Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 202 — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

| : | | | Ome, ae — * ‘ Cactus _ He left her with a Judas kiss, and went to the entrance. Drake was there directing matters, but a lull bad come in the ting and it looked as though the assailants found the ground too hot for them. They had passed the impediment of sand and reached the entrance, but the place was narrow, and the firing from within had killed three soldiers and forced the others back. Drake, in all the glory of his new office, was encourag- ing the men, and they greeted the chief with a cheer. ‘‘Ha! my brave fellows, I am glad to see you again. lam only just in from the outer air, but now I'll see you safely through. All we bave to do is to figbt hard and they can never force an entrance.” If they know the place wal they kin get in,” one of the men discontentedly ssid ae How 9? ‘*'Through the thin places in ther rock I showed you when we first come hyer.” ‘True, true; but I do not believe one of them knows anything about the place, Be of good aoe men, we will pull through with colors The speaker did not feel so confident as he talked, and he admitted his fears to Drake in a private conversation, but he announced bis determination to ie to the last gasp. ‘‘T want to thank you for ‘your quick wit in fro~oing an excuse to quiet Zina,” he added. “You did nobly, and I will reward you well.” ‘*T reckoned you wouldn’t want the claws of that tiger-cat_ in your hair— Pardon me, captain, I meant no disrespect to the queen.” ‘Don’t be afraid, Drake. All I want of Zina is to make her useful in this crisis, and then out of the way she goes. That's the only safe way, for she would as soon use her knife on meas not if she discovered my faithlessness.” CHAPTER XXXIX. THE MULATTO REAPPEARS Arter their seizure at the mesquite grove, Nola aud Marian endured a good deal of mental anxiety, though they were subjected to no more rudeness than was necessary to carry them to the cave. They reached that place after a brief but rapid ride, though, of course, with their eyes covered, they had little idea as to where they were being carried ; but a halt was made at last, they were made to walk a short distance, and when their eyes were uncovered they found themselves in a small cave-chamber. A single masked man was with them, and he litely assured them that they need have no further fears; that they were among friends, whatever the events of the last few minutes had made them think, and that, though he could offer no explanation—in fact, he must be dumb from that time—he was to remain on and see that they were well used. He proved his words true in at least one respect; from the time his little oration was finished he spoke not a word, and when the girls addressed him not even a glance showed that he heard. . Finding appeals thrown away, they fell to es to each other, and both were of the opinion tha they were in the hands of the Black Maske. '» Half an hour later two men came and separated them, taking Marian from the chamber, and Nola was left alone. She was of a brave pature, as we have alrea prem she maintained an outward composure through all, though the fact that she was in the hands of the infamous League of Gold filled her with a terror she had never befcre known. Perhaps another hour had passed when another masked man appeared. He wore a mask which wholly conceal his face, and was slight, even boyish, of build, but his person almost bristled with weapons. He ke for a moment with the guard, and then the latter went hurriedly down the passage and soon disappeared from view. His footsteps had scarcely ceased to sound when the last arrival turned to Nola and spoke in a hur- ried way. ‘Young woman,” he said, “‘I am here as your friend, and if you would escape from this den of as- sassins you must follow me at onre.”’ “Follow you?" repeated Nola, suspiciously. “And wey seul I do that? Are you not one of this ‘No, I am not,” was the impatient answer, = eet my disguise has served me so well that the Spo as gone away to answer a fictitious call from is leader, When he finds out the cheat hé will hurry back, and then, if we are still here, we are 7 cee | Come |"’ ‘Tell me who you are, first. I can trust no one who hides his face,”’ r ‘* Fool!’ was the angry comment. Then the speaker tore off his mask, revealing a smooth, boyish face, a yellow skin, and a head of curling hair which bespoke him a mulatto, He was the same mysterious ge we have before seen. Look!” he said, sharply. “Is that the face of an assassin? I tell you I am one from the outer world and the deadliest foe that the robber chief has on earth. Will you es with me?” ** Enough,”’ said Nola, quickly. *‘‘ Lead where you will and I will follow.” The mulatto resnmed his mask, thrust a small re- volver into Nola’s hand and then turned away, *‘Danger lies at every step,” he earnestly said ‘but we will hope for the best. Be brave and cool one do not use your revolver unless I give you eave,’ There was but one way to go; the same in which the rd had lately gone: but the yellow-skinned youth glided rapidly along the passage, his gaze fixed at the with hawk-like keenness. Nola's: last doubt was gone. She felt that she could trust the youth, whoever he was, and her only mi was that they should stumble on the out- laws. eee ——————— — — Jack, the Giant Guide. At the first chance the mulatto turned to the left | and then they went on through which crossed each other with bewildering frequency. Now and then the guide hesitated, but he held to a direct course as near as possible and lost little time. They were not destined to escape unchallenged, however, for, turning a point of rock, they came face to face with Queen Zina so suddenly that she nearly collided with the mulatto. —E Then followed a brief but ominous pause. Nola | had grown very pale and the yellow youth seemed | moved, but while Zina looked in astonishment he he was recovering his wits rapidly. His slight figure was erect and he showed no terror, grave as the | case had become. Zina spoke after a slight een ‘* Where are you taking the prisoner, Pedro?”’ She had mistaken the mulatto for one of the band, as ewan had done; he was willing to humor the mistake, ‘‘Her prison-room was not safe and she goes to | _ every two-footed varmint you see.”’ another,” he answered. “Not safe?’ Zina echoed in surprise. safest place in the cave. remove her?” * The chief.” “It is the Who gave you orders to “T do not believe it, and, by my life, I doubt that iD you are Pedro. Unmask, at,once! The woman was excited, and Nola gripped tighter | the revolver she was holding in the folds of her | dress. The reply of the mulatto seemed rash to madness. What of it?’’ he demanded. ** Then you are a traitor and I will summon the men.” She caught up a silver whistle which was’ sus »nd- | ed from her wrist, but before she could use it, the yellow boy sprung forward and seized her hand. “Stop!” he said, commandingly butcalmly. “ Nay, 29 see —_——— —I discovered it by chance—and if the soldicrs move rapidly they will gain an easy victory.” Almost as the yellow-boy spoke there was a shout near at hand, and then followed a pistcl-chot, and Bill Bush staggered and fell to the rocky floor. CHAPTER XL. A REVOLVER ARGUMENT. Tue shot and the fall of the miner proved that the yarty was discovered by foes, but Cactus Jack and zeman did not waver. They had carried revolv- ers in their hands, and at the first warning they faced the point of danger. Half a dozen men dart- ed toward them, and one glance was enough to pro- claim them outlaws. , The guides wasted no time. Their weapons spoke with a dull roar, and each dropped his man. Bf} Bush, who had been felled by a bullet. which was turned aside by his broad knife, sprung up and stood by their side. ‘* Give it ter ther cusses!” he shouted... ‘‘ Wipe out He fired, but the bullet was wasted on a man Cac- tus Jack had perforated a second hefore: and then a dozen fresh foes appeared behind the others. At their head was the masked chief, and he sprung forward furiously at seeing the intrudérs. ‘Cut down the dogs!” he cried, angrily. ‘Show no mercy!” ‘We want him alive,’’ gritted Cactus Jack: and then a well-directed shot from his own revolver _ Struck the chief's weapon and tore it from his hand. “You are right, Queen Zina; I am not Pedro, | _as she was, the scene was too desperate Nola held her revolver ready for use, but, brave for her nerves, and even Zadoc, the yellow-boy, seemed un- certain and confused. The outlaws made a rush, and though the three - men fired reeey they were forced back toward the | interior of. t do not oppose your strength to mine, for it is use- | less. Now, be quiet. So, Queen Zina, you would summon your bloodhounds to seize us? Just at present you feel that way, but I will soon change . your mind.” Zina had struggled in his grasp, but, finding it 12 Cave and roughly used, though their tremendous efforts saved them from actual harm, Bill Bush shouted like a small thunder-storm ag he used revolver and knife, but the guides fought in grim silence. Ordinary men would soon have gone down under _ Such a press of numbers, but those three were made useless, now stood with anger and petulance on her | face. ‘**Man,”’ she said, with subdued passion,’ ‘' unhand me or I will scream for help.”’ The yellow boy’ laughed. Then, turning to Nola, he bade her retire a few yards, after which he again spoke to Zina, “TIT am going to sweep away some of your false doctrines and notions,’’ he said, “ and, since I have | away, and he stood like one who acknowledged that I am not Pedro, I will tell you | my name.”’ ola, having obeyed the mulatto’s directions, paused and looked back. She saw him bend and , whisper in the ears of the queen; and as he did so — she uttered a cry which was almost of terror, her | face grew very pale and she seemed about to slip through the floor. The counterfeit Pedro, however, seemed to have much to say. He retained his hold on her arm, though she no longer st led, and s feverish rapidity. Not one of | is words was audible = Nola, but they seem to fall on Zina and burn like va. She was very pale, and one hand was pressed against the wall behind her, as though to guard against faintness, and a variety of expressions . passed over her face. Once she rallied and spoke herself, perhaps to question the identity of the yellow bo , but he temporarily removed his mask and the sight of his face caused Zina to shrink back as before, Then she stood still while he continued his rapid utterance. Nola, shoes? she could distingu’ nothing of what was said, could not take her from the rare icture. The mulatto talk ned, fiercely and then sadly, now reproachfully and then accusingly, and the face of the queen was like a panorama, Amazement, horror, utter misery, anger, which was almost fury,-and abject shame were all at times represented, and No as to who the yellow boy was, and how he could so move this imperious woman. Time was sing swiftly, and they were remain- ing in the of the lion when they might have been own but even Nola was too interested to notice e ' one the mulatto seemed pending with his companion, and his manner was tender and gentle, but Zina, after