Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 146 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

> his efforts, be finally sunk inte a profound and re- — slumber. How long he slept he knew not, but when he awoke, it was some time before he could recall his situation. But when he did, he became aware of the startling fact that he was moving—that his boat was gliding along through a narrow black channel among rustling reeds and grass. ‘ Spellbound by this discovery he lay Dersecayy uiet —scarcely daring to move or breathe, thro ear; for in connection with the discovery that his boat Sag DONS, he could hear the steady dip, dip ofa e. A deep, dense darkness oyerhung the face of all nature. The moon had gone down, and even the stars were shut out behind the blue mist that ob- scured the heavens. Not the sign of a tree-top was visible over the sides of the canoe, which was evi- dence enough to the lad that he was not upon the river. But, now and then the es of the boat raked under some overhanging reeds whose rough blades dragged over the youth’s face. This told him that he was moving through a swamp, and the dis- covery sent a strange shudder through his form, He knew there was but one swamp in all the region thereabouts, and that one was known asthe Spirit Swamp. It was a black, dismal place where it seem- ed impossible for human life to exist—for human feet to penetrate. Indian tradition habited the place with the spirits of white hunters that dwelt within the bodies of dragons and hideous, Goadly sonnei and the red-skins around and about the swamp scarcely ever yentured within gun-shot of its margin. Silver Star believed that he was either peg or else passing through the Spirit tape * and satisfy himself that he was not ing ugh a state of transition, he rose to a sitting posture, de- termined to meet the worst. To his horror and surprise he found there was_no one in the canoe with him, nor was any one visible around him; yet his boat was moving—gliding steadi- ly along the narrow, watery path—winding like a ereDen among the rustling reeds of the Spirit walp. CHAPTER XIV, HELLICE, Strver Star was ina.quandary. He asked him- self these questions: “ t does this mean? from whence does this boat receive its motive power? fuglon the Seung dale cemasined pertecdy quiet clusion the young re ectly quie and Genera that there was a boat just ahead of him, and that it had his canoe in tow. But, who was the occupant of that strange boat? This was another question that agitated his mind. On with light and steady strokes of the paddle the boats glided through the rustling reeds. A few minutes later they emerged into open water, and then Silver Star was enabled to dist sh the outlines of the canoe before him, and those of the person init. It was a small figure. A few rods further on the tow-boat came to a halt, then the hinder craft was hauled up alongside the other, when a cry of surprise burst from the lips of the unknown. ‘Why, sir, [thought you were dying. I am sur- prised at seeing you sitting up.” It was a soft, musical voice that addressed him— the voice of a bens girl, Silver Star’s heart gave a great bound of joy. : ‘* My fair, strange friend, if I may call Ps such,”’ the youth replied, ‘I am surprised to find myself here in an unknown region,”’ ‘*No doubt of it,” was the answer; “‘but you are in the heart of the Spirit Swamp.” ‘*T mistrusted as much,”’ he answered, endeavor- ing to calm his emotion; “but may I ask who has brought me here?” ‘A friend to you whom I recognize as Silver Star, the Boy Knight; I have seen you often though you knew it not. To-night I found you on the river —— with — and dying, as I supposed, and so rought you here.”’ * ee wounded and suffering great pain, fair r , ‘*You shall be cared for, Silver Star, upon one condition.”’ ** Name it, my good friend,” “That,you consent to remain concealed where I blace.y , i ould be ungrateful not fo 0 so, but Iam at a loss to know why you exact this promise.”’ es Becanae the master of my home—my brother— is your mortal enemy,” : eed? I knew not that I had an enemy among the pe of my Own race,” “ Pha may be; but Sparrowhawk, the recluse, is my.” | yoThe Boy Knight was astounded by this informa- tio os en Sparrowhawk is your brother,” he said, tf ‘Ah! then you know him?” rs ris get him just last night, and he would have slain me then but for another. But, why he is ny, ener | I know not, unless he is, as I mistrusted “Sh! Silver Star!” interrupted the girl, “I know what you would say; but do not say it—do not think that my brother is—but come; if you would accept protection, follow me. Brother is gone away. e girl arose fi her canoe, and was followed by the boy, who could scarcely walk. The maiden led him.across a dry knoll densely covered They soon came to the door of a low, wide hut overgrown with ivy and honey- ra, | AY the Gas, the ey ee ao es e& house, an ub ol woandbadstinbesaice = oa * Silver Star, the B a — —e ——_——-— The next minute a light flooded the room. For several moments the dazzling light blinded the lad’s eyes, but when he became accustomed to it, surprise and wonder took possession of him. The girl before him—his rescuer—could not have