Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 811 — page 4: what you’re looking at

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

oO - eg ; > be ie lat hal ee * . sa * =e é a > —. -- ve —> Set ce ‘disfigurement, when revenge is within one’s ome ‘** Well, no sooner had I regained my facul- ties, than [ began to consider the situation. I found myself upon a small wooded island in the middle of avastswamp. The negro, whom you have seen, is a wild, ferocious creature, with a heart black as his skin. Forced to flee from civilization for some crime or other, he has existed here for years, his only companion a huge bloodhound even fiercer than his mas- ter. 1 consider it a miracle that he possessed humanity enough to pull me from the river and nurse me back to life. But my strange and supernatural appearance has inspired his super- stitious soul with fear and reverence. Hence- forth [am his master. I have dubbed.him the Swamp Demon, and the name suits him well. -** Immediately I arranged my future plans. It had been my ambition to command the Black Brotherhood, but that nd organization is wept out of existence. I determined to organ- / ize a new brotherhood, that would rise from the ruins of the old, like the famous bird of fable— a veritable Phenix, to spread destruction and terrorize the community! Dave Darke is on more; but from his grave has arisen a demon, whose a object is plunder and revenge. The world shall tremble at the name of the White Phenix !” The man had delivered his lengthy speech rapidly and vehemently, and now arose from his seat, his eyes blazing with an insane light. ‘‘This swamp-island shall be our stronghold, Wild and impenetrable, never visited by man, who could conceive a better place? Already is formed the nucleus of an organization, that, within a month, shall become the scourge of the community. But enough of the future. Let me speak of the present, which more particular- ly concerns you and yours, ‘*T had not forgotten you, Ralph Renwood, nor the lovely Grace, whom 4 long since swore to possess. Myfirst thought was of revenge! Paticntly I waited for a faverable opportunity to strike, It came—the night of your wedding anniversary! Could I choose a more fittin time? Carefully my plans were laid. While lurked in front of the mansion, my faithful Demon crept to the rear and ignited the sta- ble. The result was exactly what I antici- pated. ** In wild confusion you all rushed to extin- ' guish the flames, while I came and boldly stole away your bride. I had not planned to capture you; but chance led my baboon friend to your side, and knowing my intense hatred for you, he kindly knocked you over and brought you to me. I hardly expected such good fortune. a Bh | — se you are anxious to learn your fate. , Grace, after a lapse of years, shall at Jast become my bride. Here, on this dismal island, far from home and friends, she shall reign as the queen of the White Phenix! ‘As for you, Renwood, the enmity which has long existed between us can only be expiated by death! Prepare to meet your doom!” W ith these ominous words, he who had called himself the White Phenix turned abruptly and vanished from the cabin, leaving the hapless prisoners to their own reflections. CHAPTER IV. THE FLAGMAN’S DAUGHTER. NEAR the railroad track, not far distant from the Richville Station, stood a modest cottage. It was the home of Seth Sharon, an honest, indus- trious fellow, for many years a trusty employee in the service of the company. Some time before, Sharon had injured his 4 limb in an unfortunate accident, and after ‘many long weeks of confinement, arose to find himself a cripple for life, However, his faithful services were not forgot- ten by a grateful company, for they set aside a piece of land near the village, and built thereon a comfortable cottage for the use of the veteran and his kin. Incapacitated from his former duties, Sharon still found employment as flagman at the busy crossing near the depot, and in his cosey home lived a life of peace and’contentment. His wife being long since dead, Seth's only com on was his daughter, Ruth, upon whom devolved the duties of the household, Ruth Sharon wasa lovely girl, barely