Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 422 — page 12: what you’re looking at

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

7c Ne ee se eS -_ red. Prunty had a good chance to cscape, and Hrs. Conners thouzsut he Ci. \,hue a capiive,a ferjbite man came to the Indian village with the out- turn’, Scott Dresden, searchin’ for the cuild Irene, excPa from the description of him Mrs. Meggs thinks wawar tho villain Fenwick. From a conversation rs, Conner3 overheard betwecn Dresden and the est ranger, se was satisfied that Dresden had a hand dev: the massacre, and he assured the stranger that ituver Prunty nor the child was latled. With this formation Mrs. Moges returned to England and rain sought the ai lof Matthew Hocpel, determined pon find th» c.ild if it was livin’, om But in the meen time years had passed by, “arren lianover had not been heard of for several lowsars, a:.d his friends all suppose! he had been himlled or cied in Australia. Through THoopel, Mrs. forezgs also learned that the child, Irene Hanover, chierough her dead mother, had become heir to an ia’menss fortune which, in case of her death or A m- app araures by @a-certa‘n line, t © court very Walneularly decrecd, should revert to Norton Fen- aWwlick, next of kin. Now this being known to Ien- flouick, who’d retu:ned to England off and on, you Ve it meant a fortune to him for the girl never to me} up alive, and learning that a search was being his #de for hor in America—though he cou'dn't have *yistrusted the source, for he was still ignorant of .*s. Kirby’s being alive—he struck out—or this was his e supposition—to try and find her and get her out shu the way cut’ Now, as [said before, Matthew Hoopel end Mrs. alleges came and employed me to hunt up the gral, atiat war three years ago, Itook tie trail pointed .t by the ransomed captive, Mrs, Conners, and now 5m what Baby Sain overheard at the grotto when lie wara captive, Lthink I’ve found the man, Jack calhinty, and that 8s you, Spokane Joe” witOld Spokane glanced quickly at Henry Rodman: he e muscles of his mouth twitched nervously; he anossed his hand over his brow lie one in great suble of mind. For a minute all were silent. but 1, sing every cys fixed upon him, the old hunter vO ‘ally said: In » Yes, Bandy, Iam that man, J°ck Prunty.”’ fou't Well,”’ said the o'd detective, cooll-, “it appears »reat Donald Stranm is Norton Fenwick, and that he 3tyaided in his soarch for the girl by Scott Dresden, ice outlaw, and a pack cf Sioux savages; and if she dls into his hands she’s a dead girl.”’ * Good God! men, this must not happen!” cried 48 s»nry Rodman, springing to his feet. Uré No, no!’ thundered the Boy Giant, “‘ nor shall it a vough my idleness here!”’ and tae next moment ‘s young mountaineer had caught up his rifle ant 018. f0ne. 5 *~<* What ails the boy, anyhow?’ asked Old Kit; . as Le got a jim-jam?—a fi:? Hern o’ Joshua! US.n, that’s the bravest, noblest boy God evercre- 1d, Jint to continue my story: from other things sutby Sam overbeard in the grotto, Norton Fenwick 1d the father of that gal, Irene, must have met in rattle pita eg Ear lake-shore. The man Ben- rmond must arren Hanover,”’ 06 Then,” cried Old Spokane, * Benraymond is the “her cf—"’ UDle did not speak ths nams, His voice seemed fo OS] him. and-turning he walked away as if over- ymelmed with emotion, and looked out over the _alcid waters of the lake through a mist of tears. ‘ = CHAPTER XIV. ag A DARING ADVINTUSE BY BALY 3AM. ‘ApINA Banpy and Sarah Marshall fled from the ene of conflict back into the darksome hills, the <i} woman exercising all the shill and preeaution of wa Old borderman; but being unfamihar with the jjoography of the surrounding country, she could “Sad the way tono ccrtain point. And as soon as Wl, discovered that they were separated from Kit W4 Baby Sam, and that there was as much danger Wirunning into as from troubles, sheconcluded that Biy bad better conceal themselves until morning, which they did, Sabina keeping watch while Sarah old down and slept. And when daylight came and the maiden was still asleep, Sabina Gid not wake “*, but | indly watched by her side until she awoke, Woh n the old woman took some cold meat from ‘lo: yetionle and shared it with Sarah, and efter her kien and fruval meal, the maiden felt greatly re- wished in both body and mird, and with bigh hopes th? set off with her kind friend through the woods, bey trav led on and on among the hills and ~“oue) the valleys as much in hopes of meeting Dir friends as in finding their way out of the be- atderment into which they had drifted during tne Leht. But they were doomed to disappointment in heh, for suddehly, while pursuing their way through oylark, wooded valley, they were surrounded by a typd of outlaws and Indians to the number of thirty 1 made prisoners. . “his second misfortune crushed almcst every Sark of hope in Sarah’s breast, and even Ol: bina’s usual strong a oh gave way, and she fe!l weening iu bhysterical sobs, jimmong the outlaws was £cott Dresden, with his wek and purple swollen face, Denald Strahm was 0 with them, and he scemed more disappointed wt elated over the capture of Sarah azd Old Yoina. lithe captives were at once marched through the aods to the northern ¢xtremity of the Yellowstone ke, where they. all went into camp on a densely- scoded, tongue. cf land jutting out seVeral rods into + water. ©\n the point ean Indian found