Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 396 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

7 ” 7% al The Piper Detective. Let me alone, Madam Velvet, let me alone, I do not want you to die just yet—I may have need of you before I am through with my game —but if you cannot hold your hand you should have seen enough to-night to convince you that I could crush you as I could crush a worm. I will leave you now, to your reflections. Perhaps you will begin to see that you have made a mis- take, and are after the wrong man. Good- Certainly he had his meaning in all this. Be- yond his threats there must be some cold facts. e was slipping from her grasp, and no doubt he left her in danger, and to reflect that his hand® could strike or spare. If he had only loosened her wrists. He had been too wise for that—and yet not altogether wise enough for safety. He was at the door now, which would close in another instant. With a sudden whirl she brought her back to- ward him, and, with the revolver she still held _ one of her pinioned hands, by guess fired one shot, There was a stumble, and then the door closed with a clang, and Madam Velvet was once more in darkness and alone, standing with neck out- stretched, listening with a very tigerish eager- ness if by chance she might hear the noise of a fall or a groan. No such sound greeted her ears, but after a little another did. There was a low tap, fol- lowed after the briefest of intervals by two sharp raps. **Come!” she cried; and almost instantly the door opened, though it was only after the strik- ing of a match that she could see that the new- comer was one of her allies—the man who had taken so daringly the body from McCulligan the policeman, ‘*Ah, Carlos, is it you?’ she exclaimed. ‘I might have known you would be on hand when needed, Light the lamp and release my hands. The biter has been bitten this time.” He did her bidding without delay, and in a cold way expressed his surprise. ‘Never mind. No strangers passed through from above I suppose?” ‘No one at all. Where’s your man?” ‘*Not here; that is enough. We've made a double mistake,” she answered, gloomily. ‘*Either there is some one who knows our secrets as well as ourselves, or there is a treach- ery beyond that you and I never dreamed of. I know it is not with you, so do not think I blame you. Perhaps it was my mistake. It is certain that the man brought here was not General Rawle—nor was he badly hurt—that is, if I have not been mistaken again.” ‘* How can that be. I didn’t want to have a hand in the mix; but ‘hiey offered big money and I’d do’most anything to serve you. ri swear it was the man you pointed out; and if , night.” his skull stood the racket, it’s because it’s harder than iron. How did he get away?” ‘** Because he had backing, man alive; he was laughing in -his sleeve. hen you went, they came, and left me as you see.” ‘* Then the game is up here, and the sooner we sherry, the better. Carlos, for the first time, showed signs of ex- citement. ‘‘Not as much in danger as you think. He will try to play with me as the cat plays with pee mouse—and while he plays, something will ppen. I suspect—good heavens! I suspect something I scarcely dare dream of! If true, I will follow another road that will be just assure, Rest easy. Our secrets here will still be safe, They are in the hands of a man who needs me, and is worse than ourselves. But it is time we dropped in at the parlor. They may need us there, and after what has happened I should be seen at once.” ‘Thoughtful and perplexed the two left the hidden chamber, and traversing several narrow passages, finally halted, and Madam Velvet held up her hand as she noiselessly pushed back a hidden slide in the wall. After a moment she looked up, whispering: ‘*They are all at work, and the luck seems to be with Chilian Tom. If the game keeps going his way I will let him keep the box. I have an engagement in an hour or two. You go around by the other way, and I will slip in through my rooms.” She spoke with authority; and without wait- ing for an answer, retraced her steps a few yards and pressed against a panel in the wall. Briefly halting in a neet little boudoir, she smoothed away all traces of her late adventures, and then stepped out into the glare of a bril- liantly lighted parlor, where a throng of a score or more of gentlemen in broadcloth stood around the mahogany table where Chilian Tom had spread his lay-out. CHAPTER XIII. THE GILT EDGE GANG. A DOZEN heads were raised as Madam Velvet made her appearance. The game was an in- teresting one; but the madam was a very beau- tiful woman, and to look at her now no one Ne san a the peril and adventure she had just 7 , : ** Chilian Tom’s thumb rested for a moment on the card in the