r--meaning the
horse.

The night passed away without incident; as early as four o'clock--when
it is daylight on the plains--Fearless Frank was astir.

Be found the rivulet flowing from the spring to abound with trout, and
caught and dressed the morning meal.

Alice was awake by the time breakfast was ready. She bathed her face
and hands in the stream, combed her long auburn hair through her
fingers, and looked sweeter than on the previous night--at least, so
thought Fearless Frank.

"The day promises to be delightful, does it not?" she remarked, as she
seated herself to partake of the repast.

"Exactly. Autumn months are ever enjoyable in the West."

The meal dispatched, no delay was made in leaving the place.

Fearless Frank strode along beside his horse and its fair rider,
chatting pleasantly, and at the same time making a close observation
of his surroundings. He knew he was in parts frequented by both red
and white savages, and it would do no harm to keep on one's guard.

They traveled all day and reached Sage creek at sunset.

Here they remained over night, taking an early start on the succeeding
morning.

That day they made good progress, in consequence of Frank's purchase
of a horse at Sage creek from some friendly Crow Indians, and darkness
overtook them at the mouth of Red Canyon, where they went into camp.

By steady pushing they reached Rapid creek the next night, for no halt
was made at Custer City, and for the first time since leaving the
torture-ground, camped with a miner's family. As yet no cabins or
shanties had been erected here, canvas tents serving in the stead;
to-day there are between fifty and a hundred wooden structures.

Alice was charmed with the wild grandeur of the mountain scenery--with
the countless acres of blossoms and flowering shrubs--with the
romantic and picturesque surroundings in general, and was very
emphatic in her praises.

One day of rest was taken at Rapid Creek; then the twain pushed on,
and when night again overtook them, they rode into the bustling,
noisy, homely metropolis--Deadwood, magic city of the North-west.

CHAPTER VI.

ONLY A SNAKE--LOCATING A MINE.

Harry Redburn hurried off toward the cabin, which was some steps away.
In Anita's scream there were both terror and affright.

Walsingham Nix, the hump-backed, bow-legged explorer and prospecter
hobbled after him, using his staff for support.

He had heard the scream, but years' experience