Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 453 — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

"2 4 4 ~ > ail ~y a eee A es — " - Laie WO se 7) age . —— - s = ~ ; — at - ~~ a = 7 gage aah ; i > A * « “ ~ * ’ , = . 7 . - ~ a 4 a a 5 “a re - * 7. om: ¢ e Rig”) S254 My *, 5%, , ¥ Sunflower Sam, of Shasta. Se ee eS . . a ee caw PRO AS TOT SE OAT LY ARE BE SORENTO ETRE I IS TOE ESC BLY SESE I SE ET A LIFTS DER REEN SE ESSERE WEED.) LSS ARIES TEETER OEMS TAM WETS PES *“‘T am not sure I can unravel the combina- tion,” he said, ‘* but I will try.” He experimented several minutes, but with no sllccess, ‘ “My, oh! Why don’t pau open it?” cried Max, with a sarcastic laugh. ‘It always does me good to see a smarty get stuck.” “Oh! does it?” retorted Sam. ‘‘ Well, sonny, {am not stuck yet. See?” And as he uttered the interrogatory, he swung »pen the ponderous outer door of the safe, after which it was but the work of a second to open the inner door. A cry of astonishment escaped those who could crowd near enough to the door to note the uetective’s success. Sam smilingly arose, and turned to Mrs. ‘Mora. ‘¢ The safe is open, madam,” he said, *‘and I suppose to you belongs the right to examine its contents.” Max Mora had been on the point of stepping forward to do this, but Sam’s words caused him to hold aloof, and bite his nether lip with vexa- tion, Mrs. Mora and Bly went to the safe, and pro- ceeded to examine the contents. ‘¢ Here it is!”” Mrs. Mora said, a few minutes later, holding up a legal looking document. ‘Tt says upon it, ‘ Last Will and Testament of Joseph Mora,’ and is dated November Ist. Here, sir, will you kindly read it aloud, out of doors, so that all can hear it?’ and she tendered the document to Sam. ‘*T shall be happy to accommodate you,” the Man from Shasta replied. ‘‘ Please step out- side.” In a couple of minutes Sam was mounted upon a bowlder, just outside the shanty, while Mrs. Mora, Bly, Max and the crowd gathered around. Among the crowd stood Augustin Andre, look- ing as serene and stately as though he were not the perpetrator of a single crime. When the crowd had become quiet and atten- tive, Sam opened the document, and proceeded to peruse it, before announcing its contents. s he read what was written, his face betray- ed the keen surprise he felt, and he gazed at Mrs. Mora both in astonishment and pity. Their gaze met, and she turned pale for she evidently apprehended that the will contained no good news for her. Mrs, More,” Sam said, ‘‘I have to inform you that this document makes a most remark- able disclosure, which I presume you would not care to have made public. If you wish, there- fore, I will not read the will in public.” “TF demand that the will be read in public!” cried Max, ‘‘lam a natural heir, and have a word to say about the matter!” ‘‘Tam sure I do net know of any reason why the will should not be read in public!” Mrs, Mora said, faintly. ‘‘There should be nothing in it I would not care to have known,” “The disclosure made in the Will personally concerns you, ma’am, and I cannot believe it true, little as I know of you. However, if you say 60, I will read the will, in public, for it’s your matter, and not mine,” “Go on!” Mrs. Mora faltered. ‘God knows [ have always led a Christian life, and if I am wrongfully accused of anything, I am not to blame.” , in the interests of justice, that the contents of that document be made public!” Augustin Andre said, stepping forward. ‘I have long known the secret that will discloses, but have kept silent, and now, I judge, Joseph Mora has acted honorably, as he promised to do, although I did not know that he had left a will.” Sunflower Sam gave the man a keen glance, and then referred to the codicil. .