Beadle's Dime Library No. 170 — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

— ——— - = ——— gt 6 ge ee ee ae a oe < SS ee Se ee = ° a 2 —— 7 —_-* —— => = — —_— - ° ~ fo + i Se Gerd ae ee —_ Pe ee ee ee 4 ‘ . r< ee ae oe — = taunted me with your love for another woman, 10 — before nine o’clock, last night.” ‘“‘Then she, like her mistress, swore a lie black as night itself! You know you have per- jured yourself; and for what?’ ‘‘FWor revenge!” the answer came, hot and passionate. ‘‘ What was I, when you first met me? A girl, foolish, perhaps, but pure and in- nocent as the child unborn. You taught me love—you played upon my foolish heart until it answered the faintest touch of your skillful | fingers. You filled my soul with idolatry, and | taught me that lwasa woman. You made me believe in youas in agod. A thousand times you swore that you loved me, and me only, And I—like a silly fool I believed you. Your wish was my law. I yielded to you in every- | I gave you my ad | thing, great or small. my soul. Merciful Father! how I loved you! would have torn the very,heart out of my bosom and laid it at your feet, had you asked me. And what was my reward? A few months’ living in a foo}’s paradise; no more. You grew weary of such unreasoning devotion. sighed for fresh worlds to conquer. Still a fool I agro and sighed and pleaded where I should have commanded. You laughed and left me. You found me a soft-hearted girl; you left mea stone-hearted devil. 1 swore I would be re- venged. I meant it, too, but whenever I tried to strike home, my heart softened. I could not forget the happy days of the past. I loved even while I hated you. I gave you one more chance. You refused to accept it—you even Those words killed my love, as I believed then, and I resolved to punish you. I was working out my vengeanoe, even then, though I did not know it. I alone know where and how you spent the hour when that murder was said to have taken place. You are innocent—I can admit that, since you have ‘no witness here to mark my words. I deliberately swore away your life, at the trial. But you had stronger friends than I thought. The first fury passed, and you still lived. This night would have seen you a cleared man, only for me. I rode here and told my servant what to testify. Then I forced you to flee. Whatfor? To deepen the popular impression. of your guilt, to lengthen eur torture, to change you into a wild beast unted of alkmen. Have I not kept my words? Am I not revenged?” ‘*'You dare to confess this—I could strangle you as you stand, and you unable to alarm our friends,” muttered , half-dazed before er hot, passionate confession. The strange girl only laughed contemptuousl o: a moved closer to him, holding out a small tol. ee Do you think I value life so highly? From the first you bave been a traitorous dog; for once show yourself aman. Take this—here is the bosom, where your head has rested, more than once. Send the lead home—and I will die tore ‘the hand that put an end to a blighted e “You are a woman,” muttered Friend, turn- ing away. . ‘And — are the semblance of a man, only,” You | Sweet William, the Trapper Detective. tor the pitiful sum of blood-money—every man’s hand against him! Merciful heaven! such a doom—and he an innocent man? The fumes of the stupefying drug yet lurked in his brain, and deadened his high spirit; yet, despite all this, despite the fact that he had been doomed to death, Leo Friend had only one object in view. He would return to his prison. He would redeem his name thus far; he would not be branded as a willing fugitive from justice. But the fates were against him. He was not to yield himself so easily; already a“stealthy foot was upon his trail—already a stout hand | | was outstretched to capture him. | | For overa mile the silent shadow followed him. Why be in haste? Every moment was carrying them nearer to the village. At last the blow fell. The shadow leaped | upon the outlaw from behind, and easily twisted him to the ground. Nota sound did Leo utter. At that moment life did not seem worth a struggle. . His arms and ankles were securely bound, then he was uplifted and balanced across a pair of broad shoulders. As though only carrying an infant’s weight, the captor strode on through the gloomy forest, treading the tangled under- growth and passing over the broken ground with wonderful ease and celerity. His strength seemed unbounded, but at length he paused and lowered his burden to the ground, then glided noiselessly away. His absence was only momentary. He re- turned and half-carried, balf-dragged his pris- oner through a dense fringe of bushes, into a cleared space, From the sound of his footsteps Leo knew that they were no longer in the open air. He believed—and rightly—that his captor had sought refuge in some sort of a cavern. A strange lethargy had taken possession