Beadle's Dime Library No. 395 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

‘ » A eo $9] - -- sounds within those four walls, Johnny; worse luck for you!” A savage curse parted the lips of Tom Kear- ney. A hollow groan of despair broke from his shivering comrade, for neither of them could longer doubt the truth. The Duke of Derringers laughed shortly, but there was little mirth in his tones or in his face as he added: ‘‘When a man puts his mind to it, he can crowd his body into a precious small compass, Johnny, and the transom over the door was too high up for you to see all the way under the bed ” ‘‘] knew it! I felt that you were watching and listening all the time!” muttered Mack, cold drops standing out on his face, an ague fit shak- ing his peer his face ghastly pale. ~ © 86 T heard you say, and gave you credit for much more instinct than sense or wit,” laughed Duke, mockingly, ‘Tf you heard that you must have heard more!” desperately cried the cornered gambler. ‘“You must have heard me say that I would make a clean breast to you if—” ‘‘ That ‘if’ carried the day, Johnny,” was the itiless interruption. ‘It didn’tkeep you from oti Tom Kearney to aid you in laying the little ambuscade out yonder. It didn’t keep you from doing your level best to carry out the or- ders Rufus Cramp gave you. And if I hadn’t chanced upon you in the nick of time, it wouldn’t have hindered you from—which one of the ladies were you to kill?” he abruptly interjected, bend- ing forward and gazing intently into that white, terror-stricken face. ‘‘Neither one,” hastily interposed Kearney, only to reel back under a heavy back-handed blow full on tae lips. “*T’'m talking to you, Johnny, and I look for your answer. I heard too much at the hotel for you to throw me off on a wrong scent. Rufus Cramp wanted a woman put out of the way. I beard the voices of two ladies in the coach, Which one were you to murder?” ‘**The old lady—but not kill—only make sure she couldn’t get to town in time to catch the Superb in the morning for up-river,” hastily spluttered the thoroughly cowed gambler. Unconsciously to himself, the Duke of Derrin- gers gave a gasp of intense relief. He had an- ticipated far worse than this. Atthe very best, he believed these tworascals were hired to carry Portia off to some obscure retreat where she would be wholly at the mercy of Rufus Cramp, and where a forced marriage alone could release her. There was something in the manner of Shoe- string Johnny that told him the truth had been spoken at last, and his manner became milder, ‘* What was his object in that?’ he asked. **Go on and tell me every word that Rufus Cramp uttered as nearlv as you can recall them, Don't try to cram me, Johnny, or you'll be the worst sufferer. Remember, you did some mighty loose and reckless talking up in your room,” The victory was won, and Shoe-string Johnny made no further attempt to hide the truth. Yet his explanation was far from satisfying the gen- tleman sport. There was still a cloud of mys- tery hanging over the affair which he could not penetrate, try as he might. As he had told Murtogh nr dag Rufus ane told John Mack that Romulus Wellspring ha died at St. Louis, and that he was commissioned to escort Portia to that city by the first boat. He said that he had his reasons for not wishing Honor Magill to bear them company on_ the trip, and was willing to pay a heavy sum if she could be made to miss that particular boat. He had not mentioned murder or killing, though it might be inferred from his words that he would not grieve should her accident Pap serious enough to lay her up in lavender for some time. 6 was to show fight, but we wasn’t to mind that. We was to haul out the women, and as though hot at not making a better pull, were to carelessly sling the old girl too far away for her to get back in time to catch the carriage. The horses were to run away, you know, with the young lady inside and Cramp on the box,” con- ) cluded Mack. Barringer stood for a time in deep thought, trying to pierce the mystery, but vainly. Rufus Cramp must ardently desire the absence of Mis- tress Magill, to run such risk; but what was he to gain by it? Always that question, and ever the same answer: time alone could tell! With an effort, the Duke of Derringers cast off this spell, saying: “Tl give you a last chance, Johnny, and you'd best make all you can outof it. Have you told me everything about this affair?” - “ Everything—I'll take my oath!” eagerly cried the gambler, “Td just as quick take your bare word, Johnny,” with a dubious smile. ‘ All right! Time will tell, and if it tells against you, make your will in a hurry, for I'll call the turn on you, for a dead certainzy, Johnny!” ‘And now, you can take your own way. Better pick up your horses and make for town, to have those arms looked after by a regular medicine sharp, I won’t