Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 727 — page 3: what you’re looking at

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

_ o y= *‘corpse ” itself was there, and an exceedingly lively one be seemed to be. The easy snake-like manner in which “ brother Bill "issued from his narrow prison would have electrified the Express- men close by, if they had witnessed the perform- ance, Then, too, they would have understood why the queer old man at Granion was so particular about placing the box in a spot where it was likely to remain undisturbed; for had it chanced to be beneath a pile of other articles, the ‘‘corpse” would have found it extremely diffi- cult to operate his secret door successfully, But why such extraordinary proceedings? What was meant by the presence of this cun- ningly-contrived box and its mysterious occu- pant? The question was destined to be speedily avswered, On hands and knees, the supposed dead man crept stealthily behind a pile of merchandise that effectually screened him from view, Then he slowly rose to his full height, revealing a slender but well-knit frame, evidently that of a mere youth, He was clad in close-fitting gar- ments, and a black mask effectually concealed his face, In his right hand be held a short but heavy club, while the other clutched a cocked revolver. Truly a formidable-looking ‘‘ corpse,” viewed in the weird lamp-light, as he crouched there in the semi-darkness, peering intently in the direc- tion of the two men who sat at their ease but a few steps away, quite oblivious of what was transpiring behind them. A briet survey seemed to satisfy the masked intruder that they were wholly engrossed in their occupation, and without farther delay he emerzed from his hiding-plsce, dropping to the floor again and moving stealtbily forward, In this manner he advanced slowly but surely, inch by inch, until he was close to the unsus- ecting Expressmen. Once more he rose to his eet, with ready weapon clutched in either hand, his eyes fairly blazing through the holes in bis somber mask as he gloatingly contemplated his victims. ‘Tne fact that the odds were two to one against him did not daunt the bold marauder in the least. He counted on taking the two men completely by surprise, and in this he was wholly successful. For an instant the masked man stood like an ebon statue, nerving himself for a mighty effort; then he bounded like a pauther upon Roy Noble, bringing that murderous club down upon the head of the latter with all the force of his sinewy right arm. ‘Without a cry, the luckless messenger sunk unconscious to the floor; and almost simultane- ously the desperado covered Tim Tupper with his ready revolver. That youth was in the middle of an intensely interesting chapter when suddenly interrupted by the appearance of the masked intruder, At sight of the latter, [im started so violently that the pile of boxes on which he perched was upset, and went to the floor with a terrific crash, with the hapless youth entangled in the debris. When he freed himself it was to find the un- welcome visitor bending over him, pressing the muzzle of his weapon close to his temple, ‘‘ Get up!” was the terse command, and Tim obeyed with alacrity, The cold touch of the pistol-barrel sent a shiver down his spine, and caused all his vaunt- ed courage to disappear like magic. He stood before his captor, the very picture of meekness and submission. “T want Ph to help me a little, my festive youth,” said the masked man, ony ** Obey orders, and your life is safe. Make any at- tempt) at outery, an’ I'll blow out your brains quicker’n you can say ‘scat,’ Understand?” ““T reckon I’ve got good ears,” retorted Tim, ie ‘* What d’ye want me to do, mis- ter “To begin with, openthe rear door of this ear and admit the gentlemen whom you will find waiting on the platform,” There was no alternative but to obey, and Tim accordingly started for the door without demar, it at that grim revolver still on a line with his ead, ‘‘Humpb! Here’s a pretty kettle o’ fish,” mumbled the youth to himself, as he reluctantly proceeded to unlock the massive door, ‘* Where in thunder did this feller drop from, an’ What are these other chaps waitin’ outside for? Inreckon I kin see through the bull game. It’s a bold move for that bundred thousand, Waal, I reckon I’m fairly caught this time, so I might as well obey orders an’ 80 save my precious neck, Here goes!” As the door swung open, three stalwart fel- lows, who had neen crouching Jow upon the Headlight Harry’s Siren. platform, bounded into the car with such sud- denvess as to nearly upset Tim Tupper, who was rather slow in getting out of the way. They were rough, burly fellows, armed,/and though without masks the thick bushy beards they wore were quite as effective in concealing their features, The trio glidec in without a word, and stood mutely awaiting the pleasure of the slender youth in black who seemed to be their leader, and who greeted their appearance with an ap- proving nod. ‘**Good enough, boys! You’re right on hand, as urual,” he complimented, ‘* Now, young fel- ler, close and lock that door again, and be quick about it! That’s right! Now, march for- ward to where your festive friend is lying.” Tim Tupper obeyed these instructions prompt- ly, for that grim revolver still looked him in the ey with a persuasive power that was irresisti- e, Meantime, Roy Noble lay where the ruthless hand of the assailant bad felled him, quite un- conscious yet, but breathing heavily. It was apparently but the question of a few minutes when he would regain his senses, “Get some rope, boys, and tie this critter hand and foot, for | opine he will soon come to, aud be may be inclined to cut up rusty, Also, supply a gag to prevent any unncessary ncise on his part,” While this was being done, the masked leader coolly turned bis attention to the buge safe that occupied one end of the var. On account of the frequency with which the messenger must of necessity visit the safe during his long trip, the massive outside doors bearing the combina- tion lock were always left ajar; therefore, noth- ing but the inner door stood between the robbers aud their prospective bovuty. All this was noted by the man in the mask with the utmost satis- faction, **Good plain sailing. No pesky combina- tions to monkey with,” be commented, with a chuckle. ‘‘ Now, young man, where do you keep the keys that open that door?” ‘*T dunno nothin’ about the safe, mister,” was Tim’s dogged answer, ‘‘Humph! You don’t, eb? See if