Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 188 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

WA . » - . _ ¥ ‘ahd 4 Py “2 = ca | le A Ap asi Aa eins cm a to the windows in dire alarm, to catch only a glimpse of what seemed to be a phantom horse and maniac rider flying through the town, and sending a thrill of horror through the hearts of all beholders. “It area k critter an’ ther devil are ther rider,” stuttered Grizzly Gabe, and he bounded away in sheer fright, leaving Tiny Tim pale and trembling, for he had seen that which he believed also to be not of the earth, but from the spirit-land. . CHAPTER XVII. IN THE HANDS OF THE PHILISTINES. A SHORT while previous to the phantom-like steed and its bound rider, flying through the moonlit streets of North Platte, a horseman | was riding leisurely along in the direction of the village. He was mounted on a superb animal, with jet-black, glossy hide, armed with a belt of weapons, and a rifle slung at his back, and was attired in full Mexican costume. When within a few miles of the village of North Platte, he halted at a stream to allow his horse to drink, and dismounted himself to slake his thirst at the cool sprin down between two high sand-hills. Having partaken of a refreshing draught he was about to mount, when suddenly around the hillside swept a white horse. “Great God! it is the horse bearing Alita,” he cried, excitedly, at thesame time throwing himself into his saddle, and seemingly about to fiy as though from some hideous phantom. But with a wild neigh the white horse, which was coming directly toward him, suddenly swerved from his course, and darted away to- ward the Platte river, which was visible some miles ahead a through the level prairie, = looking like a silver serpent in the moon- ght. And, as the horse on, there suddenly broke on the air a wild burst of laughter, that caused the horseman to place his hands over his ears to shut out the hideous sound. **God in heaven! she still lives!” he groaned, rather than said, and for some moments he stood in silence, watching the flying steed. At last the white object disappeared in the sand-hills, and the horseman rode slowly on in the direction of North Platte, muttering ear- nestly: = teaven grant that I see her no more; but she has taken the trail I follow.” But with the ne of the specter- like steed and rider, he seemed to gain courage and urged his horse into a gallop, and held steadily on his course, until the waters of the North Platte were not far away. Then suddenly, up out of the long prairie grass that grew along the banks of a slough, bounded the white steed with its strange rider, and quickly the horseman drew rein, while once more on the night air burst that wild, maniacal laughter. ‘God in heaven! I cannot stand this! better that she die at once,” he cried, and he swung his rifle around ready for use. In the mean time the white steed had halted immediately on the trail in his front, and not seventy yards away, and like a marble statue stood regarding him, while the bound rider upon his back lay silent and motionless. Raising his rifle, and with a nervous, trem- bling manner, be glanced his eye along the barrel, and brought the sight to bear upon the bound form upon the white steed’s back, while his own horse stood as quiet as though carved out of stone. Twice he touched the trigger, but his aim did not suit him, and he refrained from pulling, and in took aim. At last, confident that he held his nerves un- der control, he — the fatal touch, the rifle flashed, and the bullet sped onward. But the white steed stood as motionless as marble, and from the bound rider’s lips broke again the wild laughter, this time mock- ery. "He was about to turn and fly, wholly un- nerved, for he was not a man to miss his mark when, with a loud neigh, the white steed bounded away and once more disappeared in the distance. . The lights of North Platte were now visible in the distance, and following the trail to the river he crossed to the other side, and rode up to the door of the Overland Rest, just as the excited crowd that had seen the Specter Mazep- returned to the saloon for a drink to calm elr herves, and to talk over the strange cir- cumstance, As he hitched his horse to a post, and entered the saloon, a man stood regarding him, and slowly followed, as if seemingly recognizing in him a familiar face and form. Walking the length of the saloon he ap- proached the table where Dave Perry sat, con- versing with the person whom the reader has already doubtless recognized as Berkley Pres- ton, and the eyes of the latter and the sivénger met et. , ‘“What! is