give you away, unless I have to.” - ie ‘7 “ss The Duke of Derringers turned on his heel and strode swiftly off to the spot where he had hidden his good horse while waiting for the proper moment to put in an appearance on the stage. A low, grateful whinny greeted him, but for once the master failed to respond after the expected fashion, Freeing the animal, he leaped into the saddle and rode briskly along the road toward the city. There was no particular hurry, so far as time alone was concerned. Before leaving town he had ascertained the hour at which the Superb was to pull out for up-river, and it yet lacked a full hour to dawn. His only anxiety was as to the possible moves of Rufus Cramp. Beyond the possibility of a doubt, he was laying a bold game, in hopes of winning at east a portion of the Wellspring millions, But how could he expect this? at were his inten- tions concerning Portia? Did he hope to hide her away in town, until he could frighten her into marrying him? Was this why he wanted to get rid of Honor Magill? Was there any truth in the story he had spread concerning Romulus Wellspring?) Was the millionaire really dead? If so, it was strange the tidings had not spread all over town, where he was so well known, where his interests were so enormous, where his death would create such a sensation in business circles, for a time at least. And best he dare spread such a report without having a foundation of truth? How else could he have prevailed on Miss"Wellspring and her guardian to accompany bim at such an hour, on such short notice? Truly, the Duke of Derringers had ample food for thought to last him for a much longer ride than was then before him, and it is hardly to be wondered at that the city was reached almost before he was conscious of the fact; certainly before he had unraveled the enigma. He was aroused by the abrupt shying of his horse, and looked up to recognize Martin Tullar, then chief of police, barring the way. ** Good-morning, Duke,” briskly uttered that official, advancing and ping with his left the hand that was extended mechanically by the startled gambler. ‘* Though I can’t exactly say I’m glad to see you!” “Yet you look sober enough, old man,” laughed the sport, though with a puzzled air, a * at was sometning peculiar about the chief, ‘“Would you rather I laughed?” a little brusquely retorted the officer, his grip tighten- ing quickly. ‘‘I hate to do it, Duke, but busi- ness is business, and I want you!” he added rapidly, and Barringer could see that there was a revolver ready in the speaker’s right hand. CHAPTER VII. PLAYING AGAINST TIME, SAVAGELY as he would have chafed against any interference, just as bis cunningly-baited trap was being sprung, Rufus Cramp was doubly furious when he recognized the pale, handsome face of the Duke of Derringers starting up be- fore him so pcos 9 ewe & He heard the pistol-shots, and saw his hired tools stagger away as though slain or crippled. He knew he could look for no assistance at their hands, else, in his desperation, he would have fought to carry out his scheme even then. Single-handed he dared not attempt it, if only because he might thus betray his real self to the women in his charge, Hesaw Marmaduke Barringer grasping at the heads of the frightened horses, and knowing how unfit he was just then to meet the gentle- man sport on a common footing where questions would be asked and must be answered, he fired the shot that so narrowly missed making him an actual murderer. He saw the Duke of Derringers reel back with up-tossed arms as the terrified horses plunged forward, and a thrill of savage exuitation shot through his veins as he felt that he had at last avenged his old-time disgrace. Only for an in- stant, however. He glanced over his shoulder to see the gentleman sport still upon his feet, alive, seemingly unharmed! In that moment all the olden fear came rush- ing back, and i of trying to check the flight of the snorting animals, he plied the lash with vicious energy, only striving to keep them in the beaten track and the swaying coach from overturning. Almost every second he casta glance of terror and apprehension over his shoulder, expecting to see the Duke of Derringers in swift pursuit, to rescue the ladies, if not to avenge the dastardly attempt upon his own life, He was too thoroughly demoralized to stop to ask himself how the ayrnee could possibly know who occupied the coach, Just then it seemed a matter of course that The Duke knew all, even to the nature of the false attack, and what induced it. | But as the moments on, each one carry- ing them further from the scene of the ambus- cade without sight or sound of the Duke of Der- ringers, Rufus Cramp an to recover from the shock he had received, and to take a more reasonable view of the matter, Surely Duke +ACLaY ee ve es Cie: hte cdl k al Bit Deadly Aim, the Duke of