Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 394 — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

ee oh ee On Ri eet nd = > = Sie we, - ee ‘were off on scouts whenever opportunity of- fered, hoping to prevent any surprise either to the fort or the rancheros. The Red Angels had also appeared of late on the trails, striking an emigrant train here, and a Government train v.ith supplies there, and Captain Burt, with a large force, had been on their track. The Overland stage had also been halted and robbed several times by Captain Kit, and altogether affairs were not as happy as they might have been. Over at Prairie Rest Ranch all was going well, for Major Monkton was a good mana- ger, and not only a cattle-man, but a farmer, and his negro help, devoted to him as they were, worked hard for his interest, which they knew was also for their own good, Janette had made of the large cabin a most comfortable home, for curtains hung at the windows, rag carpets, made by old Aunt Phoebe and herself, covered the floors, pencil sketches and paintings, her own work, hung on the walls, and without the yard began to be dotted with flower-beds, the walks were sanded to prevent mud, and the cabin had put on a gala look under a dress of white- wash. Alive to the danger they were in, the major had strengthened his stockade walls, and otherwise protected the place, so that he could drive his cattle in pens and stand a state of siege for a long time if it came to it. n all this Frank Powell had been his ad- viser and aid, and having prepared for war, both Major Monkton and the surgeon had lifted a load of dread from their hearts, Other rancheros having also strengthened their homes, and added to their number of cowboys, it was hoped the Indians would be wary about coming in that vicinity, where they might expect a warm reception. At Murdock’s Ranch, twenty miles distant from the major’s, great improvements had gone on, for the industrious young ranchero and his half-dozen cowboys had worked night ~ and day to build their home. A cabin, almost a fort in strength, had been erected upon a lawn that sloped to the river, and upon the banks of the stream stockade walls and pens had been built for the cattle and for defense. The major and Janette had paid several visits to Paul Murdock, and were delighted with his home, and, in the midst of his work he would steal time twice a week to run down to Monkton Ranch. At first Frank Powell seemed inclined to be a trifle jealous of the handsome young ~ yanchero, but such.a feeling quickly vanish- ed, and the two became devoted friends, One night, as the surgeon was bidding Janette farewell, when about to start on his long ride back to the fort, she said earnestly: ‘*Oh, Frank, I so fear to have you go. ‘‘T do wish you did not have to so place your life in danger.” “You have but to say the word, Janette, and the danger ends,” was the low reply. ‘But what shall I say?” ° Say that you will become my wife within the week, and I will resign from the army, come here to live, as the major wishes me to, and care for his place. ““Will you, Janette?” “Yes,” she said, softly. ‘To-day week?” “Tt will be Friday.” ‘‘ What cf that, my little one?” “Tt is a day of bad luck.” ‘‘Nonsense! do not let superstition rule -you, my child.” ‘“‘Then I will say Friday.” And thus it was arranged that one week from that night Janette Joslyn was to be- come the wife of Frank Powell, the Surgeon Scout. CHAPTER LY. THE STOLEN BRIDE. WuekEN it became known at the fort that Frank Powell and Janette were going to be married, all determined that they should have as grand a welcome as it was possible for them to receive in that frontier post, for it was decided that the fair bride should come to the post to dwell, until another sur- geon could be appointed in the stead of the one who was to leave them, and whom they so hated to give up. | ~—— ame 3 ~ - a = ° _ : ' - White Beaver, the Exile of —$— 200 CN i _ ed -— a ? —— Se —e- ew Los Oo — - _-— EP at the ot teeny "milestone eee ' : v<r,! Pe Platte. ‘Well, Zip, what is it?” asked the major. ‘The currier, sah.” As the negro spoke, Kendrick, the courier, again appeared in the doorway. Saluting politely, he said: ‘‘This time | come for Mrs. Powell, for we met a squad of troopers, and Surgeon Powell sent me back with them for you, lady, for they report that there is a Jarge band of In- dians on the march northward,” This was analarming piece of news, and Paul Murdock said: ‘*] will see you off, Janie, and then will ride home, for f tous be on my guard, and you, too, uncle Monkton.” ‘“Yes, my boy, there is trouble brewing, I fear, and 1 shall be glad to have Janette in a stronger fort than my ranch. ‘*Good-by, my child, and expect to have me to see you secon.” With tears in her eyes Janette bade fare- well to the good ranchero, and to Paul Mur- dock, and then grasped the hand of each one of the negroes that crowded about her with every wish for her happiness On their horses sat six cavalrymen, await- ing, while Kendrick stood by the side of her horse. . Lifting her to her saddle. Paul Murdock lifted his hat, and she dashed away, with Kendrick leading, and the soldiers follow- ing. , “Now, uncle, I'll say good-night, and trust matters may not prove to be as bad as they look,” and Paul Murdock departed, leaving Major Monkton alone in his ranch, as before Janette had brought sunshine to it by her presence. With the black cowboys on the watch the night wore away and mcfning came. =e a : as +t ooo TT —_ — The Doctor was the more anxious for this, | as the Sioux were becoming most threaten- | ing, and he knew that at the fort she would | certainly be safe, while, as he would not neglect his duties at his post, he would be | half the