this not my cousin, Ramsey Pres- ton?” and Berkley Preston sprung to his feet. “Yes, I am Ramsey Preston, and you are water that ran | The Phantom Mazeppa. —o Berkley; I recognize you now, and warmly welcome you; Perry, how are you? I see that ou already know my cousin,” and Ramsey eston spoke in a free and easy way that seemed natural to him. “Yes, we have not known each other long, _pard, but we’ve been quite intimate in that time | I may say; here, Blue, do you want us to catch fire? Bring us a bottle,” and Dave Perry | called to one of his bar-tenders, who promptly obeyed. But, as he placed the bottle and glasses upon the table, a tall form suddenly glided forward, a hand of iron fell upon the shoulder of Ramsey | Preston, a revolver muzzle was pressed against his temple, and a stern voice said quickly: ** Bianca, the Hyena of the Chaparrals, you are my prisoner.” . | Ramsey Preston did not move, nor did his face change color; but seeing that it was Iron Arm, the Ranchero, who had thus addressed _him, Dave Perry called out: ‘*Hold on, pard, for you’re off the trail this _ time, as this gent is a Nebraska cattleman.” ““Yes, and my cousin, sir, Mr. Ramsey Pres- ton,” said Berkley Preston. Imcien De Leon simply moved around in front of the man he still covered with his re- volver, and gazed earnestly into his face, while he said slow y: **T don’t often make mistakes, gentlemen, | and among ten thousand I would denounce this man as the Hyena of the Chaparrals, the worst mete that Texas has ever known.” “My name, sir, is Ramsey Preston, and the last five years of my life have been passed near this town, as there are many to prove; but I pardon your error, as when in Texas years ago, I was often mistaken for that monster, Bianca. **May I not ask your name, and that you join us in a drink?” Ramsey Preston had spoken with perfect coolness, and with no show of annoyance or anger in tone or manner, and a puzzled look crossed the face of Lucien De Leon: but he was not the man to wrong one and not make ample amends for it, and he said, in his frank way: “From my heart I beg you to pardon me, Mr. Preston; but, excepting that you wear a beard, which Bianca did not, you are the image of that devil, and I'll wager that any one of my Texas cowboys, who have just gone back to my herd on the prairie, will mistake you for him. “It being my mistake, we'll wash it out with a bottle of wine at my expense.” The wine was brought, and the party of four laughed merrily over the mistake made by the ranchero, and then discussed the one theme that seemed to be upon every tongue—the Phantom Mazeppa. But though the reader will remember that Lucien De mn had once met the white steed and bound rider on the open at and given chase, he made no remarks thereon, and m- sey Preston also remained silent upon the sub- ject, so there were none present to solve the ppamystery. . It being now after midnight, Dave Perry sug- ee that it was bedtime, and invited Ramsey ston to remain with him, as he had a cabin next door with half a dozen rooms in it, and his cousin was already his guest. Ramsey Preston accepted the invitation, his horse was sent to the stable, and promising to see them in the morning Lucien De Leon took his departure, for he had already secured a room at the hotel. “Td better go over with you, pard, for you are too fine a fellow to be shot in the back, and Lam confident that Grizzly Gabe and his gang mean you harm,” said Dave Perry. “No, I shun no man, and if they catch me off guard they are welcome; good-night,” and the young ranchero boldly walked out into the moonlight, and wended his way to the Platte House. The clerk in attendance was asleep in a chair, and knowing where his room was, Lueien De Leon took up a few matches and went there along the dark corridor. Sey the door he stepped within, and was about to light a match, when a severe blow fell upon his head, and clutching at his pistols he sunk insensible upon the floor. **Now, pards, I guesses thet blow tuk ther iron out o’ his arm, and we'll jist carry him ter safer parts as soon as we hev tied him with this heur lariat. “‘Be quick, fer thet dose we give thet office boss hain’t goin’ ter make him sleep till kingdom come.” The 5 ct was Grizzly Gabe, and aided by Gospel Luke and two others of his band, he quickly bound the unconscious ranchero, and bore him away in their arms. Truly had Iron Arm fallen into the hands of his foes. CHAPTER XVIII, THE PLEDGE, WHATEVER excitement there might have been under the shadow of night in North Platte, the place certainly looked dull enough when the 11 morning sun arose, for the saloons were