Beadle's Half Dime Library (v. 14) (1884 04 15)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
lallatfalialallellal) Oe Oe hs YZ TIN _ & year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. ¥., abSeoond Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1884, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. a April 15, ist4. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, aid ol. XIV. Number, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents No. 351. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, “‘ DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., ETC. { { { A FLYING LEAP CARRIED HIM OVER THE HEADS OF THE CROWD, AND DEADWOOD DICK WAS OUT OF THE SALOON, IN THE DARKNESS OF THE NIGHT, ERE A HAND COULD BE RAISED TO PREVENT HIS MARVELOUS ESCAPE,
Page 2
i] The Terrible Vendetta. A Nevada Tale. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘DEADWOOD DICK,” ‘* DENVER DOLL,” ‘SIERRA SAM,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER If. HANGING DAY IN NOWHERE. A NEVADA morning paper, The Stuff, bad the following editorial, which did its editor proud, as an illustration that he could ‘‘get thar,” when material was plenty, and occasion required him to “‘ throw ” himself.” ‘A GREAT EVENT IN CAMP NOWHERE, TO-DAY! “A Normp DesperRApo To Br Exxcursn! “ Deadwood Dick's Last Act! “™o-day, which promises much for many, ushers in, to one man, in our young city, a prospect, which to say the least, is not very appetizing. We speak of the condemned assassin and road-agent, Edward Harris, better known by the famous sebriquet of * Deadwood Dick.’ ; , “At one o’clock, P. M., Harris, whose wild and daring career may be safely said to be without a parallel, pays the penalty of his crimes, which, ‘tis said, would fill a volume. Sheriff Calvin Carter will perform the ceremony of giving the prisoner the ‘send off,’ and the event promises to be a memorable one for the town of Nowhere. “Without doubt, nearly all of our readers are familiar with the history of the doomed desperauo, and the circumstances of his arrest and convic- tion. “Wor years past—ever since the gold-fever up in the Black. Hills, Deadwood Dick has been famous, as one of boldest and most slippery of outlaws. He has defied the law, in a hundred or more in- stances, and, it is said, were all his victims planted side by side, an ordinary cemetery would be inade- quate to hold the demand for space. He.has been arrested many times, but has always succeeded in making his escape, laughing at the law, At last, however, as the reader is aware, he was nabbed, and all precautions have been taken toward pre- venting a repetition of his former miraculous es- upon and arrested, and brouxht to the jail, where he is now incarcerated, ee an gy he was possesse: nal “Execution Day Cuarr, “tr is said that Deadwood Dick has a strong and well-organized band of allies in the pi sdiates moun- tains, and some fears are entertained that the hang- ing will be interrupted. Every on2 should go well- armed. “ Governor SNELLING and Candidate-for Governor Stafford have arrived in camp, and are registered at the Prospect House. Whether their coming has anything to do with the approaching execution or not, is a matter of ecajecture, as The Stuffs able re- _ porter failed to get an interview with the distin- guished gentlemen, , “Op Jor Spratt, of the ‘Frisco dance-house, has erected a temporary out-door bar, where he will dis- pense good-cheer to the thirsty; and Pablo Pete has made preparations to start a monte game near by. Bow-leg Ben has set up a cake and pie stand in full view of the gallows,and will be well patronized.— Au», ‘““Work has been entirely suspended in the Crocker mine. The boys don’t often have a holiday, and they mean to have a good time. “St. Bonmuce’s Or has cured Bill Bockus of i pape Big We can also recommend it, —Ep, “Later.—All remains quiet within the jaul, al- though a large crowd is grouped about on the out- side. The prisoner is said to have passed a com- fortable night. Indeed, he has been remarkably cool all along. ‘Missouri Maa will set out lunch all day, at her ‘Pilgrim’s Landing ’ saloon.—Adv. ** Arrer the execution, drop in at Levi’s and look at his new suits, for $20, up.— Adv. “Loox out for an extra edition of The Stuf at six P. M., containing full particulars of the hanging.” ‘ cy order to accommodate ba oxtt The stuf? ‘or bis newspaper, the proprietor o: e Stu had printed a large edition, and the cry: ‘Kre’s yer Stuff, two bits—full’ticklers of the exercution”—was heard in the prosperous young mining-camp of Nowhere, as early as the break of day, at which hour it was emphatical- ly a dull man who was not up and stirring, con- sidering tbe important event which was booked to take place, that day. And The Stuff sold rapidly, among those who could read, and such parties as could not read bought copies, and got the better-educated ones to read the news to them. The camp, at sunrise, contained nearly a thousand soulJs, a large proportion of the rabble coming from adjacent towns and locates, Hanging, according to law, wasa novelty in those parts, and men who had been accustomed to Judge Lynch’s method, wanted to see how Justice did the job. Nowhere was as lively a camp as there was south of Silver City in the Pabranasat range, and a typical one, too, of the mining regions. It possessed the usual one long main street, on either side of which were the business places, and habitations—a conglomeration of fairly- built bouses, cabins, shanties and tents, of vari- ous sizes and shapes, " What lines of business, outside of manufactur- ing, could not. be found represented on “No- where’s ‘‘ Bowery,” were few and far between, hence there was no lack of sights, excitement, and “attractions” to wrest money, from the wary and unwary alike. The Prospect House was the only hotel, and was not only a commodious building, but was conducted on a better scale than the average hotel of the mines, Opposite this botel was Missouri Mag’s place, also a large ‘‘shebang,” devoted to terpsichore, gambling and Bacchanalian orgies. The stone jail was nxt; then came a long string of buildings, devoted to various classes of business, from the Chinese laundry to the smithy; from the Jew clothing store and pawn- shop to the tented museum of curfosities: ‘ Bil- kens’s Branch of Barnum’s Greatest Show On Earth,” the flaring streamer, and hideous show paintings announced, Every camp has its ‘bi; as a matter of course, and ception to the rule. lone! Ezra Crocker, the owner of the Crocker lode, was about the most important rsonage, while rankiog next was Senor Jose Bebastian, a speculator and stock broker, as well as the loca! banker. Descending from the sublime to the ridiculous, as it wera, the next two ba are sons were “Sis” Soaker and Gilderoy O’Gall, often surnamed the Twin Bums. Now, what the sponging, irresponsible red- nose rum-punisher, known as the “‘ rounder,” is, to city life, were the Twins to Nowhere society. They almost, invariably traveled together, and aside from being beats of the most pronounced order, and capable of any mild criminal offense, their main aim ‘in life appeared to be the man- euvering and skirmishing for free drinks, Every one knew them, and considered them entirely innocent of being dangerous, further tban their voracious appetites for ‘ benzine” were concerned. Soaker always took the lead, he being a trifle more portly and good looking tian O’Gall, although both were disgusting in appearance, the bad liquor they drank damaging their natural beauty. The firm of Soaker & O’Gall, ‘* gents of leis- ure, side-walk inspectors, and internal revenue est man in town,” owhere was no ex: agents appointed to examine, test and pro- nounce upon all malt and spiritous liquors,” bad no permanent abiding-place, and generally put up for the night, on the soft side of the door- step most convenient to the locality, where their bewildered legs gave out. Bright and early, however, on the morning of October 25th, which was the day set for the execution of Deadwood Dick, these two wortbies crawled out of an empty prairie ‘‘ schooner,” not far from the hotel, where they bad Eee for as many as two nights, without being dis- turbed, **Gilderoy O’Gall, how ranketb the condition 0’ yer biler, this autumnal morn?’ Soaker de- manded, adjusting bis cravat. “Faith an’ be jabers, Sissy O’Soaker, me stbumick feels as if the divil bad got into it. It’s a doctbor [’m in need av, an’ o’ course it is!” “There ye are again, callin’? me O’Soaker. Haven’t I told you, time and again, that my name isn’t O'Soaker, but pee Sosker, Esquire? As for your stomick, the best remedy prescribed by eminent psychologists, is a small dose of the essence of old Bezam, taken prior to a little wa- r. ‘* An’ d’yez have to have a presquiption, Mr. O'Soaker?™ ‘‘Nary prescrip, Mr. O’Gall. Missouri Mag- dalen doth mix up the beverage equal to Doctor Tanner, hisself. Take my arm,.Mr. O’Gall, ‘and we will proceed to the drug store and state the nature of our mutual diseases.” And arm in arm, the Twins made a bee-line for the Pilgrim’s Landing. Missouri Mag, by no means an uncomely fe- male, was wasbing glasses, behind the bar. She was a buxom party, with a resolute expression of countenauce, and hard, steely eyes. Margaret conducted her own business, and had often proven she was very capable of doing it, by active use of one or more of the ready cocked revolvers which conspicuously orna- mented a shelf, bebind the bar. To arouse her ire meant danger, and the citi- zens of Nowhere had learned to walk very care- fully when they entered ber place of business, for fear of disastrous consequences. With that peculiar grace which none knew better how to exercise, than the Twins. when in quest of a gratuitous drink, Soaker & Co., glid- ed up to the bar, and doffed their battered chapeaus, hy, good-morning to you, Miss Missouri!” accoste Roaker courtesying low, while by agreement, O'Gall contorted his features into a bideous expression of misery. ‘‘ You will par- don me for interrupting your morning duties, but the fact is I am unfortunately in a dire state of trouble—that is to say, my friend is. He has suddenly been attacked with pleuro- gastral-fullamoso of the digestive organs, and unless he has immediate aid, will die. We fail to find the local physician at bis residence, and asa last resort come to you. Experience has developed, and scientists have demonstrated the fact, that a little whisky, taken immediately after a drink of culd water, will afford tem- porary relief. So if you will set out the decan- ter we will see what we can do for my sfilicted friend.” : ‘Oh! yis, hoorray up!” groaned O’Gall, bend- ing over, as though in great di-tress. ‘Och! bloody murdther, phat pein I have!” Missouri Mag gave O'Gall a sharp glance. She knew the Twins of old, as Mike? breds; but O’Gall did really Jook so used Up, bat she set forth the bottle, without hesitation, where- upon the ‘sick man” took a Jorg pull, and then passed it back to Soaker, who finished the con- tents, and set if down upon the bar, with a grateful smile, “Much obliged, Miss Magdalen—rery much obliged! I thirk we shall now be sable to do full justice to our breakfast at the Prospect House, ood mor—” “Whoa!” Missouri Mag cried, as they were about filing out, ‘‘ Haven’t you forgotten some- thing?” “Es? Forgotten something? Ab! really, it must bave been my umbrella. I say, O'Gall, did you see where 1 left my—” ‘See here, my dead-beat, none o’ your mon- key business. Do you come down for tbe drinks quicker than blazes, or off goes your bead: You loafers can’t work yer rackets on me!” And the Twins beheld a pair of six shooters leveled at them, back of which Mag’s face looked even more determined than usual. Soaker grew fidgety, while O'Gall’s knees fairly knocked together, so terrified was he, “Ob, dear Miss Magdalen, be composed!” ha Soaker. “Just chalk it on the back of ac gar-box, until I get a dollar owed me by —
Page 3
Bow-leg Ben, and I will fly to your presence and liquidate the slight indebtedness.” ‘“‘Nary! Tooold and thin. Come down, or there’ll be two more lights put out to-day aside ©’ Deadwood Dick's!” Soaker turned despairingly to O’Gall. “Lordy, Gil, old ribs, what a fix! Have ye gota red?” * Nary!” O’Gall declared solemnly. *Nor I. Aha! a thought strikes me. My ‘brother-in-law, Gov’ner Snelling, is in town. You stay here, Gilly, while I go bounce the old chap for a saw-buck.” . * None o’ that! Are you going tocome down ?” eried Mag, sharply. “Upon our sagacity an’ honor, we haven't the copper-dust from a red cent!” groaned Soaker, ° “ Then give me yer shirts. They'll do,” Soaker looked at O’Gall, then both grinned. Neither of them possessed such a garment. Just at this instant a man entered and stepped up to the bar. * Put up the tools!” he commanded. ‘ I’ll pay for these fellows’ cordial, Come up, boys, and wet your whistles again; thenI want to use you!” an announcement that caused Missouri Mag to open her eyes, CHAPTER II. THE GOVERNOR'S REFUSAL. In the best suit of rooms of the Prospect House, consisting of a parlor and four com- municating rooms, the Governor Suelling party had been installed on their arrival in Nowhere. The party consisted of Governor Snelling, a grave, offi sial-looking gentleman, of rather im- ressive looking faca and figure; Daniel G. Braftord, who had been announced as candidate for Governor for the ensuing term; Ross Rock- ville, the Governor’s private secretary, and Miss Estelle Stafford, the candidate’s accomplished and handsome daughter. The gubernatorial party had arrived by stage late the previous night; yet, despite this fact, daybreak found Mr, Stafford up and seated in the parlor, with that mushroom sheet, The Stuff, spread out before him, He was a large, handsome personage, this eandidate for the highest office in the young State, with iron-gray hair and well-trimmed beard; bis eyes were brown and of kindly ex- pression, and, as a whole, he looked to be a person of a warm and kindly nature, with a will to do good whenever it came withia his ower, He had been reading The Stuff’s editorial on the approaching execution, and there was an ' expression of displeasure upon his face, “Tt looks like a gala-day advertisement,” he commented. ‘I do not like the spirit of the affair. Be he the worst of criminals, this Dead- wood Dick may havea heart in bim, that would revolt from having bis last moments tortured it a jeering crowd. I will speak to Snelling about it!” , General Stafford and Governor Snelling had been warm friends from childhood, and their ein friendship made them like brothers to each other. Snelling, having extensive mining interests, had declined renomination, aud therefore, had influenced his friend, the general, to become a candidate, and the chances were that Stafford would poll a majority vote at the forthcoming election. : Shortly after General Stafford had finished his perusal of the paper, the Governor entered the parlor with a pleasant poaching: To all outward appearances the chief magis- trate was an easy-going and good-humored gentleman, yet those who knew him in bis offi- cial capacit knew him only as a man of honor and integrity, prompt, stern, and immovable from the groove of his candid opinion as a mountain of rock. He had made a satisfactory executive, how- ever, and there were few who could say aught against him, — “ Good-morning, Snelling,” Stafford said, in answer to the official’s greeting, “I trust you feel rested after yesterday’s tiresome jaunt.” * Yes, thank you—so much so, in f ct, that I believe I shall set out for the capital without further delay, as there is a pressure of business awaiting me there.” * But, Governor, you should not tire yourself out. Why not tarry here a few days? The rest willdo you good.” “Perhaps; but, you see, I prefer to go on, Will you accompany me?” t “TY think not. This mountain air and wild scenery rather attracts me. Then, too, I’ve taken a sudden interest in a case here and i eee ed. 3 Let politics take care of them- re Ne for the present, I want to save a man’s ife, Sunes Snelling’s face changed in expres- sion. ‘“ What now, Stafford—another of your ec- | centric notions? You surely do not mean—” “Precisely that, and no more, sir. I want to save the sentenced outlaw, Deadwood Dick, from the gallows!” Snelling’s face assumed the cold, business-like hardness of expression which was peculiar to his executive life. ‘Well, I surely didn’t give you credit for be- ing a crank, Dan!” he said, but your wish is most extraordinary!” “So it may seem to you, but I assure you I have causes for wishing to prevent this sacrifice of human life.” ‘What are they?” And Governor Snelling epee back in his easy-cbair, and lit a cigar, addin “IT never thought you would counsel for criminals, general.” “ Neither have lI, Bayt as I said, I have causes for not wishing this execution to take place, to- develop into a day !” a Name them! name them! Have you fallen in love with this famous fly-by-night fellow, or are you afraid his cronies will exert a bad eifect on your chances, at the coming election?” ‘‘Nothing of the sort, sir, To explain all to you would require too much time, You-are aware, | suppose of the misfortune that befell me, B90 ago?” hl yes.” ds Well. late last night, as we drove into this town, I pressed my face to the window-pane in ‘the coach-door, and what do you suppose I “Oh! a skeleton from the gubernatorial closet, no doubt!” and the Governor laughed dryly. we z onsense! Nothing of the kind. I saw the devil-in-buman-shape who did me the wrong, os many years ago—yes, the same evil, exulting ace. Snelling looked interested. “Tt can’t be possible!