eizhteen, just budding into the full bloom of womanhood ; a very picture of beauty, slight, supple and graceful, with long, dark hair and sparklin eyes, and cheeks glowing with the r tint of health, giowing Osy ay ’ ; . [. . : vi a . : i “~ y 4 ¥ : < - 4 ~~ om ”" i . * - + *s, > . The White Phenix. Reared in a higher sphere, this modest maid would have become a belle among belles; but Ruth was contented with her lot. It pleased her, day by day, to coutribute in every possilbte way to the comfort and happiness of her father, whom she dearly loved, a in his society, she cared for no other— Unless it was that of the dashing youth who flashed by daily, perched in the locomotive of the fast Express. Headlight Harry, as they thundered past, always looked for a smiling face in the window of Seth Sharon’s cottage. Late one afternoon Ruth sat by her favorite window. Bewitching she looked in a pretty dress of calico, as she placidly contemplated the result of her long day’s labor. Everything in the house wasscrupulously neat and clean. The floor was polished until it shone. Every article bad its allotted place. The sides of the cottage were adorned by skillfully trained vines and redolent flowers, and from the win- dow she could look out upon a luxuriant garden, alre dy bringing forth the fruits of her own careful labor. ** Half-past five! I must prepare father’s sup- per,’ exclaimed the girl, as she glanced at the quaint, old-fashioned clock, Before she could rise, however, a shadow crossed the threshold, followed by the figure of a man, Ruth gave a low cry of dismay, as she recog- nizea her visitor. He was a tall, muscular young fellow of twenty-five, with a face that, once handsome, now wore traces of dissipation. His keen black eyes burned brightly, and from: his manner it was evident he had been drinking. **Good-afternoon, Ruth! Happy to find you alone. Jove! you are looking pretty as a pic- ture,” complimented the rake, as he advanced familiarly into the room. Instantly Ruth Sharon was upon her feet, rosy with nares orien one finger pointed threaten- ingly at the intruder. ** Stop, Duke Derby!” she exclaimed. ‘‘ How dare you come here, when [I told you never again to cross this threshold? Your impudence is sublime, sir.” ‘*To be tld so by such fair lips as thine is certainly an honor,” returned the visitor, with asuave smile, ‘* Be not angry with me, fair Ruth. Happening in this locality, I saw fit to call, thinking perchance you have concluded to alter your decision. Doubtless you recollect the subject to which I refer.” ‘* Yes; [remember perfectly well how, with ee anaes you asked me to be your Vero y answer was, and is, decidedly, o! ‘* So you still remain obdurate. Isee where the shoe pinches. You prefer that young bhi E Headlight Harry, infernal beggar! a ** Coward! While rip pat Hilton is a mere youth, who toils for his daily bread, yet he has the qualities of a gentleman, which you, with your fine clothes and boasted ition, fail to possess. What are you? Idler, drunkard, gambler— Heaven knows what else!” Duke Derby’s face flushed with anger at these spirited words, ‘* Have a care!” he hissed. ‘‘ Beware how you anger me, for I am a devil when aroused. Once more, Ruth Sharon, I ask you to become my wife. You will fare hard, if you refuse. What say you?” ‘‘No! Come what will, my answer is still the same. Loathsome wretch, I detest and defy you! Begone, scoundrel, lest my father return and kick you from the house!” Duke Derby laughed amusedly. ‘* T will save the dear old man the troublo,” he said; ‘‘ but, before I go, one kiss from those warm, ripe lips!” Gloatingly the fellow advanced, to receive a welcome he had not anticipated. As she quickly retreated, Ruth Sharon snatched a broom from its aeons place, and aimed a desperate blow at her insulter. There was no little strength and energy in those plump arms, and the novel weapon, swung round at arm’s-length, caught Duke Derby un- der the chin with a resounding thwack! Lifted fairly from his feet, the ruffian fell sprawling upon the floor, from which he arose, looking decidedly crestfallen. Duke oe was furious; but experience had taught him that the maiden was fully capable of defending herself, and he wisely desisted from a second attempt. ‘¢ Minx !