Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 100 — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

es o—_——— -_ he was fearful that she would kill him ere he could accomplish his purpose. A servant soon appeared, in answer to Lady Farnsworth’s call, ‘Send the proprietor at once,” her ladyship said, calmly, ‘‘and also the sheriff and one or two stout men. This is the notorious bandit and ruffian, Captain Hawk.” , The servant hastened to obey, and in five minutes the room was full of men who were willing to take charge of the outlaw, and the news had spread all over the town of how Lady Farnsworth had captured the dread chief, of whom nearly every one was afraid. Sheriff Jo Murphy secured Captain Hawk, and bound him beyond a possibility of his ever escaping without aid, and he was marched off to the jail, followed by a crowd, The news spread lke wild-fire, and it was soon in the mouth of every man, woman and child, An instant trial was ordered by the people, and though the sheriif should have waited the slow motion of the law, by rights, he could not resist without running the risk of having his own life taken by the mob. And, then, too, it was not known how many pals might have accompanied the bandit chief to the town, and it was feared that if there had been any such, they would spread the news to the main band who would make an effort to re- gain their chief. Accordingly a jury was selected, and the case was brought up, with a prominent lawyer as “osecutor. Pi Cartain Hawk was present, and had to be gagged to prevent his frightful profanity and abuse. A young pettifogger undertook the de- fense, but after he had spoken a few words, the crowd grew so excited, and revolvers were dis- played in such profusion, that he wisely took a seat. A verdict of ‘‘ guilty,” soon followed—the jury not leaving their seats. ; “Phen,” said the judge of the improvised court, ‘‘I sentence the said Captain Hawk to death, by hanging to the limb of a convenient tree, until he is dead. The execution to take lace to-morrow morning at sunrise. Off with im, to jail, and let a strong guard be placed over him.” ' Away to the jail was the bandit again taken, and a guard of half a hundred armed men laced around the jail to guard against his sing rescued by any of his confederates in crime. In the morning he was to die! CHAPTER X, LYNCHED—DEADWOOD DICK AGAIN—OUT OF THE CASTLE, From the moment Captain Hawk was recom- mitted to jail, crowds began to gather in autici- ation of the coming lynching in the morning. Men came in from the mines—from Malta—from Adelaide city, and from all the local palalng points, for the execution of a real live road- agent was quite a treat, in its way, to these rough toilers after wealth. They gathered in little knots about the street corners, to discuss the exciting topic, or in saloons to pamper away the time. At last the morning came, and the street for many rods from the jail was black with a surg- ing mass of humanity, even at the first strea of day. And there they watched and waited with feverish impatience, for the moment of ion to arrive. ae ag sun shoved his rim up over the eastern horizon, and pron on time, Captain Hawk was led from the jail by the sheriff and his aids, and positioned beneath the strong out- a branch of an adjacent tree. Then the rope was drawn over a limb, and attached to his neck, and ’mid wild cries he was launched into eternity. Ralph Gardner returned to Leadville, the evening after the execution of Captain Hawk in the morning, and sought out Chandos, who had changed his quarters to another hotel. ‘‘We have work to do to-night,” he said, throwing himself into a seat. “I have just learned that Sir Noel has deposited all his wealth in the keeping of an old Jew pawn- broker, down here, and it must be our duty to steal that money, and light out,” “ Why light out?” ne Knglisher demanded, ing away at a cigar. op Aiea mince will soon be too warm to hold me unless IT turn road-agent. Read this!” And he handed Chandos a sheet of note paper, n which was written the following, in a bold yle of chirography: u a Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 13 a a st “Mr. RALPH GARDNER: Your day as own- er of the Specter mine is now to close. After playing specter to my satisfaction, I have con- cluded to come back to life, and haunt you in another way—lI shall drop you at sight. ‘ MorRRIS HEATH!” ** Well?” Chandos queried ; ‘‘ what about this?” ‘* It means that it will be healthiest for me to puckachee! This man Heath was supposed to have been murdered some months ago, but it seems ffs note that he is still alive. Ido not care meet him, for he carries a deadly rancor in his bosom for those whom he hates.” ‘‘How did you learn about the jewels?’ Chandos demanded. “TI heard Sir Noel say that they were de- posited there. In company with the old scout, Avalanche, he is quartered in an old cabin, down in California gulch,” ** Why ’don’t you send the mob after him?’ Chandos asked, savagely. “I will, 1 will. They will fix him in fine shape. There’s the big bili whaaker, Beautiful Bill, who will take delight in routing him out. But, for the present, we’ve other work to do. Have you any disguises with you?” sé No!” ‘Then, wait here, and I will get a couple of Wigs and beards.” And so Sir Roy, or Ralph Gardner, took his departure, soon to return, however, with the required articles of disguise. After careful preparation, their disguises were effectually donned, and they were ready for the work ahead, ‘* Where does this pawnbroker hold out?” Chandos growled, ‘ Like as not we shall get ourselves in a ie for our pains.” ‘* Never fear. The old Jew is fast asleep ere this, and if he awakes [ll smother him. He keeps a shanty around here on Harrison avenue, and there’s an easy mode of entrance on the back side, and the sooner we get through with the job the better, for I want to get out. 1: means death for me to remain here, with Morris Heath alive, unless I can get first pop, which is not likely.” Leaving the hotel, they set out at once toward their destination. Crossing from Chestnut street to Harrison avenue through State street, they hurried along with the crowd that was still