a large canoe, the Digession of which hivbly pleascd Donald Strahm 1 Dresden, The t was at once DRONE RINGO Yuisition dws a prison tor the captives, who were land hand-and foot and placed in it,. Then the e Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, | craft was permitted to drift with the wind, which | was from tue north. out about twenty or thirty feet | into the water, and there secured by means of an im- | provised rope attached to the painter. Thus were | the captives doubly secured; and equal precautions were taken gy the band to guard against surprise. The shadows lay deep around them. Nvtaspeckof | fire was permitted, and ail were instructed to speak | inlow tones. Guards were stationed to watch every | approach tothe point, for Scott Dresden well knew | tuat in Baby Sam, Old Spokane Joe, and Kit Landy, he had wily and cunning foes to deal with. Out beyond the black border of shadows that lay along the marg.n of the lake the moon shcne bright and brilliant. A gentle breeze .was blowing s<ca- ward, softly rustling the feathery pines and moving the waves into a low, mellow ripple; but_ these changeless, monotonous sounds seemed to make the silence of the night more profound. Dresden and Strahm, lying on the garth, slept souncly. They had laid down feeling perfectly safe in the vigilance of their lynx-eyed savage guards. But alongin the night all were suddenly awakened by a sharp cry from the lips of a savage guard. Instantly every man, red-skin end white, was upon his feet, weapon in hand, The Indian that had given the alarm ran down to the extremity of the point. and. lifting his band, pointed out over the water, saying: ** Doat git, loose—drifi off!"’ ‘*By the eternal shadows!” thundered Dresden, ‘*the boat is loose and drifting away with the wind! And so is was, having reached a point over a hun- dred vards away before discovered. ‘“*T was afraid of that frail rope,” said Strahm. “That rope never brokv.” replied Dresden: ‘it was either eut or untied,” and hastening to the water’s edge he found the shore end of the rope intact. Drawing it from the water he found it had been cvt, a part of the old painter remaining to the new, A volley of oaths escaped Dresden’s lips. Ile stamped the ground in impotent rage, and would have shot the savage guards had he cared to have done so, . “Here, hero!” ho finally exclaimed, turning to the crowd, **wto’ll swim after that boap and bring it back? It’s movin; sl.w—an expert swimmer can soon overhaul if.”’ ‘*Me go git him,” said a savage noted for his skill as a swimmer and in t2e wee of the paddle. “Then go—quick!’? commanded the furious and impatient outlaw. ropping his rifle and hatchet, and taking his knife between his teeth, the Indian slipped into the water, and, noiseless as a shadow, glidel away through the waves with remarkable rapidity. Scott Dresden watched him with serious doubts as to his reception when reaching the boat, which seemed to move fas‘er the further it rot away from the shore, This, perhaps, the Indian did nct discover, but when a few rods from the boat he did discover that he was not the only person endeavoring to reach the eraft by plage oe - Another form was cleaving the waters on his right, swimming obliquely acto<s the waves. He could easily see that it was the head of an Indian, and, naturally supposing it was one of his own friends endeavoring to get in ahead of him, he renewed his exertions to maintain his reputation asa swimmer and reach the truant boat first, A few moments sufficed to take them both to the craft, alongside of which they glided together, though one on either side, The first savage reached up his hand to grasp the gunwale of the boat, but before he could do so he was seized by the scalp-lock by the han’ of: an un- seen figure that lay concealed in the shadow of the boat's prow in the water and jerked under the waves. He struggled desperately for life, but he was powe less in that strong grasp, and, deprived of breath, his struggles soon ceased, The sound of the plashing water awoke the sleeping captives who quickly arose to a sitting Ppos- ture and gazed around them in bewilderment, And ag they did so they beheld the round, boyish face, over whi h hung wet elfin locks, and the massive shoulders of Baby Sam, the Boy Giant, rise into view on one side of the boat, while the dusky face and glittering eyes of an Indian rose on the other side, A mingled exclamation of joy and fear escaped the woman's lips as they glanced from the boy to the savage. The boy and the red-skin glared at each o*her in surprise across the boat, then as a light of recog. nition beamed in the eyes of the Indian, he arvicula- ted the name: ‘* Baby Sam!” ‘**S arrowhawk, by smoke!” exclaimed the young mountaineer, ‘Oh, yvcu buggerin’ Injin, and you took the same notion 1 did!” “Ugh!” ejaculat’d the Crow, his face aglow with triumph. “j'aby Sam heap much cute like water- snake—swim easy—steal boat from outlaw and bad Injins—me start steal him—Baby Sam too quick— me see Sioux swim after boat—me swim after him— where Sioux now?” ‘‘In the bottom cf this lake,’’ replied the Bo Giant; ‘‘ I wrung his neck, so I did, and plopped his trap with water, and now he’s a good Injin; but, per. | Sparrowhawk, hold on to that side of the boat till While the Crow balanced the boat Sam climbed in- to it, then assisted the red-skinin. The paddle had been Jeft in the craft. and assoon as he got