Beadle's Dime Library No. 387 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

—<=*s> Breathlessly they listened, catching the sounds of a confused struggle, of curses and fiercely ut- tered threats, of trampling feet and heavy blows, And then ‘‘Down him, lads! cain’t—” Again that thrilling cry of murder! the most awtul that ca break on an unprepared ear, par- ticularly in the night-time. Hot-blooded, generous, brave to a fault, Rex Stuart could not remain idle while a fellow- being was in mortal peril, and quickly tearing himself loose from the clinging arms of his star‘led love, he leaped from the bugg'y, hastily uttering: ‘Turn avout and drive straight home, dar- ling! I will be there almost as soonas you are.” ‘Rex! they will murder you!” gasped the maiden, forgetting all else in her fears for this loved one—never dearer than when she had re- solved to sacrifice him on the altar of duty. ‘*Tt’s only a drunken row,” hurriedly replied Rex, glancing over his shoulder, pausing after one bound toward the unseen conflict. TN run no risks. Go—or Pll beat you home even yet!” Used to her meek obedience ever since their betrothal, he never once dreamed of her dis- obeying his repeated commands now, ancl as that cry for help again rose on the air, now sounding faint and muffled, he leaped around the corner with an indignant shout that instantly drew the notice of the assassins upon him, And then, with a dash and vigor that bade fair to carry all beforeit, Rex Stuart leaped into the fight, striking out with his long arms and hard fists, sending a man to the right and another to the left, before either could put up a guard or attempt to dodge his blows, But the third, with a savage curse, crouched and leaped aside, only to jump forward with a gleaming blade grasped in his right hand, striking viciously at the side of his enemy. Only a cat-like twist of his body saved Rex Stuart from instant death, As it was, he felt the keen steel grating along his ribs, and a sharp, biting pain shoot through his entire being, Yor the moment he believed himself mortally wounded, and he felt that mad, burning lust for revenge Which will come over a man under such circumstances. He forgot all else, and leaped upon the ruffian, gripping his armed hand, and sending the steel flying faraway. One heavy blow, and the fellow reeled back, blinded, gasp- ing, helpless for the moment. And just as this happened, Rex Stuart caught sight of a trim, graceful figure springing to his side, and heard the words: . ‘‘ Together Rex, living or dead! Together, my love, my king!” Instinctively he caught her form on his arm, Kill the cuss, ef you even then hardly realizing that Precious Wing- fold had risked her life to join him. But his eyes were soon opened. ‘The ruffians were crowding toward him. Others were rushing out from the shadows, and Lop-eared Mose grat- ingly cried: “Down ’em all, lads! Cut thar heartsout! No crawfish now!” CHAPTER ITI. DARK DURG, THE ISHMAELITE. For the first time since he had attained man- hood’s estate, Rex Stuart trembled with fear; but 16 was not for himself, He saw Lop-eared Mose moving toward them ‘with drawn weapon, Hesaw two of those whom his heavy fist had sent reeling away from their still prostrate victim, recovering themselves and making ready to obey the vicious command of their leader. And with the swift, anxious glance which he cast around, he caught vague glimpses of dark figures stealing out of the shad- ows beyond, silently closing in on themall, And A something told him he had little to hope for from that quarter. if honest men, surely they would come with a different air? And unless common report great- ly maligned that quarter of the city, precious few honest men were to be found, save in that quarter. — For a single breath he thought ‘of turning in flight, supporting the maiden on his strong arm, but as though anticipating this, one of the ene- my made a rapid flank movement, thus penning them in, To make such an attempt would only bring three enemies upon his back while engaged with the one in front. If only Precious was beyond danger! “Run, darling?” he hastily breathed, freeing his arm from her clinging grasp with a slight movement in the direction of the deserted bug- gy. ‘Run, for your life! Pll keep you coyer- ered, and—” ‘* With you, Rex!” Even in that critical moment the lover felt a delicious thrill as he caught that brief, fervent response. No doubt, no fear, no half-way prom- ise there! Love, pure and simple, yet stronger than even the fear of death. Another glance, and he knew that the one frail hope of escape by flight was gone. They were surrounded oe enemies who each grasped a bared knife, each crouching in readiness to leap upon them, only waiting until the thin, fleecy cloud which was then passing over the moon should pass away