Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 144 — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

— \ SS oe ee ei ee C+ eee 8. A a a ee ee A ¢ eee eS em . —— —_— - —- = See Qe ——— eS a OS SS SS ek Sse ce 6 —owr fronted Dainty Lance, who still stood on his — with pistols read for use, but the chief d recognized the wisdom of Decoy Duck’s ar- guments, and made a_ gesture indicating peace. “You heard what my daughter said: are you willing to become one of us, to take the oath of fidelity, to perform faithfully the duties as- signe you?” he demanded. ‘I said so from the very first,” was the cold response. ‘‘Iam still willing to join you, but not because I am afraid; if any of you have that idea—” ‘“' Whatever else ie may be, you are no coward,” interrup Fair, speakin frankly and extending his hand like one who did not yield his confidence half-way. Decoy Duck nodded slightly, and Dainty Lance replaced his weapons, then grasped the proffered member, Everybody appeared relieved and satisfied by this manner o papers a delicate point, save Daniel Rowe, who yielded his hand reluctantly, growling surlily: ng as you prove square, there can’t be a gor uarrel between us, but I give you warn- et I mean to keep an eye on you. I don’t bel eve you are what you pretend. I believe you are playing a part, and that you will betray us at the first opportunity. But mind. I’m watching you, and at the first false move, I’m down on ye!” *'You’ve been down on me twice, already, but I don’t feel much the worse for wear. Bet ter luck to you, name time,” retorted Dainty Lance, laughing easily D g this scene Baid Bisbee had been fidget- ing around as though resting on needles, utter- ing an occasional grow] at such waste of precious time, but not until now could he manage to se- cure the attention he coveted. He explained how it chanced that he had made the unlucky mistake of sounding the sig- nal for the capture of Dainty Lance, and not one of his auditors could blame him, since the — fatal resemblance had deceived them as well. ‘I, for one, am very glad that the old man made the mistake,” said Decoy Duck, softly, an upward glance from her dark eyes emphasizin her words most pleasantly to the ears for whic Laney were intended. ot that Dainty Lance was in love with the dashing beauty of the wild woods, or even fancied he was. He was no sentimental fool, nor had he been raised in a hot-house, like the perfumed dandies of citydom, who are blase at his age and old men at og But he was flattered by the unconcealed interest which Decoy Duck took in him, and thus found one more excuse for the course he had hastily de- cided on of all D Perhaps of all ainty Lance felt the stron- zest interest in his “double,” of whom he never heard before this night, and as he began to divine the bold plans of the bank robbers, he generously resolved to do all he could to baffle them and aid his counterfeit. He never gave a _ second thought to the personal peril he might be incurring, in thus playing with edged tools, until it was too late for him to retreat from the line he had marked out and fairly entered upon, He was now a sworn member of a band * bank-robbers, one at least of whom would no pains to catch him tripping, and ano = of whom was already making furious love to him, On the whole, Dainty Lance megan to suspect that this time he had fairly ‘‘ put his foot in it.” Still, he gave no outward signs of discom- osure, and with a malicious desire to annoy Janiel Rowe, he met the cordial advances of Decoy Duck more than half-way, and soon found hioself making furious love to one for vhora he did not care a row of brass pins. The girl, too, was assuming far more warmth than she really felt, doubtless having the same laudable end in view, but she was not so busy t ‘at she could not follow the thread of Bald Lisbeo’s story, and at its end she put in an ob- servation that was fated to strongly influence tue fature of every character then present, ‘‘You say that Harry Ballou has gone on to Howard. What is there to hinder us from fol- lowing him, and taking him captive there? We iknow where he puts up. Wecan smuggle him out of the hotel, or we can wait and watch our «hance to-morrow. He and his lady-love will stroll out together, or else take a ride or drive, Hither way we can capture him, and finding out what we wish, open the bank on Sunday ni rt. >? >. sc nhemy - be J s discussicn followed, during which Te -—— Dainty Lance strongly favored the ag ptt. he lieving be saw a chance of putting Harry lou upon his guard, without too ey wing his hand. Of course none of oe per knew that the Regulators were afoot, for Bal Bisbee had been too utterly dumbfounded at the appearance of Harry Ballou, to pay much attention to the uestions asked him, and had not mentioned the act of the stolen or missing horse. It was finally decided to act upon the plan pro d by Decoy Duck, who immediately Hyped away to prepare for the part assigned A little comforted by the brightened pro Bald Bisbee took his departure and Remtened back to the town, in order that suspicion might not be directed toward him, thus injuring “m9 as & spy and secret ally of the bank-rob- be Decoy Duck soon made her reappearance, dressed in masculine garments which eg oe suited her style of beauty, dark and radiant. She would have aroused no pee 478 of being other than an unusually handsome bo y: Despite his knowledge of what she really was the daughter and companion of crime- ined felons, a — Spepannegn in their hands—as the SirenanP played in that ni rs wor i evidenced—Dainty Lance fel heart beat fast with growing admiration, and his cheek flush warmly as the girl stood before him in silence, waiting for his judgment on her mas- querade ade dress. At the same time Lance saw Daniel Rowe standing not far off, stag Guar eag them, and this omg ews to seve rt and li htly | fo ress the ri that shone so temptin in the firelig a. — polgesics It was a “foolish act, considering all the cir- ay aaa and was to bring its own p men hy made the apa lous, lover all the more his ene- , and though y Duck shrunk awa with 4 leading of imnidity, as new as it was strange to her, if was not an angry glow that filled her dark eyes. From that moment she was no longer her own mistress, A fiery, unreasoning ion was kindled in her wayward heart