Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 673 — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

10 ‘* Headlight Harry! Is it possible?’ he gasp- ed, scarcely able to credit the evidence of his senses, ‘* It’s me, ole hoss, what’s left of me,” retorted the youth, rather enjoying the captain’s dis- may. ** How did you escape from the river?’ ‘“*{f any one asks yer, tell him yer don’t know. You ain’t the only smart feller onearth, I reckon.” ‘*Bah! You crow loudly, my young rooster; but this time Ill see that the job is done thor- oughly. Take bim away, men, until I decide how to dispose of him. Watch him well, for he’s @ pres rascal!” Headlight Harry groaned aloud as he was led away. What would become of poor Grace Gar- land, now? CHAPTER X, RENWOOD TAKES A HAND, INTENSE excitement reigned at Richville on the morning of Black Bart’s daring exploit. It took some time to discover the true meaning of the commotion; but when it was found that Grace Garland had been stolen from her home, public indignation knew no bounds. The dread news spread like wildfire, and soon every per- son in the village had gathered around the rail- road station. Among the first to reach the spot was Ralph Renwood, the dashing young engineer. Half- crazed with grief at the sorrowful intelligence, yet he was the coolest man in the crowd, every- thing considered. As soon as he could learn the particulars of the abduction, Ralph rushed to the telegra ph-office, The engineer was a skillful operator, and im- mediately taking possession of the instrument, wired the next station for intelligence of the lost locomotive. Back came an answer from Smith’s Siding, saying the engine had passed there, with several persons aboard. Further inquiry elicited the response that the runaway had passed Benton, the next station beyond, empty. This showed that the abductors had abandon- ed the locomotive at some point between Smith’s Siding and Benton. Mindful of the company’s welfare, Ralph Renwood flashed along the line an order to stop the runaway if possible,and prevent any chance of collision. Soon came the welcome intelli- eee that the engine bad been side-tracked and itched at a point some twenty miles away, with no further damage than its own destruc- tion. No sooner did daylight dawn than a large y of resolute, well-armed citizens set out to unt for the beld marauders. No one had recog- nized any of the abductors; but all deviltry was promptly attributed to the dreaded Black Bro- therhood, and so the Richvillians rightly con- cluded that they were responsible for this latest outrage. It was generally supposed that Black Bart, desperate after his recent defeat, had stolen the railway magnate’s daughter, in hopes of obtaining a large ransom. Ralph Renwood accompanied the rescuing party. Considering the circumstances, no one could expect the grief-stricken engineer to goon duty; soa competent substitute was provided to run the Day Express. All day the party searched along the line, where it was supposed the outlaws left the en- gine with their captive. But Black Bart had covered bis tracks well, and not a sign could be discovered. Tired and discouraged, the party returned to Richville at nightfall, soxnimobaly baffled. The rescue of Grace Garland was as far away as ever. Gloomy and depressed in spirits, Ralph Ren- Nk paced moodily along the main street, alone. Just as he reached the block wherein the Rich- ville National Bank was located, the doorswung open and a man emerged from the building. As he stood upon the sol under a aig lamp- light, Ralph Renwood recognized the features of his unsuccessful rival in love—Dave Darke. There was nothing remarkable about his pres- ence there, being cashier of the insti‘ution, al- though it was long after bank hours; yet, some- ‘thing prompted the engineer, who was on the opposite side of the street, to pause in the shad- ows and watch his movements. Pausing upon the broad steps, the cashier looked cautiously up and down the street. The thoroughfare was deserted, Dropping the small valise which he carried, Darke drew from his pocket a sheet of paper, and proceeded to attach it to the door. This done, he picked up his bag and hurried away, The Lightning