Caruth, Surgeon Frank Powell, Lieutenant -Turpin, and Buffalo Bill. I will tell my story as it was, Colonel De -Sutro and his wife will vouch for it, and I will not only have the -sympathy of all, but will be a heroine as well.” - -“You will be disgraced.” - -“No, for your sins will not be visited upon my head, and when you -tell the story on the gallows, my prior confession will have taken -the sting from it.” - -“I do not believe you will do it!” - -“Then you do not know me.” - -“I cannot believe it. Then you would see me die?” - -“You deserve death most certainly.” - -“Are you to be my judge?” - -“Oh, no, you already have been judged and condemned.” - -“And my death will be upon your head, for you could save me if you -would.” - -“I did not cause your capture.” - -“That is not the question.” - -“What is?” - -“You would sacrifice me when you could save me.” - -“Let me tell you, Arden, for I believe that is your name, unless your -sister is also sailing under false colors, that you sacrificed me -without mercy, and would have been glad to have had me put an end to -my life in my despair, or have gone utterly to the bad. It took me a -long time to turn my love for you into the bitter hatred I feel for -you now, and I will tell you the truth when I say that upon the night -following the day of your death upon the gallows I will sleep as -serenely as an infant, far more so than I would if you had escaped, -and I expected you to appear again in my life to work me evil.” - -“Woman, you are a beautiful devil.” - -“Thanks for the compliment, for it is not many who can be a devil and -beautiful as well.” - -“You will not rest so easy as you say, for I swear that I will haunt -you.” - -The woman laughed. - -“Ah! but I will haunt you, Nina de Sutro, until I drive you to -despair, to madness, to death.” - -The man’s face was livid now, for he felt all that he uttered. But -the woman was wholly unmoved. She gazed fixedly at him a moment and -said: - -“Poor creature, you already haunt me while living. You will haunt me -less when dead, for then you know I will be a widow, and I can find -some one else to love me, for I’ll tell you now that one reason why I -do not attempt your rescue is because I have discovered that I cannot -win the man whom I love. I see with wide-open eyes, Arden, and I have -seen that the man I sought to win, and believed that I could, is -madly in love with your sister.” - -“With my sister?” gasped the outlaw. - -“Oh, yes, with your beautiful sister.” - -“Where did he know her?” - -“Only since she has been here.” - -“He knows her to be my sister?” - -“Yes, and pitied her, and pity begets love, you know.” - -“Does he know aught else about her?” - -“What else is there for him to know?” - -“Only that she is pure, beautiful, and good, a possessor of a fortune -of her own, and mine, for I was disinherited, and that she is the -sister of Silk Lasso Sam.” - -“I do not believe that he knows aught of her other than that her face -shows her virtues, and her tongue has confessed to him the shame of -being _your_ sister,” was the studied reply of Nina de Sutro. - -The outlaw was deeply impressed by what he had been told by Nina de -Sutro. Could it be really true that a man had fallen in love with his -sister, knowing nothing more about her than that she was his sister? - -Yet when he remembered how lovely she was in face and form, how noble -was her nature, and the imprint of her pure soul was stamped upon -every feature, he did not wonder that she could win the love of any -one. At last, after a silence that began to be painful to Nina de -Sutro, in spite of her nerve, and her daring defiance of the man, the -outlaw said: - -“I am remarkably situated, I think.” - -“How so?” - -“Well, I have a beautiful wife, who has learned to love another man, -who in his turn loves another. That other is my lovely sister, about -whom all that is known is that she is the sister of Silk Lasso Sam.” - -“Well, it shows how unworthily two beautiful women have loved, for I -simply apply to myself the praise you have bestowed, not to speak of -many others.” - -“Oh, yes, you are beautiful--so is a serpent.” - -“Thanks.” - -“Now, to this man?” - -“Who?” - -“The one who you say has fallen in love with my sister.” - -“What of him?” - -“That is what I wish to ask you, Miss De Sutro?” - -“Well, he is a man in the true sense of the word, one of nature’s -noblemen, as they say in novels. He is handsome, too, has won -a deserved name for gallantry on the field, and what is most -remarkable, is popular with both men and women.” - -“He must be a saint, or a devil, for you know wicked men win women.” - -“Yes, I have had a very sad experience in that respect.” - -“But continue, please, with your description of your hero.” - -“There is little more to say other than that he has rank, is -brilliant, fascinating, and rich, so the idea of your sister’s riches -would not have influence with him.” - -“Who is this paragon?” - -“The man I love.” - -“This from a wife to a husband?” - -“Why not, from an outraged wife to a demon husband who has turned the -purest love into the bitterest hate? Yes, I do love him, and when I -saw that he loved your sister then I decided, especially as I had -another reason, that I would not raise a hand to save your neck.” - -“Who is this man?” - -“One who has a sentiment. Years ago, when a young cadet, he saw a -portrait in an art-gallery of a face he became fascinated with. That -portrait had been painted by a young artist of his lady-love, one -whom he hopelessly loved, so the story went. - -“He was refused and took to a life of dissipation to drown the -anguish of his unrequited love. He went to the dogs, and at last, to -buy rum, parted with all he had left in that portrait. It was put -into an art exhibition by the purchaser and won the first prize, a -gold medal and a thousand dollars. - -“The purchaser hastened to the studio of the artist to give him the -medal and share with him the prize-money, and found him sitting dead -in his chair, his palette and brush still grasped in his hand. He had -just finished painting a likeness of himself, seated at a table with -Death, a grim skeleton, throwing dice together, and with a decanter -and glasses between them. - -“The owner of the portrait was so impressed by the death of the young -artist, and his last painting, entitled ‘The Last Chance,’ that he -sold them both to a dealer, for he took charge of the remains and had -them decently buried. The purchaser of one of these portraits was the -man I love, for he fell in love with the portrait of his ideal of -womanhood and paid a large sum for it. He has it with him to-day. The -other portrait was purchased by the artist’s rival, who married the -maiden who discarded him. Do you remember the story, Arden?” - -“Perfectly, for the portrait was of my mother, of whom my sister was -a perfect likeness, and my father purchased the painting of ‘The Last -Chance,’ and it is in the old homestead to-day.” - -“You are right, for so your sister told this man of whom I speak. -He told me of the portrait, of his purchasing it, and the story he -had heard regarding the artist. She at once told him the name of the -artist, and more, that ‘The Last Chance’ was her property, for the -story was talked of last night in my presence. - -“Having fallen in love with the portrait, keeping it as his ideal of -a woman, when he met its counterpart, in your sister, he naturally -loved her at once. Could I work against such a cruel fate as that to -win that man? Oh, no, I know when I am defeated, and I gave up the -game, for the cards were against me, and, though tempted, I would -not commit a crime to win. Now shall I tell you who this man is that -loved an ideal and found the real?” - -“Yes.” - -“_Colonel Dunwoody_,” was the answer. - -“Colonel Dunwoody?” said the outlaw, in a tone of utter surprise. - -“Yes.” - -“I am surprised.” - -“Why so?” - -“I had heard it said there was a dead romance in his life never to be -resurrected.” - -“No, it was the romance of the portrait ideal. Had he never met -your sister, the reality of the ideal, I could have won him, though -perhaps never the love I would have wanted, still the love that I -would have been satisfied with.” - -“You are very particular.” - -“Would that I had been more so in the past.” - -“Love is a lottery.” - -“Yes, I grant that; but what do you think of your brother-in-law in -prospective, though, of course, you will never know him as such, -having been hanged by his order.” - -“Nonsense.” - -“Oh, no, sound sense.” - -“He will never wed Ruth.” - -“He will.” - -“She would never wed the man who signed my death-warrant, love him as -she might ever so dearly.” - -“Ah! I had not thought of that.” - -“Then you do not know her nature.” - -“Well, he will sign your death-warrant, and, now I come to recall her -face, she would not marry the man whose signature was attached to it, -so after all there may be a chance for me.” - -“Not the slightest.” - -“Why not?” - -“Having loved an ideal and found her but to lose her, he would be -true to his love of a memory and never marry another.” - -“I believe you are right again. You have been a close student of -human nature, Arden.” - -“I have had reason to be.” - -“And you know something of Colonel Dunwoody?” - -“I have heard of him often, and I had a chance to study him at my -trial.” - -“He was severe?” - -“On the contrary he was kind, for he treated me throughout like a man -at his mercy, the under dog in the fight, you know.” - -“That is his nature.” - -“He having caught me felt sorry for me, and was anxious to get me out -of my misery for his sake and my own, it appeared to me.” - -“You were observant.” - -“I always am. But you give up, do you; the man is lost to you?” - -“I must.” - -“And you really believe that he loves my sister?” - -“I know that he does.” - -“Then aid me to escape so that there can be no barrier to their -union, for of all men I believe I would rather have her wed Colonel -Dunwoody than any one I know, for he would make her a noble husband.” - -“I am sure of that.” - -“And you had better fish in other waters for a lover.” - -“I?” - -“Yes, for there is Surgeon Frank Powell, Captain Dick Caruth, Buffalo -Bill--and I’ll name no others, for those three strike me as men worth -striving for. If I were a woman I should love the three of them and -Colonel Dunwoody, too.” - -“Are you in earnest?” - -“Indeed I am, for I have the happy faculty of admiring my foes. Now, -I have always admired the man who was my rival in love, though I -hated him and sought to kill him. To him, to Surgeon Powell and to -Buffalo Bill I owe it that I am here now, and yet I cannot but like -them immensely. There is Caruth, too, the one who advocated hanging -me, and I admire him also and thought he was perfectly right. I would -have done as much for him had I had him in my place.” - -“You are a very remarkable man, Arden, and if you had devoted to good -deeds the talent and energy you have to evil ones, you would have -made a very great name.” - -“I have as it is, for Silk Lasso Sam, the outlaw chief, is the talk -of barracks, camp-fire, stage-station, mines, and, in fact, all along -the frontier, while I am certainly greatly feared.” - -“And you are glad to be feared?” - -“Why not, for if I cannot be loved I can be feared. But you had some -other motive in deciding not to aid me to escape.” - -“Granted.” - -“What is the reason?” - -“I may as well tell you.” - -“Certainly.” - -“Because there is another enlisted in your cause.” - -“What other?” - -“Your sister.” - -“Ah! is she interesting herself in me to the extent of helping me -escape?” - -“You know that she is.” - -“May I ask how you got your information?” - -“Well, I regard your sister as remarkable for a woman as you for a -man.” - -“Well?” - -“She came here for one purpose, and that was to save you. I saw it -in her face, though others only read that she had come to comfort -you in your last hour. Convinced that you are in safe hands, I shall -make no other effort, and I am here to tell you so. I have enjoyed my -talk with you, so now will say good-by, for I do not wish to attract -attention to _Miss Carr_ by my long stay, and I am masquerading as -that young lady, you know. Good-by.” - -Drawing her veil over her face, Nina de Sutro turned to go when the -outlaw said sternly: - -“Hold!” - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - RETURN OF THE SCOUTS. - - -Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell were riding slowly upon the trail -back to the fort. They had left Pocket City early that morning, after -passing another night there, and had ridden slowly along homeward, -for the fort is the home of the soldier and the scout. - -After the burial of Shuffles they had returned to the Frying Pan, -where they were entertained by Bonnie Belle. - -The Devil’s Den had been kept closed out of respect for the dead -manager, and a Sabbath-day stillness rested upon the camp. - -The Vigilante opened his store to turn an honest penny, and the -gambling-dens, for the Devil’s Den did not have a monopoly by any -means, had opened wide their doors, to catch those miners and loafers -who would drop in. - -The Frying Pan had fed an enormous crowd at supper, and then settled -down to rest. - -One of the rules of Bonnie Belle, and which was religiously -respected, was that the Devil’s Den should never open on Sundays, and -the miners seemed really glad of this respite from the noisy bustle -of the place and the gambling and drinking which was sure to come. - -The more Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill saw of the strange woman who -seemed to hold the destinies of Pocket City in her little hand, the -more they were pleased with her, and mystified. - -They knew that there was an unreadable page of her history to which -she alone held the key. She talked like one who had seen much of -the world, young as she was, and conversed with Surgeon Powell with -much knowledge upon the military strength of the different powers of -Europe, and launched off into the fine arts with equal fluency. - -She did not appear anxious to show her learning, yet understood well -the political history of the country, and the faults and virtues of -the different national parties. - -Her reading had been varied and instructive, and she seemed glad of -a chance to discuss something else than hotel fare, gambling, and -mining. - -When the officer and scout bade her good night and good-by, for they -said they were to leave at an early hour the next morning, she asked, -with a smile: - -“And is this to swing around the circle, Buffalo Bill, and still play -the detective upon me?” - -“Indeed it is not,” answered the scout, flushing like a girl at the -insinuation. - -“I am glad of it, for we must be friends, you know.” - -“We certainly shall be, if I am to have my way,” said the scout -warmly. - -“And we are also to be friends, Doctor Powell, for candidly, I will -not do aught to cause either of you any trouble, and if I fight -you, should anything turn up to cause me to do so, it shall be by -strategy, not force.” - -“Then we may as