Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 472 — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

10° -—_——_—_ _ . ——— i -—-—- Lee and Murdough willingly rose, and lost no time in leaving the room and the house, They were certainly delighted at having escaped death, but they knew, if Joe Baldwin did not how serious the decree of outlawry was, and they went as a Cain might have done, Then the chief turned to John Kane. The burglar trembled and his face grew paler than ever, but an agreeable surprise was in store for him. ‘*You are not worthy of mv notice,” Ryer contemptuously said, ‘* and I will not place my- self in the power of the law by molesting you. You can go where you will, but one thing rest assured—you will never find the hidden gold, Go!” And the burglar gladly went. Then Ryer looked at Jasper Banker. ‘*T have no quarrel with you. I and my men will leave the house now; you can go or stay, as you see fit.” ‘*One word,” said the turf-gambler, quickly. ‘“‘Tf my father buried his money—and I am ready to believe he did, for there was a deficit for which we could never account—this mone ought not to be lost. Aid me to find it, and will share equally with you.” ** Never {” ‘* Why not?” ‘““T would not touch a cent of his accursed money, while asfor helping one of his race to profit by it—never! never!” . ‘“Why do you hate him so bitterly?’ Jasper wonderingly asked. ‘* That is my business.” ‘Did he wrong you?” The Gypsy started and his face grew darker than ever, while his black eyes gleamed fiercely. Banker recoiled, and furious words seemed trembling on the chief’s lips, but he controlled himself with an effort and answered in a voice which was almost calm: ‘* Let it be buried in his grave. I have noth- ing to say to you, as long as you keep away from me and my band. See that you do that— never let me see you again!” With these words he nodded to his followers, gi they quietly turned and glided from the ouse. Jasper went to the window and thoughtfully looked after them for a few moments. hen he returned to the inner room and looked at the ap in the floor, which seemed to have a strong ascination for him, Opportunity was now given Joe Baldwin to leave his place of refuge, and hedid not lose any time in doing it. Opening the closet door he glided across the floor with as light a step as he could assume—so light that Jasper heard noth- ing and suspected nothing. The boy lost no time in getting to the ground and then hurried away, glad to bid the old house adieu. He thought himself very fortun- ate to get out of the scrape wiih a whole skin and mentally vowed he would not be decoyed into another house in the night-time by a mys- terious light. He did not return to the road, but, deciding to take a more direct course across the fields, moved around to the rear of the place, and then hurried away through the maples toward his proper quarters. As he went his thoughts were all of the pecu- liar scene he had just witnessed, aud more than ever he wondered what had caused King Ryer’s deep hatred of young Banker’s father. What old drama of the past had so excited the chief? It seemed nseless to wonder, for it was not at all likely he would ever know, but it was impos- sible to forget or to cease surmising. it was unfortunate for him that he did not give more heed to where was going, for, without any warning he found himself seized by strong hands and borne to the ground. He gave a bound like that of a startled deer, but all in vain. He was under the shade of thick trees, but the modnhlight beyond was strong enough to show him that he was in the midst of several men. Immediately he realized the fact that he had run squarely into the Gypsy camp, and as strug- gling was useless, he coolly submitted. Despite his peril he thought of Melvina at that moment. He looked more keenly about him. He could see two or three women, but whether one of them was Melvina or not, he could not tell. ‘‘What have we here?” asked a deep voice, which was easily recognizable as that of King Ryer. if Nobody that will hurt you,” quickly, coolly replied the young jockey. ‘‘I don’t know who Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse King. | you are, but I’m only a boy, and not dangerous | in the least,” ‘*T believe you are a spy.” ‘* A spy? Lord bless you, what 1s there around here to spy upon? I’m no chicken-thief, but merely out for a breath of fresh air.” ‘*Take him to the light!” : Joe was dragged where the moon fell on his face and then the chief took a good look at him, The boy did not fear recognition. Nobody ex- cept Melvina had seen him that night at the boat-house. He smiled coolly into the Gypsy’s face. ‘* Do I look dangerous?” ‘You are no fool, and he who places that esti- mate on you would be badly sold; but you may mean us well. Do you live at the village?” ‘* No; over there.” Joe pointed correctly. ‘What are you here for?” ‘* As I said before, only out for fresh air.” ‘You may be telling the truth, but you are too quiet to suit me. Most boys would be fright- ened in sucha fix. Young fellow, 1 don’t trust you; I believe you are a spy!” CHAPTER XI. THE MAN WITH THE WHIP. JOE was not particularly frightened by the repetition of this charge, for the Gypsy’s voice was not the terrible one he had used in the old house. ‘*T give you my word that I’m not a spy,” he replied. ‘*Do you know who we are?” ‘*T suspect you are Gypsies.” ** Consequently, we have no right here.” ** In one sense of the word, you have no right on private grounds, but neither have I. The pot can’t call the kettle black.” ‘** How long have you been in this grove?” ‘*Five minutes, I guess. I passed along through, and am on my way home.” Ryer spoke a few words in his own strange language to those who held the boy, and then went to one side and consulted several minutes with one of his followers. Then he came back and quietly said: ‘* We have clecided to take your word, and no harm shall be done you, but one thing I must in- sist upon. We are about to move, and must have a good start. Toinsurethis, we must bind you to a tree, to keep you until morning, when you will, of