Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 464) (1886 06 15)
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© x oe ey ye \ | : ; ) f ) oa f — , | at i) es im | al. — a fi yj. Z hehe C MEE eR I LN ‘ | p— ae = . a ye \\ re ie SS een NY eet NY : NS ae = i tn! sl ot a a Ss = a NSS | Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1886, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, : ¥ 2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, Vol. XVIIL flee | Mo. Ae a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. “a v¢ HA YY fe ly) I} | BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, i J Hl | AUTHOR OF ‘‘ NEW ENGLAND NICK,” ‘‘ KIT CAR- SON, KING OF GUIDES,” Eto, CHAPTER I. THE ADVENT OF THE SHow, GREAT was the excitement in the thriving Kentucky village on the morning when the in- habitants anxiously awaited the arrival of the first circus. It is of Janesville that we write, Janesville on the Ohio, as thriving a town a8 can be found from Cincinnati to Wheeling. reg fi. Bigger places than Janesville exist in that dis- tance, but as Janesville is the market-town for a thriving section of country with no rival near to dispute with it for trade, it easily ranks above other He towns that can boast of a greater population, an Then, too, it is the only large place on the | 839». rain south bank of the Ohio, from Newport, opposite Cincinnati, until West Virginia is reached. ml NIMBLE NICK IN HIS DASHING BAREBACK ACT, —— re
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hin ¥ . ne — a 3 ‘ © sas % ~ ’ 7 - Pe . ne is 6 A EN OT Son ere Na oe bur scarey oh hia es Brae Qe ty Pee a = nd ROE ES Re, eee Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince, Virginia it was, at the time of which we write, for our story is of a period just before the war, before West Virginia was in existence. | This was the first circus which had visited that section of country for a long time, and as the people of Janesville were a lively, go-ahead set, fond of all sorts of amusements, the an- nouncement of the show’s visit had caused great excitement. “ Sharpley’s Colossal Moral Silver Show” was the name of the company, and a bill-board some fifty feet long had been erected on the main street of the town and adorned with the usual pictorial bills, representing all sorts of daring feats of horsemanship. And then there were pictures of all sorts of wild animals, and lifelike representations of a most remarkable dwarf and anequally remark- able giant. ‘ The great feature of the circus, the clown, too, was not forgotten. It was the ‘‘Great Shakesperian Jester ” this time, and on the bill-board his ‘‘ counterfeit pre- sentment,” made a most imposing show. Of course this cireus was a very small affair er else it would not have attempted to travel through a section of country where the “‘ stends” —the towns in which the show exhibited—were so small and so far apart. But the good people of Janesville never stopped to calculate in regard to this; a show was a show to them, were it big or little, and they thronged the streets to welcome the ‘“ proces- sion” with as much alacrity as the people now turn out to gaze at Barnum’s monster parade. Janesville is no little country town, but a regular metropolis of a place, and though there were plenty of gawky country lads and red- cheeked, awkward, corn-fed Kentucky girls in sight, yet they were from the country around about, and formed a decided contrast to the well- dressed belles and beaux of the town. Kentucky is justly famous for the beauty of its women, and there was one girl in the main street of Janesville on this day who was lovely enough to have entered the contest for the olden apple with goddess of love, great Venus erself. She was tall, beautifully formed, with the carriage of a queen. An oval face, yet black as night, and hair of the hue of the raven’s wing. Exquisitely cut features, a fine type in every respect of the blooming Kentucky belle, except- ing that she lacked the slight coarseness which is ofter found in these beauties. Eglantine Dunwiddie she was called, an orphan hetress, who, by the death of her parents was left a fortune estimated to reach in round figures a hundred thousand dollars at the least. She had just come of age, and cpg f of this handsome estate in addition to her own personal charms it was no wonder that she was sought in wedlock by every marriageable ag or old, for miles around. But there was not a single one of her suitors who could boast that the beautiful, though some- what baugnty and self-willed girl, had ever cast a favoring glance in his direction. Miss Eglantine was mounted upon a jet-black horse of rare beauty—a genuine Kentucky thor- oughbred, a mettlesome, high-spirited animal, as was plainly evident from his fretfulness as he chafed continually at the bit, and required the constant pressure of his rider’s restraining hand upon the rein to a him in his place. cre ec LL A jockey—a good judge of horses—would have been inclined, from the peculiar trick which the steed had of rolling his eyes upward so as to exhibit the whites, to pronounce the animal a vicious brute who some day would prove an ugly mer to handle. ‘And, in fact, the girl had been warned by her old negro groom to this effect, and recommend- ed not to ride the horse; but Eglantine did not know the meaning of the word fear, and re- garded the horse’s antics as coming from mere 3 playfulness. Big Sandy, as the horse was called, was a son of the renowned Lexington, the champion four- miler, and regarded in Kentucky as the best horse that had ever looked through a bridle, and it was not to be expected that he should act like a cart-horse. Her uncle and guardian, Colonel Elphenor Dunwiddie—a dark-faced, stern-looking man of fifty or thereabouts—accompanied her, also on a steed whose value mounted into the thou- sands. But this was an old and steady horse, and ever and anon he turned his eyes upon his rest- less companion as if to ask why on earth he pein ag still and have done with such fool- The colonel had been observing the unsteadi- ness of his ward’s steed with considerable anx- iety, and at last he felt that he ought to give ber a word of warning. “Don’t you think, Egla, that you had better dismount and allow some one to hold Sandy un- til the procession gets by?’ he asked. ‘I am afraid the music of the band wiil be too much for him.” ‘*Oh no, uncle; he is only a little restless and playful, that is all,” she answered patting the arching neck of the uneasy steed. ‘* And to dis- mount would be showing the white feather in a perfectly disgraceful way!” and her proud lip curled in contempt. ‘“‘Tf I can’t manage a horse like Big Sandy at all times and in all places I might as well give up riding.” Just then the distant blare of the circus band announced the approach of the show. It was coming up the pike from Paris, where it had made its leat stand, a good fifty-mile journey, and in order to cover the distance the showmen had commenced the march at midnight and had been on the road ever since. The band-wagon—the golden chariot—com- mon to all circuses—was in the advance, and be- hind came the performers on their steeds, both men and horses looking the worse for wear, for it had been a tough ni cht’s journey. There was only one lady rider in the party, for the show was an extremely small one des- pite its high sounding name. And, too, fate had not smiled upon these seekers after fortune, for their Kentucky trip of the show had been disastrous in the extreme. It had been in the State now for about a month, having crossed the Ohio from Mlinois, and had hardly made expenses anywhere. The weather had been unfavorable, for there had been a great deal of rain, which of course interfered with business. The manager had run out of funds, and with the show into Janesville came two business men of Paris whose mission it was to collect from the Janesville receipts certain moneys which the show owed, but had been unable to pay in Paris. There was the landlord of the hotel which had entertained the circus folks, and the man who had furnished the feed for the animals, both of whom were in hopes that in Janesville, always noted for liberally patronizing all kinds of shows, money enough might be taken in to put the cir- cus on its legs again. After the band-wagon, at the head of the per- formers, mounted on a thoroughbred brown mare, an animal which showed its blood and _ breeding in every motion, rode the star rider of the show, a good-looking young man, with clear- cut, resolute features, and the square, firm jaw which signifies a man of metal. Clear and bold as the eyes of an eagle were his dark brown orbs—fearless eyes, frank and hon- est in their gaze. His thick, black-brown hair clustered in little crispy curls all over his well-shaped head. e had a high, broad forehead, which be- tokened brains as well as courage. In Sale he was about the medium hight, magnificently built, with thews and muscles seemingly of steel, and so perfect was he in his horsemanship that he rode. the animal as though he was a part of the steed.” He was neatly dressed in a suit of black vel- veteen, with a daintily-frilled white shirt, the broad collar of which was turned over his vest, after the fashion affected by that lordly poet, great Byron. Upon_ his head he wore a milk-vhite slouch hat with a rather high crown and a curling brim. A black silk handkerchief encircled his neck, loosely knotted in front in sailor style, and above the knot sparkled a fine diamond set in a ring, the only piece of jewelry he wore, Handsome riding-boots incased his lower limbs, reaching just above the knee. Take him for all in all, the people of Janes- ville had never looked upon a finer specimen of the genus, man. This was Nicholas Monday, who was boldly billed as the champion rider and leaper of the world. , All circus men have their nick-name, and among his associates Nick Monday was known as Nimble Nick, a name which fitted most ad- mirably, for he was as nimble a man as ever stepped foot in a circus ring. ‘ CHAPTER II. THE RESCUR, As the proprietor of the show was wont to re- mark: of it, care? music from bad when they hear it, and those circle around him, the drums and cymbals put in some extra good work, and the steed became fairly frantic. pursuit, an to take the bit in ““What the people want is noise ami plenty What do they know about music, or Nine-tenths of them don’t know good who do don’t care. So go in strong on the drums and cymbals, for that is the kind of work that counts,” The band followed the instructions to the let- ter, and if they didn’t produce much music, they succeeded in making a good’ deal of noise. Miss Dunwiddie’s horse grew more and more restive as the music came nearer, and it taxed all her skill to keep him quiet. He danced up and down, and but for ber firm hand on the bit would surely have bolted. As it was she began to have serious doubts as to whether she would be able to restrain the beast. But My as the chariot came opposite to the t where her prancing horse had cleared a He reared and jeg yo and then lashed out viciously with his hind feet. The colonel had approached with the idea of offering assistance, and his horse got the benefit of the ugly kick, laming the animal immediately. And then, as if encouraged by his success, Big Sandy took the bit between his teeth and bolted headiong down the street, in spite of all the young lady’s endeavors to stop him. The animal, as we have said, was self-willed if not vicious, and now being frightened by the unusual noise, all the ugliness of his nature was roused. Up the street he went, at a headlong pace. Vain attempts were made to stop him by the spectators, with fear. The colonel’s horse having been disabled by — the kick, Dunwiddie, of course, was not able to give chase. ut he now seemed fairly frantic Nimble Nick, however, had perceived the in- cident, and was quick to hasten to the rescue. Putting spurs to his mount, he followed in with him came the bystanders, running at the top of their speed. Straight through the town went the runaway, and although Eglantine realized that she was in deadly peril, yet she did not lose her head but kept her seat with as much composure as though it wasa mere mig Reg | matter for Big Sandy a is mouth and run for dear e. Up the Main street thundered the steed, ears thrown back and bit firmly clinched in his teeth, Eglantine sticking as firmly to his back as though she was a part of the animal. Big Sandy was a race-horse born and bred, and under the excitement of fear and ugliness combined was running at tremendous speed; but the brown mare which Nimble Nick bestrode was also a blooded animal—also of the strain of Lexington, a four-miler who, on the Nashville road, had come close to the time made by her noble sire. And so, although Big Sandy was doing his Best, the brown mare gained steadily upon him, and then, too, Nimble Nick was aiding his horse, riding with all a jockey’s skill. By the time the outskirts of the town were reached Nimble Nick had succeeded in getting within a hundred yards of the affrighted ani- mal, and it was apparent that before another mile was covered he would be on even terms with the runaway horse. And as the pursuer drew up Eglantine, at- tracted by the sound of the rapid hoof-beats in her rear, turned her head and cast a rapid lance behind, expecting to see her uncle, not ing aware that bis steed had been disabled by the kick of her own vicious animal so that he had not been able to give chase. Nimble Nick was near enough to see that though the girl was riding with all the ease and e of an experienced jockey, she had not the least control over the horse, and so he called ow cheeringly: “Don’t be alarmed, miss, keep your seat and J will soon be up alongside of you! i In spite of the peril of her situation the pir’ nodded and smiled in reply, and, brief as was the glance she cast, it was sufficient to enable her to see that the stranger was about as at tractive a young gentleman as she had eve1 seen. 3 Scant time was there, however, for reflection upon this point, for she had scarcely turned her head again to her steed when Big Sa ently tired of racing along in the straight road, suddenly wheeled to the left and took a side road which led directly to the river, onlya short — distance away. ndy,appar- Se - et a eee Pes ~ # ae m ny ~*~ es ° < . aaeale yeti, $ es |
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Sandy had evidently become mad with fright, for he rushed straight toward the stream, as though he designed to plunge into it and swim to It was the time of high water. The river was ‘“ bank-full and rising,” to use the old boatmen’s phrase, and the road ended at a point where there was an overhanging bank, and the muddy, swollen current ran both swiftly ‘*Here’s a chance for a ducking!” Nimble Nick exclaimed, as he swerved from the main road and followed fast in the footsteps of the frightened horse. ‘ ig Sandy never slackened the least in his pace, but kept on like a mad horse until almost the very edge of the river was reached, and then he came to a sudden halt. The result of this maneuver was that Eglan- tine went flying over his head into the Ohio, sailing through the air likea bird, and plunging into the water head-first. The horse, relieved of his burden, gave a shrill neigh, as though of triumph, and with uplifted head and waving tail galloped off up the bank. Eglantine, expert in all out-door sports, was a good swimmer, but half-stunned by produced by the sudden contact with the water, and hampered by the long skirt of her riding-habit, she was not well fitted to cope with the tide, although but a few feet from the shore; so the current began to bear her out into Nick had given such hot chase that he reached the spot immediately after Eglantine had risen ‘to the surface from her involuntary dive. Though an expert swimmer, the young acro- bat had no idea of spoiling his nice clothes by a bath in the muddy Ohio; but, all the sam Bounding from his d ‘mare, he leaped lightly down the bank. On the ‘well-littered shore he found a boatman’s pole. He seized this, and reached it to the floating equestrienne. She had presence of mind enough ‘to grasp it, and was safely drawn to the shore. Nick assisted Egla to ascend the steep bank, 1 she sought a seat on a convenient lumber- Nick at once looked around to see what had ‘become of the runaway steed, but Big Sandy had ‘made good use of his liberty, and was out of “was quick to act. sight. Metantine leaned back against the support offered hy the boards, exhausted, and it was a few moments before she recovered her breath ‘then as he approached her again she addressed “You have saved my life, sir, and, believe ever forget it as long as I live.” *t mention it, I beg,” Nick replied, “Tam glad to have been of service ‘me, I shall n My name is Eglantine Dunwiddie, and I «ome Of arace who never forget a fayor render- ed. The time may come when I will be able to _ Tepay this service, and until then I count myself rl smiled. “By this time shé had re- her self-possession and was like her own “The name is an odd one, and I am sure I ever forget either it or the service—” h, nonsense! the service is debt exists,” Nimble Nick interrup The arrival of the townsmen, in buggies and wagons, and on foot, checked further conversa- In the first carriage came Colonel Dunwiddie. CHAPTER IT. A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION, “THANK heaven! you are safe, Eglantine!” as he jumped out of a _ carriage and approached the girl with out- stretched han ds. _ The occupants of the other vehicles followed % ple as fast as they reached the spot, and n the runners who had made good time came by that brute? He nel continued, the colonel exclaim ou shot!” the colo head’ to jump. the to the water’s ed : for I tell you, uncle it is no matter swim with th kint.” t a puzzled glance at Nimble Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. hand, fully as dignified in manner as the col- onel had been. ‘“‘If I needed money it might be a different matter, but Ido not. I am a gentleman of in- dependent fortune who holds his money as light- ly as the purse wherein it is carried.” The young acrobat had done a good deal of theater-going in his time, thanks to the cour- tesy which exists in the ‘“ profession,” and had heard some stage hero declaim something like this. The astonished Kentuckian did not know exactly what to make of the stranger. To a Dunwiddie a showman was an improvident vagabond, who lived from hand to mouth; but Nick did not appear to be any such man. He was well dressed, looked lke a gentleman and talked like one; and then, too, he must have possessed money, else he never could have won the four-mile racer, the renowned Cynthia. The stranger’s prompt refusal of the hundred dollars perplexed him, but while the colonel hesitated, uncertain what to do, Eglantine, ap- preciating the motives which pier ted the stranger to decline all reward, and with a heart overflowing with gratitude stepped forward, and drawing a costly diamond ring from her finger exclaimed, impulsively: ‘* While I honor you, sir, for your refusal of a money reward, permit me to hope that you will not reject this slight token which my gratitude urges me to tender you. It is an old family heirloom that has been handed down from mother to daughter. “Take it, I pray you, not because it is valu- able, but because by so doing you will gratify the gratetul girl whose life you have saved.” It was not possible for Nick to refuse, and so, with his best none. he accepted the jewel. ‘“T am a thousand times overpaid for the slight service I have been able to render you, and now I am your debtor,” he replied, gal- lantly. The lady bowed, but shook her head as if un- willing to accept that view of the matter, but the colonel, with a face which plainly showed annoyance at his niece’s action, assisted her into the buggy which had brought him to the ground and they departed. Niek mounted and rode away, and the specta- tors — withdrew, all discussing the affair. All in all, it was as lively an incident