Beadle's Dime Library No. 415 — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

| Le | > a ~~ The Bush-Wolf raised one foot to leave the pit, and then suddenly exclaimed: he curtl ‘* Listen!” ‘‘T hear nothing.” ‘‘Carajo! {am sure I heard a horse’s foot- stens, Can it be that Hot Heart is back?” ‘: [iot Heart is here!” Tne words came from the front of the build- in, and t:en a tall, light form sprung through cue of the windows. The dreaded F'ire-Eater wis indeed there! Garth Griffith uttered a yell of terror and snrung from the pit. His eyes were wild and enlarged, and he straightway turned his back on Frazer andran. Then he accomplished a fine acrobatic feat. The windows were five feet above the floor, and narrow at that, but Garth fixed his gaze on one of them and, with a tre- mendous bound, shot through like a bird upon the wing. Another moment and his steps were heard in rapid retreat. Paul did not run. If he could have vailed his identity by dcing so he would have gone most gladly, but he knew that Frazer must have rec- ognized him already, and he had pride enough to face bis enemy boldly. The Fire-Eater returned his regard with a careless smile, ‘‘Hallo, Nettleton?” said he. ‘“‘Glad to see you at Convent Rest, though the visit is unex- pected. Have you waited long?” ‘*T have not waited.” se No?” Paul glanced at the excavation, feeling that evasion would be useless in such a case, and then Hot Heart added: ‘‘T see you have put in your spare time in muscle-raising. A good idea that—one does need exercise,” Still Paul did not answer. For once he was ata loss whattosay. The impulse was strong to draw arevolver and settle the matter then and there, but Hot Heart had the reputation of being a desperate fighter and dead-shot, and Paul had due regard for his personal safety. ‘‘ Perhaps you’ve been digging for hidcen treasure,” added the Fire-Eater. Nettleton breathed a sigh of relief. It was a blessed chance, at which he would not fail to asp. on To tell the truth, you have surmised the fact of the case, These old ruins have been at- tractive to me ever since I came bome, and Iam of the opinion that it is worth one’s while to muke a search for buried treasure.” ‘*T never thought of it before, but it does look plausible. Whenthe convent existed among the multitude of people then here, the monks must have done something with the immense fortune which overflowed their coffers.” Paul was crushed, He knew that at the time the convent had been in operation the region had been populated with only a bare sprinkling of Mexicrns, and absolute poverty had undoubted- ly forced the desertion of the convent. ‘* You forget possible ocean pirates.” ““True, Captain Kidd and his men are as likely to have buried their colossal wealth here as on Long Island.” Paul flushed angrily. Thecold sarcasm of his companion 98) every point he advanced, and replied: Saved’ hurt your mansion, havo ; ‘‘ Hurt it? Bless you, no! And don’t let me interrupt you. There’s your shovel; go right on with your digging.” ‘‘T decline,” was the angry reply. ‘‘ Unless you have more to say to me, I will go home.” ‘‘T have a word more to put in edgeways, To come right down to hard-pan, what the blazes were you digging the senseless earth in the ribs for?” , ‘“‘T have answered you once. ** Moonshine!” 4 ‘¢ You are not compelled to believe me.” “Fortunately, am not. Again, I don’t like the companion of your toil. Garth Griffith, at least, had better keep away from here unless he wants to get hurt. I’ve a score tosettle with that unhung knave one of these days, aes as reformation don’t lurk in his bones, IT shall tackle him at the first opportunity.” ‘‘T remember you are a fighter,” sneered Net- tleton. ‘« And liable to break out at any moment, All men take warning.” “Ts that meant for me?” “For you?” and Hot Heart’s voice grow un usually grave. “Mr. Nettleton, I would much “Well, I _ rather have no trouble with you, but let me say one word in earnest. I have no doubt but that you decoyed me away, to-night, to give you a clear swing here; though what your object was in digging mo up, I don’t know. Now, I don’t like or, style, and when you come again please send a card in advance, That’s all; an now, let us part friends.” Paul was willing to go, for for he felt hem- med in by circumstances and unable to speak