course, be released.” Joe protested against this as strongly as he dared, asserting that he would go Nrateht home and not mention them to any one, but King Ryer had more faith in stout cords than any person’s promise. He was not to be moved, and his order was at once carried out by his men. No roughness was used aboutit, and Joe was not foolish enough to make any disturbance. He did not like the idea of being tied to a tree all night, but it was bet- ter than to receive worse usage. When he was disposed of the Gypsies began ai eye ant for departure, while the boy silent- watched. He looked more at the women than the men, wondering if Melvina was there, One woman seemed to be of unusually slight figure, and he thought it might be she, but he had no chance to solve the question definitely. The Gypsies traveled light, and it did not take them long tw prepare for departure. W hen they were ready King Ryer again addressed Joe, warning him not to betray them, and then the whole party glided away like phantoms. ‘* Well, this is a pretty fix!” thought. the boy. ‘* Horses sleep standing up when they feel like it, but this is the first time I ever thought of try- ing it. Don’t like the idea!” e squirmed vigorously, but it took him only a short time to discover that the ropes were tied so tight that his efforts did not affect them in the least. ‘It’s an all-night job, sure enough. Whew! I don’t like this; I shall get far more fresh air than I want. Wish I had gone to bed like a sober-minded citizen, and defied the heat. Can’t turn over here when [ get tired.” He was indulging in such melancholy thoughts, and considering whether it would be advisable to shout and try to attract the attention of money people, when he heard a sound at one side. Was it a Gypsy, a harmless cow, or— A man sauntered into view, but Joe saw at first sight that he was no Gypsy. His general appearance showed, despite the darkness, that he was well dressed. ‘‘Hallo, youngster!” he said, looking at the prisoner, Jaunty Joe felt a thrill of alarm. He knew the man now; it was Jasper Banker. No won- ee ee —_-——- ——_ — — -——- -— - — der the former was troubled. He was perfectly helpless, and believed that the gambler had the will to do him almost any injury. The only hope was to escape recognition. ‘* Hallo!” he replied, trying to disguise his voice. ‘“You’re in trouble, I see. Well, I always expected you would be, sooner or later. You have a way of meddling with other people’s busi- ness that is villainous, I only wish the Gypsies had winged you.” Joe’s hope was gone, he must face the danger, ‘** You are very kind,” said the boy, coolly. ‘* Failing of mine. By the way, when do you go back to Black Jack?” “1 don’t know.” **T believe you!” retorted Jasper, with a short, harsh laugh. ‘‘ Things are uncertain on this mundane sphere. Only one thing is sure.” ‘IT suppose you want me to ask what that is.” ‘* Never mind, Josey; Ill tell you, anyhow. I’m going to first smoke a cigar, and then go and get a whip and lash you until I feel that we are square,” And the gambler struck a match and careless- ly lighted his cigar. Then he sat down on the ground and began smoking quietly. ‘* Hope you're in no hurry.” ‘* Not in the least.” Joe answered coolly, but he was far from feel- ing that way. He was helpless, and if Banker did. not keep his threat it would be because he feared the consequences. As he was a desperate man, it was not likely he would let this stand in the way of revenge. His cigar glowed in the darkness as he leisure- ly smoked and gloated over his enemy. ‘*You’re always getting in my way, ain’t you?” he said, after a pause. ‘*Give me a chance and I'll get out.” ‘* No, you won't.” ‘*Have I done you any harm to-night?” ‘*No. This is my night.” ** How so?” ‘‘I’m going to get square with you. When 2 get that whip, Pll mark you into a checker- board with devilish small squares, you bet.” ‘*T warn you not to touch me.” ‘* What can you do?” ‘*“My day will come later. I know you of old, Jasper Banker, and just what sort of a gang you train with. If you lay a hand on me I'll devote all ay time to getting the law of you, and I know about where to look for you.” ‘You can look and be hanged!” Jasper re- torted, throwing away his cigar and springing to his feet. “If yeu think you can scare me you’re mightily mistaken. Il soon show you!” With these words he strode away in the dark- ness, and Joe was again left alone. The chance was now given him to shout for help, but he had little hope that such a call would fe answered, It was at least one o’clock, and the people in the farm-house were probably all asleep. If so, a shout was not likely to arouse them. While he was still considering the matter, Banker reappeared. He announced his coming by cracking a horse-whip which he carried, and then gave Joe a slight cut across the face, ‘* Are you all ready?” he asked, ‘‘T'm ready to be left alone.” ‘“Well, ’'m going to flog you until you howl like a hyena.” ‘* Jasper Banker, you had better think twice before you strike me,” cautioned Joe, in a sur- risingly calm voice. ‘*‘ Will you admit I have eaten you irredeemably with my head, and sink to such low revenge as this?” ‘You can deliver yeur oration some other time, young Cicero; [m going to make you sing now!” And the turf-gambler swung back the whip for the first blow. But it did not fall upon the boy prisoner. As it went backward it was suddenly snatch- ed from Jasper’s hand, and as he wheeled in as- tonishment the lash fell on his own face with cutting force. He was not a bold man at all times, and with- out waiting to see whether his assailant weigh- ed one or two, or three hundred pounds, he wheeled and fled, the idea strong in his mind that the neighboring farmer had appeared on the scene thus inopportunely. Despite his boast- ing hae did fear discovery; hence, his headlong ight. . Horse-King Joe looked in surprise to see who had created this timely diversion in his favor, and was much surprised to see a female figure advance. Nor was this all; as she came nearer ha recognized her. It was Melvina Ryer., Banker knew him, and . : : F i! uh ;