Express Detective. hay young engineer looked after him interest- edly. oF don’t like the looks of that fellow,” he muttered, ‘‘In my opinion a greater rascal don’t remain unhung. The bank directors might have made a wiser choice, l’m thinking, when they appointed Dave Darke cashier.” Ralph quietly crossed the street, curious to learn what important announcement was trans- cribed upon the placard so conspicuously post- ed by the cashier. What he read filled him with unbounded as- tonishment. It was a sheet of foolscap paper, bearing upon its face the following, written ina bold, | dashing hand: ‘* RICHVILLE, Sept. 20, 1877. ‘‘To the citizens in general. and the officials of the First National Bank, in particular:—This is to notify you that, owing to unavoidable circum- stances, [am compelled to resign the cashiersnip of this institution to accept my old position as first assistant of the famous collecting agency known as Black Bart’s Brotherhood. As the annual examin- ation occurs to-morrow, I will spare you the trouble hy the information that my accounts are short just $10,986.75. I have, also, just appropriated what funds are available, which will save you the trouble of counting the cash. For further particulars ap- Pp rat the headquarters of the Black Brotherhood. egretting that cruel Fate has torn me from your esteemed society, lL remain, ‘* Yours, for wealth, ** Dave Darks, Eir-Cashir.”’ Such was the audacious epistle that Ralph Renwood read over and over, hardly believing his own eyes. That Dave Darke wes an ex-outlaw, and had even now gone to rejoin the notorious Black Brotherhood, taking with him the entire bank’s fund—this startling announcement fairly dum- founded the engineer, who stood for some mo- ments staring at the flaunting placard. His first resolve was to alarm the authorities, and send a party in pursuit of the audacious robber, who could not be very far away. As Renwood turned to go, a street boy came running up. ‘* A letter for you, Ralph,” he said, familiar- ly; for all the town boys knew and admired the engineer. ‘** A letter for me?” repeated the young man, in surprise. ‘‘ Who sent it, Johnnie?” ** Dave Darke, the cashier.” ** A letter from the outlaw! By Jove! the fellow seems to take a-sudden fancy to slinging ink. What farewell message can he have for me, I wonder?” Seizing the proffered missive, Ralph hastily broke the sea], and read these few taunting words: ‘* RICHVILLE, Sept, 20, 1877. *‘RatPpH RENWOOD, esfeemed r.val ;— ‘*Doubtless you are so deeply concerned for the welfare of your stolen affianced, Grace Garland, that any information regarding her whereabouts will be thankfully received. Therefore, I am pleased toinform you that she is at present safe at Black Bart’s strenghold, being carried thither at my own instigation. Being unable to win her hand by fair means, [ am compelled to resor! to foul, believing that ‘ he who laughs last, lauehs best.’ When you receive this I shall be far away. hastening to tote my bonny brideto be. Ha, ha! Revenge is sweet! Hoping you will survive the shock, Iam ‘** Your successful rival, ‘* DAVE DARKE,”’ Furious with anger, Ralph Renwood hurled the insulting message from him. ** So he’s at the bottom of this infernal work!” he hissed, ‘‘ The scoundrel! [ll follow him to the furthermost ends of the earth!” The boy who brought the message was still standing a few steps away. ‘* Johnnie, when was the message given to you?” ‘* Not ten minutes ago, sir. The cashier rode up on horseback, and handed me the letter. He ave mea quarter to carry it, and said l’d be ikelv to find you at the hotel. He seemed in a terrible hurry, and rede off at full speed,” ‘(In which direction?” ‘*Out upon the Benton road.” ‘¢ Thanks!” and Ralph, tossing the lad 4 coin, hastened down the street. The engineer was determined to pursue his enemy; and if he wished to overtake him, no time was to be lost, for the ex-cashier had al- ready quite a start. A livery-stable was close at hand, and Ralph, being well acquainted with the proprietor, soon had the best horse in the establishment at his disposal. Springing into the saddle, the young man spurred swiftly away. The Benton road was, for some distance, straight and free from