Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 472 — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

6 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse King. eee ee ee eee in J en favor, no one thought cof doubting his word, It became the general opinicex, however, that instead of being thrown into the water to drown, Kane had in some way broken his bonds and leaped in freely to elude his enemies, and thus escaped. Jaunty Joe did not agree with them. He felt itive that the cords had been tied too secure- y to admit of their being thus cast off, and he was left deep in wonder as to how the affair had really resulted. If the burglar had been drowned, his body ought to be in the lake; but it was not there. ch was made forthe Gypsies, but they seemed to have mysteriously disappeared. Those who had seen them had seen no wagons or horses, nor had they seen a girl; no one except men had been seen, and the searchers had no clew to work upon. Mr. Perkins took Jaunty Joe back to his house, The latter war lot feeling well after his severe experience of the previa night, but he had Logs of pink, and would have taken hold of is job on ¥ ack Jack at once if the farmer had not pere ptorily forbidden it. He so’ / that Joe was not in his usual condi- tion, ».d declared that nothing should be done until Ae next day. B) ick Jack, however, was decoyed to the sta’ fe and placed in a large, well-lighted com- po’ tment, and the young tamer spent the greater y «t of the afternoon in his sight, It was a part of his creed to win the confidence £his ‘‘pupils” as far as possible, and though Jack was shy and defiant, he did not disdain to accept what pleased his royal appetite from the young trainer, He also learned to see him as a companion, While quietly carrying out his plan, Joe thought a good deal about the events of the previous night. They were decidedly puzzling and mysterious; the only thing that was clear was that King Ryer hada bitter grudge against John Kane. It was impossible to say what had caused it. Naturally, the boy’s thoughts dwelt a good deal upon Melvina. He had not seen her very distinctly, but she had made an impression on his mind which he was not likely to soon for- get. And the story of buried gold told by the bur- glar? This might be only a fiction invented to save his life, but Joe believed he had spoken the truth, and ever in his mind was one question— ** Where is the gold buried?” CHAPTER VI. BLACK JACK. WHEN evening, came no new light had been thrown upon the boat-house mystery. The Gypsies and the burglar had alike disappeared dG all efforts to find them had thus far proved unavailing. Telegrams had been sent in various directions, but the same answer came from all quarters. It was as though the earth had swallowed the whole band, including Kane. The following morning Jaunty Joe announced that he was in as good condition as ever, and should try his hand on Black Jack, but Mr. Perkins’s enthusiasm in the matter was a good deal dampened by the appearance, just after breakfast, of Jasper Banker and his men, the French tamer. They had at once taken a train away from town after leaving the farm before, and Per- kins hoped he had seen the last of them, but here they were again, and Banker’s Manner was as light and easy as ever. ‘* Ha! friend Perkins, how are you? Thought I'd drop in on you again, as I was yr on the train. Have you had him in the shafts yet?” ‘‘ Had who?’ sourly asked the worthy farmer. ** Black Jaek,” ‘‘Reely, I'd ruther not say. Hev you been ter the moon sence I seen ye last?” ** Only half-way.” ** You orter kept on, b’mighty!” “Tm like you—satisfied with Long Island,” answered the turf-gambler, his easy smile seem- ing, as Mr. Perkins afterward said, “ter hev froze there.” ‘*But, about Black Jack,” Banker added. ** How has the boy made it thus far?” ** First class, Joe is wel] named the young Horse King.” Banker’s face fell. ** Has he really subdued him? ‘** As fur as he’s gone, yes.” ** How much has he done?” “‘WNothin’. He beginster-day. And now, Mr. Banker, don’t you think you are a Kketle too anxious about Black Jack?” ‘*T am this anxious,” replied Jasper, not in the least vexed; ‘‘Tll give you two hundred dol- lars for the brute as he stands, broken or un- broken,” ** Thank you, but it can’t be did.” ** Remember that, even if he is broken—and I don’t believe that stripling can do a thing with him—it will afterward take a very shrewd, ex- perienced horseman to manage him, Nobody around here could do it.” ** Umph!” ‘Now I am willing to buy him as he is, and he’ll be worth far more to me if Professor La- cour has entire charge of his taming, than if a green hand had tried him and failed. That will make the brute vicious, and even a good man may never be able to do anything with him. Keep that boy away from him, is my advice. Perkins, [ll give you two-fifty for the animal as he stands.” **Couldn’t think on’t.” ** Three hundred!” ‘*Mr. Banker,” quietly drawled the farmer, ‘*T’m sorter busy ter-day, for, arter Mr. Joseph Baldwin tames Black Jack, him an’ me is goin’ ter ride arter the hoss, an’ then I’ve got ter weed them onions over thar—beats all how weeds will spring up in onions—so I can't stop ter talk an’ dicker, As fur Black Jack—” ‘““Tll give you three-fifty, and it’s my last offer.” ‘Glad on’t, by gracious. Black Jack ain't fur sale ter you nur nobody else, ter put it plain. Mr. Baldwin, be you ready?” ‘*T am, sir,” Jaunty Joe replied, * Then we'll go out.” “If you’re going to begin now on the horse, may we go along and see the fun?” Banker addressed himself to Perkins, but be- fore the farmer could answer, Joe wheeled upon the questioner and answered in a quick, but cool, voice: “Te you propose to behave yourselves, you can; but I don’t intend to have any interference with my work.” ** What do you mean?” blusteringly demanded the turf-gambler. ‘*T think I need not explain,” Horse King Joe replied. ‘*By Jove! you need, and youshall. I want you to understand that I am “not to be in- sulted—” ‘*That will do, Mr. Banker. Your wrath is all assumed, and your purpose is to make me so nervous that I can’t do my