Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 385 — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

Wild Dick Turpin, the Lion of Leadville. 9 may disguise himself and get to your prisoner, in spite of all your men,” ‘““T’ll see to that, and I thank you for your warning. If I’ve spoken too roughly to you, excuse me. There! there! don’t let that encour- age you to ask again; it is useless. Go, now!” Red Kit sighed again, and then glided like a ghost from the office. How different were her movements a few weeks before! Then, she was the personification of life, activity, gayety and resistless sport. Dick Turpin resumed his seat in a grave and thoughtful mood. ee all that the girl had done he could not avoid a feeling of pity for her. Her face and manner showed what she had suf- fered; if she had brought ruin to all his plans and hopes, she, too, had tasted to the dregs of the cup of sorrow. Visitors at the office were always numerous, but it seemed to Dick that they were by far too many when another walked in. This time it was a man, and what appeared to be a sleek young negro. ‘** Good-evening, sah,” he said, with a bow and grin. ** Good-evening.” ‘‘ Ef you please, sah, I’ve come fur a job.” “You'll have to look further, l’ve none for ou.” ‘But, sah, let me s’plain. I’s a s’perienced horspital nurse, an’ I’s come fur ter apply fur the job o’ takin’ care o’ that desp’rit road-adju- tant w’ot is likely ter turn up his toes.” Dick Turpin shaded his face with his hands and looked keenly at the supposed negro, ‘Why do you want the job?” ‘‘ Wal, sah, [’'s got ter work fur a livin’, an’ nussin’ is right in my line o’ biz,” ‘Pid you ever see Turpin?” ‘No, sah.” “Are you sure you don’t want to help him ete ‘What! help sech a desp’rit ruffian? Never, sah! P’s more anxious ter pull on de rope w’ot is ter hang him,” ‘*In that case you would not make a good nurse. Such a person should be free from pre- judice.” ‘Golly, sah, I'll pull him fru ef it be pos- sible. ‘*T don’t think you are the proper man for the place.” ‘¢ Why not, sah?” ‘** Because, despite the present color of your face, you are not a negro. More than that, I believe you were a member of Dick Turpin’s band!” As he spoke his hand dropped on a concealed revolver, under his desk, for he expected the other man to either run or draw a revolver, himself, but, instead, the “negro” stood still and coolly retorted: ‘* And I believe you to be Dick Turpin, him- self!” ** Bowie Ben!” ** Captain!” The two cl hands earnestly, but on the self-styled negro’s face was a look of puzzled surprise. ‘*T don’t understand it all, but Pll swear that this is the Lion of Leadville, alive and well. What in the world does it mean?” ‘Not so loud, Ben. If other ears drink in your words, I should be a doomed man. Why are you here?” #6 use I thought you was sick and in need of help. I proposed to nurse you through the pinch, and then rescue you. Such was my game, but here you are— But let me listen, while you talk.” ‘¢ Ben, I can depend on you?” “To the death!” Dick Turpin believed him. Bowie Ben had been his favorite of all the band, and when Red Kit spoke of his loyalty, Dick was not surprised, Neither was he surprised that this loyalty had led him to adopt so bold a scheme to help and rescue his old leader. As Dick had seen him in this disguise, he had recognized him at once; but, though he grew gradually suspicious, so indiffer- ent was the Lion to his disguise, Ben was not sure of his position until the captain saw fit to reveal his identity. They now had an earnest conversation, in which Ben was told all that was necessary. in was very anxious to have the real sheriff Bradstreet’s life protected from enemies, and it had flashed upon him that Bowie Ben could do double duty there. i He could take care of the sick man, and, if the latter gave signs of returning Consciousness, hasten to the counterfeit sheriff in time to give him a chance to flee. ‘Yes, he would work in to very good advan- tage if he was so inclined. The result of the suggestion was highly satisfactory. Ben prompt- ly a to take the place. : : ‘‘T am told that Duke Hallock is very bitter inst me,” Dick continued. ‘‘He thinks you betrayed the band, and swears that he will kill you if he can.” ‘* Duke has lost his head. What of Revolve Rube and Lasso Lije?” : “They don’t agree with him.” “ Could they be trusted in this game?” . “No, no; don’t think of it, captain. While