Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 811 — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

ti <s eee ane tens a we - ~~ ™ = ee. a lee a a i i : . : 48 « «" Leaning far out of the cab, Headlight Harry peered anxiously ahead. : At this moment a number of shadowy forms rushed toward the cars, while the air echoed with the sound of rapidly exploding fire-arms! CHAPTER VI, THE WHITE PHENIX SCORES A VICTORY. Tue Express train had been saved from one trap, only to run unwittingly into another! The devilish cunning of the White Phenix had as- serted itself, and rendered fruitless the heroic efforts of Ruth Sharon. When, passing safely under the descending bowlder, the brave girl sped on her errand of warning, defying the futile shots of the train- wreckers, the latter hurried to the track, mak- ing the very air sulphurous with their oaths. Disgustedly they hovered near the spot, breath- ing dire vengeance upon her who had thwarted their poy plans, But as the headlight of the locomotive flashed into view, it was seen that the trainmen were boldly advancing to investigate; and instantly the White Phenix’s artful brain conjured a plan whereby to retrieve disaster, Crouching in a thicket, at a point several hun- dred yards from where the enormous rock blocked the way, the five wreckers lay low while the train moved slowly past. When the last car was at a safe distance, the men sprung energetically to work to place a new obstruction in the path of the ill-starred train. Directed by the white-faced outlaw, the work was speedily accomplished. Four rails, two on either side, were quickly unspiked and hurled down the embankment. Before further mis- chief could be done, the train was heard re- turning Dropping their tools, the wreckers retreated to cover, while weapons were drawn and made ready for service, No hope for the doomed train, now! Cun- ning machinations had completed a trap from which there was no escape! | Running backward, there was no headlight to reveal the ugly gulf in the track; and those aboard knew nothing of this new peril until the wheels of the first car left the rails, There was a tremendous jarring and shaking, as the wheels pounded over the bare sleepers; then the cars, overturning, pitched down tie eee and lay upon their sides in the itch. The smoker, dragged down by the two pas- senger-cars, Was wrenched loose from the Mail and Express car, which, together with the en- gine, stiil kept the irons, As the ill-fated train plunged down the em- bankment, there ensued a scene wild and excit- ing. Scores of passengers, some severely injur- ed, most of them bruised, und all in a state of wild confusion, struggled desperately to escape from the overturned cars Those who escaped the fearful plunge, heard the piteous cries of their less fortunate fellows, and hastened to release them from the chaos of shattered timbers. At this moment, the train robbers madea quick and determined assault. Yelling like fiends, they came on, swiftly dis- charging their weapons asthey advanced. The Mail ae Express car was the object of attack. White Phenix led the rush, his ghastly face as with demoniacal triumph, and at his eels darted the horrible form of the black Swamp Demon. Duke Derby, with his two ambler associates, followed close behind, en- tering into this, their first train robbery, with a spirit worthy of a better cause. In that moment of wild confusion, attention was centered upon the wrecked cars and the ‘imprisoned occupants so the bandits met with but little opposition, The men who occupied the coveted car were too surprised to offer much resistance, and after a few ineffectual shots, went down before the deadly fire of the marauders, The latter were now masters of the situation. The valuable contents of the car were at their disposal, and the rascals worked rapidly to gather up the available plunder, Meantime, Headlight Harry had not been idle. At the first admonition of danger, he comprehended the truth, and quickly reversed his engine, hoping to save at least a -portion of the train at least from derailment. This successfully accomplished, he drew a re- volver and eagerly watched for an opportunity to strike a blow in defense ofthetrain. But the Mail car was already captured. Pell-mell, the victorious outlaws, spoil-laden, now beat a hasty retreat. As they fled, Duke Derby caught sight of Ruth Sharon, who CTT LL — = "Fe — - . —— - =~ See ers » hes , Pl eee Se ae . a” * = é « The White Phenix. crouched tremblingly in thé cab of the Wild- oo With a joyous shout he darted toward er. Headlight Harry’s nerves were like steel, as he deliberately drew a bead on the advancing ay oe and pulled trigger. The weapon hung ref. Before he could raise the hammer to fire again, Duke Derby bounded into the cab like a tiger, and grappled with the engineer. Strug- gling furiously, they tripped and went down to- gether. Unfortunately, Headlight Harry fell undermost, and his head struck the floor with a force that rendered him for the moment un- conscious, Rufe Ruffle sprung to aid his friend, but a ste from the weapon of an outlaw laid him ow. Scrambling to his feet, Duke Derby seized the terrified maiden in hisarms. With an inarticu- late cry of triumph, the ruffian leaped from the engine with his prize, and followed after his associates who were already in full retreat. At this moment Headlight Harry recovered his senses, and struggled to his feet just in time to view the flying gambler as he bore away Ruth Sharon, Immediately the bold youth rushed headlong in pursuit, without pausing to consider the pos- sible consequences of so rash an act, The knowledge that pretty Ruth was in the hands of the bandits caused his blood to boil with fury, and, alone and unaided, he dashed madly in the direction taken by the night marauders. The latter took to the woods, and precipitate- ly made their way je a the tangled under- fact! Guided by their heavy footsteps, Head- ight Harry found no difficulty in following. Soon, however, the voice of the White Phenix could be heard, directing his followers to mode- rate their speed. **No need of breaking our necks,” he said, grufily. ‘‘The galoots yonder are too busy sav- ing their own precious skins, to think of pursuit, and other articles of plunder were arranged iff more portable shapes, and the way was re- sumed, each man bearing his alilotted