Beadle's Dime Library, No. 142 — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

-—_ Fs ~ : . pe’ 10 * : ~ OE A I LL IL, =“ will leave you ter think they is goin’ ter starve ver out, an’ when they catches yer nappin’ will pounce down on yer fer sartin.’ * And you saw nothing of Mr. Harwood?” *‘Nary; he hes been scooped in.” ** Captured?” “Yas, pard, or kilt; he were a durned fool to g¢0 nosin’ round on horseback as he did, an’ ther reds hes doubtless raised his ha’r ter let a leeti!e sense in his cocoanut.” “T hope not so bad as that, Mr. Ledbetter,” answered the major. ‘* Mister Ledbetter! waal, now, that is raal good, an’ it’s ther first 1 has been called by my name for so long I looked around ter see who vou was talkin’ to, pard; no, major, don’t mis- ter me; ef ver does ther wolves will be howlin’ Led—b—e—t—t—e—r—r—r wherever I go,” and Skeleton Sam pronounced his name in imitation of the howl of a wolf, and it brought forth a general laugh from all but the solemn-looking Rattling Rifle. ‘‘Skeleton Sam are my name, an’I guesses I _looks like it,” he resumed, glancing at his long, bony limbs. *“Well, Sam, what do you think the chances are of the guide’s being rescued by Captain Crimson?” asked the major, and both Maud and Violet showed increased interest at the question. “‘Ef yer means by Capt’in Crimson thet Man with ther Iron Face, then I calkilates ther chances are good ter see ther guide back, for somehow thet queer inderwidooal is a terror, tak’ him as yer please— Hark!” The sudden cry of Skeleton Sam caused every ear to be bent with attention to catch the slightest sound, and for a moment there was a dead silence. Then was heard the rapid fall of hoofs out on the prairie, and several quick flashes and re- perts followed. ‘i , geltbage is coming back!” cried Ross El- iott. ‘*Guess not; thar is two men comin’, an’—oh, Lordy! jist hear that,” cried Skeleton Sam, and wild, startling terrible, arose the war-cry all in the train had heard before. “The Iren Face, the Iron Faee!’’ cried a dozen voices. “And heis not alone,” said Maud, in a low tone, but Skeleton Sam heard it, and answered: “No miss, thar is Injuns out thar whar he is, fer he hain’t no man ter burn powder at shad- ders, and give his war-cry to skeer away wolves.” “But is the Guide with him?” asked Maud, usly. “TI hain’t no il sharp, miss, ter see through darkness; but I hears two horses comin , an’ I sees thet two riders is usin’ wee- ns. “Then it must be Frank—I mean Doctor Powell,” she added, quickly, while the darkness alone vented all from seeing the crimson flush that spread ever her face. “* Waal, whoever it are with Lron Face, he’s a shooter clean through, for ther weepons is rattlin’ lively, an’ they is headin’ jist heur, an’ ther horses is flyin’ instead of runnin’.” As Skeleton Sam spoke again — out the terrible war-cry of the Iron Face, and following it came another, but not in his voice, and a cheer arose from the motte, for the well-known eons whoop of Fancy Frank was recognized y all. All eyes were now turned upon the two horsemen, who it was now seen had broken through the Indian line, and were coming on ata pace that brought expressions of admira- tion from all at the speed of their horses. But had ‘et f passed unscathed through the cay gantlet Such was the question upon every ‘lip, and yet not one gave vent to it aloud. A moment more, and there came in the deep tones of Iron Face: ‘*Clear the way behind that barricade!” All darted one side, and up into the air shot the splendid black stallion, and over the high breastwork he went like a deer, to be followed ey by the steed ridden by Fancy n Welcomes upon all sides now greeted them, but their first duty was to their noble horses, and then the two men came forward into the broad glare of the firelight. And two more splendid specimens of man- hood no eye ever gazed upon, and each person resent allowed their eyes to ream in admira- n from one to the other. Of the same magnificent physique of the ana of the Iron Face, Fancy Frank possessed so the attraction of a remarkably handsome face, that was stamped with fearlessness, de- termination, and a certain manliness that was wey winning. © was dressed in a buckskin hunting-shirt, wore frin leggins, top-boots, and a gray slouch hat with an immense brim, turned up upon the left side and fastened with an ivory pin, representing a white beaver, the name which the Winnebagoes had given him. He was thoroughly armed with weapons of the latest improved patterns, and they were heavily gold-mounted, which circumstance, A ————Ss —— — Captain Crimson. ‘ 1 ‘ added to his superbly