this will help you to remember a little something about it,” and the robber’s weapon suddenly shot for- ward until the steely tube fairly touched Tim’s nose, giving that worthy a violent start. ‘* No monkey bizness with me, young fellow! Where are the keys? Out with it, quick, or off goes your head!” This startling demonstration had its desired effect, ‘*I—1—I guess you'll find ‘em in the mes- senger’s pocket,” faltered the victim in blank despair. ‘**Produce them and then unlock that door!” was the next order, delivered in harsh, unyield- ing tones. entally cursing the ill-luck that had led him into this awkward scrape, Tim Tupper reluc- tantly obeyed. The doors swung slowly open, and the coveted treasures of the vault were re- vealed to the avaricious eyes of the marauders, ‘“* Now, boys,” cried the leader, “‘let’s settle down to business, The boodle is before us, but we must work lively if we would get away with it in safety, for our time is limited. You, Jack, keep this fellow covered, and shoot bim at the first sign of treachery, No, don’t bother to tie him up, for I shall want to use him again presently, Now, the rest of you work with me, Acting under the black mask’s instructions, the lawless plunderers went immediately to work, Their first act was to drag forth the long pine box, by means of which their leader had so shrewdly gained entrance to the Express- car. Then began the work of transferring the many valuable packages from the safe to the box,” which was sufficiently commodious to con- tain them all, This nefarious werk bad not continued long, however, before the plunderers were interrupted, The train suddenly slackened speed; and Tim Tupper’s face brightened considerably when he noted this fact, for he knew they were approach- ing a station, and felt there was still a chance of outwitting the robbers, But, while the masked leader was equally quick to comprebend the situation, he gave no visible symptoms of uneasiness. Coolly turning to the Expressman, he demanded: ** What station is this we are approaching?” ‘Silver Valley, I reckon.” ‘* Any Express matter to be left there?” ‘* Yes; and probable some to be taken,” * Well, we won't interfere with fag duties at all, laughed the marauder. ular * You 3 may proceed to receive and deliver in the usual manner, just as though notbing had happened. We won't interrupt you.” Tim could hardly conceal his surprise, W hat did the robber mean? Was the latter foolish enough to invite bis own destruction by allow- ing himan opportunity to escape, and give the alarm? The youth’s beart thumped hard and fast at the thought, But while he stood ruminating thus, the four plunderers were not idle, They lifted the still unconscious Express messenger, and bore him to the furthermost corner, where, behind a pile of merchandise, be was safe from observation, Then the half-filled plunder-box was also bur- riedly concealed, **‘Now,” said tke grim lender, addressing Tim Tupper, ‘‘ we are all ready to transact the com- pany’s bizness. We will take up positions be- bind these boxes, where we can see and yet be unseen, You will perform your necessar duties as promptly as yossible, with the know!l- edge that we are watching you closely, prepared to frustrate any attempt at treachery. Bear in mind that four trusty weapoos will cover you, backed by men who never miss their aim, and, if by word or sign you attempt to betray us, you will fall, riddled by bullets, the next in- stant. Do you comprehend?” ‘*T reckon I do, mister.” **Good! Now, open tbe door and proceed to business.” Tim obeyed, for the train had now come toa standstill at the Silver Valley Station, where, despite the lateness of the bour, quite a crowd had assembled. There were among them a num- ber of bold, well-armed men, who would have liked nothing better than an outlaw-bunt, end it needed but a knowledge of their presence to bring a formidable pansy cown upon the au- dacious scoundrels who lurked within the Ex- press-car. Truly, it was a desperate game tbat the latter were playing, and its success or failure depend- ed upon Tim Tupper. That youth mechanically handed out all matter consigned to Silver Valley, and received the few packages thrown in at the door; but while thus manually employed, bis ment faculties were also busily at work, However, Tim was not an over-courageous lad, and the result of his mental struggle proved him to be unequal to the trying occasion, Conscious that four glittering pistol-barrels were focused on bis head, and doubting not that the first hostile movement on his part would result in instant death, it is perbaps hardly tobe wondered at that the young man hesitated ere inviting such a fate. Great as was his desire to perform his duty and give an alarm, his self-perservative instinct was stronger, and, as he stood thus undecided, the train moved on again and the opportunity was lost, ‘Young fellow you’re a trump!” gleefully cried the robber leader, emerging from his con- cealment when the station was left behind and the car closed once more, ‘‘T calculated you'd value your life too higbly to. make any false breaks, and I see Il gauge yore character just 0 right, What you lack in courage is made up in common-sense, I'd like to give youa place in my band,” “That honor is declined, an’ no thanks to ye for the offer,” returned Tim, dryly. “I don’t keer about associatin’ with sich people, an’ the sooner ye finish up yer dirty work here an’ clear out, the better I shall like it.” ‘Ha, ba! Well spoken, my boy,” laughed the masked leader. ‘ We'll soon rid you of our unwelcome presence, never fear. Let’s see, the next stopping-place is Branford, is it not?” “You are right.” ‘* How far away ?” ‘‘ A matter of ten miles or thereabouts,” ** Good! our work willbe completed when wo reach there, Come, boys, settle down to business again,” The work of transferring the contents of the’ safe, interrupted by the er at Silver Valley, was now resumed and pushed to completion. The secret door of the treasure-box was then closed, and the four Express-robbers calmly rested from their labors, A few minutes afterward the train slackened d at Branford, “Here we are! Now, my young friend, be so kind as to hand out all goods consigned to this station, not forgetting this valuable box which is marked ‘John Thomas, Branford,’ and ig supposed to contain the body of ‘poor brother Bill.’ Ha, ba, ha!” It was with very ill grace that Tim carried out the instructions of his captor, but those i . Pern Ta) cy + C 1 tec pel Sill ‘ , ve a SS A ; fi