as Janes- ville had’seen for many a day. CHAPTER IV. THE COLONEL’S POSITION. Tus affair, of course, was a splendid adver- tisement for the circus, and the tent was c:owded. It was not a large tent, and would not hold over a thousand people. The entertainment gave entire satisfaction, for, as all the performers understood that the existence of the show depended upon their suc- cessat that point, each and every one did his best. Among the throng was Tear Dunwiddie, as bright, beautiful and brilliant as ever, look- ing none the worse for her morning’s adventure, whith had made her the observed of all ob- servers. As a performer Nick Monday easily had ring aaa and his dashing bare-back act upon is thoroughbred brown mare won univ applause. nd when, after two recalls, he the audience to excuse him for the present, on the ground that he must have time to prepare for his next act, as he bowed himself out of the ring, Eglantine rose in her seat and threw him a bouquet of beautiful flowers which she had Jucked from her garden with her own fair and. This was the signal for another outburst of applause, for there were few people in the audi- ence who were not acquainted with the romantic circumstances under which the two had met. But, though this compliment, paid by the ac- knowledged belle of Janesville, appeared to ahonge ia the audience, there were a few who did no‘ admire it, and prominent amon these were Colonel Dunwiddie and some of his “ high-toned ” friends. J The colonel stood in a little group of gentle- men by the doorway, disdaining to take seats to look at the ‘“ tom-foolery,” as they termed the ean h aa frown appeared upon her guardian’s face as he noticed the impulsive action of the girl, and the faces of his companions darkened, and—to use the common expression—they ‘ turned up their noses” in contempt at Eglantine’s be- stowal of the bouquet upon the handsome show- man. Close by Dunwiddie’s elbow stood his particue Nick, for that gentleman, in his neat and trim attire, looking as if he had just come out of a band-box, was a decided contrast to the drenched girl with her clinging wet clothes. ‘Did this young man rescue you?’ the a ag asked, turning brusquely upon Nimble ick. The aristocratic colonel, like all Kentucky gentlemen considered ‘‘ show people” but little better than vagabonds. _ ‘Yes, by the aid of that boat-pole, and if sang had not pitched me into the river, Mr. Monday would have overtaken him, for his horse was coming up rapidly when my runaway turned out of the main road.” “* Strange, strange!” exclaimed the colonel. “I did not blieve there were ten horses in this State who could outfoot Big Sandy,” and as he spoke Dunwiddie cast an inquiring glance at Nimble Nick’s now demure looking brown mare, who, like the well-trained animal that she was, stood quietly waiting her master’s pleasure, “Possibly this mare of mine is one of the ten,” Nick suggested pleasantly, although in his heart he resented the rather contemptuous man- ner of the Kentuckian. ** Perhaps she is, but she don’t look it,” the colonel replied haughtily. ‘** You cannot always judge by looks, sir,” Nick remarked. ‘‘ That mare is an own daugh- ter of Lexington, and her dam was strong in Messenger blood, A year ago she won the Phenix Hotel Cup at Lexington, beating as fine horses as ever came to the post.” ‘You don’t mean to say that that is Cynthia!” exclaimed Dunwiddie in astonishment. The intelligent animal pricked up her ears at this mention of her name, and this exhibition of equine sagacity so pleased Egla, that a wild desire to possess the beautiful creature seized her; “The same; it is Cynthia, sure enough,” the young acrobat assured. Then he chirruped to the horse, and the in- telligent animal walked to her master and rested her muzzle on his shoulder. ** Well, I don’t exactly understand how a show- man like you could come in possession-of an ani- mal like Cynthia!” exclaimed Dunwiddie bluntly and with evident hauteur. Nick had well learned the showman’s maxim: ** A wise man holds his tongue when he is from home,” so, although his impetuous blood fairly tingled at the coarse insolence of the Kentuckian, yet by no outward sign did he manifest it. ‘* The riddle is easily read, sir,” he answered. “‘ The sporting gentleman who owned Cynthia was unwise enough to risk her upon the uncer- tain chance of fortune. My luck was better than his, so I won the mare.” ‘**T see, I see,” responded the colonel, with a nod. The explanation was reasonable to any one who was acquainted with the thoroughbred sport who had owned the horse. When the fit seized him he had been known to lose, at play, even the suit of clothes which he wore. “Well, young man, I am very much obliged to you for the service"you have done my niece,” the colonel remarked, not appeased by the evi- ent ease and independence of the showman. He took out his pocket-book, a large, old- fashioned wallet, capacious enough to hold bank-notes at full length without folding, and which was well supplied with bills. “And as I hate to be indebted to anybody,” he added, “‘I am prepared to cancel this obliga- tion right now on a money basis; so name your —_ How much do you want?” ere was a glint of fire in the dark eyes of Nimble Nick, but, by a great effort, he re- strained the impulse Hic was so strong within him to tell the Kentuckian what he thought of his offer, Eglantine had seen this flash of anger and scorn in the eyes of the young man, and was on her feet in an instant. “Uncle, you must not offer the gentleman money!” she exclaimed. ‘““No, of course not!” added Nick, seeing a way out of the dilemma for the young lady’s sake. “All I did was to do what any one would have done. I did not risk either life or limb.” “Oh, yes, I comprehend that; but you must understand we consider that an obligation exists and we would rather cancel it at once,” the colonel persisted, almost offensively in manner, and he detached a bill from the rest and held it out to the young circus man. “Here's a hundred dollars; take it and we'll call the matter square.” “Excuse me, sir, I do not take money for such a service!” and Nimble Nick waved his
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>. lar friend, Judge Richardson, a white-haired, swarthy-faced old fellow, one of the leading citizens of the town, although he was a man of no property, having run through it all, being a hard drinker and addicted to gambling. Belah Richardson, though, was a good lawyer had an excellent practice, and for years ha been Colonel Dunwiddie’s confidential man of business, and was popularly supposed to know about as much of the colonel’s affairs as he did himself, The Judge nudged Dunwiddie with his elbow, his li — in disgust at the action of the impulsive girl. “ T say, old fellow, isn’t your niece making a goose of herself/’he whispered in the colonel’s ear, ‘Well, she certainly isn’t- exhibiting much sense,” Dunwiddie replied, angrily, but using the same cautious tone. “‘T heard that she gave the fellow one of her mother’s diamond rings?” ‘Yes, it is true.” ‘“‘ Perfectly ridiculous!” “Of course, there isn’t any doubt about it; but what are you going to do with sucha headstrong ; 9 rl? on Didn't you attempt to remonstrate with ab] er? “* Certainly.” ** And the result?” ** Nothing at all.” ‘‘ She would have her own way then?” “Yes; she said—and it is true enough, too—‘I ‘have never interfered with you, uncle, in regard to how you inanage my property. ‘“¢¢-You tell me that such and such a course would be the best, and I reply, go ahead, use your own judgment, you ought to know more about it than I do. “*¢ But in this matter I do not think you ought to interfere with me. *¢*To the man who saved my life I cannot be too grateful, and if I choose to emphasize that gratitude by bestowing upon him a trinket which to me seems especially valuable, I do not see that any one has cause to interfere.’” “‘ Very logically put,” the old lawyer remarked. “ And that pkarase about no‘ interfering with you seems to convey the idea that she suspects “ou have not always acted for her best interests in the matter.” “Well, I am not particularly long-headed, but it seemed tome that there was a sort of latent threat in her words,” Dunwiddie observed, slow- y: ‘‘Yes, she as good as said, mind your own business and don’t bother your head about mine, or else I shall be under the necessity of looking into the way you have managed my affairs.” “That is about it.” ““ Not a doubt, my dear fellow!” ‘‘ Well, the words came upon me so une edly that for the moment I was dumfounded, for you see, judge, I had not the slightest sus- picion that she at all mistrusted I have not man- aged her affairs to the best advantage.” “Well, I don’t know that you hay’n't,” the other remarked, slowly, half closing his eyes in a reflective sort of way. “Tt is just according to the way that men look at that sort of thing, you know.” ‘* But humans are inclined to be censorious, and if your accounts were ever given a rigid over- hauling, some of the transactions might appear decidedly fishy to men inclined to fault-finding.” ‘‘Brrors of judgment, of course,” the colonel replied, alittle nervously. ‘Certainly, of course.” “ And in about everything I did I went by your advice.” ‘‘Oh, I admit that; you can catch me on the hip, as far as that goes, every time. ‘| have made mistakes, of course; I admit it. Tam but mortal; and mortal man is prone toerr as ‘ the sparks to fly upward.’ ‘But, old fellow, the weak point of your de fense is thay, so far as your ward’s money is con- cerned, you had no business to use it to bolster up your losing speculation.” “Be careful!” exclaimed Dunwiddie, with a nervous glance around him. “Oh, don’t be alarmed; they are all busy ping at the show. No danger of any one over- ring us.” ““Can’t be too cautious, you know.” “You are perfectly right; but there isn’t the least danger. But to resume the subject: your niece has never called you to any account, and it is lucky for you that she hasn’t, for you ue have hard work to bring things out all tt. **Do you know bow you stand?” “No,” replied Dunwiddie, irritably. Nimble Nick, the Circus Pr - “T am sick of the whole business, and have never had the heart to go into the matter. ‘‘T know I am terribly. behind, and that every attempt I have made to pull out of the mire has only resulted in plunging me in deeper.” ‘* Well, just for curiosity, the other day I ex- amined the account and struck a balance. How much do you think you are behind?” “T have not the least idea,” “You are in pretty deep.” ‘*T expect so.” ‘“‘ What would you say to a cool hundred thou- sand dollars?” Although the colonel was a man who prided himself upon the control which he possessed over his features, yet he could not nel etraying the amazement which he felt when, the words of his associate reached his ears. ‘One hundred thousand dollars,” he mur- mured, as if unable to believe he had heard aright, “That's the fi ** Tmpossible !’ “‘ No, it isn’t, I wish for your sake that it was, but in these matters there’s no use of attempting to disguise the truth. ‘‘ The best way is always to confront the dan- ger boldly.” Yes, I presaieg you are right.” rst to last you have used about one hundred thousand dollars of your niece’s money in your Fg ay and every cent of it has been sunk, Now, then, suppose she calls you to a settlement—where are#you?” A desperate look came into the colonel’s eyes at the bluntly put question, and the judge, know- ing Dunwiddie as intimately as haem 4 he had been his brother, understood the thought that had come into his mind. ‘* A pistol bullet would settle the whole thing, eh?” he asked. - “You have guessed my thought,” the colonel replied, hoarsely. ‘ But it will not come to that unless you are pushed to the wall, and colonel, that is exactly what must not be done. * Miss Eglantine will not be apt to make any inquiry into her affairs unless she is instigated to it by some outside party, and I had an idea that you were providing against such a con- tingency by making a match between her and your son, Bud.” “Yes, that was my plan,” Dunwiddie ad- re.” mitted. “* And ain’t it going to work?” ‘‘T’m afraid not, but I had hopes that when Bud returns next week he might succeed in mak- ing an impression.” * Eglantine seems to like him wellenough asa 7 but apparently not well enough to marry im. “‘T say, colonel, I think it is a good thing that this circus only stays one night in this neigh- borbood, ‘“ Why?” but thongh Dunwiddie put the ques- tion, there was an ugly. look upon his face which plainly told he had gu the other’s meaning. : ‘Because this circus chap has fascinated the girl, and she is just the right age to make a fool of herself.” “Tf I thought there was any chance of such a thing occurring T would kill the scoundrel with my own hand!” Dunwiddie exclaimed, fiercely. ‘Oh, I reckon there will not be any need of resorting to any such desperate measures. The circus pulls up stakes to-night, and that will end the romance unless she follows the show to Rip- ley, which is not likely.” ‘7 will take measures to put a to an nonsense of that kind!” the colonel Soinvel, i firmly. “But without coming to an open quarrel with the girl, mind!” the judge hastened to ob- serve, “* Above all things you must avoid that,” ‘Yes, I presume it would not be wise for me to quarrel with her.” “Decidedly not; if you do, the chances are a hundred to one that it will upset everything. “This is a game that must be played in the most cautious manner, and you cannot afford to lose a single point. Coax the girl, but do not attempt to drive her, andif it looks as if this circus rider is going to make trouble, you must set Bud after him.” The advice was good, and the colonel prom- ised to follow it, CHAPTER V. THE MANAGER. EvERYBODY connected with the show felt en- couraged by the large attendance, and cu- —————————————— ince. larly pleased were the two gentlemen who ha@ qouapeved from Paris, Jonas Braham, the land- ord, and Marmaduke Spelter, the groceryman, with the idea of collecting out of the 5 anesville re- ceipts the money which the show had failed to secure in their town on account of rainy weather. It had been their idea to sit in the ticket- wagon and take the money as it came in, and Sharpley, the circus boss, had not expressed any disapproval of the plan, but when the time for the performance approached, and the pair saw the crowd collected around the ticket-wagon, anxious to secure the necessary pasteboards, which would entitle them to an admission to the show, they came to the conclusion that the job was a little out of their line and altogether too big for them to attempt. So they suggested that Sharpley should sell the tickets as usual, and they would take a. position in the wagon behind, and attend to the money. But Sharpley, who was Conaras known in the show oped as ‘the man with the silver- tongue,” soon convinced the two that this would. be a very foolish thing to do. Their presence in the ticket-wagon would be sure to excite suspicion, and if it became rumored around town that the show was in difficulties, it would be certain to hurt the attendance. ‘The small local bills I must pay, of course, as they are presented,” he explained, ‘ Be- cause if I attempted to put them off, it would be apt to raise a row immediately. The balance of the money T will put in a sachel and lock up im the ticket trunk in the wagon. You can keep the keys, and after the money comes in at night, we can put it all together in the sachel, take it down to the hotel pas make a divvy there.” This proposition seemed all fair and above- board, and although the Kentuckians, being shrewd and unscrupulous men themselves, were inclined to believe that everybody else was just the same, showmen in particular, yet in this in- stance were unable tc see how they ran any risk. by agreeing to pereee! grs proposal, So what remained of the afternoon receipts, after what bills were paid that had been pre~ sented, was placed in a smal] black sachel, which the manager carefully locked, then it was. placed in the iron-bound ticket trunk, and this. was locked, and then the keys were delivered to. the “‘sharks,” as in the parlance of the show world all such men are termed; one man takin the key of the trunk, and the other the key of the sachel. Sharpley seemed to be in excellent spirits, al- though he had made such an arrangement with the sharks that they would profit far more by the Inck which had attended the circus in Janes- ville than he, but this fact did not seem to trouble him any, although of course he was well aware of the fact that they had taken advantage of his necessities to drive the hardest kind of a bargain. with him. He really joked about the matter, saying: ‘Well, gentlemen, I reckon you have got me foul this time, and are going to take the lion’s share, but I ain’t the man to squeal, even if Ido get nipped once in a while.” And the Kentuckians chuckled when they were by themselves, and expressed the opinion” that it wasn’t any wonder that the show hadn’t made any money with such a reckless, careless fellow at the head of it. At night there was another large audience in attendance, and everybody was correspondingly happy ‘ sibel glantine Dunwiddie was present, although the colonel had expressed his surprise that she should wish to attend both Peerage tee the girl replied that a circus Fran't come along every day, and she thought she ought to make the most of the present opportunity. Dunwiddie also attended in compan: judge, and kept a close watch upon the eé: sive face of the girl whenever Nimble Nick appeared in the the ring, r he interest that Eglantine took in the hand- — some circus-rider was apparent, and the judge — took occasion to whisper in the colonel’s ear: “Tt isa mighty good thing for you that this fellow clears out to-night, for if he remained in the town it is a horse to a hen that he would _ “a capture the girl. ; The colonel nodded, for he had arrived at th same opinion. Py" It was evident that the dashing voung stranger had made more impression upon Eglantine t any other gentleman whom she had encountered, but Dunwiddie felt tolerably certain that this une encounter between the two would not interfere with his plans on account of departure of the young man. as <a <n reba elles hag ideiandkeAe F a” seer NED ee ge oe es RN cent ae — + cnet BG. te Ee , rl Teme ‘ re — <a +. = a nae é Aa nee ee eten fe Saal a) = i+, ~ pea with the! Pee= kts
