Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 296 — page 8: what you’re looking at

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

me ere ee a ed ee eee Oe ews oe ee ewes nly a would like to make it interesting for m ’ At which the old man chuckled, softly, as he sauntered off to convey the challenge. Senor Cobra soon came back. See ‘* You sent for me, senor?” he inte ated. “JT did!” La Force responded a . apd understand you are great on poker. am the tnan who knows no equal in these parts. Would you like to tackle me?” Cobra gave vent to a funny laugh. *T might!” he said. ‘‘ What amount?” ‘nh! a hundred dollars a side!” ‘* { never sit down, senor, for less than a thou- sand,” Cobra smiled. “On! well. All the same; a thousand it shall be. Be seated, and put up!” CHAPTER VIII. SENOR OCOBRA’S CLEVER RUSE, AND SNAP’S SECOND MISFORTUNE. Tue invitation tendered the man from Mex- ico was promptly accepted, and he took from a roil of American money a thousand-dollar note, and laid it upon the table, with a cocked re- volver beside it. He ‘‘meant business,” evidently, and Jean ‘La Force knew he had not picked up a flat. This Senor Cobra had a notoriety. It was said of him that so lucky was he in Mexico, and so many of the Mexican nabobs had he cleaned out, that it had become necessary for him to Senne. over the borders, and that until re- cently his operations bad been confined to that Monaco of America, Del Norte, Noted for abundant riches, and equally for charity, he was a personage to inspire awe in any rough assemblage, inasmuch as he was known to bave killed more than his allotted one man. Froma drawer at his end of the table, Jean La Force counted out a thousand dollars, in gold coin, and stacked it alongside Cobra’s wager. Then the game began, the table sur- rounded by many interested spectators, among whom was Little Bill Bethel, his sharp, weasel- like countenance aglow with excitement. ‘* At it ag’in, are ye, buddy?’ he said, ad- dressing La Force. “ Jest like yer gall to buck yer brains out ag’in an ’arthquake. Bet a her- ring ye don’t know the sort o’ stuff ye’r’ playin’ with. Besides, ye never hey luck when [’m around, Imareg’lar Joner. Take keer, don’t fee] fer the pop. I’ve got one, too, an’ a self- eocker in the bargain.” ‘Well, you shut up, or [ll fix you!” was the savage retort of La Force, The game was played, and won by Senor so ag who raked in the stakes with a faint smile. | - * Another thousand, senor?’ he asked, quietly. * Not by a devilish sight,” La Force growled. ‘*The stake is too heavy. If you’ll play for five dollars a game (ll try you,”’ ah gs was so lucky as to win, I suppose I am in duty bound to accommodate,” Cobra re- sponded, pleasantly. ‘* Proceed.” They then 4 yed for a couple of hours, Cobra losing steadi y The interest had abated, in consequence of the smallness of the stakes, ond the room was clear- _ed of all but half a dozen professional gamblers who rented tables, and a score of rough-bearded Sy Siam of the pick and shovel, who had made heir appearance in the camp that evening. It was after midnight when Senor Cobra ha up his hand, and arose and picked up his istol. . “ lam tired of cards,” he said. ‘ Let’s try a different game. Jean La Force, you are my prisoner!” And as he spoke he suddenly lev- eled his cocked weapon at the gambler. La Foree glared around him, only to perceive that the other gamblers and the bar-tender were eovered by the weapons of the rough-looking miners. “Trapped!” he gasped, ‘*Exactiv!” was the mocking answer; “and if you attempt to give an alarm I'll shoot you through the heart. George, lock the doors,” One of the men obeyed. “Now, then,” Cobra continued, ‘bind to- gether the wrists of each prisoner.” This order was also obeyed, La Force being first served. He was fairly livid with rage, but under that venomous glance of the man of cards, dared not give an alarm. As soon as the binding process was completed the man George stood guard over La Force, while Cobra proceeded to ‘‘ go through” the pockets of the prisoners and their money -draw- ers. The result of this