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Title: Redlaw, the half-breed; or, The tangled trail. A tale of the settlements

Author: Jos. E. Badger

Release date: July 12, 2022 [eBook #68507]
                Most recently updated: October 18, 2024

Language: English

Original publication: United States: Beadle and Adams

Credits: 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 REDLAW, THE HALF-BREED; OR, THE TANGLED TRAIL. A TALE OF THE SETTLEMENTS ***

                        REDLAW, THE HALF-BREED;

                                  OR,

                          THE TANGLED TRAIL.

                      A TALE OF THE SETTLEMENTS.


                        BY JOS. E. BADGER, JR.,
                AUTHOR OF THE FOLLOWING POCKET NOVELS.

                         59. THE TEXAS HAWKS.
                        63. THE FLORIDA SCOUT.
                            98. DUSKY DICK.


                               NEW YORK:
                     BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS,
                          98 WILLIAM STREET.

      Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by
                          BEADLE AND COMPANY,
      In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.




                              CHAPTER I.

                           THE HIDDEN VOICE.


"Well, gentlemen, I propose we get to business. I for one have no time
to waste, and there are plenty of us present for a beginning," and the
speaker glanced approvingly around the room.

He was a tall, powerfully-built man, aged probably forty-five years, of
a rugged, yet intelligent and almost handsome cast of features; while
the rough "home-made" garments that he wore disguised without hiding
the splendid contour of his form. There was the slightest possible
tinge of the "brogue" to his speech, that would have told a close
observer the land of his nativity.

"I second the motion," piped out a shrill, quavering voice, as a
tall, skeleton-like body abruptly shot up to its full hight, and then
sunk down with a jar upon his stool, as all eyes were turned upon the
speaker, while he vehemently scrubbed at his face with an enormous
yellow cotton handkerchief, to hide the confusion he felt at thus
"speaking out in meeting."

"Thank you, friend Hannibal Hooker," bowed the first speaker. "But
first we will have something to--Landlord! Jim Henderson, I say!"
roared out he who appeared to take the lead in the meeting, bringing
down his huge sun-embrowned, toil-hardened fist upon the table before
him, with such force, that it seemed as if the deal would split, while
Hannibal Hooker convulsively leaped from his stool with a faint squeak.

"Thunder 'n' lightnin', Cap'n Neil," uttered a deep, rumbling voice,
as the door opened and a man thrust his head through the aperture, "am
I deaf, thet you need to t'ar the house down? What d'ye want?" and he
entered the room.

It was like a mouse with a lion's voice. Scarcely five feet and built
in proportion, the new-comer spoke with a voice such as we imagine the
giant Magog to have used, it was so full deep and sonorous. But, if
not consistent with his body, it was with his heart, for "Honest Jim
Henderson" was a by-word, for use to typify truth and fidelity, among
his neighbors.

"Bring us something hot and hearty, _avic_, for our throats will need
wetting before we get through," responded he whom the landlord called
Captain Neil.

"I protest, gentlemen! I protest most emphatically against this
proceeding!" exclaimed a short, rotund personage, bouncing upon his
chair the better to be observed. "Must we depend upon intoxicating
liquors to enable us to form our plans? I say no, a thousand times no!
With such supports, our downfall--"

What the conclusion of this worthy personage's speech was, is lost to
posterity, for by some mischance--it _was_ said, by the adroit trip
of a neighbor's _foot_--the stool upon which he stood was overturned,
and the little fat fellow plunged headlong beneath the table, giving
utterance to a series of grunts and snorts that in no wise tended to
quell the shouts of merriment at his mishap.

"There, brother Bacon," laughed the leader, "is a flat contradiction to
your argument. You fall by opposing it; we will stand with its aid. So,
Henderson, look lively man, for it's getting well along, and I am in
haste."

The worthy brother made no further objection, and when the punch
was brought in, by mere legerdemain, a cup filled with the steaming
beverage found itself tightly clasped in his chubby hand, and ten
minutes later was empty. Then Captain Neil stood up and spoke.

"My friends and neighbors: Most of you know what is our purpose in
gathering here to-night, but as a few may not, I will briefly state the
facts. You all know that for nearly a year past we have been troubled
with floods of counterfeit money, and with losing our stock. How this
is done so secretly, and who by, is yet for us to learn. But one thing
is certain: unless we _do_ find out, and that soon, we may as well sell
out for what we can get, and leave the country.

"Not one, so far as I can tell, among us all, but have suffered in
both ways; for my part, I am five thousand dollars poorer to-night than
I was five months since. Now, must this state of affairs continue?
I, for one, say _no!_--a thousand times no; and if need be, will
spend every moment of my time for the purpose of ferreting out these
scoundrels.

"But to come to the point: what I have to propose is this: We must
organize a band--a _vigilance committee_. Do you know what that means?
They had one in Kentucky--they had one in Arkansas; we must have one in
Kansas! Judge Lynch has jurisdiction _here_ as well as elsewhere, and
it is to him we must turn, since the law of the land is powerless to
protect us!

"All who are now present we can trust, I believe, and there are others
who can be admitted. But you must act cautiously, and know every man
well before he becomes a member. One traitor among us would counteract
all the good that others might do. But all this you know as well as I;
and those who wish to speak, or who have any plan to propose, will now
be heard," concluded Neil McGuire, as he resumed his seat, and filled
the well-blackened corn-cob pipe that lay before him.

Several of the members delivered their opinions upon the subject, all
agreeing with their leader that something must be done; the only thing
in doubt, appeared to be in deciding what that thing should be. It was
while the debate was at its height, that loud, excited voices were
heard in the bar-room without, followed by the sounds of a scuffle,
with a rattle of overturned chairs and tables.

Then the connecting door was violently thrust open, without the trouble
being taken of lifting the latch, and a man stood upon the threshold,
keenly scrutinizing the scene before him. A man we said, but it might
well have been, a remarkable man.

So tall that the hair of his uncovered head touched the top of the
doorway, and yet so perfectly proportioned that had it not been for the
standard to compare by, he would not have seemed over six feet, if so
much. The hands that grasped the sides of the doorway were large and
muscular, but as fine and white as a lady's; and from the position,
great masses of swelling muscle could be seen distending the light
material of his sack coat, upon the arms.

His face was of a massive style of beauty, and yet not without delicate
lines and touches. The keen blue eyes were large and frank-looking,
usually having a genial, good-humored tone about them that
instinctively attracted the beholder; but which had now given place to
a cold, steel-like glitter that warned how dangerous it might be to
cross his mood.

In age he appeared about thirty, and but for the long, flowing mustache
and beard of a soft flaxen color, one would have taken him for half
a decade less. After a few moments' silence the intruder spoke, in a
full, clear tone that would have been musical had it not been for the
metallic ring, occasioned by his anger or excitement.

"Gentlemen, I must beg your indulgence for interrupting your council so
abruptly, but "Honest Jim" Blockhead yonder denied me admittance; and
as I was in no mood for arguing the case, I fear I gave the fellow a
broken head, and took the liberty of introducing myself."

"You say right," responded Neil McGuire, in a stern tone, as he
confronted the stranger, "it _is_ a liberty. We were engaged upon
private business, that does not concern you in the least, and--"

"Pardon, my dear sir," interrupted the stranger, "and allow me to
correct you. The business you were upon _does_ concern me, and I doubt
if one man present is more deeply interested in its success than
myself," he added, in a conciliatory tone, that was flatly contradicted
by the glitter of his eyes at the manner of McGuire.

"Perhaps you will tell me where you got your knowledge of what we were
consulting upon, and your reasons for this intrusion," coldly returned
the latter.

"It is easily done," quoth the stranger, as he advanced to the table
and coolly filling a pint cup with the punch, drained it at a draught,
not heeding the scowls of those around him, "and shall be as you
say. In the first place, you are organizing a league to put down the
horse-thieves and counterfeiters that infest us."

"Go on," was the cold reply.

"You are prudent, and I don't blame you. Who knows but what I am a
spy, or person in the interest of those same scoundrels?" laughed the
intruder.

"Just so; who _does_ know?" chimed in a voice from among the crowd.

The man sprung to his feet and glared in the direction of the voice,
but every face wore an expression of astonishment, while each man
glanced around him as if to discover the speaker.

"If the fellow who spoke thus will be honest enough to show his face,
perhaps he will learn who and what Clay Poynter is. I would give--"

"How much--in _counterfeit money_?" squeaked a shrill treble from
another part of the room, toward which Poynter turned in a frenzy of
rage and fury.

"Peace, gentlemen!" ordered McGuire, thumping upon the table to give
emphasis to his words. "We are not here for squabbling, but upon
serious business. Mr. Poynter is a gentleman. Let him proceed."

"Gentlemen, it is true I am a comparative stranger among you, but, for
all that, you have no occasion to insult me. I will give a hundred
dollars to the man that will point me out the scoundrel who spoke those
words!"

"Which will only cost you sixteen dollars!" added another
voice--alluding to the general price paid for counterfeit money since
the days of Sturdevant--sounding from close behind him who had called
himself Clay Poynter.

The latter swiftly turned, hissing out a bitter oath, with right arm
drawn back to deal a fearful blow upon his insulter, _but no person was
there_! The space behind him had been unoccupied since his entrance.
Poynter staggered back against the table with a half-startled,
half-puzzled look upon his features; but this he soon banished, and
with a somewhat constrained voice, said:

"Really, the devil seems to be at work here to-night, and has selected
me for his mark!"

"Never fear; he will not claim you yet. The mortgage has several weeks
yet to run," again added the strange voice.

"Come--come!" impatiently cried McGuire, "this is all nonsense. Please
go on with your explanation, Mr. Poynter."

"Well, I learned that you were about to organize a vigilance committee,
and thought I would present my name for a membership. So I rode over
from my house, and as I passed the ford at the creek, I was knocked
from the saddle, and when I recovered, I was robbed of my horse as well
as watch and a large sum of money."

"Ho, ho! the robber robbed!" croaked the mysterious voice, and the cry
appeared to float around the room above the company's heads, most of
whom were deathly pale, while anxious, apprehensive glances ran from
one to another. "Ho, ho! the robber robbed!"

"Our worthy friend is quite a ventriloquist," slowly uttered Poynter,
as his fiery eyes roved around the room, dwelling slightly upon each
face; but upon one in particular he cast a glance of mingled hatred
and triumph, then passed to another. "I would willingly give half I am
worth, just to take one lesson from him," dwelling with bitter emphasis
upon each word.

"Well, friends, we may as well break off now before harm is done," said
Neil McGuire, in a vexed tone. "There's something wrong here, and the
less we say, perhaps the better it will be, for who can have any object
in breaking up this meeting, unless he or they are connected with this
accursed gang of scoundrels?"

"But what! must we give up the plan after all this to-do?" exclaimed
Demetrius Bacon, again leaping upon his stool in order to gain the
desired auditory, forgetful of his late downfall.

"Give up the devil!" retorted McGuire, who was not always precise
in his language. "When I put my hand to a thing in dead up-and-down
earnest, it's bound to go through. And now listen, all of you. Until
you hear from me, attend to your business as usual, and do not make
what has happened to-night the subject of conversation. We must use a
little more circumspection, for if a spy can enter among us here we
will need all our wits."

"I show you the spy--why don't you take him?" again squeaked the
strange voice, and then as each man glanced at his neighbor, it added:
"His name, _now_, is Clay Poynter!"

"My dear sir, whoever you may chance to be," cried the man thus
strangely denounced, in an assumed tone of _nonchalant_ politeness, as
he glanced around the room, "I made an error a few moments since. I
said that I would give half I am worth; so I will add the other moiety,
if you grant me an interview."

There was no reply to this speech, and the party filed through the
doorway into the bar-room of the "Twin Sycamores," the majority of
them pausing to take a parting drink before leaving for home. Beside
Neil McGuire stood a medium-sized man, of a sandy complexion, and who
appeared to belong to a different class from the rough, homespun-clad
farmers that surrounded him, if one might judge from his apparel and
general demeanor.

A heavy gold watch-guard, from which depended a bunch of seals,
crossed his waistcoat, and while with one hand holding a riding-whip
he daintily flecked a speck of dust from the tip of his well-polished
boot, the other raised a glass of liquor from the bar. As he did so, a
solitaire diamond ring flashed back the candle-light with a thousand
scintillations. Among the frills of his linen shirt-front a magnificent
cluster pin of the same jewels gleamed forth, exciting the wonder and
admiration of a number of the men present.

At present his features were calm and expressionless, while his small
gray eyes shone with a half-vacant air; but beneath all this a close
observer would have seen something more. He would have pronounced the
stolidity a mere mask, and would have seen that not a man present but
was keenly scrutinized. He would have said that it was as if a panther
had donned a sheep's skin, for some particular purpose. And he would
have been right.

"Come, Dement," said Neil McGuire, turning toward this man. "Come,
let's go," and the two men elbowed their way from the room.

The remainder, such as had not departed, continued to converse in low
tones upon the subject of the strange voice. Poynter was carelessly
leaning back against the counter, holding a glass in one hand, while he
listened intently to the remarks, although not appearing to do so.

"It may be all right, Touter, but it is mighty queer, anyhow. And then
who _is_ this fellow? Do _you_ know--does anybody know, except that
he appears to have plenty of money, and calls himself Clay Poynter?"
distinctly uttered a bold, free tone, and the speaker turned his head
toward the person alluded to.

He was a somewhat remarkable-looking man apparently five or six and
twenty years of age. In form he was tall, and straight as an arrow,
with a lithe suppleness in every movement, that, joined to his swarthy
complexion, and long, straight black hair, in part confirmed the rumor
that he had Indian blood in his veins.

"Ah, my dear Indian Polk," blandly interrupted Poynter, as he drew
himself erect upon hearing these words. "You do not drink. Allow me to
offer you a glass of brandy!" and with a lightning-like movement he
hurled the heavy glassful at the head of the young man.

But, quick as was the action, the missile was eluded by an adroit duck
of the head, and Polk sprung forward with a fierce curse, lunging out
with his clenched fist a fearful blow as he did so. The blow fell upon
Poynter's half-averted cheek, tearing the skin as if cut with a knife;
but not a quiver or a motion was the result of the blow.

Before the assailant could recover his balance, Poynter's left hand
clutched his throat, and then the massive fist shot out, taking Polk
full between the eyes, with such crushing force that he was hurled
clear across the room, where he fell head-first in a senseless heap
beneath a table.

Coolly wiping the blood-spots from his shirt-front with a handkerchief,
Poynter turned to the bar without another glance at the fallen man, and
called for a glass of brandy. Henderson promptly served it, at the same
time whispering:

"You'd better look out, Mr. Poynter, fer 'Injun' hain't no baby, an'
'll hev y'ur blood fer this, ef so be he kin. He's a devil, shore!"

"Bah!" laughed Poynter, snapping his fingers. "I don't care _that_ for
him. If he crosses my path again, or lets me hear any more of his dirty
hints, I'll hit him a square blow next, one that he'll not get over so
easily as this one. But when he gets up, just give him my compliments,
and tell him that if he relishes the specimen, there's plenty more of
the same brand at his service," and so saying, Clay Poynter left the
room and vanished in the darkness, leaving those behind him still more
puzzled at him than before, which is saying a good deal.




                              CHAPTER II.

                           THE DOUBLE SHOT.


"What can be keeping Nora, I wonder?" half muttered a man, as he
anxiously peered through the leafy screen before him, with a gesture of
impatience.

A man, we said, and as he turns his head so that the sun's rays fall
beneath the broad-brimmed slouched hat, we can see that it is Clay
Poynter, who is there awaiting the arrival of some person. Even had not
his muttered exclamation revealed this fact, there was an eager, ardent
tinge to his restlessness that would have betrayed his secret--would
have told of an appointment with some one a little more than a mere
friend.

A woman would have guessed that he was expecting a sweetheart, whom,
for some reason, he could not visit openly, and she would have been
right. He was awaiting a sweetheart, and her name was Nora McGuire.

Again Poynter peered through the bushes. He saw a small but neat
vine-covered log-house, of only one story. Behind this and upon either
hand spread the fields of young grain, now a level, waving sea of
verdure, with strange forms and figures chasing each other, as the
blades were bent by the fitful gusts of wind.

Behind this, again, rose the rugged mounds forming the "Wildcat Range,"
among whose more difficult recesses the "big game" still could be
found, and it was rumored that yet more dangerous customers might
there be met with--that many a wild scene of blood and crime those
rock-crowned hills had witnessed.

But of this our friend took no heed, for he saw the object of his
thoughts step from the cabin door, and after a hasty glance around,
trip lightly toward the spot where he was standing. Poynter pushed
aside the screen of bushes, and half emerged, but as if by a second
thought he drew back, with a muttered curse.

He had caught a glimpse of Neil McGuire's stalwart form passing from
the field to the cabin, and for some reason, best known to himself, did
not wish those keen gray eyes to note his presence. The young girl now
reached the screen of bushes, and with one glance behind her, passed
them, and then was tightly clasped in the strong arms of Poynter.

"For shame, Mr. Poynter, to surprise me in that way!" pouted the dainty
lips, as Nora glided from the embrace.

"But, Nora, 'tis all your own fault, if I am obliged to surprise you,
as you say," laughed the young man.

"And why so?" innocently queried the maiden, with the slightest
possible toss of her pretty head.

"Well, pet, the fact is, I have a serious monomania, that troubles a--"

"A _what_? Is it any thing very dangerous?" asked Nora, with a startled
air.

"That depends," he laughed again. "But, as I was saying, the disease
is beyond my power to cure. It is, that whenever I see a dainty little
rosebud mouth, like one that shall be nameless, I feel an irresistible
desire to just stoop my head and see if it is as sweet as it looks!"

"Oh, you horrid creature! I thought you were sick, or something,"
pouted Nora, half turning away.

"Now you're mad, and I've got something of importance to tell you."

"No, I am not mad; but you talk so queer at times, that I can't
understand you. You seem to delight in making sport of me."

"I make sport of _you_. No, no, little one. I love you far too well
for that. It is only my way. But come, take my arm and let's walk. I
have something to say that can not be postponed, and some one might
interrupt us here," added Poynter.

"But can't you come to the house, Clay? It don't seem right for me to
meet you in this manner," hesitated Nora.

"Your father is at home, and you know what he said the last time I
called. If any one else had spoken to me in that way, Nora, he would--"
And then pausing abruptly for a moment, he added: "But what has he told
you about me, pet?"

"About you? Why--" faltered the maiden.

"Come, Nora, it is better that I should hear it from you than him. No
matter how harsh or unjust it may be, I shall not forget that he is
_your_ father."

"Oh, Clay, it was dreadful!"

"So bad as that? Well, my shoulders are broad and I can bear it. And it
was--?"

"Must I tell?" she pleaded.

"Nora!"

"Well, then," with a sigh, "he said that he had heard you were
connected with a gang of horse-thieves and counterfeiters; and although
he had no positive proof against you, as yet, he forbade my speaking to
you until he gave me leave."

"So-so!" bitterly exclaimed Poynter, half to himself. "My kind friend
has not abandoned me yet." Then turning abruptly to Nora, he added:
"And you believed this?"

"Clay!"

"Pardon, darling; I did not mean it," repentantly said Poynter. "No, I
can trust _you_, if no one else."

And he clasped the little brown hand that had been laid upon his arm at
her exclamation.

"I wish you _would_ trust me; then, perhaps, I could tell better how to
act," she said, looking up into his face, wistfully.

"And have I not? Well--did he tell you from where these hints came?"

"No, but I think--and yet again, I am puzzled," hesitated Nora.

"You think--?"

"That our strange visitor--this John Dement, he calls himself--is in
some way mixed up with it. More than once I have accidentally overheard
him and father speaking about you, but whenever they saw me, it would
be dropped."

