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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..eb364fe --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68673 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68673) diff --git a/old/68673-0.txt b/old/68673-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c448187..0000000 --- a/old/68673-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4576 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Outlaw Jack; or, the mountain devil, -by Harry Hazard - -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: Outlaw Jack; or, the mountain devil - Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 79 - -Author: Harry Hazard - -Release Date: August 3, 2022 [eBook #68673] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern - Illinois University Digital Library). - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUTLAW JACK; OR, THE MOUNTAIN -DEVIL *** - - - - - - OUTLAW JACK; - - OR, - - THE MOUNTAIN DEVIL. - - BY HARRY HAZARD. - - AUTHOR OF THE FOLLOWING POCKET NOVELS: - - 39.--Heart-Eater. - 43.--The White Outlaw. - 54.--Arkansas Jack. - 66.--Rattling Dick. - 71.--Delaware Tom. - 77.--Scarlet Shoulders. - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, - 98 WILLIAM STREET. - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by - FRANK STARR & CO., - In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - - - - OUTLAW JACK; - - OR, - - THE MOUNTAIN DEVIL. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - A BLOW IN THE DARK. - - -"Well, Burr, any change to-day?" - -"Yes--a great one." - -"For better or worse?" - -"The road will be open for us to-morrow. She's dying." - -"Dying! is it possible? And the poor creature seemed so much better -this morning." - -"Listen--there!" - -A quavering, pitiful wail came to their ears, proceeding from a small -white tent, half-hidden beneath the low-hanging boughs of the grove. -That cry told the two men, plainer than spoken words, the sad truth. -It told of a household broken and dismembered; of a bereaved husband -and daughter, of a dearly-beloved wife and mother who had journeyed -thus far from the home of her childhood, only to find a lone grave upon -the prairie, or beside the rock-bound rivulet that wound its noisy way -adown the valley. - -The two young men stood in silence, gazing toward the tent of mourning. -They did not speak, though not a little agitated. And yet one of the -two caught himself secretly exulting in the thought that now the -greatest difficulty was removed from the path he had laid out to follow. - -The little valley was studded here and there with diminutive tents, -while white-tilted wagons stood grouped together in an oblong circle. -These alone would have proclaimed the truth: a company of emigrants -tenanted the valley. - -Such sights were far from being uncommon in that year--1850. A year -before, the Californian "gold-fever" broke out. The first rush was made -by men--young and old. But then the fever spread. It infected all--the -result was but natural. Family followed family. Almost from ocean to -ocean an unbroken train of emigrants toiled wearily on--on toward -the glittering phantom that but too often vanished in thin air when -seemingly just within their grasp, leaving naught behind but wrecked -hopes and ruined fortunes. - -One link of the mighty human chain lies before our eyes. For nearly a -week this valley has sheltered them. While others pressed on in the -road for the yellow delusion, this party had been lying motionless, -longing for yet dreading the summons to resume their pilgrimage. - -A few hasty words will explain. - -This party of emigrants, numbering nearly one hundred souls, was under -the command of Caleb Mitchell. He started from Eastern Ohio, in company -with several of his neighbors, heading for the Land of Gold, taking -with him his wife and daughter. Little by little the company grew to -more respectable proportions, as stragglers joined it on the way, -until now, as they entered the Foothills, they felt little fear of the -red-skinned Ishmaelites of whom they had heard so many frightful tales. - -Nearly a week before our story opens, a sad accident occurred. A rifle, -suspended by leather strings in Mitchell's wagon, by some means got -discharged, its contents lodging in Mrs. Mitchell's breast. - -Since then she had been hovering between life and death. To continue -their journey would be her certain death, and the kind-hearted -emigrants would not abandon their leader in his distress, though each -day of delay increased their danger of being overtaken by winter in the -mountains. Thus for nearly a week they waited and watched. Slowly Mrs. -Mitchell sunk, and now, on this day, her spirit took its departure. The -daughter, Lottie, was the first to notice the presence of death, and it -was her heart-broken wail that saluted the ears of the two young men, -Burr Wythe and Paley Duplin. - -"It is all over!" muttered Duplin, drawing a long breath. - -"Poor girl--'twill just about kill her; she worshipped her mother," -added Burr, his blue eyes winking rapidly. - -"It _is_ sad--but then, since it must be so, it's well that all is -over. A long road lies before us, and the mountains must be crossed -before the snow falls. The lives of all depend upon it." - -"Mitchell knows that. _He_ will not delay us any longer than is -absolutely necessary. But come--there is work to do. We can help them." - -"Wait, Burr. I must see you to-night, alone. I have something of great -importance to tell you. Meantime, look at this--but, remember, don't -breathe a word of your suspicions. Keep it hid--at least until I say -you may speak." - -The young man, Duplin, seemed strongly excited for one of his usual -phlegm. As he spoke, he thrust a small article into Wythe's hand, and -renewing his caution, glided hastily away. - -Wonderingly Burr bent over the stone--for such it seemed. But then -a wild glow filled his eyes, lighting up his entire countenance, -while his muscular form quivered like one under the influence of an -ague-shock. - -"Is it--can it be _gold_?" he gasped, huskily. - -He too was a victim of the "yellow fever." It had lured him from -his far-away home amidst the northern pines of Maine. It had proved -stronger than the pleadings of his aged father and mother, stronger -than the love of his sister and younger brother. He had left them all -to chase up this glittering phantom; and now, for the first time, his -eyes rested upon the substance of his dreams by day and by night. - -Little wonder, then, that his heart beat fast and hard, that his brain -throbbed hotly and his eyes gleamed with a wild light--with the long -smoldering fires of greed that might waken to avarice. - -The little pebble lay in his palm, looking innocent enough. Its dull -surface was scratched and cut here and there, as if by a knife-point. -If gold, the nugget must be very pure. - -"Hellow, old boy, what ye thinkin' so soberly 'bout, eh?" suddenly -uttered a not disagreeable voice, as a heavy hand was placed upon -Burr's shoulder, and a heavily-bearded face met his startled gaze. - -Wythe started, and the nugget fell from his hand. Hastily he snatched -it up, and thrust it into his pocket, but not before the keen black -eyes of the new-comer had fallen upon it. In his agitation Burr did not -notice the quick, suspicious flash that lighted up the man's face, else -he might have used more caution. - -"What is it to _you_, Nate Upshur?" and Wythe shook the hand from his -shoulder, with a gesture of dislike. "My thoughts are my own, and none -the more agreeable for you thrusting yourself in upon them." - -"You speak sharp words, youngster, but best weigh them better. You're -not in the States, now, where a man's afeard to take up a cross word -for fear o' the courts. Take a fool's advice, an' give a civil answer -to a civil question, or you _may_ chaince to run foul o' a snag, one o' -these long-come-shortlys." - -"And I hold myself ready to accommodate _you_, whenever you feel -inclined to try it on, Nate Upshur. I hope that is plain enough for -your comprehension," contemptuously added Burr, turning away. - -Upshur bit his lip fiercely, and fingered the brass-bound butt of the -revolver at his waist, but made no attempt to draw it. - -"Fer little I'd--but never mind, now. But I _would_ like to know whar -he got that--if it _was_ gold." - -As the broad red disk of the full moon rose above the eastern swell -that night, it shone down upon a peculiarly weird and impressive scene -in the little timber-grove beside the creek. It was a burial in the -wilderness. - -Beneath a wide-spreading cottonwood tree the grave had been dug. And -now, gathered round the spot, with bowed and uncovered heads, stood or -knelt every member of the wagon-train, listening to the broken, sobbing -words of the bereaved husband, Mr. Mitchell. His daughter, Lottie, was -beside him, pale and care-worn, bearing up against the blow with a -fictitious strength that threatened to give way at any moment. - -There was scarcely a dry eye among all these, as the strong man -broke down, and bowing his head, mingled his tears with those of his -daughter. It was a moment of heart-crushing agony. - -Lottie, who was completely exhausted, swooned, and was borne to the -nearest tent by sympathizing friends. Mr. Mitchell, nerving himself to -the task, completed the service, then stood by in silence while the -dead was being hidden forever from mortal view. Then, in a low but -steady voice, he spoke: - -"I thank you, friends, for your kindness. I will not soon forget it. -But now go and try to sleep. We can afford to lose no more time. -To-morrow day-dawn must see us once more upon the road. Go--leave me -alone here for a minute." - -"Come with me, Wythe, and you too, Tyrrel," muttered Paley Duplin. -"There's something I'd like to talk over with you to-night." - -"Is it about that piece--" - -"Yes--but hist!" and Duplin glanced apprehensively around him. "We -three are enough. I don't care for more in the secret--much less _that_ -man," and he nodded to where Nate Upshur stood leaning against a -tree-trunk, close at hand. - -"Come, then; the knoll out yonder is the best place. No one could get -within ear-shot of us, even should they try, without being seen." - -"What's up, boys?" muttered Jack Tyrrel, a young rattle-brained Ohioan. - -"Wait--you'll know soon enough." - -Gaining the knoll spoken of, the three friends crouched down amid the -tall, rank grass and lighted their pipes. Duplin was the first to break -the silence. - -"You looked at what I showed you, Burr?" - -"Yes; it's _gold_. Where did you get it, Paley?" - -"Gold--le's see," eagerly interrupted Tyrrel. - -"Wait--the moon does not shine clear enough to show it now. Now, then, -I want you to pay particular attention to what I say. Weigh it well in -your minds, for on this night the whole course of our future lives may -depend. That is, on how you decide. You understand?" - -"Yes--that is, I would if I _did_; but I _don't_," muttered Jack, -lugubriously. "Well, go on, anyhow." - -"You know what we are going to California after?" - -"Sure! After gold; the shining dust--the great blazing nuggets, big as -a water-bucket. Those are what we're after of course." - -"You'd know it when you found one, I suppose, Jack?" and Duplin smiled -slightly. - -"Bah! _any_ fool knows gold." - -"Well, I do. But, as I was about to say, I don't think there is any -need of our going clear to California for what we can get closer." - -"What--Duplin, what do you mean?" demanded Wythe, gazing keenly into -his comrade's face. - -"No, Burr; I'm an honest man, if not a good one. You need not fear any -thing of _that_ sort. But I'll tell you all now, on one condition. -Promise me faithfully that neither one of you will ever breathe a word -of my secret until after one year has passed. This, I mean, provided -you refuse to accept my proposal, for if you _do_ accept it, I know -you'll keep silent. How is it--do you agree?" - -"I reckon we can, Burr?" - -"Yes; though I have not known you long, Duplin, I believe that you -are an honest man. Then I promise you, on my honor as a man, that I -will never, by word, sign nor hint, reveal what you confide to me as a -secret." - -"And I say the same; will swear to it, if you prefer," added Tyrrel. - -"No. I can trust you without that. Well, then, listen--hist! I thought -I heard a footstep," muttered Duplin, warningly. - -"I guess it comes from the camp," suggested Burr, rising erect and -gazing keenly around. "I can see nothing nearer than there." - -"It may be; I suppose I am nervous. I wouldn't like for any one to -overhear what I'm about to say, for though enough for us three, it -would go but a little way divided among the train." - -"_It?_" - -"By that I mean what I have found--what I stumbled on this afternoon -as I was coming back to camp. Boys--_I've found a placer_!" - -"Eh--what?" stammered the two young men, completely amazed, though -their thoughts had already reverted to some such revelation. - -"'Tis true--I've found a gold placer--a pocket--a regular _bed of -gold_!" panted Duplin, his eyes fairly blazing. - -Wythe gazed keenly into Duplin's face, as though trying to decide -whether or no he had gone crazy. Jack Tyrrel divided his glances -between them, the while dolefully scratching his curly pate. - -"Yes, think of that! A regular bed of gold, full of nuggets that are so -pure you can mark them with a pin-point, almost. I could have filled my -pockets in an hour." - -"Where is it--where is it? Let's go there now, before some one else -steals it away! Come on; thunder and lightning, man, why don't you -_come_?" muttered Tyrrel, half-angrily. - -"Easy, Jack," and Duplin calmed his exultation by a desperate effort. -"Do you want the whole train after us? No, no; we must work more -cunningly than that. I've planned it all; listen, and I'll tell you -what we must do." - -"Wait, Paley," quietly interrupted Burr. "Begin at the beginning and -tell it all. First, how came you to find this pocket?" - -"You know I went out hunting, early this morning. Well, I had no luck, -and it was past noon before I got a shot. Then I dropped a 'bighorn,' -after an hour's work sneaking over the rocks. It fell down a precipice, -and pretty soon I found a pass by which I could follow after. It was -hard work, though, and I no sooner reached the valley, or basin, -rather, than I began hunting for water. - -"Half a mile distant, I saw what looked like the bed of a creek, and -set off toward it. Such it proved, in fact, though the water was -missing. I set off up its bed, hoping to find a water-hole or something -of the kind. Nearly a mile further up, the bed began to spread and grow -more shallow. Then I knew that if I found water, it must be by digging -for it. - -"I did dig, in a dozen places, but all was dry. At one spot, I kept -digging until I made a hole nearly shoulder deep, as the sand felt cool -and damp. My knife struck on what seemed to be a pebble, and I pulled -it out with one hand and flung it aside. As I did so, the sunlight -glittered from its side, where my knife had struck. I looked--it was -the lump you have, Wythe--and saw that _it was gold_!" and pausing, -Duplin hurriedly brushed the sweat from his brow, though the night air -was cool and bracing. - -"Great Lord! go on--hurry up!" muttered Tyrrel, excitedly. - -"One glance told me what it was. It was what I had journeyed over -fifteen hundred miles in search of, and there it lay, in my hand. I -tell you, boys, it nearly _killed me_--and I haven't got over it yet. -I half believe now that I am asleep and only dreaming all this; I do, -honestly. - -"I did then, too. I sat there for a full hour, almost afraid to move, -looking first at the hole, then at the nugget. I told myself over and -over again, that I was a fool--that this was only a stray lump that -had been dropped here by some Indians, years ago. And yet, even as I -said so, the top sand seemed to melt away showing to me great masses of -gold, pure and yellow, looking like petrified sunshine. Actually, for a -time I believe that I was _mad--gold crazy_." - -"Look here, Paley Duplin," muttered Jack Tyrrel, suspiciously, as the -young man paused in his speech. "Better mind what you're about. If this -is a joke--if you are making this all up just to have a laugh at us, -I'll lick you clean out o' your boots! If I don't, then it's no matter!" - -"It's no joke, Jack, my dear fellow, but sober earnest. Sometimes, -though, I feel tempted to wish it _was_ a joke." - -"Duplin!" - -"A fact. I don't know _why_, but there seems to be a cloud over me--I -feel as though some great calamity was impending. Boys, you may laugh -at me, but while I was thus stupefied, I saw my mother's spirit before -me, beckoning me to leave the spot. She--it was crying, I thought, as -though I was in peril. I saw it as plain as I see you now. I flung -down the nugget and fled. Not far, though. Then I stopped. The bright, -yellow devils seemed to beckon me back. I took a step forward, and -_she_ vanished. Then I went back to the hole," and as he spoke, Duplin -trembled violently. - -"And you found it then--the hole, I mean? It hadn't vanished?" -whispered Jack, breathlessly. - -"No," smiling faintly. "It was still there. I dug then, like a madman. -I tore up the ground for a dozen feet around. Look--my fingers are worn -to the quick. I found more nuggets--I found a dozen more, all larger -than that, lying close together. I don't know how large the pocket may -be, but I saw enough to feel sure that there is a great fortune there -for each one of us; enough, at any rate, to make us independent for -life." - -"You thought of us, then, as sharers in the pocket with you?" queried -Burr Wythe. - -"No, not then. I only thought of myself, and of how I could secure the -treasure without being suspected and robbed--for I believe that, in my -madness then, I would have denied my own father a nugget from all that -store. It was horrible--that sensation. I can realize now what a miser -feels. God protect me from another such attack!" shuddered Duplin. - -"But your plan--what do you intend doing?" - -"I've weighed the matter well, and this is what I've decided upon. -We three are enough. I selected you two, because I knew that I could -depend upon you. Our first move will be to desert the wagon-train." - -"Desert?" - -"Yes. What is there to hinder us? Nothing. We are passengers, and our -fare is already paid. We owe them nothing. They will be the gainers as -well as we." - -"How can we get our tools without exciting suspicion, though?" - -"We don't need them. One pick-ax will be enough. We can shape wooden -shovels with our knives. This, our blankets and weapons are all we -need. Remember that what mining we do, will only be in the soft sand. -The gold is in nuggets, not dust or scales, so there will be little or -no washing to be done. As for food, a day's hunt will furnish enough to -last us a week, with care in curing it. You see I've neglected nothing. -True, we may encounter dangers and suffer privations, but no more here -than there where we first started for. - -"Two, or perhaps three weeks' work, then we can start for _home_. Two -months, at the furthest--then we will be made men for life. Now you -know all. What is your decision?" - -"You say we must desert?" mused Wythe, thoughtfully. - -"Yes. What excuse could we give? We must slip off to-night, without a -word to _anybody_. I know what you are thinking of, Wythe. Nay, don't -flush up so. 'Tis nothing to be ashamed of. She's a noble, true-hearted -girl, and one that would be a rich prize for any man. I might have -loved her myself, only that I had a talisman. In Ohio there is one -waiting for me, who, please God, will one day be my wife," and Duplin, -as he spoke, reverently uncovered his head. - -"You are right, friend, and I'm not offended. But--I would like to -speak a word to her before we go, just to keep her from thinking hard -of us." - -"You could not, Burr, without giving a broad clue to our purpose. She -would not be able to see you to-night, anyhow, after her poor mother's -death. You must have patience. Think how short the time will be, if you -do not fling this chance from you, before you can go to her with a free -heart and full hand." - -"He talks good sense, Burr. Some other time will do to say good-by in." - -"Well, maybe it is for the best. I'd only make a fool of myself. Then, -here's my hand. I'm with you, Duplin, for better or worse." - -"I'm number three!" chimed in Tyrrel. - -"Good! Now there only remains to collect our things. I'll see to the -pick. I left mine out, to-day, after _that_. See to your arms and -ammunition, and get a store of coffee. It's paid for, remember. Fill -your pockets with cold grub, for they _may_ make a search for us, -though I hardly think it. Time's too precious for that. Go, now, and -keep close guard over your tongues. 'Twould take but a trifle to direct -suspicion when we are found gone, and then good-by to our fortune." - -"Trust us--we'll be wise as the dove, and so forth," muttered Tyrrel. - -The three plotters glided away and soon rejoined the camp. Scarcely had -they disappeared from view, when a dark figure cautiously raised itself -above the level of the prairie-grass, where it had been concealed in a -hollow, and peered curiously after them, a low, disagreeable chuckle -breaking from the black-bearded lips. - -"Ho! ho! ho! Nate Upshur, you're in luck, my boy! Fust you see the -nugget Wythe drops, then you hear Duplin whisper to him an' Tyrrel, -and now, best of all, you hear the whole story! Thar's luck in odd -numbers--and yet I'm goin' to have a finger in the pie, too." - -Then he, too, proceeded stealthily toward the camp, by a circuitous -route, entering unobserved. - -That night, the sick-camp was the scene of strange acts. And among them -was one of terror--of cold-blooded, merciless crime. - -As the bright moon sailed from behind a dense cloud, a dark figure -silently crept into the shadow cast by a small white tent. From within, -as the shadow paused, came the sound of calm, steady breathing. Then -the door-flap was raised--the black shadow cautiously glided into the -tent, like a venomous serpent in human form. The flap falls behind the -serpent, and all is still. - -Then--a horrible sound breaks the stillness of the night--a faint, -gasping, half-stifled groan of death-agony. Then the shadow reappears, -bearing in one hand a blood-stained knife, in the other a small parcel -that chinks metallic-like as it falls from its hand. Then all is still. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - THE TELL-TALE PIPE. - - -Long before the first beams of breaking day illumined the eastern -horizon, the shrill voice of the little, wrinkled, half-apish-looking -guide, Paul Chicot, roused the sleeping camp, bidding all prepare for -a long, hard day's travel. Eagerly the emigrants flew around, for once -more the golden phantom seemed beckoning them on. - -And yet, despite their anxiety, that day was to carry them no nearer -the golden land. A blow fell that for the moment drove away all such -thoughts. - -"Whar's Dutchy?" suddenly queried Paul Chicot, running his beadlike -eyes rapidly around the little group. - -As customary, the emigrants were regularly divided into "messes." -One of these messes was formed by the guide, Chicot, Nate Upshur, an -Irishman called Tim Dooley, and "Dutchy," as the fourth member was -familiarly known. - -This last personage was an enigma to the greater portion of the -emigrants. At times he appeared the polished scholar, then again one -of the most ignorant men imaginable. He had joined the train at St. -Charles, preferring the overland route on account of his poor health, -hoping thus to recuperate. He seemed possessed of plenty of money, -paying his fare in gold, without a demur at the price. - -"I don't know--I hain't seen him since last night," replied Upshur, -wiping his lips, after a long draught of coffee. - -"Go hyste him out, Tim. He takes so durned long to fix up his ha'r an' -teeth afore eatin' thet he won't be ready fer the road none too soon. -Tell 'im we're all ready fer startin'," muttered Chicot. - -Dooley arose and glided toward a small tent a little to one side, -and pushing back the hanging door-flap, entered. The next moment he -reappeared, staggering back with starting eyeballs and hair standing -on end, a wild cry bursting from his pallid lips. - -The shrill cry startled the entire camp, and all eyes were turned -toward the trembling man. Paul Chicot was the first to speak, in an -angry tone: - -"What the devil's the matter wi' ye _now_, I'd like to ax? See'd -another snake, eh?" he asked, sarcastically. - -"It's murther, that's what it is! He's kilt--kilt intirely!" gasped -Dooley, his eyes still glaring toward the quiet tent, as if enchanted -by the horrible object lying so still and ghastly within. - -"Who's kilt--not Dutchy?" quietly demanded Upshur, stepping forward. - -Chicot, giving over all idea of getting any thing satisfactory out of -the stupefied Irishman, sprung forward and flung aside the strip of -canvas that protected the entrance. One glance told him the truth. Tim -was right. Murder had been done! - -Lying upon a couple of blankets, was all that remained of their quaint, -pleasant comrade, Carl Hefler, or "Dutchy," the _sobriquet_ suggested -by his broken, stammering speech. - -The long, slim figure lay at full length, as though peacefully -slumbering, but the arms were flung wide, the long, bony fingers -clutched as though in agony. An agonized expression had frozen upon the -thin, pallid face. - -On the white shirt-bosom was a great stain--a stain of that peculiar, -unmistakable color that seldom requires a second glance to designate. -Directly above the heart the stain was blackest. There the blow had -been dealt. - -Chicot, old and thoroughly versed in that art peculiar to his craft -and the detectives--of remarking _everything_--knew that no feeble, -faltering hand had dealt this blow. Either the hand of an unusually -bold and cool-headed man, or else that of one to whom such deeds had -been familiar. - -He knew that the murderer had crept fairly into the tent, had glided -close to the victim, as he lay buried in unconscious slumber, and that -he must have even felt out the region of the heart, since all within -had been dark, else the blow could never have been delivered with such -deadly precision. - -"What is all this, Chicot?" hurriedly demanded the leader, Mitchell, as -he reached the guide's side. - -"It's _murder_--thet's what it is," coolly returned Chicot. - -"But who could--" - -"Thet's jest what I'm goin' to find out, 'f you give me time. Keep -back--don't none o' you step inside here ontil I say ye may. Mebbe -thar's some sign left." - -"Wouldn't it be a good plan to call the roll and see if all are -present?" suddenly suggested Upshur, his eyes gleaming furtively. - -"'Twon't do no harm. You mought as well, cap'n," muttered Chicot. "This -'ll keep us back hafe the day, anyhow, ef not more." - -Mitchell promptly sounded his whistle--and taught its meaning, the -members of the wagon-train followed his lead back to the open ground. -Upshur ran his eyes hastily over the group. Then the evil glow -deepened, and his lip curled with triumph. - -Chicot, free from the annoying crowd, proceeded with his -investigations, with all the relish of a true-born detective. Yet there -seemed little show of his making any discovery, since the floor of the -little tent was beaten hard and dry by the murdered man's own feet, -during the stay at the sick-camp. - -Of course no _trail_ had been left, nor did he seek for one. His eye -had already fallen upon the little leather sachel, lying beside the -dead man's head, where it had been dragged from beneath the blankets. -Its lock was unbroken, but one side had been slit through with a -knife--the same weapon that had dealt the death-blow, for the leather -was stained here and there with blood. - -"He stuck 'im fer the money," muttered Paul, as he dropped the valise. - -Suddenly he stooped and lifted the right arm of the dead man. A tiny -point of something yellow had caught his keen eye. - -Chicot uttered a low grunt, and started back. The clue was before him; -and yet he scarce believed his eyes. Could it be?-- - -Exposed to view lay a small, curiously-carved meerschaum pipe, with -stem of bright, clear amber. This it was that had caught his eye. - -Chicot turned and left the tent, slowly gliding out toward where -Mitchell was calling over the list. The guide's brows contracted as he -listened. - -"John Tyrrel." - -"Not here," slowly replied a voice, after a brief, painful silence. - -"Burr Wythe." - -"I reckon he's gone, too, cap'n," quietly uttered Chicot. "Thar ain't -much use o' your goin' any furder. I think I've found the right eend o' -the trail." - -"What do you mean, Paul?" cried Mitchell, in surprise. "Surely you -don't suspect--" - -"I don't go by 'spicions, myself, but I know a trail when I strike it. -Come an' look fer yourself--one at a time, though. See what I've found, -then say who it b'longs to." - -One by one the party filed into the tent and glanced at the tell-tale -pipe. All recognized it. There was not another in any wise resembling -it in the company. - -"Whose pipe is it, boys?" demanded Chicot. - -"Burr Wythe's!" came the reply, the voice of Nat Upshur above all -others. - -"But _he_ may not have dropped it there," suggested Mitchell. "Might -not Hefler have borrowed it?" - -"No," declared Upshur, stepping forward. "Hefler went to bed just after -dark, and I saw Wythe smoking that pipe as late as two o'clock, and he -was talking with Jack Tyrrel and Paley Duplin, at the time." - -"It's so--I see'd 'em, too," reluctantly added Chicot. - -"I admit that it has an awkward look, but after all, though those three -are absent, they may return soon and clear matters up. If he, or they, -are guilty, I will not be one of those who would seek to screen them -from justice; but for all that, they shall not be condemned without -a chance to clear themselves. First we must find them," said the -wagon-master. - -"But it is nearly sunrise; we were to take up the march to-day," -ventured one. - -"Justice first: we must not let this brutal murder go unavenged. One -day, more or less, can make but little difference to us, in the end. If -Wythe did kill him, he must pay the penalty." - -"But what object could he have in doing it? They were good friends, so -far as I know." - -"Look here," uttered Chicot, lifting the cut sachel. "This is what the -Dutchman kept his money in. He was a simple-hearted feller, like, an' -didn't seem to think but that all was as honest as he was hisself, -fer he showed us his money only two nights ago. We laughed at him, I -'member, fer kerryin' gold to Californey, but he wasn't goin' to dig. -He went overland fer his health, and then was goin' to ship fer Chinese -land, or some sech place, I b'lieve." - -"Who was with you when he showed the money?" - -"_He_ was--Burr Wythe--an' a lot more," reluctantly added Chicot. - -Mitchell looked sober. He had formed a high opinion of the young man, -but he could no longer blind himself to the fact that suspicion pointed -strongly toward young Wythe as the murderer. And he saw, too, that -this belief was gradually gaining ground among the emigrants, and deep -whispers ran round, while eyes flashed and brows grew black. The spirit -of Lynch-law was rapidly arising, and woe be unto the victim that -should first feel its power! - -"Easy, men," he shouted, waving his hand. "Keep silent for a moment -and listen to me. There must be no mad action here. We must proceed -carefully and justly. First, you must elect a leader, whose word shall -be law; then we must hunt up the missing men and hear their defense. -That one murder has been committed is no reason that another should -follow. I cast my vote for a fair trial." - -"So we all do, I reckon," chimed in Paul Chicot. "An' I don't know any -better man for Judge Lynch than you be. What say, boys?" - -"Good--good!" came an almost unanimous shout; but Nathan Upshur was -silent. - -"Very well; I will act as such, since you demand it. And I am glad, -for one thing. After what I have already spoken, it shows that you -aim at strict and impartial justice. But now to work. If they have -really abandoned the train--as of course they have, if they _did_ kill -Hefler--they must have taken food and other articles that would be -missed. And a close search may give us the clue. You know the messes -they belonged to; go and search closely. Chicot, come with me. I wish a -word with you." - -Once fairly set to work, there was little time lost. In ten minutes -the report was given. A small supply of provisions had been taken, and -one pick-ax was missing; but that all believed to have been mislaid -somewhere. No one--save Upshur--dreamed that the deserters had taken it. - -Paul Chicot gave his supposition or conjecture concerning the course -most likely to be followed by the deserters. He believed they would -take to the neighboring mountains, there to lie hidden until all search -was given over. They would not be likely to take the back-trail, as -they were afoot, and the country in that direction was mostly open and -level. - -"I believe you're right, Chicot," remarked Mitchell, thoughtfully, "and -we will act on that supposition first. We'd best form three or four -parties and each choose a separate trail, for this day is all we can -spare without absolute danger to the whole train." - -Little time was lost, now that the duty before them was fairly decided -upon, and all entered upon it with growing eagerness. There is -something strangely exciting in a _manhunt_. Set a warm friend upon the -track of another, and, when once fairly aroused, that friend will be as -inveterate and deadly in pursuit as though a lifelong enemy. - -This trait was exemplified now. Before an hour more passed by, even -those who had first declared their belief in the young man's innocence, -were the foremost in searching for his trail, eager to bring him to -justice. - -Nathan Upshur kept close to Paul Chicot, the guide, eying him -furtively, seemingly ill at ease. It was plainly evident that he felt -no great desire for Burr Wythe's capture. Indeed, he tried to mislead -Paul, and finally succeeded in doing so. - -Upshur had stealthily followed the three deserters for a considerable -distance, on the night before, when they started for the "golden bed," -as Duplin had called it, the better to satisfy his mind as to the -location of the placer. And now for reasons of his own, he craftily -led Chicot far astray from the right course, though none of the -trail-hunters suspected his purpose. - -Satisfied with this, Upshur contentedly followed the guide's lead, -feeling assured there was little or no danger of striking the -deserters' trail, on that day at least. But at a cry from Chicot, his -heart leaped wildly, and the flush left his face pale and ghastly. - -"Hold! Stand back, you fellers," cried Chicot, lifting a hand in -warning, as his companions rushed forward, eager to learn the cause of -his sudden exclamation. - -"What is it, Chicot?" gasped Upshur. - -"A trail, but not the one we're looking fer," was the slow reply, as -Paul closely scrutinized the ground. - -Upshur gave a gasp of relief, unnoticed by those near, and then pressed -forward. Pausing beside Chicot, he bent his gaze down upon the narrow -strip of moist sand, upon which was imprinted the strange trail. - -There, plainly outlined, was the impress of a large human foot, naked -and bare. That it was not made by an Indian was plain, for though many -white men in-toe, a red-man, unless an habitual drunkard, _never_ toes -out, as this trail plainly did. Then, again, an Indian's foot, from -never having been tightly compressed in boots or shoes, is very flat -and broad; this trail was made by a man with a high instep and arching -sole. - -"How do you know it isn't one of them?" asked Upshur. - -"Easily enough. Look back along the trail. You see, it crosses that -stretch o' splintered rocks? Now, look at these tracks. The foot ain't -cut none. That shows that it's made by a feller that's _used_ to goin' -bar'foot fer a long time. Ef _you_ was to cross that, you'd cut an' -gouge your hoofs so this 'ere 'd be a trail o' blood. See?" - -"But who can it be then?" - -"Don't know. It's fresh--ain't bin made over a hour, at furderest. -Whoever it is, must be in the hills yender. _I_ move we foller on, an' -find 'im. Mebbe he kin tell us somethin' 'bout the boys," suggested -Chicot, moving forward, without waiting to learn the wishes of his -followers. - -In fact, Chicot was only too glad of a good excuse to delay the search -for Burr Wythe. Though firmly believing him guilty of the murder, -yet he did not wish to be the instrument of justice. In his quiet, -unobtrusive way, he loved Burr, almost as he would have loved a son. - -The trail led in a direct line toward the hills, here rising abrupt -and rocky, broken and rugged. Though at times losing all trace, Chicot -found little difficulty in recovering the trail as often. - -An abrupt exclamation from Nathan Upshur startled him, and all eyes -turned upon him. His face wore an expression of wonder, as he pointed -with outstretched hand toward the rocks above the party. - -"Look there! Is it man, or devil?" - -Glancing in the direction indicated, the trail-hunters beheld the -object of his wonder. And they, too, stood as if bewildered. And little -wonder. A truly strange object was before their eyes. - -Standing erect upon a large bowlder, half-way up the hill, was a human -form, though strange and wild-looking enough to have been taken for -something supernatural. One long arm was extended, pointing toward -them, the rags that only partially clothed the member fluttering in the -brisk breeze. - -The stranger seemed far above the usual height of men, and of great -age, if the long, flowing hair and beard of a snowy whiteness be taken -as evidence. This the wind tossed wildly around his face, in a fleecy -cloud. - -Rude, uncouth garments partially covered his body and limbs, patched -here and there with pieces of skin and fur. In one hand he bore a heavy -bow, tightly strung. At his shoulder could be seen the feathered tips -of a number of arrows. - -"It's the Mountain Devil!" muttered Chicot, in a low, hushed tone, as -he shrunk back, his bronzed cheek paling, his eyes dilating with a look -of fear. - -"Man or devil, I do not fear him!" said Upshur, as his rifle clicked -sharply as the hammer was lifted. - -"Don't shoot! Make him mad, an' he'll clean out the whole crowd!" -warningly cried Paul; his eyes still riveted upon the strange form. -"He's a devil--you can't hurt him." - -"I'll try it, anyhow," and the man's rifle spoke sharp and clear. - -The wild-man started and seemed to stagger, as though the bullet had -found its mark. Then, with a shrill cry, he turned and leaped from the -bowlder, the next moment disappearing far up the hillside. - -"There's your devil, Paul," chuckled Upshur, as he dropped his rifle -and began reloading it. "And I had only a leaden bullet in, too." - -"You laugh now--but the time 'll come when you won't. Believe it or -not, Nate Upshur, you've signed your death papers. A man never shot -at the Mountain Devil but he died for it. You will, too. Mebbe not -to-day--mebbe not for a year, but the time 'll come, I tell you--the -time 'll come at last. Mark my words." - -"Bah! you've listened too much to Indian legends, Chicot. That is no -devil, but a man, like you or I, turned hermit like. To prove it, I'm -going to follow after. Come on, boys! Let's go and see what Paul's -devil is made of, anyhow," recklessly said Upshur, who was no coward, -whatever else he might be. - -Pale and disturbed, Chicot followed the boaster, and close behind came -the other emigrants, curious to see the denouement. At the bowlder -Upshur paused, with a harsh laugh. - -"See!" and he pointed at the rocks before him. "Your devil bleeds, -Paul, like an ordinary man. I thought I touched the rascal." - -Here and there drops of blood sprinkled the rocky surface, and Chicot, -though still skeptical, brightened up. After all, this wild-man was not -proof against mortal weapons. - -Laughing scornfully, Upshur led the way along the bloody trail, up the -hillside, until it crossed the ridge, keeping a good look-out to guard -against surprise, for none knew better than he what awkward weapons -flint-headed arrows are, at close quarters, when guided by a strong and -experienced hand. And after his wound, the wild-man would not be likely -to stand on ceremony, should he be overtaken. - -But overtaken he was not, at least on that occasion. The hillside -seemed to be unoccupied, save by the trail-hunters, but Upshur -suddenly paused, when half-way down the hill, shrinking back with a cry -of horror. - -Passing through the dense bushes, he had found himself upon the very -verge of a steep precipice. Staggering back, he clutched the bushes, -unmanned. - -"Look yonder!" cried Chicot, pointing downward. "_Now_ what do you -say--is he a devil, or not?" - -Swiftly racing along the narrow valley far below, was the form of the -wild-man. To reach this, he must have descended the precipice, and that -seemed beyond mortal skill to accomplish. - -Wonderingly the emigrants watched him until he disappeared upon the -further hill, then they slowly retraced their steps toward camp. The -sun was far down in the west, and they had found no trace of the -deserters. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - THE GOLDEN BED. - - -The three adventurers, Duplin, Wythe, and Tyrrel, little imagined that -at least one pair of keen eyes observed very closely their movements on -that memorable night, as they noiselessly went about their preparations -for their desertion. Jack and Paley were filled with golden visions -of the enormous wealth that only awaited their coming to gather it up -in handfuls, while Burr thought far more of pretty Lottie Mitchell, -and how she would receive the tidings of the strange desertion, for it -could be called by no other name. - -"Never mind--if the deposit is as rich as Paley declares, we can finish -before winter, and then--" - -Wythe smiled faintly as a far-away look came into his handsome eyes. -Even to himself he does not finish the thought, for, though he loved -Lottie Mitchell with all his young heart, he had scarce spoken a score -of times with her, during the journey. - -Still watched by Nate Upshur, the three adventurers silently left the -camp and set forth upon their mission, all, even the rattle-brained -Jack Tyrrel, feeling serious, for, truly, it was no commonplace step -they were taking, and one that might well result disastrously. Turning, -they cast a last look at the silent camp of the wagon-train that had -for so many days been their only home, and then, led by Duplin, they -disappeared beyond the ridge, still followed by Nate Upshur, who -exhibited the skill and address of a veritable savage. - -After a rapid tramp of several miles, Duplin paused and said: - -"Now, boys, for a little headwork. First, shall we go on at once to the -pocket?" - -"How far is it?" - -"Not ten miles, as the crow flies." - -"We can reach it before day, then?" - -"Yes--if we wish. But, frankly, I don't think we had better go there, -at least not before to-morrow night." - -"Why so?" - -"Well, there is a risk. To be sure they may not think it worth while to -make any search for us, when our disappearance is found out, yet still -they _may_, especially as the most dangerous portion of the trail is -near at hand. You see three rifles such as ours would count in case of -an attack." - -"If I thought there was the slightest danger of that, I would return at -once," suddenly cried Wythe, thinking of Lottie Mitchell. - -"I don't think there is. You remember the treaty we heard of at the -fort? The Indians are all peaceable, now. But, as I was saying, they -_may_ try to follow our trail, and if we lay it straight to the pocket, -ten to one that Paul Chicot picks it out with those keen eyes of his. -Then? Instead of a fortune, we'd have only a few ounces apiece, and -perhaps have to fight for that. You know the material many of the -emigrants are composed of. Brave men enough, but rather peculiar in -their ideas of honesty. It would be 'divide or fight!' and as I found -the pocket, I consider our claim is the best." - -"You are right there, Paley. But you decide. Whatever you think best, -we will agree to. You agree, Tyrrel?" - -"Yes; Duplin is captain." - -"Very well, then. We will strike over there toward those hills, and -hide there until certain that all fear of pursuit is over. Then to the -pocket and clean it out, after which--ho! for home!" - -With long, swift strides, Duplin, greatly excited no doubt by the -picture his last words had conjured up before his mind's eye, led the -way toward the hill alluded to, that rose abruptly, high into the air, -rocky, broken and wild-looking. - -After him trudged Burr and Jack, little dreaming of the strange -adventure that was to meet them there, in the heart of that wild, -desolate spot. - -Duplin, who by his superior age and experience, naturally assumed the -position of leader during the adventure, soon selected a spot where the -trio could very comfortably remain concealed during the ensuing day; -should their fear of a pursuit prove correct, and at the same time one -not entirely devoid of comfort. - -Entering a narrow, level valley, on one side of which uprose an almost -perpendicular cliff, its face scarred and jagged, studded here and -there with stunted evergreen shrubs or parasitic plants, they soon -found a secure covert upon the opposite side, where the hill was less -abrupt, and more easy of ascent. From here they had a fair view of the -cliff, as well as the open ground beyond the mouth of the valley, in -the direction from whence they had come. - -"I move that you two lie down for a nap, while I stand guard," quoth -Duplin, as the trio sunk back upon the soft, mossy earth behind the -vine clad rock. - -"I want a smoke, first," said Tyrrel, producing his pipe. - -"And so do I, but can't find my pipe," muttered Wythe, vexedly. "I must -have lost it on the way." - -"Never mind; that is easily replaced--I mean so far as comfort is -concerned. A bit of bark--a joint of the 'carpenter's weed,' and you -have it." - -The three comrades conversed, in low, eager tones, of the fortune that -lay waiting their coming, and magnificent were the air-castles they -each reared, when they should return home, rich men. But one delicious -one Burr Wythe hugged to his own heart. Only one ear must hear that -dream--the ear of sweet Lottie Mitchell. - -"Hist!" muttered Duplin, after an hour or more had crept by. - -The two young men caught the same sound, with him, and needed not the -caution to cease their conversation. From close above them, on the -hillside, there rattled down several pebbles, evidently dislodged by -human aid, for directly afterwards the trio could hear a footstep, -light yet deliberate, evidently descending the slope. - -Instinctively each man grasped his weapon, for the same thought -occurred to each. If this footfall betokened the presence of Indians, -as seemed but too probable, there was danger threatening. Right well -they knew that no true woodman could pass by, in such close proximity, -without detecting the scent of tobacco-smoke, and that, once scented, -he would not rest until the matter was thoroughly investigated. And, -though the Indians were nominally at peace, they well knew that if a -superior force was at hand, that fact would be but a feeble restraint. -At best they must expect to be plundered, and as that meant either -starvation or a return to the wagon-train, the three men prepared -silently for a struggle. - -The sound of footsteps ceased, and for several minutes all was silent. -Motionless as death, tightly grasping their weapons, the gold-hunters -awaited the result in stern suspense. - -But their preparations, in this case, were needless, for the footstep -again met their ears, and then, through the surrounding screen of -bushes, they observed a tall figure glide past their covert, descending -the hill. Even in that brief glimpse, they saw enough to deeply excite -their curiosity. - -Peering through the bushes, they saw that the stranger had again -paused, this time standing upon a bowlder, in the full glare of the -bright moonlight. They were gazing upon the same being who, a few hours -later, was pronounced the Mountain Devil by Paul Chicot. - -They could distinguish his features; pale, haggard and wearing a -peculiarly mournful expression, that still did not conceal the vacant -stare that proclaimed a shattered mind. This thought occurred to each -of the three men. They were watching a madman. - -They noted his ragged dress, rudely patched with skins and bits of -various fur. They saw that he was armed with a bow and arrows, and that -a long-bladed knife was dangling at his side. - -This much they noted before he stepped from the rock and resumed his -course toward the valley. Arising, the gold-hunters closely observed -his movements, until hidden in the shade cast by the towering precipice -beyond. - -"Wonder what--or who the