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Where was he?” “ Standing upon the step of the stage-coach, and glaring in at me!” the general cried, excit- ly. He arose and paced to and fro across the room, his brow knitted, and his agitation, great. Governor Snelling, too, seemed considerably affected by the same cause which so disturbed his friend’s peace of mind. ‘*This all seems incredible, Dan,” he said, taking a long whiff at his cigar. ‘I thought that deadly vendetta settled, years ago!” Stafford shook his head. **Nol no!” be answered hoarsely—‘“‘ it never will be ended until Pierre Parrimore is dead. The accursed feud has swept away two genera- tions, and threatens to destroy a third!” ‘‘Yon are sure it was Parrimore’s face you saw—positive of it?” ‘“‘Do you not think I have cause to remember it? When I look back and remember—but, God! I cannot recall the past without breaking down!” ; Snelling had never seen his friend as deeply affected as now. “You bad better come back with me to the city, general,” he said, ‘‘and forget all this trouble!” ‘Forget it, sir? Never. I sball stay here and wring from the lips of that fiend incarnate the whole truth, or die in the attempt. The feud has got to be ended sometime, and some- where, and it may as well be ended in this place as anywhere, When it is ended, either I or Pierre Parrimore will be a corpse!” The general spoke with a fierce determination that Snelling knew it would be useless to at- tempt to break. sts It was a bitter, inextinguishable vendetta be- tween two proud old Southern families, entail- ing doom to generation after generation—such a deadly feud as few countries except the flery- blooded South could produce, ‘Well, of course you are your own master; but asa friend, I’d not advise you to endanger your own life, and that of your daughter, by attempting an adjustment of the difficulty at present, and especially here in this rough town!” the Governor caid. “‘T am resolved, and shall do it. Of | but you have it in your power to do me a great favor!” “Ifso, name it, and I will eration. I believe, general, fused to aid you?” ‘*No, you have not. But this isa favor of a rather peculiar nature, Jwant you to pardon Deadwood Dick !” The Governor looked at his friend in unas- sumed astonishment, “Why, Dan, are you mad?” he ejaculated. *“*Oh! no—not mad, nor the least affected with dementia!” General Stafford replied, calm- iy. “T want you to pardon this Deadwood ick. He is one of the shrewdest detectives and most reliable men upon the frontier, and, of all others, would assist me most in fighting my battle with Pierre Parrimore!” * “Tt is me sir—utterly preposterous. As much as Ir gard you, asa friend, general, I do not care to aes censure down upon my head by pardoning this condemned desperado, ust when my official career is about to expire. uch a proceeding would bave no precedent in the bistory of the American Government.” ‘But, you can at least reprieve him, on some not groundless plea?” ‘Even that I sbould hesitate to do, as I be- lieve the fellow fully deserves the fate that justice has pronounced for him. If J should re~- prieve bim, what would it avail you?” “Much, Reprieve him, and ll see to it he escapes from jail!” ** You, General Stafford?’ “ Yes, 1 “T am more and more astonished at you. Suppose your political supporters were to know of this?” “Bah! Politics and vengeance don’t always travel hand in hand. I am desperate, Governor, and I mean to adopt desperate measures, to end the vendetta, that has so long existed!” “You will have to do so, then, without my co-operation!” the Governor said, rising, and tossing his cigar outof the window, ‘‘I cannot, in a case like this, interfere with the mandates of the law!” ‘** Governor!” ive it due consid- have never re- “General, it is useless to argue on the point. My decision is final!” ; ‘Stop! We have been friends from child- hood. Shall this foolish obstinacy on your part make us henceforth enemies?” ‘“ As you like about that!” the Executive re- plied, haughtily. ‘I know my business, sir, and allow no man rule me!” . With his hot Southern blood aroused, and his face burning with passion, General Stafford sprung to his feet. 4 “Very well, sir—so be it! When you return to the capital, announce for me that Daniel Stafford declines the nomination for Governor, and, sir, henceforth consider me no longer your friend.” : * Witbout replying, the Governor bowed, in his stately way, and turning, left the room. Daniel Stefford soon followed. His face still showed traces of great anger, when he stepped from the hote), into the al- ready thronged main street of Nowhere, and there was, in the glitter of his eyes, a set look of indomitable resolution. CHAPTER IIl. A BOLD MOVE. FINDING out, by inquiry, the location of the office of Sheriff Calvin Carter, Genera] Stafford made his way toward it, a bold plan forming in bis mind as be went. We have failed to state that, in general a) pearance, the general and the Governor greatly resembled each other, § Both were portly and stately-looking men; both had broad, massive faces, and wore iron- gray beards of the same style of cut, and as they dressed quite alike, a stranger to them meeting but one on tbe street would bave been puzzled to know whether be had met the Execu- tive or the candidate. Of this resemblance General 8! afford was well aware, and as he made bis way toward the sher- iff’s office he resolved upon a, bold attempt to make it of avail in his émergency. At the hotel the stage bad just arrived, and would depart again within a few minutes, 11) do it, if I hang for it!” the general mut- tered. ‘ All’s fair in love or war—and it stands a matter of war, pow.” He turned abruptly, and retraced~bis steps to the hotel. Governor Snelling was in the bar-room. Stafford went up-stairs to the parlor, and saw that the Governor’s bedroom-door was open. Snelling, I cannot ask you to mix up in the case, | Looking in, he discovered the general’s valise be
Page 4
A upon the bed, wide open, as if just packed, ready for locking. With the audacity of a professional burglar, the general went carefully through the con- tents, extracting some cards and the gubernato- ial seal. i isa job?” he muttered; ‘‘ but the “ hour hascome when [ must strike for vengeance, and nothing shall deter me!” Pocketing the articles he had purloined, he Jeft the room and knocked at his daughter’s door, A beautiful young lady quickly appeared, at- tired ready for the Oy ages ‘‘ Ah! you are ready, eh?’ the general said. “Good! You are. to proceed as far as Big Basin, and from there take the next stage re- turning here.” * But, father—” ‘®Sh! nota word. D'ye hear? °Tis the ven- detta again. Go! Obey me implicitly, and ask no questions till we meet again. Go! the stage is ready.” She gavo him a frightened, piteous glance, and, taking her small hand-sachel, left the or. z at: soon as she was gone Stafford quickly en- tered his own room, and taking a blank sheet of paper from his effects, attached the gubernato- ial seal to the bottom of it. He then restored the stamp to its case, and in a twinkling it was back in its position in Snell- ing’s valise. Stafford then re-entered his room and locked the door. A few minutes later, he heard the Governor, and Ross Rockville, bis secretary, in the parlor; then, they onc. more descended the stairs, an shortly afterward, the stage rumbled away. “ Now, then!” the general gritted. Without delay, he transferred his own effects into the room the departed executive had just vacated, and took on of the key. After a short time, he went down to the hotel office, and glanced at the register. ** Ah! my friend General Stafford, concluded not to stop over, eh?’ he observed, putting on his gold-rimmed glasses. Tbe clerk stared. **T don’t understand you, sir! The Governor, his , and Miss Stafford left, just a bit ago, on the stage!” he said. ‘*T was not aware that I had departed yet, sir. You have evidently made a mistake, or else the general has been up to one of bis old tricks of Fie ge himself off for me. If any one calls for me I am at the sheriff's office.” And, flinging down a card, upon which was a miniature gubernatorial seal, and the name “Gov. R. T, Snelling,” he walked away, leav- ing ne clerk too awe-stricken, to immediately As soon as he had somewhat recovered, he made the correction on the register, and, ere long, it was pretty generally known that Goy- ernor Snelling was still in town. The general, after quitting the hotel, made his way to the sberiff’s dingy little office, and found that personage, a burly, but not unpre- possessing individual, “at home,” but looking rathe™ nervous. He glanced at his visitor, with a somewhat ee good-mornin is ‘ ‘“ You're the sheriff, I suppose?” the general said, coming at once to the point. “Tallow I am,” was the reply. ‘“ Who are you?” “YT am Governor Snelling, sir”—throwing downa card, “Be kind enough to write me out a permit to visit your local jail, and inter- view the condemned prisoner.” Carter stared. “Reckon ef you’re ther Guy’nor, ye don’t need no sech thing as that!” he grun' “Ob no, not necessarily, of course, but I thought it would save the annoyance of being ake Somer Phe guard.” Sete a uess they apt ter ax ye sharp, fer a fact!” Carter replied. a The Jon't in- tend to let the cuss slip, this load o’ hay!” He seized a pen, wrote out the permit, and, armed with it, Stafford left the office. “Now, then, to see what Deadwood Dick has ‘to say!” be muttered, as he made his way along the crowded street toward the jail. “If he comes to terms, he goes free, he don’t— well— He compressed his lips, tightly! CHAPTER IV. M’CLURG'S PLOT—GENERAL STAFFORD’S STORY. For the Twins to refuse a chance to ‘oil up,” at the stranger’s expense, was a thing com- pletely out of the question; consequently they "stepped up to the bar, feeling far more at ease Deadwood Dick Sentenced. than when Missouri Mag had had them under revolver surveillance, * Drink?, On course we'll drink!” Sissy Soaker declared, enthusiastically. “It ain’t often we do indulge in the flowing bow], my dear sir; but when we do, it’s allus wi’ fust-class gentle- men, like erself, and at this peculiar matinual period. Since this is the first time we have met, ter use the language o’ the immortal Rip, mine is old Bezam!” “ Bedad, an’ I'll take a Limerick float, ef ye please?” chimed in Gilderoy O’Gall. ‘ There’s nothin’ mean about me, ef I am the unworthy represintative av a bleedin’ men” y he drink was produced, and the stranger threw down a golden holf-eagle, in payment, after which the liquor was dasbed off. The stranger was an imposing personage, of some fifty odd years, with a massive form, and military erectness of bearing. He possessed, however, a dark, stern face, with piercing black eyes, and bis full beard and curling bair were of the same jetty color. He was well dressed, and evidently a man of means, Although there was really nothing sin- ister in his appearance, he was hardly a man to impress favorably. Perhaps it was because he was so dark. After the drinks, he took a cigar-case from his pocket, extracted a fragrant Havana for him- self, and then passod the case to the Twins, with the sententious invitation to ‘ puff.” P “By the green goggles °’ gen we've — @ reg’lar reef!” Soaker whispered to all. “A reef? Bedad, it’s a reg’lar elerfunt,” re- sponded the lesser Twin. ‘Now, gents,” the stranger said, gathering up bis change, ‘‘ if you'll come back, and take a seat, we'll have a little private conference.” He led the way to a table, some distance from the bar, and seated himself, motioning Soaker and O’Gall to do likewise. After puffing at his cigar a few minutes, and eying the Twins through the cloud of smoke, e stranger said: “ Well, we'll get down to business, My name is Bill McClurg. What is yours?” ‘‘Our handles aire respectively Soaker and O’Gall, at your service. We are Government liquor-testers for this district!” Soaker an- nounced, profoundly. “In other words, Cer4 are two thoroughbred bums!” “McClurg added, “As long as you can strike.a free-drink and lunch-route, you are all O. K.! Ain’t that so?” “Shore, an’ he’s a phrenologist, Sis; he kin a our bumps!” O’Gall chuckled, nudging his partner. “ Avast, you fool!” Soaker cried, dramatical- ly; ““why thus malign thyself? No, sir, my friend; you do us a preponderating insult by insinuating such a thing. We are gentlemen of leisure, and nature’s noblemen—we are!” “Yes, so I now perceive. Yet, despite this prodigious fact, | presume were it within your province, you would not shun an opportunity = make a hundred dollars, between you?” Mc- urg su i “* Well, I should cough up a kitten!” “ And I should demoralize a peratie!” Such were the instantaneous ejaculations, of the ‘firm ” of Soaker & O’Gall. thE ticogt? so!” the stranger said. “And now, as_briefly as possible, I'll tell you what t want. In the first place, I want to engage the services of two active fellows, who can be im- plicitly trusted!” “That's us!” declared Soaker. ‘We can be trusted with a whole railroad, even.” “Because you can’t run away with it, eh? Pretty , that, But, in my case, you'll neither be intrusted with rail or banks. Your work will be light and easy, and the remuneration prompt. So, will you take the job, or not? I must have a decisive an- swer! “Guess you're gittin’ ahead o’ the cart, ain’t ye! How aire we going to give you answer, ontil ye tell us the peculiar nature of ther job ye want us to tackle?” “Easy enough. If your palms itch to feel the {sootbing influence of a pair of fifty-dollar notes, you say ‘yes.’ If to the contrary, you say ‘no!’” ker and O’Gall exchanged glances. They were, by no means, as great ignoramuses as many took them to be. “Tt aire a fact that we have that peculiar skin-deep disease, known as itchin’ for money,” Soaker assented, “ but as ter puttin’ our fut the fire, without knowing how hot it is, I reck- on we don’t have any o’ that in our bitters—eh, Mr. O’Gall?” Wh ‘* You kin bet yer swate life, not!” Mr. O'C affirmed. 2 “Well, then, I suppose I shall have to A you what I want!” McClurg went on. “I w: you to attack a man, who is my deadly eney~ and to cut his throat!” fe Both Soaker and O’Gall put up their ha in holy horror. & “ Murdther?’ gasped O’Gall. fe ‘« Murder?” repeated Soaker. . “Yes, if you want to call it that!” McCh returned, eomplacently. ‘‘It’s nothing, hal ever, to make bones over. Why, I often fing” a pleasant little pastime, to cut to a mat heart, or to slit his windpipe!” { The bums looked too horrified to speak. Proverbially bad and unreliable as was their reputation, outright murder was a thing entire- ly foreign to their line of business, “Well, what d’ye say?” McClurg demanded, grimly. ‘‘ D’ye want the job, or not?” ‘None in my broth, ef you please,” Soaker gasped. ‘“Nor here!” breathed O'Gall. ‘You're an insultin’ omadhaun, be jabers, to be Proposin’ the loikes to respectable gintlemen like us!” “Ha, ha! pretty good! Well, so-along! I'll tackle some other galoot who is not so scrupu- lous as you two eranks. I thought you had ood stuff in you, but I see you are two idiotic ummers,” and rising, the man left the saloy leaving the liquor inspectors staring at er? other in blank amazement. nh “Shore, an’ did he mane it?’ O’Gall dema ed of his comrade. i ‘That's just what I war scientifickally deli eratin’ on,” Soaker replied. ‘‘1 tell ye, Gild’ roy O’Gall, that fellow is up to some mischi and it behooves us to now eternally distingui ourselves as brilliant meteors o’ this glorio conglomeration o’ mud, by organizing ours¢': into a detective force ter inquire inter ther !® vate affairs of that particular galoot. Notor will we achieve honor that will carry our grv° hairs in butter to the grave, but there’s gallo 0’ bug in the pe ctive. What say ye a “1's a go!” O’Gall declared emphatically. tty Bick bated ps jail f rachael mai Dead- we @ condemne er, lay upon the rude cot, listening to the rabble in tha, street without—for the hum of human voices wa: clearly audible. He was attired with that neatness character. istic of the man, and his handsome face was 4 trifle paler than when daily kissed by the sun and mountain breezes, The expression upon his face and in his dark, magnetic eyes was one of gravity and resigna- tion, He had come to believe that the last hope for him in this life had faded out, and that his execution was now a thing inevitable. Indeed, why should he believe differently? He was a stranger in a strange town, with not a friend or acquaintance near to make a plea in his behalf. Up in the mountains he had, previous to his capture, organized a band of daring fellows with a view of pro ing in a dangerous local. ity; but they in all probability hud not heard of his arrest. About the time of the trial he had written an sppest, to the Governor, but it had never been no . . It therefore remained plain to him that noth’ ings of a miracle could save him. ~ : ick was gloomily meditating upon the un’ enviable prospect before him, when the doo: opened, and one of the enter rathey Lo cpap Beer fellow, about whom ther¢ appeared to little that was rough, or "Bay. fig. Wom will renetre kien; 1 hesameh . You will receive e fy Bick smiled, faintly. : . Who is he?” “Oh! Poa Isu sO. How do you know?” v’nor, sir.” “He bi t a permit from the sheriff.” “Very well. Sendhimin. What time isit?” ‘* Nearly nine o’clock!” How fast the hours seemed to fly! It would soon be one o'clock! A few minutes later, General Stafford, was’ ushered in, and left alone with the prisoner. Before speaking, the two men looked each other over, rather critically, as if “sizing” each other. The general was the first to break the silence. ‘Well, sir, I suppose ous, as to the nature of my visit?” he queried. “Not particularly!” Dick replied. ‘I am somewhat sore however, from the fact bare : I can hardly, seo, zane your masque- rade youare somewhat curi- °
Page 5
