Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 293 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

©, ls @Menteg ee —— CHAPTER XVII. BACK TO THE CAMP. A MOMENT or two’s conversation passed be- Stampede Steve. That which now met the eyes ofall was in- deed a comical sight. ‘ It was Count Biron Broquier, bis hat gone, tween Steve and Bob, the former impressing | and his garments dripping with water, torn to upon the latter the importance of secrecy in | rags and bedraggled with mud. i regard to the connection of Count Broquier with the occurrences of the evening. It was agreed between them, not to acknowledge | having seen the count, or detected his presence near the spot where Dora bad been found, and rescued, It was probable, that Broquier, having so much at stake, and believing that his presence had not been observed by those who were in search of the abducted maiden, wculd return to the help of his new allies—if all other means failed—to again abduct Dora, and bear her away to some distant point, where be would have matters all his own way. Steve reasoned, that the count would, before parting with his new-found pards, either dis- patch them for more of their own lawless com- panions, or order them to follow the wagop- train, avoiding observation. The rufflan could arrange certain signals between them, for meet- ing. Tc ineee to say, the major did not once speak of the count, e seemed to have forgotten that the latter had started down the river from the Sora and that Bob Barr had set out to follow im. In fact, the old planter appeared to have been so demoralized by the anxiety and suffering he had gone through that he acted quite strangely and wild. He was even unnaturally affection- ate and concerned in regard to Dora’s comfort and safety, his every thought and attention seeming bent upon the welfare of his daughter. The young scout impressed upon Dora, also, the weoete of concealing what they had dis- covered of Broquier’s presence on the trail, and his evident intimacy with the abductors; ex- plaining, to both bie and Bob, that strict silence and secret investigation and watchful- ness were necessary to be maintained, in order that they might ascertain the nature of the i and power the count held over Major ale. This understanding was effected by a very brief consultation, a few words sufficing between the parties concerned. Since the startling oceurrences of the day cast upon the smoldering fires, As the major, with Steve and Bob. rode into the camp, another series of cheers rung out, and many rushed to greet them and welcome their return. Our friends saw that Dora stil] sat the horse of the scout, the center of a crowd of women and children, and they urged their animals toward her, shaking hands with emigrants and teamsters, who flocked around them. Barely had they reached the vicinity of the women and children when a loud shout from the guard, who had been stationed near the ford, attracted general attention, and Dora rode up just as they whirled their horses about. xclamations of mingled surprise and merri- camp, and continue on with the train; awaiting | an opportunity to carry out his plans, or, with | } s long hair was clinging about his head and neck, and his features expressed great indigna- tion, rebuke, and tke utmost fatigue. The count, as be now stag ered along, was a most pitiable object to behold. ‘‘ Dusky Dick does not make a very favor- able appearance,” said Steve Speed, in a low tone to Dora: “‘ but we must admit be has got- ten himself up well for theoccasion. The stage has lost a star. He could play tbe low villain to perfection, just as he stands.” ‘“ What audacity!” returned the young girl. “‘T did not dream of his daring to re-enter the camp.” ‘“ & man would dare anything for such a prize. as he hopes to win!” said Steve, gazing into Dora’s face significantly. The maiden blushed crimson as she returned; ‘* He has built his hopes on shifting sand.” ‘‘ And he basn’t got ‘sand’ to back him up,” retorted the young Texan, quickly. ‘Do look at papa!” said Dora; ‘‘ oh, how I pity him! How | do pray that this mystery may be cleared up, and that he may again enjoy that contentment, peace and happiness, which have never been his since Count Bro- qunier crossed bis path.” ‘‘ Watch the villain, Dora,” directed Steve, “ his face and words will bea study. You can see what a consummate hypocrite be his—how aptin deceit! -Your father is truly in a most lamentable state of mind; but that ruffian shall not hold power over him for any great length of time. I'll watch him and his villainous asso- ciates.” The whispered conversation of the two here ceased as the count came nearer them, Waving his hand in general salutation the scoundrel called out as he came up: “Thank the Fates, t have got back to camp at last, and find you also returned in safety! How rejoiced 1 am that you bave been.success- ful in your mission! ‘* Miss Dora, I congratulate yon upon your rescue from those