you run the band you had no more faithful men, but they are unscrupulous, and a game that promised no plunder would never suit them. Besides, I think they have gone further West. They regard you as a dethroned king, and now they seek fresh fields of action.” ‘* Exit, Rube and Lije. Of the old band, only you and I, Duke, his wife and Kit re- main.” ‘* Poor Kit!” Dick looked suspiciously at his companion. The latter was gazing at vacancy. ‘* She did an act which makes me shiver,” ad- ded Ben, ‘‘ but J believe she was not fully in her right mind. Atany rate, she is almost a wreck, and—it was love for you drove her to it, cap- tain.” ‘**T used to think you fancied her.” Bowie Ben made a quick gesture, ‘* Tf I did, the grave of time holds that love, captain. We won't speak of it. [ama man, and can bear it.” ‘* Let us hope that Kit will change her mind. She is young, and, with the majority of people, love isa plant that blossoms anew frequently. Red Kit f know to be good-hearted, and if she can only forget this foolish fancy of hers, she may yet make some man happy. Why not you, as well as any one else? You are—” Dick suddenly ceased speaking. Without the alipntont warning, Bowie Ben had Spreng through the open window and dis- appeared. he captain started up in some alarm, and, as he heard sounds of a struggle under the window, hastened there, He found Ben kneeling on a man whom he had overpowered and laid neatly on his back, The victor was perfectly cool, and he looked up at Turpin and said: o spy! He was listening under the window. What shall be done with him?” ‘** We'll have him inside.” Dick gave a hand, and the prisoner was land- ed in the office like a huge fish. He was not an evil-looking man naturally, but he glared at his carer in a hostile way now, and they could see no hing attractive. ‘* He's a spy” Ben repeated. “I saw his shadow, and then a slight sound, and though I did not know whether it was man or animal, I took the pal Turpin looked keenly at the captive. Unless he was mistaken it was one of Sheriff Brad- street’s immediate followers, and, as there could be no doubt that he had heard their con- versation, the complication was a serious one. Whether he had heard enough to give him a clear idea of the situation, Dick now proposed to learn. ‘** Well, you’re in fine business, ain’t you?” he said, sharply, as he confronted the man. ‘* As fine as you!” was the defiant retort. ** What do you mean?” ‘That I’m onto your racket.” “What racket?” ‘* Oh! come off; you know what I mean, and so do I know, Mister Sheriff Bradstreet, Esquire!” “Give me any more of your insolence and I will put you under arrest.” ‘**No, you won’t. ‘Cause why? You ain’t no more a sheriff than I’m a sick poodle. You're a blamed counterfeit, you are; and, hang me, if don’t believe you are Dick in, himself!” The man had been drinking more than was good for him; that was plain; but it was also clear that he was a very rous person. ‘** Nonsense!” said Turpin, sharply. ** Perhaps the bona city officials will say so when I let them onto the racket. You needn’t squirm, old man. You look as near like Rob Bradstreet as two peas look like each other but your own words have betrayed you. I hear enough for that. You are Dick Turpin, and this is one of your men. His name I didn’t ketch, though I did get some lingo about Red Kit, ene an oe! ae arr pe is a mi ig e afoot, bu on’t foil it, m mane ain’t gam Tobin!” ap CHAPTER XI. A WILD NIGHT RIDE. TURPIN and Ben looked at each other irreso- lutely. It was clear that it would never do to let Mr. Sam Tobin go at large. He had knowl- edge that would ruin all their plans, and, when his story was told, place them in great peril. Thanks to the liquor he had drank he had reveal- ed his knowledge, which gave them one advan- Clearly, he must be kept from telling his story but how? Had Dick been as desperate a ruffian as Lead- ville supposed him, this would soon have been settled; a knife would silence Tobin in short time; but it was far from being Dick’s way to commit murder. Tobin must be shut up somewhere, but where? Now that the band was destroyed, there was no ae place, and no safe jailer, around Lead- e Suddenly Bowie Ben spoke: ‘‘T have the idea, and I’llexplain it after we’ve pub the strings on this fellow. I see some cords there. _ shes se HOrCOUZCtCtttiririri [iz ,,,,,,,,,,, CCE EE At this Tobin seemed to realize that he had been rash, and he began to