sufficiently to show them what y chance a ons they would have to encounter in his ands, Only those furnished by nature, fortunately for themselves. Lop-eared Mose cast a swift, keen glance around them. He saw a dozen dark shapes mov- ing irresolutely about, and his ready wit furnish- ed his tongue with a cunning safeguard. ‘* Down the critter, lads! He slugged a man —I see’d him goin’ through his pockets! Down him—fer jestice!” Let him still that tongue, and who would dare accuse him of doing wrong on that night? Who could say that Humpy Dick met death at his hands? And with a Sar more vicious snarl, he added: ‘* Shet his wind, boys! all hunky!” He leaped forward, but with an eye single for Humpy Dick who still lay prostrate on the ground, for he felt that, hampered as he must be by the girl, this audacious youngster would fall an easy prey to the trio of stout fellows whom he urged on, Leaped forward, only to stagger and reel back with a gasping, gurgling curse, as a red tongue of fire shot out from that deformed heap, a sharp report rending the night air! Rex Stuart, unarmed save with his ready fists, shook Precious from his arm and sprung for- ward to meet tha enemy before their weapons could come near enough to endanger her life. But, even as he warded off a vicious thrust, there came a rush and a flashing of steel. A tall form brushed past him, A strong hand turned aside the knife that was quivering in its descent upon his life. And then a rapid pass buried a long blade to the very hilt in the bosom of the foremost desperado. A lightning recovery—another swift leap and stroke combined. And with a hollow, choking groan, another victim reeled, turned around, fingers convulsively tearing at the severed throat, to plunge headlong, dead ere his body measured its length on the sand! Bewildered, confused, Stuart made a pass at this terrible slayer only to have his blow warded off with a force that turned him half around. And there, prostrate and helpless as his fellows, he saw the fcurth of the lawless gang! Terrified, sick at heart, poor Precious uttered a low cry, and fell upon the neck of her betroth- ed. Itcame justin time. It recalled him to a sense of his duty to the one whom his impetuous action had put in peril, and clasping her to his bosom, he turned to hasten away from the sceno of bloodshed and death, to pause as a deep, stern voice broke out: ‘* Steady! Lose your head now, and your life goes with it. Listen!” Low but menacing mutterings came from the dark figures beyond, gaining strength and em- phasis with the passage of each moment, And with each moment, too, tue number of figures was increasing. Already one might count a score in plain view, with as many more dodging about just within the shadows cast by the build- ings. Already the srr ts et was begin- ning to spread out on either hand, as though to encircle the vacant lot and its occupants, living and dead. The stranger whose silent coming had been followed by such swift and thorough execution, gave his victims nota second glance, but bent over the figure of Humpy Dick, whose head had fallen back again the moment his hand dis- charged the shot that foiled the murderous in- tention of Lop-eared Mose. A sharp sound hissed through his grating teeth, cut short by the grow- ing sound that bade fair to only too soon burst out into a wild yell for blood. A single glance showed him the growing dan- ger, and then his voice checked the flight of Rex Stuart. ‘* Let me put her in safety, then I’ll meet—” ‘Swear that you'll care for this poor fellow,” hurriedly interposed the stranger, rising with the form. of Bumpy Dick on one powerful arm, ‘‘and Dll take care of the rest.. Ha!” Rex Stuart was not listening. He had thoughts only for the safety of his loved one, and lifting her form in his arms, he was running swiftly around the corner. <A cry escaped his lips as he caught sight of his good horse still standing in the middle of the street, though tossing her proud head and snorting impatiently. ‘‘Thank Heaven! There’s still a chance for you, darling!” he muttered, as he placed Precious Wingfold in the buggy. ‘With you—not without, Rex! Quick! they are coming!” The young man whirled about, his right hand ready for work, his left aiming a slap at the haunch of the mare, but he was brushed aside by the tall stranger who dropped the limp form of Humpy Dick at the feet of the maiden, hur- riedly uttering: ‘ ‘*'Take him to your home—give him Christian care, and you shall be richly repaid. Swear that you will, and I'll draw those yelping blood- hounds off your track—swear it!” ‘* We will—I do!” impulsively cried Precious, shivering anew as the air was rent by a shrill, savage yell for blood. ‘ Rex, for my sake!” ‘* And your own, young fellow,” bluntly add- ed the stranger as he turned to the other, one strong