Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 184 — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

_——- +c + =~ wee eee me rs oo -- ~ SS 2 -O- Se yee ae — eso ~ - — ee + a ee oe . _—— 2 ee ——— ~_—— EF ee ee wee ES —— - a @ . @ | throat. their haunches a ) a oa — ee oe was silent. He ran with his nose close to the ground, lifting the trail as surely as could the purest bred bloodhound. Woe be unto the fugitive unless he could break his trail in running water, or otherwise throw that grisly pack off his track! ee eC — ‘The Boy Trailers. ———_ = - a — ae ee ee ee ee ee —— + oe oe + eC ‘“No—I have doomed him—his punishment shall be carried out,” sternly ciied the Wolf Queen, her hand upon Lis arm. A clear cry issued from his lips. The hun wolves leaped forward and upward. Wild how He had improved his time to the utmost, but only | and shrieks and curses rent the air as the Mountain a few minutes had elapsed since he worked loose his | bands and emerged from the cavern, a free man. | He knew that his we BY must be discovered ere long, when hot and bitter pursuit would be made, and he strained his powers to the utmost, racine through the rocky region at a speed that more than once came near proving fatal. But from cach fall he arose and plunged on, unheeding his raises, for he knew that his life hung in the balance. Alone, unarmed, to be overtaken by those whom he vid wronged would mean death. If once he could reach the den where he had been captured, and could find one of the horses turned ose by his enemies, then he might laugh at further pursuit. ‘Let me once shake them off, and Ill be myself asain,’ he mentally ejaculated as he pressed on through the gloom, already growing less as the moon began to overtop the rocky range. “I can manage to left on Ham Toplong, perhaps—and then I'll give those infernal boys a new deal—”’ Dirk Weeninx came to an abrupt pause, his heart leaping into his throat chokingly. An inarticulate cry parted his lips. In that moment he suffered all the agonies of the most frightful death. From the gloom behind him came that wild chorus of howls, yelps and snarling cries—the sounds of a wolf-pack in full cry upon the trail of game that in- Stinct tells them is unable to escape them either by fight or flight. Many a time the wretch had heard similar sounds without feeling any particular alarm; but then he had stout comrades, was well mounted or fortified, and always with good and serviceable weapons ready to grasp. But now! Already he felt the skeleton fingers of death closing upon him. “That girl—she’s set her pack of wolves upon my trail—they’ll run me down and tear me to pieces!” The words fell gaspingly from his lips. His stout frame trembled in every fiber, his limbs grew weak and threatened to give way beneath his weight. _ But only fora moment. Life was dear to him, as it is to allof us. He knewthat by speedy flight alone could he hope to be saved, and collecting bis energies he plunged on through the night at break- neck speed. A long and desperate spurt, heading for the den where he had been captured in the very hight of his triumph, then he paused to catch breath and listen + those wild, weird sounds from the gloom behind m. A gasping groan of angry despair rose in his That diabolical chorus sounded clearer and nearer. The wolf-pack had gained considerably upon him, despite strenuous efforts. “Tean’t maketbe den—there’s no water near to break my trail—I am doomed!”’ he panted, in abject despair; but there came a rapid change. ‘I'll not die running like adog. Ill give them a fight first. If they want my life, they’ve got to pay my price!”’ All traces of terror had vanished like magic. The Mountain Vulture, knowing that further flight would be worse than useless—since it could only weaken him and render him an easier victim when over- taken, as he must soon be—looked around him fora favorable position in which to stand at bay and sell his life as dearly as possible. The round moon had risen above the rocky ridge, and now cast a silvery light over the barren waste. A huge square mass of rock was standing near. Upon its top the hunted man believed he could ma ea good fight, against the wolves, at least. “Tf IT can beat them off until the others come up, maybe I can make terms with them.” It was a forlorn hope at best, but Dirk Weeninx saw in it his only hope. Working rapidly he col- lected a lot of stones and tossed them upon the rock, then, as the wild chorus of the wolves came nearer, he climbed up the nearly perpendicular face of the bowlder, and lay down flat. Still leading, black Tarkio shot across the moon- lighted space like a four-footed arrow, a loud, ex- ultant yell bursting from his red jaws as he launched Pag against the side of the rock upon which his rey had sought refuge. Dirk Weeninx nerved himself for the death-grap- ple. In each hand he clutched a heavy stone, ready to beat out the brains of the first wolf that should show its head above the edge of the rock. stay the anticipated assault did not come just en. From the distance came a clear, peculiar cry. Instantly the wild clamor of the wolves ceased. Then a single note—long-drawn and lugubrious— came from below. A moment’s pause, then the howl was repeated. Dirk Weeninx crested his head and peered down from his refuge. He saw the wolves squatting upon completely surrounding the rock. He saw one—a huge, jet-black monster—elevate his nose and repeat