Beadle's Dime Library No. 297 — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

a a ntenies silk i eee ee ee es bs < _ te? C Py” 5 cag h “ Ry. 2. ake ’ — - } : 2 = te Se Sas f A 5! th ee a r A : al Cy" ; erick saw no reason why he should fear Colo- rado Rube. “tT saw you talking with Miss Willis a mo- ment ago.” ‘* Yes. She is a charming girl.” “You say truthfully, end she is as good as she is charming. She is, as you are doubtless aware, the niece of Mayor Mumford. She is also the fast friend of my wife—I may say she is like a sister to her—and we have a deep interest in her. In point of fact, I may say that [| take the place, to a degree, that a brother would occupy if she had one.” ‘** You are a fortunate fellow.” There was a slight sneer in Broderick’s voice, but it passed unheeded and Rube quietly con- tinued: — ‘Having said this, you will understand why I say what is tofollow. To begin: What do you know of a mau named Black Burke?” Broderick started. He was a man of iron nerves, but the inquiry had come unexpectedly, and it had hit him far barder than the Strong Arm of Hotspur knew. To Broderick, the question indicated that his plot against Ralston was known, and it produced a feeling of con- sternation. He was a man of great resources, however, and he rallied with commendable prom ptness, ‘*What do you know of him?’ he slowly asked. ‘‘ | have reason to believe you are he.” “Well, what of it?” “Simply this: if you are Black Burke, you are not a fit associate for Zetta Willis.” Ralston expected to see his companion flush with anger, but the criticism passed unheeded. Broderick’s mind was all on bis warfare against the Strong Arm, and, strange as it was, he be- gan to believe Rube did not know all. But what was he driving at? “If you’l) make yourself a little clearer, I'l] try to answer,” he replied. ‘*T have explained my interest in Miss Willis, nar need oe “gs that she must not associate witb you without knowing you one Black Burke, the senibler,’?. -eoaeheteg Brederick drew himself erect. It was clear Rube bad in some way learned certain events of bis past life, but be did not know the most important features. He hid only to meet him as regarded Zetta,. That was enough, anyway for he saw his plans in that quarter menaced and an angry gleam appeared in his eyes, ‘“Mayor Mumford does not seem to share your prejudices,” he answered. ‘“ Tnat is because be knows nothing about you, and if we can settle this matter satisfac- torily, I prefer to say nothing to bim., As an agent of the Denver & Rio Grande, | desire you to continue to hold amicable relations with Mr. Mumford, Let this other matter be between us. ‘*Do I understand you forbid my speaking to the girl?’ demanded Broderick, with a sneer, “Mr. Broderick, I can read human faces, and human actions, and, to express it bluntly, you were making love to Miss Willis a moment ago. What she thinks of you I do not know, but, if necessary, I shall tell her youare Black Burke, the gambler,” 3. You had better not interfere with my busi- mess,” ‘Your anger is the best proof that you are open to suspicion,” quietly observed Ralston. Now, listen to me, There is no need of trou- ble between us. Treat Miss Willis with cool politeness and your secret is safe, but if you try to make a conquest, I shall reveal your true character.” , ‘It is pone of your business!” ‘I have before explained my interest in the lady. If that is not sufficient, allow me to say I sball make it my business.” Broderick was thoroughly angry, and he now looked at only one side of the question The man he hated was interfering between him and the woman he had taken a fancy to, ‘Look here!” he retorted, “you are scarcely the man to preach. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. What of your own past?” Colorado Rube had drawn a cigar and bit off the tip. Before answering he coolly struck a match and lit if. ‘* 1 am not under discussion,” he carelessly ob- ag t= kat Ml find “By Jupiter! you D ou are!” cri Broderick, hotly. ‘‘A fine fellow you RS rake up records, but don’t you think your own is a sealed book. I can tell a story that'll make Black Burke stand out as an angel of light, Once upon a time, and not so many years ago, there was a celebrated road-agent down in Ari- zona who was known as Captain Redspur. He had the reputation of being the greatest cut- throat that ever operated in the Territory. The Strong Arm of Hotspur stood with one hand resting on the bowlder beside which they atood, and with the other he removed the cigar from his mouth and carelessly knocked off the tip of ashes. His strong face betrayed no in- terest in the narrative; though Broderick spoke slowly, and watched him sharply, he did not have the satisfaction of seeing him quail, ** le was a fiend incarnate,” Broderick con- "= hey - ee . Sey a, B- pi < ei ‘PAs * ° yi nett oa et - » 194 o he a & ' ‘ * ? 