Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 438 — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

Ce ST SS eS es Oklahoma Nick. 29 —_—-———- - cabin an’ take a peek in? Didn’t I see the lady layin’ thar on a bunk, more like a angel then— Molly Feathertop ain’t nigh enough to listen, is she?” with sudden agitation. ADs There was more talk on the subject, but it is hardly necessary to give it in detail, since enough has already been recorded to shadow forth the result. Enough that Boomer Balt convinced all concerned that he had made a most important discovery, and that pee tions were at once made for the rescue of Otelia Wright, and the condign punishment of her kid- pappers. it was with difficulty that Evander Wright could be persuaded to remain behind; but he was finally convinced that in his present greatly weakened condition, he would only prove an in- cumrance on the party. And so he remained behind, with his wife and Molly Feathertop and the patriotically-named twins, to take care of the young giant. Boomer Balt led the little party on their mis- sion of mercy with all the ease of a man who had made a study of the locality for ages. He seemed never at a loss, and enabled the party to take their horses to a point which he asserted was within half a mile of the retreat where Jerry Viggles and his gang were to be found. Dis- mounting, tying and leaving their animals to pass the time as best they could, the little band stole silently forward, Boomer Balt still in ad- vance, still picking his way without doubt or hesitation. A little circle brought them out at the rear of the cabin, and it was with the intention of mak- ing sure that the captive had not been removed from the shack that Boomer Balt and Dick McBride, leaving the remainder of the part behind, stole forward through the timber until a barely perceptible hiss from the lips of the guide called the scout’s attention to a couple of phantom-like figures that suddenly came into view from the rear of the cabin, They were Oklahoma Nick and Otelia Wright, as the reader already knows. And it was the brawny arm of Dick McBride that sent the uide reeling back, to stagger and fall; his deadly ip that fastened upon Oklahoma Nick before the half-stunned guide could rise or de- fend himself; but it was Boomer Balt who caught the half-swooning maiden in his arms, and Boomer Balt who cut short her wailing shriek of utter despair—by pressing his rosy, white-bearded face fairly against hers! Closely following that cry, there came a shrill, mocking laugh A beyond the cabin, as though Derr Vinoles was in high spirits about something; but swiftly as Boomer Balt drew a weapon and turned to defend his prize, it was labor wasted. Jerry Viggles broke into a wild, rough song, his voice ‘‘cracking” dismally on the higher notes, to make ample amends by “ droning” most dismally when he ‘‘went down in his boots” for the last bars of each verse, Clearly the outlaws had not taken the alarm! ‘Otelia lay such a heavy weight across his arm that Boomer Balt knew she had fainted, and thoroughly alive to the perils of the moment, he turned hastily to lend McBride assistance in overpowering Oklahoma Nick. But this aid was not needed. That deftly-delivered blow had knocked pretty mucb all the strength out of the guide, and the athletic scout quickly choked out the remainder. He was now oe a doubled rag between the relaxed jaws of his captive, whom he then lifted and flung across his bowed back, hastily yet silently retreating with his burden to the spot where the main force had been left in am- bush. And closely following him came Boomer Balt, bearing the insensible maiden in his arms as he might have borne one of those wonderful wal was excitement then, as a matter of eourse, though kept in subjection lest the gan of ruffians take the alarm and escape by a sud- den “‘ scatteration ” through the night, as Boomer Balt expressed it. — A bit of rope quickly put Oklahoma Nick be- yond making trouble should he recover his senses before the job was completed, and Otelia Wright was placed in the care of one of the soldiers. “Course you want to see the rest o’ the fun,” mer Balt to He Hornkohl, with Sorta? carphastt ‘* Ef I didn’t know that so monstrous well, I’d ’a’ axed you to stop with the ” terre detective said naught in reply, but he cast more than one interested glance in the di- rection of the still unconscious maiden while the general plan was decided upon. That was easy enough to arrange. a | Ths band was to divide evenly, and each en- deavor to skirt the camp-fire, thus surrounding the outlaws with the least loss of time. When Boomer Balt, who was to head one division, should give the signal by imitating the call of the big horned owl, each man was to step out and cover the rascals with their rifles. ‘‘ Don’t pull trigger unless they make a break