burden. _ The fiend-like swamp-dweller brought up the rear, and upon his broad back he carried, with ridiculous ease, the inanimate form of Headlight Harry. CHAPTER VII. THE DUMB SENTINEL. MEANWHILE, how fared the prisoners at the stronghold in the swamp? When the White Phenix took his departure, after delivering his lengthy speech, Ralph Ren- wood was left alone to contemplate the horrors. of the situation, He had not the slightest doubt that the outlaw would execute his diabolical threat, and racked his brain to devise some way of averting the vengeance of his arch-enemy. From where he lay the young man could see and talk with his wife in the adjoining apart- ment, and strove to cheer her with consoling words; but within his breast he felt the situation to be indeed a hopeless one. The hours wore slowly away. About midday the giant African again appeared, bearing a enerous supply of food. It was not the White henix’s intention to starve his captives, at any rate. Setting down the food, the bunchback liberat- ed Renwood’s arms and assisted him to a sitting posture, after which he fell back a few steps, and stood, with a malicious grin, watchfully re- garding the captive, Although Ralph’s arms were free, his limbs were still tightly bound, and there wasno hope of escape so long as the keen-eyed Swamp De- mon stood there, armed to the teeth. ‘ The young superintendent did not ignore the proffered meal. Realizing the prudence of pre- serving all his strength, he partook heartily of Now, let’s halt and make a brief examination of | the food, which, though rudely cooked, was by our booty. Perhaps some of these bundles are of no use to us; in which case we are only in- cumbering ourselves with worthless weight.” As the freebooters paused, by no means loth to rest from their heavy load, who was only a short distance in the rear, also stopped abruptly; but bis foot slipped, and he was precipitated into a clump of tangled bushes, eadlight Harry, | no means oo pgmenawir Food wasalso proffered Grace, but she refused to eat. After the meal was finished the black guard deliberately replaced Ralph’s bonds, then, still grinning demoniacally, silently withdrew. Once more left alcne, Ralph Renwood, as he | lay upen the floor of the cabin, chanced to see a with a noise that reached the ears of the rob- | bers. fnstantly the latter were on the alert, faint ray of light that gleamed through an ori- fice in the wall. Rolling over and over, he managed, with con- ‘** Look alive, boys! We are followed!” cried | siderable difficulty, to reach a position where he the White Phenix, could look through the opening, which was but Entangled among the treacherous boughs and | a few inches above the floor, vines, tne young engineer struggled to regain | , his feet, mi as the huge form of the terrible | of thesurroundings. Swamp Demon came toward him with long, anther-lke bounds, {n this manner he could obtain a partial view He saw that the cabin was in the center of a | small clearing, encompassed by a dense growth Unable to rise, the youth, who still held his , of trees, through which the gleam of distant revolver in his hand, hfted the weapon and ner- vously blazed away at the advancing shape. water might de seen. Under shelter of a huge rock was kindled a Thrice the pistol spoke inquick succession, but | rousing fire, over which the white-faced bandit the bullets all flew wide; and with a ferocious snarl the black Demon hurled himself upon his victim. Headlight Harry struggled desperately, but he was like an infant in the grasp of that hor- rible being, whose long, bony fingers encircled his throat in a deathlike grip. In a few mo- ments the luckless engineer lay motionless upon the sward. By this time the others had reached the spot, and White Phenix dragged the Swamp Demon from his prey. **EKasy, there, Demon! Let’s see what fine bird you have caught, before you tear him to pieces,” Matches were struck, and by their light the bandits scrutinized the still, pale face of the engineer. ‘Headlight Harry! Why,I thought I had finished the fellow,” ejaculated Duke Derby. The white-faced leader smiled grimly. _ ‘*¥rom present indications, it would seem that my faithful imp has completed the job for you. Yet,see! His heart still beats! He has more lives than the traditional cat. Well, Il am glad I pulled the Demon off in time, for, you see, I have an old grudge against this young gentleman, and I prefer to settle the score in mie ors liar way.” uke Derby was satisfied. ‘““The idea suits me,” hesaid, ‘I, too, have & grudge against the fellow, but I yield to your prior claim. So long as the young upstart is rn “e squelched, I have no cause to com- plain.” Without further delay, the outlaws now pre- pared to continue their flight. The mail-bags | eee ee — eee ae ee Ne Tr TOO and his grotesque companion were busily pre- paring their own meal. Ralph watched their movements intently. After eating to their stomachs’ satisfaction, . the swamp-dwellers reclined at their ease upon the sward. The White Phenix was talking rap- idly, emphasizing his remarks by frequent ges- tures; he was evidently explaining some inter- esting theme, for the hunchback listened with marked attention. Renwood strained his ears to catch the words of the outlaw, but the dis- tance was tco great. The afternoon wore away, and as night .ap- proached, the two ruffians began to make active preparations for some event or other. Weapons were carefully cleaned and loaded; and, present- ly, the swamp-dwellers left the camp, without bestowing a glance at the captives. From his loophole of observation, Ralph Ren- wood watched the forms of his foes, as they flit- ted among the trees and finally disappeared. It was plain that they were bound on some important expedition: and the young man was surprised that the White Phenix should thus leave his prisoners unguarded. Doubtless the outlaw calculated that Ralph’s bonds were strong enough to hold him safely until they re- turned. Whata chance for escape, if he could only free himself from the cords that held his limbs in a hempen vise! The young man’s eyes suddenly fell upon a shining object on the floor, which had hitherto esca his notice. It was a long, keen-edged bowie, which had probably dropped from the belt of the Swamp Demon, and remained with its sharp point deeply imbedded in the floor, / comicbooks.com