well acknowledge ourselves beaten when we are to -measure strength in strategy with a woman,” said Surgeon Powell. - -“For shame, to acknowledge defeat before the combat. It is not like -you, Doctor Powell.” - -“I am dealing with a woman now, Bonnie Belle, not a man.” - -“Well, do not you or Buffalo Bill track me, for it will do no good, I -assure you. I know that you wish to thwart me in setting my brother -free, and from your standpoint you are right. But all that I could -do in the matter I have done.” - -“And failed?” said Buffalo Bill, with a smile. - -“I leave that for you to decide, gentlemen. But, good night.” - -She grasped the hand of each in her frank way, and they left her. - -When they went to pay their score, the clerk told them that there was -no charge against them, as they were the guests of the fair mistress -of the Frying Pan. They could but accept the courtesy, and the clerk -said that an early breakfast had been ordered for them. - -And so the next morning they turned their backs upon Pocket City, and -took the trail for Pioneer Post. - -Their way led by the Hangman’s Gulch, and they turned in there to -have a look at the numerous graves of the victims who had suffered -there, dying at the end of a rope. The two freshly made graves of Tom -and Jerry were there, and, as he looked at them, Buffalo Bill said: - -“Twice have I come very near being placed here, Frank.” - -“You have indeed, Bill.” - -“Once Deadshot Dean saved me from Powder Face Pete and his gang, and -you saved me the next time by your timely arrival, for those fellows -intended hanging me.” - -“And Bonnie Belle saved us both, Bill,” was the answer. - -As they neared the fort they came in sight of the stage-trail, and -upon reaching it heard the rumbling of the coach behind them. - -A few moments after the coach came in sight, and by the side of -Horeshoe Ned a stranger sat upon the box. - -“Ho, Surgeon Powell, how is yer, and you, too, Bill?” cried Horseshoe -Ned, as the coach drew up to the two pards just as they came within -sight of the fort. - -“All right, thank you, Ned.” - -“Have you seen any road-agents this trip?” asked the Surgeon Scout. - -“You bet I ain’t on the run back, doctor, but I has a pilgrim inside -who held me up when I was going east, as I guess Buffalo Bill told -yer.” - -“Yes, he told me what a dead shot your lady passenger proved to be.” - -“Dead shot? Now I should remark but she is ther deadest of ther dead -shots and no mistake. She’s one among a thousand, and no harm said -agin’ t’others; but I guesses yer’ll hev ter doctor him up, sir, for -he’s been in the hands o’ that old Pills at ther station, and maybe -he don’t know much about doctorin’.” - -“All right, Horseshoe Ned, I’ll do all I can for him; but you appear -to have several passengers along on this run?” - -“You bet I has, sir, three passengers besides ther outlaw who is -crippled in both arms. This gent ridin’ with me I don’t know by name, -or I’d interdooce yer.” - -Thus urged, the man riding on the box with Horseshoe Ned said: - -“My name is Raymond, sir, Henry Raymond.” - -“Ah! yes, I remembers hearing your pards call yer by thet name now. -These gents, Mr. Raymond, is Surgeon Powell, o’ ther cavalry, and -Buffalo Bill, chief of scouts, and they is among ther best men thet -ever is seen in these parts.” - -All bowed at the introduction, and the scouts kept up with the coach -until it reached the fort. - -The man who had given his name as Raymond was one who possessed -the look of one to be depended on in a time of need. He was well -built, quick of action, and had a dark, piercing eye that was most -penetrating. - -The other two passengers were heavily bearded men, such as might be -found anywhere on the frontier. - -As Henry Raymond dismounted from the box he turned to Surgeon Powell, -who had just gotten off of his horse and said: - -“You are an officer at the fort, I believe, sir?” - -“Yes, the surgeon of the post.” - -“I would like to see the commandant, sir, Colonel Dunwoody?” - -“I will conduct you to him, if you wish.” - -“I thank you, sir,” and the stranger joined the surgeon and the -scout, who were going to headquarters to report their return. - -Colonel Dunwoody was seated upon the piazza of his headquarters -smoking an after-dinner cigar and was alone when the party arrived, -for the two other passengers had come along also, Henry Raymond -remarking that they were friends of his. - -“Ah! Powell, glad to see you back, and you, too, Cody, for after -getting word that you had gone off on the trail of a dream I began to -fear that after all the redskins might have gotten hold of Buffalo -Bill.” - -“No, sir, the redskins did not catch him, for we have not seen an -Indian; but, strange to say, colonel, my dream was not all a dream, -after all, for I found him in a very tight place. But I’ll explain -later, as this gentleman, whom Horseshoe Ned introduced as Mr. Henry -Raymond, for he and his comrades came in on the coach, desires to see -you, sir.” - -The colonel turned at once to the strangers, and said, addressing the -leader of the three: - -“How can I serve you, Mr. Raymond?” - -“I desire, sir, to present my card and this letter,” said Raymond, -and he handed over a card and letter. The former had on it: - - “Henry Raymond, - “Pinkerton’s Detective Agency, - “Chicago, Ill.” - -The letter bore the official stamp of the military headquarters at -Chicago, and was as follows: - - “SIR: A question having arisen between the civil and military - authorities, regarding the right for you to hold and try the - prisoner now in your keeping, known as Silk Lasso Sam, the outlaw - chief, and now under sentence of death, I have consulted the - attorney-general through the secretary of war, and the result is - that you are hereby ordered to turn over the said prisoner to - Detective Henry Raymond, upon his presenting to you the requisition - from the governor of the State of Illinois for his body, through - the authorized officer of the law.” - -This letter was signed by the assistant adjutant-general, and the -colonel read it over with an expression upon his face which was hard -to fathom. - -“You have the requisition, Detective Raymond, referred to in this -letter?” asked the colonel quietly. - -“I have, sir. Here it is, Colonel Dunwoody,” and the detective at -once presented an official-looking document which read as follows: - - “Whereas Austin Arden, alias Silk Lasso Sam, having broken the laws - of the State of Illinois, by the crimes of murder and robbery, I - hereby make requisition of the military commander holding the said - Austin Arden a prisoner, and under sentence of death by military - court, to deliver to my authorized agent, Henry Raymond, detective, - the body of the said Austin Arden, alias Silk Lasso Sam, for trial - in the civil court of the State of Illinois. - - “Signed,” etc. - -“The stage does not return for several days, Detective Raymond, and -before its departure you shall receive my answer,” said Colonel -Dunwoody, after reading the papers handed to him by the officer. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - THE TELLING BLOW. - - -When Silk Lasso Sam called out as he did, in stern, peremptory tones -to Nina de Sutro, she stopped at the door and turned toward him. - -“Well, what do you wish?” - -“This is all bosh about my sister making any effort to save me.” - -“I am sure that it is not.” - -“And I say it is.” - -“She did not come here for nothing.” - -“She came to see me to cheer and comfort me, and, if she saw a chance -to aid me to do so.” - -“And she saw none?” - -“How could she, a stranger in this fort, see what you cannot -discover?” - -“She came here to save you, I am sure.” - -“If possible, and, seeing that it was impossible, she has gone, -bidding me a last farewell and leaving me to my fate.” - -“It is not like her.” - -“It is all that she could do.” - -The man was silent after this, but his thoughts were busy. He knew -that Ruth had promised to do all in her power to save him, and had -told him just what her plot was, just what to expect. - -But, then, it might miscarry. No plot was really certain, and -big chances had to be taken to rescue him from the fort and all -surrounding him. - -Nina de Sutro was in the fort, and her guardian was next in rank to -Colonel Dunwoody. There was no better person anywhere to attempt the -rescue, daring as it must be, than Nina de Sutro. - -She had said that she would desert him, make no effort to carry out -her former plans, and thus leave him to his fate. - -How would he urge Nina de Sutro to change her mind, when she had -decided against making the effort? - -It was something that needed thought, and yet he had no time to think -it over. If he let her go away from him then, she would take good -care not to come again to see him. - -He must find, therefore, some plan by which he could force her to -act in his behalf. What was that plan to be? He did not know, but -ventured upon an expedient, so said: - -“You have an idea that if I were dead, and you my widow, that you -could marry some good man?” - -“I know that I could.” - -“Even Dunwoody, whom you love?” - -“Perhaps yes, if he was prevented from marrying your sister through -having signed your death-warrant.” - -“Yes, he might turn to you for comfort.” - -“I hope so.” - -“And failing in that quarter, you could, perhaps, marry Captain -Caruth?” - -“I believe that I could,” said the woman, who had received such an -unlimited amount of adoration that she believed she was capable of -bringing any man to her feet, as in truth she was, with very rare -exceptions. - -“And failing with him, you have Lieutenant Vassar Turpin to fall back -upon?” - -“Yes, all three of them splendid fellows, men of whom any woman might -feel proud.” - -“I grant that with exceeding candor, yet must say that they are too -honorable men, have too high regard for the proud records they have -won, and honor the names they have inherited, unsullied by a stain, -too much to ally their lives with one wholly unworthy of them.” - -“What do you mean?” and a strange look crept over the woman’s face, a -look that was reflected from the dark, malignant countenance of the -man. - -“I will tell you just what I mean, and what they shall know.” - -“I beg you to do so.” - -“I will, and only too soon for your ears to hear.” - -“In Heaven’s name tell me!” and Nina de Sutro was beginning to feel -that her nerves might be treacherous to her. - -“May I ask,” began Silk Lasso Sam with a most malignant look upon his -face, “if you have your certificate of marriage?” - -“My marriage-certificate?” she gasped. - -“Yes.” - -“Is it necessary?” - -“Of course, for all well-regulated families have one.” - -“Where is mine?” - -“That is what I asked you.” - -“You never gave me one.” - -“It was not for me to give it to you.” - -“Who then should?” - -“The minister who performed the service should have given it to you.” - -“Why did he not, for I was young and thoughtless?” - -“I will tell you why he did not do so.” - -“Why?” - -“Because he had no right to do so, for _he was no minister_.” - -“Heaven have mercy upon me!” - -“Not even Heaven will be merciful to one who cannot show her -certificate of marriage.” - -“You lie, Arden, and you know that you do, for I am your wife, and I -will yet get that certificate to prove it.” - -“You can never get what cannot be secured. That man was no preacher; -he was under my pay, and I paid him for his work. That is all there -is to it, and so, when I make known my story about you, as I face an -attentive and appreciative audience, standing upon the gallows as I -will, it will be my pleasure to state that Nina de Sutro has a right -to her name, as my death will not even leave her _my widow_. - -“Do you see now, my beautiful Nina, just how you will stand in the -eyes of these honorable gentlemen, for I shall add that you knew the -fact from the very first--see?” - -That she did _see_ was proven by the moan that escaped her lips as -she sank in a heap at the feet of the man who had dealt her such a -cruel blow. - -There was nothing for the outlaw to lose, everything for him to gain. - -The time was drawing near when he must die. His sister had promised -to save him, yet there might be a miscarriage of her plot. In his -despairing case it would not do to trust to one plan alone. - -Nina de Sutro, disappointed at the discovery she had made regarding -the colonel’s love for Ruth, had grown reckless, almost desperate, -and was willing that all should be known, rather than save the outlaw -from death. - -When, however, he told her what he would tell to dishonor her, she -feared that she was forever lost, and so sank in a swoon at his feet. - -He stood gazing upon her with intense delight in his expression, the -cause of which was revealed by his muttered words: - -“That will fetch her to terms.” - -He had told a falsehood, for the marriage was a legal one, greatly to -the man’s regret afterward, and only his game of bluff had caused -Nina, in her fear, to forget that the man was a priest, who performed -the ceremony, and that the marriage was registered upon the books of -the parish church where it was celebrated. - -Without one effort to help her, Silk Lasso Sam stood gazing upon the -form lying at his feet. - -“She’ll come round soon,” he muttered. - -And he was right. In a short while there was a convulsive twitching -of the muscles, then color rushed back into the face and the eyes -opened. - -They beheld her surroundings, and, after an effort, she arose to her -feet. She faced him then, at first weak and tottering, but gaining -strength and nerve rapidly. - -Her face had become white now with intense passion, and through her -shut teeth, she hissed forth: - -“You have conquered again, Arden, and by the most accursed act that -ever a man was guilty of. I am a Mexican, and women of my race have -hot blood that is bitterly revengeful. It seems idle to threaten -a man who stands in your position, with the noose of the hangman -about his neck, but yet, I now long for you to live that I may make -you feel how Nina de Sutro can avenge an insult. Yes, I wish you to -live, it is my earnest desire that you should, and I will live with -the hope of making you suffer.” - -“You will aid me to escape, then?” asked the man, impressed in spite -of himself at the words and looks of the woman. - -“I will.” - -“You will not disappoint me?” - -“No.” - -“Remember, failure means my death.” - -“I understand.” - -“When will you do this?” - -“I do not know.” - -“How?” - -“I do not know.” - -“Why not as you planned it before?” - -“Because the officer I spoke of is on the sick-list and does not go -on duty as I supposed he would.” - -“Then you must hunt up another plan.” - -“Yes.” - -“Have you no idea what it is?” - -“Not the remotest.” - -“I fear you will make a botch of it.” - -“If I fail in one way I will try another, and, failing in that, I -will make another effort.” - -“And failing a third time?” - -“I will aid you to escape if I have to come here by night disguised -as Clarice Carr and drive my Mexican dagger to the hilt in the heart -of the sentinel at your cabin door, and then give you the uniform of -an officer to pass out of the fort in, for it can be done, but only -as a last resort. Remember, I shall save you, for I will not let my -wrecked girlhood be stained with dishonor.” - -She drew her veil over her face, turned on her heel, and left the -cabin, the man feeling convinced now that he had two chances of -escape. - -“If Ruth’s plot fails, that devil will surely save me, for she will -not stand the fear of my reporting what I threatened to do,” mused -the outlaw. - -The woman meanwhile had passed the sentinel, walking leisurely along, -calm outwardly but with heart and brain in a whirl. - -She made her way back to her quarters by the most unfrequented paths -and gained her room undetected by any one. - -Once in her room she threw off the dress and hat she had worn, and -was soon in bed, determined to feign illness, for she wanted to be -alone to think. There was very little feigning necessary, for she was -really ill from the shock she had received. - -At last she became more calm and was able to center her thoughts upon -her plan to rescue the outlaw chief. - -Mrs. De Sutro came up to see her and was distressed to find her ill. - -“It’s a sick headache. Let me have a cup of strong tea and then no -one must disturb me until morning,” she said. - -Mrs. De Sutro came again at midnight before retiring, and found her -patient sleeping peacefully, for Nina de Sutro had hit upon a plan -of rescue, and then, having conned it all over, had dropped into a -refreshing slumber. