Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 104 — page 16: what you’re looking at

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

16 r, something in his supernatural strength, that Sairaitied them. o “Two thousand dollars, my man: The blow must be returned.” The poverty-stricken man was not proof *inst this. A few moments before he had as d for a franc to keep from starving, and had received a blow; now he was offered a fortune, it seemed, to return that blow to him that gave it. Instantly the stranger’s ratan swung around his head, and it fell smartly across the cruel yet handsome face of Lucien Bethune, while a cry broke from the lips of two-score men who witnessed if. “Now, monsieur, this is my card. There, a is your pay,” and the stranger threw what ap be a gilt card upon the bar in front of the pallid Bethune, whom he had re- leased as the blow was given, and handed a roll | of bills to the unfortunate creature whose want had called forth such a strange scene. a re D Montezuma, the Merciless. — $$ Sl le ~ in the cafe door were sapally amass, and the | j negro coachman rolled up his eyes until the Neem Bm were visible, while he murmured to elf: ‘Praise de Lor’, I is goin’ to b’long to a a prince, dat’s a fack. The bow of Wilber Sebastian was answer enough, and Montezuma turned to Valik and spoke a few words with him in a language un- known to those around. Valik ste ave forward, drew a heavy wallet from the folc tain Sebastian twenty crisp one thousand do lar bills. “Thank you, monsieur,” and Montezuma, started to enter the carriage, the door of which Valik opened, before the surprised banker could find bis tongue. ‘* Senor,” be said, in Spanish, ‘‘ you do indeed have that which you wish, and I thank you heartily. My name is Wil the banking house of Abercrombie, Sebastian & As the stranger bowed to those around him | Co., and myself and partners will do ourselves and back to the bar, all expected to see Lucien Bethune shoot him dead; but he wiped his face with his handkerchief and took up the card. It was a piece of solid gold, of the shape and thickness of a visiting-card, and upon it was beautifully engraven two words: * MONTEZUMA, ** Mexico.” Paying for his wine, the elegant stranger oubenty drew on hie kid ad gloves, and strode to- ward the door of the cafe. As he did so a tall form came from another doorway, where he had been standing unno- ticed, and followed the stranger. This second person was a black slave, a giant in size, and dressed as richly as his master, but in a far different style, for he wore a turban of white silk, in the front of which was a strange device—a shield of immense emeralds, set solid, and in them a rattlesnake formed of rare rubies, and an eagle of the purest diamonds. A blue silk shirt and jacket, a sash of gold thread, white balloon trowsers of rich cloth confined at the ankles with gold buckles, an sandals, completed the black’s strange and rich costume. As the oo mes a ve fbi dis- Fk tere te of the door of the Cafe Bourse, a ozen voices cried: “*It is Montezuma, the Mexican billionaire |” CHAPTER XVIIL NTEZUMA MAKES A PURCHASE. THE hum of the conversation that immedi- ately followed the departure of Montezuma from the cafe, as quickly ceased as he appeared again in the doorway. “Pardon me, sir, but will you kindly inform me to whom this elegant turnout belongs?” It was Montezuma that spoke, and he address- ed Mr. Rosal Abercrombie, who was just then leaving the cafe, accompanied by Captain ae ean — os Cuban ban re, o t @ property of m rtner, sir, Cap- tain Sebastian,” politely sai Rosal Abercrom- bie. “* Again pardon me, sir; but is it forsale?” “I think not; he has refused exceedingly ge sums for the horses and carriage. ** But here he is; you might ask him. Captain , this gentleman was admiring your Wilber Sebastian approached and bowed po- litely. He had been struck by the splendid a pearance of the Mexican prince, as he was call- ed, and now saw a good opportunity to lay the eorner-stone of getting him as a depositor in his firm, if he intended making New Orleans his home. This was a fine chance to begin an ac- yep ge and he already liked the man for e way in which he had humiliated and pun- ished Lucien Bethune, whom he now hated heartily, yet dare not show his hatred. “Yes, spe nie ge is acknowledged to be far the handsomest team and in the city. I bought the turnout for my wife, but the horses are alittle too lively for her,” he said, with a certain sycophantic air. “Then you will a of them, monsieur ”” ‘“*T have always