Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 88 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

— + —— — voughs of Cascade City had never feasted their eyes | upon before. After drawing rein, the eyes of the maiden were turned first upon the coming pursuers, and then appealingly upon the crowd. It was evident that she was too much out of breath to speak. ‘*What is it, miss?” a big miner asked, whose name was John Mason—a miner, he was, with kind- ly face and tremendous flowing whiskers. ‘* What’s the matter? Be you afeard o’ them ar’ galoots?”’ ‘Oh, sir! do not let them come up. They are bad, villainous men, who have pursued me here, to force me to stay under the guardianship of a man whom I loathe and fear!’’ the girl cried, passionately. “I appeal to you as men of honor, not to let those cruel ains touch me.” . “That settles it, miss!’ cried a cool voice, and who should push forward but the Spotter Sport, Rosebud Rob, closely followed by the dare-devil, Baltimore Bess, and the bummer, Bully Ike. ‘‘ We're on deck every time when a woman appeals for aid— ky the Mutual Life Protective Association. Eh, ess?”’ ‘Waal, now, you just bet!’’ the dare-devil replied. During this short speech the pursuers drew near- er, and the foremost rode close to the horse of the trembling fugitive, and drew rein, “Thank God, my poor, misguided child, that I have been so successful in finding you!’’ he said, in an oily tone, and he laid one hand upon her arm. **Come, dear, let us ride out of this crowd, and find a hotel. By the earliest stage to-morrow we leave on our return to Blackstone Hall, your Virgin- ian home.” ** No! no! I will not go! I willnot! Let me alone! Help me, somebody! will not go with this base villain!” the girl fugitive cried, shrinking away in sudden terror. ‘‘Oh! God help me!” ** Keerect! His envoyis on hand!’’ Rosebud Rob announced, stepping forward. ‘“* Mr. Whatever-you- may-call-yourself, jest be kind enough to oblige me PY, ene your y paws off from that young "99 “Sir, what do you mean?’ the new-comer cried, in evident surprise, his cluteh still upon the maiden’s arm. ‘“T meas just what I said,” the Sport assured “and if you don't follow my instructions in erbout the twinkling of old Jupiter's left eye, ll make per- forated card-board out o° ye fer ladies ter work mot- toes on, you bet your best chips! My name is Rose- bud Rob, if you want to know it—‘a man to suit all circumstances ’—an’ I’ve hung bigger men than ‘Young man, your insolence is pardonable when Icome to regard you in your rude surroundings. But ou should use more respect in addressing one of (’s servants, for you will readily B aeninieh: that I am a minister of the gospel—the Reverend Lucas Alyne, at your service.” sebud Rob gave vent to a prolonged whistle, while Baltimore Bess danced about excitedly, her fists doubled up, in warlike array. **T'll bet he’s an old liar!’’ she proclaimed, vocifer- ously; “* two to one he nevyer see’d ther inside o’ a church. Luk at thet figger-head o’ his, will ye? Phe-e-e-ew! I thort he was a half ‘twixt er Spitz cur and a perarie coyote, darn my stockings if I didn’t! The crowd cheered at this point, and the Reverend Lucas grew wrathy. “Tis a shameful disgrace—an insult to the pul- pit,’’ he growled. | “Bah! you contemptible hypocrite!” the girl cried, scornfully. ‘‘ Release me, sir.”’ ane ‘“‘ Nay, I will do nothing of the kind,” the Virginian hissed, savagely. ‘* Young man, will you put down your weapon and allow me to pass? I am an inno- cent man ina landthat lam unacquainted with. Lam willing to do everything that is fair, and if you will call upon me to-morrow, I will show you proof that Iam an ordained minister of the gospel, and that I am also guardian of this wayward child, who took a wild notion into her head to leave my house and home on no pretext whatever.” “Tis false!’ the girl cried, passionately. “I fled from this monster's house because he insulted me— because he abused me and whipped me when I would not yield to his shameful demands. As God hears me, this is the truth!” ' “Tt is false—utterly false, and a criminal lie against a servant of the Lord!” the Reverend Lucas protested, in holy horror. ‘* My child, will you ate the path of righteousness lying in your wa ** Not while you are around, you base wretch!” the girl cried, her eyes flashing, vehemently. ‘ You are & hypocrite—a bad, bold man, wearing the cloak of the church to cover your sins—a wolf in sheep’s clothing!” “Ares lar modern Moor!” snorted the irrepressible Bess. “Say, pilgrims, what a fust-class loro driver he’d make—eh? “ Young lady,”? Rosebud Rob said, “I believe you, and you shall be freed from him, for a time at least. Your name is—?" |. “Jennie Grey, sir. Oh! if you will please make him let go my arm—I—I--he is pinching me with all his strength.’ “Let go of her arm, you old devil!’ Rob cried, fiercely, and the menacing way in which his revolv- ers came up to a level, caused the Virginian to relax his hold, with a shudder, ‘‘ Now, then, Miss Grey, if you will allow me to assist you to os I will hunt up a place for you to stay until flrther arrange- ments can be made. Bess, old gal, will you shoot this man, if he attempts molestation? ‘You're jest shoutin’ I will!’ the dare-devil assent- ed, covering the Reverend. * An’ hayr, too!”