Beadle's Dime Library No. 305 — page 26: what you’re looking at

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

26 —_—_- —---— ~< _—— “‘T will listen willingly,” she said, softly. ‘*’m goin’ awa the Bar.” “Going away Ettala repeated with a start. ‘For what reason?” “Because I’m a disturbin’ element hyar. Ther boyees has got inter trouble through me, an’ ef I cl’ar out, | reckon things will soon set- tle back inter ther old channel an’ all go smooth, I bev been ther innercent means 0’ gittin’ them inter ther fix, an’ I’m sorry on’t; ther best thing I kin do now is ter leave.” The a voice was far from steady, and his whole manuer betrayed excitement and sor- row. Ettala was silent for several seconds. When she spoke, there was a perceptible sadness in her voice. ‘* Where will you go?’ *“‘T don’t know; anywhar, so that I won’t bring harm ter my friends hyar. I reckon I’m bound ter bring ill-luck ter them that know me, but ll soon be forgot.” ‘* Never!” said Ettala, with emphasis. ‘‘ We— at least I, for one,'do not forget so easily. bo rig brave and noble, and I shall never for- ge ‘* Your words do me good,” said Dave, in an unsteady voice, ‘‘fur your good opinion is worth more than that of all the rest of the world. I wish I could stay an’ be near you.” ‘“Why can’t you? You have done no barm, Remain and battle against those who would misuse you.” ‘*T ain’t sure it’s safe. Thar is more ter think onthan them. Every hour | am near you I am gittin’ deeper an’ deeper inter trouble. I love you, little girl, an’ it’s so hopeless—” He paused, as though for words, but Ettala laid her band in bis. “It is not hopeless!” she answered, softly. ‘¢-You cannot care for me more than | do for you, and I am willing to make your destiny mine and follow your fortunes ever.” “ Am I dreamin’?’ he muttered in bewilder- ment. ‘‘Is this a gleam o’ sunshine that'll van- ish in an hour-—” “It is for life ! she answered. CHAPTER XXXVI. SILVER PLATED SOL TAKES THE WAR-PATH. It was several minutes betore the young couple were capable of speaking with practi«.. directness, but by the time they did so a c..u- a understanding had been effected. Cupid ad done his work well; their love was mutual; and, though Dave had pointed out the troubles she would dare, Ettala had avowed her inten- tion to follow the young giant’s fortunes, let the future bring what it might. When they came to talk practically, it was she who advaueed the clearest ideas, but between them the following plan was formed: Dave was to remain in Bowlder Bar for awhile, until the sequel of the present trouble was seen, and then be guided by the result. While matters were thus situated, it was best that he and Ettala should be seen together but little, but they bad decided to baffle all plots to separate them by promptly seeking a minister and uniting their fortunes for life. Time was precious, and they marked the hour and then started for the house of the Reverend Mr, Brown; but only a short distance ge been traveled when a man arose in their path, ~ Dave drew his revolver, but the man put out one band reassuringly. “Save your bullets, for ’m not worth the powder,” he nonchalantly said. ‘‘ Silver-Plated Sol!” Dave exclaimed.’ ‘‘That’s my name.” ~“T thought Pare was mysteriously missin’.” “So I am, from some sections, but not from here. Have you seen Lovering, of late?’ ‘*] reckon he’s lookin’ fer you,” answered Dave. ‘‘ He was ’round ter my cabin this after- noon, “Sorry, but it can’t be helped. How are mat- ters at the Bar?” Giant Dave hesitated for a moment, and then asked the rover to step aside. He knew be was a man to be trasted. and it had occurred to bim that he would be just the man for a marriage witness. Therefore he told bim all. Sol listened and was pleased. He felt sure Bond was a wortby man who would make Et- tala a good husband, and the contemplated ste would be a severe blow to Joseph Danforth. He therefore declared that the young couple were acting wisely, and that he would be pleased to help them all be could. _ The trio went to a minister’s bouse, and when they came away Ettala was Mrs. David Bond. For weal or for woe the deed was done, and Luke Burbank’s chances: of ever winning the woman he aspired tomarry were few and small. By this time Sol considered himself sufficient- ly established in Ettala’s good graces to inquire about Lois. He hoped that he could get informa- tion in regard to her whereabouts, but, as we already know, Ettala was as ignorant as him- self, . She did, however, hesitatingly tell what b occurred during her recent visit to Hamed, an a U 0 eee eee when he was once more alone the rover’s