"The yellow-haired man that was with your father on Tuesday night?"

"Yes. But I may be wrong. At any rate, he has left us now."

"Left you, you say; and when?"

"Late yesterday afternoon. But it is only for a short time. I heard him
tell father that he would return next week."

"Do you know where he went?"

"To Fort Leavenworth."

"Good! I will manage to have an interview with the gentleman; I must
stop there myself."

"You stop there? Why Clay--!" exclaimed the maiden, in a startled tone.

"Yes; that is what I came to tell you. I must go to St. Louis upon
business for a week or so. Indeed, I should have been upon the road
before now, but I wished to see you first so that you would not be
alarmed at my disappearance," returned Poynter, kindly.

The reply she was about to make was abruptly checked by the sound of
approaching footsteps, and then the loud, clear call of:

"Nora, Nora child, where are you?"

"Oh, Clay, it is my father! He will kill me if he finds I am with you!"

"Never fear, darling, he will not hurt you," murmured Poynter, as he
drew the trembling form closer to his side.

"No, no, Clay; but you--oh, leave me!"

"What, _I_ run, and from one man?"

"Nora--I say, Nora; why don't you answer me?" impatiently called the
voice, and the footsteps ceased, as if her father was listening.

"For my sake!" pleaded the maiden.

"For _your_ sake--well," and with one fervent kiss, Clay Poynter
vanished among the undergrowth.

"_Nora_--NORA!"

"Yes, father," she tremblingly answered.

"Oh, so here you are!" said Neil McGuire, as he entered the little
glade. "Why didn't you speak before? Ha! who has been here with you?"
he added, at the same time bending over the moist ground.

Nora could not reply, and then her father rose with an angry flush upon
his face, and exclaimed, in a voice hoarse with passion:

"So, this is the way you obey me! Stop!" as he saw Nora about to speak,
"do not add falsehood to disobedience--"

"Father, did I ever tell you a lie?" reproachfully asked Nora.

"Pardon, Nora, I did not mean that. But I was so angry at finding that
you had been with that villain, Poynter, I forgot myself. See, those
are his tracks. No other man wears such boots, around here."

"Well, I was with him, but he only came to bid me good-by."

"Good-by! Then he thinks it best to leave the country before Judge
Lynch interviews him, the--"

"Hold, Mr. McGuire," slowly said Poynter, as he stepped forward and
confronted the father. "Why should _I_ fear Judge Lynch more than any
other man?"

"Ah, why, indeed?" sneered McGuire. "Why was it that you left Kentucky
so suddenly, and made such a short stop in Arkansas, if I may ask?"

"So, _that_ is your game, is it? Well, of this be assured, that after
my return from St. Louis, I will show you such proofs of my innocence
that you will beg pardon for your unjust suspicions."

"_After_ your return!" echoed Neil, derisively.

"Father--father!" pleaded Nora, in terror, "come, let us go home; I am
afraid."

"Your daughter is right, Mr. McGuire," added Poynter, a little more
coolly. "It will do no good for us to talk further. My explanations can
wait."

"So I presume," curtly responded the other, then adding, "Come, child,
let us go," and leading Nora by the hand, he left the glade.

For a few moments Poynter stood gazing abstractedly in the direction
they had taken, and then arousing himself, with a little laugh, turned
upon his heel and walked briskly along a faintly-defined trail. The
woods were open and free from undergrowth at this point, but after
crossing a narrow tract of bare ground, and once more entering the
timber, the path was thickly fringed on either side with bushes of
hazel and oak.

After crossing a slight rise and down the valley once more, Poynter
came in view of his own house--for that time and section, a perfect
palace, a two-story frame, weather-boarded, and painted a neat
cream-color. Why he had built this, when he was not at home one-tenth
of his time, was a great puzzle to his neighbors, and many a siege of
cross-questioning had old aunty Eunice to undergo.

Questions as to who her young master really was, if wealthy, and his
reasons for making such frequent journeys; why he had not got married,
and countless others, of equal importance. But the old negress knew how
to keep a close tongue in her head, or to talk a great deal without
saying any thing; so that when her visitors left, they were forced to
acknowledge that they knew as much as they did before--and not much
more.

Clay Poynter strode rapidly along, but his thoughts were not upon
what he was doing; he was thinking of Nora McGuire. His head was bent
forward, but he did not heed where he stepped, and with a sharp cry of
surprise, he fell headlong, his foot having caught against a root or
stub.

It is wonderful upon what slight points a man's life hinges; and
Poynter had an instance of this fact furnished him at the same moment.
Simultaneous with his cry, a double report echoed upon the air, and his
hat fluttered from his head, and a sharp, tingling sensation in his
shoulder told him that he was shot.

"Hurray, Bart, he's a goner!" shouted a voice, that the fallen man had
no difficulty in recognizing.

"Bet ye! But it's halfers, mind ye now, Polk!" and at the same time
two men broke out from the bushes, and hastened toward their intended
victim.

Poynter could see them plainly, and immediately recognized them to
be Barton Clowry and Polk Redlaw, the former a drunken, worthless
scoundrel, that would lie, steal, fight and drink, day in and day
out, disliked by everybody and pitied by none. He had a fit-looking
person for a partner, owing to the blow dealt Polk Redlaw by Poynter,
at the "Twin Sycamores," that had inflamed his entire face dreadfully.

All this he saw at a glance, and when the two would-be murderers had
crossed half the intervening space, Poynter leaped to his feet with
a hoarse cry, and as his right arm straightened out, the sun's rays
flashed upon the polished tube of a revolver. At the report, Clowry
gave a convulsive spring, and then fell upon his face, dead.

"Now, you dirty mongrel cur, it is your turn!" yelled Poynter, as he
again cocked his weapon.

It was discharged, but Polk had caught the motion, and throwing
himself flat upon the ground, the missile hissed harmlessly above his
head. But ere he could arise, Poynter leaped forward and dealt him a
fearful kick upon the side of his head, that hurled him forward twice
his length, sprawling among the bushes, where he lay perfectly limp and
motionless.

His enemy stooped over him and felt of his body, then arising, he
muttered:

"Dead as the other! Well, it's so much ammunition saved, at any rate.
It is a bad job, though, but it was either I or them, and they _would_
have it!" he muttered, as he returned to where his hat lay, brushing
the dust from his garments.

"New hat spoiled--item first; bullet-hole in shoulder, another. Well,
I don't know but what they are both paid for, now, as it turned out.
Confound the thing, how it does smart. Aunt Eunice must bind it up,
and then I suppose I must go and tell the neighbors," he mused, as he
proceeded toward the house.

"Curse the luck! More delay just when I should be at work; and if I was
not very popular before, will this mend matters any? It's lucky they
were such dirty hounds, or it might go hard with me. And then these
_vigilantes_--"

"Lord 'a' massy! Marse Clay," cried a husky, wheezing voice, as a negro
woman came waddling from around the house. "Is you done kilt, honey?"

"Not quite, aunty," laughed Poynter. "But I might have been. Come," he
added, entering the building, "get some rags and bind up my shoulder."

"'Clar' to goodness, honey, chile, I was e'ena'most skeered to deaf,
I jest was, now," chattered aunt Eunice, as she bustled around her
patient. "I jest done went to de do' to look ef you was a-comin', w'en
I see'd dem 'ar funnelly fellers a-shootin', an' den you falled down,
an' I t'ought you's done dead fo' suah!"

"Well, why didn't you come and help me?"

"'Deed I was jest a-gwine, honey, so I was. I runned to de kitchen,
an' got dis yere," holding up a huge basting-fork, "'nd w'en I got
out ag'in, dar you was, big's life. 'Pears like, I'd a-drapped, I's
so 'mazin' glad. Bress ye, honey, dear, ef dem 'a Pharoasters 'd 'a'
killed you, I'd a--jest would, so dar!" spluttered the old woman,
throwing her arms around Clay, and jumping up and down as she hugged
him.

"Easy--easy, aunty; you hurt my arm," laughed Poynter, as he released
himself, and then sunk into a chair, feeling faint from excitement and
loss of blood.

"Jest looky! w'at a funnelly ole goose I is! But I's so glad, Marse
Clay, dat it 'pears like I'll go clean crazy."

"I think that if you'd get me some brandy, or a cup of coffee, it would
be a more sensible idea, aunt Eunice."

"Dar 'tis ag'in! Might 'a' knowed dat. But you jest sot still, honey,
'nd I'll git you it," and she trotted out of the room with an alacrity
that made the entire house jar beneath her weight, while Poynter bowed
his head upon the table.




                             CHAPTER III.

                            "JUDGE LYNCH."


After drinking the coffee prepared by aunt Eunice, Poynter started
toward the door with the intention of mounting his horse and giving
information to his neighbors concerning the tragedy, but his limbs
trembled and his head reeled, forcing him to catch at the door-post in
order to keep from falling. A strange spell of weakness seized him, and
but for the strong arm of his servant, who supported him to a chair, he
would have sunk to the floor.

"Fix my bed, aunty; I guess I'll lie down for a moment. I must have
bled far more than I thought. And just at the time when I should
be most active, too!" he muttered, half uneasily, as the old woman
departed upon her errand.

In a few moments he was lying down upon the bed, and dismissed aunt
Eunice about her work. He sunk into a heavy slumber, that lasted until
four in the afternoon, when he was hastily aroused by his servant, who
appeared to be terribly alarmed at something.

"Well, what is up, Eunice? You look as though you'd seen the ghost of
your grandmother, or something as bad," he drawled, with a yawn, as he
started up in bed.

"Lord, ef _'twas_ on'y jest a ghos', 'pears like I'd be glad!" cried
the old woman, anxiously. "Bress you, honey, dar's a right smart chance
o' dem ar' critter-back fellers out yander, all a-holdin' guns an' sich
like, w'at tole me was you hyar? Den I tole _dem_, I dunno; 'spect
you done gwine away; 'cause I didn't know w'at dey wanted, an' didn't
know mebbe you'd want to hide. Den a gre't big feller, no 'count w'ite
trash, he said, 'G'long, dar, you 'sense o' midnight you, an' tell
him to show hissef, or I brow de whull top o' y'ur head offen you!'
Den I say, 'Git out, you dirty w'ite nigger'--" spluttered the woman,
when Poynter, who had pulled on his boots and coat, interrupted her by
asking:

"Armed horsemen, you say; did you know any of them?"

"'Deed I did so, honey. Dar's ol' Marse Reeves, 'n' Brooks 'nd dat ar'
Injun feller--" began Eunice.

"What! not Polk Redlaw?"

"'Deed, fo' suah, Marse Clay, honey," persisted Eunice. "I knowed de
dirty nigger, dough his face is all bloody, an' red like a b'iled beet."

Poynter did not reply, but proceeded hastily through the house and out
upon the front stoop, where his appearance was hailed with an exultant
shout from the crowd of armed men that filled the dooryard.

"There he is--arrest him! I charge him with murder!" cried out a loud
voice, a little upon one side.

"Ah! you there, mongrel cur?" scornfully cried the accused, with a look
of contempt. "I thought I had finished you for good."

"See, he acknowledges it!" foamed Polk Redlaw; "I call you all to
witness--"

"Dry up y'ur yaup," muttered one of his neighbors, giving Redlaw a
shove that nearly sent him to the ground head-foremost.

"Curse you, Jack Fyffe!" snarled Polk, leaping at the man with a
gleaming knife in his hand, "I'll cut your heart out!"

"So?" coolly exclaimed the burly fellow, dodging aside and dealing the
battered head of his assailant a deftly-planted blow that brought him
to grass. "'Pears like 's if y'ur ockyputt was a football, sorter."

"Stop your squabbling there," called out Neil McGuire, sternly. "The
first one that creates a disturbance while I lead them, will be put
under arrest. Young man," he added, turning to Poynter, who stood
calmly scrutinizing the assembly before him, as if he would read his
probable fate in their faces, "I regret it for your sake, but I must
arrest you," at the same time ascending the steps and placing his hand
upon Poynter's shoulder.

"Arrest me!" said the young man, shaking off the grasp and retreating a
step. "And for what?"

A yell went up from the crowd; among the cries were fearful
words--those of _robbery_ and _murder_!

"You hear?" significantly returned McGuire.

"I do; but even supposing those terms applied to me, what right have
_you_ to take the office of justice upon yourself?"

"What right? That of the people--of honest men! The right that
justifies a man in killing a snake, or ridding the community of a
scourge. We are _vigilantes_--did you ever hear of them before--in
Kentucky, for instance?" sternly replied Neil, with a biting sneer upon
the last question.

"Ah!"

It was only one word, but it comprised a world of bitterness--one might
almost say of anguish and despair. It seemed as if a dreadful blow had
been stricken him, and for a moment he bowed his head beneath it; but
only for a moment. Then he was as cool and as proud as before.

"Very well. I suppose I am your prisoner?"

"You are."

"Aunt Eunice, don't be alarmed, I will return soon." Then turning to
McGuire, he added, "I presume I will have a fair trial?"

"We are not murderers--only the ministers of justice," was the stern
reply.

"Then, aunty, when I send for you, come. I may need your evidence."

"'Deed, Marse Clay, honey," sobbed the old woman, pressing forward,
"I's gwine along too."

"No, you can not; at least just now. Remain here until I send." Then
to the leader of the _vigilantes_: "Well, sir, I am ready."

"Your horse?"

"Is in the stable--my bay, I mean. The other was stolen."

"Stolen?"

"I told you as much, at the meeting."

"Well; Crane, bring him out," and then McGuire drew aside with two men,
to whom he appeared giving some instructions, in a low, guarded voice.

The horse of the prisoner was brought forth, and when he had mounted,
they filed from the dooryard, and closing up around their captive rode
away, with the exception of the two men spoken to by McGuire, who soon
after entered the building.

The little cavalcade proceeded at a rapid trot toward the "Twin
Sycamores," while the curious, half-affrighted gazes that followed them
from each house as they passed, told that a rumor of their mission had
spread like wildfire. All this was not unnoticed by the prisoner, and
he drew himself erect with a prouder more haughty air, as if he would
thus repel the ignominy that rested upon him.

Poynter's mind was not idle, and he realized that his liberty, if
not life, was in jeopardy; and that, too, when freedom was most
inestimable. He did not know what charges would be brought against him;
but it was evident that the hint given by Neil McGuire regarding the
Kentucky _vigilantes_ troubled his mind not a little.

In a few minutes the party drew rein in front of the "Twin
Sycamores"--so named from the two gigantic trees of that species
growing upon either side of the door--where stood "Honest Jim." The
captain whispered a few words in his ear.

"Wal, ef you wish it; thar's nobody thar." Then, as he drew nearer
to Poynter, he added in a kind tone: "Lord love you, squar', I'm
sorry--dog-goned sorry to see you hyar. It's rough lines fer a fine
young feller like you to be 'rested on sech a charge!"

"Thank you, Henderson," cordially replied Poynter, as he clasped
the little man's hand warmly. "It is rough, especially when you are
innocent."

"Be--now don't git mad, Mr. Poynter, 'cause I mean well--_be_ you
innercent?" anxiously asked Henderson.

"Of any thing unlawful or mean, I am. But as I don't know what charges
are laid against me, I can say no more."

"They say you be one of these horse-thieves an' counterfeiters!"
whispered the landlord.

"Then they lie!" angrily replied Poynter.

"An' wuss, a heap wusser'n that. They say you _murdered_--"

"No conversing with the prisoner there, Jim Henderson," interrupted the
leader, as he emerged from the house.

"I was jest a--"

"No matter. Come. The long-room is ready, and to spare time we will try
the prisoner at once," added McGuire, as he motioned his men to enter.

The "long-room" was that in which we saw the first meeting of the
_vigilantes_, and as all entered, the door was closed and securely
bolted, thus guarding against any intrusion. The long table was pushed
along until it touched the further end of the wall, and upon this a
single chair was placed. Then a similar one was stood near the other
extremity for the prisoner's use.

"Now, gentlemen," said Neil McGuire, "we will vote for a judge to try
the case."

By universal acclamation he was elected, and at once took his seat,
when Poynter was directed to assume his position. After some few
objections by the prisoner, a jury was chosen and ranged alongside the
judge, who then spoke:

"You know the task that is before you, and the sooner it is over the
better. We will--"

"One moment, Mr. McGuire--or I presume I should say _your honor_,"
interrupted Poynter, with an ironical bow. "You call this a trial, but
is it not altogether one-sided? Here I am arrested, for what I know
not; already treated like a felon. Is _this_ your idea of justice?"

"You speak warmly, Mr. Poynter--"

"And why not? You are all leagued against me, and so far as I can
see, do not intend giving me a chance to clear myself from any charge
you may bring against me. If I am to be tried, I demand it shall be
according to law, and that I have counsel; that I am informed what
crime I am accused of, and allowed time to procure witnesses!" hotly
exclaimed the prisoner.

"You shall have full justice, but we have no need for lawyers here.
The truth alone shall acquit or condemn you. You can defend yourself,
and if any witnesses are necessary, they shall be sent for. If you are
shown to be innocent, then any reparation you demand shall be given,
but if guilty, by the God that made me, you shall swing for it, if I
have to drag the rope myself!"

"One would think I was already condemned, by the way you speak; but go
on. What are your charges?"

"Polk Redlaw!"

"Here!"

"Your turn first. Tell us your story. But briefly and to the point,"
ordered the "judge."

"Well, I heard the prisoner was suspected--"

"Never mind that now, but come to your charge first."

"Then I charge him with murdering Barton Clowry, and nearly killing
me!" snarled the witness.

"You hear, prisoner; guilty or not guilty?"

"That I killed Clowry, and tried to serve that mongrel the same, I
admit; but it was in self-defense, not _murder_," promptly replied
Poynter.

"He lies--"

"Silence! Mr. Redlaw, no abuse if you please. State your case," ordered
McGuire.

"Well, as I was saying, I, together with Barton Clowry, was ordered
to scout around the house of the prisoner, and as soon as he returned
to inform the band so that they could arrest him without his having
a chance to escape, as he would had they hunted him with the whole
league. We concealed ourselves by the side of the road, and were
talking together to pass away the time, when I heard a pistol-shot, and
Bart fell dead over into my lap.

"Before I could get up I saw the prisoner come running toward us,
and aiming at me he fired again, but missed. Then he struck me with
his revolver, knocking me back as I tried to get up; then kicked and
pounded me upon the head until he thought I was dead.

"I was only stunned, however, and when I came to, I managed to crawl
away, and finding the _vigilantes_ I told them my story. You were
notified, and going with us, you know the rest," concluded Polk; his
speech being followed by a deep, fierce murmur that told how fully his
apparently frank and truthful story had been believed.

"Mr. McGuire, and you, gentlemen," exclaimed Poynter, springing to his
feet, but as the position in which he was placed would not allow him
to stand erect, he sunk back into the chair. "Gentlemen! Every word
that mongrel has said is a base, foul lie! And if you will send for my
housekeeper, you will see that it is so.

"I was walking peaceably along the lane toward my house, when two shots
were fired at me from an ambush. See; here is the mark of one in my
hat, and if you examine my left shoulder you can see the trace left by
the other.

"Did he say any thing about shooting at me? You, Mr. McGuire, know
that I was not wounded this forenoon when I saw you. I admit shooting
Clowry, but it was in self-defense. Does it look reasonable, or even
possible, that _had_ I done as this scoundrel states, I would have
returned to the house to lie down and sleep for hours? Would I not have
mounted and fled?"

"There is reason in what you say," uttered the judge. "But you said you
had proof; did she witness the affair?"

"Yes; my negro housekeeper saw it all."

"Fox, you and Bowers go and bring her here immediately," ordered the
leader. Then turning toward Polk Redlaw, he added, slowly: "Well, you
hear what _he_ says? Mind how you reply, for it is no light thing to
wrongfully accuse a man of such a crime."