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ee ee ee oe N He did not believe that Eglantine would at- tempt to follow the fellow; he was sure she had too much pride for that. : And though Dunwiddie chafed at his niece so geoy displaying the interest which she took in the handsome rider, yet he did not deem that the affair would materially interfere with his schemes. But this is an uncertain world, and as the poet truly remarks: * The best laid Gang oft azlee.’ And the scheming colonel was fated to dis- eover this fact before he was many hours older. Tne performance drew near its end. Nimble Nick had made his last appearance and had gone to the dressing tent to attire him- self in his street apparel. There was only about a half an hour more of the show and Nimble Nick hurried up in bis dressing with the idea of going around to the main entrance of the tent and getting a look at the beautiful girl who had made fully as great an impression upon him as he had upon her. But as the young acrobats stepped into the open air he was somewhat surprised to see the manager Sharpley, standing near apparently waiting for him, for the Main Guy, to use the circus term which signifies the proprietor of the show, no sooner caught sight of Nimble Nick than he made a motion intended to impose caution and then beckoned him to follow. There was a peculiar look on Sharpley’s face which appeared to Nick’s shrewd eyes to indi- cate that something out of the common had oc- curred, Sharpley led the way to the river which was only a short distance away. The moon was out and afforded ample light. Drawn up on the shore was a light skiff with a pair of oars in it. Sharpley went directly to the boat, took a seat upon the stern and motioned Nimble Nick to sit down by his side. Our hero had noticed during the walk that Sharpley carried a small parcel wrapped up in a newspaper under his arm. “Cully, these are rough times!” exclaimed the old circus man as the rider took a seat by his side, slapping him familiarly on the knee. Tom Sharpley was a character if there ever was one. In appearance he was a bluff, hearty-looking fellow, for all the world like a back country far- mer, but he was as shrewd a man as there was in the show business and showmen are gener- ally reported to be far above the average in smartness, ‘* Yes, you have had an up-hill fight of it, but these two good houses ought to pull youupa little.” ‘They would if those two Kentucky sharks hadn’t caught me where my hair is short.” “Ts that so?” ; i «Oh, yes; they had me ina tight place and they put the screws on. ; : “They assumed the Lexington claims and those with their own bills, and a little cash which they advanced to bring us to this stand, brings their bill up to a trifle over four hundred dollars, and before they would agree to help me out of the scrape they made me sign a contract to give them one-half of the gross receipts in addition to their claim.” “That was outrageous.” “They had me in a tight place. and went for a pound of flesh, blood and all. **T couldn’t help myself, you know. It was either agree or else bu’st. “JT thought there was a chance to pick up & few dollars for myself and for you boys here in Janesville, and so I made up my mind to go it.” Nimble Nick began to see the game of the old veteran. “The dog is dead now, cld fellow, anyway, for the printer has come kown on me for a little trifle of two thousand dollars, and there’s a «deputy sheriff in front now with a writof attach- ment to seize the hull show. “The deuce you sav!’ “Honest Injun! I happened to be in front of the tent and spotted the fellow when he came up. Iremembered being introduced to the cuss a couple of years ago, and when I saw him sneaking up Feentpeciod that there was mischief afoot. “ A burnt child dreads the fire, eb?” ‘Yes, that is about the size of it. Ihave had considerable experience in my time with these tty officers of the law, and I begin to believe that I can detect a constable or a deputy sheriff the moment I lay eyes on the cuss. lans of mice and men, ‘Well, to come to the point. I sized up my man, and came to the conclusion that he was a fellow who would do a good deal for a ten dol- lar bill.” ** And you tried it on, eh?” ‘* Immediately ; and it worked to a charm. As I suspected, he had the legal documents in his pockets to seize the show.” CHAPTER VI. DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. “WrLL, well, that is bad,” Nimble Nick re- marked, for this was a calamity, indeed, and although he had expected it would soon occur, for he knew that the show printer had been try- ing to get some money out of the concern, yet now that it had come, it was none the less strik- ing. “Yes, pretty rough to be shipwrecked in sight of shore, so to speak, for after pulling through the worst streak of luck that I have ever seen in forty years of » showman’s life to be upset now, just as the end had come, and there was a chance for me to retrieve my losses is too bad.” ‘‘T feel sorry for you, for you bave done all that mortal man ei do to keep the show go- ing.” m Nick, I owe you and the rest of the boys money, of course, but I paid every cent as long as I had it.” ‘*Oh, certainly, you have acted squarely all through.” ‘“‘ That has always beenmy platform. I have always been square with the boys; I call myself a square man, and I don’t think I am lying either when I say it, but when a couple of country gillies like these Paris sharks go to jump on me, I think I am justified in playing roots on them if I can. ‘*T ain’t setting myself up for a Sunday-school teacher, you know, and mebbe the leetle game I am going to play ain’t just the cheese, but when a man gets in a tight place, on his back, say, with his opponents a-going for his very life, ne ain’t much to blame, according to my notion, if he strikes back in any way he can.” “Well, that isa or agg that I suppose each man ought to decide for himself,” Nimble Nick remarked. “Tt is too late, anyway, to argue the point now. I’ve laid out oie game and must play it,” Sharpley exclaimed decidedly. ‘““Of course you know enough of me to un- derstand that I am not the kind of man to let a couple of countrymen skin me out of my hide and tallow without making considerable row about it.” Nimble Nick nodded. ‘‘When I discovered that they intended to take advantage of my distress, I made up my mind that they shouldn’t get the best of me if could help it, and when I accepted their terms it-was with the idea of showing them a trick or two before 1 got through. ‘¢ The two shows have panned out nearly nine hundred dollars. Their share is four hundred and fifty say, leaving the same amount for me, but out of mine I have paid a hundred for local bills, so all I have left is three hundred and fifty dollars to pay their four hundred dollar claims. “That is, l am really fifty dollars behind, and though I suppose they would be willing to take all I’ve got and call it square, yet that don’t settle the rest of the bills here and get the show across the Ohio and into Ripley. . “And now the deputy sheriff has bu’sted everything anyway. “T talked to the cuss and explained to him how matters stood and persuaded the galoot that it would be money in his pocket to wait until the show was over before he made his levy, for if the performance was interrupted and brought to a sudden close, as it at in all probability be if the performers got wind that the concern had been attached, the audience would be certain to raise a row and the chances — big that they would smash things gener- ally. _“ Then too I told him that all the money about eight hundred dollars, was locked up in a trunk in the ticket wagon and explained to him the nature of the agreement I had made with the Paris chaps.” “ But what is the idea of locking the money in the trunk?’ ‘Oh, I suggested that, put the cash in a black sachel and then locked it in the trunk for safe keeping so that these sharp gillies could be sure I was giving ’em a square deal. ‘‘And the precious pair are in that ticket wagon now a-watching of that trunk as a cat watches a mouse!” imble Nick, the Circus Prince. nn —— At this point the old showman indulged in s prolonged chuckle. ‘**T suppose there is some little hocus-pocus about this sachel and trunk business?” Nimble Nick suggested. ‘* Of course I put up a job on ’em. “Tt was as a Juggler that I came into this ’ere show business, and I reckon I haven’t forgotten how to do my old trick, although I may be a little rusty. ‘*There were two black sachels, of course, just exactly alike, and after the money was stuffed into one I changed it for the other right afore their eyes, with the aid of a newspaper for to mask the trick. Then I put the dummy bag in the trunk, and they haven’t the least suspicion they have been played for a couple of fools. ‘*The deputy sheriff, too, will be apt to swear when he goes to seize the money.” ‘* Yes, that is likely, and he and the two sharpers cap fight it out between them. ‘The deputy is a little ahead in the attach- ment business, but it will not do him any good, for the whole outfit is mortgaged for more than it is worth, as everybody will find out when the thing gets into court. ** But to come to the wind-up; although I am going to beat the sharks in the worst kind of way, you and the boys will not be left in the lurch. ‘You know what the song says: **My boat lies low She lies bigh and dry on the O-hi-o.' “Here she is, and in about ten minutes— thanks to her—I will be on the Ohio bank of the river, where I can laugh at all the deputy sheriffs in Kentucky; that is, supposin they were smart enough to follow me, which f don’t intend they shall get the chance to do. ‘* My mare is on the other bank. I carried her over on the ferry-boat this morning, so as to be all ready for the start to-morrow, you know.” And here the old showman chuckled in huge delight. ‘““There’s no telegraph on the other side of the river, and even if the sharks could fol- low me in a legal way, I can laugh at pur- suit. ‘“Pve kept the law on my side, you know; this is my money, and hasn’t been in anybody else’s hands, ‘* A breach of contract, that’s all, you know.” Nimble Nick laughed. Despite the sharpness of the transaction, he could hardly bring himself to attach much blame to the old man. He was only turning the countrymen’s own weapons against them. * But as I said,” Mere ne the old man, ‘‘I am going to give you and the rest of the gang the squarest ind of a deal.” Then he unwrapped the newspaper and dis- played a small, black sachel. Unlocking it, Sharpley displayed packages of bills and canvas bags of coin, all carefully put up. ‘“T am going to make asquare divvy with you, boys,” the old showman remarked, as he placed some of the packages of bills and some of the bags of coin upon the seat, and pushed them toward Nimble Nick. “*There’s four hundred dollars for you to di- vide among the gang, share and share alike, and the rest is for me to make a fresh start some- where. ‘“‘{ think that is about the fair thing, hey?” Nimble Nick was obliged to admit that under the circumstances he thought it was, for if the old showman had been so minded, he could have carried away the whole amount. “‘T never go back on the boys if I can help it!” Sharpley declared. “You are a square man, and I know I can trust you to do the honest thing with the rest, and I’ve one favor to ask of you, Nick.” “Certainly, go ahead!” “ Stick to the show, and get some of the work- ing people to remain and look out for the prop erty until my Cincinnati man, who has a mort- gage on the stuff, can get up here.” ‘*T will, with pleasure.” “Tsent him a dispatch to-night, the moment T saw that the thing was going to bu’st, and he will be up on the boat which leaves Cincinnati at noon to-morrow. “She is due here about seven in the evening. You know the party, Colonel Miles, and I wis you would meet and post him in regard to mat- ” “* Certainly.” ‘* Much obliged. Lend me a hand now to put this craft into the drink!” we 8 : Dae | JN
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Nimble Nick complied with the request, and then after the skiff was launched, Sharpley shook hands with the young man. “We will meet again, Nick, some time, and then maybe better luck will attend us.” “Take good care of yourself, and tell the boys to keep a stiff upper lip, for a light heart and a clear conscience carries a man wonderfully well through-the world! Ta, ta!” Into the boat got the showman, took up the oars and fell to work with an ease which plainly told that he was an old hand at the business. The boat glided out into the strcam. Nimble Nick watched it for a few moments until it got well out on the river, then waved his hand in a last adieu, and retraced his steps to the circus tent. He had secreted the monéy about his person while employed in watching the boat, and as he strolled carelessly up to the main entrance to the tent, no one would have been apt from his man- ner to suspect that anything out of the common had taken place, He reached the tent just as the show ended, and the circus men had cleared the entrance so that the crowd could get out. As Nimble Nick approached he noticed an ‘anxious look upon the face of the doorkeeper, who was a fat, burly fellow, the boss canvas- man of the show in fact. Being short-handed, all connected with the concern were doing double duty. The moment Zeke, as he was called, spied Nim- ble Nick he beckoned to him, and when our hero came up, Zeke said, mysteriously: “Cully, I am afraid there is trouble ahead. Thar’s a cuss who looks wolfish hanging round, and durn me if I don’t have a ’spicion that he is an officer a-going to put a clamp on the show. Do you know whar the Main Guy has got to?” “The dog is dead, Zeke, and the old man has sloped, but I’ve got some ‘sugar’ for the boys, enough to give us about twenty apiece, and we can crawl out on that.” . CHAPTER VII. THE EXPLOSION. THE outpour of the audience from the tent at this point put an end to the conversation. Big Zeke contented himself with nodding ney: while a contented grin spread over his ‘ace, Bemg an old hand at the business, he had foreseen that a crisis was approaching, and the intelligence did not surprise him in the least. The absence of the ‘old man,” coupled with the fact that the two strangers were keeping guard over the ticket-wagon and that there was a third fellow, who looked like a legal shark, prowling suspiciously around, made the boss canvas-man suspect there was mischief afoot. It was not the first time he had witnessed the ** bu’st up ” of a show caused by the concern be- ing seized, and as the experienced sailor from the looks of the sky predicts a squall, so from the appearance of things, Old Zeke felt certain there was trouble brewing. But what affected him most was the fear that the country gillies, as the showmen always term the ype of the rural districts, aided by their legal sharks, would succeeded in getting the best of the Main Guy. Now that he learned from Nimble Nick that the old man had not only succeeded in getting out of the scrape, but had also secured the ** plunder,” as was plainly manifested by his feaving a ‘‘ divvy ” for the boys his mind was at rest And it was with a sardonic grin upon his fat face that he withdrew to one side in company with Nimble Nick and watched the audience come from the tent. The deputy sheriff was one of the first to make his appearance, and he took up a position by the side of the ticket-wagon, near which the two men from Paris were also standing, gloat ing over the money which they had secured s easily. sé f reckon the Paris gang and this new shark ain’t running in cohoots,” Big Zeke suggested in Nimble Nick's ear, as he noticed the maneuver of the deputy sheriff and observed that nog sign of intelligence passed between the two, “No, this last feliow will be asurprise party to the others,” “‘And do they think the ducats are in the ticket wagon?” “ Yes.” “T judged so by the way they kept their peepers onto it.” , ** This last cuss has been standing just inside the entrance so he could keep his eyes upon it ever since he has been hanging ’round.” ** When he comes to go for the wealth he will only have his labor for his pains,” ‘The old man has collared the ducats and sloped.” “That is the game he has played. It has been dog eat dog all around,” At this point the conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Miss Eglantine Dunwiddie in company with two_ school-girl friends, and escorted by Colonel Dunwiddie and Judge Richardson. As it happened the party passed close to where Nimble Nick was standing and the girlimproved the opportunity to speak to him. She bade him good-evening and gave him her hand in the frankest possible manner, just as if he had been an old and valued acquaintance, much to the disgust of Colonel Dunwiddie and the amusement of the old judge, who, knowing his companion’s opinion in regard to the hand- some circus-rider, enjoyed his efforts to keep his temper. “Tam so sorry you are going away,” Eglan- tine remarked. “Tf you were going to remain here I should have been much pleased to have you call upon me. My house.is only a mile away on the Mount Sterling pike.” ‘*T should be delighted, Miss Dunwiddie, I as- sure you,” Nimble Nick replied. . Where do you go from here?” ‘To Ripley.” “Oh, yes, I know, down the Ohio, and—let me see, to-morrow is Saturday, ae Yes.” My And do you remain in Ripley over Sun- day? ** We do, leaving there Monday morning.” “Perhaps I shall be able to see you again, then,” Eglantine remarked, a bright smile lighting up her beautiful face. “T have friends in Ripley, and I have been promising them a visit for sometime. If it is pleasant to-morrow I think I will ride over, and then I will have the pleasure of seeing you again, and until then [ will say good-by.” ‘TI shall be delighted to see you, and I trust you will be able to come.” Then Eglantine shook hands with him again, bowed, and passed on. It had been as muchas the colonel could do to restrain his anger during the brief conversa- tion, and if it had not been for the old juige, who was at his elbow to nudge him at a critical moment it is almost certain that his rage would have broken out. , “The girl is clean gone on him, for sure,” the old lawyer remarked in the colonel’s ear as Eg- lantine shook hands with Nimble Nick and then turned away. ‘*T will have to kill the scoundrel, I suppose,” Dunwiddie muttered, angrily. ‘Some effective measure of that sort must be adopted, I should certainly think, from the looks of things,” the lawyer rejoined. ‘She shall not ride to Ripley to-morrow,” Dunwiddie muttered, with firm determina- tion. “Tf I cannot stop her in any other way, I will lame every horse there is on the place.” “That is the game to play; no open force, only secret cunning.” he party passed on, and as Nimble Nick watched them disappear in the distance he thought to himself that fortune, after all, was doing him a gool turn when it decreed that * Sharpley’s Colossal Moral Silver Show ” should ing to an untimely end in the town of Janes- ville. The moment the audience was out the circus men proceeded to strike the tent and get every- thing in readiness for a move, The boss canvas-man had consulted Nimble Nick in regard to what was best to be done, and he had connseled that everything should go on as usual. . ‘Put everything in order and make all snug Just the same as if we were going tomove in the morning,” was Nimble Nick’s advice, While the breaking-up was going on, the Paris men and the deputy sheriff kept vigilant watch on the ticket-wagon, and at the same time looked around anxiously for Sharpley, and wondered what on earth had become of the Main Guy. Pretty soon the deputy sheriff began to get nervous; the gentlemen from Paris did not know what to make of Sharpley’s absence, but as they had seen the money deposited in the black sachel and securely locked in the trunk with their own eyes, they felt safe, although there was little doubt in their minds that Sharpley’s absence was ominous of trouble... n They believed their spoils were all right, but fancied some other parties might be sufferers, esca their attention, and from his actions they concluded he was there for the purpose of presenting some claim against the show. The officer waited until everything was down and pretty well packed except the stable tent where the horses were kept, and as the move was not to be made until far in the morning, this had been left to shelter the animals, then he concluded it was about time he showed his hand. : Approaching the ticket-wagon, he addressed the Parti men: ‘** Have you any idea where I can find Sha ley, the proprietor of this show?’ the official asked. ** No, fin? ‘Do you represent him?” “* Not at all,” There was something hostile about the officer’s manner, and both the Paris men were bristling “* Well, I’m a deputy sheriff and am here to Serve an attachment on this show.” The two sharks exchanged glances of alarm. Their money was in the ticket-wagon, and that must be got out before the officer got his hands on it. “Well, that don’t matter to us, we haven't anything to do with the show, excepting that we have a sachel in the trunk in the wagon. here, and we will just take that out—” “Not much you won't!” cried the deputy sheriff. “I want you to understand that you can’t take as much as a pin out of that ticket- wagon! “I'm just old business every time, I am, and I'm going to put my claws on everything there is connected with this establishment.” And as he finished the speech, the officer put his hand in his pocket to draw forth his legal document. But smart as the sheriff's deputy thovght him- self, he was dealing with men who were fully as keen as himself—men, too, who bere the reputa- tion of being ugly customers to tackle in their native town. . Braham, the landlord, pretended to think that the other was about to draw a weapon, and he had his revolver out, cocked and leveled at the deputy’s breast in an instant. ‘Don’t attempt to draw no weapon on me, or Ill riddle ye!” he cried. : “ Don’t make a movement, or I’ll play you for keeps. You hain’t served no papers yet, and you ain’t a-going to serve any until we get out: our at ‘* Spelter, L’ist inter that wagon and grab our plunder!” The other was quick to obey, and before the officer could recover from his amazement, Spel- ter had secured the black sachel. Nimble Nick now thought it was time to let: the cat out of the bag. “Hold on, gentlemen!” he cried. ‘That: sachel is my property. If there is anything inside of it that belongs to you, take it out, but don’t carry off my sachel!” And, with cocked and leveled revolver, the circus-rider advanced. “We don’t want yer sachel, only our plun- der!” Spelter replied, contemptuously, then he opened the sachel, and when he found it stuffed with newspapers, with a brick for weight, the rage of the pair was unbounded. They swore they would murder the tricky showman, and departed to hunt him up. The sheriff's deputy attached the property, and employed the circus men to help him take care of it. Our hero divided the money amon “gang,” and all except Nimble Kick, Old Zeke and a assistants took the night boat for Cin- cinnati. CHAPTER VIII. A DARK SCHEME. EGLANting had come to the show in the family carriage, stopping to pick up her two friends, who resided just on the outskirts of the town, on the way. = Veet «> ‘ The presence of the deputy sheriff had not ‘the. a The colonel and the judge escorted the ladies to the vehicle, and then proceeded to the princi- 1 restaurant of the town, which was in the — asement,of the hotel, for the purpose of re- freshing the inner man with some oysters, wash- ed down with a bottle of good wine, both of the gentlemen being noted for their love of creature comforts. ~e “There were & Couple of small private rooms at the back of the saloon which were especially reserved for such high-toned patrons. There were twomore “ distinguished citizens *