fellow is, anyhow," muttered Tyrrel, -reflectively. - -"I don't know, unless--You've heard Paul Chicot speak of a wild-man -they sometimes call the "Mountain Devil," haven't you?" - -"Who hasn't, I wonder?" with a shrug. "I've heard of nothing else since -we've been camped here." - -"I believe this is the being he means, then." - -"You don't--thunder! I always thought he was lying!" - -"Hark!" muttered Burr, touching his comrades. - -From out the gloom, in the direction in which the strange being had -disappeared, there came a clear, shrill whistle, long-drawn and -quavering. Eagerly the gold-hunters watched and listened. - -"Look there--see that light!" uttered Duplin, after a brief silence. -"What can it mean--up there, too?" - -A small but brilliant point of light had suddenly appeared, as though -hanging nearly midway up the cliff, not steady and fixed, but slightly -wavering, or moving slowly from side to side. Evidently, it was -suspended there by some human agency; but who? - -"Is there not a human form close beside the light? It seems so to me," -whispered Wythe. - -"Wait. The light is in answer to that whistle. Perhaps Paul's Devil has -his home up there, and that is one of its imps," half-laughed Duplin. - -Still closely watching, the three friends a few moments later saw a -tall form uprise beside the light, that, the next instant, vanished -from sight. But not before another discovery was made. - -A human being _had_ been holding the light, and as the wild-man took -it, the upper portion of the second person had been distinctly, -though momentarily revealed. Duplin was the first to speak, after the -disappearance. - -"Did you see that, boys?" - -"I saw something--a shadow, or--" - -"I saw the form of a _woman_!" declared Burr, in a peculiar tone of -voice. - -"So I thought, but was not sure. I don't know what to think of it. -There's some deep mystery here," added Paley, reflectively. - -"I move we expose it, then," impulsively cried Jack. "Who knows--maybe -'tis a princess in disguise--or else carried off and kept in seclusion -by some evil genie! An adventure--le's go!" - -"Easy, rattlepate," laughed Duplin. "You forget what frightful tales -Paul told of this creature, and whether they have any foundation in -truth or not, if we attempt to solve this affair, we must use caution. -If nothing more, he is a madman, and were he to discover our approach, -he might do us mischief. One man then--for they must have a cave, or -something of the sort--one man then could keep a thousand at bay who -tried to reach him by scaling the cliff." - -"Is it worth the risk?" thoughtfully uttered Wythe. "She answered his -signal so promptly, there can be little doubt but she is there by her -own free will. Then what right have _we_ to molest them?" - -"The right of unsatisfied curiosity--and whether you go or not, I'll -not rest until I've had a good peep at the angel--for such she must be -if _he's_ a devil," cried Tyrrel, springing through the bushes as he -spoke. - -"Wait, Jack--you'll ruin all by your haste. We'll go--but you must not -lead the way. You'll be sure to alarm them." - -"Very well--all I want is to get a good look at them. Lead the way, if -you'd rather." - -Duplin knew the futility of reasoning with Jack, else he would not have -been drawn into the foolhardy adventure so easily. He knew there was -danger, Tyrrel did not. But alone, Jack would be sure to precipitate -this, and hoping to avoid discovery by due caution, Duplin led the way -toward the cliff, having determined the exact position where the light -had been shown. - -Evidently the cliff-lodgers had disappeared at the same time the light -did, else they must have discovered the three dark figures as they -glided across the open, level valley, plainly outlined by the moon's -rays. - -Reaching the foot of the cliff, they began searching for the path by -which the wild-man must have ascended, but for several minutes without -success. Then, however, a low whistle from Burr Wythe called Duplin and -Tyrrel to his side. Even in that gloom, they could see that the path -bore evident traces of having been frequently used, either by bipeds or -quadrupeds. - -"I think this is folly, boys," muttered Duplin. - -"Folly or not--up I go," determinedly added Jack. - -"Then I claim the right to lead the way," and so speaking, Paley Duplin -cautiously began the difficult ascent, having first carefully deposited -his rifle at the base of the hill; an example that was promptly -imitated by his companions. - -The trail was comparatively easy of ascent, but the gold-hunters made -slow progress, as Duplin carefully examined each foot of the way, lest -he should be misled by the numerous other clefts and seeming paths that -thickly crossed the trace. Thus he neared the point from whence he felt -sure the light had been shown, and as yet no signs had been given by -those above that their approach had been observed. - -Suddenly Duplin paused, and turning his head, upheld his finger in -warning. Then stooping, he whispered to Wythe, who stood just below him: - -"Careful, now! I just caught a glimpse of the light. We're close to the -spot. Caution Tyrrel. One rash move now may be fatal." - -Though rash and hasty, Tyrrel was by no means a fool, and agreeably -surprised both Wythe and Duplin by his prudence. - -Cautiously, silently as so many shadowy phantoms, the gold-hunters -crept on, until, their heads above the level of a broad ledge, they -gazed in upon a peculiarly strange scene. Fairly holding their breath, -their eyes eagerly drank in every detail. - -Before them was a small, low-roofed cavern, dimly lighted up by a rude -wooden lamp that sat upon a projecting spur of rock. - -There were two occupants; a man and a woman. These first enchained the -eyes of the gold-hunters. - -The first was the man they had observed beside their covert on the -opposite hill. The woman was truly a surprise, when viewed in this -strange, wild spot. - -That she was young--not more than twenty years of age, if so much--was -plain. That she was possessed of a more than ordinary beauty, needed -but a second glance to tell. - -She was small, of a graceful figure that even the rude dress she wore -could not entirely disguise. In complexion she was a perfect blonde, -with a profusion of softly-curling yellow hair, that, unconfined, fell -around her person almost like a mantle. - -Her garb, like that worn by the old man, was rough and uncouth, -telling of a long absence from civilization. Her feet were incased in -moccasins, while his feet were bare. - -This strange couple were seated near each other, the woman at the -wild-man's feet, feeding him as she would have done an overgrown baby, -mouthful after mouthful. Neither spoke, and then, with a gesture, the -man signified he had sufficient, when the maiden arose and glided away, -disappearing from view of the watchers around a projecting spur of rock. - -The old man arose, stretched his limbs and yawned heavily, then sunk -down upon a small pallet of skins, leaving the light still burning. One -hand clutched the strung bow, and the quiver of arrows lay close at -hand. - -Paley Duplin turned his head and motioned to his companions. Jack -Tyrrel at first seemed inclined to demur, but then, as though by second -thoughts, he noiselessly began the perilous descent, followed by his -comrades. - -This was not accomplished without considerable difficulty, and, indeed, -absolute danger, owing to the deceptive gloom, but, fortunately, the -trio succeeded in gaining the valley in safety. Securing their rifles, -they crossed this, and once more gained their covert, tired out and -sore, yet feeling rewarded by the strange discovery they had made. - -Tyrrel alone had little to say. That night's events seemed to have made -a deep impression upon his mind, and while his comrades discussed the -subject, he remained deep buried in thought. - -Upon one thing he was determined, though he said nothing to his friends -about it at the time. He must see this strange beauty again, if only to -ask her if this sort of life was her own choice. Further than this he -did not go, even in his own secret thoughts. - -It was now nearly daylight, and the comrades agreed to remain where -they were concealed during that day, lest the emigrants should -institute a search for them. As all felt the need of repose, the day -was divided into three watches, of which Wythe took the first, Tyrrel -the second, and Duplin the last. - -As may well be believed, by far the greater portion of the time, their -gaze rested upon the face of the cliff, marveling at the secrets its -bosom contained. But little rewarded this scrutiny. - -True, during Burr Wythe's watch, the hermit, wild-man, or whatever -else he might be called, descended the cliff, and set off down the -valley. The young woman had accompanied him to the ledge that served as -entrance to the cavern, and kneeling there, watched his progress until -the hill-point concealed him from view. Then, with a long, lingering -glance around, she turned and entered the hill-home. - -Wythe questioned whether or no to make known this circumstance to his -comrades, but a fear for Jack Tyrrel's impulsiveness restrained him. -That the young man had been deeply interested in the affair, he could -not doubt, and were he to know that the strange maiden were alone, he -might feel tempted to visit her. By this the reader is not to infer -that he doubted Tyrrel's honor--far from it. But Wythe feared lest his -impulsive nature should get them into trouble with the madman, and thus -interfere with the gold-hunting. - -Thus the day passed away, and it was not until the middle of Duplin's -watch, that any thing of moment occurred. Then he quietly awoke the two -men, bidding them be cautious. - -Peering through the bushes, they could distinguish a small body of -men, slowly moving across the mouth of the valley, seemingly trailing. -The same thought occurred to each of the three men. Why this long and -persistent search? Why delay the wagon-train an entire day to search -for three deserters, whose passage-money had been paid in advance. -This surprised them, even though they had guarded against the chance. -These precautions, however, had been taken wholly upon account of the -gold-pocket, not from fear of being forced to return, since they were -free agents, and in no wise bound to the train. - -"Ha! look yonder!" muttered Wythe. "The wild-man!" - -This strange being could now be seen standing upon a huge bowlder, not -far from the edge of the precipice, evidently confronting the party -of emigrants, who had now passed from view beyond the hill-point. -Curiously the three men watched his motions. - -They heard the report of Nathan Upshur's rifle, saw the wild-man -stagger and almost fall, then leap to the ground and dash up the hill. -Their next view of him was as he swung lightly across the almost -perpendicular face of the precipice, hanging by the frail vines and -shrubbery, or dropping from ledge to ledge, agile and sure-footed as -the mountain-goat itself. Reaching the base, he darted swiftly across -the valley, passing close by the gold-hunters' covert, uttering a low, -growling sound that seemed more like the anger of a wild beast than the -voice of a human being. - -"Did you notice?" muttered Duplin. "The blood was dripping from his -breast. Those men yonder shot him." - -"It spatters the rocks out here. If they follow his trail, they must -discover us," added Wythe frowning. - -"What difference? We're half white and free-born. They have no control -over our actions," retorted Tyrrel. - -"True; yet this pick-ax, coupled with our desertion, would rouse their -suspicions, or rather direct them into the right channel, and I fear we -would soon have more partners than would be pleasant or profitable. I -don't want to meet them, if I can help it," added Duplin. - -But their fears proved causeless, for the pursuit of the wild-man's -trail had carried Chicot's party to one side of that left by the -deserters, and that they were so close at hand was unknown to the -emigrants. And after a short time the gold-hunters saw their late -comrades turn and retrace their steps, evidently returning to the wagon -train, without thought of following the wounded man further after the -startling exhibition he had given them of his prowess. - -Just before sunset they saw the wild-man return apparently but little -injured, and their doubts thus solved, soon after the trio took up -their march toward the golden valley, where fortune awaited them. - -Neither noted the extreme care Jack Tyrrel observed in fixing their -route upon his mind. Each rock, hill or valley was closely and -thoroughly noted, so that he felt assured that he could find his way -back, if needs be, in the darkest night. And find his way back he had -resolved he would, sooner or later. - -"There!" at length muttered Duplin, pausing upon a high ridge and -stretching one hand toward the valley below him. "Yonder, boys, lies -our fortune!" - -The others did not speak. They stood eagerly gazing downward in the -direction indicated, their eyes glowing, their faces flushed hotly, -their frames quivering in every fiber. The gold-fever was upon them. - -And, as if infected by their excitement, Duplin lost his composure. -With one accord they rushed headlong down the steep hillside and out -upon the level ground. Then Duplin abruptly paused. - -"Comrades," and the words seemed to issue with difficulty, "_you are -standing over a bed of gold_!" - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - MABEL GUILFORD. - - -Returning to camp, Chicot's party found that the other bands had -already returned without having discovered any thing. That night the -body of the murdered man was buried, after an earnest discussion as -to whether another day should be devoted to a search for the supposed -criminals. Now that the first fervor had cooled down, the vote was -almost unanimous to continue their journey, all fearing lest they -should be caught by the winter storms in the mountains. - -So with the dawn of another day the wagon-train once more took up -its due progress, toiling wearily along over the dreary trail, only -cheered by the thought that each step taken was so much nearer to the -fabulous heaps of pure gold that only awaited the gathering. For such -were the wild visions that haunted even the most sensible, during that -never-to-be-forgotten epidemic--the _gold-fever_. - -For two days they toiled on, without any event of moment to break the -killing monotony. But then came a second blow, even more crushing -than the one recorded in the preceding pages, because it left the -wagon-train without a head--in much the same situation as a vessel -would be on losing the only man capable of steering it aright. - -In a word, Paul Chicot suddenly disappeared, without leaving any trace -behind him. At dark he had taken his position among the sentinels. At -daybreak the train was discovered to be totally unguarded! Not only had -Chicot vanished during the night, but with him had gone two others. -This was just three mornings after the discovery of the first desertion. - -A few words will explain the circumstances leading to this defection. -Nathan Upshur was at the bottom of it all. Since his eavesdropping, -when he learned of the golden pocket discovered by Paley Duplin, he -had been busy shaping a way by which he could gain a share, if not the -whole, of the treasure. And so well had he done his work that no one -suspected his purpose until the blow was dealt. - -He knew that he must have companions in the venture, as none of the -deserters would willingly admit him to share in their profits. In fine, -they despised, if not hated him, as he well knew. - -Paul Chicot was the man he first selected as a comrade, knowing him to -be brave and not over-scrupulous, as well as thoroughly acquainted with -the country for hundreds of miles around. And, too, he knew that he was -avaricious beyond the common. - -The subject was first broached on the night preceding their desertion. -Upshur visited the point where Chicot was standing guard, and together -they smoked their pipes, idly conversing. Then Nate suddenly said: - -"Why do you follow this life, Paul?" - -"I won't, no longer'n I git to the mines. Then I'll go back to St. Joe, -on the Blacksnake Hills, with gold enough to keep the old woman an' -gals in fine style. No more trampin' fer me _then_--not much." - -"But if you had an opportunity of getting rich _before_ you went to -California, would you refuse it?" - -Chicot keenly eyed Upshur, as though seeking to read his secret -meaning, for the man's voice had lowered to a confidential tone, and a -peculiar expression rested upon his face. - -"That depends--not in such a way as made whoever it was rub out poor -Dutchy," slowly returned Chicot. - -"Bah! why bring up such things? Of course, I don't mean any thing of -the sort. But now, for instance, supposing another train would come -along and offer you more--ten times as much as you get for guiding -_this_ train--would you accept it?" - -"Be I a fool? Of course I would, onless this 'ne was to raise thar -pile. I work for _money_, an' the biggest pile takes my eye," quietly -added Paul. - -"Well then, supposing I could take you to a gold-mine, within a day's -tramp from here, would you desert the train? I say only supposing I -could do this." - -"That's all bosh. Don't I _know_ thar's none sech 'round here?" -contemptuously snorted Chicot. - -"But _would_ you?" - -"Yas--in a hurry, too." - -"Swear it on this," and Upshur adroitly twitched a small metal crucifix -from Chicot's bosom, where it hung by a string. "Swear to keep all -secret that I tell you now, and never to betray it until I give you -free permission." - -Chicot, deeply impressed by Upshur's earnestness, obeyed, though still -skeptical. And then, after first carefully assuring himself that there -were no eavesdroppers near, Upshur unfolded his secret, telling all. -How he had first struck scent of the secret, of his eavesdropping, -of how he followed the deserters until he had a fair idea of their -destination; of all save his connection with the dastardly blow in the -dark, and the attempt to fix the crime upon Burr Wythe, for reasons -that may hereafter appear. - -"Now you know all," he added, "and it is for you to decide whether we -are to slave on like dogs, while those three, not a whit better than -we, are making themselves rich for life. What do you say?" - -"They'd never 'gree to share 'th us," muttered Paul, reflectively, yet -with his eyes glowing and his breath quickening. - -"They _must_, if we say so. I, for one, am willing to fight for it. -Just think--Duplin said he found nuggets as large as his fist! And -hundreds of them, too! Just think, man--why, there's enough to make us -the richest men in the United States! They must share--_or else we'll -take the whole_!" - -"That'll be the best way," hoarsely added Chicot, now fully yielding to -the power of the yellow fiend. "There won't be enough for all--fer we -must take another. They're strong men, and will fight fer their--fer -_our_ gold. It is ours--it _must_ be ours!" - -"Good! but the other--who shall we select?" - -"Tim Dooley--I know him well. For gold he would pawn his soul to the -devil--and then blarney him out of his pay afterward." - -And so it was settled. On the succeeding night the three men, who were -standing guard, deserted and took up the back-trail, forgetful of -the dangers that threatened the wagon-train in being left without a -competent guide. Upshur chuckled with devilish glee as he hoped the -worst would befall them. - -He had proposed to Lottie Mitchell, and she had rejected him. Her -father also had forbidden him ever again addressing his child, under -penalty of a thrashing. For this reason, seeing that all hope of -success in that direction was gone, he hoped that the entire train -might be attacked and destroyed by the Indians or mountain outlaws, -that infested the Overland Route, almost from end to end. - -Caleb Mitchell was at his wit's end when the truly alarming tidings -were generally made known on the morning following Chicot's -disappearance. And not without good cause for apprehension, for the -train was now fairly in among the mountains, where a deviation from the -right trail--at times wholly undiscernible--might well result in total -destruction. - -As wagon-master, head of the train, only second to the regular guide, -he was naturally the one to whom all now looked, when in truth he was -no more capable than any other member, except from his great coolness -and superior judgment. All were equally ignorant of the trail, since -this was the first venture across the plains. - -Mitchell's first move was to send in pursuit of the deserters, with -orders to bring them in at all hazards, if found. That last clause was -well put in, for Paul Chicot had an easy task in that wild, broken -region, in blinding his trail, so that all pursuit was useless. And, -with so many long hours the start, it was like sending a horse to run -down the locomotive. - -Long after dark, the different bands straggled in, weary and dejected. -Not even a foot-trace had been found to indicate the direction in which -the deserters had gone: and now, that faint hope gone, the greater -portion of the emigrants gave way to despair. - -In vain Mitchell strove to cheer them up. He said that it was only a -matter of time and patience; that before long some other train must -come along which they could join. But the answer came, quick and -crushing, because it was the one that was chilling his own heart. - -It was late in the season. Their train, drawn wholly by oxen, had been -long upon the road, and the halt at the "sick-camp" had still further -delayed them. They might be the last train on the road--very probably -were, since the mountains of California could not be crossed after -winter set in. A train might not come along until the spring--and that -would be too late. How many of the party could live through a winter in -the mountains? The looked-for train would only find their bones. - -Harassed by such arguments and fears as these, Caleb Mitchell resolved -upon a bold course, and yet apparently the only one that was left them. -He would make the attempt to guide the train through the mountains -himself, at least until they could gain a spot more favorable for a -winter's residence than here, if worst came to worst. - -Fearing to lose more precious time, long before daybreak the next day, -the wagon-train was slowly following the lead of Caleb Mitchell, who -rode in advance, his heart troubled with fears and doubts, for behind -him was the sole remaining tie that made life dear to him, and its fate -in a great measure depended upon his skill and prudence. - -Several hours later, as he saw the crest of a rocky hill, over which -the trail led, he abruptly reined in his horse and gazed keenly across -the valley before him. He had distinguished the slowly-moving form -of human beings, evidently afoot, and the hope that these were the -returning deserters set his heart afire. - -But all too soon this delusion was dispelled, for he now could -distinguish the flowing drapery of _a woman_. Anxiously enough he -awaited their approach, but as they paused on discovering his figure -outlined against the clear sky, he impatiently rode forward. He could -now see that there were only two, and the formation of the trail forbid -the supposition of an ambush being possible there. - -As he approached them, the man stood before the woman, with drawn and -leveled pistol, a look of stern despair imprinted upon his worn but -handsome features. His voice rung with the desperation of a hunted -fugitive turned at bay, as he spoke: - -"Keep your distance--we will not be taken alive." - -"What do you mean? Who's trying to take you alive--or dead either, for -that matter?" ejaculated Mitchell, surprised at the man's tone and -action. - -"Then you don't--you're not one of those from whom we escaped? You -haven't been chasing us?" doubtfully added the stranger. - -"Scarcely--else I would not be coming from this direction," laughed -Mitchell. "You have nothing to fear from me, if it is as I surmise. I -claim to be a gentleman, though in rather rough guise just now--but -that matters little. Yonder comes my train. You are welcome to all it -affords, sir. As for the lady, my daughter will be pleased to supply -her wants as far as she can." - -"Thank God!" murmured the woman, springing forward, and, seizing -Mitchell's hardened hand, she moistened it with tears. "You will -protect us from that--from those dreadful men?" - -"With my life, lady," warmly returned the wagon-master, deeply -affected, yet feeling not a little curiosity regarding the strangers, -wondering to what he was pledging himself, and who "those dreadful men" -could be. - -"You are very kind, sir, but my heart is too full of gratitude to -thank you now as you deserve. When you hear our sad story, you will -not wonder that we are weary and worn out and need rest. Bear up, -daughter--we are safe with good friends, at last!" - -"But, father--these men--they must have perceived us?" answered the -woman, tremblingly. - -"Perhaps not, but--" - -"If there is any danger, sir, tell me what it is, so that I can put -my friends upon their guard. We all know how to handle a rifle, and -it must be a strong force to trouble us while on guard," proudly -interrupted Mitchell. - -"There may be danger, but I hardly think it will come near. We were -pursued by a party of mountain outlaws, at least until a short time -since. But they don't number over a dozen, at most. They would never -dare attack here, unless joined by their comrades at the Retreat." - -"We will be on the look-out for them. But you must need refreshments. -Such as we can offer is at your command. After that, I should like to -hear your story. Naturally, this strange meeting has greatly excited my -curiosity." - -"I do not need much--only a drink of water, or something stronger, if -it is handy. As for my daughter Mabel, here, she is entirely worn out. -If you will be so kind--you spoke of a daughter?" - -"I will introduce them. Though Lottie is far from well--her poor -mother's death has nearly killed the child--she will gladly do all that -is in her power to comfort your daughter." - -"I too have lost my mother," softly murmured Mabel, her large eyes -filling with tears, as she glanced up into the stalwart emigrant's face. - -"Poor child!" muttered Mitchell, yielding to a sudden and -uncontrollable impulse, and bending low in his saddle, he imprinted a -fatherly kiss upon the smooth white forehead of the maiden. - -Mabel's face flushed, but she did not appear to take offense at the -abrupt action, though she cast a swift glance toward her father. Then, -with an effort, Mitchell recovered himself, and soon explained the -facts of the strange meeting to the wondering emigrants, the train -having caught up during the delay. - -Mabel was kindly greeted by Lottie, and then the white-tilted wagons -hid them from view. The father was furnished with the beverage he -desired, and then, seemingly forgetful of fatigue and weariness in his -anxiety for the welfare of the wagon-train, he rode along ahead of the -train on Mitchell's horse, while the latter walked. - -"You say you have no regular guide?" - -"He deserted us night before last," moodily replied Mitchell, his brow -lowering. - -"Can it be that he is in league with these devils?" mused the other, -half to himself. "It looks black--very black!" - -Mitchell glanced impatiently at his companion. These vague hints were -alarming, when coupled with the still unexplained appearance of the -couple in that wild and apparently unsettled region. - -"Mr. Mitchell," abruptly uttered the stranger, "I am about to tell -you a very strange story, and you would do well to listen to it very -closely, as, if I mistake not, it concerns you and yours deeply. First, -my name is Guilford; I am a retired officer of the regular army, and -Mabel is my only child. Why we left a comfortable home in the East to -journey overland to California, does not matter just now--suffice that -we did. - -"The wagon-train which we joined passed over this spot full two weeks -ago. Thus far, all had worked smoothly and agreeably. The company was a -strong one, formed of intelligent and agreeable people. The guide was -thoroughly capable, and gave perfect satisfaction. And yet--I and my -child alone remain to tell the fate of all that company!" - -Mitchell could not repress a cry of horror. - -"Wait. You must have heard of the devils in human shape that haunt -portions of the overland trail? Though they do not often attack full -trains, they do much of the mischief that is wrongly attributed to the -Indians, disguising themselves as such, the better to carry out their -nefarious schemes. Well, we fell into the hands of a company of these -demons. - -"Our guide betrayed us. As I now know, he belonged to the band of -outlaws, and only joined our train to betray it into the clutches of -his comrades. All that he done, I learned afterward. No one suspected -his fidelity until all was lost. - -"He led us from the right trail. None thought of doubting him, and we -walked blindly into the trap. I was mostly in company with Mabel, who -was just recovering from a fit of illness, else I might have detected -the change, for I had once before passed over the route. - -"Well, just before dusk, the end came. The foremost wagon was suddenly -checked by a rocky barricade, that completely filled the narrow -passage. The guide had vanished. Then came the shock, as the teamsters -and passengers flocked ahead to see what was wrong. - -"From the hillside above us came a deadly storm of rifle and -pistol-bullets. On every side was death. Not a foeman was to be seen, -and yet the withering storm swept man after man to death. And not alone -the men. Women and children, even the toddling babes, were shot down. -None were spared. In ten minutes all was over. - -"Taken so by surprise what could we do? Nothing. Scarcely one had a -weapon at hand. Such as had, were too astounded to think of using them. -And even had this been different, what could they have done when not -a foeman was visible? The rocks above seemed to be raining down death -upon us. Not a form could be seen; not a voice mingled with the din of -fire-arms, save from the dying as they fell in heaps. My God! it was -terrible!" and Guilford covered his eyes and groaned aloud as one in -mental agony. - -"Pardon my emotion, Mr. Mitchell. Though an old soldier, never before -had I witnessed such a frightful sight. My heart bleeds again at the -mere thought." And Guilford shuddered again. - -"But you--how did you escape unhurt?" curiously asked Mitchell. - -"I can explain that now, though at the time I believed it a proof -of Providence. But that was part of the plan. I spoke of our guide. -That man was none other than the chief of the outlaws. He had joined -us and acted as guide, the better to entrap us. He was a handsome, -dashing fellow and it seems now that he took a sudden fancy to my -daughter--curse the villain! - -"I was with Mabel, in the wagon, and he knew this. He pointed it out -to his men, and cautioned them against injuring its inmates. With -the first shot, I started to give my aid to our friends, but Mabel, -half-crazed, seized me, and I dared not leave her. It would have killed -her, in her weak state. - -"When the guide came to the wagon and ordered us to dismount, I -realized the truth, and fired at him. But in my haste, the bullet that -should have bored his treacherous brain, missed its mark, killing a man -standing just beyond him. I was seized and bound, though I struggled -desperately. Only for the guide--Yellow Jack--I would have been killed -on the spot. But he had a purpose for saving me, for that time. Through -her love for me, he hoped to bend my daughter to his will. - -"We--Mabel and I--were carried away into the mountains, and so were -spared the horrible scene that must have followed. Yellow Jack told me -of it, afterward. The wounded were put out of their misery, and then -tossed down a deep ravine hard by, where the wolves and vultures would -soon hide them from mortal sight. The wagons were burned, after being -plundered, and the ashes scattered to the winds. All traces of the -horrible massacre were obliterated, leaving the trap ready for other -victims. - -"Well, 'tis an unpleasant subject to dwell upon, and I hasten on -as fast as possible, yet telling all that is necessary for you to -understand the matter. We--Mabel and I--were taken to the hill retreat -of this Yellow Jack, and were, for a time at least, treated reasonably -well. Then, however, as Mabel gave no signs of softening her manner -toward him, he began to show his devilish nature by torturing her with -fears for me. Finally, he gave her two days to decide; either to become -his bride or see me murdered before her very eyes. - -"But we had a friend that he little suspected, in his wife--a beautiful -woman who appeared to fairly worship the monster. The fear that Mabel -would entirely supplant her in Yellow Jack's love, gave her the courage -to foil his purpose by a daring stroke. In the middle of the night she -set us both free and led us beyond the line of guards, then giving us -the clue to finding the trail, she bade us begone--to suffer death -rather than recapture, for after this her hands would be tied. She gave -me these pistols, and a small package of food. Then she left us. - -"We journeyed by night, and lay hid among the rocks by day, well -knowing that we would be pursued, and that the entire country would be -scoured. To-day, for the first time, we ventured forth during daylight. -You know the rest--how we found you, and how warmly we were welcomed by -all," concluded Guilford, evidently deeply affected. - -"Then, if this band is so near, this train is in danger!" uttered -Mitchell, in a troubled tone. - -"No, I think not. The band is not strong enough to openly attack such -a train, and they would scarcely dare to form an ambush along the -_regular_ trail. We only suffered through our traitorous guide. You are -safe so long as you keep the main trail and see that your sentinels do -not neglect their duty. True, you may chance to lose some stock, and -care must be taken that stragglers do not wander far from the train, -else the outlaws might wreak their spite upon them." - -"But our guide is gone--has deserted. How do we know whether we keep -the right trail or not? Indeed, we may be straggling from it this very -moment!" - -"You are right so far. The only danger of straying will be during the -next two or three days. After that the route is plain and broad. But do -you mean to say that you are _all_ new hands--that there are none here -who have ever passed over the trail before?" - -"That is the fact." - -"Well, we must do the best we can. Though I have made one trip before -this, I paid comparatively little attention to the trace, and don't -suppose my judgment is much, if any, better than yours. Still, between -us, I think we can manage to pick out the right course." - -Meantime the two maidens, Lottie Mitchell and Mabel Guilford, had -already become fast friends, and picturing great enjoyment in each -other's company during the remainder of the journey. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - WHERE WAS JACK TYRREL? - - -Over a bed of gold. - -The three gold-seekers were indeed in the valley of treasure. A few -hours of earnest work in the "pocket" revealed riches beyond account, -and so infatuated did all become with the results of their labor that -scarcely could the one detailed to the daily service of hunting for -food take the time necessary to procure proper supplies. - -Nothing had occurred to disturb their intense labors, although more -than once the hunter for the day had come across strange tracks in -the vicinity of their golden bed, and the soul-sickening dread that -assailed Robinson Crusoe, on his desert isle, now found a resting -place in their hearts. They fancied this was the track of some -malicious-minded enemy who was watching them with the intention of -robbing the golden store that had grown daily more and more dear to -them. - -A sad change had come over the trio. Their friends and loved ones would -scarcely have recognized them, even after these few days of success. -Pale, haggard, and hollow-eyed, they toiled on almost unceasingly, -scarce speaking a word through the livelong day, even seeming -suspicious of each other, sleeping fitfully, often awaking with a -start as if from some haunting dream to glare at the spot where their -treasure was hoarded away. A sad, sad change, and one that was daily -growing more and more apparent. - -Day by day, hour by hour, the insidious _gold-fever_ was gaining in -power over them, crushing out all generous thoughts, tightening its -grasp upon their heart-strings, until scarce one trace of their former -selves was left. - -Nearly a week had elapsed since their arrival at the valley of gold. It -was night, and though the past day had been one of almost breathless -toil, the three adventurers sat awake and sleepless, smoking their -pipes in silence beneath the rude, frail shelter of vine-clad brush. - -All without was dark and dismal. The air was charged with electricity, -and the comrades found it impossible to sleep. All nature seemed -feverish and ill at ease. - -The moon was obscured; dense sulphurous masses of clouds swirled -athwart the horizon in wild confusion. Low, sullen mutterings filled -the air. A tempest was brewing. - -Silently smoking, the gold-hunters watched the play of the clouds. They -seemed to care little for the result. What mattered it though they did -get wet? The rain could not injure their golden treasure, and what else -had they to care for? Nothing. - -Suddenly Paley Duplin sprung half erect, outstretching one hand as the -pipe dropped unheeded at his feet. His voice sounded strangely excited, -trembling violently. - -"My God! look yonder--that light!" - -Far up the bed of the one-time water-course, a light seemed slowly -moving to and fro. This, of itself, in that lone and desolate spot, was -enough to excite wonder. But it was the _shape_ the light gradually -assumed as it drew nearer that caused Duplin agitation. - -Speechless the three men glared at the vision as it slowly drew nearer -to where they sat. Neither spoke. They seemed petrified with horror. - -And well might this be the case. The past week had sadly weakened their -nerves. This horrible reserve that had come over them since delving -amidst the masses of gold, had rendered them doubly susceptible to -superstitious influence. - -They could no longer doubt. The shape, glowing with a ghastly light, -was now vividly outlined. - -Before them, at only a few rods' distance, stood a skeleton of fire! - -A skeleton, perfect in the most minute detail. It seemed of gigantic -size, as though the relic of some long since extinct race of giants. - -The brainless skull, the eyeless sockets, the wide, ghastly-grinning -mouth and blazing teeth, the body, the arms and legs, all were glowing -with a strangely-weird luster, not unlike that produced by the use of -phosphorus. One fleshless arm was slowly lifted until the dangling -finger pointed directly at the spot where crouched the gold-hunters, -awe-stricken and speechless. - -And still the flaming skeleton advanced, more and more, the arm -warningly outstretched, the skull wearing that horribly mocking grin. - -Suddenly a low, taunting laugh echoed upon the still oppressive air--a -laugh that seemed to issue from the fleshless lips. - -Duplin shuddered, and bowing his head, covered his face as if to shut -out the sickening object. Wythe and Tyrrel remained motionless, their -eyes riveted upon the skeleton. - -A voice uttering words followed the laugh. Deep yet low, something -strangely impressive when coming from that ghastly spectacle, as it -appeared. - -"Blind fools! ye are trespassing here on holy ground. Depart while yet -there is time. You hear--even the spirits of the air warn you. Obey -their voice--flee--flee from the wrath to come! Take heed. 'Tis the -last warning. Depart--or the morrow's sun shall shine down on your -lifeless remains." - -A laugh slowly followed this speech, coming from the rude hut of -bushes. It was from Jack Tyrrel, sounding strained, yet scornful. - -"This mummery has gone far enough," he said, in a tone that told of -rising anger. "It's my turn now. Whoever you are, _you_ take warning. -In just one minute, unless you drop that mask, I'll try if you are -bullet-proof. Mark _my_ words, now!" - -"Don't, Jack--for God's sake don't!" gasped Duplin. "'Tis nothing -earthly--it's a warning from the other world!" - -"Bah! I've seen a skeleton doctored with phosphorus before now." - -"Lift your arm against the dead, and it will drop withered to your -side," solemnly added the voice. - -"It will, eh? Here's to try it. Man or devil--here's greeting to you!" -recklessly cried Tyrrel, as he raised and sighted his revolver. - -Again came the laugh, hollow and unearthly. The fleshless face seemed -to grin more horribly than before. - -Once--twice the pistol spoke spitefully, the flash momentarily lighting -up the little brush shanty, then leaving it in still deeper darkness -from force of contrast. And yet the skeleton stood there, motionless, -save that the arm appeared to move derisively. - -The laugh again echoed forth, as the reverberating reports died away. -Duplin sunk upon his face, groaning in terror. Wythe knelt as though -petrified. Tyrrel turned a shade paler. - -"Silly fool! you provoke your fate. When the sun rises you will be -dead--_dead_." - -The glowing figure swiftly moved forward, and seemed about to attack -the gold-hunters. Jack hastily lifted his pistol and fired, then sprung -to his feet as though in readiness for the struggle. - -When the smoke-cloud lifted, he rubbed his eyes in amazement. All was -black before him. Nothing was to be seen. The apparition had vanished -as though swallowed up by the earth. - -Only for a moment did he hesitate. Then, still clutching his pistol, he -darted from the shanty and glanced around him. All was vacancy. - -He leaped upon the sand-bank, and swept his eyes around. The result was -the same. No light--nothing save a far-distant flash of lurid lightning. - -A disinterested spectator would have laughed outright, could he have -seen Tyrrel's face at that moment, so full of blank amazement was it. -And yet there was nothing in it of superstitious fear. - -Only for the first few moments had Jack yielded to this feeling, and -then simply because his comrades had done so. This quickly vanished -and anger took its place. He was startled at the new effect of his -shots, because he had great confidence in his own skill. Then, too, -he marveled greatly at the abrupt disappearance, but that he wisely -attributed to clever skill. - -Thoughtfully scratching his curly pate, Jack retraced his steps and -entered the shanty. In silence he lighted his pipe at the still -smoldering embers, and then puffed away vigorously, covertly eying his -comrades the while. - -"Well, boys," he at length uttered, between puffs, "what d' you think -of it, anyhow?" - -"It is gone, then?" muttered Duplin, in a husky voice. - -"Yes--cleverly, too. A smart chap, whoever it may be," quoth Tyrrel. - -"You are wrong--it was nothing mortal. It was a warning," gloomily -added Duplin. - -"Now don't be a fool, Paley," impatiently. "The days are passed for -such melo-dramatic visions as that. We will live to see a great many -to-morrows. It is nothing but a very stale trick got up to frighten us -from our work. Somebody has got wind of our discovery, and takes this -plan to drive us away. But I, for one, don't scare worth a cent! And as -first move--before it rains--I'm going to see what sort of track that -_ghost_ left behind him. The sand out yonder is soft, and will retain a -footprint. Come--you'll admit that a _spirit_--even though it assumes -the guise of a burning skeleton--can not leave a natural footprint? -Very well. If I do not find the tracks of a _man_ out yonder, I'll -agree to believe in your view, and at once make my will, provided -you promise the same. If the track _is_ there you'll give up those -superstitious ideas?" - -"Yes," was the reply given by both Duplin and Wythe. - -Jack said no more, but set about arranging a torch in order to settle -the question once for all. Meantime Wythe had directed Duplin's -attention to something not far from the shanty, apparently lying upon -the ground. - -This was a small point of flame, flickering vividly, now larger, now -smaller. It was near where the skeleton had stood. - -Tyrrel soon emerged, holding the torch before him, but as he advanced, -the point of flame grew dim, and then vanished entirely. Bending low -down, he began closely scanning the ground, while Duplin and Wythe -intently watched his motions. - -"You're cornered now, boys," he said aloud, with a laugh, rising erect. -"Come out here and own up that you've been silly fools. Here are the -tracks as plain and clear as mud." - -Beginning to feel ashamed of their exhibition, the two soon joined -Tyrrel, and kneeling, slowly scanned the ground. As Jack had said, the -sand was soft, and easily retained the imprint of a human foot. - -And such an imprint lay before them, plain and unmistakable. Even -Duplin could no longer doubt that all this had been the work of a -cunning hand, though by no means a spirit. - -"And see," laughed Jack, "here's a memento of our ghostly visitor. A -finger-joint that one of my bullets has broken." - -"That was what we saw lying here. Hold it in the dark, Jack--yes, that -is it," muttered Wythe, as the bone again showed the flickering light. - -"And there comes the rain--but first, I'm going to have the measure of -this foot. I think I owe the rascal that made it a sound thrashing, and -if we ever meet, he'll get it, or my name's not Jack Tyrrel!" - -As the storm burst, the gold-hunters regained their shelter, and -composed themselves as comfortably as circumstances would admit. -Knowing that they were in for a drenching, they only cared to keep -their weapons and ammunition dry. - -It was impossible to sleep while the storm raged with such violence, -and Jack continued his good work by lecturing his comrades. He showed -them the point toward which they were drifting, and that ruin must -follow unless they rallied against the spell that seemed falling upon -them. - -"Why, in less than a month--if this sort o' thing keeps on--we'll be -ready to cut each other's throats. It is _horrible_! I'd rather turn -my back on the gold altogether and live poor all my life than to pass -another week as this one has been." - -"I agree with you, Jack," warmly replied Duplin. "There is gold enough -for us all. Let's clasp hands, and forget the hard work. Hereafter -let's be _men_--not savage dogs." - -"Amen!" - -Through that livelong night the three, comrades once more, conversed -earnestly. And when day came, they were ready for work. - -It was plain now that their secret was no longer _their_ secret--that -they had been watched by some one who knew of their rich discovery. And -it was likely that this watcher also knew of their "bank"--the spot -where their treasure was stowed away. - -Before daylight they removed the gold to another spot, the driving rain -obliterating all traces as soon as made. This done, they looked to -their weapons. - -The spy, whoever he might be, must be found, though a week was spent -in searching for him. Only for the beating rain, this would have been -a comparatively easy matter, since the ground, clear to the hills, was -very favorable for trailing. - -Day broke clear and beautiful, and Duplin experienced a peculiar thrill -of joyous thankfulness as he beheld the brilliant sun roll above the -eastern swells. The sight gave him renewed life, and the last lingering -trace of superstition vanished. - -For hours the three friends sought in vain for some trace of their -nocturnal visitor, but it was not until they crossed the first ridge -that such rewarded their search. Then, deeply imprinted in the moist -sandy loam, they came upon a double trail, though both sets of tracks -were evidently made by the same person, probably in going and coming, -as they trod different ways. - -"It's our man," cried Jack, as he arose from comparing his tally with -the tracker. "We must run him to ground, now. He can't be far--these -tracks are fresh." - -"But which are the latest?" - -"That puzzles me. I'm not much on the trail-hunt. Chicot could tell, -no doubt, but I can't. We must follow both. You and Wythe take that -direction, and I'll look to this." - -"But there may be danger to you going alone. We don't know who or what -this fellow is. Best keep together." - -"And so lose the game, like as not? No. I think I can hold my own, -since there's only one man. Go on--and if _you_ find the game, build a -fire of grass that will send up a black smoke. I'll do the same. Look -out for it." - -It was rank folly attempting to reason with Tyrrel, and his comrades, -well knew that. So parting--none of the trio dreamed of the time that -would elapse before their meeting!