Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 519 — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

of Red Robin, and advancing mg door. He did not enter, however, b peering round the corner, the Reckle:s saw that the | emptied every chamber. ut paused, and unknown was listening at the door. to the cabin- | ere the outlaws who were not stricken down by the | death-dealing bullets could reach the door, he had Captain Mystery. ¢ hurled the now useless weapons at his foes, ‘Hullo!”” Red Robin mentally exclaimed; “a spy | one of them striking @ man fairly in the face and incamp! What does this mean? Is there a traitor | knocking him down. Then he drew a knife and in Captain Mystery’s band?’ For a short time the man listened at the door, then suddenly darted around the corner of the cabin opposite the Reckless. At the same instant Red Robin heard advancing footsteps. A man’s form loomed up in the gloom, coming to- ward the cabin. The new-comer did not pause, but, advancing to the door, unhesitatingly entered. It was Captain Mystery. Barely had the door closed behind the outlaw, when the unknown glided out from around the cor- ner, and again advanced to the door. There he paused and once more seemed listenirg. Red Robin watched him’ keenly, softly muttering: ‘IT wonder who that fellow is? Somehow his form looks natural. Can it be that he is otherthan one of the outlaws? No, it must be that he is one of Cap- tain Mystery’s men. But I wonder where Old Bomb- shellis. I think that the man who ent red the cabin just now was the one he followed away a short time ago,”’ The reader knows that the eavesdropper was How- ard Thorne. Finally Red Robin saw Thorne cautiously open the doorand a minute later the young man drew Sylva Blair out into the darkness and closed the door. When Thorne openei the cabin-door, the light form within shone out upon him, plainly revealing who he was to Red Robin who uttered a smothered exclamation of surprise. “Hang me if it’s not the young fellow whom we left to watch the rope,”” muttered the Reckless. **Old Bombshell was afraid ‘he would be a little too fresh to come down here into the outlaws’ camp, and so we left him behind. But, just at present, he is decidedly a/evd of us both. Limagine that there ‘s better stuff in him than Bombshell thinks.”’ Fora moment, as Howard and Sylva stood con- versing, he thought he would join them, but he finally changed his mind, saying softly: ‘*No, I will leave them alone. They will like it better, and the young man will then have all the honor of rescuing the girl.” Howard and Sylva soon moved away, Red Robin following them a short distance. The red-breasted man soon turned back, however, and went in search for Old Bombshell. For some time he wandered cautiously around vainly seeking for the eccentric man, who, despite the name by which he was known, was not old by any means. Not finding sombshell, he returned to the cabin where they had parted, intending to wait for him there. But he finally became tired of wait- ing, and again started to try and find Bombshell. Turning the corner of a cabin, he suddenly came face to face wiih an unknown man. Head down, Red Robin aoaent to pass, hoping to do so without being challenged, But the outlaw caught him by the shoulder, and peered keenly and suspiciously into his face. And ‘ then Red Robin’s hard fist struck him a heavy blow fairly between the eyes, knocking him down. The Reckless sprung away into the darkness, as the outlaw staggered to his feet, uttering a hoarse Shout and sending two bullets wildly after the red- breasted man, following himself, as fast ag his legs would carry him. His wild shouts soon brought other outlaws to his side, all joining in the pursuit of the Reckless, who was dodging in and out among the cabins, heading toward the place where the rope hung over the cliff. But suddenly Red Robin stumbled and fell. He sprung to his feet to see two forms looming up be- fore him, There were outlaws between him and the preci- pice! His escape was cut off! At his left hand stood the outlaws’ jail, the door being open, as Bombshell had leftit. Ags there was no alternative now but to fight for it, he s rung within the dark doorway, and drawing his revolvers, turned on the outlaws, firing two quick shots, Two men went down, and almost as quickly, at a word of command, sharply spoken, the other out- laws sunk to the ground. In the moment’s silence that ensued, Red Robin heard pistol-shots coming from the other side of the camp. For a short time the Reckless could hear the out- laws conversing in low tones; then a voice cried: ** Hullo, there!’ **Hullo, yourself!’’ responded Robin. *You are in a trap, My man, and had better walk out here and quietly give yourself up. It is the most sensible thing you can do,”’ At the sound of the voice Red Robin started. He knew that voice well. The speaker wus his bitterest enemy—the man who many years before had stolen little Alice Dunbar from her home—Faton Stone! “Aha!” cried the Reckless, “Il know you, Faton Stone! and as sure as [ get eyes upon you, a builet from my revolver shall find your heart!” = A flerce cry of Gelght came from Faton Stone’s Ss. xs Morton Dunbar, by the gods!’ he shouted, “ Ab! Ihave you now! You escapea me last night, but as Sure as there is a living God, you die to-night! ’ Red Robin uttered a bard, reckless laugh of .defi- ance, but made no verbal reply. Suddenly, with one wiid, unanimous yell, the out- laws sprung to their feet and came rushing toward the j genes 2 and firing as they came, Cilmly standing in the doorway, the Reckless worked his revolvers so that it seemed that one con- tinued blaze of flame issued from their muzzies, and Oy ee + a eS ‘ “J : F : at ih = ea eS ae PEF le —_— — ae eee ee en FN ee ~ ‘ll nent ly ee ee : . -* ; ; a? 4 + Ae Val 4 ‘ oe r- “p. . ; * =~; ~~ « % * + 4 eee ———— ee ae ee fought them hand-to-hand, hurling many an outlaw back with bleeding wounds. But finally he was forced back into the building, the outlaws follow- ing, striving to overpower and take him prisoner. Then ensued a terrible struggledn the darkness! CHAPTER XIV. A WRONGED GIRL’S VENG. ANCE, Tue most horrible sounds issued from the log jail where the fierce struggle was taking place—shouts, pean groans, shrieks and an occasional pistol- shot. But suddenly a flood of light was turned upon the seruggling mass of men, plainly revealing Red Robin to his foes, who had hitherto been baffled by the darkness. Almost instantly the Reckless received a heavy blow upon the head, being knocked senseless. A wild, fierce shout came from the outlaws, and the life would have been at once “ stamped out”’ of the —— man’s body had not a stern voice restrained them. ‘** Bind him, hand and foot,’”’ commanded Captain Mystery. ‘‘Heis my prisoner.” is orders were at once obeyed. The outlaws found that they had pa‘d dearly for their victory. Three men were dead, and many wounded slightly. ‘Curse him!’’ fiercely grated the outlaw chief. ‘* He shall die ere another day! But there is a girl pane captive—does any one know aught of er?” ‘*She is safe, captain,’’ answered a man in the doorway, who held the lighted lantern which illumi- nated the interior of the jail. “She was evidently attempting to escape, when some of the boys ran across her, She screamed when they seized her and a young fellow came to her aid, and laid out some of the men; but, both he and the girl were fiually captured, I was with the crowd that took him prisoner, but, hearing the racket over here, I left as soon as he was taken and hurried hither, se- curing this lantern as I came.” ‘*And arrived just in the nick of time; your light materially assisted us in securing this fellow. But what have they done with the girl?” “1 do not know, for I did not remain to see. They will probably bring the young feliow here.” ‘Curse it!’ exclaimed the outlaw chief. “I fail to understand how these two fellows gained admit- tance to this camp. They could not have passed the guards undetected. There may be more in the sink. But, worse than everything else, the traitor, Fred Hawkes, has escaped! Out, men, and scour the en- tire bottom !”’ Several of the outlaws instantly departed to ex- ecute this command. As Captain Mystery turned to leave the jail, three of his followers came in, bearing the unlucky How- ard Thorne, ‘““Ah!” exclaimed the outlaw chief: “so this is the other chap, isit? These two fellows have had considerable es at our expense, but I swear they shall pay dearly for it!’ | He left the jail and quickly made his way back to Inez’s cabin, where, as he e ted, he found Sylva, who was weeping hysterically. Inez was vainly try- ing to comfort the nearly distracted girl. “Oho!” cried Captain eeetss triumphantly. “So our pretty bird is back again? Her attempt to fly away was a most lamentable failure, It was cruel of her—we should have missed her so much!” Sylva shrunk away from him, holding up her hands in horror and wildly crying: ‘Oh, Inez, Inez, don't let him approach me! The eee Don't let him!”’ nez turned an appealing glance upon Captain Mystery, who did not heed if however, Dut lstighed as though really amused. ‘“Why, this is really tragical!” he exclaimed, lightly. ‘‘Miss Sylva should fitfor the stage But, jesting aside, I am really pleased to once more be- old her sweet face.” ‘Which you should never see again could I pre- vent it, you inhuman monster!” spiritedly retorted Sylva, for a moment looking defiantly at him through her tears. ‘I should have escaped—” ‘Thanks to the fellow who came to your aid, as I have learned, I have him in my hands now, and the fact that he has learned the secret cf our re- treat will make it badfor him. The men will de- mand that he be put out of the way, so that we may still remain here in safety. Should he be al- lowed to escape, he would biing the Vigilantes of Bowlder Bar down upon us. His race is nearly run. He is a man, and— ‘In love with you,” finished the outlaw. Sylva turned from him in high disdain; but quick- ly approaching her side, he spoke rapidly, his voice soft and low: ‘Do not be alarmed, my dear Miss Sylva. Per- haps my words were ill chosen, but I did not mean to be rough. I have reasons for not wishing to an- ger you against me—the best of reasons. [| love you! Ihave loved you long, although I seldom saw you. You were growing up the very image of your mother—how could I help ovine you?’ Fairly aroused, she turned on him now, with hing eyes. ‘Don't speak to me of love!’’ she cried, scorn- fully. “ Youlove!—sucha vile wretch! Your hatred is preferable to your love!” ” “Girl,” exclaimed Captain Mystery, “I do love you, and I solemnly swear that hefore another day dawns you shall be my wife! You little dream whom you are talking to!” ‘lam talking to a vile outlaw, who hides his face beneath a mask! An inhuman monster. whise hands are stained with human bloud! Why, you even hide your face from two : elpless girls, one cf whom you are basely deceiving. You dare not show your face—”’ The outlaw interrupted ber with a hard laugh. ‘Indeed I dare. if you wish to see my face— look /"" With one swift motion, he removed his mask. and Sylva Blair uttered a wild shriek, as she reeled back- ward, crying: Inez caught her as she seemed about to fall, and assisted her to the little bed, where Sylva sunk down, nearly fainting. ‘Listen, Sylva,” and the outlaw stood quietly be- fore her. ‘‘lamthe one whom, since oe can re- member, you have known as father. I have played the part of a parent, aftera manner, although it has been a hard bp for me to act, I have supported and educated you, but we have not been much to- aoe, Iam he whom you have known as Henry air—”’ *°’Tis false! Iwill not believe it!” “I swear it is true! I am Henry Blair, yet, of a truth, Tam not your father!” “I knew it! I knew it! It could not be!—and yet —you say—you—are Henry Blair—” ‘Thus known by you, although that is not my true name, Lloved your mother long, long years ago, but another won her. How you fell into my hands matters little. But I have learned to love you as dearly as 1 did your mother, and to-night I swear you shall be my wife.”’ Again Sylva seemed overcome. This astounding revelation gave her such a shock that she Once more sunk back on the bed. “Your name,” continued the outlaw, “is not Sylva Blair, but Alice Dunbar. However, you will change it before morning.” During this interview, Inez had been a silent yet interested listener. At first she considered the out- law’s talk and love-making as but a part of his scheme to cause Henry Blair to at once pay over the money demanded; but. as she listened, she began to suspect that all was not right. Her sus- picions grew rapidly, and finally she became con- vinced that Captain Mystery was playing her false. She now spring to her feet, her eyes literally ablaze with anger, her voice low and husky as she spoke: * What dol hear? What does this mean? You have deceived me, captain!” ‘*Now be sensible, Inez!’’ angrily protested the outlaw. Before I ever saw your face,I had re- solved to one day make this girl my wife.”’ ‘and you boldly teil me this!"’ she hissed, her whole form trembling with suppressed emotion, * You, who times without number, have sworn to marry me! Aha! itis all plain to me now; but you shall never live to do so!”’ With these words, she drew a small dagger from her bosom, and sprung toward him, but the brigand chief caught her wrist, and with a snarling curse gave it a wrench that caused her to utter a cry of pain and drop the dagger; then seizing her in his arms, he bore her from the room, closing the door behind him. In the small back-room he stood her upon her feet, saying sharply: j ‘** Now be sensible, my girl, or it wil] be worse for you! Don’t try on any more of ,your tricks, for if you do, you will be sorry for it!’ Her answer was a second spring toward him, pas- sion-mad, wildly grasping at his throat, With one blow. the heartless wretch knocked her senseless at his feet. * There,’’ he cried, savagely, ‘ that settles you for a time, at least. Curse you for a she-cat! If you are desperate enough to attempt to take my life, you would undoubtedly murder the girl if left alone with her. I think it will be a good plan to truss you up.” ' Securing & ree he rapidly bound her hands and feet, then departed leaving her lying unconscious on the floor. Passing through the front room, he scarcely glanced at Sylva, who was lying on the bed, white and breathle s, nearly unconscious. Fastening the cabin-door, be went out among his men, inquiring if they had found any one else other than the band in the sink, and soon learned that they had not. Wherever Old Bombshell was, he bad escaped dis- covery. Captain Mystery muttered a savage Oath when he heard their reply. ‘* Hawkes, the traitor, must be somewhere in the sink. Dan Carter. take four men and search for him until he is found.” And Captain Mystery strode away into the dark. ness, At the mouth of the tunnel he found a lantern, which he lighted, After he had proceeded a short distance along the tunnel, he turned intoa narrow side-passage. He soon paused before a door that seemed set in the very face of the wall. With a heavy key he unlocked this door, and throwing it open, a small rock chamber was revealed in which were boxes. casks, a rough table and a couch of skins and furs. Captain Mystery entered, setting the lantern upon the table. moving the cover from one of the boxes, he took out a fla k of hquor and a glass. Filling the glass, he raised it aloft, erying: ‘ Here’s death to Morton Dunbar!” | He drank the liquor, and also several more glasses in repid succession. Finally he sunk Pack on the - . £