"I have told you the truth and nothing else," sullenly replied the
accuser. "He has had plenty of time to trump up a yarn and teach his
wench what to say. A white man's word ought to be good against a
nigger's, any day."

"If true, it will be."

At this point the proceedings were interrupted by the entrance of
the two messengers and aunt Eunice, whom they had met almost at the
door--she having followed her master with the best speed her unwieldy
body was capable of.

We need not follow her evidence as it is already known, and confirmed
Poynter's story. But as the prisoner glanced around the room, he
was surprised to note the still dark and vindictive faces of the
_vigilantes_, who appeared any thing but convinced. Then he spoke,
addressing the judge:

"Well, sir, what is your decision?"

"On this score you are fully acquitted; but--"

"'On _this_ charge!' Are there any more, then?"

"Two others. Passing counterfeit money, and _murder_."

"Murder!"

"_Yes; the murder of John Dement!_"




                              CHAPTER IV.

                          THE CRY FOR BLOOD!


Clay Poynter sat as if perfectly astounded at these words; then, as he
recovered from the shock and glanced around him, he could read in the
faces of all that he was deemed guilty of this black deed. Only one
face but wore this look; one face, and that belonged to aunt Eunice.

She stood with her hands thrown up, her eyes rolling wildly, while
her capacious mouth opened and shut by jerks, as if she was trying to
speak. Then with an explosive snort, she spluttered:

"Well, ef you hain't jest de biggest liar on top o' dis yere airth, den
I don't know nuffin! Mars'r Clay--_my_ chile--do dat ar'? _He_--w'y,
you cussed funnelly fools--Lord 'a' massy, 'pears like I's gwine to
bu'st, 'deed it does!"

"Take her out, some of you," angrily ordered the judge.

"Yes, aunty, you'd better go now," interposed Poynter. "It's all a
mistake like the other one, and will be over soon."

He had not time to say more, for the old negress was unceremoniously
hustled out of the "court-room," and the door again barred. Then the
proceedings were resumed. Upon the charge of passing counterfeit
money, Jim Henderson testified that the prisoner had given him a base
five-dollar coin in payment of his score upon the night of the first
meeting, receiving change in good silver.

Was positive of the fact, because it was the only coin of that
denomination he had received that day. Upon this, Poynton admitted
that he might have done so, unknowing that the coin was spurious, and
instanced several cases of his being served the same way, owing to the
vast amount of counterfeit money then in circulation.

"Jonathan Green!" called out the judge, acting as crier.

"Hyar I be!" grunted a coarse voice, as a man elbowed his way through
the crowd toward the open space reserved for witnesses.

He was a short, squat-built, villainous-looking fellow of perhaps forty
years, although strong drink and excesses may have contributed several
of them. He cast a sidelong, sneaking glance at Poynter, and then
suddenly averted his head.

The prisoner made a sudden motion as if about to speak, but then sunk
back once more, his eyes steadily fixed upon Green's face.

This action was not unnoted by the jurors, and more than one thought
they could discern a shudder pass over his form, as he darted a
peculiar look at the witness. But then, in imitation of a legal court,
Green was sworn, and proceeded to give in his testimony.

"Yas, 'ir, I'll tell ye the hull truth, jist es straight es a dogwood,
ef on'y you'll promus 'at no harm 'll come arter it. He's mighty
rambunctious, he is, when his mad's up."

"Never you mind about that, sir," impatiently said McGuire, "but give
in your testimony."

"Wal, ef I must, why, so be it. I've knowed the pris'ner thar a
consid'able spell, ef not longer. Me 'n' him usen to be gre't fri'nds
an' pardners like, back to ol' Kaintuck--"

"Gentlemen, is this scoundrelly liar brought here to swear away my
life? As I live, I have never seen the fellow half a dozen times; I
didn't even know his name, beyond that of 'Lying Jack,' and never spoke
a word to him in my life!" exclaimed the prisoner, hotly.

"Silence!" ordered the judge.

"Hyar's my hat," put in Green, extending the rag that answered that
purpose, with a comical leer. "I never told a bigger lie 'n thet in my
life!"

"Witness, you will go on with your evidence, or, by all that's good,
I'll give you a taste of hickory oil!" thundered the judge.

"Jes' so! But, es I war sayin', I knowed 'im in ol' Kaintuck jist afore
he war driv' away by the _vigilantes_--"

"For what reason?" asked one of the jurors.

"I don't know. Mebbe 'twas 'cause he scattered too much o' the _queer_,
mebbe 'twasn't," returned the witness, significantly. "Anyhow, he
left, an' then I nixt see'd him hyar. One day--mebbe two weeks gone
by--he come to me an' says, says he, 'Green, my fri'nd, what you doin',
anyhow?' 'Oh, jist sorter sloshin' round, like,' says I.

"Then arter a w'ile he said he could put me in a leetle way to make
money, ef I'd no 'bjection. He said he's in the ol' business, an'
wanted me to take holt and try to sell the 'queer,' offerin' to let me
hev it fer fifteen dollars a hunderd, till I sorter got started, an'
found rig'lar customers. I pertended to be all-fired glad, an' he guv
me one hunderd dollars on tick."

"But why didn't you tell of this before?" demanded the judge.

"An' git sarved like Bart Clowry? Who was I to go to, ontel I hearn
thet you un's was on the trail? Es soon 's I knowed thet, I come an'
told you, didn't I?"

"Have you any of the money with you?"

"Yas," replied the witness, drawing a small package from his bootleg.
"Hyar it is. I kep' it hid till to-day, 'cause ef it 'd 'a' bin found
on me afore, the fellers mought 'a' thunk I's one o' them 'ar fellers."

The money, all in five-dollar coins, was passed to the jurors who,
after a careful examination, pronounced it to be counterfeit. Surely,
the case began to look black for the prisoner but he still maintained
a haughty look upon his pale, handsome features, while his eye flashed
back the angry glances that were cast at him from all sides.

"That is all the evidence upon the first charge, I believe," spoke
McGuire, but he was interrupted by a voice from the crowd:

"Begging pardon, judge, but there's more yet," and the speaker, one
of the two men who had remained behind at the prisoner's house, came
forward, and held up a pair of dies made for coining half-eagles.
"These toys were found at the house, concealed in the chimney-jamb."

Amidst the greatest excitement, Frank Dalton was sworn, and deposed to
this effect. He and Sam Gibson had made a search of the premises after
Poynter's capture. After a time they had found the dies, concealed as
stated; and a small package of newly-coined money, tied up in an old
rag at the bottom of the prisoner's trunk, and thinking they would be
needed as evidence, had brought them away.

Samuel Gibson, who was a well-known and respected farmer, fully
corroborated Dalton's statement as to the discovery, and when he
concluded, any slight doubt that might have been entertained as to the
prisoner's guilt, was entirely dispelled.

The hoarse murmur that filled the room began to increase in volume,
and dark, deadly hints could be distinguished. Hints that soon grew
into open threats, calling for a conviction--a conviction that would be
equivalent to _death_.

Flogging was the least terrible of their threats; others spoke of
hanging, several of _burning_!

Still the prisoner did not quail or tremble. He even drew himself up
with a bolder defiance, and not one man of them all but turned their
eyes away from his when their gaze met.

"Peace, gentlemen," spoke McGuire, half arising--the ceiling would
allow no more--and waving his hand to command silence. "All in good
time. There is yet another charge upon which he must be tried. If
justice pauses, it will none the less be carried out.

"Wesley Sprowl!" he called out, once order was restored.

A little weasel-faced man approached the stand for witnesses. His form
was bowed and emaciated, as if from some recent severe illness, and a
hectic cough appeared to trouble him exceedingly, as he gave in his
evidence, frequently causing him to pause and lean heavily against the
table for support.

As soon as he had partially regained his breath, the judge ordered him
to proceed with his testimony, after being duly sworn. But his first
words were lost to the majority of the assembly, owing to his low tone;
but he soon gathered strength, and every word was uttered with a clear
distinctness, that from its deliberation, every sentence appeared to be
carefully weighed before being spoken.

"I know the prisoner well, partly because he is not a common-looking
man, but more so from feeling a friendly interest in him. He has often
been at my house, and when I was nearly dead with the chills, and had
no money, he brought me some quinine that cured me. I tell you this so
that you may see how impossible it would be for me to mistake another
for him.

"I was feeling quite unwell all day yesterday, and could not sleep
any last night from that cause. Many of you know that I have lines
constantly set in the river, by night as well as by day. Somehow my
mind got to dwelling upon them, and I could not banish a fancy that
occurred to me, of there being a great big catfish upon one of the
lines.

"I thought it was trying to break the line, and at length I became so
convinced that it was so, I dressed, and went out toward the river.
Somehow I didn't think of taking any weapon with me; my mind was so
full of the big fish.

"Well, I struck into the road at the cornfield, and then, as the
easiest way, I followed the road, intending to strike the branch where
a plain trail leads to the river. But, just as I got to the old 'Ivy
Elm,' I heard loud voices coming directly toward me.

"So I slipped behind the tree to let them pass, for in these rough
times you don't know who you might meet, and although I hadn't any
thing worth stealing, it wouldn't be the first man who'd been rubbed
out just for fun. But they were long in coming by and appeared to stop
twice, talking in loud and, as I thought, angry tones, before they
paused exactly in front of me.

"By reaching out my arm, I could have touched the largest man, they
were that close; and by the voice, I thought I could recognize the
prisoner. I was so frightened that I could only distinguish one
sentence spoken by the latter: '_And you won't let that Kentucky scrape
drop?_'

"Those were his exact words, and the other man answered no, that he
would tell all.

"Then I saw the larger one draw back his right hand, and could
distinguish the gleam of a knife. The same moment, the other man
stumbled and fell, muttering with a groan that he was killed. Twice
more he was stabbed, and then the murderer appeared to be searching his
body.

"I could see him take something white from an inner pocket and put it
into his breast, but the shadow was so dense that I could not tell what
it was, nor yet see their features plain enough to be sure of their
identity. But then, with a curse, the murderer struck a match, and
holding it close to the body, bent down his own head.

"He was unfastening something from his victim's shirt-bosom, that
gleamed and sparkled in the light like lightning-bugs. The match lasted
only a moment, but that was long enough for me to distinguish plainly
the features of both men.

"The murdered one was the sandy-complexioned man that has been staying
with Mr. McGuire, and the other was--"

Here the witness faltered for a moment, and glancing around over the
eager, anxious faces that were turned upon him, cast a deprecating look
at the prisoner, who was bending far forward, as if drinking in every
word.

"And the other?" demanded the judge.

"_The murderer was the prisoner, Clay Poynter!_"

A deep, hoarse cry of rage and fury ran around the crowd of spectators,
but far above it roared the clear, metallic tones of the accused.

"It is false, every word--false as h--l!"

In vain the judge shouted for order; his call was unheeded. The crowd
swayed to and fro for a moment, and then rushed forward, as one man, to
seize upon the prisoner.

But Neil McGuire ran along the table and stood beside Poynter, with a
cocked revolver in his hand. The next instant, obedient to his call,
the jurors gathered around, similarly armed. Then McGuire spoke in a
tone that overpowered the tumult.

"Stand back--back with you! By the God that made me, if one of you
dare to lay a hand on the prisoner, I will spatter the walls with your
brains!"

"Hang the murderer--burn him!" roared the crowd.

"Once more, I say, stand back!" yelled the judge, threatening the
foremost with his pistol. "Is he not in our power? He can't escape us.
Wait until his trial is over, and if pronounced guilty, then you may
work your will."

"And ain't he found guilty?" called out a voice from the crowd.

"You'd best keep a still tongue, Polk Redlaw," returned McGuire,
significantly. "To-night's work don't speak very highly in your favor.
But, all of you, be patient for a time. When all the evidence is heard,
then we will decide. Until then, he is in my charge, and you know me
well enough to be sure I will keep my word."

In a few moments order was restored, the judge and jurors resuming
their seats, while Wesley Sprowl continued his story:

"I nearly fell, from horror and astonishment, when I saw who the
murderer was, but managed to keep still. If you ask why I didn't
confront him, or attempt to avenge John Dement, I say, look at us both.
He with ten times my strength, and fully armed, while I was barely able
to walk, and without a single weapon.

"After a bit, the murderer took up the body in his arms and carried it
to the river, where I heard a splash as if it had been cast into the
water. I dared not stay longer, and stepping into the road, where I
knew he could not hear my footsteps in the soft dirt, was about to run
when something bright caught my eye. I snatched it up and then ran as
fast as I could to the house, where I hid the article in the bed.

"In the morning I was down with a hard shake, and it was nearly noon
before I could get up. But then I came over here, and knowing the head
men of the league, I told what I knew about the affair. What happened
since, you all know."

"But the thing that you found--what was it?"

"I have it here--see!" and after unwrapping a small parcel, he elevated
his hand.

In it was a piece of jewelry. _It was the diamond cluster-pin lately
worn by John Dement!_

There was no uproar now. A deadly calm had settled upon the assembly. A
calm that spoke plainer than words on oaths.

It spoke of death.

"Gentlemen," slowly said the judge, "I need not ask if this pin is
recognized; we all know it. And it shows that a bloody, dastardly deed
has been committed. The verbal evidence is all given in; but still
we must not be rash. Let us first search the river for the body, so
that there may be no doubt. It is too late now to conclude to-night.
Besides, the daylight is better. It will show that we are not ashamed
of our actions."

"And what shall we do with the murderer?" interrupted one of the jurors.

"We can guard him until to-morrow. This room is safe especially as he
will be bound."

"Well, he is guilty of counterfeiting, anyhow, and for that we condemn
him to receive one hundred lashes upon the bare back. It would be more
but for the other charge."

"Yes, and to-night! We won't go home without some fun," interrupted one
of the spectators.

"I protest!" cried McGuire. "Let him suffer but one punishment. Don't
let's act like savages."

"No, no," yelled the crowd, "do it now, or else we'll finish up the job
off-hand."

The excitement now grew intense; weapons were freely drawn and
brandished, and although the judge stood over the prisoner with ready
revolver, he was unsupported. The jurors had gone with the majority.

"Better give in, judge," called out the juror who had pronounced the
sentence. "You see you can do no good, and will only get hurt. You have
done all one man can do, but the boys are determined, even if it costs
a dozen lives."

"Don't get yourself into trouble upon my account, Mr. McGuire,"
exclaimed the prisoner. "These devils want blood, and it may as
well come now as to-morrow. Besides," and here he lowered his tone,
"remember your--family."




                              CHAPTER V.

                              BORDER LAW.


"Gentlemen," said the judge, after a moment's pause, "if you persist in
this outrage, I wash my hands of both it and you, from this moment. You
can choose another judge, and another leader, for I shall act no longer
as either. I thought you were _men_, not savages."

"What matter?" called out several voices, "he is not the only man that
lives. Let him slide, and out with the prisoner."

The crowd surged forward and surrounded the table, yelling and growling
like wild beasts. For a moment it seemed as if Poynter meditated
resistance, as he drew himself up and grasped the back of his chair,
but if such was his intention, it was changed.

A dozen hands lifted him to the floor, where he was securely bound,
hand and foot--as he had been until now entirely free, so far as bonds
were concerned. Then he was lifted bodily upon their shoulders, each
man appearing eager to be one of his bearers. In this manner he was
conveyed from the room followed by the hooting, yelling crowd; leaving
but one man behind--Neil McGuire.

To say that the prisoner was not alarmed, would perhaps be wrong, but
he showed no outward sign of being so. He well knew that he was in
danger--that his life was in peril; for although, just at present,
nothing was spoken of but whipping, yet when blood was once seen, would
it not act upon their worser passions until the job would be finished
out of hand, to save further trouble?

Suddenly Poynter gave a convulsive start. It seemed to him he had
heard, above the din, some words spoken in a friendly tone--words of
hope.

"Keep a stiff upper lip, square. _We'll git you cl'ar afore day!_"

These were the words he had, or thought he had, heard, close to
his ear, and turned his eyes wonderingly to that point. He could
distinguish the rough features of Jack Fyffe, the man who had knocked
Polk Redlaw down at the time of arrest.

But he had no time for a question, or any thing beyond seeing that
Fyffe supported his right shoulder; for the next moment he was rudely
cast down at the foot of one of the gigantic sycamores, beside the
outer door. The tumult was horrible, and for a time nothing was done,
each man issuing orders, but no one appearing to care about executing
them.

"Jim Henderson," yelled Polk Redlaw, who now took a decided lead with
the brutalized crowd, "fetch out some cords; rope or something, quick!"

"Quick y'urself, Injun Polk," growled the little host. "I hain't y'ur
nigger. Y'u're black enough to wait on y'urself!"

"Curses on you, you little hop-toad!" foamed Polk. "Call me that again,
and I'll blow a hole through you big enough to kick a dog through!"

"Ef so be you know when y'ur well off, Mr. White Man, _es_-quire,"
coolly returned Jim, drawing his revolver, "you'll not buck ag'in' me.
Others may be as quick on the trigger as you be, if not more so."

"Don't get to fighting among yourselves," interrupted Reeves, with a
series of oaths. "We've enough to do now. Here's a couple of halters
that'll answer, bully."

But during this by-play, Clay Poynter had received considerable
encouragement from Jack Fyffe, who still crouched over him, apparently
to prevent his arising.

"Don't gi'n up, straunger," he had whispered. "We'll hev you free afore
long."

"Who are you, and what do you mean?" asked Poynter.

"You'll see. I've sent arter the boys, an' ef nothin' happins they'll
be hyar in three hours. But you'll hev to take the hidin', though. We
hain't strong enough to prevent _that_."

Nothing more was said, for Redlaw and Reeves pressed forward, and with
several brutal kicks from the mongrel, Poynter was lifted up and his
arms unbound, two men clinging to each as though they anticipated an
attempt at escape. But if so, they were disappointed.

The prisoner knew that it would be followed by certain death, in the
face of the threatening revolvers, and the words of Jack Fyffe had
revived his hopes of a speedy rescue, for which he was content to
wait, even though he had to endure the fearful torture that had been
threatened him.

He was drawn up to the tree, his arms outstretched to their utmost
extent, and then his wrists were connected by the halters, another
securing his body. By this time the men who had been dispatched after
the instruments of torture returned bearing their hands full of long,
lithe hickory rods.

And then the torture began. The supple rods whistled through the air,
and paused with a hissing crack; the gore started out as the tender
skin was torn and lacerated. But although the pain and agony must have
been fearful, as the punishment proceeded, not a groan or an uneven
breath proclaimed the fact.

The crimson spray fell upon those who stood closest; some of them
giving quivers as it touched their skin, as though it had been molten
lead; but the majority yelled and cheered at the sight. Their fiercest,
basest passions were fully aroused; they were wolves, not men.

Polk Redlaw, Jonathan Green and Alfred Wigan plied the rods, and as
may be supposed, they did not spare their strength. But severe as were
their blows, they failed in drawing a single manifestation of pain from
the prisoner, however slight. And then the one hundred lashes were
counted, fairly.

The prisoner was let down from his position, and Jack Fyffe helped him
to adjust his garments, managing to whisper a cheering word without
being overheard by the mob. Then Poynter spoke, not a tremor or quaver
betraying what he had suffered from the fearful ordeal, in his voice:

"You three devils, mark my words. If you are alive one week from
to-day, I give you leave to play this game over again."

"We will live to see you dance on nothing, anyhow," sneered the mongrel.

"That's enough for to-night," interrupted Henry Reeves, the juror who
had so suddenly taken a leading part in the proceedings, pressing
forward and laying his hand upon Poynter's shoulder. "Come, you will
stay in the 'long-room' to-night, and to prevent you from sleeping
uneasily, I will add that you will be hung to-morrow, for murder."