acting as though about to burst into poke with — and Zina lis- . e spoke with feverish haste, at times | was filled with wonder | tears, gradually grew sterner, and the words seemed | thrown away. , Till show you torture which will put Anon, she put out her hands as though to drive | the yellow boy back, and when the latter sunk on his knees at her feet she suddenly wheeled and sped away through a narrow passage. He arose, looked after her until she disappeared, and then turned once more to Nola. . Come,” he said, huskily, almost a sob. in his voice. Nola made no answer, but si'ently followed where he led. Once or twice, he hesitated, but the way grew clearer, and they suddenly emerged into a chamber. cross this and into a passage they went, the guide showing the utmost caution. He carried his torch in one hand and a cocked revolver in the other, and the girl knew they were literally running the ganftlet — et te ee — —_ Suddenly another light appeared before them, | and Nola grew paler still as she saw men around it; but the mulatto only hurried forward the faster. He had seen and recognized Cactus Jack, Zeke Boze- man and Bill Bush, and they were the men of all . others he wished to see. Cactus Jack looked at the pair keenly, ‘Who are you?” he asked of the yellow-boy. “Iam Zadoe,”’ was the quiet reply. ‘I see that my messenger reached you.” ** Yes,”’ the giant answered; ‘‘hecame straight to us, but he did not find the hole so easy again, It is found at — though, and we three are in, while the boys in blue have been sent for and will come in onr rear, Your news has enabled us to slip in at the back door, and if Rome don’t howl pretty quick I am a liar, yy } and ‘The outlaws know nothing of the small entrance . / of stern stuff, and they fought like gladiators. Nola wondered at the apathy of the yellow boy. A short time before he had been brave and ener- getic, but now all his courage seemed to have oozed unnerved by ter- ror. Even Nola was braver than he. She fi her revolver twice, aiming at the confused mass of out- laws; and then the nt trio fell back rapidly be- fore the furious attack of the enemy, Nola and Zea oc keeping in their rear, | Onee, Cactus Jack laid hold of the outlaw chief, but a blow from another enemy struck the giant to his knees, and only for man’s prompt aid he would have fared hardly. Put to actual but stubborn ht, they had not gone far when they reached a niche in the wall of rocks which presented a narrow face and a rough e— way behind. Cactus Jack formed a plan at once, | urged his party within. Loose bowlders were lying on the floor, and while Bozeman and Bill Busb held the narrow gap, the giant hurriedly threw up a breastwork. H the work had been done by Nature, and his own labors soon finished the barrier. Behind this all retreated, and even the mad League of Gold hesitated about attacking so well in- trenched and desperate a party. Many a valuable life had already been lost, while the trio of hard fighters seemed to bear charmed lives. , ‘Why don’t you come on?’ bawled Bill Bush. “Come an’ see us, do! We're at home an’ ther latch-string is out. Don't be bashful!"’ “Listen to me, you demons,”’ said the chief, an- erily. ‘* You have run your heads into a trap from which there is no escape, Sooner or later you must yield to us, and if you surrender now I will give you merey. If taken at the cost of another life, you will receive the worst punishment I can inflict.’ ‘* Now you’re shouting," said Cactus Jack, with a reckless laugh. ‘‘I like plain talk, and your style will pass in a crowd. Howeyer, we ain't doing the surrender act this week, and if you want us you must come where we are.”’ “ This is madness.” ** Maybe, but there’s method in it. I won't trust = for a cent, for I know you.and you know I do. four neck depends on wiping out Cactus Jack and pard,. Well, here we are; come and see us!" ** Fool!” cried the chief. at You've got it bad. You ought to take some- ng.” ; ‘You are signing your own death. warrant by this course. I will have you out of that if it me every man in my band, and when I do get you, an Indian to shame.” ‘Yes, when you do. That's well put in, you tar- nal serenity Oh! you're a cyclone with your lip, ou are , “ This useless talk continuéd for some time longer, but it was greatly to the giant's liking, for it gave Brigham, a clearer field for operations; while the chief,on his part, was anxious to induce the terri- ble fighters to yield peaceably. While they talked, Zadoc bad not been idle. His previous Work around the cave had showed’ him that there were many nooks and passages .to pe found by searching, so he crawled back among the bowlders and looked for some avenue of eacape. At first he could see no opening whatever, but, by and by he found a hole which seemed lead inte a Reasege or chamber beyond, It was very small and, slizht as the boy was, he doubted Lis ability to pass through, but he hada resolute nature, and the attempt was speedily made. _It was a close shave, and the recks rubbed on al} sides of him, but he finally forced his body tbrongh by the edge, put his feet down until he touched solid rock. __ PAF Then, putting,out his hands, he found that he was in a marrow. but tolerably even passage, and. his spirits rapidly arose. : Cr “We can all escape this way if the hele can be enlarged,” he said, th.aking of Cactus Jack’s heavy build, ‘““ We mur. area. for the outlaws will sooner or later con uer even these brave men. - Let me see where this passage goes,” | ; He was in utter darkness, and as he moved along he kept his hands and feet busy to guard against cS G Eomichboo er - (EO) |