Beadle's Dime Library No. 263 — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

—-— depth ef sin lurks. behind the fairest face of which I know! Oh! Leora, Leora, is your heart devoid of all humane and womanly im- pulses—are you all bad?” CHOAPTER XXXTV. BENTBUSH MEETS WITH TROUBLE. Onog more bad Doctor Rube forgotten his presence of mind in the light. of Leora Temple- ton’s beauty and magnetism. He felt hopeless- ly stranded and wrecked. He was beset by contradictory emotions, He felt that he ought to bate and despise this woman, whom he had heard condemned from her own mouth, and he did lash himself into a sort of fury; but in the midst of it all be was still conscious of the old fascination and, honorable man that he was, and evil as was she, he felt a strong desire to fling himself at her feet and cry: ** Abandon these people and go with me; let me be the object of your love and life and I will never oppose you again!” It would have been a wild, unreasoning, wretched step, and he fortunately controlled himself. His last words, however, were like a lost soul’s ery and Leora plaisly did not hear with indifference. Paler yet was her face, tighter yee was the pressure of her hand over her eart, and she put out one hand imploringly. ‘*Spare me! spare me!” she exclaimed. “Spare yourself,” he gloomily answered, ‘Your fate is in your own hands, But, Miss Templeton, let me call your attention to the poor child in yonder room, She is younger than you, and she is innocent and bonorable. Must she be sacrificed to these birds of prey? You find me here in a strange role. Let me speak plainly—I must and will trust you. I came to rescue Norola from these wretches, but my way isnot clear, Aid me, I beseech you, and let us save a deserving woman from her foes,” His speech was unfortunate in more than one respect. He abandoned her case abruptly and almost harshly, and he laid a stress on Norola’s character not pleasant to one less honorable than she, In fact, he did wretchedly, as a man usually does when he attempts to guide a wo- man’s heart, and even in the moment when Leora was growing softened he again hardened her beart. “It is a pity you did not make this your motto before you tried to prove me an impos- tor,” she said, bitterly. ‘*‘ Madam, in Heaven’s name do not recall that subject. If we are enemies let it go at that, but do not make it a reason for leaving Norola to her foes.” Before she could answer a hand was laid on the knob of the door and he heard Ca™ p’s voice outside giving some direction to a servitor, He caught Leora’s arm. The crisis is at hand,” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Camp is about to enter here, and my future depends on you. If you remain silent my disguise will protect me; if you reveal my identity I am a dead man!” { With these words he hurriedly reseated him- self at the ti.ble and bent over the book Camp had given him. His back was toward Leora and he had no clew to the course she intended to pursue, but he devoted bimself to the book as closely as though her loyalty was assured, and then raised his htad slightly and with outward respect as Camp re-entered the room. The old rascal was in very high spirits, and he at once nodded to Leora. ‘I thank you very much, very much,” he said. ‘* Your assistance is invaluable, for the young creature begins to see the folly of her former course. My sincere gratitude is yours, Miss Templeton. And you, Bentbush— have you committed this affair to memory some- what?” Doctor Rube respectfully replied that he had. back was still toward Leora, but he ex- ror every moment that she would announce is identity, It was a critical moment, but the clock on the shelf told several additional seconds and the expected revelation did not occur, He looked secretly over his shoulder: Leora had gone to the window and was looking out into the night. ‘Come with me, and you shall now don your clerical dress. When J introduce youas Parson illiam no one must supect you are anything les. than a parson.” Camp again chackled as he led the way, but ube was not in that mood. To dress in a clergyman’s outfit he must rd aside his present dress, and on that he had relied es a disguise, Seen without it, Camp would be dull indeed not to recognize him. As he went through the door he tried in vain to attract Leora’s attention; she remained cold and indifferent, if appearances were to be trusted, and he went on after Camp in silence. His situation had become a bard one, There was great need of doing something for Norola, but how was it to be done? Of course a mar- riage performed by him would not be legal, but