Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 281 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

} her. Hor hair was arranged with taste, and indeed her whole appearance was elegant—cap- tivating. With bated breath the rough audience lis- tened to the beauteous song, it seeming to hold them spell-bound. Even after Rienzio had courtesied and retired behind the wings, there was a dead silence for several minutes, Then the babel of cheers and applause that burst forth shook the structure as though a tornado had struck it. Men yelled at the top of their voices, stamped on the floor, and even went so far as to hurl pouches of dust and gold- en coinin a storm upon the stage. Two men seemed affected in a different way stom the others. One was Beau Blonde, who had pushed excitedly forward to the stage, and stood eagerly awaiting the reappearance of the songstress, a wild expression upon his face. The other was the man clad in buckskin. His face had assumed a deathly pallor, and he had followed at the gambler’s heels, stern resolution in his glance. Across the room, Little Bill Bethel stood erect upon the barrel, a revolver in bis hand. ‘**See heer, Beau, what yer goin’ ter do?’ he shouted above the din. ‘‘’Member I’ve got my heye on yer. That singer’s my old pard, Kate, eure’s preachin’, an’ ye offer to tech her or in- sult her, ['ll blow a bug through yer noddle!” Blonde flashed a withering glance at the youngster, but did not answer, and just then tienzio made her second appearance, In an instant the applause ceased and quiet was restored, and as she was about to sing again the voice of Little Bill piped: **Look out thar, Kate, old gal—the blonde ra 4 on the right meons mischief!” The singer gave the boy a startled stare, then turned a half-frightened glance at Beau Blonde, who at the ce a tossed a letter upon the oa he picked it up, and with pallid face turned and staggered behind the scenes, As she did 30 the man in buckskin seized Beau Blonde by the throat! ‘You infernal scoundrel!” be roared, in a stentorian voice, ‘‘ what do you mean?” CHAPTER IV. THE DUEL. Tae man who stopped Denver Doll on the street was a genteel and prepossessing elderly geutleman, say about fifty years of age. ® was rather portly, had a kindly expressioned face, with beard and hair streaked with gray and eyes that beamed with honest light. Doll made this inventory of him at a glance, and resolved to hear him. But for his t- able appearance she would have repulsed him. ‘Yes, [am Denver Doll,” she replied, in an- awer to bis question, ‘“‘How came you to know?” “I did not know—I merely suspected. I dave heard you de<cr bed, and jud by your manner of dress, in male attire, that this might be you. You area detective, I believe?” ** A sort of one, yes,” ‘‘A am giad. ou are the very person I want, Are your services to be secured?” ‘‘ Well, that depends somewhat. upon circum- stances, What's the nature of the job?” Doll asked. ‘You shall know, if you will just step down to my office with me. My daughter Bessie is there, and I will introduce you to her,” “ Allright, Lead ahead.” The gentleman cheves On the way, he said abruptly: “Oh! I quite forgot to introduce myself. My name is Harrison Ainsley.” 4 ‘“Indeed?” Doll said, and relapsed intosilence. The announcement evidently gave her con- siderable surprise, but as the gentleman did not ap to notice it, she kept her counsel. They soon arrived at a strongly built log cabin, the windows of which were guarded, by strong iron bars, Over the heavy oaken door was suspended a sign, which read: “ HARRISON AINSLEY, BANKER.” Within, the walls were plastered, and every- was comforta A long Sree me ges by & stron wire grating, divided part of eroem,: behind which was an iron safe, writing desk, and ebairs. vy OE The other portion of the room was supplied ~wikb a couple of settees sanliovsteent owen _Denver Doll's Vietory A young lady of about Doll’s own age ocou- pied a seat upon one of the settees—a very pretty, modest-looking young lady, too, neatly attired, and bearing evidences of refinement and good culture. She arose as Mr. Ainsley introduced Doll, and bowed courteously, then all hands became seated. ‘* Well, you see,” Mr. Ainsley, began, after blowing bis nose vigorously, *‘i’m in a much worked-up state over things that are happening to mar the peace and tranquillity of my life. You will observe that I am a banker and broker by gee comme and I may add, that having been lucky in business transactions for several years, I bave amassed-a fortune of no mean propor- tions, but being a conscientious man, I have done so without fraud.or dishonesty, But for a couple of months past I bave been constantly robbed.” * Well?” “T have kept the fact hushed upin my own family, in hopes of being able to personally detect the robber or robbers at their game, but all tono avail. Ihave at last come to the con- clusion that it needs a sharper person than I to take bold of the case.” ‘**In what manner has this robbery been per- petrated?” ‘Well, that [ cannot exactly tell you. It is always done during the night, but how, or by whom, is a mystery to me, You will observe that the cabin is very strongly built for the pur- pose for which it is occupied, The door is of un- usual strength, and is nightly locked on the out- side with padlocks—a dozen of them, no two alike. And I have never found any evidence of their -having been picked or tampered ‘with. The window bars are so fixed that they cannot be removed without cutting them, and the money is nightly locked in the safe. Yet every few nights a sum of from fifty to two hundred dollars is taken,” ‘* Have you ever staid here over night?’ **On two occasions; but on both I fell asleep, and money was gone in the morning.” ‘“‘Humph! Have you ever kept watch on the outside?” *“‘No, Itis hardly safe for a man of my cali- ber to be abroad on the street all night. There ee too many roughs hanging aroand, who are rr ere how they get money as long as e t. DS you personally place the money in the safe, nights?’ ae Yes.” “ How mgs ——- to your knowledge are awe with the combination besides your- self “None. My nephew, Ned, attends to nothing but m ks.” books. Al ishe temperate and reliable?’ ‘*T have the’greatest confidence in him.” ‘* Confidence is often misplaced, you know. Who are the inmates of your household?” ‘*My daughter, myself, and a Chinese ser- vant. Ned boards at a neighboring miiner’s house.” * Any other relatives?” A pained expression flitted over the banker’s face. . ‘‘Ay, I bave. A secapegrace son, whom I ‘have not seen for over two years, and never ex- pect to see again.” ; ‘You have no idea of his whereaboutr, then?” ‘‘ None whatever.” A. silence followed. ‘ Doll interpreted it that the Ainsleys did not desire to further divulge their family secrets. ‘* Well,” she said, “if suspicion points to no one, I don’t see much of a clew to work!” ‘** No, but you detectives ought to be able to te up threads to work on. I would really ke you to undertake the case, a lady, as I bave beard much of your ability. am’ los- ing money too fast to suit me, and I'll tell you what Pildo. If you’ll discover the parties or pet of this case, and bring them to justice, ‘ll give you a thousand dollars!” ‘. I will undertake the case. Are more points you have to offer?” , yes. There is one thing I bave ne- to mention. Once or twice a week, ately, I have received through the post-office a letter, conta one of these curious cards, the meaning of which I cannot interpret, ex- cept the meaning be a menace.” took from his pock Very well there an “ Wel et a card, the size of an we eard, but tinted a light blue, on which was engraven a skull and cross-bones and coffin, and inscribed: | / “Beware—Counr tax Days——30.” _ i ———_ +--+ | mand 5 _—— ee oe ae -_— Denver Doll looked at the strange card .er,e while, studiously, seeming to be in deep i- tation. “You are right.» The notice is evidently meant to convey to you the warning that you are doomed, and will be killed, in thirty days. The party of desperadoes, (whom I am bere after) that wrecked the train: last: night, em- ploy the skull and cross-bonesas ‘a symbol, and are undoubtedly the authors of this curd. They also may be connected with the, bank robbery. I will look into the matter. If there is nothing more of importance, at present, J will take leave, and see you again.” : She @yst gave the bank an examination, but could e nothing but what appeared permanent and ectftd, After bidding the banker and. his daughter good-night, she went forth on the street again, **There’s a nigger in the bush somewhere, and I will hunt a thousand’s worth for the same, you bet,” she mused. ‘‘I must see Mr. Ned Ainsley!” ; To say that Beau Blonde was astounded by the sudden attack of the fierce but dashing stranger, would be drawing it mild. He jerked loose from the grasp upon his collar, and wheeled around, his face flaming with rage incarnate. ; **Curse you! what do you mean?” he hoarsely. ‘‘ Who are you that durst lay hand on me?” E nitiin “‘T am Pacific Phil, at your service/and the man that dare call any ruffian to account for insulting a woman!” the stranger retorted, grimly. ‘ What was in that note you threw upon the stage, sir?’ 4 guiios ‘‘ None of your business!” Beau Blonde roared, raising his clinched fist to strike his an nist; but before he could do saso he rece a terrible blow in the face from. Pacific Ph fist, that knocked him back against the stage insensible. With a cool laugh, the scout turned to the | gaping crowd, bis eyes scintillating like dim — monds, gat ¢ satisfied” he eaid, dryly, and then’ phahed not sat Y sa ryly, av his way out through the crowd, A of the audience followed bim, and some : surrounded him, enthusiastically, while othemp stood aloof, with sullen faces. These were evidently the croniez of the dis comfited gambler, Beau Blonde. a ‘Ye did jest right, stranger,” one miner de- clared, loudly, ‘‘ and bere’s what kin lick ther socks off’m ther man as ses ye didn’t, Thet fresh galoot bes wanted his nose th for a long while.” Pacific Phil smiled quietly, but said nothing. He was evidently not sorry for ej **] say, boss, you are jest ther old creamery- de-la butter, you aire!” cried Little Bill, as burst into the cirele. ‘* Dog my cats, ou didn’t sail in and save my old) woman, Kate, like a storm o’ horse ¢ " oem Pacific Pail gazed down at the lad, in dering surprise. | ‘* Who are you?’ he demanded, curiously, . ** Billiam thel, at yer service. Thet Rienzio w’at sung aire nothin’ but ther long an’ short o’ my old side-pardner, Kate, yon bet! _ jest anne her pick an’ pan, sa’ ski ped out_an’ left ber young prodigy a arter ber, an’ ef ye a? : won- away. I skipped punched Beau Blonde’s noge, I’d hey done it fer e eon Sh shahnproteenla oust quckalipoet ad. dressed him, had not at this iuataut a ftenae fol emanated from the doorway of the theater.” The next instant Beau Blonde came rushing out, with the mien ofa fury. 9». Jw hs Straight up to the buckskin scout. he strode, his faee flaming with rage, and eyes glea Look here, you biack-bearted are vars aware what you have done?” shedgaeshler ** Perfectly well!” Pacifie’Phil ied, not in the least disconcerted. ‘I thum ‘puppy in if you ive the face, and will repeat the action, me any provocation” = | . ‘You area coward andacraven. You dare not fight as gentlemen fight!” . 44 ’s where you mistake, That’s just where you find me at home, with bpp it you want to fight, all you’ve got to do is say so, and you sball acoghmmaiianed: I donbt if I ever saw a person I’d like to fight more, thyn you.” rot)? ci OF ‘Fight itisball be then!” Beau Blonde cried, fiercely. ou. ores insulted me, and i satisfaction. shall — (e(6) JOOKS MLC €or