? announced the bummer, Bully Ike, who had become somewhat sobered, by this Photograph Phil. — ee Ce time. frum ther 663rd congressional deestrict, an’ kin 999 a pummel the mug of ary pilgrim fer ther drinks As Rosebud Rob gracedall y assisted Jennie Grey to alight the three companions of Alyne, who had halted some distance away, came spurring forward. One was a dark-complexioned, black-mustached individual of five-and-twenty years, attired in a hunting suit, while upon the faces of his two older companions was plainly written “ river roughs.”’ The younger man, ashe drew rein with an oath, also drew a revolver. ‘** Drop that girl, curse you!”’ he cried, addressing Rosebud Rob, and covering him with his weapon. ‘** Deliver her back to the saddle, or I'll blow your brains out on the spot!” ‘Hold up thar, pilgrim!’’ Baltimore Bess cried, as she and the bummer, and the miner, John Mason sprung to the Sport’s side. “I'll allow thet three of a kind allus beats two pair, and besides, we've got the crowd to back us!” And a yell from the crowd sealed the verdict. ? CHAPTER IV. MORE OF THE INITIATION—PHIL A DEMON—AN INFER- NAL OUTLAW. WE will now return to the scene wherein we last left Photograph Phil. As stated, he uttered a startled cry at the sight his gaze rested upon, when the bandage was re- moved from his eyes. It was a scene that must have startled the strong- est-minded person at first. The room had been darkened, and before him the Boy Sleuth beheld a couple of human heads perched upon poles, all dripping and gory, as if they had just been cut from bodies. Beyond these yet, and forming a circle entirely around him, were human skeletons, standing upon the floor, as if possessed of life, while their bony arms and hands were stretched out toward him, and their grinning skulls seemed the impersonation of hideousness, inasmuch as they were surrounded by a phosphorescent halo of light. Perhaps Phil shuddered a little at first, but he speedily regained his composure enough to realize that all of this business had been arranged with a view to frightening the wits out of him. Accord- ingly he gave vem to a prolonged whistle, deno- tive of surprise, followed by a wild laugh. Instantly there was a hiss, and the skeletons and heads suddenly disappeared through the floor, and Diablo and his imps stood in their place. The transformation occurred so suddenly that Photograph Phil was unable to tell how it was done, ae he rightly concluded, by the aid of traps in the oor. “Thou didst not fear the doomed spirits of the dead that rose out of Hades?’ Diablo said, surprise manifested in his tone. ‘‘Nary a time, yer honor!” Phil replied, with a chuckle. ‘‘Guess not! Why, them ar’ bones were of no account in scaring me. Say, how much will you take to let me photograph thet scene? I could make a fortune out of it.” “Thy fortunes are bound unto me, Diablo, the act- re pay geet for Satan! lown thee, body and soul!”’ “The deuce you do! Git out! don’t sling your taffy at me in that shape, for I don’t swaller it worth a red cent.” “Thou art certainly possessed of a brave heart and a glib tongue, and a valuable acquisition thou art to mine Infernal Forces. Thou hast yet another ee to take before the administration of the oath!” ** All right—shove ahead! If you look for satisfac- tion in the expectation that [ll weaken, you'll be disappointed, you bet on it!” “The chief has spoken!’ was the grim response, and the man, Diablo, retired to the sdeoieineahbone: where he seated himself, with a wave of his hand. Photograph was next seized and borne toa wooden column which arose from floor to ceiling, near the center of the room, but a few feet from the throne. He was placed with his back to this, with his face fronting toward the throne, and bound, one rope be- ing passed around his ankles, another at his knees, waist, and throat, making him a helpless prisoner. The whole band, with the exception of Diablo, then passed around and around the pole, chanting hissing, and groaning, until a whistle from the chie ae them to cease and pair off into line at either rand. ‘I’m one o’ ther crowd—ther new candidate | RNNn a wa__ara — | ' See The whistle was also instrumental in bringing for- | ward, from an adjoining room, the man Diuena, bearing a large kettle of live coals, in which were thrust several irons for the purpose of branding. Phil perceived this, and a hard expression came over his features, for he realized that he was to be branded with red-hot irons! A shudder involuntarily ran through his frame. He had read of such practices in olden times, but he had never heard of such enormities in civil- ized America, since the Indians had ceased their hostile depredations along the border. It was a horror of horrors, truly. “Ha! ba!’’ Diablo cried, triumphantly. ‘We will see the bravo squeal, now. Diuena, you know your work. First the ‘40’ stamp, then the ‘skull and cross-bones,’ and then the ‘fraternity * stamp.” The Spaniard bowed, and an exultant chuckle | seemed to come from beneath his mask. It was evident that he thirsted for this opportunity to get rid of his new foe. Photograph Phil saw this, too, and he set his teeth, 5D Diuena seized one of the irons from the fire, and a} | a neg The iron was made in the shape of a 4 and 0, and when imprinted upon anything left the impression of “40... This stamp was six inches in length by four in width, and was at a white heat, The fair, smooth breast of the young Sleuth was bare, and was prepared to receive the cruel iron; nor could the prisoner have burst the bonds had he tried. Nothing, then, remained for him to do but to bear it to the best of his ability. His teeth were set like a vise, and his whole frame drawn rigid. Nearer—nearer came the brander,his eyes gleaming through the mask like coals of fire; his every move- ment seen fraught with devilish exultance. Now he poises the red-hot brand, and then push- es it down savagely against the breast of the cap- tive. The iron burns deep into the quivering flesh—the sputtering of the burning flesh and the sickening stench that arises, but adding to the terrible scene, At last, apparently satisfied with the pain he had inflicted, Diuena removed his instrument of torture, and stepped back to the kettle. A livid **40” stood revealed upon the breast of Photograph Phil, seared deep into the skin—a terri- ble mark, never to be obliterated All eyes were instantly raised to the face of the young Sleuth, to note the expression there. It was a smile of scorn that mantled the coolly composed features of the prisoner. There was not the least visible shade of pain-—no tears, nothing but that mocking smile. Diablo uttered an admiring oath! Such grit he evidently had not seen before. *Diuena, thou needst not mark the forehead of the prisoner!’ he said, ‘‘Only the body need thy hand touch.” ‘* And why this change. most noble cl@ef?”’ “For reasons best known to myself, Sir Imp. Proceed with thy work. Brand the prisoner yet with the skull and cross-bones, and pour salt water over him, after which bring me the oath-book.”’ The instructions were tlowed to the letter. The brand made in the shape of a skull and cross-bones was next used u pon the Boy Sleuth, who by a super- human effort—it could scarcely have been less—re- frained from groaning or flinching, although the pain caused by the red-hot iron was excruciating, As soon as this part of the programme had been emg ate a bucket of liquid salt was dashed against 1is breast where the brands had been applied. For a moment it seemed to him that he should yell outright, so intense was the smarting sensation resulting from this briny bath, but no sound came from him, much to the wonder of Diablo, ** Release him!’’ the chief cried, sharply. ‘A man of his grit deserves the honors of the Infernal Band, Now, then, Sir Photograph Phil, I will read the oath of allegiance, and you are to repeat it after me, word for word, with a revolver against your temple. The least hesitation will cause that revolver to go off, and as a result you will be a dead man.” “Very well, sir. Goahead with your machine; I'm ready,’’ Phil replied, grimly, for he knew that if he could stand the excruciating agony of the burning- irons, he certainly could bear to take the oath; for he was not taking it in the sight of God, but in the pent of the devil. Hence he argued there was no arm, The chief began to read the oath, and word for word Photograph Phil repeated it after him. Dear reader, we refrain from giving it upon haves. ‘“ And now,” Diablo said, closing the book, ‘ dost thou understand what thou hast sworn to—what a terrible vow binds you to us, young man?”’ *T should judge that my understanding must be > scmae degree aroused by this time!” Phil replied, rrimly. ae And thou knowest that thou art bound to me body and soul—bound to obey my every beck and nod—bound to execute your best work in my behalf when I shall so command it?” ‘*T ain't deaf, you old son of a gun!” “Take care! provoke me not, lest I smite you,” the chief replied. ‘Brothers, release and anoint the prisoner.” This was promptly done, The bonds which confined the Boy Sleuth were cut, and he stood upon the floor, while ready hands dressed and anointed his burns and rubbed the blood in his limbs into circulation. He was then helped on with his garments, and stood in the garb in which he had entered. Diablo then descended from the throne. “You must now draw for life!’ he commanded, exhibiting the ends of a couple of straws in his hands. ** Diuena, you have the first choice. If youdraw the short straw twice out of three times, you are doom- ed to be shot until dead!” The Spaniard nodded solemnly, and seized the end of one of the straws, while Photograph Phil took the firmly determined that not even the most excruci- | ating pain should cause him to ery or give a loud ex- pression of the agony he must endure. | remaining one. Diuena drew the short straw. Again Diablo retired long enough to get the straws arranged, and again did the Spaniard draw the fatal straw. ‘* You must die!” the chief said, in a low, hoarse tone, and searcely had the words left hie lips, when the Spaniard dropped to the tloor with a bullet through his brain, and Photograph Phil was a regu- lar member of the orcer of the Dread Infernal Forty—was an outlaw smong out!ows, ‘Come!’ Diablo said. ‘I would see you alone, for there is work for you to do,” He led the way, and Photograph Phil followed. He calculated that his initiotion was at an end, and that possibly there might be a chance for escape. Diablo led the way beyond the dais, and stepped IOO eoim (E S) (E(0)