Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 794 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

’ : ' : : : a — —— e -- - Several hours passed with no signs of activity on the part of the desperado gang, and to the beleaguered fugitives the situation was now becoming a trifle monotonous. At last, however, it was apparent that the re- inforcements had arrived, for the opposite shore now fairly bristled with armed men. Among them could be seen the redoubtable King Kirby and -his villainous right bower, Black Jerry. The two latter were observed in earnest consultation, taking care to main- tain a position behind their men, where any | into a corner, I fancy they will soon find chance builet from the cuve would be un- likély to harm them, But whatever the result of this lengthy confab, the gambler’s formidable forces stil] remained inactive. Evidently the proposed assault, if any, was to be made under cover of darkness. which was now fast approach- ing. There was no attempt at parley, for King Kirby knew too well the resolute character of the beleaguered men to for a moment imagine that they could be drawn by such means from their strong position. Such was the situation when niglft fell again upon the scene. Unlike its predeces- sors it was clear and starry, and the rising moon shed its mellow beams upon the rush- ing waters of the creek, making the tunnel entrance as light asday. This circumstance was hailed with satisfaction by the watchful men within, for there was no danger of a cunning foeman stealing upon them un- awares, It was with feelings of confidence that the Railroad Pards awaited the expected attack, for they were quick to realize their advan- tageous position. The assaulting party would be forced to enter the tunnel one at a time, and as the defenders were plentifully supplied with arms and ammunition, it was probable that they would mow down their foes as fast as’ they appeared. So Jong as King Kirby persisted in his purpose to cap- ture his adversaries alive, the position of the jatter seemed absolutely impregnable. Silence reigned upon the opposite shore, yet it was probable that the gambler’s party still remained in full force; and, while the hours rolled away without the slightest denionstration, this circumstance did not induce the Railroad Pards to for an instant relax their vigilance. They were confident that King Kirb , anxious as he was for their recapture, would not allow the night to pass without a hostile movement, and so held themselves in readiness for instant action at the first sign of danger. Nor were the young defenders mistaken in supposing that the gambler’s men were al- ready preparing for some strategic move- ment. Yet, when it finally came, it was so sudden and from such an unexpected quarter that they were taken completely by surprise, As they continued to watch with ready weapons, it was to suddenly behold some huge black object drop abruptly down from the cliff above, to an exact level with the tunnel entrance, where it now swung slowly to and fro; only for an instant, however, for before the startled observer could move to prevent it, the mysterious object was swung steadily inward by some invisible power, until it lodged upon the rocky ledge in such a manner as to Completely block the: open- ing. The object proved to be a smooth, rounded bowlder which had been lowered by ropes from the top of the cliff, to be instantly pushed into the passage by men who had stolen unseen slong the bank for this very purpose, But while the Railroad Pards could readily comprehend this fact, they were quite at a loss to divine the object of so singular a movement. Enlightenment soon came, however, for a few Moments later the Pards made a startling discovery—the big . bowlder was moving slowly but steadily to- ward them, propelled by some invisible ‘agency! _ It was a clever anc unusual device by oe ae e+ ee Headlight Harry’s Hunt. 15 a ee oe which the besiegers sought to reach their | plosion, and now, through the opening thus intended prey. Several of their number had | made, King Kirby's ruffians dashed tri- already effected a lodgment within the mouth | umphantly into the chamber, At sight of of the passage, with the big rock forming a | the intruders, however, the gallant defenders novel but effectual shield from the fire of | were instantly on the alert, nothing daunted their enemies. The defenders stood non- | by the terrible odds against them, plused at this unexpected turn of affairs; but | ‘* Up van’ at ’em, pards!”’ yelled Rufe only for a moment, for Headlight Harry was | Ruffle, wildly. ‘‘Sail in an’ give ’em Hail prompt to devise a plan for checking the ad- | Columby!” vancing ruffians., The next moment the gloomy cavern was ‘If the rascals think to drive us like rats | transformed into a very pandemonium, as the sharp crack of revolvers and the vicious themselves mistaken, for I know a little | whizz of flying bullets mingled with the cries trick that’s worth two o’ theirs. Quick, | of the excited combatants. Rufe, come with me!” and the engineer hur- | riedly led the way to the inner cavern. “ By blocking up this end of the passage RESCUE. we can easily frustrate their little game,” he M®ANTIME, while the beleaguered trea- continued, eagerly. ‘‘Here are plenty of | sure seekers battled desperately for life and loose fragments which may be utilized for the | liberty, powerful friends were hasteuing to purpose; so pitch in, Rufe, and work like a | the rescue, drawing nearer—nearer— with a beaver. There isn’t a moment to lose.” | every passing moment. For the Spider had So industriously did