Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 245 — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

he would be in a position where he would have | of the keenest detectives of the West. The wan atrong friends. nothing after that. “Tf I can lure the girl to the old woman’s den, she will be like clay in my hands. Once let her see Heeate and those amiable Lambs of hers, and Vivian will be glad to become Mrs, Horace Lincoln. Now, may luck be with me in the battle!” The words were spoken.as he reached the wild eastern wall of Graveyard Gulch. f it failed—well, he could ex- | had once been his partuer in the mines of Cali- fornia, but was just at that time located in Vir- ginia City. Knowing that he had not forgotten their old- time friendship, the writer gave the whole story in detail, covering page after page in rapid suc- cession, and forgetful of all around him. This was af a time previous to Horace’s de- pertare from the house, and before darkness ad fallen. While he was writing a man approached the heuse, paused at the door and, finding no one on guard, walked in without ceremony, At the door of the sitting-room he paused, bis gazed fixed upon Barranca Bill, and for a while no sound was audible except the scratching of a very poor pen. The new-comer’s face was a panorama of deep emotions as he gazed, but all tended to one end; he was filled with a bitter hatred for the man before him—an overpowering desire to kill him and a fierce delight that he was alone, And in his emotion as he gazed his breast began to arise and fall like a troubled sea, while CHAPTER XXXITi, HONEST GEORGE SEEKS HIS PREY, THE night was dark and gloomy. The season of the year was nearing that point where rain was liable at any moment to occur, coming on the heels of the dry summer, and Horace was more vexed than surprised to see dark clouds piling up against the sky. 1 Perhaps the prospect would frighten Vivian— but, no; she was as anxious for the meeting as he. He had stood for perhaps ten minutes on the _——_— dark = of the gulch when a light footfall | his breath passed his lips with a deep sound, reached his ears. He turned and saw Vivian. The intruder was Honest George | ‘Oh! Tam so glad,” she said. ‘‘I feared you His appearance had changed a good deal would not come ‘*T could not den would,” he said, wit cent in his voice. ‘‘- You received my letter?’ she went on, un- heeding his own remark, ‘Yes, So the Cricket has come?” ‘ ‘‘She is here, silks, diamonds and cat-like ways. If sheis nota hypocrite Inever saw one, Ob! Mr. Lincoln, tell me you have found out just who she is,” ‘‘T think I have the matter down to bed- rock,” “You have? Tell me all, quickly.” ‘The principal part remains to ‘be developed. You see as report after report came in from my best detectives that they were learning so little, I bethought myself of a simpler way. Who since the day when Doctor Mundee first took him in hand and as he stood there his splendid form seemed unusually gigantic; but no one knew better than himself that he was not the man he was before Paul Pindar’s bullet plowed through his side. Had Mundee’s advice been followed he would have remained at Ramrod Bar until the healing of the wound had become more decided, but the thought upon which he had fed all through his confinement had urged bim to hasten to Comet Camp as soon as he could bear the journey. In a bleak gulch near where he had lived, Square ,Rob slept with five feet. of earth over his bod, but Honest George lived, and lived for venogea. 28, eh: 1 journeyed to Comet Camp as he had sworg ;),would, and he was there to kill Square myself the pleasure if I an unusually tender ac- should know more of Agatha, the Cricket, than | Rob's) _ yer. Abe Neal?” Stey ig there by the door, his burning gaze ‘‘ Abe Neal? I had nerved myself toseek that | fixed , Barranca Bill, he had no doubt but that man and learn all.” A flood of exultation was reflected on Horace’s face, but the darkness concealed it, ‘You had?” he echoed, t Yes.” : “Well, by Jupiter, you have struck the right vein. Ihave found Neal, and he acknowledges he can tell a good deal about Agatha, but he is afraid. He refused to divulze. Ispokeof you. He hesitated, and then said that though he would tell me nothing, he would tell ail to you,” “T will go to him,” said Vivian, quickly. ** Where is he?” * At the Weeping Willows.” “The Weeping Willows?” “c Yes,” ‘‘ Merciful Heaven! I dare not go there,” - ‘‘] have made arrangements so that you will be wholly safe, A liberal fee to Hecate won her heart entirely, and she swears you sball come and go unharmed. While there | had a chance to see what control she exercises over those rather hard fellows who frequent her place and it is wonderful. 