Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 80 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

-— — / : =—~ Cl i a Grim began to strip without a word. Not so with Rosebud. He simply discarded head covering, but retained all of his elegant garments. Fighting ‘ chalked upon the floor by enthusiastic admirers, and in a few seconds the two antagonists faced each other. Hickory Hank was a man of powerful frame, and as he stood stripped to the waist, his giant muscles excited a murmur of admiration from the bystand- ers. The Sport heard it, and looked his formidable op- ponent over with a keen, criticising glance. ‘Are you ready?” he demanded, a moment later. ‘‘Ready!’’ the border ruffian replied hoarsely, a confident gleam in his eyes—an expression of resolve and hatred. “Very well. Gentlemen, I'll leave it to you to see fair play. Iam but little known among you, but the assurance that my name is Rosebud Rob—a man to suit all cireumstances—is sufficient guarantee that l'llvlay afairgume. Now, then, Mr. Hickory Hank, lines were | Rosebud Rob. — ——— — — - ——EE CHAPTER IV. SOME DIABOLICAL SCHEMING. Bet Heuene, the pistol queen, after performing her programme before the patrons of the Jardin Mabille, left the place by a rear exit, and with a dark cloak wrapped around her, hurried up the dar- ker portions of the gulch, until she came to an un- retentious board shanty, over the door of which ung a squeaking sign, bearing the inscription: ‘WASHING AND IRONING.”’ After hesitating a moment, she rapped upon the door, and then waited breathlessly. Sounds of some person stirring were heard inside, and then the door was opened by a fair-faced young woman, handsome of form, and with an expression of weariness hovering about her eyes and lips. She started with a low ery, as she beheld Bel Helene! ‘What! can it be possible—you, Nelly Austin?” “Sh! Yes, ’tis I, Jessie. I have come all the way _ to this rough, lawless country, since we parted three or whatever your name may be, if you will be kind | h totee the scratch, Uli very plainly give you a eno ulch few lessons, and show you how Cinnamon ans out young lads!”’ “Hooray! Ghostly speerit uv old Methus’ler!”’ yelled the colonel, dancing about in extreme delight. ‘Thar’s whar ye git yer timber fer presidents, feller- cityzens, you bet! Thet feller wi’ ther rosebud in his coat ar’ all thar, an’ I'll bet my purtiest on it!” ‘“* Hayr, too, Bill, ye fragrant beauty !’’ put in Bal- timore Bess, with an appreciative grin. ‘Ef thar ain’t more electricity in ther dandy then I thort, Vl be shot. Oh! but he ar’an angel cherubim, Bill—a reg’lar recognized fotygraph o’ loveliness!” Bess! Bess! ye fergit yer lastin’ obligations to me. Ye knowI'm ther beauchifullest specimen o’ manhood in ther mines, an’ yet ye go back on yer unkle!”’ ‘* Don’t grieve, sweet William, fer yer gold medal purtects ye from infringement on ther original copy- right. But look! the fun has begun!’ fun it could be called, it was even so. The men had off with clenched fists, toe- ing the chalk boundaries, over which there was no following. Rosebud Rob looked insignificant in size to the ruf- fian; nor did he push the battle. He simply warded off the other’s blows. But in doing this he is simply biding histime. He is watching an opening for investment! Ha! there! he strikes a blow in an unguarded moment, full in the face of Hickory Hank, and he goes reeling to the floor like a log. He is up in a moment, however, and on his guard, an ugly bruise under his left eye, the rapid swelling of which will soon render that member temporarily useless. More sparring now, which is done creditably; then suddenly there comes another resounding spat, and Grim again goes floorward, with a frightful yell, His pals rush forward and would raise him to his | feet, but find him utterly unconscious; while upon his forehead is the print of a human fist, in livid coloring. ve think the game is over, gentlemen!” Rosebud Rob said, with a quem, little laugh, while the garden reverberated with wild cheers from a hundred throats; ‘‘anyhow, I’ve given you a brief illustra- tion of how Cinnamon Gulch pans out young lads. Now, then, is there any one else desirous of coming | to see me on the same uncertain grounds?” No one, evidently. Hickory Hank had hitherto been counted the best boxer in the diggings, and the example that had been made of him was convincing argument that no one wanted to run afoul the “ breakers " of Rosebud Rob. “Well, well, if there’s no one confident, I'll con- tent myself with one victim, though I'd much ruther a half dozen had bothered me at the same time!” And resuming the wearing of his hat, the Sport was about to take his leave, when the curtain rose from the little stage, and the manager of the Garden led out the star of the evening, Bel Helene, the pis- tol queen. Instantly there was a wild shout, and clapping of hands, to which the young woman bowed graciously, after which she began her exhibition of marvelous target-shooting, with a revolver. She was evidently yet not arrived at the majority age for women—she looked even younger. Her form, however, was strikingly developed, and her face pretty as a picture, in its wreath of cone a en hair, with a sweet, expressive mouth, an h- ing Nt of ao jp — ; he a Spanish make, ort skirt and spangled leggings. She went through with her performance with ad- mirable skili and exactness, putting each bullet where it was intended to be sent. Then, with another bow she retreated behind the scenes, amid ringing cheers from the motley assem- e. And after she was gone the question seemed to pass generally from lip to lip—‘t Who is she?” Hickory Hank was taken out into the open air, by his pals, and brought back to consciousness, so that he was enabled to sit on his haunches, and glare around aft his eg tools. ‘‘Ouss ye!’ he gritted, savagely, “ why didn't ye lay thet dandy out, when ye see’d I war ketchin’ it eavy?”’ “Thar warn’t no show!” protested one. ‘‘ Bah! how often have I told you ter watch me an’ foller my example. When I laff, ye laff; when sw’ar, ye sw’ar; when I fight, ye fight. Neow, I don’t want ye ter forgit it ag’in, or ye ken’t serve under ther flag o’ Captain Hickory Grim!” | years ago!” There was not time for further explanation just then, for the two girls were locked in each other's embrace. But later, after the first friendly greetings were over, and Bel Helene was seated beside her school- mate of other days, she gave an explanation. ‘*Dear Jessie, you ask me what fetches me so far from the home of my birth. I can tell you a little but not all. Since last we met, dear friend, all is changed. Shortly after you moved out here to the Black Hills, from the States, my father and myself emigrated to the Indian Territory, where he had been appointed agent over one of the tribes. “During our residence there, a bold, handsome devil in man’s shape, came into our midst. ‘*T feared him from the first, because Lucifer was in his eyes. He ingratiated himself into my father’s confidence, and tried to pay me particular atten- tions, but 1 repulsed him at every turn. I could not bear him. I grew to detest the very sight of him— his every word and action was disgusting in my eyes. ‘* At last, I think, he grew to hate me, for he took every on, to provoke my anger, and pub- licly insujt me. ‘* Hearing of his aoe not from my lips—my father attempted to chastise him, when the heart- a villain drew a revolver and shot him through the eart!”’ * om mercy !"’ exclaimed Jessie. ‘‘ And did he es- cape?’ Escape? Ah! yes, but it was with me close upon his trail!’ the young woman cried, fiercely, her eyes glaring with a omeuee ae ‘*T have pursued him with the perseverance of a bloodhound. I have daily sworn before my God to kill him, and I only liye to keep my oath. Jessie, you are my friend. e have been as sisters in the days that have passed. I want you, now, to shelter me, while Iseek the man who destroyed my father. Oh! d-do not say no!’’ and the girl dropped upon her knees, and burst into a passionate fit of weep- ing. n Of course you shall stay Nelly,’dear!’’ Jessie Ma- pleton replied, pityingly. T too, am an orphan, and alone in the world, with no one to whom to confide or that.I can trust, It is but little that I have, but _ you shall share it as long as there is anything to share.”’ “Oh! thank you! thank you, sweet sister. I will help ge all within my power, and at the same time watch for the man that robbed me of all.”’ ** What!’ Jessie cried, starting back, a look of hor- ror in her large brown eyes. ‘‘ Nelly, you—”’ “Ay!” the girl cried, almost fiercely. “I bear a blasted life, and the accursed wretch is still at large. Oh! God, thou merciful One, how long—oh! how long have [yet to wait?’ “There! pray calm yourself, and let’s talk this matter over.” “Oh! no! no/ I cannot—will not—cannot talk it over. It makes me mad/ MAb. See! Iam not un- armed, I have a pair of revolvers, and a knife of the truest steel, and with one or the other shall I take the life of the wretch whom I am pyran, Both weapons I know well how to handle; I have traveled from town to town, giving exhibitions of my shoot- . Ha! ha! how earnestly I have trained myself, so that I might be prepared to meet my foe!’ Jessie se am shrunk away, and dropped into another chair. She was more alarmed than she would have cared the Pistol Queen to know; she scarcely knew what to do under the circumstances. PR ae Pa aa = sottation © “bs me!”’ yb pr notic er on, “for sometimes et wild, but am quite harmless. I will stay with vou, and hunt for the man who wrecked my young life. He is here in Deadwood, I believe, pha di it so L shall find him, even though he bein the deepest oye me It has been nearly a year and three-quarters since I lost track of him, but Iam confident that Iam now once more upon the right scent!” On the following morning Ralph Lamont, the scheming step-son of Munro Malvern, called at the little shanty —the most unpretentious one in all Dead- wood oy The day was a warm one, and the door being open, he entered without knocking. fi Jessie was engaged in ironing some finery for a party of ladies at one of the hotels, and she did not notice the stalwart, well-dressed rove, until he stood quite near at hand. Then, she gave a little scream, and ri back haughtily. ir 3 ““Oh! don’t be in the least disconcerted, I pray!” xia ttt ttt ttt LLL LL LLL LLL Lamont said, with one of his most winning smiles, at the same time laying a card from his