Beadle's Dime Library No. 263 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

a _ ec _ ar aa. Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer. oe Ot” 5) The ring in her voice, telling as it did of heroism which he fully appreciated, thrilled bim; bat he did not forget the facts of the 80. “Y fear we could not ten rods. In this whole city we cannot number two friends.” ‘* But is there any other hope?” ‘‘T believe there is not,” he admitted, adding in the sturdy, self-reliant tone common to him: ‘If you feel equal to the demands of the occasion, we will make the attempt.” ‘* My bodily strength was never better, and I believe I may say the same of my mental cour- age. Her bravery thrilled him again, even though he knew nearly all Western women possessed the same qualification. But few women of the West, or of any other section, possess the beauty of this one, ‘ctor Rube was not an extrava- — man, but he felt that he could go through e and water for her sake. ‘‘ We will make the attempt, desperate as it is. The only thing in our favor is that it is now night, and we may be able to dodge, rather than outrun, our pursuers, The lack of weapons worried him, but the only thing he could find was a stout, silver- topped cane. This would make an exeellent ‘weapon when used as a club, and might be worth taking, He accordingly laid it aside in the same cau- tious, disguised manner which bad been used in ao on the conversation, and then saun- tered toward the door. The eyes of the girl were watching Diamond, and she saw he was in turn watching the room, but it was probable he did not dream of any- Lats so rash as what Doctor Rube contem- plated. Toe latter moved promptly when he moved at all With a single motion he closed the door, and locked it with a second. Tne momentous step was inevitably taken. Hardly had this been done when the girl sprang from the couch. Doctor Rube saw that she was fully dressed, but it was in a color wholly unsuitable for their fligbt by night; but while he hesitated, she caught a dark shawl froos a chair and was ready. He shoved up the window, which was easily done, just as a eapping, 7007 and imperious, sounded at the door. He did not heed it; he was looking out to see what distance lay be- tween them and the ground. Luckily, it was but a few feet, and he sprung out, assisted the girl after him, and both stood on terra firma, Doctor Rube realized the chances against them, and felt helpless, but he would not abate a particle of zeal on that account, The City of the Desert was silent and almost dark at that hour. There was no sound of revelry, such ss is heard in the ordinary Western town until a fate hour, and the only lights were the insig- pro ones ranged at rare intervals along the stree All this he took in at one glance, even while he oye the girl’s hand and darted away, It bad n his intention to avoid the strect, but as no other way seemed open, he made the most of what he could do, and they turned to the left and darted awny. Even then Doctor R:ibe remembered that in that direction lay the mountains, and there they could seek shelter if they succeeded in get- pe clear of the town. hey had gone further than the doctor dared hope when the first sounds of pursuit arose be- hind them. Doctor Rube recognized Camp’s voice, and knew that from that time it was a flight for life, but he did not look around; all his attention was directed to watching for ene- mies at the front. | Only a few yards had been passed, however, when he saw a red light shoot upward in the sky, and there remain stationary, It did not go hig’ enough to be mysterious, and he knew an ordinary red-glass lamp had been run up in some way to some place. The fact gave him a theory, and he looked back to the building from which they had just escape A similar light was visible there, He glanced in other directions and saw red tights shooting up with unpleasant frequency, an‘ be needed no further expianation. This was a means possessed by the rulers of the city to quickly spread the alarm when there was occasion, and it followed that this tele- graphing would speedily bring other foes into the streets. How could they be avoided? He was anxiously considering the question when some one darted out of the deeper sha- dows and stood in their path. Doctor Rube instinctively raised his club, but it wavered as he recognized the form of the new comer. It was the hunchback he had seen on the mountain—Iron-Armed Abe. Even then the doctor remembered his avowed hatred for