—spitfire! —vixen!” he hissed, terribly enraged, ‘‘]’il find a way to tame your spirit. mshi proud beauty, for we shall meet % 7 _ With these threatening words, Duke De withdre v, leaving plucky Ruth Sharon mistress of the situation. Leaving the cottage, the discomfited scoun- — drel slowly made his way in the direction of the town, his brain busy with evil schemes. The warm reception with which he had met, surprised and disconcerted him; and it was not until he had reiched the nearest saloon, and poured several glasses of liquor down his capa- cious throat, that he felt himself again. Leaving the bar, the sport passed into a rear apartment, devoted to gambling, the room con, taining several tables, most of which were now occupied, Advancing, Derby leaned over the shoulder of one of the players, a dissipated young fellow, ard whispered softly: **Dve got the scheme fixed, Dan. Meet me at: eight, at the appointed place, and pass the. word to Dick.” The other nodded, while Derby passed care-- lessly on, seating himself at u vacant table. He was a proficient gambler, and was soon immers— ed in the intricacies of ‘‘ stud-horse poker.” Luck was against the sport, for he lost with a regularity that was exas ting. Steadily his pile decreased, until finally he staked his last: dollar—and lost! With an oath, Duke Derby arose and quit the room. ‘‘ Trust me for a drink, Alex?” he queried of the barkeeper. ‘‘I'm cleaned out—haven’t @ nickel left.” The beer-dispenser grinned assent, and the gambler, after tossing off his glass, coolly saun- tered out into the night. He took a roundabout course that led gradu- ally from tbe town, and eight o’clock found him in a retired spot fully half a mile from habita- tions, The others were already there. ** Hello, boys!” Derby saluted. “ Glad to see you here on time,” ‘¢ Any luck?” inquired one of tbe fellows, in: response. ‘** Bad luck, yes! Clean bu’sted again. How isit with you?” ‘* Dead broke, as usual,” groaned Dan. ** And you, Dick?” ‘* Haven’t the price of a drink left.” ‘Things are looking decidedly blue for us,” declared Duke. ‘‘ Something must be done to raise the wind. I have been thinking it over to-day, and have conjured up a plan which, properly executed, ought to produce the requisite: wealth,” Derby’s companions leaned eagerly forward to hear. ‘* As our usual luck at cards has deserted us,’” continued the sport, ‘‘ 1 pro that we try our hand at train-robbing. Ha! The idea startles: you,eh? Well, if you are afraid—” ‘lt ain’t so,” interrupted Dick, promptly. ‘*No one can accuse us of cowardice, if there’s boodle concerned,” ‘‘Good! Well, my plan is to attack the Ex- press that arrives bere in the evening, This: train carries a heavy mail and, generally, many valuable Express packages. I mean to derail the engine, then, when the confusion is at its. hight, secure the spoils and decamp. I am aware this is a daring scheme, but if successful, we reap a golden barvest. What do you say,. ‘* We're with you, Duke, through thick and thin. The prospect is too mreiginy for us to turn our backs. When is the job to be done?” ‘*To-morrow night. Meet me here at dark, Bring spades, picks and crowbars, and see that not a soul observes you. In the mean time I will arrange the details. Understand?” ** Ay, pard. We’ll be on hand, never fear.” ‘* Then, good-night!” | The trio of worthies separated, returning to town by different routes, ignorant of the fact. that sharp ears had overheard every word. As the arch-plotter hastened along, wrapped in his own evilthoughts, a hand was laid heavily upon his shoulder, and a stern. voice rung in his’ startled ears, ‘*Stop! A word with you, Duke Derby!” The gambler wheeled to find himself confront- ed by a personage whose face gleamed ghastly white in the mellow moonlight. He eyed the ny ins ee with surprise. ‘Who the blazes are you?” he demanded, ‘*Not so much of a stranger as you think,, Derby. What my name is doesn’t matter, I call ~ self the White Phenix!” low. What do you want?’ demanded the sport,, ‘* Simply to tell you that your late conversa- - ' comict te Fiddlesticks! I don’t know you, fel- ie th if « - i ae