refused to do so, as I prided myself upon the whole rig as Saegy © ae finest in the country. I refused twelve thousand dol- lars for the horses and carriage, as they stand; of course that includes the negro coachman,” oe Captain Sebastian, and he gazed ad- rm Bly upon the pair of spirited black animals, the elegant, gold-moun carriage and har- ness and the negro coachman in livery. ** Monsieur, when I desire anything I always make it a rule to buy it,” said Montezuma, with a smile, and Wilber Sebastian felt now that he would get at least a thousand dollars more than he had before been offered, and made up his mind to sell if he did, ‘‘ The carriage I do not abe ran 78 care for, as I have handsomer vehicles 1 br turnout stands, and your coachman doubtless knows the city, [ will give you twenty thousand dollars for all, my pages and horses not be- yet off my vessel.” aptain Se an was astounded—delighted and eagerly bewed an assent, while the crowd —— | eae owe = Oe we ought here with me; but, as the |. the honor of calling upon you. Will you re- turn to the cafe now and have a bottle of wine?” ‘“No, thank you, sir,” replied Montezuma, speaking in perfect English. ‘‘IT have anen:age- ment at oi ge and gles you may know, as a banker, where to tell my coachman to drive—I seek Andrea Angelos, Banker and Broker.” ‘*He was here a moment since, sir; but per- mit me,” and Wilber Sebastian approached the carriage, in which Montezuma was now seated; ‘permit me to tell you as astranger to our city, that Angelos is on the eve of failure. If he does not pay notes due to-morrow, he will go under; I mention this as you may have intended de- positing with him.’ ‘Il thank you, Mr, Sebastian, but I think you must be mistaken, as I was sent to the Senor Angelos by one of the richest firms in Paris. ere is some mistake here, sir, I assure you. ‘*My name is Montezuma, sir, and I will be glad to see you and your friends as soon as I settle here, which will be ina fewdays. Good- morning, sir.” Wilber Sebastian reluctantly gave theaddress of Andrea Angelos to the coachman, and bow- ing low to the Mexican, turned away, while Valik springing to the box with the driver, the coach rolled rapidly away. ** Well, Wilber, what do you think of him?’ asked his friends, crowding around him. ‘‘He is a prince to spend money—twenty thousand dollars for what I would have taken thirteen. But, come in, all, and let us have some wine, and then I must hasten away, as lunch hour is over; but, where is Luce Be- thune?” ‘**Oh! he left as soon as Montezuma took his iron clutch off of bim. By Jove! did any one ever see such strength?’ said Brainard Aber- crombie. ‘I thought Bethune was a powerful fellow, but the prince handled him as though he was a child,” remarked Louis Chandeleur. ‘Of course Doctor Bethune will call him out and kill him. Mon Dieu! to have a be slap one’s face,” and Don Felipe shrogged Shis shoulders in dis : ‘‘ And get two thousand dollars for doing it! That Mexican is a dangerous fellow,” said Rosal Abercrombie. “He is a remarkable man; got into my car- riage and drove off as coolly as though he had owned it all his life, while & told me he had better ones on his vessel, and merely bought mine until his could be unloaded. hat will you drink, Don Felipe?” But Don Felipe was reading a note handed him by a boy, and did not immediately answer; then he said: ‘“*Champagne, iced, thank you. Ihave a note from Bethune, and he wishes me to act for him in his affair with Montezuma, and he invites you all to be present on the field;* but have any of you seen that accursed beggar? Bethune wishes to make his more intimate acquaintance, too,” and Don Felipe laughed, while havin uaffed their wine, the aristocratic bloods left the Cafe Bourse to devote themselves to busi- ness or pleasure, as their inclinations prompted. In the meantime Montezuma was driven ra- pidly through the streets by his new coachman who was divided in his feelings between dread of the erty Be ean Valik by his side, and admiration for his master within. When his lips would show his teeth ina ie of delight, he would suddenly catch sight of the piercing eyes of Valik fixed upon , and would look as grave as a monkey. “Dis is de identical place, sah,” said the coachman, drawing up in front of a large bank- ing house, over the ‘door of which was a sign bearing the name of the firm: ‘** ANDREA ANGELOS ‘* Banker and Broker. " Valik sprung to the ground and opened the door, and Montezuma walked into the bank, * At the time of which I write due was not cried down, as now, in the Gulf States, but rather en- couraged.