--they each bent to their work. - -The trail ran lengthwise along the valley, only divided from that where -lay the golden bed by a high ridge. Duplin and Wythe were heading -south-east; the trail followed by Tyrrel was in an opposite direction. - -"I think I can tell just how this will end," muttered Burr, after -progressing a mile or more. "I think we will find the stopping-place -on yonder point, where we can look down upon our camp. If so, we must -hasten back, and join Jack. The hot-headed fellow may get into trouble." - -A few minutes more proved their surmise to be correct. The trail -doubled at the hill, and then ran back for a ways, side by side. - -The friends had no difficulty in retracing their steps, and advanced at -a half run. The damp earth had retained deep tracks. - -In ten minutes they had regained the point where Tyrrel had left them, -and still hastened after him. Then they paused, simultaneously uttering -a low cry. - -"Too late!" gasped Duplin. - -Faint and indistinct came to their ears, borne by the favoring breeze, -two quickly succeeding pistol-shots, closely followed by a cry, as of -pain or mortal terror. These sounds came from up the valley. - -Clutching their weapons, the friends bounded forward at top speed, -their faces pale, their teeth tightly clenched. They feared the worst. - -"My God! look there!" gasped Wythe, extending one trembling hand. - -Before them, close to where the rocks that thickly covered the hillside -began, the ground was torn and trampled, as though the scene of a -desperate struggle for life. And upon one side of a whitely bleached -bowlder was a large crimson stain. - -A stain that could only be produced by _blood_! - -Sick and faint the comrades stood there, wildly glancing around, -listening anxiously for some sound to guide them. But it came not. All -was stilled save their deep, husky breathing. - -"Come," cried Duplin, with an effort rousing himself, "this is folly. -We must work. Dead or alive, we must find Jack, and either rescue or -_avenge_ him." - -Dreading lest at every step they should come upon the dead and mangled -body of their friend hidden among the rocks, the gold-hunters advanced. -Here and there a blood-splash guided their eyes. Drop by drop it -led them up the hillside. This alone guided them. The flinty ground -retained no trace of footsteps. - -A gore-stained rock attracted them. Rushing forward, Duplin uttered a -low cry. Then he sunk upon his knees and bent forward. - -Burr Wythe turned sick at heart, and staggering, would have fallen but -for the friendly support of a jagged bowlder. A cry broke from his lips -as he started back and removed his hand. It had entered a tiny pool of -fresh blood! - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - LOST IN THE LABYRINTH. - - -With a convulsive shudder, Burr Wythe wiped the clotted blood from his -hand. Duplin, startled by the cry of his comrade, quickly turned his -head. - -"What is it, Wythe?" - -"Nothing--I rested my hand in that blood yonder. But what is this--a -cave?" - -"It must be--and see! There are blood-stains on the inside edges of -the rock. Whoever, one or many, have gone in there, taking poor Jack -with them, either dead or alive," muttered Paley, as he drew back and -carefully looked to his weapons. - -"Then out of it they must come," determinedly returned Burr, his eyes -glittering. - -"But how? If in there, they have the advantage of us in every respect." - -"There is only one way. We must enter and do the best we can." - -"It looks like suicide, after what we see here; but if you dare risk -it, I will not fail you. We can not desert the lad. He would risk as -much for either of us." - -"Here--let me pass in first. I can get some idea of what is before us, -and if they mean mischief, they'll wait to make sure of us both. Do you -keep back from the entrance, but ready to assist me if I call." - -Pale but resolute, Wythe crawled into the hole, and then glanced -quickly around him, as though in hopes of being able to penetrate -the dense gloom. That his heart beat quicker than common, is no -disparagement to his courage, for there is nothing so trying as facing -an unknown danger _in the dark_. - -Feeling around he found several pebbles, and flung them violently from -him. From their faint echoes, he learned what he desired. - -"It's a large cave, Paley," he uttered, as he emerged into the open -air. "We must not enter without material for torches. We might pass -within arm's length of poor Jack, and not know it." - -Thoroughly determined to find their missing comrade, and if possible -those who had struck this blow, the two men scarcely gave a thought now -to the danger they might be incurring, nor how completely they would -be at the mercy of any hidden enemy, while they were bearing lighted -torches. So, while Wythe guarded the cave entrance, Duplin hastily -collected material for torches. - -A few minutes sufficed for this, and then both men entered the hole. -Thus shielded from the wind, they soon succeeded in kindling a torch, -and then, while one held it aloft, the other kept just without the -circle of light, with cocked and ready revolver. In this manner one at -least would be running less risk. Duplin, as being the best shot, held -the latter position. - -The two friends curiously glanced around them. But little was to be -seen, save the jagged roof of rock, as the torch emitted but a feeble -light. - -Still, a few moments showed them that the chamber in which they stood -was untenanted save by themselves. It was of considerable size, -irregular in outline, rough and jagged, with a low roof or ceiling. - -"Look! here is a sort of tunnel," muttered Wythe, waving the light -before him. "And--yes! here goes the blood-drops. Poor Jack! if it's -_his_ blood, he must be dead." - -"Maybe not. A little makes a big show on rock. But let's hasten--I'm -eager for the end. Any thing--even the knowledge of his death, is -better than this suspense." - -"If he _is_ dead, somebody must pay for it!" gritted Wythe, -vindictively. - -The tunnel was low and narrow, and the explorers had to stoop their -heads to avoid the rocky roof. More than once Wythe fancied he could -distinguish the trace of tools wielded by human hands upon the soft -rock, but other thoughts occupied their minds, though at another time -this fact would have excited the deepest curiosity. - -The tunnel was winding, now sheering abruptly to the right, then -again to the left, and several times Wythe paused in doubt, as _two_ -passages met his gaze. But a close and cautious scrutiny would show a -drop of blood upon the floor of one or the other, and thus guided, the -adventurers pressed on, further into the labyrinth, without a thought -of their own peril--thinking only of their lost comrade. From first to -last, of that day, they exhibited a strange lack of prudence. - -Their progress, owing to these causes, was slow--far more so than, in -their impatience to learn the fate of Jack Tyrrel, they believed--and -the winding passage frequently caused them to almost retrace their -footsteps. - -Suddenly Wythe came to the end of the tunnel, and stepped into what -seemed a spacious chamber, though he could only judge from the -difference in the atmosphere. The torch was of little service, save -within a radius of several yards. - -A few minutes' scouting proved this also to be unoccupied by those they -sought. At irregular intervals, around the sides, were several tunnels -similar to that from which the men had recently emerged. - -Exchanging glances, the friends saw that each had begun to despair. -After this long and really arduous search, they seemed no nearer the -end than at first. - -"Come," whispered Duplin, rousing himself, "this is only wasting time, -when we should be at work. Cheer up--we must find him soon. I know we -will--I feel it!" - -"I hope you are a true prophet," sighed Wythe, brushing the cold damp -from his forehead. "But I fear the worst." - -"Give me the light for awhile, and you take my place. We must search -each tunnel until we find the right one." - -"I fear that will be difficult. I've not noticed any blood-drops for -some time. What if we should be wrong? What will become of poor Jack? -And--_how are we to find our way back again_?" - -Duplin started. For the first time he realized the full peril of their -situation. Were they not even then lost? Lost in the labyrinth--in the -bowels of the earth! And nothing to sustain life--no food, no water! -The thought was soul-sickening! - -"We must not think of that _now_. We've enough to trouble our minds -without that. It may all turn out right. But mark the passage we came -through. With that to start from, we can find our way back by the -blood-stains. Drop my hat there--or a bit of rag, anything will do." - -Wythe advanced a step, then paused and glanced around him. His face -shone ghastly pale in the feeble light of the tiny torch. It seemed -that of a dead, rather than a living man. - -"I--I _think_ this is the one," he faltered, pointing to a passage. - -"My God! don't you _know_? Then we are indeed lost!" groaned Duplin, -the cold sweat dripping from his brow. - -"We have walked in every direction--I am bewildered. We can do nothing, -only trust in Providence." - -"And so we will! I don't believe we are to perish in this manner. Cheer -up--'twill all turn out for the best," cried Duplin, rallying his -courage. - -"I'm willing enough to hope for the best, but these events follow close -after that man's warning of last night. There may have been more in it -than we cared to admit." - -"Come--no more o' that, Wythe. You only unnerve us both. Mark this -tunnel. We will first explore the one next upon its right--remember -that. In time we must strike the right one." - -Entering the low-arched passage, Duplin led the way, holding the torch -so low that it fell full upon the floor. Leaving all other matters to -Wythe, he closely and thoroughly scrutinized the passage in search of -the blood-drops that had already guided their course so far. - -"I'm afraid we're wrong, Burr," muttered Paley, after several minutes. -"I can find no traces." - -He had just rounded an acute corner in the passage, and thus cast Wythe -in the gloom. Stepping forward, Burr abruptly paused. - -"My God! look yonder!" he gasped rather than spoke, one hand extended -over Duplin's shoulder. - -The latter raised his eyes and then started back. Truly a horrible -sight was before them. - -A dull, ghastly light seemed to fill the space before them. A light -that danced and flickered fitfully--now brilliant, now dull. - -There, apparently almost within arm's length of the two adventurers, -were half a dozen flaming skeletons, not lying prone upon the floor, -but seemingly just starting up from their recumbent position to -chastise the unhallowed disturbers of their last repose. - -Fiery jets of flame seemed to dart forth from the eyeless sockets, from -the grinning jaws, from every bone that helped form the skeletons, -and all with that peculiar effect produced by the plentiful use of -phosphorus. - -As if turned to stone, the two friends stood at the turning, glaring -wildly upon the weird tableau. - -Then there echoed forth a startling sound, that seemed to proceed -from the glowing jaws of the blazing skeletons. A laugh, shrill and -unearthly, that echoed thrillingly through the long, narrow passage. - -"My God! they move--they come!" yelled Duplin, as he dropped the torch -and dashed madly back the way he had come, by some rare chance escaping -a shattered skull, from collision with the numerous jagged points of -rock. - -With that horrible laugh still ringing in their ears, Wythe followed -after, half-dead with terror. Gasping, nearly suffocated by the wild -throbbings of his heart, Duplin gained the chamber, and then sunk down -weak and trembling. Though life depended upon the exertion, he could go -no further. - -"Burr--where are you?" he gasped, agitatedly. - -"Here--thank God we are together!" came the low reply, as Wythe crept -to his side. "But the light--where is it?" - -"I dropped it--I was so astonished. But we can kindle another. I have -matches and you have wood." - -"I?--no, I must have lost it as I ran. I had two sticks when we -entered, but they are gone now," slowly returned Wythe. - -Both remained silent. Each realized the full force of this new -calamity. Without a light how could they ever hope to find their -way out of this labyrinth? With a light, the task would be hard -enough--without one, it become simply impossible. - -"We must regain them, even though we have to face that horrible sight -once more," muttered Duplin, with a resolution that was simply -sublime, when his superstitious nature is remembered. - -"Did _you_ hear it, too?" - -"The laughter--yes. It was no delusion. Pray God that I may never hear -it again!" - -"Hark!" - -A low, indistinct sound met their ears. It seemed to proceed from the -passage they had just left. Its precise nature they could not define, -but--perhaps the thought was excited by what had just occurred--they -fancied it was the faint echo of that horrible peal of laughter. - -"It's coming nearer--what shall we do?" gasped Duplin, tremblingly. - -"Remember what Jack showed us. There is some trickery here, I feel -sure. If we flee blindly through these passages, we are indeed lost. -We must meet what is coming. If really supernatural, we can not run -away from it. If human, we can solve the mystery with a pistol-bullet," -hurriedly muttered Burr, as his revolver clicked sharply. - -His resolution seemed to restore Duplin, and then, in silence they -awaited the result, though in painful suspense, for neither was free -from a sickening dread. Few men are equally brave in the dark and light. - -The suspense was not of long duration. Another shrill, unearthly peal -of laughter rung through the rocky chamber, and then, as if by magic, a -glowing skeleton with every bone plainly outlined, stood before the two -gold-hunters. - -Duplin hastily cocked his revolver. It seemed that the sharp metallic -_click_ was not unheard, for another laugh, low and taunting, came -from where the ghastly object stood. Then a voice--the same that had -addressed them at their camp, the preceding night--uttered the words: - -"Poor silly fools! Do ye think to alarm the dead by such actions? -What care I for mortal weapons? You but precipitate your fate by such -rashness. You scorned my first warning--and now you see the results. -One of your number is dead--you two are doomed! Doomed to wander on -through the bowels of the earth unceasingly, until death takes pity -upon your sufferings and touches your hearts with his finger of ice. -You were warned--why did you throw the chance behind you? You sealed -your own fate. You are doomed--doomed! Ha! ha!" and again the chilling -peal rung forth. - -And yet, strange as it may seem, these words gave Burr Wythe renewed -courage. Though a partial believer in spiritualism, he did not believe -that disembodied spirits could speak. - -The owner of this same voice had, at the camp, left a substantial proof -behind it that scarcely befitted a ghost. And now _this_ voice admitted -the identity. - -"'Tis some trick, Paley," he whispered in Duplin's ear. - -"Fire when I do, and we will have the clue in our hands. For poor -Jack's sake, courage." - -"I will--touch me when you are ready," came the low, cautious response. - -"_Now!_" - -As he shouted aloud this word Wythe fired, and almost simultaneously -Duplin's pistol spoke. And the effect exceeded their most sanguine -expectations. - -High above the twin reports, there rose a human voice in a wild yell of -pain, then came a rattling crash--then the sound of heavy, repressed -footsteps. - -Instantly, on firing, Duplin and Wythe sprung aside, and recocked their -pistols. But there was no need of a second shot. The victory was theirs. - -The glowing skeleton lay upon the ground, shattered to pieces. The -skull, like a great ball of fire, was slowly rolling toward Wythe, who -eyed it with a shudder of loathing. But all else was motionless and -still. The fleeing footsteps that had momentarily caught their ear, was -now gone. - -"Our spirit was Jack's trickster, after all," at length uttered Wythe. - -"We were fools, Burr," laughed Duplin, his natural courage returning. -"It's a lesson that will never be forgotten by us; and it was one that -I needed, too. I'm becoming a slave to my superstitions. But did you -notice which way he went?" - -"No. Still, with lights, we can find out, I guess. That cry was one of -pain. He must have been wounded." - -"He was; perhaps mortally, though I hope not, for that might lose -us our hopes of finding Jack. But, come; we must find our torches. -There is no time to lose unless we wish to make good that rascal's -prediction, and die in here of thirst and starvation. This is the -passage--just behind these bones." - -Carefully feeling along the passage, they soon succeeded in finding -the dried fagots, dropped when they took a hasty flight. One--the -torch--was still smoldering, and required but little coaxing before it -again blazed up. - -By its light, the two friends exchanged glances. They were both -thinking of the same thing. - -"Yes, we will examine them," exclaimed Duplin, resolutely advancing. -"Who knows--we may find some trace of _him_ there." - -With far different sensations than those felt when first the weird -sight burst upon their vision, the gold-hunters now examined the row of -skeletons. They lay side by side, upon a sloping ledge, which, in the -first affright, gave them the appearance of raising to their feet. The -friends saw that at least two of the skeletons had been removed from -the ghastly row. - -"They have been placed here with care," muttered Wythe. "See--here are -fragments of what was once cloth. The bones look as though covered with -skin--as though the flesh had gradually dried away, and the sinews -still hold together. That accounts for the perfect skeletons we saw -arranged by that rascal--whoever he is." - -"This dry, rare air may account for that. But we must not forget the -duty we owe poor Jack. He is not here." - -"Come, then. We can follow our mummer, if I mistake not. I think he'll -leave a plain trail behind him, if there's any virtue in half-ounce -bullets." - -In a few moments the adventurers were once more in the chamber, and -examining the ground round about where the skeleton had fallen. True to -their hopes, they found several drops of blood that told plainly their -enemy was wounded. - -"This is the passage," uttered Duplin. "But it seems to lead back the -same way we came." - -"We are all turned round. It _may_, of course, but more likely it -continues in the direction we first started in. It is our only chance, -at any rate." - -For half an hour more they crept on, slowly and carefully, knowing that -to go astray might result in their destruction. Several branch passages -were observed, but close scouting showed them the faint blood-traces, -that directed them aright. - -But then a circumstance occurred that threatened them with disaster. -The second torch had burned nearly down to Wythe's fingers, and he -paused to light another. Unfortunately he dropped the splinter, and -falling, it became extinguished. Blow as he might the sparks refused to -blaze up. - -Impatiently he asked Duplin for a match. To his horror, Paley answered -that he had none! Whether he had lost them during the flight or not, -it was certain that they were then in the labyrinth, without means to -kindle a light. Search as they might, not a match was found. - -As the significant truth burst upon them in its full force, they seemed -like madmen. They raved and cursed until out of breath. Then reason -returned. They were only wasting precious strength that might yet be -needed to save them from a horrible death. - -"Come, Duplin," hoarsely muttered Wythe, "we must be men. We need our -senses now, if ever. We _must_ find some way out of this. Come--creep -forward with me. Try to keep this passage. Perhaps we may succeed--it -is our only hope." - -"A slim one," and Duplin smothered back a curse. "I begin to believe -that that prediction will come true--that this hole is our _grave_!" - -"Don't give way to such thoughts. Hope while we may. The worst, if it -_must_ come, will come soon enough." - -For an hour--a long, weary hour full of agonizing fears and doubts--the -comrades crept slowly on, upon their hands and knees, not knowing -whether they were nearing or distancing safety. But then Burr Wythe, -who was in advance, gave way to a gasping cry--a cry of joyful -thanksgiving. - -"Thank God! we are saved! This is the first chamber--I can tell it!" - -"But--" hesitated Duplin, "then we should see the light. _Where is the -hole we crept in at?_" - -All before them was dark and black. They could see nothing. And now -Wythe remembered that as they first entered the tunnel, he had glanced -back. The hole then shone clear and distinct. It was gone now! - -With a cry of apprehension he arose and sprung forward. In a moment he -discovered the truth. - -This was indeed the outer chamber. And he felt where the entrance had -been. _It was now blocked up!_ - -_They were buried alive!_ - -Both sunk to the ground, heart-sick and despairing. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - NATE UPSHUR'S WORK. - - -On the night of the storm, Nathan Upshur sat apart from his two -comrades, noiselessly smoking his pipe. That he was not in the best of -humor was plainly evident. - -It was only several hours since they had come on the whereabouts of -Wythe and his companions, after an arduous search of several days' -duration. But yet, short as was the time, Upshur had proposed a -bloody plan to Chicot and Dooley--nothing less than murdering the -gold-hunters, and then taking their treasure. - -His ill-humor now was caused by their flat refusal to enter into -any thing of the sort. They had counted the cost, and were willing -to enforce their rights to a portion of the placer, if need be, -by an appeal to arms, but it must be in open fight, not midnight -assassination. But Upshur objected to this. It savored too much of -personal danger, and that he did not greatly fancy. So he sat brooding -over the matter, sour and sullen. - -"It's jest this," quoth Chicot, settling the ashes in his pipe. "They -_must_ let us in on shar's. I'll tell 'em that I knew of it fust--last -year, an' that I on'y j'ined the train so's to git to the place. They -cain't deny it--or, ef they do, they cain't prove that I lie. _Then_ ef -they cut up rusty, let 'em. We kin make 'em sick o' the job, I reckon. -But I won't hev no onderhand work--no rubbin' out in the dark--mind -_that_, Nate Upshur." - -They were encamped upon the hillside, in a deep crevice in the rocks -that overhung their heads, where the tiny camp-fire was hidden from any -one unless within a half-score yards of the spot. And, as he stated his -position, Paul Chicot lay down to sleep, unmindful of the coming storm. - -But that night was not to pass without disturbance, even with them. -Suddenly the clear report of fire-arms broke upon the air, coming, as -all knew, from the gold-hunters' camp. - -Peering over the rocks, they saw a strange, luminous light moving above -the valley, but before they could guess its meaning, the light suddenly -vanished. While still gazing down, they heard a rapid footfall just -above them, and then a strangely-shaped, dark figure bounded past them, -up the rocks. It seemed the form of a man, bearing an unwieldy bundle -upon his shoulder, dark, and dimly-outlined. - -Little slumber visited their eyes that night, and his curiosity -excited, Chicot plunged through the storm on a reconnoitering -expedition. He soon returned, saying that the three gold-hunters were -still in their shanty. - -Then who or what was the dark figure? Were there still other parties in -the valley? Others after the golden hoard that lay beneath the sands? - -Awaiting other developments, Chicot and his companions, early in the -morning, saw the three friends start forth as if with some definite -purpose in view. They hastily passed over the rocky ridge, unconscious -of the eyes that so closely watched them. - -"Now's our time," eagerly muttered Upshur. "We can go and dig up their -gold and be off before they get back." - -"Not yet," firmly replied Chicot, who seemed to possess a little more -conscience than his comrades. "We don't know how soon they may be back, -and I don't want to be caught stealin', jest yet. Le's watch and see -what they're about, fust." - -Grumblingly Upshur submitted, and the trio crept up to the ridge, and -peered over it, keeping well screened. From there they saw the others -discover the double trail and closely examine it. Then separating, -Duplin and Wythe took one course, Jack Tyrrel the other. - -"They're trailin' the critter we see'd, most likely," muttered Chicot. -"Le's watch until they git out o' sight, then we'll go fer the gold." - -Impatiently they watched the tardy progress of the adventurers, for now -that a chance seemed open for them to effect their object, they were -one and all eager to handle the gold. From their position the valley -below them was visible for nearly a mile in either direction, bare and -treeless, desolate and dreary-looking. - -"My eyes hain't as good as they war once, but, onless I'm mightily -mistook, they's trouble waitin' fer Jack, over yon'. I'm 'most sure -I sighted a human on them rocks. But it's gone, now. This's gittin' -interestin'--seems like we're goin' to hev two separate gangs to deal -with." - -With curiosity fully aroused, the trio watched Tyrrel's progress, and -as he passed round the point of rocks indicated by Chicot, the watchers -fairly held their breath with suspense. - -Then came the sounds that had so deeply alarmed Duplin and Wythe--two -quickly-succeeding pistol-shots, then a cry for help. - -"I told ye so," muttered Chicot, excitedly. "Tyrrel's in trouble 'th -_some_thin'! Down--quick! See, thar comes t'other fellers. Ef they -sight us, it's fight, then, shore. They'd think _we_ was at the bottom -o' the deviltry. Hunker down, I say!" - -"Now's our chance to get hold o' the gold," muttered Nate Upshur, -eagerly. "We'll have time." - -"No--I'm goin' to see this a'fa'r out fust. It's best that we know jest -what an' who we've got to work ag'in', an' we'll never hev a better -chaince to find out. Come--keep along behind the ridge. We kin git up -opposite the spot where Jack was, afore t'others. Keerful--don't show -your head 'bove the ridge." - -Though having the longest and by far the roughest road, Chicot and his -companions gained the desired point ahead of Duplin and Wythe, owing to -the latter having to follow Tyrrel's trail. But, though they closely -scrutinized the opposite ridge, nothing in human form was to be seen. - -"The boy's gone, an' so's whoever he run ag'inst. Mebbe he's rubbed -out, an' the fellers is layin' fer t'others." - -"We'll soon see, for there comes Duplin and Wythe," added Upshur. - -In silence the trio watched and waited. Every movement of the two -comrades was noted. What they were the reader already knows. - -For a time the watchers were puzzled, but then as the two men began -gathering dried sticks from under the sheltered rocks, the truth -gradually became plain. Paul Chicot gave vent to a long, low whistle. - -"They've holed the game!" - -"Surely the fools ain't going to venture in?" - -"It _is_ foolish, but they show plenty o' grit. You see now what you -wanted to buck ag'inst." - -"If they go in there, the game's in our hands!" exultantly muttered -Upshur, his eyes glowing wickedly. - -"What d'y' mean by that?" - -"Can't we _block them in_? Then they'll have a good chance to fight it -out with those they are hunting, while we can take our time about the -gold. In that way we get rid ef them without killing them, and just as -effectually too." - -"I don't see much difference, if ye l'ave them there to starve," slowly -commented Tim Dooley, for the first time for hours giving his opinion, -in this respect being very different from the popular idea of an -Irishman. - -"If you're so cursed tender-hearted, why don't you go an offer to help -_them_? Had I known what a milksop you were I'd never have lifted a -finger to help you to a fortune." - -"Nor would ye, only ye wanted help. But best kape a bridle on yer -tongue, my fri'nd. I don't take black words from anybody," quietly -added Dooley. - -"Dry up--quit yer quarrelin'. Whar's the use? It don't do no good, an' -only makes bad blood. We're workin' in harness now, an' each must keep -up his eend. Fust work--then pleasure. Fight then as much as ye please. -But I think that's a good idea o' your'n, Upshur. We kin block 'em in, -s'posin' they give us a chaince, an' then, when we're ready to travel, -we kin set 'em free. But mind ye, this we've got to do. I won't take a -step in the matter onless this is all onderstood." - -"Nayther will I." - -"Just as you like about that," impatiently added Upshur. "But we're -losing valuable time. That may be but a small den, and we be too late. -Then if they see us, it _must_ come to blows." - -"Ef they begin, why we'll give 'em the best we've got, in course. Come, -then, le's travel." - -Descending the ridge, the three men ran hastily across the level -valley, and soon gained the second hill. As the reader knows, this -danger was not suspected by either Duplin or Wythe. - -"You and Tim see if you can roll over that big rock above there," -muttered Upshur, kneeling down beside a bowlder. "I'll agree that they -shall not disturb your work, if they hear you too soon. I can keep them -back, I guess." - -At that moment, as he covered the entrance to the cave with a revolver -in either hand, cocked and ready, Nathan Upshur ardently hoped that -the two men he hated with such venomous animosity would appear. A good -shot, he felt that the path before him would soon be cleared, and the -stain of the midnight murder fairly fixed upon the innocent Burr Wythe. - -Exerting their strength to the utmost, the two men at length succeeded -in toppling over the bowlder, that must have weighed many tons. Had it -not been so nicely poised, their efforts would have been in vain. - -As the huge mass settled fairly over the hole, Nate Upshur laughed -aloud in diabolical glee. He knew that mortal hands could not remove -the rock, without the aid of strong tools. In the excitement of the -moment, neither Chicot nor Dooley had thought of this, and they now -felt a pang of regret. It seemed as though they had been committing a -cowardly murder. - -"That's one job done--and well done, too, I call it," and Upshur -chuckled. "Now for the other. We alone are the owners of this famous -golden bed that Duplin raved about. Come--I am in haste to know the -extent of our fortune. Don't look so grum--you should laugh instead, -man." - -"I feel like a dog that's caught sheep-killin', or aig-suckin'," -muttered Chicot. "We've mebbe rubbed out two settlers as is a durned -sight better men than either o' us, in a cowardly way, too." - -"Bah! I suppose you'll be too conscientious to touch any of the gold -they've dug, won't you?" sneered Upshur. - -"I don't know--if they _be_ gone, why I s'pose I might as well hev some -o' what they left, as for _you_ to git it all." - -"I thought so! But come--the sooner we finish this job, the better. -There _may_ be another outlet to the cave, and these fools may stumble -upon it, and come back in time to make us trouble. But once let us get -clutches on their pile, and I think we can hold it." - -With hasty steps, the three men recrossed the little valley, and -from the other ridge, carefully reconnoitered the deserted camp. No -one appeared to be near it, and their hearts thrilled wildly as they -realized that they were now sole masters of the golden secret. Even -Chicot forgot his scruples, in the dream of fabulous wealth that filled -his mind. - -"It's ours--all ours, now!" muttered Upshur, as he darted down the -rough hillside at reckless speed, slowly followed by his comrades. - -In a few minutes more they stood within the rude brush shanty. Eagerly -they gazed around, as though expecting to discover great heaps of the -precious metal. Then Upshur laughed--harshly and discordantly. - -"Bah! what fools! Of course they've hid it. But what one hides, another -can find. They've changed the gold to another place--for there's where -it has been." - -All could see as much, but the gold was not there. Still, it must be -hidden near at hand. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - THE WILD-MAN AGAIN. - - -Meanwhile, where was Jack Tyrrel? - -We left him at the moment when he turned round the point of rocks, -following on the strange trail. A few rods beyond this, and he suddenly -paused as a peculiar cry met his ear. - -Hastily glancing up, a strange light met his gaze. A flash of -recognition lit up his face. He had seen that form once before. - -It was, indeed, none other than the occupant of the hill-cave, whom he -had beheld fed like a child by the beautiful maiden; the one whom he -had, a few hours later, seen shot at by Nate Upshur. The being called -by Paul Chicot, the "Mountain Devil." - -He stood at the base of a large bowlder, one hand outstretched, -clutching his long bow already spoken of. His attitude, his face, his -eyes, all told that he was angered. - -"Back! rash fool!" he uttered in a deep, stern tone. "I warned you -once--this is sacred ground. Back, I say, or you die!" - -"Don't be so headstrong, old man," coolly returned Jack, seating -himself upon a bowlder. "You have nothing to fear from us. When we -finish our work, we intend leaving--and allow me to add that you nor -any one else can make us stir one step before we get ready." - -The wild-man--or madman, whichever he was, and both titles well suited -him--uttered another hoarse, inarticulate cry, and, with lightning-like -quickness, fitted an arrow to the string. Jack sprung to his feet, but -was too late to avoid the shaft. - -It struck him fairly, pinioning his right arm to his side, the flinty -head plunging deep into the muscles of his side and back. Stung with -pain, and scarcely realizing the extent of his injuries, Jack drew a -revolver with his left hand, and fired twice, in succession, at the -same time uttering a half-unconscious cry for help. - -Then the madman was upon him. With a giant's strength he dashed -the young man backward to the ground, and wresting the pistol from -his grasp, he dealt Tyrrel a stunning blow upon the head with its -brass-bound butt. - -With a low moan, Jack lost all consciousness. The events of the next -few hours were a blank to him. - -Probably urged on by some strange whim, the madman flung the senseless -body across his shoulder and then darted back to the cave entrance, -through which he plunged. As though gifted with cat-like eyes, he ran -swiftly on through the winding passages, never once seemingly at fault, -the only trace left being the drops of blood that fell from Tyrrel's -wounds. - -When, at length, Tyrrel regained his senses, he first became conscious -of a gentle hand softly bathing his feverish and painfully throbbing -temples. With an effort he opened his eyes and gazed wildly around him, -bewildered, confused. - -But then, as a pale, sweet face bent over him, anxiety written in every -feature, a wondering sigh broke from his lips. He recognized that -face--it had more than once come up before him since that first night -passed in the mountains after the desertion. - -The same glance recalled the place he was in; the hole in the wall -where he had first looked upon the face of the madman. But how came he -here? Could it be that the madman had relented, bringing him here to be -nursed back to life and health by his own daughter? - -These thoughts racked his mind, and must have left their imprint upon -his face, for the woman--or girl, rather, for she was not more, in -years, at least--gently pressed back his head, uttering in a low, soft -voice: - -"You must not trouble your brain now, sir. All will be explained in -good time. Until then, rest easy. You are safe here, while I am near." - -"But where am I?--and you--" - -"Listen. You are still in danger, unless you are prudent. Drink this, -and then go to sleep. When you waken, I will tell you all that I know -of this affair," and she uttered a weary sigh, as she spoke. - -"I will mind--you look like an angel," muttered Jack, his heavy lids -drooping as he sunk back after quaffing the drink. "I've thought so -ever since--that night. And I--I love--you!" The last word being -scarcely distinguishable, as he dropped asleep. - -The maiden looked astonished, as well she might, since until a few -hours before, she had never once suspected the existence of such a -personage as Jack Tyrrel. - -It was hours before Jack awoke, but then he felt much better, though -still very weak and faint from much loss of blood. His brain, though -light, did not throb, his flesh was cool and moist. - -He was not long in reminding his fair nurse of her promise, and in a -few clear sentences she told him all she knew concerning the matter. - -Her father--the madman, for such indeed he was--had returned from -one of his frequent excursions, bearing the senseless body upon his -shoulder, both covered with blood. She could gather nothing from his -incoherent ravings, save that he intended offering up his victim as -a sacrifice to some imaginary deity. Great as was her influence over -him, even in his wildest moods it was with absolute danger to herself -that she rescued Jack from his hands. Then, however, he soon calmed -down, and watched her dress Tyrrel's wounds with vacant curiosity. This -done, she discovered that her father also was wounded; a deep hurt, -evidently from a bullet, passing entirely through the left shoulder. -Scarcely waiting for this to be dressed, he left the cave, muttering -wild threats against some person or persons. That was in the early part -of the night; it was now broad day, and she was very uneasy concerning -him. - -Such, in substance, was her explanation. In return, Jack briefly -sketched the events of the past few days. - -"And now, lady--" - -"Lucy is my name," she simply added. - -"Thank you--and mine is Jack Tyrrel. But I was wondering--naturally, -too, as you must admit--how it happens that you are here, living in -such a place." - -"I will tell you; it will help pass away the time, and any thing is -better than silence. Such terrible fears come over me at times, that I -often wonder if I am not going mad--but I must not think of that. Do -you know, sir, that until now, for over a year, I have not looked upon -a human face, excepting father's?" - -Jack squeezed her hand sympathetically. Lucy shrunk back as if alarmed, -but then, blushing deeply, she hastily added: - -"Well, I will tell you my story. It is a strange one, and often I -half-wonder if I am not dreaming--if all the black, horrible past is -not a dream, from which I shall awake some bright day. - -"As I said, my name is Lucy--Lucy Bradford, and the man who brought you -here is my father. He was not always thus--his madness dates back to a -year or more ago. - -"Father was ever peculiar, and after mother's death--which occurred -when I was quite a child--he became still more so, and I can now -understand the covert hints and strange bits of talk that used to -puzzle me, passing between the neighbors. They believed he was -gradually losing his mind. - -"It was a queer but very pleasant life that I led, as I began to -understand things that I saw around me. Father was an actor--as I -believed then, the prince of actors--but the plain, almost miserable -style in which we were forced to exist, should have showed me better. -It was one constant, unceasing struggle for bread, and yet we were very -happy. - -"Father loved his art, and was only fully happy when 'treading the -boards.' And he was sure of an appreciative house, behind the scenes, -for I would applaud until my poor hands were nearly blistered. I -half-fear that it was this that made father love me so dearly. - -"I attended each rehearsal with him, and was never absent from my post -in the flies when he was on the stage. This became such a matter of -course that no attention was paid me by the other actors. - -"Well, times changed. Father became so 'queer'--that is what the -stage-manager called it--that he could not be depended upon. More than -once I remember his marring the effect of a play by forgetting himself, -and delivering the 'mad speech' of King Lear. He was discharged, and -could not get another situation. - -"One day, I remember, he came home greatly excited, hastily packed up -all his stage effects and then left the house without answering my -questions. He returned with money, having sold all. Then he told me of -the dazzling plan that he had in view. He was going to California, to -pick up a fortune from the countless heaps of golden treasure that lay -there. - -"Well, I could not desert him. That was in '49--over a year ago. Father -had money enough to pay for our passage out, and leaving St. Louis, we -turned our faces toward the Land of Gold. Alas! not one of all that -train--men, women, children--not one of them all ever reached the land -of their hopes. - -"I do not know whether the story of our disaster ever reached -civilization or not. If so, it must have been by accident, for -we--father and I--alone, of all that company, are now alive! - -"One wild, stormy night the blow fell. The day past had been one of -unusually severe toil, and most probably the guards set to watch over -the safety of their friends and kindred, completely exhausted, yielded -to slumber. For the cunning, treacherous enemy crept, unheard and -unsuspected, into the very heart of our camp. And then--" - -Shuddering, Lucy paused, bowing her head upon her hands. The scene -recalled by her story overpowered her. - -"Don't say any more, Lucy, if it is so hard," whispered Jack, his hand -gently touching the bowed head. - -"Perhaps I am foolishly sensitive," Lucy added, with a wan smile, as -she raised her head. "But at times that horrible scene comes before my -eyes until it seems that my brain must burst. It is a relief to speak -of it, though, to one who can understand. - -"I can remember but little of that horrible night. The Indians attacked -us--Blackfeet, as I afterward learned. They conquered almost without a -blow being struck by the white men, so complete was the surprise. And -then--it was a merciless massacre. - -"I remember wondering how long it would be before my time would come. -I had been awakened, but was still in our own tent. Father lay at my -feet, as I believed, still sleeping, though I wondered greatly that -the horrible din did not waken him. I know now that he was senseless, -stricken down by a brutal blow from the hand of the one who guarded me. - -"This man was the one who had acted as our guide, a middle aged, rough, -hunter-like person. He had joined the train with the sole purpose of -luring it to destruction. How well he succeeded, you now know. - -"It was a long time before I fairly regained my senses. For nearly a -month I had been like a maniac, and the Indians had protected me from -the malice of the renegade. This superstition alone saved my father. We -were regarded as sacred beings. - -"But then, when my reason returned, I was again subject to the -persecution of the renegade--Creeping Snake, as the Indians called him. -I appealed to the chief, who could both speak and understand English, -though but imperfectly, for protection against the wretch. I believe -that he pitied me, but he dared not interfere. By the laws of the -tribe, I belonged wholly to the renegade. - -"The end came sooner than I expected. One day the renegade came to the -lodge that had been given father and I, and one glance at his flushed -face and bloodshot eyes told me my peril. He was intoxicated, and his -worst passions were fully aroused. - -"I shrunk behind father in fear and trembling. The renegade advanced, -with a horrible curse, and struck father, ordering him to stand aside. -You have seen him--you know how very strong he is; and then he was -insane. - -"It was all over in a breath, almost. A brief, horrible struggle--then -the renegade lay upon the lodge floor, quivering, dead! The blood was -streaming from his mouth and nostrils. His neck was broken. - -"The chief had witnessed it all, but had not time to interfere, before -all was over. He seemed frightfully angered and had I not clung to his -knees, pleading piteously, I believe he would have killed father. As it -was, he had time to reflect that a madman was not accountable for his -acts. - -"A council was held, and father tried for the deed. But the fact of his -madness saved him. And yet he seemed to realize that he was in danger, -though he hid his feelings from all save me. - -"That night--a dark and stormy one--we left the village, passing -through it undiscovered. By daylight we were far away, lost amidst the -wild mountains. The beating rain had obliterated our tracks, and if the -Indians sought for us it was without success. - -"For days we lay hid during the day, traveling at night, trying to find -some way to civilization, but in vain. We nearly starved to death. But -by a chance--or rather providence--father killed a wounded antelope -that we found in a deep valley. On this we lived for several days. - -"Father seemed to have forgotten his desire to reach his fellow-men, -and appeared contented with this wild life. We were living in a little -den or cave in the rocks; not this one--but another miles away. - -"One night we were awakened by a muttering at the cave entrance. -Outlined against the clear sky, we could distinguish the plumed crest -of a savage. Probably he had observed us before night, and now had come -to kill us. - -"I was petrified with fear, but not so father. I did not know he was -awake, until I heard him move suddenly. Then came a dull, heavy thud, -and the Indian's head disappeared, while a shrill yell of what seemed -mortal agony followed. - -"I soon learned the truth. Father, with unerring aim, had flung a -heavy, jagged rock at the intruder. As I saw when day came, the blow -had shattered his skull to atoms. That was a long, dreary night of -terror, but the savage must have been alone, for no further disturbance -occurred. - -"In this manner father became armed as you have seen him, with bow and -arrows, a knife and tomahawk. By long practice, he has become very -skillful with the bow, and we never want for food. As for clothing, -as you see, their skins furnish that. Though rude, they are very -comfortable. - -"With that one exception, we have never been molested by the savages. -During one of his wild rambles father found this cave, and ever since -we have lived here." - -"A strange story, Lucy, and a sad one," commented Jack, feelingly. "But -do you never long to return to civilization?" - -"Often--very often. But what can I do? Even though the road was open -to me--and I am lost here as completely as though out of the world--I -could not desert father. You have seen him--do you think I would ever -return to life? He is mad--incurably so, I fear," gloomily responded -the maiden. - -"But if I can induce him to go with us, will you object? You will like -my friends, Duplin and Burr. Think of what your fate would be were--in -case any thing should happen to your father." - -"I would die--perhaps starve to death. I try not to think of that. I -only know that I can never desert _him_. I am all that he seems to care -for on earth, now. While he lives, my place is with him." - -"But if he agrees to go with us?" - -"Where he goes, I will go. But don't think too much of that. I fear he -will refuse." - -"Hist! is that not the sound of some one climbing up the rocks?" -hastily muttered Tyrrel, not a little excited, half-hoping that his -friends had discovered his retreat. - -"I will go see. Perhaps 'tis father returning," and Lucy hastened to -the entrance. - -In a moment she returned, pale and agitated. Tyrrel felt a strange -fluttering at his heart, for he was unarmed. If an enemy, they were -indeed lost! - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - THE OUTLAW'S HOME. - - -But what of the train wending its weary way among the hills, trying, -under the guidance of Major Guilford, to follow the blind trail? - -Ah, it is a query pregnant with sad events--with tears and sighs--with -acts that make human nature seem like demon-nature. - -For here, in the outlaw's lair, away up among the hills--in his secret -grotto--we find--who? - -Why, Lottie Mitchell! - -And consoling her in her terrible grief is Mabel, the professed -daughter of Major Guilford, but now the acknowledged wife and emissary -of Yellow Jack! - -And outside we hear the voice of Major Guilford, and learn from -his conversation, first, the fact that he is Yellow Jack's -first-lieutenant; and second, the particulars of the slaughter of that -entire train, which, following his guidance, was led into an ambuscade, -and every soul in it ruthlessly slain by the outlaws, as they had -destroyed and slain other trains. The diabolical glee which the affair -excited in the outlaw camp revealed the nature of the ruffians with -whom Guilford consorted. - -But he had other matters also to discuss with some of the men. He had -rescued Lottie Mitchell and brought her safely into the outlaw camp -only to see Yellow Jack take her under his immediate protection. Was he -to be deprived of his property? Was not Lottie his own by the laws of -the band? And if so, by what right did the captain take her under his -protection? - -This the "Major" demanded in a manner that showed how bitterly he felt -over the event, and his openly announced purpose to have his prize -yet, gave little promise of peace or safety to the now distressed and -heart-broken captive, whose hours passed in weeping over the awful -tragedy which her eyes had witnessed, and whose fears for her own -future were even more harrowing than her grief. - -For a time Lottie Mitchell was treated more as a guest than a prisoner -by Yellow Jack and his household. Even Mabel, though herself scarcely -so beautiful, strove to cheer up the sorrowing girl, even while a dull -pain knocked at her own heart as she recognized the gradually changing -expression with which the outlaw chief began to regard the fair captive. - -None knew better than she that Yellow Jack was even more to be dreaded -than Charles Guilford--that Lottie, in fleeing from the hawk, had -sought protection of the eagle. - -With heart crushed and bowed down, Lottie would sit through the -long hours in mute despair. She knew now that she was alone upon -earth--that not one drop of blood akin to her flowed in human veins. -Her loving father had been the last, and now he was no more. He was -dead--murdered! And she--oh! why had she been spared? To live on and -suffer--to endure worse than death--a shameful captivity in the hands -of demons who had love for naught other than sin and crime. - -And yet, though knowing all this, Lottie believed that she was safe -from harm while Yellow Jack extended his protection. She knew that -Mabel was his wife--that a fierce, passionate love seemed to exist -between them. Then--what had she to fear from him? - -Thus she reasoned, but the mask was soon to fall from his face--the -scales from her eyes. The trial, though slow in coming, would lose none -of its force on that account. - -A brief "scene" had followed the unceremonious despoiling of Guilford. -His fiery, untamed nature was not one to submit without a word; -besides, he was backed up by the laws of the league, that distinctly -said a man possessed the sole power of life or death over any captive -he might chance to take unaided. - -Guilford waited until the entire band had returned. Then he called them -around him in the little square of unoccupied ground near the center -of the village. His undaunted bravery and boldness had made him very -popular among the outlaws. - -In hot, angry words he told them how he had been treated and how the -laws of the league had been trampled upon without cause or provocation. -He demanded their vote--whether the captive rightly belonged to him, or -to Yellow Jack. - -The outlaws seemed about to reply--to give the words utterance that -would please the orator--when a clear, metallic voice silenced them. -The outlaws, bold and desperate men though they were, seemed awed and -shrunk silently back, parting before the approach of that one slender, -frail-looking man, who so negligently puffed at a tiny cigarette. - -"Pardon, gentlemen," he uttered, the words dropping with cat-like -softness from his red lips, that curled in a smile at once sweet -and cruel. "Hearing my name mentioned, I come to plead my own case. -Guilford, what is your grievance?" - -"That you took by force from me a captive. By the laws of the league -you had no right to do this. She is mine alone--I demand her return." - -The words were spoken boldly and without hesitation. Yet the manner in -which the flushed face suddenly turned white, told that Guilford by -no means underrated his danger. It was like playing with a half-tamed -tiger. At first its talons might be sheathed--but who could say how -long this would last? - -"So you consider yourself an abused man, do you?" slowly drawled Yellow -Jack. - -"I deem my rights as a member of the band, abridged. By the laws laid -down by yourself, you are wronging me in taking away my property." - -"And if I return her--this property of yours--you will overlook my -mistake?" - -"Gladly!" cried Guilford, too excited by the pleasing thought thus -presented to read aright the sneering tone and the yellowish glitter of -the black eyes. - -"You are very kind. But I fear both my wife and your property would -object. Besides, I've taken a notion to her myself. And captain before -lieutenant, you know." - -"Then you refuse to--" - -"Bah! why so much to-do about a trifle? you grow tiresome, Guilford. -We will have to select another officer from the ranks." - -At this sentence--the last--Yellow Jack gave an evidence of his -marvelous quickness. A sudden glitter of steel--a flash--a report, and -then a death-groan. - -Charles Guilford lay upon his face, the blood slowly oozing from a -tiny, discolored hole in the center of his forehead. - -A low cry rose round the group. A simultaneous movement--and full -two-score hands fell upon as many weapons. - -The tall, lithe form drew more erect, with head flung back and eyes -that seemed like glowing coals. _Click--click_, went the notchlike -springs of his pistols. - -The sullen roar of two-score voices ceased. The weapons, though still -clutched, were not drawn. And the foremost slowly shrunk back. Fear was -written upon their faces. - -And all this because one man seemed awakened. But that man was Yellow -Jack. - -"Gentlemen," began the outlaw chieftain, and his voice was as even and -gentle as when first he spoke, "I have a few words of explanation to -give you why I shot that carrion. It was because he was a traitor at -heart--to me, if not to you. I saved him from the hangman's rope, and -brought him here. He served admirably as a man; but raising him to be -an officer spoiled him. You elected him; I could not refuse, though -I knew that this day must come in time. Well, he's dead. There is no -use in producing proof of his treachery, unless some of you demand it. -Then I will comply, of course. Is any one dissatisfied? If so, let him -advance and give in his plea." - -No one advanced. Perhaps they deemed it scarcely prudent to do so, with -that body still lying before them. - -Yellow Jack smiled. He had conquered now, even as he had scores of -times before, by sheer audacity. And _now_ Lottie Mitchell was his; -no one could dispute his choice, unless--He scowled as he thought of -Mabel, his wife. - -"Good! I am glad to see you so sensible. Of course, we must have -another election. To-morrow will do. Talk the matter over between -yourselves. The choice lies with you." And then Yellow Jack walked -away, without so much as a glance at his victim. - -Meantime, Lottie Mitchell had been aroused from her torpidity--as it -might almost be called. And this by one of whom we have had only a -fleeting glimpse--the being called by Yellow Jack, "Crazy Joe." - -He had glided into the little cell-like apartment adjoining "the -grotto," where Lottie was sitting in apathetic despair. She glanced up -at his entrance, but recognizing him, again drooped her eyes. - -"Lady," whispered Crazy Joe, after a keen glance around the chamber, -"cheer up. You have a friend near who will do his best to free you. Be -cautious--do not cry out. If they suspect who and what I really am, -both you and I are lost," he added hastily as Lottie gave vent to an -exclamation of surprise. - -This was the first time she had heard him utter an intelligible -sentence. To her, as to others, he had been the harmless idiot. For -what had he been playing such a part?--for now there was no trace of -idiocy, only the sharp, acute decision of a bold and determined man. - -"I don't wonder at your surprise," he added, with a kindly smile, as -he drew nearer, "I have played my part well, and, indeed, I had need -to, since my life depended upon its success. But never mind that now. I -fear interruption before I can explain. Listen, now. I am telling you -the truth, and placing my life in your hands. - -"As you see, I am no idiot. That is my mask, put on the better to -enable me to gain my purpose. Instead, I am a spy--a spy of the -Government. My purpose now is to learn all the secrets of the place, so -that, when the time comes for another attack, they can't baffle us as -they did the last time. - -"I assumed this disguise, and wandered for days amongst these hills, -before I was picked up, almost starving, too. I was brought here, and -closely questioned. I was only an idiot--so I made them believe. Only -an iron will carried me through, for they tried me in every manner, -even waking me from a sound sleep with a quick question. But I had -studied my part closely, and foiled them. - -"Now it is time for act second. I have learned all I care to know, and -must disappear. They will think nothing of that--for I am an idiot," -and he laughed silently, but gleefully. "They'll think I've wandered -away, or been killed by wild beasts. And then--well, they'll see me -again, and with me will be a host of 'boys in blue.' - -"Why do I tell you this? Because you are in great peril--not of -_death_, but even worse than that--and will need all the courage you -can muster. I would take you with me, but that would ruin all. Pursuit -would be made--for _you_--and I killed. Then would your last hope die. - -"You must wait patiently, and, if possible, gain time. I will be back -in two weeks, at furthest. If you can evade the peril until then, we -will save you. If not--then we will remember you while dealing our -blows. Do you understand me?" - -"Partly. But what is this great peril--_he_ is dead, and Mabel is my -friend. Surely, she will not let them murder me!" And Lottie paused in -genuine surprise. - -"I will tell you, then, though 'tis a delicate subject. But this is no -time for false delicacy. Then--I allude to Yellow Jack--to his passion -for you," hurriedly added the man. - -"But he--Mabel is his wife!" - -"True--or passes for such. But that matters little to him. Why did -he kill Guilford--his best and bravest man? Because that man claimed -_you_--whom he wanted for himself. _Now_ do you understand me?" - -"I--think I do," faltered Lottie, turning ghastly pale. - -"Then--listen. The trial will come--sooner or later. It may come -to-day--or it may not come until we return. For _your_ sake I hope not. -But you must be prepared for it. You must play a part. You must hide -your real feelings, and dissemble. Though keen as steel, you can blind -him in his passion with your mother wit. Affect to think of the matter. -Tell him you are too heart-sick--that all around is so new and strange -that you must have time to reconcile yourself to the change. Tell him -any thing--only gain time. Gain two weeks, and I pledge my word--my -life, that you shall be saved. I give you the word of a man who never -lied unless to an enemy, such as those with whom I am now dealing. Only -two weeks, at the most. I may return before, but if I am not here then, -you can know that I am dead." - -"You frighten me, but--" - -"Hist! there is some one coming! Be cautious--hide your feelings, or -all is lost!" whispered the man, again becoming "Crazy Joe," as he -crouched down upon the floor and began tracing meaningless figures in -the dry sand with his fingers, crooning a low, monotonous strain as -unmeaning as his blank and expressionless features. - -Yellow Jack entered. He gave a start as the dark figure seated upon the -floor caught his eyes, but then, with recognition, came reassurance. He -cared little whether the idiot heard his words or not. - -"Come, dear lady, this will never do," the outlaw chief uttered in a -soft, musical tone, as he sunk upon the little pallet beside which -Lottie sat. "You are fading your beauty and dimming your eyes by this -unceasing grief. The past is past--let it sink into oblivion. Live for -the present, for the future--life can be gay and pleasant, if you only -will it should. All around will be your servants--and I, the chief -of this band of brave men--will be the humblest one of all at your -command. You make no answer," he added, his keen eyes seeking to read -the inner thoughts of the maiden. "You are not offended at my plain -words?" - -"No--not offended," hesitated Lottie, at a warning glance from the -seeming idiot. - -"Thanks. Now I will give you a few words to think over for a time. -And think over them carefully you must, for a great deal depends upon -your answer. You, among others, are deeply concerned. In fact, upon -your decision rests the whole of your future. Thus much, by way of -introduction. - -"You may not know that by the rules of the band, Charley Guilford -really became your master, by his capturing you himself. Well--though -he was a good enough man, in the way of duty, he was a devil at heart. -He would have killed you with his cruelty in a month. For that reason -I took you from him; for that reason, and because your face awoke a -memory in my heart that I thought forever dead. Your face then, pale -and care-worn, reminded me of my mother, as I last saw her, just before -she died. I know now that she killed herself, because--but never mind. -I did not come here to speak of the past. - -"Well, Guilford objected to my course, and--I shot him to-day. He -would have served me so to-morrow, but I was ahead of him. - -"Now what I mean is this. You cannot lead this life always. You would -die, shut up so close. And were you to walk about the village, you -would always be in danger, from what, you can guess. For this reason, -more than any thing else, I am here now, to tell you that you must -choose between me and one of the men. In other words, you must become -my wife." - -"You--but Mabel is your wife!" - -"Well--she passes for such, and so did the one before her. Never -trouble about that--you must decide upon what I have told you. I must -go now. You can give your answer to-morrow." - -Yellow Jack left the room, and, after a warning glance and whisper, the -spy did the same. - -That night Crazy Joe disappeared. As he had predicted, this caused -little or no comment. It was only an idiot gone. - -On the morrow Yellow Jack again visited Lottie. It is useless to repeat -his arguments. They were the same in substance as those just recorded, -save that they were more vehement and full of passion. - -Lottie, frightened and heart-sick, still did not forget the warning of -Crazy Joe--or Joe Burleson, as he had told her his real name was--and -begged for time. This he granted, though with evident reluctance. - -Scarcely had he disappeared than Mabel rushed into the room with -a maniacal fury, clutching a long, keen-pointed stiletto. With a -half-stifled scream, she strove to plunge it into Lottie's breast. The -peril lent the captive strength, and after a desperate struggle, she -succeeded in disarming the madwoman. - -Then, in hysterical sobbings the truth came out, and Lottie learned -what had caused the sudden change in one who had, until that hour, -treated her so kindly. She had overheard all that passed between Lottie -and Yellow Jack in the second interview. - -Fortunate it was that Lottie remembered Burleson's caution never to -speak without weighing every word that she said, while in her dangerous -position. Only for that she would have told Mabel all: have told her -how she loathed the very sight of the monster, Yellow Jack, and that -she was only playing her cards to gain time that she might be saved. - -Instead, she only disclaimed all thought of winning Yellow Jack from -her; that she would far rather matters remained as they were. - -Mabel, on the other hand, saw only one hope left her, and that was in -the escape of Lottie. While she remained, the outlaw would only stray -the further from his rightful allegiance, and with that hope, she -declared to Lottie that she would assist her to escape. - -Rendered suspicious by this sudden change, Lottie was reserved, though -the very thought caused her heart to leap for joy. Thus she calmly -listened, without saying yea or nay. - -At length Mabel turned and left the chamber. In the passage just -without, a dark figure met her and clutched her wrist with a grasp of -steel. It was Yellow Jack, and in that moment she knew that he had -overheard all, and that her doom was sealed. For a moment she trembled; -then her true Spanish courage came to her rescue, and she followed his -lead without a word. - -Entering their own chamber, Yellow Jack, with a terrible courtesy, led -Mabel to a softly-cushioned chair, and waited until she was seated. -Then he drew another chair forward, and seated himself before her. Pale -and calm, she met his steady gaze with one as unflinching. - -"Du you know what is in my mind now, Mabel?" he at length uttered. - -"Yes--if, as I suppose, you were listening to what I said to--to _her_ -in there." - -"I did hear--that you intended to prove traitor to me." - -"Not to you--to the man who was about putting his wife from him in -favor of a stranger." - -"Well--we will not quarrel about trifles. You have known me long enough -to guess what such attempts cost. Now I ask you a plain question: would -you rather leave me and return to your people, or die here beside me?" - -"This is the only choice left me?" Mabel asked, and for the first time -her voice trembled. - -"Is it not enough?" coldly came the reply. - -"Since _you_ say so, yes. For ten years I have been with you, through -all, day and night. I will not leave you now, of my own will, because I -love you. I will die here, but not by _your_ hand!" - -"I am glad that you object to that, because I hate such trouble. Well, -to business. First, write a line saying that this is your own deed. The -men reverence you so that they might make trouble were they to think I -had killed you." - -Without a word, Mabel did as directed. Then again turned toward the -ice-hearted monster. He knew not what mercy meant, else he would have -relented at that look of ineffable love. - -"Well--you are waiting for--?" - -Mabel moved round and knelt beside him. He frowned, thinking she meant -to plead for her life. Instead, she wound her arms around him, and -pressed her lips to his, in a long, lingering, farewell kiss. - -Then she rose erect. The bright poniard flashed in the lamp-light. It -sunk to the hilt in her warm bosom. - -Slowly she sunk to her knees, her eyes riveted upon his, and with that -look of love, died! - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - THROUGH GLOOM TO LIGHT. - - -The discovery made by Burr Wythe was a heart-crushing one coming just -as it did, when they believed that freedom was now within their grasp. -And for a time the two friends sunk helpless beneath the blow. - -But the reaction came soon. It was foreign to their natures to submit -without a struggle, at any time much less now, when to yield meant -_death_--death the most horrible; by starvation. - -They carefully worked with their fingers around the edge of what had -once been the entrance. Only hard rock was there; not a particle of -earth to give them renewed hope of cutting their way to the outer world -by persistent use of their strong-bladed knives. - -"'Tis of no use, Duplin," at length muttered Wythe, brushing the great -drops from his brow. "We are blocked in--we must die here like dogs!" - -"It seems so. All around the mouth seems solid rock. But who can have -blocked it up? Not that one we fired at? Surely what one man could -place there, two could roll away." - -"It must be the big rock that stood just above the hole. It could be -rolled over, I think. If so, fifty men couldn't raise it now." - -"Well, one thing is settled. Whoever closed this entrance wished for -our death. Thus it's not likely we have any thing to hope from them. So -we must depend upon ourselves, if we hope to ever see daylight again," -thoughtfully added Duplin. - -"Yes--but what can we do? We have no light, no food, no drink. We might -as well sit down here and die, at once, as to wander blindly on through -these winding passages that seem to end nowhere." - -"Come--this is pure folly, Burr. Though I admit that the case looks -hard, very hard, I will not knock under so easy. We may as well _try_ -for life, even though we fail, as to sit here idly bemoaning our fate. -Time will pass easier and quicker while we are busy. I am going to -fight for it as long as I can. Then--when I can stand it no longer--the -thirst and hunger, I mean--why, I have a revolver, well loaded, here. -You understand?" - -"Yes, and I am with you, Duplin. I was a fool. We will make another -attempt. It can be no worse than now, and may be better," energetically -cried Wythe, springing to his feet, and then the hands of the comrades -met in a hearty clasp. - -They turned and blindly reëntered the tunnel. It was slow, weary work, -but they persisted, and for hours crept on, for the greater part of -the time upon hands and knees now and then cheering each other with an -encouraging word of hope. - -Even was there time, it would be wearisome to follow them step by step -through all these winding passages, more than once retracing their -steps to begin anew, as they came to the abrupt termination of some -tunnel. Enough has already been said, to give the reader an idea of -their experience, in a preceding chapter. - -Enough to say that kind Providence guided them aright, after almost -incredible sufferings, and finally a dim light, far in the distance, -broke upon their strained vision. - -For a moment they paused, fearing to move, to breathe, lest the glad -vision should vanish. And in that moment they read the truth. - -With inarticulate cries they arose and rushed forward. It was no -delusion--the light was that of heaven; and then they stood in the open -air, beneath the welcome sun! - -They sunk upon the ground, faint and speechless. They were not what -is called _Christians_, and they did not raise their voices in loud -thanksgiving for the great mercy that had been shown them. And yet they -were grateful--they recognized the goodness of the Omnipotent in their -rescue, and their thanksgiving, if mute, was no less sincere and devout -than if it had been couched in the most eloquent of terms. - -Their hands met and were lightly clasped. For a time they seemed -drinking in the fresh, balmy air, the clear, glorious sunlight, with -a rapture that until now had been a stranger to their hearts. All -this was what they had mentally bidden farewell to, as they believed, -forever. - -"We are free at last, Burr!" murmured Duplin. - -"Yes--but I'm awful thirsty!" was the prosaic reply. - -That word recalled them to a sense of their sufferings. As they now -knew, by the position occupied by the sun, they had been beneath the -surface for over a day and night; and during all these hours they had -ate no food, tasted no water whatever. - -Duplin gazed keenly around. Then he gave a low, husky cry. He -recognized the spot where they were. In their wanderings they had -passed entirely through the great hill! - -"Yonder is the creek--now for water!" he cried, and then sprung forward -like a startled deer. - -Flat upon their stomachs they lay, and quaffed the cool, sparkling -water with ecstatic delight. It was almost worth enduring such a trial -for the pleasure imbibed with that draught. - -"Ha!" suddenly exclaimed Wythe, as he started up. "Look at this, -Duplin," and he pointed to a damp, blood-stained rag that lay half upon -a rock, half in the water. - -The same thought struck them both. They had passed through the -labyrinth--might not Jack and his captor or captors have done the same? - -"It's so," muttered Duplin, pointing to a broad track close beside -their own. "There is the same track that Jack measured. Hurrah! we may -find him yet!" - -"True--but how? Alive, or--_dead_?" - -In silence the two friends scrutinized the sandy ground around. Finally -they were rewarded by finding where the trail led away from the further -side of the creek. - -In silence they glanced at each other, as they noted the point toward -which the trail now tended. It seemingly led direct to the valley -whence they had made that strange discovery--to the cliff in which -lived the strange couple. - -Then the truth struck them, and they wondered that they had not -thought of this solution before. The madman was their strangely-acting -adversary. And in this fact they saw a solution of his wild antics with -the glowing skeletons. Surely no sane man would have acted as he had -done--have braved such danger. - -"Dead or alive, we will find Jack there," at length uttered Duplin. - -"Find him we must, but it requires caution. One man like that could -keep a thousand at bay from the cave. And if he is mad, it would be a -crime to kill him, even in self-defense." - -"Come. We will do the best we can." - -Though feeling morally certain as to where the trail would lead them, -the gold-hunters did not neglect any precaution, and slowly traced out -the footprints. True to their suspicions, they led directly to the foot -of the cliff, where they were lost upon the flinty rocks. - -Concealing themselves, they patiently watched the cliff for hours, in -vain hoping to learn whether the madman was still in the cave. But -then, urged on by anxiety for their comrade, they cautiously began -scaling the cliff. - -When half-way to the ledge that served as entrance to the cave, Duplin, -who was in advance, abruptly paused. A slight noise from above caught -his ear. - -For a brief instant a face met his startled gaze, then it vanished. -But, brief though the glance was, he recognized it as the face of the -maiden he had seen once before. - -"They've discovered us, Burr," he muttered. "Now for it! Up, or we are -lost!" - -But, contrary to their expectations, they reached the cliff-ledge -unmolested, and then sprung forward to the cave entrance. They paused; -all was still. Only for that brief vision, they would have believed it -was unoccupied. - -All within was dark, impenetrable to their gaze, dazzled by the bright -sunlight. But then there came a cry--a voice well known to their ears. - -The voice of Jack Tyrrel, for whom they had dared and endured so much! - -"Boys--thank God! you are here!" - -These were the words. Then Duplin and Wythe sprung forward. It was a -happy meeting, and for a time none noticed the maiden, who had shrunk -back against the wall. But then Jack glanced around and said: - -"Lucy, come here; these are my friends. And, boys, if you are glad to -see me, thank her. She saved my life." - -This introduction put all upon the best of terms, and for a time that -was a joyous group. But then Lucy's thoughts reverted to her father. -Where was he? Why had he not returned? Never before had he remained so -long absent. - -Jack, with eyes wonderfully sharpened by the last few hours, read -aright her thoughts, and closely questioned his comrades, who were -now eating the food set before them by Lucy, in immense haste, as -to whether they had seen the madman--or, as he said, Mr. Bradford. -Warned by their suspicions, they said little of what had occurred, but -volunteered to go in quest of him. - -"Thank you, boys. I'd go, but this confounded hurt won't let me. Take a -look at the camp, while out. He may be there." - -Their hunger appeased, the two men descended the cliff, and set off -at a rapid rate toward their camp. After an hour's hard walking they -reached the crest of the hill from which they had first gazed down upon -the valley that contained the bed of gold nuggets. - -Both paused, with a simultaneous cry. Human forms met their gaze. Their -camp was occupied! - -Over a mile distant, they could not recognize sex or color. Of course, -none but _men_ were there, but were they white or red--enemies or -friends? Scarcely the latter, though. - -The two friends exchanged glances. A hard, determined expression rested -upon each face, and their eyes told their resolve. - -A fortune, hard-earned, lay there, belonging to them. Should they -abandon it now, after all that they had endured? No! - -Neither spoke a word, but looked to their pistols, renewed each cap, -after seeing that the nipples were well primed. A miss-fire might be -fatal, now. - -Then they glided forward, not seeking to hide their movements. That, -after the valley was reached, would be impossible. Nearly a mile of -level sand, without a rock or shrub, must be passed over. - -And yet they reached the water-course unmolested, unchallenged, unless -the one feeble shout that came to their ears was such. They stood -amazed. A terrible spectacle lay before their eyes. - -Four men lay stretched upon the ground, only one of whom gave signs of -life. He had dragged himself to the brush camp, and was now lying in -its shelter. - -The others were dead. Two of them lay upon their faces, the flint-head -of an arrow protruding from each back. The other, close by, still -clutched a bow; in the other hand was an arrow, that could not be -fitted to the string before death overtook him. - -"It is the madman--Bradford!" muttered Duplin. - -"And that man is Paul Chicot!" added Wythe. - -"Help, friends--for the love of God! help!" gasped the wounded man--the -sole survivor of this tragedy. - -It was hours before Chicot could explain this scene. First he told -all--how Upshur had tempted him and Dooley, and of all that had -occurred since then. Of how the madman had warned them away, when -Upshur incautiously shot him. Even as he fell, Bradford had his -revenge. Like lightning-bolts three arrows sped, and two men died. -The third, with sure aim but failing power, pierced Chicot's breast, -inflicting a severe but not necessarily fatal wound, now that he could -have care. The robbers had searched in vain for the buried store of -gold, and Wythe found it intact. - -And then, while Wythe nursed Chicot, Duplin hastened to carry the -mournful tidings to Lucy. For a time she sunk beneath the shock, but -then revived. It had in a measure been expected. She had known that his -life could end only in that way. - -Thus it chanced that a week later we find her cooking for the -busily-laboring gold hunters, and nursing Paul Chicot. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - EXIT YELLOW JACK. - - -Late one night Duplin came into camp in a state of considerable -excitement. It being his day to act as forager, he had remained so long -absent that his companions were very uneasy lest harm had befallen him. -Great was their agitation when he made known his discovery. - -Wandering further to the south than customary, he had just before dusk, -come upon a large encampment; after a brief scouting he recognized the -body as being United States soldiers. He did not venture nearer them, -but at once hastened back to lay the matter before his friends. - -Here was a safe escort at hand, by accepting which they might be spared -all the toil and danger they otherwise might expect to meet on their -return journey to the States. But, on the other hand, there was their -gold. It could not be concealed, so that the eyes of the soldiers would -not recognize it. Among so many, there might be some evil-hearted men, -only too glad to win independence by an act of treachery. - -The matter was thoroughly discussed, and then decided. They would trust -to their former plan. At this Paul Chicot gave a sigh of relief. He was -yet too ill to be moved with safety. - -This body of cavalry, as the reader guesses, was indeed that to which -Joe Burleson had alluded in his conversation with Lottie Mitchell. -He had succeeded in reaching it, and was now on his way back to the -retreat of Yellow Jack and his outlaws. - -Though Duplin did not know it, they had been resting their animals for -several hours, preparing for a hard and forced march. That night the -blow was to be dealt, and under cover of the darkness they hoped to -gain the Retreat before being discovered, guided as they were by one so -thoroughly familiar with the surroundings as was Burleson. - -Joe had confided all to the officer leading the troops, and had gained -his consent to a daring move. He had not forgotten his promise to -Lottie; he would save her if possible. But would he be in time? The -bold spy shuddered as this fear assailed his heart. Though knowing her -for so brief a time, he had given his entire heart to the pale-faced -maiden. And the love of such a man, rude and unlettered though he was, -was not to be despised. - -With this view, Joe glided on in advance, while the soldiers dismounted -and stood their horses at a safe distance, then removed all articles -that, by jingling, could possibly alarm the foe too soon. - -Dressed as he had been when first appearing at the village, Burleson -entered without fear, knowing that Crazy Joe was a privileged person. -But the village was quiet. The outlaws seemed all asleep. - -Not all--from the hillside, shining through the tiny windows that he -knew looked out from the grotto, Joe caught the faint ray of a light. -And more! - -A half-stifled scream came from that direction. His teeth grated -together, his eyes flashed with a deadly glow as he glided into the -little hut that sheltered the entrance. - -He recognized the voice of Lottie Mitchell! - -He paused at the entrance of the grotto. All was still. But a sight met -his eyes that fairly maddened him. - -Near the center of the room a man was bending over the form of a woman; -the latter seemed insensible. - -The man was Yellow Jack. The woman was Lottie Mitchell. - -Thank God! he was yet in time! Such was the thought that flashed across -his mind like intuition. Why, he could not have explained himself. - -He did not speak--made no sound. But he bounded forward like a panther -that thirsted for blood. - -One hand clutched the neck of Yellow Jack. The other, uplifted, -clutched a long-bladed knife. - -The weapon descended with a dull, thrilling _thud_. The steel guard -dented deep into the outlaw's back. The blood-stained point protruded -through the gayly embroidered shirt-front. - -Without a groan, Yellow Jack sunk forward upon the insensible form of -his intended victim, a dead man. The blade had cloven his heart in -twain. - -Tenderly Burleson lifted the maiden from the floor and bore her to -the soft couch of skins beyond. Her eyes opened, and a murmur of -thanksgiving told that she recognized him as a true friend. - -In hurried words he told her all, and cautioned her to remain silent. -Then, with a lingering glance at her, he turned and glided away to give -the signal of death. - -Silently, like the shadows of death, the soldiers glided up and gained -foothold in the outlaws' village. And then--but why give details? -Surely enough bloodshed has already stained these pages. - -That the surprise was complete--that, as the roaring flames of their -blazing huts roused the slumbering outlaws, the wild yell of assault -was given, is enough. - -The struggle, though brief, was desperate and bloody. The outlaws never -thought of begging mercy. They knew that it would be denied them, and -so, fighting, they died. An hour--then the band was annihilated. - -The next day a strange cavalcade left the Retreat. Horses and cattle -were heavily loaded down with plunder. In a comfortable litter rode -Lottie Mitchell. Beside her was Joe Burleson. Poor fellow, he was happy -then. But his awakening came soon enough, though his love deserved -better reward. - -In safety they reached Fort Laramie. And then Lottie was taken ill, and -only awoke to life again when winter had snow-bound all within the fort. - -And, oh! the joy that awaited her then! The form that first met her -conscious gaze, worn and pale with long and constant watching, was that -of Burr Wythe! - -This fact is easily explained. - -The "pocket" of gold eventually gave out, or afforded so little reward -that it was not deemed worth while wintering there. So Paul Chicot--now -fully recovered--and Duplin contrived to capture a sufficient number of -horses and mules from those that had escaped to the hills during the -attack on the outlaws' retreat, to mount the party and convey their -precious gold. Chicot guided them aright to Fort Laramie, though the -most of their gold wad securely _cached_ among the hills where it would -be safe. Then they entered the fort. There they first heard the fate -of the train they had abandoned, and found Lottie Mitchell, the sole -survivor, besides themselves. - -Burr was prepared to meet Lottie's words concerning the murder of -poor Hefler. Upshur had confessed to the deed, and Chicot could bear -witness to it. And then, though there was little need of the words, he -confessed his love. And Lottie? - -Well, she gained in health and spirits so amazingly, that long before -the snow began to disappear before the warm breath of spring, there was -a double wedding at the old fort, that occasioned more pure, heartfelt -joy, as well as boisterous fun and jollity, than ever before marked its -annals. - -And then, when the green grass began to appear, a small cavalcade took -its departure from Laramie, heading toward the rising sun. At nightfall -Duplin and Chicot rode back and opened their _cache_, bringing with -them its precious contents. - -Never was a more delightful trip than that, but our space forbids a -detailed description. They reached "the States" in safety. Paul Chicot -settled at St. Joseph, Mo., and entered into the fur trade. He still -lives. - -Duplin returned to the loyal maiden who had so long waited for him. -They, too, were happy. - -And thus we leave them. - - - THE END. - - * * * * * - -[Transcriber's Note: The is no CHAPTER X. heading in original text] - - * * * * * - - - - - DIME POCKET NOVELS. - - PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY, AT TEN CENTS EACH. - - - 1--Hawkeye Harry. By Oll Coomes. - 2--Dead Shot. By Albert W. Aiken. - 3--The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis. - 4--Blue Dick. By Capt. Mayne Reid. - 5--Nat Wolfe. By Mrs. M. V. Victor. - 6--The White Tracker. By Edward S. Ellis. - 7--The Outlaw's Wife. By Mrs. Ann S. Stephens. - 8--The Tall Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken. - 9--Lightning Jo. By Capt. Adams. - 10--The Island Pirate. By Capt. Mayne Reid. - 11--The Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes. - 12--Bess, the Trapper. By E. S. Ellis. - 13--The French Spy. By W. J. Hamilton. - 14--Long Shot. By Capt. Comstock. - 15--The Gunmaker. By James L. Bowen. - 16--Red Hand. By A. G. Piper. - 17--Ben, the Trapper. By Lewis W. Carson. - 18--Wild Raven. By Oll Coomes. - 19--The Specter Chief. By Seelin Robins. - 20--The B'ar-Killer. By Capt. Comstock. - 21--Wild Nat. By Wm. R. Eyster. - 22--Indian Jo. By Lewis W. Carson. - 23--Old Kent, the Ranger. By Edward S. Ellis. - 24--The One-Eyed Trapper. By Capt. Comstock. - 25--Godbold, the Spy. By N. C. Iron. - 26--The Black Ship. By John S. Warner. - 27--Single Eye. By Warren St. John. - 28--Indian Jim. By Edward S. Ellis. - 29--The Scout. By Warren St. John. - 30--Eagle Eye. By W. J. Hamilton. - 31--The Mystic Canoe. By Edward S. Ellis. - 32--The Golden Harpoon. By R. Starbuck. - 33--The Scalp King. By Lieut. Ned Hunter. - 34--Old Lute. By E. W. Archer. - 35--Rainbolt, Ranger. By Oll Coomes. - 36--The Boy Pioneer. By Edward S. Ellis. - 37--Carson, the Guide. By J. H. Randolph. - 38--The Heart-Eater. By Harry Hazard. - 39--Wetzel, the Scout. By Boynton Belknap. - 40--The Huge Hunter. By Ed. S. Ellis. - 41--Wild Nat, the Trapper. By Paul Prescott. - 42--Lynx-cap. By Paul Bibbs. - 43--The White Outlaw. By Harry Hazard. - 44--The Dog Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. - 45--The Elk King. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 46--Adrian, the Pilot. By Col. P. Ingraham. - 47--The Man-hunter. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 48--The Phantom Tracker. By F. Dewey. - 49--Moccasin Bill. By Paul Bibbs. - 50--The Wolf Queen. By Charles Howard. - 51--Tom Hawk, the Trailer. - 52--The Mad Chief. By Chas. Howard. - 53--The Black Wolf. By Edwin E. Ewing. - 54--Arkansas Jack. By Harry Hazard. - 55--Blackbeard. By Paul Bibbs. - 56--The River Rifles. By Billex Muller. - 57--Hunter Ham. By J. Edgar Iliff. - 58--Cloudwood. By J. M. Merrill. - 59--The Texas Hawks. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 60--Merciless Mat. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 61--Mad Anthony's Scouts. By E. Rodman. - 62--The Luckless Trapper. By Wm. R. Eyster. - 63--The Florida Scout. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 64--The Island Trapper. By Chas. Howard. - 65--Wolf-Cap. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 66--Rattling Dick. By Harry Hazard. - 67--Sharp-Eye. By Major Max Martine. - 68--Iron-Hand. By Frederick Forest. - 69--The Yellow Hunter. By Chas. Howard. - 70--The Phantom Rider. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 71--Delaware Tom. By Harry Hazard. - 72--Silver Rifle. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 73--The Skeleton Scout. By Maj. L. W. Carson. - 74--Little Rifle. By Capt. "Bruin" Adams. - 75--The Wood Witch. By Edwin Emerson. - 76--Old Ruff, the Trapper. By "Bruin" Adams. - 77--The Scarlet Shoulders. By Harry Hazard. - 78--The Border Rifleman. By L. W. Carson. - 79--Outlaw Jack. By Harry Hazard. - 80--Tiger-Tail, the Seminole. By R. Ringwood. - 81--Death-Dealer. By Arthur L. Meserve. - 82--Kenton, the Ranger. By Chas. Howard. - 83--The Specter Horseman. By Frank Dewey. - 84--The Three Trappers. By Seelin Robins. - 85--Kaleolah. By T. Benton Shields, U. S. N. - 86--The Hunter Hercules. By Harry St. George. - 87--Phil Hunter. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 88--The Indian Scout. By Harry Hazard. - 89--The Girl Avenger. By Chas. Howard. - 90--The Red Hermitess. By Paul Bibbs. - 91--Star-Face, the Slayer. - 92--The Antelope Boy. By Geo. L. Aiken. - 93--The Phantom Hunter. By E. Emerson. - 94--Tom Pintle, the Pilot. By M. Klapp. - 95--The Red Wizard. By Ned Hunter. - 96--The Rival Trappers. By L. W. Carson. - 97--The Squaw Spy. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 98--Dusky Dick. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 99--Colonel Crockett. By Chas. E. Lasalle. - 100--Old Bear Paw. By Major Max Martine. - 101--Redlaw. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 102--Wild Rube. By W. J. Hamilton. - 103--The Indian Hunters. By J. L. Bowen. - 104--Scarred Eagle. By Andrew Dearborn. - 105--Nick Doyle. By P. Hamilton Myers. - 106--The Indian Spy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 107--Job Dean. By Ingoldsby North. - 108--The Wood King. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 109--The Scalped Hunter. By Harry Hazard. - 110--Nick, the Scout. By W. J. Hamilton. - 111--The Texas Tiger. By Edward Willett. - 112--The Crossed Knives. By Hamilton. - 113--Tiger-Heart, the Tracker. By Howard. - 114--The Masked Avenger. By Ingraham. - 115--The Pearl Pirates. By Starbuck. - 116--Black Panther. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 117--Abdiel, the Avenger. By Ed. Willett. - 118--Cato, the Creeper. By Fred. Dewey. - 119--Two-Handed Mat. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 120--Mad Trail Hunter. By Harry Hazard. - 121--Black Nick. By Frederick Whittaker. - 122--Kit Bird. By W. J. Hamilton. - 123--The Specter Riders. By Geo. Gleason. - 124--Giant Pete. By W. J. Hamilton. - 125--The Girl Captain. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 126--Yankee Eph. By J. R. Worcester. - 127--Silverspur. By Edward Willett. - 128--Squatter Dick. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 129--The Child Spy. By George Gleason. - 130--Mink Coat. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 131--Red Plume. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 132--Clyde, the Trailer. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 133--The Lost Cache. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 134--The Cannibal Chief. By Paul J. Prescott. - 135--Karaibo. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 136--Scarlet Moccasin. By Paul Bibbs. - 137--Kidnapped. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 138--Maid of the Mountain. By Hamilton. - 139--The Scioto Scouts. By Ed. Willett. - 140--The Border Renegade. By Badger. - 141--The Mute Chief. By C. D. Clark. - 142--Boone, the Hunter. By Whittaker. - 143--Mountain Kate. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 144--The Red Scalper. By W. J. Hamilton. - 145--The Lone Chief. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 146--The Silver Bugle. By Lieut. Col. Hazleton. - 147--Chinga, the Cheyenne. By Edward S. Ellis. Ready Feb. 10th. - 148--The Tangled Trail. By Major Max Martine. Ready Feb. 24th. - 149--The Unseen Hand. By J. Stanley Henderson. Ready March 9th. - 150--The Lone Indian. By Capt. Chas. Howard. Ready March 23d. - 151--The Branded Brave. By Paul Bibbs. Ready April 6th. - 152--Billy Bowlegs, the Seminole Chief. Ready April 20th. - 153--The Valley Scout. By Seelin Robins. Ready May 4. - 154--Red Jacket, the Huron. By Paul Bibbs. Ready May 18th. - - - BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUTLAW JACK; OR, THE MOUNTAIN -DEVIL *** - -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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. 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. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Outlaw Jack; or, the mountain devil</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 79</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Harry Hazard</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 3, 2022 [eBook #68673]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern Illinois University Digital Library).</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUTLAW JACK; OR, THE MOUNTAIN DEVIL ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter x-ebookmaker-drop"> - <img src="images/illusc.jpg" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>OUTLAW JACK;<br /> - -OR,<br /> - -THE MOUNTAIN DEVIL.</h1> - -<h2>BY HARRY HAZARD.</h2> - -<p>AUTHOR OF THE FOLLOWING POCKET NOVELS:<br /> -39.—Heart-Eater.<br /> -43.—The White Outlaw.<br /> -54.—Arkansas Jack.<br /> -66.—Rattling Dick.<br /> -71.—Delaware Tom.<br /> -77.—Scarlet Shoulders.</p> - -<p>NEW YORK:<br /> -BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS,<br /> -98 WILLIAM STREET.</p> - -<p>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by<br /> -FRANK STARR & CO.,<br /> -In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<h2>OUTLAW JACK;<br /> - -OR,<br /> - -THE MOUNTAIN DEVIL.</h2> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER I.</p> - -<p class="ph2">A BLOW IN THE DARK.</p> - - -<p>"Well, Burr, any change to-day?"</p> - -<p>"Yes—a great one."</p> - -<p>"For better or worse?"</p> - -<p>"The road will be open for us to-morrow. She's dying."</p> - -<p>"Dying! is it possible? And the poor creature seemed so much better -this morning."</p> - -<p>"Listen—there!"</p> - -<p>A quavering, pitiful wail came to their ears, proceeding from a small -white tent, half-hidden beneath the low-hanging boughs of the grove. -That cry told the two men, plainer than spoken words, the sad truth. -It told of a household broken and dismembered; of a bereaved husband -and daughter, of a dearly-beloved wife and mother who had journeyed -thus far from the home of her childhood, only to find a lone grave upon -the prairie, or beside the rock-bound rivulet that wound its noisy way -adown the valley.</p> - -<p>The two young men stood in silence, gazing toward the tent of mourning. -They did not speak, though not a little agitated. And yet one of the -two caught himself secretly exulting in the thought that now the -greatest difficulty was removed from the path he had laid out to follow.</p> - -<p>The little valley was studded here and there with diminutive tents, -while white-tilted wagons stood grouped together in an oblong circle. -These alone would have proclaimed the truth: a company of emigrants -tenanted the valley.</p> - -<p>Such sights were far from being uncommon in that year—1850. A year -before, the Californian "gold-fever" broke out. The first rush was made -by men—young and old. But then the fever spread. It infected all—the -result was but natural. Family followed family. Almost from ocean to -ocean an unbroken train of emigrants toiled wearily on—on toward -the glittering phantom that but too often vanished in thin air when -seemingly just within their grasp, leaving naught behind but wrecked -hopes and ruined fortunes.</p> - -<p>One link of the mighty human chain lies before our eyes. For nearly a -week this valley has sheltered them. While others pressed on in the -road for the yellow delusion, this party had been lying motionless, -longing for yet dreading the summons to resume their pilgrimage.</p> - -<p>A few hasty words will explain.</p> - -<p>This party of emigrants, numbering nearly one hundred souls, was under -the command of Caleb Mitchell. He started from Eastern Ohio, in company -with several of his neighbors, heading for the Land of Gold, taking -with him his wife and daughter. Little by little the company grew to -more respectable proportions, as stragglers joined it on the way, -until now, as they entered the Foothills, they felt little fear of the -red-skinned Ishmaelites of whom they had heard so many frightful tales.