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= Ler . ’ 2 \ . , — ee ae slaking their thirst at the bar when the colonel f —e ge entered. Of course after the manner of true Kentucky gentlemen, nothing would do but the new-comers must join them. : wi In return the others invited the pair to have some oysters with them, and then cards were in- _ troduced and a little garae of draw poker wasin- dulged in. Just a little harmless game, ‘‘a quarter ante,” to while the time away, no gambling for big money, and about one o’clock the party broke | up, none of them being much better or worse off as far as their. pocketbooks were concerned for their little amusement. Upon coming to the outer apartment and ranging up along the bar for a private bottle of wine for a nightcap, they were joined by the landlord of the hotel, who had ..descended to the lower regions for a similar purpose. _ _ “Well, captain, I suppose you have had a busy | day of it with your cireus crowd?” the colonel observed to the landlord. “ And I presume you are not sorry they are | gone, although no doubt you have made money out of them.” ‘ ‘“‘ Not much I hain’t,” responded the landlord, with a grimace. ‘“‘T reckon you haven’t heard the news.” ‘Bh, what news?’ exclaimed the colonel, and the others repeated the question, crowding ‘ around the Jandlord. _ ‘** Why, the concern is bu’sted, and the man- ager has cut and run with the funds, and the sheriff has levied on the Se eae This was a startler, and all the gentlemen ex- ressed their astonishment. ‘‘What has become of the circus people—the | rformers?” asked Dunwiddie, who had become / mpressed with the idea that this event might be the means of detaining Nimble Nick in Janes- ville, which did not suit im at all. i d is “Oh, they have all cleared out with the ex- ) be ception of a few who have been employed by the rs cer who seized the concern, to attend to the Noe : animals. areal f “They didn’t stick me any, for their indi- | Ae bie vidual bills did not amount to much, and they / s all stepped up to the captain's office and settled : like gentlemen.” . ** All gone?” ‘‘-Yes, they caught the Cincinnati packet, the at ae x aw i dee * an, olia, you know, which touches here be- ‘ats. tween twelve and one. The boys had a little ms money, if seems, and were able to get away. vit **T reckon from what*I heard some of them See say, that the manager left a few dollars for them before he lit out; one of them said to another, that if it had not been for the bareback rider, Nick Monday, they wouldn’t have got a cent, so I suppose he struck the manager and made him shell out. “He is the only one of the performers who has remained behind.” This was extremely unwelcome intelligence and Dunwiddie had hard work to conceal the annoyance he felt. : ‘ “Why didn’t he go with the rest?” the judge asked carelessly, just as though he was putting the question for the sake of saying something, and not because he really cared anything about the matter. ; _ “Well, he told me that he wasn’t in any par- ticular hurry to get another engagement, and thougbt he would fay off for a while and take it che sa ax ea ’ — = nese Ae “ I judge from the way he speaks that he has lgnty of money, and, in fact, when he paid me | Penigh b t he took the bills from a roll about as ‘big asa brick. — “He's a star rider, you know, and those fellows get big money, two and three hundred dollars a ‘week I have heard.” The colonel 1 oked glum for it seemed to him as if there was a strong probability that Nimble _~ Nick had remained behind for the purpose of entrapping his niece. One of the other gentlemen, whose tongue was loosened by the liquor which he had imbibed, ‘thought he saw a fine chance fora joke, having ded the circus on both afternoon and even- d noticed the interest which Eglantine pwiddie manifested.in the young rider. ___ Nimble Nick’s rescue of the girl had been the talk of the town and the gossips, always quick to trifles, had commented freely upon a looking fellow he reckons that if he holds while here maybe be can ea | a thing eras ays Bey Ao Mar Are ‘ af, ¥ k, the Circus Pr 9 ‘These circus men always capture the girls, for they have a mighty taking way with them.” The landlord and the other gentlemen $miled, for by the an look upon Dunwiddie’s face they saw that he did not relish the idea at all. “Bah!” the colonel exclaimed; ‘‘ the scoun- drel had better mind what he is about. I reckon he will find this town entirely too hot for him if he tries any game of the kind.” “Don’t be angry, colonel, at me for suggest- ing such a thing,” the joker remarked; ‘but I give you my word they are talking about it all over town. You know what Janesville is: when a little thing of this kind gets started it goes like wildfire. ou see, your niece throw- ing the fellow the posies gave the gossips the cue. ** Young girls will do such thoughtless things, of course,” the colonel remarked. But as for taking any interest in the fellow, beyond feeling much obliged to him for gee] ¢ | to her aid when her horse ran away, she coul not possibly do it.” ‘My niece is a lady, and would never even | dream of having a love affair with a low-bred scamp of a circus-rider.” ‘** Don’t be offended at me, colonel,” the joker exclaimed. ‘“‘fam only repeating what has been said. Why, this evening, as 1 was coming out of the show with Major Perkins—you know the major, of course?” Dunwiddie nodded, ‘‘ Well, the major saw Miss Eglantine stop to speak to the rider—we were just behind you— | and he became very indignant, not at your niece, you know, but at the showman for dar- ing to put himself in her way, for the major jumped to the conclusion that the fellow was waiting at the entrance for the express purpose of getting her to notice him, and he said that most certainly, as an old friend of the family, he would have taken it upon himself to quietl inform the circus fellow that he mustn’t do suc but for the fear you would think he was interfering in your family matters.” “The major is a hot-blooded old fellow,” the other gentleman observed, ‘“* And I do not doubt in the least that he was just dying to make the showman crawfish.” ‘Oh, yes, the major is a warrior,” continued the joker. | ‘A regular fire-eater, you know; and he is never so happy as when engaged in a personal affair with some one. ‘He would make this circus fellow take water now, vou bet!” ‘* Oh, the idea is absurd!” the colonel exclaim- ed. ‘* Even if this circus rascal does remain in Janesville he will never dare to lift his eyes to my niece; and I hope, gentlemen, that you will not say anything more in regard to the matter, for it is extremely distasteful to me.” Of course this decided declaration put an end to all further conversation upon the subject. The wine was finished, and the party broke up. Fut when Dunwiddie and the judge got upon their homeward road the colonel brought up the affair again. “What do you think, judge, of this scoundrel remaining in the town?” “*Oh, there isn’t the least doubt in my mind in regard to his intention.” ‘*'You think he is after Eglantine?” ‘* No doubt about it.” Dunwiddie reflected for a moment and then exclaimed: ‘*T believe you are right.” ‘Most certainly! e sees that the girl has taken an interest in him and there isn’t any mistake about that.” ‘*No, that is true. These women are as uni 2- liable and fickle as ¥. eathercocks.” “The man would be a fool not to go in and try to win sucha prize.” ‘Oh yes, that is natural enough.” “Of course, the chances are great that some busybody has told him all about the girl—how she is independently wealthy and not engaged to any one, and he sees there is a fine opening to land a big stake if he has only the courage to go in for it.” : “He'd better be careful how he goes about it or the attempt may cost him his life!” cried _ Dunwiddie angri “That talk in the saloon to-night has given me an idea,” “What is it?” : “ About the major you know. If I go to him and say that some gentleman of the town ought to warn this rider to be careful how he throws himself in Miss Dunwiddie’s way, and that I feel sure you would consider it the act af a friend, he will jump at the idea. “Yes, no doubt.” ‘“The major always goes heeled you know and is very quick on the draw. ‘* Why, it is a hundred to one that he picks a quarrel with and lays the fellow out.” ‘“A capital scheme!” exclaimed the colonel, rubbing his hands together warmly to express his satisfaction. ‘*T'll work it to-morrow,” observed the judge, ‘* All right, the sooner the better, and the beauty of the thing is I will not be mixed up in the matter at all.” The scheme was a good one beyond a douht, CHAPTER IX. AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER. It was about ten o’clock in the morning. Nick had been down to the tent and given the boys a-hand, for the show had run down s0 that there wasn’t really men enough to take care of | the stock without calling upon the performers to help the working-people out. Nick was an early riser, and was generally one of the first at the breakfast-table, so he usually made his appearance at the tent earlier than any of the rest of the performers—a fact which had won for him the esteem of all the working-people. And then, too, although he was as good a per- former as there was in the show, in fact nearly all of the audience thought he was the best, for he was the cleanest and neatest tumbler in the ring, and as a rider he could more than hold his own, for he could do a fair bare-back act—that is, ride without saddle or pad, after the style of the great James Melville—which was more than any other rider in the show could accomplish, although all of them practiced daily in order to do the trick. Most of them were able to stick on all right, but they could not ride with the dash and vim which Nick displayed. And in all equestrian acts, or in any exhibi- tion which depéwds upon human strength and adroitness, the manner in which the “ trick” is done goes a great way toward success. As we have said, after performing his share of the work Nimble Nick resumed his natty attire, which he had laid aside so that it might not be soiled, assuming a rou h suit of clothes for the nonce, and sallied out for a walk. He proceeded up the main street toward the center of the village, attracting admiring glances from the ladies and curious ones from the men as he proceeded. Almost everybody in the village had attended the shows given by the party, and so the bril- liant young performer was recognized by about every person hc encountered. There is a charm attached to all these public rformers, particularly to dashy ones of the imble Nick stamp, and it was little wonder that he attracted almost universal notice. Nick paid but little attention, though, to the glances, although when he happened to catch sight of a pretty girl gazing with curious eyes upon him, a felt induty bound to take a second look at the maiden as he passed so as to make sure that she was as pretty as she appeared at the first glance. Some of the young bucks of the town happen- ing to notice this, were rather inclined to resent the harmless glance, but when Nimble Nick caught sight of these scowling faces, he smiled disdainfully, and a peculiar look appeared in his dark eyes which seemed to say: ““ What are you going to do about it?” _ And not one of the bucks who caught this look and understood what it meant seemed anxious to accept the challenge. ’ It was the old story over again of the mice and the cat. : : There wasn’t in their minds the least doubt that the cat ought to be belled—the stranger the bye beauties, but the question was: who was to do the joh? and each and every Man thought that his neighbors would make a better fist at it than himself, “ When Nick reached the principal side-street of the town, which, running from the river, crossed the main street at right angles, the latter running parallel with the stream, he halted for a moment, uncertain which way to go, whether to keep on as he was going or turn down the cross-street to the Ohio and stroll along either up or down its bank. The corner where he had halted was in the center of the town, the general loafing-place of the idlers who held up the awning-posts and “* swapped lies,” as their fathers and grand- fathers bad before them on the self-same corner, should be stopped from casting sheep’s-eyes at. = §- ” - > Ae as ae a ~~ 7 SE ~ as 3 ats —_— fe ties as ae eat ath 3 ;
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There was a liquor saloon there, the principal one in the town after the hotel bars. Nick paid no attention to the fact that there was a saloon there—for he rarely touched liquor —except to notice the little knot of loungers congregated in front of it, and was just about to pass on, having concluded not to go down to the river, when a stranger suddenly came out of the saloon and planted himself right in the way of our hero, so that it was not possible for him to advance without running into the man. The new-comer was @ man who was not old, nor could he be called young, about forty, or forty-five, or thereabouts, He was of medium hight, but so portly that he appeared to be shorter than he really was; hada fiery red face, smoothly shaven, with the excep- tion of a red chin-piece of straggling hair, which looked for all the world like the beard of a Billy goat. A great shock of rebellious hair of the same “ auburn” hue covered his head—hair which in- sisted upon standing on end, and which neither comb nor brush could subdue, He was dressed in a suit of black, which at a little distance off looked quite respectable, but upon a close inspection signs of long wear and hard usage could be discerned, for it was rusty and threadbare. No better known man was there for a hundred miles around than this personage. By profession he was a lawyer, by inclination a politician, but his unsteadiness—a harder drinker could not be found in the town—pre- vented him from doing much in either line. But being the recipient of a regular annuity, left him by a wealthy relative, whose favorite in his young and salad days he had been, but who had sense enough to see that*the young man, owing to his unsteadiness, would never make much of a mark in the world—this party was determined that his brilliant relation should never come to actual want, and so, instead of leaving him the money which he had always in- tended to give him outright, he settled an an- nuity upon him, Thanks to this circumstance, the gentleman was free to follow the bent of his own sweet will. The attitude of the man seemed decidedly of- fensive as he placed himself directly in the way of the young rider, so that it was impossible for him to proceed without stepping on him. Now, while Nick was expert in all kinds of manly exercises, and as a boxer and wrestler able to hold his own with any man of his weight and inches on earth, yet he was notin the least inclined to be quarrelsome, and though, since he had come to man’s estate, he had been involved in some personal difficulties, yet in each and every case the trouble had been forced upon him, and he would have avoided itif it had been ssible for him to have done so without show- ca, ergs white feather. ut to retreat in a cowardly manner was something that he could not bring himself to do. And on this occasion, when the man planted himself in the path in such a decidedly offensive manner, after taking a glance at his face and coming to the conclusion from the flush appear- ing on it, that the man was under the influence of liquor and therefore not really accountable for what he was doing, Nick moved to the out- side so as to pass near the curbstone, But the other immediately stepped toward the curbstone also, so as to block the way. After this movement it was impossible to mis- take the intentions of the stranger, He intended to pick a quarrel, Nick had his riding-whip in his hand, and as it was always bis custom when he found that a difficulty could not be avoided, to “ go in” and make it as “ red-hot” for his opponent as possi- * ble, he had itin his mind to cut the offensive stranger across the face with it in a way that would be apt to bring tears to his eyes, but then the fact that the other was an older man than himself, and, possibly, was so much under the ’ influence of liquor as not to know exactly what he vas about, restrained him. | He could not refrain from giving utterance to the thoughts which were in his mind though. “My friend, if you don’t get out of my way I shali have to walk over you, and by the time I have finished that little operation I don’t think you will feel as well as you do now,” he remarked, speaking quite pleasantly, and as if he regarded the whole affair as a joke, The face of the stranger grew redder and he puffed out his cheeks and appeared to be very indignant. ‘** You walk over me, sah!” he cried, speaking with the slight accent so common with many whites of the Southern States, brought up from infancy in close contact with the negroes, 8 | - Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince, . “Yes, that is what I said,” Nimble Nick re- plied. ‘‘ You mus’n’t get in a man’s,way if you object to being walked over.” *“-You walk over me, sah, great heavens!” and he cast his eyes upward as if he expected that some celestial messenger would immediately de- scend for the purpose of preventing any such out- rage being performed. * Walk over me, sah?” and he put the inquiry this time in the form of a question as though he really doubted whether the young man knew what he had said. “Yes, that is it—that is what I said and what I will do unless you get out of the way. Do you suppose I am going to stand here and look at your ugly mug until you choose to depart?” ° “My ugly mug!” howled the stranger, now fairly purple with rage. “That is what I said! What is the matter with you—are you deaf that you seem to have so much difficulty in comprehending my good, plain