thoughts returned to the subject. He did not for a moment consider the Magician’s statement in regard to Lois’s presence in the town of No Luck, but Hamed was worthy of attention. ‘‘ Who, and what, is the old fossil? Of course he isa humbug; that goes without saying. Even if there was anything in fortune-telling; which there is not, no one could get a living in a town of this size. Therefore, it follows that Hamed is not what he seems. What the dickens is he, then? Vil beshotif I know, but it won’t bea waste of time to callon him. Id like to know just what game he is playing. As for the sound from the attic, when something rattled down the wall, and the subsequent revolver-shot, it looks as though he has a boarder up there, Hallo!” The last word was brought forth by a sudden idea, and the rover stopped short and seriously considered it. ‘“Where is Lois Orme?’ mentelly inquired Colton, ‘‘Hamed professed to know, and his su called revelation would lead asearcber far away from Bowlder Bar, Perhaps he had an object. It wouldn’t be anything remarkable if the girl was a prisoner in his den!” It was a suspicion without any real founda- tion, but a long life of danger and battling against adverse elements had led Sol to always be looking for obseure facts, and he bad now struck a theory which was worth testing, even though it bad so precarious an origin, “Dll visit Hamed!” he declared, aloud, and wa he strode rapidly toward the Magician’s ouse, He had almost entirely recovered from the effects of bis rough experience «t Grizzlies’ Bridge, and though he intended to keep out of signs Danforth and Burbank for awhile, he felt able to meet danger with his old coolness, while as for trouble he intended to meet it half- way thenceforth and give his enemies no chance to get the best of him. He had left Sam Leach at the cave, but that man had announced that he would soon visit the village, and that he might be of use to the rover, Madrock Ledge was soon reached, and Sol as- cended with a steady step. All seemed quiet there, and the light gleamed tranquilly from the window, Sol advanced to the door and was about to apply bis knuckles when the idea occurred to him that it would not be a bad idea to geta view of the interior without being seen in re- turn, But could this be done? The curtain was down, and means of observation were not then visible, He was not easily discouraged, however, and he made an investigation which ended in estab- lishing the fact that the window was not fast- ened, so he raised it a little and prepared te push the curtain aside. Voices were audible from the interior, and something of interest might be heard. ‘* It’s a burglarious piece of work,” he mut- tered, ‘“‘ but it’s only putting magic against a magician, and—here goes!” He moved the curtain slightly and looked within. ' The first view was enough to enchain all bis interest. Three persons were visible, of whom two were Hamed and Sing-So, The third was Lois Orme! Despite his balf-formed suspicion, Sol was rprised, and he remained staring blankly at the girl. Hamed was standing near her, while Sing-So was busy at one side, and as the rover’s mind cleared he was not troubled to perceive that he had not happened on a friendly inter- view, Lois’s face was paler than usual, and she had the air of one in na pi but she was looking defiantly at Hamed, who answered the look witb one of dogged resolution, ‘‘ Threats and entreaties are alike useless,” he was saying. ‘I have carefully considered my course, and I give you fair warning that it is to your interest to follow my lead. Lam not going to bave you throw away what chance and your own good sense have placed in vour bands, and you had better yield and make the best of it,” ‘* Res assured I never shall yield!” Lois de- clared, defiantly, while ber eyes spoke even more strongly than her words, ‘* Then you remain a prisoner here indefinitely. Your attempt at escape to-night bas opened my eyes, and [ think if I tie your hands, my plans will be safer, as well as my life. You will not have another chance to shoot at me.” ‘‘ T did not intend to fire,” the girl replied, less steadily. ‘‘I caught the revolver from your belt as a means of protection, and it was acci- dentally discharged.” © ‘‘Rubbish! That story has been used so often it is stale. You tried toshoot me—do not deny it. Andlam oe father!” Silver-Plated Sol s:arted. To him, at least, the assertion was a surprise. ab eo are a fine father!” sarcastically retort- ‘A legal one, at least,” Hamed coldly re- Pee to oe regrets the fact so much as I,” - ee a —si—S a 1 i a ES SC———C Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. “No