Beadle's Dime Library No. 170 — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

oe tic awe ee SS ~ —_ ~= —, ~~ —»~ se ee ene — err ae tee ww eT == —“ —™— = — ee Oe ee ews 6 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective. es eee ee a ee Ce Oe Ce ° —— trees, and they gave me little time to recover from my surprise.” ‘* Well, the jury must decide. Have you any- thing else to offer? any other witness?’ ** Yes!’ cried Leo, his eyes fixed upon a horse and rider at that moment drawing near the stand. ‘There is my witness. I demand that Miss Martha Foster be sworn!” CHAPTER VI. AN UNWILLING WITNESS. Wirth not the faintest trace of the last night’s passion upon her face, Martha Foster rode swiftly toward the pavilion. But the scene which met her gaze was so very different from the one her fancy had pictured; the platform crowded with solemn, black-shrouded figures, instead of gay, light-hearted dancers, that she drew rein with alow exclamation of wonder, not unmixed with uneasiness. She knew that her father’s life trail did not alweys follow the -straight course of honesty; since he passed the night away from home, might not this gather- ing be in Ais honor? A rich, attractive picture she formed then, and more than one pulse in that crowd quickened as the words of the prisoner drew their attention in that direction. A vision of red and black and white. The thick, clustering curls, blue-black, like the raven’s wing, barely touched her shoulder. A dainty turban of crimson velvet, ornamented with a sable plume; a close-fitting basque waist of the same rich material, thickly studded with bell-shaped buttons of gold; a sbort, fuil skirt of black cloth; beneath, full Turkish trowsers of soft scarlet flannel; tiny boots, armed at the heel with tinkling spurs. A belt encircled the round, trim waist, supporting a brace of small but thoroughly reliable pistols and a long, slen- der knife. The horse which bore this tropical vision, was a fitting accompaniment. Small of frame, but clean-limbed and finely muzzled, it was the model of a thoroughbred racer, on a reduced scale. White as the undrifted snow from crest to hoof, only the big, lustrous eyes, and the pink muzzle broke the semblance of a living, moving snowdrift. The momentary pallor fled from the girl’s cheek, and her keen gaze penetrated the circle of the black-robed figures. She could just catch a glimpse of the prisoner, buf not enough to recognize him. Then aslight bustle to the right attracted her attention, and.a change as swift as it was deadly came over her countenance, as she saw her father struggling vainly in the grasp of two black-robed re A hissing sound passed her lips that might have been an imprecation, as the golden 7 aed buried its teeth in the white hide, and the ho sprung forward as though hurled from a cata- pult. Just how it was managed, not one of the wondering spectators could have told, but an instant later Hark Foster was standing free and unbarmed, while his two guards were sprawling upon the ground twenty feet away, bruised and discomfited. A cocked pistol was in the fair spitfire’s hand as she glanced wickedly around, and empha- sized her words: “The man who touches my father insults me, and you are y aware how I settle such debts. What has he done, an old man—”’ ‘*Come away, gal—don’t stop to talk—they’s trouble in the air. ‘‘ Le’s git out o’ it while we kin,” muttered Hark Foster, pulling at the skirts of the enraged beauty. ‘*T demand that Miss Foster be placed upon the witness stand,” cried Leo Friend in a clear, ringing voice. ‘‘There is a foul conspiracy against ny life and honor, which she can baffle, she will but tell what she knows.” “Run fer it, gal,” ea erly muttered Hark. “Till kiver you. Run fer it, I say, or them Aya cy imps "Il hev a lynchin’ bee, which we'll be he head mourners.” But his words fell upon an unheeding ear. Mattie was staring at the white face of the pris- oner, as though spellbound. Only for a mo- ™men en strong and apperenty conflicting emotions agitated her features. For an instant her face grew fairly repulsive, then settled into a cold, icy composure, as the judge arose and called upon her to come forward and state what she knew concerning the matter in question, She cast one swi lance around, but if her thought was of flight, the idea was quickly given over. The two Vigilantes from whose grasp she had freed her father, had edged around behind her, and now stood with ready pistols. An attempt at escape would end in the death of her horse, and that was by far too coe, a sacrifice. ‘With a word and a touch of the spur, the white = piv a into the Hg oa bag J rail- ing and alighting upon platform, perform- ing the feat with a deer-like grace ux adroit- ness. A low cheer came from the spectators, but silence was instantly restored as the fair Amazon began to speak, addressing the judge: “Will you be kind enough to tell me why and for what I am summoned here?’ “To give evidence in this case of murder and highway robbery. The prisoner, who stands pie. of this double crime, declares that you can prove an alibi for him. Allow me to put the oath—” ‘There is no need of so much ceremony for the little I can tell. I know nothing about either murder or robbery. You are simply wasting your time—” “Of that you must allow us to judge. You may know nothing of the crime itself, yet know enough to save an innocent life. ou can state whether the prisoner spent last night in your compan —” ** He did not,” snapped the fair horsewoman, with a fiery glance. ‘‘Nor any portion of the night?” ** I will not answer—you have no right to in- sult me with such questions. Because I am only a girl, you think you can say or do what you please, but—” ‘* Miss Foster, allow me. At present you are a witness, neither a woman nor a girl. Upon our evidence in all probability hinges a uman life. There is no choice. What you know you must speak, either of your own ac- cord, or if must be, by compulsion. if you prefer, the court shall be cleared of all save those immediately interested; but speak you must and shall.” “Do you demand this?” and Martha turned abruptly toward Leo Friend. ‘Do you insist upon my speaking?” “Ido. It is the only chance of saving me from an unjust sentence,” was bis grave reply. “‘Heaven pity you, then! Blame yourself, not me. I am ready to take the oath, sir mask,” The oath was delivered and subscribed to. Then, as the shortest method of etting at the whole matter, the judge directed the witness to relate all that could bear upon the events of the past night, “Well, sir, though you have imposed upon me a most disagreeable task, I will do my duty without fear or favor—and at the same time give these good people with open ears a sweet morsel of scandal for the exercise of their char- itable tongues. “T am a woman, therefore a fool in some things. Last night I was doubly one, as you shall see. So much by way of preface. ‘Mr. Friend, the prisoner, was one of m first. acquaintances in these parts. He is hand- some, has a nimble tongue, and well knows how to employ it, I am a woman, and naturall easily believed what I most wished for—to spea Pieter, when Mr. Friend told me he loved me, was fool epough to believe him, and told him as much. suppose I was too easily won, for in less than two months I learned that he was keeping compan y with another girl—I need not mention names,’ ‘Will Miss Foster please remember that she is upon her oath?” a little sharply interposed the prisoner. “Do I not? Would I be publishing my own shame to thé world if I had not sworn to tell the whole truth?” ‘Is not this irrelevant?” asked the judge. ‘* No, sir; it is necessary to explain what fol- lows,” tartly replied Martha; then resuming: ‘‘Through a friend I learned that the prisoner had engaged to escort this lady to the Mormon meeting, arid, woman-like, I resolved that she should be disappointed. And she was. ‘Who were ey ee I will never tell. Enough that Mr. Friend was captured when he was on his way to keep his appointment, and conveyed blindfolded to where l was awaiting him. What ed between us there I leave for him to tell in detail. It was the old, old story. A woman’s reproaches, a man’s excuses. He did not tell me in so many words that I was a silly fool for believing his soft hes, but his actions did. The scene grew ul, and so we ie a othing passed between you but words, en | **f am not sure that I understand you, sir. There was nothing more but what I have con- fessed, save that I gave him a glass of wine.” ‘* And that wine was dru e: “No, sir; I drank first, and out of the same glass. The liquor was strong, nothing more.” ** And you immediately after?” “Within five minutes. The prisoner com- plained of dizziness, but that lasted only a mo- ment. We shook hands, kissed and pe *‘As Heaven hears me!” solemnly uftered Leo, “I knew nothing more after drinking that liquor, until I awoke upon Bald Hill this morn- ing a ter sunrise,” ‘That may be true,” quietly r nded Mat- tie. ‘‘I opened the door, you left the house, mounted your horse and rode away by the Tur- key creek road.” ‘At what hour was this?” quickly demanded the judge. ‘“* As near as I can tell, about half-past eight. I know this by the amount of work which I did before the clock struck nine.” Other questions were asked, but nothing new was elicited. There was no more evidence available, and when Mattie declared that, as the clock struck, she asked the maid-servant the hour, which was nine, there was nothing for it but to give the case to the jury. After a few moments, consultation, the fore- man