intersections, and Ralph hoped to soon overtake the fleeing lieutenant. The engineer’s blood was boiling, as he spurred madly along the highway, up-bill and down, his keen eyes vainly piercing the darkness for some trace of his foe. Mile after mile was swiftly traversed, and still the fugitive appeared to be far in advance. Doubtless he anticipated pursuit, and was mak- ing the most of bis start. Suddenly, as Ralph Renwood dashed along, a bright light flashed in the gloom beyond, quick- ly followed by sharp report, and a bullet whizzed viciously by the young man’s head, clipping a lock from his temple as it passed. Startled by the sudden shot, Ralph’s horse swerved suddenly to one side, and the engineer, not expecting this movement, lost his balance, and fell heavily to the earth. Down the road galloped the frightened steed, leaving the young man, bruised and breathless, outstretched in the sand. As he fell,a dark form rushed out of the thicket and quickly approached. ‘‘ Lucky I suspected I was followed,’ came the unmistakable voice of Dave Darke, ‘I im- agine I have given the fellow bis never-get- over. Whocan he be, I wonder?’ The cashier bent over to scrutinize the pros- trate form; but Renwood, recovering from the fall, bounded to his feet, and grappled with the would-be assassin. Darke was Ralph’s superior in size; but rage and desperation endowed the young engineer with almost superhuman strengtb, and he at- tacked his foe with the fury of a tiger. Struggling fiercely, the two men reeled across the road, then fell heavily to the ground, locked in a firm embrace. Dave Darke was undermost, and lay like a log beneath his antagonist, In falling, bis head struck a fragment of rock with force enough to render him insensible. First assuring himself that Darke was not playing ’possum, Renwood arose and grimly contemplated his vanquished foe. ‘‘Cowardly assassin!” he hissed. ‘* To-mor- rows sun shall find you behind bolts and bars, there to remain until a just law puts an end to your career of crime!” But the engineer laughed too soon! At that moment a numberof dark forms rushed upon him, and bore him to the earth. In spite of his desperate resistance, he was soon bound hand and foot. Grim and silent, the new-comers gathered about their prisoner. All were masked and armed to the teeth; and Ralph Renwood’s heart sunk within him, for he knew he was in the power of the Black Brotherhood! CHAPTER Xi, IN THE TOILS, HAVING overpowered the luckless engineer, Black Bart’s marauders turned their attention to the fallen lieutenant, who was beginning to show signs of returning consciousness. Dave Darke was considerably the worse for wear,and labored under the impression that a rampant cyclone had struck him; buta good long pull frcm a comrade’s bottle had beneficial effects, and soon the ex-cashier was able to keep his feet. It was with a look of malignant hatred that he surveyed his helpless rival. ‘“So you were following me,eh? How for- nate! I’m glad my shot missed; for now I shall have the pleasure of your company at the wed- | ding cerémony, of which you sball be an inter- ested witness. After that, I will endeavor to give the boys a little amusement, with your distinguished self for the chief attraction. Ha, ha!” Ralph Renwood’s face grew fairly livid with wrath, and he struggled like a demon to burst his bonds. ‘‘Biend!” be hissed. ‘*‘ Lucky for you I am not free. I would kill you like a dog!” Dave Darke turned away with a taunting laugb. Come, boys! There’s no time to waste in dallying. Bring this fellow along; and mind you handle him gently. A rare bit of amuse- ment he'll afford, when we arrive at headquar- ters.” Away went the marauders, bearing the help- less engineer in their midst. After an hour of rapid journeying, the party reached the moun- tain stronghold, and received a cordial welcome from Black Bart and the members of the Bro- therhood then present. Fierce were the glances directed upon the cap- tive engineer. Ralph Renwood’s plucky defense of the train, at the time of the attempted rob- bery, was still fresh in their minds, and the knowledge that he was now in their power caused universal satisfaction. F / mag . } .% ee wal i ten OO 2 A SOd tsa MeHOt Bow auameuw