7 ‘ ‘ ‘ - - we 4 wy + * a . . * —_ nad tine “sie ae sss EE an E 448 we * a ee. ; ¢* ery — » ‘2 2 *": Lema fe f A tk . at Ngo iti ahs tia a ‘ . ye te * 44 — = > = & z , mere Me Ee ar, Jee 6 oe t Colorado Rube. _ ward for his capture, quite a sum began to roll | up. Men bunted bim. Some of them found him, | ' had met the colonel, and he knew he was highly but found him to “heir sorrow, for he put them to death. Captain Redspur was accursed.” ‘*T suppose you have an object in telling this,” said Rube, coolly, as the narrator paused, ‘but I fail to connect, thus far. Perhaps Red- spur was another of your assumed names?” ‘‘ Perhaps not, but you shall see. Finally Redspur was taken. The miners went wild. No one spoke of a trial; it was a case for Judge Lynch. Trees being scarce, some of the miners proceeded to run out of asecond-story window a beam on which the desperado could be hung. Afterward they were going to the jail and bring him out. They never didit. Just as the beam was fairly arranged there was a wild yell and Redspur came shooting down the street, Arizona went wild and the name of | | tinued, ‘‘and as town after town offered a re- | 13 It will be remembered that it was the fraudu- lent use of his name which gained Mildred Fen- ton admission to Ralston’s home. Broderick regarded by Colorado Rube, and he accordingly | forged the letters we have seen Mildred use to mounted on a splendid horse, a revolver in each | hand. , He charged them; he burst through. He escaped, but he left four dead men behind him so that the town need not forget that he lived. An interesting narrative, Mr. Ralston, eh?’ ‘* Decidedly,” said Rube, coolly. ‘After that they only had his deeds to re- | member him by. © appeared no more on the trail. His experience had evidently shown him that the miners meant business, so he finally withdrew from business, himself. What do you suppose became of him?” ‘* Possibly you are he.” ‘‘ Hardly, my dear sir. No; be came to this town and blossomed out as Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of Hotspur City!” Broderick ended with a vicious, disagreeable laugh, but Ralston remained unmoved. ‘*T think you are drunk!” he tersely observed. ‘‘ Better for you that it was no more, but I am in my right mind and prepared to buck against you to the last gasp. You are ex-Cap- tain Redspur, and it will be just as well for you to let me alone hereafter.” ‘‘ Your charge is ridiculous—” ‘“ Wait! When Redspur was captured, he re- ceived a wound on his left arm, between the wrist and elbow. If you are he that scar must bejthere now, and I defy you toshow your arm,” ‘*T am not a showman, and I respectfully de- cline. Your yarn is too thin to be regarded for a moment; you have told it as a bluff game to keep me off. It won’t work. [I’m not Captain Redspur and never was, but if you see fit you can stand on the street and proclaim the fact to any, and every, citizen who passes.” “Ob! you're well guarded here, I know, but what if 1 was to write to Arizona and invite the people up bere to look for you?” ‘‘Tt is the best thing youcan do. That'll set- tle it.” ‘You're mighty right, it would,” said Brode- rick, with an air of triumph, ‘‘See toit 1 am not forced to do it.” ** Your absurd game will not work, and I re- fuse to talk seriously about it. What 1 do say, however, is that if you don’t let Miss Willis alone, Pll expose you. Good-day!” Ralston started away, but Broderick laid his hand on bis arm. ‘‘Wait!” besaid. ‘“ I refuse to be bullied by you, I defy you toshow your arm and prove whetber the scar is there.” ‘¢ When I put myself on exhibition, it will be in the act of flogging you. See to it you don't deserve it. Go and get sober!” Once more he started off and Broderick let him go, but on the latter’s face was a smile of triumph. As for Rube, he went straight to his own room and, pushing back his sleeve, reveal- ed to his view a long, white scar on his arm, midway between wrist and elbow, ‘* A curse on the dumb evidence!” he muttered, hoarsely. ‘“ That mark may hang me yet!” CHAPTER XVII. THE MOUNTAIN CHASM. It was nearly dark when Broderick returned to the Old Rye Hotel. He had carefully con- sidered his position and come to the conclusion that he had nothing to fear from Colorado Rube. If the latter revealed the fact that be was Black Burke it did not place him in any closer corner than having to leave Hotspur, while a rope was waiting for Captain Redspur in Arizonaif he was ever caught. The Strong Arm’s guns were effectually spiked. When Broderick entered the saloon be found it nearly deserted, and he sauntered up to the clerk’s desk and looked carelessly at the roe: ter. He did not expect to find any familiar name there, but it was an impulse common to men, The first glance, however, caused bim to