Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 202 — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

— _ ee --—— silence; then, whirling on his heel, he waved his men a little back and began talking with them in a low voice. . ‘* Miss Nola,” said James, quickly, ‘‘ we have talked to them bravely, but isn’t our chance a little careworn? We hold four sixes, butin the end we should strike bed-yock. Ain’t that so?’ ‘‘T suppose it is, but | am not going to let them see me waver.” ‘A good resolution, and [am with you to the end. We wil fight, and fight to kill. Is your father really out?’ ‘Yes, we are all alone in the cave,” Just then the masked leader turned and came nearer them. Whie they had rested during the lull their revolvers had been a litle lowered, but James’s now came wp with a quickness which made the outlaw dodge his head and then laugh shortly. His viciousness seemed to bave waned. CHAPTER XXVIII. JAMES AS A GUIDE. “Don’r trouble yourself to shoot,” the outlaw said, waving his hand. ‘“‘ I’m not hankering after lead pills, so you may as well lower your sixes. We have been consulting, as you see, and the result will naturally please you. We are going to vacate your wigwam, though not from fear. My boys never back down.” “Jt strikesme you have changed your tune since a man bas been added to the defense,” cried Nola. ‘*‘ You can war on women bravely enough, but the scene changes when you find your own sex against you.” ‘* Have it your own way; I never argue with your sex,” the outlaw carelessly returned. “I was about to add that we came here expressly to find the hunchback, and, since we can’t see him, we will call again. As for you, my callow youth, [ll see you again.” ‘*T’ll be there,” said James, coolly. Again the outlaw waved bis hand, this time to his men, and at the signal they turned and filed from the room, soon disappearing behind a point of rock. - Somehow, the whole affair looked like a farce. The ideathat a dozen men of such des- perate character as the Black Masks, and led, presumably, by. the fearless and merciless ‘ Captain,” should be beaten off by one man and a girl, before ashot had been fired—well, the matter looked a little ridiculous and a good deal like a scene put on the boards by contract. Yet, at that moment, neither Nola or James noticed this feature, or, if they did, it was not mentioned. “They are really gone,” Nola exclaimed, as the last of the band went out of sight. ‘*T believe they are.” “*] hope they will not chance upon father— and I don’t think they will. Mr. Townsend, once more 1 owe you my life. You have saved me from these men as you saved me from the Apaches, and from the bottom of my heart I thank you.” She put both her bands inh’s and looked up in his face with a Jeok he read full well. From only.one source could come what he read there, and his own face grew proud and tender. “Tl am = to have helped you—more s0, perhaps, than you think.” His words were so earnest that a slight flush crept into her cheeks; but James was not for- getful of all else in his hour of happiness. ‘‘ Are you sure these men are of the Black Mask band?” he said. ‘‘ Not sure, but confident that they are.” “Then, by Jupiter, what is te prevent me from following them to their den? Once the place was known, I could lead Brigham there, and then good-by to the robbers of Black Bend.” It was an idea she did not oppose, and after a few more words he said adieu and burried from the cave, Left alone, Nola had time to think, but for awhile only one idea was in her mind—the cave refuge was at last known to outsiders, and dan- gerous ones, at that, so they would be obliged to change their quarters, Old Prospect must be very discreet or he would fall into the hands of eneinies who would show no mercy. Later, and for the first time since the coming of the robbers, she suddenly remembered what Monsieur el had said to her about James Townsend. She had been warned to beware of the man as a Villain of the darkest dye; and yet, that very day, he had again come to her rescue and his face had seemed as bold, frank and honest as of old. ‘‘] will not believe it,” Nola declared. “ The Frenchmanr was an enemy who would do him harm secretly, and who dared not face him. Mr. Townsend is bravé@and good; I feel sure of it, I know it.” Aud at that moment, James was rattlin dowa the mountain at a pace which seem sae since ~ was going directly in the tracks of the outlaws. “It is strange how easily I beat off the ras- cals,” he said, laughing. “‘They might have riddled me with bullets, but, instead, when I raised my six, they caved. Very strange, but true. Now then, to track them to their den A al Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. _ and then lead the soldiers there. After that, the matter will soon be settled.” It was two hours later when Captain Brig- ham, sitting alone in his private room, was startled by the abrupt entrance of James Town- send, who dropped into a clair and then sat panting for breath. The soldier looked over at him in surprise. ‘‘What the dickens is up now’ Have you been indulging in a foot-race, or are the Apa- ches at our gate?’ Just then James caught sight of,a glass of water near at hand, and when he had swallowed half of it he regained the use of his tongue. “ Captain,” said he, ‘‘do you want to bag the Black Masks?” Brigham had been sitting very quietly, but he now aroused with a start, ‘Tt would please me a good deal,” he said. * What of it?” , ‘*Simply that Ican put you on the track. I have tracked them to a bole in the cliffs, and with your soldiers at your back you can scoop them in easy,” ‘* How did you fiid them?’ Brigham asked, looking a little doubtful. James told of the adventure in Old Prospect’s cave, adding that after he left the place he managed to gain sight of the outlaws again, and then followed on until he hived them in a nest which could be easily invaded by the soldiers, ‘** Just call out your warriors and I'll lead you | there,” James added, Brigham needed no urging. He went out and found Sergeant Springer, and after ordering out fifty men, sent for Cactus Jack and Boze- man. This messenger came back, bowever, just as the soldiers were ready to start, to say that the guides were absent from the village. This was a disappointment to the captain, for he felt that their skill might be needed, but he accepted the inevitable and put bis command in motion. They marched at a rapid pace, as time was precious, and when the rougher ground was reached, Sergeant Springer grew borrified at the irregular ranks kept by his boys in blue. Once he indulged in a reprimand, but Brigham bade him say no more about discipline that day, and the men went over or around the rocks as suited their convenience, ‘*Somehow,” said Brigham to James, ‘‘I do not feel as though I was going to victory.” ‘*T see nothing to hinder.” ‘* All may be well, but I suspect the fellows will show sharp claws. They must be several or more in number, and each one is of fighting timber. I expect a lively brush.” ‘* Well, the game is worth it, anyway. I have had astrong interest in the matter ever since the night-tragedy near my father’s ranch, and now I want the league stamped out.” **T’d give a good deal to know the mystery of that night,” Brigham thoughtfully said. ‘*So would I, because I can plainly see that your guide-detectives look at me with suspicious eyes.’ ‘* What! Bozeman and Cactus Jack?” < Yes.” ‘‘Surely you must be mistaken.” ‘*Tam not; and you must acknowledge that their suspicion is natural. I bear them no ill- will, and when the truth is known, the Town- send family will bear no blemish.” “That goes without saying,” Brigham hastily declared. ‘‘ The guides are strangers in the city or they would never make such a blunder. They have told me they are on the track, but it now looks as though the scent was a false one.” James started slightly. ‘* Do they really claim to have a clew?" he asked. sé Yes. ” “What is it?’ “They have thus far kept their own counsel, and I have no idea of its nature.” James did not answer, but fell into deep thought, from which he finally aroused with a start. They were near the scene of prospective operations, and he passed the word for caution along the line as they entered an irregular can- on. Brigham recognized the place as the same throuzh which he bad once before led his sol- diers, with the two prairie men at their head, and his faith began to waver as he suspected they would be led tu the very same cave—the deserted one where the guides had been held prisoners. ‘*Do you see that dwarfed tree growing from the cliff?” James asked, | és Yes,” ‘* Right there the masked men went in, and right there we may hope to find them.” ven as he mon~ bo ‘a series of sharp clicks echoed along the side of the canyon, and as all knew ’twas the sound of rifle-loeks, they looked quickly along the ragged cliffs; and there, in a score or more of places, frowning muzzles were covering their persons. ‘We are in a trap 1" hissed Sergeant Springer ; ‘there is treachery somewhere. What do you know about it, boy?” He turned fiercély on James as he spoke, and in his eyes was a gleam which boded little good to the volunteer guide. . ———— a ——— | CHAPTER XXIX. JUDGE LYNCH COMES TO TOWN, Cactus JACK and Zeke Bozeman reached the Bend shortly after the departure of Brigham and bis soldiers, but, unconscious of that fact, ibey went at once to the fort. They had gath- ered in new threads of evidence,'and had in- formation for the captain’s private ear; but on reaching the fort they found it garrisoned by only twenty men, and with a corporal in charge. They listened to the officer’s explanation with faces which momentarily grew less and less san- guine, ‘*Durn my boot-heels! if I don’t believe a screw is loose somewhere!” Cactus Jack de~ clared. ‘Those outlaws ain’t fools, not by a large majority, and if Brigham ketches them ers I stand treat,” . cv know w’ot I think, pard?’ Bozeman asked. ‘*Speil it.” | ‘‘ Ther claim is salted, an’ them blue-coats are runnin’ inter an ambush. Either Jim Town- _ send is in ther plot, or else he is durnedly fooled | himself.” ’ | ‘“Boot and saddle, Boze; we must save ’em from the fire, or bu’st in trying!” They rushed from the fort, but as they struck | the street a prolonged yell, was borne to their ears, and they looked toward the western side of the town to see a confused mass of men surg- ing toward them. . da <n so soon, by the Lord!” cried Cac- | tus Jack. ‘* Yes, whipped like dogs, that’s plain; but why do they still howl?” ‘* Hold on,” said Zeke, ‘‘ Them galoots ain’t ther sojers. Whar be your eyes, boyee? Kain’t you see ther red shirts an’—” ‘“The miners, by thunder! What brings them here and in such an uproar. I reckon the devil is to pay. Let’s go and meet ’em, Beze.” Acting on the idea the guides stalked down the street, and right in front of Dutch Hans’s hotel a prolonged yell indicated that they were seen in turn. It was a shout the two could hardly interpret, but at that moment a slight — figure in female garments darted from behind the botel and grasped Jack’s arm. Who she was he could not then tell, for a mask was over her face, but she spoke quickly. ‘‘In mercy’s name, flee for your lives!” she cried, excitedly. ‘‘ Yonder brutes are here to lynch you, and only prompt flight can save you.” ‘* To lynch us!” echoed Jack, blandly. | “T tell you pes ; and I know whereof I speak. ; Cactus Jack, lam the woman you saved from the waters of the Barranca of Death and I would give my life for yours. I tell you they will murder you—flee, while you can!’ ‘*Why do they want to climb us?” demanded the giant, in utter amazement. ‘* You have trod on the toes of men who strike back again. Did I not warn you by letter against secret enemies? Go, now, at once, and trust to time to prove your innocence.” She was speaking with utmost rapidity, for the red-shirt brigade was near at band and their howls were full of fierceness. She drew back a little, her weight balanced on one foot and all ready for flight. **)’ll run from no living man!” cried Cactus Jack, drawing up his splendid form while his eyes flashed; but further words were drowned in the howls of the miners. The masked girl’s breast rose and fell with © what seemed a heavy sigh, and then like a shadow she glided behind the hotel. ‘“ Thar be is; that’s ther critter!’ shouted one of the mob, as they came nearer, and then the surrounded the guides, though delaying hostili- ties for the time. The words of the girl added to the aspect of the crowd plainly showed Jack and Bozeman that mischief was abroad and riding rough- shod, and, remembering whet she had said about a plot against them, Cactus Jack pre- pared to meet bis accusers accordingly, ‘Hallo, gents,” be heartily said, ‘“you seem to be out in full force. What’s the occasion? — Apaches on the war-trail or anything serious?” he shouts had subsided to growls, a' 4 these now died entirely away, but on- brawuy fellow ste pred to the front, - ; We are on the war trail,” he explained, an’ we propose ter make things hot fur two critters o’ about your bigness. ar’s goin’ ter be a necktie picnic au’ you two are goin’ ter climb ther air on a tight rope.” ‘‘ What's all this nonsense, Bill Bush?’ the. giant bluffly asked. “Nonsense? Is that what you call it? Wait . till I state ther case an’ you'll change your lan- guage, Old man, you’ve run out your rope an’ Jedge Lynch is ter give ye another right away.” ‘T ain’t sure that I get the drift of what you | say, but it appears that you are threatening to- hang me and my pard,” Jack coolly said. | “We are goin’ ter do it, yon cusses. I say it, an’ I’m Bill Bush, ther Boss’ ther Lower — Bend.” “I’ve see’d you before, William. But why are you sO anxious for my neck?’ ner ‘We accuse you 0’ being ther chief o’ ther - blood - - ee —— — LLL LLL a SS a Black Masks,” declared the miner. ho says so?” JOO ‘S C (alo. com : 4 . ‘ ° . -—-~+ = Ae ee ee ee ee a 2a A ‘ } ee mm lh et ae ee _- eo es ee eee — —