Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 80 — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

ee Sm = 1 Ss SS ee “her; whi 14 ** Silence !’’ roared the judge, from his box. ‘‘ Clerk, fine dot veller ten dollars unt costs.” ‘Miss Mapleton scornfully refused ther cuss,” continued Baltimore Bess, ‘* w’en his motives becum plain, an’ she ordered him frum ther house. He went, swearin’ ter hev revenge. I see’d him leave the house, an’ he warn’t pitched out nuther, nor was he drunk. They had drunk no licker tergether, fer Miss Mapleton ain’t thet kind 0’ a hair-pin, ye bet yer boots! Hank Grim ner his pals warn’t nowhar around w’en Munro Malvern entered and left Miss gc 94 ne shanty.”’ alvern paced up and down the floor, cursing like a madman, for he saw that the dare-devil’s testi- mony was dead against him. “w is that all you have to say?’’ Small demanded, sternly. ‘Not quite. I saw Munro Malvern walk toward his house, and enter.”’ ‘*How about the time, as given by Grim, young woman? “Wal, as ter thet, the time o’ Malvern’s entering and leaving Miss Mapleton’s place, et war p rty much correct. But Grim war nowhar in the neigh- borhood at ther time.”’ Kentucky Jake was next sworn, and gave his tes- timony. ‘* Hickory Hank war in my saloon, ther ‘ Little Brown Jug,’ for fifteen minutes, commencing at half-past two. They an’ then Grim whisper: ed to his pals, and left. Ifollered him ter the door, an’ see’d him go up ther street an’ enter Malvern’s house. Chancin’ ter look down ther. street, I see’d Malvern cum out o’ Miss Maplcton’s, an’ go ter his own place. He warn’t no more drunk then I am. That’s ther end o’ my eel yee ' ugget Ned!” said Sheriff Shelby; “‘have you any information to offer in this matter?” “Not a great deal in this case, but more in the case to come!” the young Knight of the Gulch re- plied. ‘* You all have known ‘ne, and counted me a road-agent. But you have been mistaken. My business in the Black Hills is mainly to hunt down a murderer to death—not to kill him with weapons, but to hound him to the gallows. Iam aman of the night and day. Igo and come whenever and where- ever | please. ““T chanced to be in the mansion of Munro Mal- vern after his return from Miss Mapleton’s, This ruffilan, Hickory Hank, was also there. I played the part of spy, and overheard a plot between Munro lvern and Grim, to the effect that the latter was todo as has been done—thatis, arrest Miss Mapleton on the charge of the theft of the money, which he, — Malvern, had given her. I even overheard Malvern "psi to himself, how he would visit the young lady in er cell, and offer to procure her release if she would marry him! As the knight finished, loud yells of indignation arose on the air from the spectators; revolvers flash- ed at every hand; all was excitement of the most in- tense nature, ‘* Silence!’ roared the judge, mounting the ex- treme top of his judicial pulpit, and waving his hands to enjoin the silence he would establish, ‘‘Si- lence, I dole you. Yust make so much noise ag’in mit dis court-room, as der drop off a pin, unt I plow you all ter dunder mit my revolfer. Dot’s der kind off a hand-organ I am!” gen & hem’s my philosoffikle thoughts, too,” ut in Colonel Bill with a victorious pigeon-cut on p of histable, “ Yer most august and excellent hoporable judge, ye’ve heerd ther testimony given on fust one side, then on t’other, an’ we do most cheerfully submit it ter ye fer considerashun!”’ ‘“‘Shimminy Shackson! I discharge der case,” cried the judge. “Mr. Sheriff, der prisoner is free to go. Shedidn’t stole anydings, as has been clearly proven. Arrest dot man, Munro Malvern; I fine him a hundred dollars for dryin’ der sheat de lady out of her garacter.”’ ; ‘* Miss Mapleton will remain until after the trial of her brother,’’ Shelby said. ‘‘ Mr. Malvern! will you pay the fines imposed — ou or stand arrest?’ “T’ll pay them,”’ the foiled villain said, taking out his pose ‘Please to tell me the whole amount.” ‘Swi hundredt dollars covers all te fines, and der costs mit der suit,” announced the judge, taking a swig from his *‘ pizen”’ bottle. Munro Malvern was deathly white with rage, as he counted out the bills and gave them to Shelby. ‘* Now, Miss Mapleton,’ he said, as he turned to- ward Jessie, “since you have beat me at my own game, be kind enough to name what sum of money will repay you for the dishonor reflected upon you by this public trial.” Jessie arose to her feet, trembling in every limb and threw back the vail which had hitherto cover her face. ‘*Sir!’? she said, her tones quivering and eyes flashing, ‘‘I would scorn to touch a straw which had been in your villainous hands. Your baseness and evil designs have freely been illustrated to all pres- ent.”’ She took her seat again midst stormy applause. For the ee were warm in their sympathy for e, for Munro Malvern, a strong tide of an- gor was arising among the crowd within and without the building—and there were councils among knots of miners, and expressions and threats passed which boded no good for the wealthy arch-schemer, “You have triumphed! Munro Malvern said, bitterly, “and I acknowledge myself foiled, But, mind you, your triumph is but transient. On the impending murder case, I shall be able to strike you A b ow, where in there need be no false testimony. a! ha!’ And with a villainous laugh he turned and left the “Fifdeen minutes for refreshments, before der od- See eT ‘ 6 ee | de case comes on!’ announced the judge, and, as a | cousequence, there was a promiscuous scattering | and the room was cleared of all save Sheriff Shelby, | Jessie, Baltin ore Bess and the Gulch Knight, Nugget ed, Now that the matter was decided in her favor very woman-like Jessie had to have a little cry, and Shelby stood close at hand, in the form of consoler. ‘“Oh! sir!’ she said, “I fear that bad bold man mory than I can tell you. He hates me, and if, as you believe, I and my dear brother stand in his way of the ownership of his Pv ged he will stop at nothing to have us put out of the way! Oh! I fear for my poor dear brother whom I have but a faint recollection of!" ‘Fear not for his welfare, fair lady!’ said Nugget Ned, advancing, with a bow. ‘‘Though I am mask- ed and unknowi to you, let me assure you that I shall be able to contribute toward making him free, and innocent to the world of this crime of which he is charged!”’ ‘Oh! thank you, sir!’’ Jessie cried, joyfully. pa cannot find words to express my gratitude toward you for the service you have already rendered me.”’ ‘An’ ef he ken’t furnish enough, ma’am!” said Baltimore Bess, “‘ hayr’s w’at kin add ‘er mite ter ther case, Anyhow, I'll bet two pair o’ jack-mules an’ a twenty foot whip, thet ther Sport don’t swing mR heer me, Raltimore Bess, a man o’ ther peo- e!” ‘*T thank you, too, Bessie, I thank all of you for nee We in this hour of need. God only knows what would have become of me had it not n for your kindness.” Meee | and good deeds to the weak and inno- cent, will be approved by the Lord!” said Shelby. “Excuse me, s Mapleton—I will go fetch your brother, before the court-room becomes crowded again.” And he took his departure. CHAPTER XII. A CELEBRATED CASE. Arter Jeaving the court-room, Munro Malvern went down the guich street to the Jardin Mabille, where he was + siren! oined by the lawyer, John Small, who had followed him, at a signal from the mine-owner., ‘* Well!” the latter growled, after he had finished a brimming glass of brandy—‘ what have you to say for oursel in regard to the trial?” “Don't t there’s much to say!”’? Small replied. ‘“*T am sure I made no blunder. It was you who put the case together wrongly, and got caught in a trap.” Yes! curses on me!” the plotter growled, “I did not suppose the defense would be so well pre- ared. But, it’s no use of growling over spilt milk. he ae must hang—d’ye hear? He must hang, and I'll get rid of the girl in some different man- ner!” ‘*Pxactly!’’ Small said; “ the fellow shall be con- victed, if within my power, I assure you. But, sir, wouldn’t it be best to settle for the old case, before you are on with the new?” * How do you mean, pray?” “Only two hundred dollars, if you please—only two hundred, as a compensation for defending your celebrated case.” ‘Curse it, but you did not win the case, you ras- cal! I was not to pay ou unless you succeeded in securing a conviction of the girl.” “Oh! very well; if you do not pay as you go, I cut you very grandly!’ the attorney said, with a dis- dainful bow. ‘‘Good-day, Mr. Malvern; I hope you will find no difficulty in finding a competent counsel in your next case!” “Stop!” the arch villain-cried, as he saw his tool move toward the door. “Here is your two hundred dollars. Now, I shall = you to procure a conviction of this Rosebud Rob. Do you hear?”’ Small seized the roll of bills with a satisfied grin, and thrust them in his pocket. “] hear, most august client!’ he replied, “but, really, I could not think of undertaking a murder case, without cash in advance. Let me see—say, five hundred dollars, square!” i, “ The devil take your impudence, man!’’ the mine- owner growled. “Ihave not so much money in my session.” ‘Bah! Why parle Give me your check for the amoun Without more adieu, Malvern penciled off the de- sired check. ‘*Now see that you convict the fellow,” he growl- ed, as he turned away. ; * Rest assured, dear client, that he will hang with- in the day,” Small replied, taking a swig at the bar, and then hurrying back to the court. Munro Malvern was there soon after, reinforced with several glasses of brandy, which was just enough to make him ugly. , Sheriff Shelby had not yet arrived with the prison- er. There were in the witness-box now, Munro Mal- vern; his colored servant, Brass; the dutiful step- son, Ralph Lamont; besides MLeRet Ned, Baltimore Bess, and the scout, Persimmon Bill, who at the last momeut had concluded to be present at the trial. “What testimony have you to offer?” Munro Mal- vern asked, fiercely, as he turned upon his step-son, “I did not invite your testimony in this case that I know of.” ’ “Correct, dear Unky!” the spendthrift replied; “but, taking an interest as usual in your i for so insignificant a sum? r? Lewile’s Half-Dime Library. Ce | | @ female figure running Re hied myself hither, that thou shouldst not be de- fenseless,”’ ‘*Ha! then your testimony—” “Is all right; never you fear,’’ was the calm reply. ‘I have been awakened to my duty within the pee few hours. The Lord hath paid me a visit in a dark hour, and pointed out to me a path to tread through life. Henceforth, Il shall bid adieu to old associa- tions, and follow the path of virtue and religion.” ‘*The devil take your nonsense!’’ Munro Malvern said. ‘‘Ha! ha! you were ever a good actor, Ialph. Listen: If you give testimony against the Sport, you 9) be a thousand dollars richer when he is hang- e Pd 4 , “Attempt not to lure me from the path of godli- ness, thou man, lest thou shalt be smote by mine hand!” the step-son said, turning away, and looking out-of-sorts with the bandage over his eyes. Pram Malvern glared atter him, with a puzzled stare. ‘What's got into the cursed fool?’ he muttered, ‘Is he fooling, or is he in earnest?” If the court-room had been full during the trial of Jessie Mapleton it was packed nearly to suffocation now, and it was with difficulty that Sheriff Shelby entered with the prisoner. A murmur of applause emanated from either hand, as the Sport stood Brcudy erect in the my ee allotted to him, a cool, efiant smile upon ace, It was evident he had more friends than enemies in the vast throng. There was one noticeable fact, also, that a number of the men within the room were attired and masked the same as Nugget Ned. Munro Malvern had been one of the first to notice this fact, and he trembled as he ae the stern, piercing gaze of the Knight of the Gul It was the same out in the thronged street as in the court-rcom. These masked men had suddenly made their appearance in undesirable numbers— from whence no one knew. All were armed, and they were too numerous for a thought io be enter- tained of their arrest as road-agents. Inside the court-room the trial was about to be- n. en udge Schriner occupied his judicial pulpit with grand dignity, Likewise did Adolphus Syringus Cole and Col, Bill Stokes sit like statues of justice at their respective tables. uf: e witnesses were disposed of in positions facing his Honor, _ “Shentlemon mit der shury!” said the judge, aris- ing, ‘‘dis case must be tried shorter ash uick, vor der day ish openin’ his arms to embrace der night. Ve vill hear vot der prisoner has ter say. “Mr, Sheriff, you will swear all off dose witnesses pefore any destimony ish given.” . Accordingly the strongest oath in the Black Hills pure rudence was administered to the Sport, Rose- ud Rob, and to Munro Malvern, Lamont, Brass, Baltimore Bess, Nugget Ned, and Persimmon Bill. Rosebud Rob then took the stand, without the least visible embarrassment, and glanced at every rson present before he spoke, ‘“*T don’t know as what I have to say gia any marked effect!’ he remarked, a little smile hovering about his face, **A man acc of mur- der is not to be generally believed in giving testi- mony. What I have to say can be said in a very few moments. I was coming down from my boarding- place, the oa of the murder, It was late, but I was in a restless state, and I concluded to go down to the Mabille, to see what was going on, When I had arrived in the neighborhood of Munro Malvern’ house, before which it seems the murder oecurred, I heard a pistol-shot, but attached no great importance to.it, asthey are frequent sounds here in the mines. I walked on, and just in front of Malvern’s house I stumbled over a body lying in the middle of the road. In horror I stopped by it, never once think- ing that I wasina cious position, 1 even pick- ed up the revolver, with which the crime had been committed, from the road where it had been left, I wiped off the dust and endeavored to find if it was marked, but could make out nothing in the moon- light. At this moment Sheriff Shelby, here, and several others came up, and just then Munro’ Mal- vern stepped from his mansion and accused me of the crime, saying he had seen me commit it. That is the extent of my testimony, except that I may add that, being the son of the late Robert Mapleton, I was i ong into my father’s affairs, with the suspicion that he was the real owner of the Pig Bul- lion mine. vern knew this, and probably fore- saw a good chance to get rid of a dangerous claim- ant by ¢ me with the murder of the Pistol een. . A deafening shout of ee rent the air, as the Sport concluded his simple testimony. t was evident where the general EeApper hy was, Munro Malvern next took the stand, “The clever lying of the defendant I see as made a marked effect!’’ he said, with a conten:ptuous smile. “But crafty villains with murder in their hearts. usually are graced with a very fiippant tongue, and the prisoner is no exception to the rule. Unknown and unvouched for, he comes into our town, in the character of a bravado, with a foppish make-up, and first we know he is the hero of a mur- der case. It is generally the result that this gay, sportive individual finally eludes justice, only to himself to another town, to repeat the programme of his late career. But, in the present instance, he was caught in the act, “On the night of the murder I was not sleepy, and sat at my window till past my usual bed-time, look- ing down upon the street. At last, growing tired, I partly undressed; then, hearing a noise upon t street, I glanced once more from my window. I saw up the gulch, from in the roduce IJOO (c €5) eom (ECO)