Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 1015 — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

; é : ; ; 1 ; : , 9 } / J ‘. y, _——. - z ~~ = a> a * Rare &. wet ee eS et LRN OS “i . - - x : a! eee oe . me ey Ae. i ae iy : os i ¢ , <* weed ’ . to . . 4 ~~ al By = * az ee lial A —_- 14 running—hello! Whothedickensisthis? Must be one of the asylum guards!” He had nearly reached the door when he was suddenly confronted by a burly, shadowy form, that blocked his further advance. ‘* Who are you?” demanded this unknown in an authoritative tone. ‘I have a right to know,” Boland, without hesitating, darted past the "3 and attempted to open thedoor but could no ‘* Hang the luck!” he ejaculated and, forget- ting in his vexation his assumption of an Irish role,added: ‘*' The fools have locked me inside, I guess, and made off with the key.” ‘ Ha!” exclaimed the other map, seizing Bo- land by the collar. ‘* You must be cognizant of this escape. Whatare you doing here?” Boland recognized the voice as that of Doctor Studley himself, Ha pretended to sabmit, both to give further time to the fugitives, and to de- vise some plen to elude this obstructor. ‘* Sure!” said hein his best Irish accent. ‘‘ I was visitin’ a fri’nd inside, and they towld me to go home by this way. Belike your Honor has the key wid ye to let me outan ye will, sorr.” ‘© Yes, [have the key, but you must go back with me and prove J gees statement, A patient has just escaped. I suspected this outlet and slipped down here while my attendants are making a search of the house and grounds, I| found the door unlocked and the key on the outside,” ‘¢Then of course your Honor locked the dure and has the key wid ye?” ‘*' Yes, yes. Come along, here,” ‘* All right, your Honor. Ain’t I comin’ on? Sure, [’m approachin’ ye like wather rollin’ down-bill,” Boland managed to hang somewhat back un- til the burly form of the pbysician passed on ahead, as he continued his discontented mutter- ings. ‘‘To-night of all nights for such a thing to happen. When Leland dined here he said he would be back with bis men about this time, Deuced unlucky! Rather a dangerous busi- ness, too, However, aslong as I am well paid, I ought not to complain,” Then, balf-turning round, he addressed the supposed Irishman in a louder tone: ‘*Now, then, my good fellow, step up lively!” He never uttered another word, for something was twisted swiftly around his throat so tightly and dextrously that bis tongue protruded and his ayes bulged. He fell helpless to the ground, making only gurgling sounds as hetried to get his breath. Then handcuffs were snapped upon his wrists and he was tightly gagged before he recovered from the severe choking he had re- ceived. With his legs tied and his arms thus fastened behind his back he was as helpless as an infant. ‘* Sorry Oi am sorr, to be so brash wid your Honor,” said Boland while rapidly searching his victim’s pockets, ‘‘But ye might have equalled, and that would have spoilet me thrip intoirely. Here is the key, begobs! Ave ye’d’a’ left it in the dure ye might now |e a-cussin’ at your own sw’ste will all by yoursilf. So long, old boy. Don’t be caught out afther dark by yoursilf ony more, It isn’t a bit healthy for war av your dilicat’ constitution.” Chuckling at his own humor, the pseudo- Irishman left the irate but helpless physician and made his way to the door in the wall once more, It was hightime, Lights were dancing abeut the grounds and parties of excited atten- davts were drawing momentarily nearer. Bo- land let himself out, relocked the door, and threw the key as far away as he could. ‘¢ Now for the rock on the beach,” he said, and started rapidly down the path taken by Smalley and Miss Sutherland but a short time before, The waves were rumbling along the shore a little more loudly than usual as he Jeft the woods and the wall, and made his way to the large bowlder just above tide-water, where he had told Smalley to await his arrival. The wind was rising somewhat, But he found no one at the rendezvous, though he searched carefully and whistled in a low, guarded manner, ‘‘This is singular,” he reflected in some per- plexity. ‘*They could hardly get lost comin here, An idiot would know enough for that. fear something has gone wrong.” Mr, Boland’s spirits fell, He grew anxious. The aid be expected had not yetarrived, Tom