closed, the — doors not yet opened, and only an oc- casional human being visible in the deserted streets. But cf had the sun risen above the hori- zon, when the door of the commodious cabin of Dave Perry, and which adjoined his saloon, opened, and four persons came out. These four the reader has met before, for they were the two Prestons, Arta in her disguise of a youth, and Dave Perry himself. Their horses were soon brought from the stable, Arta nme, Red Ranger, the steed that had belonged to Mert Mabrey, her father riding the mustang he had brought from Leaven- worth, and Ramsey Preston riding his black. “D1 tell the ranchero that you thought it best tostart at once for the ranch, on account of a your daughter out of this disguise — we may ride out to see you some day,” sai ave. ‘‘ All right, Perry, you will be ever welcome; good-by,” and Ramsey Preston rode away, fol- lowed by his cousin and Arta. For some time they conversed only on or- dinary topics,-and after crossing the Platte, branched away up the north fork to avoid a large herd of cattle that was slowly moving along, driven by ascore of herders. ‘“That is the herd of that Texan, De Leon, that I have heard was on the way, for see, the cattle look gaunt and fagged from their long drive,” remarked Ramsey Preston. ‘‘He has a ranch near here, I believe,” said Arta, whose face was yet pale from the effects of the scenes she had passed through. ‘“ Yes, a ranchero pard he sent on ahead has homesteaded for him on the Dismal river, some sixty or seventy miles north, and about thirt from where I have my main ranch, so we will be neighbors, if, from all you tell me about him, | his hot head does not get him into trouble.” ‘* He is not hot-headed, but as cool a man in danger as I ever saw; his coolness certainly saved father’s life and mine last night,” replied Arta, with some warmth. ; ‘* And doubtless made him a hero in the eyes of my sweet cousin, although she never saw him before last night,” said Ramsey Preston. ‘‘ You are mistaken, cousin Ramsey; I have met Mr. De Leon before.” A dark flash swept over the face of Ramsey Preston at her words; but he said lightly: ‘* Indeed! I deemed him a perfect stranger to you.” ‘*In one sense of the word he is, Ramsey,” put in Berkley, “but, as Arta says, we have met him before, and received kindnesses at his hands.” ‘* You stirprise me,” **The truth is, after all my misfortune—” “Which my extravagances and speculations brought upon you, Berk.” “We will not k of that, cousin, for that is in the past, and you have the satisfaction of knowing now that your hospitality alone kee my child and myself from starving, for oh! we were 80 very poor; but to continue my story of where we saw this Texas ranchero before. ‘“*It was when I moved into a little cottage house, after the death of my wife, that a stran- ger stopped one night and asked for shelter, which I cheerfully granted. ‘* That night he heard Arta sing, although she was a mere girl, and asked if he might send a souvenir of his short visit.” ‘** Ah!” said Ramsey Preston, with something of a sneer in his tone, ** The souvenir he sent, true to promise, and was a guitar of rare workmanship and great value, and made to order, for he had Arta’s and his own initials inlaid in the wood.” ‘*He was most generous.” ‘*He was indeed, cousin Ramsey,” answered Arta, not noticing the sarcasm in her cousin’s voice, as she su ted no reason for it. ‘* Well, what then?” he asked. “Why Arta prized that guitar above every- thing, and when year by year misfortune and verty dogged my footsteps, and we came at ast to the verge of starvation, it was the only article of value that remained to us.” ‘*You did indeed prize the gift of a stranger, rta 7 ? He seemed nota stranger to me, cousin Ram- ““No doubt; but where is this valuable sou- venir now?” ‘** Ah! Thad to part with it; when hours went by and neither father nor myself had had any- thing to eat, I took it out to pawn it, but, seized with a sudden impulse to make an effort to save it, in passing the club, the rich members of which were my father’s friends in his prosperity, but knew him not in his poverty, I stood in the shadow ofairee and sung several ballads, and a liberal subscription was raised for me, for I saw many bank bills thrown into the hat. ‘But, alas! the one who brought me the generous donation basely insulted me, and ‘for it was knocked down by a gentleman who had been standing near by in the street, listening to my singing. ; ‘In the confusion that followed he thrust a roll of bills into my hand, and, confused and frightened, I ran off, and reached home, nob JOO elo) ECOL MINE S)