start abruptly. Cou. L. C. Netson, Vrrorta Crry, NevapDa. Such was the latest entry on the book, and it phe the most startling Broderick could have Colonel Nelson was one of the peculiar char- acters of the West. He wasa scientist, geolo- gist, botanist and curiosity-seeker, by his own account, and was going all through the country between the Mississippi and Pacific. gathering material for an immense book he intended to publish at a future period. | nc ee such good advantage. But the presence of Nelson in Hotspur was a thunderbolt to Broderick. He realized at once that the colonel had come to see Ralston, and the moment the two men met his elaborate scheme would fade to dust and ashes, He was filled with consternation, but he wasa man who believed in fighting to the last, and he was at once on the alert, What could he do to save himself? Had Nel- son seen Rube Ralston? He turned to the clerk. ‘*TIs Colonel Nelson in his room?’ he asked, as carelessly as possible. ‘‘T am not sure, but [ think he is, It is No. 24; the one next to yours,” ‘Thank you; Ill go up and see him.” He turned and slowly ascended the stairs. ‘Tf be is in,fand hasn’t seen Ralston, I'll take care that be don’t see him, if I have to kill the fool. Curse him! why did he come to Hotspur just as my plot was beginning to work so well? bat with his coming and the information Ralston bas dropped upon, my position is get- ting decidedly snaky. If the two men have met I shall promptly fold my tent like the Arab and as silently get up and dust.” He walked straight to the door of No. 24 and rapped with a steady hand. A voice directed him to enter, and he pushed the door open. The first person he saw was Colonel Nelson, and a swift glance around the room showed him no one else was there. The colonel started up from his chair. ‘*Why, Broderick, isit you? I would assoon have thought of seeing Marius of Carthage. Where did you drop from?” ‘From the clouds, which is also your fash- ion,” laughed the plotter, whose hopes had arisen perceptibly. The two men stood face to face, shaking hands with seeming cordiality. Nelson was a man of middle age, stoutly built, with jet-black hair and long side-whiskers; a ratber pleasant, happy-go-lucky sort of man, who looked like one of the kind who easily make friends, ‘“] suppose we are mutually surprised,” he said, ‘‘ for though I have long since lost sight of you, I bardly expected to find you here. How- ever, a true Western man is liable to turn up at any point between Yuma and Pembina, and here we both are.” ‘‘ And we meet by chance, the usual way, as some one bas been guilty of expressing it,” re- plied Broderick. They then sat down and continued the con- versation, and though Broderick was figura- tively on nettles, he managed to appear wholly at bis ease. He waited patiently for light on the subject nearest his mind, and it was not long in coming. ‘*Have you been long in Hotspur?’ Nelson asked. “Just. long enough to begin to feel ac- quainted.” ‘““Ah! Possibly you know a man named Rube Ralston.” “Oh! yes; he and Iarefriends. had along and pleasant chat with him this afternoon.” The words were no sooner spoken than Broderick was conscious of having expressed bimself somewhat strongly. Friendly as the colonel appeared, he knew his present com- panion was no angel, and his sharp glance in- dicated that he did not regard him as a very suitable associate for an bonest man, “‘IT came bere on purpose to see Ralston,” he added, after a pause, ‘‘and if you'll direct me, Ill walk over soon.” Broderick looked at his watch. ‘*He will not be in for an hour yet, but, at the end of that time, I shall be pleased to act as your guide,” The plotter wished it to be fully dark before they went out, for he was resolved to make the journey one of death for Nelson, and they must not be seen together. An hour passed. Broderick would have de- tained his intended victim longer; but he saw that he was ready to go, and they arose and left the room together. ‘We'll use the rear door,” said Broderick, carelessly. ‘‘ Ralston’s house is at the northern side of the town, and it will be our nearest way.” Nelson saw nothing suspicious about this, and they went out without Hee observed by any of the attaches of the botel. So far all was going as Broderick wished, and if he could get the colonel outside the village as successfully, there would be nothing to tell how he had so suddenly disappeared. He began to talk rapidly, to e Nelson’s attention, and led him by the loneliest road he could find. Luck favored him, and they met no one, and the village was soon : It was not until they entered the rocky region at the north that Nelson noticed their route at all, Then be suddenly paused. Rev, don’t see any houses in this direction,” he: nN (Hine: {} * @e a dred : J cor choo! ime ~ 4 Wr ae s - Y - ——_