Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 66 — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

a -_—_———— ee — ee —EE after their late exertions. As they went the saw evidences of destruction on every hand. Stock-huts and corrals were in confusion, the ates down, and here and there the body of a Wexitan herdsman scalped and gory could be seen. The stout captain groaned inagony. A moment more and he would know the worst, for only one ridge lay between him and his ranch—the home where he had been happy so long. The pace they were going was now tremendous, and as they reached the crest of the slope a cry of execration burst from every li Tine ranch lay before them, but in ruins, and the smoke was rising from the burning pile. Hardin uttered a cry which was almost a scream of agony, and dashing the rowels into his horse’s flanks, darted down the slope, closely followed by his men, furious with passion. Tom Duke had done his work but too well! CHAPTER XII THE WIFE’S DOOM. CAPTAIN HARDIN was astrong man, but as he looked upon the rye a ruins of his once hap- py home, he covered his face with his hands and gave utterance to a despairing groan. Scatter- ed about on the sod and among the blackened embers, lay the gory bodies of the victims of savage hate. Some, no doubt, lay beneath the smoldering ruins, burned out of the semblance of humanity. ere was his wife? Could it be tome that she had perished with the rest? He knew that Tom Duke was a villain, but that he could have been so base as to murder that good woman, seemed hardly possible. “Come, captain,” said Ned, kindly laying his hand upon his shoulder. ‘‘ Bear up like a man. I know that Tom Duke would not allow your wife to be killed; that was not his plan.” ‘You think she is a prisoner, then?” cried the captain, eagerly. ‘Certainly, and that no doubt is the reason he separated from the Indians. He had found that you were gone, and would no doubt come back on the east side of the ch, and he had no wish to meet you. We will run him to earth and get the ladies back, or die trying it. What do you say, men?’ The rangers set up a stunnin hopeful expression passed over captain. ‘Then I swear never to turn back from the pursuit while life lasts, until my dear ones are saved. You are with me, boys; let us see what old rangers can do. Let us ride back and meet the horses, pick out fresh ones, and away again on the trail.” It was no sooner said than the y were again in motion, headed back toward the plain where the few remaining stockmen were gather- ing in the scattered animals. As they rode along a faint voice called to them from some bushes by the wayside, and little Pomp, the house-waiter, bleeding from a wound in the thigh, crawled out to meet them. **Oh, massa, dear massa, you come too late. Dem ragin’ debbles done took Missee ’Rie ’way, dey did!” ‘Who did?” ‘*Dem robbers an’ Injines. Dey come altoged- der, an’ kill Pete and Eph and Jake Snyder, and dem greasers, and tote Missee "Rie "way on a hoss; I see’d ’em,” “That is proof positive that I was right, cap- cheer, and a e face of the tain,” said Ned. ‘“ Which way did they go, + hey bakiid ey tuk up de wes’ side ob de valley, Marse Ned; dis chile ‘see’d ’em.” angebiand Ned dismounted and looked at the boy’s wounded thigh, washed it in spirits, bound it up and told him to lie down in the shade and they would send the stockmen after him. When they reached the corral they found the men ing in the animals, one by one, and after picking out fresh horses and giving the men their instruc- tions, the rangers rode away upon the trail of Tom Duke. oe to him and his ruffian band if they were overtaken ! Lillian passed the hours before day in ridi with Coral through the chaparral. Her he was more at ease, for Coral had whispered to her that Ned had escaped, and that she would aid ber at the first op eqgoote No such chance came, however, for Tom rode close beside them, watching every movement, and it was literally 1m ossible for the girl to get away. bout three in the morning, they reached the Indian camp, and the bandit chief gave them blankets and told them to lie down until he call- ed them, but in order to insure their safety, he put a guard over them both, laughingly saying Single Hand. that Coral needed watching as much as Lil- n. ” gabe lost confidence in me, then, Tom?” said Coral, sadly. ‘*I won’t say that, my dear Coral,” he re- plied; ‘‘ but you are too soft-hearted for this wicked world, and have taken a fancy to this young lady. Under the circumstances, and in consideration of the fact that one prisoner has escaped already, I think it safest to put a guard near you. Your eyes might close accidentally, and this girl get away.” Coral turned away with asinking heart, and the two beautifal women lay down pee oo in each other’s arms, and soon fell asleep. yhen they were called up the camp was in motion, and the Indians already were preparing their homely meal, while the outlaws were making more elaborate preparations for breakfast. Coral and Lillian arose and set about prepar- ing food for themselves, and when it was done, Duke came over and joined them. “We are in a hurry, this morning, Coral, and with your permission I will join you at breakfast.’ ‘“ Where are you going, Tom?” asked Coral. **'You might tell me that.” “I might,” he replied, laughing; “but, on the whole, I think I will not doso. Itis a sort of business better kept from women’s ears. You will know soon enough. ria | my revenge will be complete, and then good-by to Texas forever and a day!” “You refuse to give me your confidence,” said Coral, proudly, ‘“*1 did not think that time would ever come.’ **Nor I, Coral. You do not know why I re- fuse to tell you this, but, one day, I will, make my actions good to you. What is that you have—coffee? Give me a cup, for I am very thirsty.” ‘I will ask you no more questions,” said Co- ral, drawing herself up proudly. ** That is just as well, my dear. I donot pro- prose to be pumped in the presence of company, you may be sure of that. Giveme a rib of that venison; thanks.” Coral understood, now, that he refused to speak on account of Lillian’s presence, and said no more. When their hasty meal was concluded they were helped to the saddle, and the whole party, accompanied by the Indians, rode away the south, with scouts spurring to and fro upon either flank, to warn them of the approach ofanenemy. In this order they proceeded un- til the smoke of Hardin’s Ranch could be seen aove the ridge, when the captain called a halt and held a consultation with Single Hand. ‘*T leave the stock-yards and men about them to you, chief,” he said. ‘‘ As for the house-ser- vants, it will be no trick to attend to them with my. own men.” he chief nodded gravely. ‘* Where shall we meet again when the work is done, my brother?” ‘“* At the place where we camped last night. As soon as you have killed the stockmen and taken the horses, drive them away, and we will follow and overtake you by the time you get to the camp.” The arrangement pleased the chief, as by it he would have the mnost valuable portion of the spoilsin hisown hands. The outlaw rode back and spoke to Coral. **'You will stay here with a guard of five men Coral. Keep the girl with you, for I do not wish her to see the destruction of her father’s house, much as I hate him. Davis, Belton, nda hg Timpson and Dean, ride out of the ranks,” The men thus called by name obeyed orders. ‘** These ladies are in your charge, bn In case anything happens to us, you will make what speed you can to the old place in the North- west range. Davis is in command of the detach- ment.” ‘I wish you would give me charge, captain,” said Jim Blanchard. ‘I am not particular! struck after this business you are about to do; it ain’t in my line.” ** Just as you like, Jim. Davis, come back into the ranks, and Blanchard will take com- mand.” Lillian was pleased at the change, for the frank manner of Blanchard had won with her from the first. She knew that a deadly peril hung over her old home, but she could ‘see no way to avert it. _“] will not waste my breath in idle entreaty, sir,” she said, but may God deal with you as you do with me and mine.” yes “<i head be it,’” was the laughing re- Ply. ~ in boys; forward.” he outlaws now took the advance, and the = — : Cr Indians followed at a slashing pace—the latter turning to the right and left to attack the horse corrals. The white men dashed down the road and never drew bridle until they reached the ranch; which was already in confusion. The faithful house-servants, sprung at once to their arms, closed the doors and windows, and pre- pared to defend the place to the last. ‘‘ Curse the black thieves!” said Duke. ‘‘ They will make us trouble, after all, and no one sus- ted them of fighting intentions. Dismount, ys; leave the usual horse-guards and make a rush.” The negroes in the house were well armed, for the house was at all times a perfect arsenal, being the head-quarters of the rangers. The ple in the building were under the ch of ake Snyder, a gigantic mulatto, who i something of his fighting yr into the rest. “You in de cellar, Missee ’Rie,” he said. “We fight to de las’ drop of our blood for ’ ** My brave fellows,” cried Mrs. Hardin, “‘ you will only waste your blocd in vain.” “Nebber rou min’ us. P’raps ef we make noise enuff, de massa heah us an’ come to our a Go down cellar, quick!” he obeyed him, just as the outlaws made a determined rush at the house, in which they were nobly met by the black servants, and for a time held in check. But, axes were sounding upon doors and windows, which were soon brok- en down, and the white demons came swarming in. While crowded into the opening of the great hall, the negroes fired together, causing dreadful slaughter, and then retreated to the door of the cellar, and began to reload hastily. Fearful that they would fire again, Duke or- dered a rush at them, when they clubbed their rifles and for a time kept the foe at bay. Jake fought like a Paladin, and two of the outlaws had fallen under the sweep of his powerful arm, when Tom Duke drew a pistol and lifted it care- goa ‘*Give yourselves up, you black devils,” he hissed ** No,” shouted Pete; ‘‘ we die fust!” ‘“‘Take that, then, to end your folly,” said Duke. The pistol came to a level, the hammer fell, and the brave negro dropped, shot through the heart. His fall disheartened the rest, and Mat, 9 they still struggled, it was not long be- fore they were beaten down, man by man, and the ranch was captured. ‘Throw the carrion away from that door,” cried Duke. ‘‘ Remember that the man who harms Mrs. Hardin dies by my hand.” The bodies of the negroes and those whom they had stricken down were thrown aside, and Tom Duke entered the cellar, followed by some of hismen. Mrs. Hardin had heard enough to convince her that the blacks had resisted nobly, but the sudden pause in the tumult told her that they had been conquered, and she advanced to meet her enemies. “| give myself up,” she said, proudly. ‘‘Do with me as you will.” Tom Duke averted his face and ordered her to ascend the stairs before him. Villain as he was he could not meet the glance of the pure eyes of the woman he had loved vainly but well, years before—at least not yet. Two men took her in charge and led her out of the house to the rear of the horses, where they waited orders. In the meantime those of the servants who had not re- sisted, women and boys, were brought out, tied two and two and conveyed to the rear. Then, by the orders of Duke, a quantity of combusti- ble material was piled in a small closet and he set fire to it with his own hand. ‘*Hardin will come back to a ruined home,” he muttered. ‘Oh, that he could only know whose hand had dealt the blow!” He left the house and watched the curlin flames gradually ascending the wooden wall, and lapping up the light material and sending up a clear Raitt with but little smoke. An ex- pression of horrible delight crossed his face. “My work is déne,” he cried, “and now hur- rah for Mexico!” The outlaws mounted and fell back a little, carrying with them every portable article of value which they had found within the build- ing. Mrs. Hardin, with her face buried in her hands, was weeping as if her heart would break, when some one touched her on the shoulder, and she looked up to see Tom Duke standing beside her * cota Sypbag demoniac glee at the beraing buildi g. she saw his face she uttered a cry of surprise and horror and started back. * “You, Elwood! Had you the heart to do this terrible crime?” ‘““My work, mine!” he answered. ‘I told you, long ago, to remember me in the time to Gpoo <eom cS (E(0)