of his senses. He didn’t even wonder what was to be the end of this strange adventure, or why his captor did not hasten to claim the promised blood-money. He sunk into a doze, as though the howling of the winds were a lullaby. All at once his brain cleared. He could hear the sound of footsteps without—then a low, mocking laugh. The sounds paused before the cave; then the bushes rustled. “Who's thar? Speak, or Ill uttered a deep voice from t him. é lug ye !” sternly e gloom beside CHAPTER XII. THE TREASURE-SEEKERS. In vain the four men searched the grounds, prying into every corner large enough to afford shelter to a rat, but ever with the same result. For a time the mocking laugh led them on, but then, with a long-drawn sound, more like a wail of despair than of triumph, the hidden voice died away and was heard no more. Gerald Evans was the only one entirely free from superstition as, the search abandoned, they returned to the house and finished their consultation with closed doors. The Prophet was fiercely sullen, and Rigdon had to do the most of his talking for him, at first. But An- derson Gladden, who was simple and foolish ——— ene -w- om nn oO ss — church, the interruption is not so unfortunate,” dryly observed Gerald Evans. ‘*'Time is passing; there is much to do before we can hope to handle the treasure,” softly added Rigdon. ** I'll git the ram, an’ the other things,” eagerly said Gladden, in feverish haste to unearth the buried treasure. Joseph Smith offered no objections, but before leaving the room, he buckled the half-emptied jug of peach brandy to his belt. Gladden carried the bound ram upon his shoulders, while Rigdon and Evans bore shovels and pickaxes, The night was intensely dark. The wind was aoe a half-gale, whistling ominously through the treetops and around the rocky peaks, blowing damp and chilly, threatening rain. In silence the treasure-seekers trudged on through the midnight gloom, fearing to use théir lantern, lest some curious body should espy and follow them. Grumbling was profuse, and curses frequent from all save Gladden. He was new to treasure- hunting, and his brain was too excited for him to be annoyed by such trifles as stumbling over roots and stones, or falling into unseen ditches, For months past Smith and his coadjutors had been preparing him for this hour, sparing no ins, playing their cards slowly and carefully, eeling that the prize for which they were striv- ing was too precious to risk upon a hasty or ill- considered move. This night’s work should form the last link in the chain that would bind the settler forever to their cause. With a sigh of relief, Gladden paused at the designated spot, and lowered his living burden to the ground. The gloom was so intense that he alone knew where they were, but the doubts of his companions were quickly dispelled when the lantern was lighted and the spot inspected by its aid. The situation was a favorable one for their purpose. In a small, almost circular valley, with high trees and dense undergrowth rising upon every hand, there was little danger of their lights attracting the attention of any night- walker, especially upon such a night. Gladden was er to get to work, but bis impatience was sharply snubbed by Joseph Smith, upon whom the jug of peach brandy was beginning to produce a disagreeable effect. Rigdon, more prudent, or less satisfied with the infruadice already gained over the giant settler, endeavored to soften the rude rebuff, ‘*We can do nothing of importance before midnight,” he muttered, soothingly. ‘‘ Only the preliminaries. We must be patient or all our work will be in vain and the treasure will van- noha our eyes, even as we lay hands upon it. ‘* Not from mine,” muttered Gladden. ‘ Let me touch it, and neither saint nor devil kin break my grip!” ‘** Too much talking,” sharply interposed the Prophet, as he lowered the jug from his lips. ‘Scatter and collect the w for the fiery circle. Lively, now!” nae And you?’ muttered Evans in a significant ne. laughed Mattie, as she sounded a small whistle. | only upon one point, produced a stout jug of ‘* Must ask a blessing on our enterprise.” e young man started at. the sound and cast | home-made peach prandy, which, sweetened “ Drink to its success, you mean! Be careful, seeking for a weapon | with wild honey, was not Joe Smith. He is nobody’s fool. Let him get his eyes around as oy | with which he might the door opened, only a woman appeared. ‘‘Nancy,” said Mattie, col uy “tell this gentleman the decision of the igilance Com- mittee.” ** They outlawed him, and offered a hundred dollars for his head, dead or alive,” came the low, quiet response. “That will do; you can go. Now, sir,” she b efend himself. But as taunting, oan mp 2 — to the heart as though it ong in clearing away afd uneasy doubts the superstitious fancies ted in which the unknown voice