was missing, and now these other two, Stud- Jey's people might be looked for at any moment. ‘¢ The devil is in the luck!” he fumed to him- I cannot leave you i self. ‘‘I don’t know either where Leland and his crew are. For that matter I don’t know where anybody is now, but myself. Let me think, Thatrascally preacher. He was asking me about Indian Cave. He must have hadsome reason, Probably my Irish get-up and lingo put him off his guard, He was waiting forsome one I know, and I feel it in my bones that the two of them are upto no good, Confound his lank, sanctimonious face!” The old ex-detective sat down and continued his cogitations, The waves beat languidly, but with sullen echoes as the wind moaned in the trees, while a dismal old owl] hooted derisively. Mr. Boland felt discouraged. Was it possible that he and Tom were about to be defeated ? ‘‘That lad would try old Job himself,” he grumbled. ‘* Where can he have gotto? Well, well, If I hear nothing pretty quick, I will try the cave,” A faint sound of measured oar-beats came over the water, causing Boland to spring up in renewed energy. The sounds drew steadily nearer,and at last something shadowy loomed faintly into view upon the water. ‘*T believe those beggars are coming at last,” he said, going to the water's edge. ‘“‘ High time.” He looked closely at his watch, and made out that it was nearly eleven o’clock. The oar- beats suddenly ceased, and three guarded whis- tles were heard. Boland answered the signal, when the boat at once turned in tothe saore. A moment later the bow bumped the gravel anda dozen stalwart menin uniform turned out. Their leader was warmly greeted by the ex- detective, ‘* Well, Dan,” said he, *‘ this is kind of you in- deed. I feared that I might be imposing on your good nature, yet I thought you would not hesitate doing mea favor for the sake of old times. How are things down Flushing and Long Island City way? Gad! When I tele- phoned you, I hardly expected ‘to see you with the men yourself.” ‘* Well, Steve,” said the other, a finely- built, elderly lieutenant of police, ‘‘as you say, I thought of the old times when you and | were on the Brooklyn force together, and I said to the boys, ‘Rat it! but I'll see Steve through this thing myself.’ Now, what’s up? Why did you want us to takea boat at the next station back, instead of coming all the way by train? Why, rat it! I was raised round here. I Know this point like a book, Steve.” ‘‘Good thing then youcame, Ididn’t want folks here to know any blue-coats were about, hence the boat business. I knew you could pilot ’em right to this rock yourself, or find some one that would.” ‘** To be sure, any size for miles, whet are we to do?” ‘*1t is a case of murder and kidnapping. They seem to haveraised help enough to make them think they can hold their own against a consta- bleortwo, Did youbring your pistols?” ‘* Yes, and a dozen pair of darbies besides, Dark lanterns and grub as well, We're fixed for a campaign if need be. Dress up. men. Single file through these woods, Now, Steve, which way? You can explain as we go, if you are in any hurry.” Boland was still perplexed by the disappsar- ance of Smalley and Agnes which, added to Tom’s unaccountable behavior, made him un- certain what he had better do next, notwith- standing his reinforcement. While he hesitated, the faint report of a firearm was heard in the direction of the cave. ‘‘ Get your weapons ready, men,” said Boland. ‘© We will make for the cave at double-quick.” Two men having been left to guard the boat It’s the only one on the beach of Now, what is the lay, and and lantern lighted, the squad pushed through- the woods rapidly. Presently several more shots in succession were heard. On they pushed at a run now, while shouting encouragement as they went, in order, as Boland said, to encour- age the innocent and terrify the guilty. “Coming! Corming!” he shouted repeatedly as they dashed along through the darkness re- gardless of trees, rocks, or other obstacles. CHAPTER XIX. AT BAY. A GENERAL ROUND UP, AFTER the flash and report of Lelanda’s pistol in Indian Cave, every one stood motionless, dazed as it were with rise. As the smoke a Es the pale, determined features of Tom Boland were seen, his eyes fixed upon Leland’s already shrinking figure. In his hand was the revolver which he had taken from the guard he had