Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 194 — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

= - * -_——— no more, an’ I reckon it will be a long day afore I show my pictur’ in this region x ge He had by that time struck the mountain road, and he gathered uP the loose rein and rede past Arcadia with all his attention on the house. A broad band of light streaming from one window showed the precise room in which its master lay dying, but the masked rider rode past without pausing. The night was a fickle and variable one. At times the dark clouds passing across the sky made all dark and gloomy; but the situation was changed when the stars had a chance to send down their light. It was in one of the Don Sombrero, the California Road Gent. © > on like grin death. I’m afeerd Ive got ter fight bim, an’, somehow, I’m. afeerd o’ him. Afeerd? [ma liar; I’m afeerd o’ nothin’.” He raised the rifle which lay across bis knees and looked to its condition. Then another oath fell from bis 5 ‘Curse it! the cap is gone. Have I another?’ He fwmbled in bis pockets with an anxious face. but nowhere couid he find the desired article. He had a rifle, but it was useless, He grated his teeth furiously and drew his knife. The pursuer had gained still more upon him, and he saw that the case was growing desperate. He growled in a tiger-like way and latter intervals that the masked man rode past | thrust the point of the knife into his horse’s ribs, the ranch, and he could be plainly seen some | It was his only hope if he would keep his dis- distance away. “Ther village seems as quiet as usual, an’ I reckon no one is watchin’,” he muttered. “* Now, then, fur some pilgrim who has dust in his pocket.” 8 was still going slowly along when a shout from the field to the left caused him to turn his head. The man who had shouted was plainly seen, for though a wooded depression lay be- tween them, be, like the masked rider, was on a knoll, and his form was outlined against the southern sky. Like night wanderer number one, he was on horseback, and the two sat for a moment in si- lence guzing at each other under very similar circumstances. Situated as be was, the masked visible to the other; butit was not that whic caused him to start so suddenly. Instead, is was the fact that in the second horseman he saw his very counterpart. Hat, cloak—perhaps form—were alike, as were the horses they rode, ‘ Another Don Sombrero had appeared to the rst! For a minute the first night rider sat gazing at his double, but the sight seemed to cause him alarm. It may be he realized that a man thus made up would not offer him a chance for gold and might force worse upon him; at any rate, he was undeniably alarmed. An oath fell from his lips, and with a dash he plunged the spurs into his horse’s sides. The effect wasat once seen. The mettlesome animal gave a mighty bound, and then, as his master added a blow from his hand, sped away with tremendous strides. Again the shout came from the knoll, this time with an ominous ring, and, as suddenly as the first rider had moved, the second vacated his post and sped toward the road. To gain it he had to make a detour, to avoid the bushes, and when he struck the traveled way, the fugitive was some distance away and going ata mad gallop. Thisfact, however, did not seem to discourage the pursuer, for he ut- tered a triumphant shout as he sent his own black horse swiftly mone in the rear. “‘T have him at last!” he cried, exultantly, as he bent forward in his saddle with impatience. “*T felt sure that I should to-night run upon the dog, and it has happened as I hoped. Now, in a little while, [ will find out who has been usin my identity, and then Ill give the Monn Taborites a chance to mete out justice,” The two horsemen thundered along the road their movements presenting a strange contrast to the former quiet of the place. Stranger yet would the sizht bave been to the citizens of Mount Tabor who had chanced to look upon it. All wore familiar with the appearance of Don Sombrero, but any of them would have been amazed to see a pair of Don Sombreros thunder- ing along at such a pace, one evidently pursuing the other. : Perhaps if the observer had been quick-witted, he would have remembered the placard posted by the road-agent in the village, in which he declared that some evil-minded person had been using bis disguise for base purposes, and that he would hunt down the counterfeit Don Sombrero and bring him to justice. No such observer was about, and the two men had the scene to themselves. A mile was soon passed, but no change could be seen in their relative positions. Both horses had proved themselves very fleet-footed, but such a tremendous pace could not long be main- tained, and