Beadle's Dime Library No. 170 — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

be eee Soveet Uriltian. the Trapper Detective. g mounted her horse and they hastened away. None too soon! They heard the yell of venge- ance-—-the ery for blood! The mob was rising—but their prey was gone! CHAPTER X, _ OUTLAWED. | A WILD cry that thrilled through the crowd like magic—then a limp and nerveless shape was passed out of the building from hand to hand. At the first glimpse of the helpless body a fearful chorus went up from a hundred throats—the cxultant yell of the famishing tiger as he leaps upen his palpitating prey. There was blood in their eyes, they unconsciously licked their fury-parched lips, they were eager to crack his bones and drain his veins—‘* He is gone—he has escaped! ” It was the wild,strange sounding voice again, but this time uttering articulate words—words that fell like a shower of ice upon the mad pas- sions of the mob. Escaped? Left them to vent their just vengeance upon—what? Nothing. They could only curse the devil for aiding his own. There was no more fighting, because there was nothing to fight gor. All now was burning curiosi y- How had he effected his escape ? Could the jailer speak ? Surely he was not dead? The moment was auspicious, and the chief of the Vigilantes promptly improved his opportu- nity. His shrill signal echoed through the crowd, and like men just awakening from an unpleasant dream, his followers extricated themselves from the mob, and held themselves in readiness to carry out his commands. These were brief and to the point. ‘*Take possession of that body, and assemble at the pavilion. Keep back the crowd, if need be, at the point of your knives. There is work for our.order in this, and wo unto him who dares to interfere !” In silence the mob divided and fell back. Their reckless passions seemed to have been banished by the startling discovery that he for whom they had been fighting was far beyond their reach. In silence they beheld the black- robed man lift up the imsensible guard and slowly bear him to the now deserted pavilion. Still in silence they followed, but none ventured to pass the barrier ; only the Vigilantes and their hoped for witness occupied the platform. Cold water was brought and dashed freely over the heavily breathing man, and after a time his eyes opened, his senses returned. But his teeth were tight-closed, nor would he answer a question until he had thoroughly recalled his instructions and remembered just what Mattie Foster bade him confess. His story need not be reproduced here. Enough that he doggedly followed out the line indicated by the strange girl. It was enough. His mention of the men in the red masks formed the climax. ar play all ’round,” boldly cried Sweet William. ‘Thar’s the gal sarvant-witness; call her up an’ see what she kin tell.” If the giant trapper spoke in behalf of Leo Friend, his was an unfortunate suggestion. The woman—a coarse, ignorant creature whose only merit was that of blind fidelity to her mistress, clambered over the railing without further solicitation, and promptly replied to the ques- tions put to her by the chief. Her evidence fully corroborated the testimony given by ber mistress; that Leo Friend left the house at half- past eight o’clock in the evening, alone and apparently in the full possession of all his facul- ties. Motioning her aside, the chief put the ques- tion to his men, one by one—guilty or not guilty? The voting was unanimous, Leo Friend was pronounced guilty of murder. ‘‘ Friends and neighbors,” said the chief, step- ping upon the railing and addressing the con- gregation. ‘*-You have heard the evidence and our decision. Leo Friend is a convicted robber and assassin, as the chief of the Vigilance Committee, I pro- nounce him an outlaw, and offer one hundred dollars for him, dead or alive!” A low, heart-breaking wail sent a thrill through the crowd, and the fainting form ofa woman was borne hastily away. That woman was Belle Gladden. - In vain her father had persuaded her to return home. Thongs each moment was one of agony tue most intense, she would not abandon the scene while the fate of him whom she loved with all the ardor of her young, pure heart, was hang- ing in the balance. And when the bitter blow fell, she fell withit. = Gerald Evans lent his aid im earrying her to the farm-house. His heart was in a tumult of fierce exultation. He no longer felt the livid bruise upon his face. His cunningly-laid plans had succeeded, at least in . true, as he believed, Leo Friend was at liberty, but he was outlawed, his life at the disposal of the first man who chanced to meet him. He would be hunted down as though he were a mad-dog! With