tae Deadwood Dick Sentenc B “\< My masquerade?” the general echoed, with qitart. “‘Whatdo you mean?” __ o) 1 mean,” replied Deadwood Dick, coolly, hat the guard announced the Governor, i surally expected to see him.” ‘Indeed! Am I not the Governor?” “You are not! I happen to know the Gov- nor, by sight, and while you in some respects “para resemblance to him I can readily detect +# counterfeit,” 7 General Stafford laughed. ‘‘Well, you’re a sharp one,” he confessed. In truth, I hardly expected to pass muster be- fore your sharp inspection. am General Daniel Stafford. I am playing off Governor, however, at a prison risk, and that, too, in your interest—or, more appropriately, in onr mutual interests!” *“Indeed? How does this happen?” “Tshall explain. You are a daring fellow, even if you have your faults, and the sentence upon your head is an unjust one.” “ How do you know that?” “It is merely a personal opinion. I suppose you know that preparations have been made to Hang you, to-day?” ‘*T am s0 aware, sir,” “““ Have you had any hopes of escaping the nalty?” “None. I have given up all hope, of again plathiog the air of freedom!” ‘Have you no hope of aid from your band, p 2 to be quartered somewhere in the neighbor- 18, mountains?” “None. I doubtif they even know I amin “ouble, or they would have been to my rescue, Re this. When I left them they did not expect go, back for two weeks.” j; Ah! Then your prospects would indeed be 4 but for me.” a. But for you?” *‘Exactly. Sofar asI now know, I am the - aly person who can, or, at least, will save you rom the gallows,” “T yet fail to understand what you are driy- ing at. If you will make things plainer, I may be coe speak more freely.” pa 1, I came here to save you from the 7c : ** Oa conditions, I presume?” ‘‘ Well, yes; but they are such as you will aot be apt to reject.” ' “That depends. Go on,” “With pleasure. I have an enemy who seeks my life, and I in turn seek his, for reasons which I will explain. Did you ever hear of a man in this section of the country, by the name of Pierre Parrimore?” Dick started. ‘Pierre Parrimore?” he ejaculated. ‘ Well, I should say so! He is a member of my present band!” “By Heaven, then it is lucky we have met! Sir, believe me or not, that man is a canon incarnate—a combination of all that is evi ““T am prepared for your assertion,” Dick re- olied. ‘1 have never regarded the man any too favorably, and I fancy he discovered it, for he took no pains to conceal a strong dislike for me.” : _.‘* Well, a long generation ago, there lived upon adjoining plantatiovs, in the South, two Poona and honorable old families, named re- ‘pectively Stafford and Parrimore. Each house ooasted of blue blood, and possessed great wealth, in addition to the value of their planta- tions, é “For years, the two families had been on terms of sociability and friendship; but at last a rupture occurred, over some trivial affair, and the result was, a duel, then so much in vogue, among the Southern gentlemen. Both the heads of the respective families were mor- tally weunded—my father, and the father of the present Pierre Parrimore, “Upon theit deathbeds, they each exacted promises from their children that the vendetta’ should be continued. “At tbat time there were three brothers in each family, I being the youngest of the Staf- Soa bose. nba ate ell,a year had not passed after my fa- ther’s death, ere the eldest son of each family Jay cold in death. Within the next three years the second oldest succumbed to this terrible feud. I alone remained to avenge those who had gone before, upon the sole remaining repre- sentative of the Parrimores—tbis Pierre. He soon left the State. i. I gave chase, taking my young wife with me, rears passed, but Pierre Parrimore and I were not destined to meet, although frequent reports advised me that we were not far apart, and ‘ were each awaiting a favorable chance to end the feud forever, ‘In the mean time, my wife bad borne me three as lovely children as the Southern sun ever looked down upon. They were named Stella, Ned, and Bijou; Stella being the eldest, Ned next, and Bijou next, and there being about a year’s difference in their respective ages. By the time Bijou was ten, Ned eleven, and Stella twelve, which, by the way, was seven years ago, I had taught and trained them with great care, so that they were experts in the use of the pistol, and even my wife was nearly as much of an adept as myself. ‘* Well, one day, I got a letter from Chatta- nooga, purporting to be from an old friend, stat- ing that Pierre Parrimore was there, and had developed into considerable of a sporting man, Instantly my blood boiled for vengeance, and I set out for Chattanooga, accompanied by my eldest daughter, who was ever my companion in travel. On my arrival there, I called upon my friend, and learned that he had never writ- ten me—the letter was socmey | ‘Fearing the worst, [ immediately telegraph- ed home, and learned that ay. wife had been found dead at home—evidenti n killed after a re struggle, while Ned and Bijou were miss- ng. R That was seven Pb py ago last night, andal- though I have reso to every possible means to obtain tidings of Pierre Parrimore, or m children, if they be living, I never have puanead ed. But, last night, for the first time in many years, I saw the face of my foe!” CHAPTER V. DEADWOOD DICK’S PROMISE, GENERAL STAFFORD’S recital had been given with great earnestness, and his hearer listened with undisguised interest, “You say you saw Pierre Parrimore’s face last night!” repeated Deadwood Dick. ‘ Where was the fellow, at the time?” ee ‘We were coming into Nowhere, upon the stage, when I peered out of the window, to see just where we were. astonishment knew no bounds, when I beheld another human face pressed to the outside of the window-pane, and that face Pierre Parrimore’s!” ‘*-You are sure?” ‘Positive. He was standing on the step of the vebicle and glaring in at me.” ‘Describe the face.” ‘Tt was swarthy, and one of those malignant- ly evil faces which age does not particularly affect, The eyes are of the most intense black and the hair and fierce mustache and beard of the same color. A forehead, over which the hair was combed low, for the purpose of con- cealing a scar; a large, sensual mouth; a an in fact most repulsive in aspect yet not a ruffian in looks or demeanor.” ‘You have accurately photographed the fel- low I bave known as Pierre Parrimore!” Dead- wood Dick assented. ‘If he isin this camp [ fear all has gone wrong among my own band. The fellow seemed to have considerable in- fluence among the boys, and it occurred to me, several times, that he was trying to transform the party into a desperado gang. Some of my followers would re to go over to him, but there is, among the number, material for an outlaw band, and it may be possible that those who swore to follow me into the Apache coun- try in search of old mines have gone back on me, and Parrimore is now their captain,” “T hope not, for if so, my battle with him might not prove an easy victory!” “Right you be! The men I selected would be human tigers to battle with. Yet, were I free, and they traitors to me—for our cath of loyalty as a brotherhood, was no idle form, but pio amar one—I’d fight them to the bitter e) nd! “Well, independent of the other oaths, all you have to do is swear that you will help me unt down Pierre Parrimore; do this and you sball not pay the penalty justice has imposed upon you. Understand, yeu are not to dye your hand in the villain’s blood unless J fall, Then, you are to take up the vendetta, and bound Pierre Parrimore to death, the same as though I were your kith and kin; and you are also to make all efforts in your power to learn the fate of my missing children.” “Your eldest daughter still lives?” “She does. She will be back here in No- where to-morrow.” ‘“‘ And for what you have outlined, I am to have my freedom?” “You are.” “In what manner do you propose to secure my release?’ 5 General Stafford exhibited the blank sheet of paper, to the left-hand lower corner of which was attached the a Seeder poe is e comprehen 6 asl » significantly. *Abl you Propose to fill out a pardon?” Rxactly.’ “Isn't that rather a desperate move?” ‘*Perbaps; but I mean to go through with it, be the consequences what they may.’ ‘But, even if pardoned, 1 sbould have to fight my way through the mob to get out of the camp. You can safely bet they’d not let me walk away, scot free, without making it warm for me!” 7 “‘Maybe not. I'll have you remanded.to jail, under gubernatorial protection, perhaps, until a favorable oppcrtunity offers to get you out, Anyhow, IV’ work it somehow. Have I your promise? ~ “You have. The word of Deadwood Dick is as good as his oath!” “Very well. Iacceptitas such. I will now leave you to await developments, while I work outside. of good cheer, then, and keep a stiff upper lip, even when the clouds may seem the darkest!” ‘No fear about that!” was Dick’s assurance, “ Had Ino possible show of escaping, I fancy I would not walk to the scaffold with my knees knocking together.” The general left the jail and went leisurely back to the hotel, conscious that he was the target for many pairs of eyes, and also became cognizant of the fact that Deadwood Dick was not wrong in judging that, even though par- doned, he would have to fight his way out of the town. Arriving at the ct House, he found a letter awaiting him, tucked under the door of his room. At the first glance at the ni ingens oar he saw that the missive was from bis mortal foe, yeti dsericn th lope, b astily tearing away the envelope, he pe- rused, with paling countenance, what was writ- ten within. Tt was as follows; “Dan STAFFORD:— 7 Ste:—Your preeence here is no secret to me, and I sup) while we are so near together, we might as well end the vendetta, “Of course, we could meet openly, and mow each other down after the style of our hot-headed fathers: but I'll be frank with you and tell you that I am not such a foolas that, Oh, no! 1am too much inter- en the preservation of my own life to foolishly ris: “T am aware of the pretty little scheme you've got for my annihilation, and you may be surprised when I inform you thatI shall make no effort to thwart it. I want you to get everything worked up to a point where you are jubilantly sure of achiev- ing a victory—then, with one fell swoop I'll dash your hopes to the earth, and make the end of your earthly career one of exquisite agony and torture. “Hound Pierre Parrimore, will ye? You had better never have been born. I hold the flushest winning hand you ever saw, and how I shall gloat over my triumph, when I bring you groveling for mercy at my feet. “Go ahead. Seek Pierre Parrimore, to end the vendetta, until you find bim! I am perfectly con- tent to look on, an amused spectator of your venge- ful antics. I am not really decided whether I shall kill your danighter Bie, or yourself, Ta, ta. ‘Your enius, «frenne PARRIMORE."* By the time General Stafford had finished the perusal of this message his face was deeply flushed with anger, and an expression of intense hatred gleamed in bis eyes. y ‘ Baffle me, will you!” he gritted between his clinched teeth. ‘‘We’ll see about that. With Deadwood Dick 9s a ccadjutor I can corquer Satan himself. The next thing to consider, is how am I to manage Dick’s escape from town.’”” He paced to and fro, bis brows knitted, and his whole mind centered upon the subject. Every possible plan did he consider—but the cloud did not clear from his bro v, enti | that the task before bim was one of great difficulty. Iu the mean time the bour grew nearer and nearer for Deadwood Dick to mount the scaffold across from the Prospect House. The sun never shone brighter, and it would seem that all things favored the execution. CHAPTER VI. RESPITED. By one o'clock, the time set for the execution, the crowd in Nowbere’s one main street was so dense that it was with difficulty any one could neeze through it. ow the lynch pic-nic had no longer such an irresistible fascination for the average “galoot,” because it was comewhnat of on everv-dav or curreace; but a genuine buna fi’u ar ov ite
Page 6
r, 6 Deadwcod Dick Sentenced. bration, under the auspices of the law, wasa thing not to be missed, ‘‘for miles of mule- back” as one miner declared. And the profits of those places that sold “ old Bezam,” were not lessened by the influx of visi- tors, and the liquid poison had given many a person a good appetite for the ‘‘ treat” in store. One o'clock came, and the sheriff was seen riding toward the scaffold from the direction of his office. A cheer went up from thethrong. The ex- citement increased visibly, and the mob surged closer to the gallows, cager to ‘‘take in the whole show.” Cal Carter dismounted from his horse and mounted the scaffold. ‘* Feller-citizens!” be cried, ‘ther execution will not take place to-day. I have here a two days’ reprieve, signed by Governor Snelling. The prisoner is to have a motion heard for a new trial to-morrow, before Judge Axtell.” The crowd stood immovable and without ut- terance, So sudden had come the doom to their sanguine exnectations, that they were, for the time being, incapable of action; then, as of one accord, there arose a hoarse, vengeful yell, that fairly made the earth tremble—a yell that had in itself volumes of deadly meaning. ‘Where's the Guv’nor? Break bis head!” ** Lynueh the outlaw!” “ Death to Deadwood Dick!” ‘*Break in the jail, an’ drag the cuss out hyer!” Such, and kindred cries, were heard on either. and. Order!” the sheriff cried. ‘‘ The Governor’s orders must be obeyed. Have patience, boys. The outlaw shall not escape. Bide yer time ’til he’s fetched up in court to-morrow; then’s the time fer ye to act!” The words were not without effect—and, but for them, the jail, in all probability, would have been broken open, and the prisoner lynched, ait Saat “'Yas~-wait till ter-morrer, boys!” a prota - nént and leading spirit among the miners cried. “Then ef we let him escape, its funny!” » One after another accepted that as the best idea, and their opinions influenced others, until finally the mob was brought down to a compar- ative state of quiet. Whether it would remain so or not, durin the remainder of the day and the night, could be only a matter of conjecture. The ruffian element of Nowhere was by no means in the minority, and headed by a brutal, bullying wretch named Black Bird, it seemed to re- ard the action of the Governor with savage istavor. This feeling grew as the gang felt the influ- ence of much liquor, and had the real Governor Snelling been about town, be would hardly have eared to face that ugly crowd. Inquiry at the hotel elicited the news that Governor Snelling was in his room, so the street mob’s attention was pretty evenly divided be~ tween the Prospect House and the jail, where the two talked-about personages of the day were respectively quartered. “Tf the Guy’nor tries to leave ther town it won't be healtby for him!” Black Bird declared boldly. He was a fierce-looking rough, of the most brutal character. His real name was Bird Black, but owing to his forbidding 2 ews erp ese a had been reversed, and it fitted him well, And his significant threat was received with manifest approbation by his evil associates, Nor did Sheriff Cal Carter escape the blast of harsh threats. é ‘‘Ef ther prisoner escapes, Cal Carter shall take his place on the plank,” was the unanimous verdict, To which the official calmly replied: ‘Ye needn’t fear o’ bis escapin’, My deputy, * Frank Fowler, guards. the "gs wi’ five trusty fu yg you can bet thar’s no one gits past | him! Fowler was the young man who had visited Deadwood Dick to announce the call of the “Governor.” ay The day crept on toward nightfall. The sky ‘had become overcast, and the night promised to be intensely dark. ; Gradually the crowd in thestreet thinned out, until the camp assumed something of its every- day appearance. his was owing to two causes: A large number of the visitors had mounted their mules or set out on foot en route for their homes in _ the neighboring towns; “putting away ” the “ kill ’em quick” in quan- : wns; while others had crowd-- ed into the various drinkin -saloons, and were tities that threatened ere long to make the camp a pandemonium. uring a free fight in Missouri Mag’s place, tke vicinity of the jail was temporarily desert- ed except by Frank Fowler, who stood faithful- ly at bis post. Just then a boy came along and handed the deputy sheriff a slip of paper. 1t contained the following words: “‘ When you areoff duty, at supper-time, call upon me! VERNOR SNELLING.” No expression of, surprise was visible in the young man’s face, but he calmly slipped the note in his pocket. At supper-time he was closeted with General Stafford in the latter’s room. ‘You sent for me, sir, and I am here.” “Glad you came,” Stafford said, blandly. “‘-Your name, I believe, is F'ow.er?” “Tt is, sir—Frank Fowler.” ** What is your business?” “T have none in particular, except that the sheriff gave me a chance to earn a few dollars as his deputy.” ‘* Your home is not here, then?’ “Ob, no! Icame West to seek my fortune, but as yet I haven’t found it.” The general felt secretly elated. “Fortunes don’t grow on every bush,” he said seriously. ‘‘ How much money would you want before you would be content to return to your home?” “Tf I had a thousand dollars I'd leave this camp behind me mighty quick!” the deputy re- plied earnestly. “Then, listen! Set Deadwood Dick at liber- ty, and you shall have the money.” **That is impossible, sir!” “Why so?” “Because I am not the only guard. There are five others.” ‘* Bven so; you can work it, You are on duty to-night, are you not?” “ Yes. ” Then, provide yourself with a quart of whisky, and put this drug in it. ben the camp quiets down treat your companions. They'll be asleep before they know it. Then release Deadwood Dick, and git up and git yourself. If you like, he will see you to a place of safe’ ty.” $ yee you will give mea thousand dollars to do this?” “ Ay! two of ’em, if you will swear to do the job on the square, and be silent.” “Then I'm your man! [ve a sort of tender feeling for the sport, anyhow. Give me the money, and I swear Deadwood Dick: shall be liberated to-night!” “If I pay you, now, you have every chance to skedaddle with the money, witbout fulfilling your agreement!” the general said, eying his man, shrewdly. “Tf you have that little faith in me, you bad better not employ me!” Fowler said, candidly. “Tt isa dishonorable piece of work, I know, and were it not that I’d like to return home, I’d never think of accepting your offer.” “There’s nothing dishonurable in saving a brave man’s life. Here, I will give you a thousand dollars down. When I see Deadwood Dick safe out of jail, you shall have the rest. I will not be far out of sight when you release him, and will intercept you, and give you the rest. Is this satisfactory?” } “Ttis. I will trust you, even though youare afraid to place confidence in me!” ‘‘ Very well. Here is the money, and the drug. I shall be on the lookout, about two, A. a Fowler received the money, and took his de- rture. “Hal hal Who says I won’t succeed, now?” the general chuckled, exultantly. ‘ Ah} Pierre Parrimore, I will yet clutch you by the throat!” CHAPTER VIL. THE ESCAPE. Wen the inky mantle of night fell over the young mining metropolis, there was still more of a thinning out of the crowd in the street, and few if any of the motley throng remain- ed out of doors, when a drizzling rain set in. Fowler and the otber guards huddled about the door of the jail, and listened to the sonnds of drunken revelry, going on in the different saloons. _ Bleck Bird and his gang were up at the Pros- t+ House, as vigilant and watchful as fox- ounds. Their presence there, certainly was not without significance. They were waiting es for the Governor to appear, when it was their intention to stop him, What their designs were, further than this, could but be surmised; it was feared, however, by the law-abiding citizens, that “ His Excel- lency,’”’ would be subjected to violence, Black Bird always traveled ‘‘ well heeled,” with cash, and was by no means stingy about: setting out the drink for bis men; consequently they grew more vengeful and ugly the drunker they became, all of which gave their leader ap- parent satisfaction; for he’ himself kept sober. About an hour after nightfall, backed by his pals, be approached the counter, in the hotel office, and those who were Seeding abou knew that the crisis was now come which h been impending, during the afternoon. “See byer!” Bird cried, addressing the dap- per clerk, over whose eyes General Stafford hac so neatly ‘ pulled the wool,” I want ter see Jim. Dorsey, the man who runs this ’ere shebang!” “Mr. Dorsey is ill, and in bed, sir!” the clerk | | } | | | replied, secretly trembling in his boots. ‘‘I¢ there anything I can do for you?” ‘‘Yas, thar is. Just you tote yer shanks uo to ther Guv’nor’s room, an’ tell him thet tha: a party o’ gentlemen, down hyer, as wants ter’ see him!” ‘The Governor gave orders to the effect that: he was not to be awakened until time for the midnight stage, sir!” ' “D’you git, an’ tell him ef he don’t come down we'll fetch him down, in a hurry!” bel- lowed Black Bird, so ferociously, that Nibbin: the clerk started off on a run, half-frighten out of bis wits. In five minutes, be came beck, looking still i frightened, for the Governor was not with im. ‘“ Well, what now?’ Black Bird gritted, lay-- ‘ ing his hand upon the butt of a revolver, ke *“*T knocked repeatedly, sir, but there was no: rath answer. I then opened the door, with a latcb~ \- key, and found the rosin empty!” ‘Yon lie, you cussed thief, Take that!” And whipping out a revolver. the ruffian fired full at the clerk’s breast, inflicting a mortal wound, Then yelling for his comrades in crime to fol- low, be bounded away up the stairs, to the second floor. ‘ Uttering fierce curses, the liquor-crazed gang t followed, and during the next ten minutes they 4 were heard turning everything topsy-'urvy, ‘a overhead, in their vain search for the ‘‘ Gover- £7 nor,” who, with discretionary judgment, had pi: ‘“‘ folded bis tent and stolen silently away.’ , When Black Bird and his ‘‘ braves” returned y down-stairs, they were strangely docile, but the i | ‘‘citizens” of that lawless town knew that the fy change was but the calm before a storm. In all probability the ruffians intended to wait until the town got quiet, and then take Deadwood Dick from the jail, and wreak a ter- rible vengeance upon bim, So surmised some, while otbers, who were not inclined to this opinion, were puzzied to know what was the next ect on the programme. | The town became quiet, earlier than usual. 4 The pouring rain outside, prevented any of ve the usual street “ circuses;” and the excitement ; of tbe day bad .£0 fatigued tbe goodly citizens. that they retired to rest, in preference to stay~ ing up late, as was their genera) custom. With the reugher class, sleep was a necessity,. They were literally scaked with had liquor, * and one by. one, began to drop off, into the 5) realms of Morpheus, and once they were ‘‘ gone,” va they were gone for the night, i y midnight, although the saloons were stil} y open, there was not a straggling miner to be 3 seen, abroad. : "Se Hugging to the side of the prison, so as to keep es much out of the rain as possible, the guards kept their vigil. The wind blew rth Se the camp, with pierc- ing chill, and more than once the five com-_ panions of young Fowler looked wistfully to- ward the saloons, with a long-drawn sigh. “7 think a little Bezam weouldn’t feel on-~ ‘ rey to my palate!” one of them at last re- , a marked. oS “You bet!” echoed a second. ‘My stomache 3 feels as tho’ et bad been fruz fast to an ice- x es ¥ “Why. d’ye want liquor?” spoke up Fowler, ‘oe ‘““Why didn’t you mention abcut it, long ago? 5 I brought a bottle along on purpose to keep off ee) the chill.” , He produced the quart flask, and with joy- ful exclamations the men took a copious drink, = In a few minutes the bottle was passed around again, and then, again, rotil it was = finally emptied. ; aaa