Captain Diamond, and wondered if there was a grain of hope; but before he could speak the hunchback had caught his arm, ‘Tf it’s life and liberty you desire, come with me,” be quickly but coolly said. ‘Dia- mond’s bloodhounds run fast, and they have the scent already.” . It was no time for an elaborate consideration of his offer, and Doctor Rube instantaneously decided to take the chances, ‘Lead on!” he briefly said—‘‘lead on; and may Heaven bless you if you save this unfortu- nate girl!” The bunchback was turning back to the sha- dows in silence, and Doctor Rube bad taken a step in the same direction when the girl caught his arm, ‘"No, no!” she cried—“I dare not—I will not trust him! Let us not increase our peril— let us go this way!” She was pointing up the street. “Just as you say, my lady,” the hunchback curtly answered. ‘‘I don’t feel an irresistible craving for your society. If personal deformi- ity is worse than montal deformity, return to Diamond—great King Diamond,” “Young woman—” began the doctor; but she interrupted him: “No, no—I dare not!” Doctor Rube neither wondered at nor blamed ber, but be resolved to supply the courage sbe lacked, The pursuers were near at hand; their foot- steps sounded dully in the stillness of the night, but dangerously near; and he knew that to emerge from their cover was to meet with sure and speedy capture, He arose equal to the emergency, and with- out another word caugbt her in bis strong arms and ran after the receding bunchhack, ““T am here!” he announced, as Iron-Armed Abe looked around. ‘‘ Lead us to a p'ace of safety, and count me your friend forever.” The hunchback laughed shortly, possibly in derision of the last words, and without any re- ply went on; but the doctor saw that he stepped with a lightness not to be supposed and ever looked keenly around as though to guard against une ‘ted enemies. “Put me down,” said the girl, calmly. “I have been childish, but as I now see the fact you need not carry me.” “‘T am sure we are acting for the best,” he said, as he obeved. ‘‘This is no time to ex- plain who, but—” He op as they nearly ran upon Iron- Armed Abe, who had halted. ‘* Listen!” said the latter. we are sife.” Doctor Rube obeyed, holding protecinry to the girl. She was strangely calm, but he had already seen something of her brave nature. His interest had greatly incrcased and he was resolved to defend her at any risk. The hunchback, standing like a statue, was eering into a narrow alley in fropt of them. is mis-shapen form was more bent than ever and looked repulsive, but Doctor Rube relied on his hatred for Diamond. ‘“* Hush!” . Tron-Armed Abe spoke the single word and then even the others heard stealthy footsteps 2 ake 7 Rube felt a nervous contraction of the girl’s form, but she did not speak. Nearer came the footsteps, until the edge of the alley was reached. The moment was one of keen suspense. Doctor Rube felt that the prowler was to be feared and he was helpless to avert the peril. Could, or would, Iron-Armed Abe prevent an alarm? Lower still the latter bent, but he suddenly arose, and Doctor Rube saw that some one was strugeling in his arms. The girl gasped some inaudible speech, but he pressed her band reas- suringly. The struggle was but brief. The hunchback lowered something to the ground and then turned about. ‘We may go on,” he calmly said. Doctor Rube started, but the girl seemed paralyzed and stared at the dark heap on the ground; a heap which was startlingly like the form of a man, ‘You have killed him!” she said in a husky bets '= 2 ‘‘ What of it? Death is alwaysabroad. He walks by our side and his skeleton hand is in what we eat and drink all the way through life. What matters it if this wretch is brought to an end a little sooner than we expected? King Diamond is minus another tool, that’s all. Come on!” He pore somberly and deeply, turning away at the last words. The girl seemed unable to speak and Doctor Rube shivered as his foot rested in something wet and slippery near the bod . The Destroyer led the way through the alley with a cat-like step. At the other side was a narrow street which was dark and silent. The strange guide pointed to the east where one of the red lights was visible, but merely chuckling, turned to the west and went on with long steps. Decree Rube felt a confidence in him which he could not explain, though it was as in a man of Lape rather than of honor and fidelity. He had defied the minions of Diamond at the mountain ané must be more than a creature of