</p> - -<p>Nearly a week before our story opens, a sad accident occurred. A rifle, -suspended by leather strings in Mitchell's wagon, by some means got -discharged, its contents lodging in Mrs. Mitchell's breast.</p> - -<p>Since then she had been hovering between life and death. To continue -their journey would be her certain death, and the kind-hearted -emigrants would not abandon their leader in his distress, though each -day of delay increased their danger of being overtaken by winter in the -mountains. Thus for nearly a week they waited and watched. Slowly Mrs. -Mitchell sunk, and now, on this day, her spirit took its departure. The -daughter, Lottie, was the first to notice the presence of death, and it -was her heart-broken wail that saluted the ears of the two young men, -Burr Wythe and Paley Duplin.</p> - -<p>"It is all over!" muttered Duplin, drawing a long breath.</p> - -<p>"Poor girl—'twill just about kill her; she worshipped her mother," -added Burr, his blue eyes winking rapidly.</p> - -<p>"It <i>is</i> sad—but then, since it must be so, it's well that all is -over. A long road lies before us, and the mountains must be crossed -before the snow falls. The lives of all depend upon it."</p> - -<p>"Mitchell knows that. <i>He</i> will not delay us any longer than is -absolutely necessary. But come—there is work to do. We can help them."</p> - -<p>"Wait, Burr. I must see you to-night, alone. I have something of great -importance to tell you. Meantime, look at this—but, remember, don't -breathe a word of your suspicions. Keep it hid—at least until I say -you may speak."</p> - -<p>The young man, Duplin, seemed strongly excited for one of his usual -phlegm. As he spoke, he thrust a small article into Wythe's hand, and -renewing his caution, glided hastily away.</p> - -<p>Wonderingly Burr bent over the stone—for such it seemed. But then -a wild glow filled his eyes, lighting up his entire countenance, -while his muscular form quivered like one under the influence of an -ague-shock.</p> - -<p>"Is it—can it be <i>gold</i>?" he gasped, huskily.</p> - -<p>He too was a victim of the "yellow fever." It had lured him from -his far-away home amidst the northern pines of Maine. It had proved -stronger than the pleadings of his aged father and mother, stronger -than the love of his sister and younger brother. He had left them all -to chase up this glittering phantom; and now, for the first time, his -eyes rested upon the substance of his dreams by day and by night.</p> - -<p>Little wonder, then, that his heart beat fast and hard, that his brain -throbbed hotly and his eyes gleamed with a wild light—with the long -smoldering fires of greed that might waken to avarice.</p> - -<p>The little pebble lay in his palm, looking innocent enough. Its dull -surface was scratched and cut here and there, as if by a knife-point. -If gold, the nugget must be very pure.</p> - -<p>"Hellow, old boy, what ye thinkin' so soberly 'bout, eh?" suddenly -uttered a not disagreeable voice, as a heavy hand was placed upon -Burr's shoulder, and a heavily-bearded face met his startled gaze.</p> - -<p>Wythe started, and the nugget fell from his hand. Hastily he snatched -it up, and thrust it into his pocket, but not before the keen black -eyes of the new-comer had fallen upon it. In his agitation Burr did not -notice the quick, suspicious flash that lighted up the man's face, else -he might have used more caution.</p> - -<p>"What is it to <i>you</i>, Nate Upshur?" and Wythe shook the hand from his -shoulder, with a gesture of dislike. "My thoughts are my own, and none -the more agreeable for you thrusting yourself in upon them."</p> - -<p>"You speak sharp words, youngster, but best weigh them better. You're -not in the States, now, where a man's afeard to take up a cross word -for fear o' the courts. Take a fool's advice, an' give a civil answer -to a civil question, or you <i>may</i> chaince to run foul o' a snag, one o' -these long-come-shortlys."</p> - -<p>"And I hold myself ready to accommodate <i>you</i>, whenever you feel -inclined to try it on, Nate Upshur. I hope that is plain enough for -your comprehension," contemptuously added Burr, turning away.</p> - -<p>Upshur bit his lip fiercely, and fingered the brass-bound butt of the -revolver at his waist, but made no attempt to draw it.</p> - -<p>"Fer little I'd—but never mind, now. But I <i>would</i> like to know whar -he got that—if it <i>was</i> gold."</p> - -<p>As the broad red disk of the full moon rose above the eastern swell -that night, it shone down upon a peculiarly weird and impressive scene -in the little timber-grove beside the creek. It was a burial in the -wilderness.</p> - -<p>Beneath a wide-spreading cottonwood tree the grave had been dug. And -now, gathered round the spot, with bowed and uncovered heads, stood or -knelt every member of the wagon-train, listening to the broken, sobbing -words of the bereaved husband, Mr. Mitchell. His daughter, Lottie, was -beside him, pale and care-worn, bearing up against the blow with a -fictitious strength that threatened to give way at any moment.</p> - -<p>There was scarcely a dry eye among all these, as the strong man -broke down, and bowing his head, mingled his tears with those of his -daughter. It was a moment of heart-crushing agony.</p> - -<p>Lottie, who was completely exhausted, swooned, and was borne to the -nearest tent by sympathizing friends. Mr. Mitchell, nerving himself to -the task, completed the service, then stood by in silence while the -dead was being hidden forever from mortal view. Then, in a low but -steady voice, he spoke:</p> - -<p>"I thank you, friends, for your kindness. I will not soon forget it. -But now go and try to sleep. We can afford to lose no more time. -To-morrow day-dawn must see us once more upon the road. Go—leave me -alone here for a minute."</p> - -<p>"Come with me, Wythe, and you too, Tyrrel," muttered Paley Duplin. -"There's something I'd like to talk over with you to-night."</p> - -<p>"Is it about that piece—"</p> - -<p>"Yes—but hist!" and Duplin glanced apprehensively around him. "We -three are enough. I don't care for more in the secret—much less <i>that</i> -man," and he nodded to where Nate Upshur stood leaning against a -tree-trunk, close at hand.</p> - -<p>"Come, then; the knoll out yonder is the best place. No one could get -within ear-shot of us, even should they try, without being seen."</p> - -<p>"What's up, boys?" muttered Jack Tyrrel, a young rattle-brained Ohioan.</p> - -<p>"Wait—you'll know soon enough."</p> - -<p>Gaining the knoll spoken of, the three friends crouched down amid the -tall, rank grass and lighted their pipes. Duplin was the first to break -the silence.</p> - -<p>"You looked at what I showed you, Burr?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; it's <i>gold</i>. Where did you get it, Paley?"</p> - -<p>"Gold—le's see," eagerly interrupted Tyrrel.</p> - -<p>"Wait—the moon does not shine clear enough to show it now. Now, then, -I want you to pay particular attention to what I say. Weigh it well in -your minds, for on this night the whole course of our future lives may -depend. That is, on how you decide. You understand?"</p> - -<p>"Yes—that is, I would if I <i>did</i>; but I <i>don't</i>," muttered Jack, -lugubriously. "Well, go on, anyhow."</p> - -<p>"You know what we are going to California after?"</p> - -<p>"Sure! After gold; the shining dust—the great blazing nuggets, big as -a water-bucket. Those are what we're after of course."</p> - -<p>"You'd know it when you found one, I suppose, Jack?" and Duplin smiled -slightly.</p> - -<p>"Bah! <i>any</i> fool knows gold."</p> - -<p>"Well, I do. But, as I was about to say, I don't think there is any -need of our going clear to California for what we can get closer."</p> - -<p>"What—Duplin, what do you mean?" demanded Wythe, gazing keenly into -his comrade's face.</p> - -<p>"No, Burr; I'm an honest man, if not a good one. You need not fear any -thing of <i>that</i> sort. But I'll tell you all now, on one condition. -Promise me faithfully that neither one of you will ever breathe a word -of my secret until after one year has passed. This, I mean, provided -you refuse to accept my proposal, for if you <i>do</i> accept it, I know -you'll keep silent. How is it—do you agree?"</p> - -<p>"I reckon we can, Burr?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; though I have not known you long, Duplin, I believe that you -are an honest man. Then I promise you, on my honor as a man, that I -will never, by word, sign nor hint, reveal what you confide to me as a -secret."</p> - -<p>"And I say the same; will swear to it, if you prefer," added Tyrrel.</p> - -<p>"No. I can trust you without that. Well, then, listen—hist! I thought -I heard a footstep," muttered Duplin, warningly.</p> - -<p>"I guess it comes from the camp," suggested Burr, rising erect and -gazing keenly around. "I can see nothing nearer than there."</p> - -<p>"It may be; I suppose I am nervous. I wouldn't like for any one to -overhear what I'm about to say, for though enough for us three, it -would go but a little way divided among the train."</p> - -<p>"<i>It?</i>"</p> - -<p>"By that I mean what I have found—what I stumbled on this afternoon -as I was coming back to camp. Boys—<i>I've found a placer</i>!"</p> - -<p>"Eh—what?" stammered the two young men, completely amazed, though -their thoughts had already reverted to some such revelation.</p> - -<p>"'Tis true—I've found a gold placer—a pocket—a regular <i>bed of -gold</i>!" panted Duplin, his eyes fairly blazing.</p> - -<p>Wythe gazed keenly into Duplin's face, as though trying to decide -whether or no he had gone crazy. Jack Tyrrel divided his glances -between them, the while dolefully scratching his curly pate.</p> - -<p>"Yes, think of that! A regular bed of gold, full of nuggets that are so -pure you can mark them with a pin-point, almost. I could have filled my -pockets in an hour."</p> - -<p>"Where is it—where is it? Let's go there now, before some one else -steals it away! Come on; thunder and lightning, man, why don't you -<i>come</i>?" muttered Tyrrel, half-angrily.</p> - -<p>"Easy, Jack," and Duplin calmed his exultation by a desperate effort. -"Do you want the whole train after us? No, no; we must work more -cunningly than that. I've planned it all; listen, and I'll tell you -what we must do."</p> - -<p>"Wait, Paley," quietly interrupted Burr. "Begin at the beginning and -tell it all. First, how came you to find this pocket?"</p> - -<p>"You know I went out hunting, early this morning. Well, I had no luck, -and it was past noon before I got a shot. Then I dropped a 'bighorn,' -after an hour's work sneaking over the rocks. It fell down a precipice, -and pretty soon I found a pass by which I could follow after. It was -hard work, though, and I no sooner reached the valley, or basin, -rather, than I began hunting for water.</p> - -<p>"Half a mile distant, I saw what looked like the bed of a creek, and -set off toward it. Such it proved, in fact, though the water was -missing. I set off up its bed, hoping to find a water-hole or something -of the kind. Nearly a mile further up, the bed began to spread and grow -more shallow. Then I knew that if I found water, it must be by digging -for it.</p> - -<p>"I did dig, in a dozen places, but all was dry. At one spot, I kept -digging until I made a hole nearly shoulder deep, as the sand felt cool -and damp. My knife struck on what seemed to be a pebble, and I pulled -it out with one hand and flung it aside. As I did so, the sunlight -glittered from its side, where my knife had struck. I looked—it was -the lump you have, Wythe—and saw that <i>it was gold</i>!" and pausing, -Duplin hurriedly brushed the sweat from his brow, though the night air -was cool and bracing.</p> - -<p>"Great Lord! go on—hurry up!" muttered Tyrrel, excitedly.</p> - -<p>"One glance told me what it was. It was what I had journeyed over -fifteen hundred miles in search of, and there it lay, in my hand. I -tell you, boys, it nearly <i>killed me</i>—and I haven't got over it yet. -I half believe now that I am asleep and only dreaming all this; I do, -honestly.</p> - -<p>"I did then, too. I sat there for a full hour, almost afraid to move, -looking first at the hole, then at the nugget. I told myself over and -over again, that I was a fool—that this was only a stray lump that -had been dropped here by some Indians, years ago. And yet, even as I -said so, the top sand seemed to melt away showing to me great masses of -gold, pure and yellow, looking like petrified sunshine. Actually, for a -time I believe that I was <i>mad—gold crazy</i>."</p> - -<p>"Look here, Paley Duplin," muttered Jack Tyrrel, suspiciously, as the -young man paused in his speech. "Better mind what you're about. If this -is a joke—if you are making this all up just to have a laugh at us, -I'll lick you clean out o' your boots! If I don't, then it's no matter!"</p> - -<p>"It's no joke, Jack, my dear fellow, but sober earnest. Sometimes, -though, I feel tempted to wish it <i>was</i> a joke."</p> - -<p>"Duplin!"</p> - -<p>"A fact. I don't know <i>why</i>, but there seems to be a cloud over me—I -feel as though some great calamity was impending. Boys, you may laugh -at me, but while I was thus stupefied, I saw my mother's spirit before -me, beckoning me to leave the spot. She—it was crying, I thought, as -though I was in peril. I saw it as plain as I see you now. I flung -down the nugget and fled. Not far, though. Then I stopped. The bright, -yellow devils seemed to beckon me back. I took a step forward, and -<i>she</i> vanished. Then I went back to the hole," and as he spoke, Duplin -trembled violently.</p> - -<p>"And you found it then—the hole, I mean? It hadn't vanished?" -whispered Jack, breathlessly.</p> - -<p>"No," smiling faintly. "It was still there. I dug then, like a madman. -I tore up the ground for a dozen feet around. Look—my fingers are worn -to the quick. I found more nuggets—I found a dozen more, all larger -than that, lying close together. I don't know how large the pocket may -be, but I saw enough to feel sure that there is a great fortune there -for each one of us; enough, at any rate, to make us independent for -life."</p> - -<p>"You thought of us, then, as sharers in the pocket with you?" queried -Burr Wythe.</p> - -<p>"No, not then. I only thought of myself, and of how I could secure the -treasure without being suspected and robbed—for I believe that, in my -madness then, I would have denied my own father a nugget from all that -store. It was horrible—that sensation. I can realize now what a miser -feels. God protect me from another such attack!" shuddered Duplin.</p> - -<p>"But your plan—what do you intend doing?"</p> - -<p>"I've weighed the matter well, and this is what I've decided upon. -We three are enough. I selected you two, because I knew that I could -depend upon you. Our first move will be to desert the wagon-train."</p> - -<p>"Desert?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. What is there to hinder us? Nothing. We are passengers, and our -fare is already paid. We owe them nothing. They will be the gainers as -well as we."</p> - -<p>"How can we get our tools without exciting suspicion, though?"</p> - -<p>"We don't need them. One pick-ax will be enough. We can shape wooden -shovels with our knives. This, our blankets and weapons are all we -need. Remember that what mining we do, will only be in the soft sand. -The gold is in nuggets, not dust or scales, so there will be little or -no washing to be done. As for food, a day's hunt will furnish enough to -last us a week, with care in curing it. You see I've neglected nothing. -True, we may encounter dangers and suffer privations, but no more here -than there where we first started for.</p> - -<p>"Two, or perhaps three weeks' work, then we can start for <i>home</i>. Two -months, at the furthest—then we will be made men for life. Now you -know all. What is your decision?"</p> - -<p>"You say we must desert?" mused Wythe, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"Yes. What excuse could we give? We must slip off to-night, without a -word to <i>anybody</i>. I know what you are thinking of, Wythe. Nay, don't -flush up so. 'Tis nothing to be ashamed of. She's a noble, true-hearted -girl, and one that would be a rich prize for any man. I might have -loved her myself, only that I had a talisman. In Ohio there is one -waiting for me, who, please God, will one day be my wife," and Duplin, -as he spoke, reverently uncovered his head.</p> - -<p>"You are right, friend, and I'm not offended. But—I would like to -speak a word to her before we go, just to keep her from thinking hard -of us."</p> - -<p>"You could not, Burr, without giving a broad clue to our purpose. She -would not be able to see you to-night, anyhow, after her poor mother's -death. You must have patience. Think how short the time will be, if you -do not fling this chance from you, before you can go to her with a free -heart and full hand."</p> - -<p>"He talks good sense, Burr. Some other time will do to say good-by in."</p> - -<p>"Well, maybe it is for the best. I'd only make a fool of myself. Then, -here's my hand. I'm with you, Duplin, for better or worse."</p> - -<p>"I'm number three!" chimed in Tyrrel.</p> - -<p>"Good! Now there only remains to collect our things. I'll see to the -pick. I left mine out, to-day, after <i>that</i>. See to your arms and -ammunition, and get a store of coffee. It's paid for, remember. Fill -your pockets with cold grub, for they <i>may</i> make a search for us, -though I hardly think it. Time's too precious for that. Go, now, and -keep close guard over your tongues. 'Twould take but a trifle to direct -suspicion when we are found gone, and then good-by to our fortune."</p> - -<p>"Trust us—we'll be wise as the dove, and so forth," muttered Tyrrel.</p> - -<p>The three plotters glided away and soon rejoined the camp. Scarcely had -they disappeared from view, when a dark figure cautiously raised itself -above the level of the prairie-grass, where it had been concealed in a -hollow, and peered curiously after them, a low, disagreeable chuckle -breaking from the black-bearded lips.</p> - -<p>"Ho! ho! ho! Nate Upshur, you're in luck, my boy! Fust you see the -nugget Wythe drops, then you hear Duplin whisper to him an' Tyrrel, -and now, best of all, you hear the whole story! Thar's luck in odd -numbers—and yet I'm goin' to have a finger in the pie, too."</p> - -<p>Then he, too, proceeded stealthily toward the camp, by a circuitous -route, entering unobserved.</p> - -<p>That night, the sick-camp was the scene of strange acts. And among them -was one of terror—of cold-blooded, merciless crime.</p> - -<p>As the bright moon sailed from behind a dense cloud, a dark figure -silently crept into the shadow cast by a small white tent. From within, -as the shadow paused, came the sound of calm, steady breathing. Then -the door-flap was raised—the black shadow cautiously glided into the -tent, like a venomous serpent in human form. The flap falls behind the -serpent, and all is still.</p> - -<p>Then—a horrible sound breaks the stillness of the night—a faint, -gasping, half-stifled groan of death-agony. Then the shadow reappears, -bearing in one hand a blood-stained knife, in the other a small parcel -that chinks metallic-like as it falls from its hand. Then all is still.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER II.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE TELL-TALE PIPE.</p> - - -<p>Long before the first beams of breaking day illumined the eastern -horizon, the shrill voice of the little, wrinkled, half-apish-looking -guide, Paul Chicot, roused the sleeping camp, bidding all prepare for -a long, hard day's travel. Eagerly the emigrants flew around, for once -more the golden phantom seemed beckoning them on.</p> - -<p>And yet, despite their anxiety, that day was to carry them no nearer -the golden land. A blow fell that for the moment drove away all such -thoughts.</p> - -<p>"Whar's Dutchy?" suddenly queried Paul Chicot, running his beadlike -eyes rapidly around the little group.</p> - -<p>As customary, the emigrants were regularly divided into "messes." -One of these messes was formed by the guide, Chicot, Nate Upshur, an -Irishman called Tim Dooley, and "Dutchy," as the fourth member was -familiarly known.</p> - -<p>This last personage was an enigma to the greater portion of the -emigrants. At times he appeared the polished scholar, then again one -of the most ignorant men imaginable. He had joined the train at St. -Charles, preferring the overland route on account of his poor health, -hoping thus to recuperate. He seemed possessed of plenty of money, -paying his fare in gold, without a demur at the price.</p> - -<p>"I don't know—I hain't seen him since last night," replied Upshur, -wiping his lips, after a long draught of coffee.</p> - -<p>"Go hyste him out, Tim. He takes so durned long to fix up his ha'r an' -teeth afore eatin' thet he won't be ready fer the road none too soon. -Tell 'im we're all ready fer startin'," muttered Chicot.</p> - -<p>Dooley arose and glided toward a small tent a little to one side, -and pushing back the hanging door-flap, entered. The next moment he -reappeared, staggering back with starting eyeballs and hair standing -on end, a wild cry bursting from his pallid lips.</p> - -<p>The shrill cry startled the entire camp, and all eyes were turned -toward the trembling man. Paul Chicot was the first to speak, in an -angry tone:</p> - -<p>"What the devil's the matter wi' ye <i>now</i>, I'd like to ax? See'd -another snake, eh?" he asked, sarcastically.</p> - -<p>"It's murther, that's what it is! He's kilt—kilt intirely!" gasped -Dooley, his eyes still glaring toward the quiet tent, as if enchanted -by the horrible object lying so still and ghastly within.</p> - -<p>"Who's kilt—not Dutchy?" quietly demanded Upshur, stepping forward.</p> - -<p>Chicot, giving over all idea of getting any thing satisfactory out of -the stupefied Irishman, sprung forward and flung aside the strip of -canvas that protected the entrance. One glance told him the truth. Tim -was right. Murder had been done!</p> - -<p>Lying upon a couple of blankets, was all that remained of their quaint, -pleasant comrade, Carl Hefler, or "Dutchy," the <i>sobriquet</i> suggested -by his broken, stammering speech.</p> - -<p>The long, slim figure lay at full length, as though peacefully -slumbering, but the arms were flung wide, the long, bony fingers -clutched as though in agony. An agonized expression had frozen upon the -thin, pallid face.</p> - -<p>On the white shirt-bosom was a great stain—a stain of that peculiar, -unmistakable color that seldom requires a second glance to designate. -Directly above the heart the stain was blackest. There the blow had -been dealt.</p> - -<p>Chicot, old and thoroughly versed in that art peculiar to his craft -and the detectives—of remarking <i>everything</i>—knew that no feeble, -faltering hand had dealt this blow. Either the hand of an unusually -bold and cool-headed man, or else that of one to whom such deeds had -been familiar.</p> - -<p>He knew that the murderer had crept fairly into the tent, had glided -close to the victim, as he lay buried in unconscious slumber, and that -he must have even felt out the region of the heart, since all within -had been dark, else the blow could never have been delivered with such -deadly precision.</p> - -<p>"What is all this, Chicot?" hurriedly demanded the leader, Mitchell, as -he reached the guide's side.</p> - -<p>"It's <i>murder</i>—thet's what it is," coolly returned Chicot.</p> - -<p>"But who could—"</p> - -<p>"Thet's jest what I'm goin' to find out, 'f you give me time. Keep -back—don't none o' you step inside here ontil I say ye may. Mebbe -thar's some sign left."</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't it be a good plan to call the roll and see if all are -present?" suddenly suggested Upshur, his eyes gleaming furtively.</p> - -<p>"'Twon't do no harm. You mought as well, cap'n," muttered Chicot. "This -'ll keep us back hafe the day, anyhow, ef not more."</p> - -<p>Mitchell promptly sounded his whistle—and taught its meaning, the -members of the wagon-train followed his lead back to the open ground. -Upshur ran his eyes hastily over the group. Then the evil glow -deepened, and his lip curled with triumph.</p> - -<p>Chicot, free from the annoying crowd, proceeded with his -investigations, with all the relish of a true-born detective. Yet there -seemed little show of his making any discovery, since the floor of the -little tent was beaten hard and dry by the murdered man's own feet, -during the stay at the sick-camp.</p> - -<p>Of course no <i>trail</i> had been left, nor did he seek for one. His eye -had already fallen upon the little leather sachel, lying beside the -dead man's head, where it had been dragged from beneath the blankets. -Its lock was unbroken, but one side had been slit through with a -knife—the same weapon that had dealt the death-blow, for the leather -was stained here and there with blood.</p> - -<p>"He stuck 'im fer the money," muttered Paul, as he dropped the valise.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he stooped and lifted the right arm of the dead man. A tiny -point of something yellow had caught his keen eye.</p> - -<p>Chicot uttered a low grunt, and started back. The clue was before him; -and yet he scarce believed his eyes. Could it be?—</p> - -<p>Exposed to view lay a small, curiously-carved meerschaum pipe, with -stem of bright, clear amber. This it was that had caught his eye.</p> - -<p>Chicot turned and left the tent, slowly gliding out toward where -Mitchell was calling over the list. The guide's brows contracted as he -listened.</p> - -<p>"John Tyrrel."</p> - -<p>"Not here," slowly replied a voice, after a brief, painful silence.</p> - -<p>"Burr Wythe."</p> - -<p>"I reckon he's gone, too, cap'n," quietly uttered Chicot. "Thar ain't -much use o' your goin' any furder. I think I've found the right eend o' -the trail."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, Paul?" cried Mitchell, in surprise. "Surely you -don't suspect—"</p> - -<p>"I don't go by 'spicions, myself, but I know a trail when I strike it. -Come an' look fer yourself—one at a time, though. See what I've found, -then say who it b'longs to."</p> - -<p>One by one the party filed into the tent and glanced at the tell-tale -pipe. All recognized it. There was not another in any wise resembling -it in the company.</p> - -<p>"Whose pipe is it, boys?" demanded Chicot.</p> - -<p>"Burr Wythe's!" came the reply, the voice of Nat Upshur above all -others.</p> - -<p>"But <i>he</i> may not have dropped it there," suggested Mitchell. "Might -not Hefler have borrowed it?"</p> - -<p>"No," declared Upshur, stepping forward. "Hefler went to bed just after -dark, and I saw Wythe smoking that pipe as late as two o'clock, and he -was talking with Jack Tyrrel and Paley Duplin, at the time."</p> - -<p>"It's so—I see'd 'em, too," reluctantly added Chicot.</p> - -<p>"I admit that it has an awkward look, but after all, though those three -are absent, they may return soon and clear matters up. If he, or they, -are guilty, I will not be one of those who would seek to screen them -from justice; but for all that, they shall not be condemned without -a chance to clear themselves. First we must find them," said the -wagon-master.</p> - -<p>"But it is nearly sunrise; we were to take up the march to-day," -ventured one.</p> - -<p>"Justice first: we must not let this brutal murder go unavenged. One -day, more or less, can make but little difference to us, in the end. If -Wythe did kill him, he must pay the penalty."</p> - -<p>"But what object could he have in doing it? They were good friends, so -far as I know."</p> - -<p>"Look here," uttered Chicot, lifting the cut sachel. "This is what the -Dutchman kept his money in. He was a simple-hearted feller, like, an' -didn't seem to think but that all was as honest as he was hisself, -fer he showed us his money only two nights ago. We laughed at him, I -'member, fer kerryin' gold to Californey, but he wasn't goin' to dig. -He went overland fer his health, and then was goin' to ship fer Chinese -land, or some sech place, I b'lieve."</p> - -<p>"Who was with you when he showed the money?"</p> - -<p>"<i>He</i> was—Burr Wythe—an' a lot more," reluctantly added Chicot.</p> - -<p>Mitchell looked sober. He had formed a high opinion of the young man, -but he could no longer blind himself to the fact that suspicion pointed -strongly toward young Wythe as the murderer. And he saw, too, that -this belief was gradually gaining ground among the emigrants, and deep -whispers ran round, while eyes flashed and brows grew black. The spirit -of Lynch-law was rapidly arising, and woe be unto the victim that -should first feel its power!</p> - -<p>"Easy, men," he shouted, waving his hand. "Keep silent for a moment -and listen to me. There must be no mad action here. We must proceed -carefully and justly. First, you must elect a leader, whose word shall -be law; then we must hunt up the missing men and hear their defense. -That one murder has been committed is no reason that another should -follow. I cast my vote for a fair trial."</p> - -<p>"So we all do, I reckon," chimed in Paul Chicot. "An' I don't know any -better man for Judge Lynch than you be. What say, boys?"</p> - -<p>"Good—good!" came an almost unanimous shout; but Nathan Upshur was -silent.</p> - -<p>"Very well; I will act as such, since you demand it. And I am glad, -for one thing. After what I have already spoken, it shows that you -aim at strict and impartial justice. But now to work. If they have -really abandoned the train—as of course they have, if they <i>did</i> kill -Hefler—they must have taken food and other articles that would be -missed. And a close search may give us the clue. You know the messes -they belonged to; go and search closely. Chicot, come with me. I wish a -word with you."</p> - -<p>Once fairly set to work, there was little time lost. In ten minutes -the report was given. A small supply of provisions had been taken, and -one pick-ax was missing; but that all believed to have been mislaid -somewhere. No one—save Upshur—dreamed that the deserters had taken it.</p> - -<p>Paul Chicot gave his supposition or conjecture concerning the course -most likely to be followed by the deserters. He believed they would -take to the neighboring mountains, there to lie hidden until all search -was given over. They would not be likely to take the back-trail, as -they were afoot, and the country in that direction was mostly open and -level.</p> - -<p>"I believe you're right, Chicot," remarked Mitchell, thoughtfully, "and -we will act on that supposition first. We'd best form three or four -parties and each choose a separate trail, for this day is all we can -spare without absolute danger to the whole train."</p> - -<p>Little time was lost, now that the duty before them was fairly decided -upon, and all entered upon it with growing eagerness. There is -something strangely exciting in a <i>manhunt</i>. Set a warm friend upon the -track of another, and, when once fairly aroused, that friend will be as -inveterate and deadly in pursuit as though a lifelong enemy.</p> - -<p>This trait was exemplified now. Before an hour more passed by, even -those who had first declared their belief in the young man's innocence, -were the foremost in searching for his trail, eager to bring him to -justice.</p> - -<p>Nathan Upshur kept close to Paul Chicot, the guide, eying him -furtively, seemingly ill at ease. It was plainly evident that he felt -no great desire for Burr Wythe's capture. Indeed, he tried to mislead -Paul, and finally succeeded in doing so.</p> - -<p>Upshur had stealthily followed the three deserters for a considerable -distance, on the night before, when they started for the "golden bed," -as Duplin had called it, the better to satisfy his mind as to the -location of the placer. And now for reasons of his own, he craftily -led Chicot far astray from the right course, though none of the -trail-hunters suspected his purpose.</p> - -<p>Satisfied with this, Upshur contentedly followed the guide's lead, -feeling assured there was little or no danger of striking the -deserters' trail, on that day at least. But at a cry from Chicot, his -heart leaped wildly, and the flush left his face pale and ghastly.</p> - -<p>"Hold! Stand back, you fellers," cried Chicot, lifting a hand in -warning, as his companions rushed forward, eager to learn the cause of -his sudden exclamation.</p> - -<p>"What is it, Chicot?" gasped Upshur.</p> - -<p>"A trail, but not the one we're looking fer," was the slow reply, as -Paul closely scrutinized the ground.</p> - -<p>Upshur gave a gasp of relief, unnoticed by those near, and then pressed -forward. Pausing beside Chicot, he bent his gaze down upon the narrow -strip of moist sand, upon which was imprinted the strange trail.</p> - -<p>There, plainly outlined, was the impress of a large human foot, naked -and bare. That it was not made by an Indian was plain, for though many -white men in-toe, a red-man, unless an habitual drunkard, <i>never</i> toes -out, as this trail plainly did. Then, again, an Indian's foot, from -never having been tightly compressed in boots or shoes, is very flat -and broad; this trail was made by a man with a high instep and arching -sole.</p> - -<p>"How do you know it isn't one of them?" asked Upshur.</p> - -<p>"Easily enough. Look back along the trail. You see, it crosses that -stretch o' splintered rocks? Now, look at these tracks. The foot ain't -cut none. That shows that it's made by a feller that's <i>used</i> to goin' -bar'foot fer a long time. Ef <i>you</i> was to cross that, you'd cut an' -gouge your hoofs so this 'ere 'd be a trail o' blood. See?"</p> - -<p>"But who can it be then?"</p> - -<p>"Don't know. It's fresh—ain't bin made over a hour, at furderest. -Whoever it is, must be in the hills yender. <i>I</i> move we foller on, an' -find 'im. Mebbe he kin tell us somethin' 'bout the boys," suggested -Chicot, moving forward, without waiting to learn the wishes of his -followers.</p> - -<p>In fact, Chicot was only too glad of a good excuse to delay the search -for Burr Wythe. Though firmly believing him guilty of the murder, -yet he did not wish to be the instrument of justice. In his quiet, -unobtrusive way, he loved Burr, almost as he would have loved a son.</p> - -<p>The trail led in a direct line toward the hills, here rising abrupt -and rocky, broken and rugged. Though at times losing all trace, Chicot -found little difficulty in recovering the trail as often.</p> - -<p>An abrupt exclamation from Nathan Upshur startled him, and all eyes -turned upon him. His face wore an expression of wonder, as he pointed -with outstretched hand toward the rocks above the party.</p> - -<p>"Look there! Is it man, or devil?"</p> - -<p>Glancing in the direction indicated, the trail-hunters beheld the -object of his wonder. And they, too, stood as if bewildered. And little -wonder. A truly strange object was before their eyes.</p> - -<p>Standing erect upon a large bowlder, half-way up the hill, was a human -form, though strange and wild-looking enough to have been taken for -something supernatural. One long arm was extended, pointing toward -them, the rags that only partially clothed the member fluttering in the -brisk breeze.</p> - -<p>The stranger seemed far above the usual height of men, and of great -age, if the long, flowing hair and beard of a snowy whiteness be taken -as evidence. This the wind tossed wildly around his face, in a fleecy -cloud.</p> - -<p>Rude, uncouth garments partially covered his body and limbs, patched -here and there with pieces of skin and fur. In one hand he bore a heavy -bow, tightly strung. At his shoulder could be seen the feathered tips -of a number of arrows.</p> - -<p>"It's the Mountain Devil!" muttered Chicot, in a low, hushed tone, as -he shrunk back, his bronzed cheek paling, his eyes dilating with a look -of fear.</p> - -<p>"Man or devil, I do not fear him!" said Upshur, as his rifle clicked -sharply as the hammer was lifted.</p> - -<p>"Don't shoot! Make him mad, an' he'll clean out the whole crowd!" -warningly cried Paul; his eyes still riveted upon the strange form. -"He's a devil—you can't hurt him."</p> - -<p>"I'll try it, anyhow," and the man's rifle spoke sharp and clear.</p> - -<p>The wild-man started and seemed to stagger, as though the bullet had -found its mark. Then, with a shrill cry, he turned and leaped from the -bowlder, the next moment disappearing far up the hillside.</p> - -<p>"There's your devil, Paul," chuckled Upshur, as he dropped his rifle -and began reloading it. "And I had only a leaden bullet in, too."</p> - -<p>"You laugh now—but the time 'll come when you won't. Believe it or -not, Nate Upshur, you've signed your death papers. A man never shot -at the Mountain Devil but he died for it. You will, too. Mebbe not -to-day—mebbe not for a year, but the time 'll come, I tell you—the -time 'll come at last. Mark my words."</p> - -<p>"Bah! you've listened too much to Indian legends, Chicot. That is no -devil, but a man, like you or I, turned hermit like. To prove it, I'm -going to follow after. Come on, boys! Let's go and see what Paul's -devil is made of, anyhow," recklessly said Upshur, who was no coward, -whatever else he might be.</p> - -<p>Pale and disturbed, Chicot followed the boaster, and close behind came -the other emigrants, curious to see the denouement. At the bowlder -Upshur paused, with a harsh laugh.</p> - -<p>"See!" and he pointed at the rocks before him. "Your devil bleeds, -Paul, like an ordinary man. I thought I touched the rascal."</p> - -<p>Here and there drops of blood sprinkled the rocky surface, and Chicot, -though still skeptical, brightened up. After all, this wild-man was not -proof against mortal weapons.</p> - -<p>Laughing scornfully, Upshur led the way along the bloody trail, up the -hillside, until it crossed the ridge, keeping a good look-out to guard -against surprise, for none knew better than he what awkward weapons -flint-headed arrows are, at close quarters, when guided by a strong and -experienced hand. And after his wound, the wild-man would not be likely -to stand on ceremony, should he be overtaken.</p> - -<p>But overtaken he was not, at least on that occasion. The hillside -seemed to be unoccupied, save by the trail-hunters, but Upshur -suddenly paused, when half-way down the hill, shrinking back with a cry -of horror.</p> - -<p>Passing through the dense bushes, he had found himself upon the very -verge of a steep precipice. Staggering back, he clutched the bushes, -unmanned.</p> - -<p>"Look yonder!" cried Chicot, pointing downward. "<i>Now</i> what do you -say—is he a devil, or not?"</p> - -<p>Swiftly racing along the narrow valley far below, was the form of the -wild-man. To reach this, he must have descended the precipice, and that -seemed beyond mortal skill to accomplish.</p> - -<p>Wonderingly the emigrants watched him until he disappeared upon the -further hill, then they slowly retraced their steps toward camp. The -sun was far down in the west, and they had found no trace of the -deserters.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER III.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE GOLDEN BED.</p> - - -<p>The three adventurers, Duplin, Wythe, and Tyrrel, little imagined that -at least one pair of keen eyes observed very closely their movements on -that memorable night, as they noiselessly went about their preparations -for their desertion. Jack and Paley were filled with golden visions -of the enormous wealth that only awaited their coming to gather it up -in handfuls, while Burr thought far more of pretty Lottie Mitchell, -and how she would receive the tidings of the strange desertion, for it -could be called by no other name.</p> - -<p>"Never mind—if the deposit is as rich as Paley declares, we can finish -before winter, and then—"</p> - -<p>Wythe smiled faintly as a far-away look came into his handsome eyes. -Even to himself he does not finish the thought, for, though he loved -Lottie Mitchell with all his young heart, he had scarce spoken a score -of times with her, during the journey.</p> - -<p>Still watched by Nate Upshur, the three adventurers silently left the -camp and set forth upon their mission, all, even the rattle-brained -Jack Tyrrel, feeling serious, for, truly, it was no commonplace step -they were taking, and one that might well result disastrously. Turning, -they cast a last look at the silent camp of the wagon-train that had -for so many days been their only home, and then, led by Duplin, they -disappeared beyond the ridge, still followed by Nate Upshur, who -exhibited the skill and address of a veritable savage.</p> - -<p>After a rapid tramp of several miles, Duplin paused and said:</p> - -<p>"Now, boys, for a little headwork. First, shall we go on at once to the -pocket?"</p> - -<p>"How far is it?"</p> - -<p>"Not ten miles, as the crow flies."</p> - -<p>"We can reach it before day, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes—if we wish. But, frankly, I don't think we had better go there, -at least not before to-morrow night."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Well, there is a risk. To be sure they may not think it worth while to -make any search for us, when our disappearance is found out, yet still -they <i>may</i>, especially as the most dangerous portion of the trail is -near at hand. You see three rifles such as ours would count in case of -an attack."</p> - -<p>"If I thought there was the slightest danger of that, I would return at -once," suddenly cried Wythe, thinking of Lottie Mitchell.</p> - -<p>"I don't think there is. You remember the treaty we heard of at the -fort? The Indians are all peaceable, now. But, as I was saying, they -<i>may</i> try to follow our trail, and if we lay it straight to the pocket, -ten to one that Paul Chicot picks it out with those keen eyes of his. -Then? Instead of a fortune, we'd have only a few ounces apiece, and -perhaps have to fight for that. You know the material many of the -emigrants are composed of. Brave men enough, but rather peculiar in -their ideas of honesty. It would be 'divide or fight!' and as I found -the pocket, I consider our claim is the best."</p> - -<p>"You are right there, Paley. But you decide. Whatever you think best, -we will agree to. You agree, Tyrrel?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; Duplin is captain."</p> - -<p>"Very well, then. We will strike over there toward those hills, and -hide there until certain that all fear of pursuit is over. Then to the -pocket and clean it out, after which—ho! for home!"</p> - -<p>With long, swift strides, Duplin, greatly excited no doubt by the -picture his last words had conjured up before his mind's eye, led the -way toward the hill alluded to, that rose abruptly, high into the air, -rocky, broken and wild-looking.</p> - -<p>After him trudged Burr and Jack, little dreaming of the strange -adventure that was to meet them there, in the heart of that wild, -desolate spot.</p> - -<p>Duplin, who by his superior age and experience, naturally assumed the -position of leader during the adventure, soon selected a spot where the -trio could very comfortably remain concealed during the ensuing day; -should their fear of a pursuit prove correct, and at the same time one -not entirely devoid of comfort.</p> - -<p>Entering a narrow, level valley, on one side of which uprose an almost -perpendicular cliff, its face scarred and jagged, studded here and -there with stunted evergreen shrubs or parasitic plants, they soon -found a secure covert upon the opposite side, where the hill was less -abrupt, and more easy of ascent. From here they had a fair view of the -cliff, as well as the open ground beyond the mouth of the valley, in -the direction from whence they had come.</p> - -<p>"I move that you two lie down for a nap, while I stand guard," quoth -Duplin, as the trio sunk back upon the soft, mossy earth behind the -vine clad rock.</p> - -<p>"I want a smoke, first," said Tyrrel, producing his pipe.</p> - -<p>"And so do I, but can't find my pipe," muttered Wythe, vexedly. "I must -have lost it on the way."</p> - -<p>"Never mind; that is easily replaced—I mean so far as comfort is -concerned. A bit of bark—a joint of the 'carpenter's weed,' and you -have it."</p> - -<p>The three comrades conversed, in low, eager tones, of the fortune that -lay waiting their coming, and magnificent were the air-castles they -each reared, when they should return home, rich men. But one delicious -one Burr Wythe hugged to his own heart. Only one ear must hear that -dream—the ear of sweet Lottie Mitchell.</p> - -<p>"Hist!" muttered Duplin, after an hour or more had crept by.</p> - -<p>The two young men caught the same sound, with him, and needed not the -caution to cease their conversation. From close above them, on the -hillside, there rattled down several pebbles, evidently dislodged by -human aid, for directly afterwards the trio could hear a footstep, -light yet deliberate, evidently descending the slope.</p> - -<p>Instinctively each man grasped his weapon, for the same thought -occurred to each. If this footfall betokened the presence of Indians, -as seemed but too probable, there was danger threatening. Right well -they knew that no true woodman could pass by, in such close proximity, -without detecting the scent of tobacco-smoke, and that, once scented, -he would not rest until the matter was thoroughly investigated. And, -though the Indians were nominally at peace, they well knew that if a -superior force was at hand, that fact would be but a feeble restraint. -At best they must expect to be plundered, and as that meant either -starvation or a return to the wagon-train, the three men prepared -silently for a struggle.</p> - -<p>The sound of footsteps ceased, and for several minutes all was silent. -Motionless as death, tightly grasping their weapons, the gold-hunters -awaited the result in stern suspense.</p> - -<p>But their preparations, in this case, were needless, for the footstep -again met their ears, and then, through the surrounding screen of -bushes, they observed a tall figure glide past their covert, descending -the hill. Even in that brief glimpse, they saw enough to deeply excite -their curiosity.</p> - -<p>Peering through the bushes, they saw that the stranger had again -paused, this time standing upon a bowlder, in the full glare of the -bright moonlight. They were gazing upon the same being who, a few hours -later, was pronounced the Mountain Devil by Paul Chicot.</p> - -<p>They could distinguish his features; pale, haggard and wearing a -peculiarly mournful expression, that still did not conceal the vacant -stare that proclaimed a shattered mind. This thought occurred to each -of the three men. They were watching a madman.</p> - -<p>They noted his ragged dress, rudely patched with skins and bits of -various fur. They saw that he was armed with a bow and arrows, and that -a long-bladed knife was dangling at his side.</p> - -<p>This much they noted before he stepped from the rock and resumed his -course toward the valley. Arising, the gold-hunters closely observed -his movements, until hidden in the shade cast by the towering precipice -beyond.</p> - -<p>"Wonder what—or who the fellow is, anyhow," muttered Tyrrel, -reflectively.</p> - -<p>"I don't know, unless—You've heard Paul Chicot speak of a wild-man -they sometimes call the "Mountain Devil," haven't you?"</p> - -<p>"Who hasn't, I wonder?" with a shrug. "I've heard of nothing else since -we've been camped here."</p> - -<p>"I believe this is the being he means, then."</p> - -<p>"You don't—thunder! I always thought he was lying!"</p> - -<p>"Hark!" muttered Burr, touching his comrades.</p> - -<p>From out the gloom, in the direction in which the strange being had -disappeared, there came a clear, shrill whistle, long-drawn and -quavering. Eagerly the gold-hunters watched and listened.</p> - -<p>"Look there—see that light!" uttered Duplin, after a brief silence. -"What can it mean—up there, too?"</p> - -<p>A small but brilliant point of light had suddenly appeared, as though -hanging nearly midway up the cliff, not steady and fixed, but slightly -wavering, or moving slowly from side to side. Evidently, it was -suspended there by some human agency; but who?</p> - -<p>"Is there not a human form close beside the light? It seems so to me," -whispered Wythe.</p> - -<p>"Wait. The light is in answer to that whistle. Perhaps Paul's Devil has -his home up there, and that is one of its imps," half-laughed Duplin.</p> - -<p>Still closely watching, the three friends a few moments later saw a -tall form uprise beside the light, that, the next instant, vanished -from sight. But not before another discovery was made.</p> - -<p>A human being <i>had</i> been holding the light, and as the wild-man took -it, the upper portion of the second person had been distinctly, -though momentarily revealed. Duplin was the first to speak, after the -disappearance.</p> - -<p>"Did you see that, boys?"</p> - -<p>"I saw something—a shadow, or—"</p> - -<p>"I saw the form of a <i>woman</i>!" declared Burr, in a peculiar tone of -voice.</p> - -<p>"So I thought, but was not sure. I don't know what to think of it. -There's some deep mystery here," added Paley, reflectively.