Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 608 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

am afraid you will have to attend to it yourself. Doctor Salmon will hardly do in this case,” answered the detective, with a smile, The doctor was standing up now, and Dan, with a whispered caution to be very quiet, signed to his two companions to follow him, as he opened the door at the end of the cabin, and, lantern in hand, plunged into the darkness beyond. It was a sort of store-room, running half the length of the forward deck. Dan cast his lantern hither and thither untilic rested upon a tall locker on the right. This he opened with his serviceable steel wire, and showed two shot-guns, a number of revolvers, knives and four navy cutlasses. Dan appropriated two of the revolvers without hesitation and filled them with cartridges froma tin box on ashelf, which he seemed to know just where to find, One pistol he gave to Dr. Horne: the other he kept for himself, Dick had one of his own, which, indeed, he had carried, openly, in his hand since he first appeared in the cabin. ** Where is the skiff, Dick?” “It is right uuder the bow of the Swift, hitched to one of the safety-lines. If I had let it tow along from the stern it would be seen sure.” “ Allright. Now, careful!” warned the detective, as he picked his way among coils of rope, bundles of sails and other rubbish. A glimmer of light revealed itself, as he mounted asteep ladder and pushed upahatch. He looked through the chink cautiously, and then opening the hatch wider, stole through, and beckoned to his companions to follow. ay low!” he whispered. All three dropped behind a heap of sails, while the detective reconnoitered. ‘Lhen he put his finger to his lip, as he saw that there was work to be done at once. Lying within a few feet of the hatchway, with a one Lag rea Ter senken, Barker = —e sere ali fast sleep. ey were so near that Dan cou the theft of $50,000, and your attempted robbery of ofp ed pn agi A the yee eon Ne — st in Man y in the American Hotel, which you with his hand on the tiller, was Guy bingham. © | perhaps think is not known to me, will be suffici had run the boat inshore to the spot where Dr, f Mabe gated poe Horne and Dan had boarded it the night before, and was preparing to move the boat to a large stump that grew half in the water. Dan saw that it would require careful manage- ) ment toavoid attracting Guy’s attention too soon. Slowly and cautiously he crawled forward, with Dick and the doctor by his side, He whispered in the ear of each, and then, with- out a word of warning, they sprung upon the three sleepers, Dan took Slicker; Dr. Horne, at his particular request, Barker, and Dick the Italian, Each took his man by the throat, and kneeling on his chest, presented the muzzle of a revolver at bis head and whispered: ‘“*Silence|”’ The way the three desperadoes took their dis- I comfiture was characteristic. Tte Italian only | grunted and lay still. For one thing, he knew that there was nothing against him now, though in | former years he had expiated crime with imprison- . ment, and,in fact, had been released from Sing Sing only two weeks before. Barker turned fiercel pinen the doctor, and knock- } ing the revolver from his hand, wrestled with him and gave every reason to suppose that he would . overpower him. : oe As for Slicker, he attempted to temporize. He looked at Dan and the revolver, and observed coolly: * * Wal, Dan, you seem ter hev the best uv it. \ What's ther game?” Vee ‘*Where is that money? You have it, I know, , Tell me right now, or I'll blow your brains out, as I father’s remarks. He had dashed over the side of the boat, and was leading Clara Horne up the | ang-plank. In another minute she was clasped in 1er father’s arms, while Norah looked benignly on oe peas enjoyed the whole situation to the uUulLaiost. ‘Slicker,’ whispered Dan, bending down to speak in the other's ear. ‘“ You had better tellme where to find that money. It may make it easier for you.” ‘*Curse you!’ was Slicker’s savage reply. He lost his usual self-control under the weight of his defeat “Don’t talk like that, It will do you no good. I am not the man to taunt even a crook when he is down,’’ said the detective. ‘But I know that you have that money of Doctor Horne’s somewhere on this boat.”’ ‘* Well, if it is, it can stay there.” ‘You won't tell me where to find it, then?” **No! Curse you! No!’ “Then, I shall have tosearch for it myself, I have a pretty good idea where it is, but I wanted to give you a chance,”’ “Tf you know all about it, you need not give me any chance,” was the defiant rejoinder. “I have acertain bottle and a tin bucket, each | containing laudanum. Do you know how the State of New York deals with poisoners?’? asked the detective, significently. The other became livid. ‘* What do I care for poisoners?”’ he stammered. ‘I have witnesses to prove that you tried to ad- minister poison, in a d_ adly quantity to one Daniel Manly, of New York, known as Double-Curve Dan, and that it was only by the greatest efforts on the part of Doctor Horne, a prominent physician of Albany, that his life was saved.” pone trembled, in spite of the ropes that bound im. ‘Your burglary of Doctor Horne’s house, with 0 give you a long term in § ate Prison, and—” ‘Yes, well! Say anything about that hotel busi- ness, and where will be your friend; Dick, eh? I have sworn to ruia that fellow for going back on me, and I'll do it.’’ The ruffian’s teeth grcund as he gaid this, and the detective winced. He must save Die ; at any cost, ‘‘He putta the mona in the coila ropa by thata hatchway,” said the Itahan, who had not spoken before, but who seemed to have been laboring un- der some mental excitement during the conversa- tion of Dan and the Slicker, which, commenced in whispers, had gradually reached loud tones. Slicker tried to burst his bonds at this revelation by the Italian, and it would doubtless have gone hard with the latter, and he succeeded in getting the ropes from his arms and ankles. As.it was, there was no harm done, and the Italian grinned at Slicker’s impotent struggles, Dr. Horne searched in the coil of rope referred to by the Italian, and, sure enough, there were his bonds, bills and specie, bundled up in a canvas bag, and thrust to the bottom of the coil inside, and cov- ered with Joose rope. delightedly. + ) | : : ‘* Hurrah!” shouted the doctor, * ‘I must congratulate you, doctor,” said the detec- ve. ““IT must congratulate you, you mean. Why, I would never have got this money back but for you. Dan, you are the smartest fellow I have met in the whole course of my professional exi stence, and I will go on the Af ae tg Linc when that rascalis in , court on a charge of poisoning, and prove him oH Fi have a right to do when I catch a man of your kind guilty by every test known to medical sclense: A I red-handed in villainy and attempted murder. ellow that would debase ihe national game by in- In the excitement of the moment, Double-Curve | troducin~ : t Dan did not notice that Guy Binghem was coming | for a diabolical methods is too bad even rapidly toward him with an iron stanchion in bis The doctor was an enthusiast on base-ball, as we | hand. oe pace moa Ay the o ht of Slicker’s at- ; on n’ i 4 a ” CHAPTER Xv. 2mp an's life in the bali-field, always made him forget everything else, temporarily, at east. CONCLUSION—DAN SCORES 7 TO 2. ‘* Look out!” suddeniy yelled Barney Muggins, Dick, always a handy fellow, seized some half- | who was some yards from the doctor, inch rope that was lying conveniently near, and had Dr. Horne turned quickly, just in time to stop a the Italian tied up like an Egyptian mummy in two | blow of Barker's fist Simed at his forehead minutes. Dick had taken a great interest in the Dr. Horne had been an able scientific boxer all rope—untying-feats of Spiritualistic mediums, and | his life, and when he saw his old antagonist, with had more than once acted as one of a committee to | his hands up in pugilistic fashion, he met him in the bind the gentleman who sits in a cabinet and unties | same attitude, while a stern smile of satisfaction at himself as soon as the curtains are drawn. the prospect of a test of skill, illumined his features The doctor and Barker were having it hot and Barker had not been tied securely, and while heavy, until the latter, with the advantages of youth | attention had been diverted from him, he had man- AE and superior strength on his side, turned his an- | aged to slip out of the ropes. and fly at the doctor p tagonist upon his back, and, pistol in hand, threat- | He was a true desperac Oo, ‘and cared nothing for ened him with the butt-end, consequences if he could only satisfy his desire Trey borage oe nt Guy neon d br spot, and, rais- | for Pees a g the stanchiou, prepared to deal the detective a Dr. Horne and he h “Te terrible blow on the back of the head. from the first, and his A ee ee neces He would undoubtedly have carried out his kindly | late the doctor, before the prison doors closed upon purpose had notar onderous fist reached the side | him. , of his face first and sent him sprawling headlong to ‘* Father!’ cried Clara, clasping her hands in ter- closely followed by | ro the deck. Barney Muggins, « r. Richard Scott, Sr., stood over him, and taking in the * Keep still, Clara! Don’t bother me!” eneral situation at a glance, threw himself upon | ed the doctor, impatiently, opening. arker. | There was a struggle for a moment, but the at- ‘*Faix, Miss Clara, don’t ye dis tacking party were in the ascendant now, and Bar- | He'll cl’ane out that shnalonee te twink ow Mut ker, Slicker and Guy were soon lying as helpless ag | jin Norab, as her eyes glistened. She’ had ‘given the italien himself. Barker a taste of her own fist, and she longed to see “Good heavens! Who is that on shore?” ex- | him get another black eye. claimed Dick, as he hurried to that part of the By common consent, the others refrained from boat nearest to the landing. interfering. Slicker, Guy, anc the Italian could not Oh, she insisted upon coming. She came around | have done so had they wisbed, and the crest were to the house, and Norah, who, it seems, knew all | too confident of Dr. Horne’s ability to overcome his’ ponent in a pugilistic encounter to desire to stop respond- as he syarred for an yee about this escapade of yours, told me where we | o - . gould find you. i - But Di am glad we came.” did not wait to hear the end of his For half a minute Barker and the doctor walked