"Thank you for nothing!" curtly replied the prisoner. "I have you to
thank for this favor, and look you, it's a debt that will be paid; yes,
paid, and with compound interest added," said Poynter.

"Oh, I'll credit you," laughed Reeves. "I always was accommodating. But
in with you," he added, giving him a rude shove as they entered the
room.

Poynter would have fallen had not he been caught by Jack Fyffe, who
whispered:

"Ef you hyar a rumpus outside, don't be 'larmed, 'cause it'll on'y be
fri'nds. Mind an' keep awake."

A pressure of the hand told that Poynter understood his meaning, and
then, after being bound, the prisoner was left alone in the room. Some
half a dozen guards were posted around the building, with instructions
to shoot him if he attempted an escape; and then the _vigilantes_
separated, each man wending his way homeward, pondering upon what they
had already done, and the duty that awaited them on the morrow.

The guards were in high glee, and having each one managed to procure
a flask of liquor from the obliging host, determined to enjoy their
watch to the best of their ability. Polk Redlaw, however, owing to the
mishaps his devoted head had met with, was not in such a jolly mood,
and kept apart from the other sentinels.

They were gathered in couples upon either side of the building, thus
surrounding the place and preventing either egress or ingress without
their knowledge. They little dreamed of the fate that awaited them.

Perhaps an hour after the dispersal, a band of horsemen drew rein at a
half-mile from the little hamlet, on the outer edge of which stood the
"Twin Sycamores," and dismounting, threw themselves upon the ground,
while one of their number stole away on foot. He soon drew near the
tavern, and sinking flat upon his stomach, began cautiously circling
the building.

He could approach near enough, thanks to the darkness, to distinguish
the mutterings of the guards--thus learning their exact number and
position. He counted six, and thought that was all, but he overlooked
Polk Redlaw, who had fallen into a doze, lying close to the wall, so
that he seemed to form a portion of it.

Had he been awake he could not have helped observing the spy, who,
thinking that end of the house unguarded, passed close by him.
Muttering his surprise, the man crept away from the tavern, and once
beyond ear-shot, rose to his feet and sped rapidly to where he had left
his companions.

When near them he uttered the howl of the yellow wolf and upon the
signal being answered, boldly advanced and stood before the band. One,
a tall, Herculean man, stepped forward and whispered:

"Well, Fyffe, what luck?"

"It's all hunky," replied Jack, for it was indeed he, "an' a easy job.
On'y six fellers, an' they half drunk, ef not more so," and then he
clearly described the position each man occupied.

"Now, comrades," added he who appeared to be the leader, "you know what
we are after. A friend, and one of us, is in danger. Our law says that
we must assist each other, and now is the time. You have heard what
Fyffe says. These men must be secured without being harmed if possible,
but if they cut up rough, why a knife is the best remedy. The less
blood shed, the better, for this section is getting uncomfortably hot
already. You understand me?"

A murmur of general assent; then he added:

"We will ride to the edge of the timber, and then leave the horses. We
must take them by surprise; and mind you, when once we have got our
friend, quick's the word, for we will have the _vigilantes_ after us,
hot-footed."

In a few moments the designated point of woods was reached, and
dismounting, the horses were secured; after which the band stealthily
proceeded toward the tavern, using every precaution to avoid discovery.
Then four men crept toward each of the sides where the double guard
were posted.

The remainder held themselves in readiness to rush forward, in case
their comrades should need any help. Four of the men were secured
without any noise, other than a slight scuffle, but the other party
were not so fortunate.

One of the guards caught a glimpse of the rescuers, and hailed them.
The answer was an instant rush, at which the guard fired a shot, that
brought one of his assailants to the ground.

But, he never fired another, for a long knife was plunged downward,
the steel gritting as it severed his breast-bone, and with one faint
gurgle, Alfred Wigan was a dead man!




                              CHAPTER VI.

                         THE HUMAN BLOODHOUND.


At the first report, Polk Redlaw sprung to his feet, with all the
Indian instincts of his nature fully aroused. He caught a glimpse
of the main body rushing forward, and not knowing who they were, he
dropped to the ground and glided to a safe distance, but from whence he
could still see those out in the open ground.

At first he thought it was the vigilance committee returned to finish
up their work, but he was not certain, and deeming discretion the
better course, determined to keep shady until he knew what card to
play. If a rescue, he resolved to dog them wherever they might go, for
his hatred of Poynter could only be assuaged by the latter's death.

When the double tragedy was over, and the other guards secured, the
band rushed forward and forcibly burst in the door of the tavern; and
were proceeding toward the "long-room," when Henderson called out from
the loft:

"Who the devil air you, an' what ye want?"

"Better shet y'ur eyes an' years, 'Honest Jim,' so't you won't hev to
lie when you tell the _vigilantes_ thet you don' know who tuck the
pris'ner," returned Jack Fyffe, significantly.

"Ef you don't do nothin' else, why, _I_ won't know any on ye at all.
An' ef ye like, jist take a good swig apiece, an' I'll charge it to
profut an' loss," laughed the host, who apparently was not averse to
having Poynter escape the doom that threatened him.

"Bully for you, ol' hoss; you won't lose any thin' by it!" was the
cry, and his invitation was complied with, two or three times over.

Only pausing for one huge gulp of the liquor, Jack Fyffe unbarred the
door, and soon severed the cords that hampered Poynter, who, after
chafing his benumbed limbs, thanks to the skill Polk Redlaw had shown
in drawing the knots, emerged from the long-room, a free man once more.

He glanced around him with not a little curiosity, scanning the forms
and features of his rescuers as thoroughly as was practicable by the
dim, flickering light cast by the one rude lamp. But if he recognized
any of them, excepting Fyffe, he did not show it by word or sign.

"Come, boys," spoke up the tall man we have noted before, "we must make
tracks, or those _vigilantes_ will be down upon us. They must have
heard the rumpus, I reckon."

"But what shall we do with the prisoners--let them go?"

"No; take them along. We'll keep 'em as hostages, so that if any of our
fellows are strung up, we can retaliate. Five of them, isn't there?"

"Yes; but about Sant?"

"Maltby?"

"Yes. He's dead."

"Take him along. If we leave him here, they'll toss him into the first
hollow, and he was too good a man for that."

"You seem to be leader here, sir," said Poynter, placing a hand upon
the man's shoulder. "What do you intend doing with me?"

"Well, that depends mainly upon yourself. If you have had enough of
these vigilance fellows, why, come with us. We never go back upon a
fellow-craftsman," returned the man, cordially.

"And you are--"

"The same as yourself; free livers is our name for it. Those whom
we favor with our custom call us horse-thieves and counterfeiters,"
laughed the leader.

"Ah!" muttered Poynter, and bending his head as if in deep thought.

"All ready, Tamelt?"

"All ready, sir," was the prompt reply, and the little band left the
house.

Jack Fyffe directed Poynter to a horse, which, with great delight and
surprise, he found was his own noble bay, that had been taken when he
was arrested. The five prisoners were also mounted, their horses having
been found in the tavern stable; but they rode not by their own aid.
Strong cords bound them to the saddle so securely that even had they
tried to cast themselves to the ground, the effort would have been
unsuccessful.

Poynter and Fyffe rode together, as they struck into a rapid lope along
the soft, loamy road, but not until quite clear of the neighborhood,
did either of them speak.

"Wal, we've sp'ilt the fun o' them hounds ter-morrer, 'tany rate,"
chuckled Fyffe.

"Yes, but how did it all come about?" queried Poynter, who did not
appear very much at ease, when we consider what he had escaped.

"Wal, in co'se we wasn't a-goin' to see a fri'nd jerked up thet a-way,
'thout helpin' 'im. So's soon as I see'd how it war gwine to work,
I sent Sant Maltby to let the cap'n know, an' whar I'd meet 'em to
'xplain, like. Then we crawled up, an' tuck the guard, but poor Sant
got throwed clean in his tracks. The rest you know."

"Who were the men you took prisoners?"

"Thar's one on 'em you'll be glad to see--Jon'than Green."

"Ha!" exclaimed Poynter; "the lying scoundrel! But, Jack, my friend, do
you know you've made a mistake?"

"How so?"

"I am no counterfeiter--never was."

"Thunder, you say!" ejaculated Fyffe.

"It's the truth," soberly affirmed Poynter. "I have never committed a
deed against the law, to my knowledge, in my life."

"But the evidence?"

"Was one tissue of falsehood from first to last! Why it was started, or
who was the one who planned it, I know no more than you do; but I will
find out if it takes a lifetime," hotly exclaimed Poynter.

"Hello, my friends, what's up here?" asked the leader, falling back
beside the two men, at the sound of Poynter's excited tones. "Not
quarreling, I hope?"

"No, sir, I owe him too much for that," warmly responded Poynter. "But,
are you the captain?"

"For the time being, I am. Why?" said the man, somewhat surprised at
the other's tone.

"Then I must speak with you, for a moment."

"Go on; I have no secrets from Jack."

"Well," slowly uttered Poynter, "from what I have heard, I believe you
labor under a serious mistake, regarding who and what I am."

"How so?" interrupted the leader. "Are not you the man that the
vigilance committee arrested and condemned?"

"I am; as my back can testify!" bitterly gritted the young man.

"Well, then, where's the mistake?"

"In this: I was wrongfully accused. I have never, knowingly, passed a
coin, and as for murder, there is no blood upon my hands, save that
shed in self-defense."

"Whe-ew!" whistled the outlaw. "But Jack told me the evidence was
complete!"

"It was not his fault for thinking so. I would have believed the same
in his place. But I am speaking the truth, and thought it best to tell
you how the case stands, lest you should think me a traitor or a spy,
in case the truth ever comes out."

"You were right. But what do you intend doing? The hunt will be hot for
you, as, if a man would take all that trouble and expense to put you
out of the way, _legally_, he will not let you off so easily."

"I know that; and in perfect freedom, is the only chance of my ever
clearing myself. I frankly own that I am puzzled," slowly replied
Poynter.

"Well, sir, I am not often mistaken in a man, if I do say it myself,"
added the outlaw leader, after a pause. "And now I make you a
proposition. Will you accept my hospitality for a few days, or weeks,
until this excitement cools down?"

"Are you in earnest, and would you trust a stranger so far?" ejaculated
Poynter, in astonishment.

"Not every one, I admit," laughed the other. "But you I can, and will;
and if necessary, will answer to the band, for your honor, with my own
life. But understand me: upon no account are you to divulge what you
hear or see; nor the places we will take you to, even if your life
depended upon it, unless we give you permission. And in return, you
will be left free to come and go, as you will. You will not be asked,
or expected, to do any thing against your conscience; and if you should
need any assistance that we can give, you have but to say as much."

"That is far more than I could expect, and I sincerely thank you for
it," rejoined Poynter, warmly clasping the outlaw's hand. "But I am at
a loss to imagine the cause of such generosity."

"It is easy told. You are an innocent man, unjustly accused and
condemned; and I was once the same. False friends and misfortunes have
made me what I now am, and I still have some of the bitter feeling in
my heart, if I am an outcast, a branded felon.

"Besides, I feel a strange liking for you; why, or from what cause I
know not, unless from the resemblance upon this one point."

"Well, sir," exclaimed the escaped prisoner, "I will gladly accept your
offer, and if there is any return that I can make, without--"

"I understand you," interrupted the outlaw, with a tinge of melancholy
in his tones, "and would be the last man in the world to ask you to
forfeit your feeling of self-respect. But come," he added, again
assuming his old air of reckless gayety. "We have fallen behind, and
they'll think we are deserters. Spur up!"

"But one moment. Have we far to go?"

"Less than two miles, now," was the reply. "But why?"

"Nothing much; only I would rather be in the neighborhood, for--"

"For certain reasons, I presume," laughed the outlaw leader. "But never
mind, I was young once myself, although I don't look much like it now,"
and he ended with a half-sigh.

Poynter's curiosity was keenly aroused, by the language and manner of
his strangely-acquired friend, so different from what might have been
expected; and found himself wishing for a better chance to observe his
features, than was afforded by the dim, uncertain light.

As he peered toward him, Clay could see that it was a robust, powerful
form, nearly if not quite as much so as his own. Of the features he
could distinguish naught save the glitter of a pair of sparkling eyes,
and the long, flowing hair of almost snowy whiteness, as was also the
luxuriant beard and mustache.

As we said, Polk Redlaw resolved to dog the rescuing party wherever
they might go, spurred on by his bitter hatred of Clay Poynter. And he
was just the person to accomplish this if it lay in human power to do
so.

Tall and gaunt, he was like the grayhound, swift and tireless; while in
other respects his instincts were those of the bloodhound. The traits
inherited from the Indian cross in his blood were aroused and in full
play on the night in question.

When he saw Poynter emerge from the tavern under the bright glare of
the torch carried by Jack Fyffe, unbound and in freedom, the heavy
rifle rose as if by instinct to his cheek, and, for a moment, the
wings of death again appeared to overshadow the young man. A single
pressure of the finger, a touch sufficient to bend a feather, upon the
hair-trigger, would have sufficed, and in the darkness it appeared easy
enough for Polk to have made his escape.

But the gun was lowered. The mongrel was not satisfied with such a
revenge. His hatred was too intense; he required a death of shame--of
degradation; a death that would destroy both the life and honor of his
foe, and leave a record at which the finger of scorn and contempt would
be pointed.

When the cavalcade plunged into the darkness of the tree-shadowed road,
the human bloodhound followed hard upon the scent. His rifle trailed in
one hand, his head and neck craned forward, Polk Redlaw sped along with
noiseless strides that appeared to be made without an effort.

So steady, silent and uniform was his progress, that it seemed like a
magnificent piece of machinery, rather than a man. His Indian blood
shone forth now, in his free and untrammeled motion, as he kept at a
certain distance in the rear of the rescuers, the same whether they
rode faster or more slow.

From his crouching position he could not be seen upon the shadowed
road, while those whom he was trailing, being mounted, could quite
plainly be distinguished. But for a time we must turn elsewhere.




                             CHAPTER VII.

                            A SAD HISTORY.


When Neil McGuire returned home from the "Twin Sycamores," disgusted
at the brutality displayed by his neighbors and comrades, he found his
daughter Nora sitting up awaiting him, late as it was, the fearful
suspense and terror she had endured plainly imprinted upon her pale and
worn countenance.

Shocked at the change, and strongly excited by the events of the last
few hours, McGuire told her all, winding up by saying that he feared
the prisoner would not live to see another day dawn. Nora gave one low
cry and swooned, and when she recovered from it a strong fever set in.

There was no doctor nearer than the fort, even if he could be induced
to journey so far, and as old aunt Eunice had gained quite a reputation
as a nurse, she was called in, while the almost distracted father set
out for medical aid. The doctor came, but his aid was not needed, the
fever had been broken, and, strange to say, Nora was up and about the
house in as apparent good health as ever.

But if the worthy farmer was surprised, we, who are in the secret, need
not be. It was, perhaps, owing to a certain message brought by aunt
Eunice, who kindly turned her back while it was being perused, and when
she did look it had disappeared; but from the frequent journeys made by
the invalid's hand to the region of the heart, it is not difficult to
guess where.

The note was from Clay Poynter, briefly detailing the facts of his
escape, stating that he was in a place of safety, and imploring an
interview, leaving the time and place to her, of which he could be
informed by aunt Eunice. Nora did not hesitate about granting the
request, but the return of her father necessitated a postponement,
greatly to the disappointment of the lover, who was disgusted at only
meeting his old housekeeper when he expected a sweetheart.

Neil McGuire was sorely puzzled and disturbed about something, and soon
opened his mind to Nora the day of his return. It was after supper, and
she had brought him his filled pipe, when he bade her sit down--that he
had something to tell her.

"Do you know, pet, that I half-way fear we have been doing Clay Poynter
a great injustice?"

"Oh, father, I knew it all along!"

"Did you, indeed? Well, as I said, I am afraid we have been mistaken,
although I am not quite certain. And the reason I think so is this:

"It was late in the evening when I got to the fort, and as the doctor
would not start out that same night, I went over to the city; as I
could not bear to sit still while thinking of the danger you might
be in. It was raining, and feeling cold and chilly, I stepped into a
saloon to get a drink, when I met a man who was just a-coming out.

"I was so astonished that you could have knocked me down with a
wheat-straw, for I would have sworn he was none other than _John
Dement_! But while I stood there, he slipped out, and when I started
after him, he was gone. I hunted for an hour, but without success; I
could not find him again."

"And there was no mistake?" anxiously asked Nora.

"There _may_ have been. I might have been deceived, and took some other
person for him. If it _was_ Dement, he had his whiskers colored black,
and his hair trimmed, and of the same color. But I caught his full eye,
and you know it is not a common one."

"Yes, it makes me think of a rattlesnake's," shuddered the maiden.

"Well, even if he is innocent about the murder, there is the other
charge," added McGuire.

"But that may be false, too."

"I don't think so. And yet," he added, after a slight pause, "he didn't
act like a guilty man. I thought it was bravado, then, but now it seems
more like the fearlessness of an honest man."

Nora did not answer, although strongly tempted to do so, for fear she
would reveal more than was prudent, and in a short time both retired.

A little after noon, on the next day, had Neil McGuire glanced up from
his work back of the house and looked almost due west, he would have
seen the trim, dainty form of his daughter, as she disappeared in the
woods, accompanied by aunt Eunice. And perhaps his mind would have been
still more perturbed had he witnessed the fervor with which a certain
stalwart, handsome man embraced Nora, while her antiquated duenna
placidly stared at the bushy top of a neighboring tree.

Whatever it was aunt Eunice saw, it must have been very interesting,
for there she stared, and never once looked around until her name
was called. Then she seated herself at a little distance from the
lovers, pulling out from her pocket a huge stocking, that could only
be intended for one person in the settlement, unless worn upon both
feet at once, industriously knitting, as deaf now as she had been blind
before.

Who says she never had been young?

We need record but one passage in the conversation, as the remainder
was foreign to our purpose.

"Well, pet, I will explain what your father meant when alluding to my
leaving Kentucky. It is true, I did leave there to save my life, much
as I fled from here, although matters had not gone quite so far then.

"When I was but a child, my father was accused--falsely, as I ever
will maintain, although I have no proof--of belonging to Sturdevant's
gang of counterfeiters and horse-thieves. He was arrested and thrown
into prison, but he never had a trial. A band of disguised men forced
the jail, and taking him from his cell, proceeded to a grove some four
miles distant, and hung him like a dog!

"It was nearly a month before the remains were found, by a man hunting
cattle, and then, after his burial, my mother sickened, dying within
the same year. I was but eleven years old then, and although so young,
these fearful events made me desperate.

"The neighbors all looked upon me as a sort of outcast, and taught
their children to shun me as though I were a moral pest. This did not
help me much, and as I grew older, I was taunted and hooted at, for my
father's _crime_!

"But, as my muscles grew, they found this fast becoming a dangerous
sport, for I bitterly resented every insult, even from those twice and
thrice my own age. I had no relations, not even a friend to lean upon,
or to whom I could turn for aid or counsel. And thus I grew up.

"I admit being wild and reckless; but I can honestly say that I never
once committed a mean or criminal deed. And yet I was often accused
in whispers, of being both a counterfeiter and a horse-thief! Almost
any one would have left the place in disgust; but I did not. The only
beings that I had ever loved were lying in the little yard back of our
house.

"I often, when my trials had been unusually bitter, have spent the
livelong night beside the graves of my parents, sobbing as if my
heart would break; and it is to those sacred influences alone that I
attribute my remaining clear of a life of crime--that I did not yield
to the temptations presented to me of living a wild, free life.

"Well, I was at length openly arrested, but as I managed to escape
before trial, I never learned who was my accuser. It would have been
almost certain death to remain there then, as I had no friends who
could assist me to clear myself, and so I fled.