overcome, The handcuffs he had gotten rid of somehow. Leland’s shot had missed, The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. a Ee _ ————_ eee a ‘¢ Release that lady!” he commanded. ‘‘ Place your hands upon her again and I will makea hole through two or three of you.” Leland, unnerved by the sight of Boland, re- coiled from the side of Agnes, while the terrified preacher cowered in the rear. Tom, with his pistol cocked, his eye taking in each movement of his enemies, smiled sternly: ‘‘T rather guess it is my turn now,” said he, quietly, ‘'The first one of you that stirs gets a bullet, Remember that.” Thus saying he coolly strode to where Agnes wag recovering from her swoon. Already her courage was returning under the influence of young Boland’s presence. ‘** Miss Sutherland,” said he, keeping his eyes on the rest, ‘‘if you are strong gai please rise and leave this accursed place. will pro- tect you. Do not be afraid.’ Desperate as was the odds against him, his tone inspired such confidence that she rose, tremulous yet resolute, and passed out of the cave unhindered. Then Boland, facing the crowd with presented weapon, backed deliber- ately to the mouth of the cavern, Suddenly a shriek rose from Agnes outside, Tom unguardedly turned his head for an in- stant, and the spell that had held the ruffians at bay was broken, ‘* Jump for him, boys!” yelled Leland, spring- ing forward himself, ‘‘ Will you let a mere boy stand you off like this?” Steps outside approached, Agnes screamed again. Tom, divided in purpose between con- cern for her and the necessity of facing his foes in the cave, lost a few precious seconds, Then one of the tramps struck bim on the shoulder heavily witha club, One or two pistols went off and Franconi, maddened by the loss of his draft, leaped upon Tom with a stiletto. Though staggered by the club stroke Boland shook himself free from the Italian, and, singling out the arch conspirator of all, be sprung at De Lancy Leland. The latter darted behind some of his men, and Swivel, closing with Tom, re- ceived a ball in the arm that caused him to howl with pain. ‘* Down with him, men!” cried Leland, firing once more at Boland. ‘Kill him! Show no mercy.” It was his last word, Tom, feeling a sting- ing pain in his hip, realized that he was at last wounded. As be fell, covered by foes, he leveled his weapon at Leland, now advancing in antici- patory triumpb. The ball plowed its way through Leland’s head justabove theeyes. The scoundrel stopped, tottered, and with a gurgling gasp and a vacant fixity of gaze fell prone upon the floor of the cave, At this stage appeared Doctor Studley and two of his assistants, In the g of the lat- ter was Miss Sutherland, apparently once more given over to despair. ‘* What means all this?” demanded the physi- cian, with a well-feigned ignorance of the dis- turbance. ‘* How is it that you have a patient of mine?” ‘*T am not your patient!” interrupted Agnes, ‘*T have been made, through a foul crime, your prisoner, but I deny your authority and abhor your methods!” ‘You see, gentlemen, how excitable she is But—what have we here?” Noticing Leland’s body. ‘*Murder,asllive! This must be looked into at once.” ‘*]t will be looked into,” said Tom, who, though again a prisoner, abated not a oy of his spirit. ‘Don’t you forget that, old man! Cheer up, MissSutherland. We willbeall right, et! ‘‘High time we were all right, I swear,” groaned Smalley, speaking for the first time from the corner where he had been dragged, after being bound, He had tried vainly to re- lease himself during the fight and now Jay breathless and nearly exbausted. ‘“‘If I could have got loose, Tom, I would have been with you—sure,” ‘‘T know that, my lad, But—listen!” As Tom spoke the tramping and shouting from down the glen were audible to all within the cave, ‘‘Some one is coming!” said Studley, ‘I thought I heard noises as we came on,” His authoritative manner was disappearing, and a@ look of doubt and even fear was creeping into bis hard face. ‘‘Some ruffian dated him in my own grounds, Perhaps he has confederates. I thought of the cave and came hither,” ‘¢ Surrender!” called out a commanding voice. ‘‘ You are surrounded, Throw down yourarms and put up your hands,” There was a general groan of dismay from the band of ruffians. 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