Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 811 — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

~~ - "Ved ‘ that Duke De distant splash of cars; and presently.the long- capacious pocket, and as the huge negro was entirely subservient to his master’s will, there was little likelihood that the former would ever finger a cent of theill-gained boodle, his left the remaining half to be divided among the three gamblers, all of whom failed to appreciate such an unequal division, Duke on y;,in particular, was quick to feel the in- justice done to him and his associates, but, at the same time, he knew the danger of question- ing the authority of such a man asthe White Phenix, so he discreetly held his tongue, await- ing a more favorable opportunity to evince his displeasure. f these insubordinate feelings the robber chief had no suspicion; and when nigat came ho went away, accompanied by the Swamp Vemon, ostensibly to obtain new men for the band, but in reality to execute a cunningly-laid scheme of his own, as shown in the foregoing chapter. Thus the camp‘and prisoners were left in charge of Lieutenant Derby and his two worthy asso- ciates. Here was the opportunity for which Duke Derby was looking; and scarcely had the boat containing the White Phenix disappear- ed when he called his companions for consulta- tion. ‘*See here, pards, I’m sick of this bargain al- ready,” he began, impetuously ‘* When I went into this thing,it was with the under- standing tat all plunder should be divided equally, share and share alike, without distinc- tion asto rank, Now, at the very outset, this chap who calls himself White Phenix takes ad- vantage of his position as captain, and shows his voracious greed by deliberately pocketin the lion’s share of the spoils, I, for one, objec to playing second fiddle to this cheeky indivi- dual with the milky face, What say you, boys?” ** Your sentiments suit us to at, Duke,” one of the gamblers promptly responded, “Good! Then from this moment our allegi- ance to the White Phenix is eternally dis- _ golved,” *“ What shall wedo? After what has happen- ed, it would be decidedly unhealthy to return to town, for our connection with the train-robbery is sure to leak out.” **J, for one, have no desire to return, This cosey island home is goud enough for me,” de- clared Duke Derby, ‘* Listen, boys, while I un- fold a httle scheme,” **Spit it out, pard.” ‘* Well, to be brief, | propose to wipe out the White Phenix and that black imp, the Demon, and tuke possession of the premises. You see, there’s the captain’s self-allotted share of the booty—a gocdly sum to us poor fellows; and after he is out of the way, we can settle down to a life of ease, reasonably sure that no one will molest our isjand retreat.” ** W hat will become of tlie prizoners?” ‘As for the men, Pil quickly find a way to ivethem an effective qnietus. I bear no love or either,” ** And the girls?” *“One of them, Ruth Sharon, will be my bride —my island queen. As for the other, you may draw lots for her if you choose,” said Duke Derby, with a brutal laugh. The daring plan of the gambler met with ready approbation, and the trio of traitors im- mediately put their heads together to arrange the details. ‘*Of course you understand this is to be no child’s play,” cautioned Duke Derby. ‘*On the contrary, we must play our cards well to insure success, True, we are slightly superior in num- bers, but that goes for naught when we consider the men against us. White Phenix is a very devil to fight, while his right bower, the hunch- back, possesses the strength and cunning of a dozen ordinary men. I propose to hide in am- bush, and assail them as they return, for unless - wecan take them by surprise, the game is not worth a rush, As the intended victims might return at any moment, no time was lostin preparing for the struggle. Their revolvers were carefuily clean- ed, and the cartridges drawn aud replaced by fresh ones, Then the trio repaired to the shore, and concealed themselves in a clump of bushes, me to the spot where the White Phenix must nd, The latter’s absence was protracted, and the men in ambuscade had ample time to exercise their patience, as the leaden hours wore slowly away. It was not until the gray light of morning pervaded the ath recesses of the swamp, rby’s listening ears caught the ———» em The White Phenix. looked-for boat shot into view, propelled by the herculean hunchback, The White Phenix sat in the stern, his death- face lighted by a complacent smile, serene in possession of the riches soadroitly wrested from GilbertGarland—a very satisfactory recompense for his night's labor, A landing was quickly effected, and after se- curing the boat, the two outlaws walked up the bank together , not a suspicion of the truth en- tered the mind of the heedless leader Crouching low in ambush, tightly grasping ready weapons, the three stern-faced gamblers nerved themselves for the critical moment. ‘* Steady, now, boys! Everything depends upon the first shot,” softly whispered Duke Derby. ‘* Aim at that cursed nigger, both of you! Til ’tend to old chalk-face myself!” Crack !—crack!—crack! Three pistol - shots rung out in swift succession. Three stalwart see leaped exultantly from their hiding- ace, - But alas! for Duke Derby and his well-laid scheme, Even as he pulled trigger, the outlaw chief slipped upon the slimy bank and fell for- ward; and this slight mishap saved him from the bullet of the assassin, Quickly recovering, the White Phenix was amazed to see his three subordinates in battle wach **Preachery !” he cried; and a revolver leaped into either hand. Meanwhile, Duke Derby’s associates were equally unfortunate in their attack upon the Swamp Demon. Oneshot missed the black al- together; the other lodged in his brawny shoul- der. But heeding not the stinging missile, the huge hunchback rushed to the aid of his master, with a snarllike that of an infuriated tiger. Then followed a rapid fusilade, mingled with the shouts of excited combatants; but the con- flict was of brief duration, and resulted in the utter discomfiture of Duke Derby’s party. One of the gamblers fell dead, pierced through the heart by a bullet from the bandit chief’srevolver, His companion was seized by the terrible Swamp Demon, dashed to the earth, and speedily choked to death by those long, bony fingers. Duke Derby alone survived. The arch-plotter, seeing the game was