Beadle's Dime Library No. 199 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

Diamond Dick, the Diamond Dick the rest which the latter so much needed, until such a time as a movemewt was made toward the West, or some information oe be gained in regard to the trail of Pueblo ete. CHAPTER XI IN HER POWER. WHEN Big Medicine entered Placer Palace, he was as well informed in regard to the disap- pearance of Pete, and the contest between the latter and Bowlder Bill, as any man at the bar. for he had, as he left his retreat, observed Bill stagger from the shadows of the motte toward the shanties, Descending the decline, the Indian had in- spected the clump of pines, discovered the signs of the late encounter, and falling upon his bands and knees, and gazing over the grass, saw where the heavy dew had been brushed off its long blades where Pueblo Pete had passed, leaving his trail well defined. When he reached the scene of the hanging and saw that Pete was gone, he was satisfied as to the identity of oneof the parties; and, when he entered the bar room, he knew that Bowlder Bill must be the other, judging from his genera] appearance, In consequence of this, when the Kioway left the town, he went directly to the trai? which he had seen. Stealthily he proceeded along, for he knew that the man he followed must be greatly fatigued and broken up from the usage he had received at the hands of the citizens. He was soon brought toa halt by a heavy groan in front. Gliding behind a clump of cedars, he passed silently through them to the opposite side, when parting the branches, he saw Pueblo Pete in the act of rising from the ground. Rubbing his forehead and eyes, as if trying to recall the near past, the outlaw then felt around his belt, as if to test the truth of some thoughts that ruled his mind for the moment, and then drew a long sigh of relief. This was soon fol- lowed, however, by a sudden start of surprise— a feeling which the Kioway also partook of— for both heard the report of fire-arms toward the North-west. _ These sounds, at that time and place, indi- cated, almost to a certainty, that men were en- gaged in fierce fight; and Pete hastened on to- ward the point from which it proceeded, Big Medicine at once concluded that the party of miners who had gone to assist and protect Dolores in the pursuit of the stranger, must bave fallen in with the “bad whites,” called the Wild Cats, of whom he had heard so much of late, Knowing that the citizens were all very anx- jous to discover the baunt of these outlaws, the Kicway was much pleased at the prospect of gaining the information that was of such im- portance to his white friends; he therefore stole on after Pueblo Pete, taking care that the latter did not observe bim. Pete increased his pace to long strides, the Indian, however, keeping within view of him. it was evident to Big Medicine, from the man- ner of Pete, that he was confident his friends were the stronger party in the conflict that was going on; and as Pete’s friends were beyond a doubt the Wild Cats, the Indian now fe!t cer- tain of discovering their retreat, On went the outlaw, close followed by the red spy, until both were suddenly brought to a halt by a rattling discharge of fire-arms but a short distance ahead of them. Knowing well the lay of the land, the Kioway located the sounds of the fight as proceeding from a can- ro8 that extended nearly to Big Medicine ity, Only for a momént, however, did Pete halt and listen: then he broke into a wild run, and soon disappeared from view. Big Medicine followed rapidly, but with due caution, and soon came to where a fringe of bushes lined the edge of the canyon. Parting these he looked downward and saw the horde of masked riders in the bed of the deep chasm, the bandits being at this moment firing their rifles upward to the bank opposite to bim. Glancinz across the canyon, the Indian saw Dashing Dolores and the miners urging their horses up the trail to the plain above, and knew that they were now safe, The dead miner and his horse at the bottom of the canyon ex- plained the shots which he and Pete had heard. Big Medicine was, however, plunged into deep concern, as Dolores foolishly rode to the brink of the canyon, and waved ‘Ker sombrero in a taunting manner; and his heart sprung to his throat when the rifles of the W iid Cats flashed, and their sounding reports echoed up and down the ravine. Looking down again into the bed of the chasm, the Kioway, much to his surprise, saw Pueblo Vete run into the very midst of the bandits, His arrival was greeted with yells of joy; and, approaching his chief, he deliveréd the let- ter that had been the direct means of his being saved from death by the rope. The Indian had understood enough of the conversation between the citizens to know that the latter had depended