a firm resolution he choked down his exul- tation, even after the now sensible but still heart- sick girl was left to the care of the old negress who was in reality mistress of the house. In silence Anderson Gladden filled and lit his By the authority vested in me, ‘ pipe as the two men sat upon the vine-wreathed | that an easy substitute will be furnished for our porch before the house. But Evans did not long gs gg the settler’s evident wish for silent ou an idle fancy—that she would never dream of falling in love with him, after you expressed | you disapproval. Now—she fainted when that?” **She liked him as a friend—nothin’ more, as I raaly b’lieve,” slowly responded Gladden. ‘*?T was a shock—I don’t know but what I felt if ’most as hard’as she did. They’s sonie mis- take—’tain’t in the boy to be’etarnally wicked.” ‘You forget the evidence. Surely that was conclusive.” | ** Not enough to hang a sheep-killin’ dog. That gal of Foster’s lied once—lI b’lieve she lied clean through!” ; ‘Well, what is done is done, and we cannot mend it. I didn’t stop here for the purpose of discussing that subject. What I want to know is, when are you going to give me the hand of your daughter?” ‘When she says you kin hev it. any more?” ‘**'You can do more,” was the impatient re- sponse. ‘* Use your authority—make her con- sent—” ‘* Stop thar—stop right thar, Gerald Evans. I don’t reckon you want to insult ‘me, but you do,in sayin’ them words. Ef you kin win Belle’s consent, I’m more’n willin’. They ain’t a man in the State I’d ruther hev marry her than you, though I say it to your face. I’ve arg you to ber—she knows jest what Id ike to hev her do. But I won’t go no furder. Ef she takes you, it must be of her own a’cord. And mind this: if you dar’ so much as hint at my forcin’ her to do a thing ag’inst her will, Vil jest lick you clean out o’ your boots! That’s said an’ swore to.” Evans sprung to his feet, an angry reply upon his tongue, but whatever he meant to say was checked by the approach of two men, who had already crossed the stile, ‘* Peace be with you, brethern,” said the fore- most, a tall, saturnine looking being, apparently of middle age. Evans sodded shortly, but Gladden received the Prophet—for the speaker was none®other than Joseph Smith, his companion being the astute Sidney Rigdon — with an humble en- thusiasm painful to witness. : ‘Brother Gladden,” -— Smith, his tones sounding still more owl-like, ‘‘ this afternoon, as I knelt in the wilderness praying for the speedy enlightenment of those benighted heathens who disturbed our cer:monies last evening, the finger of the Lord was laid upon my heart, and sweet words of balm were oured into my ears. The time has come—the eaden seal has been lifted from off mine eyes— the secrets of nature are laid open to my hands— that is,” and as though conscious he had lost his way in alabyrinth of words, Smith gazed ap- pealingly toward Sidney Rigdon, who imme- diately came to his assistance. ‘*The magic stone has not lost its virtues, and long prayer bas cleansed the Prophet’s vision. His promise to you can now be fulfilled. Harth will be forced to yield up its secret hoards—” ‘You kin show me the gold?’ eagerly cried oanden. hisone great vice taking possession of im. ‘*T can—through this,” and Smith tapped his breast, where a small package was prow uling. ‘“There areconditions. If you can fulfill them, there is nothing’to hinder us from unearthing the secret treasure.” ‘* What are they? quick!” breathlessly panted Gladden. ‘There is plenty of time,” coolly responded Smith, playing with his covetous dupe as a cat lays with a mouse. ‘‘ We cannot do the work fore midnight.” ‘But a in git ready,” urged Gladden, ng ingly. ‘ The first thing necessary isto procure a ram —a black ram; one that has not a single white hair upon it, or—our efforts will end in disap- pointment if nothing worse.” ‘*Pve got one!” cried Gladden, with a laugh of triumph. ‘ Ef they’s a white ha’r about him, Pil eat the whole critter, alive an’ kick- in’! ' ‘‘Then our success is assured! Only—re- member, this is only the beginning of a long series of discoveries; but this first treasure, to insure the finding of other and greater ones, must be dedicated to spreading the one true ang only religion.” ‘*Then we don’t git none of it?’ faltered the settler. responded Kin I say “Tt is a sacred trust,” solemnly Smith, baring his head. “In everything the first fruits must be devoted to our Master, if } we would be blessed and prosperous. But only the first. After that, we may enrich our poor selves,” “But I ain’t got only the one pure black ram,” persisted Gladden, in a dol tone. “Tf we are faithful to our trust, doubt not . ht, - r warned you—but you would not listen,” | began Evans abruptly. ‘‘ You said it was only | further explorations. You must banish ‘all doubt. A skeptic cannot enter the charmed circle. It would draw the fire of Heaven—” “Chain lightning would glance from your brazen cheek and never leave a dent to show where it struck!”’ : Had a thunderbolt fallen in their midst it _ could not have astonished the party more than e was pronounced guilty and an outlaw with | a price upon his head. How do you explain | did this speech, coming from they knew not where. Not a living being was in sight save themselves, yet the voice sounded from their very midst. ‘Look through your magic stone, Joseph Smith!” came the strange voice, followed by a mocking laugh. The false Prophet trembled like an aspen leaf, for he recognized the voice as the same which had covered him with shame end confusion on the night before. Not so the others. With drawn weapons they searched the grounds, foot by foot. But in vain. One more taunting laugh, then all was still. . CHAPTER VI. TAKEN PRISONER. ONCE more the Crimson Room. The lights burning low seem to cast a peculiar haze over and around the two occupants of the apartment. Upon the bed lay Leo Friend; pale and death- like; only the keenest eye could detect the slow, faint rise and fallof bis bosom. He was still under the influence of that baleful drug. Beside the bed knelt Martha Foster, her white face looking strangely worn and haggard. The. past twenty-four hours had borne hei vily upon ber, and left their mark upon both mind end body. Her head bowed Jow over the stupefied man, and her lips restéd sg es his with a long, clinging pressure, with a fierce yet despairin ardor that might almost have warmed a dea man to life. : A sobbing cry parted her lips as she started back. That passionate kiss had not been al] in vain. The power of the drug was broken. The outlawed man stirred feebly, his eyes opened, a name trembled upon his lips. A name, but not that of the woman who bent over him, her soul in her eyes. With a low, sobbing moan, Martha Foster drew back, for the name lingering upon the lips of the man she loved so madly was that of her fair rival, The impulsive movement, the soft rustle of ' her garments, seemed to complete the cure, and as Leo Friend turned his head quickly toward her, the light of reason filled his eyes. He rec- ognized her—an expression of utter loathing overspread his countenance as he involuntarily shruak back. | In reason, nothing less could have been ex- tae but Martha Foster was long sinte ,past hat stage: Until that moment she had hoped te prevail over all obstacles. Her love was so great that it must conquer. So she believed, But now! She realized the truth. She knew that Leo hated, loathed her. Were she the last woman upon earth, he would die before grant- ing her one tender look, one compassionate word. She realized all this, and a startling chenge ‘ame over her. All in a moment she believed her love changed to hatred even more intense. She could drive her knife to his heart and laugh with fierce joy as bis life bubbled jut with the red blood. She could—but that would be all too merciful a death. He should die, and the worms should eat him, but not just yet. He should drain the cup of degradation and shame to its very dregs: and then, as he stood beside his grave of shame and obloquy, she would whisper in his ear: “This is my work—my hand brought you to this—for this you laughed my love to scorn, but I am revenged!” If Leo Friend read all or a portion of this in the strange woman’y rapidly changi res- sion, he gave nosign. Fora nomen be closed his eyes, ahd with a resolute effort pierced the dizzy cloud that shrouded his brain. Bit by bit the past came back to him, until she could re- — falling helpless before that terrible rug. 1 With an effort he arose, but as his feet touch- ed the floor, his brain reeled, and he was forced to sit down upon the edge of the bed. When the mist passed from before his eyes, he beheld Mattie standing before him, a mocking smile upon her darkly beautiful face. “T am truly glad to see that you have changed your mind about fleeing from tie hang- man, Mr. Friend.” ‘‘From the frying-pan into the fire,” said Leo, with a hard, bitter laugh. ‘‘ God preserve me from such friends as you !” “TI was your friend—once; but you threw me over when I had served’ your turn. You chose my enmity, instead. And yet—fool that I am! I risked my life to preserve yours. But for me aa this hour you would have died the death o a dog—~ ; ** But for you, I would have been pronounced, what I am, before heaven! an imnocent man, There was no evidence against me; no jury could have convicted me,” JOO com cS Cc