The Banner Weekly: 'The Captain's Enemy' — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

be , a "til " 7 4 , —=- -7 ~~ > ‘ = we . os me, j SS) Saws »~ ea «4 oa.” ~ | ew a ; -¢ 4 5 a ~~ 2 sa a “e ~~ i 5 -_ Pod ae Sad ww m> a oe lay “If it is a painful subject, why not put it aside for this evening—if not forever?” softly asked Linnet, her cheeks flushing. ‘‘ Because L have something to say to which this brief life-history is a necessary preface, was the instant response. ‘‘ And yet, it ¢s hard, For instance: you called me Eric Alvord, but a little while ago. You believe that is my name, but I have no actual right to it; I can- not say that I have a right to any name! Linnet partly started from her seat, but with a quick motion the young lawyer checked er impulse. , 7 “ Let me explain, Miss Meredith, after my own fashion, please. ‘Tl am whol ignorant of the date or place of my birth. never knew father, mother or less near kindred. I may have sprung from the very gutter out of which a dear old gentleman picked me when very young—searcely more than an infant, in fact! For aught | can say to the contrary, my parents may have been the veriest dregs of society!” ‘No other dare hint as much, after looking into your eyes, Eric Alvord!” impulsively ex- elaimed the maiden, her cheeks all aglow, her glorious eyes filled with a generous fire. “Still, it may well be the truth, for all, Miss Meredith,” with a faint smile as he bowed in acknowledgment. ‘‘ And yet—like one in a dream, I often fancy I can recall different sur- roundings. It seems as though I bad,in m earliest days, lived with honest, if not ric people, Ican even trace the shadowy, phan- tom outlines of a fine house and extensive rounds! Yet—all that may be no more than a ream!” ‘*T have more faith than that! I believe it is a glimpse of the actual truth!” declared Linnet, emphatically. “T fear your generous heart leads you astray,” with another faint smile, his voice growing steadier, calmer, more matter-of-fact ashe added: ‘‘For my benefactor—the kind old gentleman of whom I spoke, as baving pick- ed meup out of the gutter—told me he had spent both time and money very freely in striv- ing to find out my antecedents, but wholly without success. e said that for years he had kept up his efforts to trace my past, but all in vain. ‘Of course it was a severe shock to me when he told me all this, as he lay on what was too soon to prove his death-bed, but I felt most his admission that I was not his actual son. I had been brought up assuch. 1 loved him as a fa- ther, as he richly deserved. If his blood had flowed in my veins, [ could not have been treat- ed more kindly, loved more truly! ‘* Tn less than a week, Mr. Alvord was in his grave, and I wasalone in the world. I knew that bis income died with him, but | cared naught for that. I knew that I had no right to the name I had borne since childhood, but even that gave me little trouble. 1 could only grieve for my dear benefactor—for my father! Even now | must call him that!” } There was a brief pause. When Linnet would have spoken, a motion of his hand check- ed the words that rose to her lips, Then he added: ‘‘ Tt was not until after [ came here and settl- ed down to business that I began to realize how truly unfortunate I had been; that I began to wish I had a name and birth to the record of which I could point without a blush. And as day followed day, this horrible blank troubled me more and more! “ Shall I tell you why, Miss Meredith?” ‘‘Tf you wish,” was the response, but, low as it was, his ears caught the sounds and rightly interpreted them. ‘*Tt was because I began to realize what won- derful meaning there is in the one little word— love! Because, almost before I realized the truth, I fell in love with a young lady, proudest among the proud, of aristocratic birth, of great wealth, lovely asa dream, the most perfect of all her sex!” There was no lack of warmth in his tones now. The pallor had faded out of his face, and his eyes were glowing as though backed by living fire. And though the maicen tried hard to keep ber eyes unwavering, they trembled and sunk be- fore his gaze. She could not even pretend to doubt or mis- interpret his meaning. In her heart she knew that this object of his great love was herself. And in her face she betrayed that knowledge, despite herself. But, Eric seemed willfully blind to even this glad trath, and if anything he drew a little fur- theraway. He even put his hands bebind him, as though the better to resist temptation. ‘‘T was just so insanely foolish, Miss Mere- dith,” he added, his voice gro ving more and more unsteady as he proceeded, ‘“‘If I had re- alized the truth in time, I believe 1 would have had manhood enough to flee from danger. I did try to do so, but—God help me!