it looked as though the victory would ultimately be with the one which had the greater endurance. af Whatever might be the qualities of the fore- most steed, the master of the second seemed to have the utmost confidence. Once, he senta shout after the fugitive, and then a mocking laugh followed as he saw the fellow again strike his horse with his hand. : “Let him ride,” he contemptuously said to himself. ‘‘ He is only averting the inevitable. man knew his peculiar outfit must be plainly | t | | | ' tance. In the rear his pursuer was riding calmly. He felt sire of his game now, but the crisis was near at hand and be would waste no breath in shouting. From the horn of his saddle he uncoiled a lasso and began arrangingitforacast. It was intended for the neck of his double, ‘“Ycur career is about over, my gay road- agent!” ba grimly thought. ‘‘ Youaremy game, as sure as fate.” Still on went the two, still rained the pursuer. Not even the scoring of the knife could infuse new vigor into the limbs of the forward horse. He was trembling violently, his breathing was labored—the end was near. Still nearer swept the pursuer, and the dis- ance began to lessen more rapidly. The space was carefully measured by the keen eyes of the second rider. Then he raised his lasso once more, swung it for a moment about bis head, and as it shot out into the air, stopped his own horse with a word. No more was needed, for the noble animal seemed to know what was required and braced himself for the shock. Straight and true the lasso went through the air, and as it settled over the head of the fore- most Don Sombrero it tightened, and in a mo- ment more he was plucked from his saddle and hurled to the ground. Almoss$ at the same moment the second rider left the saddle, ran forward, and in a short time was by the fallen man’s side with his foot upon his breast, ra, CHAPTER XLII. MYSTERIES EXPLAINED. THE rescue party headed by Theodore Rivers and Mayor James met with no adventures on their return to the vange. They went as fast as was convenient, for James was in haste to reach their destination, but the way seemed long to all. Roberts had scarcely spoken since they left the cave. He had not one hope left, and he turned a deaf ear to all that was said to him. If he was ruined, he would at least defy his enemies to the end. His torture was rendered doubl ignant by the sight of Rivers and Laura riding side by side, and he occasionally grated his teeth as he marked the courtly manner of his triumphant rival. They seemed happy and without a care, while he was a candidate for the hangman’s noose, If he could have read Laura’s thoughts he would have been more contented. She had been told that in all probability her father’s in- jury was fatal, and this, added to her belief that Rivers was Don Sombrero, was making her miserable even in her hour of joy: When Arcadia was reached, Laura was left at the door and the remainder of the party went on to the village. The hour was so late that very few people were astir, and Roberts was given a secure cell in the jail without any manifestation from the Mount Taborites. Tu this, the mayor was happily disappointed, for be had had some fears of Judge Lynch. As soon as the key was turned on Roberts, the jailer told Mr. James that other business was awaiting him. “We have taken in a new inmate since your honor left.” ‘* Who is it?” the mayor asked. **San Antonio, the robber chief.” ‘* Ha! isit possible? How did it happen?” *“He was brought in by Diaz and Jones, the village loafers, but he came willingly. In fact, he came to the city for the express purpose of giving himself up.” ‘ ‘The dickens he did! How is that?” ‘He is wounded to the point of death—can not live more than a day. t his con- science is troubling him. At any rate, he is very anxious to see your honor.” ‘Tl go to him at once,” James declared. He was conducted to the cellin which San He rides a, good beast, but no horse in Cali- | Antonio had been confined. The noted chief fornia can outstrip my gallant animal in a | Jay upon the rude bed with his usual dress upon long run.” Evidently, there was truth in what he said. for it soon became perceptible that he was aining little by little. Swift the foremost semen certainly was, but his endurance was not of the best. Already he was beginning to breathe heavily, and his master cast an anxious Zlance over his shoulder. x Curge the fellow!” he muttered; “he hangs his powerfully made form, but the first glance was enough to show that he was about done with earth. The night ride had taken away what little of his life had remained, and now only a fixed resolve to see the mayor was keep- ing him conscious. His face brightened as the official entered. ‘*So you bave come at