Beadle's Dime Library No. 297 — page 7: what you’re looking at

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

e r e rewwy@ae A oh f “You have a young lady stopping here whose name is Miss Fenton, I believe.” “Yes. She came yesterday.” ‘*Exactly. Well, will you send word to her that I am here?” The clerk called a Chinaman, who went on the errand, and who soon returned with the in- formation that Miss Fenton would see Mr. Ral- ston in the parlor at once. Toward that point be went, and he had bare- ly taken his seat when the lady also entered. Colorado Rube was neither old nor blind, and be saw at once she was attractive of face and form, and he would have been less than a man if these facts had made no impression. As he arose she came forward with extended hand, a smile on her handsome face. ‘*This is Mr, Ralston, I suppose.” ‘Such is my name. I received your note, an hour ago, and have answered if so soon as sible.” ‘I think I should have known you anywhere, after the account of your battle last night.” “Indeed! Do I luok like a pugilist?” ‘‘ Nonsense, Mr. Ralston. ou ought to know that if I meant that I should not have men- tioned it. But what I do mean, is that you look capable of subduing giants. However, we won’t speak of that now.” “No. Let us rather return to business, When did you see Colonel Nelson last?” ‘*A month ago, at Lincoln. It was when he gave me the letter to you.” ‘‘What did the colonel say about me?” CHAPTER VIII. THE PLOT BEGINS TO WORK. THERE was a trifle of anxiety in Ralston’s voice, which a careless exterior could not hide, as though the opinion of Colonel Nelson was something of great importance to him, but Mil- dred Fenton knew better than he suspected why he asked the question. The first drama in Colorado Rube’s life did not date from the time when be met the fair schemer in the hotel parlor; there was a wild, strange past which he had left so far as he was able when be came to Hotspur City; one which he would rather be a beggar than have known; and he was ever afraid it would appear like Banquo’s ghost when laast wanted. All this Miss Fenton knew, for it bad brought her to Hotspur City, but she vailed ber secret amusement under a smile. ‘*The whole story may be briefly told, Mr. Ralston. The colonel was an old friend of fa- ther’s, and I was his favorite when I was a child, but, in after years, we lost all trace of the wandering colonel. It was by mere chance we metin Linceln. I had just passed through a series of afflictions and misfortunes. The first was the death of my father; the last, the loss of the property he left me. This story I will tell you in detail when I have more time.” Miss Fenton looked very sad, and she pressed her handkerchief to ber eyes, ostensibly to ab- sorb the tears she could not hide. Really, it was partly for effect, partly to hide the fact that there were no tears. ‘*You were unfortunate,” said Ralston, sym- pathetically. ‘“T was alone in the world, friendless and penniless,” said she, ber voice trembling. **What to do I did not at first know, but I thought I had got to earn my own living and rose to the demands of the occasion. I resolved to go among the Mormons as a teacher. You know of the attempt which is being made to convert them by these means?” “Yes? ‘‘T was on the point of going when Colonel Nelson appeared. You cannot imagine what a change that made in my life, arose from misery to new life. He had not for- gotten bis old favorite, he was.as kind and good as ever, and he peremptorily forbade my going money for us both, and that while he lived the daughter of his old friend should not suffer.” ‘“‘Tbat was like the colonel,” Rube observed quickly. “It was, indeed. Well, when he bad gone thus far, he was at a loss what to do next. He wanted to provide for me, but did not want to leave me alone with strangers. Neither was he willing to abandon his roving life for nearly a year, as his plans for his scientific work were not fully completed. Then it was that he thought of you, and he made a proposal which Il bave thus far followed, though with some hesitation.” At one bound 1 | ee ————— NE eee eee SSS elses —— ‘- As - @ 4 Colorado Rube. ceive that she was no amateur in life’s real battle—but if she had been a princess, he would have felt sorry to see her enter his house. When he married, after ten years of wild ad- venture, he entered upon a period of calm hap- piness of which he had before had no knowl- edge. Mona possessed few of the traits of her lawless brothers, and as the mistress of a home she seemed to Kube to be unrivaled. The presence of a stranger would interfere with their quiet contentment, however pleasant the new-comer might prove as a