—I could not tear myself away even though cold reason told me I could never hope to win the consent of her father, should heaven be so gracious to me as to give me her affection in return for my mad, foolish love!” His voice broke off there, and he covered his face with his trembling hands. To start with a wild, breathless joy as a soft, warm touch ca- ressed his fingers, and a low, sweet voice mur- mured: ‘* And that proud, aristocratic lady, Eric? Did you never think that she might be just as foolish—if you call true love folly?” CHAPTER XII. THE SAND-BAGGER’S DECOY, As Dan Dunn entered the darkest portion of his way, the two men who had shadowed bim from the time of his parting with Eric Alvord, stole on silent feet nearer and nearer to him, until they were only a sbort distance in bis rear when that trembling woman so suddenly appeal- ed to him for protection. And, as the detective came to a pause,in answer to her appeal, the two ruffians crept still closer, the leading one gripping tightly a terrible weapon—the silent, deadly san sige, § As though she saw this peril, the woman shrunk back with a sharp cry, half-turning as though to seek safety in flight, but, before she could do more, Dan Dunn sprung forward and caught her wrist, bringing her face close to his own, Dim as the light was, it proved sufficient for his keen vision, and his yoice rung out sternly: **It is you, Shady Belle? What little game are you trying to play off on an old rounder like me? Am | your game, or did you make a mis- take in the man, Belle?” That path stride of his, carried Dan just beyond reach of the ruffian, who was on the very point of striking, and saved his life, for the moment, The woman shrunk back, still murmuring something which Dan Dunn failed to fully com- prelee then her demeanor suddenly changed. nstead of trying to escape, she flung her free arm about the neck of the menaced man, clinging to him desperately, crying in choking tones; ‘*Save me—don’t let him kill—” Even in that peculiar situation Dan Dunn was not to be taken pay! unawares, He caught the sound close behind him, and, slightly ducked his head as he sought to fling off the hampering woman and turn—but too late! ‘That for you, bloodhound!” came a grating voice, as the sand-club fell with a sickening sound upon his head, crushing him to the ground, almost carrying the treacherous wo- man with him as he fell, With difficulty she saved herself, reeling back, bringing up against the blank wall, ‘*Give him another on my account, mate!” muttered the second man, viciously, as he came closer to the fallen detective. The ruffian addressed stood with ready wea- pon, but Dan Dunn lay motionless as he fell, face downward, seemingly killed ontright, ‘*He’s got his fill, I reckon!” with a low, grating laugh as he bent over his victim, ‘*Curse him! I only wish he had caught a glimpse of my face before he went down in a I'd like him to know how I pay off my debts |” ‘‘ Not any in mine, thank’ee!” grinned his companion, neither of them paying the slightest attention to the woman who leaned against the wall, her face showing white against the dark background. ‘If I ow the debt is paid, that’s plenty for me; in addition to the ding- bats!” There was a moment's silence, during which Kit Melady—for he the taller villain was, with Don Fisher bearing him company in his vile plot for revenge and booty combined—felt of the body with practiced fingers, Then, with ashort laugh, he muttered: ‘*Tt’s all right, mate! I can feel the shape through his clothes! Lend a hand to drag him into the alley, and we'll soon finger the yellow- boys, after all!’ : “ That’s biz!” nodded Don Fisher, grasping Dan Dunn by the limp right arm, rudely drag- ging him across the pave and into the denser shade of the alley. narrow and filthy, evidently running back only a short distance, never hay- ing been cut entirely through to the next street. ss Nell Belle to watch for cops.” Kit Melady was already turning toward the white-faced decoy,a dark scowl upon his own features as he growled out viciously : ‘‘ What the foul fiend’s gotinto you, anyway? How did you come to make such an infernal botch of it, at first?” ‘‘His face—it was like meeting a ghost!” panted the decoy, one hand nervously loosenin the shawl at her throat as though it chok her. ‘‘ I never thought of—of meeting him!” Kit Melady caught her arm in a savage grip, bending until his face almost touched hers, dark suspicion in his eyes as they fairly scorched in their fiery ia ‘* Who is he? hat do you know of him? When and where did you ever have dealings with that fellow, girl?” With a desperate effort the woman rallied, ‘*T can’t—not now—I hate him worse than you do, Kit! I'll tell you everything when there’s more time, and—” From the gloom which shrouded the alleywa came a low but impatient whistle, and Kit Mel- ady released his grip to mutter: ‘* Keep watch, then, and give us ample warn- ing if anybody comes this way. Ill talk to you later !” With a rude shove he sent the decoy along the pavement, then glided into the alley, where Don Fisher was impatiently awaiting his com- ing. R You're taking your own sweet time, ain’t ye?” he grumbled, showing his teeth after a sulky fashion from where be knelt beside