Beadle's Dime Library No. 429 — page 24: what you’re looking at

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

So ae GN 4 ‘ > P Lad * = é S- «a 7 ¢ es , = mad . * — ee eee 24. a ee ee a ed person who did not often seem inclined to serious conversation. It was the light and airy Mr. Hart Haw- kins. He touched his hat carelessly. ‘* Been talking to the duchess of the deck, have you? Remarkably fine young lady that, and as chuck-full of wisdom as any one ITever met. From alll hear, it wouldn’t be a half bad plan if I were to sit at her feet awhile and learn understanding, for she has a wrinkle or two about the tiger that I never caught on to. She would make a good look- ing mother-in-law for a nice little lady; wouldn’t she now?” ‘Tean't say tbat Laltogether understand you; but if, in a general way, you wish to ‘warn me against her, the caution is needless. I believe that she hates me, and I think I know the reason why.” ‘That's just where you are ’way off. Fan never hated anybody in her life. That wouldn’t be professional. And if my tyes are worth anything, which they usually are, I should say that she was trying to get on your good side. When a young lady de- iberately pours ten thousand dollars or more into the hands of an elderly gentleman, she frequently hasa reason for it. Look out for your father, my friend. If he’s anything of a marrying man, I’m afraid that he’s all gone.”’ With his usual easy impudence Mr. Haw- kins strolled by her side; and made this as- tounding declaration with as much coolness as though he was saying the airiest of trifles. The announcement really took Leona’s breath away, wildly improbable as, at first blush, it seemed, “Ten thousand dollars!” she finally ex- claimed: ‘‘! do not understand you.” “Neither would half the Bar—because they never dealt faro fora living. There's such a thing as leading an angel on; but that wasn’t what she was up to when she sprung the cards. If it was I’m a bald-headed Duatehman, and don’t know the rudiments of the game. It was some little time before you came in; and of course the old gentle- man hasn't mentioned it; but all the same itis so. Maybe Eg. Shaw is in the game, and maybe he isn't; but she intends to corral the Darelle shekels and quit cards.” ‘But this idea of yours is too wild too improbable. And even if it were so I cannot understand why youshould tell me of it— a.y more than that you should take our pait last night--as you certainly did. For that service Lam listening to you more patiently than I otherwise would.”’ ‘*Oh, you, Miss Darelle,are reason enough. ’Most any one in the Bar would be pleased to tell you all they see. Trouble is they don’t any of them see much further than their noses, and it took a brother professional to see to the bottom of this one thing though, Miss Darelle.” Eye and voice put in a more sober shading and for the time being he was as serious as a sexton. ‘‘There is a report in town that you in- tend to go along with the party to inspect the Isabella. ‘You have no idea what a contract you are undertaking. If you will take my word for it that iittle journey will be more than unsafe. You had better not try it. Ifyou do, [’ll vouch for it that you come to grief. Just how | can't say; but i knowit. Andif I had any influence with your father—like the governor seems to have, for instance—I would advise him to get out of here as soon as possible. He has too much coin to be loitering around Bad Man’s Bar. Eg. Shaw seems to be at the head of the responsible business here; but there are a lot of responsi- ble business men around here who carry on their operations behind a screen. When they begin getting in their work the governor, even, can’t save you,” **T know it, 1 know it,” responded Leona wildly. ‘‘I have warned him, but when the mad fit is on him there is no hope or help; he will go his own way, if it takes him to the bitter end.” ‘‘Terribly set, is he? Then I don’t know exactly what you are todo. When I can be of any service, just order me into the ranks. I can always carry my end; and my pard, if he is shy and silent, is a mighty good man; and he thinks and acts just as I tell him. You might find worse backing. But look out for Hair Trigger Tom of Red B this journey into the mountains. I know something about the Isabella, of old, and [ ; trusted you. haven't a doubt theres a heap big money in it; but somehow it’s always been unlucky. The outsider that buys in gets lefi; and there’s been enough bloodshed over it to float a Mississip steamboat. Yes, and sink her to the smoke-stacks, ghosts and goblins out there—the very ones that you don’t want to see. and stay out.” | me again. ee ee -_——— end. ‘Thanks, thanks. You see how I have 700d-evening, now. When know what is decided on you shall hear from I feel at least a little easier since 1 know that I can rely on you. And you will not find me altogether ungrateful to either | you or your friend, though for the present There will be. Take my advice | would sooner you would not explain matteis to him as they are. I can confide in vou; but my troubies and fears I feel like keepine _ sacred from the whole world.” “You seem very bent on keeping me | away from the place, and [ will believe from an unselfish reason; but if father’s health al- | lows of it he will take the journey and I must go. Better to risk all that you have said, and more, than remain alone, where neither one’s life nor liberty is safe. Il own I shrink from it, but what can I do? I much safer did 1 know that you would be with us. Could you not go?” ‘Thank you kindly. I would as soon as not, and a little sooner; but I am afraid that your father and Boutelle might think I was an interloper, while I know that Shaw would —and perhaps much more. He would’ have Boutelle laying in with him in no time to lay me out. et, if [| was sure you meant it—” “‘I do, I do! With such dangers as I have heard more than hinted at the more the merrier.” “You couldn’t get the old gentleman to. give me a bid, could vou? If he would it would simplify matters about my wringing in. Of course, after what I have said you know that you are at my disposal.” ‘*T wiil see, though that need make no dif. ference. | have some rights as well as the rest of