had imp their minds. ‘‘The devil and his satellites are abroad to- the rising tempest whistled shrilly around the cabin. ‘ But we whose faith is planted on the rock of Zion need have no fear. Let the scof- fers cringe and tremble—pass the jug, Rig- ent cry. ‘‘ An unbeliever spoke—the power has left me his eyes fairly open, and he will be the last feather. His influence against us would turn the scale, and we would have to skin out of this in a bigger hurry than we did from Jackson night,” said Smith, in a ee tone, as | county. I speak for your good as well as mine.” There was no opportunity to say more, but this was enough. Smith saw that Evans was right, and instantly changed his tactics, like the a ae he really was. i added, as the door closed noiselessly behind the | don.” his aid the necessary quantity of wood woman. ‘* Yousee the beginning of my revenge. Gladden moved uneasily in his chair as the | was collected; then, wafning all to silence, he The first man you meet will eitber kill or cap- | old clock struck slowly. Smith laughed shrewd- | placed his magic stone in the crown of his hat, tire you; and capture means death by hanging. | ly. He knew that his dupe was only too ready | and bowing his face over it, moved slowly Yet—I am stilla fool! I can save you—l will to swallow the gilded bait, and that it would be | about in a gradually lessening circle. At save you, if you will only—bah! Istammerand | but a waste of time to dally longer. . length he paused, and stamping his foot firmly, blush like the silly fool I was before I really With a drunken ‘tachation of reverent awe, | cried: knew you. This is my offer, and for the last | he tock a package from his bosom, end remoy-| ‘‘Here—the treasure lies here, directly be- time. Go with me—and promise to love me, as | ing the wrappings, revealed his wonderful ‘‘sa- | neath my foot!” you once swore you did—and I will carry you | cred stone.” Bowing his head over this fora Gladden sprung forward, bearing the lantern. to safety. Refuse—” moment in pretended prayer, Smith placed the One glance, then he cried, in a tone of angry ‘*I do refuse—I would sooner make a compact | stone in his hat, then buried his face in the am- | despair: with a rattlesnake,” impetuously cried Leo. le brim. He spoke in low, muffled accents, as | | “‘Somebody’s robbed us! That ground’s bin ‘“‘Fnough. I was mad to dream of anything fonows: dug up inside o’ two days!” else. Come—you have cast your last and onl ‘Lo! the scales drop from mine eyes,and I} ‘*The treasure is here,” cried Smith, after a hope bebind you. You leave this house, an ou behold the hidden treasures of the earth! Gold | quick glance at his friends, ‘‘The revelation cast, and may the first living Cains whom you | and jewels and precious stones—coined silver | comes from the Lord—and I saw the gold, even meet deliver you up to a shameful death!” and printed bank-notes! The ransom of a king | now, through this wonderful stone.” Without @ word Leo followed her from the | awaits our coming!” “Form the fires and sacrifice the ram—then room_and out of the house. The heavy door ‘Can you describe the spot?” asked Rigdon, | we can settle all doubts,” impatiently cried closed behind him with a sullen thud. The | in a low, soft tone. Evans. oad sound quivered through him like a death-knell. The answer was immediate, and acry of joy ‘‘ Listen,” and the Prophet’s voice was deep low groan broke from his lips. Like a mock- nee Gladden’s lips as he recognized the spot | and sepulchral, Signs must take the place of there came a solitary laugh from | described. Smith raised his head with an impa- | words. After the work is once begun, the first beyond the barrier; silvery and musical, y ti tongue that utters a word will be seared with fire from heaven. Remember!” were a nt’s too .| —I can see no more! It was you, Gladden!| The fagots were quickly formed into a circle Blindly he staggered on through the dark | Your allegiance is but lip-deep—nay, no denial. | around the designated t, and ited by night. wind was howling through the tree- | The power fled at the sound of your voice. Had | means of the lantern. Smith drew a knife and tops, the black clouds were scudding athwart the heavens, and from afar came the lugubrious wail of a prowling wolf. Outlawed—a price upon his head—mercilessly hunted by his once neighbors and friends eager wer would have our faith been perf the A Peat vered treasure remained, and I would have enough to fill this room—” ‘‘ But the power will return, and since that treasure we found to-night is sacred to the ¢ cut the throat of the black ram, accompanying its death-struggles with weird and fantastic ges- tures, muttering an invocation in some unheard- of ton Then he motioned Gladden to ply his tools, » COMmic IJOOKS ae” al ¢ # \ y (E( 0} ; ie dl ‘ ea : : | | = { af , * » % 74, 5 Beta