embroidered buckskin suit and very neat appearance, had won for him the border cognomen of Fancy Frank, while his very courtly address and well-chosen language proved that he had been reared a gen- tleman. With a curiosity he seldom bestowed upon a man, he turned upon Iron Face, as soon as they stepped into the broad glare of the fire, and scanned him from head to foot; but, as surely as in the darkness they had ridden together, the iron mask shut out all penetration, and the blank, iron features only were visible. But, disguising his evident disappointment, Fancy Frank cordially extended his hand, and said in his pleasant way, while the eyes of the man who had rescued him were fixed upon his dark, handsome, yet somewhat sad face: ‘* Now, sir, I can thank you, for 1 owe to you my return to this train.” Iron Face grasped his hand, but answered quietly : “Sav rather to the fair lady in black, you owe your escape, for, though you did not tell me so, ] am confident she released you from your captors.” “4 fair lady in black?” Involuntarily the words came from the lips of Maud Malcolm, but loud enough for several ear's to hear, and seeing that the lron Face had bent his gaze upon her cousin, Violet Vassar said, quickly: ‘‘Come, Maud, these gentlemen must need re- freshments of some kind, so let us prepare sup- per for them.” ‘Well thought of, Violet; come, geutlemen, over tomy camp, and there we can make you comfortable for the night,” said the major. ‘* Hold on, pards! I guesses thar’s goin’ to be a breeze o’ some kind, fer look o’ thar,” and Skeleton Sam pointed out over the prairie to where a horseman was visible, coming at a rapid pace toward the timber. All eyes were turned upon the stranger, and as he came nearer half a dozen voices called out: ‘It is Dick Harwood.” The next instant he dashed into the timber, and cried out in startling tones: ‘‘ Quick! all gather here to beat back our foes, for yonder come the Mad Colonel and Black Kettle with all their forces,” and he pointed to a dark mass of men and horses moving swiftly down upon the motte, and with cries of alarm nae rushed toward the point of at tack. CHAPTER XVII. THE ATTACK AND RESULT. ‘‘Houp! let no man move without orders! back to yonr posts, all of you!” The ringing voice of Iron Face checked every man as he was hastening, arms in hand, toward the side of the motte, upon which the band of horsemen were charging at full speed, with yells ae) were enough to strike terror to the stoutest eart. ‘“In Heaven’s name! what mean you?’ asked Major Malcolm, in alarm at the strange com- mand of the Man of the Iron Face. ‘‘T mean that yonder movement is but a feint, to draw your men to this point, while the real attack will be made at the other side of the timber.” ‘‘No, the entire force is yonder, for I have been watching them form for several hours,” cried Dick Harwood. ‘You are mistaken, sir; to as you were before, and you, Guide, come with me, for ey repeating rifle will be needed,” said the Man of the Iron Face. ‘*T has a peart talker, too, pard,” put in Rat- tling Rifle, See ‘Then you and your pard come, too; major, we will take care of the other end of the motte, while you look after this; now, sir, you had bet- ter open on them,” and, as the Iron Face, Fancy Frank and the Twin Pards, as Skeleton Sam and Rattling Rifle were called, darted across the timber, the howling mass of horse- men were near enough for the rifles of the emi- grants to open upon them. At a glance Major Malcolm saw that the at- tacking party was by no means as large as he had supposed, for, a close look through his "eee showed him that fully two-thirds of the orses were riderless, though their coming on with the others caused the Indians to appear three times the number they really were. ** Give it to them, men! throw no lead awa called out the major, and the rapid fire of the emigrants brought a dozen ponies down, but still the others pressed on, until another line of fire burst out of the dark timber, and proved too much for Indian courage, for quickly the two-score braves wheeled to the right-about, leaving the ponies they were leading loose upon the prairie. ‘The Lron Face was right—_ Ha!’ Hardly had the major spoken when there came a sound like muffled thunder from the other side of the motte, and then a terrific burst of fire-arms, followed by cries, war-whoops, oaths and stern orders. ‘Maverick, you keep those fellows at bay, while I see how fare our friends upon the other our posts, men, 1”? side,” cried the major, and bounding through the timber he soon came upon a scene of des- rate conflict, for, as the Man of the Iron Face ad surmised, the main force, consisting of half a hundred Prairie Tigers, and three times that number of Indians, under their cruel chiefs the Mad Colonel and Black Kettle had advanced in silence upon the other side of the motte, be- lieving that the feint made by two-score war- | riors and a hundred ponies would be believed to ni i Te esses be the real onslaught, and draw the train de- fenders to that point of defense, But, to their consternation, as they came si- lently over a rise of the prairie, and headed fer the timber, they were met by a withering fire that made many a horse riderless, and strewed the ground with dead and dying men and beasts. In the pauses between the volleys of the emi- ants, the rattling of the repeating rifles of ron Face, Fancy Frank and Rattling Rifle were heard, and were so surely aimed that the charging column wavered badly, and a second and third general discharge along the line, sent red-skins and outlaws back in confusion and terror, in spite of the rallying cries of the Mad Colonel, who, though being surprised, where he hoped to surprise, made a desperate effort to penetrate the timber. Once broken, the combined forces of Black Kettle and the Mad Colonel quickly retreated, the Indians bearing off their dead, as is their custom, while the whites, more heartless than their savage allies, left their dying and dead comrades without a pitying glance. Among the emigrants but cne had been killed, and a few only wounded, for their high breast- works had protected them, and great was the rejoicing over their victory. At last the gray of dawn appeared in the east, and as the sun arose over the prairie, not an In- dian or outlaw, other than the dead, were to be seen, and anxious to go on, Major Malcolm was about to give the order for the train to resume its march, when Fancy Frank said: ‘Oh, no, major, we must not leave here for some time.” ** But the enemy have fled.” ‘“‘True, Major Malcolm, but the Guide is right, ou must remain here, as the departure of your oes only means a ruse to draw you away from your fort, out upon the open prairie, when they would pounce down upon _ you, and, doubtless, ae the train,” said the man of the Iron ace. “Well, you gentlemen certainly should know, and I will follow your advice, as to you we owe our present safety ; well, Harwood, which way ?” and Major Malcolm called out to Dick Har- wood, who just then rode up, as if to take a ride over the prairie. ‘‘T promised to accompany Miss Vassar for a short gallop on the prairie, major, now that the enemy have gone.” **Tt would be imprudent, I think.” ‘Why, are you going to break camp, sir?’ asked the young man. * No, not until I know just where our foes are, _“T may be able to bring you some informa- tion; I will promise to be careful, sir, and both Miss Vassar and myself are well mounted,” per- sisted the young man. ; The major was about to say decidedly that Violet should not go, when Iron Face said in a whisper. ‘* Let her go.” ‘‘ All right, Harwood; but be careful, and de not go too far.” : ‘Thank you, major; we will return in safety,” and Dick camp, where Violet, looking very beautiful in riding-habit and plumed hat, wasawaiting him. A Fow moments after the young man and maiden dashed out upon the prairie, and seeing them, the mater turned to Iron Face, “May I why you advised my allowing my niece to run the risk she must by a gallop on the prairie?’ ‘*] will tell you my reasons, sir, upon my re- turn,” was the quiet response, and soon after the man of the Iron Face rode out of the motte, mounted upon Whirlwind, who looked as fresh as oe oe peel ‘** That man has some deep motive in followin Dick Harwood,” said Puiee Frank. : ‘So his manner led me to believe when he asked me to permit her to do so foolish a thin as to let her go with Harwood, whom, I wil frankly confess, I do not like.” ‘Nor I, though he seems a plucky fellow; but somehow I feel that 1 have met him before, pn for the life of me I do not know when or where, yet it was not under pleasant circum- stances, I’]l swear.” ‘‘ And what think you of the Man of the Iron Face, doctor?” asked the major, who often ad- dressed the guide by his professional title, knowing that he had been a surgeon in the army. , 7 fe is the bravest man I ever saw, and can do more than any one I ever met; he is a won- der, and I know that I havo met him before, though his iron face prevents all recognition; the man isa mystery, and I would give much . to see the features beneath the mask he wears, ICO (e S arwood rode over to the major’s . com =. 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