search was put in a leathern sack; then Cobra approached La Force again. Denver Doll’s Drift. —o-n + 08 eee ‘ What wealth I have secured here rightfully belongs to me, for it came from the Denver Doll mine,” he said. ‘* You'll prpbany be will- ing to acknowledge that you are euchered, La Force. Do you know me?” And off came the goggles and fierce false mustache, and the face of Denver Doll was re- veuled, looking prettier than ever, it appeared, with the dusky dye upon it. ‘*The devil!” La Force gasped, for he was too surprised to say more. ‘You will find me equal to one, if you don’t give me back the mine!” was the stern reply. x. mean business, and this is but the begin- ning. At a signal her band made their exit through a rear door, and giving La Forcea stinging slap in the face she followed. ' Before the gamblers could make their cries for help heard the road-agents were far away. Mr. Apollo Snap, after his unceremonious bath in the pollywog puddle, sought the Blob residence and managed to get to his room with- out being seen, wherein due time, and with the aid of soap, water and another outfit, he suc- ceeded in making himself look as good as new. He then straightforward hied himself to the presence of the paternal Blob, and to him un- tolded a most pitiful tale of his mishaps, in- cluding the revelation of Miss Christie’s open flirtation with the stalwait Arizonian. ‘*T vil see apoud dot,” Blob biustered, angrily. ‘** Christie! Christie!” Christie, in response to the call, came in from an adjoining room. “ Christie, vot ish dot vot Mr. Snap vas dells me sapoud you makin’ flirdations mit anodder fellow, girl?’ the old man demanded, adjusting his spectacles. ‘* Dot veller he drows Mr. Snap in von ditch, und spiles his clothings!” “Oh! you mean Mr. Arizonaf Why, he’s my new mash, papa!” the pretty Jewess con- fessed, her eyes twinkling. ‘‘Did he really baptize Mr. Snap? How comical!” ** Comical? our mash? Py tam! I mash you uf I hear some more such nonsense like dot. on’d you know you vas der betrothed wife of my friend, Mr. Snap?” ‘¢ Well, [ should smile not! Who told you?” *‘T und Mr, Snap dells ourselves. You ish to ay him, und keep der monish in der family. ee? ‘‘Tmarry that jumping-jack? Why, papa, I wouldn’t give the snap of my finger tr such a spitz-poodle as he is! If { can’t have Arizona, I won’t have no one—that’s all, There now!” and the imperious beauty flounced out of the room in bigh dudgeon, slamming the door behind her. Snap looked dubious. Blob looked ditto. Weise case is quashed!” the former said hope- “: Not py a long shot!” Blob decided. “I dells you vot youdo. ‘You shallenge der veller to fight mit a duel, und you use a sword I gif you. All you haff to do is to prick him mit der end of it, und he vas a goner, It vas coated mit deadly poison,” ‘‘Aw, excellent! I understand the foils as every English gentleman does, [t is, you know, a part of our education; so, I will challenge the beastly American at once. But, supposing I can’t git a chance to prick him? He might give me a death- wound,’ ‘‘ Nonsense! These Vestern shackasses only vas know how to fight mit a pistol. You lick him so easy as rollin’ off a log, uf you is quick mit a sword.” Reassured, Apollo went to bis room, and penned an insulting challenge, which he sent to Arizona Alf. It was to meet the challenger in a duel with swords in front of the Satanello the following morning. Ina short time the answer came back, and was an acceptance, The following morning was one of sensations, The news of the bold raid upon the Satanello was in every mouth, and was an absorbing topic for every one; but this was in a measure forgotten when at sunrise the news got abroad that a duel was to take place in front of the Satanello, A crowd immediately collected, and expecta- tion ran high, for the names of the contestants had not leaked out. Shortly after sunrise, Apollo Snap made his appearance, carrying a pair of swords, which he placed in the ring that had been formed. was flashily dressed, and was accompanied by big Nathan Blob, who evidently proposed to act as master of