elegant case upon the table. ‘There is no need for alarm on your part, as perhaps you remember me as the young gentleman who maneeg to rescue you froma party of attacking roughs, several nights since—do you not?” ‘*T certainly remember, sir!’ the pretty laundry- keeper ans without relaxing. She was quite alone, Bel Helene having gone out into the town, and she liked not the fawning, sinister appearance of this man. “I believe I thanked you at the time!” ‘*Ahem! well, yes 1 believe you did,” the dutiful —— = Munro Malvern was forced to acknowl- edge. ‘*But—”’ e Have you not presumed in coming whither you were not invited? If you are a gentleman you will retire, before it is noticed that you have entered the house of a single and unprotected—” ‘* Phew!" Lamont interrupted; ‘ you are deucedly scrupulous, seems to me. come of an errand, and here you go to ordering me out of the house,” ‘‘ You are in communication with that base wretch, Munro Malvern, and that is sufficient!’’ pretty Jes- sie replied, pointing toward the door. “ Go, sir! do not tarry!” ‘On the contrary, I shall remain!’’ Lamont re- plied, dropping into a chair, and drawing a piece of paper from his pocket. ‘‘When I am sent upon an errand, I generally try to execute it to the letter. For illustration: here I have a letter from an old covey, whom I met during my rambles up in Wash: ington Territory. The old gent had been prospect- ing it seems, and, having struck a gold mine, he gives me a couple of nuggets, and commissions me as mail-carrier of a letter to one Miss Jessie Maple ton—which I believe is your name, from ali I have been able to ascertain.” ‘ Jessie Mapleton! my name, sir? Oh! what can this mean?’ the girl gasped, excitedly. ‘‘ Let me have the letter, sir! What old man could wish to write tome? Oh!—oh!—if—”’ “Don’t be excited, my dear young lady. The let- ter will doubtless tell you more than I can; but I reckon the old gentleman was your father!”’ ‘‘My father—alive/ Oh! yes, God be praised, ‘tis even so! Here is his writing—ay, and his signa- ture. Oh, Mr. Lamont! how can I ever, ever thank you enough for this priceless gift?’ the happy, over- joyed little soul cried, clasping her hands in ecstasy. ‘By prizing the dear old father, who is even now blessing you in his distant miner’s camp,’’ Lamont replied, bowing profoundly. ‘* Allow me to wish you a very pleasant good-morning.”’ He only retreated to the door, however, where he stood watching Jessie, as she ran to the window to read the dearly-prized letter. ‘*Oh! what happiness is now mine!’’ she muttered, with a reverential glance upward. ‘Poor Nelly! she has no father, a letter from whom would glad- den Aer heart! My own father alive? It does not seem possible, when I have so long mourned him as dead. Let me see what he says: ‘** WASHINGTON TERRITORY, t “Camp GOLD PIKE. June 16th, 18—. “BELOVED DavcGuTEer:—This letter will take you by surprise, as you have probably mourned me as dead. But I am alive and well, and by an inesti- mable Sry 8 gentleman, I at last send you a letter. When I left Deadwood (where yea will remember I had a small interest in a mine), I was deeply in debt, and my creditors were threatening me with imprison- ment—ay, promised to 4 gre me, if I did not square . I could not, and so I was obliged to fly for my life. Munro Malvern (God bless him!) assisted me to escape, when death stared me in the face. He had helped me to money a number of times, until he owned my share ten times over, and yet his generos- ity did not cease tillthe last, for he gave me money and promised to pay you a competence from the mine. He is a noble and a good man, without a self- ish thought or afault. I am rich now, and in a few months shall be with you, to settle with my credit- ors, and live in peace and happiness the rest of my days. Solsign myself, site ather “Your lov ‘* ROBERT MAPLeton.”” Jessie folded the letter, with tears of happiness in her eyes. ‘*Dear, dear papa!” she murmured; “and Mr. Malvern, too. ow wrong I was to think of him so unjustly. I am sure he will never forgive me for my cruel suspicions of him.” Standing in the doorway, Ralph Lamont chuckled softly to himself. “The thing works,” he muttered, “and Unky’s star is in the ascendant—likewise my purse will be attacked with a twinge of inflation. a! ha! that letter was a clever affair, after all. How deucedl fine I got in a personal puff about the ‘inestimab oung gentleman.’ Ho! ho! Ralph Waldo Emerson ont, you're no fool yet. And now it behooves you togo draw upon the governor for cash assets.” » During the remainder of that day pretty Jessie was © supremely happy, and went about her work with a _ ——_ in her eyes that had been a stranger there of late. During the afternoon there came a knock at the door, and on answering the summons, she was sur prised to behold Munro Malvern stan upon the threshold. , The millionaire mine-owner was attired wiio scru- pulous neatness and elegance, and he raised his hat politely as he beheld the pretty daughter of his fc r- mer partner. “Pray excuse me, Miss Mapleton, if my comin is an intrusion, but I once more present myself to —- quest that you accept what isduly yours—nam: , & revenue derived from the small mining int: .% (E| 900) <€oim <SiiGO