—Tiis AUTHOR, 7 s of his sash, and handed to ae: ber Sebastian, of — ec te eg Sp F 7 rae ——_____ —- where the eyes of a dozen clerks were bud _ upon him. All clerks are au fait in a well regulate:! | stare, especially it the object of their gaze wears tticoat. ut in this case they were perhaps excusable, as never had they seen a person of such striking | appearance as was Montezuma. ‘** | would see Mr. Angelos,” said the Mexican, politely, to the cashier. ‘¢ He is not in at present, sir; but will soon be. Walk into his ogy office, please,” Montezuma did so, and seated himself in an easy-chair of the elegant apartment. but he had not long to wait before the banker walked in—Andrea Angelos, the same dark- faced man with the troubled look he had noticed | at the Cafe Bowrse, in conversation with Mr. | — Abercrombie and Captain Arthur Gren- ville. “The Senor Angelos, I perp ee and Mon- tezuma arose and extended his hand, while he added: ‘*My name is Montezuma, of Mexico, sir.’ Andrea Angelos grasped the small hand; it was white, shapely and cold. ‘* My name is Angelos, sir, and I am glad to meet you. I had the pleasure of seeing you punish Lucien Bethune at the Cafe Bourse, awhile since. It was splendid, sir, and you won golden opinions from all who were not afraid of the doctor, who has a dangeous name,” ‘“T thought he deserved it, sir, and Iam glad of your sanction.” ‘You certainly have it; but I just learned that Bethune intends calling you out, and ha selected Don Felipe Cosala, a countryman oj yours, as hissecond. Cosala is an old duelist, my lord,” said Andrea Angelos, giving his visit. or a title he had not claimed, Bes which the banker seemed to think belonged to him, as he seemed ‘‘ every inch a lord.” CHAPTER XIX. FROM THE DEPTHS OF DESPAIR. Wuen Andrea Angelos warned Montezuma against Don Felipe Cosala, the Mexican billoin- aire smiled pleasantly, and replied: ‘*It will give me pleasure to meet Monsieur Bethune and give him satisfaction for my act.” ‘* Permit me again to place you on your guard, sir. He isa deadly hand with the pistol, and a dangerous foe with the sword.” Again Montezuma smiled, and said, quietly: ‘*T thank you, Mr. Angelos.” ‘* After what you did for the poor wretch whe begged for alms, I fear it is the intention of Be- thune to make him trouble; Don Felipe was seeking him when I left the cafe.” ‘Indeed! Will you permit one of your clerks to summon my servant to me?” In a moment Valik stood in the presence of his master, who gave. him some instructions in g low tone, and the slave, placing a wallet upon the table, turned and walked rapidly away. ‘“Now, Mr. Angelos, I will talk business with ig As it is my intention to live in your city or some time, I wish to deposit with you.” Andrea Angelos turned deadly ple and then his face flushed crimson as he replied: ‘* My lord, I will be honest with you. Your deposit would raise me to the seventh heaven did Icare to act dishonorably with you, but I am now in the depths of despair as I stand on the brink of financial ruin. Montezuma elevated his arched eyebrows in surprise, yet made no reply, and Mr. Angelos continued: “Permit me, sir, to explain: circumstances of a painful nature, but_which I can never regret, caused me to leave Havana, throwing up my commission as an officer of marines in the nav of Spain, and I came here with my young bride and entered into business with what capital I received through my wife, for | had little. “For years I was _ successf but then, through the influence of Messrs. Abercrombie Sebastian & Co., I engaged in speculations that swamped me, and I was endeavoring to get, Captain Arthur Grenville to buy up my no held by the firm I mentioned, and to hold them until I could stagger from beneath the crushing load upon me.” “And Captain Grenville refused?’ asked Montezuma. ‘* He did, and it was nece for him to dc so. The truth is, his wife is much younger than he is, and is fearfully extravagant, and she plays heavily, loses a great deal at but of course in a legitimate way in her own house, and the homes of her friends, and this keeps the captain poor in cash at present; but I tire ‘* Not in the least; but what will you dof” ‘I know not, my lord. If my notes go to protest to-morrow I am ruined,” gloomily re- plied Angelos. ‘What are your liabilities—in toto?” “A quarter of a million, sir.” *‘A mere bagatelle.” Avsiron Angelos looked at the speaker in sur prise. ‘‘And what have you to pay that sum, Mr Angelosy” , : quietly COMRMICLOOOKS (E(@)