The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1886-09-18

him, in which slowed and sparkled the Red
Hand.
The strong light seemed to fall only ON
his own person; he could discern nothing
further.
Follow" was the only command given.
He arose, reached for his rifle. but found
il missing then instlnctively felt for his
revolyers; they too were gone.
Coward Come" commanded the voice
almost sayagely.
He moved forward IN that binding light
for a long ways seemingly, one hundred
and twenty PAGES he counted, resolved TO
have some idea of the distance he was pene-
trating into the mountain, for he had at
once realized he was III a cave.
The person or persons bearing the mys-
terious light had never been visible.
I'm in for it," he thought bitterly, even
unarmed I'll sell my life rs dearly as pos
sible."
Then the light suddenly disappeared and
some one in advance cried:
"Follow me-"
Onward slowly they pressed IN the
Egyptian darkness, two hundred PAGES
more, when faint light cleaned In the
distance, which upon nearer approach
proved to be brilliantly lighted apartment
ming with curtains of skins of Wild ami
glimmered down the dark passage. Jasper
looked in vain for the person who had pre-
coded him, but no one was visible.
Enter, young stranger" said a voice
from within, and Jasper walked slowly for
ward, noting closely all his surroundings.
The room or apartment appeared to be
arranged III circular form. On a raised
platform sat a man wearing black mask.
On his breast cleaned red hand, evil
IDENTIFY of rubies. Seated around the
hanging skins, ON rude benches and odd
bundles, We're about twenty ma ked men,
all of them wearing a bright red hand en-
broidered on their coats lapel.
The Captain of the Avengers bids You
come forward.
Jasper advanced to within few feet of
the speaker. and his keen glance noted that
the masked Captain was n large man of
splendid physique, and that the eyes
cleaning through the mask Were black and
piercing. One strange peculiarly III his
dress was that he wore gloves of II light
tan color.
"Some mark ON his hand or hands,
thought Jasper, for he never wears them
for adornment."
what were you proving over the mount
aims for at midnight"
The voice was soft and exceedingly mel
liiuous, vet there was peculiarly about
it that the young cattle king felt he would
recognize anywhere.
That is my own business, he answered
coolly.
"Ah, indeed we propose to make it ours.
YoU were looking for Black Jack, We're
you not?"
"Yes; and for the cowardly murderer of
those unwary strangers who met their death
at Danger Pass.
Slowly, my impetuous young friend.
You'll not find the murderer or murderers
you seek soon, though presume You think
you have already found Black Jack, ;"
laughing with evident amusement.
Il should judge he's not more than a hun
bred miles away" replied Jasper, eying
the half circle of masked individuals with
undisguised scorn.
"This-ah, hotel, charges for its visitors, "
continued the Captain. How much have
you to pay for Your nights lodging?"
The Cattle King started. lie had for
gotted all about the roll of bank notes he
carried on his person. He had intended
visiting some herds to the southwark, and
had taken several thousand dollars with
him for that purpose. What fool he had
beenl
Eve don't charge mucn," continued the
Captain, pleasantly. "Please hand over
just what you happen to have on your per-
SON.
I'll do nothing of the kind" replied
Jasper in anger. Il refuse to give up my
money to a set of thieves and murderers."
"Ho! no. there, lackeys! Come for
ward.' And Jasper's arms were pinioned
behind him in twinkling and his person
was searched as thoroughly as if in the
hands Of a custOm-house detective.
The roll of money was found and given
to the Captain, and notwithstanding his
violent struggles, the young cattle king was
dragged far off to dark part of the cave
and chained to the wall, so heavily and Sc
curely that he felt indeed as if there was lit
tie hope of his ever escaping from the
demon into whose hands he had fallen.
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