abroad, Ceapite the lateness of the hour. Ivntering an alleyway they traversed it unt” it brought them to the rear of a low slab building, and here they halted. “This is the place!” Gardner said, in a low tone. “ I think we can work here, unmolested. The first act is to open that door, and gain an entrance. Luckily [ have a number of keys, some of which may suit the circumstances.” With the rapidity and caution of an old and accomplished cracksman, he began to try the keys, but none would fit. He next took a wire from his pocket, and bent it, and tried tLat, several times. In the third trial he was success- ful, and the bolt was turned in its trough. Cautiously opening the door, the two broth- ers entered, and softly closed the door after them. They were in Stygian darkness, now, but Gardner had provided for this contingency by pity with him a dark-lantern, and they soon some light on the subject. Removing their boots in the linter-room they had ente they then stole softly into the front apartment, which was used as_ store- room and store for the sale of lager beer, grocer- ies, notions, and jewelry ; also as a pawnbroker’s shop, where money contd be obtained on articles of value, The stentorian snores from behind a counter announced that the Jew was already enjoying sweet repose, after the fatigue of a day’s labor in his “‘ leedle sdhore.” ‘That’s one point gained,” Gardner whis- ered. ‘‘ You hold the lantern, and I will try to indand gag him. If I am successful at that, our prize is within our Ag Chandos took the Iaiter:. and securing some stout straps, Ralph Gardner climbed in behind the counter, where the corpulent form of Levi, the Jew, was stretched out upon a cot-bed. Working with great care, the mine-owner slipped the rope beneath the Jew’s wrists, and soon had a successful tie, then tollowed his feet, and next Gardner threw a heavy blanket over his head, to prevent his cries. ~ ‘* Now, we are all hunki-dori!” he said. ‘‘We can work without molestation. Yonder safe, probably, contains what we want.” ‘Yes—hurry up and get the accursed stuff, for lam getting as nervous as a cat!” Chandos whined, “If we wese to be caught here, we'd ——— | Ss sss be strung up like that bandit was, this morn- ing!” es Pll take the chances!” Gardner replied. ‘* Here, hold light down here while I cipher out the combination of this lock.” It was a harder job than the mine-owner had expected, but he was equal to the task, and at last the door swung open. Inside the safe were a lar artments and drawers, ocked. But to pry these open was the work of only a few minutes, and the contents lay revealed to the two burglars. There were wallets, and caskets, and port- monnaies,and watches, chains,and rold and silver ornaments, in great profusion, aad the hands of Ralph Gardner hauled them ruthlessly from their receptacles, while a triumphant laugh es- caped his lips. ‘This isa fat pan. We've struck it rich, sure pop!” he said. ‘* Here, let’s first count the cash, and divide the spoils.” Not only was the pornre Cae of Sir Noel cor- pulent with money, but each of the others were full of bills and dust, and when the money had all been counted and the dust estimated, there was at least twelve thousand dollars’ worth of spoils in the two burglars’ possession. This in addition to the diamonds, watches and other jewelry. ‘“We will divide the money, and keep the jewel., until we can dispose of them!” Gardner said, counting it out into two different piles, ‘And now, let’s get out of this before we are discovered,” Pocketing their ae they stole from the rear entrance, like the thieves they were, into the night wherein to hide their guilt, Not far did they go, however, before they were suddenly and peremptorily halted. Before them and behind them the alley was filled with armed masked men. Confronting them was the unmistakable form of Deadwood Dick! ‘“ Hold!” he said, sternly. ‘‘ Your trouble has availed you nothing! Nota word, unless you are anxious that death should suddenly overtake you ie ‘*What do you mean by this foolery?”’ cried Gardner. ‘‘ Let us pass.” ‘Deliver up the spoils of your theft!” Dead- wood Dick replied, coolly, ‘‘Get ready, boys. I give this pair of precious rascals five minutes, by the watch, to unload. If they do not begin before I wave my hand, plug them,” Gardner and his brother at once began to dis- gorge their spoils into the hats of several of the men who stood*ready as receivers. ‘Curse you, Dead wood Dick, I will get even with you, for this, if I have to wade through blood to do it!” Gardner raved. ‘“ You shall get little mercy, once | get youin my power, I assure you.” “Tl take vo word for it. There; disgorged all that you stole?’ ** Yes, curse you,” * Maes well. Boys, you may search them, and bind and gag them, and leave them here in the alley. Be lively, now, for we have no time to tarry.” The order was obeyed with alacrity, and the brother-villains soon were lying u their backs in the alleyway, stripped of their dis- ; while wi h the spoils in his on, eadwood Dick was soon riding mountainward, accompanied by his band. To a cabin in California Gulch he rode, while his band galloped on toward their retreat. After the departure of Ralph Gardner, Lady’ Belle and Jessie were more at ease, for they feared the villain, even though they tried to be Frtanately Letty Bille, wild lied Whe Sista ortunate y e was 6 and humiliation of knowing that Gardner was her own brother, and still clung to the supposi- tion that he was in Van Dieman’s Land, serving out his time. Ree, The next day they again visited the Raven in the turret. The Indian welcomed them with a grim “ugh!” and after a few questions on the part of Lady Belle, he said: ‘‘Raven escape to-night; take pale-face girls into earth, and out through secret passage. Go to Leadville, and leave the tower town of the Aztec forever.” “Oh! you dear good Indian!” Lady Belle cried, involuntarily throwing her arms around his neck, and kissing his swarthy cheek. ‘If you will only do this, you shall be well reward- ed for it, and you shall have a nice home. T will even persuade Sir Noel to take you back to Bag- land with us!” number of com- of which were have you yo GomiGcbooks