without committing some blunde*; so heshould- ered his shovel, made his way to the door, some- how—he scarcely knew how—and finally found himself on the way home. He went in a baffled, dazed and frightened ammood. Hot Heart, t me +. ee a ——_-- ee ee _-_—-—_ —----— He had not found Bill Peters, nor a vault un- der Convent Rest; but Peters’s grave was empty, and he felt sure tuat Frazer Hot Heart could ac- count for it. He placed no dependence whatever in he Detective Spy. ee a - oo ee — ‘ od 7 23 cute me. You are anxious to hurry the mar- riage, and you think that if you spur her on to hate and annoy me, it will work to your good.” Don Esteban sat dumfounded. This spirited accusation had covered the —$_$_—$—————————— $$ Frazer’s alleged desire for peace and good will. | ground exactly, and his anger rose to a_boiling “He has the power to ruin me, and if he de- lays, it is only to make his blow more telling anon. Very likely he came here on purpose to | be revenged on me for Bennett’s sake. It is war to the knife between us, and I must urge Garth on to do his work.” CHAPTER XXVIII. THE LION AROUSED. THE following morning Paul and Detective Neat left the house shortly after breakfast, and it was understood that a guide had been ob- tained who was going to try to find Red Jaguar. Paul’s repeated,and emphatic, declaration that the Indian had stolen the yellow parchment, had so far influenced Neat that he wished to Po Jaguar and give him a chance to ex- plain. All fear that the chief had left the vicinity had been dissipated by the fact that a ranch- hand had seen him the previous day; and Paul proposed to enlist the Bush-Wolf and have the chief found. Professor Hazlitt, lacking the physique ne- cessary for such work, remained at home, wandered disconsolately about the house for awhile, and then shut himself up in his own room—probably, to brood over the loss of the parchment. About the middle of the forenoon Don Este- ban Villegas rode up the avenue, gave his horse to Tim Welch, and entered the house. He asked to see Barbara, and she did not keep him waiting, though anything but pleased to see the man. He had never looked worse His complexion was a peculiar mixture of red, white and blue; his eyes were red and weak; and the hands which rested on his knees trembled perceptibly. Plainly, the alleged descendant of the old Span- ish poe had been drinking something a good deal stronger than poetry, and to excess. An expression of disgust passed over Bar- bara’s face, but the Mexican made an effort to raed at his best, showing his will, if not power of execution. He had, however, come on defi- nite business, and did not let much time go to waste. ‘* Miss Nettleton,” said he, ‘‘I have called to see if we cannot appoint an early date for our marriage.” **Then I am afraid you ‘vill be disappointed.” ** How so?” "aie am not disposed to ‘appoint an early ‘* What difference does it make?” ‘**None; and that is why [ do not propose to hurry.” ‘You evade the point. Now, Miss Nettleton, my house lacks a mistress, and I am anxious to see one settled there. You have practically mercer to marry me, and I see no reason for de- ay. ‘I have once told you, Don Esteban, that I shall marry no one within the year following Palmer Hague’s death.” ‘** But it is generally known that you did not care for him.” “Is it? I acknowledge nobody’s right to sur- mise as to that.” ‘* Besides, Eastern form and flummery need not be observed in this part of the country.” **Tf you can find a wife who agrees with you, I will waive all claim.” ‘* But I want you.” ** Come to me a year hence and we will refer to the matter again, senor.” “* Again,” pursued Villegas, his eyes glittering with rising anger, “it is nec that you guard yourself against the gathering suspicion that you_were concerned in Palmer Hague’s death. His widow, Zenobia, is still at Cliff- town, and fairly thirsting for revenge on you. I have managed to see her, and gain somewhat of an influence over her, but she says I have no right to speak for you. 1f we were married. I would manage to get her back to San Francisco inside of a week.” Miss Nettleton’s cheeks had grown flushed. ‘I don’t know which side of the question you intend to argue upon,” she re lied, “but you have certainly shown me a reason why the marriage should not take place now. For me to marry at present would seemingly be to show that I was concerned in Mr, Hague’s death.” ® ge hocks least.” — en e goes for nothing.” ‘*But you have no one to ear here except Zenobia Hague, and I would get her out of the way.” @ How do you happen to have such influence over her?” ‘She is a peculiar woman, and I have played my ints well.” ‘ “é ery well indeed, I suspect.” t do you mean?’ ‘Simply that I suspect you have made her your cat’s-paw, and are urging her on to perse- SS — e eee a pitch. He had relied a good deal on Zenobia, and to have his scheme thus penetrated was wcrse than annoying. Still, be could only af- fect innocence. ‘* Miss Nettleton!” he said, reproachfully. ‘*T have no faith in you.” ‘Tell me that after marriage,” he sneered. ‘“T am not sure any marriage will take place.” ‘‘Ha! do you dare defy me?” ‘*T have not said so.” ‘‘-You had better not. I don’t want to speak harshly, but you know the secret I hold over your head. Donot compel me to use my knowl- edge!” Miss Nettleton was very pale, but in her eyes was a dauntless light. You are at liberty to do as you choose,” she replied. ‘Caramba ! this is bravado.” ‘* You may bave the power to rcin me, but I can, at least, take recourse to flight, and forever disappear from you and all others who know me. ‘* Ah! father!” Barbara pressed her hand over her heart. The last shot had gone home, and she felt as though the weight of a mountain was upon her chest. She had the heroic nature of those who can bear trouble with outward calmness when it affects them alone, but she knew that Commo- dore Nick’s heart was bound upin her. A blow at her would wound him more than one which affected him alone; be might hever rally from it. Villegas saw the result of his words, and waited with a half-smile for her to answer. ‘‘ What is your object in suddenly burrying me?” she finally asked, in a voice as firm as ever. ‘*T told you my casa needed a mistress.” ‘‘ That is not your object.” ‘“‘ Perhaps you will state it?” he sneered. ‘*T am indifferent.” ‘* Miss Nettleton, enough of empty talk. Will you, or will you not, agree to a y mar- riage?” **T will not ” ** Beware!” ‘*] shall maintain the position I have taken. Come to me one year hence and we will talk; not before.” ** Remember—” “‘T remember all, and you have heard my ultimatum.” | Don Esteban sat looking at her with a sullen aint for several seconds, and then abruptly said: ‘Tf you will loan me two thousand dollars, I will agree to wait the year.” ‘** Ah!” cried the girl, ‘‘ so you show your hand at last! You are short of money, and want me. to help you. Well, sir, even here you will fail. I haven’t one hundred dollars.” ; ‘*Your diamonds are worth more than I named. Send them to San Francisco; have them replaced with imitations; and then give mé the money Task. This will bea great favor to me, and I will not ask you to marry me until the year is up.” ‘**All is as plain as day. You are a spend- thrift, and bave run through your fortune. You want me and my money to bridge the chasm, and this is the cause of all your plot- ting. ‘What of it? Half the people in the world marry for money, and you not refuse me, “ar the beard o’ Neptune ! she dares, and she w : P Tt was a new voice which broke in like the but your disgrace would kill your roar of alion, and both started to their feet. __ There in the open door stood Commodore Net- tleton, his face white with wrath and his eyes — a ie blazing. Those who said that, as a sailor, he had been a terrible man in his wrath, had evi- dently been doer nage: ike a gale about to burst on a puny vessel. : ‘* ‘You miserable, black-skinned land-lubber!” he thundered, as though addressing a man at the fore-top, ‘‘ how dare you show Ps head in my house? I wonder tha don’t strike you down where you are. lightnin’ unds! ter?” ‘““ Yes; and my bret wife,” retorted Vil- legas, recovering nation. “Scoundrel, you lie!” shouted thecommodore, __ ““Take it back, or Ill fire you over therailso — quick you won’t know what’s hit ye!” : Ms ic the lady herself.” “I know, oh, I know, you miserable snake! I've heard a of this confab—too much for our good, for when a man threatens My gal ete ot to eat crow for it. Bab, girl, tell him s l “ Father—” " EGomicdoo (C ‘S. our ugly — sir, do you know that that ladyis my daugh- rom his momentary conster-