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - THE SURGEON’S MISSION. - - -When Detective Raymond had departed from headquarters with his two -friends, the colonel turned to Surgeon Powell and Buffalo Bill, who -had seen that from some cause the colonel was greatly moved. - -“Sit down, Powell, you and Cody, for I wish to talk to you,” said the -colonel. “I am very glad that you are here.” - -They both obeyed, and the colonel lighted another cigar, and after -smoking it for a couple of minutes, tossed it away. - -“Tobacco always soothes me,” he said, by way of explanation. Then -brightening up, he continued: - -“Let me ask pardon for my delay, but the truth is I was both -nonplused and pleased by the news brought by that gentleman, Raymond. -He is a State detective, an officer of the law, and brought me this -letter, which I will read to you.” - -This the colonel did, the two listening most attentively: - -“This,” he continued, “is a requisition from the Governor of Illinois -for the prisoner, Silk Lasso Sam.” - -This also was read, the surgeon and the scout making no comment. The -colonel then continued: - -“There seems to be in this a reflection upon my course in having at -once tried this man by military court, which sentenced him to death -upon the gallows. Out here on this border my word is law, and the -outlaw has had a price set upon his head for breaking the laws of the -land, for committing crimes untold, and he richly deserves his fate. - -“The proof against him was perfect, and I sentenced him to death by -hanging, at a certain date. Now, it must be that the general gave out -my report to the papers, the man was recognized as an old offender, -who had broken the laws of the State of Illinois, and the State has -sought to gain possession of him, to try him by civil process. - -“Now he may, or may not be hanged, according to the law known by his -lawyer, or his brilliancy as an orator, for most cases hang on these -two things. Of course, if acquitted, he will be back here soon after, -again working the trails as a road-agent. If sent to prison he will -be pardoned out by the next governor, who may be of his political -creed, who hopes to gain a few votes thereby for his clemency, and, -if hanged, then he saves us the trouble of swinging him up. - -“Now, this is the point that pleases me, for, from certain reasons I -cannot explain, I am very glad that I will not be the one to have to -sign his death-warrant, or send him to the gallows. That is an honor -I shall gladly yield to the Governor of Illinois. - -“But, Surgeon Powell, you spoke last week of desiring to run to -Chicago upon important business of your own, and I desire to say that -I will make you the bearer of my despatch to the general, giving all -the papers in the matter, which can be used against this man upon his -trial there, and which will go far toward hanging him, a result most -devoutly to be desired.” - -“I thank you, Colonel Dunwoody, and I appreciate the honor.” - -“You are to see the State’s attorney and place him in possession of -all the facts of the case against this outlaw, and yet this is to -remain a secret, as I do not wish to be thought to influence the -case, though, of course, the just deserts of the man is hanging. You -can therefore get ready to return with Detective Raymond and his -prisoner, and be especially careful that he does not escape them, -for he is no ordinary man and they may not be accustomed to the ways -of this wild land.” - -“I will endeavor to obey your orders in all things, Colonel Dunwoody.” - -“I know that well, Doctor Powell. But say nothing of your going, only -be ready to start on the coach with the prisoner and his guards.” - -“I will, sir.” - -After a few other words of instruction from Colonel Dunwoody, -Surgeon Powell left headquarters accompanied by Buffalo Bill. The -scout accompanied the doctor to his quarters, and there seemed to be -something upon his mind. At last he said: - -“Frank, did you see those papers?” - -“What papers?” - -“The letter from the general and the requisition of the governor?” - -“Yes, I saw them.” - -“I thought I noticed you reading them once.” - -“I did. But why?” - -“Were they regular?” - -“Perfectly.” - -“Seal, letter heading, and all?” - -“Everything was regular, Bill. Why do you ask?” - -“I do not know, unless being a scout detective makes me suspicious of -everything nowadays.” - -“Yes, and I feel the same way in many things.” - -“Well, you are going along, so if there is anything wrong I will be -glad to know that you will be on hand to thwart it.” - -“What do you really suspect, Bill?” - -“I don’t know, but I am as suspicious as a coyote.” - -“Well, as you say, I will be along and will keep my eyes open, and I -will go prepared for work. I am glad that you gave me a hint, for I -was not at all suspicious in that quarter, I admit, and now I will be -upon my guard.” - -As the scout turned away to go to his quarters Frank Powell looked -after him a moment and muttered: - -“Yes, Bill, you have set me to thinking.” - -The coming of the three detectives, with an intimation that a mistake -had been made, and with a requisition for the prisoner from the -Governor of Illinois spread quickly around the fort. - -It ran like wildfire through the officers’ quarters, the barracks, -and the settlement. Rumors of all kinds were flying about, that -Colonel Dunwoody had overstepped his authority in trying the outlaw -chief and his men by military court, and that he would meet with a -strong reprimand if not something more severe. - -The prisoner, rumor had it, was a convict, escaped from the State’s -Prison of Illinois, and if he had been executed much valuable -information which he possessed would have been forever lost. - -It was said that he was to be saved by turning State’s evidence, and -the Governor of Illinois had raised such a rumpus about the trial of -the prisoner by the military, no matter what his crimes on the border -might have been, that the secretary of war had hastily taken action -in the matter and demanded that the outlaw be given up. - -These and innumerable other rumors were flying about, and it was not -long before the prisoner heard the news. - -Colonel Dunwoody, knowing the facts of the case, was serene as to the -result, and was more than glad to give the prisoner up. - -“I could never win that lovely girl by offering her the hand in -marriage which had signed the death-sentence of her brother, for whom -her love is almost idolatrous,” he said to himself. - -Then, as he had heard the various rumors afloat, he mused with a -smile: - -“How little it takes to start a lie upon its rounds. A letter from -the general and this requisition from the Governor of Illinois, was -all there was to cause a hundred idle tales to be set afloat. Well, I -shall be glad when the prisoner is off my hands, and I trust he will -be hanged---- Well, orderly?” - -“The prisoner, sir, Silk Lasso Sam, requests an interview with you, -colonel.” - -“Indeed? I suppose he has already been posted as to what is going on. -It is as hard to keep a State secret as it is to find out a woman’s -exact age. Say that I will come to his cabin, orderly.” - -The orderly disappeared and soon after Colonel Dunwoody started for -the prison of the outlaw. He passed Nina de Sutro on the way, and -said: - -“You look pale, Miss Nina, and I was sorry to hear of your -indisposition.” - -“It was of little consequence, colonel; but may I ask you if it is -true that this outlaw is to be surrendered to the State of Illinois?” - -“It is true, Miss Nina.” - -“When does he go?” - -“On the next coach day.” - -“Then he will escape death?” - -“Here, at least, though, perhaps, he may be hanged by civil process -of law.” - -“I thank you, sir,” and Nina passed on, while there flashed through -her mind great joy at being relieved of having to carry out the bold -plan she had formed for the rescue of the man. - -“I think they will hang him in Illinois, and he will hardly expect -me to rescue him from the civil authorities. But I shall never feel -at rest until his neck is stretched. I hope that he will attempt to -escape on the way, and be shot by the guards.” - -The colonel, meanwhile, met, as he strolled along the bluffs, Clarice -Carr. He stopped for a moment’s talk with her, and waited, supposing -she would ask him, also, about the prisoner. But she did not. - -“Where is your curiosity, Miss Clarice?” he asked, with a smile. - -“I have no idle curiosity, colonel.” - -“This is remarkable, for when I went to the adjutant’s this morning -I met seven ladies, all of whom asked me about this prisoner, Silk -Lasso Sam. On my way back a dozen were lying in ambush for me, and I -had to tell the story over again. Just now I was waylaid by Miss De -Sutro, and she questioned me like a Philadelphia lawyer, and now you -have no questions to ask.” - -“I have not, sir, for I am not in command of Pioneer Post.” - -“Well, I do not know whether you are or not, for you command about -two-thirds of the officers,” was the gallant reply. - -“Yet I am under orders myself, colonel.” - -“And obey, I have noticed; but let me tell you that I am more than -glad to have this man Arden taken out of my keeping, for I did not -relish having to order him hanged.” - -“I am glad, too, sir, on his sister’s account; but I trust that he -will not be allowed to go free through some trick of the law, for, -though I do not believe in capital punishment, still such a man -should be imprisoned for life, I think.” - -“And I agree with you, though if hanging is justifiable he richly -deserves such a fate. I am now going to see him, and I will drop in -and see you on my way back,” and the colonel passed on his way. - -The prisoner arose as Colonel Dunwoody entered the cabin and bowed -courteously. - -“Pardon me, sir, but you see that I cannot be hospitable even in my -own house,” he said, with a sad smile. - -“Resume your seat, Arden, and tell me why you desired this interview?” - -“I have heard, sir, that a requisition has been sent to you for my -body, by the Governor of Illinois. May I ask if it is true, Colonel -Dunwoody?” - -“It is, sir.” - -“There is, then, a conflict of authority, it would seem, between the -military and the civil authorities regarding me?” - -“Well, no, only there were crimes alleged to have been committed by -you in the State of Illinois, which the governor wishes to try you -for. My authority is here, for your crimes committed upon the border, -but this requisition takes precedence in that you are said to be an -escaped convict and your crimes were committed against the State of -Illinois prior to your lawless deeds on this frontier. That is all -there is in it, Mr. Arden.” - -“I thank you, sir; but is there no possibility that I can be kept -here for my execution and not be sent back to Illinois?” - -“I can see none.” - -“You could not assume the responsibility of detaining me?” - -“I could not, and, to be frank with you, Mr. Arden, I am more than -glad that my hands will be clear of your execution.” - -“Yet you offered a reward for my body, dead or alive?” - -“Very true in the discharge of my duty, and were you my own brother I -would have you hanged upon the day set. You are now to go out of my -charge, and I am glad of it.” - -“You do not appear to be revengeful, Colonel Dunwoody?” - -“I am not, I hope, for it is a feeling one should be above allowing a -place in his heart, from my standpoint.” - -“May I ask your particular reason for being glad to send me to -Illinois?” - -“I wish for the misery and misfortune of no man. You richly deserve -your fate, and, as the laws of our land punish by hanging the crimes -of which you have been proven guilty, I sincerely hope that you will -not escape punishment, and yet it would be better to give you a -life sentence to my mind, as something far more severe to bear than -hanging.” - -“And you will not strain a point and keep me here, sir?” - -“No, and why do you dread to go to Illinois?” - -“I shall be taken there to be hanged, sir.” - -“And remaining here you will be much more quickly hanged.” - -“Still, I would prefer to remain here, sir, than to trust myself to -the mercy of an Illinois court.” - -“They can do no more against you than I have done, Mr. Arden--condemn -you to death.” - -“There is another thing I wish to speak to you about, Colonel -Dunwoody.” - -“Well, sir?” - -“My sister.” - -“Ah!” - -“I wish to talk to you, sir, of Ruth.” - -“I am wholly at your service, Mr. Arden, and am glad that you spoke -of your sister.” - -“You were kind to her when she was here, sir, and she appreciated it, -as I also do. But I wish to disarm in your mind, Colonel Dunwoody, -any thought that Ruth is in any way connected with my evil life.” - -“My dear, sir, I would no more connect that pure, angelic girl with -such a devil as you have proven yourself to be than I would compare -darkness and sunlight,” said the colonel, suddenly losing his urbane -manner and becoming vehement. The prisoner smiled and said: - -“I agree with you perfectly, sir; Ruth and I are as different as -light and darkness. But I wished to say that I was well born, my name -being a proud and honored one until I disgraced it, and my parents -dying left their fortune to my sister, for I was disinherited by my -father, and very justly so. - -“Ruth devoted her life to my reformation and failed, and the noble -girl will mourn deeply the fate which I must some day suffer. She is -her own mistress, possesses a large fortune, and yet I would feel -that she has one who would kindly look after her when I am gone, and -I am going to ask you to let me give you the address of our old home, -where a letter sent will reach her, and beg that you will at least -keep the cold and cruel world from making her suffer too deeply upon -my account, if it is within your power to do so.” - -“Mr. Arden, I will tell you that it will be my greatest pleasure to -do as you request, for when she was here I took a deep interest in -your sister, and formed a friendship for her which will be lasting -and sincere. I regret keenly your misfortunes, sir, and wish that I -could help you, but it is not in my power to do so. The detectives -sent by the governor are here for you, and they will take you with -them the day after to-morrow. Good-by, Mr. Arden, and may Heaven have -mercy upon you.” - -With this the colonel turned away, and the prisoner was alone once -more. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - ACCUSED. - - -Colonel Dunwoody was true to his word, and returned to his quarters -by the house of Major Lester. Clarice opened the door for him, and he -said pleasantly: - -“Thanks, for I am in full retreat, and this is a haven of refuge -for me. Glance up and down the rows and you’ll discover several -ambushing-parties lying in wait for me, and I have barely escaped the -petticoats upon my trail by dodging in here. I am very much in demand -to-day by the ladies, Miss Clarice.” - -Clarice laughed at beholding, as the colonel had said, the petticoat -ambushers in squads ready to head him off and learn the facts -regarding the prisoner. - -As none of the officers had yet been made acquainted with just how -matters stood, of course the ladies could not learn from their -husbands what was really the status of affairs. - -The colonel having thrown himself into an easy chair, said: - -“Well, Miss Clarice, I had a long talk with that very wonderful man, -Silk Lasso Sam.” - -“Yes, sir, and I suppose found him unrepentant, as he was upon the -single visit I made to him?” - -“He was unrepentant, yes; but did I understand you to say that you -had been but once to see him, Miss Clarice?” - -“That is all, sir.” - -“That is strange.” - -“What is, may I ask, sir!” - -“That you visited him only once.” - -“That is all, sir.” - -“Put your thinking-cap on, Miss Clarice, and see if you do not recall -going there more than once.” - -“I need not think, sir, for there can be no doubt, as such a -circumstance as another visit I could not forget, as I shall never -cease to remember the one call I made upon him through a sense of -duty.” - -“My dear Miss Clarice, I cannot but take your word for it, but you -know all appertaining to the prisoner is reported to me.” - -“Doubtless, sir.” - -“And you are reported as having been to the cabin to visit Silk Lasso -Sam on two separate days and occasions.” - -“The report is wrong, sir.” - -“It furthermore gives the time of your visits and the length of time -you remained. May I ask how long you remained the first visit?” - -“The only visit, you mean, sir?” - -“Yes.” - -“I remained just seventeen minutes.” - -“And there was no second visit?” - -“None, sir.” - -“Then I shall at once see the officer that made this false report, -which is to the effect that you passed the sentinel and remained in -the prisoner’s cabin just one hour and ten minutes.” - -An indignant flash came into the eyes of the young girl at this -charge, and she said with some show of anger: - -“Colonel Dunwoody, you know me well enough to understand that I -have nothing to hide, that there is no treachery or deceit in my -composition, and I will esteem it a favor if you will bring the -officer and sentinel who made this report to confront me.” - -“I shall go at once, Miss Clarice, to sift this matter,” and the -colonel hastened away. - -He went direct to his quarters and sent for the officer who had made -the report, and the sentinel who was on duty at the time of the -alleged visit of the girl to the prison. - -He also ordered the sergeant and corporal of the guard, who were on -duty on that day, to report to him immediately. The result was that -the officers and soldiers very soon appeared at headquarters, and the -colonel asked: - -“Captain Franklin, who was on duty at the prisoner Silk Lasso Sam’s -cabin when it is said Miss Carr visited him three days ago?” - -“McCarey, sir, was the sentinel.” - -“Did you see the lady yourself, sir?” - -“I did, sir, for she passed me and bowed.” - -“It was Miss Carr?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“You will vouch for this?” - -“Well, Colonel Dunwoody, I will not do that, for the lady was veiled.” - -“Ah! and yet you supposed it was Miss Carr?” - -“I am very sure of it, sir, for she was dressed as Miss Carr dresses, -and wore that very pretty red sombrero, with its embroidery, which -she wears.” - -“Thank you, Captain Franklin.” - -The sergeant was next called; and reported that Miss Carr had passed -him, and he had bowed to her, when she was upon her way to the -prison. The corporal had also spoken to her, and Sentinel McCarey -stated that the lady had passed him, saying simply: - -“I am Miss Carr, and I suppose you have your orders regarding me.” - -“She was in the prison how long, McCarey?” - -“Just one hour and ten minutes, sir.” - -The officer and soldiers were then dismissed, with orders not to -speak of why they had been called to headquarters, and the colonel -at once sent a note to Clarice, asking if she would come over to -headquarters, and ask Major and Mrs. Lester to accompany her. - -In a short while after the note was sent, the major arrived with the -two ladies. - -Clarice saw at a glance that the colonel was greatly worried about -something. - -“Miss Clarice, I have received the report of Captain Franklin, the -sergeant and corporal of the guard, and the sentinel on duty at the -time of this alleged visit of yours to the prisoner, Silk Lasso Sam.” - -“Yes, Colonel Dunwoody, and what do they say?” - -“The captain states that he met you, and the others report the same.” - -“This is a very remarkable statement, Colonel Dunwoody.” - -“I asked Captain Franklin if he would vouch for its being you, and -he said that you were veiled, and also the others made the same -statement, the sentinels saying that the lady in question reported -herself to be Miss Carr.” - -“This was at what time, Colonel Dunwoody?” asked the major, -considerably amazed. - -The colonel looked at the paper in his hand and gave the time. - -“Why, Clarice was absent with us in the carriage at that very time, -colonel; in fact, the whole of that day,” the major said. - -“Major, I have not for once doubted Miss Clarice in her statement -to me, and I only wish to find out who it is that has visited the -prisoner, impersonating Miss Clarice to do so.” - -“I cannot understand it,” the major replied. - -“The lady wore Miss Carr’s red, silver-embroidered sombrero, her -dress, and her veil.” - -Clarice gave a start at this, and put her fingers upon her lips to -silence Mrs. Lester. But in vain, for out it came: - -“Why, colonel, that could have been no one else than Nina de Sutro, -for she borrowed that red sombrero as a pattern for some embroidery -for one for herself, and on that day, while Mrs. De Sutro has a -dress the counterpart of the one Clarice often wears.” - -“Miss Clarice, you and Miss De Sutro are about the same size, I -believe?” said the colonel. - -“I have nothing whatever to say, Colonel Dunwoody, for I have told -you that I made no second visit to the prisoner, Silk Lasso Sam.” - -“I hope you will pardon me, Miss Clarice, for the annoyance I have -been compelled to give you.” - -“There is no need to ask my pardon, colonel, for you have not -offended and have done no wrong. I can well understand your position, -sir, and I have no feeling whatever in the matter, other than to -regret that I have been imposed upon.” - -“As I regret it. Miss Clarice, and I assure you that Captain -Franklin, the sergeant, corporal, and sentinel shall at once be made -acquainted with the fact that the visitor to Silk Lasso Sam was not -yourself.” - -After a short visit the major and the ladies left the headquarters, -and, putting on his hat, Colonel Dunwoody directed his steps to the -home of Lieutenant-Colonel De Sutro. - -He asked to see Miss De Sutro, and Nina soon entered the room, -looking very pretty in a morning-dress. - -“This is an honor I appreciate, Colonel Dunwoody, a morning call from -you,” she said in her sweet way. - -“Perhaps, Miss De Sutro, you will appreciate it less when I ask you -why you have been visiting the prisoner, Silk Lasso Sam, without -permission, and masquerading to the detriment of another lady to do -so?” - -The colonel’s voice was strangely stern, and Nina de Sutro had never -seen so severe an expression upon his face. She paled and flushed by -turns, and it was full a quarter of a minute before she replied. - -Then she put on a look of injured innocence, and said in a tearful -voice: - -“Oh, Colonel Dunwoody, you are angry with me, and when I meant to -do no harm. I only wished to see that poor desperate man again and -bid him farewell, and see if I could not do him only a little act of -kindness. I had just been given by Mrs. De Sutro the dress so like -Miss Carr’s, and which was too small for her, and I put on the red -sombrero Clarice wears, and wore them without thinking of the harm -they might do.” - -“And yet you spoke of yourself as Miss Carr?” - -“Those who saw me called me Miss Carr, and, being veiled, I carried -out the joke. I am so very sorry, and I will go at once to Miss Carr -and beg her pardon, while I will do all in my power to make amends -for my wrong-doing.” - -“Then see Captain Franklin also, Miss De Sutro, and explain the -affair to him, as also to the sergeant, corporal, and sentinel.” - -“How can I do this, sir?” - -“I cannot advise you, Miss De Sutro, and I believe you are clever -enough to extricate yourself from this position without further -advice from me, and also to save Miss Carr from being misunderstood.” - -“I will do as you wish, sir. But you are angry with me, Colonel -Dunwoody?” - -“No, I am sorry that you placed yourself and Miss Carr in a false -position,” was the reply, and when the colonel left the room Nina de -Sutro threw herself upon the floor and burst into tears. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - BUFFALO BILL’S MAD RIDE. - - -Horseshoe Ned, always an important personage in the eyes of many, was -particularly so on the morning of his departure for the East with no -less a person as a passenger than Silk Lasso Sam. - -He had told over and over again the story of his last run out, and -had brought with him as evidence of Miss Arden’s deadly shooting the -outlaw, wounded in both arms, who had been placed under guard in the -hospital. - -Now he was to go out with Silk Lasso Sam and the three detectives. He -had another passenger, whom he had no knowledge of, but the box-seat -had been engaged for some one who was to go along. - -The coach rattled up to its starting-place, the mail was put aboard -and instructions given, and the three detectives stood ready to -receive their prisoner. - -Presently a squad of soldiers was seen approaching, and in their -midst was the tall form of the outlaw chief. He walked upright -with soldierly step, and looked about him as he halted at the -stage-station with calm indifference. - -A very large crowd had gathered to see him off, and, as the guard -halted, they were anxious to get a look at his face. - -The officer in charge, after coming to a halt, asked: - -“Is Mr. Raymond, the detective, here?” - -Henry Raymond stepped forward and said: - -“I am Detective Henry Raymond, sir.” - -“I have orders to surrender into your keeping this prisoner, known as -Silk Lasso Sam.” - -“I am ready to receive him, sir.” - -“Then please sign this receipt.” - -The officer drew from his belt a paper which the detective carefully -read, and, stepping into the stage-office, signed. - -“Thank you, sir,” said the officer. “The prisoner is now in your -charge,” and, ordering the sergeant to march the guard back to the -guard-house, he turned upon his heel and walked leisurely away, as -though there was no more interest in the case for him. - -The detective ordered the prisoner to enter the coach, assisting him, -as both his hands and feet were manacled, the others followed, and -Henry Raymond called out: - -“All ready, driver.” - -“I’m all ready, too, but I has orders to wait a few minutes.” - -But a moment after Surgeon Powell hastily approached, and, leaping to -the box-seat, said: - -“Let her go, Ned.” - -“The seat was for you, then, sir?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then she goes.” - -The whip cracked and the team went rapidly away down the hill toward -the stockade gate. - -Soon after the stage rolled out of sight in the distance, and -Horseshoe Ned, having given the idea to the uninitiated in -stage-travel that he kept up that speed all the way, now drew the -horses down to a slow pace for the long drive ahead. - -Hardly had the coach disappeared when Buffalo Bill walked up to -headquarters. The colonel, with a relieved look upon his face, was -seated upon the piazza talking with Captain Caruth. - -“Ah! Cody, any news?” asked the colonel. - -“Not any, sir; but I came to ask leave to go on a trail for a few -days.” - -“Any definite point in view, Cody?” - -“Well, no, colonel, only I thought I would like to follow Horseshoe -Ned’s coach.” - -“You have some motive for asking this, Cody?