upon this to gain intel- nce of the location of the cave of the Wild Cats, and he now realized that all the facts to be gained in regard to the retreat of the bandits depended upon himself. The attention of the Kioway was again drawn to the plain, where be saw the miners crawling to the edge of the steep bank for the purpose of shooting down at the bandits. Something of more importance to him than even this now drew his gaze, for he next saw Dolores urging ber horse away from her friends, and when a couple of rifle-shots from the trail, putting him to his topmost speed and galloping along the bank to the north-west. Tae Kioway was determined to learn some- thing in regard to the intentions of Dolores, and he felt positive that the bandits would proceed up the canyon, and in this event he could watch their movements and hers dt the same time. He soon decided what he would do. Being fleet of foot, the Kioway, by a short cub, soon reached the canyon where Dashing Dolores had halted at the first sight of the out- laws, and where she had shot Reckless Rube and then escaped capture by her daring and adroit retreat. As Big Medicine reached the canyon and looked across at the plain, no living object was within the scope of vision as far as he could dis- cern; but, as be was about to step forward nearer to the edge of the abyss and inspect the Same, a moving figure caught his keen eye and riveted his attention to the opposite bank. He soon recognized the outlines of the black horse of Diarnond Dick, which Dolores had rid- den, the head of the animal having been bent to earth in the act of grazing when he first swept the view. The Indian at once decided that Dolores was not with the horse, and he sprung forward and quickly glanced down to the bed of the canyon, where a sight met his gaze which filled him with wonder, Three living objects were below bim—a horse, amananda woman. The latter he knew to be Dashing Dolores, although in what manner she had gained the bed of the canyon was a mystery. It was a strange sizht that the Kioway gazed down upon, and it was little wonder that even a stolid Indian was amazed, Distant, though he was, Big Medicine saw that Dolores was filled with the most furious yassion, as she stood over a prostrate man, who ay, bis features contorted with agony and evi- dently severely wounded, upon the ground be- fore her. But a few yards from them was a horse, fully equipped and secured by his bridle to a bush, from which he was prancing and snorting in his efforts to get free. The Kioway was perplexed. He felt sure that the Wild Cats would soon gallop up the canyon, and Dolores would meet capture or death, and yet he was powerless to aid her. That the girl intended .to evade being cap- tured was evident from the fact that she had left her horse near the opposite bank. Big Medicine concluded to await developments, and prepared, meantime, to shoot down the first man who should approach Dolores with other than friendly intent, All this time Dolores was bending over the wounded man, and in her hand a coiled lasso. With a cry of exultation, she proceeded to bind his hands. Asthe form and features of the in- furiated girl met his view, her cry pierced his ears, and the rope was drawn tight, the helpless wretch cried out in horror and agony: but Do- lores, apparently bearing in mind the probable return of the Wild Cats, took no notice of the cries of her captive, who, as the moon for a mo- ment lit up his face, was recognized by the In- dian as the stranger who had dashed through the “city,” and whom Dolores had called by the name of Reckless Rube. From what he now saw, and from what he had previously heard, Big Medicine knew that Dandy from Denver. ; ; | ment was again ready for business, | | ' ue — oe | this was the man who had greatly wronged the | fair girl, and that she was now bent on re- | Bill, ‘I’m on this byer trail ef I hes ter crawl. venge. With a strength born of insane fury she dragged Reckless Rube up an inclined bank of ‘ ' ‘i ———— ns band; and urging her horse to the bank, bis: back being upon a level with the same, without dismounting she drew her captive before her, siipping back herself upon the blanket fender of the saddle, with the head of Reckless Rube banging over one side and his feet the other. Then, striking her horse a blow with her re- volver, the animal being still terribly frightened, darted off with his double load, and up the canyon at terrific speed. CHAPTER XITI. DIAMOND DICK ON THE TRAIL, HALF an hour had passed after Big Medicine hadeleft Diamond Dick in the lodge, when the latter with a start sprung to his feet, having for » the time lost sight entirely of his present where- abouts and condition, Groping about, he found his hat and rifle, as also his revolver and belt, and in another mo-— Leaving the lodge, he crossed