United States talk?” “Do you know who I am, sah—do you know who Lam?” exclaimed the other in so loud a tone and gesticulating so wildly with both hands as to attract the attention of every idler in the street. ‘““Nary time! You have the dead wood on me there.” CHAPTER X. THE MAJOR. THE altercation had caused every one within hearing distance to stop and hsten, but, unlike the crowd who in an Eastern town, when at- tracted by such a thing, always evince an incli- nation to get as near to the disputants as possi- ble, as though they feared they should miss some of the diulogue, the bystanders in this case kept at a respectful distance. This conduct was due to the fact that when disputes of this kind arise in the public street in the South or Southwest they generally end with a shooting match, ’ Instead of resorting to their fists when words fail, the antagonists usually draw either knives or pistols, and go for each other with the fe- rocity of bulldogs. If the bystanders were near at hand they would stand a chance of getting damaged before they could scatter, and so, usually, are not in- clined to ‘‘ crowd the mourners.” “*T will inform you, sah, who I am, and then you will see, sah, that the idea that any such ow hy sage as you are can walk over a gen- tleman like myself is perfectly ridiculous.” The effect of this speech was to cause a wild desire to “‘smack” the face of the boaster until the tears came out of his eyes tospring up in the heart of Nimble Nick, but he restrained himself, determined to allow the stranger a chance to tell who and what he was. His first idea that the man was a crank who was not quite right in his upper story did not seem to be borne out by the expression which the faces of the bystanders wore, for though there was a sort of grin upon the features of some of the loafer-like fellows, yet the faces of the respectable citizens who had halted, attract- ed by the discussion, looked serious, as though they anticipated that there was trouble ahead. So Nick kept his temper, and made answer: _ “ Well, as to being a vagabond, that is a sub- ject which is open to discussion; but suppose you unfold Gidea I begin to feel a curiosity to know the name of the cock who is crowing so loudly.” - “T want you to understand, sah, that when T crow in this town, the rooster that answers me must be well heeled with steel and ready for war!” the other declared, pompously, “Tf you can fight as well as you can brag about it, you must be a terror!” Nimble Nick retorted. ‘“My narre, sah, is Perkins, Major Perkins, sah, Major Adrastus Pebian Perkins, and I'm a corn-fed Kentuckian from the dark and bloody ground,” “* Yowre a good-sized man,” Nimble Nick re marked, reflectively, surveying the other in a critical sort of way. ‘And you ought to be, when you have to carry a name like that around with you. “Say, are you any relation of old Si Perkins, the poorboaty keeper at Marblehead, Massachu- setts This simple questien inflamed the rage of the stranger still more, P ‘© You impertinent scoundrel!” he roared. “How dare you suppose that I am any con- nection of any infernal blue-bellied Yankee? “Tm a thern gentleman, I am, sah. ‘*Poorhouse keeper! You must be crazy.” “Well, I didn’t know; you favor each other, He is about as mean a hog as walks the earth, and I calculate you ain’t much better, although z you are acting as if you were the cock of the ie 9 walk in this burg.” eb F-. ‘*T want you to understand, sah, that Tam ao, perfect gentleman!” the other asserted, shaking = 8 | © his finger warningly in Nimble Nick’s face. ret Aa, “* And when I Major A. Pebian Perkins, get oy eta ae upon the war-path, I make Rome howl,” aN “* Oh, you’re a howler, eh?” rejoined our hero, We r with perfect coolness, The major was much annoyed at this obserya- ok tion, but he resolved not to take any notice of it, Oi iie. & for he had a communication to deliver to the Paar ee young stranger, and he did not intend to letthe = other provoke him to action until he was =~ 9 gr . ore SS “T am a Kentuckian, sah!” again he declared, Out fag “‘ And like the majority of the gentlemen of my Le If State, I am a dead-shot—I can snuff a candle a a sah, at ten paces, and I want he to understan es that when there is a lady in the case, Major A. te | Pebian Perkins will never be found wanting!” Px e All this had been given in the most high-flown , manner, and at this point, the major, who was short-winded, tent § to take breath. ‘ For the first time Nimble Nick began to have in a suspicion in regard to the motive which bad ; iv induced the stranger to accost him. PS By daring to iseulas in the luxury of a flirta- are tion with the gay and dashing belle of Janes- Ai ville, Eglantine Dunwiddie, he had aroused the aT, wrath of two-thirds of the men in the town. -4 “T am a Kentucky gentleman, sah, and I es don’t want you to forget it,” continued the major Ree: Pc having recovered his breath. es ‘Well, as you have told me about a dozen te) times already, the fact ought to be well-ground- ae Le ed in my memory, but then can I depend upon eK te the truth of the statement?” © SF And Nimble Nick put the question in the most ae serious manner, "hie ic Po! Perkins fairly gasped with anger, and for a a moment it looked as if his indignation would aca, choke him, fo ea ke ‘Aha! you insult me, young man!” hecried, as soon as he got his breath. a | Ms “Such a question was never put to me before. ee My word has never been doubted. But I will Sy td come to the point at once. ae “You, sah, a stranger in our town—a travel- ing showman has dared to lift your eyes to one of our ladies; a young lady, sah, whose shoes ae you are not worthy to untie—” e) “Maybe the ss ee Big Bank eo . ee ae, & me : utton, no shoestrings, you ; know,” ejaculated Nimble Nick, with the grav- Re + est possible face. y “Tt doesn’t make any difference, sah, you are coe a not worthy to attend to them anyway, and I~ mS have taken it upon myself to speak to you in re- ees. gard to this matter.” \ ; “Excuse the question, but what business is it ‘f of yours?” Nimble Nick asked, bluntly. Whe “It is the duty of every Kentucky gentleman pees to look after the ladies,” replied the major, = = = pompously. Lie) ; As the old song says: ge ee VE ‘Send for us Kentucky boys, ! aE And we'll protect your ladies,”* > ee In that spirit, sab, lam called upon tointer. _ fere in the matter. Besides, Miss Egiantine Dun- widdie isa distant connection of my family, and that gives me the right to.” Set colonel nee 4 : hae Major, sah! interrupte the t=: age moat fh “Major A. Pebian Perkins.” x ae “Well, Major, then; don’t you think youare rushing things just a little? Because I happened } by accident to make the acquaintance of ayoung’ lady is there any necessity for kicking upaTOw about it?” k 2 2 “Not at all, sab, it the matter stops just where itis. If you will give me your promise never to see the young lady again that is all 1 require,” and the major waved his right band in a digni- fied way as he delivered the ultimatum. 7 Now Nimble Nick was a patient fellow; years filled with toil, and struggles, and hardships, had taught him the wisdom of always keeping _ a perfect control over his temper, buton the — eeent occasion it was @ difficult matter for — im to lve up to his will under the circum- * stances, hire Ss Shes
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—" — Nimble Nick, the Circus Prin **Yes, sah; if you were a gentleman, sah, I | him over on his back and set him to going The major was no coward; he had earned the would call you out and perforate your ignoble earcass with a bullet, but as a challenge would only be wasted on such a man as you are, I must content myself with slapping your ears. ‘Tt is lucky for you that you are not a gentle- man for your life wouldn’t be worth an hour’s purchase out in the field opposed to me.” Nimble Nick had heard enough and camo to the conclusion it was about time to show this loud-talking stranger that he had got hold of the wrong customer when he attempted to brow- beat him. ‘‘ Major Perkins, I do not wish to flatter you,” he observed as quietly and coolly as possible, at but in my opinion you are the champion liar.’ ‘* What, sah?” cried the other, recoiling as the epithet reached his ears as though he had receiv- ed a blow in the face. “And the biggest donkey I ever encounter- ed!” continued Nimble Nick. ‘* You impudent scoundrel!” roared the major at the top of his lungs, and then he made a rush at our hero, who, expecting such a movement, was prepared for it. , The bystanders, knowing the major so well, were not astonished by the attack, for they had anticipated it from the beginning, From the moment that the major emerged from the saloon and placed himself in such a sig- nificant manner in front of the young man they understood he was on the ‘“‘ war-path.” But his attack upon the young man with his fists astonished them, for, as a rule, whenever the major ‘‘picked a fuss” with any one, he either drew a pistol or plucked out a Enife and roceeded to carve his opponent in the good old outhwestern fashion. In this case, however, his rage at the insulting epithet bestowed upon him by the young man was so great that he never paused to reflect upon which would be the best way to chastise the bold speaker. His only idea was to get hold of him and so wreak immediate vengeance. He never took the trouble to calculate that the odds in a personal encounter at close quarters were decidedly in favor of his antagonist, for a bulky man of forty odd, who for years had taken little part in any violent exercises, stood but little chance when pitted against a muscular young fellow of twenty-five, all bone and muscle, without an ounce of useless fat upon him. A man inas good condition as though he had been trained for the prize ring. CHAPTER XT. NICK MAKES THE FIRE-EATER DANCE. THE major rushed at Nick with the idea of closing in with him but our hero knew a trick s~vorth two of that and as his antagonist rushed at him he jumped nimbly to one side, dodged under the arm of the other, stuck out his foot, and his antagonist tripping over feil headlong | to the pavement. Nick was quick to improve the advantage he | had gained. Hardly was the major on the ground—and he ‘went down flat on his face in the clumsiest pos- sible way—when Nimble Nick was after bim. Our hero had determined to give the boaster who had so wantonly attacked him a lesson which he would be apt to remember for a long time. If there was anything in the world that the ‘young showman despised it was one of these Southern-western bragging “ fire-eaters.” His object was not so much to punish the bully by administering to him a sound thrash- ing, as to humiliate him by putting the brag- gart through a **course of sprouts” which would render him the laughing-stock of the town. And in the brief period of time which had elapsed between the major’s attack and his downfall, Nimble Nick had thought out a plan. The fire-eater was half-stunned by the shock when he came down sS0 suddenly and before he had a chance to recover, Nimble Nick placed his right foot under the waist of the prostrate man and with a_dexterous shove rolled him from the sidewalk into the titer th foot n en, applying first one foot and then the other, Nimble Wek rolled the major, just as if he had been a barrel, up the dusty street. The major’s fat and scantiness of breath oper- ated against his attempts to get out of his un- pleasant position. Every time he attempted to get up Nimble Nick, with a dexterous kick, would topple again, The major raved and he swore unti] the foam fairly came from his mouth, and then his breath commenced to give out, and the dust, which now covered him from head to foot, got into his mouth and choked his utterance. The spectators roared with laughter, for al- though the major was a fellow-townsman, and his conqueror a stranger, yet as they realized that Perkins was not suffering any material damage, and the scene was really ridiculous, no one ventured to interfere, and all laughed heart- ily at the absurd sight. The major’s revolver slipped out of bis pocket, then a bowie-knife followed suit, and Nimble Nick hastened to secure both. Then he stopped playing football with his an- ‘ogous, and allowed him to get on his feet. he major rose, very much the worse for wear, and puffing and blowing like a porpoise— gained his feet only to find himself ‘‘ covered” by his own revolver, leveled by the hand of the man whom he had so willfully attacked. The fire-eater was like a man dazed as he looked into:the muzzle of the leveled revolver and then at the determined eyes of his opponent, There was no mistaking the fact that the young man meant ‘‘ business,” and the fire-eater was good judge enough of human nature to under- stand this, Nimble Nick had raised the hammer of the weapon, and it was plain to all that it needed but the slight pressure of his finger upon the trigger to discharge it and send the ball straight to the heart of Major Perkins, Despite his pompous, vain-glorious way, the major was no coward, but, on the contrary, had a deal of the desperado about him; but on this rene occasion the experience through which e had just passed had the effect of taking the steel completely out of him. The man, for the time being, was completely and utterly cowed. ‘‘ For heaven’s sake,don’t shoot!” he cried, ina husky voice. “* Why shouldn’t I kill you?” Nimble Nick de- manded sternly. ‘‘ You have forced this quar- rel upon me without the slightest provocation, and {should be perfectly justified in putting a hole through you. I don’t desire your desth, though, but as you have seen fit to denounce me as a vagabond because [ gain my living by amusing the public, I intend to place you on an equality with me in that respect by forcing you to exhibit your gifts in that line. “Can you sing?” The abrupt question astounded the major, and he gazed at the young man open-monuthed, for he hadn’t the slightest conception of why the question was asked. ** Don’t stand there with your mouth open as if you were going into the fly-trap business!” cried our hero, ‘“Gather yourself together, old man, and be lively! Can you sing?” ‘* Sing what?” exclaimed the other, gazing at the questioner as though he believed the other had taken leave of his senses. “ Anything, don’t matter what—anything from Old Hundred down to Jump, Jim Crow. **T am not atall particular; I'm fond of all kinds of music.” ‘“T never sung a note in my life!” the major replied. as oe ‘““You are Singing small on this occasion, though,” Nimble Nick replied. ‘But if you can’t sing, perhaps you can dance.” “Dance!” ejaculated the Kentuckian in won- der. ‘Yes, dance; don’t I speak plain enough? Virginia reel and all that sort of thing.” ‘*Oh, yes, sah, when it comes to the light, fan- tastic toe, I flatter myself I can shake a leg with any man south of the Ohio, although I am not as young now as I used to be.” The major was speaking the truth, and not boasting this time. He was noted for his ball-going, and few hops ever occurred in the neighborhood without Major Perkins being one of the party. "The polka is my favorite dance, Can you dance the polka?” demanded Nimble Nick, abruptly. **Dance the polka? Yes, sah, I can.” ‘Dance then; I’j] hum a tune for you. Dance, ce, } y right to be called a fire-eater, but he was not hero enough to court certain death. And the rough and ridiculous way in which he had been handled by vhe other, had thor- oughly taken the steel out of him; and so when Nick began to hum a polka, the major com- menced to caper, the circus man beating time with his whip, having changed the revolver to ce left hand, and allowed it to rest against his side, The bystanders looked on in amazement, a“ broad grin on every face. A more laughable sight was never seen on the streets of Janesville. The major was all out of breath when he be- gan to dance, and he could continue but a couple of minutes and then paused exhausted. ‘* All right, I am quite satisfied,” Nimble Nick remarked in the gravest possible manner, mak- ing a polite tow as he spoke. ‘‘ If fame with her hundred tongues ever dares to say that you cannot cut a pigeon-wing equal to any man in the State of Kentucky, then I shall take great pleasure in contradicting the assertion, for you are a champion in that line, ‘* Now, sir, you are at liberty to depart, and I am highly pleased that I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance,” Then Nimble Nick made the major a grave bow and proceeded up the street, leaving the other a prey to the most intense astonishment. The major remained as if he was rooted to the spot until Nimble Nick got out of sight. then, witha deep sigh, he picked up his hat which had fallen from his hand, replaced it, in his amaze- ment never noticing that it was covered with dust, and re-entered the saloon. The jolly, fat fellow who ran the drinking place had witnessed the affair from the begin- ning through one of the saloon windows, and although he was an intimate friend of Major Perkins, yet he was not sorry to see him taken down a peg. For the major had made such a reputation as a fire-eater that the most of the townsmen were rather afraid of him, and as a natural con- sequence he put on considerable frills, to use the southwestern saying. It was the old story of the bully over again; he bragged of what a mighty warrior he was until most people believed thatit was true, with- out requiring to be convinced by deeds. Nimble Nick had punctured the bubble though, and had shown the people of Janesville that Major Pebian Perkins could “ take water” and “crawfish” as well as the biggest coward in the town when he got in a tigbt place. ‘*For heaven’s sake give me something to drink!” the major exclaimed as he tottered into the saloon and sunk almost breathless in a chair, ‘* Certainly, of course!” cried the host, hasten- ing to provide the liquid refreshment that the major craved. ‘Oh, this is a terrible affair. I am disgraced forever!” the discomfited bully moaned. ‘* No, no, nothing of the kind; he took you by surprise, and any man is liable to weaken under such cireumstances!” the host declared, anxious for some more fun. **Do you think the public at large, sah, will regard it in that way?” the other asked, a gleam of hope appearing in his eyes. ** Undoubtedly! You must go for the fellow again. You must challenge the rascal, major!” _ “T will!” cried the other, immediately assum- ing a warlike air. ‘J will challenge the scoundrel immediately!” Richard was himself again! ‘Get me pen, ink, and paper and I will indite an epistle to him at once. y jingo! he must meet me on the field of honor, and I will shoot him, sah, begad!” CHAPTER XII. ‘ THE CHALLENGE, THE saloon-keeper hastened to bring writing- materials, and invited the major to walk into his private apartment, which was in the rear of the bar-room. ‘** Better go into my room, major,” he said. ‘You will find a table there, so you will be able to write without any trouble and be quiet, too, while you are liable to be disturbed here, for some of the boys are sure to come in presently for to see how you are.” “Very likely—very likely!” and the fire-eater or [ll drill a hole right through you, as sure as | groaned at the idea, my name is Nick Monday !” he major was just on the point of refusing, ‘“ Billy, my boy, I have never been so rudely treated since I was hatched—the infernal, low- in the most indignant manner, to do anything ‘| lived hound!” of the kind, when he happened to glance into the And the major waxed indignant as he reflect- eyes of his antagonist and he saw “shoot” so | ed upon the easy triumph the showman hed visibly written there that his heart quailed. 2a 3 achieved. a
