Beadle's Dime Library No. 351 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

ta to ee Tei Gee) ‘ - - ‘ : ‘ J —_ with the peek o’ Shasta fera nipple to my nussin’ bottle—whoo-ce e /”’ Breathless he paused, and once more gazed cy 4 around the spacious apartment as though lord of all he surveyed. Only for a brief The sensation he created was less than he believed his just due, and there was an uglier ring to his tones as he “broke out in a mew place.” ‘Size me up, little uns, an’ make up your minds that a new sun hes riz over Rocky Bar—that a mighty <hief hes come to town, an’ come to stay / *““Ail wool an’ a yard wide, with colors that ‘ll ‘wash an’ cain’t be chawed out! Seven foot in the clear, without knot, rot, wind-crack or woodpecker hole! Tough an’ woolly an’ chuck full 0’ fleas, an’ mever was curried above the knees—hyarI come, head up an’ tail over the dasher! Whoo-ee-e¢’” Such a series of ainly cavortings and out- landish gyrations, the human eye seldom looked upon before. Even the most reserved and sober among the audience could not refrain from laugh- ing at the ridicuious display, and as though en- couraged by the boisterous cachinnations, the stranger redoubled his efforts, until it seemed as though he would lose some of his wildly twisting — rs, or trip himself up and break his own neck. ts old man’s drunk again! Sing, brothers — ging [” In a squeaking, falsetto voice, these words rose above the clattering of the giant’s boots, pitched in the regular camp-meeting le, sonata inex- ag y ridiculous in such a place and connection. ey smote upon the ear of the capering fellow, and acted on him much as a dash of ice-water does on a fighting dog. Instantly his mad prancings ceased, and he glared around the room, scanning the mirth-convulsed faces with a ferocious scowl as he grated: **Show me the steam-b’iler as Jet off that squeal! Set him up afore me, an’ somebody prop him u while I tune him to play white's man's music. you the critter?” ; A.t richly-dressed figure arose from one of the faro tables, and strode across to where the fellow stood. To him the last words were addressed, as the mans ed one of the heavy revolvers with ‘which his belt was garnished. There was an instant shifting of position on the part of those who uve in range or line with the two men, but the iron-nerved gambler—for the new actor on the scene was St. Clair Guthrie, himself— male no motion to touch a weapon. His heavily- ‘mustached lip curled and his blue eyes seemed filled with a lofty scorn as he raised one long white finger and slowly shook it before the man who an- mounced himself as Nor’ West Nick. Soft were his tones, but each word came with the force and di- rectness of a blow. ; ‘Enough is as good as a feast, my man. You bave had your innings, and now you want to sub- side. Understand?” The giant stared into that icy-calm face with open mouth and a generally bewildered expression, as thouch totally unable to believe the evidence of his own senses, ., | reckon you don’t know who I air, stranger.” ‘A bag of wind, and unless you bridle your ‘tongue, you can’t stop in this establishment. Be- have yourself, and it’s all right. Cut up any more such capers, and out you go. I expect to keep good order in my place, even if I have to call in the coro- mer and sexton to aid me.” “WasI raisin’ a row?” innocently asked the fel- Ww “Yes, and making an infernal nuisance of your- self into the bargain,” came the sharp answer. “Waal, I ber durned!”’ and the mighty Nor’ West Nick scratched the rear of his skull with a comical expresssion of perplexity. ‘‘An’ all the while I ‘thunk I was amoosin’ the gents fer achange! But you hearn what that squeaky critter said? You uck in that outrageous insiniwation?” “No matter. If not drunk, you were playing the ass sober, and that is so much worse. I'll let it drop now, but ae. yourself a little straighter while here, or you'll get bounced so quick that it*li make your head swim! Now mind,” and the Yh eae was turning away when the man checked ‘Say, boss, kin you tell me whar I kin find a two- legged critter named Dan Brown of Denver? I want - to see him, dad !” The slight frown on the brow of the gambler sud- «lenly vanished, and there came a curious light into his steelv-blue eyes as he pointed to where the de- er sat with Arthur Ovelman at one cf the faro- “There is the gentleman. If your business is with him, settle