work. It won’t work, I’m not old in years, but I know the ad- vantage of a cool head and good nerves, and you can’t, and shall not, upset mine.” ‘‘Mr. Baldwin,” added the farmer, emphati- cally, ‘‘ef you say the word, there shall be no witness but me,” **' These men shall come if they wish, but let them beware of trying to excite Black Jack. You see, Mr. Banker, you are not dealing with a greenhorn. Your only chance to see what is to occur is to maintain silence, and to begin now |” He pronounced these words in an inexorable voice, and Banker actually turned pale with rage. Angry words seemed trembling on his lips but the Frenchman plucked at his sleeve an whispered something which caused him to curb his temper. ‘* Lead on!” he then said, briefly. Perkins looked dissatisfied, but the whole party started for the stable, Joe leading the way and seeming as cool as though a trivial matter was on hand. His caution had had due effect on Banker and Lacour, and they were very quiet as they brought up the rear, but an evil light twinkled in the former’s eyes, and it was plain that he bad not given up his plans, or abated one iota his | hatred for young Joe Baldwin. The young jockey entered the stable with an | easy, careless manner, and occupied the first few moments in selecting a few choice handfuls of the fresh-cut grass upon which Black Jack had been fed since he was made a captive. All the other men had been directed to remain outside, and as Banker noted the boy’s deliberate movements, he felt not only annoyance, but a vague sense of impending danger. /hatever the young tamer might do he clearly had full confidence in himself and his ability. Having secured the tempting bits of grass, Joe sauntered up to the manger, which was merely an oblong, fixed box, aud open at the front, and presented them to Jack’s notice. The latter recognized his companion of the ' previous day, and after some hesitation and a good deal of wary cocking of his ears, slowly ad- vanced and took a mouthful. Banker and Lacour were dumfounded. Report and observation had led them to believe that Black Jack would not venture on even this degree of familiarity, after having been two months in pasture, as on the present occasion. Jaunty Joe stood quietly while Jack enjoyed his mouthful, keeping bis gaze fixed full upen the animal’s, and talking to him as though he had been a human being. Some of the letters shown Perkins by Joe had intimated that the youth magnetized his horses. However that might be, certain it was that Jack’s great eyes grew almost wild. Then the boy’s unoccupied hand moved gently forward. Black Jack laid back his ears and eyed it doubtfully, seeming to be ready to spring away at the least warning. But the tempting grass was there, and he did not like to leave it. He remained, and then Job Perkins’s mouth opened wide as he saw the boy’s hand placed caressingly on Jack’s neck, The horse, himself, seemed to think that this was a degree of familiarity which no circum- stance could fully justify, but under the exist- ing state of affairs he allowed it—probably under orotest. Yet, for three years Farmer Perkins had not been able to handle him thus. He thought it wonderful. Not once removing his gaze from Jack’s eyes, the boy tamer continued to caress that proud, sleek neck, and nothing occurred to interrupt this sudden harmony. ‘** He’s bewitchin’ ze horse,” said the ex-master of The Royal Government Equine Training and. Equestrian Academy in a melancholy aside. ‘Shoot me if he isn’t!” Banker replied. ‘t Zis is not ze true trainin’, sare.” ‘* No, and it won’t last.” ‘** Don’t you fret yer gizzards!” bluntly replied the farmer. ‘‘ Ef the boy does his work, I don’t care ared cent whether he’s got the ‘ true’ way or not.” ‘* But, sare, it vel! not last,” urged Lacour. ‘* Not a bit of it,” added Banker. ‘Wal, jest you wait an’see. For the present b’ar in mind what Mr. Baldwin said, an’ don’t e talk too loud. You might stir up the hoss’s. benezer. Don’t ye do that!” The farmer spoke with more emphasis than he was aware; enough, certainly to let the two sharpers see that their only hope was to keep quiet. To talk would be to have an order promptly served on them to quit the place. Joe now took a bridle and sauntered into the compartment with the horse. It was twelve feet square, giving plenty of room. Black Jack did not like thisintrusion. He re- treated as far as he could go, and then paused and looked at Joe in a startled way. The youth seemed in no haste to approach him, He saun- tered around the place carelessly, while Jack became accustomed to the new order of things and lost his look of fear. He was a splendid animal, a shade ahove the average hight and weight of bis kind, but with every mark of the born race-horse. Thatkingly head, with its coquettish ears; that graceful neck which. somehow, seemed like that of a beautiful woman; those shapely shoulders and slender, clean and perfect legs—all these were of that order of horsefiesh which, one instinct- ively feéls, ought never to be degraded by mere labor. His color was jet-black: one of those rare blacks which, at no time of year, fades away to brown; and the short, shining hair rivaled satin itself. No wonder Black Jack was much sought after. Finally Joe produced another mouthful of grass and moved gently toward the animal. Once more his gaze was on the horse’s, and it nevered wavered. Black Jack did not resent his approach, nor try to escape, but stood like one in a dream. He saw the grass, and knew that he wanted it, but some deeper influence seemed at work upon him, ‘‘ Witchcraft!” whispered Banker in the dis- tance. ‘ Perkins gave him one glance which spoke louder than words, Banker could construe it only as a warning. He looked back. The boy tamer was caress- ing the “‘ wild horse’s” neck, while Jack con- tentedly chewed the new supply of grass, Both Banker and the Frenchman were wild with rage, The result thus far gave promise of complete success—if Jaunty Joe had his own way entirely. The sharpers exchanged glances; Banker nodded, and a villainous trick had been resolved upon. When they looked back, Joe had the bridle