Page 7
One by one, the men sat down by the side of the building, and, to use an old vulgarism, the first they knew they didn’t know anything. They were asleep, beyond immediate awaken- ing. Frank Fowler then lost no time. Heunlocked the jail doors, and aroused Deadwood Dick, un- handcuffed him; without delay, the two men left the prison, and started rapidly off through the darkness. . Not five minutes later Black Bird and a por- tion of bis gang arrived at the jail, and made the discovery of Dick’s ep Their vindictive yells of rage aroused the town, and were even beard in the distance by three figures who were wending their way into the mountains—Deadwood Dick, Frank Fowler, and General Stafford. But they were far enough away to safely laugh at their baffled foes, Nowhere’s “celebration” had, after all, turned out rather ingloriously, CHAPTER VIII. CATHIE. AxsouT five milés from the mining-town of Nowhere, and less than a mile from Dark Run Camp, was a cabin, upon the rugged mountain- side, at least a couple of hundred teet above the gulch trail. Few persons traveling along the stage trail would have noticed the lone habitation, owing to the fact that it was encircled by a hedge-like fringe of firs, through which the winds ever played a mournful dirge. The cabin, in itself, was but an ordinary af- fair, yet strongly built, and boasting of the somewhat uncommon luxury of two doors, and two good-sized windows. In front of this cabin were several beds of beautiful flowers, on either side of a pebbly ath, and near at band, a natural fountain, hat threw a silvery spray of water several feet into the air. In one sense it was a wildly picturesque and cosey little place to dwell; yet that did not signify that happiness prevailed within the humble home. Rost Ie It was one sunny autumnal afternoon, several days after the events last narrated, when a girl » came to the door of the cabin and gazed down the mountain-side, as if expecting some one. She was hae in years—probably not over seventeen, if quite that—but possessed of a sup- le and graceful figure that was finely developed for one of her years, In face she could boast of being remarkably pretty. Her features were clear-cut and ex- pressive, with a tempting mouth, eyes like stars, and a generally pleasant appearance, It was evident, at a glance, that a part of her life had been spent amid surroundings similar to those she now occupied; yet her plain attire in no wise detracted from her beauty, nor quali- fied the expression of refinement characteristic of her every action. “Why don’t Joe come?” she murmured, as she gazed down toward the rugged stage trail, “T fear—oh! I fear some harm has befallen him, or—or—” She did not finish the sentence, but her lips quivered, and tears sprung to her pretty eyes. These she dashed away, however, and turned back into the cabin to attend to her household duties, When she reappeared at the door once more, after a lapse of several minutes, an exclamation of astonishment burst from her lips. Three persons were coming up the trail—two large, powerful men were leading toward the cabin a youth of rather delicate build, who, from all indications, was too drunk to walk alone, The girl stood in the doorway, watching the advan2ing trio, her face colorless, and her eyes flashing with indignation. One of the men was the man who had tried to make a murderous contract with Soaker and O’Gall several days before, at Missouri Mag’s place in Nowbere—namely, Bill McClurg. The other man was the ruffian chief of the mining- camp. Black Birc. x At last the two men reached the cabin, and lay their burden down upon the grass in front of the door, McCiurg then looked up at the girl in the doorway with a significant nod. “You see the effect of your sisterly devotion to him, eh?” he sneered. ‘‘ By the gods, I should think it were time for even you to renounce bim, Cathie!” ’ Pi et the girl replied, her eyes re _ *T will never give Joe up, father. “It is not his fault, altogether—it is the accursed liquor.” Deadwood Dick Sentenced, 9 McClurg laughed hoarsely. “*Tt isn’t all the liquor now, my girl, although he’s a good jag of it on board. He’s got a bullet- hole through him, so slick an’ clean that ef he ever punishes any more Bezam, it will leak out as fast as it goes down!” Cathie uttered a startled scream, and would have sprung to her brother’s side, only that McClurg intercepted her. ‘Let bim alone!” he commanded, gruffly. “Ye can’t do him no good, for he’s dead already, ye see! We sorter walked him up hyer so ye wouldn’t git skeert and faint. Yas, little one, Joe’s had his last drunk fer sure!” “And who brought him to a drunkard’s grave? Who brougbt liquor within his reach— who, but you, who claim to be our parent? Oh! Pierre Parrimore, you shall be made to answer for this!” “Tat! tut! You talk wild, my child. You well know I have tried to persuade Joe out of the habit!” ~ Cathie, her face strangely set, and colorless, gazed staringly toward the inanimate form; though great her anguish, it seemed pent u she was unable to cry out in expressiun of acute suffering. Suddenly, however, she aroused, as if stung by an adder, ‘* Where is Ford—Ford, and my babe?” she fairly screamed. ‘‘Speak! tell me—are the safe? They went tora walk down the gulch “They are not dead!” McClurg, or, more correctly, Pierre Parrimore said, sullenly. ‘“Not dead! In God’s name, father, what do you mean?” The Southerner gazéd at her a moment, balf- pityingly, as if he hated to add further to her misery. ‘Your husband and babe are not dead,” be repeated, ‘but they might better be, for they have fallen into the hands of one why will show them less mercy than the most bloodthirsty Apache!” Cathie did not faint, at the terrible words, but her face was so corpse-like, and awful in its look of agony, that even Bird Black averted his gaze, with something like a shudder. This girl wife did not faint, but there gradu- ally gathered about her colorless lips such an expression of stern resolve, as meant vengeance and i pao fo “> ; X on!” she gasped, leaning against the door-post for support. ‘Go on, pierre Parri- noe Iam prepared even to seen the heavens all) A glitter of intense satisfaction crept for an instant into the man’s eyes. “You are no less brave than I expected of you. The blood of the Parrimores never fails to tell when a crisis arrives, But, my child, it is not to you alone that bad news comes, to- day. The news equally concerns me. Daniel Stafford isin this neighborhood, and tbe ven- detta is revived in deadly earnest, and here must be ended, Hither the house of Parrimore must perish and pass away, with the blot of disgrace upon the proud old name, or Dan Staf- ford must die ere he leaves the range!” Parrimore spoke with a thrilling earnestness that seemed to affect the white-faced child wife in the doorway, for her eyes kindled with a flash of spirit, and a faint glow of color suf- fused either cheek. “Who killed Joe?” she asked, with a sudden- ness, and a forced caJmness, that caused Parri- more to give her a sharp glance. “The vendetta—the tools of Daniel Stafford!” Parrimore hissed, savagely. ‘‘The viper dare not come forth and fight his own battle, but has placed the job in the hands of agents. It was one of these who shot Joe. His name was Deadwood Dick.” “ My husband—my child? What of them?” “‘More I do not know than that Ford Favor and the babe were surrounded by a gang of masked’ men, and borne away into captivity. That they have fallen into the hands of our foe, there can be no doubt. What will be their fate can but be surmised! We two alone are left to end the vendetta!” “Then, ended it shall be! Iam no child, and can accomplish much, Hear me swear, by the love for my dead brother, yonder, that I will never know peace or rest until the vendetta is ended, and my brother’s murder avenged; nor, will I stop at anything that will enhance the success of my trail of vengeances. By the above me, I swear it!” ‘“‘ Bravol” Parrimore cried, with undisguised pee tela while Black Bird nodded his ap- proval, ‘General Daniel Stafford shall learn to his sorrow that the name of Parrimore sball exist in er triumph, years after he, the last but one of his race, has become food for the worms of the earth. With you to belp me, my child, [ shail know no fear of defeat!” : The girl did not reply, but turned and entered the cabin. Ate After a short conversation, Pierre and Bird Black lifted the body of Joe, and carrying it in- side, laid it upon a rude lounge, Parrimore then called to Cathie, but received . no answer, room, She was not there! Her hat was missing, as were a rifle and belt of small weapons, which usually hung on the wall. Parrimore turned to his ruffian companion with a chuckle, “The first hound has started upon the trail!” , he said, significantly. CHAPTER IX. THE GIANT, THE DUDE, AND THE FAKIR. Two weeks had passed since the day the citi- zens of Nowhere had failed to enact summary justice upon Deadwood Dick, and the excitement aving greatly decreased, the camp jogged. along in the even tenor of its way. No contradiction had been made by the Gov- ernor to the effect that he had not issued the reprieve; hence, there was a_ strong feeling against him in Nowhere, if nowhere else. As his term of office would soon expire, he could safely afford to laugh at the adverse opin- jon of a few scores of miners, while, at the same time, no doubt, he felt ustly indignant at the Pee trick played upon bim by General Staf- ord, The Nowhere Stuff bad exhausted its editorial affiatus in 3 aed to Deadwood Dick’s escape, and yearned for some new ‘‘breeze” to spring up, which would give the paper a ‘* boom.” While its editor sat in his office one evening, reflecting upon the uncertainties of life and journalism, Missouri Mag’s shebang was the scene of unusual festivities, consequent upon the celebration of Margaret’s birthday. Everybody had been invited, and everybody, literally, was ‘‘ thar,” todo homage to the mus- cular, and by no means “‘skeery ” proprietress, who took pleasure in announcing upon an illu- j minated banner, the following: “THE DAY WE ALL CELEBRATE}! “Twenty-Seckin Annual Birthday o’ Missouri Mag, who runs this hyer meetin’-house. Come iu an’ spend yer collat. A general fust-clas3 stan’-up- an’-knock-down time may be expected.” What more appetizing invitation need be ex- tended? Sufficient unto the men was Mag’s card, and early evening saw the den packed with as motley a gang of roughs as ever as- sembled beneath a roof, ‘ A band had been provided, and dancing was among the festivities, while cards and whisky did their respective shares toward making a “pleasant time.” Above the bar was conspicuously posted a placard, containing the following suggestive notice; “P. S.—Missouri Mag’s revolvers aire all in trim and she’s on the shute!”’ . This no doubt was infended asa warning for quarrelsome individuals to abstain from deadly target practice; tut it was not destined to pro-~ duce the desired effect, for a man from Trinidad “died with his boots on,” as early as nine o'clock in the evening, because be had not the good breeding to invite the crowd up to drink with him. As this was but a trivial affair, it did not ar rest the pleasures of the evening. * About the time things were getting fairly warmed up, a stranger entered the saloon, who at once attracted attention, Not that the ar- rival of a stranger usually attracted attention, but this one in particular was a little out of the ordinary run of strangers who droppei down in Nowhere. 4 He was a tall, exceptionally thin, and effemin- ate-looking young man, who bad perhaps reach-. ed his twenty-third year, although the only in- dication of beard upon his face was a soft bit of flaxen down u his upper lip, 4 No raw prairie winds or scorching sun had affected his face; ia fact, he looked like a sickly plant that bad first seen light in an ill-managed — ot-honse, his features being pinched and wax-" like. and devoid of the hue of health, — : His garments, of the most fashionable goods, fitted bim as tightly as though they bad Leen foe to his anatomy. The daintiest of silk ats sat upon his head; be wore a broad er of white shirt, with diamond pin; his foot werd, oo Thinking strange, he opened the door of. her , /
Page 8
it Deadwood Dick Sentenced. ey fncased in patent-leathers, his hands in laven- der kids, and he carried a dainty gold-headed cane, The veriest Broadway dude could scarce have surpassed him in style, and it is little won- der that ho instantly attracted attention. The hat, in itself, was sufficient to have “‘nail- ed” him, without ceremony; but to-night the men of Nowhere camp seemed bent on having all the fun they could possibly scare up. So the master of ceremonies that evening made no delay in inaugurating the festivities at the ex- pense of that *‘ pilgrim.” This leader of the crowd stood over six feet in his top-boots, and was brawny of limb and broad of chest—a very giant, good for tow hundred and fifty pounds, and possessed of tre- mendous strength, His hair and bristling beard were of two cole, but he was not an unhandsome man in ‘ace, He was, however, an evident lover of a free fight, and did not care how soon one com- menced., ‘‘Some Pumpkins” was the name he had introduc:d himself by, to the citizens of the camp that afternoon, and it seemed to fit him well, so far as concerned his size. He had been ‘“‘hoisting p’izen ” at the bar, at the time of the entrance of the young stran- ger, in company with a crowd of miners. He ‘‘ downed” the beverage with suddenness, however, at sight of the dude, and drawing a revolver, trotted up to him, with a broad grin Odio! Haow @ye do, pardner? ‘W’at'll ello!.. Haow d’ye do, pardner ‘a c) take fer thé dicer?” Ms % “T do not wish to sell it, sir!” the dude re- plied, uneasily. “Ob! ye don’t, hey? Waal, now, I wanter buy it jest fer fun,” “ But, I tell you, Ido not wish to sell it, Must I repeat it?—I do not wish to sell it!” Some Pumpkins stared; then gave vent toa prolonged whistle, as he glared around at the crowd, comically, te weet’s yer fierip sonny?” he asked. ” oes ou, my man The dude's ire was evidently arising. peal ye, me milk if ye don’t an= wer mo, ‘4 name is Some Pumpkins, from anaan, an’ I’m on the fite. Who air you fs Well, sir, if you are really anxious to know, Iam St. George Atwood, and I hail from New York. What can I do for you?” ‘Give me that hat!” ‘What for?” ‘To sbute.” 4 "You are npeditione f sir. I ama gentleman and mind my own business. Did you never learn that accomplishment?” “T reckon not. J’m a bustler, Iam, an’I live on horns an’ taller. I want that aire hat an’ that aire b’iled shirt. Hey, me lads?” There was an affirmative murmur from the audience, while a number perpetrated that original Westernism— ‘You bet!” : ‘“T give you my hat, sir, and my shirt? Why, what do gon take me for?” “ A taller candle wi’out a wick in—a dude!” snorted Some Pumpkins. ‘ What say—do I hey ’em?” * Most assuredly not! You are highly impu- dent and insulting. I cannot understand why you thus attempt to create a quarrel with me, when I never did euything. to harm you,” “Never didary thing to harm us? Oh! Lordy! Why, me stick o’ lemon candy, ye bey nigh *bout throw’d us inter insulted spasms! Recokon ye don’t know our rules o’ etterket, hey?” “T do not.” “ Waal, as a gin’ral thing, we shoot a man on ther spot who simply sports a dicer.” ** You do?” ‘You bet! When a man dares ter insult our rules o’ etterket by wearin’ a b’iled shirt, we plants him alive.” * Indeed!”’ ** Fact! Considerin’ thet ye warn’t fetched up wi’ good breedin’, I let ye off easy by jest axin’ ye to pony up the offensive articles,” “ And I, like a gentleman’s son, refuse to “Ye do” “Most assuredly.”