the level sward, passed be- tween the huge bowlders, and stood for a short time gazing at the two rows of shanties that made up Big Medicine City. While thus standing in the moonlizh’, all around being silent as the tomb, he heard the far-away report of rifles, which gave him a start. of surprise. Listening until he was satisfied he was not mistaken, he bounded down the decline, and in a short space of time, sprung into the bar of Placer Palace. ‘‘Dang my cats!” exclaimed Bowlder Bill, in astonishment; ‘‘ef thar ain’t Diamond Dick? Thought yer war wilted, pard; but dog’d ef yer don’t ‘pear es peart an’ sassy es a fresh roped mustang!” ‘ ‘*Dick,” said Square Sim, ‘‘I’m glad to see you out so soon, and as Bill says, looking your- self again.” ‘Thanks, gentlemen. I’m quite as much re- joiced as youare. But please to inform me what has transpired since I’ve been in the hands of my warm friend, Big Medicine. Where is my horse, landlord?’ ‘“ Dashing Dolores eppropriated him, and went off at full speed after the man who shadowed you at Denver. She recognized him, I think, as one whom she had good cause to hate. She fired at him, after you fell from your horse in a faint, missed him, and then started on your nag in full pursuit.” ** W bereis Big Medicine?” asked Dick, quickly. ‘*He’s levanted fer sign o’ Pueblo Pete,” an- swered Bill. ‘* Pete skuted, arter givin’ me a lively tussle, when I war ootnint taae arter helpin’ ter tote yer ter ther lodge.” “Then that explains it,” said Dick, just heard the report of rifles toward the north- west, Sheriff, I must bave a good horse in- stantly! Don’t be afraid, I will pay you well for the animal.” ‘Dang my purty pictur’!” cried Bill; “ef yer heard shootin’, rn a-bettin’ they’ve run ag’in’ ther dang’d maskers.. Pards, we’uns must craw! our stock, an’ gif. Ef they hurts thet- gal, I won't eat nor snooze till I make ther bull gang turn up toes!” Just then Jim Jams awoke, and rubbing his eyes, soon got a glimpse of Diamond Dick, when he staggered to his feet, brightening at the pros- pect of a drink. ‘Dick, gi’n us yer paw! I hopes nobody’ll ever vite me ter irrigate, ef hit don’t do me a heap 0’ good to gaze at yer ban’-bex make up!” ‘““How-dy, Jim, old boy?’ said Dick. “Take a drink, and excuse me, for 1 have business on hand.” . Bis So saying, and grasping his riding-whip, which Taos Tim bad taken in charge, he adden. hurriedly: ‘‘ Now, my friends, find horse-meat and we'll travel. A moment’s delay may cost a life, Bill, I will not ask you to go, for you look pretty well used up.” ‘‘Never you mind my condish, Dick,” said — Come, Sim: we’!l hev some nags at ther door in ther wag of a alligator gar’s tail!” and the speak- er, accompanied by the sheriff, dashed out into Clay, placing bim upon the opposite and abrupt | the street. side of the same; she then sprung to her horse, detached the reins from the bush, and quickly vaulted into the saddle where she sat for a mo- ment listening intently. As Dolores sat thus, Big Medicine revealed himself to her view on the verge of the canyon, and called to her: does she in canyon when moon shines, and bad white men who hide their faces, ride fast from south trail? The heart of Big Medicine is sad. He will be glad once more when his white sister is in her log lodge by the mountain.” Dashing Dolores gave one quick glance of in- tense surprise and alarm, as the voice of the In- dian broke on her ear; then, as she recognized his well known form and speech, an expression of the greatest relief was stamped upon her face, but before she could find words to reply, the Kioway made. a quick, impatient gesture of alarm, uttered a cry of caution, and then sunk ck from view. At the same time, Dolores heard the clatter of hoofs, indicating the approach of the outlaw | ; “Git a hoss fer me!” yelled Jim Jams. ‘I’m oP es cuss, but my carkiss kin stop a lead ill. “All right, Jim,” said our hero: “you may be useful if you'll only brace up. Give him a bottle of good liquor to take along, Tacs Tim; | the poor fellow will need it to prevent his ideas ‘Why is my white sister on war-path? What | from getting mixed. But don’t you think it would be better to awaken some of the citizens? We may have a large force of the Wild Cats to | ; | contend against.” ‘Certainly, Dick! The boys would be rip- ping mad, if they were not infcrmed of the racket,” Out darted Taos Tim, and aroused the miners with a yell. These were soon ready for action when they found whet was required of them. Dick, followed by Sim, Bill, and Jim Jams, galloped away from Placer Palace, passing around the head of the canyon and speeding over the plain to the south, all armed to the teeth, with Jim Jams grasping a rifle in one hand, and a bottle of whisky in the other. Not — a word was spoken. All spurred like men in EComicboo cS Spine A, (E(0)