Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 48 — page 40: what you’re looking at

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

40° - Beadle’s Dime:Library. daho Tom turned the catioe and pulled out in the! direction of the island.as. indicated by the flash of the cannon. Suddenly a loud, imperative voice called out: ‘Halt! Who comes there ?”’ It was the voice of Hubert Leland. “*°Tis I, father!’’ cried Zoe, in wild,delight. ““God be praised!’’ exclaimed the father, in_joy- ous accents, and when the. boat touched the island, he was there with open arms to receive his child, ‘*Hoorah!”’ shouted the Mad Trapper, at the top of his great lungs; as he’and his companions sprun from the canoe; “now let the demons of Molock come on,” His. shout, of triumph was repented by the Boy Hunters, and answered by a hundred savage throats along the shores of the bay. CHAPTER XXXVIL LELAND EXPLAINS. had reached the island, SHortiy after our friends a general attack was made by the Indians upon the with heavy loss; and, place, but they were oe tidy atten 65 ane: withdrawing m the ther demonstrations, € Joy reigned supreme during the remainder of the night. e father and child were happy over their reunion, and the Boy Hunters and the Mad iu recounting the adventures of the night. By day-dawn every savage had, withdrawn, from sight, though no one believed they had retired en- tirely from the lake and their conquest. - The sun was up long hours before it looked over Trapper . The telegr the mountain-top, and lifted the dense fog from the’ bosom of the bay; but meg f it burst forth in all its splendor, and rolled back the vail of ethereal lace- work from the brow of the great mountain ‘and the bosom of the water. The islanders and their new friends breakfasted early, after which an hour or’'so was; consumed in demonstrating the wonderful powers of the battery concealed in the skiff, each one of the Boy Hunters, including Idaho Tom, testing the medicine to their satisfaction. Hubert Leland ae ge to be highly pleased with the honor of explaining the workings, wonders and philosophy of the electric battery to the boys, although Frank Caselton and Perry sett knew much about the instruments, before: .- _, Leland finally called the Boy Hunters around him, and having requested them to be seated, he said: | “ Boys, the past night has been a momentous one to all of us; and to you am I indebted for my exist- ence now, also that of my daughter and friends.”’ “Mr. Leland,” said Frank Caselton, “I am sure you owe us nothing, since it was our Christian duty to help you in your hour of need and distress, as you and your daughter did for me.” . ‘Yes; that is the true meaning of man’s duty to his re a when the right construction is Pies! uponit. But there is another matter of which I wish to speak to you; and it is this: I know you are all somewhat puzzled over our occupation here upon this island, and | don't’ know that I could find) fault. with you for it. But when you leave here, I. want it to be with the assurance you havé not - been fighting in defense of men of ,a doubtful char- acter, Therefore, it is my purpose to tell you, and toll you honestly, too, exactly what we are driving at, upon this floating island aud upon this bay, “In the first place, T will back several years and begin at the beginning, in order to be explicit. In the year eighteen hun and fifty, a party of six aga of whom one was a brother of mine, be- came affected with the California gold fever, and, fixing up, they struck out: for the Pacific slope. From that time up to within the past year, not one of that little party was ever heard from. We all supposed they been killed, or died, or had be- come so isolated that the eared nothing about those they had left behind, and so neglected to write. But last summer, Zedekiah’. Dee, while, hunting in. the , east foothills of the Rocky Mountains, found in a cavern a human skeleton. By its side was a rifle, pistol, and knife; also asilver tobacco-box. In this x wasa Pe ving a brief history of the adven- tures and being the writer himself. latter person was ih brother. The paper stated that they had reach- ed the land of in, safety, and after three years of hard work, had all accumulated independent for- tunes, with which they set out for their homes. As