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a ae . ) Ps HS a FS . ** Begad, sah, the dirty dog used me as a foot- ~ball—wiped the street with my carcass just the same as though I was some condemned nigger!” ** Well, you see, he got fhe advantage of you ‘in the beginning—took you by surprise, you know.” ‘* By surprise!” cried the major. ** As lam a gentleman, Billy, I was so amazed at his rude and ungentlemanly treatment that I was really dazed. ** Ves, sah, 1 was out of my head, begad!” **Oh, certainly; any one could see that with half an eye.” ‘*But now I will have revenge! I will show him how a Southern gentleman revenges such an insult. **T will call him, out and then shoot-him so quick, begad, that it will make his head swim!” ‘*Suppose you can’t get him out?” suggested the saloon-keeper. ‘* Suppose that he does not have the pluck to accept your challenge?” ‘Head! I never thought of that.” ‘* He’s a Northerner, you know, and some of those mudsills don’t take kindly to the notion of a duel.” ‘That is very true; I have heard of some of the low-lived rascals being so contemptible as to refuse a gentleman’s demand for satisfaction, but do you know, Billy, I have hardly been able to believe that such a thing could be true.” “Oh, it is a sure enough fact, there isn’t the least doubt about it,” the other asserted. “They don’t go much on the duel up in the North, I understand, and this fellow having got the best of you, may refuse to come out and be shot like a gentleman.” ‘* Well, I will give him the chance to refuse anyway, and if he does, I will get my double- barreled shot-gun and show him a Southern trick which will be apt to open his eyes.” ‘* Better slope, major; here’s some of the boys coming, and I reckon they are going to drop in.” Perkins rose in a hurry. Above all things in this world he dreaded the potent power of ridicule, and being conscious that in his late encounter with the circus man, he had been forced to cut a most absurd figure, he felt certain that his acquaintances would be apt to joke him in regard to the matter in the most disagreeable manner. “T will get out!” he exclaimed. “*T feel that the condemned scoundrel has made a laughing-stock of me for the whole town, and until I get a chance to wipe out the insult by his blood, I am not anxious to see any of the bovs, for I know they would would roast me in the most complete manner.” “ No doubt—no doubt!” exclaimed the saloon- keeper,,in a sympathizing tone, although at the same time he was laughing in his sleeve at the comical picture of misery which the portly major presented. “T will remain in seclusion until I get a chance to look at this insolent and dirty dog, over the ey of a firearm, and then I will teach him that he cannot use a Kentucky gen- tleman to mop the streets with. ““Begad! lam almost choked with the dust. Send a boy, by the way, to Judge Richardson, and tell him I wish to see him.” . ** For your second, eh?” questioned the other. ‘Yes, the judge will act for me. He is a par- ticular friend of the Dunwiddies and, of course, when he learns how the trouble arose, he will be glad to oblige me.” ; The major did not deem it necescary to inform the other that if it had not been for the judge’s ' “ eocringon” he would never have takenit into his head to call the stranger to an account, all his boastings in regard to what he had a good mind to do being mere idle words, ‘‘ full of sound and fury, but signifying nothing.” ; “Allright! Il have the judge hunted up im- mediately. ‘You couldn’t strike a better man to act for you in such an affair in the whole State of Ken- tucky.” “True, sah, begad!” And then the major retreated precipitately for some of the ‘‘ boys” were at the door, : The new-comers entered just as the major dis- appeared, As Perkins had expected, they came for the express purpose of having a laugh at his ex- mse. The saloon-keeper, however, put on a serious face, and shook his head gravely when they asked after the major, merriment sparkling in their eyes. : ' Now, you must go slow, boys,” he remarked “if ne if Font Nim > ¥ ore ble Nic Pr in reply to their questions; ‘‘ this is going to be mighty serious business now, and no mistake. It has commenced in a farce, but I reckon before it gets through it will turn into a first-class at om pl Then he paused in his speech to dispatch his negro boy with instructions to hunt up Judge Richardson and bring him to the saloon as soon as possible, and after the boy had departed on his mission, he explained to the young men what was coming, “The major was taken at a disadvantage and completely dazed, gentlemen, or this would never have happened as it did,” he explained; “ for you all know, boys, that the major isn’t any slouch when it comes to war. ‘“‘T have known him for thirty years, and this is the first time I ever knew him to crawfish. Of course he got a mighty rough deal, and when it comes, gentlemen, to getting a man into a game that he don’t understand, it is mighty apt to throw him off his balance at first.” ** When it comes to a shooting match, though, the major will be there, every time!” one of the party observed. ‘“*Gentlemen, a man would be safe in betting afarm on that!” the saloon-keeper assented, with due solemhity. ‘“*The major isin the room there writing a chal- lenge, and [ve just sent for Judge Richardson, as you know, to carry the thing. . The circus chap has had his fun, and now the major pro- poses to have a little amusement out of the affair, and if the showman has courage enough to face the music—and I reckon he will have that same, for he seems a nervy kind of chap— if the major don’t show him a little Ken- tucky marksmanship, which will be apt to as- tonish his weak nerves, then I’m no prophet.” After this announcement, ail the party in- dulged in a “smile,” and then the young men hurried away, eager to convey the news, so that in a very short time, indeed, the in elligence that the major was going to avcnge the affront which had been put upon him, by challenging the circus-rider to mortal combat, was the com- mon property of the town. The negro boy succeeded in finding Judge Richardson without any trouble, and as the lad, with the natural tendency of his race to circula- ting startling news, took it upon himself to post the lawyer in regard to all that had occurred, by the time the judge reached the saloon he not only knew all, but also had a good idea of why his presence was desired. The major had his challenge all ready when the judge was ushered into the room, and deliy- ered it to him with the injunction to seek out Nimble Nick immediately, as he was hungry for revenge. “Task you to act for me, judge,” he said, in conclusion, ‘‘ because I have perfect confidence in your wisdom, and I know, too, that no man in the State of Kentucky has a better knowledge of the code than yourself.” The judge bowed at the compliment. * “One suggestion I would make, major,” he remarked, after a moment’s thought. ‘By sending this challenge you give the fellow the choice of weapons, you know.” ‘*Certainly; of course I am aware of that; but it matters not. It will be either pistols or rifles, of course, and I flatter myself I am an expert with either.” After a few more words of slight importance, the judge departed on his mission. Going straight to the hotel, he found that the young man was not in, and so took a seat to wait his return. In a short time he came in, and the judge made known his mission. ‘‘ Why, isn’t the major satisfied? Nick asked, with a quizzical air. ‘* Well, upon my word, he is about as big a glutton in this respect as I have ever encoun- tered. But I am one of the most obliging of men, and am ready to accommodate him.” “Tf you will kindly name your friend, I will confer with him in regard to the details of the meeting,” the judge remarked, “A friend? Let me see,” observed young Monday, reflectively. ‘‘ Being a stranger inthe town, friends are rather scarce articles with me at present.” : Just at this point the landlord, jolly old Cap- tain Peters, entered the office. ‘‘ Ah! maybe the captain will oblige me?” Calling the host, Nick explained what was wanted, and he readily consented. “As the challenged party, you have the right of time, place and weapons,” the host re- marked, “This afternoon; the place you can select bet- ter than I,” Nick replied, “* And as for weapons—” At this point he hesitated, and his eyes fell upon a of German student rapiers behind the counter, which had been left in pawn by am actor in hard luck and which the landlord had produced with the hope of selling them to Nick,. and the idea flashed into his head that, by choosing swords, the major would be bothered, for, though there was not much doubt about his skill with firearms, the odds were great that he was not an expert swordsman. The judge was taken by surprise at this de- cision. CHAPTER XIII. THE DUEL, Tus decision was so entirely unexpected by Judge Richardson, that he felt called upon te protest against it. ‘*Of course, as the challenged party, you have the right to name the weapons; but will you allow me to say that in naming swords, you are selecting a weapon of which my principal is al- most entirely ignorant?” ‘**T presume, if I had said either pistols or a rifle, or even your favorite Southern weapon, the double-barrelec shot-gun, you would not have objected?” “Well, the shot-gun is an arm which is never used by gentlemeu in this section in an affair of this kind,” the judge declared. ‘The rifle and pistol are all right, though?” “Oh, yes.” “‘ And your principal doubtless prides himself upon his expertness with both?” ‘He is a fair shot, I believe,” the judge re- plied, with an air of unconcern, as though he really knew little of the matter. ** Not a dead shot—a man who never misses his mark?” ** Certainly not—that is, as far as my knowl- edge goes—but it is not his general repute. “A fair shot, of course; possibly might be called a good one. Most of the gentlemen in this State have considerable knowledge in that direction. But as far as swords are concerned, he has no training in that line at all; probably has never had a sword in his hand a dozen times in his life, so really, although you have the right to choose swords, yet \as T presume you are am expert in the use of that weapon, you are taking a fearful advantage of my principal.” “Oh, no, I am_ not; quite the contrary,” Nimble Nick replied immediately. ‘*T am in exactly the same box as your man. I don’t believe that I either have ever handled a sword a dozen times since I was born, so we are on a perfect equality as far as that is concerned. “But with the rifle or pistol I am a dead shot —have made a profession of marksmanship, and at almost any distance within the range of the weapon, can hit the mark nine times out of ten; yes, ninety-nine times out of a hundred, so that it would be almost the same as an assassination for me to choose either rifle or pistol. ; ““T want to give your man some show for his life. I don’t wish to murder him in cold blood.” Judge Richardson was staggered, both by the words of the young man and the positive way in which they were uttered, He had met professional marksmen in his time, who traveled about giving exhibitions of their skill, and knew that the majority of such men were so experienced that for an ordinary shooter to meet them in battle array would be but mere madness, If the young man was speaking truth—and the judge had become impressed with the belief that he was—to try to persuade him to use either pistols or rifles would be to deliberately plot the death of the major. And although Judge Richardson hed got | Perkins into this scrape, it had not been with any idea of having the fire-eater killed, ‘Oh, well, if that is the case, of course I shall not try to induce you to ri your mind about the weapons; but I think a difficulty in procuring a pair of swords in the town, for such things are not common with us.” * T've got a pair here; the real, genuine arti- | cle, too!” the landlord hastened to declare, going behind the counter, and producing the weapon’ as he spoke. lars on them about a year ago, when the sho he was with bu’st up here, ‘“‘He said he got ’em in Germany, an’ tl they were what the German students used for carve each other with, although thy ain seemed to be particularly sharp on either edg or point, but I presume a handy man could jp ‘‘ An’ let an English actor chap have five ae ; aii i there will be,
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LD BBA LAO OI one of them through achapif he put strength enough into the job.” The judge remarked that he presumed that, under the circumstances, the swords would do, although they did not seem to him to be exactly the sort of tools which ought to be used, but as there wasn’t anything better to be procured a4 would have to serve the purpose. hen the location of the fight was discussed. Captain Peters suggested that there was a nice level spot about a mile down the river, a retired place where some similar affairs had been successfully brought off. The judge knew the ground and expressed his satisfaction at the choice. The duel was arranged to take place at four that afternoon and then all the Saulinination be- ing arranged Judge Richardson withdrew. “ This will beat a cock-fight all holler,” Cap- tain Peters remarked after the departure of the embassador, “TI reckon I will have to take it in,” he con- tinued. “For old Major Perkins don’t know any more about handling asword than he does of running a locomotive, and I reckon that when you get arter bim with one of these toad-stickers thar’ll be a heap of fun.” “Oh, you kin bet yer bottom dollar that I will be thar!” And almost everybody in the town of Janes- ville was of a similar opinion when the intelli- ence spread abroad that Nimble Nick, the amous circus-rider, and the redoubtable fire- eater, Major Adrastus Pebian Perkins, were go- ing to fight a duel with small-swords, down in Crab Hollow, as the dueiing ground was called, that afternoon. The news traveled with wonderful rapidity, for the young men who had gone into the saloon to joke the major in regard to his defeat had told everybody they met that Perkins was going to challenge the stranger to mortal combat, and the landlord, thinking the knowledge too good to keep to himself confided to some of his cronies that the duel had been arranged. When the major was made acquainted by the judge with the arrangements which had been as for the meeting he was extremely dissatis- ed. “T don’t know anything about swords!” he declared, ‘“‘and it is absurd to expect me to pent with a weapon of which I am totally igno- rant. The judge reasoned with the angry man and pointed out that under the circumstances it was aoe Rome to have the matter settled differ- ently. ‘“‘He knows no more about swords than you do and your game will be to attack him fiercely from the beginning. ‘** All you have to do is to jump at him and try to run him through with the steel,” “Yes, but that isa game that two can play at!” the major replied. *¢ He is much lighter on his feet than I am, and he may run the cursed sword into me before I get a chance to spit him.” * Well, of course, you will have to run the risk of that.” “For heaven’s sake, judge, inquire around town and see if you can borrow any book on fencing sol can post myself a little about the deuced thing. ** Hang me if I believe I know how to even handle a sword.” ‘‘ It strikes me that Bob Grierson has a book which tells about boxing, fencing, and all that sort of thing,” the judge remarked, after cogi- tating over the matter for a moment. ‘* Borrow it for the love of heaven, and quick too, so that I can have a chance to pick up a few points.” The judge not only got the book, but induced the owner, Mr. Bob Grierson, one of the liveliest young men in the town, and who gravely assert- ed that he had once taken a course of lessons in a fencing-school at Cincinnati, to visit the major for the purpose of putting him through a course of sprouts, as Grierson termed it, For a good two hours the young man labored vith the old one, both of them armed with a ‘ouple of broomsticks to Serve as swords, until major was fairly worn out, and declared that ) was his belief he would never beable to master ny of the mysteries of ‘‘ carte and tierce,” The best thing you can do, major!” exclaim- ‘young Grierson ‘at the close of the lesson, de- airing of imparting even the rudiments of the arming science to so dull a scholar, “is to use 4a sword justas you wouldaclub. Rush at -1 and bang away at his head. ** Maybe he will be so confused by such an un- pected attack that you wil] be able to lay him. {Hit him over the head first, and then if you to it,” , can manage to stagger him, give him the point and jab it into him, just asifit was a pitchfork, for all you are worth.” Upon reflection the major concluded that this game was as safe a one as he could play, and told Bob he would certainly follow his advice. Promptly at the appointed time both of the duelists attended by their seconds and a doctor apiece were on the ground and to their amaze- ment they found that nearly every eligible location inthe neighborhood which commanded a view of the battle-ground was occupied by a spectator anxious to witness the contest. It really seemed as if about all the male popu- Acs mof Janesville had turned out to see the ight. Neither of the duelists was pleased at the prospect for they did not relish being made a show of, but as there was no help for it, after consultation they concluded to go ahead. The contestants stripped for the fight, removed their coats and vests and girded in their waists tightly with their handkerchiefs. The contrast between the two was great and to the minds of the spectators it did not seem as if the major stood much chance, The dualists faced each other, the seconds re‘iring to a safe distance and the spectators watched the scene with eager interest. The swords crossed, the shining blades glisten- ing in the sunlight. Nimble Nick had spoken the truth when he had said that. he knew nothing about swords, but he had omitted to say that he was an expert hoop juggler and therefore possessed of a wonderful command over a stick, and on this occasion he used the sword as though it was a wand. Hardly had the blades crossed when, with a veculiar motion, he whacked the major over the cnuckles, causing him to drop his weapon as though it had suddenly become very hot. Then he slapped the flat of the blade across the major’s oka, causing him to howl with pain. This done he stepped behind the bewild- ered man and caned him with the sword-blade! The major howled with pain and anger, attempted to grasp his nimble foe, and failing, took to his heels and ran for dear life, while the amused spectators fairly rolled on the ground and roared with laughter. Such a duel had never before been seen in Kentucky and the major kept away from Janes- ville for many a long day. The scheme had failed to work. CHAPTER XIV. BUD APPEARS. ON the evening of the same day that the ridi- culous duel had taken place, as related in our last chapter, Colonel Dunwiddie and Judge Richardson sat in council in the Dunwiddie mansion. As it had happened the colonel had not been down town that day, and so the first intelligence he had of the affair was carried to him by Judge Richardson. The Kentucky colonel had a keen sense of humor, and he could not help being amused_at the description of how the stranger had tri- umphed over the fire-eater. “This Nimble Nick is a plucky rascal,” he re- marked, when Richardson came to. the end of his recital. ‘““No doubt about that, but the ease with which he defeated Major Perkins is astonishing, for the major has generally been looked upon as being a tough nut.” “Well, in regard to that, I must say, judge, that I never had much opinion of him,” the other remarked. , “T have always thought that he was consider- able of a humbug. . : ‘“*He’s like many another man in this world who has managed to secure a reputation without much of anything to back it up. * When he was a young man he was mixed up in two or three affrays, and as he managed to get the best of the fights, he has been posing as a hero ever since, but if you take the trouble to look back and examine his record, you will see that for a good ten or fifteen years he has not been concerned in any serious trouble.” “That is true enough, but he and his friends have done a heap of blowing, and so he has come to be regarded as a fire-eater, and a dan- gerous man,” “That is about