Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 727 — page 8: what you’re looking at

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

- ai ad Fapeindaa ae ~ =-_-- S—- = ~ .! =s." om, Headhght Harry’s Siren. a ————— Sat = > cae a ——— —_ beautiful Margaret Norman, the belle of Rich- ville.” **She who was once Margaret Norman,” cor- rected the maiden, sbarply, ‘“‘but now Mad Madge, the Queen of Train Wreckers!” ** Quite a sensational title, to be sure—” ** And one that is destined to be known throughout the land, one tkat shall become an emblem of retributive justice, and strike terror to a soulless corporation,” cried Mad Madge, her black eyes flashing brightly. ' ** Listen!” sbe continued, ‘*and you shall hear what I propose todo, I suppose it is unneces- sary to recite the facts relative to the death of my poor father, Nick Norman, something over ayearago, You are already familiar with the circumstances attending that sadevent. Driven to outlawry because of merciless persecution for minor offenses—misdeeds that would have been freely condoned in one possessing wealth and influence, he was finally hounded toan ignomni- ous doom, and I, his daughter, left friendless, homeless and alone. ‘* My father’s enemies were mine, and fleeing from them like the fox from the baying hounds, I buried myself in the heart of the virgin forest, Long and persistent were the searches made for me, but I managed to evade them all; and at length the attempt to discover my whereabouts was abandoned, and [ was given up for dead, Never were they more mistaken, for at that time I was comfortably ensconced in this hid- ing-place, laughing at the discomfiture of my foes, and deliberately planning vengeance, ‘‘I¢ was by merest chance tbat I stumbled upon this underground retreat, after several days spent in wandering aimlessly through the wilderness, It is truly a marvelous place, and, while | have made it my bome for over a year, many of its recesses yet remain unexplored. Here I bave led a solitary existence, subsisting chiefly on game brought down by my trusty rifle; and here was evolved the scheme for ven- geance that is now about to reach a succe-sful culmination. ‘*From the very first, my sole ambition was to avenge my father’s cruel death, and how to devise the means of accomplishing this work was a.problem that occupied my thoughts by day and by night. I knew that many of my father’s old men were still in the vicinity—bold, faithful fellows who fairly worshiped their chief, and who could be counted upon to join with a willin the work of vengeance. I searched high and low for these men, and finally sueceede?d in find- ing the lieutenant of my father’s band—Black Jobn, a gallant man and true, who quickly ap- proved my plans and joined in the work of se- curing recruits. It was tediously slow work at first, but one by one my men were found and pledged, untii at length I found myself the proud commander of a splendid band, all brave and reliable fellows, ready and willing to do my slightest bidding. Then it was, and not till then, that I deemed the time rips for immediate action. ‘* Within this spacious cavern, which is large enough to quarter a regiment, my band finds a comfortable retreat when free from duty. The entrance to the pluce is exceedingly difficult of access, and it is doubtful if the enemy ever suc- ceedsin finding it, If discovered, so advantage- ously are we situated that my well-armed men can hold an army at bay. In short, we afe in every way qualified to not only bid defiarice to our foes, but to carry the war into Africa, as the saying is, and inaugurate a veritable reign of terror in their midst, ** Already has the work of vengeance com- menced, as witnes: the recent Express robbery that bas created such a furor throughout the community. Of course, you are quite familiar with the circumstances attending thaf event.” ‘* And w.o, indeed, is not? An achievement in every way remarkable, evidencing great in- genuity of plot and boldness of execution on the part of the rascally perpetrators,” the engineer frankly admitted, ** Many thanks for the compliment,” laughed Mad Madge, ‘‘for it was my brain, and mine alone, that devised the entire scheme. It was I who so successfully enacted the role of a corpse thus gaining possession of the Express-car, an stripping the same of its valuable contents, with the timely assistance of my confederates. Ha, ha, ha! It was a glorious scheme, and worked like a charm.” ** Indeed, your ski]l and bravery are worthy of a better cause—” **Bah! What better cause