Beadle's Dime Library No. 147 — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

Oe Ok GEE Be ee eS eee < ee een ———— “ 7 ‘ Y el os) ‘7 : “oe ee —EEEE for that service, and donot believe him to be the | Raising the vail which she had drawn down It was her turn now to grow pale, and her ; fearful monster that huge lieutenant says he is.” | upon entertie, edneaed saw her beautiful face | bosom heaved tumultuously wit cieckaad “I don’t believe it myself, miss, and he will started back with the cry: emotion: but she hissed forth: and replied simply: dead or alive; come, ” and offering his arm to a brilliant-leoking maiden of nineteen, he started on his return to the , the others slowly following, and Gold Spur in charge of the platoon that had been detailed as the executioners of Sergeant Sylvester. CHAPTER X. A WIDOW’'S WIDES. ‘““SEnTINEL, I would speak with the pris- oner.” The request was in a voice of rare richness, and the trooper on duty at the guard-house door, saw bent upon him a pair of eyes that were exquisitely beautiful, and seemed to be the windows of a pure and noble soul. A petite, graceful form, clad in a dress of soft texture that fitted her te perfection, a complex- ion as soft as velvet, and tinted with health, ruby lips, teeth of pearl, a manner strangely fascina- ting, and a voice of pathetic sweetness, and you have before you, kind reader, Clarice Conrad, the *‘ child widow,” for the officers already had given her that sobriquet. Why this beautiful creature had come to visit the prisoner, a man charged with being the White J ackal, and believed by many to really be that noted chief and renegade, the soldier on duty could not fathom. But he knew well his orders and that visitors were not allowed tosee the one who styled him- self The Gentleman from Texas, whatever he pignt or might not be, and he said with a ute he would have given a major-general, but with firmness: ‘‘Tam sorry, miss, but it’s against orders.” Tam nota dangerous visitor though, guard,” she said with her sweetest smile. The sentinel felt that she was the most dan- of visitors, but refrained from saying so, ‘Tam sorry, miss, but I cannot disobey or- ers. ‘* Not even for me?’ ** No, miss.” “You do not think a woman like me could do any harm?’ and she bent her most fascinating gaze u him. Bluntly came the answer. “Yes, miss, women like you do all the harm in the world.’ She laughed, a silvery, bewitching laugh, and answered : “JT was one of the train, as you doubtless know, that was saved by the prisoner, and I wished simply to say to him that I thank him doubtiess be glad to know you think kindly of him; but I cannot annie po even for you, and I had to refuse the Child of the Regiment at i mys 5 - Gold Spur, “You are Colonel Eldred, and I do not wonder at it; but the truth is, I have heard so much of this strange character that I am anxious to gratify my woman’s curiosity and see him.” “You can do that at his trial, for ina few days he will be brought before a military tribunal, as certain evidence is coming in that leads me to almost believe him to be the one whom we call the White Jackal, the most dev- ilish renegade white man on the frontier, and whom I would give an arm to capture.” -_—— ** ‘Would you know why I came to this prison?” “To see me, doubtless, having in some way ized your old-time—” ‘Hold! breathe not that word here,” she cried quickly, and with a show of anxiety. ‘‘As you please; I certainly am ashamed of it,” he said with biting sarcasm. ‘‘T came here, sir, by the orders of Colonel Eldred, who knows that I was once the captive of the Prairie Serpent, the renegade Texas chief, to see if you are not that man, ‘““Ah! not content with making me out the ‘“‘T wish to see him now, colonel, for, to be | White Jackal, I am also to be made that Texas frank with you, I believe I have seen him be- | renegade?’ he queried, rather than answered fore, and | wish to satisfy myself on that int.” ‘‘Indeed! may I ask where you think you have met him before?’ The widow remained silent a moment, patting the floor with her foot, as was her wont when thinking, and tben she said slowly: ‘“‘My husband, colonel, was a Texan, a ranchero, or cattle king, as you call rich cattle men up here, and when on his ranch I was kid- napped by a noted outlaw chief known as The Prairie Serpent, and in rescuing me from his power, Mr. Conrad lost his life, and I now wish to see if this Gentleman from Texas is not the same bandit leader.” ‘* Assuredly you shall visit the prisoner, my dear Mrs. Conrad; but what excuse can you give to him for your visit?’ “Trust a woman for an excuse under any cir- cumstances, colonel,” was the laughing reply of the widow, and recei the permit, she gave the commandant one of her most bewitching looks, and hastened away on her mission. “Well, my good man, the colonel gave me the order, as you see, and she held forth the pa- per, which the soldier took and read aloud: “The bearer has permission to visit the prisoner known as Gold Spur. / ELDRED, ** Colonel Commanding.”’ “Tt’s all right, miss, and I knew he wouldn't refuse you: just let me unlock the door for you,” and the sentinel turned the huge key, and the beautiful widow step into the room. A small, narrow window only gave light, and at first the widow saw only the outline of a human form, as the occupant of the room rose at her entrance. But ually her eyes became accustomed to the dim light, and she beheld before her the manly form and handsome face of The Gen- tleman from Texas, whose eyes were now fas- tened upon her with a look of intense interest. fully, an “Great God! Clarice, you here!’ ‘* Yes: and I bave come to tell you, sir, that your doom is sealed, for you are in my power, with a sneer. ‘*You know that the Prairie Serpent disap- penne from Texas a year or more ago?” sé es. “You areaware that shortly after his dis- appearance there the White Jackal appeared on these northern plains?” ** So I have heard.” “You are known as The Gentleman from Texas, and you answer the description of both the Serpent and the Jackal, and—’ “By Heaven! now I see the drift of your meaning,” he suddenly exclaimed. “You were obtuse not to have sooner dis- covered it,” she sneered. Py mean that it is in your power to hang me ‘a Yes. ” : ‘‘If you say I am the Prairie Serpent, then I will be believed certainly to be also the White Jackal?” ‘* That is m ses ry 3 ** And will be hanged as such?” “cc Yes. 9 ‘ ‘Well, sweet Clarice, I do not care to h under such charges,” ‘But no power on earth will save you, if I make the charge, for I stand well here, my brother being lieutenant and aide.” She suddenly checked herself, as though she had gone too far; but already he had caught her words, and said quickly: “‘ Aha! that la linguee, Clarice, shall cost you dear: now I know that you, Clarice Con- rad, are the sweet widow Conrad of which I have heard since my stay in the garrison, yet never rr os a glimpse of. ‘Your brother, I believe, is Lieutenant Ed- ar Emmerson, aide-de-camp to the colonel; a! ha! ha! my beauty, you are playing your cards with a bold hand and have some devil’s game afoot, I'll swear.” ‘‘Whatever game I may have afoot you will not live to see me run it down.” om, doubt that, Clarice, for I am in excellent + the same request.” and within the week you die.” th. ie “Ha! she has been here then?’ asked the| The soft voice had Changed now and had be-| ‘‘Sudden deaths often occur.” ha widow, quickly . come hard and cold; and in the lovely eyes “True, and especially on this border; but J Ba ‘i miss.” there burned a look of intense hatred, as she | have no desire to die suddenly, and 1 will not. ap ys “Why did she come?” bent her gaze upon the man before her, and ‘“ Will not is a bold remark to make.” aN “To see The Gentleman from Texas, miss.” | whose face had firned to the ashen hue of a| “That may be; but I tire of this talk, so let ee “Did she know him?’ corpse. us part.” ‘ SP , You know he is here now because he helped ‘* Not until I know if you will do as I ask?” 1 ede her father esca CHAPTER XI “ And that is, Clarice?” ae us oi aa but you will not refuse me en- a aa : re You know the only request I have to make 2 ae ore of you. R ha *T must, miss; but if you would ask the lieu- | FcR some moments after Clarice Corrad, the a An, yes, to sign certain papers,” he said, Xs > tenant, who is officer of ‘the day, he would not | beautiful widow, made the fearful threat to the | thoughtfully. oe, refuse you, I’m