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Out with it.” - -“The coach carried a very valuable freight, sir, in the person of -Silk Lasso Sam.” - -“Yes, and you think that he may escape?” - -“Well, sir, it has been rumored about that he was to go by this -coach, and it may be that an attempt at rescue might be made.” - -“Impossible.” - -“Why impossible, sir?” - -“He is well guarded by three determined men, while Surgeon Powell and -Horseshoe Ned are along, and I do not believe a force could be raised -at short notice that would dare attack those five.” - -“Still, sir, Silk Lasso Sam has many friends, and those who sought to -curry favor with him might attempt a rescue.” - -“There is something in this.” - -“There is much in it, I should say, colonel, and if you wish I will -take some troopers and escort the coach past the danger-line,” -Captain Caruth said. - -“It would be a hard ride for the troop to overtake the coach now, -Captain Caruth, and Cody is ready, I see, for the trail, so he can -go.” - -“I will start at once, sir,” was the scout’s reply, and he saluted -and walked rapidly back to his quarters. - -Anticipating that the colonel would grant his request for him to -follow the coach, Buffalo Bill had already prepared for his going, -and had his horse awaiting him, the very best animal that he had, and -he was never known to have an inferior one. - -Ten minutes after his request was granted the scout was riding out of -the stockade, and once out of sight of the fort, went on at a very -rapid pace, for the coach had all of ten miles the start of him. - -Buffalo Bill’s long life upon the border had made him watchful, -cautious, nervy, and cunning. He had all the attributes of a great -borderman, and he could bring into play his every talent and energy -when it was needed. - -He had a suspicion that constantly grew upon him that there might be -a rescue of the prisoner attempted. - -Did not Bonnie Belle know something, he wondered, of this intended -requisition from the governor, and had she not prepared for the -rescue when the opportunity offered? - -Might she not meet the detectives on the way with their prisoner, -and with unlimited money at her command gain by strategy and bribery -what could not be done by force? - -So argued the scout, and that was why he wished to go on the trail of -the coach. - -He rode rapidly until out of sight of the fort. Then he dismounted, -gave his horse a drink of water at a stream, tightened his -saddle-girths, and, looking at his watch, said: - -“Just two hours since Ned left. That means, as he drives, all of -twelve miles from this point. I should overtake him about Deep Dell -Brook or a little beyond, only I do not wish to get close enough to -be seen by them.” - -Mounting, he put his horse into a swinging canter and held him to it -for miles, when he reached the country where the hills grew steep and -long. - -Two hours after leaving the fort he halted for a short rest and said: - -“The coach is about six miles ahead now, I take it, if Ned is on -schedule time.” - -Again he resumed his way and held on until he descended into Deep -Dell Brook. - -Just as he halted his horse for water, confident that the coach -could not be very far from him then, his eyes fell upon the trail -beyond. - -There was something in it which caught his eye. It was a revolver. He -spurred toward it, dismounted, and cried: - -“It’s Frank Powell’s revolver!” - -He looked about him and saw tracks of horses, blood-stains, -footprints, and the evidence of a struggle. Instantly he leaped into -his saddle, and his horse was sent flying on up the hill. - -A mile ahead he caught sight of the coach, and it was driving -rapidly. He had no time to lose in overtaking it, so, drawing his -revolver, he fired several shots. - -The sound reached the ears of Horseshoe Ned who glanced back, saw who -it was, and, wheeling his team in a broad space of the trail, drove -back to meet the scout with all speed. - -He soon drew rein, and the scout dashed up and leaped from his horse. - -“Ho, Ned, what is the matter?” called out Buffalo Bill. - -“Matter enough, Bill, for the doc, the detectives, and the prisoner -is gone.” - -“Gone where?” - -“Don’t know.” - -“Why don’t you know?” angrily said the scout. - -In answer Horseshoe Ned turned the back of his head and said: - -“See there, Bill.” - -“It’s a wound.” - -“It’s something.” - -“What has happened?” - -“Durned ef I know, for I’m kinder dazed like.” - -“Tell me what you can.” - -“I will.” - -“You were held up?” - -“I don’t know,” and the driver passed his hand across his head and -said: - -“It pains me, Bill.” - -“Come, Ned, get down from your box, for there is a brook here, and -let me dress that wound. I have a needle and thread and can stitch it -up for you, for it is an ugly-looking gash. Then tell me all you can -remember.” - -The driver obeyed without a word, allowed the scout to take the -stitches in the wound without flinching and fixed his handkerchief -over it, wet with arnica which Buffalo Bill always carried with him. - -“It feels better now, Bill, thankee.” - -“Oh, you’ll come round all right soon,” and the scout said no more, -for he did not wish to hurry the driver and perhaps fret him in the -condition in which he then was. - -After a few moments of silence, Ned said: - -“I think it was a rock, Bill.” - -“What was?” - -“That struck me.” - -“Ah! and it was at Deep Dell Brook?” - -“Yes, the horses were drinkin’ thar, and doc and me was talkin’, when -suddenly came a blow that knocked me clear off the box, for I was -down on the ground just out of the stream when I came round. The team -was standing near me, just waitin’ like humans for me ter come round, -and when I tried to git up I found I was uncommon dizzy. - -“But I did git up at last, and then I see thet ther mail-bags was -gone and I scrambled up to my box as best I could and come on. I -don’t know no more about it than you does, Bill, save that thar is -one of them detectives dead inside the coach, and he ’pears to hev -been robbed, too, for I recommember thet he hed a watch and chain.” - -Buffalo Bill sprang quickly to the coach door, threw it open, and -there he beheld a dead man. - -It was Henry Raymond. There was a bullet wound in his heart. - -There was evidence that he had also been robbed, though in searching -through the pockets of the man he found a bundle of papers of which -he at once took possession. - -He mounted to the top of the coach and saw there red stains and -indications of a struggle. The grip-sack of Surgeon Powell and the -baggage of the prisoner and the detective were also missing. - -At last Buffalo Bill said, as though at a loss to know what to do: - -“Ned?” - -“Yes, Bill.” - -“You are able to drive on to the station?” - -“I am.” - -“Then continue on your way, and report your having been held up on -the road, and all that you can remember that occurred.” - -“I will.” - -“I must return to the fort at all speed, and I am going to take one -of your horses, to enable me to give mine a rest, for I shall stake -him out in the Deep Dell Brook Valley, for the trail is to be taken -up from there. You can rig one horse in the lead, can you not?” - -“Easy, to oblige you, Bill, for I sees that you is hot for scalps.” - -“I am, so give me your best horse.” - -“I’ll do it.” - -“If I kill him I’ll replace him, but I can make good time to the -fort, make my report, have my scouts and a troop follow, and ride a -fresh horse back to Deep Dell Brook. There I will find my horse well -rested, and, leaving the other animal for the scouts to pick up, I -can get along on the trail of the outlaws who did this deed a long -way before night, marking my way for those coming after me to follow -rapidly.” - -“You’ve got ter do some tall riding, Buffalo Bill.” - -“All right, I’ll do it, for remember, my best pard, Frank Powell, is -either dead or a prisoner.” - -“That’s so. Take the roan mare, Bill. She’s an all-day animal, fast -and willing.” - -Buffalo Bill hastily threw the harness off of the roan mare, put his -saddle and bridle on her, and, bidding Horseshoe Ned good-by, led -his own horse down to a secluded spot upon Deep Dell Brook. There he -staked him out, and, leaping into the saddle, sent the roan mare off -like an arrow. - -He had just twenty-five miles to go to reach the fort, and in two -hours and a half he dashed through the stockade gate, and up to the -colonel’s quarters, the gallant roan staggering under him, and with a -groan dropping dead as the scout sprang from his saddle. - -The colonel heard of his rapid coming, and met him on the piazza, -where there were a number of officers and ladies, among the latter -Clarice Carr and Nina de Sutro. - -“Colonel Dunwoody, I have to report overtaking the coach a mile -beyond Deep Dell Brook, sir, and found Horseshoe Ned half-dazed from -a wound in his head, made, I believe, by a rock, and inside the stage -the dead body of Detective Raymond, shot through the heart. - -“He had been robbed, as also was the coach of the mail and the -luggage it carried, while Surgeon Powell, the prisoner, and the other -two detectives were missing. - -“There was evidence of a severe struggle, sir, and so I took one of -Ned’s horses and rode back, leaving mine to rest, while, as I came -through the gate I ordered another horse which I will return on at -once so as to take the trail before night. - -“With your permission, sir, I would like to take a dozen of my men, -and ask for Captain Caruth with a score of his troopers to follow me, -for I will mark my trail well, sir.” - -“Cody, you are worth a hundred men at any time, and I can now -understand your riding your horse to death. There comes Texas Jack -with another animal for you, so give him your orders and do you start -back at once, while your scouts can follow, and Captain Caruth will -take his entire troop. There must be no mistake about catching those -fellows who have been guilty of this outrage.” - -With a salute to the colonel Buffalo Bill turned to his fresh horse, -Texas Jack having taken the saddle and bridle from the dead animal -and placed them upon the one he had led up for his chief. - -“Jack, get twelve of the men and provisions in plenty and follow me -at once to Deep Dell Brook, where Captain Caruth and his troop are -coming also.” - -“We will be there, Bill,” was the answer of Texas Jack. - -Dropping into the saddle, with a wave of his hand, Buffalo Bill -dashed away like the wind. - -“Deep Dell Brook in two hours at that pace, and another dead horse,” -said Texas Jack as he saw his chief dash away like the wind, -settling himself in his saddle as he started down the hill, as though -it really was his intention to reach the scene of the tragedy in two -hours or kill the horse he rode. - -The scouts were ready fifteen minutes after the departure of Buffalo -Bill, and within half an hour the troop of Captain Caruth rode out of -quarters on their path. - -The scouts, twelve dashing fellows under Texas Jack, had settled -down to a quick trot, and were just disappearing from sight in the -distance when Captain Caruth started off with his men. - -It was an hour before sunset when the scouts reached the Deep Dell -Brook. They threw themselves from their horses to give them a rest, -and they set about looking for “signs.” - -The first thing they discovered was the horse ridden by Buffalo Bill. -The animal was standing dead-beat in the stream, his appearance -indicating that Buffalo Bill had gotten there with ample time to be -far on the trail of the outlaws by that time. - -Then they discovered the signs of the struggle where the coach had -been halted, and down the stream led the trail. - -Not far below was a stick in the top of which was a slip of paper. -Taking it, Texas Jack read in his chief’s well-known hand: - - “There were mounted outlaws awaiting the coach at Deep Dell Brook. - Their horses were staked out at the bend below here, and they had - camped there all night. - - “The tracks show nine horses were there, and I suppose that - means as many men. With their prisoners, Surgeon Powell and the - detectives, they can hardly travel very fast. - - “I shall press rapidly on until dark, marking trail as I go so that - you can follow with considerable speed. - - “BILL.” - -A courier was sent back by Texas Jack to the ford with this note, to -give to Captain Caruth, and then the scout pressed on once more at a -quick trot. - -All along they saw where Buffalo Bill had marked the trail, and when -at last night came on they were compelled to halt, but they were glad -to know that Buffalo Bill had had all of two hours more of daylight -than they had. - -A scout was sent back to bring the troopers up to the camp. - -“Well, Texas Jack, what do you think of the situation?” asked Captain -Caruth, as he sat in his camp that night, having sent for the scout. - -“Buffalo Bill had three hours of daylight at least, sir, when he -reached the brook, as his horse showed that he came through at full -speed. Then, sir, he had his own fresh horse to mount there, and the -trail of the robbers he doubtless followed at a run to get as far as -possible before nightfall. - -“The robbers could not have gone half so fast, and were certainly not -expecting pursuit to-day, which would cause them to go slow. They -supposed they had killed Ned, and were not expecting Cody to be upon -their trail.” - -“Then the chances are, you think, that Buffalo Bill is not very far -behind the band?” asked Captain Caruth. - -“I do, sir, and we can start just when it is light enough to see, so -that we can keep as close upon Cody’s heels as possible.” - -“Now, what is your opinion as to where these outlaws came from?” - -“I pass there, captain, for I supposed that all of the band of the -outlaw chief, Silk Lasso Sam, were either dead or wiped out. But it -seems I am wrong, sir.” - -“Yes, for these were certainly men who were willing to come to the -rescue of their chief.” - -“Yes, sir, and I only hope that no other harm than being taken -prisoner has befallen Surgeon Powell.” - -“So do I.” - -“Yet, Jack, I have such an abiding faith in Surgeon Powell’s capacity -for taking care of himself that I do not believe that he was born to -die with his boots on.” - -“I hope he can take his time about it, sir, when his time comes, -for no better man did I ever meet, nor do I care to know,” was the -scout’s comment. - -“If he has an enemy, Jack, it is an outlaw, an Indian, or a villain.” - -“You are right, sir. But we had better get all the sleep we can, for -we will be kept humping it to-morrow, if Buffalo Bill can find horses -to ride.” - -“Yes, he’s a rough and ready rider, and it would take a score of -horses to break him down. Good night,” and, wrapping his blanket -about him, the captain dropped off to sleep at once. - -Texas Jack had said that all the men could rest, for he would keep -watch, and he started off alone, leaving the whole camp in deep -slumber. - -He, too, had an iron frame, and lantern in hand he picked out the -trail for a distance of some six or seven miles. - -Then he returned to camp, on foot as he had gone, and, as it was yet -an hour before dawn, aroused the men so that they could reach the -place he had gone to before daylight, get breakfast, and be ready for -the trail when able to see it. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - THE COLONEL RECEIVES A LETTER. - - -Toward sunset of the day the troop and scouts started to follow -Buffalo Bill upon the outlaws’ trail, a horseman was seen coming -rapidly toward the fort. - -He was coming along the trail from the post nearest above, where -there was a more direct and frequent communication than from Pioneer -Post with the East. It was soon seen that he was a military courier, -and his coming was watched with great interest. - -The news brought by Buffalo Bill had fallen like a thunderbolt upon -those in the fort. The colonel was more impressed by it than he cared -to reveal. - -He naturally supposed that the outlaw chief had escaped, and what the -fate of Surgeon Powell was no one could tell. - -That his body had not been found was hopeful that he had not been -killed. - -The fate of the other two detectives was uncertain. What it all meant -could only be surmised. - -The colonel could not find it in his heart to connect Ruth Arden, as -he knew her, with this tragic escape of her brother. It did not seem -like the woman he had met to plan an escape where death must ensue; -the innocent fall to save the wicked outlaw chief. - -In the fort there was a diversity of opinion, and all were very -freely expressed. Clarice Carr did not know what to believe, while -Nina de Sutro, after thinking the matter over, said to herself: - -“That is the work of that girl and no one else. She was determined -that her brother should not hang, and she plotted to have him rescued -at all costs. In some way she learned of his intended removal from -the fort, and so she planned accordingly, and plotted well. - -“If so, she has put herself in a very unfortunate position, for she -can be looked upon as an accessory. Oh, that in the mâlée Arden had -been killed! How rejoiced would I be, for then his tongue would be -forever silenced. What a fool I was to allow him to bluff me as he -did. - -“He certainly frightened me terribly by stating that I could show -no marriage-certificate. Neither can I, but I know the priest that -married us; I know the church well, and I saw it put upon the -register. He thought that I had forgotten, and so forced me to vow to -rescue him. - -“Well, he has escaped, and I only hope that he will soon be shot, -for then will I be free, and a widow. It is useless for me ever to -dream of love with Colonel Dunwoody now, for I know that he suspects -me. I cannot, I dare not tell him the truth, and, doing what I did, -impersonating Clarice Carr, I cannot make him understand unless I -confess all to him. - -“No, I must go on as best I can and try and wipe out that mistake -of mine from his memory. I shall make an effort now to win Caruth, -and, failing there, I will turn to Lieutenant Turpin, for he is by -no means bad, and he has prospects of promotion as well as money. -I would like to know what news that courier brings, for I will be -anxious until Buffalo Bill again returns to the fort.” - -So mused the woman, and with her beauty, wit, cleverness, and money, -it was very certain, if she could bury Silk Lasso Sam, the world yet -had charms for her which she would make the most of. - -The courier, meanwhile, had reached headquarters, and, dismounting, -had delivered his leather satchel to Colonel Dunwoody. - -He had come from the upper fort, also under the command of Colonel -Dunwoody, and the officer in charge there had sent him through as a -special, as an important paper had come there, addressed to Pioneer -Post. - -The colonel saw two letters, one an official document and so marked -and sealed, the other a personal communication. Both came from -Chicago, the army headquarters. - -The official letter was first opened and was only some special -orders, and a sanction of the act of Colonel Dunwoody in having Silk -Lasso Sam and his men so promptly tried and sentenced. - -This was a satisfaction to him, and then he turned to his letter. It -was a personal one from the general, and read as follows: - - “MY DEAR DUNWOODY: If you resist falling in love with that - beautiful girl to whom I gave a letter to you, then you are indeed - destined never to be a benedick. - - “I am sorry you can do no more for her than to allow her to see - that villain of a brother, who certainly deserves hanging, and I - suppose will be promptly executed on the day set, as he should be. - - “The young lady did ask me something about the possibility of her - having the civil law take the man from the military, but I have - heard no more of it, so suppose she made no attempt to do so. - - “You have shown nerve and determination in your dealing with those - border ruffians, and I uphold you in it.” - -The letter then spoke of other matters, and having read it to the end -Colonel Dunwoody hastily sent for Lieutenant-Colonel De Sutro and -Major Lester. - -When the officers arrived at headquarters they found the commandant -pacing the floor with a look as though very much annoyed. - -“Gentlemen, I received by courier this evening a despatch from the -military headquarters and a letter, and they perplex me, so I wish -you would kindly look over those papers, brought by Detective Raymond -some days since, and see how you regard them?” - -Colonel De Sutro at once took the letter from headquarters explaining -the situation regarding the prisoner, Silk Lasso Sam. He read it -through carefully and handed it to Major Lester, who did the same. - -“Do you see anything irregular in that, gentlemen?” - -“I do not, sir.” - -“Nor do I.” - -“Read this now, please.” - -The requisition of the Governor of Illinois, for the delivery to his -authorized agent, Detective Henry Raymond, was then read by both -officers. - -“Now give me your opinion of that, please, gentlemen.” - -“There is but one opinion to give, sir.” - -“So I say,” added Major Lester. - -“Now, gentlemen, a courier just brought this official paper, and I -have received with it a personal letter from the general. Please do -me the kindness to read the official document, and I will read to you -extracts from the general’s letter.” - -This was done, and then the two junior officers sat gazing at their -senior. - -“What does it mean?” asked Colonel Dunwoody. - -“I can see but one meaning to it,” the major said. - -“And that meaning, major?” - -“Is that the general was in ignorance of the governor’s requisition -or----” - -“But he could not be, when his other communication orders me to give -up the prisoner.” - -“That is so, sir. And, as Texas Jack always says, I pass.” - -“So do I,” the lieutenant-colonel said, with a smile. - -“Now this last letter and despatch from the general is dated ten -days after the former one and the requisition, so I can see but one -thing to be said of the first received, and that is that they are -forgeries.” - -“But that cannot be, colonel, for see the real and official -letter-heads, and the writing,” the major said. - -“The letter-heads have been stolen, as also the use of the seal, -while the handwriting of the adjutant-general has been copied. I tell -you, gentlemen, some very clever head and hand have been at work here -for the rescue of that prisoner, and it was accomplished, too, for -those men were no more detectives than you are.” - -The colonel paced to and fro, deeply moved, and the two officers with -him evidently began to see the situation as he did, for Colonel De -Sutro remarked: - -“It is true that it could be done, Colonel Dunwoody, and we read -about such escapes in novels, but it can hardly be possible.” - -“It is possible and has been done, gentlemen, I now feel certain of -that. But, keep the matter quiet, please, and I will at once send a -special courier with a letter to the general and these forged papers, -stating just what has occurred.” - -“It would be best to do so, sir.” - -“Yes, Lester, all that I can do. I will also send another courier -after Caruth with a letter giving these facts, so that he can advise -Buffalo Bill, and they will not be acting in the dark. It is a bold, -clever game that has been played, and I fear it was too well planned -to be any doubt as to the escape of that daring outlaw, Silk Lasso -Sam.” - -“Do you think, sir, that he was in the secret?” - -“Yes, or it could never have been carried out to such a successful -termination.” - -“Then the lady who was here as his sister must have been the fair -plotter.” - -“Yes, Colonel De Sutro, she and no one else; but, I cannot believe -that it was intended by her that a life should be taken in this -escape. That is why I say it was so cleverly planned, in Chicago, not -here, and money obtained those letter-heads, the use of the State -seal, and the forgery of those papers.” - -“She is a very remarkable woman, Colonel Dunwoody.” - -“Yes, Lester, she is; but humane as well as clever and daring. -She has planned, too, that her brother should make no mistake in -escaping, and so I am sure that Buffalo Bill and those he guides are -following a blind trail.” - -“Where is the woman now, sir?” - -“The lady, Colonel De Sutro, for she is such and cannot be censured -for saving her brother, has gone East, I believe. At least, such was -her intention.” - -“And Miss Carr does not know her address, major?” asked Colonel -De Sutro, who was always envious of Clarice Carr’s receiving more -attention than Nina, and was willing to give a little dig at the -major, in return for the colonel’s rebuke to him for calling Ruth -Arden a woman. - -“Miss Arden has promised to write to Miss Carr, Colonel De Sutro, yet -has not done so thus far. With Colonel Dunwoody, I am not one to cast -the slightest censure upon her for wishing to save her wicked brother -from the gallows, and I admire her pluck, but only hope Powell has -not been a sufferer by it.” - -“I most sincerely echo your hope, Lester, that Powell has come to no -harm by this escape,” said Colonel Dunwoody, and Colonel De Sutro -expressed the same wish. - -After some further conversation upon the subject it was decided that -the letter should be at once written and despatched by courier, in -order to get a response from the general as soon as possible. - -Then, while Colonel Dunwoody was writing the letter it occurred to -Major Lester to volunteer himself to go on after Captain Caruth’s -command, and explain the situation to that officer and to Buffalo -Bill. - -When he mentioned to the general his determination, his services -were gladly accepted, and he at once repaired to his quarters to make -preparations for the night ride, and an order was sent for an escort -of a sergeant and eight troopers, with a scout as guide. - -The courier was despatched with the letter to the general, to be -taken to a point on the Overland Trail where there was a tri-weekly -mail going East, and a scout was the bearer, a man thoroughly -acquainted with the country so that he could make the best time -possible. - -Soon after Major Lester and his escort rode out of the fort, and at a -trot started upon the trail. They went prepared to push on by night, -for several lanterns had been taken along, and these were put into -requisition upon reaching Deep Dell Brook. - -The trail was thus readily followed from there, and just at sunrise -the party came to the camp of the troop ahead, which had been -deserted a couple of hours before. - -A halt was made of an hour for rest and breakfast, and then they -pushed on again. - -The scout with the escort was a good one, and he followed the trail -readily, gaining here and there by cutting across country, from his -knowledge of which way the trail must lead. In this way, by noon, -several miles had been made, and Major Lester felt cheered with the -hope of closing up with the party ahead before nightfall. - -A long rest was taken at noon, for both men and horses needed it, and -then the trail was resumed once more. - -When the sun was nearing the horizon the scout descried ahead a -camp-fire. He at once halted and reported it, and soon after the -escort rode into the camp of Captain Caruth’s troop. - -“Well, Lester, what on earth brings you here?” cried Captain Caruth. -“Has aught gone wrong at the fort?” - -“Come aside and I will tell you. Where is Buffalo Bill?” - -“Asleep yonder at my camp.” - -“We will go there, then.” - -“Your manner indicates that something is wrong.” - -“There is. Have you made any discovery?” - -“Buffalo Bill has.” - -“What?” - -“Well, he was on ahead, and we came upon him here. He has been going -all the time, and at last even his iron frame had to acknowledge -fatigue, and he halted here, while his scouts have gone off on the -seven different trails that lead from yonder valley in as many -different directions. Ho, Cody, here is Major Lester, and he has news -for us.” - -Buffalo Bill was asleep upon his blanket, but sprang to his feet in -an instant and said: - -“Glad to see you, major. Hope nothing has gone wrong at the fort to -bring you after us, sir.” - -“There is something very wrong, Bill, as you shall know, for I wish -to tell the major and yourself at once.” - -Then the major went on to tell the captain and the scout of the -letters brought by the courier, and just what the general had done. - -Buffalo Bill gave a low whistle, and the captain laughed. - -“Well, Bill, what do you think of it?” asked Captain Caruth. - -“I think that Miss Arden is a dandy, sir, for it’s her work, sure as -can be.” - -“You are right, she did the work, and she is a dandy. She has -outwitted a fort full of soldiers, from colonel down, and she has -serenely gone her way beyond harm herself,” said Captain Caruth. - -“Yes, it is the belief of the colonel also that Miss Arden did the -planning, and from what I know of her she is capable of it,” Major -Lester said. - -“But where is she now?” the captain asked. - -“Ask the winds, Caruth,” said the major, and then he added: - -“And, Bill, where is Silk Lasso Sam?” - -“I surrender, sir.” - -“Explain, please.” - -“Well, sir, I followed the trail to the point down the valley there, -and from the creek it divided into just seven trails.” - -“All going the same way?” - -“No, sir, going off like the fingers from your hand. I followed one, -then the other, and then gave it up and waited for the coming of -Captain Caruth and my scouts. I sent two men off on each trail, for -I borrowed a soldier or two from Captain Caruth, and I turned in to -rest, sir.” - -“Then you delay here until you get the reports from your scouts?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“That is all that I can see to do, Lester.” - -“Yes, Caruth, you can do nothing else but wait,” was the major’s -reply. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - TREACHERY. - - -The coach that carried the prisoner away from the fort progressed -on its way until it neared Deep Dell Brook. Then Detective Raymond -called out to the driver that the prisoner was not feeling very well, -and he would like to give him a seat on top of the coach. - -This was allowed, and a seat was arranged behind Surgeon Powell and -Horseshoe Ned. Then on the coach went once more. - -Neither Horseshoe Ned nor Surgeon Powell suspected treachery from -behind them. They were prepared to resist any attempt at the rescue -of the prisoner, should the coach be held up on the way. - -But behind the surgeon and the driver a plot was going on. - -The prisoner’s irons were quietly unlocked by Detective Raymond, and -he was a free man. - -Then, at a given signal, the two suddenly brought a revolver down -upon the head of the man immediately in the front of each. - -The coach was just moving out of Deep Dell Brook at the time. The -blows were stunning ones, and the one delivered by the detective upon -the head of the driver was very severe, for it cut to the bone, and -was given with an indifference as to whether it killed or not. - -The blow received by the Surgeon Scout was less severe, perhaps -because the benumbed hands of the outlaw chief were not able to -strike so hard or perhaps because the man admired Frank Powell as he -had said that he did. - -Horseshoe Ned fell heavily from his box to the ground, and the team -stopped. Surgeon Powell also reeled, clutched at his revolver, and, -turning, fired. - -His shot killed the pretended Detective Raymond, though he received -a bullet himself in the shoulder, and dropped from the coach to the -ground. - -Half-stunned as he was by the blow, and wounded, too, while the fall -gave him a severe shock, he was no match for the outlaw chief, and -the two men who leaped from the coach upon him. - -He was quickly secured, disarmed, and the manacles taken from Silk -Lasso Sam were put upon him. - -There were others who had appeared upon the scene during this unequal -combat. They were two men who quickly looked about for Raymond, but -found him dead. - -Then they turned to the chief and said that they had been ordered to -that point to meet him, and had horses near. - -The chief, aided by one of the pretended detectives, assisted Surgeon -Powell along the bank to where the horses awaited them, the other men -following soon after, with the booty taken from the coach. - -Surgeon Powell appeared half-dazed from his blow, but he made no -resistance, and was mounted upon one of the horses that was there. - -“You must go with me, Surgeon Powell, for I do not wish to kill you, -and you are too dangerous a man to leave behind,” said the chief. - -Frank Powell made no reply, and, mounting, the chief, his prisoner, -and four men set off down the valley. - -The wound of the surgeon was looked to at the first halt made, and it -was found not to be dangerous, though severe. - -On they went until after noon, when the chief said: - -“I wish to divide here. You have your pay, men, for the work you -have done, so go your separate ways, and I will go mine, taking my -prisoner with me. The odd horses we will turn loose, and that there -may be seven separate trails going in as many directions, I will go -on foot, and the surgeon can ride the horse I had.” - -Thus the men parted on the trail, the Surgeon Scout mounted on the -best horse, which was led by Silk Lasso Sam. - -The outlaw chief appeared to have a direct purpose in view, and to -know the country thoroughly, for he kept steadily on, the Surgeon -Scout seemingly indifferent to what was going on. - -Toward sunset he came to a good spot for a camp, and was just coming -to a halt when a horse and rider appeared in sight. The chief started -and dropped his hand upon his revolver, as though to stand at bay, -when the Surgeon Scout said sternly: - -“Hold! do not fire upon a woman.” - -“My God, I had nearly done so, for I could hardly see her through the -foliage.” - -“It is your sister.” - -“Yes.” - -The outlaw gave a call, and the horsewoman who had not seen them up -to that time came quickly toward them. - -“Ruth!” - -“Brother!” - -The rider had thrown herself from her horse and was clasped in her -brother’s arms, while she cried: - -“You are free, and now you will remember your pledge to me to lead a -different life.” - -“I will keep my word to you, Ruth. But see, here is an old friend, -and he is wounded and suffering.” - -“Surgeon Powell!” cried Ruth, her face turning white, and then -wheeling upon her brother she demanded sternly: - -“What does this mean, sir?” - -The eyes of Ruth flashed fire as she turned them upon her brother, -whose face flushed under her gaze, while he said in an embarrassed -manner: - -“Do not be angry, Ruth, for no harm has been done, or very little at -least, for the surgeon is not much hurt.” - -“I wish to say to you, Surgeon Powell,” and Ruth turned toward him, -“that I planned the escape of my brother from the gallows. I went to -Chicago, got forged documents, and sent these men in my pay to play -the detective and bring my brother away. - -“I was to have horses meet them at Deep Dell Brook, and it seems that -so far as his escape is concerned all went well. In consideration -for his escape he had pledged me to lead a different life, to reform. -Now, when I supposed that there would be no trouble in his making his -escape, no bloodshed, he appears here, when I come to meet him, with -you in irons and a prisoner. I ask you, Surgeon Powell, what does it -mean?” - -“Let your brother inform you, Miss Arden,” was the reply of Frank -Powell. - -“Well, sir, what explanation have you to offer for this outrage upon -Surgeon Powell?” - -“I wish to say, Ruth, that you are angry without a cause. Colonel -Dunwoody sent Surgeon Powell along also, and there was but one way -to escape, if I was to do so. The man Raymond dealt Horseshoe Ned a -severe blow, and I struck the surgeon, but not to do him other harm -than stun him. - -“The driver, I fear, was killed, for he fell from the box, while -Surgeon Powell turned, drew his revolver, and fired upon Raymond, who -also drew trigger at the same time. The surgeon killed Raymond, and -you see that Doctor Powell received a slight wound in the shoulder. - -“There was nothing to be done then but to make Surgeon Powell a -prisoner and bring him along. I discovered the men back in the -valley, and we were upon our way to Pocket City, where I knew that -you would do all in your power for the doctor.” - -“Gladly I will, and it is but seven miles to Pocket City, and we -will go on at once. But there should have been no bloodshed in this -escape, brother, for I meant that it should be a rescue wholly by -strategy. Come, Surgeon Powell, you are no prisoner, so, brother, -unlock those irons.” - -“And have him kill me?” - -“I shall take the parole of both of you to do no harm to each other. -Will you give it, Surgeon Powell?” - -“As you ask it, Miss Arden, I will.” - -“And you, brother?” - -“I will only protect my life,” was the guarded answer of the outlaw. - -“Then give me the key of these manacles.” - -They were handed to her, and the irons were unlocked and thrown over -the horn of the saddle. - -“Now, Doctor Powell, I desire to get you to a place of safety as soon -as possible, and see what can be done for you. Brother, my horse is -fresh and able to carry double, so mount behind me.” - -This the outlaw did, and she rode on through the gathering darkness. - -Arriving in the vicinity of Hangman’s Gulch, Ruth paused and said: - -“Brother, you know that it will not do for you to be seen, and I -have a hiding-place for you, where you can be safe until you have an -opportunity of leaving this country. You have no fear of Hangman’s -Gulch, so remain here until I return for you later, for now I shall -go on with Major Powell to the hotel.” - -The outlaw made no reply and obeyed, and Ruth rode on with Surgeon -Powell by her side. - -Soon after he found himself in pleasant quarters, and his wounds were -skilfully dressed by the fair hands of the good Samaritan who once -more appeared in her character of Bonnie Belle. - -When Ruth had seen Surgeon Powell in comfortable quarters at the -Frying Pan, she mounted her horse and rode alone out of Pocket City. - -There were few miners abroad at that hour, and if any one saw her at -all they supposed in the darkness that she was a man. - -Even had they known it to be Bonnie Belle she would have gone -unquestioned as to the cause of her late ride, no matter how much -any one would have wondered as to the reason. - -She rode directly toward Hangman’s Gulch, and that was a sure sign -that she would meet no one on that trail, which the bravest of the -miners would not travel by night. - -And yet there in that weird spot, among the graves of a score of -victims of border justice or injustice, as the case might be, with -the gallows rising above him, stood a man then under sentence of -death to die by hanging; a man who could count his victims by the -score, a man revengeful, merciless, and wicked far beyond his kind. - -It was Arden Leigh, known on the frontier as Silk Lasso Sam, and if -the spot had haunting memories for him he did not reveal the fact by -word or deed. - -He uttered an impatient oath now and then, as time passed and he did -not hear his sister returning, and at last, losing his patience as -time stole on, he was moving down toward the mouth of the gulch, when -his ears caught the clatter of hoof-falls. - -“She is coming,” he muttered. - -Then, as he darted back into the shadow, he drew a revolver and said: - -“But I must not be too sure.” - -Soon a horse and rider appeared in the gulch, and, drawing rein, the -soft, plaintive notes of the whippoorwill was heard. - -“How that call carries me back to the past, for it was my call for -Ruth,” and the man seemed to feel for an instant a pang of memory and -remorse that overwhelmed him. Then as the call was repeated again and -again he stepped out from the shadow and approached the girl where -she sat upon her horse. - -“Ah! brother, I am so glad to find you, for I was becoming anxious,” -she said, as she slipped from her saddle to the ground. - -“I was so taken aback at the old whippoorwill call, Ruth, that I -could neither answer it nor speak. I was overwhelmed for a moment.” - -“It was your call for me, when I was a little girl, Arden.” - -“Yes, and that is what impressed me so.” - -“Then you can feel, and you are not, as people have said, utterly -heartless and callous?” - -“I hope I am a changed man, my sister. But what am I to do?” - -“You are to return with me to Pocket City, for I have a place in my -wing of the hotel where I can hide and care for you for a few days, -as it would by no means be safe for you to attempt now to go through -the country alone.” - -“And why not now?” - -“Because you know that your attack on Surgeon Powell will cause the -wildest excitement at the fort. Of course, it will be known that you -escaped, and Colonel Dunwoody will have half his force on your track, -for Surgeon Powell will be supposed to have been killed, and that -will make those who search for him most revengeful.” - -“That is so, sister.” - -“I am sorry that this was not an escape without violence, and, as I -fear, the death of the driver.” - -“How could it be without violence or death with the Surgeon Scout -along, Ruth, for you know it would have been easier to have mastered -a guard of half a dozen men than Powell, unless by a blow when he did -not expect it. He is an extraordinary man.” - -“Yes, he is, and I am glad it is no worse. But now here are some -things for you to put on, and you are to come with me to Pocket City. -I will ride on ahead and enter my wing of the hotel, and when you -hear the whippoorwill cry do you then come directly to my gate in the -stockade wall.” - -“I understand.” - -“I will have your room ready, and will bring you your food myself, -while I am arranging for your departure.” - -“You are most kind to me, Ruth. But then you always have been.” - -“I wish to be, and I hope to help you to lead a different life, my -brother.” - -“You alone can do it, Ruth,” was the low response, and then, as -though he dreaded trouble yet for himself, he said: - -“What you say about Powell alarms me, and if it is found out that you -are my sister, then your house will be searched, Ruth.” - -“Let them search it, for they will never find you in the place where -I can hide you, Arden.” - -“All right, I am in your hands, my sister,” and, having slipped on -the clothes she had brought him, he followed her on to the edge of -Pocket City. - -For half an hour he waited there in the shadow of the timber, and -then came the cry of the night bird, when he walked briskly toward -the stockade. - -The gate was opened, and, unseen by any one, he entered and had -reached a haven of refuge. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - THE SURGEON SCOUT’S WARNING. - - -Frank Powell’s wounds were painful, though not serious. He had been -taken to one of the pleasantest rooms in the Frying Pan, and thither -went Bonnie Belle and a Chinese servant, with water, arnica, and -bandages. - -“I have come to dress your wounds, Surgeon Powell, under your -direction,” she said, with a smile. - -“They amount to but little to one who has roughed it as I have, Miss -Arden.” - -“There, you are calling me Miss Arden, when you know that here I am -Bonnie Belle.” - -“I will not mistake again, Bonnie Belle.” - -“Here, Chin-Chin, get ready to help me,” and, having placed the basin -and other things upon the table, she drew back the collar of the -surgeon’s shirt and glanced at the wound. - -“What do you think of it?” she asked. - -“The bullet passed through, and touched no bones, so it will soon -heal,” he said. - -She then bathed the two wounds where the bullet cut its way in and -out and bandaged the shoulder firmly. - -“Now to that cut upon the head.” - -The blow had cut to the bone, but the skull was not injured, and, -being washed clean, she took a couple of stitches, drawing it -together, after which it was also dressed carefully. - -Chin-Chin, meanwhile, was sent for some supper for the Surgeon Scout, -who ate heartily of what was brought to him, and, left to himself, -was soon after sound asleep. - -The next day Bonnie Belle visited him with Chin-Chin, again dressed -his wounds, and then said: - -“Now, Surgeon Powell, I have written a letter to the fort that you -are here, and I suppose a troop will soon be sent for you.” - -“Yes, but there was no need of it, as I could have gone on alone.” - -“No, sir, that I would not allow, for brave and strong as you are you -are not able to take that ride alone, so you are to remain here until -your comrades come for you.” - -“You are the captain, Bonnie Belle, and so I obey. But I have -something to say to you.” - -“Well, sir?” - -“You do not know that Buffalo Bill is on my trail.” - -She started and asked: - -“What do you mean?” - -“I mean that Buffalo Bill was to follow the coach to the end of the -run. He did not say as much, but I feel sure that he did so.” - -“Yes.” - -“Of course he came upon the scene where the coach had been held up, -and where were the bodies of the rescuer and of Horseshoe Ned, if the -latter was killed, which I doubt.” - -“I think I see your meaning now.” - -“Yes, for Buffalo Bill coming upon this scene read it like an open -book. He returned to the fort and got a force with which to follow -the rescuers, and he did so with all the promptness for which he is -famous. That is the way I read it, anyhow.” - -“And that means that he will come here?” - -“Yes, and very soon.” - -“But my brother guarded against that by dividing the men, as you -know, and covering up the trails as well as he could.” - -“Your brother did not guard against the fact that Buffalo Bill was -upon his trail. He supposed that it would, perhaps, be a couple of -days before the rescue was known, and so the trails would be in a -manner stale before there would be any one on his track. What became -of his rescuers he doubtless did not care, so long as he reached you -in safety and found a hiding-place.” - -“I fear such is the nature of my brother, Doctor Powell.” - -“I merely judge him by his actions in the past, and, though I feel -that he deserves hanging, and should be hanged without any hesitation -if taken, as he will surely be, for your sake I give you this -warning.” - -“It is most kind of you.” - -“No, it is just to you, for I feel that you are here, living the life -you do, only to save your brother, to redeem him. You have played -a bold game for his rescue, and as you believe in his reformation, -as he has pledged himself to lead a different life, I shall not be -the one to thwart you, so give you a warning that if Buffalo Bill -comes here with his scouts, as he surely will, he will ferret out the -hiding-place of your brother, and you will see him hanged before your -eyes, I very much fear.” - -“Then you would advise me to at once remove him to a safe retreat?” -anxiously asked Bonnie Bell. - -“I