time away from the ranch. There was also an anxiety in the heart of Frank Powell about the Red Angels, for beth himself and Night Hawk had seen strange trails about Prairie Rest Ranch, which their united skill in prairie craft could not trace to an end. Remembering the urgent desire of Captain Kit to get possession of Janette, it gave him an anxiety he was most desirous should end by having her safe in the fort. | On account of the troubles brewing, the constant fear of an Indian raid, and the smallness of the force at the garrison, it was decided that there should be only the simple ceremony at the Prairie Rest Ranch, and a | reception given at the fort to a couple, when they came to reside there, after a few days of the honeymoon passed in the society of the major. The fact was, the officers were afraid to > leave the fort in numbers, and so Frank Powell rode over to Monkton Ranch, with the chaplain, Lieutenant Ames and Night Hawk only, the young officer and his brother intending to act as his groomsmen. The major received them warmly, as did also Paul Murdock, who had just ridden down from his ranch. The negroes were radiant with smiles, and old Aunt Phoebe had done her best in the way | of a wedding-supper. The afternoon passed omer pleasantly, the supper was enjoyed by all, and then the | lamps were lit, and all congregated in the large sitting room to see the young girl take | Then, as soon as it grew light, Zip spied a upon herself the duties of a wife to the | single horseman riding furiously across the brave, strong man at her side. _ prairie. Dressed with exquisite taste, Janettelooked , His horse was seen to be covered with most beautiful, and so womanly did she ap- | foam, and his fare was almost deathlike as pear that no one would have suspected her of , he threw himself from his saddle and cried: being a mere girl, not vet across the thresh-, ‘‘ Major, for God’s sake tell me if my wife old of eighteen years. _is here?” The surgeon looked grandly handsome in ‘‘Good God, Powell, has anything hap- a new uniform,and a bright light of joy pened?” rested upon his intelligent, handsome face, so ‘‘ Yes, for I reached the fort to find that full of power, and with the heart reflected in | Burt had not been wounded, and that Ken- every feature. | drick, the courier, had deserted day before Night Hawk was attired in a full suit of | yesterday.” buckskin, just such a one as Red Flower, the | ‘‘ Powell! that man came here, an hour wanted-to-be Indian bride, might have made | after your departure, and with him were six for him, had he been willing to give her the | cavalrymen, chance while the major, Paul Murdock, and; ‘‘ He said you had sent them as an escort Lieutenant Ames were in their ‘‘Sundays” | for Janette fo the fort.” for the occasion. ‘*Oh, God, have mercy!” and the words The negroes were grouped about, all in | came in a groan of anguish, wrung from the their best clothing and happiest smiles, and torn heart of the brave man. the wish of one and all seemed to be forthe | Staggering to a seat on the porch of the happiness of those two, who were linking cabin, he continued: their lives together ‘‘for better or worse.” | ‘‘ Major Monkton, that man deserted and In his solemn tones the chaplain read the joined the outlaws, | ceremony which made Janette Joslyn the ‘*Those men were not soldiers, but Red wife of Surgeon Frank Powell, and then fol- | Angels, and my little Janette has been stolen lowed warm congratulations on all sides. by that fiend incarnate, Captain Hyena. Hardly had the last wish for happiness ‘* But I will track him to his death for this, been uttered, when Zip came in hastily and | mark my words!” said: The major had never seen Frank Powell so ‘Doctor, a courier has arrived from the , excited before as he was when he spoke the fort, and wants you, sah,”’ first few words. ‘“What is it, my man— Ho, Kendrick, it; But with the last he had become perfectly is you? calm, painfully calm in fact. “ Quick, tell me what has happened?” said | ** Come into the house, Powell.” Doctor Powell, recognizing the soldier as he- appeared in the door. with Ames and a number of cavalrymen, ‘Captain Burt, sir, has been badly wound- | and we will strike the trail of those devils, ed—”’ and follow it to the bitter end, yes, follow it, ‘‘TIa! have the Indians attacked the fort?” | if I have to go alone.” **Oh, no, sir; he was shot accidentally, and I was dispatched at once for you.” | ‘*T will go at once,” and after a oe farewell to his beautiful bride, Frank Powell | mounted his horse, and, accompanied by F as ; : : OUR men were riding along over a rough rage “ri peng and the ov country, one afternoon, 4 year perhaps after Bee eet, ont ee Pane eh a 1 | the kidnapping of Janette Powell by the Red receiving a fresh mount from the major, fol- | 4) gels lowing. | The horses looked as though they had been While the negroes were enjoying the wed- pressed hard, and the faces of three of them CHAPTER LVI. THE DUEL TO THE DEATH. ae eee: the major and Paul sat talking | were haggard, while the fourth wore a mask. with Janette, who spoke of the many noble It was the mask of wings that so long had qualities of the wounded officer, and all | concealed the face of Captain Kit, the Red hoped the great skill of Frank Powell would | An gel chief. 1 be able to save him, “Once we can reach the railway, Kendrick, An hour had passed after the departure of | we will be safe from that demon upon our the bridegroom and his friends, when the | trail,” said the masked man. tramp of hoofs was heard without, and Zip ‘* Yes, but it is yet an all-day journey off,” again appeared, answered the man addressed, and who was | Eomicbooks ‘*] will, for George is coming behind me, . ss <= - eee a a a