could I have than avenging my father’s death? Already bave I entered upon the path of vengeance, and I shall follow it in a way to, make the guilty quake, Let them beware of the wrath that is to come, ————e—ee—e—eee—e ee eee nee en —— = — ——————— a for love’s sake alone. I have already given them fair warning in my communication addressed to the president of the road, Have you seen the proclamation?” ‘* A copy of 1t, yes; the morning papers hay- ing published the document in fuJl.” ‘‘ Indeed? May I ask how the news was re- ceived at Richville?” inquired Mad Madge, eagerly, ‘*Generally with incredulity, I think I may truthfully say,” returned Headlight Harry, promptly. ‘* The people, with a few exceptions, are inclined to look upon your so-called mani- festo as mere hombast, and laugh at the idea of such a chaotic state of affairs as hinted at there- in,’ Mad Madge was instantly upon her feet, ber black eyes burning with an ominous ligbt, “So they laugh at my threats, do they?” she fiercely cried. ‘‘ They scoff, even with the evi- dence of my power before their eyes! Fools! They shall soon feel the weight of my ven- geance. Ere another sun has set, the reign of desolation and ruin sball be inaugurated. I swear it.” With her beautiful face suffused with the light of passion, Mad Madge paced to and fro like a caged tigress, Headlignt Harry waited in silence, watching with mingled surprise and pity this anmistakabie evidence of the tempest that was raging within the bosom of this unfor- tunate woman, Finally she resumed her seat, as calm to all outward appearance as before; and there en- sued a brief silence, broken at length by the young engineer, who was beginning to grow im- patient. ‘Well, madam,” he commenced, “I have been an attentive listener to your story, and I must say that the same has proved exceedingly interesting. Yet, the main point in view still lacks elucidation; for I have yet to learn where- in my humble self is so particularly concerned in this affair, Surely, you have not brougbt me here, at so great an expense of time and trouble, merely for the purpose of telling me this,” ‘* You are right, Headlight Harry, I have not,” promptly averred the Outlaw Queen, ‘“‘1t is for a far different. purpose that 1 have brougbt about this interview: and, since you are grow- ing impatient, I will proceed to the point without further deviation. I have dwelt upon past events at such length in order that you may know just how matters stand, and be pre- pared for what is to follow.” ** Well?” “*T see you have not the faintest idea of my purpose.” ‘*No; unless, perhaps, you bave picked me out as one of your worst enemies, and have brought me here for the purpose of putting me to death by slow torture at your leisure,” bezard- ed the engineer, with a carele-s laugh, ‘* Wrong, most decidedly,” the girl declared. Then, drawing her chair a little closer, she fixed her beautiful eyes full upon bis face, ‘ Listen Headlight Harry! The primary reason why | have caused you to become my involuntary guest is simply because—because J love you |” CHAPTER VIII. MAD MADGE’S WOOING, Hap Mad Madge suddenly leveled a cocked revolver at his head, and declared her intention of blowing bim into smithereens at a moment’s notice, Headlight Harry would have faced the music without a tremor: but, when she delib- erately declared her love for him, the effect upon the young engineer was highly disastrous, If the stony floor of the cabin had suddenly rose up and smote him bip and thigh, he could have been scarcely more astounded. He sat there as if petrified, staring in open-mouthed amazement at the beautiful girl before him, hardly believing that he had beard aright. But when Mad Madge again spoke, after a brief but painful silence, it was to speedily con- vince bim that there was no mistake, * Yes, Harry, I repeat that | love you! Sur- prising as this statement may be to you, it is none the less true. And it was to acquaint you with the truth, that I caused you to be borne to this secret cavern among the mountains, Nor is this love of mine a new-born fancy, as you may suppose; but it bas existed ever since the time when I wasa happy village miaid, long ere unfortunate circumstances compelled me to for- sake the friends of mv childhood, in obedience to the still greater affection due to my out- lawed father ‘But, true and unwavering as is my love for you, do not for a moment believe that I would have been driven to this nnwomanly declaration Avother, and even more i te sts powerful passion constantly surging in my