the trouble lay in the fact that the girl would not be safe while she remained in the power of the evil wretches who ruled tke place, How was she to be saved? — Or OO ee — a | Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer. _— gS <A a a This question was put aside for the moment as Camp ushered him into a room where a sober suit of black was tossed over a chair, This was plainly what Bentbush was to wear for the oc- casion ahead of him. Nor was this all. At one side of the room Captain Diamond sat reading a book. He did not lower it as they entered, but he glanced at the disguised doctor in so keen a way that the latter became very uncomfortable, Camp saluted his superior and walked to his side, and then Rube beard them speak of Norola and the approaching marriage; but while they talked Diamond still looked at the fictitious Bentbush, His scrutiny was most disagreeable, but its object made the best of it and tried to be at ease in outward appearance, That he was sus- pected he no longer doubted; the serpent’s eye at the captain’s breast seemed to twinkle with triumph, Finally the latter raised his voice. “Go about your other duties, Camp, and I will see Bentbush in his new dress, Do not poms to us; we will meet you in the Blue Cham- . The prime-minister retired without argument and then Diamond came nearer to Doctor Rube. ‘*Do you feel equal to the occasion ahead of you, Bentbush?” he lightly asked, Rube said that he did, trying to speak as much like his original as possibie, ‘‘Camp made a very good choice, for you look like a professional man, anyway.” **Do I, sir?” *“‘A good deal, And it strikes me you must take omg Bb disguises,” Doctor Rube could no longer doubt that he was known, “Thank you,” he grimly answered, ‘‘Camp showed excellent judgment in select- ing you; he did far better than he knew. Don’t you think so, Doctor Reuben Leyden?’ ** Possibly he did, Mr. St. Jerome.” There was no longer any attempt at conceal- ment, The two men stood face to face and looked into each other’s eyes. The diamond on the adventurer’s breast glimmered as though in volatile appreciation of the situation, “You are a fool, Leyden,” the captain said after a pause, “Why?” **Because you have yoluntarily put your head into the lion’s mouth after making good your escape.” ‘‘ Tf so, there was an excuse for my folly. Of that let assay nothing. Iam in trouble, as I freely admit, but I am not yet subdued,” ** Indeed!” ‘*No, Captain Diamond,” continued Rube in a clear, keen voice. ‘*It may be I shall never leave here alive, but lam not going to be led like a bullock to the shambles, Captain Dia- mond, you are my prisoner!” With a sudden movement Doctor Rube drew his revolver and thrust the muzzle against the captain’s breast. The movement was an omi- nous one, but Diamond did not move a muscle, ‘*A pretty tcy. What do you intend to do with it?” ‘*1 intend to control yo actious for some time tocome, I will be frank enough to say I am bere to rescue Norola. Nature and buman- isy would recoil at the thought of seeing her married to Camp, and [ will risk all for her. I have no actual enmity against you, sir, though if Ben Bolter had done bis work well you would have been entirely free from me; but I intend to rescue Norola, I hold you at the muzzle of this weapon. Release Norola and all will be well; refuse, and as my life will not be worth a picayuns anyway, I will begin proceedings by putting a bullet through you!” Diamond laughed carelessly. ‘*The world wiil never know what it bas lost unless you live to appear in Congress, Of that let us not speak now. You threaten to shoot me. Very well; blaze away.” ‘“You had better lose Norola and save your ” ‘‘Oh, I shall save my life in any case, I have no intention of losing it. The fact is, however, I wear a steel plate over my breast and your bullet would be turned aside like a pea.” Doctor Rube quickly changed his line of aim to the fellow’s head, ‘Perhaps you are plated there also.” ‘‘No; you bave me this time beyond a doubt. Yet, Leyden, this is all nonsense. You can’t control the market if you try. I am in the midst of my men, and any attempt of yours will prove useless. Besides this, you are a mere mote in my path; in a personal encounter I could take care of a dozen like you and never turn a hair.” f “Enough of talk!” said Rube, decisively. ‘* With my pistol at your temple I order you to release Norola. You have given her to Cam and have no personal reason for holding her. If you would save your life, save ber!” Diamond still smiled in his undisturbed way. ‘* Follow me, then,” he said. ** Wait!” ee Well?” **No