doubt. You have stolen the money of Abram Selden, and now you want to enjoy, it alone, or perhaps with Charles Winter. But I will foil both you and the so-called Joseph Danforth.” ‘““T have repeatedly told you that Danforth is not Charles Winter, nor do 1 know where the latter is, Perhaps it is a waste of time to den all your charges, but when ars ultimately fail to tind one cent of Abram Selden’s money, you will not so strongly believe I stole it. But why should we talk? You, who ought of all men to think well of me—if you are, indeed, my father —persist in believing me a thief, It is as well so, perhaps, but let us say no more about it.” “Understand me first,” said the Magician, harshly. ‘‘ You remain a prisoner until you come to your senses.” ‘‘T am not so sure of that; I have a presenti- ment that something will occur in my behalf which will beffle you. But I have no more to say to you; I will not speak again.” She had made no weak resolution, for all Hamed’s efforts to continue the conversation failed. She seemed utterly deaf to what he said, and he finally abandoned the attempt, an ugly look on his face, and turned to Sing-So. ‘*Ts all ready?” he asked, ‘¢ All light,” the Chinaman replied. “Then we will conduct this girl again to her prison, and I’ll bet my life she does not again attempt escape. Come!” He put out bis band to Lois, and she arose and followed him without a word. They dis- appeared through a door which the spy ew led to the upper part of the house, and be was left without an object of interest upon which to aze. ‘‘ Well, upon my word, the case takes on 4 new complexion. is is the prisoner of Hamed, and it seems that Hamed is her father. This is strange, but peculiar things will bappen. One more must happen; the girl saved my life in the burning house, and I am not going fo prove ungrateful. She must be rescued. 1 begin to doubt if she was in any way connected with the murder of Roger Hillard; she hasn’t the face of an assassin. She must be rescued, but how?’ A moment longer the rover hesitated, and then be pushed the window further up énd quickly, but noiselessly, entered. He was fairly in the lair of the Magician. : He flashed a quick look about. and was not long in finding a hiding-place. Furniture was plentiful, and behind a drop-board table which stood in one corner, loaded with various ob- jects, he ensconced himself without delay. ‘‘ Now for the next move in the game!” he thought. ‘‘Iam fairly on the war-path, and—” His thoughts took a new turn as steps sound- ed on the stairway, and then Hamed and Sing- So came down and entered the room where be was hiding. f be detected? Would CHAPTER XXXVII. THE HEATHEN CHINEE’S IRON GRIP, HAmeED's face bore a scowl, and he kicked over a chair with boyish exhibition of temper. “Tm going out now,” he said, ‘and shall not return to-night. Keep everything fastened up tightly, and don’t apswer any calls until I re- turn. If people should once turn a suspicious eye on our dove-core, they would be very like- ly to investigate us, and hang both to the near- est tree. ' ~~ - ‘Me no want my float stretched,” said Sing- © So, witb manifest uneasiness. j “T thought not. Well, eternal vigilance is the price of safety, as well as liberty, and you want to look a little out.” As he spoke the Magician walked to the win- dow and tried it. hen he wheeled around abruptly. 2 “You confounded fool! why did you leave this unfastened ‘ ‘© Me no leab it so; "Melican man hisself do it, when he lookee out, all samee.” . The reply cooled off the irate Magician, for he suddenly remembered that he had left it thus, but he fastened it securely, and then re- ag his caution to Sing-So to guard the place well, ‘Perhaps the revolt of our prisoner bas made me nervous, but I feel il] at ease,” he then said. ‘*T would not leave here, but i am wanted else- where. Look well to everything!” Sing-So again asse that he would be faithtul, and then Hamed passed into the inner room. Sol Colton looked, after him thoughtfully- His voice had been different, while he was alone with his servant, than before, and the rover was inclined to think he bad heard it elsewhere. But where? He asked himself the question, but no answer was forthcoming. Unless the - cian lived a double life, he could not imagine where be had seen him, The Chinaman put the outer room in order, while Sol every moment expected to see Hamed reappear, but he came not. Several minutes. passed, but there was no sound from the other apartment, =e , Then Sing-So extinguished the darkness reigzed all around them, comic ee “ Pad light, and Le ,00 <Si.i ele