there were no hm conveyances in those days to which they could intrust the carriage of their treas- ure, they. procured k-animals for the purpose; “* By this time the main route by way of the South Pass, as well as that by Sante Fe, had me infest ed with robbers who made a business of preying on homeward-bound gold-seekers; and so our friends concluded to travel’ a route; of ;their own selection. But, some way or other, the outlaws or robbers got wind of their departure and followed them up. The robbers, came; upon them a day or two. after they started, when a sharp fight ensued. One of the miners was killed; but the’ robbers were defeated; but being reinforced, kept up the pursue day and night. Our friends’ pack-animals finally near lake, and in order to save their lives, the miners were compelled to abandon their gold. That it might not fall into the robbers’ hands, and in hopes’ of being able to recover it again some day, they sunk their treasure in different parts of this bay after night, then hurried|9n, But now, new dangers and privations beset their path, and one by one they died of hunger or were shot down by unseen savage foes until all but. my brother were dead.. He. succeeded in getting through the motntain, only to’ die in a lonely eayern after the worst of the journey was over with. ‘But, as I said before, he left a history of the unfortunate band in his tobacco-box, with a written r quest that it be forwarded to me with the contents. l’ortunately, it fell into Zedekiah Dee’s hands, and the honest old trapper eame hundreds of miles to dcliver over the last request of my dead_kindred. Well, Eales out all the vena the i pr ee miuers, abd suggested to them we go and search the lake of Tahoe, or Silver Bay, rather, for the, sunken t In they acquiesced, We knew, however, that it would be a cult task, <n me eaer~ of years had been accumulating in e V5, i$ ting, abou - it. mig | ten feet beneath the an of the oy “Tho cimstthing: we did was to a} examine into, and ve out tion of the The report on the con bay, and the surrounding country in general. th of five of these miners, the sixth one | y out to: we would co West. We prepared for a long stay, and every contingency for our safety. The compan being soon fitted, out, teams were sent on throug with our outfit. ‘this floating island upon the bay, with everything growing upon it as you now see, unless it was a few owers since planted by Zoe. Who built the island, I cannot tell. It must have been done years an years ago. But I do know, however, ‘been a splendid thing for our purpose, .When we came: here, we: thought it best to employ some ex- rienced borderman, and so we succeeded in obtain- ing friend Dee, there. He has served us faithfull and nobly. We kept him stationed onshore té wate out for approaching When we arrivéd: here; we found | at it has ' danger and suspicious charac- | ters; and whenever any were discovered, it was com- | municated to us so that;,we could suspend operations and ‘conceal our real abject. We were afraid if it got to be generally known what we were after here, 1ave trouble with adventurers, ; To facili- tate matters between shore and island, a telegraph’ line was established between here and the trapper’s at with two branch offices along the shore, con-, cealed among, the rocks and hills. In order \té operate this line of communication it became ne- cessary to keepyone man ashore with friend Dee, but under the_teachings of that man And Zoe, the’ trapper ghia an apt scholar and soon learned to operate the battery, send and receive messages him- self. This gave us another man aboard: the island, aph hasno doubt been our sole salvation, although we have. suffered the loss, by death, of two of ‘our companions since we came here.. They.were the men, Tom, that won the ring fromr you at the ' phir Exchange.’” | Idaho Tom gts red in the face, and for a mo- ment remained speechless. “The mie tome “he finally remarked, ‘‘ was telling me about them,-also the tory of that , Mr, Leland,’ and the youth went on and re what away to where Zedekiah Dee was wai ‘7 ‘report Heing favorable, we began preparations for!" they Have‘ been pleasant} for both of you know. I am willing, however, to submit to my destiny, n- ‘ful though it may'be.' Zoe ¢ould not love but one, and she has the divine