last. Well, for once, Iam glad to see you, mayor. Of course you ? Bz - ne Se know who I am, so I need not introduce myself.” ‘ A faint smile hovered for an instant on the robber’s face, ‘““{ understand that you are San Antonio,” the mayor answered. ‘IT was San Antonio, in my days of power, but now Lam only adying man. Do youknow why I voluntarily came here and surrendered myself?” “6 No,” ‘Tt was to avenge my own death.” | ‘Eb? said James, in perplexity. “You know that was shot by Sheriff Roberts, after I bad stolen the Austiu girls, bub. vou do not know how base a sbot it was Mayor, your petted official has been my ally ever since [ came to Mount Tabor.” ‘* Ts that so?” “*T swear it. It was through his ald that IT have secured my choicest spoils, end it was ab his bidding that I kidnapped the girls. He was short of cash and thought to get a couple of thousand out of Judge Austin.” ‘* A very fine plot.” ot ‘“‘ It was not his first against the judge, Ones, when the latter had been west to draw funds from a bank, Roberts directed me to waylay and rob him. I tried it, but, aided by an un- known man who came to bis aid, the judge slipped out of the net.” ‘** Austin told me of his adventure.” **As for this lust affair, Roberts only went with the rescue party for the purpose of baf- fling them, and all would have gone to his lik- ing had not Rivers seen the smoke from our cave. Then, when Robertssaw that they were destined to succeed, he resolved to wrest the honor from the man he hated and afterward shoot me so that 1 could not betray him.” “Go on,” . San Antonio’s voice had grown weak, but he ° made a strong effort and continued: ‘He pretended to discover the entrance te the cave by accident, but it was only a sham. He knew the place well, and he led my enemies in to take me unawares. All worked well for him and he shot me down at the start, but I was carried off by my men.” ty Again tbe outlaw paused, but a swallow of brand y gave him a little strength. ‘* Since then I have laid in a small hutin the mountain, hoping to recover, but when I saw that death was inevitable, I resolved to come here and 6xposé my former ally. My men, pas ae dee me to the edge of the village, after ax which I walked to the jail, and, though the | effort has shortened my time on earth, I am oe content. The jailer has told me of Roberts's last crime and I know heis doomed, anyway, » but I have added my hand tothe rope Which will launch him into eternity.” 7 ee - al He ceased cae and closed bis eyes, an@ the mayor, with a thrill of ‘pity, directed that all possible care be given him while he lived. He had been unscrupulous and lawless, but, compared with Roberts, he seemed like a fallen man rather than an outlaw. Just then, the jailer ushered Winship, the mine-owner, into the cell. . “T reckon * ie had better go outside, your honor,” he said. ‘There is a crowd gathering about the jail, and, judging from the mutter-_ ings against Roberts, fear they meditate lynch-law affair.” S “Where is Rivers?” his honor asked, as he hastily followed the messenger. ‘Dorval came from Austin’s for bim a few minutes ago, and he has gone away.” ‘“‘l am sorry, for, if there is to be trouble, we need every reliable man. Judge Lynch must be thwarted.” ¢ al Meanwhile, Rivers had followed Dorval, wha had rode bastily down to summon him to the house, and, on his arrival, he wasinformed that — if was Judge Austin himself who wished to see im. | Octavia, Laura and Viola were all in the room when he was ushered in, but, at the end of a few minutes, the judge requested them to retire and leave him alone with his guest. = = aan he fixed his gaze steadily on the Cay- — Tad aner. ek oe “Neighbor,” he said, with a gentleness new = to him, “I am near the end of life’s journey.” © “Do not despair—” the youngerman began, — but a gesture interrupted him. mare “Tt know my condition better thanany ono > else. It is only a matter of a few days at the ~ aa most, and I shall endeavor to meet my fate ot te a, | Pes ee | Coo - : —— Pe fe = a ~ ’ Pome ti A we NG Os + ” oy » a * - “€. een ou e. \ ae = 3 - Fe a . - — ots 4 calmly. Mr. Rivers, do you see the articles on _ By yonder table?’ Beet ‘** A pistol and some sort of a case?” Se. “Yes. Well, they have a history, and it — was to tell it to you that you were ‘summoned | here. I will be brief, but the subject isa paine ful one, and I do not care to dwell on whathas been the burden of mv later life.” ny ae There was a strange expression on Rivers’s face, but he said nothing, and after a pause; = the judge continued: : s “Tt has been my nature to make few inti- . mate friends duripg my life, and I may say | that I never had but one in whomI confided to — any extent. His name was James Caldwell, Aa . ;