struggle furiously. He might as well have saved his efforts. His captors were old hands at the business, and he was soon bound, gagged and stuffed away in a closet off the office. It was necessary to hide him there for a time, in case some other person might enter the place. Thisdone they resumed their places by the desk, and Turpin spoke quickly: ‘* You say you have a plan. it at once.” ** Do you remember Old Man Hicks, of Pony Fork?” ss Yes,” ‘* He’s just the man for a jailer.” ** By grey youre right. I had entirely forgotten Hicks, He has helped us get a good deal of booty in the past, and I see no g reason why his faithfulness should end now, But how are we to get him there?” ‘*Give me two horses, and [ll see that he’s there before morning.” **Good! It shall be so.” ‘The only trouble will be to get out of Lead- ville in safety.” ‘There will be a rub, I admit, but I think we can make the riffle. We must. We can’t keep the fellow here,” ‘‘ Not unless we get a barrel of whisky and keep him ‘ loaded,’ and I have an idea that he could carry a pretty good ‘jag,’ anyhow. But Ill see him satel to Hicks, if you’ll show us the war out of Leadville.” ight was approaching, and Dick began to plan for it at once., So far as horses were con- cerned, he could order them out freely at any time, but could not prevent people from spying on them if they saw fit. He remembered Jude Peterson with some uneasiness. This man he feared would yet cause him trouble. It was arranged that Ben should retain his character of negro, and, after due arrangements had been made, he left the office. Turpin had not seen the wounded sheriff since morning, and ashe wanted to keep the run of his illness himself, he walked over to see how he was doing. The sheriff was a sick man. The doctors had decided that there was no fracture of his skull, but nothing human could save him from a siege of brain fever. He lay with closed eyes, bandaged, blistered, scorched and flushed with fever, muttering now and then, and moving restlessly, but not once speaking co- herently. It might be weeks before he would; at the least, he was not expected to recover con- sciousness in less than two weeks. Within that period Dick Turpin must run his career as Sheriff of Leadville, He could not hope for a longer reprieve, and the fact that there was a possibility that the sick man would recover his mental powers enough to reveal who he was any time, was enough to make all pain- TS uncertain. © was, indeed, standing over a sleeping vol- cano,. If a premature eruption took place, he would be quite likely to be swung from the nearest tree, a victim of Judge Lynch, or an equally in- exorable law. Nevertheless, he had no intention of abandon- a ae daring deceit until his object was accom- plished. Either he would save Raoul Legrand, or his own life should be given for his friend’s, composure and natural bearing were won- derful under the circumstances. In all the place he haa but one friend—Bowie Ben—but he was as cool as when his mountain band followed nae and men called him the Lion of Lead- ville. In due time he returned to the office, He had locked the place, giving Ben one key, so he was not surprised when he found the door unlocked; but the sight of his ally there, minus his negro disguise, did surprise him. Ben’s face was not as composed as usual, and he quickly ex- claimed: ‘‘ The prisoner has escaped!” ‘‘ What?” cried Turpin, in dismay, ‘‘ When I got here the closet was empty. His bonds were lying on the floor, and I suppose he chafed them apart.” ‘‘ How long have you been here?” The Lion’s voice had become cool, but he did not fail to comprehend the danger. Tobin had the power and will to ruin them. ‘About five minutes; just We enough to wash off the black on my face. I thought that the best way.” et Have you any idea how long Tobin has been gone! ‘**T suspect he had just left. I metamannear here as I came in, and noticed that he stopped and looked after me.” “Well, our jig is up, unless we can stop him. Now, where would he naturally go? Of course he would want to make immediate charges against me, and my only superior in the city 1s— At this moment the speaker’s roving glance caught sight of a sheet of paper pinned to the wall. He advanced and tore it down. Hold- ing it near the light, he read the following words: ** Boaus Suerirr BRADSTREET:— “Your jig is up, I am free, and the mayor shall If so, let me hear nicgbooks €o (ete)