it between yourselves, and don’t disturb bg Pat my customers.” raight across the room plunged Nor’ West Nick, lla falling heavily upon the ah btililer of Dan *You're the man I’m lookin’ fer,” he be when a swift motion caused his hand to drop from its Reece ¥ sige and the keen gaze of the detective met him fairly. “And now that you have found me, what is your ce epee - , oe ool an uable came the words, but those who See him best saw = the a a ng careless de- tive was fully on guard, ready for any move ‘this xan at might see e by mere. A *Le’s gita g y . You're sure you're the man-—Dan Brown of Denver, detective, thief. ketcher, an’ so fo’th?”’ asked Nor’ West Nick, em- phasizing the name and titles. *“My name is Dan Brown. I have lived in Denver. I have run in an odd rascal at times; shall I do the same for you?” . A low page ran around the room, but Nor’ West Nick did not seem in the least ncerted, ‘‘ Not this evenin’- some other evenin’. Fact is, {ve come all the way from my old otampin grounds up in the Norwest, jest to see you. Thar’s bin some ‘monstrous big yarns told of your doin's down in these parts, an’ I hearn ’em so often that I reckoned it’d pay a feller to take a tramp down yere to see ef dt was all so.” There was a curious light in the eyes of the Den- wer detective as be listened, and as the other paused, Khe turnet to the table ones more. _—— Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. You have seen me. If your friends up in the Nor’west ask you what you found out, when you take that long tramp back, just tell them that you don’t know.” The black eyes of the fellow glittered more vividly, _ an flaming red nose fairly seemed to glow, as e spoke: “Ef that’s common p’'liteness, then I’m a durned hog.” What more do you want?’’ and there was an ominous ringing in the tones as Dan Brown wheeled around once more. “Want to talk—an’ you've got to lis’en or fight!”’ Nor’ West Nick replied, swiftly. ‘** Indeed!’’ sneered Brown, his lip curling. ‘* And if I refuse to do either the one or the other?” “Then your fri’nds ‘ll say that you was skeered to take up with a fa’r an’ squar’ banter from a man as kin prove hisself your ekil in everythin’ onless it mought be fine duds an’ a woman's face,”’ was the prompt retort, and there was now little of the whim- sical or ridiculous in the man’s tones. He had been playing a part, then, or was an en- tirely different person when in a serious mood, as now. : em Brown recognized the change, and his sneer ed. “If you have business with me, speak out.” “That’s the way to talk!” and Nor’ West Nick nodded patronizingly. ‘‘ Short an’ sweet an’ straight to the mark,”’ . “Try and emulate my example, then,”’ said Dan Brown, sharply. “I’m not over-stocked with patience, and just now these cards have far more attractions for me than the idle maunderings of a gentleman who looks like oo my dear sir!” “Cap’n Slyboots an’ his gang 0’ —_ Monopo- lists—they're A ropes rhe understand. ‘**So?”’ with a lifting of the eyebrows. “ And you are afraid that I will interfere, and by raking them in, deprive you of the coveted glory and head-mon- 2 s that it? Well, set your mind at rest. I have thrown off the harness, and am now a simple miner. You are free to work your lines.” **Cause you heard I was comin’ down to take a han’ in the game, an’ you knowed you'd git left in the race?” ‘“*T heard that you had been sent for, and though I had some thoughts of trying my hand at the job, I gave over the idea, not through fear of your mar- velous powers, but simply because I don't care to have my name connec in any manner with a Mon PWoat Nick laug hed disagreeab or’ ck la , “That’s a slick aly to turn it ms but a heap harder to swaller then it would be ef you was to ora, flat-footed, that you was skeered o’ gittin’ eft,” “Look here!”’ and Dan Brown arose from his seat, a red spot glowing in each cheek, though his voice, if possible, was more quiet and even than before. ** What do you want, anyhow? There is something which you are a ae back. 1f you have any cause of quarrel with me—if you come here to crowd me into a row, say so. If you want fight, by the Lord of Israel! you shall have your fill!” Nor’ West Nick ‘raised one hand, but it was with a placable gesture, not one of menace, and a broad smile spread over his rugged features. ‘* That's one bet won, anyhow! They said no man oan git Dan Brown hot, an’ live long enough to tell of it.” Despite himself, the Denver detective could not keep from smiling, but this lasted only a moment. Then, coldly: , “Have you anything more to say? If so, and you are wise, vou will come to the point at once.” “Jest this.”’ and as he spoke, Nor’ West Nick lugged a heavy canvas bag out from the bosom of his shirt, giving it a shake which was answered by the musical clink of gold. “In that weasel-skin air jest fifty yaller-boys—double X’s, each one. I[ want to make you a bet of the hull boodle!” * On what point?” ; “On the p’int of our noses!"’ grinned Nor’ West Nick, but taking a swift step backward and laugh- ingiy raising his hands as the hot light leaped up in the detective’s eyes at the low laugh which ran around the room. ““lain’t a joke, pard, ef it dia sound somethin’ like it. I’m bettin’ that I’ve got a better nose then you hev—a sharper nose fer a blind scent. In other tarms, I’m open to bet ye this thousan’ in good kyne thatI kin lay clean over you as adetective. Is that plain enough fer your onderstandin’?”’ “As far as it goes, yes,” his wonted coolness restored, of some sort. What?’’ **One thousan’ dollars, even up that I kin ferret out an’ break up the gang led by he p’izen critter as calls hisself Cap’n Slyboots, that I kin run the head imp into camp afore you do, both startin’ even in the race, to-morrer, or the minnit you say you'll take the bet.” An eager buzzing of voices sounded through the room at this cool proposition. Hardly one present but what wasin ove way or another interested in the matter. Tor the past ae Captain Slyboots and his band of Anti Monopolists—self-chosen titles—had been exceedingly industrious in and around Rocky Bar, now holding up a coach, now raiding the choicest herd that came handy, or mak- ing a swift descent upon the quartz mills on clean- ing up day. Thus far, almost uniform success had rewarded his enterp responded Dan Bro “You propose a because he had too many secret friends in town even if the masked riders themselves were no citizens when off duty. Little wonder, then, that the spectators crowded eagerly around the two men and breathlessly lis- tened for the answer of the Denver detective. It was not long delayed, “That is a good bet, even if I lose it,” coolly admitted Dan Brown, turning to the table and count- ing out the amount named. ‘Captain Slyboots is liable to cost me that sum, and more, almost any day that the Jealous Girl remains in my possession, oe - your stakeholder, sir. Any responsible man 0.” ‘I'll take the boss,” with a nod toward &t. Clair Guthrie, who was listening quietly to the discussion. “He as well as anther,’ returned Den Brown, pushing his moncy ceross the table. “Ncw ore , and every effort to com- | bine against him had fallen through, some hinted | word to you, sir. You have doubled speaking so (ek here. I wo wager double the amount that one or more of the pang is now in this room—if not the head rascal imself!’’ ‘“Which is jest what I figgered on. A easy job ain’t what I’m after, this whack, but one that'll test the stuff that’s in you as well as me. I claim that I'm the boss bloodhoun’ of all Amer’ky, when it comes to runnin’ a blind trail. You think the same, no matter ef you don’t come out flat-footed an’ say so. I made up my mind to find out which one is right. This is the way I tuck to git atit. See?” An abrupt change came over the Denver detective. His blue eyes glittered like those of an angry ser- nt. The mail spots came back into his cheeks. ere was an ominous ring to his voice as he faced the bragging detective, slowly shaking one fore- finger in his face. ‘“You have gained the end you were seeking. You have bantered me into making a bet with you, and in doing so, I have shown more patience than you have any right to e t. Now one word of warning —and you may consider it sworn to: “Go your own way to work to win your bet, but bother me no more, or, by the Lord of Israel! Pll make you think you have been drawn through a thrashing-machine!” Nor’ West Nick started back, his eyes wide open. “You ain’t talkin’ to me like that?’’ he stam- mered. . “To you—Nor’ West Nick and none other!” cried Dan Brown, but ere he could say more, or the west- ern detective make reply, a deep voice was heard, uttering the words: ‘Talk o’ angels, an’ you'll hear thar wings rustle! ba eet takin’ my name in vain? Whosaki Nor’ West ick?” A mutter of surprise ran through