“ Well,” he began, ‘‘although it is an un- | ter thing to do, I will read the paper now my hands, Here is what is written: ‘*¢ Being in good general health, and of sound mind’ but not knowing what moment I may be called away from this life, [, Joseph C. Mora, do hereby will. be- queath and devise the sum of my earthly possessions ip the following manner, to wit: **To my nephew, Maximilian Mora, I have left the property known as the Beauty mine, situate in the town of You Bet, Arizona, together with all the plant and appurtenances for woiking the same, said mine not to be sold, but to be donated for charitable urposes, in event of said Maximilian Mora’s death, by a commi tee of business citizens selected as trus- tees ne executors by the law. *“* Ali the balance and residue of my personal property, save and excepting all bonds, mortgages, notes and moneys on hand and due to me, I bequeath to my adopted dauzhter, Bly Barron, to be used or | as sh y see fit ERTS ny. lawfully, wedded wite y lawfully wedde ete bk Quee e Mora, ss at pwesent residing with her: brother, Auzo stin An- PRLS Omg bequeath all s uch moneys, bonds, mortgages, : ' « = } . ‘ a r + $ 4 oo in f r 7, WW oly \ ’ « 5 ? ant - ’ ’ Tob ae, ‘Wy ihe rT’ « . . - ’ au i uy ; é. Y s f > . ~~ a ° { , CH of) aa a a a rg @ « ij . Ay > a vit tied ay ahd pn Sgt ove. pent: ~*~ bi in ; 60) at? Pt par Oho Sted A Sens’ > £4 + FSA oP kaos pk ae Pe sa | * ¥ ‘ :. * a 0D oe fC AD ryt her pi. gh . Y 4 e e 4 CL ay Y r+ Ve Sia 1 ey Ge a s aA) * ‘+ cae mS A , Z a. - s ev 3 Vie *y a oa ‘if there was su’thin’ crooked about this business, - e ay Ne T. .. 3 Pe notes, and so forth, as may be found in my safe at the time of my death. ‘** To the woman, Margaret, who has always been supposed to ba my wife, but in reality has been only my servant, | bequeath my kindest regards for the services she has for a long time rendered me, and direct that my heirs, in event of her death, provice for her a fitting burial. ‘**In witness whereof, I do hereby and hereunto affix my hand and seal, this the first day of Novem- ber, in the year of our Lord, 18—. ‘** JosepH C. MorA, TYLER GREEN, ‘* * Witnesses MARTIN Gurr,’ ” As Sunflower Sam finished reading the will, Mrs. Mora uttered an agonized scream and fell prostrate in a swoon. The excitement of the next few minutes beg- gars description. The disclosure made by the will was certainly startling, for no one had ever suspected that Mrs. Mora was not Mrs. Mora, as this document now openly asserted. By Max Mora’s direction she was carried to the Mora residence, while, in all the town men and women discussed the matter in excited tonss, - Some believed that the disclosure was correct, and others denounced it as a fraud and an at- tempt to ruin an honorable woman. **Gentlemen!” cried Sunflower Sam, when approached on the matter—‘ gentlemen, I be- lieve there’s something wrong about this matter, “ane bie going to try to find out the truth, you et ‘*There’s nothing wrong about it!” retorted Augustin Andre, haughtily. ‘‘ Joseph Mora was married to my sister, in Tucson, two years ago, but they never lived together, as my sister re- fused to go to Mora’s home because he would not discharge his housekeeper. So the matter has always been kept hushed up, and my sister has received regular sums of money not to let the circumstances of the marriage be known.” ‘* Has your sister a marriage-certificate?” ‘* She has.” ‘“* Well, Pl look into the matter, all the same.” ** You will?” Nias I will; and don’t fail to make a note of it! ‘*And pray, what business have yow got to meddle in other people’s affairs? You're mak- ing yourself almost too fresh around here, it strikes me!” ‘Am I? Well, it don’t strike me so. I be- lieve there’s something crooked about this whole case, and, as a detective, it becomes my duty to investigate. And investigate it I will, as sure as I am the sportive spotter from soarin’ Shasta!” | ‘* Hurrah! for Sunflower Sam, boys!” cried Joe Colby, enthusiastically. ‘‘It does look as and I don’t believe there is one of you as honest- ly believes different than that ther woman we've been known as Mrs. Mora is Joe Mora’s lawfully- wedded wife! Ain’t I right?’ There was almost a unanimous murmur of as- sent from those who were near enough to hear the words of the sturdy young mine boss. ‘Yas, ye’r’ talkin’ sense, Joe!” cried a num- ber. ‘‘ Ther’ ain’t no doubt in our minds but what Margaret war Joe Mora’s wife, an’ thar’s some skin game afoot to cheat her, or I’m a sucker.” “You'd better have a care how you fling around such insinuations as that!” cried Andre, furiously. ‘ll have you know I’m a gentle- man, and [ll have no reflection cast upon my veracity or LEY I say the woman Mar- garet never was Mora’s wife, and can prove that my sister is his wife, or rather his widow. And I demand the money and papers, in her name.” ‘* The safe is locked, and your demand cannot be satisfied at present!” Sam declared, coolly. ‘* Gents, do you not agree that this matter ought to be more fully inquired into?” ‘* Ay! ay!” cried a chorus of voices. ‘ Et must be investigated! Ther true widder shall have her rights!” ? , “That’s what say!” declared Joe Colby, ‘and I make a motion we appoint Sunflower Sam wi’ ther full power ter act as executor, ad- ministrator, an’ attorney for Joe Mora’s estate!” The shout of approval that went up showed that the motion was carried unanimously. ' CHAPTER VII. WHEN ROGUES FALL OUT. . __ THE cheering of at_least two-thirds of the Se ete of You Bet, in response to Joe olby’s motion to make Sunflower Sam the ad- minisirator of the Mora estate, aggravated \ . ; j U - Se ~ 5 : wie "ee , / ; 4 re Pe $ . ‘ af eh, er] ¥ \ pie oe ii 4 one . “ ¥; pai iM ; bet ies ee i ~ v A, Dy P, a ee a i te 4 4 , q + ast RL * P| . : /*- ey ue ae eT ee . 44 : 43 7 . T. "Pe? 4 , = ae ni wad na -? Sy » + 4 ‘ 7 ‘ , 1 ign! / s ae v7, . * } . «4 : LA AALS Cas ‘ : eo ‘4 a. ys it ae ¢ * bs / ae ‘ 3 ~¥ ‘. 7 4 5a, : )) v A ls Ys ts Ad ie whe 5 +. Tank, eur a; % ¥ { ee a ee ; oo Ps eu , + 2h x >? + Bs , 7 : ante 2 <5 row ‘4 o> Gah) ; 2+ Ds yas’ ‘ ; os ¥F; ci. ies metho 2 ‘ Mea hb Bc ht Ufa oa Ot apa nT ee i . ,€ Len Fe £ : ot > Sie WETS! © Nine Ba) . mal @. . te - oye ry veer & : ee ae | Augustin Andre not a little, and he cursed roundly. ** You’re a pack of devilish fools!” he roared. ‘*The idea of puttin’ a nameless adventurer up to ’minister the affairs of an estate like that of Joe Mora! Why, you are all crazy!” ‘* Well, I guess not, Mr. Andre!” Joe Colby replied, with almost. fierce decision, ‘‘ Sence ora is dead, we hain’t got no particular ruler of this camp, and the people has got to take matters in their own hands. We are the people, and are that same by a large majority, an’ I allow we're ’bout as squar’ and honest as ther mill 0’ time grinds out. Soif we are the fad fe an’ by a majority nominate a pilgrim te ll some particular position, that’s our bizness and none of yours. ‘‘A foul murder has been committed in this: camp, an’ no one knows who did it, Along comes this fellow, Sunflower Sam, and offers to try and unravel the mystery, which we allow war quite liberal an’ accommodatin’ of him: ‘* Next comes this will business, which tries. ter ruin the name and good character of a wo- man we have always known as the wife of our murdered citizen, and as such respected. Sun- ower Sam don’t believe but what thar’s some: crookedness about the matter, and again offers his services, to investigate the business. We, ther people agree ther same way he does, and hev offered to stand by and back him!” Another cheer from the