Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 217 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

¢ a Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Bri moon thrust her radiant face above the hori- gon, Not a rough was in view, as they hastened down the single main street; to ail appearance the enemy hud folded their tents and stolen silently away—which, for a time, was true. ‘¢Whers shall we quarter?” Old Sumersault askec, as they ran. *“‘Divide into four bands, and get into the eover of an equal number of strong shanties— then, each band send a man out toskirmish for provender and weapons, before the rougbs re- turn. I will take possession of the Bourbon place, with a part of the men!” was the ready decision. 5 And so it was done. With a dozen of the men Jack took possession ef the tavern; Old Somersault and another dozen quartered in a shanty nearly opposite, and the two other divisions under a man named Rogers, and one named Weldon, took possession of a couple of shanties further down the street toward the flats, at Jack’s direction, so as to give the enemy the opening salute when they returned from their bloodless victory, After securing this retreat somewhat by elosing tbe oaken shutters, and aflixing bars to the doors, Jack slipped from the tavern, and in eompany with Old Somersault, visited the neighboring shanties on a foraging expedition, and in quest of additional weapons and ammu- nition. But im this they were only moderately @uccessful, as only half a dozen rifles and a few boxes of cartridges could be found, and but a very limited supply of jerked venison, and bread, Dividing these, they hurried back to their respective retreats, and prepared for the @nsliught of the enemy, whom they could bear returning, with disappointed yells, “Ready, my lads,” Jack comm:nded, in his @alm, authoritative way. ‘*‘ When the gang @eomes within sight, give it to them without mercy—the same as they would have done to us, had they caught us in the pen on the fliis, Iv’s to-night’s work that tells who bosses this town. If the boys below work in right, we can break the ranks of the enemy.” That the lower delegations were wide awake soon became evident, by the report of two heavy volleys, fired upon the roughs, as they Game pouring back into the town, Taken entirely by surprise, they broke in eonfusion, and scattered in every direction, such as were not mowed down. A dozen, headed by Crack-Shot, dashed up the street, at break-neck speed. As they came opposite the tavern, two more destructive volleys opened upon them, and ia consternation they broke and seattered again, the girl road-agent and one or two others being the only ones to escape uninjured. ‘Ha! ha! I fancy we've rather put ’em out, thus far,” Jack muttered. “ At least it will take them some timo to collect their scattered senses and scattered dead, and I don’t imagine this surprise will serve to improve their confidence in their own abilities,” As might be supposed, the enemy, such as were lucky enough to escape, were careful to keep out of sight and rifle range, and those who were only wounded were permitted to erawl off without furtber molestation. Shortly afver the affray was over, Jack quitted his ‘fort,’ and visited the other three shanties to compare notes. From all that he could learn, not over half a dozeu had been kille’', and a dozen or more in- jured, which still left the enemy stronger in numbers than he had supposed. ‘“‘] wonder what they’re up ter?’ Old Som- ersault queried. ‘First we know they'll work in some One-hcss act on us, an’ take us by surprise. ”. | ‘*They’ve probably drawn off at a safe dis tance, and are concocting schemes for our edification,” Jack replied. ‘* I’m going to make 2 reconnoissance, and if they become trouble- some before 1 get back, give them some ef the ' S2aae dose we did awhile ago.” EEE ww -— — —— So — - —t— See eC COCO OoOoOomm™” -_ gand. il He then loaded his belt weapons, and left the shanty by tbe rear way. Instead of returuiug to the tavern he skulk. ed cautiously along from one shanty to ano- ther, keeping well in their shadows, beyond which the moonlight now radiuted. In this way he continued to scout along, until he saw a glow of light at tbe north. western terminus of the town; accordingly Shaped his course toward it, still using the utmost caution, The last shanty was built upon a ridge-like eminence, somewhat higher than the other buildings, and from its site the ground slanted east aud west. In a little grove or. motte at the foot of the western slope Jack could see the glimmer of a camp fire, and concluded that the enemy had taken refuge bere, ‘‘T wonder if I can get down there and over- bear their plans,” he muttered, tightening his belt. ‘*In the early days of Deadwood I used to have considerable skill in spying.” Droppivg on his hands and koees, he crept softly down the slope, keeping in the shadow of a fringe of brier bushes, which bordered a channel worn out by the flood-water of heavy ruins, In this way he succeeded in getting into the cover of the timber without discovery. To reach the camp-fire, around which Crack- Shot and the men were collected in the midst of a seemingly interesting discussion, was an- other thing, as he could see figures among the trees, between him and the camp. There seemed no other way for him tban to make a detour around the motte, aud enter it upon the opposite side, which he proceeded to