Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 1 — page 4: what you’re looking at

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

a . saw now that there was somethi a him: for Ned Harris had become notorious in Dead- r Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. | lantern burned suspended from the comes 525 wire. | wild, fragrant flowers, whose volume of wood for his coolness, courage and audacity, Ithad | Redburn eyed the strange youth as he been said of him that he would ‘just es lief shute a = as ed look - *im,”’ and perhaps the speaker was not far from . Anyway, he fed off through the savage-faced audi- ence with a composure that was remarkable, and, strange to say, not a hand was raised to stop him un- til he came face to face with Catamount Oass and his ang; here was where the youth had expected mo- fate on and hindrance, if anywhere. Catamount Cass was a rough, illiterate “tough” of the mountain species, and possessed more brute courage than the eneral run of his type of men, and a bull-dog determination that made him all the more dangerous as an enemy. Harry Redburn aol close at Ned Harris’ heels, a cocked “six’’ in either hand ready for any emer- ency. . It took but a few moments before the two ies met, the ‘“ Cattymount’’ throwing out his foot to block the path. **Hello!”’ roared the “tough,” folding his huge knotty arms across his parti of bared breast; “ho! ho! whoa up thar, pilgrims! Don’ ye go ter bein’ so fast. Fo’kes ‘harn’t so much in a hurry now-’days as they uster war. Ter be sure ther Lord manyfac- tered this futstool in seven es sumtimes I think he did, an’ then, ag’in, my geological ijees convince me he didn’t.” ‘*What has that to do with us?’ demanded Ned sternly. ‘“Lopine ye'd better spread, some of you, if you don’t want me to run a canyon through your midst. in a hurry!” * Haw! haw! my meat, an’ I think prob’ble ye be, I ain't a-goin’ fer ter let yer off so niceand easy. P’ who fired the popgun, a minnit ago, w’at basted my ole ?” ‘‘T shall not take trouble to tell!’’ replied Ned, fin- gering the trigger of his left six uneasily, “Ef want to know who salted Chet Diamond, the worst blackleg, trickster and card-player in Dakota, all you've got to do is to go and ask him!” “Hold!” cried Harry Redburn, stepping out from behind Harris; “I'll hide behind no man’s shoulder. T salted the gambler—if you call shooting and I’m not d to repeat the action by dozen more just of his particular style.”’ Ned Harris was surprised. He had set Redburn down as a faint-hearted, du- bious-couraged counter-jumper from the East; he of him, after all. *Come on, young man!”’ and the young miner a forward a pace; ‘‘are you with me?” **To the ears!” replied Harris, grimly. The next instant the twain leaped forward and broke the barrier, and mid the crack of pistol-shots and shouts of rage, they cleared the oon, Once outside, Ned Harris led the way. ** Come along!” he said, dodgite along the shadowy side of the street; ‘“‘ we'll have o scratch gravel, for them up-range ‘toughs’ will follow us, reckon. They're a game gang, and ‘hain’t the most desirable kind of enemies one could wish for. I'll take you over to my coop, and you can lay low there until this jamboree blows over. You'll have to promise me one thing, however, ere I can admit you as a mem- ber of my household.” “Certainly. What is it?” and Harry Redburn re- doubled his efforts in order to keep alongside his swift-footed guide, ‘Promise me that you will divulge nothing, no matter what you may seeor hear. Also that, should ou fall in love with one who is a member of my — you will forbear and not speak of love to er.”’ “Tt is a woman, then?”’ * Yes—a young lady.” “I will pro ;—how canlI afford to do other- wise, under the existing circumstances. But, tell me, why did you force me to shoot that gambler?”’ ‘tHe was a rascal, and cheated you.” “T know; but I did not want his life; Iam averse to bloodshed.”’ “Sol perceived, and that made me all the more determined you should salivate him. You'll find before you're in the Hills long that it won’t do to take lip or lead from any one. A green pilgrim is the first to get salted; I illustrated how to serve ’em!”’ Redburn's eyes sparkled. He was just beginning to see into the different phases of this wild exciting life. “Good!” he exclaimed, warmly. “I have much to thank you for. Did I kill that card-sharp?” east 0; you simply perforated him in the right side, way.” The been rnnning straight up the main street. Now they turned a corner and darted down one that was dark and deserted. A moment later a trim figure stepped be- SeuRMue b inenth oF evehiny waabdeainwren iaid upon };a of creamy whiteness was upon the arm of Ned Harris. “This way, pilgrims,” said a low musical voice, and at the same instant a gust of wind lifted the jaunty sombrero from the er’s head) revealing a most wonderful wealth of long glossy ; “the ‘toughs’ are after you, and you cannot find a bet- ter »), to coop than in here.”’ The soft hand drew Neu Harris inside the a which was finished, but unoccupied, and Redburn followed, not loth to > get into a place of safety. So far, Deadw had n ~ be him favorably as being the most peaceable city within the scope of a continent. Into an inner room of the building they went, and the door was closed behind them. The apartmeng was small and smelled ie apr oe lumber. A table and afew chairs comp the furniture; a dark Preach to some other pilgrim than me; I’m | | come so debased and— Yas, I obsarve ye be; but if ye'’re | - about her. ye kin tell | ; i | you | | salting a | ery of respectability and in were handed seats. Of medium hight and symmetrically built; dress- ed ina carefully tanned costume of buck-skin, the vest being fringed with the fur of the mink; woseng a P yn A panish sombrero; boots on the dainty fee ) patent leather, with tops reaching to the knees;- a face slightly sun-burned, yet showing the traces o beauty that even excessive dissipation could not, ob- literate; eyes black and piercing; mouth firm, reso- lute, and devoid of sensual expression; hair of raven color and of remarkable length;—such was the pic- ture of the youth as beheld by Redburn and Harris. ‘* You can remain here till you think it will be safe to again venture forth, gentlemen,’ and a smile— evidently a s er on ae about the speaker’s lips. “ -eve Ey. -evening!”’ nodded Harris, with a quizzical stare. The next moment the youth was gone. ‘Who was that chap?’ asked Redburn, not a little bewildered. “That ?—why that’s Calamity Jane!”’ “Calamity Jane? What a name," “Yes, she’s an odd one. Can ride like the wind, shoot like a sharp-shooter, and swear like a trooper, Is here, there and everywhere, seemingly all at one time. Owns this coop and two or three other lots in Deadwood; a herding ranch at Laramie, an interest in a paying placer claim near Elizabeth City, and the Lord only knows how much more.” “But itis not a woman?”’ “Reckon ‘tain’t nothin’ else.” “God forbid that a child of mine should ever be- ‘*Hold! there are yet a few redeeming qualities She was ruined—”' and here a shade dark as a thunder-cloud passed over Ned Harris’ face— ‘** and set adrift upon the world, homeless and friend- less; yet she has bravely fought her way through the storm, without ask anybody’s assistance. True, she may not now have a heart; that was trampled u not suffe blemish since the day a foul wretch stole away her honor!” ‘** What is her real name?” **T do not know; few in Deadwood do. It is said, however, that she comes of a Virginia City, Nevada, ence,” is juncture there was a great hubbub outside, and instinctively the twain drew their revolvers, ex- — that Catamount Cass and his toughs had overed their retreat, and were about to make an attack. But soon the gang were heard to tramp away, making the night hideous with their hoarse yells. “They'll pay a visit to every shanty in Deadwood,” said Harris, with a grim smile, ‘“‘and if they don’t find us, which ‘they won't, they'll h’ist more than a barrel of bug-juice over their defeat. Come, let’s be 9 going. They left the building and once more emerged on- to Se ee street, see said, tghtening ‘itis halt ‘*Follow me, now,” he . and we'll get home before sunrise, after all.” He struck out op —— or, rather, down it, for his course lay southward. Redburn followed, and in fifteen minutes the lights of Deadwood—magic city of Spel era ag te left — ronment mere ry wa 0 e rugged mountain ro at, after leavitig Deadwood on its way to Camp Crook and Custer City in the south, runs alternately through deep, dark canyons and gon with an ease and rapidity that showed him to well acquainted with the route. About three miles below Deadwood he struck a trail through a transverse canyon run- ning north-west, through which flowed a small , known as Brown's creek. The bottom was evel and smooth, and a brisk walk of a half-hour brought them to where a horse was tied to an alder sapling. R You mount and ride on ahead until you come to the end of the canyon,”’ said , un the horse. “I will follow on after you, and here almost as soon as you.”’ Redburn would have offered some gamer Rte the other motioned for him to mount and be off, so he concluded it best to obey. The animal was a fiery one, and soon carried him out of sight of Ned, whom he left standing in the yellow moonlight. Sooner than he e th gorge came to an pe A stupendous wall of roc but wait for roe Harris. He soon came, trotting leisurely up, only a trifle nt This way!” he said, and seizing the animal by th way!” an e y the bit he led horse and rider into a black gaping fissure in one side of the canyon, that had hitherto esca Redburn’s notice. was a large, narrow, sub ranean passage, horse and rider. Redburn soon was forced to dis- mount and bring up the rear. ® “How far do weejourney in this shape’’’ he de- | manded, after what seemed to him a long while. ‘*No further wpe vy and the ne! pe ge om eme oa pocke e of "the mountains—one of those beauteous flower-strewn valleys which are often found in the Black Hills. This “pocket,” as they are called, consisted of perhaps fifty acres, walled in on every side by rug- ged mountains as steep, and steeper, in some p ’ an a house-roof. the western side Brown's creek had its source, and leaped merrily down from ledge to ledge into the valley, across which it flowed, bubble the mi into the earth on the eastern side, only to | — e up again, in the canyon, with renewed ren n, years ago, but her character has | termination in the face of a | barely large enough to admit the | was almost sickening when first Every color and vail i _ the most | od. a log-cabin, overgrown -_—— — ++ ee _—) perfume the nostrils. ety imaginable was here, all i rfect bloom. In the eenter of the valley with clinging vines. There was a light in the window, and Harris point toward it, as, with young Redburn, he emerged oats ure the fiss There's my neg bp m. There ‘ e | for a time, at leas _ Set it free to graze. i at the cabin im due time. | sad-faced, was seated burn | eaters n as his e u e , Sweet face me golden, glossy hair, and Then they set off down across the slope, arriving ou will be safe the horse and t asle The door was open; a young woman sweet, yet upon the steps, fas ), ve ap involuntary cry of incredulity es rested upon the picturc- . surrounded by a wealth the sylph-like form, so e ery contour, But a charge of silence persed: in ev | Harris, made him mute. The ae man knelt by rl an the side of the sleepin imprinted a kiss upon the fresh, unpollu , Which caused the her dreams. sleeping beauty to smile in | A moment later, however, she opened her eyes and scream sprung to her feet with a “Oh, Ned!” s ogre trembling, as she sew, him, ‘how you frightened me. I had a dream-.o such a Sweet dream! and I thought he Suddenly did she stop as, for the first ti H penetrating blue eyes rested upon deathly pale, Ned Ha _ and supported her on his | “Be calm, Anita,” —_ io ba a 7 oaing ro ere to our sx om” ome arm. burn, neatness and primitive luxury. | _* How is it that you are Harris asked, as he unbuckled his tepped quickly, . so earl belt and wood. cam?an rr ok arry Blac A moment she gazed at him as in a sort of fas tion: then, with a low cry, began to retreat, gTo\ rig s Qrw aan her .- Forward he said, in a gentle, reassuring ay ag mye whom I have or a few days until e for him to be seen in Deadwo I make you acquainted with Anita.” _ A courteous bow from Redburn, a slight inclination of Anita’s head, and the introduction was made. . moment later the three entered the cabin, a model of - it will 4h dear?’ young upon a peg in the wall. ™ ene | URO te é wall. bapa hive AB , eh? : “ec Ind rl,aw smile wreathi ous, and feared something staid up.” EE ‘Your old plea—the presentiment of co fav nv ger, Isup ,’ and the youth la te tart fear. No. one i Red I have not been to bed ata ng her lips. ” replied the ‘*T was nerv- was going to happen, so I yly. ; But, | pe e our little ye et ge away. What is your opinion of it, — dan- “I should say not. I think this little mountain . retreat is without thusiasm. “The or mgr we such a delightful | Of t I will perhaps said Harris, musingly. Day soon dawned over the the ual,”” replied H y wonder is, how lace.”’ with en- you ever. you, another time,”’’ | mountains, and the _ early morning sunlight fell with charming effect into) ttle “ pocket,’’ with its countless thousands of: odorous flowers, and the little ivy-clad cabin nestling. down among them all. Sweet, sad-faced Anita /mo re of wild birde with dainty side berries, and a grown on a eultivated | cabin. Both Harris and his meal, for they had neither eaten receding noon. When they had . m Pes — Pre. ere fora few uring which bably be mostly awe on busi ] <- or two,.”’ e took down _ buckled 7 et. ” a He rambled about d cabin and the incessant — romped on the luxuriant eee door and listened Paradise ;—a bow- old fellow, who walked with a staff. he) with a grin. the cabin, and Redburn went out to fin Gude-mornin’ !"" nodded General Nix, (for it was om i “ es’ over ie this dcestrict | oy AB! ; on’ seem ter recognize yor | unkle, ? boy; I'm Nix Walsingham Nix, Esquire J sumptuous: thi to pared a out of Satelns k and the eggs’ dishes of late summer: luscious melon which had been; patch, contiguous to the est did ample a to the shed, Ned arose on dner, I shall leave you time I shall pro- at home and see that Anita i iy ges fected: t $8 properly pro ; will return in a week at the firtheat ce the —perhaps in a his rifle and belt from the wall, on the latter, and half an hour later left the That was a day of days e picturesque little val- Red- and gathered flowers, ootewe & At night he sa the cries of the night birds hooting of the mountain owls , and nothing remained to do — by =< way, are very abundant throughout the All efforts to engage Anita in conversation proved fruitless, On the following day both were rite sin oe" Mee tonished to perceive that there was ast , hump-backed, grisly little in the ranger in He approached d who he was, | geological surveyor an’ mine-locater. I've located © or nor forty thousan’ mines in my day, more or of more. I perdict frum ther o’ this geo nest an’ a dream I hed last n t veins right in th ye’ll find in ther Hills!” a consider’ble more of less than less _ logical formation ht, thet thar’s — yere valley as Be me no gold here,” replied Redburn, who . to guess a fat strike. “No; et’s right in the channel.” a Well, | the valley ?”’ “Through ther pass, sum uv ther b (E <€om JOO learned from study and experience how . “Tt is be of the channel.”’ I'll not dispute you. How did you getinto , gth. | ** and the General chuckled | The valley was one vast, indiscriminate bed of . approvingly. ‘‘ See’da feller kim down ther canyon, _ ‘S.con