companion. gratitude to Colonel Nelson—of which, more anon—and he did not think of refusing so com- paratively simple a request. ‘‘T am very glad the colonel mentioned the money part,” he said, laughing. ‘‘Such a monstrous expense might break me. Jesting aside, Miss Fenton, I shall be pleased to oblige both him and yourself, and the doors of my house fly open at the magic word.” ‘‘T have papers here which he sent to you.” The lady then presented a letter and some other documents which Ralston glanced over. They merely explained what she had already stated, and need not be recorded here. ‘* Well,” said Rube, as he finished, ‘‘I pre- sume you are not exactly partial to hotel life, and if you will get ready we will at once go to my house.” The plotting woman concealed her satisfac- tion under a becoming mask, and left him to don her outer garments and exult over her easy victory. For weal or woe it was settled, but he little knew what a serpent he was taking into bis house. He did not suspect that the papers were all forgeries, or that a plot was begun which was intended to ruin that home and his future ife, The two left the hotel twenty minutes later. Among those who saw them go was Neal Bishop, and a look of mingled anger and deep regret rested on his face, but it vanished as a hand fell heavily on his shoulder. He wheeled and stood facing Johx Broderick. ‘‘How now, man?” the latter cried. ‘‘ You look as glum as though the end of the world was coming.” ‘*T perceive your plot is working well,” said Bishop, bitterly. ‘‘A peculiarity of my plots; but what have you seen that is new?” ‘* Look yonder!” ‘* At what?” ‘* At Mildred and Ralston.” ‘Yes, <A fine-looking couple.” ‘‘ John Broderick, you are a fiend!” “Thank you. Is that all?” ‘‘What is your scheme against that unsuspect- ing man?” ‘*Ralston? Well, my scheme is to bring him to his knees. I hate him, and when I hate I punish. Bah’ it would be a poor revenge to shoot him, bust, by introducing Mildred, 1 will stab him tothe heart. Look out for domestic jars. Your fair sister will win Ralston’s love, and, between us, we will make him believe his wife’s affections have left their legitimate place.” ‘You are bold to tell this,” sullenly observed Bishop. ‘‘T tell itso that you may not be in doubt as to the game we are playing; otherwise, you might by some accident do that which would foil us.” ‘What is to hinder me from telling Ralston all?” “Your safety. Go slow, my dear sir, and *ware of my talons. Lam no cbicken when aroused, This game is going on, and it’s death to you to interfere. Remember Red River Run.” Bishop was pale and his voice was busky, but he Jooked at his companion defiantly. ‘‘ Suppose I am willing to ruin myself to save this man? What is to ladder me from telling all and defying what you may say? Iam notsure but Iam willing to have the Red River affair made public. My existence is a nightmare, any way, and it will never be any wor:e.” “You have said just what I wanted you to say. You threaten to defy me and take the consequences. Now, look here; Iam nota man to be trifled with. If I suspect you are playing me false, I won’t wait to tell people about Re River. I havea strong hand and a sure revol- ver. Defy me, and you shall feel both. Assure as I live, I'll kill you as I would a mad-dog if _ you try to betray me!” ‘In plain words, he thought I could help bim | to carry out bis plans. Well, he was right. The colonel has done me a favor, too, and lam yes Dogg do anything possible to please him.” ae not speak so positively, Mr, Ralston,” said the lady, with a light laugh, ‘‘ Hear his scheme. For six months, at least, as I said he- fore, be will not be ready to settle down. His proposal was that I inflict my presence upon you until that time. In plain words, if you would give me a home, he would pay all ex- ses. Colorado Rube was not pleased. Miss Fenton had the appearance and manner of a lady— though bis discerning eyes did not fail to per- —_— — Broderick towered to his full hight, his voice as penetrative as steel, and bis black mustache was raised until one could see his teeth gleam- ing wolfishly behind it. No one, seeing bim then, could doubt but he was capable of the darkest deed known to man. Bishop, however, laughed recklessly, shortly and unmusically. “ Begin now, if you wish,” he said, ‘T am in no hurry. You are Mildred’s brother, and for the sake of so sensible a woman I want to give youachance. But don’t use it to our injury. | ama devil when aroused—I confess it freely—and it means death if you be- tray us. Be warned in time and be wise.” | | ext tl ili lll lll lll lll LL ttt ttl, ‘zzz = asia» eee ‘Perhaps you would not find me so easy to kill. The shoe might