ceremonies, for he ordered the ee ee ee ee. oe ee 8 oe | eee ee © ere erm em wren ms eee oe ee 6 eer eee ee ee ee ~—- eee | —_——— a ee ee Se ee ee ee crowd to clear away to the sides of the street. Shortly afterward Arizona Alf came saun~ tering leisurely up, the picture ef healthy indif- ference, as he puffed away at 4 cigar. . ‘Well, are you ready for the funeral?” he asked, rolling up the sleeves of his jacket, ‘If ae P proceed, for ve not had my breakfast yet. A re 5 of laughter came from the crowd, The handsome sport evidently did not have much anticipation of a trip to the next world— at least, not until after meal bours. ““T am ready!” Sna responded. “I could get but two swords, and one is rusty and hardly fit for use. We will toss up for the chcice. Here isa copper; which will you take, heads up, or tails up?” ‘* Heads!” Arizona cried. ‘‘Toss im up!” The coin spun upward and dropped to the ground—tails up. ‘‘T will give the advantage to you, by taking the rusty blade,” Snap announced, seizing it, rather eagerly. ‘‘T presume you would rather have it!” Ari- zona averred, so sarcastically that both Snap and Blob looked somewhat surprised. On examining bis weapon, Arizona saw to his satisfaction that its edge was as keen as could be wished. The next instant the two confronted each other, As he expected, the Avenger found that his antagonist understood the swordsman’s art; nevertheless, he was but a child before the Ari- zonian, who drove him back, step by step, forcing him to take the defensive, and giving him no chance to get in a blow. It was an exciting moment, and every one watched eagerly and breathlessly. But it was a contest that was destined to be brougkt to a sudden close, and a disastrous one for Snap, for, by an expert movement, Arizona tore the sword frcm his opponent’s grasp, and sent it flying across the street! With a bowl] of actual terror, Apollo turned and ran like a deer! For mere sport Arizona followed, and chased the Englishman half-way to the Blob residence, greeted by cheers from the crowd. Poor Snap managed to reach the doorstep, and there, from sheer fright, fell in a faint, while eo ye sauntered leisurely back toward the otel. vw Richie CHAPTER JX, - AN UNEXPECTED APPEARANCE, THAT afternoon as the sun was declining, wan- dering through a desolate Rocky Mountain gulch, some miles from Freshet Flats, was an old man, who seemed to be tottering on the edge of the grave. @ must have been full seventy years of age, for his hair and sweeping beard were as white as snow, and, as he hobbled along with the aid of a staff, he trembled in every joint. He had evidently journeyed long and far, for his garments were mere tatters, and his shoes worn in holes. Hat he had none, Every now and then he would pause, wearily, to gaze at the sun, and his desolate surround- ings; then he would trudge faithfully on again. inally, however, he stopped, with a start. A sweet, musical voice came to his ears from just ahead! He could distinguish no words, but the voice, in itself, seemed to impress him strangely, With renewed courage he hobbled on, and presently came to where a beautiful young girl was seated upon a bowlder, engaged in weaving a wreath of wild flowers. She was clad in male Sa and, needless to say, this girl was Denver oll, She did not know of human approach, evi- dently, until she heard a glad cry, and saw the old man standing near her. Then she, too, gave a start, and her face suddenly became stern in expression. ‘My child! my child!” the old man cried, tot- tering forward, with outstretched hands. “Stop! Iam not your child,” she prorated a pained expression upon her face. ‘ You have no longer a claim upon me, inbuman father!” “Don’t! don’t!” he gasped. “‘ Will you not welcome me, after I have patiently searched for you so long?” ‘* Welcome you back?” she cried, murderer of my—” a vac stop! As Heaven is my judge, I am not guilty !” ) ‘Not guilty—you tell me this? Did you not, when I was a happy girl, in a happy bome, oppose my marriage to Walter alraven, because his father and you had been enemies? , ‘You, the cS | 900 com G } ‘ t