"I went to Arkansas, near Merton, and for a time all went well. I
entered a homestead, and for several years I worked diligently on it;
and then sold it for a fair price, intending to open a store. But my
enemies followed me even there, and the same suspicions were noised
about. I was avoided by all respectable persons as though I had the
plague.

"In disgust I left the place, and from that time until I came here,
I wandered far and near, living an aimless life until I thought I
had once more eluded my pursuers. But you have seen how sadly I was
mistaken; and here, just as life was brightest, the same rumors were
whispered abroad, the old charges were brought up against me. I was
seized and flogged like a dog!"

"Poor Clay!" murmured Nora, through the tears called forth by the sad
history of her lover's life, as she clasped his hand in hers, as if to
still further testify her boundless faith in his truth and honesty.

"Yes, but I go no further. I have found _you_, and now I have an
additional incentive to clear myself, and baffle my secret enemy,
whoever he may be. But how?--that is the question."

After some further conversation, and an appointment being made for
another meeting, the lovers separated, Nora and Eunice returning to the
house, while Poynter walked rapidly away toward his own building.




                             CHAPTER VIII.

                         A DELECTABLE CONFAB.


After leaving Nora, Poynter walked swiftly in the direction of his own
house, that had been closed ever since aunt Eunice had been called in
to attend Nora during her sickness. But he kept a good look-out as he
proceeded, lest he should be discovered by some of those kind friends
whose hospitality he had abandoned so hastily, a few days before. For
he well knew that if seen and recognized, a hue and cry would be raised
that might end disastrously, as several hours yet remained of daylight.

He had found a secure refuge with the outlaw band who had rescued
him from the power of the vigilance committee, where he resolved to
remain until his plans for the future were fully matured, at the urgent
request of the leader. This man had evinced a strong interest in
Poynter, and pledged his own as well as the assistance of the band, if
it should prove necessary, in any way.

Just as Poynter was about to cross the crest of a hill, he heard the
quick thud of a horse's hoofs coming at full speed upon the opposite
side of the rise, and darted at once into the thicket of bushes upon
the left side of the road. Cautiously parting the leafy screen, so that
he could observe the extreme summit of the rise, Poynter awaited the
horseman's approach.

Scarcely had he done so when the rider rose the crest, and drawing
rein, paused and glanced around him. With a half-surprised curse,
Poynter raised his heavy rifle, while the sharp click sounded clear
and distinct, as the hammer was sprung back; but then he lowered it.

"The lying dog! For a cent I'd plug him, if only to save 'Judge Lynch'
a job."

The horse and rider were standing out in bold relief against the clear
sky, but still the ambushed fugitive could tell that Polk Redlaw, the
half-breed, stood before him. Although strongly tempted to punish his
treacherous foe, Poynter withheld his hand, lest he should get still
further entangled in the wiles of his secret enemy.

Redlaw appeared to be expecting some one, as Clay judged from his
manner, and after a few minutes' waiting, he placed his fingers to his
mouth, and blew a shrill, piercing blast, that echoed from point to
point before dying down to nothing. Scarcely had the sounds ceased,
when a second peal came whistling along the ridge, as if in answer;
to which Polk replied, and then dismounted as if satisfied, standing
beside his noble-looking horse, idly smoothing the long, flowing mane.

In a few moments a second man appeared upon foot, with his long rifle
carried at a trail, and the two men greeted each other as if greatly
pleased at the meeting. Again the steely glitter shone in Poynter's
eyes, while he bit his lips fiercely as if to repress his emotions,
when he recognized the new-comer.

"Ah!" he gritted, as he crouched forward. "Wesley Sprowl! There's
deviltry on foot when such men meet together, and by all that's good,
I'll scent it out!"

The two men now plunged into a little side-trail, Redlaw leading his
horse, and no sooner had they disappeared than Poynter retreated until
around the bend, where he glided across the road, and in a few moments
struck their trail; keeping just without the path, where, if by any
chance the men he was dogging should glance back, he would be out of
sight.

They proceeded leisurely enough, and he had no difficulty in keeping
within ear-shot of the horse's tread, while his own footsteps were
deadened upon the moist soil. After proceeding thus for nearly half a
mile, the two men paused, and slipping the bit from his horse's mouth,
Polk Redlaw allowed it to feed at will while he and Sprowl seated
themselves upon the greensward beneath a huge oak tree.

Poynter, by dint of cautious creeping, managed to gain a dense clump
of bushes at only a few yards in the rear of their position, where
he crouched down with his weapons ready for instant use, in case he
should be discovered. But they gave no sign of suspecting an intruder,
and conversed in an easy, careless style, very much to Poynter's
edification. The first of this he missed, owing to the task he had to
perform, but then he listened intently.

"Well," Polk Redlaw was saying, "they did not suspect any person was
following them, although I kept them in sight the entire distance. And
that was no slouch of a job either, for they were in a lope most of the
way, and I began to be pretty well blown before they gave any signs of
halting.

"But then they paused and a signal was sounded; and from the reply I
knew that I had dogged them home. And I was right, for in another ten
minutes the whole crowd was gathered in a huddle, unsaddling their
horses, while a dozen or so more were building fires as if the entire
country belonged to them.

"I lay low, taking notes, and I saw enough in the next hour to satisfy
me that I had really tracked them to the den of the horse-thieves; for
there were several tents and regular fireplaces fixed up, while the
ground was tramped hard and dry."

"And where was that?" inquired Sprowl, curiously.

"Well, you'll let it go no further, of course," added Redlaw, after
a slight pause. "You know where Han Hooker killed the big bear, last
fall? near the 'Turkey branch'? Just due west along the creek about a
quarter, is the spot.

"But as I was spying around, a cursed dog somehow got scent of me,
and as I saw him circling around, I lit out, for if they had found me
there, the d--l himself couldn't 'a' saved my hide. I cut sticks in a
hurry, as I got out of their hearing, but the brute took my trail, and
in a few moments I could hear him coming, hot foot, growling like a
painter.

"I was afraid to burn powder, so I just hunkered down behind a big
rock, and drew my butcher. As the imp turned the corner, I grabbed his
nose and twisted him down; then a cut or two and _he_ was quiet enough.

"But I'd seen enough, so I started for home, with the dog on my
shoulder--for I was afraid to leave him where the knife-cuts might
'a' told tales--and carried him until at a safe distance, when I
dropped him over the bank into the creek. And there my infernal luck
still followed me, for his claw caught in my shirt and over I went,
head-first, plump onto the rocks.

"Luckily my head took the dog for a pillow, and only got a little
bruised and stunned like; but when I came to I found that my right
ankle was either broken or badly sprained. I managed to climb up to the
level, although every motion nearly made me yell out, but there I was
stuck!

"I knew that if my life depended upon it, I could not have got to the
town, as I was, and so I lay there, thinking what to do next. At last I
slid down the bank, cut off a hind quarter of the dog, and then managed
to drag myself to the "Hole-in-the-wall"--you remember?--where I lay
until this morning.

"The dog-meat kept me, and although toward the last it wasn't overly
sweet eating, raw at that, I managed to worry it down; for hunger is
just a little the best sauce I know of. The last bite I just shut my
eyes and thought it was a roasted wild turkey, and it tasted so natural
that I actually began to gobble!" declared Polk with an oath.

"Bah!"

"Fact. But this morning, two hours by sun, I saw a horse--that one
yonder, it was--straying along the branch, and as he was tame I managed
to catch him; rigged a halter from a piece of lime-bark, and lit out
for town, where I got, safe and sound, after giving you the hint to
meet me here."

"Well, what'd you want, anyhow?" asked Sprowl.

"In a moment. You see I told old Reeves about the hole I'd found,
and offered to guide him to it, after dark, to-night. So he sent out
messengers, and by this time the _vigilantes_ are all up to snuff.

"You may be called on to help, but if so, I want you to play sick; have
a thundering shake, or something of the sort."

"Just what I'd 'a' done anyhow," dryly responded Sprowl. "I have no
notion of running my head into the hands of that cursed Poynter.
Meagreson didn't pay me for _that_."

"Well then, you'd just as lieve make a 'double sawbuck' as not, if by
doing so you spite Poynter and run no risks?"

"Twenty dollars?"

"Yes. And for half an hour's work."

"Wouldn't I? Why the old man only gave me a hundred for swearing
against Poynter--Hello! what's that?" he added, starting to his feet,
and looking toward the bushes where Poynter was concealed.

The latter had given a sudden start, as he caught the hint dropped by
Sprowl, that could only refer to the charge of murder that had been
brought against him. But who was this Meagreson, or the "old man?"

"Bah!" grunted Polk, lazily turning his head, "don't get scart at your
own shadow. I heard it too, but it's only my horse."

"Sure?"

"Thunder! yes. Come. I'm in a hurry. Will you earn the money?"

"That depends," replied the other, as he reseated himself, "upon what
it is."

"Well, I know you'll never peach--"

"Of course not!"

"I know it," dryly added Redlaw; "it wouldn't be healthy. But I want
you to be sick when the crowd starts to-night, and then after about two
hours--say about midnight--you must get up and set the house yonder, on
fire."

"What!"

"Set the house of Clay Poynter on fire--isn't that plain enough? Never
you mind what for--that's my own affair. It's enough that I've good
reasons, and when I come back, I'll tell you. Will you do it?"

"Its a risky job--" hesitated Sprowl.

"No it isn't, either. But, yes or no, because if you won't, there's
others--"

"Enough! I'll do it. But cash down, you know," leered Sprowl.

"Do you doubt my honor?" exclaimed the villainous mongrel.

"Not in the least," coolly responded his colleague, "but it's my way of
doing business."

"Well, there's half of it. The rest I'll hand you in the morning."

"But supposing you should get rubbed out to-night?" suggested Sprowl.

"Curse your croaking!" hotly exclaimed Redlaw, thrusting out another
bill. "There; will that do?"

"Yes; but say, isn't it a good joke upon old Meagreson that he has been
paying us all to prove this Poynter a counterfeiter and murderer, while
all the time he really belonged to the gang?" chuckled Sprowl.

"Bet ye! But come now, old fellow," added Redlaw, insinuatingly, "who
is the old coon, anyhow? I know you can tell a fellow, if you will."

"Maybe I will, when you tell me what for you want the house fired,"
significantly answered Sprowl.

"Well, give me an idee, anyhow," urged Polk. "I'll tell you to-morrow,
sure."

"Honest?"

"I said so, didn't I?" sharply.

"Well, don't get your back up about it and I will give you a hint,
anyhow. You see, I knew him in Kentucky, and again in Illinois, where
he helped run the business, after Sturdevant--"

"What!"

"Fact. I done a little in that line myself, on the sly, and we were
thrown together consid'able, as he furnished the "queer." But I got the
pull on him in a little scrape in which a certain man named Duaber, was
concerned.

"There was a love-affair mixed up with it, I believe, and while
Meagreson got the sack, Duaber got the girl. So a lot of charges were
trumped up, much as we've served this Poynter, you know, only it ended
in the poor devil's being lynched in earnest.

"He was taken from jail and hung by a gang spurred on by the old man,
although he was not present at the deed. I gained a cool thousand in
square money for it, and all went off smoothly. But I thought he was
dead until he came here, found me out, gave me some money, and got me
to play the same trick over again."

"I wonder what his reasons were, anyhow," mused Polk. "I'd give a
five-spot to know," he added, covertly glancing at Sprowl.

"You will?"

"If it's honest, I wouldn't mind."

"I know what you're up to," nodded the other, "but if you'll promise me
not to breathe a word or hint of who told you, to _anybody_, I'll tell
you!"

"You know--or should know by this time, that I never split on a friend."

"That's so, Polk, and if you'll shell out, I'll tell you in a cat's
whisper."

"Here you are; but no shenanigan, now," replied Polk, handing the bill
to his comrade.

"Honor bright! Well, then, this Clay Poynter, as he calls himself, is
in reality none other than Henry Duaber the son of James Duaber, who
was hung on a false charge by the vigilance committee!"

"Whew!" echoed Polk Redlaw, with a long-drawn breath of astonishment.
"I begin to see into it now. And the old man hates the son for the
father's sake!"

"Yes, that's just it. And as you've acted on the square, so far, I
don't mind telling that he is the same one who has hunted this young
fellow from pillar to post, ever since he was a little shaver," said
Sprowl, confidentially.

"I'd rather have his friendship than his hatred, then," laughed Polk.
"When's he coming back, do you know?"

"Not yet awhile. It'd spoil the whole thing, you see, if 'John Dement'
should come to life again before Poynter was nailed."

"But it seems to me that you'll be in a bad box, my friend, if it is
found out that you swore to a lie."

"Oh, that's easy patched up. Besides, the men will be so cut up and
ashamed at being greened so, that they'll be glad enough to let the
matter drop, and as for the _law_, I'd die of old age before that could
or would do anything here," sneered Sprowl.

"Well, that's your look-out, not mine. But we'd better be moving. Catch
my horse for me, won't you?--this cursed ankle is sore yet."

In a few moments the mongrel was mounted, and paused to add:

"Now mind you play your part. And not before eleven, anyhow, as if the
glow should be seen too soon, the men will turn back, thinking it some
of theirs."

"All right. But you send around for me; it'll look better. I'll go
home now and begin shaking," and with a loud laugh the two precious
scoundrels separated, each man going his own way.

Scarcely had they disappeared when Clay Poynter emerged from his
ambush, and stood for a moment, trembling with anger. His face pale and
stern-set, his eyes glittering with bluish sheen of polished steel; his
breath came hot and heavy from betwixt his tightly-clenched teeth.

Truly, he had good cause for being wrathy, and for feeling thoughtful,
too, in the revelations so complacently made by Wesley Sprowl.

But he did not pause long; then throwing his rifle across his shoulder,
he struck through the woods at a rapid pace, heading his course toward
the rendezvous of "White Crees," the leader of the band who had rescued
him from the "Twin Sycamores."




                              CHAPTER IX.

                            THE INCENDIARY.


It was some time after dark before Clay Poynter neared the rendezvous
of the border outlaws, despite the speed at which he traveled. But he
was in time, and after satisfying the sentinel of his identity, he
hastened at once to the presence of "White Crees," as his aged friend
was universally termed by his men and comrades.

He was lying at full length upon the ground, one elbow propping his
head as he gazed thoughtfully into the fire, crackling merrily before
him. There was a kind of half-frown upon his face and a fiery gleam in
his full black eyes, that told Poynter he was unusually excited about
something.

"Well, sir, what is it?" quickly asked Crees, as he raised his head at
the young man's approach.

"Bad news, I fear. This retreat is known--"

"The devil!"

"Yes; and you will be attacked to-night by the vigilance committee, in
full force," coolly rejoined Poynter.

"Bad enough, I must say. But are you certain?"

"If hearing the entire plan, detailed by the man that found you out, is
enough, I am."

"So--so!" muttered the outlaw chief.

"Well, your decision," impatiently said Clay, "what is it?"

"We must run for it. Not but that we are strong enough to stand our
ground, if such a course would be prudent, but we must tread lightly.
The country is hot enough now, and a collision, where blood would be
shed, must be avoided."

"Very well, then; I want one man for duty concerning myself, as a sort
of witness. Can I have him?"

"A dozen, if you say so," was the cordial reply. "Who is he?"

"Jack Fyffe."

"Hyar I be, square, an' mighty glad ef I kin help ye any."

"Then saddle our horses as quick as possible, please. If I had time,"
again turning to the outlaw leader, "I would explain, as I have much to
tell; but some other time must do. Things are working around a little,
and I may come out right side up after all."

"Good! and I, too, have done a good job to-day."

"So? Where'll we find you?"

"Tell Jack to lead you to the north side of "Bald Hill," where the
branch cuts through the "Wildcat Range." He knows it well."

"Well, I must be off, and the sooner _you_ are, the better. It's nearly
ten o'clock now, and they'll be along by one, at the latest."

"So they may," laughed the outlaw, "but thanks to your warning, they'll
find little to satisfy their appetite. Remember, 'Bald Hill.'"

"All right!" and then the young man vaulted into the saddle as Fyffe
led up the horses, and the two men dashed rapidly along the road.

"Now Jack, old fellow," cried Poynter, "we must ride as if the
'gentleman in black' was at our horses' tails, or we'll be too late."

"Whar to?"

"My house. Do you know a path that we can go, so as to avoid meeting
our friends who'll take the main road?"

"Bet ye! It's rough ridin' though, but bein's it's shorter, 'twon't
take no longer. What's the biz?"

Thereupon Poynter succinctly stated what he had heard while
eavesdropping the two precious scoundrels, adding:

"It isn't that I care so much for the house, but we must take that
Sprowl a prisoner. He knows enough to clear me, and if he can prove
what he said, to bring this Dement or Meagreson to justice; and that's
just my hand, now."

"We'll do it! Ef not in the act, we'll nab him at his own shanty. Then
a taste o' the med'cin' 'at they gi'n you'll bring 'im to tarms, I
reckon. Leastwise we kin try it. Meagreson, ye said?"

"Yes; do you know him?"

"Oh no, I guess not! Lord, won't the ol' man be glad!"

"Crees, do you mean?"

"Look out! Hyar's the cut-off. Foller me cluss an' look out for yur
head."

They now diverged from the road, into a path just allowing one horse
to pass at a time, and the riders were forced to stoop low along their
horses' necks to keep from being struck by the low-hanging limbs. This
fact effectually put a stop to all conversation, for the time being.

Presently the ground grew more open, although they still continued in
single file, and as they rose the crest of a hill, Fyffe exclaimed, in
a glad tone:

"It's all hunky so fur, anyhow, square. Ef it stays so fer ten minutes
longer, we'll save 'em both."

"Are we so near, then?"

"Leetle better 'n a mile. See, thar's the branch."

"Good! I know where we are now. Spur along; we've no time to lose."

In less than the time named the horsemen drew rein at the western
fence of the yard, and speedily hitching the animals, they stealthily
advanced until the rear of the house was gained. After pausing for
a moment to listen, and hearing nothing suspicious, they made the
circuit of the building; thus satisfying themselves that the would-be
incendiary had not yet arrived.

"We're in good time, Jack," whispered Poynter, joyfully, "and 'll get
him yet. Do you hide here in front, and I'll do the same behind. If you
need help, whistle and I'll come."

"Help, ag'in' _thet_ little or'nary cuss? Bah! I'd take him 'ith one
finger."

"So much the better, then. But look sharp."

"Shall I nab 'im as soon as I see him?"

"No; I guess we'd better let him start a blaze first. Then he can't
deny but what that was his intention. Yes, that's the best way."

"All right then. Better lumber down, though, fer ef he shed cotch a
glimpse o' either on us, it's all played," cautioned Fyffe.

This advice was too good not to be followed, and in a moment more, all
was still and silent about the premises. Poynter's mind was greatly
excited, as well it might be, at the facts he had learned on that
day; and as the gloomy prospect that had spread over his future began
to lighten, a thousand air-castles were built, over all of which the
pleasing form of Nora McGuire, his little rosy Irish lass, reigned as
queen--need we state who was the king?

But he was suddenly aroused from his reverie, by the light tramp of
a man's feet, and glancing up, he saw a dim, shadow-like figure,
cautiously approaching the house, at a little to his left. From his
position, close beside the slightly elevated porch that stood in the
rear of the kitchen, the door of which led out upon it, Poynter was
perfectly hidden, while yet he could quite plainly note the intruder's
every movement.

This person lightly stepped upon the porch, and cautiously tried the
door, but it was fastened. Then he went to one of the rear windows, and
after a slight effort, raised it; then propping it up with a stick,
drew himself through the aperture.

