Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 328 — page 22: what you’re looking at

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

—_ +} 2 ; bd | ’ as og ee Poe wee yee 22 King Kent. “Thar’s one more scalp hangin’ ter a Curmanch’ velt.”’ said Old Rocky, while Daring Dick shuddered and Turtle clutched the handle of bis knife. SS i shouldn’t wonder ef ther ha’r-t’arers ‘u’d skupe in ther hull o’ King Kent’s cussed gang.” As the old scout’s whisper ended, a slight rustle of bushes inland from an adjacent thicket caught the ears ot our friends, and instantly knives were jerked from scabbards, and teeta set, while the Tonkaway, upon hsnds and knees. and his blade betwern bis teeth, started to crawl toward the point of alarm. All of a sudden a huge hand was thrust from the screen of folage, the palm outspread toward the four avengers in token of peace, while from the thicket came a sound of caution. * Hu-s-sh!” The next moment the huge head, and then the body, followed by the My of Bg Bill, emerged from the bushes, his eyes becoming fastened upon the Tonkaway, who stood directly in front of him. At once Big Bill jabbed his bowie buckhorn dee into the earth—a second token of peace—and whic was underst od by Turtle, who immediately plung- ed his biade into the ground, I wants ter spoke wi’ yer, Ole Rock an’ Dick,” said Big Bill, in a hoarse Acc ah **Come on, an’ spit out what yer hos ter sling.” directed the scout. ‘‘ We-‘uns doesn’t keer to spend time gabbin’ wi’ yoursort. What yer gut ter offer?”’ The giant bandit crawled up nearer. His clothing and hair were saturated with water, and he was much scratched and torn by the thorny undergrowth. *T hain’t gut any extra gab ter sling,”’ assert-d the outlaw, “‘an’ I wouldn’t come this-a-way, ’cept- in’ I war wantin’ ter help git ther leetle ladies yun- der outen ther clutches o’ ther red skunks what hes killed nighly all o’ my pards. * We-'uns war crooked, I owns ter thet, an’ they'd stretch our necks on a lariat ef ther Brazos an’ Leon Rancheroes shu'i cotch us. But we ain’t nigh on ter bein’ es bad es King Kent. *“ Fac’ air, all on us war feelin’ es though we hed a big p’ison snake with us, since he shot his own dad, which war jist wuss’n awful, ¢s you'll all ‘low. We'-uns never done nothin’ crooked on taer Brazos, er Leon, 'veptin’ snatch a beef, er hog, er sheep, now an’ then, fer ter chaw on, an’ sometimes a nag ter ride, ontil King Kent jined us, an’ jist run ther ‘and, * He gi’n us highfalutin’ airs, makin’ us b'lieve we -c’u'd run all fexas, W.-’uns war skeerd, an’ di ‘n’t want no hand in robbin’ his cad, but he swored he'd do hit alone, an’ thet we war all soft-headed cow- ards. So Crooked Car! an’ me went long o’ kim, but we warn’t ’svectin’ thar’d be any biced scat- tered. Cap'n Knowles shot at me an’ Carl, but we- "uns never gi’n a bullet back. | “King Kent, he war in ther cellar, an’ stayed thar ‘when he c’u'd ha’ gut away easy. Then he plugged ther ole man. He's bin wild es a bob tailed hornet ever since; an’ I reckon he’s bin tuck by ther reds. I an’ my nighest pards wouldn’t take a hand in stealin’ ther gals yunder, an’ we kep’ King Kent from doin’ ’em harm. “We hed our minds made up ter skute back wi’ them, an’ take ’em hum, es soon es King Kont gi’n out; which we know'd he would, from his pourin’ down terrantaler-juice hefty. He war es crazy es a gnat-bit buff'ler when we-'uns struck this locate; an’ he’d soon ha’ gone under. * Now me, an’ Crooked Carl, an’ two other pards, what's in ther bush yunder, wants t°r help resky ther leetle gals, what's bin tuck by ther cussed Cur- manches. e ain't axin’ no more, ef. we skins through wi’ ha’r on own cabases, than ter hev our hosses a o’ grub epiede, an' some am- m rnish. Then we'll levant Oie Mex’ way, an’ lo- cate wi’ ther Greasers. “Thet’s waat’s ther matter wi’ Big Bill an’ his three pards. What d’yer say, boyees? Spit her out. lively! { knows ye re too squar’ an’ white ter plug a pilgrim, what's put his lifo in yer hands,” “Bhakke *exclaimed Daring Dick, extending his ‘hand; “never mind who you are, or what you may have done in the past. You mean well now, it is certain; and you say that you have hel to pro- ‘tect those poor girls from that demon, Kent. “Yer kin ax ’em ef Big Bill didn’t watch over ‘em, an’ keep King Kent from doin’’em harm. I'd ‘ha’ split his heart, ef he'd tried it on arter my warn- in’ him, ef he war my chief; an’ ther boyees would ha’ stud by me, though thor gold he stoled from his dad war jinglin’ in thar pockets.” As well as the dim light permi'tod, the old scouts and Turtle studied the face of Big Bill; as he thus, contrary to bis expressed intention, made a lengthy explanation of affairs, and expressed his and his pards’ wishes. Old Rocky looked first at Single Eye, and then at the Tonkaway; reading their minds at once, as he said, briefly: “Skute fer yer pards, Big Bill! Wo'll see yer through all hunk, fer pertectin’ ther leetle gals.” A low hiss from the giant outlaw, now caused rooked Carl and two others of the band to crawl orward, and join him. ‘** Air yer shooters O. K, fer biz, boyees?” asked Old Rocky. “Yo-as, We-’uns ain’t ther sort ter be cotched wi’ wet powd r. We draw’'d ther loads, an’ air all fixed fer pluggin’ red meat,” ‘* Now, Turtle; what's ther p’ogramme?” inquired caer pot , quickly * Lead horses down river. Hide in bush, Turtle leave rifle. Dick he leave rifle in bush. All climb tree. Then crawl over river on branch, Old Rocky, Single Eye, Big Bill and pards, fight. Drive Com- anche from Lily of Leon and Edwards squaw. ‘*Drop from trees. Turtle take E1wards squaw. Dick take Lily. Then run, jump in river. oat down to horses. My white brothers, Big Bill and ds, fight, kill, sca iP. When squaws safe round nd, run in bush, Shoot fast. Then climb tree. Go over river to horses. Itis good. Waugh!” **Good enough, all ‘ceptin’ one to’ ther Po gramme. Turtle, 1 kin read yer, though I c’u’ In’t read a book. I knows yer wants. Fac’ air. ye’re *bout lunified ter gi’n war-whoops, an’ shoot, devils; but, ef yer ‘grees, I'll save Miss Edna, er I'll flop over, an’ make a die of hit, tryin’. 1’m big an’ strong, an’ kin manage bit in ther drink, p’raps better’n ary pilyrim hyer. * Sides thet, ther leetle gal knows I’m chuck-full | o’ pity fer her, an’ thet I hes stud atween her an’ King Kent, ther cussed hell-hound!”’ Thus spoke Big Bill, by way of amendment, which was seconded by Old eer ‘* Thank Heaven!" exclaimed Dick, “ you have, at length, decided upon a plan of operation, I should have plunged into the river, and tried the game alone, if you had not soon come to an understand- | ing.’’ **Lead on, Turtle! An’ Big Bill, yer kin foller ther Tonk, Injun-style, wi’ yer par’s. We-'uns ‘il fotch up ther rear; an’ don’t none o’ yer sling gab, nor snap ast ck o’ deadwood. ‘*Ther lives o’ ther leetle innercent gals depends on every step we-'uns takes. We'll watch each other fer signs, an’ ’s shly all keep a peeper onter Turtle, ther boss trailer o’ Texas!” Soon the horses were reached, and led Mowly' care being taken to prevent the bushes from whisk- ing, and the animals from treading on dead limbs. Down the river, they proceeded for some distance when the horses were led toward the stream, and into a thicket near the bank. Great precaution was necessary, as they all knew that the red scouts were searching the timber. When this was done, all made their way up the Rio San Saba, shielded from view by bushes, to a point directly across from the walled inclosure of saddles and goods. within which lay the poor cap- tives, Edna and Lola. Here, all stole stealthily up into huge trees, the branches of which were interlocked with the limbs of those on the opposite side of the river, Upon gaining a favorable elevation, Tonkaway, Daring Dick, the two scouts, with Big Bill and his pards, made their way over the stream, and from tree to tree, until they were in the branches, direct- ly above the maidens. blankets, their arms entwined about each other Despair, iq weed and dread were stamped upon their angelic features. CHAPTER XXX, SURPRISING THE CAMP, Tur sight that was revealed below them in the little inclosure, formed of saddles and bags of provisions, rendered our friends and their allies nearly insane with fury, and a longing to attack the merciless enemy. Lola and Edna lay, as we have seen them clasped in each other's arms, on the outspread blankets; — their faces, once so poly rf rosy, and well rounded, were now wan and pa d, while tears rolled down their cheeks profusely. After this one glance beneath them, there was no hesitation. ° Luckily, the Comanches were now congregated around Rolling Thunder, some ten yards from the wall of saddles: the chief being engaged in giving directions, in connection with their proposed start toward the west, at sunrise. The horse-guard had come into camp, and some of the searchers; there being now rather more than a score of warriors present, and all having erga arms with them, with the exception of their