the gathering. CHAPTER V. ANOTHER RICHMOND IN THE FIELD. ALL eyes were turned wouderingly toward the front of the long east a, from whence tbese words proceeded. There they eye. for just with- in the door stood the man who spoken—the new claimant of the title Nor’ West Nick and all the honors thereunto pertaining. In quantity, whatever the quality, there was rather more than enough of the new-comer to make an- other gangling t like him who stared in open- mouthed astonishment and disgust upon this unex- pected rival; enough had it been rolled and drawn out lengthways, but as it was, the two men were no more alike than a fence-post and a beer-barrel. With arms akimbo, one hand holding his hat, leav- ing his head bare, his short, sturdy legs braced widely apart, the fellow bore slight resemblance to the angel with which he had ie om himself. The top of his skull was perfectly bald, gry a curiously flat and level surface, which was still fur- ther augmented by the dense mat of fle hair with which the barren space was encircl A thick wth of the same brilliaot hue covered all of his ace save the nose and forehead. Though so im- mensely thick and luxuriant in its growth, both hair and beard were cropped until but little more than an inch in length, standing straight on end like the fur of a sun-basking beaver. In startling contrast were his mustaches. Red as though fresh from a bath in cochineal dye, growing rankly and im- mensely long, though betraying evidence of traini and careful keeping wholly at variance with the res of his person, they drooped to his shoulders, then curved outward and upward, giving a ferocious look to a face that would otherwise have been comical, if » not ridiculous. Little, pie shaped eyes of light blue twinkled amid the bristles which so thickly covered the fat cheeks. The round tip of a small nose which could be distinguished more easily by its darker red than from its size. These were the only features at all distinguishable amid that chaparral of stubby our work, by willing to Immensely broad wre cape he huge, swelling ch a truly Falstaffian middle, tightly girthed by a b leather belt to which were suspended a long knife and brace of heavy revolvers, short, elephant-like legs, terminating in feet so long, so broad, so flat, that, taking them in connection with curiously flattened skull, the observer was forcibly impressed with the idea that the odd-looking fellow had once been a giant in hight, but by some malicious fate had been “‘ telescoped ”’ into his present shape. A red flannel shirt, torn, greasy and sweat-stained; a pair of what had once been white duck trowsens in the long ag», but which were now even more dirty than the upper garment, patched at seat and both knees with the lettered side of a flour sack, ragged at the bottoms, where they lay in folds over an im- mense pair of bull-hide shoe-packs. Such was the outward man upon whom all were turned. What lay beneath the surface, alone could reveal, “Who said Nor’ West Nick? Who dar’d to take the name o’ the high-muck-a-muck o’ the howlin’ wilderness in vain? Show methe oudacious critter which biistered his clapper by shoutin’ forth my name without addin’ in musical accents the only nanny-goat—p’izen?” Out puffed the fat cheeks until the fiery tip of his nose was completely lost to view, and t A Py were as twin pencil-dots in a mass of red . Up and down worked the ends of the huge mustaches, like the horns of an angry Asiatic buffalo, while the immense splay feet slowly slid toward each other, apparently of their own volition, peculiar smile crept over the handsome coun- tenance of the Denver detective as he planced swiftly from one to the other of the odd-looking customers who both laid claim to the title of the noted border detective. Had he penetrated the mystery—for mys- tery there certainly must be? ‘*Tongue-tied, ain’t ye?” persisted the fat Her- cules, ¢ his hat on and throwing his head far ppin back in onder to peer out from beneath the drooping brim, while his stumpy thumbs were stuck under his armpits, in ludicrous imitation of the attitude first assumed by his rival. ‘**Mebbe you cain’t onder- stand & American talk, so I'll say it ag’in an’ say its:w!/ The two-legged critter as howls out my name, ‘thout sayin’ en is a hoss-thief, a slapper an’ a woman-kicker from the word rit-up. Dan Brown auickly stop»p>1 forward a fow feet. an GoOmicbooks com