Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 80 — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

- took their departure, Grim promising to sen : ie She nnn et ee ing Grim back again; “ but it is a very unpleasant duty which brings me here. A warrant has been issued by Mr. Munro Malvern, and placed in my hands by Hickory Hank, charging you with theft, a pT as your arrest if the money can be ound.”’ ‘Oh! sir, this is a vile plot to ruin me!”’ Jessie cried, bursting into tears. ‘“‘I did not steal Mr. Mal- vern’s money; he gave it to me as my—as my share—”’ ‘Too thin, me purty !"’ chuckled Grim, evilly. ‘* Ye ken’t make sassyfras bark go down a ’coon’s throat, ner ye ken’t twist out o’ yer crimes nohow nuther. Hayr’s myself, Hank Clay Grim, E-s-q., an’ thar’s my pards, Hayseed Jim, Popular Pete, an’ Holy Mo- ses—the latter bein’ a clergyman but recently re- tired from the pulpit. Now, we are all good law- abiding citizens, you bet yer boots, an’ we do sol- emnly sw’ar an’ asservate thet we did see ye steal a poser o’ money frum ther pockets o' Munro Malvern, arter ye hed got him drunk on drugged lemonade or something or other.”’ **Liar, base wretch!’’ Jessie cried, indignantly. **You are paid for this work. Go on, Mr. Shelby, and do your duty. I have said all that is necessary.”’ ‘Yas, go on, sheriff,” Grim urged, with a diabol- icalleer. ‘‘S’arch every nook an’ cranny, an’ ef ye don't find a thousand dollar’s worth o’ greenbacks my name ain’t an honor ter the town o’ Deadwood— that’s all.” Shelby obeyed. It was his duty to believe no one, as an officer, without proof, yet he could not bring himself to believe that this fair, — girl could be what she was accused of being—a thief. He went carefully over the room, and examined everything that could contain the alleged stolen money; but he failed to find it. Jessie, unable to utter a word, so overwhelming was her horror, sat half crouching upon the chair, and watched him with Mg ores eyes. ‘Better s’arch the gal,’’ Hickory Hank suggested with a grin. ‘‘Ten ter one she’s got the rhino stored away among her clothin’!”’ ‘““No need v’ thet,” interposed Holy Moses, rising from a search under the carpet. ‘‘ Heer’s ther mon- éy, now.” A scream—a fall from the chair—Jessie had faint- ! ‘* You deserve arrest more than she does, Grim!”’ Sheriff Shelby said, angrily. ‘‘Give me the money; then go send me a carriage. You have no further action in this case at present.”’ Hickory Hank bowed, and, after Holy Moses had delivered up the package of money, the roughs all a Vve- hicle. Afier they were gone George Shelby set to work, and, in the course of a few moments, Jessie re- stored to consciousness, “Don’t be alarmed, Miss Mapieton,’’ he said, as Jessie opened her eyes with a convulsive shudder. ‘* Grim and his men have gone, and there is no one to annoy you, unless it is me, and I trust I may ar- ranze so as not to annoy you.” ‘* But—oh! sir, they found the money!”’ “Yes, it was found. Which was bad, under the circumstances, as your prosecutor, Mr. Malvern, is a rich, aad, in one sense, an influential man. But, though I am an officer of the law, I believe there is some little villainy here, andI promise you that I shall not desert you. Ihave been sheriff in Dead- wood long enough to learn some points, and you shall have the advantage of them. ill you be kind enough to tell me how you came in possession of this money, which Munro Malvern claims was stolen from him, by you?” , “On! yes, sir, and if you only believe me, I shall not feel utterly friendless!’’ Jessie cried, eagerly; and then, she related all that is known to the reader concerning the letter prog to her by Ralph La- mont; the visit of Munro Malvern, and also some items of her previous life back to the date when her father had mysteriously disappeared. Shelby listened intently, and occasionally jotted down something in his note-book. He seemed deep- ly interested. “‘T have heard you!” he said, when she had com- pleted her narrative, “‘and you can rest assured I shall take a lively interest in looking into this case. There is some strongly romantic points in this case, and also some chances for a villain to put in his schemes!” ** And must you arrest me?”’ ‘Yes, that is my duty, as the money was found in our possession. But, all that is necessary for you 0 do, is to come with me to the office of the attorney- judge, who has charge of such cases, and I will pro- cure your bail, so that you are free until you are summoned to appear on trial.”’ ‘Oh! sir, you will do this, and save me the dis- grace of imprisonment?” ** Certainly, dear lady, and as much more for you as I can. “Oh! thank you! thank you! Your kindness I shall never forget!” “Never mind that,ma’am, As my time is not my own, if you will oblige me by coming with me—” “Oh! yes. I will get my hat, and be ready in a moment, With such a protector as you, sir, 1 shall not fear to face my enemy!”’ And rising, she hastened to attire herself for the st reet. George Shelby watched her narrowly as her back was turned. ‘*T never knew there were women in this rough city who possessed so many Steg attractions!” he muttered, an admiring light in his eyes. ‘She is graceful, pretty, intelligent—three indispensable qualities in a woman. Moreover, she is a victim of a conspiracy, it is evident, which makes her ad- ee SS ee a LALA LAE LL A LLL LL A ditionally interesting. And if I don’t do her jus- tice, if there is such a word as justice, may I be lynched for a horse thief! Malvern, millionaire, or no Malvern, them are my sentiments! Ah! ready, ma’am?”’ ‘Quite ready, sir,’’ Jessie replied, tying on a co- quettish straw-hat. ‘‘ And I think I have mustered up enough courage even to face Munro Malvern!” “The meeting with him need not necessarily de- mand any great courage, as I shouid advise — not to address him at all,’’ Shelby replied, as they left the cabin, entered the carriage, and proceeded up the thronged main street. The seat of justice in Deadwood was then (and undoubtedly is, yet) in-a large room of a building near the center of the town, the upper story of which building was used as offices of so-styled law- yers who had flocked into the mines, But as it happened, the firm of Stokes and Schriner was the most popular, inasmuch as the latter had been elected judge of such courts as were inaugu- rated in the mining city. A crowd of curious individuals were hanging about the doors, as Shelby and Jessie entered the court- room, Inside, as the poor girl had anticipated, were gathered Hickory Hank, his pals, and Munro Mal- vern. A triumphant expression was upon the mine- owner’s face, as he saw the girl who had refused to recognize his greatness, called up on a charge of theft, But it cut him, when he could not even catch a glance of her eye. udge Jacob occupied a seat behind a high pulpit- like contrivance, over which just his head could be seen. Colonel Bill Stokes sat close at hand, his bald pate shining like a full moon. Adolphus Cole, recording clerk, occupied another conspicuous position. Sev- eral other legal ss were gathered around. * Hello! vat haff you got dere, sheriff?’ the judge demanded, bouncing to his feet, on Shelby’s en- trance. ‘*A young lady, your Honor!” Shelby responded, leading Jessie forward. “Von young lady, clerk; register her!’’ command- ed the judge. Bi > oy vat ish der charges mit dis young vim- mens?’ ‘She is charged with theft, your Honor!” ‘*Qlerk, wride ‘im down. Sheriff, vat did der young voomans steal?” ‘She is charged with mace yoo bo package of money amounting to one thousand dollars.”’ ‘*OClerk, wride ’im down. Sheriff, who from did dish girl sdole der money ?”’ ayes me!’ said Munro Malvern, stepping for- ward. “ You lie!’ Jessie cried, indignantly—“ you lie, you scheming villain!” ** Clerk, er dot down. Sheriff, der drial is post- poned until der-morrow at swi’ o'clock. In der mean- dime, der young vimmens ish commitiea mit der shail in default of—"’ “Hold! the young lady shall not go to jail, for I will go her bail in any sum the court may see fit to name!” cried Sheriff Shelby, stepping forward. “Curse you, man—what do you mean!” the mine- owner hissed in a rage. ‘The girl shall go to—”’ ‘Der court accepts von t’ousand dollars pail!’’ elied Schriner from his judicial pulpit. ‘“ Der girl ish free—der court ish dismissed ten minutes for re- freshments!”’ Shelby turned apes the mine-owner fiercely. ** You will find that Miss Mapleton has a friend in me, Mr. Munro Malvern!” he said. ‘* Though you are a man of millions Ido not fear you. Oh! no!” ‘Mr. Sheriff, youst arrest dot man for contempt mit der court, by swearin’. I fine him five tollars.”’ ‘“‘ Keep off!’ Malvern gritted, as the sheriff moved toward him. ‘Here,’ and he threw a half eagle upon the floor. ‘tI could buy off a hundred such courts!” and with an ugly laugh he wheeled and left the court-room. : ‘*Shimminy Shackson! vot a vool I vas not ter say ten dollars!” grunted the judge, as he descended to the floor to secure the gold piece. “‘Shentleman, all, I pid you adieu. I have to go see a man up der street!” Shelby turned to Jessie with a smile. ‘‘Your prosecutor evidently left us in a savage mood, Miss Mapleton, Shall I see you home?” of AS you please, Mr. Shelby. I am not afraid to go one.’ “Then, I must beg to excuse myself on the plea of business. I will secure you good counsel, and call for you at two to-morrow.”’ Jessie bowed, and then left the place to seek her own shanty home. After she had gone, Shelby turned to Colonel Bill Stokes, who had all this while been a silent spec- tor. ‘* Well, colonel, you have heard the case. Money was found inthe young may 8 place of residence, which Munro Malvern is ready to swear was stolen from him; and also proposes to put up Hicko Hank and gang as witnesses. Whatdo you thi about it?” “T think it’s a gum-game—sure’s my name is Bill Stokes!” the colonel replied, slapping his knee, en- thusiastically. ‘‘The gal’s no more a thief than you or I. I uster know old Bobby Mapleton, an’ he warn’t ther daddy o’ no light-fingers, you bet!” ‘What did youknow about the affairs of Mr. Ma- pleton, previous to his disappearance?” ‘Very little, sir, because, ye see, I warn’t in town much, them days. I know thet he war in part- nership in a small pan-claim, wi’ this Mat- vern. He also owne! a parcel o’ Jand, whar ther Big Bullion mine ar’ located. It war considered | Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. | | J 7 worthless, then, an’ it seems that Malvern claims to have bought it of Mapleton for a song.”’ ‘* Ah! ten chances to one that Malvern’s claim is fraudulent. Who owned the parcel of ground, pre- vious to this man, Mapleton?” ‘A galoot who lives up at Duck-Tail gulch. His name is Hartley!”’ ‘Did Mapleton have any particular friend, in whom he repose confidence ?” “None thet I know on. He warn’t much o’ a ga- loot fer social sprees, an’ didn’t have many inti- mates, He seemed sorter sober, like as if he war al- lus cogitatin’ over sum deep sorrer.” “Td give a good deal to find out who knows whe- ther or not Munro Malvern is the rightful owner of the Big Bullion mine!’’ Shelby said, as he tnrned to go. “By the way, will you efend the girl’s case colonel? Ill foot the Dill, and if you free her ri make it well worth yous while.” ‘Then, ye ken count on me, sheriff—great speerit uv old Methus’ler, yes. Ef thar’s enuff p’ints in ther hull legal judasprudenee, thet ar’ gal shell be clear- ed, I sw’ar ter et, as s+ve as Iam the acknowledged beauty o’ ther mines, an’ hev a gold medal fer ther 8 oa ee, bowed and Jeft the seat of justice in deep thought. if +. , “*T take an intereet in this young woman’s welfare; I shall work forher. \y first move will be to visit this man Hartley, of Duck-Tail gulch,” he said. The Deadwood jail, known as the “ castle,” was built of stone, and was as creditable an affairin ap- pearance as any within the magic city. There were several celle on each side of a corri- dor, on the upper floor, the ground apartments being devoted to the uses of a ery store. The entrance to the cells wes *) a stone stair-case, and up these steps Rosebud Rob had been led to his confinement. The number of his cell was ‘‘4,*’ and here he had been confined ever since his arrest, only being visit- ed twice a day by an ignorant-looing janitor, who fetched his food, But this individual could not be induced tc talk, and all that was left for the incarcerated Spurt was to talk to himself, at times. It was now the night following the scene in the court-room, and the prisoner sat upon a povu')-con- structed stool, gazing moodily at surrouna‘ufs, ““T wonder how long I am to remain in thie con: founded hole yet?” he muttered, as he bowed hiv head upon his hands. “I've been here long enourt to suit my fastidious tastes, I flatter myself. An¢ still no show of release. Ah! and this is the very hour when I should be free, to‘fight against my ene my. But, he has Ma A a powerful card against me, and one which bids fair to result in my ulti mate Cog ert above ter7va firma, Still, 1 would laugh at this demon, an‘ defy his power, if I could only be free. I’d show him that I did not lie, when I told him I was a man to suit all circumstances. Ha! a noise im the hall, outside! What does it mean?” “* Hist!’ exclaimed a low voice. ‘‘Do nui raise a a but keep mum. I am here for your inter- est.”’ Then there was a fumbling of metal against iron, as if a key were being tried to a lock. Rosebud Rob listened a moment, then arose cau- tiously to his feet, and crept toward the door of his cell, his black eyes piercing the gloom. But, all he was able to discover was a man working at_ the lock, outside—a man as black as the night itself, with a mask to conceal the features. ‘Who in the deuce are you?” the Sport demand- ed, curiously, for he resolved to know, before allow- ing the entrance of one who might prove a deadly tool of Munro Malvern. “Sh! don’t make a noise, I am one who has come to release you if we can strike a bargain. Iam Nugget Ned the Knight of the Gulch.” — Rosebud Rob gave vent to a low whistle of sur- rise. He had heard much of the guich-knight and is night-patrol—had heard them branded as road- agents, and had heard them vindicated by old min- ers who did not believe in the stories that were float- ng about. . jugget Ned was not long in picking the lock, after rk he opened the door to the cell and stepped in- side, L The Sport and the Knight stood confronting each other, “Sh! Nugget Ned said, calmly. “Be seated, pray. I wish to speak a few words with you.” Rosebud Rob obeyed ge He was determined to hear the fellow through, at all hazards. ‘*T have a bull’s-eye lantern here, but I dare not deal with light in these close quarters,” the Knight continued. ‘Besides, darkness will answer the same ee ere You are Rosebud Rob, are you not?” “Very Le d bef “Very good. As I stated before, I am Nugget Ned. You have heard of me, no doubt?” a ‘*T have, on several occasions. “Those who spoke of me endowed me with en- dearing epithets, no doubt—eh?” ‘* You have been widely spoken of as a road-agent, ‘Ha! ha! they still persist in calling me that. Well, I can scarcely blame them, since they have had a siege of road-agency during the past years. But I am no road-agent, sir, nor am Tarobber. For what J came into this country no one knows except myself and He who knows everything. I brought with me a band of men who were eager to enter Into the life of aminer. We had not been two weeks in the hills, when we made a discovery that we all took an oath not to reveal to the world for a stipulated time. The discovery necessitated our riding through > -~& OOO) im (S (E(0) “S "e , =