breast, with the tlood of my murdered father crying out for revenge, bas spurred me on to this decisive step, With this insatiate thirst for revenge paramount to everything, I seek only to make my work as rapid and complete as i- ble. It is my desire to attack the enemy simul- taneously all along the line, and to do this suc- cessfully requires a large addition to my al- ready extensive force. Therefore, it becomes imperative that I should have a friend and part- ner—one who will share the duties of captaincy, and join with genuine enthusiasm in this grand work of vengeance, And _ that position I de- sign for you, Headlight Harry, well knowing that no man on earth is more competent to fill it. ‘*T have watched with interest your work in ~ the past, noting the marvelous skill and bravery which you have displayed in the face of circum- stances that would have appslled most men, outwitting your enemies again and again, and thereby winning a reputation to be justly prond of. Andis there any reason why you should not do equally good service under another banner? By bringing your extensive experience and supe- rior executive ability to my aid, the work of vengeance would be facilitated to a marvelous extent. Together, we could map out a plan of action, the consummation of which would bring swift and absolute destruction upon the foe. ‘* And so, in the desire to make my retributive task more swift and certain, I have sought to obtain the assistance of the man whom I have long secretly adored, and who, I repeat, would never have known my passion but for the grave ren ae that demanded it. For I reasoned that, with a full knowledge of the truth, you uright be induced to give the indorsement to my Popaiiicn that would otherwise be witbheld, ut for this, the secret of my affection would have ever remained locked within my breast for I never could have brought myself to reveal it, save in pursuance of the stern, unwavering path of duty. Now, Headlight Harry, you bava listened to my proposition—tell me candidly what you tbink of it?” There was a wisiful look in the dark eyes fixed so intently upon the handsome face of the young engineer, as Mad Madge finally ceased speaking and waited calmly for a reply, As for Headlight Harry, be bad eagerly drank inevery word of the girl’s impassioned utterance; and to adequately describe his varied emotions would Le quite an impossibility, Was it true that this misguided young woman, whose mind was no doubt partially unbalanced by the terrible experience of the past, actually felt the tender regard for him that she had so unbesitat- ingly expressed? Or was this a cunning move to secure his friendship and assistance by appealing to bis susceptible nature, Juring bim to self- destruction by the profession of a love that was far from being felt? From the earnest Jock upon Mad Madge’s beautiful countenance, it seemed impossible to believe that she was otherwise than in sober earnest. Be that as it may, however, Head- light Harry found himself longing for some avenue of escape from his embarrassing position, There was no alternative, though, but to face the music like @ man; and, after no small amount of hesitation, the engineer contrived to regain the use of bis tongue, ‘ Well, Miss Norman, I—” ‘*Mad Madge, if you please!” the Queen sharp- ly interrupted, ‘Did I not tell you that my old name is dead®” * Very well, then; Mad Madge it shall be! As I was about to say, I have listened attentive- ly to all you have said, and to declare that I am greatly surprised thereat is doing but feeble justice to my feelings, sun, this was the very least to be expected; so, if you arranged to spring a little surprise-party upon me, why, you have succeeded admirably.” “Indeed, your amazement was even greater than I had anticipated,” Mad Madge admitted, smiling faintly. ‘* But now, however, I trust you have recove your usual self-pcssession sufficiently to give the subject the sericus con- sideration it, merits,” ‘‘Humpb! I’m inclined to look vpon the mat- ter as being quite the reverse of serious,” de- clared Headlight Harry, lightly. ‘‘ Your methods of love-making are, to say the least, unccnven- tional, and remind me of a certain custom said to exist in various barbarian lands. There, when a fellow wants to take unto himself a wife, he mounts his borse end sallies forth until he meets a maid who suits bis fancy. The lover then gives chase, and upon overtaking his prize, which be usually succeeds in doing, he bears her off to his tent without so much as saying ‘ by Of all things under the ~ a ——