miscreants, and only regret that I was not so favored as to he one of those who gallantly followed the villains, and I frust shot them, as they deserved. ‘‘T assure you, my friends, I have done all in ‘That ruffian played his part well. He was very cunning to advance the idea, that bis bead had beeninjured by the fall from his horse; and then pretending to believe that the anima stumbled and fell with him. But the strangest thing of all, was the fact, that be sppeared not to have seen me at all, though be looked direct- ly at me. * He is playing a deep game, a most desper- ate game, to brave death, as he is doing, by re- turning tocamp. However, as he is not aware that any of us know of his being down the river, and had concocted a plausible story to cover the humiliation he received at my hands, his return is not so strange after al). ‘But, now, my dear Dora, you must go, and Seal ———— ee een eee eee eee clasping Dora’s hand, without being observed by others, The horses were soon cared for, and as the women had hastened to prepare food for their returned friend, after the excitement of wel- coming them had calmed down, all were soon enjoying a hearty meal, well relished as may be supposed. The old planter kept near his daughter, as if fearing she might be spirited away from bim,; and it was very evident to Steve, Dora and Bob, that the return of Broquier had affected the mejor strangely. He seemed to be as- tounded at the unusual humility of the count, from the fact that the latter had feigned to be ignorant that Steve had shot his horse; and he bad also shown no signs of being offendedatthe . presence of the young scout. This was decided- ly unnatural. It was plain that Major Dale was more con- cerned and suspicious of Broquier, in his as- sumed humble manner, than if the count had entered the camp furious with rage. As the sun peeped above the horizon, the mules were driven to graze, and Dora and her father retired to their respective wagons to rest, it having been decided that the train should not start until after the sun had passed the meridian some hours. | Previous to retiring, Major Dale introduged Steve to the entire party as the guide of the train, and the scout was, in a very short time, on familiar terms with every man, womanancd — child, and he was regarded with kindness, re- spect and trust. His fine form and handsome face, coupled with his graceful presenceand cheerful manner, claimed the attention and admiration of all, Especially was this the case when his services to Dora were considered. | Some surprise was expressed that the coun did not make his appearance after entering the wagon, where he gave orders that the negro woman should bring him bis food. The young scout, however, did not think this by any means strange; neither did Dora, nor Bob Barr. But Major Dale had cast nervous glances quite frequently, while eating, toward the wagon which Broquier had entered to change his wet garments. It almost seemed as if the old planter expect- ed and dreaded the coming of the man, who, his best friends could not but perceive, held some mysterious power, or strange influence, | ust past, Steve felt assured that, no matter my power. I have had a weary tramp, got | over him. ° : | ow Broquier might act, the major would | lost, and fell into the river; besides having, | | refuse to proceed with the train unless he con- | since, been obliged to swim the stream. . CHAPTER XVIII. sented to act as guide. But the young scout ‘‘ When I first started, my horse fell, and IN CONSULTATION. ) had his own plans in regard to this matter, as | threw me to the earth. I must bave been STEVE, the scout, in perhaps an hour after ; willbeshown, stunned partially, and in a semi-unconscious | the retiring of the major and his daughter, Little anxiety did either Steve or Bob feel as | state crawled, a long distance, in the grass and | bade Bob keep an eye upon the wagon in which to their being molested by the three miscreants. | weeds, tearing through the undergrowth, I | Count Broquier had ensconced himself; as he That these ruftians had left the oak-belt and | hope my horse has returned to camp. purposed taking his horse to better grass, on the struck out upon the open plain, riding abreast, ‘“Thank Heaven! I can again fie down in | opposite side of the river. and leaving a very noticeable trail in the dew- | peace, and rest. It has been a terrible day and o the teamster, the object of the young laden grass, did not deceive the scout, or the | night to me—wandering aimlessly, lost, and | scout was plainly evident, and he advised the — teamster either. Both were confident that the | famishing for food. I am so rejoiced that you | latter to keep a good lookout for lurking assas- count and his new-found confederates would | are all safe, and especially Miss Dora. sins; a piece of advice that was wholly unneces- again enter the timber, beyond the point where ‘*But, excuse me! I must change my attire, sary, as Bob well