Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 426 — page 8: what you’re looking at

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

8 The judge drew a roll of bills from his pocket as large as his thumb and forefinger could encircle, and tossen it on the table, ‘Thanks! I’ not corget you,’’ Guyandotte said, and then left the parlor with eyes that scintillated like diamonds. The judge was left alone.to his reflections. CHAPTER IX. SAM “*STRIKES "ILE.”’ Sam Suapsipes would have doubted if it was his best policy to accompany farmer Norris home, had he not taken a sudden liking to the gray-haired old man, who had the general appearance of sturdy honesty, seen jn but so few. Nothing in particular was said, until the twain reached the farm-house. Here Sam was conducted into the large, airy kitchen, seated at the table, and liberally supplied with rich milk, bread ani butter, and a whole lus- a pumpkin pie, with the command to help him- be Then the old farmer seated himself and lit his pipe, while nodding his head rather mystericusly. ‘Yes! yes! it’s a strange thing,” he said, slowly, ““astrange, strange affair.” ‘* What's strange?’’ queried Sam, with his mouth full of pie. ‘This murder. Frank Jamison was a nice young man, and highly esteemed by everybody. Who could have been cowardly enough to have raised their hand against him, surpasses my comprehen- sion, There ™ nota young man in the county who could hold a candle to him in point of uprightness of character,”’ * Yer don’t say! Guess, ’cordin’ ter that, his bro- ther aire kind o’ a black sheep?’’ Sam suggested. **Yes. Ralph is more wild, spirited, and reckless. I would not have thought it strange if it was him who had been murdered, for he drinks, and gam- bles, and has been in several shooting affrays. How- ever, it ain’t established whether it is Irank or Ralph who is dead.” oS hain’t?”’ ‘By no means, prove it.” ‘* Why so?” “Because Frank and Ralph were exact counter- parts in every particular. In face, in form, and mannerisms, and in dress they were just alike. If one had a photograph taken, there wes no use of the other one sitting, for the result would be an ex- act duplicate. So positively were they alike that the judge took pains that their attire and jewelry should correspond, to a dot. Their hair and eyes were alike, and the former combed alike. They were of the same size and weight, and one could not be told from the other, except that Frank was of more quiet, easy temperament than Ralph, and that Ralph had a liking for wine, cards and hunting, and a distaste for female society, where Frank had not,”’ ‘Phew! that’s funny. Then, they’ll have to ax the t’other brother whether he’s livin’ or dead?”’ “They will have to take his word, to a large ex- tent, as to whether he is Frank or Ralph, and judge the balance by observation of his habits. Soif the one that is living wanted to play off that he was the other, it would not be a hard matter by any means.” Sam had made up his mind to keep mum, for the present, about Frank Jamison’s attempt at suicide, until he saw how matters turned ont. ‘Say! how about the racket up af the old house on the bill?’ Sam asked as he finished his supper, or breakfast, whichever it might most appropriate- ly be termed. ‘What sort of acircus *ye call it, anyhow?”’ armer Norris smiled. “Well, now, you’ve asked me a question hard to answer,” he said. ‘John Van Gelder commiited suicide there three years ago, and since that time there’s been some curious rumors about the place, and no one could ever be tempted to buy, or rent the premises. Two or three families moved there first along, but not a one of ’em stayed a week out.”’ “Durned ef I blame’em, I was goin’ ter hang up my hat there last night, but changed my mind pritty sudden.”’ ‘Why so?” ‘*Well. in the fu’st place, I wisited the parlor, an’ re’d ther notis, an’ see’d where Van Gelder spilt himself inter kingdom come. While { was standin’ in the middle o’ the room, a-viewin’ ther sitywation, some ornery mean rabbit hit me smack ‘longside the jaw, that made my teeth chatter. I looked around quicker than a wink, an’ Tl be hanged ef there was a soul near me.” ‘You don’t say 4 ; ‘But I do tho’, an’ I’]] be skinned fer a shad ef I ain’t givin’ et to ye straight.’ ss Well! well! hat next ?’’ * Waal, I went ter nosin’ ’round, ag’in, an’ I heerd a screech that made goose-quills rise up On me head. Then I tuk chairs out on the peazzer an’ sot down, Then I tried another investigation, an’ when I cum back, the chairs hed bin tuk back inter the parlor, an’ put where I got 'em from. Then ther’ wer’ more shrieks an’ yellin’, an’ I concluded to light out, fer better ’commodations. So I hit the barn, an’ run onter @ corpus, or purty near one. Durned ef I ain’t a reg’lar red-combed rooster fer gittin’ inter =~, well “It would appear so. These mysterious things have been going on at the Van Gelder mansion, for so long. and have time and again so baffled investi- gation, that no one goes near there any more except strangers, for many believe the devil has charge of the place. Van Gelder was a hard drinker, and not well liked. The Jamison boys were his nephews— And it may prove difficult to » - * ' 3 eee ee Mie ;t* . P , 5 a : *? - ‘ +e - . Sa + ta “gy aes sme y f q* ‘ - ‘ a, = 4 et . owe a oe a: ne eee Se ty die . € for I suppose you don’t know that they are but a) cc of Judge Jamison?”’ NOs *““Well, they are. The old mansion belongs to them, but is of no salable value. There are many who believe that Van Gelder left a fortune when he died, but no trace of it was ever found.”’ * Was Frank and Ralph good friends?” ** Yes—the bestoffriends. Inever heard that they had a quarrel.”’ They conversed awhile longer and then Sam said: **T hain’t told ye quite all, Mister Norris,an’ if you won’t say nothin’, I'll tell ye somethin’ else that’s happened, Of course, ’tain’t a secret, but I want a chance to consider, before [I give the matter away to everybody.” ‘*Go on, my boy; I will do as you wish.” ‘** Well, you see, since I started out on the tramp this season, I’ve bin travelin’ snucks wi’ an’ old blind beggar, named Felix Jacobi.” ** A blind beggar?’ **Yas—blind as a no-eyed bat. He an’ I met, compared notes, an’ he allowed he’d like to hoof et along wi’ me. So we made a bargain, and set out. Yer see, a few years ago Felix was robbed of a for- tune by highwaymen, an’ vitriol was throw in his eyes, destroying his sight!’ ‘** Horrible! horrible!’ ‘‘ Well, I should smile! You see, previously, Ja- cobi’s home had been broken up, and other money of his appropriated, by a distant relative, and Felix lays the later crime to this same man—is positive ‘twas him. So, since that time he’s bin wandering around the country begging, in hopes he will yet run across this man. He sez ef he ever hears his voice, he will know him. [I took a notion to the poor old chap, and so hev helped him along all I could.” “You are a noble-hearted lad, sir—you are to be most highly commended. But, go on.” ** Well, ye see, Felix an’I struck the spook-tra to-night together, and allowed et would & ZOO place to put up, and git out o’ therain. So I left Felix settin’ on the peazzer, while [ went inter tho house, to size up the ‘commodations. When I come back—wasn't gone over twenty minnits all told— Felix was gone!”’ **Gone?” ‘*Yes, he was. I was skeered, an’ ’tween flashes 0’ lightnin’, 1 searched the bull premises, outside the house, even lookin round the bottom of the bluff, but couldn’t find no trace o’ him. Then I found a tin lamp, lit it, and explored the house frum cellar to garret, but nary a Felix couldI find.”’ ** Why, this is certainly strange.” ‘‘Lam me fer a lobster, ef et ain’t. No, sir, I couldn’t find Felix nowheres, an’ hed to give et up as a bad job.” ‘* Why, surely he must have wandered away!” ‘** Don’t b’lieve nothin’ o’ the sort, He wa’n’t that sort uv a hair-pin. Allus when | told him ter wait fer me, he did et, jest like pie. Ther wasn’t nothin’ crazy ner one-hoss about him, and he wern’t fond Q” welt around alone, fer fear he’d break his neck.”’ ‘‘Then how do you account for his disappear- ance?”’ ‘‘Dunno, Looks queer as a cat on er clothesline. I’ve got au idear in my head that ther ghost bizness is all skim-milk bosh, and that there’s some sort of a gang hangs out there, an’ they collared on ter Felix fer some purpose or other.”’ “Oh! I guess not. Folks did think that once, but a close examination of the house and grounds was made and nothing was discovered.” * Well, then, ’'ve been floored wid another idea, Mebbe old Felix’s enemy lives around these parts, an’ got wind of Felix bein’ in ther vicinity, an’ kid. napped him.” ‘Ther’ might be something inthat. What was this nemy’s name?” ‘*Milo Mitchell!’’ ‘** Milo Mitchell, eh? Then I can answer that no such person lives within twenty miles of here, for I know the names of every inhabitant of the town and county.” ‘* But it ain’t likely Mitchell would go under his own name.” ‘*Perhaps not.”’ ‘Well, ['m goin’ to find old Felix ef I have to send ter Philamedelfy for the hull detective force,” Sam said, with determination. ‘ I ain't the sort uv a shoe- black as would sneak off an’ leave anold feller like him in trouble. Nix-e-/’’ ** A good resolution, Samuel,and one well wore of support. fam much interested in the case, and as long as you. remain in this neighborhood you must make your home with me, and I will do what I can to assist you. I have no one but my hired help, and like young company,”’ “All right, boss, Just as lief put up here as any- where else, and I’m much obliged fer the offer.”’ A little later the conversation began to lag, and telling Sam to lie on a comfortable lounge, in the kiteLen, Mr. Norris went off to bed in another part of the house. Sam did not immediately lie down. He sat for some time in meditation. Then he thrust his hand in his pocket and drew forth the letter he had found in the cellar of the Van Gelder maasion. ‘I had forgotten all about this,’’ he said, survey- ing the superscription on the envelope. with one eye partly squint-d. ‘‘ Lennox H. Jamison, eh? That must be thechap they call Judge, and who looked at me as tho’he weren’t favorably impressed wi’ my senatorial aspect. Wonder who’s bin writin’ to the judge, an’ how the letter come to be where I found it?