Beadle's Half Dime Library, Vol. 1, No. 2 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

—— — —_—__—_—__—_ - - — -——_ ~ — _ More like a bodiless phantom than substantial flesh and blood. Just as he gained the entrance to the little valle in which we first beheld the outlaw band, Campbell, with a warning gesture, sunk quietly down behind a large bowlder. e was closely imitated by the trap- rs, who had also caught the muffled sound of orses’ hoofs. Lying thus, within ten feet of the narrow trail, the four scouts clutched their weapons, resolved to strike one blow before death, in case they should be dis- covered. Riding two abreast, the horsemen filed past, speak- ing not a word, only a dull trampling sound betrayi their passage, for their animals’ hoofs had n muffled. And the scouts lay there outlined against the gray rocks, scarce daring to breathe, lest the sound should betray their presence, The edge of the swiftly-moving cloud grew lighter and lighter; still the mre pug riders glided ss like some never-ending chain. With the first moon ; discovery would inevitable, unless—thank God! ~~, are past! ot one moment too soon—the silvery rays of the moon already outline the prostrate figures. But the night-riders do not glance back—they pass on, bent upon their mission of death and plunder. ‘** A close shave,’ muttered Campbell, with a long breath. ‘ But a miss is as good as a mile. And now the trail is open to us—though I fear we will have little reward for our trouble. I counted them as they rode by, and I don’t believe any were left behind at the camp. If so, and there were no captives with them just now, Iam puzzled to guess what has hap- pened to your friends.”’ ** Waal, sence we've come this far, reckon we'd bet- a 8° on an’ make sure,’’ interposed Yellowstone ack, “Keep close to me, then. The camp is—or was— close by, in the grove, yonder.” Half an hour later the scouts stood within the de- serted camp, moodily eying the few dying embers. A thorough scout through the valley left no room for doubt. The allied outlaws and Blackfeet had left, ap ntly for good, and had taken their cap- tives with them, if any they had. ‘It’s useless looking for a trail or to waste time in trying to read signs on such a night asthis. Besides, tis wing late, and the fun will open up over onder before long. We can do no good here—per- aps we can be of use to these emigrants.” ‘It’s poor manners to open a new trail afore the old one’s wound up—but I don't see what else we kin do. Besides, they'll be kinder lookin’ fer us, an’ "ll need all the help they kin git ef the lot we see’d all do thar best. I reckon you're right, boss.” Without any more words the scouts retraced their steps, and were soon gliding along through the deep ss, using all possible caution to avoid running nto the enemy, at times forced to pause until the moon again hid itself beneath a cloud, lest the keen- eyed savages should glance back and discover them. Suddenly they found themselves almost in the midst of a lot of mustangs, who snorted and pawed the ground suspiciously. These had been abandoned by the Indians and outlaws when the scout sent in advance brought in their report. Though the wagons were parked, everything was quiet in the camp, and the usual fires had been lighted. Hoping to surprise the emigrants, the savages had dismount- ed, leaving their animals unguarded, though secure- ly tied to the rocks around. The scouts Gan understood this, and Yellow- stone was in favor of stampeding the herd, but “onboee demurred. “That would spoil our plans, don’t you see? The reds would know then that the whites had friends at hand, and would be on their guard. As it is, when they are at it, hot and heavy, we will come down on them with revolvers, and as we've all got pretty sound lungs, we can make ’em believe they're at- old man! I knuckle under— tacked by a regiment.” “Your head’s seit I reckon I'll jest you boss all the time!”’ said Yellowston in a tone of admiration. Campbell still led the way, and a few minutes more of cautious creeping carried them out of the pass and into the broad, level before the cor- ral. Crouching beside a bowlder, they patiently waited for the moon to show itself, in order to _ an accurate idea of the enemy's poston ey were not kept long in suspense. e light came, rev to them the same sight that so astonished Pethonista and Ada, Then came the single shot from the wagons—the clear, defiant shout, mingled with the death-shriek of the stricken savage—the wild, charging of the at - a Ahepanare Se eee meg t glee ering volley—the s e t upon the peak; an then the moon hid steel once more, as though loth to gaze upon such a terrible scene. Keep close to me—not a word until I shout; then o in he all you’re worth!” hurriedly muttered Jampbell. The men glided rapidly forward. They had not noticed the weird being above, and were puzzled by the abrupt pause in the fight. But this was only momentary—then the horrible death-struggle for possession of the barrier was resumed. A clear, trumpet-like voice rose high above the devilish din, and carried a thrill of terror into the Blackfeet hearts. One of their number fell, pierced with arifle-shot. Then a wild cheer, long and seem- ingly composed of many voices, arose, and a death- hail swept through their crowded ranks, The avenger was upon them! Raging ‘Hike a very