or try to slip in a shot,” impressively cautioned the chief of scouts. ‘‘We want to take them prisoners, not butcher them!” : There was no objection made to this, and then i } ' | ' ; ; | the little party divided, Henry Hornkohl keep- ing close to the heels of Boomer Balt. erry Viggles had concluded his song by the time these preparations were made, and amid the sycophantic cheering and applause which followed the tremendous effort of their chief, the rascals heard nothing of what was taking place just without the circle of light. Jerry V iggles in high good humor, rose to his feet, doffing his hat with an exaggerated bow as he prepared to return thanks for the enthusiastic reception of his song. When— A snarling cry rung out on the night, and a white-haired figure leaped clear across the fire, “ip eailpay | the sturtled outlaw by the throat, shaking bim back and forth much as a bull-dog might shake an impudent terrier! ‘You devil! At last! At last! now !” Boomer Balt fairly lifted Jerry Viggles from his feet by that awful grip on his throat, then hurled him to the be a as though meaning to crush every bone in his body! With wild cries of wilder alarm, the gang leaped up and drew their weapons. Taken fully as much by surprise, the rescuing party hesitat- ed for an instant; but then the clear voice of Dick McBride rung out as he broke cover with leveled rifle: ‘* Hands up and surrender, you devils! Death to ~ man that tries to burn powder or— Will you ?” His weapon cracked sharply as it sent a bullet crashing through the arm of Tommy Ducklegs, causing the half-breed to drop the pistol with which he was about venturing a snap-shot. ‘*Give quarter to all who yield and hold up hands!” cried the scout, his rifle ready for an- other shot as his eyes flashed over the startled group. ‘* Riddle the fool that dares hold on toa n! The yell of agony that broke from the lips of Tommy Ducklegs was even more influential than that stern speech, and the surrounded ras- cals ss pe their tools and sung out for quarter as a single man! I’ve got ye ‘* Keep them covered, and shvot at the first crooked motion,” hurriedly cried McBride as he rushed forward and caught Boomer Balt by the arms, fairly tearing him from the shiver- ing form of Jerry Viggles. ‘‘ You old fool! do you want to murder the rascal?’ he grated, twisting the guide’s arms behind him, one knee pressed into the small of his back, effect- ually paralyzing the veteran. ‘‘T fergot—I couldn’t hold on to myself when I see the ugly face o’ him!” gasped the guide, his usually rosy face white aschalk. ‘‘ Let me go, an’ look to the critter. I won’t tetch him nomore. Only—don’t let him croak too soon!” ‘Tt isn’t your fault if he’s living,” harshly laughed the scout as he released the guide, cast- ing a precautionary glance around before drop- ping to his knees beside the senseless ruffian. ‘It’s no fault of yours that every man-jack of ’em didn’t get away through your foolish tricks!” ‘*Shell I ax the boys to buck an’ gag me?” meekly asked the veteran, with a husky laugh. ‘* Shell I git down on the two knees o’ me an’ chaw dirt? Shell I—” *“‘Go and take up a collection from these worthy hang-dogs, rather,’ McBride engningy exclaimed, as he sprung to his feet. ‘‘ This fel- low won’t make us any trouble for—” wT acids kill him? Don’t you say that, par Dick McBride stared in astonishment at the er as he dropped to his knees beside J erry iggles. What was all this agitation born of? Surely not through remorse? He had tried his level best to kill the rascal, and now— The worthy scout turned away with a grunt of mingled surprise and disgust. There was no time to waste over such a ridiculous affair, These ruffians were dangerous as long as their claws were uncut, , Under his watchful eye and weapons, the out- laws were disarmed and securely bound, Henry Hornkohl falling to work with an adroit pre- cision that drew a compliment from the chief; he was a natural-born thief-taker! Boomer Balt soon discovered that Jerry Vig- gles was only stunned and choked to uncon- sciousness; and when fully assured that the fel- low would soon recover, little the worse for his rough experience, the veteran guide rallied and was soon his usual self, lending a hand in secur-. ey: prisoners, e shortly afterward drew Dick McBride aside, talking to him rapidly, earnestly. And then, bidding Henry Hornkohi make ready for a brisk ride, he went back to where Oklahoma Nick and Otelia Wright were in charge of the soldier. The maiden was conscious, and Boomer Balt immediately took her trembling hands, bidding her hope for the very best. ‘* It’s al’ays darkest jest afore day, pritty,” he added, his voice taking on that strange hoarse- ness which Henry Hornkohl] had noticed when the guide was confronted by Evander Wrizht in the cavern. ‘The clouds hev bin mighty black an’ threatenin’ fer you, but the sun is already risin’ in the sky, an’—you kin b’ar up under good news?” ** Tell me—my poor-—-” “They’re waitin’ fer you, hull family complete! Al) alive, all your comin’ to make it a jolly jubilee! you're goin’ to git thar jest as quick as hoss- flesh kin kerry you!” Leaving Dick McBride to still further explain, Boomer Balt hastened away to bring horses.. When he returned, Otelia fully comprehended what was in store for her, and eagerly protested she was able to ride alone and unassisted. But Boomer Balt would not listen to this. fearing to waste more time in arguing, Otelia. submitted to his will. The saddle was arranged for her riding, and ritty, to make the- lackin’ only An” Her strength had already been too sorely tried, and. when she was safely placed therein, Boomer Balt sprung upon the horse behind her. Henry Hornkohl insisted on accompanying them by way of guard, though there was no further danger to apprehend. But it was too joyous a time for carping, and so off they set, each one- yuite as eager as the other to gain the cavern im the shortest possible time. On the way Boomer Balt told Otelia much that had been but partly explained by McBride, and she listened eagerly enough, now that ber- worst fears were set at rest. Henry Hornkohl had little to say as they rode Boomer Balt seemed to wish him to keep in the background, and the detective ap-- along. pa’ entky was quite content todo so. But as he rode, he keenly watched the veteran, those old ops sla opens. in strength with each minute, Although he could not account for it in any reasonable manner, the detective felt almost: certain, now, that the will which had been the means of leading him into so much trouble and excitement, was but part of a curious farce; for he would be almost willing to make oath that this rosy-faced old man was none other- than Onesipborus Wright! The trip was accomplished in safety, and leapin to the ground at the foot of the ey vars | s- trail, Boomer Balt caught the maiden up in arms, bearing her up the hill to the cave en- trance. hastily in her ear: “Go right in, — Go right in an’ fill. them chuck-up with joy an’ pure happiness ‘ Otelia did not wait to hear him out, but with. a glad, sobbirg cry, she sprung into the rock- chamber, her arms outstretched, her face lit up- with a joy beyond the power of words to ex- press, In an instant she was caught in the trembling arms of her mother. And the arms of Evander Weippe were about them both. And each one was laughing and crying in the same breath. Then—Pe Wright opened his eyes and. stared about him. He caught sight of Otelia, and faintly pronounced her name. ‘* Brother—oh, my precious!” panted Otelia, as she slipped free from her parents and sprung: to the couch, sobbing and kissing her twin. ‘°Telie—this is awful good!” murmured Perry; then adding: ‘‘Butwhereishe? ‘Telie,. I’ve seen and heard Maurice North! Where is. he?” CHAPTER XX. BOOMER BALT’S LITTLE SURPRISE-PARTY. ‘* LADIES ee We’pear afore ye this evenin’ fer— y don’t ye make your man- ners, pard?” Boomer Balt was the speaker, of course. He opened in regular ‘‘stage fashion,” with one hand thrust into his bosom, the other shoot- ing out at an abrupt angle; only to cut himself short with a sharp “‘ aside,” as he scowled por- tentously at the figure standing behind anda little to one side of his position. The figure of a man, but covered from crown to sole with a rudely-stitched bag of Government blan- ar and supported on either side by a grinning soldier. There had been considerable bustle, much whispering and going and coming, almost ever since the arrival at the cavern of Otelia Wright, and it was now pretty well along in the afternoon of the succeeding day. Perhaps. it was well that the Wright family had so much. to think of and talk about together, else they’ might have grown inconveniently curious as: Boomer Balt and Dick McBride and their aids. ee about like men filled with some mighty mystery. ant Hornkohl, too, was left out in the- cold, though, after one or two little rebuffs, he coolly accepted the situation and lazily watched the performance, When he was not engaged in telling his story to the Wright fam-- ily, that is. For now that they were reunited and Perry gave such unmistakable signs of improvement, one and all felt a strong curiosity to learn everything possible about this wonder- ful fortune left them by the almost unknown. “Uncle Oney.” A screen of blankets sewn together was run, along in front of the e leading into the cavern. Candles and lanterns were lighted. A. huge fire was kept going at the rear of the cav ern, thus lighting up the rock chamber with al- most the clearness of the noonday sun, All of the party, save Boomer Balt and two- soldiers, were seated in front of the “ curtain,™ (E He set her on her feet, whispering™ Eomicbooks = 7 af . : yo we