been over seventeen years of age. She was tall and slen- der, with a form of sylph-like grace and beauty, a face of exceeding loveliness, and dark-blue eyes radiant with heaven’s own serenity. The room, which was but a part of the cabin, was furnished with an air of comfort and taste in per- fect harmony with the fair mistress of that seciud- ed home. It is true, the furniture was cheap, but neat and clean, The walls were hung with pictures, and with wreaths made of wild grasses and vines. Here was a shelf upon which sat a bouquet of fall roses and other late flowers, that imparted a deli- cious odor to the room; and there hung a corn- ucopia, made of pine cones and glittering quartz — was overflowing with its fullness of fruits and owers. ** Now, Silver Star,’’ said the maiden, ‘‘ you must make yourself as comfortable as possible. Situated as we are, our home is not—”’ ‘*Make no apologies to me, my fair friend,”’ in- terrupted the lad. “I know what you would say, and I am surprised, now, at the comforts and beauty of your home;”’ and in heart he added: “ the angelic loveliness of its mistress. ’’ ra few words of conversation had passed be- tween them, the maiden excused herself, and went out into an adjoining room; and, a moment later, Silver Star heard her in conversation with some Other person. The youth listened intently—not that he wished to be inquisitive, but because he could not resist the burning desire to know more of the home of the strange Sparrowhawk, and ascertain, if possible, the cause of his great enmity toward him. The maiden had been gone but afew minutes, when she returned to the room, followed by another young girl. Silver Star’s back was to the door when they en- tered, and he did not notice the second girl, only with a passing glance, until his friend said: “‘ Silver Star, this is my friend, Miss Bland.”’ Silver Star rose and turned toward the girl—a young. maiden dressed in black, with a face white as baster and beautiful as an angel’s, with dark, soulful eyes anda wealth of dark-brown hair. At sight of her the youth started back; a light of recognition overspread his face, and his feelings breaking beyond restraint, he exclaimed: way, gracious, it’s Elwe!" “Yes, my brave young friend,” replied the girl. The pay advanced, and taking the proffered hand, penne warmly, while his eyes looked down into ers with a wild, burning joy. A moment of rap- turous silence ensued. “And you escaped safely?” he said, asif doubting his senses. “Yes, sir,’’ replied Elwe, “‘and I am rejoiced to meet you and thank you for your noble kindness to me the other night. I should never have forgiven myself had any thing happened you that night.” ‘But your escape, Elwe, has been a matter of un- certainty to me until this moment. My horse came through to the post safely, but without a rider. We all supposed you dead.” “Oh, that was an awful ride, Silver Star!"’ the maiden replied, clasping her hand as if with terror at the thoughts of what she had gone through; “I stood it very well, and so did Prince, but when I came to the river, my heart failed, my head w dizzy at sight of the rushing waters, and I fell from the saddle. Then I knew no more until I found my- self in this house. Fortunately, for me, Sparrow- hawk was near, and seeing me fall m my horse, aca me; and that accounts for my presence ere.” “Exactly, Elwe; and now I understand the mean- ing of a conversation I overheard at Deep Ford a few evenings ; but, I declare, you and I have had some terrible adventures,”’ ““And the Lord only knows how soon we may have others,” the maiden sighed. **Oh, I never borrow trouble, Elwe. We should always consider the worst over with, unless we are ve that itis not. With you it may be different, t is true, for I know you have been the victim of some foul conspiracy.” “Yes, Silver Star, I have,” she replied, her lips trembling and her eyes fi with tears; “I did not tell you all the other a did not tell you any- thing, C believe, for the Indians swept down upon us ust as I was about to . But to-morrow, Silver tar, I will tell you all I know about the balloon, and my He eee here. I told Hellice all to-day.” « * Hellice? who is Hellice?”’ “The good, kind girl that brought you here.”’ - gh beg pardon; I might have guessed that much.” At this very juncture Hellice came in from the adjoining room, and invited Silver Star out to sup- r. pe ; pressing his thankfulness to the beautiful girl for her continued kindness, he followed her out into the room where a table, with a rich repast and a bowl of coffee was spread. He sat down and ate with a keen relish of the well-cooked viands, and when he had concluded his meal, felt that he was himself again— with the exception of his wounded ankle, all his old-time vigor aud spirit had - been revived. With his usual cheerfulness and happy, boyish 7 hig he conversed with his fair friends until - 6. But when about to retire, he turned to Hellice and asked: ‘*Hellice, if your brother is my mortal enemy am I not in danger here to-night?” Cr... & “Ew “~~ — oy Knight. 