the motionless body. ‘‘If it ‘hadn't been for break- ing rules, I'd have plucked the pigeon and been miles away by this, What was the matter with Belle, anyway?” ‘* That’s what I’m going to find out—don’t you bother your head over it too bad, mate! Sure, you didn’t empty even one pocket before letting me know how long I was keeping you wait- ing?’ oT never tell you, if he don’t,” with a low laugh at the suspicion, which actually seemed to compliment his rascality. Dark as it was where they now crouched like ghouls above their victim, neither of the rascals seemed at a loss how to set about their glad task of stripping from Daz Dunn the fruits of their dastardly crime, With them, long practice had learned fingers to take rank pon of eyes, and Kit Melady deftly examined each pocket and tuseae their contents over to his companion in evil, These were not many, or of much intrinsic value. A few loose coins of silver. A pocket- knife, A couple of keys, tied together with a cotton string. One cerringet of heavy caliber, the mate to the one which had shattered the skull of Stuart Meredith’s horse that after- noon. ‘Tf this was ali, I'd call it mighty poor pay for tough work,” the shorter rascal grinned, summing up, while the busy fingers of his com- rade were getting at the heavy money-belt, ‘‘ But there’s plenty dingbats in that strip of hide—good luck our way!” ‘ ‘Cheese your cackling, will you?” viciously snarled the tall crook, flashing a hot glance over his shoulder. ‘* Never a chirp from Belle, and there’s no danger, mate th Kit Melady drew the money-belt from about the waist of the unconscious man, giving it a slight rap st the stones, drawing forth a musical clink that set Don Fisher off into silent ecstasies of delight, judging from his fantastic gestures and grimaces. ‘Sold ag’in an’ got the tin!” he murmured, softly. **1'd give double the amount rather than not have got even with the heavy-fisted cow-punch- er, though!” grimly muttered Melady, rising to his feet with a start as a dark figurea canted at the mouth of the aljley, pausing as though at tracted by the sound of bis voice, “It’s only the woman, mate!” muttered Fisher, catching the arm of his mate before he could strike, ‘' It’s only Belle, can’t you see?” “What is it—a cop coming?! Spit it out, curse you!” grated the tall crook, leaping for- ward and clutching the decoy savagely by the arm. ‘**No one is coming, but—is he dead?” hoarse- ly muttered the woman, casting a fearful glance into the gloomy passage. ‘*Not dead, but sleeping,’”? chuckled Fisher, irreverently. ‘* He must never awaken, then !”’ sharply mut- tered Shady Belle, and it was her turn to grip en arm almost savagely. ‘* Better run the risk of killing him now than have to do it later. Better silence his tongue before it can utter a a to put the police on our track, I tell ou ‘** Let him squeal! What harm can he do us? He never even caught a glimpse of ourshadows, let alone our faces!” ‘““He did of mine, and recognized me, too!” was the swift interjection, as the decoy dropped the arm of her companion and slowly entered the alley. With an instinctive glance up and down the dark street to make sure no one was approach- ing, the two thugs followed after, to find Shady Belle standing over the motionless body of their victim, her hands tightly clasped ether, a curious look of mingled horror, fear, doubt and hatred showing in her pale face. ‘** You're dead sure he recognized you, girl?” asked Melady. ** Didn’t you hear bim call me by name?” ‘*That does settle it, then!” and Don Fisher dropped to his knees by the side of the body, one hand rudely turning him from his side to his back, then feeling for his heart, ‘‘ It’s begin- ning to pump biood again, but I'll soor put a stop to all that—with thank’ee for the privilege, too!” he added, showing his teeth in a vicious grin as he drew a long, cruel-looking knife from his bosom, but only to have his hand clutched in the strong grip of Kit Melady. ‘* You fool! No red letters here, for the cops to decipher !” ‘** But—ain’t we got to stop his jaw?” ‘It’s his death, or the pen for us all!” urged the woman, ‘‘I tell you he knew me—he even called me by name, and—” ‘‘And I’m wanting to know just when and where he learned that, too, my girl,” with a short. ugly nod, then adding: ‘* But no red let- ters, I repeat. They might tell altogether too much, and bitterly as 1 hate the devil. ’'m not ready to run By, neck into a noose just for the sake of seeing him croak!” ** What shall we do, then?” demanded Don Fisher, sulkily putting up his knife. ‘* Let me think a bit, and you, Belle, take a look at the street. It won’t do to run any wild chances, just now.” Reluctantly the woman obeyed, but as she saw nothing either up or down the street to ex- cite her suspicions, she returned to her evil com- panions, with hot impatience, as she awaited the decision of her master; for master Kit Melady plainly was, to both of them. ‘*I don’t want to start a lot of police on our track, just now. I’ve