* Some Pumpkins regarded yous Atwood for a moment as if he could not believe the evi- ' dence of his senses; then he raised his revolver, and leveled it at the plucky dude, “Off with the hat, or I'll shute it!” he com- manded, with a savage oath, ‘* Blaze away!” was the cool answer. At this invitation the click! click! of two score revoivers was heard simultaneously, and . volley of bullets sped likewise at the offending at, It was blown from the head of young At- wood, and fell to the floor, literally shot into fragments. ‘*Now then, off wi’ ther shirt or die!” Some Pumpkins cried fiercely. Atwood was now pale with affright. He had evidently regarded the giant’s threat before as a joke. With nervous haste he began to remove his outer garments, f First came a coat, then a yest; then, lo! and behold! a corset of pink satin met the gaze of the astonished audience, A roar of laughter escaped the crowd, while Some Pumpkins actually seemed too astounded to speak for the moment. “Corsets!” he finally gasped. ‘‘ Boyees, this aire too much fer mortal man toendure. Fetch @ rope, some one; quick, afore it escapes!” A yell of assent burst from a score of throats, and several men sprung away in quest of the desired rope with which to lynch the man who had dared to insult the town by appearing in it wearing a corset, But, just then, and ere the required rope was presnoety a man stepped forward from a neigh- oring card-table, where he had been engaged, both in watching the game and this Canaan giant. ‘“See here, my friend!” he said, confronting the latter, ‘‘ this little cireus of yours has gone about far enough. ‘You let the stranger alone, or you will most likely get burt.” Some Pumpkins glared upon the speaker in astonishment, while the crowd gave muttered utterances to their surprise. “Pll git hurt, hey?” he ejaculated, ‘Vl git all broke up of a sudden, like I was no good for anything?” * Without the slightest doubt!” Then turning to young Atwood, the stranger bat fe * fell js 1 ‘ As for you, young fellow, if you value your sg et up nd di oak oie a tn i ortun ‘ude ni no secon vi- tatio my ang wuooeeded in making his escape iJ en, he was ae the stranger once more turned his attention to the giant, who had as yet not recovered sufficiently from his surprise assume a.warlike attitude, “There!” the intruder exclaimed. ‘‘ Your victim is gone. Now, what have you got to say abont it? ‘*What hevI got to say?” the giant muttered, rubbing his hand across bis eyes, as if to make sure that he saw aright. Why—” He didn’t finish the sentence. He remained standing in an awkward sort of position, and stared into vacancy, “Come!” the stranger called out; “I thought ou was on your muscle, Ain’t you going to nock me down, or bite off my ear?” No answer. The rough crowd stared first at the giant and ten. Ae the stranger in undisguised wonder- men What was the matter with Some Pumpkins was more than they were capable of compre- he.ding. The stranger regarded him intently for sev- eral seconds, as if waiting for him to speak; then, witha dry laugh, he pointed toward the floor. ‘This Sierra bear will show you how to waltz, grizzly feshion!” he said. And Some Pumpkins did that very thing! He got down on all-fours, and proceeded to perform an impromptu series of whirls and twists and evolutions that were ridiculously un- couth and ludicrous. ‘Good enough!” the stranger said. ‘‘ By the way, gents, let me introduce myself. am known best as Fakir Fred, from the fact that I am always faking up some kind of a racket for the edifieation of those mortals who appreciate abit of fun. Lo! and behold, the raging and gigantic epidemic, that a bit ago threatened to uproot this town is now as meek as a lamb, and twice as natural. To show you that Some Pumpkins is really an obliging gentleman, even at the expense of personal pain, I’ll ask him to place his back up against yonder wall, while I give you a few tricks of my trade.” The giant slowly arose, and as slowly backed up to the wall. “Good! Now shift your. head, so that your left ear rests flat against that projecting stud- dingy Fakir Fred said, calmly. e giant obeyed. He still gazed into vacancy; his face was strangely set; he seemed to be worked by some invisible mechanism. Not knowing whether to laugh, or not, the crowd of spectators looked on, their counten- ances furnishing wide contrasts in their expres- sions, : “Now, then,” Fakir Fred went on, “you have witnessed how ready the fellow is to obey my slightest wish, which all goes to prove, con- clusively, that he knows his master when he meets him; so, to amuse you, I’ll just prick his ear with a knife-blade, and you will see how serenely he takes it. 1 de really believe he will laugh.’ eres a knife from the top of his boot, the fakir suddenly raised his arm, and the blade went whizzing through the air. Ary of astonishment went up, as the keen point just touched Some Pumpkins’s ear, and was imbedded in the wood. f Did the giant cry out with pain, or fright? Far from it! A smile mantled his features as he reached up, pulled out the knife and tossed, it back to the fakir, ‘There's grit for you!” that individual cried, blandly. ‘Our overgrown friend would make a brave soldier, if he only had the proper coach- ing. Now, the next act on our programme, will be something else, To illustrate one of the uncertainties of life, will some one loan my friend a cigar that is nearly smoked up but has ashes on the end of it!” The cigar was handed to the giant. It was about an inch and a half long, a quar- ter of an inch of it being reduced to ashes. “Now Cae the right end between your teeth, and turn your face sideways!” Fakir Fred ordered. Some Pumpkins obeyed, his face wearing a look of stolid composure. . Fakir Fred then took the tip of the knife be- tween his thumb and forefinger, and then it went, with a whiz through the air, and when the blade clipped off the end of the cigar, close to the giant’s lips, a thunder of applause made the building tremble, A quiet smile of satisfaction from the Fakir— then be said “i ow co cenvane rattan a drink, at my expense, while Mr. kins is performing a few feats of gymnastics?” There was an immediate rush to the bar, and for several minutes Missouri Mag was kept busy in serving out the beverages, , In the mean time, the giant had suddenly de- veloped himself into a gymnast of no mean ability, and was roy, somersets, and do- Bae bits of circus ‘‘biz” much to the de- light and wonderment of the gaping crowd. n the midst of this fun it was that a deeply- vailed woman, dressed in black, stepped up Fakir Fred, and tapped him on the shoulder, “You area mesmerist and a magician, Mr, Fakir!” she said, in a soft, significant voice. “Are you so much of a magician with pasteboards that you would dare to venture all your money on a game of draw?” He started, a trifle, and gazed at her, a mo: ment, curiously, as if trying to see the face, se closely hidden behind the vail. “With you?” he asked, dryly. “ Exactly—with me,” Well, 1 don’t know that I should be so im- polite as to refuse to accommodate you. My exchequer is rather depleted, to-night, however. A hundred would be my limit.” ‘‘Enough! Comealong. Even men of Biagie sometimes get beaten;” and turning, she led the way toward a card-table. ; “Pumpkins, you can go and stand up a bow der corner until I want you!” Fakir F re- marked, commandingly; then be joined his un- known challenger, at the table. CHAPTER X. LADYSLIPPER, Some ,PuMPKINS promptly obeyed Fakir Fred’s order, and jooked as docile and resigned as a person could well look, under the most agreeable circumstances, Little attention was paid to bim, however, for allinterest was centered upon the card du between Fakir Fred, and the Vailed Lady, whom nobody appeared to know. The game between the Vailed Lady and the Fakir promised to be of more than usual interest, especially as the former bad been the challenger. A large number of those present did not un- derstand the meaning of the terms ‘ mesmer- ist ” and “‘ magician,” consequently the Vailed — Lady’s reference to the Fakir created but little excitement, A 1
Page 9
Deadwood Dick Sentenced. A crowd gathered about the table. “ You can call me Ladyslipper, if you have occasion to call me anything!” the vailed wo- man said, producing a fresh pack of cards, “I presume you were joking about your limit being @ hundred dollars.’ “Not at all,” Fakir Fred replied, calmly. ‘* Did you mistake me for a peregrinating gold- mine? Ifso, you are not remarkable for your penetration,” ‘Well, we will play for your hundred. I have an inordinate curiosity, to see how well you handle the pasteboards!” ‘* Your curiosity shall be gratified,” Fred said, dryly. ‘“‘I will prove to you that I am no adept at cards, even though Ibe a mesmerist and magician.” The money was staked, and the game peaue. and quickly it was plain to those who look on, that Fakir Fred was in no wise ticular whether he won, or not, as he played careless- ly, while on the other hand, the Vailed Lady played watchfully, cautiously, A grunt of surprise went around, when the Fakir ran the game out, and raked in the stakes, ‘“Humph!” Ladyslipper said, coolly, ‘‘I see you can play, but, although I am nota profes- sional, I came here, to-night for a purpose. Put up your two hundred dollarsand I will cover it. If you lose, you are toremove your wigand false beard !” Fakir Fred did not start. Outwardly he was calm; the words of the mysterious gambler did not affect him, ‘ Indeed?” he said, quietly. “T£ you lose—” ‘*T remove my vail!’ * Even so; but what will that benefit me?” “ You will know me, when you see me again. If you lose, it will benefit me, considerably, to know whether you are the person I think you are, or not!” “Who do you think I am?” “The man whom I have sworn to kill! I prefer not to mention names until after we play, as you might not be the one I suspect, and ee aaehe make things unpleasant for you.” “If I lose, we will then pl in, without en oy ig ali at tout et “Your life . make ’ the mabe Seomppenoes er) tener murmur ©: a Se escal the audience. while Fakir Fred picked up igen and care- lessly shuffled them. “ Then I can naturally look upon you as my enemy?” “Yes, Will you play?” “Cert! Cut for deal.” Thicker and more dense grew the crowd around the table, proving that the interest was increasing. : The game began with Ladyslipper leading, but, play as carefully and judiciously as she could, it seemed as if it were fated she should not win—for the Fakir won the game with com- parative ease. A revolver—a small but magnificent weapon —was in his hand, as he slapped dowu the oe card upon the table. How it had got there, the lookers-on were un- able to say, unless it had slid down intw his hand from his sleeve. ‘* You are to remove your vail, are you. not?” the Fakir asked, with quiet triumph. ‘I am somewhat anxious to get an unobstructed view of the apparition of loveliness who wants to con- vert me into a cadaver!” An exclamation of impatience escaped the Ladyslipper. “What can it benefit you to see my face?” she cried, gathering up the cards, ‘‘Oh! not much; only I’ll know you the next ‘time I meet you.” ‘We shall not be likely to meet again, after we get through here, But, look if you want to!” . Her white right hand lifted the vail, for an instant, and then let it fall again. Buta brief glimpse it was that any one got of the fair girlish face. No, expression on the part of Fakir Fred, “went to show that be was in the least affected cat what he saw. : “IT never met you before to my knowledge,” she said, ‘‘and therefore am at loss to compre- thend why you should cherish Ml-will, Might 1 ask ae to explain?” “T will explain pothing. I bave my pur- pose, and I mean to fulfill it. We will now play the deciding game. If I win, I am to have the privilege of shooting you through the heart. If you win, you have a like oppor- against mine—the winner to toner for satisfaction, Is this satisfactory to ou Fakir Fred uttered a peculiar chuckle. “Well, as you appear to be transacting all the business, I suppose I shall have to acquiesce, or else show a white headlight. Produce a fresh deck, and we will pay. I assure you, however, beforehand, that I do not intend to lose this time, for I think it necessary that I should hang out here below for several fortnights yet to come,” “That remains to be seen,” was the terse an- swer, as Ladyslipper laid a jeweled six-shooter upon the table at her right. “ The cards were produced, and the game be- gan. Around the table a peculiar silence marked the moment; every one breathlessly awaited the result. Wasit fate again? There was an exasperated cry directly; Fakir Fred had won again! “ Magician! devil! you have won, but you shall not triumph.” the defeated card-queen cried fiercely, ‘‘ Behold! men, that man is Deadwood Dick!” She had, by an agile and unexpected move- ment, torn away a false beard from the fakir’s face even as she spoke, and— The handsome countenance of the road-agent Apollo was revealed! CHAPTER XI. CATHIE’S VENGEANCE. CLEAR and distinct the words of the card- queen rang out. For an instant a dead silence ensued. It seemed as if the rough crowd was, for the time being, electrified. Deadwood Dick was the first to speak, or move. He leaned over the table, his hand clutching his revolver, his eyes gleaming as they had never gleamed before. ‘* This is one 1 owe you!” he hissed, so fiercely that it caused her to step back. % You are a woman, or I'd kill you where you stand!” Then with a quick leap he landed upon the table; then a flying leap carried him over the W' h of the crow iene ick was aut of the oan in od 10 prevent he 9 velous escape. — Then, when it was too late, a vengeful yell followed, and an outpouring of the citizens into the street ensued. Curses and howls of disappointed rage made the me hideous, but they were uttered in vain; for Deadwood Dick had effectually dis- appeared ere a search had fairly got started, And when they came to look for the Lady- slipper, she, too, had vanished! hether or not she had gone in search of Deadwood Dick no one could say. Ladyslipper had not gone in pursuit of the ex- road-prince, although she lost no time in hurry- ing out of town after Dick’s escape. brisk walk down the gulch brought ber to a dark transverse ravine, which she entered fearlessly, and followed until she came toan old i which had no appearance of being ten- anted. When she rapped on the door, however, it was opened, and she was admitted to a dimly-light- ed room, whose furnishings were of the most primitive order. A cheery fire was burning in the fire-place, and within the glow of the light four men were seated. One was Pierre Parrimore, another was Black Bird, and the other individuals were no less mnnars than Sis Soaker and_ his friend, all. The quartette were actively engaged in smok- ing, when the young card-queen entered, but paused long enough to remove tne pipes, and give her an inquiring stare. She threw aside the vail and hat she had worn and came into the light—not Ladyslipper, now, but Cathie! Pierre Parrimore gave vent to a grunt, as he pushed forward a stool. “‘ Well?” be demanded gruffly, ‘How did you make out?” _ ‘Allin vain!” Cathie replied, her eyes flash- ing. ‘Didn’t I warn you that would be the way of it?’ : “Did you find the tiger, then?” “Yes, He was masquerading as Fakir Fred, a magician. I drew him into a game of cards, and lost the money you gave me. I then staked my. life against his, and—” ‘ Wonl” eagerly—almost phen = By no means. He won, and held my life in his bands. Seeing no better plan, I tore the / t 9 beard from his face and betrayed his identity, expecting the crowd would pounce upon bim, and prevent bis escape. Instead of that, he leaped clear over their heads, and was gone, ere an effort could be made to stop him!” “Ten thousand devils! Why did ye let him escape, curse ye?” *“T could not help it. He had me covered, until he made that astonishing leap. It took me so by surprise that I could notact ere he was ‘one. «Just about asI thought. Did ty see any one that looked like Daniel Stafford?” ‘“No. Iam satisfied he is not in the town, If in the vicinity, he is undoubtedly hiding, like yourselves,” Parrimore was silent for several minutes, his face dark and scowling. “T see that ve got to take the matter more thoroughly in my own hands if I want to suc- ceed in ending the accursed vendetta. What did you learn in regard to Stafford’s girl?” ‘Very little, She bas been to the town sey- eral times, making qaiet inquiries for her fa- ther, but learning nothing of him, goes away again.” ‘* By stage?” i Yes. ” “She undoubtedly hangs out in some of the adjoining camps. If we could get possession of her, we would stand some better show of get- ting your ire Mg Ford free.” “Would to Heaven there were some way of liberating them, if they still live. I have but little hopes that they do.” “Tt may be that they don’t; but it is not always best to give up hope too soon, You had better return to the other place now, for it is getting late. You can come down in the morn- ing, and perhaps I shall have succeeded in ar- ranging some new plan of action. You are not afraid to goalone? If you ars, I will send Bird with you.” “You needn’t trouble yourself!” the girl re- sponded, peneny. **T do not need an escort.” She quitted the hut hastily, evidently fearing that Black Bird would attempt to follow her. An hour later, she stood beside a mound, but recently made, in the little fir-fringed yard of lot al hla ha, greet there. She knelt beside the mound now, and buried her face in ber hands, while her figure trembled with the emotion she tried to restrain, “ Ob! why am I not dead, too?” she moaned, piteously. ‘* Why did I not die when I was a eal pee save all this misery—this hving death Further words she did not utter just then, but wept quietly to herself, unaware that she was watched. A man had stepped from around one corner of the cabin, and stood gazing at her intently— aman, roughly dressed, and from whose face a heavy beard had reeently been cropped, leaving a rough, grizzled stubble, which was anything but becoming to the otherwise good-looking, in- telligent face, In short, it was General Stafford, but se changed that few would have recognized him in his present appearance, as the stately he tleman who had a few weeks before arrived im Nowhere Camp, in company with Governor Snelling. His expression was grave and sad, as he stood watching Cathie, but from his eyes emanated a wild gleam, that could belong only to the eyes of a man whose mind was greatly perturbed. He appeared to be listening as well as watch- ing, as if expecting to hear the mourning girl speak; nor was he destined to be vette reise “Yes!” she suddenly cried, fiercely, ‘he is dead, and no grief of mine can recall bim te life. I live—must live, for the Bible teaches that it is a sin to commit suicide; but I shall live for vengeance, Oh, Pierre P rrimore, you are a coward, but your child is not! I will end the vendetta, and that, too, ere many suns more have set, Joe shall be avenged—I swear it by all I hold sacred!” General Stafford started, eagerly, as the words reached bis hearing. He took a step forward. oe . “Great Heaven! it is true—I Cannot be mis- taken!” he gasped, his breath commg quick and fast. ‘Bijou! Bijou!”. With wonderful alacrity, Cathie sprung te her feet, and faced him, her face white, her eyes fairly blazing. h ‘Hal who are you?” she cried, flercely; then, she reeled back a pace, and glared wildly at him, as if she recognized the face.
