Beadle's Dime Library No. 351 — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

— paused with @ genial smile upon his lips as he sp ke: ‘My dear sir, 7 uttered the words at which you ap- pear to take offense, but I had no idea of steppin on your corns in doing so. Betore I apologize, will you be so kind and condescending as to tell me who you are, and what your name is?’ ‘**Nor’ West Nick, jest down from the frozen mount’ins.” : ‘The durned, lyin’ bun’le o’ fat an’ dirt!” gasped 7 a ean ae oe the ee in noo Nap lon neck crined lorward, Lis eyes almost po their sockets. : “f eppmaew © Still further back leaned the fiery head as the lit- tle big-eyes fixed themselves upon the indignant speaker, _“*Nuther cabbage-head bu’sted! What sort 0’ mu- sic is that fly-up-the-crick tryin’ to give us?” To one side stepped Brown, a bland smile upon his face, honey distilling from his tongue as he bowed . low with a gentle wave of his white hands: 7; **Nor’ West Nick Number Two, allow me to intro- duce Nor’ West Nick Number One! Gentlemen, be a8 es to know each other. May your friendship me e thicker than the one,” with a bow to the new- comer, ‘“‘and last longer than the other,” repeat- ing the salutation, but directing it to the gi.nt. “* Brothers,” he added, turning to the laughing spec- tators, joining the tips of his outspread fingers as they hung droopingly before his chest, his blue eyes uprolling, his voice sounding through his nose with the genuine, old-time camp-meeting twang “‘ while the straying sheep and the wandering ram embrace each other and explain how loving twins _ became so widely separated, let us unite in singing that good old song, ‘How happy could I be with either, Were t’other déar charmer away!’ Sing, brothers, sing /”’ “s “*Durned ef I don’t begin to b’lieve I’ve run chuck- / — into a lunatic ‘sylum!”’ gasped Nor’ West Nick, | uinber Two, dashing the drooping brim of the bat- tered hat out of his eyes and retreating a step or two. ‘‘Good-evenin’, gents! See you some other ae time when the moon ain’t so full—’ **No ye don’t, consarn ye!” grated the gangling giant, plunging forward and making a grasp at the mt retreating form of his rival. ‘* Ye don’t pull out o’ fda this ontel ye take back them words an’ own up to mm s>{ bein’ a double-an’-twisted liar.” With a swift motion of his sturdy right arm, the re red-headed claimant brushed aside the hand that aa sought to close upon his shoulder, then, squarely . planted before his rival, his whole person the very ety picture of pugnacity, he growled: iva Clean crazy you be, *tanyrate—that’s plain as the eh, ugly nose on your uglier mug; but, crazy or no crazy, you don’t want to muss up my twilight with your ongentle erip, onless your will is made, an’ your place in the lightnin’ ’spress over the range is spoken fer—now you hear me shout! An’ when Nor’ West Nick speaks, he says somethin’—bet yer f ‘“* Waal, I ber-durned!”’ gasped the gangli ant | falling back a pace as though shaoteatie tated _ staring at the defiant speaker with wildly-protruding Pgh eyes. Re “T reckon you wil/, ef — livelong enough, Heap better men than you hev bin durned an’ double durned on top o’ that. Take a gent's advice: go home an’ put your head to soak. Don’t ’spose your- = self while the moon is full. Try an’ fergit that you ever putt on ther name of a gentleman instid o’ sour own, an’ thar’s some hopes o’ your rekiverin’.”” Change after change swept over the face of the ; tall claimant while the fat man was speaking in such og a patronizing tone, ending ina ghastly grin as that a worthy concluded, ; Ke cy ain’t a cool ’un, chaw me up fer a dried 7 apple : em.” Py was raised on a iceberg, hed snow fer a \ a mania, an’ was weaned on hail-stones!”’ grinned the Pa) yi at man, te “That goes without sayin’, or you couldn’t come BS in hyar an’ try to pass yourself off for a white man. ae) You Nor’ West Nick!’’ and the fellow went off into a . # roarof laughter, “Ef that ain’t the beatin’est qoxe I ever run across, then I wouldn’t say so! You oa or’ West Nick—then who in thunder air J?” ; ““A long-geared jass-ack, wrapped up in a lion’s skin, jest green enough to think he kin fool geéntle- men,”’ was the swift retort. ‘‘ Butit won't wor . You fergot to trimi down them sky-scrapin’ ears—” “Come, gentlemen,” said Dan Brown, interposing quickly. ‘Don’t grow excited, and get to pulling hair before this interesting question of identity is fairly settle1. I speak in behalf of the company in general—and I think I am expressing their earnest ‘*) sentiments when [ say that one and all are deep! , interested in finding out the bottom facts of this . mystery,” with a bland glance around the room. | A general murmur of approval answered him, while one more blunt digger cried out: a ry < 4 ** Mighty ght you air, boss! We want to know _ - which is which, an’ ef they cain’t settle the question atween ’em, why we'll jest peel the hide off o’ both, ; al see what lays underneath—ef we don't, I’m a . nigger!’ an Brown bowed gratefully to the ker, then turned once more to the rival claimants, who were savagely scowling at each other in a way that boded trouble ere ay “You have heard the verdict, gentlemen. That or there is a genuine Nor’ West Nick we allare per- _ ——- feetly well aware, but it can bardly be that he was yd Yo born double, though I must say you look enough alike to be twins.” “What is it to you, anyhow?” growled the fat man. | <s “Just this: as Nor’ West Nick this gentleman forced me into a little wager. If he is what he ciaims, all right. If not—if he is the fraud, for fraud one of you twain most assuredly is—l want to find out why he assumed that name, “Putt the tip o’ your finger on that fat cuss, an’ you'll smell the fraud clean up to your shoulder!” =~ the giant, with a withering glance at his v “That's a morgidge on one ear!” grinned the fat fellow. ‘It’s overdue, an’ I'll foreclose the minnit Soe en pents is ready to step aside an’ let muskle decide “Soap-grease ‘ll be a drug on the markit in less’n two minnits after ye try it on!” retorted the other. “Slow an’ easy, gentlemen,” ref all > io > & , ‘ be oh . * re or’ West Nick, the Border Detective. — | Denver detective. | moments, for then you can wade knee dee _other’s gore, if your tastes run in for a few in each ection. “Have patience that Just now I am running this circus. ‘You first, my dear sir,” nodding to the tall claimant. ‘* You were hardly christened Nor’ West _Nick. Possibly by giving us your real name we can get at the bottom truth,’ (ee interposed the | ‘Puttin’ on a powerful sight o’ frills, ain’t ye?” growled the fellow. this eq? “Ef here is a kittykasm cla S ‘It is just that,” was the sharpreply. ‘‘ Answer me, unless you prefer to own up that you are an impostor,” ***Poster?” grated the giant, his black eyes flash- ing wickedly as he showed his teeth; but with an abrupt change of Gemeanor, he added: * Let that go ontel this matter is settled then we'll hev a little talk-it-over. My name is Dave Nichols—Nick fer est added ‘cause I made my fust short, an’ Nor’ L up in thtm regions.” big break after sinners ‘way “Very neatly explained,” said Dan Brown, with a mocking smile; then turning tothefat man: ‘“ And your name is- ‘* Norton Weston Nickerson!” glibly rattled off the fat claimant. ‘Chop off the three tails, an’ thar ye hev it—Nor’ West Nick, whichis three times better then that cuss kin go,” With an air of perplexity, Dan Brown stood glanc- ing from one claimant to the other. To all appear- ance he was at his wit’s end to fathom the mystery. “Thar’s only one way to settle it,”” growled the giant. ‘Talk won’t do it, but these tools will/” and he clapped a hand upon one of the revolvers at his waist; a motion which was promptly duplicated by the other disputant. “Told!” rung out a sharp, stern voice, and St. Claire Guthrie rose from the chair in which he had until now remained seated, before the faro-table, with a cocked revolver clasped in his shapely white hand. “This has gone far enough. If you think to carry on this foolish squabble all night, in my place, you miss your guess. One word more, and something will drop—too dead to kiek!” The teveied weapon covered the brain of the fat claimant, though the tall man was standing nearest the gambler. Was it only chance, or was there something more beneath the surface than the spec- tators had yet suspected? ‘*And that something will be St. Clair Guthrie!’ The voice was that of Dan Brown, and to back the threat, he held a revolver which covered the gambler. Despite his nerve, which had passed into a pro- verb, St. Clair Guthrie turned a shade paler, and his weapon slowly drooped at the muzzle as he met that stern gaze. ‘What do you mean?” he asked er “* Have- n't Lthe right to control my own place of business?” ‘*Under ordinary circumstances, yes; not no, I’m interested in this little affair, and I mean to see it through to the end. Give me your word not to interfere, or—”’ “Or what?” demanded the gambler, frowning, “Or take a little walk with me outside, for a con- versation over six-shooters,’’ came the instant reply. ki I'll not have any yer: in this place,” sullenly. **See that you don’t begin it, then. This question has got to be settled, and if there’s any shooting to be done, Jil do it!” CHAPTER VI. DAN BROWN AS RING-MASTER, ‘ SHarp and stern rung the voice of the Denver detective as he confronted ky Bar’s “boss card- flipper,”’ keeping him covered by the weapon which was ready to sound a death-note at the slightest in- vitation, for there was an ugly glitter in the eyes of the sport which told plainly what he would do if chance favored him in the least. “Your ears are good, St. Clair Guthrie. You heard whatI said. have no particular desire to cut you off in the bloom of your youth and pros- rity, but that promise I must and will have! Can speak plainer?” added Dan Brown, his voice strangely softened—but it was like the purring of a panther just previous to its death-leap, A sickly smile contorted the white face of the gambler, for it was a terribly bitter pill for a man of his position and reputation to swallow, but he could see that his antagonist meant business of the urest sort, and with the best grace he could mus- r. he made the most of a bad bargain, **If the agony of these gentlemen wish to have the ridiculous affair go on, so be it,” he said, each word seeming to stick in his throat, and flushin hotly as he noted the sarcastic smile which play around the mustached lip of'his cool adversary. ** As for your threats, Dan Brown, more of them here- after. You havethe drop on me now, but it may not always be thus. Then—look out for breakers!” Slowly and distinctly came the last words, accom- panied by a glare so deadly in its quality that those who caught it besides Dan Brown, felt sure that bloodshed would come of that unfortunate encoun- ter ere the tale was told. ** Let us get this mixed-up affair straightened out, and then, my dear fellow, I am at your disposal, when, where, and in whatever manner you may elect. But now—your promise, please.” “Look to the crowd for your answer,” was the sullen response as the gambier sunk back into his seat, cutting and shuffling the deck of cards which lay beside the silver faro-box. Whatever they say, I’llindorse. If that don’t suit you, make the best of it.”’ “Tf you can feel easier that way, all right,” re- torted Brown, with an easy laugh. ‘Gentlemen, your votes?” “Make ‘em show up in their real colors!”’ “Shake ’em upin a bag to:rether, and see which one comes out first—then brand him so there'll be no more dispute!” ‘“* Make a ring an’ let ’em fight it out fer the name!” These were but a sample of the cries which an- swered the appeal of Dan Brown. Among the many there came not a sound which could be construed as in favor of St. Clair Guthrie, and that worthy, now pale as a ghost, but with all his usual coolness re- stored, outwardly, at least, glanced swiftly around the room as though marking the most enthusiastic for future remembrance, ‘These gentlemen have spoken, Mr. Brown,” he said, with an icy smile that disclosed his white, even. teeth beneath his waxed and pointed mustaches, ‘You and the rest for the pot. My hand won’t bear betting on, just now.” “Thanks,”? bowed the D “oetective. “TI felt. sure that you would alter y: {when you came to take a second thought. LD. »..c your courtesy is fully appreciated. ‘* Now, gentlemen, one and all! It is not my habit to crowd myself forward into the front rank, with- out having particular business right there. On this occasion I hold that I am justified in doing so, if only to learn whether I am betting against the simon- pure Nor’ West Nick, or an audacious fraud who has assumed his name and reputation for some purpose - best known to himself.” A sullen growl from the lips of the gangling giant. ** Patience, my dear sir,’’ said Dan Brown, with that peculiar smile which spoke plainer than words to those who knew him best. “I do not say that you are a fraud, but as the days of miracles are yast, and rumor saying nothing of two Nor’ West Nicks, it stands to reason that one of you rentlemen is anything Juta gentleman. And the impostor has got to be unmasked before either of you leave this room, if it takes all summer!”’ “*Tt’s that chunk 0’ soap-grease—” “It’s that frost-bitten specimint of a’ angle- worm—”’ In one breath the rival claimants spoke, as one man they broke off and glared ferociously at each other, while the hizghly-amused spectators smiled in audible chorus. Nearly all present began to set the two claimants down as frauds of the first water, and compare them to two school-boys disputing over a trifle, breathing Sek eb and vengeance, but with little stomach for a ficht. * There is only one way to settle the matter, as I see,’’ gravely answered Dan Brown. “From com- mon report, Nor’ West Nick is a terror to common men ina fight. Let the impostor own up his falsity, or else the dispute must be decided by a duel!’ **That hits me right whar I live!’ shouted the tall man, leaping into the air and cracking bis heels to- gether. ‘* Jest let me git at him an’ ef I don’t peed off his hide quicker’n a voleaner kin scorch a feather, call me a—’ “The biggest liar that ever trod the footstool, an’ on’ll tell the truth!’ cut in the fat claimant, ‘Whoop-er-e/ Trot out your double-barreled how- itzers! Bring out your bottled cyclones an’ hurry- canes! Parade your blizzards—an’ ef I don’t make that drawed out link o’ sp’ilt bologny think he’s sent fer an’ cain’t git thar, ll eat my shoe-packs fer mince-pie, haul down my colors an’ own up he is @ white man—which ‘d be committing susanside, fer a lie only hafe as big’d split the gullet of a rubber- lined voleaner!” The less nimble-tongued fury as he stamped his feet in rapid rotation, grati his teeth until shaggy beard was flecked wi froth. ***Nough o’ this durn foolishin’!’"? he howled. “ Let: me git at the dirty mop-rag, wring him dry an’ scat- ter him over the hull ry fer bait to p’izen wolves. an’ buzzards! Which is it, knives or ant fairly howled with. istils? Quick!” , ‘**Cool and easy, my long-geared friend!’ warned — Dan Brown, laughing. ‘1am acting as ring-master of this little circus, and I mean to see that each one of you has a fair shake, if only to get at the truth. You're too excited. You’d cut your fingers, or blow out your own brains, if I were to turn you loose now. : **Yas, simmer down, lengthy!’’ chuckled the fat claimant. ‘ You'll find mer oy | hotness whar I’m goin’ to send ye, *thout b’ilin’ over aforehand, Say, boss,” turning to Dan Brown, with a coaxing grin, ‘jest let me give him a punch on his safety- valve while we're waitin’, fer fear he’ll bu’st his b’iler an’ daub up our Sunday-go-to-meetin’s!"’ A general laugh greeted this whimsical speech, and it was easy to see that the fat claimant was a idly gaining the good wishes of the crowd in t strange dispute. ‘*Ourb your impatience, my dear sir,” blandly or- dered the self-elected master of ceremonies, ‘ This is too grave and serious a matter for idle jesting. You may think different, may look upon it as a good joke, to be laughed at and forgotten the next min- ute, but not so. You twomen have got to fight untib oue gives in, is killed, or owns up that he has taken the name of the genuine Nor’ West Nick in vain, And then, the victor, or survivor, as the case may be, has got to answer for all the trouble he has put . me to,” The fat claimant glanced toward his rival, then back to the speaker, dubiously scratching his head. > As a favor, boss, say that ag’in, an’ please say it “With cae pee even more blandly than befo-e, “T mean to find out which of you two is the origina} Jacobs, and then thrash him clean out of his boots— or shoe-packs!”’ “Sure that’s all?” grinned the other. “Sart’in you hain’t fergot somethin’? When you was a kid an’ went to school, didn’t you ever git thumped *cause you couldn’t spell a-b-u-l, bull, able? Ef no your edication hes bin sadly neglected, an’ when come out top o’ the heap, an’ you try to write that mighty big little word on my corporosity, you're go- in’ to come out a heap wiser man then you went in —bet your life!” Brown laughed shortly at the fellow’s impudence, “I shall be delighted to take a lesson in speilin from such an accomplished teacher, and if for tha reason alone, you have my best wishes for backing in the coming ordeal,” “It’s comin’ durned slow then!” growled the giant. ‘Hurry this thing up, afore I git mad an’ turn myself loose, or you'll hear somethin’ dra av’ won't hev to look fur to find the thing, nyther!’” ‘**You shall have your will, my dear sir. Gentle- men, please form a ring of the regulation size and let the inner circle join ds and stand fast—’ His her words were drowned by the chorus of laughing cheers which broke from the fun-loving crowd, From the serious manner in which the Den- ver detective had spoken of and treated the matter thus far, they had e d the dispute to be settled by ana to d y weapons, and though at all times w enough to witness a duel “ for blood,’” they saw still more amusement in a regular fist-fight between two such oddly-matched antagonists. GOmichboo ee ae