door, as he penance up with an inquiring look, but a nod of approval showed that there were no orders for him, and the deal went on. ‘* Good-evening, yourG racious Majesty. Have you deigned at last to come among us ordinary mortals? I have been waiting for that chance, not with the greatest patience in the world; but now I shall invest my little all in a handful of checks, and settle myself seriously to seeing how the game goes.” The speaker was young, handsome, elegantly dressed. His face had not yet gained the eager, almost wolfish look on those of many of his elders, and he laughed lightly as he shook a handful of gold coin to show that his little all was by no means a,myth. He seemed more than madam flashed one of her him. ‘Thanks, Mr. Melton. I feel complimented accordingly. Of course, for our sakes, we are anxious to accommodate you; but for yours, I have an idea it would have been better if I had not come, I do not know how it happens; but there are'two or three who go away shorn to one who shears. I suppose it must be the per- centage of capital. If you choose to take the risk after that much warning, we shall have to let you. Itis not often I say as much.” Very true it was that the madam was not in the habit of warning her victims, and if Clifford Melton had considered, he might have thought it was not without reason that the gambler queen made the exception in his favor. From th smile on his face it was possible that he did suspect a reason—and was a million miles wide of the mark. At any rate his face took ona pleasant look, as he answered recklessly: ‘** It’s a fact that I’m down very near to hard- pan, though of course it will be all right in a day or two. The old gentleman seldom stays hard-hearted more than a week, and this is the fourth day out. I did strike a streak last night; but I didn’t know when to quit, so I had to in- terview my uncle to-day; and this is all my stony-hearted relative would advance me.” He clinked again the coin that he held in his hand; and though there Was a smile on his lips, there was something wistful in his eyes, as he watched the beautiful woman at his side. Her face grew grave, and she hesitated a mo- ment before answering: ** Clifford, I am not so sure it would be good for you to win. If you were all broken up you — start fresh, and make something of your- self. Do you or don’t you know that you are going straight to the dogs?” Her voice was very low, so that only he could hear it, and if any man ever had reason to be- lieve in her earnestness he had. Something like a smile of triumph lit up his face. ‘* There may be lots of truth in what you say, but I'd lose a dozen times over to have you show that much interest in a good-for-nothing like myself.” *Incorrigible,” she murmured; then added: ‘**Play, then, and for once my wishes will be against the bank, You are more seriously situ- ated than you imagine. Youmust win. Prom- ise me that if you do you will go straight home from here, and not throw away a dollar of your winnings until you meet me here again to-mor- row night.” | leased when the rightest smiles at ‘*Oh, come. You are trying to give me false hope. I know I won’t—can’t win—” * Promise.” | She reiterated the word sharply, and held up her band, _ “Tf you are going to make a serious matter of it, of course you know that I will promise. Now for business.” In five minutcs more he was at the table, for once playing with a steady coolness that he did not usually evince. He had scarcely put down his first check when Madam Velvet turned away. When she had said a few words to this one and that she turned aside to Carlos, who had entered the room, ‘¢ You will have to look out for Tom this eve- ning. I must leave soon and may not be back until late, if at all to-night.” Carlos looked at ber curiously. ‘** ‘You have nerve for a dozen; but don’t trav- el on it too far. We helped you to-night for love, not for money, and there may be a mess about it yet. A failure like that is enough to blow everything sky-high, and I wouldn’t blame you if you meant to bolt. Only, you ought to give us a wink before you go.” “I have no idea of going. This is the strike . my lifetime, and I don’t mean to yet give it * Well, you know your own game best; but it looks a little odd to see you clearing out with that kind of a crowd at the table, And they may notice it too, ‘* Don’t worry. I'lltake that young fool away with me when he wins—as he must—and if they think I’ve gone to pluck him at my leisure, it’sa good excuse, and won’t hurt the bank.” ‘* Perhaps not; ee know we'll stick by you as long as 7 — Le ra _ He spoke pleasantly enough, but as she turned away he muttered to himself: ** All the same there’s some kind of an advan- tage in the box; and I'll keep my eyes open. If