right to that choice. It was no motive of her own that) determized’the scale of her affection should turn, and so, Frank, I congratu- late you upon your success. It needs no words to tell me that you have won the heart of Zoe Leland. And, Zoe, I believé he is full nes 2 your love, You both have my best wishes'‘as'to the future. You both are deserving of a happy life. May God bless you both and sanctify your love. Farewell, Zoe—farewell, Frank.” / walked He shook hands with each, then turning ting in a canoe to take him ashore, Entering the canoe the trapper sent the craft out into thé bay. : Tom rose to his feet and waving a last adieu to ' those upon the island, turned his face toward the a a ] we have already beard pass between him and the old | our ill-fated friends. Supplied with two sets of diving trapper. 8: Father,” exclaimed Zoe, when he had concluded the story, ‘‘ I know this to be true, for Molock admit- ted to me that he was the man that rode in the coach with us, and passed himself as.a detective.. He said that when you called for my ho I put them in‘his’ outstretched hand, instead of yours.’ ** And; \ftiends,*» added Frank Caselton, “I will further corroborate the statements of Idaho Tom and Miss Leland, by saying that I found all the rest of those jewels, except the ring, on old Molock. They are cac now over on the northern side of the lake, and as soon as|I can get ashore in safety, they shall be restored to their owner.” © any “These stories, then, Tom,” resumed: Hubert Le- land, ‘‘ exonerate you from all suspicion of complici- ty in the stage robbery that-memorable night, we journeyed through Purgatory Pass. But to resume the main thread of my story: for over two’ months we have been searching for the sunken treasure of armors, two men are enabled to work at the same time. They descend in the clear water, and with a small iron test every thing on the bottom of the’ bay that has shape, as they walk around. , When the territory within. reach of the island has been thor- oughly searched over, we movevour anchorage and let the island shift into a new position.” ‘Hal ha! ha!’, laughed Frank Caselton; “ that does ey with, and completely, explodes your ton ‘pet men dwelling under the waves, Master ck.’ “Wal, I ‘lowed it would turn out this MA ap this island had. some connection with the hull thing,” the young hunter replieil. The boys enjoyed a good, hearty laugh at Dick’s expense; after which Leland resumed, “We operate our work from that large tent yon- der... From the inside|we descend into the water ee a hole cut through the island. - I attend to lowering and raising them, and work the apparatus that_ supplies, them with fresh air. So now, boys, on know the whole mystery, of the floating island. » have, only|to add, that) aside from the death of our two friends, our labor has have found much of the sunken treasure, and hope within the next week to;close our worKhere. Then the floating island will be deserted to whoever may desire to Cake pemessio’ of it. But now, boys, that I haye trus you with our. secret, I want to ask one more favor of! you.”? 5 ‘Name it! name it!'’ shouted the boys.’ * | THE: END OF THE COMPACT. ee ee | been well rewarded. We: a _ | 28 THREE-FINGERED, JACK, THE Roap-AGENT OF THE Roc shore and seated himself. : In a few minutes they reached the northern beach. Tom sprung out, and turning nat the ‘hand of the trapper, who stood erect in prow of the ‘canoe, and said, in a serious tone: o “ Zedekiah, I have lost.” ‘Lost what, Tom?” if Zoe's love,” ** Indeed, Tom?” ““Yes; she loves Frank.” ass . ‘Well, it’s a big loss, Tom; for she is.a Cherribim if ever thar war one on earth, But, you will soon forgit your loss, my boy. “Your heart will Sg ete its wound. This I know from experience. Old e- kiah Dee loved once—when he war a boy: but he lost. His heart. healed over. You have youth and health, and a prospect of long life before you. And Tom, take my advice; you stand t , now, very mo- ment Epon the edge of a terrible abyete- An ebyes of moral distruction. You are naterally a little wild, and-are now disappointed, Iknow it wouldn't take much to. push you oyer the precipice to your ruin. Take my advice, and live a temperate, honest life, Try and improve always for the better and you will er your reward in the end.” SF “Il will do ‘so, friend trapper,God willing. So g00d-by, Zed.”’ ~ He’ cast’a longing farewell glance toward the island, then turned and strode away, whistling a lively air to himself to keep down. the emotions struggling upward in his heart. te Of Beadle’s Dime Library as 1‘AHArp Orowp! By Philip’. Warne... /..../100. ~ 2) THe Dare-Devi.~ By Col. P. Ingraham:.j:.. 10c. 3 Kirt Carson, Jr. By Buckskin Sam..,....... 10¢. 4 THe Kipnaprer. By Philip 8, Warne........ 10c. 5 Tue Fire Frenps, By A. P. Morris, Jr....... 10c. 6 Wiipcar Bos. By Edward L. Whéeler...:.. 10c, 7; Dears: Noten, THE Destroyer, Oll Coomes, 10c, 8 Tor HeapiLess Horseman, By Mayne Reid... 10c, 9 Hanpy AnDy. By Samuel.Lover..-........... 10¢, 10 Vin00g, THE FRENcH Potice Spy. Written by himself, 2.22. 620 PS. rt. Me, doa de 10c, 11 Mipsuipman Easy. By Capt. Maryattees. i.. 10c. 12 THe Deare-Suot,, By Capt, Mayne Reid... 10c. 13 ParHaway: orn, NicK WHIFFLES, THE OLD TRAPPER OF THE NORTHWEST. Dr. FS, Robinsop, .!. 4 a6} zareee - sleybiem- -Lyrigeny es Scourcs. By Ned Bunt- 15 Tue Tiatr Stayer: “By Gustave Aimard..... 16 Tag Waite Wizarp:, By, Ned Buntline..,.... 17 Nieursuape. By Dr. J. H. Robinson,,...,.. 10c. 18 Toe Sea Banvit. By Ned Buntline.......°.. 10c. 19 Rep Cepar. By Gustave’ Aimard)\'.) 0... 10c, 20 Tae Banorr at Bay. By Gustave Airiard... 10c, re eat 22 WuireLaw; or, NATrie OF THE LAKE SHORE. \By Dr. J..H. Robinson ..:..).5 . 62s 2ie eeu ob.. I “Tt is that you keep this a secret until we getaway. | 73 THe Rep Warrior, By Ned Buntline ..,.,.. 10c. a ORE i ihe dial ok bat 24 THe Pramre Firowmr. By Gustave Aimard. 10c. ve see vie e others | oR mp Francia hat first fo promise the old man that upon his word aud | % Tue Gow Guwe. By Poa Johnson. eee 10c. honor he would never reveal the’ secret intrusted to | 2% THe Dearu Track. By Francis Johnson:... 10c, him. 27 THe Spotter DetTEcTIvE. By Albert W:Aiken. 10c. ‘And they kept their promise sacred. KIES. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr...: 29 Tiger Dick,’THt Faro Kina. By’ Philip S. THE Boy Hunters, including Idaho ‘Tom, spen AWAEME oy seeleeeth hd etry oediaereee ieee +» 100, en of eit > deckine the a Prego ay oe ene 80 GospeL GrorGE. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr 10c., sun e we ard, the young Outlaw xy Ai of Silverland expressed his determination of daking| 2! T# New, York Suarr. By Albert W. Aiken. 10c, his departure for Virginia City soon. The others 22 B’ HOYS OF YALE, By John D, Vose.:..>..... 10c. hy age prevailed upon SE A oh ore | 838 OverLAND Kit.) By Albert W. Aiken:;2)i... 10e, upon the island, as ekia ee expressed @ | Rock bert fear that, the Indians would renew the attack as soon as xy: Momntuny Ropi _ By Al ; Wi Aiken. 10c. as night fell. “ But Tom could not beinduced to stay; 89 Kenruck, Tax Sport... By Albert W. Aiken. 10c, a seemed, un and zest ess abous nomscthing or 36 Ingjun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken |......... 10e, other, and kept wa z tiently about the island, insd as if he Hesite to say sorsotdiaa, Cont he ‘could not,,, os Hirt, sue HDMORStEe fe H. Rotman. 10c, ‘Finally the youth noticed that Frank Caselton and 3 89: THE Russtan Ses, BY Frederick Whittaker. 10c. Scape ey es moe poe main party, = in — rn ae By: Alb et WW J. BE. Badger, Jr. ay about discove em standing together under | ; i AUkeD. {405 tse the ‘shadows of a manzanita, at; the northern end of, $a Te ey 105 nd. , esse sees ere aa ee 43 DaxoTa DAN. ,, By Oll Coomes.... . ..:.4-.,.. 10e, een grning, he walked to mpere they were, and ina | 44 Orp Dan RAGKBAGK. By Oll Goomiés. 70°". 10e “Pardon my. intrusion, my young friends. ‘1'| 4} Que Burs's Wer. By Jos. x Badger, Jr... 100 os to a= you good:by. & d not leave with- 47 Pxctrig, Pert a ; Jos. HB. Badger, Jr’.. l/h "' 10e. “Then you are determined to leave us, are yo OMe IBY) oom OMNEBs: otal itd -tier pity itor th = han agome boy. ms a as a f gi a es 9 Tange Ren. 66 = Yes; ) of no further service to; you, Readle’s »«Laprary is for, by folks, Zoe,” heareplied. “I have spent many hewetadee ‘tén cents per copy, or sent by mal on pleasant, for all they were ee days around the i a Bed twelve cents each. BEADLE &’ AMS, shores of Tahoe,” It is needless for me to say why ! Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. EComichbooks.€o