knew, but he wished bis Dora had been abducted, rocure food, and then sleep; for] am nearly | to know that he was deeply interested in his The gray streaks eastward heralded the com- Ny welfare. Me ing morn as our friends reached the south Major Dale believed almost every word that Half an hour afterward, Steve was at the approach to the ford; and Dora Dale immedi- | had been spoken by Broquier; indeed it was all | place where he had met his fate; although he ately urged the horse of the young scout, upon | quite reasonable to him, with the exception of | had left his horse near the ford, staked to good which she rode, into the ford and through it, in | that portion of his narrative, in which he spoke | grass. order to dispatch some of the teamsters with | of his fall from his horse. : He bad ‘more than one object in view, as will animals, to enable her father and friends to| Bob Barr was the most astonished man in the | be seen. i ee cross the stream. camp; although he had been, in a measure, pre- First, in a dexterous manner, he removed the. — They were indeed greatly worn and fatigued, | pared for this scene by Steve, the Scout. hide from tbe steer, rolled it into a compact from their not being accustomed to traveling Such audacious lying fairly dumfounded the | bundle, and carried it to the vicinity of his on foot. They saw Dora disappear within the | teamster, and added to his contempt and detes- | borse, where he left it. He then returned, towering timber on the furtber side of the | tation for the dusky villain. passed beyond the carcass of the steer, and river, and then heard tue loud challenge of the Poor Dora, worn and weak as she was, shud- | struck through the oaks toward the west, and rd, This was followed by a wild and joy- | dered when the snake-like eyes of Broquier shot | parallel with the river; examining every it he | yell, which awoke the echoes of the Rio | a glance toward her. of ground, as he passed over it, witb keen gaze. upe. : The major alighted from his horse, and di- e had proceeded, in this way, perhaps half After that the camp was evidently in a | rected a negro woman to prepare some food | a mile, when, witb an ejaculation of great satis- = tumult, caused by the young girl’s safe return, | immediately, for the count. faction, he halted. n three horses, held in lead by a mounted | Steve, too, dismounted, and quickly assisted | Directly in front of him, was the plain trail man, were seen dashing down the northern | the young girl to the ground, whispering in her of three horses, that bad toward the | approach to, and into the ford, the rider waving | ear: river from the plain; the hoofs of the animals 4 his sombrero in the air in joyous salutationto| ‘Fear not, my darling! Remember that, | having brushed the dew from the grass, thé the weary travelers. In five minutes more they | now, and from this on, one who loves you more | trail being plainly seen for a long distance. { were riding into camp, the same being brightly | than life, iscontinually guarding you fromall| Casting his carbine into the hollow of hisleft = illuminated, as dry brush and wood had been | harm, arm, the weapon at full cock, Steve,in Jong = strides, followed the trail toward the river, He slackened not his speed until near dark shades, when be made a detour, anden- — tered the timber further east. nH With tre most stealthy movements, the scout then advanced through the undergrowthtoa point where the trail had entered the same; soon reaching plain “ sign,” which he followed, with every sense strained. ane The trail soon entered a denser portion of the © thickets, and Steve found himself, in a very short time, in a small “ open,” where By were many evidences to show that the count and the two outlaws had balted, and remained __ iy, for a considerable time. He wished, most earnestly, that he had been — -.* r thd Joes vo ry! ment filled the air. followed by uproarious | seek food and rest, Fear nothing, for 1 am | in the vicinity when the miscreants were there. i laughter. M.jor Da’e turned pale as death, | now guide of this train!” Without doubt, he might then bave learned | and “J | much of the my in connection with Count = ay the others exchanged significant glan Br ikea pod ring to be frightened, and riding up ___ ¢loser to her father and the young scout, ' eaaey e a? ee ) . SN “ef 6; — - —_ . ~ ne’ ‘. ’ a » ° gy nee SPS eee i 92 oe ‘ ae : &t. ‘*T am thankful it is so,” was the reply. ystery ae can now sieep in peace, without a rehenstorn,” Broquier, or Dusky Dick, and bis outlaw pards, These words were spoken hastily, the scout But much was to be 'ea OK a ery es = ““=-comicbooks ? ie 2 Py > a é 2 pig ss « \ | i ~ " @ @ | ~ om } | ' ~ a || * 2 ‘ & ‘ Ra *« é ’ ‘ - +. od ¥ = mn = ———— P. om w' 4\ “oF \ re ’ a” e a * Ps . le f. - . * . ‘ n ;< ~ > « Mee . wl i j ; Fe - a= . . Pe. ae of a J ee ST, ae “Ps - ee Lect A ¢ pee ee? — “>< a * = ye in ’ ‘ ‘a , i e *" * oO _ » ™ = « a > A trates, Le Lote 2 SO Tt ee! .