would advise you to send him far from here at once, Bonnie -Belle. If he goes back to his old ways of wickedness again, then -you have done far more than your duty by him, and he must take the -consequences.” - -“Yes, it must be so,” she said sadly, and then, as she turned from -the room, she continued: - -“I thank you, Surgeon Powell; and I will at once take your advice.” - -“I may have done wrong, but it was in justice to that noble girl,” -muttered the Surgeon Scout, when left alone. - -From the room of the Surgeon Scout Bonnie Belle went with very -thoughtful face to her room. - -She soon made her arrangements for bringing the outlaw to her own -quarters, for she could do nothing else. - -Then she looked the situation squarely in the face and decided to -speak and act at once. Delays are dangerous, and, with Buffalo Bill -upon the trail of her brother, she understood just what it meant. - -So she said, after some time spent in silent thought: - -“Brother, I wish to talk with you.” - -“I am very tired, sis, so say another time.” - -“No, it must be now, for I have something to tell you that will -startle you.” - -“Well?” - -“Buffalo Bill is upon your trail.” - -“How do you know this?” - -“From the Surgeon Scout.” - -“Bah! he has tried to frighten you.” - -“And has been successful.” - -“You are frightened, then?” - -“I am.” - -“And I am not.” - -“Well, we shall see what cause you have.” - -“Fire away.” - -“The Surgeon Scout did not try to frighten me.” - -“What then?” - -“He did me a kindness, as after all I had risked and done for you he -did not wish me to see you hanged.” - -“He is very kind.” - -There was a sneer in the man’s tones. - -“You misunderstand him, as I will prove to you. He told me that he -had been sent East by Colonel Dunwoody under orders, and that fearful -of an attack upon the coach, to rescue you--for my men were not -suspected of being treacherous, except that they might be bribed to -release you, detectives though they were supposed to be--Buffalo Bill -had decided to follow the coach, and did so.” - -“Ah!” - -“He therefore came upon the scene and, of course, rode back to the -fort for aid.” - -“This looks bad, if true.” - -“It is true, for Surgeon Powell told me for my good, with the hope -that you might have a chance to prove to me that your reformation was -sincere.” - -The outlaw wore a troubled look now, for he knew what Buffalo Bill -was on a trail. - -“Well, Ruth, what is to be done?” - -“If you remain here, knowing as he does that you are my brother, -Buffalo Bill will prevent your escape, for he will put spies upon -this hotel and you will be captured when you least expect it.” - -“It looks bad for me, sis.” - -“Yes, unless you go at once from here.” - -“How can I?” - -“I will go to the stable and get my best horse for you, yes, two -of them, for one you can use as a pack-animal. I will fit you up a -disguise, some provisions to last you a week or more, and when all is -in readiness you can meet me at the cliff on the trail to Hangman’s -Gulch. - -“That trail is well traveled, and you can take the bed of the stream -then, following down it for miles. This will destroy any trail, for -I will drag back a bush over the trail of the horses to the stream, -leaving a rope to it as though a horse had been hitched to it and had -broke away.” - -“You are as ingenious as Buffalo Bill, sis.” - -“When we are working for a life our brains are on the alert, brother. -Now you get the provisions, blankets, ammunition, and weapons packed -up, for I will bring them to you with the pack-saddle at once, and I -will see to the horses going to the edge of the timber. You will have -to carry the pack-saddle that far yourself, but the other horse will -be all saddled and bridled ready for you.” - -“I will not mind it, Ruth; but I want the best animals you have.” - -“You shall have them.” - -“And you know that I have no money.” - -“Indeed?” - -“It is so.” - -“I heard that you had been allowed to keep what you had on you of -value when taken.” - -“It is not so, for I was robbed of everything,” said the outlaw with -ready lie, for he had then upon him some gold, paper money, and -valuables to the amount of ten thousand dollars. - -“Well, brother, I am not sorry, for that which you had had been -gained dishonorably and would have brought you bad luck. I will -give you ten thousand dollars in bills, which you can carry easily, -and when I know in the future that you have reformed, that you have -atoned for the past all that lies within your power, then will I -share with you the fortune that I possess.” - -“You are very kind to me, Ruth; but I believe if I had more money now -I could invest it so well that you would not have to give me a cent.” - -“I cannot give you more now, brother; but should you need it, you -know where I told you to write to me, and I will readily help you. -But have you decided where you will go?” - -“Yes, I shall go to South America somewhere and invest my money -there.” - -“Well, may success attend you, brother, wherever you go. But now I -have to ask a favor of you.” - -“Granted.” - -“Here is our mother’s prayer-book and in it is a lock of her hair. -Will you clasp this sacred book in your hand, grasp mine with the -other, and solemnly vow to me your pledge of reformation of your life -and atonement for your past sins as far as is within your power to do -so?” - -A cloud swept over the face of the outlaw, but he answered: - -“I will.” - -She placed the prayer-book in his left hand, grasped his right in -both her own, and then repeated the pledge she wished him to make to -her. - -His voice quivered as he repeated it after her, but he kept on to the -end, and then she said: - -“Brother Arden, I have perfect faith in you now that you will keep -your pledge to me. Now I must hasten to get you away under cover of -the darkness.” - -And half an hour after the devoted sister parted from her outlaw -brother at the little stream, she returning to the camps dragging -after her a cedar bush to wipe out the trails of the two horses she -had led to that spot to await his coming. - -And, once more a free man, Arden Leigh was launched again upon the -world, no longer known as Silk Lasso Sam, the outlaw. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - BONNIE BELL’S WORK DONE. - - -The scouts under Buffalo Bill came into camp the following day after -starting upon the trails, two of them with horses which they had -found astray in the timber, and two more with a prisoner they had -taken. - -Two others reported having killed a man whom they overtook and who -showed fight, and thus were the pretended detectives, the comrades of -Raymond, accounted for. - -Texas Jack had the best story to tell, however. He had tracked a -horse down toward Pocket City and discovered that there was a man on -foot going along that way, too. - -He had trailed them to a spot half a dozen miles from Yellow Dust -Valley, and there a horse had joined them, as the tracks showed. This -horse came from the direction of Yellow Dust Valley. - -“That is the trail we take, Captain Caruth, and I am going to ask you -to camp your men outside of Pocket City, and you and the major go -on with me alone,” said Buffalo Bill. “You will discover my reason -later, and, if I mistake not, we will find Surgeon Powell in Pocket -City, for I cannot believe that harm has befallen him.” - -So the command moved on its way, and Buffalo Bill guided them to the -camping-place near the cabin of Deadshot Dean. - -It was night then, and, accompanied by Major Lester and Captain -Caruth, Buffalo Bill rode on into Pocket City and halted at the -Frying Pan. - -But for the warning given by the Surgeon Scout, it would have been -to the great surprise of Bonnie Belle, as she came out of her rooms, -to be suddenly confronted by the tall form of the scout, and to see -behind him the two officers in uniform. The scout acted as spokesman, -and said: - -“Bonnie Belle, we are here to find Surgeon Powell, and I feel that -you will give what information you can regarding him.” - -“Then you missed my courier to the fort, sent this morning?” - -“We saw no courier.” - -“I sent to the fort a letter to Colonel Dunwoody explaining all, -and---- But why this disguise any longer, for I see that Major Lester -and Captain Caruth both know me now as Miss Arden, but here remember -I must be only Bonnie Belle. - -“Come into my rooms and I will tell you all there is to tell, while, -to relieve your minds, let me say that Surgeon Powell is here and -doing well, though he is wounded. I will explain, however.” - -And then she told the story of her bold rescue of her brother, and -which she had intended to be a bloodless one, as far as she was -concerned. - -Surgeon Powell was sent for and was able to come to her rooms to meet -his comrades, and a pleasant meeting it was. - -“And now, Bonnie Belle, I desire to ask you one question,” said -Buffalo Bill. - -“Certainly.” - -“Where is your brother?” - -“Far from here, for he was set free upon conditions. I have kept my -contract with him, and with a handsome sum of money, he has gone, to -appear amid these scenes no more. As for myself, I shall start East -upon the next coach going out, to escape punishment from Colonel -Dunwoody, and also to visit the family of Deadshot Dean, near my old -girlhood home.” - -Until a late hour they all talked together and the next morning, as -Surgeon Powell expressed himself as well able to journey, the return -march was begun. - -Arriving there they found that Colonel Dunwoody had received -the letter written him by Ruth, and to Surgeon Powell he said -confidentially: - -“One of these days I will ask that woman to be my wife, Powell, for -she is as noble a specimen of womanhood as I ever knew. The letter -she wrote me was a confession of why she had so cleverly deceived -us all here, in her rescue of her brother, and begged that I would -understand that her motive was to save him that he might not die -unrepentant. - -“She has been on this border, as the landlady of a hotel and a -gambling-den, and yet I believe that she is pure as an angel.” - -“And I would stake life, honor, all I hold dear on earth, Colonel -Dunwoody, upon her, for she is all that you say that she is,” was -Frank Powell’s response, and then he told the colonel all that had -occurred at the time of his being taken to the hotel. - -“Do you not believe he will change his evil career, Powell, as he has -pledged himself to do?” asked the colonel. - -“Pardon me, sir, if I say that I believe he is too steeped in sin -ever to be other than a wicked man.” - -“All that he is, or yet may be, Powell, does not, however, alter my -regard for his sister one jot or tittle.” - -“Nor mine, sir, and Buffalo Bill feels the same way, for he has said -as much.” - -“And where is the fellow?” - -“He has gone to Mexico, sir, I take it, from what his sister said, -and that is a very bad country for a man of his caliber to go to, to -reform.” - -“It is indeed, Surgeon Powell,” was the answer of the colonel, who -then added: - -“But I tell you in confidence that one of these days I shall seek out -that young girl and offer her my hand and heart.” - -And Colonel Dunwoody was as good as his word, and he did not ask in -vain for the hand and heart of the real of his ideal love, though -then she was no longer known as Bonnie Belle of Pocket City, but as -Miss Ruth Leigh, a belle and beauty in society, and one known to -possess a very large fortune, of which she was the sole mistress. - -And there was in the fort another happy couple in Clarice Carr and -Captain Dick Caruth, whose lives also had a secret romance in them. - -As for Nina de Sutro, with a heart warped by her sorrows, the -wrecking of her life in girlhood by the outlaw who had crossed her -path, she in the end sought a haven of refuge within the walls of a -Mexican convent, hiding her life and her beautiful face under the -veil of a nun. - - - THE END. - - - No. 45 of the BUFFALO BILL BORDER STORIES, “Buffalo Bill and the - Doomed Dozen,” is a good deal of a mystery story. Of course it has - the Western setting, and all the trappings of an A1 Buffalo Bill - adventure yarn--yet it is a little different--though every bit as - enjoyable and thrilling as any in the series. - - - - - READ! - - The Chain of Clues - - By NICHOLAS CARTER - - New Magnet Library No. 1030 - - - A gamblers’ club with sixteen entrances through sixteen different - houses on three streets, where gambling is prohibited, is certainly - an interesting background for a detective story. - - Nick Carter becomes a member of such an organization to trap a - crook who held human life so cheaply that his devilish crimes went - unpunished for a long time. - - Nick matched his wits against those of the criminal and won - out--but how he did so will hold your undivided interest. - - If your dealer cannot supply this book immediately, he will get it - for you. - - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION - 79 Seventh Avenue New York City - - - - - A REQUEST - - - Conditions due to the war have made it very difficult for us to - keep in print all of the books listed in our catalogues. We still - have about fifteen hundred different titles that we are in a - position to supply. These represent the best books in our line. We - could not afford, in the circumstances, to reprint any of the less - popular works. - - We aim to keep in stock the works of such authors as Bertha Clay, - Charles Garvice, May Agnes Fleming, Nicholas Carter, Mary J. - Holmes, Mrs. Harriet Lewis, Horatio Alger, and the other famous - authors who are represented in our line by ten or more titles. - Therefore, if your dealer cannot supply you with exactly the book - you want, you are almost sure to find in his stock another title by - the same author, which you have not read. - - It short, we are asking you to take what your dealer can supply, - rather than to insist upon just what you want. You won’t lose - anything by such substitution, because the books by the authors - named are very uniform in quality. - - In ordering Street & Smith novels by mail, it is advisable to make - a choice of at least two titles for each book wanted, so as to give - us an opportunity to substitute for titles that are now out of - print. - - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION, - 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York City. - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - The Table of Contents at the beginning of the book was created by - the transcriber. - - Inconsistencies in hyphenation such as - “house-breaking”/“housebreaking” have been maintained. - - Minor punctuation and spelling errors have been silently corrected - and, except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the - text, especially in dialogue, and inconsistent or archaic usage, - have been retained. - - Page 2: “A Congress of the Rough-riders” changed to “A Congress of - the Rough Riders”. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO BILL'S STILL HUNT *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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