them, lam your debtor, as I have already said; and if 1 choose to introduce a friend into the party he must be received as such.” She stamped her little foot petulantly, and looked at Hart as though she meant: ‘If I say so who shall say no?” ‘Very true, and all I am looking at is the unpleasant predicament I should be placed in if Eg. Shaw, or some of the rest should begin to put on frills. I can’t resent because they are your friends, and it would break my heart to hold in.” “You shall be met fairly, that I warrant you, and [ tell you frankly, though in confi- dence, that I ask you partly because you do not like Egbert Shaw. He seems to be would ‘feel | l emus A u“ 7¢ COT ‘‘Not a whisper, even to Sam. silent as a hole in the ground. I hope I shall soon see you again.” She smiled and nodded, and went her | way. “Really,” thought Mr. Hawkins, ‘‘] sn not certain that my divinity is as big a fool as she looked. It looked as though Egbert was coming down the home-stretch a length ahead and hard pulled; but if she hasn't re- cognized him for a ringer and filed an objec- tion I’m Yawcub Hoopnagle’s aunt’s third- cousin. But what does she think of me? Ahem! Playing both ends against the mid- dle, and thinks sbe hasa sure thing. Heigh- ho, Hart, my boy! you are just wasting more time over a bit of divinity that you could bet rocks is not half as big an angel as she seems. The confounded little schemer! I wish | could get at her inside plot. One would think an heiress to a million—they say the old man’s worth that—would have no inside wheels to turn, out here in the wilderness. But catch them when you can and every one of them has a scheme. Wouldn't Sam talk profanely in meeting if he knew that I was going to make him a henchman of the fair Leona. He thinks because I’ve been swing- ing soft and low that I’ve given up hopes. Oh, no, I'm just waiting to get near the wire and then come witha rush. Of course, as usual, I’)] be left; but what’s the differ- ence as long as a man has the benefit of glo- rious anticipation?’ CHAPTER XXVI. “YOU MAY HOPE.” SrpNEY DARELLE, in spite of his shaky looks and occasional periods of exhaustion, always showed that he had plenty of recupe- rating power by coming up fresh and smiling with as much suddenness as he took to his bed. The next morning, just when the col- onel began to feel like sulking, and Egbert our friend, but [ do not, cannot, altogether | Shaw was going to start on an expedition to trust bim. I fear that he means to take ad- his own property, the Phenix, a message vantage of my father; though I have been his | reached them, saying that Darelle had so re- friend from the first. If you were with us he | covered that he was quite himself again, and would hardly care to attempt to fleece him at cards. Say nothing of this to any one, that, if it was not too late to make arrange- I | ments, he would like to start that day on the will let you know when it is decided to start | contemplated trip. and you can arrange accordingly. Will you bring your friend with you?” She spoke low and hurriedly. Perhaps their conversation had lasted longer now than she deemed prudent. ‘‘ Well, scarcely, if the pasteboards are to be barred out, and you cannot guarantee heavy fighting. He's not exactly the man for a social little tea-fight. He understands ecards and he understands pistols; but the ways of good society, and the delights of cheerful conversation are rather unknown to him. He’d bea kind of adeath’s head at the feast. Why, the boys call him Silent Sam, and I’ve known him not to open his mouth, except for the reception of necessaries fora week. And yet, if there ts to be any cutting or slashing, and wicked shooting, he’d come in mighty handy. If you want him, if you really want him, you can have him, too.” ‘*You frighten me when you talk of what may happen, though it is no more than I ought to expect. Bring him, bring him. Is there not a camp near by, a straggling little town, that he might be seeking? That would be an excuse. You could even let him re- main in it if he was not needed. He would at least be within call when you wanted him. And I would feel still safer. Already, you see, | am beginning to rely on you. Oh, their warnings have not gone for nothing. I shall be doubly protected. Will he come?” ‘*Certainly, certainly, if you say so. You're running the bank now, and till you lay down the box I'll never think about pull- ing another card. Excuse me, miss, but I mean that, say what you want you will have it. When you need a friend to tie to, Hart Hawkins is very much at your service.” | Rather sudden notice for the governor it was, since his hands were full of business, and he had his preparations to make, but he was one of those men who move tres md and are seidom taken aback. He replied at once that he would be at the Happy Home in an hour with a pair of extra riding-horses. If Mr. Darelle felt equal to a thirty-mile ride, it would be perhaps pleasanter than by the stage, which made slow progress, and had an uncertain schedule. He made this proposition in good faith, though his half-formed idea was that the old gentleman might vibrate from stage to horse- back, or that he might be turned over to Col- onel Boutelle, leaving Leona to the special care of himself. A message found some one else also. Hart Hawkins, lounging around in an after breakfast siesta, in the chance of an in- terview with Miss Darelle, received by the hands of the only female attendant the Happy Home could boast of, a note in @ delicate feminine chirography, which he was. sure. on sight, that he recognized. | He gave very little sign of exaltation until the Teutonic damsel had pocketed her coin and disappeared. ‘Looks like business,” he remarked, as he opened the envelope daintily. ‘‘ Can it be possible that, in the language of the vul- gar, | have made a mash? Or is it—whew! Horseback! Would like my company, but if it’s not convenient, I can take the stage, and join them at Small Hopes Gulch. She has the geography of the country down fine, and seems to have a faint suspiciun as to the lim- ited facilities for equestrian exercises that this one-horse burg enjoys. Stage? Of course I’ll go in the stage if Ican’t go ou f S (E() Eomichboo