1 was surprised.” “Still I will not venture. Let Neal come here. Bring him to Graveyard Gulch.” ‘*T would if I could, but the fellow has got a bullet wound in his. side which may yet send him over the range. If he ever per on his feet he wi" ooking on Paul Pindar and his broad breas rose and fell with suppressed passion. It,haa been a part of his vow that he would kill £ maar as Rob had been killed—without a show for self-defense—and yet he delayed his covete | triumph. At tae table Barranca Bill still wrote, but his pen was flying so fast that it forgot to scratch and only the ticking of the clock on the shelf broke, ‘he silence. To Honest George that ticking seemed as loud as the booming of a cannon; Barranca Bill heard nothing but wrote on unconscious of dan- ger, _ The avenger drew his knife and crept forward like a cat, his lips parted, his eyes glowing. “‘In ther back—atween ther shoulders! He shall die like ther dog he is!” he thought. With wonderful caution he crossed the floor and stood above the writer’s chair. He seemed to grow taller until he towered like a giant above his victim, That face that had only smiled before Square Rob was killed, looked like that of a demon; it was the reflection of his thirst for blood. He marked the exact spot between his victim’s shoulders and raised bis knife. It wavered; his arm relaxed; he weakened. Then a fury swept over his face. He thought again it will be weeks hence. Of course, I went | of the lone arare in the guich and raised in disguise, or he would have torn me in pieces | hand in. e must strike for vengeance, for if he could, but the loss of blood has made him uare Rob. <quite humble.” ick! tick! The sound of the clock seemed to fill all the room, but its note had changed; it was like the beat of a funeral drum; it filled Honest George with the deepest gloom. * And I must go to the Weeping Willows?” Vivian spoke the words with an accent which told more than she said. She bad a horror for the den and for the Witch that words could 0s es ee His eyes turned from his victim to the clock. ‘*Tt is, of course papleasantts eontinued Hor. | Tt seemed to point an accusin g finger at him. ace, blandly, * but I shall be at hand to protect | He closed his teeth tightly and turned back; the you. If it comes to a fight, I know I can do | deed must be done! well for you, but I am persuaded all will be| His hand arose—grew rigid—wavered—re- quiet and peaceful.” laxed. Vivian scarcely heard the last words; shehad,| Then with alight leap he moved back and. raising his arm again, hurled the knife down to remembered Katie, the servant of the Browns whom she knew to be as brave as a man and the floor point first where it remained sticking nearly as strong, and in the excitement of the | and quivering in the board. moment she felt that she would dare the trip,} Barranca Bill leaped to his feet, turned, and thus guarded, | the men were face to face. Horace was delighted. He explained elabor-,, Honest George pointed to the knife. ately how he would be waiting for bherinhis | ‘‘ Thar is ther sign o’ war!” he said, in a deep disguise when she approached the Weeping | voice. : Willows, and then they left Graveyard Gulch. His gomnpeTon understood a portion plain enough. Barranca Bill was pleased to see Horace to; “The sign of war? What do you mean? I his chamber after supper, for he had business ‘ Aon’t know that you and I have any quarrel.” which he wished to transact; but as he also » His expression was one of astonishment, but a suspicion that the latter might secretly leay@} not a trace of fear was visible. the house, he stationed Hans Vedder where he” — ‘‘ Oh! we ain’t no quarrel, eh? Wal, I've got could watch, directing that he should be called . a quarrel, an’ ef you ain’t a coward an’ a sneak, if there was anything new. ow’ll chip in. I might ’a’ stabbed ye in the Hans promised, and five minutes later was car but thar is my fe, an thar it will stay. asleep at his post. . You hev a bowie in your belt; pull it out an Bill drew out paper, per and ink and began | come at me. I'll meet ye so! to write rapidly, He had resolved to takeup| And he held up hisempty hands. The mine superintendent drew his knife with a jerk, and by a lightning-like movement buried