</p> - -<p>"I move we expose it, then," impulsively cried Jack. "Who knows—maybe -'tis a princess in disguise—or else carried off and kept in seclusion -by some evil genie! An adventure—le's go!"</p> - -<p>"Easy, rattlepate," laughed Duplin. "You forget what frightful tales -Paul told of this creature, and whether they have any foundation in -truth or not, if we attempt to solve this affair, we must use caution. -If nothing more, he is a madman, and were he to discover our approach, -he might do us mischief. One man then—for they must have a cave, or -something of the sort—one man then could keep a thousand at bay who -tried to reach him by scaling the cliff."</p> - -<p>"Is it worth the risk?" thoughtfully uttered Wythe. "She answered his -signal so promptly, there can be little doubt but she is there by her -own free will. Then what right have <i>we</i> to molest them?"</p> - -<p>"The right of unsatisfied curiosity—and whether you go or not, I'll -not rest until I've had a good peep at the angel—for such she must be -if <i>he's</i> a devil," cried Tyrrel, springing through the bushes as he -spoke.</p> - -<p>"Wait, Jack—you'll ruin all by your haste. We'll go—but you must not -lead the way. You'll be sure to alarm them."</p> - -<p>"Very well—all I want is to get a good look at them. Lead the way, if -you'd rather."</p> - -<p>Duplin knew the futility of reasoning with Jack, else he would not have -been drawn into the foolhardy adventure so easily. He knew there was -danger, Tyrrel did not. But alone, Jack would be sure to precipitate -this, and hoping to avoid discovery by due caution, Duplin led the way -toward the cliff, having determined the exact position where the light -had been shown.</p> - -<p>Evidently the cliff-lodgers had disappeared at the same time the light -did, else they must have discovered the three dark figures as they -glided across the open, level valley, plainly outlined by the moon's -rays.</p> - -<p>Reaching the foot of the cliff, they began searching for the path by -which the wild-man must have ascended, but for several minutes without -success. Then, however, a low whistle from Burr Wythe called Duplin and -Tyrrel to his side. Even in that gloom, they could see that the path -bore evident traces of having been frequently used, either by bipeds or -quadrupeds.</p> - -<p>"I think this is folly, boys," muttered Duplin.</p> - -<p>"Folly or not—up I go," determinedly added Jack.</p> - -<p>"Then I claim the right to lead the way," and so speaking, Paley Duplin -cautiously began the difficult ascent, having first carefully deposited -his rifle at the base of the hill; an example that was promptly -imitated by his companions.</p> - -<p>The trail was comparatively easy of ascent, but the gold-hunters made -slow progress, as Duplin carefully examined each foot of the way, lest -he should be misled by the numerous other clefts and seeming paths that -thickly crossed the trace. Thus he neared the point from whence he felt -sure the light had been shown, and as yet no signs had been given by -those above that their approach had been observed.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Duplin paused, and turning his head, upheld his finger in -warning. Then stooping, he whispered to Wythe, who stood just below him:</p> - -<p>"Careful, now! I just caught a glimpse of the light. We're close to the -spot. Caution Tyrrel. One rash move now may be fatal."</p> - -<p>Though rash and hasty, Tyrrel was by no means a fool, and agreeably -surprised both Wythe and Duplin by his prudence.</p> - -<p>Cautiously, silently as so many shadowy phantoms, the gold-hunters -crept on, until, their heads above the level of a broad ledge, they -gazed in upon a peculiarly strange scene. Fairly holding their breath, -their eyes eagerly drank in every detail.</p> - -<p>Before them was a small, low-roofed cavern, dimly lighted up by a rude -wooden lamp that sat upon a projecting spur of rock.</p> - -<p>There were two occupants; a man and a woman. These first enchained the -eyes of the gold-hunters.</p> - -<p>The first was the man they had observed beside their covert on the -opposite hill. The woman was truly a surprise, when viewed in this -strange, wild spot.</p> - -<p>That she was young—not more than twenty years of age, if so much—was -plain. That she was possessed of a more than ordinary beauty, needed -but a second glance to tell.</p> - -<p>She was small, of a graceful figure that even the rude dress she wore -could not entirely disguise. In complexion she was a perfect blonde, -with a profusion of softly-curling yellow hair, that, unconfined, fell -around her person almost like a mantle.</p> - -<p>Her garb, like that worn by the old man, was rough and uncouth, -telling of a long absence from civilization. Her feet were incased in -moccasins, while his feet were bare.</p> - -<p>This strange couple were seated near each other, the woman at the -wild-man's feet, feeding him as she would have done an overgrown baby, -mouthful after mouthful. Neither spoke, and then, with a gesture, the -man signified he had sufficient, when the maiden arose and glided away, -disappearing from view of the watchers around a projecting spur of rock.</p> - -<p>The old man arose, stretched his limbs and yawned heavily, then sunk -down upon a small pallet of skins, leaving the light still burning. One -hand clutched the strung bow, and the quiver of arrows lay close at -hand.</p> - -<p>Paley Duplin turned his head and motioned to his companions. Jack -Tyrrel at first seemed inclined to demur, but then, as though by second -thoughts, he noiselessly began the perilous descent, followed by his -comrades.</p> - -<p>This was not accomplished without considerable difficulty, and, indeed, -absolute danger, owing to the deceptive gloom, but, fortunately, the -trio succeeded in gaining the valley in safety. Securing their rifles, -they crossed this, and once more gained their covert, tired out and -sore, yet feeling rewarded by the strange discovery they had made.</p> - -<p>Tyrrel alone had little to say. That night's events seemed to have made -a deep impression upon his mind, and while his comrades discussed the -subject, he remained deep buried in thought.</p> - -<p>Upon one thing he was determined, though he said nothing to his friends -about it at the time. He must see this strange beauty again, if only to -ask her if this sort of life was her own choice. Further than this he -did not go, even in his own secret thoughts.</p> - -<p>It was now nearly daylight, and the comrades agreed to remain where -they were concealed during that day, lest the emigrants should -institute a search for them. As all felt the need of repose, the day -was divided into three watches, of which Wythe took the first, Tyrrel -the second, and Duplin the last.</p> - -<p>As may well be believed, by far the greater portion of the time, their -gaze rested upon the face of the cliff, marveling at the secrets its -bosom contained. But little rewarded this scrutiny.</p> - -<p>True, during Burr Wythe's watch, the hermit, wild-man, or whatever -else he might be called, descended the cliff, and set off down the -valley. The young woman had accompanied him to the ledge that served as -entrance to the cavern, and kneeling there, watched his progress until -the hill-point concealed him from view. Then, with a long, lingering -glance around, she turned and entered the hill-home.</p> - -<p>Wythe questioned whether or no to make known this circumstance to his -comrades, but a fear for Jack Tyrrel's impulsiveness restrained him. -That the young man had been deeply interested in the affair, he could -not doubt, and were he to know that the strange maiden were alone, he -might feel tempted to visit her. By this the reader is not to infer -that he doubted Tyrrel's honor—far from it. But Wythe feared lest his -impulsive nature should get them into trouble with the madman, and thus -interfere with the gold-hunting.</p> - -<p>Thus the day passed away, and it was not until the middle of Duplin's -watch, that any thing of moment occurred. Then he quietly awoke the two -men, bidding them be cautious.</p> - -<p>Peering through the bushes, they could distinguish a small body of -men, slowly moving across the mouth of the valley, seemingly trailing. -The same thought occurred to each of the three men. Why this long and -persistent search? Why delay the wagon-train an entire day to search -for three deserters, whose passage-money had been paid in advance. -This surprised them, even though they had guarded against the chance. -These precautions, however, had been taken wholly upon account of the -gold-pocket, not from fear of being forced to return, since they were -free agents, and in no wise bound to the train.</p> - -<p>"Ha! look yonder!" muttered Wythe. "The wild-man!"</p> - -<p>This strange being could now be seen standing upon a huge bowlder, not -far from the edge of the precipice, evidently confronting the party -of emigrants, who had now passed from view beyond the hill-point. -Curiously the three men watched his motions.</p> - -<p>They heard the report of Nathan Upshur's rifle, saw the wild-man -stagger and almost fall, then leap to the ground and dash up the hill. -Their next view of him was as he swung lightly across the almost -perpendicular face of the precipice, hanging by the frail vines and -shrubbery, or dropping from ledge to ledge, agile and sure-footed as -the mountain-goat itself. Reaching the base, he darted swiftly across -the valley, passing close by the gold-hunters' covert, uttering a low, -growling sound that seemed more like the anger of a wild beast than the -voice of a human being.</p> - -<p>"Did you notice?" muttered Duplin. "The blood was dripping from his -breast. Those men yonder shot him."</p> - -<p>"It spatters the rocks out here. If they follow his trail, they must -discover us," added Wythe frowning.</p> - -<p>"What difference? We're half white and free-born. They have no control -over our actions," retorted Tyrrel.</p> - -<p>"True; yet this pick-ax, coupled with our desertion, would rouse their -suspicions, or rather direct them into the right channel, and I fear we -would soon have more partners than would be pleasant or profitable. I -don't want to meet them, if I can help it," added Duplin.</p> - -<p>But their fears proved causeless, for the pursuit of the wild-man's -trail had carried Chicot's party to one side of that left by the -deserters, and that they were so close at hand was unknown to the -emigrants. And after a short time the gold-hunters saw their late -comrades turn and retrace their steps, evidently returning to the wagon -train, without thought of following the wounded man further after the -startling exhibition he had given them of his prowess.</p> - -<p>Just before sunset they saw the wild-man return apparently but little -injured, and their doubts thus solved, soon after the trio took up -their march toward the golden valley, where fortune awaited them.</p> - -<p>Neither noted the extreme care Jack Tyrrel observed in fixing their -route upon his mind. Each rock, hill or valley was closely and -thoroughly noted, so that he felt assured that he could find his way -back, if needs be, in the darkest night. And find his way back he had -resolved he would, sooner or later.</p> - -<p>"There!" at length muttered Duplin, pausing upon a high ridge and -stretching one hand toward the valley below him. "Yonder, boys, lies -our fortune!"</p> - -<p>The others did not speak. They stood eagerly gazing downward in the -direction indicated, their eyes glowing, their faces flushed hotly, -their frames quivering in every fiber. The gold-fever was upon them.</p> - -<p>And, as if infected by their excitement, Duplin lost his composure. -With one accord they rushed headlong down the steep hillside and out -upon the level ground. Then Duplin abruptly paused.</p> - -<p>"Comrades," and the words seemed to issue with difficulty, "<i>you are -standing over a bed of gold</i>!"</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER IV.</p> - -<p class="ph2">MABEL GUILFORD.</p> - - -<p>Returning to camp, Chicot's party found that the other bands had -already returned without having discovered any thing. That night the -body of the murdered man was buried, after an earnest discussion as -to whether another day should be devoted to a search for the supposed -criminals. Now that the first fervor had cooled down, the vote was -almost unanimous to continue their journey, all fearing lest they -should be caught by the winter storms in the mountains.</p> - -<p>So with the dawn of another day the wagon-train once more took up -its due progress, toiling wearily along over the dreary trail, only -cheered by the thought that each step taken was so much nearer to the -fabulous heaps of pure gold that only awaited the gathering. For such -were the wild visions that haunted even the most sensible, during that -never-to-be-forgotten epidemic—the <i>gold-fever</i>.</p> - -<p>For two days they toiled on, without any event of moment to break the -killing monotony. But then came a second blow, even more crushing -than the one recorded in the preceding pages, because it left the -wagon-train without a head—in much the same situation as a vessel -would be on losing the only man capable of steering it aright.</p> - -<p>In a word, Paul Chicot suddenly disappeared, without leaving any trace -behind him. At dark he had taken his position among the sentinels. At -daybreak the train was discovered to be totally unguarded! Not only had -Chicot vanished during the night, but with him had gone two others. -This was just three mornings after the discovery of the first desertion.</p> - -<p>A few words will explain the circumstances leading to this defection. -Nathan Upshur was at the bottom of it all. Since his eavesdropping, -when he learned of the golden pocket discovered by Paley Duplin, he -had been busy shaping a way by which he could gain a share, if not the -whole, of the treasure. And so well had he done his work that no one -suspected his purpose until the blow was dealt.</p> - -<p>He knew that he must have companions in the venture, as none of the -deserters would willingly admit him to share in their profits. In fine, -they despised, if not hated him, as he well knew.</p> - -<p>Paul Chicot was the man he first selected as a comrade, knowing him to -be brave and not over-scrupulous, as well as thoroughly acquainted with -the country for hundreds of miles around. And, too, he knew that he was -avaricious beyond the common.</p> - -<p>The subject was first broached on the night preceding their desertion. -Upshur visited the point where Chicot was standing guard, and together -they smoked their pipes, idly conversing. Then Nate suddenly said:</p> - -<p>"Why do you follow this life, Paul?"</p> - -<p>"I won't, no longer'n I git to the mines. Then I'll go back to St. Joe, -on the Blacksnake Hills, with gold enough to keep the old woman an' -gals in fine style. No more trampin' fer me <i>then</i>—not much."</p> - -<p>"But if you had an opportunity of getting rich <i>before</i> you went to -California, would you refuse it?"</p> - -<p>Chicot keenly eyed Upshur, as though seeking to read his secret -meaning, for the man's voice had lowered to a confidential tone, and a -peculiar expression rested upon his face.</p> - -<p>"That depends—not in such a way as made whoever it was rub out poor -Dutchy," slowly returned Chicot.</p> - -<p>"Bah! why bring up such things? Of course, I don't mean any thing of -the sort. But now, for instance, supposing another train would come -along and offer you more—ten times as much as you get for guiding -<i>this</i> train—would you accept it?"</p> - -<p>"Be I a fool? Of course I would, onless this 'ne was to raise thar -pile. I work for <i>money</i>, an' the biggest pile takes my eye," quietly -added Paul.</p> - -<p>"Well then, supposing I could take you to a gold-mine, within a day's -tramp from here, would you desert the train? I say only supposing I -could do this."</p> - -<p>"That's all bosh. Don't I <i>know</i> thar's none sech 'round here?" -contemptuously snorted Chicot.</p> - -<p>"But <i>would</i> you?"</p> - -<p>"Yas—in a hurry, too."</p> - -<p>"Swear it on this," and Upshur adroitly twitched a small metal crucifix -from Chicot's bosom, where it hung by a string. "Swear to keep all -secret that I tell you now, and never to betray it until I give you -free permission."</p> - -<p>Chicot, deeply impressed by Upshur's earnestness, obeyed, though still -skeptical. And then, after first carefully assuring himself that there -were no eavesdroppers near, Upshur unfolded his secret, telling all. -How he had first struck scent of the secret, of his eavesdropping, -of how he followed the deserters until he had a fair idea of their -destination; of all save his connection with the dastardly blow in the -dark, and the attempt to fix the crime upon Burr Wythe, for reasons -that may hereafter appear.</p> - -<p>"Now you know all," he added, "and it is for you to decide whether we -are to slave on like dogs, while those three, not a whit better than -we, are making themselves rich for life. What do you say?"</p> - -<p>"They'd never 'gree to share 'th us," muttered Paul, reflectively, yet -with his eyes glowing and his breath quickening.</p> - -<p>"They <i>must</i>, if we say so. I, for one, am willing to fight for it. -Just think—Duplin said he found nuggets as large as his fist! And -hundreds of them, too! Just think, man—why, there's enough to make us -the richest men in the United States! They must share—<i>or else we'll -take the whole</i>!"</p> - -<p>"That'll be the best way," hoarsely added Chicot, now fully yielding to -the power of the yellow fiend. "There won't be enough for all—fer we -must take another. They're strong men, and will fight fer their—fer -<i>our</i> gold. It is ours—it <i>must</i> be ours!"</p> - -<p>"Good! but the other—who shall we select?"</p> - -<p>"Tim Dooley—I know him well. For gold he would pawn his soul to the -devil—and then blarney him out of his pay afterward."</p> - -<p>And so it was settled. On the succeeding night the three men, who were -standing guard, deserted and took up the back-trail, forgetful of -the dangers that threatened the wagon-train in being left without a -competent guide. Upshur chuckled with devilish glee as he hoped the -worst would befall them.</p> - -<p>He had proposed to Lottie Mitchell, and she had rejected him. Her -father also had forbidden him ever again addressing his child, under -penalty of a thrashing. For this reason, seeing that all hope of -success in that direction was gone, he hoped that the entire train -might be attacked and destroyed by the Indians or mountain outlaws, -that infested the Overland Route, almost from end to end.</p> - -<p>Caleb Mitchell was at his wit's end when the truly alarming tidings were -generally made known on the morning following Chicot's disappearance. -And not without good cause for apprehension, for the train was now -fairly in among the mountains, where a deviation from the right -trail—at times wholly undiscernible—might well result in total -destruction.</p> - -<p>As wagon-master, head of the train, only second to the regular guide, -he was naturally the one to whom all now looked, when in truth he was -no more capable than any other member, except from his great coolness -and superior judgment. All were equally ignorant of the trail, since -this was the first venture across the plains.</p> - -<p>Mitchell's first move was to send in pursuit of the deserters, with -orders to bring them in at all hazards, if found. That last clause was -well put in, for Paul Chicot had an easy task in that wild, broken -region, in blinding his trail, so that all pursuit was useless. And, -with so many long hours the start, it was like sending a horse to run -down the locomotive.</p> - -<p>Long after dark, the different bands straggled in, weary and dejected. -Not even a foot-trace had been found to indicate the direction in which -the deserters had gone: and now, that faint hope gone, the greater -portion of the emigrants gave way to despair.</p> - -<p>In vain Mitchell strove to cheer them up. He said that it was only a -matter of time and patience; that before long some other train must -come along which they could join. But the answer came, quick and -crushing, because it was the one that was chilling his own heart.</p> - -<p>It was late in the season. Their train, drawn wholly by oxen, had been -long upon the road, and the halt at the "sick-camp" had still further -delayed them. They might be the last train on the road—very probably -were, since the mountains of California could not be crossed after -winter set in. A train might not come along until the spring—and that -would be too late. How many of the party could live through a winter in -the mountains? The looked-for train would only find their bones.</p> - -<p>Harassed by such arguments and fears as these, Caleb Mitchell resolved -upon a bold course, and yet apparently the only one that was left them. -He would make the attempt to guide the train through the mountains -himself, at least until they could gain a spot more favorable for a -winter's residence than here, if worst came to worst.</p> - -<p>Fearing to lose more precious time, long before daybreak the next day, -the wagon-train was slowly following the lead of Caleb Mitchell, who -rode in advance, his heart troubled with fears and doubts, for behind -him was the sole remaining tie that made life dear to him, and its fate -in a great measure depended upon his skill and prudence.</p> - -<p>Several hours later, as he saw the crest of a rocky hill, over which -the trail led, he abruptly reined in his horse and gazed keenly across -the valley before him. He had distinguished the slowly-moving form -of human beings, evidently afoot, and the hope that these were the -returning deserters set his heart afire.</p> - -<p>But all too soon this delusion was dispelled, for he now could -distinguish the flowing drapery of <i>a woman</i>. Anxiously enough he -awaited their approach, but as they paused on discovering his figure -outlined against the clear sky, he impatiently rode forward. He could -now see that there were only two, and the formation of the trail forbid -the supposition of an ambush being possible there.</p> - -<p>As he approached them, the man stood before the woman, with drawn and -leveled pistol, a look of stern despair imprinted upon his worn but -handsome features. His voice rung with the desperation of a hunted -fugitive turned at bay, as he spoke:</p> - -<p>"Keep your distance—we will not be taken alive."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean? Who's trying to take you alive—or dead either, for -that matter?" ejaculated Mitchell, surprised at the man's tone and -action.</p> - -<p>"Then you don't—you're not one of those from whom we escaped? You -haven't been chasing us?" doubtfully added the stranger.</p> - -<p>"Scarcely—else I would not be coming from this direction," laughed -Mitchell. "You have nothing to fear from me, if it is as I surmise. I -claim to be a gentleman, though in rather rough guise just now—but -that matters little. Yonder comes my train. You are welcome to all it -affords, sir. As for the lady, my daughter will be pleased to supply -her wants as far as she can."</p> - -<p>"Thank God!" murmured the woman, springing forward, and, seizing -Mitchell's hardened hand, she moistened it with tears. "You will -protect us from that—from those dreadful men?"</p> - -<p>"With my life, lady," warmly returned the wagon-master, deeply -affected, yet feeling not a little curiosity regarding the strangers, -wondering to what he was pledging himself, and who "those dreadful men" -could be.</p> - -<p>"You are very kind, sir, but my heart is too full of gratitude to -thank you now as you deserve. When you hear our sad story, you will -not wonder that we are weary and worn out and need rest. Bear up, -daughter—we are safe with good friends, at last!"</p> - -<p>"But, father—these men—they must have perceived us?" answered the -woman, tremblingly.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps not, but—"</p> - -<p>"If there is any danger, sir, tell me what it is, so that I can put -my friends upon their guard. We all know how to handle a rifle, and -it must be a strong force to trouble us while on guard," proudly -interrupted Mitchell.</p> - -<p>"There may be danger, but I hardly think it will come near. We were -pursued by a party of mountain outlaws, at least until a short time -since. But they don't number over a dozen, at most. They would never -dare attack here, unless joined by their comrades at the Retreat."</p> - -<p>"We will be on the look-out for them. But you must need refreshments. -Such as we can offer is at your command. After that, I should like to -hear your story. Naturally, this strange meeting has greatly excited my -curiosity."</p> - -<p>"I do not need much—only a drink of water, or something stronger, if -it is handy. As for my daughter Mabel, here, she is entirely worn out. -If you will be so kind—you spoke of a daughter?"</p> - -<p>"I will introduce them. Though Lottie is far from well—her poor -mother's death has nearly killed the child—she will gladly do all that -is in her power to comfort your daughter."</p> - -<p>"I too have lost my mother," softly murmured Mabel, her large eyes -filling with tears, as she glanced up into the stalwart emigrant's face.</p> - -<p>"Poor child!" muttered Mitchell, yielding to a sudden and -uncontrollable impulse, and bending low in his saddle, he imprinted a -fatherly kiss upon the smooth white forehead of the maiden.</p> - -<p>Mabel's face flushed, but she did not appear to take offense at the -abrupt action, though she cast a swift glance toward her father. Then, -with an effort, Mitchell recovered himself, and soon explained the -facts of the strange meeting to the wondering emigrants, the train -having caught up during the delay.</p> - -<p>Mabel was kindly greeted by Lottie, and then the white-tilted wagons -hid them from view. The father was furnished with the beverage he -desired, and then, seemingly forgetful of fatigue and weariness in his -anxiety for the welfare of the wagon-train, he rode along ahead of the -train on Mitchell's horse, while the latter walked.</p> - -<p>"You say you have no regular guide?"</p> - -<p>"He deserted us night before last," moodily replied Mitchell, his brow -lowering.</p> - -<p>"Can it be that he is in league with these devils?" mused the other, -half to himself. "It looks black—very black!"</p> - -<p>Mitchell glanced impatiently at his companion. These vague hints were -alarming, when coupled with the still unexplained appearance of the -couple in that wild and apparently unsettled region.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Mitchell," abruptly uttered the stranger, "I am about to tell -you a very strange story, and you would do well to listen to it very -closely, as, if I mistake not, it concerns you and yours deeply. First, -my name is Guilford; I am a retired officer of the regular army, and -Mabel is my only child. Why we left a comfortable home in the East to -journey overland to California, does not matter just now—suffice that -we did.</p> - -<p>"The wagon-train which we joined passed over this spot full two weeks -ago. Thus far, all had worked smoothly and agreeably. The company was a -strong one, formed of intelligent and agreeable people. The guide was -thoroughly capable, and gave perfect satisfaction. And yet—I and my -child alone remain to tell the fate of all that company!"</p> - -<p>Mitchell could not repress a cry of horror.</p> - -<p>"Wait. You must have heard of the devils in human shape that haunt -portions of the overland trail? Though they do not often attack full -trains, they do much of the mischief that is wrongly attributed to the -Indians, disguising themselves as such, the better to carry out their -nefarious schemes. Well, we fell into the hands of a company of these -demons.</p> - -<p>"Our guide betrayed us. As I now know, he belonged to the band of -outlaws, and only joined our train to betray it into the clutches of -his comrades. All that he done, I learned afterward. No one suspected -his fidelity until all was lost.</p> - -<p>"He led us from the right trail. None thought of doubting him, and we -walked blindly into the trap. I was mostly in company with Mabel, who -was just recovering from a fit of illness, else I might have detected -the change, for I had once before passed over the route.</p> - -<p>"Well, just before dusk, the end came. The foremost wagon was suddenly -checked by a rocky barricade, that completely filled the narrow -passage. The guide had vanished. Then came the shock, as the teamsters -and passengers flocked ahead to see what was wrong.</p> - -<p>"From the hillside above us came a deadly storm of rifle and -pistol-bullets. On every side was death. Not a foeman was to be seen, -and yet the withering storm swept man after man to death. And not alone -the men. Women and children, even the toddling babes, were shot down. -None were spared. In ten minutes all was over.</p> - -<p>"Taken so by surprise what could we do? Nothing. Scarcely one had a -weapon at hand. Such as had, were too astounded to think of using them. -And even had this been different, what could they have done when not -a foeman was visible? The rocks above seemed to be raining down death -upon us. Not a form could be seen; not a voice mingled with the din of -fire-arms, save from the dying as they fell in heaps. My God! it was -terrible!" and Guilford covered his eyes and groaned aloud as one in -mental agony.</p> - -<p>"Pardon my emotion, Mr. Mitchell. Though an old soldier, never before -had I witnessed such a frightful sight. My heart bleeds again at the -mere thought." And Guilford shuddered again.</p> - -<p>"But you—how did you escape unhurt?" curiously asked Mitchell.</p> - -<p>"I can explain that now, though at the time I believed it a proof -of Providence. But that was part of the plan. I spoke of our guide. -That man was none other than the chief of the outlaws. He had joined -us and acted as guide, the better to entrap us. He was a handsome, -dashing fellow and it seems now that he took a sudden fancy to my -daughter—curse the villain!</p> - -<p>"I was with Mabel, in the wagon, and he knew this. He pointed it out -to his men, and cautioned them against injuring its inmates. With -the first shot, I started to give my aid to our friends, but Mabel, -half-crazed, seized me, and I dared not leave her. It would have killed -her, in her weak state.</p> - -<p>"When the guide came to the wagon and ordered us to dismount, I -realized the truth, and fired at him. But in my haste, the bullet that -should have bored his treacherous brain, missed its mark, killing a man -standing just beyond him. I was seized and bound, though I struggled -desperately. Only for the guide—Yellow Jack—I would have been killed -on the spot. But he had a purpose for saving me, for that time. Through -her love for me, he hoped to bend my daughter to his will.</p> - -<p>"We—Mabel and I—were carried away into the mountains, and so were -spared the horrible scene that must have followed. Yellow Jack told me -of it, afterward. The wounded were put out of their misery, and then -tossed down a deep ravine hard by, where the wolves and vultures would -soon hide them from mortal sight. The wagons were burned, after being -plundered, and the ashes scattered to the winds. All traces of the -horrible massacre were obliterated, leaving the trap ready for other -victims.</p> - -<p>"Well, 'tis an unpleasant subject to dwell upon, and I hasten on -as fast as possible, yet telling all that is necessary for you to -understand the matter. We—Mabel and I—were taken to the hill retreat -of this Yellow Jack, and were, for a time at least, treated reasonably -well. Then, however, as Mabel gave no signs of softening her manner -toward him, he began to show his devilish nature by torturing her with -fears for me. Finally, he gave her two days to decide; either to become -his bride or see me murdered before her very eyes.</p> - -<p>"But we had a friend that he little suspected, in his wife—a beautiful -woman who appeared to fairly worship the monster. The fear that Mabel -would entirely supplant her in Yellow Jack's love, gave her the courage -to foil his purpose by a daring stroke. In the middle of the night she -set us both free and led us beyond the line of guards, then giving us -the clue to finding the trail, she bade us begone—to suffer death -rather than recapture, for after this her hands would be tied. She gave -me these pistols, and a small package of food. Then she left us.</p> - -<p>"We journeyed by night, and lay hid among the rocks by day, well -knowing that we would be pursued, and that the entire country would be -scoured. To-day, for the first time, we ventured forth during daylight. -You know the rest—how we found you, and how warmly we were welcomed by -all," concluded Guilford, evidently deeply affected.</p> - -<p>"Then, if this band is so near, this train is in danger!" uttered -Mitchell, in a troubled tone.</p> - -<p>"No, I think not. The band is not strong enough to openly attack such -a train, and they would scarcely dare to form an ambush along the -<i>regular</i> trail. We only suffered through our traitorous guide. You are -safe so long as you keep the main trail and see that your sentinels do -not neglect their duty. True, you may chance to lose some stock, and -care must be taken that stragglers do not wander far from the train, -else the outlaws might wreak their spite upon them."</p> - -<p>"But our guide is gone—has deserted. How do we know whether we keep -the right trail or not? Indeed, we may be straggling from it this very -moment!"</p> - -<p>"You are right so far. The only danger of straying will be during the -next two or three days. After that the route is plain and broad. But do -you mean to say that you are <i>all</i> new hands—that there are none here -who have ever passed over the trail before?"</p> - -<p>"That is the fact."</p> - -<p>"Well, we must do the best we can. Though I have made one trip before -this, I paid comparatively little attention to the trace, and don't -suppose my judgment is much, if any, better than yours. Still, between -us, I think we can manage to pick out the right course."</p> - -<p>Meantime the two maidens, Lottie Mitchell and Mabel Guilford, had -already become fast friends, and picturing great enjoyment in each -other's company during the remainder of the journey.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER V.</p> - -<p class="ph2">WHERE WAS JACK TYRREL?</p> - - -<p>Over a bed of gold.</p> - -<p>The three gold-seekers were indeed in the valley of treasure. A few -hours of earnest work in the "pocket" revealed riches beyond account, -and so infatuated did all become with the results of their labor that -scarcely could the one detailed to the daily service of hunting for -food take the time necessary to procure proper supplies.</p> - -<p>Nothing had occurred to disturb their intense labors, although more -than once the hunter for the day had come across strange tracks in -the vicinity of their golden bed, and the soul-sickening dread that -assailed Robinson Crusoe, on his desert isle, now found a resting -place in their hearts. They fancied this was the track of some -malicious-minded enemy who was watching them with the intention of -robbing the golden store that had grown daily more and more dear to -them.</p> - -<p>A sad change had come over the trio. Their friends and loved ones would -scarcely have recognized them, even after these few days of success. -Pale, haggard, and hollow-eyed, they toiled on almost unceasingly, -scarce speaking a word through the livelong day, even seeming -suspicious of each other, sleeping fitfully, often awaking with a -start as if from some haunting dream to glare at the spot where their -treasure was hoarded away. A sad, sad change, and one that was daily -growing more and more apparent.</p> - -<p>Day by day, hour by hour, the insidious <i>gold-fever</i> was gaining in -power over them, crushing out all generous thoughts, tightening its -grasp upon their heart-strings, until scarce one trace of their former -selves was left.</p> - -<p>Nearly a week had elapsed since their arrival at the valley of gold. It -was night, and though the past day had been one of almost breathless -toil, the three adventurers sat awake and sleepless, smoking their -pipes in silence beneath the rude, frail shelter of vine-clad brush.</p> - -<p>All without was dark and dismal. The air was charged with electricity, -and the comrades found it impossible to sleep. All nature seemed -feverish and ill at ease.</p> - -<p>The moon was obscured; dense sulphurous masses of clouds swirled -athwart the horizon in wild confusion. Low, sullen mutterings filled -the air. A tempest was brewing.</p> - -<p>Silently smoking, the gold-hunters watched the play of the clouds. They -seemed to care little for the result. What mattered it though they did -get wet? The rain could not injure their golden treasure, and what else -had they to care for? Nothing.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Paley Duplin sprung half erect, outstretching one hand as the -pipe dropped unheeded at his feet. His voice sounded strangely excited, -trembling violently.</p> - -<p>"My God! look yonder—that light!"</p> - -<p>Far up the bed of the one-time water-course, a light seemed slowly -moving to and fro. This, of itself, in that lone and desolate spot, was -enough to excite wonder. But it was the <i>shape</i> the light gradually -assumed as it drew nearer that caused Duplin agitation.</p> - -<p>Speechless the three men glared at the vision as it slowly drew nearer -to where they sat. Neither spoke. They seemed petrified with horror.</p> - -<p>And well might this be the case. The past week had sadly weakened their -nerves. This horrible reserve that had come over them since delving -amidst the masses of gold, had rendered them doubly susceptible to -superstitious influence.</p> - -<p>They could no longer doubt. The shape, glowing with a ghastly light, -was now vividly outlined.</p> - -<p>Before them, at only a few rods' distance, stood a skeleton of fire!</p> - -<p>A skeleton, perfect in the most minute detail. It seemed of gigantic -size, as though the relic of some long since extinct race of giants.</p> - -<p>The brainless skull, the eyeless sockets, the wide, ghastly-grinning -mouth and blazing teeth, the body, the arms and legs, all were glowing -with a strangely-weird luster, not unlike that produced by the use of -phosphorus. One fleshless arm was slowly lifted until the dangling -finger pointed directly at the spot where crouched the gold-hunters, -awe-stricken and speechless.</p> - -<p>And still the flaming skeleton advanced, more and more, the arm -warningly outstretched, the skull wearing that horribly mocking grin.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a low, taunting laugh echoed upon the still oppressive air—a -laugh that seemed to issue from the fleshless lips.</p> - -<p>Duplin shuddered, and bowing his head, covered his face as if to shut -out the sickening object. Wythe and Tyrrel remained motionless, their -eyes riveted upon the skeleton.</p> - -<p>A voice uttering words followed the laugh. Deep yet low, something -strangely impressive when coming from that ghastly spectacle, as it -appeared.</p> - -<p>"Blind fools! ye are trespassing here on holy ground. Depart while yet -there is time. You hear—even the spirits of the air warn you. Obey -their voice—flee—flee from the wrath to come! Take heed. 'Tis the -last warning. Depart—or the morrow's sun shall shine down on your -lifeless remains."</p> - -<p>A laugh slowly followed this speech, coming from the rude hut of -bushes. It was from Jack Tyrrel, sounding strained, yet scornful.</p> - -<p>"This mummery has gone far enough," he said, in a tone that told of -rising anger. "It's my turn now. Whoever you are, <i>you</i> take warning. -In just one minute, unless you drop that mask, I'll try if you are -bullet-proof. Mark <i>my</i> words, now!"</p> - -<p>"Don't, Jack—for God's sake don't!" gasped Duplin. "'Tis nothing -earthly—it's a warning from the other world!"</p> - -<p>"Bah! I've seen a skeleton doctored with phosphorus before now."</p> - -<p>"Lift your arm against the dead, and it will drop withered to your -side," solemnly added the voice.</p> - -<p>"It will, eh? Here's to try it. Man or devil—here's greeting to you!" -recklessly cried Tyrrel, as he raised and sighted his revolver.</p> - -<p>Again came the laugh, hollow and unearthly. The fleshless face seemed -to grin more horribly than before.</p> - -<p>Once—twice the pistol spoke spitefully, the flash momentarily lighting -up the little brush shanty, then leaving it in still deeper darkness -from force of contrast. And yet the skeleton stood there, motionless, -save that the arm appeared to move derisively.</p> - -<p>The laugh again echoed forth, as the reverberating reports died away. -Duplin sunk upon his face, groaning in terror. Wythe knelt as though -petrified. Tyrrel turned a shade paler.</p> - -<p>"Silly fool! you provoke your fate. When the sun rises you will be -dead—<i>dead</i>."</p> - -<p>The glowing figure swiftly moved forward, and seemed about to attack -the gold-hunters. Jack hastily lifted his pistol and fired, then sprung -to his feet as though in readiness for the struggle.</p> - -<p>When the smoke-cloud lifted, he rubbed his eyes in amazement. All was -black before him. Nothing was to be seen. The apparition had vanished -as though swallowed up by the earth.</p> - -<p>Only for a moment did he hesitate. Then, still clutching his pistol, he -darted from the shanty and glanced around him. All was vacancy.</p> - -<p>He leaped upon the sand-bank, and swept his eyes around. The result was -the same. No light—nothing save a far-distant flash of lurid lightning.</p> - -<p>A disinterested spectator would have laughed outright, could he have -seen Tyrrel's face at that moment, so full of blank amazement was it. -And yet there was nothing in it of superstitious fear.</p> - -<p>Only for the first few moments had Jack yielded to this feeling, and -then simply because his comrades had done so. This quickly vanished -and anger took its place. He was startled at the new effect of his -shots, because he had great confidence in his own skill. Then, too, -he marveled greatly at the abrupt disappearance, but that he wisely -attributed to clever skill.</p> - -<p>Thoughtfully scratching his curly pate, Jack retraced his steps and -entered the shanty. In silence he lighted his pipe at the still -smoldering embers, and then puffed away vigorously, covertly eying his -comrades the while.</p> - -<p>"Well, boys," he at length uttered, between puffs, "what d' you think -of it, anyhow?"</p> - -<p>"It is gone, then?" muttered Duplin, in a husky voice.</p> - -<p>"Yes—cleverly, too. A smart chap, whoever it may be," quoth Tyrrel.</p> - -<p>"You are wrong—it was nothing mortal. It was a warning," gloomily -added Duplin.</p> - -<p>"Now don't be a fool, Paley," impatiently. "The days are passed for -such melo-dramatic visions as that. We will live to see a great many -to-morrows. It is nothing but a very stale trick got up to frighten us -from our work. Somebody has got wind of our discovery, and takes this -plan to drive us away. But I, for one, don't scare worth a cent! And as -first move—before it rains—I'm going to see what sort of track that -<i>ghost</i> left behind him. The sand out yonder is soft, and will retain a -footprint. Come—you'll admit that a <i>spirit</i>—even though it assumes -the guise of a burning skeleton—can not leave a natural footprint? -Very well. If I do not find the tracks of a <i>man</i> out yonder, I'll -agree to believe in your view, and at once make my will, provided -you promise the same. If the track <i>is</i> there you'll give up those -superstitious ideas?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," was the reply given by both Duplin and Wythe.</p> - -<p>Jack said no more, but set about arranging a torch in order to settle -the question once for all. Meantime Wythe had directed Duplin's -attention to something not far from the shanty, apparently lying upon -the ground.</p> - -<p>This was a small point of flame, flickering vividly, now larger, now -smaller. It was near where the skeleton had stood.</p> - -<p>Tyrrel soon emerged, holding the torch before him, but as he advanced, -the point of flame grew dim, and then vanished entirely. Bending low -down, he began closely scanning the ground, while Duplin and Wythe -intently watched his motions.</p> - -<p>"You're cornered now, boys," he said aloud, with a laugh, rising erect. -"Come out here and own up that you've been silly fools. Here are the -tracks as plain and clear as mud."</p> - -<p>Beginning to feel ashamed of their exhibition, the two soon joined -Tyrrel, and kneeling, slowly scanned the ground. As Jack had said, the -sand was soft, and easily retained the imprint of a human foot.</p> - -<p>And such an imprint lay before them, plain and unmistakable. Even -Duplin could no longer doubt that all this had been the work of a -cunning hand, though by no means a spirit.</p> - -<p>"And see," laughed Jack, "here's a memento of our ghostly visitor. A -finger-joint that one of my bullets has broken."</p> - -<p>"That was what we saw lying here. Hold it in the dark, Jack—yes, that -is it," muttered Wythe, as the bone again showed the flickering light.</p> - -<p>"And there comes the rain—but first, I'm going to have the measure of -this foot. I think I owe the rascal that made it a sound thrashing, and -if we ever meet, he'll get it, or my name's not Jack Tyrrel!"</p> - -<p>As the storm burst, the gold-hunters regained their shelter, and -composed themselves as comfortably as circumstances would admit. -Knowing that they were in for a drenching, they only cared to keep -their weapons and ammunition dry.</p> - -<p>It was impossible to sleep while the storm raged with such violence, -and Jack continued his good work by lecturing his comrades. He showed -them the point toward which they were drifting, and that ruin must -follow unless they rallied against the spell that seemed falling upon -them.</p> - -<p>"Why, in less than a month—if this sort o' thing keeps on—we'll be -ready to cut each other's throats. It is <i>horrible</i>! I'd rather turn -my back on the gold altogether and live poor all my life than to pass -another week as this one has been."</p> - -<p>"I agree with you, Jack," warmly replied Duplin. "There is gold enough -for us all. Let's clasp hands, and forget the hard work. Hereafter -let's be <i>men</i>—not savage dogs."</p> - -<p>"Amen!"</p> - -<p>Through that livelong night the three, comrades once more, conversed -earnestly. And when day came, they were ready for work.</p> - -<p>It was plain now that their secret was no longer <i>their</i> secret—that -they had been watched by some one who knew of their rich discovery. And -it was likely that this watcher also knew of their "bank"—the spot -where their treasure was stowed away.</p> - -<p>Before daylight they removed the gold to another spot, the driving rain -obliterating all traces as soon as made. This done, they looked to -their weapons.</p> - -<p>The spy, whoever he might be, must be found, though a week was spent -in searching for him. Only for the beating rain, this would have been -a comparatively easy matter, since the ground, clear to the hills, was -very favorable for trailing.</p> - -<p>Day broke clear and beautiful, and Duplin experienced a peculiar thrill -of joyous thankfulness as he beheld the brilliant sun roll above the -eastern swells. The sight gave him renewed life, and the last lingering -trace of superstition vanished.</p> - -<p>For hours the three friends sought in vain for some trace of their -nocturnal visitor, but it was not until they crossed the first ridge -that such rewarded their search. Then, deeply imprinted in the moist -sandy loam, they came upon a double trail, though both sets of tracks -were evidently made by the same person, probably in going and coming, -as they trod different ways.</p> - -<p>"It's our man," cried Jack, as he arose from comparing his tally with -the tracker. "We must run him to ground, now. He can't be far—these -tracks are fresh."</p> - -<p>"But which are the latest?"</p> - -<p>"That puzzles me. I'm not much on the trail-hunt. Chicot could tell, -no doubt, but I can't. We must follow both. You and Wythe take that -direction, and I'll look to this."</p> - -<p>"But there may be danger to you going alone. We don't know who or what -this fellow is. Best keep together."</p> - -<p>"And so lose the game, like as not? No. I think I can hold my own, -since there's only one man. Go on—and if <i>you</i> find the game, build a -fire of grass that will send up a black smoke. I'll do the same. Look -out for it."</p> - -<p>It was rank folly attempting to reason with Tyrrel, and his comrades, -well knew that. So parting—none of the trio dreamed of the time that -would elapse before their meeting!—they each bent to their work.