tricks, sir. I do not know what thoughts are in your mind, but I swear that if you get 27 _—_—_- + or —_ me into trouble my first act will be to shoot you, Deal fairly with me as you value your life,” ‘“You talk nonsense, doctor, but we wil overlook it. Follow me!” ** Not yet!” It was a new voice which spoke, and with a sudden change of expression Diamond wheeled about, Iron-Armed Abe stood before Lim, The hunchback Jooked as cool and calm as though nothing of importance was afodt, but both Diamond and Rube were astonished to find him inside the house. He had a faculty for go- ing and coming which was wonderful. ‘You meditate mischief, King Diamond,” he added, ‘‘and it will not work. You are safest when watched, and I believe that it is the way to take care of you in the present case, You will not go to bring the girl bere but you will give this man, who is acting as one of your band, orders as such to convey her to you. Do this, and do it fairly as you value your life,” CHAPTER XXXV, A BLOW FOR FREEDOM. Far easier breathed Doctor Rube after the coming of Iron-Armed Abe. He had taken a bold stand even while he felt incapable «f carry- ing it on, but when the hunchback came to the front he felt a renewed confidence wh.ch arose from his knowledge of his power. _ Diamond rose equally affected and his moek- ing smile vanished, ; ‘What is this ted to you?” he growled. “ That is our affair,” ‘Very well; I will bring her here if you say so—”? ‘I don’t say so. You will remain in this room and send our companion for ber. Doctor settle your helmet-hat well over your bead and o for the girl. In case any one objects, send them here for orders. Diamond will then re- peat what he is aappgeed to have told you,” Doctor Rube had a dim idea that he was shouldering a burden about fifty times larger than he could carry, but b> made no remon- strance to the plan, He waited for a last mo- tion from the Destroyer and then left the room. He knew where Norola was to be found and hurried in that direction. His conrage was not of a very brilliant sort, but he had the nerve to bang stubbornly to the plan. At the door of the captive’s room one of the Black Riders stood guard—a precaution adept- ed since the last escape—and Rube faced him boldly and stated that he was to take her tothe other apartment. He had expected opposition, but there was none at all and he entered the room, closing the door behind him. to Norola was alone. She was seated inan arm- chair, her manner and expression alike indica~ tive of the profoundest despair, She turned her head as the doctor entered, but seeing as she thought one of the hated Black Riders, appeared sb ay until he placed his band warningiy on bis lips. ‘* Be calm!” he cautioned. ‘Do not speak an indiscreet word, or you may never, see Griff’s cabin again, Don’t you know me? Z She did know, at last, and she clasped his hands earnestly. Her nature was too biave for a hysterical appeal, but Doctor Rube could. see ha she realiz d her peril and was praying for a ‘IT am here to rescue you,” he said, “ but I have only one friend to aid me and we are in the midst of foes. Stratagem only can save He then briefly indicated who were aw aiting in the other room; briefly, because delay was terribly dangerous. Norola schooled her face to the old expression, and they left the room and started ulong the hall. Buta few steps bad been gone, however when Camp emerged froma side door and stood in their psth, e looked astonished at seeing them a LAB alber. " ' ' ; yat in the world are you doin - bush?” he demanded. e &, Bent ‘Captain Diamond’s orders are that I take the girl to the room where he is waiting,” said the disguised doctor, trying to speak carelessly, but feeling a concern which was not quieted by the trembling of Norola’s band on bis arm. ‘What's that for?’ Camp demanded, with a manner less placid than usual. ‘I don’t know, sir, the other room,” **T'll go to him,” This was just what Doctor Rube desired. He felt that it would not be s»fe to have the prime- minister roaming around now that he ba gota bee in his bonnet, and it was just as well te take bim in and let Iron-Armed Abe deal with im, So the trin went along the hall, with Campin advance. The doctor had settled on bis ecurée ot conduct, and deciding that it would be toe much to ask Abe tomanage both of the villains, he no sooner saw Camp step one foot over the threshold than he gave him a slight push, at the same. time seizing him by the collar, and. With tbe other hand he thrust. bis revolver against Lis temple, “ sot a movement or a word of alarm or yoo oe Captain Diamond is in MIE OOO K<S (E(©) (E(0)