Listening intently, Poynter heard him groping around the room, and then
after a few moments' silence, he saw a faint, flickering light spring
up. Gliding to the window, he peered through, and saw Wesley Sprowl
igniting a short piece of tallow-dip by the aid of a match.

Poynter knew now that he had his game secure, and crept around the
building, where he was met by Jack Fyffe, who had been alarmed by the
slight noise, and was just coming around to investigate it.

"Is it him?"

"Yes," whispered Poynter, "but we must let him start the fire first,
before we interrupt him. Then as I jump through the window, do you
burst in the back door and put out the blaze. I'll 'tend to him."

"Jest as you say, square; on'y I'd like to gi'n the varmint a squoze,
like, jest for beans," grunted Fyffe, as he followed Poynter around the
building.

They could still see the light, and hear an increased rattling in the
room, and cautiously peering in at one corner of the window, the two
men saw the incendiary splitting fine kindlings with the knife he had
drawn from his belt. Poynter could scarcely restrain his passion, at
noting how coolly and deliberately the dastardly scoundrel set about
his work; but the pressure of Jack Fyffe's hand upon his arm, recalled
his presence of mind.

When a little pile of the shavings were made Sprowl piled over them
some splinters of wood that lay beside the kitchen-stove, and then
applied the lighted candle to the heap. It instantly ignited, the tiny
blaze creeping along, thrusting out its forked tongue like a serpent;
at which the incendiary gave a chuckle of delight, and rising, dropped
a chair over the fire.

He next grasped the table, with the same intention, but Poynter had
seen enough, and drawing himself up by the arms, he dropped lightly
through the window--the noise made by Sprowl in dragging the table
effectually drowning his footsteps. One stride, and the large, muscular
right hand of Clay Poynter tightly clasped the villain by the neck,
compressing it as if in a vice.

Jack Fyffe was in no wise behindhand, but speedily followed his leader
through the open window, thinking that better than to demolish the
door, especially as there was no particularly urgent call for haste;
and with a few shoves of his huge foot, kicked the brands into the
capacious fireplace, it having done no damage, save slightly scorching
the chairs and floor.

"It may be fun to you, square, da'say _'tis_, but ef you 'xpects to git
any 'fessions outen thet critter, you'd do well to let up a little,"
admonished Jack, as he bent forward to peer into the face of the
prisoner.

And there was ample foundation for his warning, for in his rage at
the cowardly miscreant's action, Poynter threw the whole power of his
arm into the grasp, and Sprowl was already senseless. His eyes were
widely protruding, and his open mouth and lolling tongue, together with
his rapidly-blackening, distorted features, rendered him a horrible,
repulsive sight.

"You're right, Jack," said Poynter, as he relaxed his grip and suffered
Sprowl to drop upon the floor, then bending over him, he poured a
little brandy down his throat, although Jack grumbled at the sacrilege.

In a few moments Sprowl had recovered sufficiently to sit up,
thoroughly bewildered at the sudden reverse he had experienced. But
his captors did not give him time to ponder over it, or ask questions,
as it was growing late, and for obvious reasons they did not care to
remain longer than was absolutely necessary in the neighborhood.

So, after securely binding the incendiary's hands behind his back, the
two men, highly elated at their complete success, led the way to where
the horses were hitched.

"You're the lightest, Jack," said Poynter; "better take him up behind
you on the horse."

"Durn the thief!" growled Fyffe, "let 'im tramp it; 't'll do him good."

"So he might; but there's no telling whom we may meet, and I won't lose
him now. But if you object, he can ride with me."

"I didn't think o' that, square. Jest you hyste him up arter I mount."

This was speedily done, and Sprowl secured to the body of his captor,
thus effectually preventing all hopes of an escape. Then leaving the
premises they entered the road, proceeding at a moderate pace, as they
were not desirous of arousing any of the neighbors who might chance to
be at home.

For a couple of hours they rode on without halting, when they both drew
rein simultaneously, bending forward in the saddles, and listening
eagerly. It was a sharp, clear report, followed by what appeared an
irregular volley of small-arms, resounding all about them as if an
entire army was engaged in battle.

But the two men were far too well versed in the peculiarities of that
portion of the country not to know that it was but the multiplied
reverberations of the one first shot.

"Listen!" exclaimed Poynter, guardedly, "don't you hear the click of
shoes upon the stones?"

"Y'ur right, by the 'tarnal! It's the _vigilantys_, I reckon. Better
kiver."

"To the left," muttered Poynter, leading the way. "Hold the reins while
I keep the horses from neighing. And mark you, Sprowl, those are your
friends, but if you utter so much as a whisper, by the God above me, I
will shoot you like a dog! You know I keep my word. They may hunt us,
but it would be too late to do _you_ any good!" hissed the young man as
he passed by the prisoner.

They were scarcely a dozen feet from the road, upon a little lower
ground, from whence they could have a clear view of anybody passing
by. There was no moon, and the dense growth of underbrush close behind
them, added to the dark color of their horses, rendered discovery very
improbable, if not impossible.

Poynter stood by the animals' heads, one hand upon the muzzle of each,
to check any inclination they might feel for whickering during the
passage of the horsemen. They had not long to wait.

Scarcely had these precautions been taken, when the foremost man came
in sight, and then the main body. Their oaths and curses, if nothing
else, would have identified them as the band of _vigilantes_, returning
from an unsuccessful search for the outlaws, thanks to Poynter's timely
warning.

After waiting a few minutes, until satisfied that the entire band had
passed, the ambushed men again entered the road, proceeding for some
little distance in silence. Then Clay spoke:

"Those fellows weren't in the best of humor, eh, Jack?"

"Not overly much. Wal, it shows 'at the boys got cl'ar, anyhow. But
see, hyar's the cut-off."

"Leading to Bald Hill?"

"Yas," and Fyffe led the way along a narrow, irregular path.




                              CHAPTER X.

                         SPROWL TOES THE MARK.


In less than half an hour the tall, rocky crest of "Bald Hill" reared
its gray head before the men, and Poynter gave vent to a sigh of relief
as he saw that the tiresome ride was nearly at an end. Having traveled
the distance four times, twice upon foot, and once on a dead run, he
was greatly exhausted, and so sleepy that he could scarcely keep his
eyes open.

The outlaws were upon the alert, as the quick, sharp challenge
testified when the outer lines were reached. Dismounting with a
half-groan, Poynter relieved Fyffe of his "backload," and after
securely binding the man, dropped him upon the ground, asking the
sentry to keep an eye upon him. Then Poynter threw himself beneath a
tree, and almost ere his limbs were still, a fast-increasing rumbling,
as of very distant thunder, told how sound was his slumber.

The sun was an hour above the horizon when Poynter again opened his
eyes, although he declared he hadn't five winks of sleep. But after a
cool bath at the creek close at hand, he felt greatly refreshed, and
joined White Crees, who was sitting near one of the fires, smoking a
pipe.

"Up for all day, Poynter?"

"Well, I hardly know, to tell the truth," laughed Clay. "I can tell you
better after I have some grub."

"There's part of a cold turkey, or here's venison; take your choice."

"Hot meat for me, even if I do have to turn cook to get it," said
Poynter, cutting several generous slices from the prime saddle that
hung suspended from a tree near at hand. "But, hello, I forgot! What
has been done with my prisoner that I brought in last night, or,
rather, this morning?"

"I put him in a safe place," returned the outlaw. "The poor devil was
nearly dead this morning. You put him with his head down hill, and I
really believe that another hour would have finished him."

"'Twouldn't be a very great pity," muttered Poynter, his mouth full of
meat, "after I have got out of him what I want to know. And that makes
me think--where's Jack?"

"Off on a hunt, I believe; a gang of turkeys passed down the creek this
morning, and he's after them. But why?"

"Nothing; only from a hint that he dropped last night about one
Meagreson--"

"What! _Meagreson_, did you say?" excitedly exclaimed the outlaw,
bending forward, clutching Poynter with his long, bony fingers by the
arm, until the young man winced with pain.

"Thunder! yes, but I ain't made of wood, nor steel either. Do you want
to take off my arm?"

"Pardon, Poynter; but that name made me forget myself. Where did _you_
hear of _him_?"

"From Sprowl; he told Polk Redlaw a long yarn yesterday that I
overheard, and enough in it to show me that my secret foe was this
Meagreson, or John Dement, as he called himself here."

"Tell me all, just as he said it. I have good reasons for wanting to
hear it," added the outlaw, impressively.

Poynter gave a hasty outline, and to his great surprise Crees bowed his
head to the earth, his strong form working and writhing as if in mortal
agony. But when he would have stopped, a hoarsely-whispered "_Go on_"
from the old man was his only answer.

"And now you know as much as I do," added Clay, arising. "But come,
show me where you put Sprowl, and I will see if he can tell me any
thing more."

Crees arose without a word, and passed a short distance up the
hillside, pressing through some bushes until he stood at the foot of
a good-sized tree, in a tiny glade. To the trunk of this, and in an
upright position, was bound the form of the wretched Sprowl.

Poynter started back in half-alarm at the fearful change a few hours
had made in the man's appearance. Dreadfully haggard and sickly
looking, with his eyes protruding, his tongue lolling from his parched
jaws, the drops of cold sweat rolling over his face, Sprowl looked as
if about to give up the ghost in earnest.

"My God! he's dying," cried Poynter, as he sprung forward and severed
the cords that bound the poor devil, laying him down upon the ground.

"Give me your flask; mine's empty," as he turned to Crees, who silently
handed it to him, while his eyes were fixed intently upon the wretch's
face.

A few swallows were poured down Sprowl's throat, and thus bathing his
face and neck with the pungent liquor, Poynter soon uttered a glad cry.
In truth, the patient appeared to be recovering, and in a few minutes
the light of reason once more shone in his eyes.

"I know that man," slowly ejaculated Crees, not once removing his gaze,
that appeared to attract the other's attention much the same as the
fascination exercised by the rattlesnake.

"My God! who are you?" almost yelled the wretch, as he suddenly sat up,
staring at Crees, wildly.

"Who should know better than you, Wesley Sprowl?" sternly said the
outlaw.

"I know you now. You are--"

"Hold!" commanded Crees, "that name is dead now. If you as much as
whisper it before I tell you, by all that's holy I'll treat you as I
would a snake! Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," faltered Sprowl, once more sinking back.

"Here," interrupted Poynter, checking this by-play, that not a little
excited his curiosity. "Here, Sprowl, take another sup of brandy. I
want you to answer me some questions, and you'll need your strength
before we're through."

"Yes--yes--the brandy!" eagerly muttered the prisoner, clutching at the
bottle, and not drawing breath until it was emptied. "There! now I can
talk; only I am hungry," he added, wistfully.

"Well, I will get you something, for I am going to treat you a deuced
sight better than you deserve, after your lies about me."

"They _were_ lies, all of them; but I will confess--yes, I will
confess!"

"Just stick to that, old fellow, and my word for it, you'll never have
cause to repent doing so," cheerily replied Poynter. "Now, Mr. Crees,
if you'll just stay here to keep our friend company, like, I'll go get
something for him to eat."

"Gladly; for I, too, have something to ask Mr. Sprowl," returned the
outlaw. "And, if you will, please give a whistle when you come back;
won't you?"

"Certainly, if you wish it."

"I do. But don't be offended," he added, appealingly. "I will explain
it all to you soon. And any thing else that may appear strange, that
you wish to know. Will that do?"

"Finely," cordially replied Poynter, pressing his strange friend's
hand, and then dashing down the hillside to the encampment-fires.

He cut some venison steaks, and soon had them broiling merrily, after
which he prepared hot water for coffee, and stirred up a "hoe-cake,"
standing it upon a strip of elm-bark to bake before the glowing embers.
Evidently he meant to keep his word to Sprowl, of treating that worthy
better than he deserved.

When his cookery was completed, Poynter gave the desired signal, and
when he reached the tree found that the outlaw was sitting in the same
spot, while Sprowl had bowed his head between his hands, evidently
deeply moved by some emotion, either of fear or remorse. But the young
man quelled the curiosity he felt, for he knew that Crees' word might
be trusted, and that ere long all would be explained.

"Well, old fellow, here you are," cheerily cried Poynter, as he placed
the food and drink before Sprowl, with not a trace of rancor in his
tones. "And do you see how fast you can demolish them, while I do a
little talking. But mind you, don't answer before you've weighed well
what you say, as you may have to swear to it. Do you hear?"

"Yes, sir, I do hear, and so help me God, I'll tell the honest truth if
it hangs me!" solemnly exclaimed the prisoner. "You treat me and talk
to me like a gentleman, while I have treated you and yours worse than a
dog. I shall say nothing but the truth, and if it must be, will swear
to it before any court."

"Now I begin to know you again," cried Clay, gladly; "and I tell you
that, guilty as you have been, unless you have helped commit one deed--"

"Your father, you mean?" interrupted Sprowl.

"Yes."

"As God hears me, I never raised a hand or a finger against his life.
I falsely swore against his honor, I do not deny, but of any thing
further, I am innocent."

"Well, go on and eat. I will tell you my terms, although I frankly
tell you that were it not for your wife and helpless family, I would
_demand_, not _request_. Now, however, we will let that pass.

"First, I wish you to tell me the plot against my father; who concocted
it, and who were the prominent actors in it. Also their reasons for so
doing, so far as you are aware of them.

"Then what you know of myself; who it was that has hunted me from
'pillar to post,' to use your own language? Also what you know about
one Meagreson, _alias_ John Dement, his character, crimes, and, in
short, every thing.

"I warn you, however, that I am not to be deceived; that I know far
more than you have any idea of, so that any attempt of that kind will
only injure yourself. Do you fully comprehend me?" queried Poynter.

Sprowl answered by a double nod; his mouth being crammed so full of the
juicy deer-steak, that speech was impossible.

"Very well. Now, I will tell you further. If you make a clean breast of
it, however guilty you may have been, with that one exception, I will
let you go free, and in addition give you such a start that, if you
endeavor to do so, you can live an honest, comfortable life.

"I will pay for your farm, will build you a house and stock them
both, so that you can have no further excuse for going to the bad.
But mark me--this is not on _your_ account; it is for your patient,
long-suffering wife, and the deeds will be given in her name. Now, what
do you say to the bargain?"

"Well, sir, what _can_ I say," muttered Sprowl, brokenly, "but that
while I have acted like a dog, you treat me as a white man? Perhaps
'twould be a better job if you put me beyond the way of doing any more
harm; I _do_ think so. I have always been a cursed, cowardly fool, and
if at times I would try--and God knows that I _have_ tried for Mary's
sake and the children's--to break off, here would come a temptation,
and down I'd go, worse than ever," gloomily replied the prisoner.

"Well," heartily responded Poynter, "better times are coming now, and
if you will only help yourself, others will lend a hand. Cheer up, old
fellow, and hold your head up like an honest man; there's a heap of
good left in you yet, or you'd never talk as you do now."

"If I ever _do_ get on my feet again, it is to you and _him_ that I
must give thanks, after God," solemnly uttered Sprowl. "But where shall
I begin?"

"Tell me first about my father; why and how it was that you acted
against him as you did."

And then Wesley Sprowl repeated the tale he had briefly outlined to
Polk Redlaw, giving every detail in full; but enough has been said to
enlighten the reader. It was a terrible tale of revenge and injustice,
in which an innocent man was made the victim of a villain's plottings,
aided by such unscrupulous coadjutors as Sprowl and Jonathan Green.

As the sad incidents of his parent's sorrow and ruin were detailed,
Clay Poynter (as we must still call him) bowed his head and wept bitter
tears of grief and anguish. Had he glanced toward his companion, he
would have seen that "White Crees," the outlaw leader, had bowed his
stalwart form, and it shook as if with mortal agony.

"About your being driven from Arkansas," said Sprowl, "I know nothing
save that this same man followed you in his hatred for your father;
that he had sworn you, too, should die a felon's death. But you fled
from him, and it was years before he found you here.

"He saw me, also, and knowing that I was poor, tempted me to aid him,
as I had done once before. For weeks before he made his appearance
openly, he was undermining your reputation, by covert hints and
innuendoes, that only too easily found holding-ground in the troubled
state of the country; and this was increased by your reticence
regarding your affairs and previous life.

"I helped him in this, as did Green, Wigan, Redlaw, Dalton and Gibson.
Then you were arrested. Sam Gibson and Frank Dalton were bribed to
conceal the dies and counterfeit coin in your house, then to swear to
the finding it.

"Jonathan Green was bought over, as I was, to swear as we did. For fear
one charge should fail, he arranged that of the murder of John Dement,
by which name he had made the acquaintance of Neil McGuire, as they
both were fellow Masons.

"He made himself popular in the neighborhood by his friendly manner and
the freedom with which he spent his money. He wished the excitement to
be great and deadly when you were charged with his death.

"He gave me the diamond cluster-pin that was so well known and told
me what to swear. I was poor; he threatened to denounce me as one of
the gang unless I performed his bidding, and I consented. It was hard,
though, although you may not believe me.

"You had acted the generous friend to me and mine; had furnished food,
clothing and medicine, when I was sick and unable to work; all this you
did, and yet I would have sworn away your life!" and for a few moments
he remained silent.

"Had it not been for the firmness of Neil McGuire our plans would have
been fully carried out, and that next morning's sun would have shone
upon your corpse, as we fully expected. But then you escaped; how, I
never learned.

"Meagreson was in Leavenworth awaiting the message that I had promised
to send or bring him, of your death, but instead it was that you were
once more a free man. Still he thought and hoped that you would be
taken, and had set the police of the city on the alert for you in case
you should go there; but it was useless.

"He was fully disguised, as he had been while here, for as he is now
over fifty years of age, his hair is naturally almost snow-white. But
he wore his years well, and he was not suspected for other than he
seemed.

"You know how I attempted to fire your house--it was that mongrel cur,
Polk Redlaw, that tempted me; and that I was captured in the endeavor,
I now sincerely thank God! It is one crime the less upon my soul; and
He knows that there are enough there already," concluded Sprowl, in
a broken tone, as he bowed his head, while the hot, scalding tears
trickled freely adown his wrinkled cheeks.

There was no affectation about this, as his hearers were fully
convinced. He was really moved at the kind and honorable manner in
which he had been treated by those whom he had wronged so deeply and
terribly.

They knew that it was sincere repentance, and that from then,
henceforth, if his life was spared, he would be a different man. The
truer depths of his nature were touched; the crust of wickedness was
broken, never again to heal over.

"And this Meagreson--do you know nothing of his future plans?" at
length asked Poynter, looking up.

"Unless he should hear from me, he was to meet me at the 'Twin Points'
Friday night."

"Then you think he will come?"

"I have no doubt of it," was the assured reply. "He will be too anxious
to learn the latest news not to come."

"Good! he will probably meet visitors he does not expect," cried Crees.

"That he will! Unless he fails, we will have him at our own terms, and
then--"

"And then!" echoed the outlaw.




                              CHAPTER XI.

                        FYFFE SOUNDS HIS NOTE.


"Hark!"

It was Poynter who made the exclamation, abruptly checking the outlaw's
words. The three men slightly bowed their heads, as if listening
intently, while their eyes sought each other's faces. The sound came
again.

It was the loud exclamation of a man--such as one would make in driving
a refractory yoke of oxen. And yet it could scarcely be that, for the
ground surrounding, whence the alarm proceeded, was rough and broken,
difficult even for a man to traverse upon foot.

"What is it?" whispered Crees.

"'S-sh! Listen."

"_Dod_-rot y'ur ongainly copperossyty, kain't you walk chalk? Gee,
that--gee, you 'tarnal critter! Dod burn ef I don't rouse you up wi' a
saplin'. G'long, now, you creepin' snake!"

A tirade of such adjurations, followed by what sounded like the crack
of a whip, and then a strange sort of muffled howl. Such were the
noises that aroused the curiosity of the trio, in the little glade.