stated that they wished time for deliber- ation. Undera , they were conducted to the little school-house, and locked in. For nearly an hour all were kept in most painful suspense, and there was a general sigh of relief when the jury made their reappearance. But, as it proved, it was not to deliver the verdict. They requested that the maid servant alluded to by the last witness might be sent for. As these words were heard, a man in the crowd gave a rapid signal to Hark Foster, who lost no time in acting upon it. Stealing to where his horse was hitched, he untied him and ora into the saddle darted away at full s Only one in the company seemed to divine his purpose. e’s gone to run the sarvant gal off—shoot the hoss!” thundered Sweet William, sending a hasty bullet after the fugitive, but in vain. Though a dozen shots were fired, and half as many horsemen started in swift pursuit, Hark Foster disappeared, untouched, uncaught. After a brief consultation, the judge re- manded the prisoner to the log cence | which served as jail, to await the coming of the new witness, adding: “Tf she says that it was nine o’clock, God have mercy upon your soul.’’ CHAPTER VIL. SPORTS AND PASTIMES. Upon any ordinary occasion these rapidly succeeding events would have furnished ample food for brain and tongue for days to come, but not so now. The fires awakened by the ‘Glorious Fourth” burned far more vigorously then than in these days. None were too old or feeble to join in the sports, or to add their quota to the general noise and confusion. Hence it was that, less than five minutes after the heavy slab door closed upon Friend, his critica! situation seemed forgotten, and the sports and pastimes of the hilarious crowd proceeded as merrily as though one of their friends and neighbors was not lying beneath the black shadows of a shameful death. Gayest of the gay was old Sweet William, and wherever that giant figure strolled, there the fun and good-natured excitement waxed highest. Close at his heels glided that animated scare- crow, Simon Singleton, a broad grin upon his face, huge delight beaming from his staring eyes. The grounds now presented an animated scene. Already the pavilion was occupied by dancers, and the clatter of cowhide boots began to drown the music which lent them inspiration. But this sport offered slight inducement to the jolly trapper, and with a sniff of disgust, he strolled on, pausing at every few steps to sample the liquor which flowed almost as free as water, and long before the rounds were com- leted, both Sweet William and his henchman gan to show the effects of their generous potations, Ever and anon the giant would come to an abrupt pause, his head erect, bis chest swelling like that of an amorous turkey- cock, his cheeks swelling until the pent upsteam found vent ina prolonged bellow that would have shamed a wounded buffalo. At first this was startling, but as nothing more serious followed, the crowd contented themselves with laughing at the ridiculous exhibition. _+he effect of his liquor was very different upon Simple Simon. His loose joints grew looser until he seemed in danger of falling to pieces at every step; his head wagged from side to side, and his eyes were even more fishy than usual. _The sharp crack of a rifie drew the two topers like a powerful magnet to that portion of the ounds where a target was arranged, the prizes ing fresh slaughtered beef. Onceécommenced, the sport was not allowed to flag, and the enter- prising manager was fairly coining money. The target was the usual primitive one; @ it cut upon the broad bole of an oak tree, one hundred yards from the shooting stand. ‘*Ef ary man kin beat that, I want to clap my two eyes onto him!” cried the last marks- man, when the result of his shot was announced. ‘‘Bredkin’ center on the top line—an’ I reckon them hide an’ taller’s my meat!” ‘‘ A fa’r shot, an’ better’n ef ’twas on a side line, but thar’s room pa fer a bullet tolay in atween yours an’ the center,” coolly ob- served Sweet William. ** Mebbe you kin putt a bullet thar?’ ‘‘Mebbe I could, but I don’t shoot at any- thin’ under hafe a mile, long measure. But I’ve got a little boy which is jest a-l’arnin’ to shoot, as I'll bet on, pervided he ain’t too full 0’ bug- juice—how is it, sonny?’ and the glant turned toward Simple Simon. Q ‘‘T kin thread a needle twice’t as fur, or shoot a ’skeeter on the wing!” murmured Simon, Ewaring $0 snd fro, a vacuous smile upon his ace, As some who read these lines may be igno- rant of this once popular Western amusement, a brief explanation will not come amiss, A beef is offered—worth say twenty dollars, at twenty-five cents a shot. When the full amount is subscribed, the shooting begins. The target is an upright cross, the arms two inches Ghoo com ‘S.