that mournful howl; and he knew that it was summoning his human enemies. A few moments later they appeared, Netawaka and Hardy ceph. He cried aloud to them, offering to surrender quietly, if only they would call off those accursed wolves. ‘You have earned death a thousand times over,” sternly replied the Wolf Queen. ‘‘ You are not fit to live. You have five minutes to make your peace with Heaven—then you die!” | Instead of praying, the Mountain Vulture cursed | and raved. Even Hardy Zeph turned sick at heart. “Let me give him a bullet,” he mutiered, a | pick up weapons somewhere—those I | — eee... ™>. a.m a ee i a LLL LL LL LLL LL Vulture battled for his life. The moon hid her face behind a cloud. lence. The trail of death was ended! CHAPTER XII. AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING, THE new day was just dawing when the Wolf Queen and Hardy Zeph, escorted by their four- tooted body-guard, headed by grim old Tarkio ret sig the cavern on their return from the trail of eatn, Sibyl was sleeping, worn out by the trials and fa- tizue which had been hers on that eventful night, but Dainty Lance was awake and waiting their re- turn. A single interchange of glances with Hardy Zeph was enough. Dainty Lance drew along breath of relief, for he now knew that the Mountain Vulture would never more hover around to swoc p down up- on his gentle dove. He asked no questions, nor did either of the others volunteer any particulars. It was enough that the work was done. Besides, other thoughts were of more moment to Dainty Lance just then. He recalled the words the Wolf Queen had breathed in his ear while in the den where Dirk Weenmx was captured. A glance showed him that Sibyl was sleeping too soundly to oe os poate by their voices, and he addressed Net- awaka. ‘* Please tell me what you meant by the words you WaMperey in my ear last night—before we came 1ere,”” ‘*T said that neither you nor the Snow-girl would be safe from the pursuit of the White Medicine until you — man and wife,” promptly responded Net- awaka. ‘And you added that if I would trust all to you, we could be married before another sun set,’’ hastily said Lance. ‘*T did; and I meant all I said,’ was the prompt response. ‘“‘I knew that this would be the safest place for you while the hunt for her lasted, No one of my tribe would dare cross the entrance to this cavern, for fear of old Kangewock. They fear her as they fear the evil spirit. Besides, they all know how bitterly she hates all belonging to the race of pale-faces, They do not know how badly hurt she is, how feeble and helpless since that black night.”’ ‘*Admitting that,’ somewhat impatiently inter- posed Dainty Lance, ‘* how can we be married and so soon?” ‘‘To-day a white priest, a missionary among my people to the North, will be brought into the village where the Snow-girl lived. White Medicine sent for him, meaning to marry fer to the young chief, Shooting Star, and thus build up an impassable bar- rier between you two.”’ ‘** And you can—you will bring him here?”’ eagerly cried Dainty Lance, his face flushing, his eyes aglow with ardent love. ‘** All will be excitement at the village, over the strange disappearance of the Snow-girl. The priest will be forgotten. I will enter the village and tell him all, only keeping the knowledge of the place where you are hiding from him until I am sure he will not betray us. hen he learns the truth, he surely will not hesitate. Then I will lead him here ang he two will be made one—and my pledge will ye e "he “"fwon’t take much longer to hitch two couple than it will one,” said Hardy Zeph, a pleading light in his eyes. The Wolf Queen looked at him steadily for a mo- ment, and seemed about to speak, but then she shook her head and glided away, leaving poor Zeph feeling very despondent. “Wait until the priest comes, then try her again, old fellow,”’ said Dainty Lance encouragingly. Everything looked so bright and rose-colored to him just then, that he could not help giving his heart-brother some encouragement. norant of the powerful motives which had influenced the ac- tions of the Wolf Qucen ever since their first meet- ing, Dainty Lance believed Hardy Zeph had made a Then si- favorable impression on the forest amazon. Not an inkling of the truth had she suffered to escape her. ** Ef she dovs say yes, I don’t reckon thar’ll be two happier beavers in this hull world than you an’ me, Lance!’ muttered the young trapper, his eyes aglow, his voice unsteady from strong emotion. Netawaka busied herself preparing breakfast, a meal to which one and all, not excepting the Snow Sprite, did ample justice. Love and good roast meat are not incompatible, let the romantic poets say what they may. “Take your time and tell her what we have agreed upon,”’ Netawaka found opportunity to whisper to Dainty Lance when the meal was ended. ‘Do it quietly—she is wild and shy asafawn. Frighten her at the start, and you will have your work all to do over again.” | '* You are going, then?” ; “Yes. It may take time to win over the priest. I must work cautiously, too. Let us once arouse sus- picion, and our scalps would leave their resting- places in a hurry. Sibyl turned toward Dainty Lance, and the Wolf Queen said no more, but completed her preparations for the really perilous mission on which she was bound. ’ ‘You kin rig me out as a Injun,’’ said Hardy Zeph, wistfully. ‘‘Let me go’long with you. Then, ef you're found