Beadle's Half Dime Library, Vol. XIV, No. 351 — page 3: what you’re looking at

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

aw ooo Bow-leg Ben, and I will fly to your presence and liquidate the slight indebtedness.” ‘*Nary! Tooold and thin. Come down, or there’ll be two more lights put out to-day aside ©’ Deadwood Dick's!” Soaker turned despairingly to O’Gall. ‘** Lordy, Gil,‘old ribs, what a fix! Have ye gota red?” ** Nary!” O’Gall declared solemnly. ‘Nor I. Aha! a thought strikes me. My ‘brother in-law, Gov’ner Snelling, is in town. You stay here, Gilly, while I go bounce the old chap for a saw-buck.” * None o’ that! Are you going to come down ?” eried Mag, sharply. ‘*Upon our sagacity an’ honor, we haven't the copper-dust from a red cent!” groaned Soaker, . ‘“‘ Then give me yer shirts. They’ll do,” Soaker looked at O’Gall, then both grinned. Neither of them possessed such a garment. Just at this instant a man entered and stepped up to the bar. * Put up the tools!” he commanded, ‘ Ill pay for these fellows’ cordial, Come up, boys, and wet your whistles again; thenI want to use you!” an announcement that caused Missouri Mag to open her eyes, CHAPTER II. THE GOVERNOR'S REFUSAL. In the best suit of rooms of the Prospect House, consisting of a parlor and four com- municating rooms, the Governor Suelling party had been installed on their arrival in Nowhere. The party consisted of Governor Snelling, a grave, Offi -ial-looking gentleman, of rather im- ressive looking face and figure; Daniel G. Etafford, who had been announced as candidate for Governor for the ensuing term; Ross Rock- ville, the Governor’s private secretary, and Miss Estelle Stafford, the candidate’s accomplished and handsome daughter. The gubernatorial party had arrived by stage late the previous night; yet, despite this fact, daybreak found Mr, Stafford up and seated in the parlor, with that mushroom sheet, The Stujf, spread out before him. He was a large, handsome personage, this eandidate for the highest office in the young State, with iron-gray hair and well-trimmed beard; bis eyes were brown and of kindly ex- pression, and, as a whole, he looked to be a person of a warm and kindly nature, with a will to do good whenever it came withia his power, He had been reading The Stuff’s editorial on the approaching execution, and there was an ’ expression of displeasure upon his face, “It looks like a gala-day advertisement,” he commented. ‘I do not like the spirit of the affair. Be he the worst of criminals, this Dead- wood Dick may have a heart in birm, that would revolt from having bis last moments tortured by a jeering crowd. I will speak to Snelling shod it!” , General Stafford and Governor Snelling had been warm friends from childhood, and their mos friendship made them like brothers to each otber. Snelling, having extensive mining interests, had declined renomination, and therefore, had influenced his friend, the general, to become a candidate, and the chances were that Stafford would poll a majority vote at the forthcoming election. ; Shortly after General Stafford had finished his perusal of the PADS the Governor entered the parlor with a pleasant ned ae To all outward appearances the chief magis- trate was an easy-going and good-humored gentleman, yet those who knew him in bis offi- cial capacit knew him only as a man of honor and integrity, prompt, stern, and immovable from the groove of his candid opinion as a mountain of rock. He had made a satisfactory executive, how- ever, and there were few who could say aught against him, — ‘*Good-morning, Snelling,” Stafford said, in answer to the official’s greeting. ‘I trust you feel rested after yesterday’s tiresome jaunt.” ** Yes, thank you—so much so, in f ‘ct, that I believe I shall set out for the capital without further delay, as there is a pressure of business awaiting me there.” ** But, Governor, you should not tire yourself out. Why not tarry here a few days? The rest will do you good.” “Perhaps; but, you see, I prefer to go on. Will you accompany me?” “T think not. This mountain air and wild scenery rather attracts me. Then, too, I’ve taken a sudden interest in a case here and i er EET Ee a SO ee ee Deadwood Dick Sentenced. a = . a tee want a little of your co-operation, if you will grant it,” “Ah! you want to work up a little political boom, I sup ? ‘Oh, no! Let politics take care of them- ma an for the present, I want to save a man’s ife, ag Snelling’s face changed in expres- sion. ** What now, Stefford—another of your ec- centric notions? You surely do not mean—” “Precisely that, and no more, sir. I want to save the sentenced outlaw, Deadwood Dick, from the gallows!” Snelling’s face assumed the cold, business-like hardness of expression which was peculiar to his executive life. ** Well, I surely didn’t give you credit for be- ing a crank, Dan!” he said, but your wish is most extraordinary !” **So it may seem to you, but Lassure you I have causes for wishing to prevent this sacrifice of human life.” , ** What are they?’ And Governor Snelling ree back in his easy-cbair, and lita cigar, addin ‘‘I never thought you would counsel for criminals, general.” ‘* Neitber have I. Byt as I said. I have causes for not wishing this execution to take place, to- dexelop into a day !’ a Name them! name them! Have you fallen in love with this famous fly-by-night fellow, or are you afraid his cronies will exert a bad etfect on your chances, at the coming election?” ‘‘Nothing of the sort, sir, To explain all to you would require too much time. You-are aware, | suppose of the misfortune that befell me, Fae ago?” “ Ah! yes.” ‘* Well, late last night, as we drove into this town, I pressed my face to the window-pane in the coach-door, and what do you suppose I saw? ‘‘Oh! a skeleton from the gubernatorial closet, no doubt!” and the Governor laughed ryly. x Nonsense! Nothing of the kind. I saw the devil-in-buman-shape who did me the wrong, rs many years ago—yes, the same evil, exulting ace. | Snelling looked interested. ‘Tt can’t be possible!