lost, made areckless dash, and succeeded in reach- ing the boat just vacated by his foes. He pushed off, seized the oars, and rowed desperately aney} while bullets flew thick and fast around im, The two outlaws hurriediy launched another boat, and dashed swiftly in pursuit. The White Phenix was not satisfied with victory; nothing but tha life of the traitor could appease his ter- rible rage. Crouching in the prow, while the hunchback rowed, he fired shot after shot at the fugitive, but toe rocking motion of the craft made his aim uncertain, and Duke Derby kept on, Fear lent the traitor wondrous power, and he actually held his own against the superior strength of the Swamp Demon. It is difficult to determine the result of the chase had not an accident occurred, One of the hunchback’s oars suddenly snapped in twain. The boat whirled half-way round and instantly capsized, leaving its occupants struggling in the water. hile the baffled outlaws were devoting their energies to righting the overturned craft, Duke Derby rowed triumphantly on and disap- peared in the dark depths of the swamp! CHAPTER XII, DUKE DERBY’S FATE, MEANWHILE the four prisoners within the hut were having a very miserable time, Talk- ing was their only solace; but the situation was not conducive to pleasant conversation, so but few words were spoken. The afternoon following Headlight Harry’s recapture wore slowly away. Night fell, and the two youvg men, completely exhausted, soon dropped into a profound slumber, In Morpheus’s dreamy arms danger and hard- ships were forgotten and dawning day found them still peacefully sleeping. They were awakened by a familiar sound— the sharp report of fire-arms. Were friends coming to the rescue? Instantly the captives werecn the alert. The fusilede continued for several minutes, then all was still. Rolling to the wall, Headlight Harry peered through the loop-hole, hoping to learn the cause of the disturbance, Presently he saw the White Phenix approaching, followed by the Swamp Demon, who bore in his arms a quar- , tity of clothing. Nothing could be seen of the other members of the band. The outlaws pro — ceeded to examine the garments and appropri- ated the contents of the pockets, after which the clothing was carefully laid aside. Suspecting the truth at first, Headlight Harry now felt that his suspicions were affirmed, when the hunchback held up a coat of peculiar pat- tern, which the engineer had seen upon the back of one of the gamblers. So it was no attempted rescue, after all, but a disagreement between the robbers resulting in a victory for the White Phenix. With feelings of bitter disappointment Headlight Harry im- parted the intelligence to his friend. Once more plunged from the pinnacle of hope to the depths of despair, the captives lapsed into a moody silence, which was only broken when, several hours after, the White Phenix entered the cabin. For a minute he gloatingly gazcd upon the helpless prisoners without speaking. His terri- ble face bore an expression of malignant hatred, ‘* Well, dear friends, are you beginning to tire of your situation?” he asked, grinning mali- ciously. ‘*Do you find it uncomfortable lying there like trussed-up turkeys? Well, cheer up, for Ihave arranged to give you both a little exercise. **] meant to attend to you before, but circum- stances prevented. Now, however, is a favor- able time, and | propose to begin the festivities while the mood ison me. Ho, Demon!” The black hunchback grinning satanically, quickly appeared in answer to the summons, ‘*These gentlemen wish to look upon our re- cent preparations. Conduct them outside!” commanded the outlaw captain; and, accord- ingly, the hy ioe were carried bodily from the but by the herculean Swamp Demon. ** See!” cried the White Phenix, He pointea to an adjacent tree, from which a stout limb projected horizontally like a giant arm, Two short ropes, a few feet apart, each ending in a noose, swung suggestively from the bough. On the ground underneath was accu- mulated a quantity of brushwood, dry grass, and other inflammable material, There was no mistaking the significance of these preparations, ‘*¢ You see, everything is ready for the enter- tainment in which you are to acta prominent part,” explained the outlaw chief. ‘* The pro yramme is short but highly sensational, First a will hoist the victims, arranging the nooses just tight enough to give you an idea of what is tofollow, Then a gentle fire will be kindled, to take the chill off the atmosphere, also to impart more animation to your movemeuts, as you amuse us w.th a lively dancein mid-air, Fi- nally, after this entertainment has ceased to interest us, a good, strong pull upon the ropes, and the show is over! What think you of the prospect, gentlemen?” 4 Neither of the prisoners made a response to the taunting speech, While the horrors of the situation fairly curdled their blood, yet they managed to maintain an outward composure that amazed the outlaw. ‘‘Now, Vm not altogether unreasonable,” continued the White Phenix, ‘‘It would be cruel to tear you away from the joys of this earth ona moment’s notice. Vll give you one half-hour to say your prayers, make your wills, and attend to other matters, such, for instance, as saying farewell to your dear lady friends, who dotibtless will be loth tolet you go. Ha, ha, ha!” ‘ The prisoners were now returned to their quarters. Despair filled their breasts, for there was no hope for mercy from such a fiend as the White Phenix. Only thirty minutes to live! The thought was horrible! Hark! <A faint rap suddenly reached the ears of the captives. It came from the secret pas- sage, the entrance to which had been carefully re-covered after the discovery of Headlight Harry. A moment later camea cautious * hist!” ; Was help at hand? The hearts of the doomed prisoners beat hopefully, as they hastened to answer the signal. ‘* Hello, Ralph Renwood and Headlight Harry!” called a faint voice from below. $8 Hello, yourself!” retorted the engineer, ‘‘ Are you alone?” ; 66 Yes.” The flooring was suddenly upheaved, and a tall figure appeared in the ee ‘‘Shoot me for a cat! It’s Duke Derby!” ejaculated Headlight Harry. It was, indeed, the notorious gambler, but — how changed! iy Although escaping with his life, Duke Derby had carried away ample evidence of the White Cc co ie io F-% a > ual tf pOs - - * a ' * ‘ > . . - le. ~ te ~ he ~ ‘ _ . e- . . . “PS. 7 dy - »"