The Pitcher Detective’s Foil. SSS the fun. | 15 cautiously around each other, looking for an open- ing. Each maintained a good scientific attitude, with his eyes fixed on those of his adversary. At last Barker made a feint at the doctor’s eye with his right hand, and then swung his left for tne chin. But his adversary was too quick for him. He stopped the blow neatly, and responded with one on the forehead that raised a bump, and sta gered the redoubtable Barker. ‘‘Hurroo! More power to the knoockles of yez. Give him anither of the same!” shrieked Norah, rub- bing her | ands in satisfaction. But Barker was up to the Jine of battle again di- rectly. and managed to give the doctor two tremen- dous blows on the lower part of the chest, that made the recipient puff again. Clara could hardly restrain herself from running forward to her father’s assistance, but that hero did not require any help. He recovered himself ge and rushing with a determination to win or die, he broke through his opponent’s guard, and dlanted his fist squarely, and with ail his force, in arker’s mouth. Pugilists say that a well-delivered blow in the mouth is more effective than on any other part of the face or body. It seemed so in this case, for Bark = went down like a log, dazed and beaten com- pletely. Dr. Horne walked over to him, and satisfied him- self that the damage was only of a temporary na- < ete Then, as he shook hands with Dan, he re- marked: “I thought it strange if my training in the gym- nasium at Harvard in the old days had all been for- gotten. lL used to be considered pretty handy with the gloves a few years ago.” “I guess Barker thinks you are pretty handy now,” laughed the detective. ‘““Mr Scott,’ called Slicker, when Barker had been brought to with a drink of water and secured again witb a rope, ali tle more rarefully this time. ** What do you want?” demanded Dan. ‘“None of your business. I am asking for Mr. Scott, the father, I mean—”’ “HerseIam. What bave you to say to me?”’ “This! You see that young man over there, standing by ther side uv er girl ez he wants ter marry. He’s your son, isn’t he? Yes. And heis supp°sed ter a nice respectable fell w, who wouldn’t do nothing wrong, ain’t he? Yes. An’ ther girlez he’s ter marry is ther darter uv your old friend, Doctor Horne? Yes. Wal, do yer want ter know what that precicus son uv yourn is, eh?” All the vindictive hatrid of a mean nature thrilled in the words of the now desperate wretch. Dan stepped forward and :a.sed his hand as if he would have beaten out the life of the man who was so determined to ruin poor Dick, if he could, “That's right. Hit er man ez istied hand and foot. It’s a nice sort uv thing ter do!”’ sneered Sticker. Dan drew back. ‘* What is it you mean?” asked Mr. Scott. ‘‘What do I mean? Why, that Dick Cooper— your son, is—is—”’ ‘Ah! Just what I expected,” remarked Dr. Horie, cheerfully. ‘“‘Apoplexy! I was looking for it. I have seen those symptoms before often when people have been laboring under strorg ex- citement. He didn’t give very much warning, or 1 would have tried to help him, Don’t suppose it would have done any good, though.”’ While speaking he hai loosened the ropes that bound Slicker, and had raised his head, and put some loose rope under it. Slicker had been smitten with the dread disease just when about to sy the words that might have ruined two lives at least. There was vo mistake about the nature of the ailment that bad visited him. All recognized it. Under Dr. Horne’s directions everybody expeye the prisoners were pressed into the service of the atient. But the swoilen face and stertorous breath- ing remained for half an hour, and then the spirit fled. Slicker Walker’s vow of hate against Dick Scott died with him. By the activity of Double-Curve Dan, who secured the papcrs he and the doctor had been forced to sign, the indiscretions of Dick were never revealed to his proud father. The day after the death of Slicker Walker, Double Curve Dan had a long pri- vate interview with Dr. Horne, in the course of which he told how Dick hed been Ied astray by evil counselors and had been persuaded to forge his father’s name toacheck for 8500. The doctor fumed and raged for a few moments. But Dan did not mind that; he knewthat it would end all right, Sure enough it did, and b: fore Dan left the labora- tory, the check had been burned, and Dr. Horne was thereby the loser of $500. Neither Double-Curve Dan nor Dr. Horne ever had cause to regret their charity to Dick. The latter is now the In sband of Clara. He isa member of his father’s banking firm, and in fact is the most re- sponsible person counected with it, notwithstanding his youth. Norah lives with the Scotts in the family mansion, but expects soon to be married to her lover in Ireiand, who will come for her. Barker was arrested and put on trial for burglary, His previous character went against him and he was sent to Sing Sing for ten years. Guy and the Italian were not held. They went to New York with their boat, the name of which was changed before she had got very far down the Hudson. Double-Curve Dan went back to New York to atiend to his duties as a member of the Secret Service, but he is still always ready to pitch a game for the Albany Base-Bal! Club, THE END.