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Where was he?” “ Standing upon the step of the stage-coach, and glaring in at me /” the general cried, excit- edly. He arose and paced to and fro across the room, bis brow knitted, and his agitation great. Governor Snelling, too, seemed considerably affected by the same cause which so disturbed his friend’s peace of mind. ‘This all seems incredible, Dan,” he said, taking a long whiffat his cigar. ‘I thought that deadly vendetta settled, years ago!” Stafford shook his head. ** Nol no!” be answered hoarsely—-‘‘ it never will be ended until Pierre Parrimore is dead. The accursed feud has swept away two genera- tions, and threatens to destroy a third!” ‘‘Yon are sure it was Parrimore’s face you saw—positive of it?” ‘‘Do you not think I have cause to remember it? When I look back and remember—but, God! I cannot recall the past without breaking down!” Snelling had never seen his friend as deeply affected as now. “You bad better come back with me to the city, general,” he said, ‘‘and forget all this trouble!” ‘‘Forget it, sir? Never. I sball stay here and wring from the lips of that fiend incarnate the whole truth, or die in the attempt. The feud has got to be ended sometime, and some- where, and it may as well be ended in this place as anywhere, When it is ended, either I or Pierre Parrimore will be a corpse!” The general spoke with a flerce determination that Snelling knew it would be useless to at- tempt to break. oti It was a bitter, inextinguishable vendetta be- tween two proud old Southern families, entail- ing doom to generation after generation—such a deadly feud as few countries except the flery- blooded South could produce, ‘Well, of course you are your own master; but asa friend, I'd not advise you to endanger your own life, and that of your daughter, by attempting an adjustment of the difficulty at present, and especially here in this rough town!” the Governor said. 7 ‘‘T am resolved, and shall do it. Of course, Snelling, I cannot ask you to mix up in the case, tse oe 3 but you have it in your power to do me a great favor!” *Ifso, name it, and I will give it due consid- eration. I believe, general, I have never re- fused to aid you?” ‘* No, you have not. But this isa favor of a rather peculiar nature, Jwant you to pardon Deadwood Dick !” The Governor looked at his friend in unas- sumed astonishment. ‘* Why, Dan, are you mad?” he ejaculated. **Oh! no—not mad, nor the least affected with dementia!” General Stafford replied, calm- ly. “T want you to pardon this Deadwood ick. He is one of the shrewdest detectives and most reliable men upon the frontier, and, of all others, would assist me most in fighting my battle with Pierre Parrimore!” e ‘*It is impossible, sir—utterly preposterous. As much as Ir gard you, asa friend, general, I do not care to bring censure down upon my head by pardoning this condemned desperado, just when my official career is about to «xpire. uch a proceeding would bave no precedent in the history of the American Government,” ‘* But, you can at least reprieve bim, on some not groundless plea?” ‘‘ Even that I sbould hesitate to do, as I be- lieve the fellow fully deserves the fate that justice has pronounced for him. If J] should re- prieve bim, what would it avail you?” ‘‘Much, Reprieve him, and I’ll see to it he escapes from jail!” ‘* You, General Stafford?’ ‘““T am more and more astonished at you. Suppose your political supporters were to know of this?” . ‘*Bah! Politics and vengeance don’t always travel hand in hand. I am desperate, Governor, and I mean to adopt desperate measures, to end the vendetta, that has so long existed!” ‘*You will have to do so, then, without my co-operation!” the Governor said, rising, and tossing his cigar outof the window, ‘I cannot, in a case like this, interfere with the mandates of the law!” ** Governor!” “General, it is useless to argue on the point. My decision is final!” “Stop! We have been friends from child- hood. Shall this foolish obstinacy on your part make us henceforth enemies?” ‘* As you like about that!” the Executive re- plied, haughtily. ‘I know my business, sir, and allow no man rule me!” _ With his hot Southern blood aroused, and his face burning with passion, General Stafford sprung to his feet. f ‘Very well, sir—so be it! When you return to the capital, announce for me that Daniel Stafford declines the nomination for Governor, and, sir, henceforth consider me no longer your friend.” * Without replying, the Governor bowed, in bis stately way, and turning, left the room. Daniel Stefford soon followed, His face still showed traces of great anger, when he stepped from the hotel), into the al- ready thronged main street of Nowhere, and there was, in the glitter of his eyes, a set look of indomitable resolution, CHAPTER III. A BOLD MOVE. FINDING out, by inquiry, the location of the office of Sheriff Calvin Carter, Genera) Stefford made his way toward it, a bold plan forming in bis mind as be went. We have failed to state that, in general a pearance, the general and the Governor greatly resembled each other. ¢ Both were portly and stately-looking men; both had broad, massive faces, and wore iron- gray beards of the same style of cut, and as they dressed quite alike, a stranger to them meeting but one on tbe street would bave been puzzled to know whether be had met the Execu- tive or the candidate. Of this resemblance Geveral 8! afford was well aware, and as he made bis way toward the sher- iff’s office be resolved upon a bold attempt to make it of avail in his émergency. At the hotel the stage bad just arrived, and would depart again within a few minutes. ‘* 11] do it, if I hang for it!” the general mut- tered. ‘ All’s fair in love or war—and it stands a matter of war, pow.” He turned abruptly, and retraced=bis steps to the hotel, Governor Snelling was in the bar-room. Stafford went up-stairs to the parlor, and saw : that the Governor’s bedroom-door was open. Looking in, he discovered the general's valise oy | conn : . — - COmmiclooolkxs :