Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 321 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

a=. —_— ooo eee crimes, he would hand me over tothelaw. If I obeyed him he would smuggle me out of Boston onto a vessel beund for California, What could I do? To stay and stand my trial in Boston was a thing abhorrent. I made the roonfession, which he promised never to use ex- cept in self-protection; then I fled.” ‘* Did he ever use it?” “T think not, I bought a year’s number of each Boston daily in’Frisco, 1 saw notices of my being missing and thesupposition that I had suicided, but that was all,” ‘* How about the murder?” — ‘*It was stated that, after being shot by some person unknown, Roberts fled toward the wharves, se gir and was supposed to have staggered into the water, and thus ended the job.” ** What became of your wife and child?’ **IT donot know. I never heard of them after my flight.” ‘** Are you sure your wife was divorced?” ‘*Yes, Saved a clipping of the notice, the charge preferred being abandonment and crime. I believe Boston worked the whole thing to ruin me and get the family estate. He afterward sold off everything, andI never heard of him antil in Virginia City.” ** Does be Know you are here?” ‘I believe so. am satisfied he comes ex- pressly to persecute me.” ‘* Perhaps. I will study up the case.” ‘+ hank you, I will guarantee that you shall not go unrewarded for any assistance you do me. And, now, there’s another thing.” “ Whac is it?” . ** 1 have spoken of you to the Silent Tongues. They have elected you their chief; Come!” He arose and led the way from the hut, by a rear curtainway, and thence through a thicket of chaparral into a mountain cavern of consid- erable size, with roughly arched ceiling and level, rocky floor, A fire in the center gave ample.light, yet a nuaeher of torches burned from niches in the wall, | The cavern showed numerous evidences of be- ing the abode of the “ Silent Tongues,” such as skin beds, cooking arrangements, weapons, etc.., and there were a number of tables strewn with papers. About these were seated the Dumb Dozen, studiously poring over the rade maps, for such the papers were, They all arose, however, and bowed low, as Vick and the bermit entered; and the twelve looked toward old Jewel as if expecting him to explain to Deadwood Dick. “They want me to speak, Deadwood Dick, and I’]) tell you what I know of. these fellows, who, thc ugh one could scarcely believe it, are not in the least related, except as firm friends. They are Frenchmen of good birth, but seven years ago, being charged with communism, were convicted, and escaped to this country, In ce, on account of their resemblance, they had always aimed to dress alike and _ increase the resemblance as much as possible, The same rule bas been kept up here. “On their arrival, they came into the wilds |’ Of this territory and located a subterranean mine--that is, they discovered a great cavern, rich in gold. A fortune for a world lay before them, and for fear the temptation of telling others of their great fiud would be too great, they destroyed the natural entrance and built an intricate and secret one to the deposit—then -wore an Oath to work faithfully together, but to never open their lips to speak for a period of tive years. , ' xt the expiration of that time they were to divide profits, separate for a year’s tour of pleasure, and then return to work until the mine ceased to pay. Well, they did so; for five years they mined, silent but contented, the pen- alty of a word being death. They amassed a mighty fortune, but only a small part ever left the cave. On reaching civilized parts and try- ing to speak, to their horror they bad no voices! Medical aid failed to help them, and aftera year ef no pleasure, they met again, all dumb, and their condition was made known to each other. Comparing notes on paper, they decided to spend their future livesin theirmine. “Since then they have sought for it diligent- ly, but in vain. Maps have been made, and every one points to the location as being ia the uleh.” ‘But they fail to find the exact entrance. Was it a shaft?’ “Yes, covered by a patent, board sprimg-trap, such as is used in theaters, To step u n it was to drop harmlessly through into a strong net- ting, from which a ladder descended. The trap 5 captain, but haven’t found bim vet. ‘ Lhel obi. leet pide? ee Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. was covered with moss, and no one could sus- pect its existence until he stumbled upon it.” ‘‘ Have they no idea where it is?” ‘* But one, and that ® that some house in Phantom Flats covers it, and the owner has their secret mine. ** Now the Silent Tongues wish you to repre- sent them «+s captain, in their search for the mine, they in turn swearing to stand by and prego you from the attacks of your enemies, this so, Silent Tongues?” The unfortunate men bowed. ‘Then consider yourselves Deadwood Dick’s Dozen, in future, while I will guarantee that if the mine is under the town, it shall be found.” The new chief and his men then had a hearty = Sean after which Dick set out for the ats. It had been an eventful night, CHAPTER IV. SWILLTUB, THE SLUGGER. Drapwoop Dick did not arrive at the Flats until the forenoon, purposely waiting on the outskirts, from where, by overlooking the camp, he could form a fair idea of what was going on, Seeing no sigus of unusual excitement he finally boldly entered the place and joined the crowd of new-comers that swarmed in the street. He was ready and watchful, in case he should be recognized and pounced upon, to defend himself; but he was bopeful that no trouble would occur immediately, It was his purpose to test the matter, by bold- ly mingling with the crowds, when, if no one knew him, he should feel safer, Seeking the hotel first, he found that the cap- tain and George Gerald were registered, but neither were about, so he sought out the huge gaming saloon to see what was going on there, After a stroll through the place, and a sharp look around him, Dick failed to discover an porces answering to Blye’s description, althong e observed a decidedly Hastern-looking man, whom he inferred might be Gerald, seated by a table, engaged in smoking. “Pll take the liberty of quizzing him,” Dick instantly resolved. ‘‘ An ounce of points from him is not to be sneezed at, Perhaps I can save him something, too?” Sauntering up to where Gerald was seated, Dick bowed, and said: ‘* Excuse me, but bave I the bonor of address- ing Mr. George Gerald, of New York?” “Tam Genge Gerald, yes, sir,” was the reply. ‘* What can [ do for you, and by what name may [ know you?’ ‘Ned Harris is my handle. You, I presume, came here with Captain Blye?” ‘oT did.” ‘‘So I supposed. I bave been looking for the Do you know where I would be likely to find him?” ‘‘No. He went out to get together a party of scouts for a trip into the mountains, in searc of his daughter, who is in the power of the out- ws, ‘‘He will return for you, then, before he leaves the camp? ‘** Certainly.’ 4s Tee I will wait for him, and save him the ‘* What! how do you mean?” ‘“‘[ mean that Miss Blye was rescued from Black Bob by me,and is now under my care and protection, outside of town, until I can see her father,”’ ‘‘Heaven bless you for those words!” young Gerald said, putting forth his hand. “ Since her capture, I bave been sadly in fear that harm would come to her, ere we could effect her rescue. You have but to name your price of reward, sir, and I will willingly pay it.” Deadwood Dick took a seat at the table and glanced about the room, Then he said: ‘“‘l'm afraid my terms might be too ex- acting.” ‘‘ You can name them, at least, sir.” ‘‘T will do so; but, understand me, itis as a friend, with an eye to your interests. You are a tenderfoot and not used to Western ways. ow, will you answer me a few questions?” **T willtry to.” ‘‘ Very good. You and Miss Blye are lovers, and it’s probable will marry.” aoe on!” And the New Yorker flushed with pride, . ‘ ‘* The ain is in your debt?’ ‘* How the deuce do you know?” ‘**T have found out, debt?” ow much is he in your | FoR Comichboo a rr. ‘‘T don’t see what our private affairs can mat- ter to you, : : "% ‘* Only so much, sir, as I rather take a ae to you, and do not like to see a eaten up by a lion. How much does Mr. Blye repre- sent himself to you as being worth ‘* Fifty thousand in gold-mines.” P ‘‘Humphb! And be has pretended to be shor’ of cash, and has borrowed from you on the: strength of his mines and his knowledge of your fancy. for his daughter?” ; as. ‘* Well, all the mines he has you eam stick. in your eye, and the more you advance him the more you'll be out of pocket. I tell you this, sir, not from any personal spite toward Blye, but because I want you to look out for yourself; and in no way get yourself entangled in coming events.” 9 Gerald looked the goons surprise he felt. ‘* Are you a detective” be asked, eying the sleuth studiously. ‘* Well, yes—something of the sort, yes— this pare to you, however.” ‘* And you want me to understand that BL is not all the honest man he generally seems?’ ‘ Yes, Developments may arise in which he may prove to be a great rascal and endeavor to implicate you, or at least turn out to be your enemy. evelopments may occur, too, which Miss Blye will be thrown upon the wor and need a protector.” ‘ T’ll qualify for that position,” Gerald - eagerly. ‘* Mr. Harris, | am much surp and impressed by what you bave told me, an will not forget your masan®) Consider me your friend henceforth, and while I shall k your confidence sacred, I shall by no moans spise your f mg per =P ‘* You have it. Hello! whois this?” The words fell trom Dick's lips rather fiercely. While conversing with Gerald, the a bad Deadwood Dick bad not been idle, been covertly watching two men in another part of the room, who had plainly been talking about himself and Gerald. The one was the same Leon Shrimp, whom | we have met before; the other was a giant—a pA at ak B = wny pa attired and disgustin bis w pearance, Dissipation had bloated his face aod eyes, and the fact that bis beard was very sparse, ex- pos.d many ugly scars on his visage. fe A typice! bullwbacker and ‘‘ bum” was he, in every sense, and it was tohim that Dick re- ferred, for he saw him leave Shrimp’s company » and swagger over toward where they % sitting. ‘* What’s the matter?” Gerald asked, ‘‘ The fellow’s comiag over here to pieh a . He was sent by that fellow over ay : a | my soul, Gerald, 1 believe there’s put to get you into trouble.” — , ‘*The deuce! What shall I dof’ Hoot’ on ‘* Nothing. Leave this galoot to mn.» vests “or cbaracters before, weld of} e bummer came swa with his | hands resting on bis huge gpering way with bie his bloated face, | 1) foe “ Hillo! feller flunks!” be said, as he used near the table. ‘ Allow me ter in- erdooce ter yer notice-ther redou e. liam Salamander Swilltub ae es " | ye proud o’ formin’ ther 'quaintance 0” ber bad y man fram Bulidorg Gulch—ther s@recohin’ e os demic o’ ther Nor’west? ther knock-’em s frum ther tropies? Aire ye right proud, I » ter bask in ther awe inspirin’ presence of a powerful keeracter?” | - oe ‘No, I can’t say that we are, and if choose, you can tell the man who sent you, we gre not alarmed at the maneuvers of either him or his deputy,” Dick said, coolly, ad “Oh! yeain’t, hey? Ye don’t hey ao river. ence fer ther old terrier, Swilltub, from Scroggsville. Why, my leetle pair o’ bebes-in~ ther-wood, [Tm a reg’lar old thoroughbred _ rounder—a knock-em-stiff frum Grave's De- light—the baddest bad man, w’ot ever griped m + tooth-pick!” ) “No doubt you’re a John Morrissey swell - head,” Dick replied. “ What do you want? wet did your employer send you over here or , “- . ‘*No one didn’t send me. I jes! kim of m own accord. I war told ‘hat this © bitesliver galoot war makin’ fee sa’ me, abiod my back, | and I kim over ter chaw ‘ff his cer. D'vetear, tenderfut? Hyar am J—Sw'litrb tie orful, fer . ter receive yer petition fer pardon, or to mop | uP ther fleor with yer. Now, Pye ape A right peart an’ dramatic live. »t1 | use ye a doormat afore ail ther assembl. ge!” cS com \