"Scratch dirt, now, you'd better. 'Tain't much furder, or durned ef
I b'lieve we'd git thar to-day, the way you _does_ creep. Wuss'n any
jackass I _ever_ see'd! Git up an' git, now, less _I'll_ go ahead an'
snipe you 'long arter me. How'd thet suit, eh, ole stick-in-the-mud?
Shoot at an honest feller ag'in, w'u'd ye? Guess ye won't, no more.
Hoop-la!" and then came several more cracks, accompanied by groans and
half-choked howls.

"It's Jack," whispered Crees. "Wonder what he's up to?"

"Look!"

As Poynter uttered this exclamation, the bushes parted, and a
miserable-looking object broke out into full view. It was a man, but so
tattered and begrimed that little else could be guessed. Whether white,
black or red, a stranger or an acquaintance, could only be surmised.

His arms were tightly drawn back and secured at the elbows, while a
slack withe ran from ankle to ankle. His draggled and matted hair
overhung his face, but was not long enough to entirely conceal the
existence of a strange freak upon his captor's part. _He was bitted!_

A good-sized stick was secured between his jaws, about two feet in
length. To either end of this a supple vine of grape was attached, so
that a jerk, right or left, by the driver, would effectually turn the
prisoner, if not quite throw him down.

Holding fast to the opposite ends was the grinning Jack Fyffe, who bore
a long, supple hickory rod, with which he occasionally "touched up" the
captive. Upon his back were two rifles.

"Good Lord, Jack!" cried Poynter, in amazement, at this truly unique
"turnout," "what under the sun do you mean treating the poor devil that
way? Who is he, anyhow?"

"Hellow, square, you thar?" returned the rough borderer, appearing
not a whit abashed, giving his captive the twitch necessary to turn
his head up the hill, and then adroitly applying the whip, that made
him spring nimbly forward. "How air you, anyhow, this mornin'? Kinder
fotched along a fri'nd to call on you, sorter permiscuous, like. Git
up, thar, _you_ critter; step lively, now, an' show the gen'lemen y'ur
paces. Hy--ah!"

"For mercy's sake, Jack, let the poor devil loose!"

"Not ef I knows it," retorted Fyffe, coolly; "I hed too much trouble
a-gearin' him up, fer thet. An' marcy--the skunk don't know what thet
means. _He_ didn't hev no marcy onto you nor the ole man, nor likewise
on me, when he tried to shoot me, a little back yon'."

"Who is it?" queried Crees.

"Why, don't you know? It's Jim Meagreson, John Dement, or Snakey, as
_I_ call him," declared Fyffe, exultantly.

Poynter stared in amazement, but not so the outlaw leader. With a
half-stifled howl of rage and vindictive joy, he drew his knife and
leaped forward. Jack Fyffe thought he meant murder, and caught him by
the arm.

"Dang it, boss, he's bad enough; but don't butcher him in thet way!"

"Stand off!" yelled Crees, throwing the other violently from him.
"Stand off, I say. I am not mad. He is of more use to me living than
dead, you fool!"

"All right, then," returned Fyffe, rubbing his shoulder dolefully. "I
know thet, but was kinder afeard thet you'd fergit when y'ur mad was
up. Thar he is; I turn him over to you fellers, an' dog-goned glad to
git shet on him, _I_ am, the onmannerly cuss!"

"_'Tis_ him, Poynter; look!" and Crees held back the captive's head so
as to more fully expose the wretch's features.

"It is, indeed," gladly exclaimed Clay, as he beheld the man whom he
had been falsely accused of murdering. "And an hour since I would have
given ten years of my life if this could have been assured me."

"Wal, square, thar he is, 'thout any o' thet. You're welcome to my
shar'."

"But how'd you chance upon him, Jack?"

"Thet's a long yarn--too long fer a feller to spin what hain't had no
breakfast," added Fyffe.

"True; I forgot. Go get something and then come up. We may need you;"
and then, as the borderer hastened down the hill, the young man turned
to the captive.

He was in a truly pitiable condition; but those who beheld him had been
far too deeply injured by him to indulge in any such feeling. True,
they gave him brandy and bathed his head, but it was only to restore
him so that they could gain his confession.

He soon revived and stared around at the two men, Sprowl having taken a
position out of sight behind the tree, where he had not yet been seen
by Meagreson. The men eyed him in silence, but he only vouchsafed them
a look of angry defiance.

"Well, James Meagreson," at length said the outlaw leader, "we meet
once again!"

"My name is _not_ Meagreson, and I don't know you--never set eyes on
you before," sullenly responded the captive.

"Do you know _me_, then?" put in Poynter.

"Know you? Yes; for a vile horse-thief and counterfeiter!"

"Do you mean to say--" began Crees, when he was interrupted by the
other.

"I mean to say that I am plain John Dement, an honest trader, and that
you shall dearly rue this outrage."

"Bah! that's played out. You may as well own up now, for your
accomplice and tool has betrayed you; has exposed all your plots
and crimes. If you are obstinate, we will just hand you over to the
vigilance committee, whose aid you are so fond of invoking, and let
them deal with you."

"Am I a fool?" sneered Meagreson. "Don't I know that you dare no more
show your face to one of them than to kiss a rattlesnake? The only
answer you'd get would be a hempen cord and swinging bough!"

"Now that's nonsense, old man," put in Sprowl. "_You're_ the fool.
They've got you in a corner, and you may as well come down. Green and
the rest of the boys have owned up, and unless you make terms as we
did, it'll be all night with you."

"Who's that?" faltered the prisoner, a gray shade settling upon his
florid features.

"Sprowl," replied that worthy. "I've told all I know and am going to
swear to it, if you are obstinate; and, as you very well know, it's
enough to hang you a dozen times over."

"The others--"

"I tell you they've 'peached, and you're a spotted man, if these
gentlemen are only a mind to press the matter," glibly said Sprowl.

A deep groan was his only answer, as Meagreson fell forward, his form
trembling like a leaf.

"Let him be, Poynter," said Crees, "and when he thinks it all over,
he'll see that it's of no use holding out further. Here comes Fyffe."

"Hellow, what you fellers bin a-doin' to my hoss?" cried that worthy,
as he leisurely strolled up the hill, wiping his greasy mouth upon his
shirt-sleeve, and smacking his lips. "Make a bully quarter-hoss, he
would, ef he was a leetle better trained. Stumbles an' kicks over the
traces now, kinder; but he'll do."

"Never mind now, Jack," interrupted Poynter. "He's thinking."

"Yas; needs it, I reckon. While y'ur hand's in, jest think a leetle
how all-fired nigh you come to killin' a feller-critter-man. Sp'ilt my
ha'r, anyhow," at the same time tugging at the shaggy lock that grew
beside his ear, trying to bring it before his eyes. "See thar."

It did indeed look as though a bullet had cut a jagged passage through
it, as he had hinted. Then Poynter seated himself beneath the tree,
motioning Jack to do the same, saying:

"There's nothing else just now, Fyffe; sit down and tell us how you
chanced upon this fellow, and all about it."

"Don't care 'f I do, square," quoth Jack, gnawing off a huge mouthful
of "niggerhead," and then passing the plug to Sprowl. "Don't chaw,
b'lieve?"

"No."

"I do. Wal, I allus war fond o' tellin' stories. Mam, she used to dress
my trowsers with her ol' slipper purty nigh the hull time, 'cause of
this habit o' mine; but, Lord, thet didn't do no good. Only driv' it
back ag'in, like. But dad, he _was_ a yarner, now I tell you! I kain't
hold a kendle to him when he'd got a good streak on. Jest about
half-cocked, an' then stan' from under! He'd allus got a bigger one
back, too, ef anybody'd top his'n, fer a cap-sheaf. I tuck arter him,
I consait, though the ol' coon 'd offen say 'at he's 'shamed of me,
'cause I couldn't lie better; but thet's nyther hyar nor thar.

"When I 'gun winkin' this daylight airly, I got up an' begun sorter
swoopin' 'round fer grub. But blamed the bit could I find, 'cept
some wenzun, an' I swore I'd hev none o' thet. Fact is, my appertite
is sorter delacut, like, an' won't b'ar plain grub, like you bigger
fellers.

"So, as I went down to the crick fer a drink, I see'd lots o' gre't
big turkey-tracks in the mud, toes a-p'intin' downarts; an' so I jest
shoulders shooter an' shakes moccasin sorter lively, 'cause I'd made
up my mind to hev a gobbler fer breakfust, _an'_ nothin' shorter. Ef I
says a thing, even ef it be jest to myself, sorter, it's gwine to be
did, ef so be it kin.

"But I trailed them dratted birds so fur thet I'd e'ena'most gi'n up
all hups o' drappin' one, an' hed 'bout made up my mind thet wenzun
was a heap better, enyhow, when I sot blinkers on as fine a strutter
as ever gobbled to a hen. Up goes my gun, slip goes my fut, an' down
I rolls inter the crick, while the dratted bird flops off through the
bushes, tail on eend, like a quarter-hoss wi' a jimson burr fer a
crupper.

"_Didn't_ I cuss some, sorter, as I got out? Mebbe not; 'tany rate, off
I put ag'in arter thet turkey, fer I swore I'd hev it ef it tuck all
day. No 'tarnal two-legged bird sh'u'd fool me like thet, not by no
manner o' means, ef I knowed myself, an' I rayther thunk I did. So on I
splurges, lickety-split.

"But I stopped ag'in, mighty sudden, though 'twa'n't a turkey I see'd.
It was a man kinder strollin' along, fer his health, I reckon, an' he
pulled up too. Thar we stud, a-gawpin' at each other like looneys, when
he spluttered out sunkthin' thet kinder smelled o' brimstone, and then
took to his heels like the devil was arter him.

"An' ef _he_ wasn't, I was, 'cause I never yet see'd a feller thet run
'thout takin' arter 'im jest like blazes. It's a kinder 'farmity like,
I reckon; anyhow it's a fact. Wal, he put an I put, jest a-scratchin'
dirt an' a-kickin' up the leaves the beatinest kind you ever did hyar
tell on.

"I'm purty hefty on the run, as ye know, but blamed ef he wasn't mighty
nigh my master. But I'd never say die tell the bellers clean bu'sted,
an' at last he jumped for kiver, a-swingin' his shooter mighty keerless
like. I did ditto, an' thar we war. I sorter grinned, 'cause it 'minded
me of ol' times when ha'r went wild.

"But then I peeked out, mighty keerful like, 'cause I didn't want
another hole in my brush-patch overly much, when I hope I may never
see the back o' my neck, ef thar he wasn't a-streakin' it through the
woods, his coat tails a-streamin' out wuss'n the tag eend to a comet.
Lord, wasn't I gritty then? Mebbe not!

"I jest set my grinders like a clamp, pulled the slouch furder on my
head an' then set ol' toad-smashers to work. The ground jest fa'rly
smoked about me, I run so fast, and I overhauled ol' smarty like fun.
He pecked 'round an' see'd it, then whirled 'round to'rds me, yellin'
out he'd shoot fer shore.

"But my Ebenezer was up like a mice, an' I kept on, wild fer bitin' an'
gougin'. The dratted imp did shoot shore enough, but it jest clipped
my ha'r a leetle, an' then I downed him. I was mad at the feller's
impedence in burnin' powder when I was jest in fun, all the time, an'
drawed my knife to finish up the job.

"I had her raised all ready, when I caught his eye, an' helt my han'. I
knowed him in a minute, though he'd changed a heap sence we met last.
I knowed how tickled the ol' man 'uld be, ef he see'd him, 'cause he
kinder 'lowed he kicked the bucket long ago.

"But thar he was, an' I 'tarmined to fotch him inter camp. So I
started, but the bugger tried to run onc't or twic't, an' so I thought
I'd see how he'd work in a single gear. He cut up rusty a leetle, an'
n'arly nipped off my thumb, the onmannerly brute; but when I once
got him fa'rly bitted he done purty well, barrin' the kickin' an'
stumblin'," concluded Fyffe, with a long-drawn yawn.

"It'll turn out the best day's work you ever done, Fyffe," said Crees,
extending his hand.

"And I will not forget it very soon, either, old fellow," warmly added
Poynter.

"Wal, ef so be you fellers is satisfied, I'm shore I be," grunted Jack,
lying back upon the grass.

"But what do you think I'd best do next, Mr. Crees?" asked Poynter,
after a slight pause, a little anxiously. "I think, with Sprowl's
evidence, here, I need not hesitate about showing myself openly once
more."

"You have a good deal to work against down there, yet, and I think
you'd best wait a little, and see what we can get out of our friend,
yonder," responded Crees, thoughtfully.

"Well, I suppose I must, though it's hard to be lying idle when such
charges are hanging over me," sighed Poynter.




                             CHAPTER XII.

                       POYNTER FINDS SOMETHING.


It was in the afternoon of the same day which Fyffe had so signalized
by his turkey-hunt. The prisoner, James Meagreson, was occupying the
same position in which Sprowl had done penance some hours before. He
had been left here by his captors to ponder upon his situation and
reflect as to which should be his future course, whether to persist in
his denials or acknowledge defeat and submit to his triumphant enemies
with such grace as he could muster.

That his meditations were far from being the most pleasant imaginable,
one glance at his sullen, stern features would evidence, and there
was a fiery, vindictive glow in his small black eyes that boded ill
for Poynter's hopes--a look that had proclaimed a determination to
"die game," and to hold them in defiance while breath lasted. Only at
intervals a softening tinge would appear, as if his heart failed him,
or a desire to remedy the wrongs that he had committed, so far as lay
in his power, had assailed his mind.

But these moments were few and far-between, and then, as if the
tightly-drawn cords began to pain him yet more intensely, the scowl
deepened, and he gritted his teeth in the excess of his fury. The
moment had passed, and the deadly hate now raged without alloy.

In the mean time the three friends were gathered together, smoking or
conversing idly, or buried deep in thought. Presently Jack Fyffe lay
back, dropped his pipe, and then his stertorous breathing announced
that he was in a deep, sound slumber.

The remainder of the band had either long since done the same, or went
off upon business of their own; the scouts sent out having reported
that all was quiet among the _vigilantes_, those worthies having
disbanded and returned to their daily occupations, no doubt highly
edified by their midnight wild-goose chase.

Save the regular sentinels, none appeared to be upon the alert
excepting Poynter and Crees. The latter was covertly but intently
regarding his younger companion with a strange, far-away look in his
deep black eyes, while an unconscious sigh would now and then heave
up from his massive chest, as if engendered by some painful memory of
bygone days.

Poynter suddenly aroused himself, and glancing hastily around, uttered:

"Why, where's Sprowl?"

"Yonder," returned Crees, pointing to the ragged form of the man
inquired after, lying under a bush, sleeping. "Poor devil, his last
night was a hard one."

"True, but he had no one to thank for it save himself. However, I have
some hopes of him yet. He is not _all_ bad, and for the sake of his
family I am willing to lend him a helping hand. His wife, poor thing,
has seen hard times of late years. The entire support of the family,
and of this shiftless, lazy brute into the bargain, has fallen upon
her. And she is a perfect lady, too, for all she's uneducated. It's
strange what choices women will make sometimes!" exclaimed Poynter.

The outlaw leader only grunted, "Just so."

"But that isn't what I wanted to talk to you about just now. You have
several times promised to tell me your story, and why not fulfill it
now? 'Tis as well as to wait longer."

"You are right, and I will do so; although I had intended to wait
until after Meagreson had acknowledged his guilt. But what Sprowl has
said is enough," slowly replied Crees, passing a hand across his brow,
as if to chase away some painful reflection.

"But I have not heard him mention your name!" cried Poynter, in
surprise.

"Yes, you have heard him tell my whole story, or nearly so. Henry
Duaber, _my son_, have you no greeting for _your father_?"

"Son--father!" faltered the young man, gazing in bewilderment upon the
outlaw leader, at this strange appeal.

"Your father, Henry," continued the elder man, in a choked tone; "can
you not believe me?"

"But my father was--is dead!"

"No, not dead--only in name; he escaped with life. I am your father. By
your dead mother--by my sainted wife, boy, I swear it!" solemnly said
Crees.

"Is it--can it be true? I will believe it--father!" brokenly exclaimed
the young man, bending forward to meet the proffered embrace.

It was a holy scene, this strange meeting of long-parted kindred; and
their tears were mingled together, tears such as strong men need not be
ashamed to shed. They were deeply affected, as well they might be, and
when the first gush of emotion had passed, they sat beside each other,
hand clasped in hand, gazing kindly and affectionately at each other.

"It is strange--passing strange!" at length uttered Henry, (as we
must now call him, Clay Poynter no longer). "More like a romance than
any thing in real everyday life. I have mourned you as dead since my
childhood, and now find you my kindest friend, while I still thought
you a stranger. How long since you first recognized me?"

"Not until to-day, although your story awoke strange fancies, it was so
like mine; but I, too, thought you were dead. I had heard so, and saw
what purported to be your grave."

"My grave!"

"Yes. They told me you had died at nearly the same time with your
mother. Why, I know not. It could not have been from malice, for they
knew me not. I was a stranger in my native home."

"But you--how were we deceived, and why did you not tell us of your
escape, and our dear one might still have been alive?"

"Listen, and I will tell you all," replied James Duaber, in broken
tones. "It is a sad, sad story of cruel wrong and sorrow; but I was
the victim--I and mine! You know the first, or sufficiently well as to
render a _résumé_ unnecessary. But it was James Meagreson--the wretch
yonder--who caused it all for revenge, because your mother chose me in
preference to him.

"A man named Frank Soutar was confined in the same apartment with me,
upon a charge identical with the one for which I was to suffer; but as
he acknowledged to me, deeming me of the same gang, he was guilty. The
mob knew nothing of his having been changed to my cell, as it had only
been done that same day; and when they broke open the doors in the dead
of night, he was seized for me in the confusion and darkness, while I
hid beneath the pallet.

"And the error was never discovered by the mob; they hung him, thinking
they were doing as they had been bribed by Meagreson, who took that
way to insure my death, fearing lest I should eventually escape
his revenge, if he left the law to decide. He was hung, but I took
advantage of the open door to flee, and during the excitement, managed
to effect my escape unmolested.

"A staunch friend of mine, Jack Fyffe, yonder--who was also under the
ban, and in hiding, managed to secure his two horses, and upon them
we rapidly fled the country. He had joined the mob with the hope of
assisting me to escape, and he alone discovered the error, in time to
return and assist me.

"We rode hard all that night, and lay hid at day, for we feared that
the error would be discovered in the morning, at least, and then the
hounds would be hot upon our trail. We traveled in this way until out
of the State, and far into the wilds of Arkansas. But even then we did
not feel secure, and thought it best to lie concealed until the storm
had blown over.

"Still, I wrote, and managed to post two letters to my wife, telling of
my safety, and that I would soon return to remove her and you to our
new refuge. Besides this, I counted upon her knowing of my escape, else
I would have dared all to have seen her.

"So, I waited for six months, and then was upon my way back, when I
met a man who had just come through there. He did not know us, and I
questioned him closely. Then it was that I learned of her death, and
that you, too, had died. I did not doubt its entire truth, and in my
wretchedness, I plunged into crimes and dissipation to drown reflection.

"For years this went, on, until a time came when I felt driven to
return to the graves of my dead. No one knew me; I was a stranger in my
native home, I had changed so, and saw where my wife lay, and what they
said was your last resting-place. Then I went back again to the old
life and lived it until I met with you.

"Although I knew you not--you had changed your name, and I did not
recognize the little boy in the stalwart, handsome man--I felt drawn
toward you. And now that you know how sinful I have been, will you
still take me by the hand, and say, father? It is blackened, but there
is no blood upon it."