hand pushing him nearer the buggy. ‘In Clean work, an’ we’re Dark Durg, the Ishmael of the Hills. __ 5 | . promised. . with you, and spare not your whip. Double if you must, but let no one track you home. I say this as much for your and her sake, as for the sake of my poor, helpless friend yonder, Give him good care, and I will repay you a thousand fold. Go—and drive for dear life!” Even as he uttered the last words and leaped ahead, a shrill; piercing whistle broke from the lips of the stranger, quickly answered by a short whinny as a big black horse came dashing up to his side. Without fully checking its speed, the stranger leaped into the saddle and dashed back to the corner, drawing rein with a loud, menacing shout as the foremost in the excited crowd fell precipitately back. ** Back, ye howling bloodhounds!” burst from his bearded lips as his right hand shook a revol- ver in the clear moonlight. ‘‘ Show your teeth to me, will ye? Snap at my heels, ye curs?” ‘“Take him!” came a voice from the rear. ‘‘He’s done bloody murder! All together— down him!” . There was a wavering, uncertain rush, but it came more from those in the rear than the ones who could the most plainly see this grim rider. And instead of flinching or turning in flight, he actually rode forward a few paces, laughing harshly as he sent a shot humming over the heads of the excited citizens. ‘If wiping out a few thieves be murder, then I am guilty. It is my work, I admit. And that you may make no mistakes, I give you my name—Black Durg, the Ishmaelite!” Those nearest the defiant speaker recoiled with low cries of mingled ra and fear. Kvidently this was not the first time that name had rung in their ears! ‘* Ay!” added the rider, laughing mockingly. ‘* Black Durg—take him who can!” A touch of his spurs sent his mighty black steed plunging fairly into the edge of the ex- cited crowd, knocking more than one over; then still laughing, Black Durg wheeled and spec swiftly away, taking the direction exactly op- posite to that in which Rex Stuart had driven off, While he faced them, though only one against three-score, with this number being rapidly aug- mented, not one among them all alate any de- termined move toward Black Durg, as the tall rider had proclaimed himself, but the instant he turned in flight, a loud, united yell arose, and as a single man the mob tore after him, shouting savagely. Rex Stuart heard these blending sounds, and he touched his good mare with the whip, rattling swiftly along the outskirt of the city, not yet daring to enter any of the more populous streets. Those savage sounds might come from enemies on his track, and though he would hardly have fled, with his own life at stake, fears for Precious Wingfold conquered all else. ‘*He has kept his word!” at length uttered the maiden, with a long breath of relief as the sounds gradually grew fainter and further off. ** Only for him—oh, Rex!” Her voice trembled and her head dreoped to- ward his shoulder, but sweet as this might have been at any other time, Stuart knew that if might be dangerous happiness just now. ** Bear up, Settee not give way now!” he hurriedly whispered, as he turned into a broader street. ‘‘ There is still danger—there is pert until you are safely at home again. And this— I must get rid of this fellow!” he added sharp- ly, as a faint groan broke from the bundle of humanity lying across their feet. Precious grasped his arm quickly as he jerked up the mare. : ‘* What do you mean to do, Rex?” ‘*T> drop him here, until I can ee you in safety. Then TIl come back and look after him.” ‘‘T promised—for you, as well as myself, Rex!” ‘You first, Precious. He can wait. He's given trouble enough for one night, anyway!” “Drive on. Take him to our Roo Rex. I Don’t make me lie,” added the maid- en, Pee ‘* Think—your father?” ‘*T shall tell him all, of course,” mcre aan G ““T could not ask his permission, but I never meant to conceal this meeting from him. And it will be the surest, quickest method. The doctor is still there. Stuart yielded, though it was with an ill grace. He feared there would trouble come of this wounded man’s entrance into the hcme of his betrothed, though his still whirling brain could not point out just why or how. A few minutes’ brisk driving brought them to their journey’s end, and reining up, Rex leaped to the walk and lifted Precious from the buggy, hurriedly uttering: ‘‘Go in, darling. I will take him to a sur- geon’s where—” . ‘In here, Rex,” with an earnestness which he could not misinterpret. ‘‘I promised. and I will be as good as my word. Only for that man, ou would have perished, and I with you. It is little he asked inpay. That little I will perform, even against your advice,” ‘‘Think better of it, dear,” he urged. ‘* The whole story will get into the papers, and your JOOKS).G GOMIE