</p> - -<p>The trail ran lengthwise along the valley, only divided from that where -lay the golden bed by a high ridge. Duplin and Wythe were heading -south-east; the trail followed by Tyrrel was in an opposite direction.</p> - -<p>"I think I can tell just how this will end," muttered Burr, after -progressing a mile or more. "I think we will find the stopping-place -on yonder point, where we can look down upon our camp. If so, we must -hasten back, and join Jack. The hot-headed fellow may get into trouble."</p> - -<p>A few minutes more proved their surmise to be correct. The trail -doubled at the hill, and then ran back for a ways, side by side.</p> - -<p>The friends had no difficulty in retracing their steps, and advanced at -a half run. The damp earth had retained deep tracks.</p> - -<p>In ten minutes they had regained the point where Tyrrel had left them, -and still hastened after him. Then they paused, simultaneously uttering -a low cry.</p> - -<p>"Too late!" gasped Duplin.</p> - -<p>Faint and indistinct came to their ears, borne by the favoring breeze, -two quickly succeeding pistol-shots, closely followed by a cry, as of -pain or mortal terror. These sounds came from up the valley.</p> - -<p>Clutching their weapons, the friends bounded forward at top speed, -their faces pale, their teeth tightly clenched. They feared the worst.</p> - -<p>"My God! look there!" gasped Wythe, extending one trembling hand.</p> - -<p>Before them, close to where the rocks that thickly covered the hillside -began, the ground was torn and trampled, as though the scene of a -desperate struggle for life. And upon one side of a whitely bleached -bowlder was a large crimson stain.</p> - -<p>A stain that could only be produced by <i>blood</i>!</p> - -<p>Sick and faint the comrades stood there, wildly glancing around, -listening anxiously for some sound to guide them. But it came not. All -was stilled save their deep, husky breathing.</p> - -<p>"Come," cried Duplin, with an effort rousing himself, "this is folly. -We must work. Dead or alive, we must find Jack, and either rescue or -<i>avenge</i> him."</p> - -<p>Dreading lest at every step they should come upon the dead and mangled -body of their friend hidden among the rocks, the gold-hunters advanced. -Here and there a blood-splash guided their eyes. Drop by drop it -led them up the hillside. This alone guided them. The flinty ground -retained no trace of footsteps.</p> - -<p>A gore-stained rock attracted them. Rushing forward, Duplin uttered a -low cry. Then he sunk upon his knees and bent forward.</p> - -<p>Burr Wythe turned sick at heart, and staggering, would have fallen but -for the friendly support of a jagged bowlder. A cry broke from his lips -as he started back and removed his hand. It had entered a tiny pool of -fresh blood!</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER VI.</p> - -<p class="ph2">LOST IN THE LABYRINTH.</p> - - -<p>With a convulsive shudder, Burr Wythe wiped the clotted blood from his -hand. Duplin, startled by the cry of his comrade, quickly turned his -head.</p> - -<p>"What is it, Wythe?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing—I rested my hand in that blood yonder. But what is this—a -cave?"</p> - -<p>"It must be—and see! There are blood-stains on the inside edges of -the rock. Whoever, one or many, have gone in there, taking poor Jack -with them, either dead or alive," muttered Paley, as he drew back and -carefully looked to his weapons.</p> - -<p>"Then out of it they must come," determinedly returned Burr, his eyes -glittering.</p> - -<p>"But how? If in there, they have the advantage of us in every respect."</p> - -<p>"There is only one way. We must enter and do the best we can."</p> - -<p>"It looks like suicide, after what we see here; but if you dare risk -it, I will not fail you. We can not desert the lad. He would risk as -much for either of us."</p> - -<p>"Here—let me pass in first. I can get some idea of what is before us, -and if they mean mischief, they'll wait to make sure of us both. Do you -keep back from the entrance, but ready to assist me if I call."</p> - -<p>Pale but resolute, Wythe crawled into the hole, and then glanced -quickly around him, as though in hopes of being able to penetrate -the dense gloom. That his heart beat quicker than common, is no -disparagement to his courage, for there is nothing so trying as facing -an unknown danger <i>in the dark</i>.</p> - -<p>Feeling around he found several pebbles, and flung them violently from -him. From their faint echoes, he learned what he desired.</p> - -<p>"It's a large cave, Paley," he uttered, as he emerged into the open -air. "We must not enter without material for torches. We might pass -within arm's length of poor Jack, and not know it."</p> - -<p>Thoroughly determined to find their missing comrade, and if possible -those who had struck this blow, the two men scarcely gave a thought now -to the danger they might be incurring, nor how completely they would -be at the mercy of any hidden enemy, while they were bearing lighted -torches. So, while Wythe guarded the cave entrance, Duplin hastily -collected material for torches.</p> - -<p>A few minutes sufficed for this, and then both men entered the hole. -Thus shielded from the wind, they soon succeeded in kindling a torch, -and then, while one held it aloft, the other kept just without the -circle of light, with cocked and ready revolver. In this manner one at -least would be running less risk. Duplin, as being the best shot, held -the latter position.</p> - -<p>The two friends curiously glanced around them. But little was to be -seen, save the jagged roof of rock, as the torch emitted but a feeble -light.</p> - -<p>Still, a few moments showed them that the chamber in which they stood -was untenanted save by themselves. It was of considerable size, -irregular in outline, rough and jagged, with a low roof or ceiling.</p> - -<p>"Look! here is a sort of tunnel," muttered Wythe, waving the light -before him. "And—yes! here goes the blood-drops. Poor Jack! if it's -<i>his</i> blood, he must be dead."</p> - -<p>"Maybe not. A little makes a big show on rock. But let's hasten—I'm -eager for the end. Any thing—even the knowledge of his death, is -better than this suspense."</p> - -<p>"If he <i>is</i> dead, somebody must pay for it!" gritted Wythe, -vindictively.</p> - -<p>The tunnel was low and narrow, and the explorers had to stoop their -heads to avoid the rocky roof. More than once Wythe fancied he could -distinguish the trace of tools wielded by human hands upon the soft -rock, but other thoughts occupied their minds, though at another time -this fact would have excited the deepest curiosity.</p> - -<p>The tunnel was winding, now sheering abruptly to the right, then -again to the left, and several times Wythe paused in doubt, as <i>two</i> -passages met his gaze. But a close and cautious scrutiny would show a -drop of blood upon the floor of one or the other, and thus guided, the -adventurers pressed on, further into the labyrinth, without a thought -of their own peril—thinking only of their lost comrade. From first to -last, of that day, they exhibited a strange lack of prudence.</p> - -<p>Their progress, owing to these causes, was slow—far more so than, in -their impatience to learn the fate of Jack Tyrrel, they believed—and -the winding passage frequently caused them to almost retrace their -footsteps.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Wythe came to the end of the tunnel, and stepped into what -seemed a spacious chamber, though he could only judge from the -difference in the atmosphere. The torch was of little service, save -within a radius of several yards.</p> - -<p>A few minutes' scouting proved this also to be unoccupied by those they -sought. At irregular intervals, around the sides, were several tunnels -similar to that from which the men had recently emerged.</p> - -<p>Exchanging glances, the friends saw that each had begun to despair. -After this long and really arduous search, they seemed no nearer the -end than at first.</p> - -<p>"Come," whispered Duplin, rousing himself, "this is only wasting time, -when we should be at work. Cheer up—we must find him soon. I know we -will—I feel it!"</p> - -<p>"I hope you are a true prophet," sighed Wythe, brushing the cold damp -from his forehead. "But I fear the worst."</p> - -<p>"Give me the light for awhile, and you take my place. We must search -each tunnel until we find the right one."</p> - -<p>"I fear that will be difficult. I've not noticed any blood-drops for -some time. What if we should be wrong? What will become of poor Jack? -And—<i>how are we to find our way back again</i>?"</p> - -<p>Duplin started. For the first time he realized the full peril of their -situation. Were they not even then lost? Lost in the labyrinth—in the -bowels of the earth! And nothing to sustain life—no food, no water! -The thought was soul-sickening!</p> - -<p>"We must not think of that <i>now</i>. We've enough to trouble our minds -without that. It may all turn out right. But mark the passage we came -through. With that to start from, we can find our way back by the -blood-stains. Drop my hat there—or a bit of rag, anything will do."</p> - -<p>Wythe advanced a step, then paused and glanced around him. His face -shone ghastly pale in the feeble light of the tiny torch. It seemed -that of a dead, rather than a living man.</p> - -<p>"I—I <i>think</i> this is the one," he faltered, pointing to a passage.</p> - -<p>"My God! don't you <i>know</i>? Then we are indeed lost!" groaned Duplin, -the cold sweat dripping from his brow.</p> - -<p>"We have walked in every direction—I am bewildered. We can do nothing, -only trust in Providence."</p> - -<p>"And so we will! I don't believe we are to perish in this manner. Cheer -up—'twill all turn out for the best," cried Duplin, rallying his -courage.</p> - -<p>"I'm willing enough to hope for the best, but these events follow close -after that man's warning of last night. There may have been more in it -than we cared to admit."</p> - -<p>"Come—no more o' that, Wythe. You only unnerve us both. Mark this -tunnel. We will first explore the one next upon its right—remember -that. In time we must strike the right one."</p> - -<p>Entering the low-arched passage, Duplin led the way, holding the torch -so low that it fell full upon the floor. Leaving all other matters to -Wythe, he closely and thoroughly scrutinized the passage in search of -the blood-drops that had already guided their course so far.</p> - -<p>"I'm afraid we're wrong, Burr," muttered Paley, after several minutes. -"I can find no traces."</p> - -<p>He had just rounded an acute corner in the passage, and thus cast Wythe -in the gloom. Stepping forward, Burr abruptly paused.</p> - -<p>"My God! look yonder!" he gasped rather than spoke, one hand extended -over Duplin's shoulder.</p> - -<p>The latter raised his eyes and then started back. Truly a horrible -sight was before them.</p> - -<p>A dull, ghastly light seemed to fill the space before them. A light -that danced and flickered fitfully—now brilliant, now dull.</p> - -<p>There, apparently almost within arm's length of the two adventurers, -were half a dozen flaming skeletons, not lying prone upon the floor, -but seemingly just starting up from their recumbent position to -chastise the unhallowed disturbers of their last repose.</p> - -<p>Fiery jets of flame seemed to dart forth from the eyeless sockets, from -the grinning jaws, from every bone that helped form the skeletons, -and all with that peculiar effect produced by the plentiful use of -phosphorus.</p> - -<p>As if turned to stone, the two friends stood at the turning, glaring -wildly upon the weird tableau.</p> - -<p>Then there echoed forth a startling sound, that seemed to proceed -from the glowing jaws of the blazing skeletons. A laugh, shrill and -unearthly, that echoed thrillingly through the long, narrow passage.</p> - -<p>"My God! they move—they come!" yelled Duplin, as he dropped the torch -and dashed madly back the way he had come, by some rare chance escaping -a shattered skull, from collision with the numerous jagged points of -rock.</p> - -<p>With that horrible laugh still ringing in their ears, Wythe followed -after, half-dead with terror. Gasping, nearly suffocated by the wild -throbbings of his heart, Duplin gained the chamber, and then sunk down -weak and trembling. Though life depended upon the exertion, he could go -no further.</p> - -<p>"Burr—where are you?" he gasped, agitatedly.</p> - -<p>"Here—thank God we are together!" came the low reply, as Wythe crept -to his side. "But the light—where is it?"</p> - -<p>"I dropped it—I was so astonished. But we can kindle another. I have -matches and you have wood."</p> - -<p>"I?—no, I must have lost it as I ran. I had two sticks when we -entered, but they are gone now," slowly returned Wythe.</p> - -<p>Both remained silent. Each realized the full force of this new -calamity. Without a light how could they ever hope to find their -way out of this labyrinth? With a light, the task would be hard -enough—without one, it become simply impossible.</p> - -<p>"We must regain them, even though we have to face that horrible sight -once more," muttered Duplin, with a resolution that was simply -sublime, when his superstitious nature is remembered.</p> - -<p>"Did <i>you</i> hear it, too?"</p> - -<p>"The laughter—yes. It was no delusion. Pray God that I may never hear -it again!"</p> - -<p>"Hark!"</p> - -<p>A low, indistinct sound met their ears. It seemed to proceed from the -passage they had just left. Its precise nature they could not define, -but—perhaps the thought was excited by what had just occurred—they -fancied it was the faint echo of that horrible peal of laughter.</p> - -<p>"It's coming nearer—what shall we do?" gasped Duplin, tremblingly.</p> - -<p>"Remember what Jack showed us. There is some trickery here, I feel -sure. If we flee blindly through these passages, we are indeed lost. -We must meet what is coming. If really supernatural, we can not run -away from it. If human, we can solve the mystery with a pistol-bullet," -hurriedly muttered Burr, as his revolver clicked sharply.</p> - -<p>His resolution seemed to restore Duplin, and then, in silence they -awaited the result, though in painful suspense, for neither was free -from a sickening dread. Few men are equally brave in the dark and light.</p> - -<p>The suspense was not of long duration. Another shrill, unearthly peal -of laughter rung through the rocky chamber, and then, as if by magic, a -glowing skeleton with every bone plainly outlined, stood before the two -gold-hunters.</p> - -<p>Duplin hastily cocked his revolver. It seemed that the sharp metallic -<i>click</i> was not unheard, for another laugh, low and taunting, came -from where the ghastly object stood. Then a voice—the same that had -addressed them at their camp, the preceding night—uttered the words:</p> - -<p>"Poor silly fools! Do ye think to alarm the dead by such actions? -What care I for mortal weapons? You but precipitate your fate by such -rashness. You scorned my first warning—and now you see the results. -One of your number is dead—you two are doomed! Doomed to wander on -through the bowels of the earth unceasingly, until death takes pity -upon your sufferings and touches your hearts with his finger of ice. -You were warned—why did you throw the chance behind you? You sealed -your own fate. You are doomed—doomed! Ha! ha!" and again the chilling -peal rung forth.</p> - -<p>And yet, strange as it may seem, these words gave Burr Wythe renewed -courage. Though a partial believer in spiritualism, he did not believe -that disembodied spirits could speak.</p> - -<p>The owner of this same voice had, at the camp, left a substantial proof -behind it that scarcely befitted a ghost. And now <i>this</i> voice admitted -the identity.</p> - -<p>"'Tis some trick, Paley," he whispered in Duplin's ear.</p> - -<p>"Fire when I do, and we will have the clue in our hands. For poor -Jack's sake, courage."</p> - -<p>"I will—touch me when you are ready," came the low, cautious response.</p> - -<p>"<i>Now!</i>"</p> - -<p>As he shouted aloud this word Wythe fired, and almost simultaneously -Duplin's pistol spoke. And the effect exceeded their most sanguine -expectations.</p> - -<p>High above the twin reports, there rose a human voice in a wild yell of -pain, then came a rattling crash—then the sound of heavy, repressed -footsteps.</p> - -<p>Instantly, on firing, Duplin and Wythe sprung aside, and recocked their -pistols. But there was no need of a second shot. The victory was theirs.</p> - -<p>The glowing skeleton lay upon the ground, shattered to pieces. The -skull, like a great ball of fire, was slowly rolling toward Wythe, who -eyed it with a shudder of loathing. But all else was motionless and -still. The fleeing footsteps that had momentarily caught their ear, was -now gone.</p> - -<p>"Our spirit was Jack's trickster, after all," at length uttered Wythe.</p> - -<p>"We were fools, Burr," laughed Duplin, his natural courage returning. -"It's a lesson that will never be forgotten by us; and it was one that -I needed, too. I'm becoming a slave to my superstitions. But did you -notice which way he went?"</p> - -<p>"No. Still, with lights, we can find out, I guess. That cry was one of -pain. He must have been wounded."</p> - -<p>"He was; perhaps mortally, though I hope not, for that might lose -us our hopes of finding Jack. But, come; we must find our torches. -There is no time to lose unless we wish to make good that rascal's -prediction, and die in here of thirst and starvation. This is the -passage—just behind these bones."</p> - -<p>Carefully feeling along the passage, they soon succeeded in finding -the dried fagots, dropped when they took a hasty flight. One—the -torch—was still smoldering, and required but little coaxing before it -again blazed up.</p> - -<p>By its light, the two friends exchanged glances. They were both -thinking of the same thing.</p> - -<p>"Yes, we will examine them," exclaimed Duplin, resolutely advancing. -"Who knows—we may find some trace of <i>him</i> there."</p> - -<p>With far different sensations than those felt when first the weird -sight burst upon their vision, the gold-hunters now examined the row of -skeletons. They lay side by side, upon a sloping ledge, which, in the -first affright, gave them the appearance of raising to their feet. The -friends saw that at least two of the skeletons had been removed from -the ghastly row.</p> - -<p>"They have been placed here with care," muttered Wythe. "See—here are -fragments of what was once cloth. The bones look as though covered with -skin—as though the flesh had gradually dried away, and the sinews -still hold together. That accounts for the perfect skeletons we saw -arranged by that rascal—whoever he is."</p> - -<p>"This dry, rare air may account for that. But we must not forget the -duty we owe poor Jack. He is not here."</p> - -<p>"Come, then. We can follow our mummer, if I mistake not. I think he'll -leave a plain trail behind him, if there's any virtue in half-ounce -bullets."</p> - -<p>In a few moments the adventurers were once more in the chamber, and -examining the ground round about where the skeleton had fallen. True to -their hopes, they found several drops of blood that told plainly their -enemy was wounded.</p> - -<p>"This is the passage," uttered Duplin. "But it seems to lead back the -same way we came."</p> - -<p>"We are all turned round. It <i>may</i>, of course, but more likely it -continues in the direction we first started in. It is our only chance, -at any rate."</p> - -<p>For half an hour more they crept on, slowly and carefully, knowing that -to go astray might result in their destruction. Several branch passages -were observed, but close scouting showed them the faint blood-traces, -that directed them aright.</p> - -<p>But then a circumstance occurred that threatened them with disaster. -The second torch had burned nearly down to Wythe's fingers, and he -paused to light another. Unfortunately he dropped the splinter, and -falling, it became extinguished. Blow as he might the sparks refused to -blaze up.</p> - -<p>Impatiently he asked Duplin for a match. To his horror, Paley answered -that he had none! Whether he had lost them during the flight or not, -it was certain that they were then in the labyrinth, without means to -kindle a light. Search as they might, not a match was found.</p> - -<p>As the significant truth burst upon them in its full force, they seemed -like madmen. They raved and cursed until out of breath. Then reason -returned. They were only wasting precious strength that might yet be -needed to save them from a horrible death.</p> - -<p>"Come, Duplin," hoarsely muttered Wythe, "we must be men. We need our -senses now, if ever. We <i>must</i> find some way out of this. Come—creep -forward with me. Try to keep this passage. Perhaps we may succeed—it -is our only hope."</p> - -<p>"A slim one," and Duplin smothered back a curse. "I begin to believe -that that prediction will come true—that this hole is our <i>grave</i>!"</p> - -<p>"Don't give way to such thoughts. Hope while we may. The worst, if it -<i>must</i> come, will come soon enough."</p> - -<p>For an hour—a long, weary hour full of agonizing fears and doubts—the -comrades crept slowly on, upon their hands and knees, not knowing -whether they were nearing or distancing safety. But then Burr Wythe, -who was in advance, gave way to a gasping cry—a cry of joyful -thanksgiving.</p> - -<p>"Thank God! we are saved! This is the first chamber—I can tell it!"</p> - -<p>"But—" hesitated Duplin, "then we should see the light. <i>Where is the -hole we crept in at?</i>"</p> - -<p>All before them was dark and black. They could see nothing. And now -Wythe remembered that as they first entered the tunnel, he had glanced -back. The hole then shone clear and distinct. It was gone now!</p> - -<p>With a cry of apprehension he arose and sprung forward. In a moment he -discovered the truth.</p> - -<p>This was indeed the outer chamber. And he felt where the entrance had -been. <i>It was now blocked up!</i></p> - -<p><i>They were buried alive!</i></p> - -<p>Both sunk to the ground, heart-sick and despairing.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER VII.</p> - -<p class="ph2">NATE UPSHUR'S WORK.</p> - - -<p>On the night of the storm, Nathan Upshur sat apart from his two -comrades, noiselessly smoking his pipe. That he was not in the best of -humor was plainly evident.</p> - -<p>It was only several hours since they had come on the whereabouts of -Wythe and his companions, after an arduous search of several days' -duration. But yet, short as was the time, Upshur had proposed a -bloody plan to Chicot and Dooley—nothing less than murdering the -gold-hunters, and then taking their treasure.</p> - -<p>His ill-humor now was caused by their flat refusal to enter into -any thing of the sort. They had counted the cost, and were willing -to enforce their rights to a portion of the placer, if need be, -by an appeal to arms, but it must be in open fight, not midnight -assassination. But Upshur objected to this. It savored too much of -personal danger, and that he did not greatly fancy. So he sat brooding -over the matter, sour and sullen.</p> - -<p>"It's jest this," quoth Chicot, settling the ashes in his pipe. "They -<i>must</i> let us in on shar's. I'll tell 'em that I knew of it fust—last -year, an' that I on'y j'ined the train so's to git to the place. They -cain't deny it—or, ef they do, they cain't prove that I lie. <i>Then</i> ef -they cut up rusty, let 'em. We kin make 'em sick o' the job, I reckon. -But I won't hev no onderhand work—no rubbin' out in the dark—mind -<i>that</i>, Nate Upshur."</p> - -<p>They were encamped upon the hillside, in a deep crevice in the rocks -that overhung their heads, where the tiny camp-fire was hidden from any -one unless within a half-score yards of the spot. And, as he stated his -position, Paul Chicot lay down to sleep, unmindful of the coming storm.</p> - -<p>But that night was not to pass without disturbance, even with them. -Suddenly the clear report of fire-arms broke upon the air, coming, as -all knew, from the gold-hunters' camp.</p> - -<p>Peering over the rocks, they saw a strange, luminous light moving above -the valley, but before they could guess its meaning, the light suddenly -vanished. While still gazing down, they heard a rapid footfall just -above them, and then a strangely-shaped, dark figure bounded past them, -up the rocks. It seemed the form of a man, bearing an unwieldy bundle -upon his shoulder, dark, and dimly-outlined.</p> - -<p>Little slumber visited their eyes that night, and his curiosity -excited, Chicot plunged through the storm on a reconnoitering -expedition. He soon returned, saying that the three gold-hunters were -still in their shanty.</p> - -<p>Then who or what was the dark figure? Were there still other parties in -the valley? Others after the golden hoard that lay beneath the sands?</p> - -<p>Awaiting other developments, Chicot and his companions, early in the -morning, saw the three friends start forth as if with some definite -purpose in view. They hastily passed over the rocky ridge, unconscious -of the eyes that so closely watched them.</p> - -<p>"Now's our time," eagerly muttered Upshur. "We can go and dig up their -gold and be off before they get back."</p> - -<p>"Not yet," firmly replied Chicot, who seemed to possess a little more -conscience than his comrades. "We don't know how soon they may be back, -and I don't want to be caught stealin', jest yet. Le's watch and see -what they're about, fust."</p> - -<p>Grumblingly Upshur submitted, and the trio crept up to the ridge, and -peered over it, keeping well screened. From there they saw the others -discover the double trail and closely examine it. Then separating, -Duplin and Wythe took one course, Jack Tyrrel the other.</p> - -<p>"They're trailin' the critter we see'd, most likely," muttered Chicot. -"Le's watch until they git out o' sight, then we'll go fer the gold."</p> - -<p>Impatiently they watched the tardy progress of the adventurers, for now -that a chance seemed open for them to effect their object, they were -one and all eager to handle the gold. From their position the valley -below them was visible for nearly a mile in either direction, bare and -treeless, desolate and dreary-looking.</p> - -<p>"My eyes hain't as good as they war once, but, onless I'm mightily -mistook, they's trouble waitin' fer Jack, over yon'. I'm 'most sure -I sighted a human on them rocks. But it's gone, now. This's gittin' -interestin'—seems like we're goin' to hev two separate gangs to deal -with."</p> - -<p>With curiosity fully aroused, the trio watched Tyrrel's progress, and -as he passed round the point of rocks indicated by Chicot, the watchers -fairly held their breath with suspense.</p> - -<p>Then came the sounds that had so deeply alarmed Duplin and Wythe—two -quickly-succeeding pistol-shots, then a cry for help.</p> - -<p>"I told ye so," muttered Chicot, excitedly. "Tyrrel's in trouble 'th -<i>some</i>thin'! Down—quick! See, thar comes t'other fellers. Ef they -sight us, it's fight, then, shore. They'd think <i>we</i> was at the bottom -o' the deviltry. Hunker down, I say!"</p> - -<p>"Now's our chance to get hold o' the gold," muttered Nate Upshur, -eagerly. "We'll have time."</p> - -<p>"No—I'm goin' to see this a'fa'r out fust. It's best that we know jest -what an' who we've got to work ag'in', an' we'll never hev a better -chaince to find out. Come—keep along behind the ridge. We kin git up -opposite the spot where Jack was, afore t'others. Keerful—don't show -your head 'bove the ridge."</p> - -<p>Though having the longest and by far the roughest road, Chicot and his -companions gained the desired point ahead of Duplin and Wythe, owing to -the latter having to follow Tyrrel's trail. But, though they closely -scrutinized the opposite ridge, nothing in human form was to be seen.</p> - -<p>"The boy's gone, an' so's whoever he run ag'inst. Mebbe he's rubbed -out, an' the fellers is layin' fer t'others."</p> - -<p>"We'll soon see, for there comes Duplin and Wythe," added Upshur.</p> - -<p>In silence the trio watched and waited. Every movement of the two -comrades was noted. What they were the reader already knows.</p> - -<p>For a time the watchers were puzzled, but then as the two men began -gathering dried sticks from under the sheltered rocks, the truth -gradually became plain. Paul Chicot gave vent to a long, low whistle.</p> - -<p>"They've holed the game!"</p> - -<p>"Surely the fools ain't going to venture in?"</p> - -<p>"It <i>is</i> foolish, but they show plenty o' grit. You see now what you -wanted to buck ag'inst."</p> - -<p>"If they go in there, the game's in our hands!" exultantly muttered -Upshur, his eyes glowing wickedly.</p> - -<p>"What d'y' mean by that?"</p> - -<p>"Can't we <i>block them in</i>? Then they'll have a good chance to fight it -out with those they are hunting, while we can take our time about the -gold. In that way we get rid ef them without killing them, and just as -effectually too."</p> - -<p>"I don't see much difference, if ye l'ave them there to starve," slowly -commented Tim Dooley, for the first time for hours giving his opinion, -in this respect being very different from the popular idea of an -Irishman.</p> - -<p>"If you're so cursed tender-hearted, why don't you go an offer to help -<i>them</i>? Had I known what a milksop you were I'd never have lifted a -finger to help you to a fortune."</p> - -<p>"Nor would ye, only ye wanted help. But best kape a bridle on yer -tongue, my fri'nd. I don't take black words from anybody," quietly -added Dooley.</p> - -<p>"Dry up—quit yer quarrelin'. Whar's the use? It don't do no good, an' -only makes bad blood. We're workin' in harness now, an' each must keep -up his eend. Fust work—then pleasure. Fight then as much as ye please. -But I think that's a good idea o' your'n, Upshur. We kin block 'em in, -s'posin' they give us a chaince, an' then, when we're ready to travel, -we kin set 'em free. But mind ye, this we've got to do. I won't take a -step in the matter onless this is all onderstood."</p> - -<p>"Nayther will I."</p> - -<p>"Just as you like about that," impatiently added Upshur. "But we're -losing valuable time. That may be but a small den, and we be too late. -Then if they see us, it <i>must</i> come to blows."</p> - -<p>"Ef they begin, why we'll give 'em the best we've got, in course. Come, -then, le's travel."</p> - -<p>Descending the ridge, the three men ran hastily across the level -valley, and soon gained the second hill. As the reader knows, this -danger was not suspected by either Duplin or Wythe.</p> - -<p>"You and Tim see if you can roll over that big rock above there," -muttered Upshur, kneeling down beside a bowlder. "I'll agree that they -shall not disturb your work, if they hear you too soon. I can keep them -back, I guess."</p> - -<p>At that moment, as he covered the entrance to the cave with a revolver -in either hand, cocked and ready, Nathan Upshur ardently hoped that -the two men he hated with such venomous animosity would appear. A good -shot, he felt that the path before him would soon be cleared, and the -stain of the midnight murder fairly fixed upon the innocent Burr Wythe.</p> - -<p>Exerting their strength to the utmost, the two men at length succeeded -in toppling over the bowlder, that must have weighed many tons. Had it -not been so nicely poised, their efforts would have been in vain.</p> - -<p>As the huge mass settled fairly over the hole, Nate Upshur laughed -aloud in diabolical glee. He knew that mortal hands could not remove -the rock, without the aid of strong tools. In the excitement of the -moment, neither Chicot nor Dooley had thought of this, and they now -felt a pang of regret. It seemed as though they had been committing a -cowardly murder.</p> - -<p>"That's one job done—and well done, too, I call it," and Upshur -chuckled. "Now for the other. We alone are the owners of this famous -golden bed that Duplin raved about. Come—I am in haste to know the -extent of our fortune. Don't look so grum—you should laugh instead, -man."</p> - -<p>"I feel like a dog that's caught sheep-killin', or aig-suckin'," -muttered Chicot. "We've mebbe rubbed out two settlers as is a durned -sight better men than either o' us, in a cowardly way, too."</p> - -<p>"Bah! I suppose you'll be too conscientious to touch any of the gold -they've dug, won't you?" sneered Upshur.</p> - -<p>"I don't know—if they <i>be</i> gone, why I s'pose I might as well hev some -o' what they left, as for <i>you</i> to git it all."</p> - -<p>"I thought so! But come—the sooner we finish this job, the better. -There <i>may</i> be another outlet to the cave, and these fools may stumble -upon it, and come back in time to make us trouble. But once let us get -clutches on their pile, and I think we can hold it."</p> - -<p>With hasty steps, the three men recrossed the little valley, and -from the other ridge, carefully reconnoitered the deserted camp. No -one appeared to be near it, and their hearts thrilled wildly as they -realized that they were now sole masters of the golden secret. Even -Chicot forgot his scruples, in the dream of fabulous wealth that filled -his mind.</p> - -<p>"It's ours—all ours, now!" muttered Upshur, as he darted down the -rough hillside at reckless speed, slowly followed by his comrades.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes more they stood within the rude brush shanty. Eagerly -they gazed around, as though expecting to discover great heaps of the -precious metal. Then Upshur laughed—harshly and discordantly.</p> - -<p>"Bah! what fools! Of course they've hid it. But what one hides, another -can find. They've changed the gold to another place—for there's where -it has been."</p> - -<p>All could see as much, but the gold was not there. Still, it must be -hidden near at hand.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER VIII.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE WILD-MAN AGAIN.</p> - - -<p>Meanwhile, where was Jack Tyrrel?</p> - -<p>We left him at the moment when he turned round the point of rocks, -following on the strange trail. A few rods beyond this, and he suddenly -paused as a peculiar cry met his ear.</p> - -<p>Hastily glancing up, a strange light met his gaze. A flash of -recognition lit up his face. He had seen that form once before.</p> - -<p>It was, indeed, none other than the occupant of the hill-cave, whom he -had beheld fed like a child by the beautiful maiden; the one whom he -had, a few hours later, seen shot at by Nate Upshur. The being called -by Paul Chicot, the "Mountain Devil."</p> - -<p>He stood at the base of a large bowlder, one hand outstretched, -clutching his long bow already spoken of. His attitude, his face, his -eyes, all told that he was angered.</p> - -<p>"Back! rash fool!" he uttered in a deep, stern tone. "I warned you -once—this is sacred ground. Back, I say, or you die!"</p> - -<p>"Don't be so headstrong, old man," coolly returned Jack, seating -himself upon a bowlder. "You have nothing to fear from us. When we -finish our work, we intend leaving—and allow me to add that you nor -any one else can make us stir one step before we get ready."</p> - -<p>The wild-man—or madman, whichever he was, and both titles well suited -him—uttered another hoarse, inarticulate cry, and, with lightning-like -quickness, fitted an arrow to the string. Jack sprung to his feet, but -was too late to avoid the shaft.</p> - -<p>It struck him fairly, pinioning his right arm to his side, the flinty -head plunging deep into the muscles of his side and back. Stung with -pain, and scarcely realizing the extent of his injuries, Jack drew a -revolver with his left hand, and fired twice, in succession, at the -same time uttering a half-unconscious cry for help.</p> - -<p>Then the madman was upon him. With a giant's strength he dashed -the young man backward to the ground, and wresting the pistol from -his grasp, he dealt Tyrrel a stunning blow upon the head with its -brass-bound butt.</p> - -<p>With a low moan, Jack lost all consciousness. The events of the next -few hours were a blank to him.</p> - -<p>Probably urged on by some strange whim, the madman flung the senseless -body across his shoulder and then darted back to the cave entrance, -through which he plunged. As though gifted with cat-like eyes, he ran -swiftly on through the winding passages, never once seemingly at fault, -the only trace left being the drops of blood that fell from Tyrrel's -wounds.</p> - -<p>When, at length, Tyrrel regained his senses, he first became conscious -of a gentle hand softly bathing his feverish and painfully throbbing -temples. With an effort he opened his eyes and gazed wildly around him, -bewildered, confused.</p> - -<p>But then, as a pale, sweet face bent over him, anxiety written in every -feature, a wondering sigh broke from his lips. He recognized that -face—it had more than once come up before him since that first night -passed in the mountains after the desertion.</p> - -<p>The same glance recalled the place he was in; the hole in the wall -where he had first looked upon the face of the madman. But how came he -here? Could it be that the madman had relented, bringing him here to be -nursed back to life and health by his own daughter?</p> - -<p>These thoughts racked his mind, and must have left their imprint upon -his face, for the woman—or girl, rather, for she was not more, in -years, at least—gently pressed back his head, uttering in a low, soft -voice:</p> - -<p>"You must not trouble your brain now, sir. All will be explained in -good time. Until then, rest easy. You are safe here, while I am near."</p> - -<p>"But where am I?—and you—"</p> - -<p>"Listen. You are still in danger, unless you are prudent. Drink this, -and then go to sleep. When you waken, I will tell you all that I know -of this affair," and she uttered a weary sigh, as she spoke.</p> - -<p>"I will mind—you look like an angel," muttered Jack, his heavy lids -drooping as he sunk back after quaffing the drink. "I've thought so -ever since—that night. And I—I love—you!" The last word being -scarcely distinguishable, as he dropped asleep.</p> - -<p>The maiden looked astonished, as well she might, since until a few -hours before, she had never once suspected the existence of such a -personage as Jack Tyrrel.</p> - -<p>It was hours before Jack awoke, but then he felt much better, though -still very weak and faint from much loss of blood. His brain, though -light, did not throb, his flesh was cool and moist.</p> - -<p>He was not long in reminding his fair nurse of her promise, and in a -few clear sentences she told him all she knew concerning the matter.</p> - -<p>Her father—the madman, for such indeed he was—had returned from -one of his frequent excursions, bearing the senseless body upon his -shoulder, both covered with blood. She could gather nothing from his -incoherent ravings, save that he intended offering up his victim as -a sacrifice to some imaginary deity. Great as was her influence over -him, even in his wildest moods it was with absolute danger to herself -that she rescued Jack from his hands. Then, however, he soon calmed -down, and watched her dress Tyrrel's wounds with vacant curiosity. This -done, she discovered that her father also was wounded; a deep hurt, -evidently from a bullet, passing entirely through the left shoulder. -Scarcely waiting for this to be dressed, he left the cave, muttering -wild threats against some person or persons. That was in the early part -of the night; it was now broad day, and she was very uneasy concerning -him.</p> - -<p>Such, in substance, was her explanation. In return, Jack briefly -sketched the events of the past few days.</p> - -<p>"And now, lady—"</p> - -<p>"Lucy is my name," she simply added.</p> - -<p>"Thank you—and mine is Jack Tyrrel. But I was wondering—naturally, -too, as you must admit—how it happens that you are here, living in -such a place."</p> - -<p>"I will tell you; it will help pass away the time, and any thing is -better than silence. Such terrible fears come over me at times, that I -often wonder if I am not going mad—but I must not think of that. Do -you know, sir, that until now, for over a year, I have not looked upon -a human face, excepting father's?"</p> - -<p>Jack squeezed her hand sympathetically. Lucy shrunk back as if alarmed, -but then, blushing deeply, she hastily added:</p> - -<p>"Well, I will tell you my story. It is a strange one, and often I -half-wonder if I am not dreaming—if all the black, horrible past is -not a dream, from which I shall awake some bright day.</p> - -<p>"As I said, my name is Lucy—Lucy Bradford, and the man who brought you -here is my father. He was not always thus—his madness dates back to a -year or more ago.</p> - -<p>"Father was ever peculiar, and after mother's death—which occurred -when I was quite a child—he became still more so, and I can now -understand the covert hints and strange bits of talk that used to -puzzle me, passing between the neighbors. They believed he was -gradually losing his mind.</p> - -<p>"It was a queer but very pleasant life that I led, as I began to -understand things that I saw around me. Father was an actor—as I -believed then, the prince of actors—but the plain, almost miserable -style in which we were forced to exist, should have showed me better. -It was one constant, unceasing struggle for bread, and yet we were very -happy.</p> - -<p>"Father loved his art, and was only fully happy when 'treading the -boards.' And he was sure of an appreciative house, behind the scenes, -for I would applaud until my poor hands were nearly blistered. I -half-fear that it was this that made father love me so dearly.</p> - -<p>"I attended each rehearsal with him, and was never absent from my post -in the flies when he was on the stage. This became such a matter of -course that no attention was paid me by the other actors.</p> - -<p>"Well, times changed. Father became so 'queer'—that is what the -stage-manager called it—that he could not be depended upon. More than -once I remember his marring the effect of a play by forgetting himself, -and delivering the 'mad speech' of King Lear. He was discharged, and -could not get another situation.</p> - -<p>"One day, I remember, he came home greatly excited, hastily packed up -all his stage effects and then left the house without answering my -questions. He returned with money, having sold all. Then he told me of -the dazzling plan that he had in view. He was going to California, to -pick up a fortune from the countless heaps of golden treasure that lay -there.</p> - -<p>"Well, I could not desert him. That was in '49—over a year ago. Father -had money enough to pay for our passage out, and leaving St. Louis, we -turned our faces toward the Land of Gold. Alas! not one of all that -train—men, women, children—not one of them all ever reached the land -of their hopes.</p> - -<p>"I do not know whether the story of our disaster ever reached -civilization or not. If so, it must have been by accident, for -we—father and I—alone, of all that company, are now alive!</p> - -<p>"One wild, stormy night the blow fell. The day past had been one of -unusually severe toil, and most probably the guards set to watch over -the safety of their friends and kindred, completely exhausted, yielded -to slumber. For the cunning, treacherous enemy crept, unheard and -unsuspected, into the very heart of our camp. And then—"</p> - -<p>Shuddering, Lucy paused, bowing her head upon her hands. The scene -recalled by her story overpowered her.</p> - -<p>"Don't say any more, Lucy, if it is so hard," whispered Jack, his hand -gently touching the bowed head.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I am foolishly sensitive," Lucy added, with a wan smile, as -she raised her head. "But at times that horrible scene comes before my -eyes until it seems that my brain must burst. It is a relief to speak -of it, though, to one who can understand.</p> - -<p>"I can remember but little of that horrible night. The Indians attacked -us—Blackfeet, as I afterward learned. They conquered almost without a -blow being struck by the white men, so complete was the surprise. And -then—it was a merciless massacre.</p> - -<p>"I remember wondering how long it would be before my time would come. -I had been awakened, but was still in our own tent. Father lay at my -feet, as I believed, still sleeping, though I wondered greatly that -the horrible din did not waken him. I know now that he was senseless, -stricken down by a brutal blow from the hand of the one who guarded me.</p> - -<p>"This man was the one who had acted as our guide, a middle aged, rough, -hunter-like person. He had joined the train with the sole purpose of -luring it to destruction. How well he succeeded, you now know.</p> - -<p>"It was a long time before I fairly regained my senses. For nearly a -month I had been like a maniac, and the Indians had protected me from -the malice of the renegade. This superstition alone saved my father. We -were regarded as sacred beings.</p> - -<p>"But then, when my reason returned, I was again subject to the -persecution of the renegade—Creeping Snake, as the Indians called him. -I appealed to the chief, who could both speak and understand English, -though but imperfectly, for protection against the wretch. I believe -that he pitied me, but he dared not interfere. By the laws of the -tribe, I belonged wholly to the renegade.</p> - -<p>"The end came sooner than I expected. One day the renegade came to the -lodge that had been given father and I, and one glance at his flushed -face and bloodshot eyes told me my peril. He was intoxicated, and his -worst passions were fully aroused.</p> - -<p>"I shrunk behind father in fear and trembling. The renegade advanced, -with a horrible curse, and struck father, ordering him to stand aside. -You have seen him—you know how very strong he is; and then he was -insane.</p> - -<p>"It was all over in a breath, almost. A brief, horrible struggle—then -the renegade lay upon the lodge floor, quivering, dead! The blood was -streaming from his mouth and nostrils. His neck was broken.</p> - -<p>"The chief had witnessed it all, but had not time to interfere, before -all was over. He seemed frightfully angered and had I not clung to his -knees, pleading piteously, I believe he would have killed father. As it -was, he had time to reflect that a madman was not accountable for his -acts.</p> - -<p>"A council was held, and father tried for the deed. But the fact of his -madness saved him. And yet he seemed to realize that he was in danger, -though he hid his feelings from all save me.</p> - -<p>"That night—a dark and stormy one—we left the village, passing -through it undiscovered. By daylight we were far away, lost amidst the -wild mountains. The beating rain had obliterated our tracks, and if the -Indians sought for us it was without success.</p> - -<p>"For days we lay hid during the day, traveling at night, trying to find -some way to civilization, but in vain. We nearly starved to death. But -by a chance—or rather providence—father killed a wounded antelope -that we found in a deep valley. On this we lived for several days.</p> - -<p>"Father seemed to have forgotten his desire to reach his fellow-men, -and appeared contented with this wild life. We were living in a little -den or cave in the rocks; not this one—but another miles away.</p> - -<p>"One night we were awakened by a muttering at the cave entrance. -Outlined against the clear sky, we could distinguish the plumed crest -of a savage. Probably he had observed us before night, and now had come -to kill us.</p> - -<p>"I was petrified with fear, but not so father. I did not know he was -awake, until I heard him move suddenly. Then came a dull, heavy thud, -and the Indian's head disappeared, while a shrill yell of what seemed -mortal agony followed.</p> - -<p>"I soon learned the truth. Father, with unerring aim, had flung a -heavy, jagged rock at the intruder. As I saw when day came, the blow -had shattered his skull to atoms. That was a long, dreary night of -terror, but the savage must have been alone, for no further disturbance -occurred.</p> - -<p>"In this manner father became armed as you have seen him, with bow and -arrows, a knife and tomahawk. By long practice, he has become very -skillful with the bow, and we never want for food. As for clothing, -as you see, their skins furnish that. Though rude, they are very -comfortable.</p> - -<p>"With that one exception, we have never been molested by the savages. -During one of his wild rambles father found this cave, and ever since -we have lived here."</p> - -<p>"A strange story, Lucy, and a sad one," commented Jack, feelingly. "But -do you never long to return to civilization?"</p> - -<p>"Often—very often. But what can I do? Even though the road was open -to me—and I am lost here as completely as though out of the world—I -could not desert father. You have seen him—do you think I would ever -return to life? He is mad—incurably so, I fear," gloomily responded -the maiden.</p> - -<p>"But if I can induce him to go with us, will you object? You will like -my friends, Duplin and Burr. Think of what your fate would be were—in -case any thing should happen to your father."