fiend Cee leaped into their t, nobly seconded by Yellowstone and his comrades, They rained death from every side, but not for long. ee EE 77 Yellowstone Jack. A cry of terror went up from the savages, and as with one accord they broke and fled, the white out- laws promptly imitated their example. But, close upon their heels trod the avenger, terribly vindicat- ing his name and reputation. CHAPTER XII, THE SACRIFICE. Wir a strength and activity that was little short of marvelous, the weird woman, still holding the half-senseless maiden in her arms, glided rapidly away from the spot where lay the still quivering form of Mat Mole. rning aside from the plain trail, she breasted the steep incline, leaping from point to point with the activity and sure foot of a mountain oat, or lightly scaled the piles of broken rock, seem- gly gifted with the powers of a cat, in more senses than one. Abruptly she paused, allowing Minnie to sink to the cold rock beside her. Leaning upon the heavy staff that had stricken Mat Mole senseless, the weird se ne stared fixedly before her, into the dense gloom. Minnie stirred uneasily. Theshock of her fall had, in a measure, broken the spell that had fallen over her mind. She stared wil around. She could barely distinguish the form of her strange captor, and might probably have taken it for another of the fantastic rock piles that stood upon wht side, only for the words that dropped unconsciously from the weird woman's lips. ‘“*Speak plainer—how can I understand when you bd a> pa so low? It makes my head hurt—my brain whirland dance and ring—yes, it rings now! I can hear the bell—Doll wore it—my cow. That was be- fore I died—when was happy with him/ Ah! why don’t you = saws clear—you are hissing like a snake —andI see it now! A snake! see it crawl—it comes nearer—it touches me—it winds about me—ah! ‘Tis a snake—slimy and hideous, but wears his head—the devil who ed me! Down—down! Ha! ha! you creep in the dust—your head is bruised and bleeding —like my heart!” The weird woman dealt fierce blows upon the rock with her staff, then sunk suddenly back, with a low se of intense suffering, both hands pressed to her reast. Minnie had been a terrified witness of her raving, but there was such a tone of suffering in the last words that she forgot all else, and strove to comfort the weird woman, ** You are ill—can I help you?” she faltered. There seemed a magic in the words, The woman's tremblings ceased, a low, ting cry broke from her li and two bony hands clutched the maiden’s king figure, drawing her forcibly forward, until their faces nearly came in contact. The weird woman's o> filed with a phosphorescent light that soem urn deep down into the terrified girl's ra ** Now I understand—now I know what my fos master meant! He says sacrifice—sacrifice! atis why he has sent you to me—I can read his sign stamped upon your forehead. It tells me that you must die. Come—don’t you hear him calling? He will be angry if I delay. And then he will put an- other queen over my head,’’ muttered the weird woman, lifting Minnie to her feet. ““Mercy—mercy! do not murder me! Spare me— Ee too young to die!" moaned the terrified en. * Too poe was young once. Young, loved and fair to look upon. Yet I died—yes, I died—yes, Idied! He killed me. He made me sleep first— where I had such bright, blissful dreams—where all seemed love and happiness—where his voice sounded e the softest music—his features those of an an- el. Ah, had it only lasted—could we have only ifted on forever in that land of dreams! But that was not to be. Something broke the spell. The music was the chorus of drunken devils—and then his mask fell off—it was the horrible head of a ser- a that saw. And then I died—yes, I must have ed, because I never saw him again—for whom I gave up my immortal soul. The serpent came in- stead—slimy and loathsome. And then—my head turns round and round and mixes the words all up. I can’t tell what came grates I know that he killed me. He struck me on the head—here,” and the weird woman the ae Minnie’s finger into a deep furrow upon her head. ‘ That’s what makes it so light. Sometimes I have to tie it down to the rocks, to keep it from flying way off up there—where the bright star shines. Those are the times that my master comes to me—and we go fioating all over the world, noting down the names of his new slaves. Tis glorious sport! He talks plain, then, while now he only whispers—ha! you hear? He says sacrifice— I am a queen, but he is my master and I must obey his commands.” “Tis only the wind that howls through the **Ha! ha! ak silly fool—to think to deceive me —think you I know not the difference between his voice and the muttering of the wind? No, no—ye want to escape me and make him angry—you think that he will make you queen of this land, over my head, then. But I say no, you must go when he With a low, grating laugh, the weird woman dragged the maiden forward a few steps, then paused, holding her erect with that wonderful strengt sO many maniacs are gifted with, despite Minnie’s desperate struggles to free herself; and then, exhausted, the poor girl lay half senseless in the weird woman’s vice-like * Look! boage 3 is my master—he is waiting for you! See floating in the air below us? t is a good sign. Cease your trembling—there ignothing Cnn eee eee ee eee... 11 to fear. He is in a good humor to-night—see him smile—he does not mean that you should die—he will catch you as you fall. Perhaps he has need of another queen—yes! see! he holds a crown for you. ‘Tis smaller than mine—but that is just, since I am his favorite vassal, Do you see him? Answer me— I command you!” ‘“*Mercy—have pity on me! I can see nothing, nothing but death !’’ moaned the r girl. ‘*Then—but no—he motions for me to wait. The moon is just coming from under that black cloud, He means for me to wait until you can see what the future has in stove. Stand up—he hates cowards,” ew igual added the maniac, roughly shaking nnie. The dark cloud swept swiftly on. Its ragged edge grew brighter and brighter, until the broad silver — moved majestically from behind the murky v ** Now, you can see—look quick! he is Be im- patient—he beckons—you must obey!’’ shrieked the weird woman, lifting Minnie by the shoulders clear of the rock, holding her at arm’s-length over the frightful abyss. hey were upon a narrow point of rock that over- tase | an almost fathomless canon. A fall from this would be inevitable death. The breath of life would have departed the body long ere it touched the jagged rocks below. ne terror-stricken glance did Minnie give, then closed her eyes in horror; almost unconsciously a ° prayer ed her lips. ‘“* Mother in heaven! protect me poor child!” These simple words produ a strange effect upon the madwoman. e wild light faded from her eyes, the frenzied look abruptly fled from her = «t ig owas egy —— a gasping cry she — rom the y verge, sinking to the rock beside the maiden. ** You have a mother—you pray to her?”’ ‘“My mother is dead; an angel in heaven,’’ Min- nie faltered, almost fearing to speak, though a won- derful change had come over the weird woman. “*I had a mother once, and she died; he told me that it was my bad conduct that broke her heart. She was good and pure and holy, Often when my brain is well, I wake up from a pleasant dream, and feel her warm kiss upon my brow, just as she placed it there when she bade me good-night. She didn’t dream how wicked I was, or ‘twould have been her curse instead! And that * I stole away like a thief. I was a thief, for I robbed them of their earthly peace for all time to come! called mother, too, by a little ber why she left me. I was very. kind to her. I would have died for her sake, and for his. But she went away; maybe mother called her. She thought I would teach her to be wicked like myself, per- ee nee ele And I was angel; I don’t remem- ha 9 There was something peculiarly touching in these words, uttered as they were in a subdued, mournful tone by that strange being, as she sat rocking to and fro, Gon her hands ceaselessly; and Minnie ok felt a choking at her throat, as she mastered her terror ey to say: ““As you lov our child, by the memory of the mother that loved you, I beg you to have pity upon me; I never did you harm. I would like to be your friend, and help you if I could. I pray you let me return to my friends.”’ ** Who are you that begs mercy of me?” abruptly interrupted the weird woman, springing to her feet, her eyes again filling with the fires of insanity. ‘‘ Ha! I remember—you are one whom my master de- manded as a sacrifice? Come—he is pte ip ol he must be obeyed!” and she dragged Minnie for- ward to the edge of the rock, paying no heed to her broken sobs and prayers for mercy. The moon was again hidden behind a cloud, but the madwoman bent far forward, as though trying to pierce the intense gloom below. Then she rose erect, and one hand across her brow with an impatient gesture, “I can see nothing—he is gone—there is only that hideous serpent writhing around, biting i with its bruised, bloody head. Master! I am here, ready to obey your will. I will give way to no more foo dreams of the dead past. Tell me what to do—ah, thanks, good master! I was you were an- gered with me. See—here is the sacrifice you de- manded—I send her to you—”’ but the weird woman held Minnie half suspended above the abyss for a moment, without relaxing her iron grip. “Ha! he shakes his head—he points toward the Enchanted Valley—he vanishes! What d mean? He rejects the sacrifice—or wishes it at his home. That's it—at his home!” and laughing shril- ly, the weird woman oy dey helpless girl across her shoulder, and darted from the spot, crossing the rough country with an ease and celerity fairly mar- velous, avoiding the many pitfalls, as if by instinct. Minnie was aroused from her stupor by the sound of shrill ey and rifle-shots, and as the madwoman dropped her to the rock, she caught a brief enee of the plain below. She poocgnenes the white tilted wagons, and knew that friends were almost within reach. She stretched out her arms with a pitiful for help, for the moment forgetting that the emi- ts were in nosey as t peril as herself; and en, as the moon hi itself, the weird woman ceased her mad ravings, — ya oe the arms, pressing on with una speed, distance she had already traversed. Minnie took no note of the lapse of time, so utter- ly prostrated was she, both from bodily exhaustion and mental anxiety. At times, when the ground was more level, the madwoman set her upon her feet and led, half sagged her along, never pausing after leaving the pinnacle above the attack n- train until she reached the valley of the Bolling rl in her espite the Eomicboo SnlEO)