Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 508 — page 12: what you’re looking at

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

12 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance, renee ES LS SL CA SR TESTS ELT energie Kg were immediately and eagerly surrounded by tbe motley horde of miners. e** curiosity. The majority of the miners had seen him lynched, and could not compre- dhhend how he had escaped death. Scores of men crowded around Jerry, and shook him warmly by the hand, Finally, Jerry arose in his stirrups, and ad- dressed the assemblage: ‘Men of Whiskyville: I am proud to see you have struck, because you have honored me by showing the regard you had for me. I am proud also to learn that you propose to bounce raham Goff, and restore to this noble fellow, Deadwood Dick, his legal rights. You are all as brothers to me, and we will fight side by side, until our aim is accomplished !” Cheers! ‘“This gentleman, Deadwood Dick, as fearless and whole-souled a feliow as ever lived, will fead you to victory, and will treat you white, afterward. He agrees to advance your wages, 15 per cent, and also accept your other stipu- fations in every particular. And I, Jerry Justice, do heartily recommend and indorse him. And now, boys, three rousing cheers for our new leader and employer, Deadwood Dick!” And the three hundred throats fairly made the hills ring, as they gave the cheers. CHAPTER XV, CONCLUSION, Arter the cheering had abated, Dick, Jerry and Floy dismounted, and the latter was conduc- res to a temporary place of safety in the engine ouse. Outside, Dick was introduced severaily to the men of the mine, and shook hands uatil his wrist was sore. The reception accorded him was far more hearty than he had anticipated, or had any reason to expect. | After the handshaking he made a neat little speech, and thanked them for the fraternal way in which they had. received him, and assured them that he should lead them unflinchingly for- ward to drive the opposition party from the field, and after the struggle was over, and victory achieved, he should deal with them in a kindly just and considerate manner, and should regar them as his equals irrespective of nationality, social and financial] station, or creed. His speech evidently created a deep impres- sion, for it was received with repeated cheers. A consultation was then held between Garry, Jerry, Dick and a few other prominent strikers, in regard to the first plan of action. A guard on duty on top of the stamp-mill, near at hand, soon reporied that the mayor’s party, - gumbering about two hundred and fifty men were marching to and fro, in the main street of the camp, and were being drilled by the mayor himself. _ Dick immediately ordered his men to fall into line, equipped witb their weapons, so that he could review them, This was done, and though they were a rough and shaggy-bearded set of mortals, they were all of fine physique, and looked fitted for a tough campaign, He put them through a series of military tac- tics, and was surprised to see that the most of them had ‘been thar before,” some of them be- ing veterans of the late rebellion. ‘Gentlemen,” he said, as he passed along and dressed the line, “I am proud of you. A atancher lot of men uever stood in line in Ari- zona, Weare going to win the day, and sweep oppression from this beautiful mountain vale. o successfully accomplish this all we require is steady nerve, unswerving courage,and cliscip ine. T am here to command you, and shall expect to be obeyed. Right about! Face toward the camp!” The order was obeyed, and executed with a military precision that was admirable, Dick was highly gratified. He had appointed Jerry and Joe Garry his lieutenants, at either wing of the file. ‘Rest arms, boys!” he ordered, ‘‘ and remain where you are, It is not going to be long before we hear from the enemy, Ill wager!’ And he was right. It was not more than half an hour, when a horseman rode out of the _“ city,” toward the pusition of the strikers, — He was mounted ona fine horse, and as he drew nearer it was observed that he was attired in the gorgeous uniform of a general of the Ger- man Army! He also carried a flag of truce. | Of course Dick at once became an object of | laughter, when they perceiv ee —— LS ——— The man was no one else than Graham Goff! The men of Dick’s line began to roar with how gorgeous] their late employer was togged out, but Dick’s stern order of silence soon quieted them down. Dick then vaulted into the saddle and rode forward to meet Goff, Although ununiformed, the handsome young commander of the strikers never looked to bet- ter advantage, and the miners would have need- ed only a word to have sent up a rousing cheer. Dick and Graham Gcff soon drew rein within a few feet of one another, Goff surveyed the other for a moment, with a = ap deperrpee air, making no show of recogni- ion. + Well, sir, who are you?” he finally demand- ed. ‘‘Tf it will not be taxing your memory too much, you may recollect that we have met once before. I am Richard Bristol, Deadwood Dick Junior in proper person,” ‘‘*Do you represent the commander of yonder passel of fools?” it, am commander of that body of miners, sir. ‘¢ Then, sir, as mayor of this city and owner of most of the property interests bere, | order you to take your men and leave at once, or there will be bloodshed.” ‘‘ And as sole and legal owner of this pocket, and all that appertains thereto, I order you to take yourself and all the people in this pocket, whom you do not see in my lines, and depart from here within half an hour's time, or we will oa you off the face of the earth. That is all!’ And wheeling his horse, Dick cantered back toward the stampemill. Goff glared after him a moment, his face al- most livid with rage; then, wheeling about, he galloped back into town. When Dick returned to his men, he found them impatiently awaiting him, ‘‘ Well, when are we going to get a chance to sail in and do ’em up?” demanded Jerry Justice, who, smarting from the wrongs he had endured and the wounds he had received the previous night, was ripe and ready for a fight. “IT can tell better, later,” Dick replied. ‘I want to see if Goff is not going to make an at- tack on us. If not, we will ov him, although, with the buildings for protection, they have the bulge on us.” Just at this juncture there came a scream from the engine-house, where Floy Fydell had been left. ‘‘Stay where you are, boys, and stand ready for instant duty!” shouted Dick, and away he sped toward the engine-house, Notwithstanding the order given, Jerry Jus- tice followed close at bis heels, and no one could — bim, even if it was a breach of disci- ine. Both Dick and he bounded into the engine- house at about the same moment. Then they saw the cause of the scream, Two young women were engaged in a despe- rate hand-to-hand conflict, and in a literal sense the fur was flying at a great rate. The combatants were none other than Floy Fydell and Georgie Goff. It took but a moment for Dick and Jerry to — them, Dick taking charge of the mayor’s aughter, while Jerry held back his affianced; but although separated, the two girls glared at each other fiercely. ‘‘What the blazes is the matter here?” Dick demanded, facing Georgie around toward him. ‘* How did you come here, young woman?” ‘‘That’s none.of your business!” was the defi- ant retort. “But I reckon it is. Ah! I recognize you now. You're the clerk at the Howling Hornet. We have met before, if I mistake not. How comes it you two young women were fighting?” ** None of your business, I tell you: Let me o! ‘‘Oh, no; not at this stage of the game. You were sent here by your royal progenitor to spy upon us, or for some other villainous purpose and until the battle is over we shall have to hol you in durance vile!” ‘‘ Jerry, see if you can find some strong cord, while we bind this estimable guerrilla!” ‘‘T have some cord in my pocket,” Jerry said, coming forward, . Georgie struggled desperately against being bound, but it was no use. The two men were too much for her, and she was soon securely tied, hand and foot, and seated upon a box, “There! you look ten per cent, better in that pose than when in a Sullivan attitude,” Dick averred with a laugh. ae tL, LBD LLL a ee *‘ Oh! I'll get even with you all yet!” was the retort. ‘‘I really came here of my own accord to kill the three of you, and I'l do it yet.” ‘* Just before you're going to do it, let us know, so we can be there!” Dick suggested. ‘You keep watch of her, Miss Fydell, and if ~ — too boisterous, box her ears a bit. Come, err ” ‘To arms!” came a cry, from out of doors, ‘* Here! they come!” Dick and Jerry made a rush to the front, and saw that the alarm was not a falseone; Graham Goff and his men were geen double-quick time, and in anything but regular order, too, ‘*Stand firm, boys!” cried Deadwood Dick, . in a clear resonant voice, ‘* Take steady aim, and when I give the word blaze away!” On came the enemy, at a swift run, carrying their guns ready to dite, when choser proximity was gained and Goff gave the order. But, Goff’s eyes did not measure space, like those of his rival and there was where he made his fatal error. He had not thought it time to give the order, yet, when Dick cried out to his men; ‘* Steady aim, boys! Fire!” Instantly a chain of flame leaped from the rifles of the miners, and leaden messengers sped on their deadly mission. The volley was terribly destructive, full half of the attacking party fell, and among the lot was Grabam Goff, te This sudden thinning of their ranks complete- ly demoralized the remainder of the party, many of whom were strangers, and turning, they fled for dear life. oe Garry and adetachment of Dick’s men gave chase, and the fleeing and terror stricken men, were driven out of the pocket, never to re- turn, The battle was indeed a victory, and once more Deadwood Dick was monarch of that which was by legal right his own. And with a brave body of men at his back, it seemed as if his troubles ought to have really ended; he certainly had earned a season of peace. But, ’tisan old say that no one can tell what a day may bring forth. Our story is nearly atan’end. A few words will tell al] that remains to be toid, In a week after the battle, the miners had re- sumed work, and things began to pick up again, although there were many deserted dwellings and business places. As Dick had decided, Joe Garry had a mo- nopoly of the hotel and saloon business in the pocket; so the Howling Hornet, ard several saloons and dance-houses were razed, leaving ¢ oe monarch of all he surveyed, in his particular ne. Jerry Justice resumed his position as mine superintendent, to the infinite satisfaction of all the miners. Georgie Goff was released, on her promise to ‘| leave the camp and never return. What money was foun 1 on her father’s remains was given her. The unworthy father and dissolute son, were buried side by side. The Chicago lawyer came on, in due time, and Floy Fydell received her little fortune, but of course it made no change in her love for Jerry, and they were soon afterward married. Under Deadwood Dick’s regime, the camp grew and prospered, wonderfully, and new enterprises were permitted to be started, Dick receiving a certain royalty. No miners could get work in the gulch, however, except they joined the miners’ union. Finally, the question arose, of giving the camp a new name, as Whiskyville wasn’t quite the thing, but no neme was decided on, until, one evening, the three bundred employees of the Majestic Mine, waited upon their employer, and, as a token of their friendship and esteem, pre- sented him with a magnificent gold-mounted revolver, the bandle and barrel of which were studded with diamonds. After making a felicitous speech of thanks, Dick added: | ‘Boys, your kind and valuable token of ap- preciation, has suggested tome an idea, We will call our place Pistol Pocket!” And from that time on, as Pistol Pocket the camp was known, | THE END, (E(o) (E] OOo) _—_———— in