out, I kin kiver your retreat.” ' ** At the cost of your own life?” ‘ bt? i a, te ee ee ee ‘“‘That don’t matter. I never sot a very high val’e onto it, an’ ef anythin’ crossways should happen to you, I'll sell out my pile fer jest one stout lick at them as did the mischief.” ‘Your company would only increase my danger— but I thank you al) the same,”’ said the Wolf Queen her voice softer than usual as her brown han clasped the paw of the young trapper. ‘* You must stay here. Keep a close watch from the cave en- trance, but do not expose yourself. Ifthe enemy comes, retreat to the wild beastden. There are only my wolves there, and they will not hurt you.” ithout giving time for further pleading, the Wolf Queen turned and glided away. Hardy Zeph fol- lowed her to the mouth of the cavern, only averting his gaze when her form was hidden from view among the scattered rocks. Dainty Lance found his task an easier one than either Netawaka or himself had dared hope. The Snow Sprite proved herself a sensible girl when it comes tows to practical details. ‘You shall decide for me,” she murmured, hiding her flushed face in the bosom of herlover. “ Father said that he would never rest until an insurmount- able barrier was raised between us—that I should marry the young chief. He meant it, too; but—is it not a poor rule that will not work both ways?” As she ‘softly uttered these words, Sibyl glanced shyly up into the beaming face of the young trapper. And then— Those who cannot guess the answer Dainty Lance ave, deserve to be left forever in the darkness of ignorance, Slowly the hours move on; slowly even to the lovers, who hardly dare hope that perfect bliss was to be theirs, even though it hovered almost witbin their grasp; but slowest of all to Hardy Zeph who faithfully maintained the position assigned him by the Wolf Queen. Noon came and passed. The afternoon was drawing to a close, when the keen- eyed trapper caught sight of two persons approach- ing on foot. brief period of doubt, then he recognized the Wolf Queen. With her was an aged man whose form was bowed, whose scanty locks of hair were white as the undriven snow. ‘It’s her an’ the preacher-man. Good Lawd! ef she’donly say yes/’’ muttered Zeph as he hastened to carry the glad tidings to those even more nearly interested. Dainty Lance and Siby] met them at the entrance. The hand of fate was in it. The bright sunlight shone upon their forms as they stood upon the lodge: or for a few moments—but long enough, **Back in brave of the If an evil eye keen glance around them. ‘Ever tribe is out hunting for the Snow-girl. should fall upon you, we are all lost!”’ She could see no suspicious signs. All around seemed deserted of human life. And then they passed into the cave, The priest, a venerable Canadian, drew the lovers aside and briefly questioned them. Netawaka had told him the whole story while on the way, and al- ready half convinced, it was an easy matter to set his remaining doubts at rest. Hardy Zeph, his earnest love revealed in the light of his honest eyes, drew nearer to the Wolf Queen, She read his purpose and an expression of regret overspread her countenance. She knew that his love for her was strong and whole-souled, that he was laying a heart of gold at her feet; but she knew, too, that she would be wrronging him by giving him further hope. Long ago her heart had gone out to the handsome young chief, Shooting Star. Sbe could not transfer it, even to such a deserving ob- ject. “*Tain’t but a little word—you kin say it ef you try,’ said Hardy Zeph, sotily, humbly. “Tl die but you'll never hev cause to be sorry. It’s the best love of a honest man I’m layin’ at your feet. Won’t you pick it up?” There were tears dimming the brightness of the Wolf Queen’s eyes as she slowly shook her head. “Tt am sorry—my heart was given away before ou came, or my answer might have been different. e my friend—my dear brother, instead,’’ and stooping, the forest amazon pressed her lips softly to his forehead. ‘**No ‘fense, I hope?’ muttered Zeph, hastly smile distorting his pale face. ‘‘ Reckon I'd better go see they ain’t no snakes snoopin’ ’round. Let em git hitched, all the same. I don’t feel jest like a weddin’ party.’ He turned and hastened to the mouth of the cave. Dainty Lance caught his last words and under- stood their meaning after one glance into the face of the Wolf Queen. He realized what a terrible blow had been dealt his comrade by his own feelings, and a brief cloud shaded his brow. “Tf I could, I would have spoken different,” said Netawaka, answering his mute question, smiling faintly. ‘‘Love does not always go where it is bidden, else you would not be so happy at this moment,”’ Dainty Lance felt deepl but he was young, the maiden of his choice stoo beside him, the venerable priest, all doubts satis- factorily solved, was ready to pronounce the words that would make them one in the sight of heaven and man, and it was against nature for him to be long downcast. Netawaka stooped her proud head and pressed her red lips to the fair brow of the Snow Sprite. ‘“*T will act as bo h father and mother to you this day, little one. Be brave. He loves you, and is de- serving of your perfect trust. The sooner the words are spoken that give you wholly to him, the bet- r. rT? , Side by side the handsome couple stood before the fe | ‘ \ . GOMIGNCO & fi . to the cave!” cried Netawaka, with a for his heart-brother, ' Si (E (0)