in the friendly ‘ook up the blade and plied it with all his strength while Bahy Sam released the captives. ‘*Oh, Sam!” cried Sarah, joyfully, ““you are a — brave boy! Surely if we escape from here native it will be by your and Sparrowhawk’s daring and fear- less bravery.” ‘Where is Christopher, boy?” gasped Mrs. Bandy: ‘‘did he shrink from danger wheu the life of her whom he vored to protect was in peril?” ‘‘No, no, Mrs. Bandy,” replied Sara, unable to re- press a s:nile, ‘‘ Kit Landy.is a brave and fearless man, [ left him in camp over cn_the lake. But, ‘Sarah, can you tell us anything of Wilma yet, more than what you told Kit Pandy while a captive in | thcir camp the other evening?” , ‘*T cannot, Sam,” the maiden replied. : A great sigh escaped the young mcuntaineer’s ips. a efore Dresden and his friends could define tho situaticn regarding the escape of the boat, several hundred yards separated te craft from the shore. Several harmless shots were then fired at the fugi- tives and were answered back by loud, defiant shouts from the lips of Baby Sam that the midnight echoes ag 9 in rollicking, satyr-like glee among tke iills, After journeying some two crthree miles out into the late, the Boy Giant suggested that they land and spend the night on a little island that suddenly ap- peared before th<m, To this cll consented and Spar- rowhawk pulled for the island vpon which they finally landed. Baby Sam now narrated his acventuresin stealing the prison boatfrom the enemy, From his conceal- ment close by the camp he had noted every move- ment they m*de, and when he saw the beat with the captives pushed out into the lake, anc that tho cuards had been stationed to watch the ie he by land, he entered tie water and noisl ssly swam along in the shadows on his back until the boat was reached. Then he, eut the painter, and with his body submerged ard head conceakd under the prow of the boat, he swam backward, pushing acainst the craft with his head—all being done so silently and quickly chat even the acute ears ot the savages failed to detect his movements, Both Sarah and Sabina ccmplimented him upon the suceess of his caring adventure, nor did thex ese to bestow equal praise upon Sparrow- awk, After they had conversed a while upon the situa- tion, }'aby Sam concluded to lie down and take a nap, as he had kad.kut little sleep and rest in three cays and nig!:ts. Sparrowhawk teld him he woull stand guard over the island, and having implicit con- fidence in the honor and trustworthiness of the Crow, the young mountaineer dismissed all cares from his mind and threw himself on the ground under a cluster of dense foliage. He soon fell asleep and slept soundly, and when be awoke he was sur- rised to find it wns broad daylight and the sun high nthe heavens. He rose to a sitting posture to find himself covered with a soft, gray blanket that had been thrown over him by kind hands while he slept. But by whose? He knew there was not a blanket on the island when he laid down, and so he could not understand what it meant—how it came there. The boy looked around him. To his surprise he could see neither Sparrowhawk ror the women. He listened, but heard nothing. Then he looked around to bis left, and to his utmost astonishment saw a small island lying alongside the one he was upon a small canoe bridging the narrow neck of water be- tween them. PReing positive t: e island was not there when they landed, it occurred to him in an instant that it was the mysterious floating island he had seen the day before; and while he still remained seated, wondering what new dangers or m+ steries were soon to be revealed, he was startled by 4 move- ment among the bushes on the adjacent island. Fixing his gaze upon the spot whence the sound came he saw the figure of a young girl emerge from the bush, stop at the water’s edge, and gaze toward m, A glad ery of joy burst from the boy’s lips. and he sprung to bis feet, for in the fair face of the beautiful girl he beheld the radiant features of Wilma Rocman! CHAPTER XqI. A PIRATICAL * RarrT.”’ Wirn joy beaming upon every feature of his face Baby Sain leaped across the wat. r that senarated the two islands and clasped Wilma Rodman in his arms and imprinted a fervent kiss upon her fair brow, “Wilma, my dear girl!’ he exclaimed, with all the rapture of his big, impulsive heart, and ten for the time being he could say no more. Brusbing away the tears of joy from ker eyes. and mastering the «motions of her young heart, Wilma lifted her face, and gazing up into the beaming eyes of her boy-lover, reilly “Oh, Sam! haven’t th® days and nights been | dreadful since we last me’? And ch, how glad was I last night when Ilearved that you were alive and unharmed.” * But think of it, Wilma, the suffering we have all undergone,” Sram found words to rerly, ‘Yas, indeed, Sam, our trip to the Yellowstone Park has been one of sorrow and d nger instead of leasure. From Sparrowhawk I learned that rother Frank barely escaped with his life, and that poor Fred Sears wassla'n.” “Yes, Fred was slain, Wilma, and Frank is now with your father, and—” “Father?” cried Wilma, ‘‘ Have you met him?” “Yes, he and his friends are in camp over on the west. shore ef he lake now,” * Oh, isy’t that joyful news!’ and the maiden fairly clapped her hands end wept with joy; ‘* but, | Sam, dows he keow of my capture?” ’Ycs, and he is bowed down with grief.” ‘ j a : = pm cpDOOKS,com