Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 281 — page 8: what you’re looking at

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

8 “Thanks for your offer. Iam a man, nota tool. If Iam lynched, remember you have an- ether enemy to fear, more desperate than l— Rudolph Conroy.” ‘Bah! the man is dead.” “By no means. Although through abject feur of bim, you bad him walled up in a mountain, he still lives, a free man, with an oath registered to get even with you.” *“*I do not believe you; nevertheless, let him | Gocd by! | come; I will be prepared for him. Expect to see you dangling to a limb, when I | arise, to-morrow morning,” and he capped bis | lantern again as he turned to depart. Behind the door crouched Little Bill Bethel, ina agen What should he do? Should he scoot out, or he locked in, with the prisoner? : There was no time, that was certain, for medi- ati ‘p. * TU scoot, and run the risk of results!” and he dodged out of the door, just in the nick of time to escape discovery, by the returning guards. ‘““Here’s a go,” he mused, skulking off into the darkness. ‘‘Collared a case against the very nob w’ot Denver Doll is working for. Thar’s no use talkin’. I’ve got ter big a load 0’ knowledge on my stomache. 1 must transfer sum of et fer Dollbaby to dissect.” With his yout% brain in a whirl of excite- ment, be hurried away toward the Mountain View, the only place in he de Notch with any pretensions to being a botel. “Tan my pore if I ain’t a blossomer—a regular fust class skin-peeler of a detective, in no time! An’it’s a rum old case. That aire Percifick Phil is separated frum his right bower. He rekernised my gal Kate at the theater. Then thar’s the money-shaver, he’s scooped Kate in, off ’m the street. ‘eg drat it, don’t thet look like as if Percific an’ Kate used ter be in harness! Wonder ef I’m their progeny? K4te mever sed I was hern, more’n she used ter whale me in motherly fashion. By ginger, I’m goin’ ter fizger in a claim, ef thar’s sech a thing in ther dixyunary, an’ no mistake.” . In he mean Se tS tee petal a more rop into one of the princi gaming sa- loons, before going fo the hotel, in hopes of finding ber feutonic pard, Yakie Strauss. The saloons of Nugget Notch kept open all night, and there was ever a large crowd of de- v to the fasc.oating poker. The card taoles were mostly full, so Doll @rolled about the Jarge apartment, taking an inventory of those' present. Among those w..0 particularly attracted her attention, was a tall, brawny man of command- presence, who was probably some fifty years of age, for his heavy beard and bushy hair were deeply streaked with gray. > was not unprepossessing of countenance had a keen, piercing black eye, and was we , wearing a silk hat upon his head. Doll gave him only a passing glance, but was comscieus that his gaze followed her wherever she went. At one table she found a young man seated, with his head resting upon one hand, and adull, weary expression in his eyes. Quick to form opinions, she concluded that this was Mr. Edward Ainsley, the banker’s nephew. Kt first she hesitated to speak to him. But, after a few minutes she summoned up courage, and pees by his table. *« Excuse me,” she said, “‘ but am I not address- ing Mr. Ned Ainsley?” fie looked up at ber inquiringly. ‘“That’s my name,” he answered, politely raising his hat. “‘Is there anything I can do for you?” : “Well, yes—that is, I’ve a few questions to ask im regard toacertainsubject. 1 am Denver detective.” His surprise seemed to increase, at this an- nouncement, “Ah! I am happy to meet you. Your pro- fession ie one I have always rather admired. If there is anything I can do for you, com- mand me.” “Thank P Shee I won’t detain you ns. You see it’s a little private matter I have undertaken ‘9 You work for Harrison Ainsley?” retary.” “ He doés a very satig basiness?” ¢ “Do you have the ha of any 0 exh?” you ha ! y “None,” - ** You reside with Mr. Ainsley?” prs a ce es em 8 ee | Denver Doll’s Victory. a moe — “T do not. Iroom at a miner's shanty, and take meals at the hotel below here.” ‘Why do you not reside with them?’ ‘*Ob! I prefer privacy.” ‘* How long have you worked here?” ‘* Since [ came—a year ago.” “Acquainted with Mr. Ainsley’s daughter, Miss Be-sie?”’ ‘His step-daughter, you mean, well acquainted with her.” ‘*Has she other company?” - ‘* None to my knowledge.” ‘*Do you understand the combination of Mr. Ainsley’s safe?” ee do not. What are you driving at, may I ask?” ‘*] will answer by asking another question. Are you aware that from time to time, lately, sums of money of various amounts, have been removed from the bank, during the niglt- time?’ ** Indeed I amr not!” Ned exclaimed excitedly. ‘Uncle never said anything to me about it. Aim I suspected, for heaven’s sake?” **Not by your uncle, 1 fancy. He spoke in good terms of you, but appeared to be greatly mystified.” ‘Well, I should say so. He has been very mum, at least. Do you suspect me?” ‘It is ny privilege to suspect every one until I hit on the right oue,” Doll answered, with one of her pretty smiles. ‘It isn’t so nice to be a detective as it may seem. One has often to he rude or insolent. I hope you are not the cul- prit, Mr, Ainsley; you seem like a nice young fellow!” _ “Thanks for the compliment, but I assure you I am not the person you seek.” “T hope not. By the way, what salary do you receive?” ‘** Forty dollars a week,” “Oh! well, that ought to keep you in change, nicely.” “It does, though I sometimes blow a large part of it in at the table; but I always manage to keep my head above water.” ** Well, ll look around and see who else to investigate,” Doll said, with a pleasant laugh. Then she left the place and went over to the hotel, on the steps of which she found her dimin- utive ee Little Bill Bethel, his eyes literal- ly as big as saucers. : “Oh! Jemima Crima, Dollbaby!”’ he gasped. *‘T’'ve struck a lead—a regular old bonanzer, or I’m an ant-eater.” CHAPTER VII. NAILING A NOTE. SEEING that a considerable crowd of open- mouthed idlers were in the vicinity, Denver Doll hastily burried Little Bill to her room, where he gave a remarkably clear and concise narration of what he had seen and heard, to- gether with bis individual opinion on the matter. The Detective Queen’s surprise was great, and ts was silent for som.) time, in deep medita- tion. *T hardly took Harrison Ainsley to be a man of this type,” she admitted, finally. ‘‘He ap- red to me like a thorough gentleman.” ** He didn’t to me, tho’,” Bill retorted, doubling up his little fists, ‘* He threatened to set me u in the boot business, free gratis, That’s why snucked arter him. Allus ’spicious o’ en who aire afeared o’ kids like me. But, I tell ye, Doll- baby, suthin’s got ter be done. The banker may feel uneasy ’bout hevin’ my gal Kate shet up in his own house, and may be snuckin’ her off ter sun safer place, even now.” ** Possibly,unless Ainsley may wish to keep her here for a certain purpose, which I shouid infer, —if, indeed, he has hersbut up atall. As for the prisoner in the jail, 1 do not apprehend ay wouble in bis direction seven Fn night, as all seems quiet; so our best move is to snatch a mor- sel of sleep during the remainder, so as to be fresh for duty in the morning. To-morrow is likely to bring about new events.” The idea was acted upon, and our two friends threw themselves upon the bed, and Little Bill’s hearty snores soon proclaimed him tobe asleep. Denver Doll laid awake for some time, how- ever, her active mind reviewing the situation. ‘There seems no two ways about it, but what Harrison Ainsley is an unparalleled villain,” she concluded. “If she, his son’s wife, is to come into a fortune, and he holds the necessa papers, that accounts fcr his housing her. He hen intends to make a simmary dis of