Derringers. : pS ED Barringer, unless slain or crippled by that hasty shot, would have overtaken them ere this, did he know or even suspect who occupied the coach? ‘‘It was only chance that brought him there! It may not have been that demon, after all!” he mentally said, but at the same time he knaw that he was trying to deceive himself in the last thought. It was but a hasty glimpse, to be sure, but even in a far dimmer light he could not have mistaken another face for that of the man who had caned him so mercilessly, ‘* What of it? Suppose it was him? Even if he comes to kick up a row, what can he prove? We were attacked by footpads, and threatened with death. I can prove that by the women, and—ha! why not?” Rufus Cramp was only seeking what might excuse his shot at the Duke of Derringers, but he found more. It was audacious—even with his brain so intensely excited, with his every fiber thrilling until each nerve seemed like a ‘ tensely strung wire, the thought startled and al- ) most awed him. ‘‘Charge him with being chief of the gang! Swear that you shot all three down in defense of the women!” It was audacious, but better attack than either retreat or remain on the defensive. Jt was a card that might count either or both ways. If that shot had killed The Duke of Der- \4 ringers, his memory would be blackened and . i If only wounded, which would help J to confirm the «Large, it would give himenough to explain without leaving time for meddiesome work. And just now an hour lost or won, | might make all the difference between complete success or disastrous defeat in this desperate — for Five Millions! E om that instant Rufus Cramp was decided in his course of action, and the magnitude of his —_ stakes lent him a nerve and clearness of wit such as he had never held at command at any former period. : : No longer urging the jaded horses on with —§ frantic energy, but using the soothing arts of a really skillful driver, he quickly brought them down to a trot, a walk, and then entirely x checked them. Mindful even of the minutest point, he took care to turn their heads close toa — couple of stout trees before alighting, so that a sudden start would be impossible, then alighted with many a soothing word, gripping the reins ned the door - with ostentatious care as he o and pantingly asked after the ladies’ welfare. Aunt Honor was almost as much com as. 4 usual, and answered him promptiy, Shakena little by the runaway, frightened a little by the outrageous assault, but really none the worse for the adventure. eet ‘*It isa burning disgrace that such abomin- * able we ar are possible!” Aunt Honor dee | clared, with frigid indignation. ‘‘What do we pay our police for? Highway robbers at this — day! Abominable!” ae ‘If it was no worse than—” e Rufus Cramp spoke impulsively, but cut him- lt was neatly performed, especially self short. the quick look which he cast toward the young > lady, whose grief rendered her almostapathetic. __ ‘* What do you mean, sir? WhatamItoin- | fer?’ quickly demanded Aunt Honor, leaning _ forward until she nearly filled up the doorway. ‘* That this was inore than a common theft,” hurriedly whispered Cramp. ‘To save time and trouble, I was willing to give therascalsmy — £ purse, but—” +Ay ‘I heard you tell them as much, Goon,” briefly said Aunt Honor as the cunning villain hesitated, glancing doubtingly over her shoulder reading to say all with Portia fora ‘ as though listener. ‘ ‘IT only saw two men at first, and they were — common ruftians, but when a third came for- ward—when I recognized his face—then I knew 7a} ‘a ae more than simple robbery was intended, and I~ used my pistols the best I could. I markec the — scoundrel, if nothing more !” | ‘*T marked the faces of two—” es ** Was one tall, with heavy beard, and theout-' ward appearance of a gentleman?” eagerly ask- ed Rufus Cramp, hardly daring to entertain the hope that so suddenly flasbed across hismind, — “Both had beards. The first one was coarse _ and rough, the other, whose face I saw as the af ‘ horses started to run away, might have wae for a gentleman, perhaps, under other circum- | _ stances,” ¢ hy “Could you swear to that face? Could you give anything like a definite description of the face, dress or person?” <. “T can and will, if necessary. But what do you suspect?” - mr Rufus Cramp bent forward until his lips al- most touched her ear. Ms “That man was a gambler, Marmaduke Bar- — 1inger. He waschief of the trio. [heard him bid his fellows make sure of thegirl—I canswear __ to those very words—before I shooting! — You can draw your own inference, madam.” _ “The graceless villain!” Aunt Honor, taken aback by the terrible hint thus conveyed. — ‘Til prosecute him off the facg of the dare—” “To guard her, we must la i him and his lawless Eomichoo * ’ = ™ 4”, , ae a bmg or = : Se ¥e inf. “an €O a me, - ee ia . . <S x