clay in the city. The girl seemed to lack this confidence. *“T am not sure ** We now havea chance to leave them all,” she said, in a subdued voice. ‘In my opinion, this hideous creature is more to be dreaded than the others.” “It isn’t likely he wishes to chop off your hand,” the doctor said, with a touch of curt- ness. “Do not misunderstand me, sir, for J am deeply grateful,” said + he, ina trembling voice, **but you bave yourself said that no one in this si) was to be trusted.” ae he could answer, their guide suddenly used, ‘* Well,” he said, calmly, ‘‘ we are free for the time, and you may now form your plans. Of course you will be found, even here, in less than an hour.” ‘But are there not places where we may hide?” The hunchback laughed shortly. ‘You must be a stranger here, indeed. Know that this is a kingdom in itself and an undivided one. There is no rivalry or differ- ence of opinion among the people. All are for King Diamond, first, last and always. He takes snuff and they sneeze; he goes past in kingly splendor and they, his chosen subjects, bend down their knees and lift their voices in praise and bumage. They would kiss the hem of his gown if he wore one; they would lap his hand like the dogs they are if he thought the dogs worthy of such bonor. They are bis, Body and soul, and he is theirs—as a master. Oh! great is King Diamond, the grand, the blessed, the revered. Praise ye him, all men; praise great King Diamond!” CHAPTER VI. THE HUNCHBACK STRIKES AGAIN. IT was a speech too long for the occasion, but neither Doctor Rube nor the girl thought of in- terrupting. LIron-Armed Abe spoke with a bit- terness and show of deep hatred, though with- out excitement, which held them as mute and motionless listeners. At the last word thestrange man stretched his hand out toward Captain Diamond’s residence and remained for a moment like a mis-shapen statue, Then he suddenly aroused, ‘Where are you two going?” he demanded. ** Anywhere, so long as we escape from this pluce,” the doctor answered. ‘Our lives are sought by Diamond; this young lady is fleeing from deadly peril. You have aided us thus far, and if you will guide us safely from the city I will see you well rewarded,” The bunchback peered through the darkness at the girl. ‘What is she to you?” be abruptly demand- ed, ** A woman in peril, sir.” Abe broke into a series of unmusical chuckles. ‘*Empty words, and an empty wp a I dare say you are fool enough to be chivalrous toward women, to think them angels and 80 on. Bab! you will know better when your head is gray. Somuch for women in general; for this one in particular, I bid you beware of her. ware, beware!” There was something so unnatural and evil in his manner that even Doctor Rube felt uneasy and the girl, clinging tightly to his arm, shiv- ered like a Jeaf in the wind. ** This is not to the point,” her defender some- what oh observed. ‘‘ Will you guide me from the city” “Yes, but if you are ever sorry for it, don’t blame me. Come on!” Once more the hunchback turned and glided away. His companions followed at bis heels and Doctor Rube tried in vain to imitate his secret manner. Once more the girl whis ber doubts of Abe’s good intentions, but it was a choice between bim and Diamond and the dector avoided the known evil. ‘ He soon had a chance to see bow cunning was the strange guide. grapbing bad aroused Diamond’s tools all over the city and they. were abroad in little parties seeking fur the fugitives. All these parties Iron-Armed Abe avoided with great skill, though often his means were small. Rube was not slow in paying bim mute acknowledgment, for he knew he could not equal this caution and that they would have fared badly but for him. Little conversation passed between them, for all knew it was dangerous, but Rube perceived that they were heading for the volcanic moun- tain at the head of the valley. He remembered tbat the superstitious men with Camp had said that the Destroyer wae . fiend who made his home in regions litt! .oved by men and ascended to earth by way of the mountain. Lacking superstition, he wondered if it was possible for any human being to live = the crater and if they were being conducted there. The houses bad nearly all been passed when the guide made one of his periodical stops to avoid discovery, and as the trio crouched in the shadow of a building Abe suddenly grasped the doctor’s arm. **The voice! the voice!” he uttered, grimly. Doctor Rube had not recognized it at first, The system of tele- — : com Ehbooksne (@)