the idea of it.” ’ “Well, I must admit that I am disappointed,” Richardson remarked, ‘‘ for it was through me that, ‘the major was induced to attack the fel- ow. ‘‘T had a suspicion that some one put him up Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. ag 11 ‘*T am the man; the major had such a reputa- tion as a fire-eater that I fancied he would make short work of this infernal showman, and so f took an opportunity to speak to him about the matter, saying what an outrage it was for a vile traveling vagabond to lift his eyes to a Ken- tucky lady of good family.” ‘* And he took fire at once, of course, and vol- unteered to chastise the fellow,” the colonel observed, quick to see how the scheme was. worked. “Yes, and as a result, has succeeded in mak- ing himself the laughing-stock of the town.” ‘The major is old,” Dunwiddie remarked, **no match for this rascal of a showman. ** Now, my son Bud would be able to make the fellow crawfish, I am sure.” ‘* By the way, when do you expect Bud?” “* He is liable to come at any time. He ought to have been here a week ago.” There is an old adage which says: ‘‘ Speak of the fiend and he appears.” And in this case the mention of the name of the colonel’s son just preceded his arrival, for: hardly had the words left Dunwiddie’s lips whem one of the negro house-servants rushed in with the intelligence: ‘*Marse John done come, sah—yes, sah, for shure; he’s jist gwine for to git off de hoss!” A few moments more and the colonel’s som made his appearance. A tall, well-made fellow, tolerably good-look- ing, but with a rakish air about him which be- trayed plainly that he was not yet through sow-- ing bis wild oats, as the career of reckless dissi- pation in which many young men indulge is: good-naturedly called. John Dunwiddie was his name, but in boyhood he had acquired the appellation of ‘“‘ Bud,” and so it happened that though he had now grown to man’s estate, he was more often called Bud Dunwiddie than by his own proper name, The young man greeted his father heartily,, shook hands with the judge, and then helped himself to a chair, After a brief conversation in regard to how the heir of the Dunwiddies had enjoyed his trip, the colonel came at once to the subject which he had so much at heart, and explained to his son what had occurred during his absence. But Bud, with that sublime confidence com- mon to the average young man, who is quite sure he knows a great deal more than his elders, laughed at the idea. ‘*Oh, I think you must have made a mistake about the matter,” he exclaimed. “*T know Egla like a book, and I am satisfied that she has too much pride to ever allow herself to be caught by any such vagabond.” Both the colonel and the judge shook their: heads. They belleved that, having watched the affair from the beginning, they knew more about it than the young man who assumed to decide the question in this off-hand way. ‘*You don’t agree with me, eh?” said Bud, im that airy way which plainly signified that he was annoyed his judgment should be questioned. ‘No, I do not think there is the least doubt that this circus-rider has made an impression upon Eglantine,” the father replied. ‘*She believes that he saved her life, and I know she feels extremely grateful for the service.” ‘And gratitude is akin to love, as the poet says,” the judge observed. ** Do you really think that Eglantine is likely to make a fool of herself,” the young man re~ marked with the air of a sage. ‘Yes, both the judge and myself think there: is great danger of such a thing.” ‘*Eglantine is a little inclined to be romantic, you know, Bud,” the judge observed. ‘¢ And rather inclined to want to have her own way,” the colonel added. “She is a true Dunwiddie, and it is not an easv matter to drive one of our race.” ‘Well, I reckon that is true enough; we don’t gay ot us take a back seat,” Bud declared arro- antly. “ But if there is any danger of the girl becom- ing fascinated by this fellow, the best way to put a stopper on the affair is to get at the show- man. Either give the rascal a trifle to get out,. or else treat him to a sound thrashing.” The young man spoke in a careless, loft way, just as if this latter operation he regarded as one: which could be performed in the easiest possible manner, The colonel and judge exchanged glances as much as to say, behold the vanity of youth! ‘* Bud, this task, I fear, is not so easy a one as you seem to imagine,” Richardson remarked. “This circus fellow is no common rascal who- can be frightened away, and in regard to cvs
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12 Ni AD mble Nick, the ‘him a thrashing, the job would not be eagerly sought by many of the Janesville boys after the taste the town has had of the man’s quality.” And then the judge related how Nimble Nick ‘had distinguished himself since his arrival in the Kentucky town. But as far as the major was concerned the ‘young man laughed at the idea of his being a fire-eater. “ A superannuated old fossil!” he declared, ‘¢ Tt is no particular credit to a man to get the best of any such relic of the past as Old Per- kins.” Of course neither one of the others felt justi- fied in declaring the major to be a good repre- sentative of the fighting men of Janesville. “The first thing to be done, father,” declared "the young hopeful, ‘*is to find out exactly how Eglantine stands in this matter,and as I believe in always taking the bull by the horns, I will ‘hasten to her on ‘the wings of love,’ tell her that I have found it absolutely me Gat heed to live away from the mansion honored by her presence and beg her to name the day when she will make me the proud possessor of her charms, and her extremely healthy bank account!” and as he fin- ished the sentence a broad grin spread over his face. Bud, with the vanity of youth, did not have a ‘high opinion of the sense possessed by the aver- age young lady of the day, and thought he would mot have much trouble in securing the lady’s consent, The colonel shook his head and the judge fol- lowed his example. It was their opinion that the girl would not ‘be easily won. ‘‘ Ts she in the house?” the young man asked. ‘‘ Yes,” the father answered. “‘T'll seek her at once, and get the thing off m -mind,” and Bud departed with an air of confi- ‘dence which plainly revealed he had no fears in regard to the result, ' ‘ | wonder if we were such infernal conceited puppies when we were young!” exclaimed the judge, abruptly, after the door closed behind ud. The colonel coughed; the young man was his son, and as a father he hated to say anything against him, but in his heart he knew that the judge was not far wrong in his estimate. In fifteen minutes the young man returned, looking decidedly crestfal'en. “The scheme is a total) failure, dad,” he ex- claimed, the moment he made his appearance. ‘* She will not have it at am price, and, I am serry to say, treated me in thi, .aost contemptu- ous manner, Pa “‘T was nettled, of course, at. expressed my opinion of her flirtation with his circus-rider ‘in a pretty plain manner; wh: upon she flew into a passion and told me to my teeth that she considered this mountel.,nk jt, more of a gentleman than I was, and in a ui in some very uncomplimentary semarks in re- gard to the way in which I have coaducted my- self during the past few years. p “Tn fact, so plainly did she talk tyat I had to come away or else lose my temper, and now in order to get satisfaction, I intend +» cane this showman within an inch of his life} ) af CHAPTER XV. ‘3 THE STREET-FIGHT, ” Youne Dunwiddie hada deal, ., self-posses- sion, and not even to a "ytd he reveal how he had been wounded fj ; Eglantine’s scorn. ? rp.gon J He had all the chivalric not), is common to the Kentucky gentleman in regard to woman- kindyand so, beyond uttering a few bitter words in comment of the girl’s degrading herself by allowing her name to be connected with that of a vagabond showman, he did not bandy words with her. He was terribly affronted all the same, and though he exerted himself to conceal the matter, et he really was in a frightful passion, and as ‘his education prevented him from venting his rage upon the girl, he determined to make the circus-rider suffer. The judge had spent the night at the Dunwid- ‘die mansion, and in the morning, when the ay met at breakfast, they discussed the mat- ter. a The young man explained his plan, which was simple in the extreme. “T am foin to wait — this showman,” Bud said, “ and tell him that his attention to _ Miss Dunwiddie is distasteful to me. _ “The chances are about a thousand to one, ou know, that he will tell me to go to “Then, being provided with this weapon, I | will dust his jacket for him.” The young man exhibited a whalebone cane with a loaded head, and as he flourished it in the air, it was plain that a better tool for the purpose could not be found. % a ay he shows fight?’ the judge asked. ‘Well, I am armed,” and the young man drew his revolver from his pistol-pocket. ‘* And if the rascal does not submit to take his a I will bore a couple of holes through im. The colonel nodded complacently. In his judgment Bud was fully equal to the task, but upon Richardson’s face appeared a shade of doubt. From what he had seen of the prowess of the stranger he fancied that young Dunwiddie would not be able to ‘‘ make the riffle” as easily as he anticipated. It was about ten o’clock when the three reach- ed the town. They proceeded straight to the hotel where the showman had his headquarters, and when they came within a block of it the elder Dun- widdie caught sight of Nimble Nick standing in front of the building, and immediately pointed him out to his son. “ Dashy-looking chap, aint he?” Bud observed. ‘* But he will not look so dandified ten minutes hence when I get through with him.” And then, grasping his cane with firm deter- mination, he advanced to where our hero stood, crossing the street as he approached the hotel, leaving his companions upon the other side. Nimble Nick had been in conversation with the landlord of the hotel, and he, noticing the approach of the three, called Nimble Nick’s attention to them, explaining who the young man was. ‘That Bud is a hard case,” the landlord said in conclusion, ‘‘and from the way he is flourish- ing his cane I shouldn’t be surprised if he had come on purpose to pick a fuss with you.” “In that case hadn't you better retire so as not to get mixed up in the affair?’ Nimble Nick sug, rested. ut thar’s three of ’em,” remarked the host, who had taken a great fancy to his guest, and with true Kentucky hospitality, was Hisposed to take a part in the quarrel]. Just at this moment the young man quitted his companions and crossed the street. *‘ He is going it alone,” Nick said as he noticed the movement, “‘T reckon he can’t bluff you onany lone hand, eh?” observed the other. ‘¢ Not much!” “Tf you come to a fight, and he goes to pull a weapon on you, look out for him, for he is reck- oned to be an awful quick fellow on the draw. Takes arter his father, the colonel, you know, who was allers mighty smart at getting the on indilged|drop*on his man when it came to pistol prac- tice,” ‘¢T will keep my eyes open.” “*-You are heeled, I s’pose?” ‘Oh, yes; a man traveling around the way I do has to be.” ““Salivate him, darn his carcass!” exclaimed the landlord, as he retreated into the . hotel. ‘“*Salivate him and take some of the blamest conceit outen him!” In the hotel the landlord took a position by the window so he could command a view of the en- counter, — In his mind there was no doubt that there was fun ahead. Nick had taken a good look at the young man when the landlord called his attention to him, and although Bud Dunwiddie was a t lerably well-built fellow, yet he was in no respect a match for such a medium-sized Hercules as the circus-rider. Bud came straight up to Nimble Nick, halted and surveyed him from head to foot in an ex- tremely insolent manner. “T reckon, Mister Man, that you are the chap I want to see,” ‘*Well, I don’t know anything in regard to that, for you have the advantage of me at present.” ‘Yes, 1 reckon I have, and T reckon I intend to keep it, too!” “The future will decide that.” ‘You are one of these blamed showmen, I be- lieve?” “Yes, you are right there.” ‘*T hate showmen,” ““ Maybe there isn’t any love lost.” “‘My name is Bud Dunwiddie; do you under- stand who you are talking to now?” “Oh, yes, I will take your word for it. I don’t believe you would lie unless you could Circus Prince. TT l > 4 i 1 4 make something by it, and in this case 1 don’t see how you could gain anything.” The young Kentuckian was rendered furious by this answer, for it suddenly dawned upon fae him that he was getting the worst of this word Ake aes encounter. a “Yes, my name is Bud Dunwiddie, and I am i i the cousin of a certain party, and I want you to hae Bee understand that there must be an end to certain See foolishness. Do you understand?” : “‘T am rather dull sometimes, I fear, and I rem have to ask you to explain yourself more fully. ‘Well, you have scraped an acquaintance with Miss: Eglantine Dunwiddie, and I have 4 waited upon you for the purpose of saying that the thing has got to be stopped.” ** Does she request it?” ¥ “T require it!” young Dunwiddie answered, q: hotly. : ‘* Suppose I refuse to comply?” of ‘“-You had better not, if you know when you ak are well off, oe “You have been tco long in this town, any- a way, and the quicker you get out the better it will be for your health.” ‘Oh, I don’t believe you are a good judge in regard to that.” ; ‘Don’t you give me any back talk, or Dll : dust your jacket for you now!” and Bud flour- ished the cane menacingly in the air. “No, you will not!” and Nimble Nick con- fronted © the young Kentuckian menacingly. “« You are not man enough to do it!” <A retort that caused Bud Dunwiddie to make a blow at Nimble Nick’s head, intending to cut him across the face, but the young acrobat was prepared for the attack; he evaded the stroke, deftly ; caught the descending wrist, and almost before the “yay Kentuckian knew what had hap- pened, had wrested the cane from him, then iy with a violent push, Bud was forced back, and Nimble Nick proceeded to thrash him in the most scientific manner. ; f Rendered almost frantic at this unexpected bd turn of affairs young Dunwiddie endeavored to } close with his opponent, but the other easily y evaded the attempt, and keeping at arm’s 4 length punished the young Kentuckian sO iy + severely that he retreated in a rather undigni- et y i Fi * r ; re pals re . OL ES I oe Peet ane . Re Oe Se, o° “ee . PA hg Pe fied fashion. By this time the affray had attracted general attention and the street was filled with specta- ors, 5 When he got beyond Nimble Nick’s reach nt CY Bud Dunwiddie pulled out his pistol; but Nick rake a was equally quick to produce his weapon. The two fired almost simultaneously. aM he punishment the Kentuckian received ren- dered his nerves unsteady and his bullet went ae wide of the mark; while the Circus Prince’sshot- was more effective. bam It struck the hammer of Bud’s revolver, shat- he si tering it, and then glanced upward into Dun- widdie’s shoulder. Aer Bud reeled and fell, and the colonel, unable to Cer fy restrain himself, plucked out bis revolver and ran across the street. a4 A werning cry from the landlord put Nickon his guard. Wheeling quickly he faced the irate ay colonel. prem sy. 1 Dunwiddie fired. 4 a. ij The ball cut through the sleeve of Nimble ; Nick’s coat. ye Asquick as a flash the young acrobat fired, = and down went the colonel, with a bulletin the = e. aT ante San The fight was over. a a oe BAe pameer | ay Nimble Nick _retired into the hotel while F + | sympathizing friends carried off the wounded = = men, sate? we And Janesville in wonder declared that the — i circus-rider was as good a man asever struckthe town ue CHAPTER XVI. A LAST CHANCE, THE night was dark, although the moon was out, but the face of the heavens was covered by heavy banks of dark clouds as though a storm was approaching, and when the clouds passed over the moon the silver rays of the fair queen of night fell not on the earth, and an inky aawe Acting on the ‘advice of the landlord f th hotel, Nimble Nick had “taken to the “rods for after the stirring part which heha Bit who - ad ‘de young Dunw
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ah by ASRS , x ix. is ete aks Rs be fleet Ps * i 2} Ruth fe 1 r v try any more fighting business,” the old man ob- erved, shrewdly, ‘“‘for you gi’n em such a dose this last skirmish as will be apt to make ’em fight shy of you in that line. “Their dodge now will be to git the law arter you and jail you if they can, and there isn’t much doubt about their being able to do that, you know, for of course you did go in and sali- vate ’em hot and heavy. ‘“« Arter you are jailed you kin give bonds and git out, of course, for I reckon tiat nobody is oing to kick the bucket, although I heard that ud Dunwiddie was pretty badly hurt.” ‘* Yes, I see,” Nimble Nick observed. ‘¢ Bven if one or two on’em was to die, they couldn’t do nothing to you, for you fit in self-de- fense. ‘** You would have to stand atrial, though, and if you couldn’t give bonds, you would have jto lay in jail until the trial was ended; so my ad- vice to you is to take to the woods for a few days until I see how the cat jumps; then, if there is any danger of your being jailed, I will hunt up some bondsmen who will pull you out.” Nick thanked the host for his kindness, and arranging a means of communication so that he could keep posted in regard to what events transpired in the town, “lit out,” to use tne Kentucky phrase. — Five miles back in the woods was a deserted log house in a solitary spot, and to this place of refuge the landlord directed the young man. He provided him with a double-barreled shot- gun, ammunition and a supply of provisions, to- gether with a bag of feed for the mare, and thus Bay , Nimble Nick shook the dust of Janes- i a rom his feet, departing under cover of the nl 4 t was asharp move and executed just in time, for Nimble Nick had not been gone an hour, when an officer, accompanied by a strong posse to assist him in capturing the circus-rider if he was disposed to resist the mandates of the law, paid a visit to the hotel, “Too late, boys,” the landlord observed, with a wise shake of the head, when the officer made known the object of his visit. “Too late to put salt on the tail of this hyer bird, and I reckon you will have the hull State of Ohio to hunt him in.” By this skillfully worded speech the pursuers were given to understand that their game had crossed the river, and although there wasn’t one of the party but what knew that if the fugitive had got across the river there wasn’t the least . chance for them to capture him, yet they went down to the bank and interviewed the ferryman who had charge of the diminutive steam craft which served as the means of communication be- tween the Ohio and Kentucky shores. But the ferryman was a graff fellow who had happened to witness the street-fight, and being one of the ‘‘poor whites” himself, he had a ympathy for the stranger who had whipped the _ Kentucky bloods so en ee So not a bit of satisfaction did they get out of him in regard to the matter; but from his man- ner they came to the conclusion that the show- - man had succeeded in crossing the river, and _ was now safe from pursuit on the Ohio shore, so the search was given up. : Nick was as safe from discovery in the lonel a which the landlord had selected for his % ding-place as though he was a hundred miles away. ; But when the shades of night covered_the earth he felt a strange desire to visit the Dun- widdie mansion, and, if possible, gain speech with the young girl. He was anxious to see what impression she had formed of the bloody street fight in which he had played so prominent a part. Nimble Nick’s forest retreat was only a short distance from the Mount Sterling pike, upon which the Dunwiddie mansion was situated and thinking that he might take it into his hea to visit it, he had taken pains to learn from the Jandiord all