Page 10
[av TC Ree ace, See eee pea eee Y= Coy5 arts Deadwood Dick Sentenced. “My child—my long-lost child!” the general cried, springing forward; but it was only to ause, when be saw a revolver muzzle staring Fim in the face. “Stop!” Cathie cried. ‘A step further, and I will send a bullet through your brain. What are you doing bere?” i What? God only knows. Fate directed my footsteps hither—to find you. Bijou—oh! Heaven, can it be you have forgotten me, your own father?” “My father—you my father, Daniel Stafford? Oh! no! Once Il knew you as such, ’tis true, but I was young, then, and knew nothing of the st, when he tore me from my mother’s reast when I was but 2 babe!” ‘Tis false—false as—” “Stop! stop! Isay. Do not dare to deny it, for it is useless. I am not your child, but your enemy to the death. Hear me, sir—the proud blood of the Parrimores courses through my veins—the vendetta blood of my fathers, I have sworn to avenge my young brother’s deatbh—there he lies—and, at the same time for- ever end the vendetta. Your coming has given me my chance, It shall not be the pleasure of my parent to kill the last Stafford, but mine !” With terrible earnestness she spoke, and her hand clutched the revolver with a fierce grip. General Stafford comprehended all: Pierre Parrimore had poisoned her mind—had taught her that she was a Parrimore, and that it was her duty to take up the vendetta. It was a horrible realization to the proud old Southerner; the awful fact fairly stunned him, for the moment. Cathie continued, ere he could speak: “There lies my brother—another example of the wolf’s ferocity, and you the wolf. You had one of your accomplices shoot him down who never did youa wrong. Iswore to avenge his death. I am going to do it, to-night, while I have the chance. You shall never leave this alive, Daniel Stafford!” _ “Child! child! for God’s sake listen, I am your father, and you aro looking to the wrong man, Pierre Parrimore never was married, and is but using you to secure the accomplish- ment of his evil designs. Ican prove this be- yond the shadow of adoubt. Your brother was my own son, andI had no knowledge of his death until just now, nor did my accomplices, as you term them, do aught toharm him, In the name of the Almighty, I swear that what I say is true, and you are my long-lost child, whom Pierre Parrimore stole from my home.” “IT do not believe it. No protestations on our part can change my mind. You have run into my power, and the vendetta shall be ended to-night. Coward and wretch that you are, you would perjure your soul to save your own worthless life, but it will avail you nothing. I am Cathie Parrimore, and I will end the ven- detta! Tell me, sir, where are my husband and ehild!” “Your busband—your child?” “Yes, my busband and my child—they whom ‘our tools—Deadwood Dick and his outlaw nd—abducted and bore away into the moun- tains?” : 2 “No such a thing has occurred! I swear to it by the honor of a Stafford. Pierre Parri- more has pared bis cards well, but every word he has told you is a base—a damnable lie!” “Tell me, General Stafford, Icommand you -—-is my husband and child alive?” “I know nothing about them—never knew until now, that you were married. Believe me, er not, this is God’s own truth—I swear it!” ‘*It is useless—all your oaths would nob make me believe you. If they are dead, or alive, it cannot change my resolve in regard to you. With your death, the vendetta of years ends, and you die to-night!” “You reckon wrongly if you believe that,” be get “My death does not end the mat- r ; “Bab! who else remains except your daugh- ter? She would faint ata pistol-shot!” ‘* Don’t believe anything of the kind. She at least is a Stafford, even if you are changed. Then, too, when I die, you will find that a worse enemy to the accursed Parrimore race still lives!” F “ Who!” ** Deadwood Dick !” . “His days, too, are numbered. But, stop! this delay is useless. You die tonight. I will give you the choice of two fates. Yonder is the canyon cliff, If you prefer to leap into the abyss to being shot down where you stand, it is your privilege. [ have the dropon you, and you know I am a dead shot, for it was you who e Wiawsnnoatcreease a taught me. Decide! You have but two minutes in which to decide!” Her hand was outstretched, and wavered not as she leveled the revolver at his beart. Her purpose was fixed, and Stafford well realized that she would keep her word. Should he allow bis own child to shoot him down, and thus add an awful crime to her young, misguided soul? No—by Heaven, no! he inwardly vowed. He would take the risk of the leap; that would be his own deliberate act, He turned and walked deliberately toward the cliff. Cathie followed bim, keeping him covered. He reached the edge of the canyon. Without tian backward he bounded out- ward; the fearful leap was made, CHAPTER XII. PARRIMORE'S SCHEME, Art the old hut in the ravine, after the depart- ture of Cathie, a temporary silence prevailed, as the men refilled and resumed their pipes. It was finally broken by Pierre Parrimore. “Well, another day is passed, and nothing ac- complished!” be growled. “If the gal had killed the accursed road-agent we would be largely abead of the field. We must arouse into imme- diate action, for I’m tired of depending on the girl, Then, too, the boys are getting impatient because I don’t set them to work, and if I don't look out there will directly be an open revoit among them. IfIam not mistaken, there is a general regret, alteady, that they left Deadwood Dick’s employ and leadersbip,.” “You can easily overcome that, by flinging out a little collat!” Black Bird suggested, sig- nificantly. “Perhaps; but that sort of thing don’t pay, when bak Aca is out-go, and no income. t think, however, I shal! set ’em onto the stage to-morrow night, be tbe profits what they may. It will keep them a little better in spirit, And, now, Soaker, as there is no prospect that you and O’Gall will be needed, to-night, you can re- turn, and keep an eye on things at Nowhere. If anything of importance occurs, you will of course notify me. “Kerect!” Soaker replied. ‘I pe you’re goin’ to give us a bracer afore we amble, eh?” “Cofffound it, you'll bankrupt me, with your appetite for drink. There’s the jug, yonder. Be sure and don’t swallow it!” With alacrity both bums made a dive for the jug, but Soaker won the first drink and swallow- ed a full half-pint of the burning ‘‘ tanglefoot.” O’Gall had to be content with what was left—for between the two of them, they managed to drain the jug! Then, with grins of satisfaction, they departed leaving Parrimore and Black Bird to themselves, “D’ye take much stock in them bums?’ the ee growled, gazing dolefully at the empty jug; f Only so much that they are useful in bring- ing us news, from the town,” Pierre replied. “ They’re notsharp enough to be capable of any great villainy I fancy,” “T ain't so sure about that,” Bird protested. ‘We'd feel cheap if they’d spring a trap on us.” ‘Pooh! no fearof that. Keep ’em in whisky, and they’re solid. Now, to business. It is time my agent got back, fromthe South. He is liable to arrive at avy minute, and we must be pre- pared to meet him.” “Who is he?” “A big galoot I found in Canaan. He was broke, and Feoadtea kim up, and sent him South on the mission. He rejoices, up in these parts, in the name of Some Pumpkins.” “Ah! I’ve beard of him.” “No doubt. Most every one has. He's said to be some on the fight.” “What did you send him South for?” “Vilexplain, This girl Cathie, as | have once hefore told you, is the daughter of my foe, Dan Stafford. A rich relative on her mother’s side died, lately, and left a large fortune to the girl, in spot cash, which was to be handed over to ber, on demand at any time after she reache a d y time af b hed her sixteenth birthday.” “Ab! what amount?” “ A cool hundred thousand.” ‘Indeed! She’s a prize, then.” “Of course. That is why I had her husband, and the kid, spirited away.” ‘‘Ah! 1 see. You propose to gobble up the career Poo aia “ Well, 1 should smile!” *- What did you send Some Pumpkins South, for. ‘To look into the matter, and see what could be done about it. He wrote me back that every- thing was all O, K., and all there was to do was for me to produce the girl—I fixed up as her father—and the money would be paid to me as her rightful guardian.” “Then, what?’ “That didn’t suit me, In behalf of the girl, L wrote to the party holding the money, and pro- posed to him tbat he send a messenger back, with Pumpkins, fetching the money, and pay the stuff to the girl here, thereby saving her & tiresome journey.” ‘** This was agreed to, I ’spose.” “Yes. When Some Pumpkins arrives be will fetch the messenger and the swag with him.” mS suppose you will give it right over to the gir) “Do I look like a fool? I reckon not! We must interview this messenger, and obtain the money, and then, put him out of the way. If any blame or suspicion is attached to any one, Dan Stafford and Some Pumpkins will get it. It the latter shows any signs of croaking, we'll spin his top, too,” ‘* How much do J get.” “On! be easy about that. I'll not be stin with you, if you help me out. You will make more by working for me than for any one else,” “ That’s what 1’m eee | on!” Black Bird replied, pointedly, “lf you treat me wi’ a squar’ deal, I’m as good as a First National Bank; ef ye don’t I’m as wicked as a mule in fly time,” “You will have no occasion to be wicked,” Parrimore added, carelessly, although it was evident the words of the ruffian did not conduce to his perfect ease of mind. ‘“ You can now go to ‘Nowhere, and see if the giant has arrived—- for something seems to tell me that he bas!” ‘*T will save you that trouble,” a voice cried, and the door opened, and Some Pumpkins step- io into the but, his face wearing its usual road grin. CHAPTER XII. “THE VENDETTA IS NOT YET ENDED.” DraDWooD DICK, as we have seen, was not followed by Catbis when he made his escape from the mining-town; but he was followed, nevertheless, Of this fact he was not aware, for some time. as he did not look back. He was, in fact, nearly ‘a mile from Nowhere ere he made the dis- covery, Lhrough the distinct ‘sound of a cough reaching his hearing. He instantly wheeled about, his band grasp- inga — x A few feet away he saw, through the dim light, a woman advancing toward bim, A glance was sufficient to convince him that it was not the card-queen whom he bad just es- ped, Keeping his weapon ready in case of neces- sity, he allowed her to come still nearer, until she balted of her own accord. “Well,” he asked, dryly, ‘‘ what may be your object in dogging my footsteps?” “‘J wish to speak to you, sir!” was the reply; and lifting her vail, she turned her face toward him, revealing herself to be Stella Stefford. “Do you know me?” ‘‘I fancy I have not that honor,” he replied more courteously, for he at once divined that she was a Jady of refinement, ‘* You area stran- ger around these parts, I take it.” “Tam; and some impulse I cannot account for told me that by an interview with ycu I could learn something I am very anxious to know.” ia spel May I ask what it is and who you are “Tam Stella Stafford, and Iam in search of my father, Daniel Stafford. Do you know cf his whereabouts, or am I wrong in supposing you to be Deadwood Dick?’ ‘**You are wrong in neither case, my dear lady. I am Deadwood Dick, and I do know where tbe general is. We two have become allies for the purpose of ending the vendetta, and your father thought it best to keep you in ignorance of Lis whereabouts until a victory had., been achieved.” ; “It is very unkind of him, I bave been reatly distressed through not ae abie to earn anything concerning bim, I trust now that you will take me to bim.” ‘ - “T am very sorry, Miss Stafford, but T atte do so without first obtaining his permis- sion. ; : “But I say you must/ ‘There is no possible way of your getting out of it!” i i do cP pinta ” very where you go, “ Ah!” bas ‘sYes, where you go I l father. It’s an old saying tl Vane Ae me 7 at if we af! =i be fig until I-find my t ‘when'a women.
Page 11
Deadwood Dick Sentenced. says she will, she will, and that’s the end of it.’ So you know what you have to expect.” Dick could not repress a smile, while at the same time he felt annoyed. If she insisted, how was he to prevent her from following him? True, he couid take to his beels and run away from her, but that would be unmanly. “You had better consider your father’s wishes, Miss Stefford,” he said. ‘‘ You return to Nowhere, and remain.at the hotel, until I see the general. If he grants the permission, I will atonce come for you and conduct you to his presence,” “Oh, no! I prefer to gonow. So when you get ready to move on, I will follow.” “Then, J have but one other course, besides allowing you to accompany me!” “What is that?” “To get rid of you by shooting you!” ‘Of course you can do that; but I fancy you are too honorable a man for such a crime. “You are right. I acknowledge that, if you refuse to return to Nowhere, I am fairly beat- en, ‘* Well, I do refuse.” “Then, come along. Ishall not be respon- sible for tbe general’s displeasure, however.” He continued on his journey, and Stella walk- ed quietly by his side. After fully three miles had been covered, the: turned from the main gulch into a narrow dar cut—a long, forbidding opening, which seemed asif it might have been the work of an earti- quake, that had rent the mountain asunder, Far above the jagged rocks could be traced, dimly outlined, against the sky, ‘* You had best take my hand, going through the pass,” Dick said, ‘‘for it is very rough.” She did so, and they continued on, It was indeed a dark, terrib!e place, and they had gone no great distance when Dick suddenly came to a stand-still. ‘Sh! he cautioned, ‘I thought I heard a groan,” ‘So did I!” Stella replied, They listened, intently. A moment later, they distinctly heard a groan—that, evidently, of some one in distress, not far ahead, ‘Come! we will investigate!” Dick said. ‘It , sounds like a familiar voice.” They soon reached a spot, where a man’s gr was lying among the rocks, “By Heaven! it is the general!” escaped Dick’s lips. It was indeed the general, whom Cathie had forced to leap over the precipice, far above. He was not unconscious, for he recognized Dick and Stella at once, “Ob! I'm better than a dozen dead men, yet, and the vendetta is not ended,” he gasped. The general, strange to relate, was not dan- gerously injured, only his bip was dislocated and bis body covered with bruises, A net-work of vines growing with rank luxu- riance from one side of the cliff had sensibly broken the force of his fall; otherwise he would have been crushed into a shapeless mass, Handy at anything, Dick was not long in reg the general comfortably over his shoul- er; then the snnraay was continued, and in due time a mountain pocket was reached, where was a single rude cabin, which some san- guine prospector bad built and deserted. Being something of a surgeon, Dick soon re- stored the hip-joint to its socket, and dressed his wounds, and ere long had him feeling com- fortable. The general then related in detail tie sub- stance of what had happened on the mountain- side, “Tt is strange!” Dick said. ‘‘ Pierre Parri- more must havea singular influence over your daughter if, indeed, she it was whom you en- countered.” “There can be no doubt but that it was my lost daughter, And, as you say, if seems a hopeless task to attempt to convince her that she is not bis daughter, or my enemy,” “She came near getting me in-a tight fix!” Dick said, grimly. “! Henceforth you and Miss Stafford must remain here, and I will watch this pretty avenger, and through doing so, learn where Parrimore is quartered, If I catch him it will be all day with bim, if you but say the word.” _ '*What else can Ido? He isa bad man, and in my present condition I could not meet him successfully.” “Then I will undertake the job of settling _ the business!” _. The next bour saw the intrepid rover on his way back to Nowhere, Upon his shoulders he had taken a heavy re- sponsibility—avenging another man’s spite, Then, too, be personally owed Parrimore a grudge for causing a mutiny of Dick’s band, and thus betraying his trust. CHAPTER XIV. PUMPKINS HOLDS THE DROP! Tue faces of Pierre Parrimore and Black Bird did not express the utmost satisfaetion, as the iant, Some Pumpkins, strode unceremoniously into their presence. Was it because cf the giant’s imposing ap- pearance, or did his sudden coming interfere with their villainous plans? ‘“Haow d’ye do, pilgrims?’ Some Pumpkins saluted, closing the door, and straddsing the only chair the place afforded. ‘TI ruther opine ye warn’t e tin’ this hyer bloomin’ zephyr to waft in, just at the present minnit?’ “No, we were not expecting you, here, although I had an idea that you might have ar- rived in Nowhere. We were just speaking about you!” Parrimore Hllowed. “So Iam aware!” the giant chuckled. ‘As the eaves of this »alatial abode war too low to let me in, wi’out stoopin’ I natterally had to eavesdrap, an’ heerd some conversation, quite interestin’ to me!” Parrimore and Black Bird exchanged quick glances. Some Pumpkins was watching them, narrow- ly, and something gleamed for an instant in his clinched palm. “Yas, I war highly edderfied at what I heerd, ye know!” Pumpkins went on, ‘‘an’ I thort I'd drap in and see ef I c’u’d git an ap- proximut idea of how soon you propose to spin my top! ‘You may git it spun sooner than you think for if you get too fresh!” Parrimore growled. ‘“What brings you bere?” : ‘* Business, o’ course. Hain’t ye glag ter feast yer optics on wy bloomin’ phiz, or hain’t ye, now?’ “Tt matters not whether Iam, or am not. When did you get back?” “This evenin’, jest in time, as usual, ter draw aprize. D’ye see this byer souse?” And he exbibited the ear, still ‘bleeding, at which Fakir Fred had hurled the knife, “Yes, How did you get that cut?” “Why, jest as_simple, and easy, like, as rollin’ foff a log. I waltzed inter a saloon, ter hey sum fun, an’ war just startin’ up a quiet quadrille at ther expense of a dude, when a stranger lipped in, an’ all of a sudden I hed nothin’ ter say, like I war aspanked svhool-boy. Whatever he told me to say or do, 1 war obligin’ enuff to do, like sum ignerant gawk, an’ when he told me to put my ear Sein’ abeama.’ let him fling a knife thru it, did 1 refnse? No sir-ee—not fer Joseph! I jest war as accommo- datin’ as a fly in dorg-time, I war. An’ when the galoot told me to go stand myself up ina corner, ter repersent a statter o’ the Godess 0’ Liberty, did Ido thet? Waal, ye kin jest bet yer best bi’led shirt I did!” ‘What then?” i “Waal, I stood thar, like an ungumptified lummix, ontil the fellar played keerds wi’ a she- male, an’ she snatcbed a false beard off bim, an’ he lit out like a demoralized hornetin a Turkish bath. Then, I felt like myself, onca more, and I folded my tent and, Jike the Arab, betook my- self hence, An’ good fortune, together wi’ a befoggled brain, fetched me byar!” ‘“T see into it,” Parrimore said, turning to Black Bird, ‘‘I have heard that the cuss, Dead- wood Dick, possesses almost’ miraculous mes- meric powers—in fact, seemed possessed of the evil, in more senses than one—and it is evident e's been having some fun, at our friend’s ex- nse, “ Rather a bad go, ain’t it?’ the ruffian said, significantly. “Curse it, yes—that is, if he has in any way become possessed of the truth,” “Ye needn’t feel oneasy on that score!” Some Pumpkins spoke up. ‘‘He didn’t ax me nothin’ consarnin’ our bizness,” ‘“« Ah! that alters the case, then, Well, what have you to report?” The giant grinned. ‘Dye see any green in either of my eyes?” he demanded, a cunning glitter perceptible in them. “ Do I look like a galoot as was brought up on canary-bird seed, or fish-balls—which?” You act like an infernal idiot!” Parrimore retorted. ‘‘Come down to business, now, and no more dilly-dallying! Did the messenger ac- company “—.