do, Arrived on the other side, he made a dis- covery that he had not expected, Bound to a tree at the edge of the motte were Metcail, the speculator, and the duke, He ran suddenly upon them, and they saw him, in turn, before be had time to retreat, ‘*Ha! help at last!” Metealf said, in a low tone, ‘' Have you come to tree us!” *“*Hum)h! I don’s know a! out that,” Jack replied. ‘*‘What are you doing here, aiter deserting the other party? Pray explain that.” “We did not desert,” the speculator boldly answered, ‘‘We were kidnapped from the other camp, and brought here to be given the lead of the roughs, but as we positively re- fused to de a thing for them, they tied us up here, as you sce,” ‘‘T have my doubts about this matter!” Jack said, seratching his head. ‘If I were to express an opinion, I should say that you de- serted and came over to this party, thinking to get in as head man, and they promptly re- jected you and put you where you’d keep safe,” ** Indeed, you are wrong. My interest lies with the citizens—not with the roughs, So please release me.” ‘*T ll have to think about that while I’m spy- ing on yonder camp. I believe it would be quite as profitable to have you remain right where you are, for all parties concerned.” ‘‘Curse you! you forget you are in my power.” ‘* How so, pray?’ ‘In more ways than one. If you don’t re- lease me, I'll bring the roughs down on you, Seoondly, if you don’t release me, Pil not tell you where Calamity Jane is.” ‘‘How do you know I eare to be informed on that subject?” ‘Ha, ha! I knew you the moment you eame to Durango, (nce the face of Deadwood Dick is seen it is rarely forgotten, and having heard of your marriage with Calamity Jane, I nat- urally oemcluded that you weuld like to see her. aman of your ealiber, but if you won’t dea human act in releasing me from the power of this ruffien gang, you ean’t blame me if I feel revengeful.” ‘* Perhaps not; but how am Ito knew you I don’t want to be at swerds’-points with. _—_—— will put me on track of Calamity even after I free you?” ‘‘My word of honor ought to be a guarantee, had it not?’ ‘““T hardly know. I will however release you, but I'd advise you not to cut up any act of treachery if you wish to survive,” ‘You needn't fear. Iam not treacherous, Release ine, and I will remain here until you return, and then accompany you back to the village,” Trusting the man would, in this case, if at no other time, be as good as his word, Gipsy Jack drew his knife and severed the bonds that bound him, ‘* See that you return your gratitude by per- fect silence, while I spy upon the enemy,” he said; then turned and stole stealthily toward the camp fire. When he was out of hearing, a gloating ex- pression of triumph disfigured Jobn Metcalf’s face, and he strode over to where the duke was. bound. ‘* Ha! hal you see Iam free first,” he sneered, shaking bis fist in the nobleman’s face. ‘ Now maybe you'll admit that I am to come off vic- torious, in spite of you. I foresee the result already. I happen to know where the lovely Lady Myra is hidden, and 1 shall embrace an early opportunity to visit ber.” Then slapping the duke smartly on the cheek, with a brutal laugh, he turned toward the camp. Jack had gained a position a few yards in the rear of the band, and was in a precarious situation, should they perchance discover him, Metcalf seemed to comprehend the fact, and turned and bounded out of the grove, at the same instant shouting at the top of his voice: ‘Spies! spies—look out for spies!” This was his gratitude, Halfa mile north-west of the motte,im «& wild rocky glen of the foot hills Captain Crack. Shot had bidden her three prisoners— Calamity Jave, the duke’s daughter, and the male pris- oner, a young mountaineer by the title of Wild- cat Joe. : It wasa place seldom visited, as nothing was there except rugged rocks, deep forest and labyrinthian water gullies to attract, and was probably as good a hiding-place as the wily brigand queen could have found anywhere in that region. Metcalf had seen the prisoners conducted in that direction, and knowing of the glen, had eoncludéd that they were taken there, After basely betraying Jack’s presence to the roughs, he ran with all bis might in the direc- tion ef the glen, and in due time reached its. concealment, and found as‘he bad expeeted, the prisoners bound to trees, close to each other, They were greatly surprised at sight of him, and he in turn appeared greatly excited. ‘* Which one of you ladies goes by the name of Calamity Jane?’ he asked, gazing from one to the other, and not recognizing Lady Myra, who was a pretty, graceful maiden, approach- ing maturity. ‘¢T am Calamity Jane,” that heroic woman answered, ‘What do you want?’ ‘‘T have been sent for you. Deadwood Dick is dying, in a eabin below here and I came to to the ruffians’ camp to find you.” “Then for Heaven’s sake release me, and guide me to th@place!” the girl cried excitedly. ‘‘Certainly. Shall these ether people also accompany us?’ ; ‘‘Yos. They will be only too g'ad to gain their liberty, after along and tedious impris onment,” Accordingly Metcalf released them, and lod the way toward the vorth, along tho fout- hills. An hour brought them in sight of a cabin, the door of which was open, Forward they went, Metealf in the lead, un- til they reached the door, when he pushed them in ahead of him, quickly jerked the door shut,, and locked it on the eutside, (EO) NMG Oere) cS EO