Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 822 — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

at ~~ - - a *, te ee tg oa Pay re, ad nin eh os 5 x + “Seas a «)» * ~ »t ln ty A glen ~S ve >* oI « z * <va—** . o~ eal xy: aes ; i he, never was a squarer or whiter sport in ther world than Dicky!" ‘You are right!’ chimed in one man. And then the crowd tried to raise a cheer, in which they more than half succeeded. The clement in it that had been against Dick was not quite ready to come back ‘to his side again, but not a voice was heard raised against him, Dick's friends, however, talked of his vir- tues and good deeds, and his foes could not help but acknowledge that he had been their friends in many ways’ The uprising against his 1»uie had received a dash of cold water. The mayor, Avalanche, and others, went pack to the office. There the matter was talked over, and the order went forth to find and arrest Soapstone Sam, the Slippery Sport And this the honest citizens set about try- ing to do. The sport was not to be found however. and while the hunt was still going on day- light dawned. “It had been a trying night, and everybody was glad to see the welcome sunlight once again. That day was destined to end the terrible strain; a great denouement was in store for the young city. CHAPTER XIV. ‘SOME EXCITING EVENTS. Irv were needless to say that Soapstone Sam had not been retaken. Disguised as he was, he could move about with the crowd without danger.of being re- cog nized, The great mystery was, how he had es: caped from the jail,.and it was agreed that he was well entitled to the name he bore— Slippery Sport. The camp was very quiet, and even though the Dittle Brown Jugg tried to stir up strife he did not succeed. “The cowardly shooting of Deadwood Dick had worked a change in public sentiment, Some of the rebellious ones appeared at the mayor's office and paid their rents, ex- pressing their sympathy for Dick and their sorrow for their mean action toward him. The mayor posted a notice. It was to the effect that he hoped the matter might be allowed to rest quietly un- til the result of the wounded man's injury was known, Some time after the posting of that notice there was a stir of excitement in the camp. Other posted notices had been discovered There were two or three of them, in con- spicuous places, all aniKe, worded in this mander: * Crrizens oF Bristou Crry;— ‘ There is a false report abroad in the land. I am not the person who shot Deadwo'd Dick. I do, how- ever, know who did the deed, and it is my intention to bring him to account for it. So, when I make evant known to you, don’t be hasty about going for _ me, and thus, perhaps, blocking my game, but give ee Sere “ SoaPsToONE Sam " One of these had been found on the door of the mayor's office. The mayor, Joe Garry, Old Avalanche, and others, were discussing it in the office, a _ little later. “What do ye think of et?” the old scout “T have a notion it’s honest,” avowed Joe. ‘And so have I,” another man agreed. ne a n't belive that sport isa murderer.” e has shown himself to be too fair- \ thinded to shoot a man downin the dark like - that,” declared the SAKE, “ T hope he can ~ clear himself.” ‘Great hambone, yes! " cried Avalanche. “Of course you will give aim a fair show ter do et, eee “That is "right. every time. Great ham- bone what slewed ther Fillysteens! Let us bel oe ther right man, and you bet he 274 wel «Deadwood Dic. Dick, Jt, 8, Boom. gambler won f git out o Cul woe icutt bu ocean even though he is lubri- ficated with watch oil. And ef Dicky dies—” The old fellow could not find words strong enough to express what would happen in that event. While they were talking a man entered. It was the gambler sport, Hyde Lester, ‘* How is Bristol?’ he asked, “ The doctor says he has a chance for his life, ' answered Carleton. ‘Iam glad to hear it,’ was the good word. “d hope he will pull through and get well.” ‘ Lor’ Jerusha, yes!’ from Avalanche, “It was a coward’s work, whoever did it.”’ ‘Yes, truly.” “ And what think you of this posted notice from Soapstone Sam?” ‘Hardly know what to think of it,” an- swered the mayor. ‘Do you take any stock in it?” ‘Well, we hate to believe the sport’would do such a thing. ’ ‘But, it looks reasonable that he did do it. Deadwood Dick found him out for what he was, and ordered his arrest, and it stands to reason that he w ould have no very frie nd; ly feeling toward Bristol.” “Tt looks that way, I admit.” “And the way he talks about putting the crime on some one else—that looks a little thin.’ ‘Still, if innocent himself, it might not be unreasonable to believe he saw the deed done, for he escaped from jail about that time, or a little earlier. “ Which is ali the more proof against him, He might say you did it, or that / did it, but I guess he would have to show some proof further than his bare word tosupport sucha are ge.’ ‘“Well, we can only wait and see whom he will bring to account, and what his proof is," ‘I suppose so. And, I am sorry that I am not able to stay here and see the thing out, but I am called away <A messenger just came in to find me. and I am ealled home.” Sickness?” ‘Death. My wife is dead.” “That is truly bad, sir with you.” ‘Tl only wanted to say this, that I would not put too much reliance on what this sport I sympathize may say. ‘Then you know him?” ‘‘] have known him, He does not beara good name * While they were talking, Johnny Smile came into the office witha rush with a note in his hand. “This is for you, boss,” he cried, handing the missive to Carleton; ‘‘and this is for ou!” turning upon the gambler sport with a drawn and cocked revolver. ‘*Wh—what means this * that astonished worthy gasped. ‘Tt means that you are my mutton!” was ‘And, you will be dead the stern reply. mutton at that, if you move even a finger! Everybody looked on in amazement. ‘What means this, Johnny?” asked Carleton. ‘Read the note,” was the response, The lad did not take his eyes off the man, and the gambler sport, pale, stood helpless. Nor was Johnny Smile alone his captor, for now Billy Bucket had another revolver aimed at him on the other side. Billy well knew that Johnny must have good reason for his action, and meant to make doubly sure of the man till some ex- planation was had of the matter. “This is some infernal mistake,” the sport cried. ‘‘Put up_ those weapons, you fools! or vou will repent it.” 7 ary 4 a put up, yet!’ th ou stand just as still as you can,” added Billy, ‘‘for the least move might jar the trigger.’ x ee pens pe . ee Rb) 2 cae 2 they wheeled suddenly, 8 man of them poink- : 1% ts back, ar ees | eo? ee ~—— ‘*Lor’ Jerusha!” the old scout was saying, ‘‘what do et mean, boyees? Great ae bone of ther days of Dan’l in ther lions’ den, but my narves ar’ allofatingle wi" ‘citement!”’ “This is serious,’ remarked the mayor, who had now read the note. “What is et?” ‘You, sir,” to the gambler sport, ‘are charged with the shooting. o “What!” ‘«The fact.” ‘And who makes the charge?” ‘*Seapstone Sam.” ‘The liar and rascal! face me nnd prove it if he can! tell you just.a moment ago?” ‘Well, sir, he says he will bring the proof, and under the circumstances 1 must take yeu prisoner. Men, disarm him and bind his hands.” The fellow, pale before, was now deathly white. ‘T will not submit to it!” he cried, ‘' This is an outrage! I must, be on my way to my dead wife! This is a brevis Ae charge’ Why, I can prove by a dozen at least that I was in the hotel when the shooting was. done!” ‘You will be given the chance, sir,” “Then you mean to hold me?” ‘*[ must do so,” “Yas, you bet!” cried Avalanche. ‘“ Ef ther charge proves a fizzle, then you will berlet go with a reward of merit,’ ‘*What does the note say? The mayor read it aloud; ‘** MAYorR CARLETON: — “The gambler sport, Lester, is preparing to get: away from the camp. Do not let him go. He is the man who shot Bristol, as I can and will prove. Held fast to bim, and set his trial for three o’clocc this afternoon on the Plaza, 1 will be cn hand With my proofs. SOAPSTONE SAM,” ‘And you take his word against mine?’ cried the prisoner ‘“We have to do so, under the circum. stances," the mayor sternly replied. The man had now been disarmed and bound, and was ready to be taken away to the jail, storming furiously, though that w AS of no use; and some of the young city’s policemen being called, he was led off. Lucius Blackwall and his friend, Johnsom Green, were seated on the piazza of the hotel at the time. “Hello!” cried Blackwall. that?” ‘It looks as though the man is under arrest,” answered the disguised Soapstone ‘What is that for?’ “For the shooting of Deadwood Dick, I shall say, at a guess, 8 “But, Je did not do it, Sport; we know that. He came out of the hotel after we did, at the time it was done.” They no doubt have proof, however, or they would not make the arrest.” ‘| suppose so, but— Ha! look there!” Mr. Jugg, the Little Brown Jugg, was. scen being brought from the direction of the post-office in the keeping of another couple of the camp’s deputies. ‘** Another arrest, I guess,’ Green, quietly. “What have they taken him for?” ‘‘ Because he is active in stirring up strife, if for nothing more, I suppose,” the re- joinder, ‘‘I tried to caution him to let the matter rest for the day, but he knew best.” ‘This arresting business is going on & little too fast to suit me. And, what are all those fellows coming this wa for?” The mayor, Old Avalanche, Joe Garry, Billy and Johnny, and several others were crossing in the direction of the piazza. They did not look at the persons there, how- What did t "asked Garry. “What means ’ observed Mr. ever, er seemed to be going further, ” breast with Black- Just when they came however, wall and his companion, Let him come and > be yan! oP : a * 2x Am aol