crowd, with whom Colby evidently was quite popular. At this juncture, Max Mora came running up. ‘* What's the matter? What’s the cause of al? this cheering?” he demanded breathlessly. ‘Matter enough, as you'll agree!” gyowled Andre, ‘' This crazy set of fools have taken it. into their heads that the will ain’t on the square, and that Margaret is really your dead uncle’s wife. So they have appointed this esthetic chap to investigate the matter, and made him admin- istrator of the estate, and so forth. What do. you think of it now?” ‘* Why, thisisutternonsense. The idea of it— a nameless tramp as administrator of my uncle’s estate! Why, men, have you all lost your senses?” : ‘No, we have not!” answered Colby. ‘ All we want is fair play, and we’re goin’ to have it, We’ve appointed Sunflower Sam to straighten back him, you bet! Weain’t kickin’ about how the mine was left, cause we kinder reckoned you'd git that. But, when it comes to hevin’ all the money go to some gal as hain’t no right to it, an’ shet Mrs. Mora out in the cold, we allow it’s time to kick, and have the matter investi- gated. So it’s fer thet purpose we’ve nominated the kinks out of this case, and we're goin’ to Sunflower Sam, and them as don’t like it cam lump it!” ‘* Another thing, my gentle young man!” re- marked the Man from Shasta, as he folded his: arms across bis breast, and surveyed Max Mora sternly, “‘let me impress upon your’mind one — thing—be kind 0’ careless about your references: — to me—both you and Augustin Andre. I’m neither a scalawag, nor a tramp, Pll have you. know, and for your own good I’d advise you to be more careful when addressing me.” ‘Bah! Who’s afraid of you?” Max growled. ‘* Because you’re decorated with sunflowers, no one fears you, I allow.” | , ‘Of course!” agreed Augustin Andre. “If you came here thinking you can run the town,, yeu will be sadly mistaken. I @emand the money and bonds that belong to my sister!” ‘You'll not get it—not now, at any rate. If, after I've made an investigation I conclude te: surrender the money to your sister, I will pa to her peony As for you,” turning to Max, ‘*T shall not interfere with your setting the men to work in the mine whenever you please, until I find the mine is not lawfully yours.” ‘‘ Thank you!” Max said, sarcastically. ‘I am under many obligations to you for your magnanimous kindness! By the way, you will confer a favor upon me by handing over my uncle’s will.” ar ‘* Sorry I can’t accommodate you, sir, but I | shall retain possession of that document for the present, while I am investigating the case.” ** Curse it! there’s nothing to investigate, ex- s di cept the mystery of the murder. My uncle’s only lawfully wedded wife is Augustin Andre's: sister. I have known of this for some time.” — it. | ’ U 2 Pes an | aR » | eet “Sorry to doubt you, sir, but I certainly do, roe ne 7 : However, there is no use of disputing matters until I have a chance to investi in the office is relocked, and so, if can use the office for business purposes.” __ And with this Sam walked away toward the hotel as coolly as though he were indeed the ruler of the town, | Ay SE WTO Pe RN Rl Be Pe . : + 7 ; * 2 « v¥ie? © J f~ *.* 4&o . ‘a ‘ - Ky * » 7 > ef | hs. hn “> > 4 . 1 " - ‘ Ne. ls e . aS waif, 1 ae the 4 Amd 4 \ i) 1. wey | i « sak Yd 6 eh oe : : * Fs ys We , 2 * ae ic © ~*~ oF may. or Sy eir os . in 4 fi Uy ton . ~~ Vy od ‘ # Pr ; » * . ° AE ab e® g 4 es Oe Be ge ENDS Fa al at Batty A oe) ays of; 4 Jt ¥. * be J ‘ - : i 7 , << ate. The safe you like, you ; » ( « ‘ % : ’ ’ We / Mi 4 r d e : 4 i ae . : J fe ot 7 *% ¢ oa ey en iat ‘ea , 2. a0 Prev, - +a > > , A a Ly - +4 af Oe od 4 - ta £ > ‘ “mo fhe =] A & Pik = att « 7 sd a 1 o rth. i . ? aa | mit? , . 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