</p> - -<p>"I would die—perhaps starve to death. I try not to think of that. I -only know that I can never desert <i>him</i>. I am all that he seems to care -for on earth, now. While he lives, my place is with him."</p> - -<p>"But if he agrees to go with us?"</p> - -<p>"Where he goes, I will go. But don't think too much of that. I fear he -will refuse."</p> - -<p>"Hist! is that not the sound of some one climbing up the rocks?" -hastily muttered Tyrrel, not a little excited, half-hoping that his -friends had discovered his retreat.</p> - -<p>"I will go see. Perhaps 'tis father returning," and Lucy hastened to -the entrance.</p> - -<p>In a moment she returned, pale and agitated. Tyrrel felt a strange -fluttering at his heart, for he was unarmed. If an enemy, they were -indeed lost!</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER IX.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE OUTLAW'S HOME.</p> - - -<p>But what of the train wending its weary way among the hills, trying, -under the guidance of Major Guilford, to follow the blind trail?</p> - -<p>Ah, it is a query pregnant with sad events—with tears and sighs—with -acts that make human nature seem like demon-nature.</p> - -<p>For here, in the outlaw's lair, away up among the hills—in his secret -grotto—we find—who?</p> - -<p>Why, Lottie Mitchell!</p> - -<p>And consoling her in her terrible grief is Mabel, the professed -daughter of Major Guilford, but now the acknowledged wife and emissary -of Yellow Jack!</p> - -<p>And outside we hear the voice of Major Guilford, and learn from -his conversation, first, the fact that he is Yellow Jack's -first-lieutenant; and second, the particulars of the slaughter of that -entire train, which, following his guidance, was led into an ambuscade, -and every soul in it ruthlessly slain by the outlaws, as they had -destroyed and slain other trains. The diabolical glee which the affair -excited in the outlaw camp revealed the nature of the ruffians with -whom Guilford consorted.</p> - -<p>But he had other matters also to discuss with some of the men. He had -rescued Lottie Mitchell and brought her safely into the outlaw camp -only to see Yellow Jack take her under his immediate protection. Was he -to be deprived of his property? Was not Lottie his own by the laws of -the band? And if so, by what right did the captain take her under his -protection?</p> - -<p>This the "Major" demanded in a manner that showed how bitterly he felt -over the event, and his openly announced purpose to have his prize -yet, gave little promise of peace or safety to the now distressed and -heart-broken captive, whose hours passed in weeping over the awful -tragedy which her eyes had witnessed, and whose fears for her own -future were even more harrowing than her grief.</p> - -<p>For a time Lottie Mitchell was treated more as a guest than a prisoner -by Yellow Jack and his household. Even Mabel, though herself scarcely -so beautiful, strove to cheer up the sorrowing girl, even while a dull -pain knocked at her own heart as she recognized the gradually changing -expression with which the outlaw chief began to regard the fair captive.</p> - -<p>None knew better than she that Yellow Jack was even more to be dreaded -than Charles Guilford—that Lottie, in fleeing from the hawk, had -sought protection of the eagle.</p> - -<p>With heart crushed and bowed down, Lottie would sit through the -long hours in mute despair. She knew now that she was alone upon -earth—that not one drop of blood akin to her flowed in human veins. -Her loving father had been the last, and now he was no more. He was -dead—murdered! And she—oh! why had she been spared? To live on and -suffer—to endure worse than death—a shameful captivity in the hands -of demons who had love for naught other than sin and crime.</p> - -<p>And yet, though knowing all this, Lottie believed that she was safe -from harm while Yellow Jack extended his protection. She knew that -Mabel was his wife—that a fierce, passionate love seemed to exist -between them. Then—what had she to fear from him?</p> - -<p>Thus she reasoned, but the mask was soon to fall from his face—the -scales from her eyes. The trial, though slow in coming, would lose none -of its force on that account.</p> - -<p>A brief "scene" had followed the unceremonious despoiling of Guilford. -His fiery, untamed nature was not one to submit without a word; -besides, he was backed up by the laws of the league, that distinctly -said a man possessed the sole power of life or death over any captive -he might chance to take unaided.</p> - -<p>Guilford waited until the entire band had returned. Then he called them -around him in the little square of unoccupied ground near the center -of the village. His undaunted bravery and boldness had made him very -popular among the outlaws.</p> - -<p>In hot, angry words he told them how he had been treated and how the -laws of the league had been trampled upon without cause or provocation. -He demanded their vote—whether the captive rightly belonged to him, or -to Yellow Jack.</p> - -<p>The outlaws seemed about to reply—to give the words utterance that -would please the orator—when a clear, metallic voice silenced them. -The outlaws, bold and desperate men though they were, seemed awed and -shrunk silently back, parting before the approach of that one slender, -frail-looking man, who so negligently puffed at a tiny cigarette.</p> - -<p>"Pardon, gentlemen," he uttered, the words dropping with cat-like -softness from his red lips, that curled in a smile at once sweet -and cruel. "Hearing my name mentioned, I come to plead my own case. -Guilford, what is your grievance?"</p> - -<p>"That you took by force from me a captive. By the laws of the league -you had no right to do this. She is mine alone—I demand her return."</p> - -<p>The words were spoken boldly and without hesitation. Yet the manner in -which the flushed face suddenly turned white, told that Guilford by -no means underrated his danger. It was like playing with a half-tamed -tiger. At first its talons might be sheathed—but who could say how -long this would last?</p> - -<p>"So you consider yourself an abused man, do you?" slowly drawled Yellow -Jack.</p> - -<p>"I deem my rights as a member of the band, abridged. By the laws laid -down by yourself, you are wronging me in taking away my property."</p> - -<p>"And if I return her—this property of yours—you will overlook my -mistake?"</p> - -<p>"Gladly!" cried Guilford, too excited by the pleasing thought thus -presented to read aright the sneering tone and the yellowish glitter of -the black eyes.</p> - -<p>"You are very kind. But I fear both my wife and your property would -object. Besides, I've taken a notion to her myself. And captain before -lieutenant, you know."</p> - -<p>"Then you refuse to—"</p> - -<p>"Bah! why so much to-do about a trifle? you grow tiresome, Guilford. -We will have to select another officer from the ranks."</p> - -<p>At this sentence—the last—Yellow Jack gave an evidence of his -marvelous quickness. A sudden glitter of steel—a flash—a report, and -then a death-groan.</p> - -<p>Charles Guilford lay upon his face, the blood slowly oozing from a -tiny, discolored hole in the center of his forehead.</p> - -<p>A low cry rose round the group. A simultaneous movement—and full -two-score hands fell upon as many weapons.</p> - -<p>The tall, lithe form drew more erect, with head flung back and eyes -that seemed like glowing coals. <i>Click—click</i>, went the notchlike -springs of his pistols.</p> - -<p>The sullen roar of two-score voices ceased. The weapons, though still -clutched, were not drawn. And the foremost slowly shrunk back. Fear was -written upon their faces.</p> - -<p>And all this because one man seemed awakened. But that man was Yellow -Jack.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," began the outlaw chieftain, and his voice was as even and -gentle as when first he spoke, "I have a few words of explanation to -give you why I shot that carrion. It was because he was a traitor at -heart—to me, if not to you. I saved him from the hangman's rope, and -brought him here. He served admirably as a man; but raising him to be -an officer spoiled him. You elected him; I could not refuse, though -I knew that this day must come in time. Well, he's dead. There is no -use in producing proof of his treachery, unless some of you demand it. -Then I will comply, of course. Is any one dissatisfied? If so, let him -advance and give in his plea."</p> - -<p>No one advanced. Perhaps they deemed it scarcely prudent to do so, with -that body still lying before them.</p> - -<p>Yellow Jack smiled. He had conquered now, even as he had scores of -times before, by sheer audacity. And <i>now</i> Lottie Mitchell was his; -no one could dispute his choice, unless—He scowled as he thought of -Mabel, his wife.</p> - -<p>"Good! I am glad to see you so sensible. Of course, we must have -another election. To-morrow will do. Talk the matter over between -yourselves. The choice lies with you." And then Yellow Jack walked -away, without so much as a glance at his victim.</p> - -<p>Meantime, Lottie Mitchell had been aroused from her torpidity—as it -might almost be called. And this by one of whom we have had only a -fleeting glimpse—the being called by Yellow Jack, "Crazy Joe."</p> - -<p>He had glided into the little cell-like apartment adjoining "the -grotto," where Lottie was sitting in apathetic despair. She glanced up -at his entrance, but recognizing him, again drooped her eyes.</p> - -<p>"Lady," whispered Crazy Joe, after a keen glance around the chamber, -"cheer up. You have a friend near who will do his best to free you. Be -cautious—do not cry out. If they suspect who and what I really am, -both you and I are lost," he added hastily as Lottie gave vent to an -exclamation of surprise.</p> - -<p>This was the first time she had heard him utter an intelligible -sentence. To her, as to others, he had been the harmless idiot. For -what had he been playing such a part?—for now there was no trace of -idiocy, only the sharp, acute decision of a bold and determined man.</p> - -<p>"I don't wonder at your surprise," he added, with a kindly smile, as -he drew nearer, "I have played my part well, and, indeed, I had need -to, since my life depended upon its success. But never mind that now. I -fear interruption before I can explain. Listen, now. I am telling you -the truth, and placing my life in your hands.</p> - -<p>"As you see, I am no idiot. That is my mask, put on the better to -enable me to gain my purpose. Instead, I am a spy—a spy of the -Government. My purpose now is to learn all the secrets of the place, so -that, when the time comes for another attack, they can't baffle us as -they did the last time.</p> - -<p>"I assumed this disguise, and wandered for days amongst these hills, -before I was picked up, almost starving, too. I was brought here, and -closely questioned. I was only an idiot—so I made them believe. Only -an iron will carried me through, for they tried me in every manner, -even waking me from a sound sleep with a quick question. But I had -studied my part closely, and foiled them.</p> - -<p>"Now it is time for act second. I have learned all I care to know, and -must disappear. They will think nothing of that—for I am an idiot," -and he laughed silently, but gleefully. "They'll think I've wandered -away, or been killed by wild beasts. And then—well, they'll see me -again, and with me will be a host of 'boys in blue.'</p> - -<p>"Why do I tell you this? Because you are in great peril—not of -<i>death</i>, but even worse than that—and will need all the courage you -can muster. I would take you with me, but that would ruin all. Pursuit -would be made—for <i>you</i>—and I killed. Then would your last hope die.</p> - -<p>"You must wait patiently, and, if possible, gain time. I will be back -in two weeks, at furthest. If you can evade the peril until then, we -will save you. If not—then we will remember you while dealing our -blows. Do you understand me?"</p> - -<p>"Partly. But what is this great peril—<i>he</i> is dead, and Mabel is my -friend. Surely, she will not let them murder me!" And Lottie paused in -genuine surprise.</p> - -<p>"I will tell you, then, though 'tis a delicate subject. But this is no -time for false delicacy. Then—I allude to Yellow Jack—to his passion -for you," hurriedly added the man.</p> - -<p>"But he—Mabel is his wife!"</p> - -<p>"True—or passes for such. But that matters little to him. Why did -he kill Guilford—his best and bravest man? Because that man claimed -<i>you</i>—whom he wanted for himself. <i>Now</i> do you understand me?"</p> - -<p>"I—think I do," faltered Lottie, turning ghastly pale.</p> - -<p>"Then—listen. The trial will come—sooner or later. It may come -to-day—or it may not come until we return. For <i>your</i> sake I hope not. -But you must be prepared for it. You must play a part. You must hide -your real feelings, and dissemble. Though keen as steel, you can blind -him in his passion with your mother wit. Affect to think of the matter. -Tell him you are too heart-sick—that all around is so new and strange -that you must have time to reconcile yourself to the change. Tell him -any thing—only gain time. Gain two weeks, and I pledge my word—my -life, that you shall be saved. I give you the word of a man who never -lied unless to an enemy, such as those with whom I am now dealing. Only -two weeks, at the most. I may return before, but if I am not here then, -you can know that I am dead."</p> - -<p>"You frighten me, but—"</p> - -<p>"Hist! there is some one coming! Be cautious—hide your feelings, or -all is lost!" whispered the man, again becoming "Crazy Joe," as he -crouched down upon the floor and began tracing meaningless figures in -the dry sand with his fingers, crooning a low, monotonous strain as -unmeaning as his blank and expressionless features.</p> - -<p>Yellow Jack entered. He gave a start as the dark figure seated upon the -floor caught his eyes, but then, with recognition, came reassurance. He -cared little whether the idiot heard his words or not.</p> - -<p>"Come, dear lady, this will never do," the outlaw chief uttered in a -soft, musical tone, as he sunk upon the little pallet beside which -Lottie sat. "You are fading your beauty and dimming your eyes by this -unceasing grief. The past is past—let it sink into oblivion. Live for -the present, for the future—life can be gay and pleasant, if you only -will it should. All around will be your servants—and I, the chief -of this band of brave men—will be the humblest one of all at your -command. You make no answer," he added, his keen eyes seeking to read -the inner thoughts of the maiden. "You are not offended at my plain -words?"</p> - -<p>"No—not offended," hesitated Lottie, at a warning glance from the -seeming idiot.</p> - -<p>"Thanks. Now I will give you a few words to think over for a time. -And think over them carefully you must, for a great deal depends upon -your answer. You, among others, are deeply concerned. In fact, upon -your decision rests the whole of your future. Thus much, by way of -introduction.</p> - -<p>"You may not know that by the rules of the band, Charley Guilford -really became your master, by his capturing you himself. Well—though -he was a good enough man, in the way of duty, he was a devil at heart. -He would have killed you with his cruelty in a month. For that reason -I took you from him; for that reason, and because your face awoke a -memory in my heart that I thought forever dead. Your face then, pale -and care-worn, reminded me of my mother, as I last saw her, just before -she died. I know now that she killed herself, because—but never mind. -I did not come here to speak of the past.</p> - -<p>"Well, Guilford objected to my course, and—I shot him to-day. He -would have served me so to-morrow, but I was ahead of him.</p> - -<p>"Now what I mean is this. You cannot lead this life always. You would -die, shut up so close. And were you to walk about the village, you -would always be in danger, from what, you can guess. For this reason, -more than any thing else, I am here now, to tell you that you must -choose between me and one of the men. In other words, you must become -my wife."</p> - -<p>"You—but Mabel is your wife!"</p> - -<p>"Well—she passes for such, and so did the one before her. Never -trouble about that—you must decide upon what I have told you. I must -go now. You can give your answer to-morrow."</p> - -<p>Yellow Jack left the room, and, after a warning glance and whisper, the -spy did the same.</p> - -<p>That night Crazy Joe disappeared. As he had predicted, this caused -little or no comment. It was only an idiot gone.</p> - -<p>On the morrow Yellow Jack again visited Lottie. It is useless to repeat -his arguments. They were the same in substance as those just recorded, -save that they were more vehement and full of passion.</p> - -<p>Lottie, frightened and heart-sick, still did not forget the warning of -Crazy Joe—or Joe Burleson, as he had told her his real name was—and -begged for time. This he granted, though with evident reluctance.</p> - -<p>Scarcely had he disappeared than Mabel rushed into the room with -a maniacal fury, clutching a long, keen-pointed stiletto. With a -half-stifled scream, she strove to plunge it into Lottie's breast. The -peril lent the captive strength, and after a desperate struggle, she -succeeded in disarming the madwoman.</p> - -<p>Then, in hysterical sobbings the truth came out, and Lottie learned -what had caused the sudden change in one who had, until that hour, -treated her so kindly. She had overheard all that passed between Lottie -and Yellow Jack in the second interview.</p> - -<p>Fortunate it was that Lottie remembered Burleson's caution never to -speak without weighing every word that she said, while in her dangerous -position. Only for that she would have told Mabel all: have told her -how she loathed the very sight of the monster, Yellow Jack, and that -she was only playing her cards to gain time that she might be saved.</p> - -<p>Instead, she only disclaimed all thought of winning Yellow Jack from -her; that she would far rather matters remained as they were.</p> - -<p>Mabel, on the other hand, saw only one hope left her, and that was in -the escape of Lottie. While she remained, the outlaw would only stray -the further from his rightful allegiance, and with that hope, she -declared to Lottie that she would assist her to escape.</p> - -<p>Rendered suspicious by this sudden change, Lottie was reserved, though -the very thought caused her heart to leap for joy. Thus she calmly -listened, without saying yea or nay.</p> - -<p>At length Mabel turned and left the chamber. In the passage just -without, a dark figure met her and clutched her wrist with a grasp of -steel. It was Yellow Jack, and in that moment she knew that he had -overheard all, and that her doom was sealed. For a moment she trembled; -then her true Spanish courage came to her rescue, and she followed his -lead without a word.</p> - -<p>Entering their own chamber, Yellow Jack, with a terrible courtesy, led -Mabel to a softly-cushioned chair, and waited until she was seated. -Then he drew another chair forward, and seated himself before her. Pale -and calm, she met his steady gaze with one as unflinching.</p> - -<p>"Du you know what is in my mind now, Mabel?" he at length uttered.</p> - -<p>"Yes—if, as I suppose, you were listening to what I said to—to <i>her</i> -in there."</p> - -<p>"I did hear—that you intended to prove traitor to me."</p> - -<p>"Not to you—to the man who was about putting his wife from him in -favor of a stranger."</p> - -<p>"Well—we will not quarrel about trifles. You have known me long enough -to guess what such attempts cost. Now I ask you a plain question: would -you rather leave me and return to your people, or die here beside me?"</p> - -<p>"This is the only choice left me?" Mabel asked, and for the first time -her voice trembled.</p> - -<p>"Is it not enough?" coldly came the reply.</p> - -<p>"Since <i>you</i> say so, yes. For ten years I have been with you, through -all, day and night. I will not leave you now, of my own will, because I -love you. I will die here, but not by <i>your</i> hand!"</p> - -<p>"I am glad that you object to that, because I hate such trouble. Well, -to business. First, write a line saying that this is your own deed. The -men reverence you so that they might make trouble were they to think I -had killed you."</p> - -<p>Without a word, Mabel did as directed. Then again turned toward the -ice-hearted monster. He knew not what mercy meant, else he would have -relented at that look of ineffable love.</p> - -<p>"Well—you are waiting for—?"</p> - -<p>Mabel moved round and knelt beside him. He frowned, thinking she meant -to plead for her life. Instead, she wound her arms around him, and -pressed her lips to his, in a long, lingering, farewell kiss.</p> - -<p>Then she rose erect. The bright poniard flashed in the lamp-light. It -sunk to the hilt in her warm bosom.</p> - -<p>Slowly she sunk to her knees, her eyes riveted upon his, and with that -look of love, died!</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER XI.</p> - -<p class="ph2">THROUGH GLOOM TO LIGHT.</p> - - -<p>The discovery made by Burr Wythe was a heart-crushing one coming just -as it did, when they believed that freedom was now within their grasp. -And for a time the two friends sunk helpless beneath the blow.</p> - -<p>But the reaction came soon. It was foreign to their natures to submit -without a struggle, at any time much less now, when to yield meant -<i>death</i>—death the most horrible; by starvation.</p> - -<p>They carefully worked with their fingers around the edge of what had -once been the entrance. Only hard rock was there; not a particle of -earth to give them renewed hope of cutting their way to the outer world -by persistent use of their strong-bladed knives.</p> - -<p>"'Tis of no use, Duplin," at length muttered Wythe, brushing the great -drops from his brow. "We are blocked in—we must die here like dogs!"</p> - -<p>"It seems so. All around the mouth seems solid rock. But who can have -blocked it up? Not that one we fired at? Surely what one man could -place there, two could roll away."</p> - -<p>"It must be the big rock that stood just above the hole. It could be -rolled over, I think. If so, fifty men couldn't raise it now."</p> - -<p>"Well, one thing is settled. Whoever closed this entrance wished for -our death. Thus it's not likely we have any thing to hope from them. So -we must depend upon ourselves, if we hope to ever see daylight again," -thoughtfully added Duplin.</p> - -<p>"Yes—but what can we do? We have no light, no food, no drink. We might -as well sit down here and die, at once, as to wander blindly on through -these winding passages that seem to end nowhere."</p> - -<p>"Come—this is pure folly, Burr. Though I admit that the case looks -hard, very hard, I will not knock under so easy. We may as well <i>try</i> -for life, even though we fail, as to sit here idly bemoaning our fate. -Time will pass easier and quicker while we are busy. I am going to -fight for it as long as I can. Then—when I can stand it no longer—the -thirst and hunger, I mean—why, I have a revolver, well loaded, here. -You understand?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and I am with you, Duplin. I was a fool. We will make another -attempt. It can be no worse than now, and may be better," energetically -cried Wythe, springing to his feet, and then the hands of the comrades -met in a hearty clasp.</p> - -<p>They turned and blindly reëntered the tunnel. It was slow, weary work, -but they persisted, and for hours crept on, for the greater part of -the time upon hands and knees now and then cheering each other with an -encouraging word of hope.</p> - -<p>Even was there time, it would be wearisome to follow them step by step -through all these winding passages, more than once retracing their -steps to begin anew, as they came to the abrupt termination of some -tunnel. Enough has already been said, to give the reader an idea of -their experience, in a preceding chapter.</p> - -<p>Enough to say that kind Providence guided them aright, after almost -incredible sufferings, and finally a dim light, far in the distance, -broke upon their strained vision.</p> - -<p>For a moment they paused, fearing to move, to breathe, lest the glad -vision should vanish. And in that moment they read the truth.</p> - -<p>With inarticulate cries they arose and rushed forward. It was no -delusion—the light was that of heaven; and then they stood in the open -air, beneath the welcome sun!</p> - -<p>They sunk upon the ground, faint and speechless. They were not what -is called <i>Christians</i>, and they did not raise their voices in loud -thanksgiving for the great mercy that had been shown them. And yet they -were grateful—they recognized the goodness of the Omnipotent in their -rescue, and their thanksgiving, if mute, was no less sincere and devout -than if it had been couched in the most eloquent of terms.</p> - -<p>Their hands met and were lightly clasped. For a time they seemed -drinking in the fresh, balmy air, the clear, glorious sunlight, with -a rapture that until now had been a stranger to their hearts. All -this was what they had mentally bidden farewell to, as they believed, -forever.</p> - -<p>"We are free at last, Burr!" murmured Duplin.</p> - -<p>"Yes—but I'm awful thirsty!" was the prosaic reply.</p> - -<p>That word recalled them to a sense of their sufferings. As they now -knew, by the position occupied by the sun, they had been beneath the -surface for over a day and night; and during all these hours they had -ate no food, tasted no water whatever.</p> - -<p>Duplin gazed keenly around. Then he gave a low, husky cry. He -recognized the spot where they were. In their wanderings they had -passed entirely through the great hill!</p> - -<p>"Yonder is the creek—now for water!" he cried, and then sprung forward -like a startled deer.</p> - -<p>Flat upon their stomachs they lay, and quaffed the cool, sparkling -water with ecstatic delight. It was almost worth enduring such a trial -for the pleasure imbibed with that draught.</p> - -<p>"Ha!" suddenly exclaimed Wythe, as he started up. "Look at this, -Duplin," and he pointed to a damp, blood-stained rag that lay half upon -a rock, half in the water.</p> - -<p>The same thought struck them both. They had passed through the -labyrinth—might not Jack and his captor or captors have done the same?</p> - -<p>"It's so," muttered Duplin, pointing to a broad track close beside -their own. "There is the same track that Jack measured. Hurrah! we may -find him yet!"</p> - -<p>"True—but how? Alive, or—<i>dead</i>?"</p> - -<p>In silence the two friends scrutinized the sandy ground around. Finally -they were rewarded by finding where the trail led away from the further -side of the creek.</p> - -<p>In silence they glanced at each other, as they noted the point toward -which the trail now tended. It seemingly led direct to the valley -whence they had made that strange discovery—to the cliff in which -lived the strange couple.</p> - -<p>Then the truth struck them, and they wondered that they had not -thought of this solution before. The madman was their strangely-acting -adversary. And in this fact they saw a solution of his wild antics with -the glowing skeletons. Surely no sane man would have acted as he had -done—have braved such danger.</p> - -<p>"Dead or alive, we will find Jack there," at length uttered Duplin.</p> - -<p>"Find him we must, but it requires caution. One man like that could -keep a thousand at bay from the cave. And if he is mad, it would be a -crime to kill him, even in self-defense."</p> - -<p>"Come. We will do the best we can."</p> - -<p>Though feeling morally certain as to where the trail would lead them, -the gold-hunters did not neglect any precaution, and slowly traced out -the footprints. True to their suspicions, they led directly to the foot -of the cliff, where they were lost upon the flinty rocks.</p> - -<p>Concealing themselves, they patiently watched the cliff for hours, in -vain hoping to learn whether the madman was still in the cave. But -then, urged on by anxiety for their comrade, they cautiously began -scaling the cliff.</p> - -<p>When half-way to the ledge that served as entrance to the cave, Duplin, -who was in advance, abruptly paused. A slight noise from above caught -his ear.</p> - -<p>For a brief instant a face met his startled gaze, then it vanished. -But, brief though the glance was, he recognized it as the face of the -maiden he had seen once before.</p> - -<p>"They've discovered us, Burr," he muttered. "Now for it! Up, or we are -lost!"</p> - -<p>But, contrary to their expectations, they reached the cliff-ledge -unmolested, and then sprung forward to the cave entrance. They paused; -all was still. Only for that brief vision, they would have believed it -was unoccupied.</p> - -<p>All within was dark, impenetrable to their gaze, dazzled by the bright -sunlight. But then there came a cry—a voice well known to their ears.</p> - -<p>The voice of Jack Tyrrel, for whom they had dared and endured so much!</p> - -<p>"Boys—thank God! you are here!"</p> - -<p>These were the words. Then Duplin and Wythe sprung forward. It was a -happy meeting, and for a time none noticed the maiden, who had shrunk -back against the wall. But then Jack glanced around and said:</p> - -<p>"Lucy, come here; these are my friends. And, boys, if you are glad to -see me, thank her. She saved my life."</p> - -<p>This introduction put all upon the best of terms, and for a time that -was a joyous group. But then Lucy's thoughts reverted to her father. -Where was he? Why had he not returned? Never before had he remained so -long absent.</p> - -<p>Jack, with eyes wonderfully sharpened by the last few hours, read -aright her thoughts, and closely questioned his comrades, who were -now eating the food set before them by Lucy, in immense haste, as -to whether they had seen the madman—or, as he said, Mr. Bradford. -Warned by their suspicions, they said little of what had occurred, but -volunteered to go in quest of him.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, boys. I'd go, but this confounded hurt won't let me. Take a -look at the camp, while out. He may be there."</p> - -<p>Their hunger appeased, the two men descended the cliff, and set off -at a rapid rate toward their camp. After an hour's hard walking they -reached the crest of the hill from which they had first gazed down upon -the valley that contained the bed of gold nuggets.</p> - -<p>Both paused, with a simultaneous cry. Human forms met their gaze. Their -camp was occupied!</p> - -<p>Over a mile distant, they could not recognize sex or color. Of course, -none but <i>men</i> were there, but were they white or red—enemies or -friends? Scarcely the latter, though.</p> - -<p>The two friends exchanged glances. A hard, determined expression rested -upon each face, and their eyes told their resolve.</p> - -<p>A fortune, hard-earned, lay there, belonging to them. Should they -abandon it now, after all that they had endured? No!</p> - -<p>Neither spoke a word, but looked to their pistols, renewed each cap, -after seeing that the nipples were well primed. A miss-fire might be -fatal, now.</p> - -<p>Then they glided forward, not seeking to hide their movements. That, -after the valley was reached, would be impossible. Nearly a mile of -level sand, without a rock or shrub, must be passed over.</p> - -<p>And yet they reached the water-course unmolested, unchallenged, unless -the one feeble shout that came to their ears was such. They stood -amazed. A terrible spectacle lay before their eyes.</p> - -<p>Four men lay stretched upon the ground, only one of whom gave signs of -life. He had dragged himself to the brush camp, and was now lying in -its shelter.</p> - -<p>The others were dead. Two of them lay upon their faces, the flint-head -of an arrow protruding from each back. The other, close by, still -clutched a bow; in the other hand was an arrow, that could not be -fitted to the string before death overtook him.</p> - -<p>"It is the madman—Bradford!" muttered Duplin.</p> - -<p>"And that man is Paul Chicot!" added Wythe.</p> - -<p>"Help, friends—for the love of God! help!" gasped the wounded man—the -sole survivor of this tragedy.</p> - -<p>It was hours before Chicot could explain this scene. First he told -all—how Upshur had tempted him and Dooley, and of all that had -occurred since then. Of how the madman had warned them away, when -Upshur incautiously shot him. Even as he fell, Bradford had his -revenge. Like lightning-bolts three arrows sped, and two men died. -The third, with sure aim but failing power, pierced Chicot's breast, -inflicting a severe but not necessarily fatal wound, now that he could -have care. The robbers had searched in vain for the buried store of -gold, and Wythe found it intact.</p> - -<p>And then, while Wythe nursed Chicot, Duplin hastened to carry the -mournful tidings to Lucy. For a time she sunk beneath the shock, but -then revived. It had in a measure been expected. She had known that his -life could end only in that way.</p> - -<p>Thus it chanced that a week later we find her cooking for the -busily-laboring gold hunters, and nursing Paul Chicot.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph1">CHAPTER XII.</p> - -<p class="ph2">EXIT YELLOW JACK.</p> - - -<p>Late one night Duplin came into camp in a state of considerable -excitement. It being his day to act as forager, he had remained so long -absent that his companions were very uneasy lest harm had befallen him. -Great was their agitation when he made known his discovery.</p> - -<p>Wandering further to the south than customary, he had just before dusk, -come upon a large encampment; after a brief scouting he recognized the -body as being United States soldiers. He did not venture nearer them, -but at once hastened back to lay the matter before his friends.</p> - -<p>Here was a safe escort at hand, by accepting which they might be spared -all the toil and danger they otherwise might expect to meet on their -return journey to the States. But, on the other hand, there was their -gold. It could not be concealed, so that the eyes of the soldiers would -not recognize it. Among so many, there might be some evil-hearted men, -only too glad to win independence by an act of treachery.</p> - -<p>The matter was thoroughly discussed, and then decided. They would trust -to their former plan. At this Paul Chicot gave a sigh of relief. He was -yet too ill to be moved with safety.</p> - -<p>This body of cavalry, as the reader guesses, was indeed that to which -Joe Burleson had alluded in his conversation with Lottie Mitchell. -He had succeeded in reaching it, and was now on his way back to the -retreat of Yellow Jack and his outlaws.</p> - -<p>Though Duplin did not know it, they had been resting their animals for -several hours, preparing for a hard and forced march. That night the -blow was to be dealt, and under cover of the darkness they hoped to -gain the Retreat before being discovered, guided as they were by one so -thoroughly familiar with the surroundings as was Burleson.</p> - -<p>Joe had confided all to the officer leading the troops, and had gained -his consent to a daring move. He had not forgotten his promise to -Lottie; he would save her if possible. But would he be in time? The -bold spy shuddered as this fear assailed his heart. Though knowing her -for so brief a time, he had given his entire heart to the pale-faced -maiden. And the love of such a man, rude and unlettered though he was, -was not to be despised.</p> - -<p>With this view, Joe glided on in advance, while the soldiers dismounted -and stood their horses at a safe distance, then removed all articles -that, by jingling, could possibly alarm the foe too soon.</p> - -<p>Dressed as he had been when first appearing at the village, Burleson -entered without fear, knowing that Crazy Joe was a privileged person. -But the village was quiet. The outlaws seemed all asleep.</p> - -<p>Not all—from the hillside, shining through the tiny windows that he -knew looked out from the grotto, Joe caught the faint ray of a light. -And more!</p> - -<p>A half-stifled scream came from that direction. His teeth grated -together, his eyes flashed with a deadly glow as he glided into the -little hut that sheltered the entrance.</p> - -<p>He recognized the voice of Lottie Mitchell!</p> - -<p>He paused at the entrance of the grotto. All was still. But a sight met -his eyes that fairly maddened him.</p> - -<p>Near the center of the room a man was bending over the form of a woman; -the latter seemed insensible.</p> - -<p>The man was Yellow Jack. The woman was Lottie Mitchell.</p> - -<p>Thank God! he was yet in time! Such was the thought that flashed across -his mind like intuition. Why, he could not have explained himself.</p> - -<p>He did not speak—made no sound. But he bounded forward like a panther -that thirsted for blood.</p> - -<p>One hand clutched the neck of Yellow Jack. The other, uplifted, -clutched a long-bladed knife.</p> - -<p>The weapon descended with a dull, thrilling <i>thud</i>. The steel guard -dented deep into the outlaw's back. The blood-stained point protruded -through the gayly embroidered shirt-front.</p> - -<p>Without a groan, Yellow Jack sunk forward upon the insensible form of -his intended victim, a dead man. The blade had cloven his heart in -twain.</p> - -<p>Tenderly Burleson lifted the maiden from the floor and bore her to -the soft couch of skins beyond. Her eyes opened, and a murmur of -thanksgiving told that she recognized him as a true friend.</p> - -<p>In hurried words he told her all, and cautioned her to remain silent. -Then, with a lingering glance at her, he turned and glided away to give -the signal of death.</p> - -<p>Silently, like the shadows of death, the soldiers glided up and gained -foothold in the outlaws' village. And then—but why give details? -Surely enough bloodshed has already stained these pages.</p> - -<p>That the surprise was complete—that, as the roaring flames of their -blazing huts roused the slumbering outlaws, the wild yell of assault -was given, is enough.</p> - -<p>The struggle, though brief, was desperate and bloody. The outlaws never -thought of begging mercy. They knew that it would be denied them, and -so, fighting, they died. An hour—then the band was annihilated.</p> - -<p>The next day a strange cavalcade left the Retreat. Horses and cattle -were heavily loaded down with plunder. In a comfortable litter rode -Lottie Mitchell. Beside her was Joe Burleson. Poor fellow, he was happy -then. But his awakening came soon enough, though his love deserved -better reward.</p> - -<p>In safety they reached Fort Laramie. And then Lottie was taken ill, and -only awoke to life again when winter had snow-bound all within the fort.</p> - -<p>And, oh! the joy that awaited her then! The form that first met her -conscious gaze, worn and pale with long and constant watching, was that -of Burr Wythe!</p> - -<p>This fact is easily explained.</p> - -<p>The "pocket" of gold eventually gave out, or afforded so little reward -that it was not deemed worth while wintering there. So Paul Chicot—now -fully recovered—and Duplin contrived to capture a sufficient number of -horses and mules from those that had escaped to the hills during the -attack on the outlaws' retreat, to mount the party and convey their -precious gold. Chicot guided them aright to Fort Laramie, though the -most of their gold wad securely <i>cached</i> among the hills where it would -be safe. Then they entered the fort. There they first heard the fate -of the train they had abandoned, and found Lottie Mitchell, the sole -survivor, besides themselves.</p> - -<p>Burr was prepared to meet Lottie's words concerning the murder of -poor Hefler. Upshur had confessed to the deed, and Chicot could bear -witness to it. And then, though there was little need of the words, he -confessed his love. And Lottie?</p> - -<p>Well, she gained in health and spirits so amazingly, that long before -the snow began to disappear before the warm breath of spring, there was -a double wedding at the old fort, that occasioned more pure, heartfelt -joy, as well as boisterous fun and jollity, than ever before marked its -annals.</p> - -<p>And then, when the green grass began to appear, a small cavalcade took -its departure from Laramie, heading toward the rising sun. At nightfall -Duplin and Chicot rode back and opened their <i>cache</i>, bringing with -them its precious contents.</p> - -<p>Never was a more delightful trip than that, but our space forbids a -detailed description. They reached "the States" in safety. Paul Chicot -settled at St. Joseph, Mo., and entered into the fur trade. He still -lives.</p> - -<p>Duplin returned to the loyal maiden who had so long waited for him. -They, too, were happy.</p> - -<p>And thus we leave them.</p> - - -<p class="ph2">THE END.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="ph2">[Transcriber's Note: The is no CHAPTER X. heading in original text]</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<p class="ph1">DIME POCKET NOVELS.</p> - -<p class="ph2">PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY, AT TEN CENTS EACH.</p> - - -<p>1—Hawkeye Harry. By Oll Coomes.<br /> -2—Dead Shot. By Albert W. Aiken.<br /> -3—The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> -4—Blue Dick. By Capt. Mayne Reid.<br /> -5—Nat Wolfe. By Mrs. M. V. Victor.<br /> -6—The White Tracker. By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> -7—The Outlaw's Wife. By Mrs. Ann S. Stephens.<br /> -8—The Tall Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken.<br /> -9—Lightning Jo. By Capt. Adams.<br /> -10—The Island Pirate. By Capt. Mayne Reid.<br /> -11—The Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes.<br /> -12—Bess, the Trapper. By E. S. Ellis.<br /> -13—The French Spy. By W. J. Hamilton.<br /> -14—Long Shot. By Capt. Comstock.<br /> -15—The Gunmaker. By James L. Bowen.<br /> -16—Red Hand. By A. G. Piper.<br /> -17—Ben, the Trapper. By Lewis W. Carson.<br /> -18—Wild Raven. By Oll Coomes.<br /> -19—The Specter Chief. By Seelin Robins.<br /> -20—The B'ar-Killer. By Capt. Comstock.<br /> -21—Wild Nat. By Wm. R. Eyster.<br /> -22—Indian Jo. By Lewis W. Carson.<br /> -23—Old Kent, the Ranger. By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> -24—The One-Eyed Trapper. By Capt. Comstock.<br /> -25—Godbold, the Spy. By N. C. Iron.<br /> -26—The Black Ship. By John S. Warner.<br /> -27—Single Eye. By Warren St. John.<br /> -28—Indian Jim. By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> -29—The Scout. By Warren St. John.<br /> -30—Eagle Eye. By W. J. Hamilton.<br /> -31—The Mystic Canoe. By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> -32—The Golden Harpoon. By R. Starbuck.<br /> -33—The Scalp King. By Lieut. Ned Hunter.<br /> -34—Old Lute. By E. W. Archer.<br /> -35—Rainbolt, Ranger. By Oll Coomes.<br /> -36—The Boy Pioneer. By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> -37—Carson, the Guide. By J. H. Randolph.<br /> -38—The Heart-Eater. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -39—Wetzel, the Scout. By Boynton Belknap.<br /> -40—The Huge Hunter. By Ed. S. Ellis.<br /> -41—Wild Nat, the Trapper. By Paul Prescott.<br /> -42—Lynx-cap. By Paul Bibbs.<br /> -43—The White Outlaw. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -44—The Dog Trailer. By Frederick Dewey.<br /> -45—The Elk King. By Capt. Chas. Howard.<br /> -46—Adrian, the Pilot. By Col. P. Ingraham.<br /> -47—The Man-hunter. By Maro O. Rolfe.<br /> -48—The Phantom Tracker. By F. Dewey.<br /> -49—Moccasin Bill. By Paul Bibbs.<br /> -50—The Wolf Queen. By Charles Howard.<br /> -51—Tom Hawk, the Trailer.<br /> -52—The Mad Chief. By Chas. Howard.<br /> -53—The Black Wolf. By Edwin E. Ewing.<br /> -54—Arkansas Jack. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -55—Blackbeard. By Paul Bibbs.<br /> -56—The River Rifles. By Billex Muller.<br /> -57—Hunter Ham. By J. Edgar Iliff.<br /> -58—Cloudwood. By J. M. Merrill.<br /> -59—The Texas Hawks. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -60—Merciless Mat. By Capt. Chas. Howard.<br /> -61—Mad Anthony's Scouts. By E. Rodman.<br /> -62—The Luckless Trapper. By Wm. R. Eyster.<br /> -63—The Florida Scout. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -64—The Island Trapper. By Chas. Howard.<br /> -65—Wolf-Cap. By Capt. Chas. Howard.<br /> -66—Rattling Dick. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -67—Sharp-Eye. By Major Max Martine.<br /> -68—Iron-Hand. By Frederick Forest.<br /> -69—The Yellow Hunter. By Chas. Howard.<br /> -70—The Phantom Rider. By Maro O. Rolfe.<br /> -71—Delaware Tom. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -72—Silver Rifle. By Capt. Chas. Howard.<br /> -73—The Skeleton Scout. By Maj. L. W. Carson.<br /> -74—Little Rifle. By Capt. "Bruin" Adams.<br /> -75—The Wood Witch. By Edwin Emerson.<br /> -76—Old Ruff, the Trapper. By "Bruin" Adams.<br /> -77—The Scarlet Shoulders. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -78—The Border Rifleman. By L. W. Carson.<br /> -79—Outlaw Jack. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -80—Tiger-Tail, the Seminole. By R. Ringwood.<br /> -81—Death-Dealer. By Arthur L. Meserve.<br /> -82—Kenton, the Ranger. By Chas. Howard.<br /> -83—The Specter Horseman. By Frank Dewey.<br /> -84—The Three Trappers. By Seelin Robins.<br /> -85—Kaleolah. By T. Benton Shields, U. S. N.<br /> -86—The Hunter Hercules. By Harry St. George.<br /> -87—Phil Hunter. By Capt. Chas. Howard.<br /> -88—The Indian Scout. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -89—The Girl Avenger. By Chas. Howard.<br /> -90—The Red Hermitess. By Paul Bibbs.<br /> -91—Star-Face, the Slayer.<br /> -92—The Antelope Boy. By Geo. L. Aiken.<br /> -93—The Phantom Hunter. By E. Emerson.<br /> -94—Tom Pintle, the Pilot. By M. Klapp.<br /> -95—The Red Wizard. By Ned Hunter.<br /> -96—The Rival Trappers. By L. W. Carson.<br /> -97—The Squaw Spy. By Capt. Chas. Howard.<br /> -98—Dusky Dick. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -99—Colonel Crockett. By Chas. E. Lasalle.<br /> -100—Old Bear Paw. By Major Max Martine.<br /> -101—Redlaw. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -102—Wild Rube. By W. J. Hamilton.<br /> -103—The Indian Hunters. By J. L. Bowen.<br /> -104—Scarred Eagle. By Andrew Dearborn.<br /> -105—Nick Doyle. By P. Hamilton Myers.<br /> -106—The Indian Spy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -107—Job Dean. By Ingoldsby North.<br /> -108—The Wood King. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -109—The Scalped Hunter. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -110—Nick, the Scout. By W. J. Hamilton.<br /> -111—The Texas Tiger. By Edward Willett.<br /> -112—The Crossed Knives. By Hamilton.<br /> -113—Tiger-Heart, the Tracker. By Howard.<br /> -114—The Masked Avenger. By Ingraham.<br /> -115—The Pearl Pirates. By Starbuck.<br /> -116—Black Panther. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -117—Abdiel, the Avenger. By Ed. Willett.<br /> -118—Cato, the Creeper. By Fred. Dewey.<br /> -119—Two-Handed Mat. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -120—Mad Trail Hunter. By Harry Hazard.<br /> -121—Black Nick. By Frederick Whittaker.<br /> -122—Kit Bird. By W. J. Hamilton.<br /> -123—The Specter Riders. By Geo. Gleason.<br /> -124—Giant Pete. By W. J. Hamilton.<br /> -125—The Girl Captain. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -126—Yankee Eph. By J. R. Worcester.<br /> -127—Silverspur. By Edward Willett.<br /> -128—Squatter Dick. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -129—The Child Spy. By George Gleason.<br /> -130—Mink Coat. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -131—Red Plume. By J. Stanley Henderson.<br /> -132—Clyde, the Trailer. By Maro O. Rolfe.<br /> -133—The Lost Cache. By J. Stanley Henderson.<br /> -134—The Cannibal Chief. By Paul J. Prescott.<br /> -135—Karaibo. By J. Stanley Henderson.<br /> -136—Scarlet Moccasin. By Paul Bibbs.<br /> -137—Kidnapped. By J. Stanley Henderson.<br /> -138—Maid of the Mountain. By Hamilton.<br /> -139—The Scioto Scouts. By Ed. Willett.<br /> -140—The Border Renegade. By Badger.<br /> -141—The Mute Chief. By C. D. Clark.<br /> -142—Boone, the Hunter. By Whittaker.<br /> -143—Mountain Kate. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -144—The Red Scalper. By W. J. Hamilton.<br /> -145—The Lone Chief. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.<br /> -146—The Silver Bugle. By Lieut. Col. Hazleton.<br /> -147—Chinga, the Cheyenne. By Edward S. Ellis. Ready Feb. 10th.<br /> -148—The Tangled Trail. By Major Max Martine. Ready Feb. 24th.<br /> -149—The Unseen Hand. By J. Stanley Henderson. Ready March 9th.<br /> -150—The Lone Indian. By Capt. Chas. Howard. Ready March 23d.<br /> -151—The Branded Brave. By Paul Bibbs. Ready April 6th.<br /> -152—Billy Bowlegs, the Seminole Chief. Ready April 20th.<br /> -153—The Valley Scout. By Seelin Robins. Ready May 4.<br /> -154—Red Jacket, the Huron. By Paul Bibbs. Ready May 18th.</p> - - -<p class="ph2">BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUTLAW JACK; OR, THE MOUNTAIN DEVIL ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. 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