thinking.” imprisoned Gentleman from Texas, the two ‘* Yes,” she eagerly answered. es A. “ Who is he?’ stood ing at each other in silence. ‘“T refused once, and I will not change my We 4 ‘“We calls him The Hercules, miss; but his | In eyes of the woman there was a look of d.” | ——s Mame is Lieutenant Hale.” trium and some of her beauty had faded ‘Then I will return and report to Colonel ‘2 Be under a look of hate that brought hard lines to | Eldred that you are The Prairie Serpent of as ifin meditation, and then said, t mips ‘The widow patted her little foot for an instant speaking more *“T won't tell miss ; but perhaps the colonel you leave.” said in her sweetest tone. “Granted before asked,” he gallantly replied. “T wish to visit the -house, sir. her face. of a fate with which be had been threatened. At last he spoke, and it was with a sneer: “Yes: that huge idiot in shoulder-straps calls me the White Jackal,” “* Are you?” Texas, who once ca me from my hus- ae to herself: The man was very pale, and yet it seemed | band’s ranch,” she fiercely. “No, I will neither ask The Hercules, nor do | that the effort to remain calm caused the blood | He looked her in the eyes without the slight- I wish him to know that I came here.” to leave his face, rather than through dread | est change of color, and said sternly: “Tdo not doubt your willingness so to do Clarice Conrad; but I dare you to make that “1 do not understend ” sh id, in faltering voice. age esse Be ** You shall understand, seooapagg 8 - my pic- (efoynael oyeye) << . 4 ' a ° ~ cy ~ oe = * « + ha I will ask him,” and away glided the | ‘So you threaten me with death, Clarice?” report.” ra Ag beautiful woman in the direction of head-quar- " by) and you will find my words true ere Sg dare me?” SoRee ters many days. * X 6s. ota | She found the colonel seated in his private of-| ‘I have been so threatened before, and yet I| ‘‘ You do not believe I will do it” atl - mere 34,” fice, in writing; but seeing who was his | live,” he said, with a light tone. “T defy you,” _-—s-vigitor he rose with a pleasant smile, for already | ‘‘ Yes; Satan gor master, has taken good | ‘ You shall see what I will tell him,” she said, an WA had the charming widow bewitched him, and | care of you; but e —_ is now around your } in a tone of menace. paid tely: neck, and I hold one end of it.” ‘* And I too will sketeh a picture for him to Ts ‘*My dear Mrs. Conrad, this is indeed a glad “Oh, I don’t doubt your willingness to put | gaze upon, and which can be proven was paint- 34 to see your sweet face in my dull | me out of the way; but Idodoubt your power | ed from life.” he '! to do so.” ‘‘A picture?” es “TJ have come to ask a favor, colonel,” she ‘* Are you aware of what you are accused?” “Yes.” oe _“ A strange request from so fair a mouth, but | The question was answered by a light laugh | ture is of a sunny land, where a home is bey you may do so, and I will myself accompany | of ridicule, and it brought a flush of anger to the | embowered in myrtle and orange groves, and the e you.” widow’s face, as she said quickly: scent of the ma ias floats ever upon the air. A ‘“ No, I wish to go alone, colonel.” “Suppose I can prove it?” ‘It is a moonlight night, and a man stands - cere + & ndeed py wire you that you will find there | ‘ You gt out — the myrtles into a brightly- > a few ou will see, room, “Tt is to see one of these I wish to go.” “ Go ahead, sweet Clarice, and do your worst, | “There are two persons in that room, and ees “May I ask which one?” for I have no fear of you.” there is a tragic scene enacted there, and wher (ae ‘The one styling himself TheGentlemanfrom | __ There iy Le ing in the man’s manner ~ —— -. the eimai lors ary colonel started, and glanced su Seecuh’ ender’ tho: charge against him of being | She had sunk down as he spoke, and her face ite. AD at her, for what could this lovely woman w the renegade white chief of an Indian band. was pillowed on her snowy white and beauti- | ‘with a man whom he himself was g to cay Cmmne here for, 6 “purpose” she sald. fully molded arm, and a cry broke from her | ss fear was in reality the one The ‘Your every act, look and word has a hidden 3 ‘ 4 jak him of being? purpose, Clarice,” | ‘No! no! no!” %