¥ He tore away the envelope and unfolded the half- shcet of paper it had contained. : STE ce AMEN The next moment a strange cry burst from his lips—a cry of commingled Joy and surprise. And little wonder, for this is what he read: ‘* Lennox H. JAMISON, «lias MrLo MitrcHEeLuL:— ‘*If you do not call upon me at once, and pay me the hush-money in promised, I will have you land ed in jail before twenty-four hours more pass over your accursed head. mean business Now. ‘* JoHN VAN GELDER.”’ “By the holy smoke of sacrifice!’’ burst from Sam’s lips, ‘‘ I’ve struck ile, sure’s there’s muscle in a mule’s hind legs. Ag’in does it occur to me thet I never goes anywhere but what suthin’s to pay. Jewhittaker! here’s ripe old news for old Felix, ef I only knew where to find him. He sed he thought he wasn’t fur from his destination, an’ he was right. Glory hallelujy! I feel like er comet or a mornin’- star!” And it was evident he did, for he sprung to his feet and danced about the room, flourishing the letter in the air, while his eyes gleamed with excite- ment, Remembering clearly and concisely the story offold Felix Jacobi’s life, as it had been told him, it was not strange that the sudden discovery developed by the letter set him in a triumphant mood, Finally, however, he ceased his gyrations and sat down, ‘Samuel Slabsides, coming senator,” he said, ‘*vou’re arrived at er period in life when yer orter make some sort 0’ a splurge thet would win yerself fame an’ fortune, an’ git yer name inter politics. Thar is various avenues fer reachin’ fame, but ther majority uv ’em leads ye ti] ye fetch up behind iron bars. Thet ain’t yer ambition, by a long shot. Here’s er opportunity ter constertoot yerself inter a detective an’ do ther honest Injine by old Felix, who can’t tell flies from blackberries when he’s eatin’. Yes, sir-ee! here’s a ripe chance fer ye ter show ther kind o’ kids Philamedelfy rdooces, an’ make a high-toned willain pull down his sails ter 'he tune 0’ the Rogue’s march, It’s settled—by gum! it’s settled! Dig yer head, Sam’, an’ henceforemost ’stonish ther nation by showin’ ’em thet ye’r’ a son o’ Justice, a cousin ter Law, an’ the every-day mash uv ther Godess o’ Liberty. Hip! hip! hooray!” And unable longer 1o restrain himself, Sam gave the cheer with a vengeance that speedily caus: d farmer Norris to pop into the kitchen. “Why, boy. what on earth is the matter?” he de- manded. ‘*‘ Have you gone crazy?” ‘“*Tle! fle! ile /”” yelled Sar, dancing about. ‘I’ve struck ile, an’, by cracky, she’s & seven-hundred- bar’l spouter, too!” CHAPTER X. THE INVESTIGATION. WHEN the next morning had dawned over that beauteous Kentucky valley, the rumor had widely enn that Frank Jamison had been foully mur- ered, Quiet and unassuming as his habits had been, Frank was widely known, much of his popularity coming from the fact that he was a decided favorite among the ladies, both old and young; and what power can make a man famous more than the gen- eral esteem of the tender sex? At Larchmont Ralph Jamison had not returned until three in the morning, and thenin such a stupid state that he was scarcely able to get into the li- brary, where he fell upon the sofa, and into a state of oblivion. No one went near him, except one. Judge Jamison had retired to his room; Jestie wasin her apartment, grief-stricken; the Servants of Larchmont were in the kitchen, in grim and low- toned council—and Doctor Kendall, of the neighbor- ing town, who had been summoned by the servants, when Jessie swooned, kept watch over the body of the dead. A young man in years and practice, he was yet the Jamison family physician and a friend to the boys. e bad offered to watch over the dead, and the offer was not refused. It was Kendall who had let Ralph in, seen his con- dition, and guided the drunken unfortunate to the sofa, Then Kendall took a chair, sat down, and studied the liquor-inflamed face. For minutes he would sit thus, then he would spend similar time in the grand parlor, where, upon a white-covered double table, lay the body of the murdered man. The face and hands had been cleansed, and the neck-wound covered over, Otherwise, according to the law, the body was in thesame condition as when found. Kendall spent the hours intervening between three o’clock and four in this singular observation of the two persons, But at last he ceased his flitting movements, and shook his head as if in doubt. He did not do this until he had examined every pocket of the drunken man, and found nothing, The dead man’s pockets had been searched, with a like result. After finishing his scrutiny, Doctor Kendall sat for some time in a deep study, then be prepared a pow- erful liquid mixture, small in quantity but numer- ous of ingredients, and forced it into the drunken brother’s mouth. . He then laid down and awaited for the coming of morning. ; Day dawned cold and gray, considering that_it was summer, and the sullen appearance of the sky seemed to indicate there was in prospect a steady rain of several days’ duration, The household at Larchmont was astir earty, and, @) com cS