Page 12
12 Deadwood Dick Sentenced. hotel. ‘The messenger, whoever he is, is un- doubtedly keeping himself incog. It will be your business to stuuay every stranger in the s oe he not tel) you that he was your father?” es. “You wouldn’t believe bim?” “oe No 1 “If I were to assure you that General Staf- rs is really your father, would you believe me “ Yes ”n “You only think so. If I were to give you your freedom, you would not say so.” “T would!” “ll try you then, and see!” The words were scarcely out of his mouth, ere she gave a violent start, and the coior of health rushed back into her cheek, “There. Now, what have you to say for yourself?” he asked, coolly. ‘*T—I don’t know!” she replied, confusedly. * All seems strange.” “Do you remember anything you bave just passed through.” ‘“‘J—I remember of saying I believed you, when you said General Stafford was my father,” ‘*Do you still believe me?” “Ido, You are a strange man, but some- how, I am sure you are a truthful one. Where is General Stafford?” “But a few miles away. You want to see him?’ “Yes, yes!” “You cannot, yet. You must The vendetta is not yet ended!” ‘‘ Where do you want me to go?” come with me, —
Page 13
Deadwood Dick Sentenced. 13: et ‘‘ Wherever I go I have sworn to end the ven- Aetta. If I fall, you must take my place,” * a Pierre Parrimore?” “ @s.”? She looked undecided. He caught her arm, and pointed to the lone mound near the flower-beds, ‘*-You see that?” he said. caused his death!” She grew white, but a terrible glitter entered her eyes. “Can you prove it?’ she gasped. ““Yes. Can you bear the proof, even though it bring to you a worse agony?” Whiter and more rigid grew her features. “Yes!” she breathed, with an effort. ‘‘ You refer to my husband and child?” “Tdo! Are you strong—will you bear the worst, for vengeance’ sake?” “Twill. Lead on!” She spoke with a stern resolution, that he knew would not fail her. “Then, come!” he said, ‘‘I will not only prove to you who killed your brother, but enough so that you can have no doubts as to who is your father!” “ Pierre Parrimore CHAPTER XVIL. THE VICTIMS. SHE went into the cabin, put on her hat, and came out, armed with her handsome rifle. e am ready!” she said. ‘‘ Have we far to at Not a great ways!” he replied, briefly. They started, without further delay. “e They did not go down the mountain-side, but skirted along it, gradually ascending. The route was rough, tortuous and dangerous, and locomotion extremely difficult; but at the end of an hour, they had reached a sort of dent in the mountain-side, overshadowed bya great ledge. ere a sight met the gaze of poor Cathie, that be a shriek of agony and horror from her i we their feet lay the mangled remains of an infant, the better share of whose body had been devoured by the wolves. Near by, lay a man, a handsome fellow of about Dick’s own age, with light hair and mus- tache, and an open, kindly chiseled face. He was not dead, but death would have been a welcome visitor to him, for the flesh had been entirely torn off of his lower limbs, while his body was untouched. Near by, thongs clinging te a tree, told the reason why. He had been bound to the tree, but so high up, that the ravenous beasts could not reach beyond a certain hight. There was an expression of terrible agony upon the sufferer’s face, but he was still con- scious. , “Ob! Ford! Ford! my poor husband!” Cathie shrieked, springing to his side. ‘‘Oh! merciful God, my child—my husband!” And she burst into a paro heart-rendering screams and so) have affected a heart of stone. “Don’t, Cathie!” Ford Favor said, speaking with an effort. ‘‘ Do not give away to grief, at such a time as this. Thank a merciful that we are granted this meeting ere I die, through yonder gentleman’s kindness. Be calm, my lit- tle one, for I must say what Ihave to say quickly, I prayed that I might live to meet you again, on earth.” “Yes, Mrs. Favor, I beg of you be calm,” Deadwood Dick said, kneeling beside her, and laying bis hand upon ber shoulder, while tears he was powerless to restrain, coursed down bis cheeks, ‘ Be calm, for grief cannot mend mat- ters, now. I found your husband here, this morning, where, with your babe, he was left by Pierre Parrimore and Black Bird. I drove off the wolves. Your husband requested me to come for you, and I did so, althongh it wrung my heart to fetch you to so sad a scene. So, be brave, I beg of you!” Finally with an effort, Cathie conquered her grief somewhat—enough so that she was able to bear Ford Favor’s last utterances, before his spirit took its flight to that unexplored bourne, whence oa acs “They took me by surprise—Pierre and Black Bird,” he explained, Pind brought me here, Pierre assured me that I should die here, and soI will. He said you were a rich prize for him, and Tand our babe were in the way. When they left me, they told me they were going to kill Joe, and our friend here, has told me, that they didso. Cathie, you are not Par- rimore’s child, for he told me so, thinking to mock my misery. They left me here to die, sm of piteous, such as would Our babe died of starvation, yesterday, and therefore suffered nothing from the attack of the wolves. As for myself, 1 have suffered, but what of that? I see a clear way, ahead of me, darling, and will meet you—over—there. I—” He ceased to speak, and his face grew whiter and rigid. Cathie, with her face buried in her hands, understood the silence; she uttered a piercing shriek, and sunk back, in a dead swoon. With bowed head, Deadwood Dick remained silent, for a few minutes—praying, perhaps— then, he set to work, to perform what remained to be done, After extraordinary exertions, he succeeded in restoring Cathie to consciousness, and re- pe Be her grief to a state of comparative quiet. He then prepared a temporary grave near at band, and arene buried all that was earthly of Ford Favor and the babe, until such a time as a more befitting tomb could be provided. Cathie watched him, with a face as white as marble, and ag that gleamed with a wild, unnatural ligh When the work was finally completed, she icked up her rifle, and went and knelt by the umble grave, ‘ There she remained for several minutes. She had ceased to weep, and a stony calmness of demeanor had taken possession of her. Finally, she arose, and turned to Deadwood Dick, saying: “Tl am deeply indebted to you, sir. Nota doubt exists in my mind, now, but what Gen- eral Stafford is my father, and but for you and bim I would now be friendless. Come! I am ready to go, The trail lies plain before me, and [ will follow it. You can accompany me if you like!” “You speak of the trail of vengeance?” Dick said, interrogatively. “T do, Triple cause have I to segk venge- ance, aside from that of the vendetta. Pierre Parrimore and his pard shall not see the light of this world twenty-four hours longer. I have registered an oath to tbat. Come! We will sur- prise the wolf in bis lair!” They accordingly left the scene of Ford Favor’s tragic death, and descended the moun- tain-side. Half-way down, they halted. They had suddenly stumbled on a sight that was peculiarly interesting. Upon a slight plateau, were three familiar - figures, taking part in a strange scene. Two of the figures were of the whisky-ab- sorbing firm of Soaker and O’Gall. These two were seated upon a log, and each one held a pair of cocked revolvers in their erriie at their feet, under the menace of the weapons, was the giant from Canaan, Some Pumpkins. The bummers had got the giant “dead to rights,” so to speak; but with what object? ‘Humph! here’s a go!” Dick said, in a low tone. ‘I reckon we shall have to walk into this matinee; come!” “ They walked forward, with weapons drawn and ready for use. Soaker and O’Gall made no move to remove their ‘‘ drop” on the giant, however. “ Hello, here!” Dick cried. ‘‘What’s your racket, my three canary birds?” ‘Hello, yerself!” Sis Soaker responded. ‘It never rains but it pours, an’ this byer water- spout aire ther luckiest thing yet. You're eadwood Dict, ain’t you?” “T am.” “Then allow me—we aire Soaker and O’Gall, gents of all trades—not jacks, please distinctly understand that. And you're the very galoot we want to see, aire you? I hey a question to propound !” d'ae ve have a question to propound,” corrected ‘Yes, of course—we.” ‘“Well, propound it!” Dick ordered. ‘tI am like the mule—all ears.” “Good joke! Ha, ha!—very good! You soe, my dear sir, we are two gentlemen of leisure, ostensibly; but ad interim, in eee we are Government inspectors of wines and liquors. The avocation not proving properly compensa- tory, we concluded to add another profession— namely, detectivism. This is our first case.” ‘A fine-looking case, I’ll agree,” Dick langh- ed, “But, goon.” “ Well, my dear sir, the question is this: Be- fore us we ave a valuable pee indi- rectly concerns you. Are you willing to pay for such valuable information as we can diffuse, or shall we quiet our own individual scruples, and gobble up the wholé potent dose of swill te the enrichment of our own pockets?” “That depends, my worthy friend. If you have any important information for me, I will pay for it [according to its value—after I hear it, “That won’t work. We're working for col- lat, and collat we'll have, ef we bave to turn this reread over to Pierre Parrimore!” “You bet! Pierre Parrimore would show a flush hand for this chap, an’ he’s worth every cent as much to you.” ; ‘*] fail to see how!” *"Ca’se you're in snucks wi’ one General Staf-- ford, an’ this byer giant would give a heap to git away, ’ca’se he hes a ’portant secret, worth swads 0’ money to one 0’ the gineral’s darters!” ‘““What kind of a game are you trying to trump up now, you miserable bum? If you have got anything important for me to know, out with it at once, or [ll blow your bead off!” * Blow and be hanged. Make us an offer, an’ ef itis fair, we'll onload, Otherwise, we deal wi’ Pierre Parrimore!” “*Humph! bow much will the information be- worth?” “To Estelle B. Stafford, one hundred thou- sand dollars!” ‘What's your price?” “A year’s every-day drunk apiece, At pre- sent, it takes ten dollars a day, each, to keep us comfortable and snug. Ten times three hun- dred and sixty-five is three thousand, six bun- dred and fifty dollars. That sum two times is: seven thousand, three hundred. That’s our Tice | , sie | object, Mistber Soaker—I object,” spoke: up O’Gajl. “ Yez forgetsoomthin’. Six months. hence, tha whisky will not be havin’ tha same effeck as now, an’ tin dollars a day will not de us—not kape us even sinseless!” “You're a bog!” Soaker growled. ‘ Hang yer stupidity, won’t our face be equal to the emergency? Waal, I should croak! “ Yes, sir, Mr. Deadwood Dick, seven thou~ sand, three hundred will Jet you plum inter our confidence!” “Dirt cheap!” Dick said, reaching into an in- ner pocket, and taking out a wallet which con- tained a large sum of counterfeit money, which. he bad captured during a raid, several months before. ‘To make even change, I'll give you four thousand apiece. Here you are!” The bummers received the money with de-- light, and not waiting to examine into its actual. worth, shoved it down into their pockets. “Now, then,, unburden yourselves,” Dick said, ‘‘ and be quick about it.” Soaker did so. He related how McClurg, alias: Parrimore, bad sought to hire them, and how, later, they had entered his employ to learn whatever fell in their way, After leaving the hut in the ravine, the night of Deadwood Dick’s escape from Missouri Mag’s, they had pried around, played eavesdropper, and overbeard all that was said in the hut. d The substance of this they related to Dick; also how they had captured the giant, and’ his refusal to speak the word by which the money- bearin messenger from the South was to make bimself known!” ‘“That ain’t alll” Soaker continued. ‘We just come up from the town, and there’s the deuce to pay down there, and loads of it!” He then told of Pierre Parrimore’s coming to Nowhere, and bow be had aroused the ple to arms, by narrating General Stafford’s trick to release Deadwood Dick, “Ther town is in a boiling commotion,” Souker added, ‘‘an’ parties are being organized and «quipped to scour the neighboring country fer you and the general!” “Let ’em scour,” Dick said, grimly. “ When our mission is accomplished we'll bid them find us, if they can.” “Will there not be danger of their discover- ing my father and sister, even before we can necomnpliel our mission?” Cathie asked, anxi- ously. ‘Perhaps. We will see to that, directly. In regard to this fortune business, I have already marked the man who I am Satisfied is the messenger. I will find out of Some Pumpkins, here, the word; then he must be held a prisoner until the thing is settled.” - “Haow d’ye know you'll find out the word?” tbe giant demanded, speaking up, for the first. “TT ain’t sech a fool as to Five it up.” “Twill see!” Dick replied, calmly, throwing the full force of bis magnetic gaze upon the big than. “Ha! I fancy you are already Tell me! Are you feeling well?” “Quite well, thank you.” mine. -
Page 14
“So? Why some one is tickling your feet!” Instantly the giant beagn to wriggle and kick, while he Tered with laughter, until the tears rolled down his cheeks. ‘*Stop! stop!” he yelled. “Oh! cracky—oh oh!” ° ? ‘Will you tell me the word?” Dick demand- ed, smiling. **Yes! yes. Stop! stop!” “There! now you feel all right, don’t you?” “ Yes.” “Then what is the word?” “Tt is ‘Old-Hundred.’” ‘Look out! are you lying to me?” a Nol no! I hope you may cut my throat, if I “Very well. You lie still. Soaker, bind his bands!” The giant remained quiet until bound; then at oe of Dick’s hand, he came out of the ‘spell. ‘“You see f obtained the word!” Dick said, as the big man began to ee and swear. “Ye lie!” he roared. ‘* What was it?” *¢Old-Hundred!” A baffled oath from the ruffian convinced Dick that he was in possession of the correct word. He then turned to Soaker and O’Gall. “You two fellows remain here, and guard the giant. You shall be well paid forit. There ds little danger that the search will extend to this point. If it does, why, scoot, Can I de- pend on you?” “We aire yours truly,” Soaker said gracious- ly. ‘‘Hurry back, tho’, fer we're anxious to ‘start on the year’s jamboree,” “ All right,” and turning, the deliverer and Cathie took their departure. _ CHAPTER XVIIL ; THE MESSENGER, Dick and Cathie went directly to the cabin, ‘in the mountain pocket, and there took place a fl peg meeting, between the general and his ong lost daughter, and as well, between the two sisters. The general, of course, took a father’s delight in forgiving Cathie—or Bijou, that being her real name—for considering that she was 80 ter- ribly in earnest, in believing berself a Parri- more; he was proud of her ‘‘ blooded ” spirit, as he termed it. . Allowing them time for the first fond greet- ings, Deadwood Dick then said: ‘It will now be necessary for you to leave this place, and seek one that is far safer,” and he related what he had learned from Sis Soaker. are general looked surprised and apprehen- sive. His sore hip, was by no means healed, yet, be the prospect to him; looked anything but leasant. ** Where shall we go? Whatcan we do? If I were well, and it were not for my daughters, matters would not look so bad!” : One of your daughters will be no incum- brance to !” Cathie spoke up. ‘I shall ac- company Deadwood Dick until with the death of Pierre Parrimore the vendetta is ended.” “‘Hverythiug can be satisfactorily arranged) I think,” Dick said. “ By starting at once, we can reach Top-Knot ape) ten miles away, in time to catcb the stage, which will take you to St. Julien.. There you will be safe to remain until we join you.” “But how will I be able to travel?” the gen- eral asked, aye! “‘That.can be easily arranged,” Dick replied. “T have a horse, not far away, and can fix you out so comfortably, that you will not mind the journey. As for the rest of us, we can walk. ou all remain here, now, until I return with the horse.” He left the cabin, and hurried away out of ‘the pocket at a rapid gait. Cathie watched him from the doorway of the cabin until he had disappeared, with an anxious expression, 4 ‘What is it, that tells me he is going into great danger?” she murmured, “If he does mot soon return I shall go in search of him.” As for Deadwood Dick, be little anticipated any danger, and strode briskly along, without exercising the usual caution that marked his movements, In the course of a quarter of an hour be reached a small glade, surrounded by chaparral, and here a fine-looking horse was contentedly grazing. . Drawing saddle and other trappivgs from un- | Miss Stafford, and you can complete your busi- der a ledge, Dick quickly equipped the animal, and was about to mount him, when the omi- nous click! click! of several weapons, caused him fo look quickly around, There, standing not ten paces away, and cov- ering him with the aim of six revolvers, were the identical three men he had left on the pane O’Gall, and Some Pump- ins ‘Ho! ho!” the giant roared in great glee. “Who hes got ther drap, now, me noble duke? How der yer feel about this time o’ P. M.” Dick’s face flushed with anger. “What does this mean?’ he demanded, ad- dressing Soaker. ‘I left you to guard ‘this ek hid brute, and here you’ve turned trai- r ““Bet yer boots we hev!” Soaker answered, unblushingly. ‘‘ We ain’t no eejotts, ef we do put away a fair ‘lowance o’ tanglefut!” ‘*Nayther we aire!” coincided O'Gall. “You see,” continued Soaker, ‘‘our friend heer, suggested ye were a fat mutton, an’ bein’ as ye treated us skinny, ef we'd jine issues with him, thar’d be fun ahead, an’ money, too. So, heer we aire, an’ you aire our prisoner, and the Staffords will be, too, afore long!” ‘‘You’re not sure I am your prisoner, yet,” Dick replied. ‘‘ Besides, what have I done to you, to merit this treachery?” “Hey? Listen to that, will ye? Didn't” ye ive us seven thousan’—no, eig t thousan’ dol- ars, to git drunk on, an’ warn’t it all counter- feit? Oh! thar’s nothin’ slouchy about us, Ye’r’ our prisoner, an’ arter we git ther Staf- fords, we'll make a dicker fer good cash, wi’ Pierre Parrimore, an’ the .Nowhere Vigilantes. So, ef you value your own skin, surrender! We've got the drap on ye, and we mean biz- ness!” ae You bet we do!” assented Some Pump- ns. ** Av coourse we do!” chimed in the great and only Gilderoy O’Gall. “What if I refuse to surrender?’ Dick de- manded, with a view to Hip oro 3 the parley —for his quick gaze bad detected something, which gave him hope that help was near at hand. Behind the ruffians was a gigantic bowlder, and Dick bad seen something very decidedly like a man’s head, beyond it. “*What’ll we do, ef ye don’t surrender?” re- peated Some Pumpkins. ‘‘ Why, we’ll fill ye so full o’ phumbago that ye can’t navigate, an’ then hang ye up by the heels to bleed, while we go an’ fetch the Vigilantes down upon ye—you hear me! Spit ’er out!—will ye surrender, or no*—fer we'd jest as lief blaze away at you, as not!” : mae had little doubt but what he spoke the ruth, Before he could give answer however, a man step quickly from behind the bowlder, revol- ver in band, and cried: “Tbrow uy your hands, you wretches, or die in your tracks!” he challenge came so unexpectedly that the trio wheeled about in a rage, uttering oaths that will not r repetition here; an pens advantage of the opportunity, Deadwood Dic! drew his own weapons, and strode forward. “Yes, wy worthies!” he cried. ‘You had better surrender yourselves, I take it. Throw down your weapons and give in’ peaceably, or you die with your boots on!” Soaker and O’Gall uttered defiant yells, and bounded suddenly away, bent on escape. If they had calculated to escape, however, they reckoned wrongly, for two pistol-shots rung out, and witb yells of pain both threw up their hands and fell headlong to the ground. Without paying further attention to them Dick turned to the stranger, who still ‘‘ covered ” Some Pumpkins, “You are St, George Atwood?’ Dick said, interrogatively—'' the fellow whom Fakir Fred rescued in Missouri Mag’s saloon?” “Tam; and if I mistake not, you are Fakir Fred.” “Tam. Llittle thought, however, you would ever have a chance to serve me. ou are the man who came from the South as messenger, bearing money to Estella B. Stafford?’ Atwood started. “How do you know?” he demanded, suspi- ciously. Fe “Enough. A scheme-has been on foot to re- lieve you of the money, but fortunately it. is balked. The Stefford family are now under my protection, and your ‘Old-Hundred’ can be flung at me instead of the treacherous wretch you cover with your weapon. I willconduct you to Pe ness with ber.” “Which I shall be heartily glad to do,” At- wood declared. ‘*The sooner I get out of this country the better pleased I will be. I found out this giant was a villain, as soon as I arrived in Nowhere and met him. Accordingly, after the trouble in the saloon I kept shady and shadowed him, in hopes of thus being able to find the party to whom tbe fortune belongs. What do you propose to do with the big brute?” All of Atwood’s dudeish mannerisms, except for his dress, had now disappeared, and he had the bearing of a sensible young fellow. Dick did not answer the question immediately, but surveyed the giant keenly. He was really puzzled as to what disposal was best to make of him. : ‘*Ye'd better let me go!” Some Pumpkins sug- gested. ‘‘ The puddin’s in the fire now, anyhow, an’ I can’t do ye any further barm.” ‘“You’re not to be trusted,” Dick said, “T pes the most sensible thing that we can do will to take you along with us. Let me bind your arms.” Seeing nothing else to do, the giant once more submitted to being made a prisoner; then, Dick leading his borse, the trio set out for the cabin in the pocket, which they reached withcut fur- ther incident. Here St. George Atwood delivered up to Stella a draft for ber fortune, aud the noble- hearted girl expressed her intention of sbar- ing her good luck equally with her father and sister. Preparations were then made to depart for Top-Knot, and the party were soon en route, CHAPTER XIX. AV INFAMOUS SCHEME. Sis SoAKER had not lied when he said that Pierre Parrimore bad created a general uprising of the citizens of Nowhere, His recital of General Stefford’s trick to se- eure the liberty of the Prince of the Road eaused the people in general great indignation —and, perbaps justly, too, for it certainly was rather a shabby act, on the part of Stafford, toward his friend, the Governor, 4 Once he had ignited the first spark of the fire, Pierre Parrimore was not the man to let it die out. He literally added fuel to it, until the flame grew too strong to quell. His proposal to organize parties of men, and send them out in all directions in search of the meral and Deadwood Dick, was greeted with earty applauce, and when he heralded the news that be, personally, would give five thou- sand dollars apiece for the two fugitives’ heads, the rough men of that even rovgher miuing- camp, were set fairly wild, and Parrimore was without doubt the man of the day. Inside of two hours, all work was suspended, in and about the camp, and the citizens, there- of, irrespective of rank or position, were or- ganized and fairly well eaceee for the work in hand—the work of bounding down to death, Deadwood Dick and General Stafford. They seemed to regard it as a matter of duty to them- selves» and justice, to seek and kill the two fugitives. hen all was in readiness for a temporary evacuation of the camp, Parrimore took it upon himeelf to again become orator of the day. “There is one fact, that 1 have suppressed | from you, until this minute,” he announced, because I wished the movement to get fully under way. I know exactly where the pireng- hold of Deadwood Dick’s road-agents is locate: i and propose to have the honor of capturing it, To do this, I shall require ten able-bodied fel- lows, whom I will select to suit myself. More than ten will be unnecessary, and in the way, where ten can do the work we"!. Now, Dead- wood Dick and General Stafford are not at this stronghold, as [ have learned by personal recon- noissance, but are hiding in the mountains, fear- ing to show themselves, knowing I am on their track. Therefore, after I select my pertiy, the other divisions are to sc.ur the country in various directions, in search of the two fugi- tives. Immediately after capturing the mai band, I will bring them here, and leaving Black Bird and my men to do guard duty over them, I will join one of your parties, and take active part in the search! ' _ ‘You should have been a commander in the late rebellion!” complimented Colonel Hazara Crocker, the owner of the Crocker Mine, “as J perceive you are a born warrior. But, are you