Vivian's case and solve the mystery of Agatha, and for that purpose he intended to employ one Barranca Bill, the Revolver Champion. RO it in the board in such a way that the two, the handles touching, formed a letter *Therw,” said Barranca Bill, pointing to the quivering weapon, “is my answer. As my knife crosses yours, so will | meet you in fight, as man to man.” Honest George’s eyes expanded. ‘Take et up!” he cried, “take et up! fifty pounds heavier than you, an’—” “I don’t care if you weigh a ton!” retorted Barranca Bill. ‘If you thirst for blood, put forward yourcarcass. Iam nota fighting man, but he who calls me coward, lies /” Tbe speaker had folded his arms and, standing there, seemed perfectly calm except for the deep red which told of surging passion, For years he had studied to obtain that composure in crises, but he could not yet bear an insult unmoved. Honest George passed his hand before his eyes in a bewildered way. ‘*T didn’t expect this,” he muttered. “Of course not. You thought because were a giant [ would cringe before you. mistake; I cringe to no living man!” ** And this—this is Paul Pindar?” *¢ What?” Barranca Bill started and spoke the word aeeDy. ‘*T say vou have changed—Paul Pindar—” ** Are you Honest George?” **Of course I am, but—” “But [am not Paul Pindar. Have you made the same mistake as did the men of Ramrod Bar? I tell you I am not Paul Pindar, Icon- vinced Sam Soaper the night he came to town; now lef me convince you, the brother of the man who was killed at the Bar. I heard you had sworn to kill me, and 1 am glad you are bere. I am Barranca Bill, superintendent of the Silver Ring Mine, and I can prove that I was at my post in the mine when Square Rob was killed.’ He spoke with unusual emphasis, for be read very well the nature of the man beforehim, A great, muscular fellow with a heart as large proportionately as his body, he was one who would be a true friend and who would dono mean uct, Spurred on by his brother’s death he sought vengeance, but it was not that of amean nature. Honest George was bewildered. Like every one else he was deceived by the resemblance but this bold front and heroic deflance were not characteristics of Paul Pindar. He would never give up an advantage, never meet an enemy on equal terms if he could avoid it. ** Thar’s a blunder somewhar,” he admitted, * And I think it would be a worse one if we quarreled,” added Barranca Bill. The giant strode forward over the crossed knives and extended his huge band. “Put et thar!” he said. ‘*‘ You are not Paul Pindar an’ I’m proud ter hev you fur a friend. This band shall never be raised ag’in’ you more.” “‘1’m proud to hold such an honest band,” re- plied Barranca Bill, ‘‘and may the acquaint- sncesni so strangely begun continue while we ve. It was a strange ending for a Western ven- detta, but Hones vet: no longer doubted. He had not found Paul Pindar in Barranca Bill, but he bad found a man so brave and noble that he was glad he had journeyed to Comet Camp. CHAPTER XXXIV. VIVIAN GOES TO THE WEEPING WILLOWS, In the excit:ment of his interview with the man from Ramrod Bar, Barranca Bill entirely forgot Horace; and his recollection only returned when it became too dark for him to see his com- panion’s face. | He started a light and went to look for Hans Vedder. That worthy man slept at his post, unconscious of the great scenes transpiring around him. He went to Horace’s room and found it vacant, “By my tle, he said, ‘‘the plan has gone all wrong. ns has allowed Horace to escape— to where! It may be he bas left Comet Camp, but I suspect a meeting at Graveyard Gulch.” He returned to Honest George, and, after some trouble, succeeded in getting rid of him without giving offense. ‘“*T'll go back ter Ramrod Bar an’ get a leetle more strength,” said he, ‘an’ then I’ll look fur Paul Pindar,” The events of the night had not weakened his desire for vengeancy. wit Im ou ou ca Bill wasted no more time, but, out awakening Hans Vedder, armed b fully and started for Graveyard Gulch, It was not a long walk, and he soon stood at the edge of the chasm. _ All was dark, silent and eg The wind had a fashion of wailing the through ce when moving with an strength, and Plate the slab-like rocks whic seemed like ve-stones, if was no wonder fanciful minds could imagine the complaints of the dead and buried. Barranca Bill was thoroughly Fis i however, and as he looked for possible . pants of the rocky recesses he thought of noth- ing else. ita Golaay ue exeyo), 'eOlr