The Dragoon Detective; Or, A Man of Destiny — page 12: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

a eee etee sane 12 The Dragoon Detective. The words were addressed to the horse, which intelligently dropped back, and bis master was clinging to the stage. ‘Now, miss, 1711 relieve you of your hard task,” Kate had moved to the left, as she saw the daring man mount the stage from his horse at the risk of his life, and gave him the reins as he took his seat. She handed them to him quickly, and without a word, and he saw that they were all right, not twisted, and each one drawing well. “Thank you,” he said, and he drew upon the reins a long, hard pull, while he called to the horses in a tone of command. The frightened animals felt the strong pressure, heard the cool, commanding voice, and telt that they had a master to deal with. Then the foot was placed upon the brake, and, small and shapely though it was, the pressure was sufficient; the scraping against the wheels showed that the brake was working well, and in a minute more the team were brought to a standstill. And just in time, for a short hundred feet ahead the trail wound around a steep mountain spur, along a narrow ledge, which could not be passed over faster than a walk, as a precipice was ae the other side that looked down nearly a hundred feet. ‘‘Oh, sir, we all owe you our lives,” cried Kate, laying her hands upon the arm of the daring man who had come to their rescue, ‘*T am happy in having done so, I assure you, miss,’ was the gallant reply, while just then up dashed Ribbon Rob with his two prisoners, and he shouted in a voice that rung like a trumpet: ‘‘ Ladies and gents, let me interdooce to yer ther Darlin’ o’ Destiny. and ther whitest man in these here parts.” And thus Kate Conraa knew who her rescuer was. CHAPTER XXT. THE ARRIVAL, Katnm CONRAD was gazing into the handsome face of the Dragoon, and at the blunt introduc- tion of him by Ribbon Rob she saw him blush like a girl. Her father and Mr. Vernon, as though anx- ious to get out, had sprung from the coach when it stopped, but Mrs. Conrad and Pink remained, the former remarking that she no longer felt any dread, ‘‘ Permit me to thank you, for more than my life,” and Mr. Conrad’s voice trembled as he spoked to the Dragoon, who raised his hat and replied: ‘Tt has all turned out well, sir, and I con- gratulate myself upon having been so fortunate as to serve you. ‘*Come, Rob, shall I drive on, or will you?” “ Cap’n, Dll stay right here, for I cave to you in holdin’ ther ribbons, ‘You is the boss, and none but you c’u'd ’a? re what you done jist now and stopped thet eam, ‘‘Lowes yer thanks, Pard Dragoon, and I is yours fer life, so sail right on with’em inter Gilt Edge and let ther boys see yer is a ribbon- holder yerself. ‘*[Tl fetch yer horse and this gallows fruit,” and Ribbon Rob glanced significantly. at his prisoners when he referred to ‘‘ gallows fruit.” ‘Then, gentlemen, if you do not fear to re- enter the stage I will drive on,” said the Dra- goon with a smile, and he added; ** And will you still retain your seat on the box, miss, or do you prefer to get into the stage?” ‘“If you are willing, sir, I prefer to remain where on The Dragoon bowed and then started the team, while he answered: ‘You are wise, if you are fond of finescenery, for the drive from here in is a grand one.” ee do en py beautiful scenery, as you may know when I tell youl paint a little: but do ‘ou know, sir, even after all of good Ribbon ob’s flourishing introduction : do not know your name, and I will set a good example by telling you that mine is Kate Conrad.” ‘““And mine is Harl Gaston, Miss Conrad,” was the reply. ‘You are a soldier, of course?” ‘‘T am at present a miner in Gilt Hdge City.” She thought she detected a desire to avoid questioning, so she said: ‘‘Had you not caught up with the stage be- fore we reached here, we would have been dashed to pieces,” and she shuddered as she glanced down over the precipice. . ‘* Yes, this isa dangerous turn to make at a pace faster than a walk, and [had it in mind during my chase of you.” ‘© But what became of your troopers?” The Dragoon laughed, and then he told how he was returning from having carried some dispatches to a scouting command, and found at the station thatthe stage had left with Mr, Conrad and his party. ‘“[ had purchased a couple of fine black horses, and a few articles back in the town, so