she tries to give us away some one will be hurt. | I wonder what she would say if she knew I could | | | tell her where she was going?” The madam seemed to care very little for his warning or his implied threat and smilingly she took her station behind young Melton. His fortunes had some slight variations, but in the main he had won steadily. If his capital had been larger it would have counted faster; but the limit was beginning to suit his means better and better, and just as the queen of the den looked over the table he doubled it on the turn. ‘*'You are rash,” she whispered lightly in his ear; ‘‘ but I think your luck has not quite run out yet. Ace, jack and deuce are good for three thousand.. That will see you out of the drag. Then I'd advise you to quit while you’ve some ° chance left, and go with me. and I would sooner trust you for that than any other man here.” | ‘* If my call catches the turn you can depend on me, If it don’t—well, [ll blow the rest in and follow with my brains. earnest.” She held up her shapely forefinger. Behind the queen in the zodiac las the ace, and as that gi Sony forward it uncovered the heels of the jack. no need toask. - I want an escort, | For once I’m in | 11. What lay behind that of course there was — 4 ‘Cash in,” said the madam with a smile, while ahum went around the table. won a stake of that size; but it was something new for unlucky Melten to Jand such a one. ‘** Certainly,” answered the young man, ‘‘ You have my promise, and I shall be only too happy to make it good. A minute and I shall be at your service.” When Melton had stowed his funds away in ae Others had | his breast-pocket and buttoned his coat up, the — two went out together. A carriage was waiting at the curb and they ave — entered. fter what to another might seemed rather a long drive, it stopped. ‘*Come with me until I see if ther. . If I do not, I will send you home at ~ once. The house in front of which the no particular attention toit. He entered and fol- lowed into a well-furnished parlor, where he re- mained alone for fully ten minutes, Then Madam Velvet came sweeping back. ‘‘T have no more use for you, now. I have — given orders. Get into the carriage and keep © your promise.” She held out her hand with a royal sort of an air, and the young man grasped it warmly. The madam knew his infatuation well enough, and could trust him. When he came out he did not even glance about him. It was nothing to him © need you fur- — had halted — was like scores of other houses, and Melton paid — if a man was watching the door, and gave a start and a stare as he prs down the steps — us and entered the hack. t at that moment was thinking only of the woman he had left be- hind him. He could not even give a guess at her errand to such a location, or wh taken him with her and then dismissed him, driver and come back to see, if possible Many a young man would have doubled on fhe Madam Velvet knew him’ very well, and could trust hi letely. When went back to t a stairway, which brought her in fr heavy, nail-studded door. On this she knocked, using the same female; but he never even thought of doing it. 3 a e had gone she _ erear of the house and wees gE = as , * Bp * ? ; 2; she had es ‘ + rd <i signals | she had heard when the man came to rescue her from the unpleasant plight in which he was left by him She most often called Raven. At once the door flew open, and crossing ‘ 6 ‘ . threshold, she advanced three paces and h gleaming sword. de ne It was time, since she stepped into darkness, oh and at her breast was presented the point of a : eS => . > Oe “Gilt!” she whispered promptly, extend ner her hand. ‘‘ Edge,” whispered a voice in return, and a : \otl hand grasped hers firmly, pressing it inapecu- liar manner. The grip was returned, and an additionalone given. Then the voice added: > — ** Advance, brother, and work your way in- fi to the lodge.” She gave a short laugh, as if in mockery of oy the mumme ly, halted twice at challenges while she gave t pass-words that the order required, cua came to the hall of meeting. ; yet went forward gen g: i Bs a * ~ ~~ ol * i* “S e8 ‘You are late, brother,” said a voice inthe _ darkness, ‘We have been waitin for you.” | “Why did you wait then? Th open for you to go.” “ Right, brother. Thesession will now Clothe yourself in Just above the hea of the speaker a light ap of peared, showing a dozen men L alia and take your place.” _ y ‘ ” ~ 2 e way was . * ’ ‘ - 22s in a semicircle in front of a raised daison which was the presiding officer. All wege maskedand cowled, ‘Let us have as little of the nonsense as pos- a , sible,” she said, bowing to all in a sweeping ** Those each other well, and clean, unvarnish Comicboo at will be here tes go know | busi . KS + y* - ~~, > > ¥ - >