THE END.
With the coming of darkness the curious phenomena of the valley again
manifested itself.
It was a wonderful scene.
But Frank took Captain Elmo to the verge of the plateau and said:
“I told you that I would explain my theory to you to-night. If you will
look closely you will see that those curious balls of light dancing up
from the ground exist only in sections.”
“I do observe that fact,” agreed Captain Elmo.
“Very good. Now the noxious gas which overcomes one in crossing the
valley comes only from those spots. Wherever those balls of light are
not to be seen there is no gas, and it is consequently safe to travel.”
The captain was deeply impressed with this explanation.
“Upon my word, Mr. Reade,” he cried, “that is strong logic!”
“I thought you would agree to it. Now those cunning rascals of
counterfeiters are aware of the fact and cross the valley with impunity
at any time of night.”
“But—but what of the nuggets of gold which are said to tempt the unwary
into the place? If they were able to enter and close the valley, why
should Mason and his gang need to manufacture counterfeit money?”
Frank snapped his fingers.
“That for the nuggets of gold!” he declared. “Ten to one they are
worthless iron pyrites. But we will investigate that later. Ah! what
did I tell you?”
With this excited cry Frank pointed down into the valley.
Dark forms were seen to flit into the shadows between the dancing
sections of gas fire. That they were the counterfeiters bent on escape
there was no doubt.
“Heavens! there they are!” gasped the captain. “What shall we do?”
“Explain the secrets of the valley to your men. Close in upon them
and——”
But Frank Reade, Jr., did not finish the sentence.
The captain clutched his arm.
“My God!” he cried, “there is the end of half of them!”
A startling incident had occurred in the valley, which was so vivid
and horrible as to leave its impress upon the minds of the spectators
forever.
Suddenly half a dozen of the counterfeiters were seen to become
enveloped in what seemed like a momentary flash of blue flame.
Then their bodies were seen lying upon the sand, and the ghostly balls
of light were seen dancing above them.
“Heavens! How do you explain that?” gasped the captain.
“They must have unluckily stepped upon an undeveloped mine of the gas,”
replied Frank. “It has come up suddenly and overpowered them.”
“Ah, might not that same fate overcome us if we should try to cross the
valley?”
“It is not impossible,” agreed Frank. “But——”
He never finished the sentence.
A thrilling cry went up from the lips of all the spectators at that
moment.
The surviving counterfeiters were to be seen running wildly across the
valley.
Suddenly there was a low, sullen roar, and the whole valley seemed
alive with a blue flame.
Even those on the cliffs were hurled back, and cries of horror went up.
When, the next moment, the exhibition subsided, the bodies of all of
the counterfeiters were seen far out in the deadly sands.
Once too often they had dared the deadly perils of Satan’s Hole. It was
a horrible, awful thought to the awestruck spectators.
Frank Reade, Jr., stood like one dumbfounded.
Bert Mason was among the doomed ones. In a moment, as it were, the
entire gang was wiped out. But Frank was only thinking of poor Astley.
“Come,” said Capt. Elmo huskily, “I believe that valley is a part of
hell. Let us get out of here as quickly as possible.”
None had any desire to remain longer in the vicinity of the Sandy Trail
of Death. Silently, and with a keen sense of horror they picked up
their belongings and left the spot behind them forever.
* * * * *
But Benjamin Astley did not suffer death upon the gallows for a crime
of which he was wholly innocent.
Enough evidence had been found to substantiate the fact that he was not
identical with Bert Mason who had perished in Satan’s Hole.
So he was released from prison a happy man and restored to his faithful
friends and his happy bride.
All this was certainly due to the disinterested kindness of Frank
Reade, Jr., and Astley expressed his gratitude in warmest terms.
The story spread all over the country and Frank Reade, Jr., was
eulogized as the prince of benefactors and philanthropists.
The Steam Horse, however, was not destined to long remain idle. Almost
as soon as he returned to Readestown Frank became interested in another
thrilling case, the full details of which may be found in exciting form
in No. 10 of the FRANK READE LIBRARY, entitled:
“FRANK READE, JR., WITH HIS NEW STEAM HORSE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE
UNDERGROUND RANCH.”
Useful and Instructive Books.
HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and card tricks, containing
full instruction of all the leading card tricks of the day, also the
most popular magical illusions as performed by our leading magicians;
every boy should obtain a copy, as it will both amuse and instruct.
Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and
Canada, or sent to any address, postage free, on receipt of price.
Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New
York. Box 2730.
HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing explanations of the general
principles of sleight-of-hand applicable to card tricks; of card
tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring sleight-of-hand; of
tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of specially prepared
cards. By Professor Haffner. With illustrations. Price 10 cents. For
sale by all newsdealers, or sent, post-paid, to any address on receipt
of price, by Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street,
New York. P. O. Box 2730.
HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Containing valuable information
regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely
illustrated. Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the United
States and Canada, or sent free of postage upon receipt of the price.
Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New
York. Box 2730.
HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully illustrated. Every boy
should know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions are given
in this little book, together with instructions on swimming and
riding, companion sports to boating. Price 10 cents. For sale by all
newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or we will send it to
your address on receipt of the price. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and
36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest and most valuable little
books ever given to the world. Everybody wishes to know how to become
beautiful, both male and female. The secret is simple and almost
costless. Read this book, and be convinced. “How to Become Beautiful.”
Price ten cents. For sale by book and newsdealers, or send ten cents
to Frank Tousey, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York, and it will
be mailed to your address, post paid.
HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE.—Giving full instruction for the use of
dumb-bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars, and various
other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over
sixty illustrations. Every boy can become strong and healthy by
following the instructions contained in this little book. For sale by
all newsdealers, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of
10 cents. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New
York. Box 2730.
HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.—A complete treatise on the
horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best for
the road; also valuable recipes for diseases peculiar to the horse.
Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and
Canada, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of price.
Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New
York. Box 2730.
HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A description of the wonderful uses
of electricity and electro-magnetism, together with full instructions
for making Electric Toys, Batteries, etc. By George Trebel, A.M., M.D.
Containing over fifty illustrations. Price 10 cents. For sale by all
newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address,
postage free, on receipt of price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34
and 36 North Moore Street, New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS.—Everybody dreams, from the little child to the
aged man and woman. This little book gives the explanation to all
kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s
Oraculum,” the book of fate. For sale by every newsdealer in the
United States and Canada. Price 10 cents, or we will send it to your
address, postage free, on receipt of price. Frank Tousey, publisher,
34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little book, containing the
rules and regulations of Billiards, Bagatelle, Backgammon, Croquet,
Dominoes, etc. Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the
United States and Canada, or sent to your address, postage free, on
receipt of price. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore
street, New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, courtship, and marriage,
giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many
curious and interesting things not generally known. For sale by all
newsdealers, price 10 cents, or sent, postage free, upon receipt of
price. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New
York. Box 2730.
HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette of good society and
the easiest and most approved methods of appearing to good advantage
at parties, balls, the theater, church, and in the drawing-room.
Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage free,
on receipt of price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North
Moore street, New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and
instructive book. Handsomely illustrated. By Ira Drofraw. Price 10
cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or
sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of price. Address Frank
Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. P. O. Box
2730.
HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for everybody, boys, girls,
men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything around
the house, such as parlor ornaments, brackets, cements, æolian harps,
and bird lime for catching birds. Price 10 cents. For sale by all
newsdealers in the United States or Canada, or sent to your address,
post paid, on receipt of price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34
and 36 North Moore Street, New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS.—Containing the most popular
selections in use, comprising Dutch dialect, French dialect, Yankee
and Irish dialect pieces, together with many standard readings. Price
10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada,
or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of price. Address
Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. Box
2730.
THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and
very instructive. Every boy should obtain this book, as it contains
full instructions for organizing an amateur minstrel troupe, and will
cost you but 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the United
States or Canada, or sent to any address, postage free, on receipt of
price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street,
New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for making all kinds of candy,
ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc. Price 10 cents. For sale by all
newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to any address,
postage free, on receipt of price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34
and 36 North Moore Street, New York. Box 2730.
The Funniest Stories Ever Written
ARE PUBLISHED WEEKLY IN
The 5 Cent Comic Library.
ISSUED EVERY SATURDAY.
Ask Your Newsdealer to Save You a Copy Every Week.
THE FOLLOWING STORIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN PUBLISHED:
1. Two Dandies of New York; or, The Funny Side of
Everything, by Tom Teaser
2. Cheeky Jim, the Boy From Chicago; or, Nothing Too Good
for Him, by Sam Smiley
3. Gymnastic Joe; or, Not a Bit Like His Uncle, by Tom Teaser
4. Shorty; or, Kicked Into Good Luck, by Peter Pad
5. Mama’s Pet; or, Always In It, by Sam Smiley
6. Tommy Bounce, the Family Mischief, by Peter Pad
7. Dick Quack, the Doctor’s Boy; or, A Hard Pill To
Swallow, by Tom Teaser
8. Shorty in Luck, by Peter Pad
WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT
FRANK READE, JR., THE GREAT INVENTOR,
Are Published Weekly in the
FRANK READE LIBRARY.
Price 5 Cents. Issued Every Saturday.
YOU CAN BUY A COPY AT ANY NEWSDEALER’S.
THE FOLLOWING STORIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN PUBLISHED:
1. Frank Reade, Jr., and His New Steam Man; or, The Young
Inventor’s Trip to the Far West, by “Noname”
2. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Man in No Man’s
Land; or, On a Mysterious Trail, by “Noname”
3. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Man in Central
America, by “Noname”
4. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Man in Texas; or,
Chasing the Train Robbers, by “Noname”
5. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Man in Mexico; or,
Hot Work Among the Greasers, by “Noname”
6. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Man Chasing a
Gang of “Rustlers;” or, Wild Adventures in Montana, by “Noname”
7. Frank Reade, Jr., and His New Steam Horse; or, The
Search for a Million Dollars. A Story of Wild Life
in New Mexico, by “Noname”
8. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Horse Among the
Cowboys; or, the League of the Plains, by “Noname”
9. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Horse in the Great
American Desert; or, The Sandy Trail of Death, by “Noname”
10. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Horse and the
Mystery of the Underground Ranch, by “Noname”
The Greatest Detective Stories Ever Written
ARE PUBLISHED WEEKLY IN THE
YOUNG SLEUTH LIBRARY.
Price 5 Cents. Issued Every Saturday.
YOUR NEWSDEALER HAS A FULL SUPPLY.
The Following Have Already Been Published:
1. Young Sleuth; or, The Inspector’s Right Hand Man.
2. Young Sleuth in Chinatown; or, The Mystery of an Opium Den.
3. Young Sleuth on the Rail; or, Working Against the Train Robbers.
4. Young Sleuth and the Beautiful Actress; or, The Diamond Thieves of
New York.
5. Young Sleuth’s Best Bargain; or, $20,000 for One Night’s Work.
6. Young Sleuth’s Night Trail; or, The Slums of New York.
7. Young Sleuth Behind the Scenes; or, The Keen Detective’s Great
Theater Case.
8. Young Sleuth and the Widow in Black; or, Tracking a Child Stealer
of New York.
All the above libraries are for sale by all newsdealers in the United
States and Canada, or sent to your address, post paid, on receipt of
price by
Box 2730. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 34 & 36 North Moore Street, New York.