amade my new animals carry the packs. ‘*Coming upon the scene where you were in the clutches of the Road Raiders, I drew back quickly and contemplated sounding my bugle and charging, when I saw Ribbon Rob ap- proaching with two of the outlaws. ‘‘ When he came we at once arranged our little plan, and it worked well; but let me con- gratulate you, Miss Conrad, upon your superb driving.” He had not told her avout the slain dispatch- bearer, nor of how he had captured the two men with Ribbon Rob. He was modest as a girl, and hardly spoke of himself, Knowing how to drive herself, Kate noted how superbly he held his horses in hand, and once away from the most dangerous part of the trail, he sent them along at a lively pace. She wasin ecstasies over the beauty of the scene, and gazed eagerly upon Gilt Edge City as it came into view. ‘‘ And that is our future home??’she said, ‘“Do you see that group of cabins on the hill, far over to the left?” eon,” ‘That is Fort Folly, which Landlord Champ has fitted up for you, and it is the best place by far in the camps.” ‘‘ And that large building yonder?” ‘‘ Is The Barracks, once a fort, now the hotel of Landlord Champ.” ‘Tt seems wellsituated for a fort, ona ridge as itis, and communding the approaches upon all sides, while I should think that Fort Folly would be commanded from the mountain above it. ‘You speak like a soldier, Miss Conrad, and if the officer who built Fort Folly had had your strategic observation, he would have escaped a very severe repriinand from his general.’ - ‘“Some persons see, but yet observe nothing; but what a quaint place Gilt Edge City is,” Pigs is more than quaint,” was the dry re- ply. ‘* And where is your house?” ‘*Do you see that cabin front away off on the hill, just looking out of a glen or canyon?” ct Yes,” ‘““That is where I live.” ‘* All alone?” She regretted the question as soon as asked; but he answered: ‘‘T have a faithful comrade with me in my colored servant,” ‘“Well, I am determined to like Gilt Edge City, and if the rest of its citizens pan out—is not that the word?—as the two whom I haye met, [ am sure we will all be delighted.” ‘* Your father is to mine here, I believe?” ‘* Yes, for he has great confidence in his abil- ity to find gold, and did find a fortune once; but then he was too generous with his signature on the back of notes, and lost heavily, so deter- mined to come here and get a fortune the equal of his other.” ‘‘Ask him to be cautious what he buys, and to consult Landlord Champ, for he will not de- ceive him,” ‘‘Thank you; but there is quite a crowd at Tho Barracks, as you call the hotel. “They are expecting you, doubtless, and, as I amrepresenting Ribbon Rob, I must announce our coming in proper style.” He took the bugle, which hung to his belt by a cord, and instantly the notes rung out with thrilling cadence, Ribbon Rob was a good hand with a stage horn, but never before had the crowd gathered at The Barracks beard such bugle music, and they cheered lustily as the stage dashed up, and they saw who was upon the box. Landlord Champ ran out and greeted the vis- itors and threw open the stage door, while the Dragoon, having thrown his reins to the stable- boys, lifted Kate Conrad lightly to the ground. Raising his hat, as she turned to Sylvester Vernon, he was about to go, when she said: és Captain Gaston, permit me to present my father’s secretary, Mr. Vernon, who is also one bing owes youa debt of gratitude for saving his e ‘*T do, indeed, sir, and I am happy to have the honor of meeting you, Captain on,” re- plied Sylvester Vernon, who, though angry at the manner in which Kate had persisted in re- maining on the box, could not but teel that he owed to the Dragoon his life, In answer to the numerous inquiries regard- ing Ribbon Rob, the Dragoon pointed down the road to where he was seen coming with his pris- oners, and was then led into the hotel by Mr. Conrad to meet his wife. It was decided that the family should remain at The Barracks for the night, as it would be dark before they could get into their new home, and Landlord Champ had his pleasantest rooms fitted up for them and as remote as possible from the bar. While talking to Mrs. Conrad the Dragoon suddenly heard wild cries without of: ‘* Hang ’em!”’ “String °em up!” ‘No, no trial, but hemp!” ‘‘ Pardon me, please,” be said, quietly, and hastily left the little parlor, for he saw that the strangers were greatly alarmed. CHAPTER XXII. AN OUTBREAK, Tue cries that had caused the Dragoon to leave the parlor and hasten to the front of the hotel arose from the crowd of miners congre- gated there and fully a hundred in number. It was known that the strangers, who were | tolivein Fort Folly, were toarrive with Ribbon Rob that ufternoon. Rumor had it, too, that the Road Raiders would never let the strangers come through. without big sya | as ransom, So a great deal of curiosity was felt to see them and to know if Ribbon Rob got through. without a halt from the Road Raiders. Curiosity, therefore, had caused quite a large: number to congregate at The Barracks, most of them being idlers, or workers in the camps and. not out at the mines. The crowd was an ugly one, and they had been in to visit Brindle a little too often while waiting for the stage, which was late. : Seeing the Dragoon driving, instead of Rib- bon Rob, had caused great excitement, and. when at last the driver came up with his prison- ers the crowd was at fever heat for anything. ‘‘ Hello, Rob! who’ve yer got thar!”’ shouted one. Ribbon Rob was riding the Road Raider chief’s horse, and with their hands tied behind them, and mounted upon the pack-animals be~ longing to the Darling of Destiny, were his pris- oners. They were wild-looking specimens of human- ity, now that the masks had been torn from their faces, and they seemed to realize fully their danger. : Trotting epee aa | behind was Trailer, the splendid steed of the Dragoon. : Halting at the door of The Barracks Ribbon Rob called out: ‘‘Tandlord, rooms for two select boarders, please, ontil they is tried and hanged, for these men be Road Raiders.” Wicked men are ever ready to condemn others, and instantly a howl of rage arose against the prisoners, i ‘*Hold on, pards, fer you is jist a little too rapid. ; ; ‘«These men is prisoners o’ ther Darlin’ o° Destiny,” cried Ribbon Rob. : ‘‘They ere Read Raiders and shall hang,” said. one, “They may hang, but yeu hain’t a-goin’ tei hey a trial over them.” ‘They are guilty and shall swing now.” ‘* Yes, up with them.” ‘* Hold on, pards; don’t go too fast, for Ribbom Rob is right,” cried Landlord Champ. ‘¢ They is going ter hang now,” a voice said, Then arose the cries that alarmed the stran- gers in the parlor and caused the Dragoon to: eave the room. Instantly Mr, Conrad and the others ran to the windows, for, forgetting about the prison- ers, end knowing the lawlessness of the country, they feared that even they might be the cause of the miners’ hatred. When they reached the windows they saw the Dragoon saunter out upon the piazza in the easiest manner possible. : Not a sign of excitement was upon his hand- some face, and he was even smiling. The horses from which Ribbon Rob and the prisoners had dismounted stood near the steps, and the crowd surged about them, Ribbon Rob and the two Road Raiders had not been able to reach the steps, for the crowd had surrounded them and checked their advance up to the piazza. Standing on the top step was Landlord Champ, and he was trying to quell the excite-- ment of the angry crowd. : Ribbon Rob was calm and determined. He had a tight grasp upon his prisoners, and he meant to cling to them as long as he could. He showed no temper, only earnestness, and he called out: ‘*Pards, these men were put in my charge. : ‘‘Send for the Dragoon, andif he says hang ’em, then I don’t keer; for I knows they de- sarves it; but ther man as attempts ter put a rope around ’em, ontil ther Darlin’ o’ Destiny says so, has got ter be grave fruit ther moment he does,” ‘ The strangers in the window saw and heard all now, and it was a relief to feel that they were not the object of the crowd’s hatred. They admired’ the pluck of Ribbon Rob, and could see that, from his position, he had not ob- , served the Dragoon’s presence, In fact, as he stood near the upper door, no one of the excited mob seemed to have noticed him. ‘Yes, men, Rob is right and you are wrong. ‘* Leave the prisoners until the Dragoon says what is to be done with them,”’ calledout Land- lord Champ. The crowd yelled, and all that was necessary was a leader to make them seize the prisoners. That leader at once appeared. He was a tall, lank-bodied man, with a beard- less face, red hair, and eyes that glared like a tiger’s. He was known to be a desperate fellow, loving” a fight more than anything else, and he had a COMMIG HOOKS we