2. “No, Silver Star; wap soda nada will be absent; but even if he, or any other danger, should approach, there is an ever-watchful sentinel in the house that will give the alarm. I hope you will let no thoughts of danger disturb your rest, for again I assure you brother will not be home for two or three days.” With this assurance the lad retired, and enjoyed a few hours’ sweet, refreshing slumber, Early the next morning he was astir. He walked out into the yard to take a look at the surroundings. He found that the. cabin stood upon a little knoll which rose out of the center of the swamp, several! feet above the water-line. The knoll was covered with tall cottonwoods and. willows, in the tops of which tame squirrels played and chattered in glee. Breakfast was finally announced by Hellice, who seemed more lovely in her morning dress, and in the light of day, than she had before. After their meal had been dispatched and the table cleared away, the maidens joined Silver Star in his walks about the island, and did everything in their power to make him happy. In fact, there was a spirit of gentle rivalry manifested by these two heautiful girls in their endeavors to make the youth feel at ease and enjoy his sojourn upon the island, To Silver Star the day was one of unalloyed bliss. Basking in the smiles of the two lovely girls, he felt that he was surrounded with all the inspirations of fairy-land—transported to an enchanted isle. Itwas such a day of pleasure and intoxicating joy that he could scarcely have believed it reality, had it not been for the dull haze of autumn hanging over them and the eternal croak of frogs in the swamp sur- rounding them. When night again closed in over the place, and the Boy Knight found himself wandering alone under the trees, his thoughts ran constantly over the mar ae happy wo of Hellice and Elwe—words hat had been spoken that day, and Brpeeied to his heart. He tried to decide with himself which of the girls was the loveliest, and which he thought the most of, but as he could not decide, he finally dismissed the matter with the conclusion that both were angels and that he loved both. An hour or so. after dark his ears were egg by the sound of music coming from the cabin, and ing in he found Hellice playing upon a Spanish itar and singing some beautiful airs he hac + ever eard. Elwe sung with her, and the strains of n.csic that came from their lips, mingled with the harmo- nious chords of the instrument, were the crownin joy of the boy’s life. His senses swam in a sea 0 pea | and bliss, and he seemed carried away on “me cet wings of melody into the realms of dream- The soft tinkle of a silver-throated bell suspended to a beam overhead suddenly put an end to the music. Hellice sprung to her feet, dropped the guitar, and with a white face ran to the door, and opening it, looked out into the night. cm heard some one coming up the knoll, whistling softly. “It is brother!—Sparrowhawk!” she exclaimed, turning to Silver Star. ‘* Oh, Silver Star, you must ares ae will kill you—he has declared he would!” * Mag a sudden change from dreamland to stern reality. The maidens’ faces are e and their lips trem- ulous with emotion. Silver Star rose to his feet un- moved—betraying no sign of fear. “Follow me,” Hellice commanded, and she led the way into the kitchen, and then pointed him to the head of a ladder leading into the cellar. ‘* Go, Silver Star,” she continued; “it is your only chance of escape.” ‘“* Hellice,’’ the boy said, his manly spirit asserting its wonted courage, ‘“‘lam not afraid to meet your brother.” **1 know it, Silver Star; but he is impulsive—he is quick, and may shoot you before he takes a moment to think; you must go, Silver Star—go for me—for my sake, I pray.” e young scout could not remain deaf to this appeal, however much he. felt humiliated at the thought of skulking in his enemy’s cellar; and so he descended the ladder into the darkness of the place. Hellice returned to the front door just as her brother came in. aa evening, girls,” he said, doffing his feath- ered cap. ‘Why, brother,” cried Hellice; “‘ we are surprised to see you back to-night.”’ : ““I know I am back sooner than Lintended, but I became uneasy about my pets.” ‘You are very good and kind, Sparrowhawk,” said the pretty little Elwe, tefully. “Thanks for the compliment, Elwe,” the young recluse returned, his handsome eyes looking down throng the maiden’s transparent orbs into her soul. “Why were you uneasy, brother?” questioned Hellice; ** are we in any more danger than usual?” “Yes; there is a large band of Blackfoot Indians in the vicinity, and as they belong two hundred or more miles from here, they may not know any thing of the old tradition connected with Spirit Swamp, and with nothing to fear in shape of spirits and dragons, conclude to search this swamp, in which case our home would be in danger. Knowing this, I could not stay away. Moreover, I was uneasy about you, sister. Iwas so afraid that you might have met with danger in coming home after accompany- ing me to the river, I could not rest; and this was another thing that drove me home,” wats got home safely, and in good season,”’ said ellice Sparrowhawk bent his ae upon his sister’s face with a — interrogative look. A great limp rose in the girl’s throat, for she had never seen her CONIC OOO KS5EO)