The Dragoon Detective; Or, A Man of Destiny — page 27: what you’re looking at

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sccenav iets sertiinniaiionimsonpeesinnesesnecelisioaeaninmnle amnesiac te-etieorgees semssesieterenesip erences arian genet The Dragoon Detective, | A | «Wall captain, he paroled ms, upon my Christian word of honor to return to him, Imay say my solemn vow that I would do so, if nego- tiations failed.” ‘* And the negotiations, parson?” “‘ Ho demands for the ransom of Miss Conrad ten thousand dollars.” ‘tHe is modest; but what does he value you at?” ‘t Hive thousand.” ‘‘ That is fifteen thousand.” Vip ser.” “* And if this is paid?” ‘We are both free.”’ ‘CTP it is not paid?” ‘¢ But it will be, captain.” “T say if it is not paid?” ; *¢ He threatens to hold possession of Migs Con- rad until it is, and ta show he isin earnest will hang me.” “That is a savage threat.” “¢ And he will keep it.” ‘< But how is this money to be paid?” ‘¢T am to take the money to a givenspotin the valley, accompanied by Mr. Conrad, while he will send Miss Conrad to meet me under charge of a man who will receive the money. ‘* His force will be back on the hills, and your force will be, and each can see the otaers when we move down into the valley to the meeting- place, so there can be no treachery.” ‘* Well, Mr. Conrad, I suppose you would give ten thousand dolars for your daughter’s lib- erty $” » Gladly, sir, iLit beggared me.” “ And, gentlemen, | suppose five thousand dollars could be raised to get the parson out of the hands of the Philistines?” There were scores of voices raised pledging various sums, and Landlord Champ said: ‘‘Thesum could be readily raised, tor you can put me down for a hundred.” ‘“‘One moment, gentlemen,” and the voice of the Dragoon stilled the crowd, ‘““This plot of Captain Brass is a good one, and would have to be agreed to, but for one circumstance.” ‘‘ And what is that?” cried a voice. “The fact that the Lady Gold Dust escaped last night from the Road Raiders’ retreat, and is now in her father’s home.” The parson looked dazed, while a silence fell upon the crowd, so deeply were they impressed. ‘Ts this not so, Mr. Conrad?” ‘‘ This, captain; my daughter is at home in safety, and I did not tell you of it, gentlemen, as this gentleman, who rescued her— “Through the aid of one other whom now I cannot name,” modestly said the Dragoon. ‘The captain,” continued Mr. Conrad, ‘‘ re- quested that I should not make known her return for awhile, and I now see that his motive was not to let it get out until he chose to make it known himself,” ‘‘ And my motive, gentlemen, in keeping it hidden, was to preveut the escape of the parson here, whom now I beg to say is my prisoner |” Had a bomb ‘bell fallen into The Barracks, it would not have created greater consternation than did the words of the Darhng of Destiny. As he spoke he seized the parson in his power- ful grasp, there was an instaut’s struggle, and he had him handcuffed, The crowd pressed forward in anger; but the Dragoon was now aroused, for he cried in a voice of thunder: “Back, men, all of you, and hear me! “This man is my prisoner, mind you, and I sha]] hold him secure until the proper time when he is needed. ‘‘ He is n0 parson, bus a fraud. ‘‘ He is one of the Road Raider gang who vol- unteeren to play this part that he might cap- ture Miss Conrwd, and more, still playing the art betore her of a captive, ie ‘vas seeking to ail you buy him from Cayptuin Brass, after which he was to live in Gilt Hdge City as the Road Raiders’ spy, a wolf in the garb of a lamh. ‘- 1 say thie, gentlemen, and I know it.” Mr. Conrad, Vernon and Landlord Champ were ag deeply amazed as were the others at this bold charge. There was a wild murmur going through the crowd, and the pretended parson took advan- tage of it to say: : a Pards, thisis false! I ama minister of the Gogpel]” ‘* Silence, sir! you are a double-dyed fraud, and you made Tempest your tool while you were here, as have the proof— No, no, men, be is my prisoner, I say, and 1 shall protect him, if I have to kill to doit, ‘* When the proper time comesI will produce him, but now ho goes with me. . ‘“Ho, Brindle, drinks and cigars for the gen- tlemen.” The determined manner and the fact that they knew he was not to be trifled with, aided by his timely remark to Brindle, quelled