the particulars inregard to it. As that worthy had explained, it was an ex- emely large, old-fashioned mansion, a fine pe of the old Kentucky home, and as there ; mine another house on the road that was at _ all like it, it was not likely that he could miss it, even in the darkness. the plantation was one of the largest in that section of the country, and covered nearly two thousand acres, all cleared land, with the ex- ception of about fifty acres in woodland, re- _ served for supplying the house with fuel. ‘It was about nine o'clock when Nimble Nick ypproached th , 10wed that none of the dw: tion had yet retired to rest, vants, for over her head was thrown a costl lace vail slightly the worse for wear, but suc as no servant would think of buying. oe @ house, and the ligh ' om the mansion and the negro huts adjoining ~ al on the planta- I ee we: ple Nick, the Circus E Nimble Nick had approached the house on the back of bis bonny brown mare, but when fairly within sight of the dwelling he dismounted, tak- ing advantage of the shelter afforded by a little clump of timber. In the middle of the little grove he placed the mare, not fastening her at all, but bidding her remain until he should return or summon her, The animal had been so well trained that she would obey a command almost as well as a hu- man, and she was so intelligent that she seemed to ea ta almost every word that was said to her. After disposing of the horse Nimble Nick ap- proached the house, moving as cautiously as a red Indian on the war trail. He was afraid of encountering either some of the dogs, of which there seemed to be quite a number about the place, judging from the barks which rose on the air every now and then, or the servants, who might be enjoying the fresh breezes of the night in the open air. What he had feared, occurred. When he was within a hundred yards of the house, he ran into a woman who stepped sudden- ly from behind a tree right in his way. “Oh, Lord of massy, who’s dat?” the female exclaimed, in a voice which plainly betrayed that the hot blood of Africa flowed in her veins. ‘Don’t be alarmed! Iam a friend,” Nimble Nick hastened to declare, for fear the woman would take fright when she discovered she had encountered a stranger ana give the alarm. Just then the moon which had been partially hid a Br great ragged cloud, came sailing out from behind the vail in her full splendor and the two had a good view of each other. The negress was a comely young yellow girl, richly dressed, evidently one of the upper ser- m A piece of her mistress’s discarded finery evi- dently. Nimble Nick was a shrewd observer, and the moment he got a good view of the girl, his heart ave a great bound, for he fancied that luck had beowghe in his way the waiting-maid of Eglan- tine. And as for the girl, she gave a little cry of surprise when she saw Nimble Nick’s face. “Bress de lam’, if it ain’t de gemmen him- self!” she exclaimed. “Oh, you know me?” “Yes, sah, deed I do!” “Well, that’s lucky.” **You’s de circus gemmen dat rides de brown horse.” ‘Yes, I’m the man.” s My misses will be dreadful glad for to see ou. ‘Your mistress?” “Yes, sah.” *¢ And who is your mistress?” Our hero put the question with a ape scary heart for he suspected what the answer woul ” ‘Deed and youse know her right well; it is de lady w’at owns dis yere plantation.” “Miss Dunwiddie?” “Yes, sah; dat’s de bery one, and she’s kinder been suspecting dat you mought be sneaking round dis yer p ace to-night, and she tole me for to go out and keep my eyes open dredful wide.” “* Will it be possible for me to see widdie?” “Deed an’ it will, sure as yer born! Dat is w'at she wanted me fur to sneak out and see if I couldn’t light on you somewhere, “You jest stay hyer, and don’t you be afeard of any of the common black trash coming on dis yere little timber. “One ob de overseers done went and hanged himself to one of de trees hyer, and de fool nig- gers dey tink dat dere’s a ghost in hyer dat will pinch ’em mighty tight if he gets hold of ’em, “Jest you wait hyer, and young missy will come!” With this assurance the girl hurried away leaving Nimble Nick to congratulate himself upon the good luck which had attended him. That Eglantine had expected his coming, he took to be a happy omen, Despite the girl’s assurance, though, he did not feel so certain that there wasn’t any danger of any one discovering him lurking so near the m Miss Dun- ansion. The fear of the spirit which was supposed to haunt the place might keep the blacksaway, but he was not so much in fear of the darkness as of the white men, of whom there were quitea num- ber on the place. ‘ So, in order to be prepared for all contingen- cies, he carefully examined his weapons, for he SS . oe a Oat aS ce ta one oy, ? = Ma oe Pog . vy" : 4 Pre ai NSE te, <o pee Pea ui ae Ui 58 ROR soma ar a Grzce AT REN Ss rince. had already seen enough of Kentucky to under- stand that, in some respects, the State was like ‘Lexas. A man might go ten years without tering occasion to need a weapon, but when he di need one, he needed it bad. But no danger came, though, and within tem minutes the beautiful Miss Dunwiddie stood by his side. CHAPTER XVII. DESPERATE MEASURES. Sue gave Nimble Nick her hand in the most: cordial manner. ‘“Oh, I am so glad you have come!” she ex- claimed. ‘And it is so strange, too; I had a presentiment that you would, and that is why I sent my maid out with instructions to look for you. “* Patty isa good, faithful girl and I knew I could trust her.” “Tsu you have heard an account of the: affray which took place in the streets of Janes- ville this evening? ; ‘* Oh, yes, first I was treated to my uncle’s ver- sion of the affair,” and as she spoke her lip curl- ed in contempt. ‘““-You, single-handed, met the colonel and his: precious hopeful Bud on the street and attempt- ed to assassinate them, although it is not usual- ly the rule for one man to attempt to assassinate: wo, ‘““You failed in your purpose and then ran away like a coward.” “T retreated efter I had laid my enemies out,, I will admit, but it was because both of them were on the ground appear, dead or dying,. and I cculdn’t very well keep up a battle with men who were incapable of offering resistance.” ‘“‘T know all that!” the girl exclaimed. “‘ John our old negro coachman was in the town and saw” the conflict from the beginning, and from him I received the true account.” ‘‘But how is the colonel and his son? Are their wounds likely to prove serious?” “Oh, no, neithcr one has suffered materially. Their wounds are painful, but not et all danger— ous. Infact they are not serious enough to cause either one of them to take to their couch. ‘‘T had quite a stormy scene with my uncle to- night. He is my guardian, or was, for I am now of age, and has had the entire ccntrol of my pro rty ever since the death of my father and mother.” “So I understand.” “ Now, although 7 am only a girl, yet I know something of businéss, for I received an excellent: education, an¢.)ithough I have never troubled my uncle to ca) ‘him to an account, I know just. as well as ce be that he has not handled my property to the best advantage. ‘For nearl* ten years now, ever since I have been old enow 3 to know anything about it, the colonel, instead of *ttending to his business has: been engarer’ in sp culating, and I am certain from some *hguarded remarks which I have heard him u ‘ke at odd times, that he has been. losing stes Jily.” ‘ - FSi haven't heard bim boast of his success the chanves are great that he has met witb reverses.’ - ‘Thay never heard him speak of gaining im my life. ~ feel almost sure that not only bas he Jost all h”~ own fortune but he has used a large: sum belos.,ing to me.” . ‘Guar ? us will do such things sometimes.” * And} ou? he is trying to raise a match be~— tween thi’ miserable Bud Dunwiddie, whom I have alw~ « hated since I was_a child, and myself; h “ dea being that when I am his son’s: wife I wil. _ t make trouble even if he has lost a goodly sum f my money.” Ana the girl’s glorious eyes flashed and her bosom heaved with excitement as she made the arnouncement. “Tf he has used your money, lost it, and now finds that he cannot replace it, it is only natural for him to devise some such means to cover the matter.” “We had words on the subject to-night, for he was smarting under his defeat and for the first. time partially removed the mask which he has. always worn in my presence. “He showed himself to be a man capable of playing the brutal tyrant to perfection, and when I, irritated by both bis words and manner told him that I did not think I would ever bring myself to look with favor upon a union with his: son, he set up the ridiculous claim that I was not, yet of age and therefore would be obliged to do exactly ashe said. “T came of age six months ago, but he de- clare’ there is a mistake about the matter and that lam a year younger than I think myself.”*
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* Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. ** A desperate device,” Nimble Nick remarked, ‘thoughtfully. ‘‘'The man is desperate. I never saw him in such a state before, and I do not think I wrong him when I say I believe he would not hesitate to use force to accomplish his purpose. ‘* But Iam not going to remain here. I am going to run away, and this very night, too, for he may take such measures to-morrow that I can’t get away if I want to.” Our hero felt that he had received a cue to speak, and if he hesitated now he did not deserve to win such a glorious creature. Briefly, then, he urged his suit; and the girl, ‘with downcast eyes, admitted that he had won cher heart. ‘*- You saved my life,” she declared, “ and it is yours whenever you choose to ask for it ” ‘Let us fly to-night, then,” Nimble Nick “urged. ‘‘Naught can be gained by delay and much may be lost.” “JT will go with you anywhere!” she de- clared. ** Mount Sterling or Paris—either place will do. We can find a minister in either town who will unite us,” Nimble Nick observed, . ‘“The Paris road is by far the best of the two,” Eglantine observed, acquainted with all the roads in the neighborhood for a good fifty “miles. ‘‘ Yes, and Paris will be the best point for us ‘to strike, for from Paris we can go to either Cincinnati or Louisville as may seem most de- sirable. ‘“Not that I dread any danger after we are “once married, for when we are joined in the bonds of matrimony I will defy the world to part us!” the young man declared. ‘¢ When shall we set out?” she asked. ‘That depends upon what preparations you need to make for the journey.” ‘Nothing to speak of; I will don my riding- ‘habit, and strap a small portmanteau, which will carry the few articles I need, to my saddle. ‘Luckily I have a couple of hundred dollars in my purse, and when we arrive in Paris I can easily procure anything I may want. “*] think the quicker we get off the better, for if we delay there may be. obstacles thrown in our path.” “Yes, to-night the road is clear, and we ought to take advantage of it,” Nimble Nick re- marked, ‘* Had we better set out immediately?” ‘Yes, if you can get your horse from the stable without exciting any alarm.” “Oh, there will be no difficulty about that,” «she replied, confidently. ‘I can take the horse out by the back way, and no one will be the wiser. At such an hour as this all the servants -are in the house, for all the stable work is done, -and there isn’t anything to keep them there ‘Have you a horse?” “Yes, about a thousand yards up the road, in sa little grove.” ““T know the spot,” the girl assured. ‘‘ You had better wait for me there, for this is so close to the house, that if I ventured to bring the horse here I ps be observed. In from ‘twenty minutes to half an hour you may expect “me.” And then with due caution she proceeded to “make her way back to the mansion. Nimble Nick retreated in an equally careful “manner. He succeeded in reaching the grove where he ‘had left the mare without meeting any one. “ The horse was exactly where he had left er. Time seemed to pass on leaden wings to ‘Nimble Nick, as he waited for the girl to come At last though, he heard the hoof-strokes of a steed advancing slowly. ing his own horse by the bridle, he horse. 4 The girl had a wise head on her young shoul- ders. Did you succeed in getting the horse out ‘without ‘attracting attention?’ Nimble Nick asked, as he assisted the girl to mount. “Oh zee, aithough I was very much afraid test I should be discovered,” she replied. “A half-a-dozen of Bud’s boon companions ‘have come, evidently intent upon having a pee ‘time, and they sent up-s for me, but I re- ‘mrned word that they must excuse me, for I
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5 and planted the nail in your horse’s hoof, so that the animal would go lame on the journey. “And now, my dear Eglantine, as the best way to meet trouble is to look it squarely in the face, let me teil you that the chances are great that your absence has been discovered long ere this, for this nail business is proof positive to ra) me, that Colonel Dunwiddie has expected some a: such move as this, and has been on the lookout to frustrate it.” ; ED ‘¢- We must mount then, and ride as if for our a lives!” the girl exclaimed, her eyes flashing and vas her breast heaving with excitement. ‘‘ Hush—listen !” exclaimed Nimble Nick, bend- {=m ing his head in the direction of the way in which ' they had come. * ae **T thought I heard the clatter of distant a hoofs.” Bs Ra “Yes, you areright!” exclaimed the girl, after zi listening attentively for a moment. “We are pursued!” 2 ‘*Not a doubt of it, and by quite a ain too —six or eight of them I reckon, from the sounds.” a ‘* We must mount, and away at once!” Eglan- a Ps “tine cried. oe 5 “Stay a moment! Is that the best course for ; “us to pursue? ‘¢‘Our horse will be burdened with a double load, and if our pursuers are well mounted, and undoubtedly they are, for this is the region of good horses, the chances are that my mare, fieet as she is, will not be able to distance them. ‘“‘T think our game is to find a hiding-place wear here somewhere, and conceal ourselves un- ae a -til they ride past, then we can double back and : ‘take the Mount Stirling road, and so throw them “ erson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. R 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New York Boy. By George L, ik Aiken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. iq By Ensign C. D. Warren. . : 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff, 7a By Captain Comstock. f 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lieu- tenant Alired Thorne. $28 The Sky We'ective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Re- - venge. By Ned Buntline. + 865 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morria, 874 Gold-Dust Tom; or, Ben’s Double Match. By George H. Moree, 876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thomas B18 Bile Beet hsell, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winth y Bombshe ie mber. By F.S. Wint lo “4 440 Little Foxfoot. the Gold Bowie Kid. By Arthur C. Grissotty . 475 The Black Ship. By John S, Warner. P Comanche Dick and His Three Invincibles, By y Henry J. Thomas. © By Arthur F. Holt, dwin Brooke Forrest. 582 The Cowboy Duke. By A New Issue Every Tuesday- The Half-Dime Library is for sale by ail newsdealers, five ‘ or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. a BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, Me ae 98 William Street, New Yorke om ents per Copy,
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EADLE’S*H Each Issue Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. ‘Published Every Tuesday. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 49 Omaha OL; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger, 5c Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, 7? Corduroy Charlie; or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 adam Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s szuich. 188 Blonde Bills or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’« Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Road. 201 The Black Mille Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Diek’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 221 Sugar-Coated Sam; or, The Black Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Remance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Jregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantem Flats, 847 Deadwood Diek’s Duecats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- gings. B51 Deadwood Diek Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City, 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New ¥ ork; or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’« Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwoed Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Ned3 or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Defianes., 458 Sunflower Sam, o! Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand. 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Diek Jr’s Big Ronnd- 465 Philo Fly, of Phenix; ov, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Slaim 10, A771 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Fumbeise Harry the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Diek Jr's tective. 481 Mell Mystery; er, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood. 491 hr ae Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Diek r’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.t or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance, rat omewees 5 Diggings or, Dr, Death-Grip’s Swoop. ead woot ek’s Deliverance. 515 Deadwoed Dick’s Protegec. - 522 Deadwotd Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick's Danger Ducks 544 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick Jr, in Texas. s3 posauces pets Jr. ie ya oy Vidoeq. 5 eadwoo ek on s Mettle. BA Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston. Bee Deadwsed Dick, or. in Fulladetphia, cadwoo ¢« r. in Chicago, BTS Deadwood Diek, Jr. Afloat. 5S4 Deadwood Diek, Jr. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Diek, Jr's. Decree. p+4 Beadweet pee oe: 1 Beotat Eis Basta, endwooc e r. at Coney and. 606 Deadwood Dick Jr's Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Diek Jr. in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Diek, Jr. in CineInnath 624 Deadwood Diek, Jr. in Nevada. Other Novela by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, B9 Death-Faee, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 53 Jim Bludsoe, JIr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Balls or, The Red Rifle Team, 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph PIL; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearanee, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Wateh-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of a Groat City, 118 Jack Moyle _the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, tie Sport Detective 421 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Bosna Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 45 Castaic ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s oss Job. New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 1 161 177 181 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Bmosedt Tasks or, The Cowboy Detective’s. Pa K. Sims. Ready August 27. st 682 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, Ready September 3. 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Pres perato’s Last Innings, By J- ctor} or, The Deadwood Des .Osbon Ready September 10, 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giants or, The True Hearts of Eye Roost. By Buckskin Sam. : the Blue Coat Scout; or, The Boomers Last. Ry P, S. Warne. Ready September 24, si 685 Oklahoma Hi, Battle. A New Iasue Ready September 17. Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library '¢ for sale by all new conte per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six conte euch. part ane ND ADAMS, Publishers, William Street New York.