The Deadwood Dick Library: Denver Doll's Device — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

Be k i2 ereer Doil’s Devise. said, finally, and hor tone was proof that she meant what she said. ‘ Still, for the sake of the dear little child, to whom Tl became greatly aftached—for her sake, I will endeavor to do all -in my power for you. You must look out sharp for yourself. Ifyou don’t the first you know you won’t know nothing. You have seen Miss Cr Te Carrol?” Yes. She bears a most striking resemblance to my lost wife,” * Might she not be Dora?” **No, I fear not. She is more vivacious and excl: and all I said to her in regard to my trouble didnot seem to affect her.” ‘Oh! well, resemblances are often encoun- tered. You keep quiet now and get well, and 1 will see what I can do for you.” Valentine Verner had not escaped the volley of salt and pepper. His breast, neck and face were full of it, and for hours he was in most acute agony, The evening following Denver Doll’s inter- view with Yankee, the Verners sat in their comfortable parlor, Mr, Verner being engaged in writing at the desk in one corner, Mise isabel, a stately brunette of four-and-twenty, satin a luxurious rocker, in front of the fire- place, her slippered feet upon the fender, and the fire-light shining upon ber fave. It was not exactly a handsome face, but what might be termed a coldly pretty face. The eyes and hair were jetty black, the first possessed of a power to warm up wondrously when anything pleased her. Sbe was evidently a woman who could love intensely, or hate rancorously, She was engaged in knitting some piece of fancy work, and ever and anon glanced toward her wounded parent, At last he laid asidehis pen. ‘‘ All the papers are made out,” he said, speaking more to himself than to "her. To asorrow I will sel] and receive the cash for all my real estate here, ready to go back to Sacra- mente, The twentieth is growing nearer and nearer.” “And no tidings of Dora nor the child?” isabel said, inquiringly, ** None, since she left isler, and fled to parts unknown. Eisler is here, and for purpose. A certain enemy of his is also in the vicinity. I fancy he suspects that this enemy has the child in his possession.” “You mean McParland?” “ Hxactly. & ae i‘ do not believe iti” ‘What cause have you to form any opinion on the subject whatever, pray?” vA capt! none, perhaps!” Isabel replied, lan- anes on the contrary, perhaps you have!” Verner retorted, sharply, ‘‘See here, Isabel, fe. ou know hetter than to, try. to deceive me. ‘or some time past you have hadacaller. I have nover before interested myself enough to ask who, trusting you were capable of Icoking out for yourself, But, a few nights since I saw @ suspicious character in a mask and cloak leave _ the house, as I was approaching it. Could you pepeoramcdste me with his name)!” Fire leaped into the danghter’a black eyes, “ T dare say I could if I chose,’ she answered, ‘tT don’t, however, consider it’ necessary for a parent to be too Inquisitive, where his bosom friends are concerned! Verner, with an effort, smothered an oath, “ What in Heaven’s name do you mean?” he demanded, leaping to his feet, ‘“‘T mean,” Isabel said, ‘‘ that I have a lover, or, rather, have heen quietly receiving the at- tentions of a man, who profes=es to adore me: This man is an intimate pal of yours, Is it necessary that I should mention any names?” “No! no! not at all! not at all!” the parent protested hastily, “But this thing must be stopped,” “Ha! ha!” Isabel laughed, ‘I am not par- ticular. Since Yankee has come here, I am easily appeased.” ention not that. ruffian to me, in connec- tion eas yourself, Dlldisown you if younotice him! “Ohl well, if the subject is too spicy for you, — drop it!” was the stinging retort, Just then there came a rap at the door, “ A enller on business; you may retire,” Ver- ver suid, motioning her to a rear room, “Tt ig aay necessary!” she replied, signt- ficantly; ‘‘ still I will obey.” And she vanished. Verner then opened the door, and admitted the visitor, who was the same black-haired and bewhiskered individuat who had earlier in the day been at Crystal Carroll’s store. He nodded familiarly and took a seat, Verner also became seated, “ Well?” he said, interrogatively. “Well! the other replied, ‘‘why were you, not around to see me?” “T was sick,” the speculator growled, ‘* Look. at me!” The man grinned: ‘‘ You aye a pet for beaut now,” be said, ‘* Why didn’t you finish the Sol for your antagonist?” “Tt was not I that fired the shot—that is why.- Woat is your errand here to-night?” “Tcame on two errands, or more properly one, as both are connected. Are you prepared to be surprised?” "’Oht likely I can stand the shock,” “You ought to,” the other returned. ‘To my own knowledge you are hardened enough to withstand a cannon-ball, Well, to be out with it—I am in love!” Verner yawned, but cid not reply. es, I] am in Jove!” the caller wen’ o: - the “it may appear strange. The object o my adoration—” <i “Is locked in the next room, of her own choice, to save enduring the agony of e Speen with you,” ane speculator interruptecl, mali ciously, The man of the black beard winced, then seemed to grow furious. “Valentine Verner!” he cried, sternly, © John MeParland!” the other returned, coolly. The road-agent fairly trembled when his name was uttered. ‘OSbl curse you,” he gritted, ‘Do know that walls sometimes have ears? ou not ougR 4 ~