get onto the other foot.” ‘*And you kill me? Ha! ha! that isa rich joke. Why, you area boy compared with me. laugh at you!” ‘* Again, you may feel the weight of Ralston’s heavy hand, He is no child.” ‘‘He knocked Bill Buzzard out from under his hat handsomely. Il acknowledge that. But I should not tackle him at close quarters. When I bit it is with the odds in my favor. I rely on At the same time, Rube owed a debt of deep | a knife-thrust between the shoulders, ora revol- ver-shot when my man is off bis guard, or a little poison in his coffee.” **T might know you would strike like a cow- ard,” said Bishop, bitterly. ‘*You’ll find out allabout my way one of these days,” coolly replied Broderick. ‘‘I am at Hot- spur City to win, and win I will, despite a hun- dred puling fools like you. Take care you don’t get into my path.” ‘What is thé mysterious grudge you have against Ralston?” ‘‘That’s my business, not yours. Don’t try to know too much about it, for it’s not safe.” ‘* Perhaps you think I am to be kicked around as you see fit,” said Bishop, sullenly, ‘** but you may change your mind anon.” Broderick clasped his arm. The sneering smile was still on his face, but the grasp of his strong hand seemed almost likely to make the fingers meet in Neal’s arm. The latter tried to shake off bis bold, but the elder man was his physical master, and he proved it then. ‘*Don’t struggle!” said Broderick, mocking- ly. ‘* You are like a bird that vainly beats against the bars of its cage. I am your master, Let this little incident teach you that I am not to be bent or broken. When | start out to do a thing I do it, and woe to the man who stands in my path. It means death for you to interfere!” Broderick dropped his companion’s arm, turn- ed away and walked from the room without another word. Neal looked after him with an expression of the a hatred, but all was expressed by the brie mentary thought of rebellion: ‘‘T am a helpless coward!” CHAPTER IX. THE GATHERING STORM. MILDRED FENTON was fairly installed at Ral- ston’s house, The conquest had been an easy one; far easier than she had anticipated. Colo- rado Rube deemed it his duty to comply with any request made by his old friend, Colonel Nelson, and Mrs. Ralston cheerfully agreed to whatever her busband thought best. On the whole, Mildred made a good impres- sion, Without trying to assume an air of ignorance, she hid her knowledge of the world somewhat, and her frank, pleasant ways seem- ed those of ber heart and were accepted as a criterion. Both Rube and his wife were sorry to have a stranger in the house, but Miss Fenton did not seem like one who would be an unpleasant feature. During the afternoon Rube was with Mayor Mumford the greater part of the time. There was no little work to do to bring Hotspur City from her embryotic stage to the full glory of her new standing, and the new official soon saw that he would have to depend a good deal on his clerk in order to make affairs run smoothly. Rube settled down to the work like a veteran. If be was not experienced, it was in his favor that no one would expect their border city to be conducted like an Eastern metropolis, and he bad no difficulty in bringing order out of chaos. That be was to be the ‘Strong Arm” of the place was more than ever clear. Mum- ford was giving him full sway in the depart- ment of justice, and he frankly stated that he looked to his clerk to foil a second attack by the Buzzards. Colorado Rube laughed at the mention of the giant brothers’ name, but the mayor would i cease to fear them while they and he ived, Miss Fenton retired that night to ber room in triumph, and, when alone, at once sat down and dasbed off a few lines to Broderick. This is what she wrote: ‘* Victory is ours! Iam safely established in the castle of the enemy, and one regiment of soldiers there is better than ten outside. Nothing could have worked better. Wise as this Rube Ralston is reputed to be, he walked into the trap like a lamb. He was very lad to oblige his old friend and—he took mein. kKravo, my fellow conspirator, al] goes well, and we will bring ruin and desolation to this fool’s paradise. not be reckless, but see me when you can.” Sbe did not sign her name but, going to the window, raised the lower half and looked out. A man almost immediately started from the shadow of a tree and she recognized Broderick, He did not speak, but the wave of his band was the pre-arranged signal, and the paper fluttered to the ground. He picked it up, waved his band again and hastened away. The fullowing day when the stage brought the mail, one letter came which was aduressed . oe b, 4 TS, ay CS sentence with which he met a mo- ~ y 900kKsS.com ; : "pal » 4