the young fellows ) succeeded nobly in his perilous undertaking, bend to their task, that in an incredible short | bearing his message straight to Big Hank time the inner entrance was walled in so | Hawkins; and with such vigor did the giant effectually as to defy any ordinary assault, | Vigilavte act in behalf of his imperiled Meantime the big bowlder, propelled by | friends, that in one short hour he had mus- vigorous hands, moved steadily along, inch | tered a strong mounted force, and was thun- by inch, untilit encountered the obstruction, | dering on his way to Satan’s Camp. _—_—_—_—— CHAPTER XIII. And there it stopped, despite the frantic On through the gloomy night rode this efforts of the men behind it. There was a | mighty cavalcade, pushing in headlong haste series of muttered oaths from the baffled des- | over the rugged mountain trail, until the peradoes, followed a moment later by the | morning sun, looking down into the narrow, sound of shuffling feet as they retreated down | cliff-bound pass, saw them rapidly drawing the passage. near their dcstination—their jaded steeds ‘‘Ha, ha! They’ve gone to te!l their boss | flecked with foam, themselves covered with that his scheme don’t work worth a cent,” | dust from head to foot, sore and weary from laughed Headlight Harry, in elation. “ Rufe, | their hard night’s ride, yet none the less old man, we are still masters of the situa- | eager for the coming fray. tion.” Drawing closer to the haunts of the enemy, So, indeed, it seemed; and the brave de-| the party carefully concealed their horses, fenders awaited further developments with ! and, under the guidance of the demon dwarf, renewed confidence in the streugth of their | plunged into the forest in the direction of position. the hidden retreat. Contrary to expectations Another long period of inactivity now en- | none of King Kirby's minions were encoun- sued. Minutes lengthened into hours, and : tered on the way, for the sentries had long yet no signs of further hostilities from the | since abandoned their posts, flocking to the discomfited enemy, scene of action like vultures to a feast, ‘“Wonder what new scheme that orner | As they drew near Mad Creek, however, galoot, King Kirby, is gittin’ through his | wild shouts suddenly smote their ears, com- noddle, now?” chuckled Rufe Ruffle. “I | mingled with the sound of rapidly exploding spect his next move’ll be to bore a hole: firearms, warning the would-be rescucrs that down through the roof o’ this lyar cavern, | their arrival was not a moment too soon; an’ punk his gang onter our very backs.” | and, stealing noiselessly through the under- “Oh, hang King Kirby and his devilish | growth, they soon reached & position where lans. We can afford to laugh at him now, | they could overlook the thrilling scene. I fancy: Why, it must now be nearly noon,| For a few brief moments the trailers and l expect we shall hear from the Spider crouched in ambush, hastily examining their very soon, In fact, he ought to be here ; weapons and nerving themselves for the now.” | coming contest. Then, at Big Hank’s com- “Don’t pin your faith on the Spider, | mand, a deadly volley was poured suddenly pard. It’s dollars to doughnuts that the | into the midst of the desperadoes who lined dwarf’s food for buzzards iong ago.” | the river-bank. Men went down like nine- ‘‘T don’t think so,” declared Headlight pins before the sturm of lead, while, Harry, confidently, ‘‘Something tells me , simultaneously with the first sweeping that the hunchback has been successful in | volley, Big Hank’s avengers burst from con- his mission, and—”’ ;cealment and rushed fiercely upon the be- ‘Hark! There's them galoots in the tun- | wildered enemy, firing incessantly as they nel, ag’in. What fresh deviltry are they ; came, The contest was over almost as quick- hatchin’ now, I wonder?” ly as it began, for King Kirby’s gang made Breathlessly listening, they soon heard the | no attempt at resistance, but fled in wild rush of swiftly flying feet, while at the sume | disorder, Those who had already pene- instant an ominous, sputtering sound came | trated the cavern now found themselves in a faintly to their ears. i trap, and were mercilessly shot down as they ‘My God!” cried Headlight Harry, in | sought to escape from the tunnel. sudden terror, ‘‘ The villains have laid a | In five minutes from the firing of the first unpowder train, and we shall be blown ' shot not an enemy was in sight, and the into smithereens. Fly, comrades—fly for | Railroad Pards were soon busily engaged in your lives!” | shaking hands with their gallant deliverers, Even as they turned to seek a safer posi- | joiced beyond measure at the lucky turn of tion, there came a thunderous explosion | affairs. : which shook the very earth. The occupants | Big Hank was now clearly master of the of the chamber were ali thrown violently | situation; but the giant’s blood was up, and to the floor by the terrific concussion; but | he did not propose to rest content with this this very occurrence saved them from harm | signal victory. After a brief rest, therefore, from the cloud of rocky fragments that flew | he ordered an advance upon Satan’s Camp, in every direction.. Dazed and bewildered | determined to wipe that den of iniquity from they struggled to their feet, only to be con- | existence. The onward march was made fronted by still another peril, without opposition, for the surviving deni- The obstructiéns at the tunnel entrance | zens had all fled in terror to the mountains, had been completely demolished by the ex- | and an hour later the victorious invacers boo com cS