the trouble, and cheer after cheer was given for the Dragoon as ho sode away, carrying his prisoner mounted upon the Road Raider chief’s horse, which he had icaned the “parson” to ride to Gilt Bdge City 6¢ Cpotain, you are the best 1 ever caw, ‘““Command me in anything,” said Landlord Champ, following the Dragoon to his home. ‘* T will call on you soon, Champ,” was the re- ply, and the Dragoon rode off with his trembling prisoner and accompanied by Mr, Conrad and Sylvester Vernon. CHAPTER EIT A SPECIAL MISSION, WHEN Matt Murdock left the Drazoon and Kate Conrad, he went on at a lope, which the splendid horse he bestrode seemed to enjoy. At the first stage-station he stopped for a short rest and gave his horsea good f¢ed. telling the man in charge that he was bearing dis- patches. At the next station he left his horse and mounted au animal he hired, and thus he push- ed on until afternoon, when he rode into the village which was kuown as ‘‘ Number Five,” on account of its being the tifth stage halting-place on the Overland trail. Here was en Indian agency, a sutler’s store, and in fact quite a settlement. But Murdock lost no time looking about him, but puttiog his horse up at the tavern, quickly sought the sutler’s establishment. To his great delight he found just what he wanted there, and an officer’s undress uniform, a sergeant’s and four for private soldiers were parchased, along with military saddles and bri- dles. Of course the sutler charged him for the sec- ond-hand things considerably more than they had cost when new. ‘ But this Murdock did not care for, and three ack-saddles were bought and the things packed into them. Then of course the sutler had horses to sell, and three good animals were purchased. It was now nearly smnset, and going to the tavern the young miner ate a, bearty supper and went to bed, telling the landlord to call him at midnight and have his: horses ready for the road, Sharply on the hour he started, and passing one station without halting, before dawn, he stopped after sunriseat the third from Gilt Edge City. Worcs he had breakfast and gave his horses a two hours’ rest and himself a good nap. Then he pressed on to where he had left the black horse belonging to the Dragoon, and found the animal well rested and ready for the road, It was an hour after dawn when he rode up the chasm path to the Road Raiders’ retreat, and Captain Brass was amazed to see him back so soon, “Did you get them?” ‘* Yer, sir.” 64 Al a” ‘‘'Yes, chief, saddles, bridles and uniforms, and I bought the three horses as you ordered, and traded mine for this splendid black,” sy course you gave big boot for that ani- mal)? *t Yes, sir.” ‘You have done splendidly; but where is Tempest?” “ Piet him behind, sir, for he was recognized as an old offender and made prisoner.” “*'You do not mean it?” ‘* Yes, sir.” ‘Could you not get him out in some way?” [thought it moreimportant to push through this matter on hand, and then see to the release of Tempest.” “You are right: but you seem to hate this Dragoon as heartily as I do.” ‘* He drove me out of Gilt Edge City, brana- ed me as a cheat, and I left a good paying mine there,” fiercely said the miner, ‘* Well, Murdock, you must be worn out, for you have made a wonderful ride, so get your breakfast and then sleep until noon. ‘*T will have your ya unpacked, and fit the uniforms to the men.” “T bought a sergeant’s uniform, besides my own and four for private soldiers.” ‘Well, it wil look tbat much more real; but I will have to get the barber at work on the heads and faces of the men that are to accom- pany you, so as to make them Jvok soldierly.” ‘ é Yes, sir, they must look what they pretend o be. ‘‘ And your plan is to seek the hospitality of the Dragoon for the night, and seize him?” ‘Yes, sir, I can ask it as a fellow-soldier, making up a good story, and I got some infor- ot i regarding officers and regiments from the settlers, ‘IT will seize the Dragoon avd that large negro servaut of his, and if it can be done with- out attracting attention, I will try and kidnap three other persons who will pay well.” ‘Who are they?” ‘‘ One is the one-legged miner, Bad Luck, who Iam sure knows where the mine of that old miner whom they call Judge. is.” ss a does he know that?” eagerly asked the chief. ‘T have an idea that he does, sir.” ‘Then capture him by all