ances. With the utmost caution, the little band of res- cuers and avengers climbed down siowly to the lower limbs; and then, at a hiss from rtle, all sprung to the earth, between the inclosure and the braves—all, that is, except Daring Dick and Big Bill—jerking their revolvers, and opening fire in- stantly; their bullets hurtling through the massed Comanches, Big Bill and Dick vi ey at cnce over into the in- closure, the fair cap:ives having staggered to their fect with hope upon their faces, expressed at the sound of fire-arms, which they mentally prayed — rtend a rescue. ig Bill clutched Edaa, who, beholding Dick with Lola in his embrace, and Turtle with the others fighting the Indians, knew that all was well, and fainted dead away in the strong arms of the giant. “Lola, my darling—my poor darling! At last I hold you in my arms!" Thus cried Daring Dick, as he pressed his lips to the almost colorless ones of the poor maiden, who faintly murmured: ‘Father in heaven, I thank Thee!”’ And then, limp and unconscious, she hung in the embrace of him, who was all the world to her. Only for a flitting, amid that camp, where whoop, and yell, and death-howl rung, where revolvers rattled, bullets whistled, and tore through flesh and bone, where feathered shafts, their ste ints glit- tering in the starlight, whirled and cut the air, striking the tree trunks with dull thuds, or piercing the white avengers—only for a moment, and then, with their precious burdens. Big Bill and Daring Dick sprung over the bank, into the dark waters of the Rio San Saba. The current bore them down the stream, while they held the maidens above the waters with one arm, using the other to increase their spe’ d. Never was there a more complete surprise. In- deed, the Comanches were not only dumfounded, but terrified, when they beheld the dreaded Tonk- away and the white scouts. But the yells of Rollin Thunder kept them from flight, and they st their ground, many falling before the deadly tubes. The war-whoop of Turtle, the Tonkaway, rung loud, and he led the whites in a furious charge, the Comanches giving way before the much-feared trio —Turtle. Single Eye, and Old Rocky—in the front, with their murderous knives. But, well these three knew that their red foes would soon recover, and rush upon them with tiger like ferocity. So. after the first dash, our friends ran backward, firing as they ran, and bounded into the dark shades. leaving two of their banait allies lying dead, with not less than a dozen arrows in > each. Not one of the party escaped being wounded with the steel-pointed shafts, Crooked Carl having one clear through his shoulder; but the Tonkaway These now lay upon the | rr | a — | imperativeness, led into camp, the mules as well; and the — _—— —— wounded; but Turtle, to his great cieeppcrntment. _ had noo tb rete to secure a single scalp, | The Indians did not attem;t to follow ur friends, | and in fifteen minutes the latter joined Daring Dick and Big Bill, who had succeeded in bringing Lola | and Edna safe with them. | Words can but faintly picture the relief and joy of | the poor suffering maidens, at being free from the power of King Kent and the Comanches. But all new the great danger there was. if they lingered in the vicinity of the now doubly infuriated savages. Those at the bend, and in the wvods, would im- mediately speed to the camp of their comrades, _ upon hearing the fusilade of revolver reports, form- ing a force that, enraged as they were might, from , an ambush, annihilate the whole part of whites. | Consequently, our friends—Big Bill, proud to bear Edna Eawarcs in his arms, he having secured | a horse that had strayed from the ‘‘open,”’ and Diring Dick. with Lola tightly clasped—with the Tonkaway in the lead, and Crooked Carl in the rear, all hastened to cross the river, and dash on through the timber until the open plain was reached. No sooner had they cleared the dark shades than yells from the north greeted them, and they beheld a score of rancheroes, headed by Colonel Landers and Mr. Edwards, galloping up along the timber line likemad. The agonized parents of the two maidens were frantic with joy as their rescuers delivered them into their arms, Old Rocky explained, in his peculiar manner, the presence of Big Bill and Crooked Carl; and both, in consideration of their valuable services, received re- spectful treatment. The party of rancheroes, however, were furiously eager to press on after King Kent; swearing that | they woul not return home