"Father!" cried Henry, once more embracing the outlaw leader. "What
matters it now? You leave this life, and we will be all in all to each
other, from now henceforth!"

"Thunder 'n' lightnin'! jest look at Snakey!" yelled out Jack Fyffe, as
he sprung to his feet before them, and wildly pointed up the hill.

And there was good cause for his excitement.

During the respite afforded by his captors, Meagreson had not been
idle, after the first few minutes. His was not a mind to despair for
any length of time, and although greatly astounded at the unexpected
meeting, with a man whom he had thought long since numbered with the
dead, his mind speedily resumed its wonted activity, and he thought but
of escape.

Minute after minute he toiled and twisted at the thongs that secured
him to the tree, until they rolled up into hours. The skin and flesh
were terribly abraded, yet he did not heed the pain. Every instant he
expected the return of his enemies, to receive the decision he might
have arrived at, when in all probability the progress he had already
made would be discovered.

Little by little he worked the cords loose, until one of his hands
slipped from the noose. It was with the greatest difficulty that he
restrained the shout of exultation that arose to his lips; but he did
so, and then his other hand was free.

Owing to the size of the tree, his arms had been secured only at the
wrist, after being extended at full length. Another cord was passed
around his waist, while his feet were likewise secured, forming toils
that his captors deemed it impossible to effect an escape from.

With his hands once free, it was but the work of a minute for the
captive to release the rest of his body; and he stepped from the tree,
a free man once more. His keen eyes glanced hurriedly around, and in
the one look, took in every chance, both for and against his escape.

If he started to flee upon foot, he would, to an almost dead certainty,
be discovered and overtaken, as his frame was stiff and weary. Besides,
under cover of the one little clump in which he now stood, the entire
hillside was fully exposed to the view of the three men below.

But his eye glittered, and the old cold gray look settled upon his
face, as his gaze fell upon the form of a horse, all ready equipped for
the road, standing carelessly hitched to a pendent bough. If he could
once reach that, he felt that escape was assured. But could it be done?

To do so, he must either make a considerable _detour_, most of the time
in full view of the trio of his enemies, or else, making a bold dash,
pass within a score yards of them, trusting to the surprise to succeed
in his hair brained project. And this latter course he decided upon.

Gathering all his faculties and straining every nerve, Meagreson made a
wild bound from his covert and dashed swiftly down the hillside toward
the horse. And had it not been for the watchful eyes of Jack Fyffe,
no doubt he would have succeeded, perfectly. But the borderer's shout
brought both father and son to their feet, pistol in hand.

"After him, Jack--Henry!" yelled the outlaw leader, "don't shoot--take
him alive," but as he spoke, the revolvers of his companions were
discharged.

Discharged, but the only perceptible result was a quicker and longer
bound upon the fugitive's part.

"Take him, boys; for God's sake don't let him get free! You men on
guard--stop that horse!" screamed the chief, as the trio bounded
forward with headlong speed.

The fugitive gained the rearing horse in safety, tearing the
bridle-reins loose, leaped into the saddle, and with a wild yell,
darted away, waving his hand in defiance. And to the great chagrin of
his enemies, he disappeared in triumph among the trees.

But their speed was suddenly checked, and for a moment they paused,
glancing at each other. Their ears had caught a clear challenge to
halt, closely followed by a single whip-like crack; then a wild shriek
as of a human being in mortal agony, the quick trampling of hoofs, and
then all was still.

As they once more pressed forward in painful suspense, a hollow,
unearthly groan sounded from the spot whence the shot had come.
Bursting through the bushes, the quartette--for Sprowl had also joined
them--beheld a terrible sight.

A man--one of the outlaw guards--was coolly recharging his rifle, with
his gaze bent upon a bleeding form before him. There, pale and ghastly,
lay the form of James Meagreson; not dead, but apparently dying. The
lower portion of his body lay still and motionless, but his head and
shoulders writhed to and fro, while his arms were tossed wildly about,
in the intensity of his agony.

Wild cries and bitter blasphemy poured from his lips, and he bitterly
cursed those surrounding him. The fatal missile had entered his
stomach, and passing through, had broken his back.

The men did not attempt to remove him or to bandage his wound; they
saw that such a course would only be inflicting useless torment upon
him, that his time had come; his life slowly ebbing away with the
fast-fleeting moments. Two of them knelt beside his head, and kept him
from hastening his end by the useless struggles.

James Duaber spoke to him kindly, imploring him to confess before he
died, but his only answer was bitter revilings and curses; the fearful
words, coming as they did from lips fast chilling in the embrace of
death, caused even those strong men to turn aside with a shudder.

And thus he died, still reckless and defiant; a fitting end for his
long and sinful life. There were grave faces that surrounded him,
as breath went out, but no tears, no grief at his tragic end. Their
injuries had been far too deep.

By this time the majority of the troop had collected, alarmed by the
disturbance, and a number of them were detailed by their chief, to
prepare a grave for the dead man. It was soon completed, and the corpse
was quietly lowered into the bark-lined pit; then the damp mold covered
him forever from mortal ken. There was no whispered prayer, no murmured
blessing over the unhallowed grave; and nothing but the long narrow
mound remained to show where the unfortunate being had been laid, for
his last long sleeping-place.

Unloved he had lived, and unloved he had died. Poor James Meagreson!




                             CHAPTER XIII.

                            DEATH AMID JOY.


When we raise the curtain once more upon our characters, it is after
the lapse of three months. A quarter of a year, that has not been
uneventful to those in whom we are interested; but we can not linger
upon them. A brief glance at the leading episodes is all.

The unfortunate death of James Meagreson changed the entire plans of
the outlawed couple--father and son. But first of all James Duaber
announced to his followers his intention of leaving them, and for the
future leading an honest life.

Some of them murmured, but their chief was too highly esteemed and
respected, for them to raise any serious opposition. Some few of their
number joined him in his resolve, but the majority determined to
continue on; the wild free life having charms they could not resist.
But it was agreed to leave the neighborhood, and ply their calling
elsewhere.

So their attention was only turned to the vindication of Henry Duaber's
honor, as the father was totally unknown to the settlers, and the
charges brought against him had long since passed into oblivion.
Their first move was to secretly abduct Frank Dalton, and when he was
confronted with Wesley Sprowl, and found that his perjury had been
discovered, he promised to make restitution as far as lay in his power,
at any time he was called upon.

Thus prepared, Henry Duaber boldly returned to the settlement, where he
was once more arrested by the excited vigilance committee. His trial
came off in good time, and thanks to the candor of his witnesses, he
was triumphantly acquitted.

None were more cordial and sincere in their congratulations, than Neil
McGuire and "Honest Jim" Henderson, who declared his bar was free to
everybody, upon the joyous occasion; and never before, in the memory of
"the oldest inhabitants," had there been so many "exhilarated" men to
be seen, at one time, as upon that afternoon.

There was some talk about giving the perjured witnesses a taste of
"birch law," but thanks to the firm opposition of Henry and others,
it was not carried into effect. There was one familiar face missing
among the crowd, but none regretted this fact. Polk Redlaw was not in
the best of odor among his _quondam_ associates, and did not make his
appearance.

The "big house" was reopened, and old aunt Eunice in her glory once
more, never tiring of dwelling upon the prominent part _she_ had played
in the late events. Henry met with no further opposition from the
father of Nora, and matters progressed finely between the young couple,
and at the same time no less rapidly.

Henry was an ardent suitor, and pleaded his case so well that the
"fatal day" was set; and when we reopen our chronicle it had arrived.
Great preparations had been made, and although the weather was somewhat
cool, it was decided to have a grand barbecue and dance by moonlight in
the open air.

Upon the summit of a little knoll was a sort of pavilion, erected
for the dancing. The floor was composed of puncheons, the flat side
uppermost, rudely dressed with an ax. Seats of the same were ranged
around the sides, each end resting upon a block of wood. At one
extremity, projecting beyond the platform, a stand was erected for the
musicians, of whom there were three, already present.

Busy preparations were going on a little distance from the pavilion,
for the "barbecue"; in full view, but far enough away to avoid
inconvenience from the smoke, deer and hogs were being prepared for the
spit--cattle were by far too valuable for that purpose--while turkey,
ducks, prairie-chickens and smaller game were being roasted at the
house. These minor items were to be furnished by the guests, who were
each expected to "bring something."

It was early yet, but "out West" that is the fashion, and several
parties had already arrived, although too few to begin dancing. Then
the guests began to drop in more frequently, singly, in couples, or
small parties of several; the ladies hastening to the cabin to make any
little arrangement of their finery, while their cavaliers unsaddled the
horses, securing them to the surrounding trees, placing fodder before
them, and then joining the company already gathered at the pavilion.

It was really amusing to watch the actions of some gawky overgrown
youth as he fidgeted about uneasily in his oppressive "bestermost"
suit, now and then stealing a furtive glance at the opposite end of
the stand, to learn if the eyes of his "bright, particular star" were
upon him. If so, to note the studied attitude of would-be grace and
_nonchalant_ ease that he would assume, which was flatly contradicted
by his fiery blushes.

To note the envious looks of the more backward, as they watched with
longing eyes the free and easy demeanor of some more courageous swain,
as he mingled with the blushing and whispering damsels, who appeared
little more at ease than the former. There were many beautiful forms
and faces to be seen among them, that would fill the breasts of many of
our city belles with envy, despite their _outré_ dress.

Presently the scraping and tuning of violins broke the spell, and
seemed to dissipate the restraint that surrounded all parties. The
groups began to mingle and converse more freely; the tap of some dainty
foot to be heard as it kept unconscious time to the music; the confused
request and murmured consent to dance; then the order, "Choose your
pardners, boys!"; the sets were formed, and Henry, with Nora, led off.

The fun waxed fast and furious, the din increased, and the sets
appeared mixed in inextricable confusion, the clatter of heavy-soled,
horse-hide boots, the lighter fall of a more dainty foot, the rustle
of dresses and shuffle of moccasins, with now and then a gay burst
of laughter at some unlucky wight who makes a ludicrous blunder; or
a stentorian shout from some half-wild borderer as he grows excited;
mixed and intermingled with the music, more loud than melodious, while
above all soars the clear voice of the "caller-off."

The picture is homely, we grant you, but it is pleasant, nevertheless,
and it would be hard indeed to find a fashionable gathering that
contains so little alloy of envy, pain and hypocrisy as this little
congregation of rude, unpolished, but kind and open-hearted people.
Rough and unlettered they may be, but their hospitality shames that of
many a more pretentious class; while it would indeed be hard to find a
truer or a more generous heart than those that beat under a deer-skin
hunting-shirt, or homespun dress of linsey-woolsey.

Occasionally during the figure "promenade all," the toe of some clumsy
swain, or perchance that of his rosy lassie, would catch fast in some
crevice or protuberance between the rudely-joined puncheons, that
cast them with violence to the floor. The next couple being too close
and under great headway, would follow suit, and a mass of writhing,
struggling humanity form a prostrate heap upon the floor.

Oh, what a burst of laughter would then ascend from hearty lungs,
echoing through the woods from grove to grove, arousing the feathered
songsters from their nests, causing them to chirp and twitter, no doubt
wondering what possessed the people at that unseasonable hour.

Then Jack Fyffe--who did not dance--caused a renewed burst of merriment
by seating himself upon one end of an unusually refractory slab, to
hold it in its proper place, as he said. And there he sat, as solemn as
a judge, smoking his pipe complacently, as though a crowd of the gay
dancers were not whirling all about him, until the gathering broke up
for supper.

And such a supper! More fit to be likened to a bounteous dinner,
served up for a regiment of half-famished, war-worn soldiers. The long
tables, manufactured from slabs of rudely-hewn wood, and supported by
stakes probably furnished from the limbs of the same tree, were piled
almost to overflowing with game and pastry.

Such saddles and haunches of venison; delicious buffalo-humps and
pickled tongues--the proceeds of an extended hunt, for this especial
occasion--the wild turkey, lusciously brown and tempting, almost
bursting with the rich dressing; the prairie-chicken and pheasant,
quail and snipe; even down to the huge "black-bird pot-pie."

Then the appetizing pastry and preserves, the results of that same
season's "berry-hunting"; the honey, from that as clear and limpid as
amber, to the dark and strong-flavored "bee-bread"--the vari-colored
comb piled in great stacks.

And the strong, fragrant coffee, sweetened with honey and tempered
with the thick, golden cream; the highly-prized tiny cups of "real
boughten tea," mingled with stronger draughts for those so inclined, of
"corn-whisky" and crab-apple cider.

All this, to say nothing of the barbecued game, which is in great
demand from the very novelty of its cooking--I could not tell you
one tithe of the good things that were there; the very sight of such
abundance seeming enough to banish one's appetite for a fortnight to
come.

Henry and Nora were the gayest of the gay, even among that happy
crowd, and kept those surrounding them in the highest glee with their
witticisms and repartee. But they left the table among the first, and
strolled back toward the pavilion.

Jack Fyffe fidgeted around for a few moments, and then hastily followed
after, announcing his approach with a sonorous cough, that startled the
young couple into turning around.

"Beg pardin, square," apologetically began the borderer, "but p'r'aps
you'd better be on y'ur guard, like."

"Why so, Josh?--what do you mean?" asked Henry.

"Jest take a squint over yander, an' mebbe you'll see."

Duaber glanced in the direction indicated, and a hot flush passed over
his face as he noticed the tall, dark form of Polk Redlaw leaning
against a tree, apparently deeply absorbed in thought. But had they
been a little closer, a snakelike look would have been seen from
beneath the slouched hat, fixed vindictively upon them, while one of
the hands that rested across his bosom fiercely gripped the haft of a
long, keen knife, hidden within his shirt. "He here!"

"Never mind, Henry, let him go," nervously whispered Nora, "he can't
hurt you now."

"If he keeps his distance I will not molest him," answered Henry.
"Besides, I do not believe he is armed. Do you see any, Jack?"

"No, but that don't signify," grunted that worthy. "A snake don't show
its teeth tell it goes to strike, an' _he's_ a copperhead, _he_ is."

"Well, I'll watch him," and the young couple turned away, while Jack,
his mind relieved by delivering the warning, repaired to the table to
indulge in another meal.

But in five minutes more Henry had totally forgotten the warning, and
had thoughts only for Nora. Fortunately, she was not so oblivious,
and hearing a slight noise behind them turned suddenly, just in time
to behold the crouching form of the mongrel, as he uplifted his heavy
knife.

Her shriek startled Duaber, and he quickly turned, in the nick of time,
to nimbly avoid his enemy's rush, adroitly tripping him with one foot,
while he delivered a lightning-like blow with his right fist, full upon
the dastard's neck, that hurled him headlong to the ground as if he had
been shot. Before the affray could go any further, the combatants were
surrounded and Redlaw disarmed, being rather roughly handled by Jack
Fyffe, who finally ended by kicking him from the grounds.

In a short time the incident was forgotten by the majority, and the
dancing once more resumed. But Jack did not occupy his old position,
and when he again appeared he was fully armed, a rifle in hand and
revolver at his waist.

Neither did he enter the pavilion, but stationed himself at a little
distance, beside a tree, where his form was so blended with the shadows
that at a score yards distant it was not visible. So another hour
passed away, and he obstinately retained his post, heedless of fatigue.

Suddenly he uttered a low grunt, and crouched forward, half-raising
his rifle, while the faint click told of its being cocked. A dim,
shadow-like form had caught his roving glance, and upon it his every
attention was now centered. Twice the long barrel rose to his cheek,
and as often was it lowered, while his head craned forward as if in
doubt.

Just then the music ceased, at the words, "promenade all--to your
seats!" and the dancers separated. Jack Fyffe gave vent to a
startling yell, and quickly raising his rifle, discharged it with an
instantaneous aim.

The wild cry that followed told how true had been his aim; but it was
duplicated. Quick as had been his motion, another flash had streamed
out upon the darkness, from the spot at which he had aimed, and _two_
cries were mingled with the reverberating echoes, and then came a dull,
heavy fall upon the floor of the pavilion.

Jack did not glance toward the latter, but with an angry howl, more
like that of a famished wild beast than a man, leaped forward toward
the spot from whence had come the secret shot. A dark form lay there,
motionless and silent, but he heeded not that. One by one the chambers
of his revolver were emptied, and then he spurned from him with his
foot the dead and mangled form of the mongrel assassin, Polk Redlaw.

In the pavilion a pale and horrified group were gathered, some bending
over the bleeding, senseless form of Henry Duaber, while others
attended to the fainting girl who was so soon to have become his bride.
Heads were gravely shaken in answer to inquiring looks; their decision
was that the young man would never speak again.

He breathed faintly, but each respiration seemed as if it would be his
last. The blood slowly oozed from a ghastly wound upon his head, and
they said that his brain had been pierced.

But we are happy to be enabled to state that they were greatly
mistaken; had it been true, it would have made too sorrowful an ending
to our story--one that the reader might well grumble at; for there had
been no marriage as yet, and what is a novel without that?

In fact, he recovered his senses long before Nora did, and when his
wound was washed, it was found that the bullet had only cut a deep
gash upon his head, merely stunning him for the time being. When he
had once convinced Nora that he was really unharmed, he declared he
only had a slight headache, and made the assertion good by carrying out
the original programme, and heroically passing the trying ordeal of
changing the young lady into Mrs. Nora Duaber, that same night.

The dance was broken up by this catastrophe, and while no one expressed
pity for the dead man, he was reverently buried, before another
sun shone. Nora knew nothing of this at the time, and her joy was
unclouded, for more reasons than one.

And now we must leave them, with only a few parting words.

The young couple duly entered the "big house," where, with aunt Eunice
for a housekeeper, they led a peaceful, happy life. A few years since,
James Duaber died, loved and respected by all who knew him; the fact of
his old reckless life having never transpired, the secret being safe
between the three.

Wesley Sprowl still lives, and is in moderately comfortable
circumstances, thanks to the generosity with which Henry Duaber
fulfilled his promise. He is not rich, and never will be; his
disposition prevents that. But his sad and long-suffering wife has
greatly changed for the better, we are glad to state.

And worthy Jack Fyffe, although now well along in years, is still hale
and hearty; can handle his heavy rifle with sufficient precision to
keep the larder well supplied with small game, and takes great delight
in teaching the little Duabers how to shoot, swim and ride. He and
"Honest Jim" Henderson are great cronies, often sitting for hours
over their glasses and pipes, vying with each other in their stories
of "when I was young." To listen for a while, one would be strongly
tempted to believe that "Sinbad the Sailor," Robinson Crusoe, or the
worthy Baron Munchausen had returned to life, and inhabited the shapes
of "the venerable story-tellers."


                               THE END.




                          DIME POCKET NOVELS.

                        PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY.


     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 Hill.
    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. 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.
    126--Yankee Eph. By J. R. Worcester.
    127--Silverspur. By Edward Willett.
    128--Squatter Dick. By Jos. E. Badger.
    129--The Child Spy. By George Gleason.
    130--Mink Coat. By Jos. E. Badger.
    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.

The following will be issued in the order and on the dates indicated.

    139--The Scioto Scouts. By Edward Willett. Ready
    140--The Border Renegade. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
    141--The Mute Chief. By C. D. Clark. Ready
    142--Boone, the Hunter. By Frederick Whittaker. Ready December 2d.
    143--Mountain Kate. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready December 16th.
    144--The Red Scalper. By W. J. Hamilton. Ready December 30th.
    145--The Lone Chief. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready January 13th.
    146--The Silver Bugle. By Lieut. Col. Hazleton. Ready January 27th.


BEADLE'S DIME POCKET NOVELS are always in print and for sale
by all newsdealers; or will be sent post-paid, to any address; single
numbers, ten cents; six months (13 Nos.) $1.25; one year (26 Nos.)
$2.50.


Address, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.



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