by hat careless, defiant and though she was one of those ardent spirits who find it easy to die in defense of those they love her vengeance in case of neglect.or treachery would be even more speedy and sure than that of a revengeful man. Dainty Lance knew nothing of all this. The kiss was given as a defiance to the jealous lover in return for his threat; and as Rowe turned silently, ervey without the expected outburst of rage mee 2 all apne matter eo w accompanied their pre ons for the road. sles oes re were nine men in the company besides the chief, Decoy Duck and Dainty Lance. Al- though it was not at all likely that the entire force would be required on the present occasion, since stratagem was to be obi cal it was deemed best to have them all within call in case some unexpected emergency should arise. To avoid exciting suspicion, in case they should meet any travelers along the road, the band was divided into four equa portions, with instruc- tions to ride separately, but all meet just before reaching the town. Father, daughter and the new recruit led the way. This was the choice of Decoy Duck, for Hammer Fair was in favor of havin Daniel Rowe with him, but Duck, im an aside, gave hima reasons which satisfied him. “Dan is too hot-headed for delicate work; be- sides, he has been in this part of the he country before, and might be recognized. the r than your right-hand man. And, then, I prefer keeping an eye upon him.” If there was more than appeared upon the sur- face in this opini ony Hammer Fair not dis- cover it, and yielded to the ar ents of Duck, yb he earn did whenever she was really in "He yielded all the more readily that there was really little or no danger to be ap ee in the duty which Decoy Duck ha herself. Through Bald Bisbee, they had learned that Harry Ballou. stopped at the hotel while in Howard, and it was to make sure that he had not ridden on with Steuben, whom they knew was chief of the Regulators, that this visit was to be paid. A glance at the hotel register would settle that point, when they could complete their plans at their leisure. Leaving Hammer Fair on the outskirts of the village to await the gathering of the band, D coy Dvek and Dainty Besa rode merrily on Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. asiaba —-————. neither one of them dreaming of the terrible trials in store. Dainty Lance was resolved to warn his “double” of the plotting against the bank, but could think of no certain mode of doing so, with- out knowing more of the surrounding circum- stances. But he played bis part so well that Decoy Duck sede ee aos what project was Be ing his mi otel was any the riders alighted and hitched their horses beneath the shade trees, then entered the building. The clerk eyed Dainty Lance with evident surprise, and that worthy laughed in his sleeve at the mystification, for he knew that he was taken for Harry Ballou Decoy Duck played her part well, and was leisurely glancin ing over the register, ‘when the door opened and the Regulators entered, John Steuben at their head. In an instant the quick-witted girl divined that mischief of some kind was brewing, from the strange looks with which the half.a-dozen Regulators m eve herself and companion, but be- fore she could give Dainty ce a warning word or look, Steuben spoke: “Which one o’ you owns that bay hoss hitch- ed out yonder—the one with the Mexican sad- dle?’ Dainty Lance turned around in rise at this unceremonious salutation, and without noticing the warning glance and gesture of hig fair companion, answered, quite as bluntly: ‘‘Tdo. What concern is it of yours?” “That’s a stolen hoss—you’re the thief, an | y eee ner!” eried Steuben, sternly, pall 8 But before his heavy hand could alight upon the astonished adventurer, Decoy Duck thrust a revolver almost against his temple, and sent a bullet through his brain! CHAPTER V. A TRANSFORMATION SCENE. Tris desperate deed was accomplished so sud- denly and was so wholly unex 7) pe fet that the onlookers seemed literally petrified with horror and amazement. together door!” uttered Decoy Duck in a clear, sharp whisper that canbtrated the brain of Dainty Lance like a knife. horses, we can mon ee us in here, we will be at them—but if they pen butchered!” Though rapidly spoken, there was rot the re- motest trace of fear or trembling in these words, and even in that moment, when their lives hung upon a thread, ton A ‘Lance caught him- self wondering what must have been thestrange training that taught this young girl such won- Sivek self-possession amid scenes of blood and “Sul, ‘that hurried whisper produced its de- ed effect. Dainty Lance saw that John Steuben was dead pA his body measured its length upon the floor, and experience told pim that a bloody re- tribution would be exacted by the friends of the cee ape man, dent they could effect their by s t sae the road! !” he cried eany Buck foldin ing one arm around the waist of D uck leaping toward the door. ‘‘The man who tries to bar the way, dies like a dog!” He held a revolver in his right hand, but made no attempt to use it as the astonished men mechanically fell back from before him, leaving a passaee.c! clear to the outer door; but not so Decoy She ened ssessed with a devil that her to slay and spare not, and twice during that brief passage to the door, her pistols spoke with deadly intent, if not effect. Each time Dainty Lance foiled her aim by a uick jerk, seuens the bullets to expend their orce upon the insensate walls instead of living flesh and blood, but this served to delay them, and waste several precious moments, The sounds of firing attracted attention with- out, and eager to learn the cause, the adjoining saloon was em tied, the men rushing up the steps and bursting into the hotel, just in time to eas off the retreat of Decoy Duck and Dainty nce Zo Keep close bebind me, and all will go well!” cried the youth, his courage rising to meet the rr emergency. He knew that oy ure now would mean almest certain death, yet be could not bring himself to use his revolvers other than as clubs to open a passage to their horses, With a power and force that were amazing, Dainty Lance assaulted the new-comers before they could realize the actual state of affairs, ** Once outside and on our. **Shoulder to shoulder—make a rush for the - Eor Soue 900) a