means and we will force the secret from him.” ** Then Landlord Champ would pay a big sum for his release, and with Mr. Conrad a captive with bis daughter, tno wife would pay any amount.” **'You plan well, Murdock; but the daughter is no longer a captive.” ‘* Then you got the sum yon demanc el?” ‘* No, she escaped.” ‘Do you mean it, Captain Brass?” “Tam sorry to say that I do. ‘“ She was rescued by that accursed Dragoon. ‘* He came to our retreat the night you left, as lock out of tae cabin and carried her off.” ‘* You are sure he did it, sir?” ‘* He ieft his bowie-kpife, with his name en it, sticking in the window.” ‘* But how could he get here?” ‘““That I do not know; but he came, that is certain, and she has gone.” ‘* And the parson?” ‘*Has not returned from Gilt Edge City yet to report: but [ guess well get the amount I demand for him.” ““T hope so, sir,’ and after still further con- versation the miner sought the rest he so much needed, When he awoke he found five men in uni- forni, and in their cleau shaven faces and close- cut hair they looked like real soldiers. Their borses were, ready saddled, and their sabers hung to their saddle-horne, In a short while after placing himself in the bands of the barber, Murdock eame out looking very youthful and bandsome. Donning his uniform it was very becoming, and with best wishrs from the chief and his half-score remaining men, the pretended sol- diers set off on their trip to Gilt Edge City. It was two hours after dark when they rode up to The Barracks, and Landlord Champ at once told the supposed lieutenant that a dra- xoon captain was there, and he called the Dar— ing of Destiny and presented him to ‘t Lieu- tenant Matthews.” ‘*T cannot let you and your men stop at a he- tel, heutenant, for I have a large cabin, end you must be my guests,” said the Dragoon, aid be mounted his horse and led the way to Los home. - A good supper was served by Hannibal, and then the men were givena large room to sleep in, the lieutenant telling them to leave their arms outside in the hall. Just as they were ready for bed the Dragoow and six miners, armed with rifles, entered, anil the pretended soldiers found themselves in irone before they realized what had occurred, while their uniforms were taken to serve in carrying” out the plot to its end. Just at dawn a cavalcade rode away from the Dragoon’s cabin, They were the Darling of Destiny, Murdock in uniform, five miners. shaved up and in unpi- form, Mr. Conrad, Landlord Champ, Hannibal and Bad Luck. All were well mounted and armed to the teeth. They rode along at an easy pace, and as they drew near the valley into which op ved the canyon that led to the retreat of the Road Raiders,a change was made in the order of mareh. j First roce Murdock, and by bis side the Dre.- goon, the latter apparently bound with a stout lariat. Behind these were Landlord Champ, Mr. Conrad, Bud Luck and Hannibal, the four secming also to be bound tightly with strong ropes. Bringing up the rear were the five pretended soldiers. They were spied by the lookout on the rocks, and at once reported to Captain Brass. All was at once excitement in camp, where the chief, looking through his spy-glass, crie& joyously: ‘¢ That splendid fellow Murdock has won, ft he has the Dragoon a prisoner—yes, and /.i« negro, and also Mr. Conrad, Landlord Cham9, and the one-legged miner. “* Boys, stand ready to cheer them as they ride intothe glen.” The Road Raiders did stand ready, and they were nearly beside themselves with delighi ® the splendid success of Murdock. Up the chasm-path in single file rode the p” ty, until they reached the open space on top. Thirty paces away stood the chief and tite men, grouped together and shouting vocite . ously. Thon quickly the party of horsemen formed five abreast, and to their front rode the oe of Destiny, his bonds suddenly falling off, as di those of the ether supposed prisoners. ‘* Hands up, Road Raiders!” came in thunder’ tones from the Dragoon, Then the order was given: ‘* Charge!” e With a cheer and a revolver in each hand the- band of horsemen charged upon the panic- stricken Road Raiders. ‘* Right them back! Kill the traitor dogs!” So shrieked Captain Brass, as he opened fire upon the attacking party, and hot and fast rung: out the revolver-shots. : But as Captain Brass spoke he fell to the S L_} Gomichoo (€@)