bis own son, and in order to do it, will undoubted- | to make hin out Captain Crime, Chief of the kull and Cross-bones League, known as the erribles, I fear be can do this unless sufficient Yes; Il am ee ee - ee — ee testimony can be produced against him to make the charge a falsehood. ‘That may be a hard matter. As for bandsome Ned Ainsley’s being the robber in the bank case, { am satisfied he ‘is not guilty. I must next suspect the banker’s step-daughter, whom he introduced to me 4s bis daughter,” oye Morning at last dawned, rainy, cold and dis- agreeable—such a day as suspended work at the placer mines, theugh the quartz drifts were worked as usual. After breakfast, Demver Doll left Little Bill to look after himself, while she strolled dow to | the post-office. Behind the counter she beheld the pestwaaster doing up some mails; so she comfremted him, after the customer had gone. ‘Mosby, 1 know you,” she said, pesitively, one hand resting on a revolver butt, He started, and stared at her a moment, azd then uttered a grow! of recognition, _ ** Well?” he hissed, his bloodshot eyes gleam- ing. Sit is well, Mosby,” the girl replied. ‘I’m not after you—there’s no money in it. But | want some information!” His manner changed ag ys tart + ** Why on course, gal! Amything I kin do, ax of me. Jest come behind here, and sit down.” And he led the way behind the tier ef pestal boxes into a small apartment where the mail was made up or distributed. ‘‘ Now spiel out!” he said, lighting a pipe, and stroking his sbaggy beard. ‘*‘ What d’ye want?” ‘‘Oh! I’m working upacase. Wanta pointer or so, ycu know. Does Miss Bessie Ainsley r.ceive letters through this office?” ‘She do.” “ Often?” ‘* Every day or two.” ** Are they from out of town?” si Nix! Allus pick ’em out 0’ the drep letter- x.” “The next letter that comes for her 1 want! Do you hear?” **Kerect! Can’t ’ford to go back om yeu!” * You bet you can’t! By the way, you are hehe well acquainted with the rogue element. ho is there about town who might be Captain Crime?’ ‘* Dunno.” ‘‘ Have you ever seen him?” ‘You bet—to my sorrow!” ‘‘Ts the fellow down in the jail the mam?’ ‘* Humph! no /” “Would you swear to it?” ‘* Bet yer boots!” Don't forget the letter.” ‘Good! That’s all. ‘* Nary time.” Doll then left the post-office, her brows slightly knitted, a habit with her when she was per- lexed. ‘“*T haven’t doge so badly, an how,” she mused, ‘*I may lgarn a bit by the letter.” Furtber alon aa met Harrison Ainsley, who approached e ly. * By heaven, ve been robbed again!” be cried, angrily. bank was entered again Jast night, undred dollars extracted from the safe. Doll was silent a moment, a more puzzled ex- pression upon her pretty face than before. “ Well, this beats me!” she ayerred. ‘‘ Did you leavé everything ship-shape?” — “* a: I took unusual precautions.” ‘‘ Was any of the money marked?” ‘‘ One ten-dollar note had a little red x in the ee left-hand corner of the face side of the note, ‘*A mark often employed, therefore of little ia Didn’t take the numbers?” * No, ‘““Do vo hereafter, I fancy I am hot upon the right trail, but can tell you sothing definite yet. Will see you again.” They parted. Doll rambling about town, with-an eye open to business. In the course of her perambulations she cane to the Ainsley mansion. Bessie was standing in the doorway, and instantly recognized the Detective Queen. “Why. good-morning,” she called out, smil- ing. ‘“ Won’t you come in? It’s so lonesome fo: poor me without company.” Secrétly elated, Doll was not slow to accept the invitation, and the two girls were soon seated in tbe cosily-furnished parlor of the banker's residence. en followed an hour fg feminine chatter. Then Doll was invited to a look shan, be the place, which she accepted, by saying: **Thank you! I do so fike to look all through other people’s houses, for I expect to have one £ Eomicvooks (E(©) ’ wwe \