until they bad bung the mise eant; and Old Rocky, Turtie and Single Eye decided that an advance must at once be made to capture the mares and mustangs, as well as the horses of the outlaws—swearing that if any Co- manches compe their bullets, they should walk liages ' back to their v But the horses of the rancheroes were in a fagged condition and it was considered necessary to rest; Turtle asserting that the war-party, or that portion of it that remained, could not escape, even was the pursuit not pressed not pressed untildaylight, which ° was not far off. All, therefore, dismounted in a_ timber-cove, loosened the girths of the saddles and rubbed down their animals with cool green grass; allowing them = Me: at the river at a reasonable time after the alt. The maidens were made as comfortable as was possible, and partook of food brought by the ranch- woe for the first time with any appetite since their capture, The cread and tragie scenes and the sufferings the poor girls had undergone were soon known to all, and the most intense hatred and loatbing were en- tertained by the whole party toward King Kent, None could tell, however, whether the miscreant yet lived. The parents of the maidens, with three other rancheroes and Crooked Carl, who had been severe- ly wounded, now remained to guard Edna and ola, while the other’, including the old scouts, with the Tonkaway and Daring Dick, departed on their mission of vengeance and to recover the animals. just as the sun peeped over the horizon, They found the bandit camp deserted by the Co- manches, their dead having beev removed, and the horses and plunder taken away also. Turtle decided at once to make forthe neck of the bend in order to cut off the war-party before they 1. ft the same; or, if they had departed, to be nearer the plain, which ‘would enable them to see the red fce some distance off. In due time, the avengers, twenty in number, reached the point mentioned; but did not leave the timber, remaining to peep through the foliage, out on the plain, across the entrance to the bend, and then down to the swell of the same. To the great satisfaction of all, the herd of mares, with the mules and horses, were in plain view, feed- ing; also many mustangs, while a dozen or more rae a 218 were to be s-en equipping others for the trail. Many animals, heavily packed with plunder, could be distinguished, even at that long distance, At once. the avengers, keeping within the timber, proceeded toward the CHAPTER XXX. THE WAY OF THE TRANSGRESSOR. Arter the retreat of the scouts, Turtle, Dick, and the two outlaw allies, with the captive maidens, the Comanches were the most terribly demoralized sav- ages that can be i:aagined; but Reiiting Thunder realized at once tat his whole war party would be annihilated, did le not at once take steps to return to his village. Already haa two-thirds of his braves gone on the ‘long, dark (rail, to the land beyond the moon. This war, however, to a great extent repaid, by the plunder, and the great number of horses and mules that hs had captured, Ce ald he but reach his village with all this, he would be considered a victor by the civil chief. In- dved, it would be a great honor to return witb so riany horses and so few warriors, especially when he could report that but asmall number of his braves had been scalped. The chief. therefore yelled his orders with fierce and at once the warriors rushed to obey; glad, indeed, that they were to leave so dan- being filled with supersti- secure from discovery, Comanche camp. gerous a locality—the | tious terror at the sudden and unexpected advent of the terrible scou's and the Tonkaway. The horses, captured from the bandits, ee under, and the dead br ves were fastened upcn t! eir backs, after they had been equipped The slaiv bandits were scalped and hacked beyond the semblance of humanity. and then flung into the myer, to become food for the ravenous al ——, eet = ae >a — ——— —~ “y . Se: { oo~* Go -& Ap sculp; w r can’t do, wi’ ther Ain't et ne Tok? rs ee. petors and catfish. In an incredibly short time all were ready to pro- ceed toward their former camp. At this moment, greatly to the joy of the Co ’ ‘Old Rocky talk heap good. Turtle want scalps. | thrust it further. the point free from the flesh, War-cry on oe broke it off, and then drew the weapon out, “Boyees, I’d like mighty well ter hash ther red The Comanches lost eight braves, and others were —————————— _ in one oe a a . _——— ~ (E cS 0\(0\(0) —_ — Y com Zs ane 0 mee a ' ' iW a