Page 15
certain that ten men will do you? Hadn’t you better take more?” ‘Ob! no. You see, I know just how the cap- ture will have to be effected, and | can handle ten men in those quarters far better than I can more. I lead my party directly north from here and all other parties must shape their route in different directions, lest they scare away my game, I will start half an bour in advance of the rest of you, so that I will be well toward my destination ere any of you have started. Remember! my offer bolds good to whoever fires the shot that puts out the light of a tags Dick’s candle, or that of Daniel Staf- ord, Parrimore then selected Black Bird and nine other men from the crowd, and they rode away out of the camp. a It was a noticeable fact that every man be selected was a typical ruffian, fit for any evil work; but in the excitement of the moment, little attention, if any, was paid to the matter. Pierre Parrimore and Black Bird rode at the head of their party, several yards in advance. Bird’s face bad rather an ill-humored expres- sion upon it, and there was a treacherous glitter in his eyes. Parrimore noticed the fact readily enough. “ What’s wrong?” he demanded, grimly. * Enough,” the other ruffian growled. “Things are getting pretty near a focus, and I haven’t seen ye shell out any o’ the filthy, I sha’n’t wait many hours longer!” “Nor will you have to. Before sunset to- night, ’ll place ten thousand dollars in your hands.” “Bah! I’m cussed if I believe you've got ten dollars to your name.” “Sh!” and the arch-villain glanced appre- hensively back at the other men. ‘“‘ te you’re right, my boy—bnt listen! Independent of the girl’s fortune, Ill ae the sum [ named in your hands by sunset if you stick by me!” ‘** How ye goin’ to do it?” Black Bird demand- ed, still suspicious and doubtful, ‘‘Dou’t think ye'r’ pickin’ Black Bird up fer a fool, Pierre arrimore!” ‘Did I mention such a thing? No! D’ye know what I’m goin’ to do?” ‘‘ How should I?” ., “Well, spur up a little, and I'll tell you.” They soon were so far ahead that there was no dagger of their being overheard. Then Pierre Parrimore said: “Pll now unfold to you my plan. I gave you credit of suspecting that [ was playing a game to win to-day, and so I am. en the other searchers leave Nowhere, what condition is the camp left in? There'll not be a dozen ple left to protect it! Yet, within the precinets of that very camp there’s money enough to set us up independent for a dozen lifetimes, ain’t there?” Go on!” ‘“Well, bere goes. Before we git to the stronghold we halt, and you remain behind with the gang. I go on to the stronghold, os- tensibly to reconnoiter, but in reality to git the boys. We return, creep up on you, and shoot down every mother’s gon of you—except yourself, of course. Then we go on to No- where, sack the town and take all the money we can get hold of, There f leave you, and each man shifts for himself. There’s not the shadow of a doubt but what the other searchers _will end the vendetta for me; anyhow, they shall find me badly wounded, which will, of course, prove me loyal to their cause; and if you like you can play the same racket, and we'll work together for the hundred thousand.” “That all sounds very pretty,” Black Bird said— except one particular, Supposing you should make a mistake, and shoot me when ye cut down the others? It won’t work, for a cent!” “Bah! Iwas never that false. If you like, ‘we will capture such of the gang as will surren- der, and shoot the others, At any rate, I give my. word of honor you shall not be burt.” - “Well, go ahead with your dance, T’ll Jook out and be ready to pop you if a bullet stings me!” They rode on, It was nearly sunset when they neared the outlaw stronghold. Then, in a little chaparral-surrounded glade, they came to 2 halt, and after a few explana- tions, Parrimore went ahead—to reconuoiter, _he told bis unsuspecting dupes, f Had they known bis real intention, he would not have lived five minutes more of his sinful 8. He went direct to the stronghold, an old cab- in in a neighboring ravine, ; ‘ SS a ee er Deadwood Dick Sentenced. Here, to the road-agents, he outlined the pro- ed attack, and painted a vivid picture of the immense haul in store for them. After a little consideration the masked band consented to become parties to the scheme, and in ten minutes were mounted and en route. Arriving near the glade they dismounted and wae in upon the victims of Parrimore’s plot, and took them wholly by surprise. A bitter fight, however, ensued, in which Parrimore did not expose bimself. j Five of the miners were shot down, and four at oy and bound to trees. : lack Bird was not molested. Then, with Parrimore’s order, all of the read-agents mounted, and with the two arch villains at_their head, dashed away toward No- *| where. All except one road-agent, who, unknown to the main party, had’ managed to remain — ” CHAPTER XX. THE VENDETTA ENDED. To explain who the road-agent was, who had remained behind, it will be necessary to make a slight retrogression. The trip of the Staffords, to Top-Knot, under Deadwood Dick’s able guidance, was accom- oe eb without any incident, and Dick and athie saw the general, Stella and Atwood safely aboard the stage, bound for St. Julien. Some Pumpkins bad been left bound, near the camp, where he might eventually be found, and released. After the departure of the stage, Dick and his fair companion left Top-Knot, and rode . ae ots f away, Dick having purchased Cathie a or Se, ‘Where do we go, now?’ she asked» ** Direct to the outlaw stronghold!” he re- plied, briefly. As he did not volunteer further information, she did not press bim for it. After two hours’ rapid ridin the ravine, and soon command stronghold. . Bidding Cathie remain behind, Deadwood Dick went ahead, and soon disappeared. It was half an hour, ere he reappeared, shortly after which two masked men came up. “These two fellows are the only two loyel men left of my band,” Dick said. “‘Parrimore is expected, to-night, and we are to take thése fellows’ places in the gang, until he comes, and our mission is ended. These gents are about to desert, anyhow!” The two men disappeared in the t and in due time returned in entirely different dlagtiaes: Their former road-agent attire and accouter- ments they surrendered to Dick, receiving in exchange the horses Dick and Cathie had ridden; then they departed. Dick and Catbie put on the road-agents’ gar- ments over their own. One of the men—a mere boy in years—fortu- nately bad been about Cathie’s bight, and his clothes fitted her nicely, and a false beard, sup- plied by Dick, fixed her out beyoud recognition. When their arrangements were all complete, ick gave her such instructions as she might eed, and then they advanced boldly toward the cabin. As they entered, Dick nodded, and said “all clear” to the guard, and they went and threw themselves upon benches, a string of which ran around the interior of the great room, and no particular attention was paid to them by the thirty-odd occupants of the den. They had not been there Hong. when Pierre d hi they reached a view of the Parrimore arrived and unfolded his plot. ‘We go with them,” Dick whispered. ‘When the attack is made, watch g your chance, and escape. When we go on, you ride like wild-fire to the vicinity of the cliff, where your brother is buried. Get some of the citi- zens together, and fetch them cautiously to the vicinity of Nowhere! I'll meet ’em, and lead be on!” ne a onsequently, the road-agent who had been ba cau it S ee ; = en the hoof-strokes of the road-agent party had died out, Cathie hastened ints the glade, and related to the prisoners Pierre Parri- moore’s plot. , As thev consented to join in the attack upon the road-agents, she released them, and bade them hasten to the vicinity of Nowhere. She then mounted ber horse and sped away, for she was a skilled equestrian. Better luck than she had anticipated greeted 15 her, for it was not long ere she met two of the bands of searchers, and a tbird was soon added. Then they set out for the mining-camp, It was dark ere they reached a point as near as they dared approach without reconnoissance. Here a halt was made, and they were directly joined by a horseman. “Gentlemen,” he said, “has my friend mada known to you who I am?” “No!” Colonel Ezra Crocker replied. ‘She has, however, explained the situaticn.” “Enough, The road-agents of Pierre Parri- more are now robbing the camp. The bank has not yet been touched. If you desire to put yourselves under my command, I will lead the attack!” x “ Certainly we will. But who are you?” “T am one who strikes for vengeance to-night —Deadwood Dick: We are friends for this occasion. If after we sweep those detestable villains from the town, you my surren- der, I will do so.” ‘*Not if I have anything to say about it,” the colonel cried, while the men heartily echoed his sentiments. Dick then made a fival reconnoissance, and re- ported the road-agents battering down the door of tho bank. “Come! Now is our time,” he cried, and waving his hat in the air, he led the attack. The road-agents being unhorsed, were taken wholly by surprise, and few if any escaped, the majority being ruthlessly and mercilessly shot Jown. It was an easily-won victory, and when the last pistol-shot had been fired, the victorious party made the night ring with a shout—one, too, strange to issue from their lips: “Hurrah! burrah for Deadwood Dick, as square @ man as ever met a foe!” When the dead and wounded were gathered, Dick and Catbie found to their regret that Pierre Parrimore was not among the number. “The vendetta is not yet ended,” Dick said. vd “ you pursue the villain further, Miss Staf- ‘or **Yes, You remember I bave a. twofold ven- geance to wreak on that nionster.” “Then I cannot leave you to pursue your ob~ ject alone, and perbaps fall into Parrimore’s clutches. We had best wait till daybreak.” Accordingly, they did so. In the morning, as they were preparing to de- part, Colonel Crocker approached them. * Another victim was found, awhile ago,” he said, “but he has just died. He left a death message for you.” oe ean stg _ he?” * Bir ack, He said—tell you that can easily find Parrimore, He is Sadly wousdel in several places, and could not have done other- wise than leave a trail of blood behind him. Ha it was who gave Bird his death wound!” “The wretch!” Dick exclaimed. “ Villain though I knew kim to be, I did not think him brutal enough to kill his own emissary.” They took their departure. A search was made, and they indeed soon struck a trail of blood. To follow it up, was no bard task. When noonday came, they reached a lonel spot in the mountains, where lay Pierre Parrt- more, dying. “Spare me! they approached. “Spare you!” Cathie cried, the Hight of un- dying hatred burning in her eyes, “Did you spare my brother? Did you spare my husband—my child, you inhuman wretch— you hyena?’ She laid ber hand upon a revolver, but Bick prevented her from drawing it. ‘* Don’t!” he said. ‘Tbe vendetta is ended.” Pierre Parrimore had sunk back, dead! Wretch though be was, Dick buried his re- mains; then he conducted Cathie to St. Julien, and restored her to her father and sister. The three, thus united, afterward went to California, and there Deadwood Dick lost track of them. ~ * Sis Soaker and Gilderoy O’Gall were not killed, but afterward had many a good drunk to- gether. SE As for Deadwood Dick, he is still in Nevada, where, as usual, he has fallen into a series of adventures, which may constrain us to again re- cur to the lion-hearted ex-knight of the read. - are me, I pray!” he moaned, as THE END.
Page 16
» “aSLNOnURAd WIINDHWII0 “HHOK MON “Ig WVITIZAA 86 ‘ON ‘ameupy pus orpeeg Aq ATxe0M paystiqug ‘SPOOM YON 18819 ay JO nog og ayy "LON *“SHWOO0O0 170 AG bcd 7 El | | a8 t gg “sRVaY GNY wiavagq *N ‘R204 MON 48 BOO J80q 8YI 4B PHidpuy EP 88H, puoseg sz * "93099 2ALT Wd 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 280 The Yankee Rajah. By C. Dunning Clark. 281 Plicky Phil, of the Mountain Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh, 282 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Joe Buck of Angels. By Albort W. Aiken. six ota Rocky’s ‘ Boyees,” By Buckskin Sam. Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Morris, : 286 Apollo Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, By Col. Ingraham. 288 The Parson Detective. By Ol Coomes, 289 Bhe Gold-secker Guide. By Captain Mayne Reid. 240 Gyclone Kit, By Edward L. Wheeler, 241 Rill Bravo and Mis Bear Pards. By T.C. Harbaugh, 242 The Two “ Bloods.” By Charles Morris. 248 The Diaguised Guide. By Ol] Coomes. 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. Merle, the Middy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham Glant George. . By Buckskin Sam. , 247 Old Grizzly and Mis Pets. By Capt.“ Bruin” Adams. 248 Slerra Sam’s Secret. By Edward L, Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, tle Animal King. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 250 The Midshipman Mutinecer. By Col, P. Ingraham. 251 Light-house Lige. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By Edward L. Wheeler. 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward §, Ellis. 255 Captain Apollo. By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Captain Mark Wilton. 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F.C, Adama. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven. By Edward L. Wheeler. 259 The Golden Harpoon. By Roger Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Ol! Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaught. By George L. Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Edward L. Wheeler. 264 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Captain Fred, Whittaker. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide. By Ensign Warren, 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail, By E. L. Wheeler. 269 The Gold Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward 8. Ellis, 272 Minkskin Mike, By Ol! Coomes, 278 Jumbo Jeo. By Edward L, Wheeler. “BOL Leadville Nick, 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sain. 276 Merle Monte’s Crulse, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 277% Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler, 278.The Three Trappers. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King. By T. C, Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. By Edward L. Wheoler. 282, The Typo Detective... By Edward Willett, 288 Indian Joe. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 284 The Sea Marauder. By Colonel Prentise Ingraham, 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy. By Edward L. Wheeler. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 288 The Scalp King, By Captain J. F.C. Adams. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charles Morris. 290 Little Foxfire, By Oll Coomes, 291 Turk, the Ferret. By Edward L, Wheeler, 292 Sancho Pedro. By Major E. L. St, Vrain. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyod Trapper. By Captain Comstock: 294 Dynamite Dan, By T. C. Harbaugh: 295 Fearloss Phil, By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift. By Edward L. Wheeler. 297 The Tarantula of Taos, By Buckskin Sam. 298 The Water-Hound, ‘Uy Charles Morris. 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. By Edward L, Wheeler, 800 The Sky Demon. By 01) Coomes, By Major E. L, St. Vrain. 802 The Mountain Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner. By E. L, Wheeler, 804 The Dead Shot Dandy. By Colone) Prentiss Ingraham 805 Dashaway, of Dakota. By Charles Morris, — 806 Neck-Tie Ned. ‘By Major H. B. Stoddard, 807 The Strange Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler's Pard. By Col, P. Ingrahara, 809 Dendwood Dick’s Big Deal. By BE. L. Wheeler, 810 The Barranca. Wolf. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 811 The Roving Sport. By Edward Willett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Maj, E. L. St. Vrain. “B18 Cimarron Jack. By Frederick Dewey. 814 The Mysterious Marauder. By Col. P. Ingraham, 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. | By Jack Farragut. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, By T. C. Harbaugh. 817 Peacock Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-w. oo! By Buckskin Sam. om, 819 The Black Rider. By Joseph ©. Badger, Jr. 820 The Sen Sorceress, By Jack Farragut. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen, By Edward L, Wheeler. 822 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett. 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Hazard, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective. By ttm Morris. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Company, the Sleuths of Philadelphia. By Edward Le Wiheeler: in 4 aed 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notios. By T. C. Harbaugh, 827 Creeping Cat, the Oaddo, By Buckskin Sam. 828 The Sky Detectives. By Major Mickey Iree, 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Harry Hazard, 880 Little Quick-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. $81 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sain. 888 Brimstone Bob, and His L 7 ss tette.’ By Major BE. L. St, Mie Lighting Moree, Quar 884 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterions Miner. By E. t. Wheeler. 885 Old Double Fiat. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 886 Big Benson. By T.C. Harbaugh. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King. By W. J. Hamilton. 888 A Tough Boy, By Phihp 8. Warne. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket, By Edward 1. Wheoler. 840 Clip, the Contortioniat, By Edward Willett. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. By Charles Morris. 842 The Mountain Deyil. By Harry Hazard, 848 Wanhattan Mike. By Edward L. Wheeler. 844 The Fighting Trio, By Buckskin Sam. 845 Pitileas Matt. By T. C. Harbaugh. 846 Rapler Raphael. By Major H.B. Stoddard. 847 Deadwood Dick's Ducats, By Edward L. Wheeler. B48 Fire-HMeels; or; Old Skinflint th i Roger Biebeek. P ‘a he Death-Shadew. By 849 Wild Wolf, the Waco. By Buckskin Sam, 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover. By Ned Buntline. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced. By Edward L. Wheeler. 852 Tombstone Tom. By Mnj. E. L, St. Vrain. 858.The Reporter-Detective. By Charles Morris, 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp. By Roger Starbuck, A New Issue Kvery Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdenlers, five cents per copy, or sent by mal) on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Strect, New Yerk, ,