got too big a e in view for tbat. Andso— That's the ticket!” ‘‘ You say so, anyway!” grunted Don Fisher, sulkily. ‘* Belle will go and hunt upa cop. She'll tell him she chanced to see a fellow getting laid out, up this way, and will fetch help to the cow- puncher. That will let her out, when he comes to himself, easy enough. Even if he has any suspicions remaining, it will be easy to clear them away. After all, he’s only an ignorant cowboy! I doubt if he ever struck a city before this week !” There was a brief silence after this hurried speech, and Kit Melady seemed to think the whole affair was settled, when Shady Belle one wae ’ ‘* You're willing to let me run the chances, are you, after I told you the fellow and called me by name? Do you want to get shut of me that bad, Kit Melady?” ‘* Don't be a fool, Belle!” ‘* Take that same advice to yourself, and be sure it will fit your case better than mine,” was the bitter retort, ‘‘I tell you, Kit Melady, you're either crazy or drunk when you even dream of such a clumsy trick as that! Do you call him a green cowboy? Then you’re ’way off! Instead of that, he’s one of the keenest de- tectives this side of the infernal regions! Don’t Il know him, to my sorrow?” ‘*Then you want to bid him good-by, ht now and in a mighty burry, my girl!” snarled Don Fisher, as his ugly knite again came forth; ‘*for if he’s that sort, then he’s on our trail, dead sure! so I'll shunt him off, quick!” (To be continued—commenced in No, 270.) RETRIBUTION. BY GEORGE W. BROWNE, My spirit is restless and lonely, i My mind overburden’'d with fear; The sun of my life is fast sinking, The shadows cf night drawing near. In gloom and in sorrow | ponder er hopes that were mine ere I gave The faith of my boyhood, of manhood, To tempters who bound me—a slave! Who yields in his strength to his weakness May find his ambition surpass’d: Who tastes of the wine when ‘tis pleasant May drain from the dregs at the last. Who scorning his honor and manhood, Betrays the heart tender and true. Has bidden to man’s best endowment A tearful, a hopeless adieu! [All Rights of Dramatization Reserved. | Zulita, - The Queen of the Island Rovers; Dishonored and Disowned. A Romance of Sea Hearts and Shore Homes, BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ MERLE, THE MUTINEER,” ‘* MON- TEZUMA, THE MERCILESS,” ‘* OCEAN GIPSY,” ‘* PIRATE PATROL,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER XLII. DON LEON’S VENDETTA. THE rooms which Dunbar Kennon had se- cured in New Orleans were pleasant ones, and he had obtained a handsome suite, for he was to bring to them his bride, the Queen of the Island Rovers, and Harman and his young wife Lazuli were to be his guests algo, while he remained in the city waiting for the sailing of a packet-ship for New York, In answer to his invitation, sent, by the hotel servunt, to ask Don Leon Lafonte, of Mexico, up to his rooms, that personage soon after put in an appearance. He was a man of fine physique, with a face that was striking, if not , and a quick, nervous manner that showed an active brain. He was handsomely dressed, wore considerable jewelry, and spoke English with a marked ac- cent. His black hair was worn ae a drooping mustache covered his mouth, while his eyes were dark and piercing. ‘Walk in, sir, and be seated, while I hope ou will pardon my not r ing where we ve met before,” said Dunbar Kennon, pleas- autly, to bis guest, as the latter entered. He stopped full in front of the American, did not take extended hand, and replied: ‘*‘We have not met before, sefior, though I have sought this pleasure for a long time. ‘* You speak Spanish, I believe?” ‘*T do, sir,and | would know why I am in- debted to you for this visit,” was Dunbar Ken- non’s reply, and there was some anger in his tone, as he did not like the manner of the al- leged Mexican. | ‘You shall soon know, sir, when I tell you that I came tothis port some months ago, hop- neve find your vessel here, and then sailed for Cuba, where I learned that you were doubtless at Cartagena. ‘*T went thither, saw your brother officers and obtained information that you had ed your lieutenancy and sailed for home, via New Orleans. ‘*T caught a fast clipper and arrived here but yesterday, when I h a brother officer, whom rom met in the hotel, address you by name, and ogy nee I roe found my man,” a : why have you thus dogged my steps, Don Leon Lafonte?” asked Dunbar Rcenenons. his anger arising at the manner of his visitor, ‘*‘ When your vessel was at Vera Cruz, more than two years ago, you fought a duel, 1 be- lieve?” ** Is the affair of interest to you, sir?” sé It is,”’ * And why?” ** You fought a duel with a Mexican officer, a colonel of lanceros, did you net?” ** I did.” ** His name was Colonel Santa Leon?” sé Yes. 9? ‘‘He was my half-brother.” ‘** Indeed?” ‘* Yes, and you killed him?” ** I did, sir.” ‘Weare a revengeful race, Sefior Kennon.” ‘* Ah! you seek to avenge your brother?” ‘*My half-brother, sefor,” corrected the Mexican. ‘**It matters not, sir