Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 513 — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

ho» - TY IIIS A it a \ * i. Texas Tartar. 23 I say she was drugged, and I believeit. The doctor says so, though, unfortunately, he cannot prove it; and her previous good health is an- other item of proof. Blow number three was the assault upon Grizzly George. Possibly the real criminal meant to kill bim; probably, he did not. Anyway, he had laid tbe lines for an accusation against Kendall—even if George had never spoken—by his anonymous letter, That was still on George’s person, and would have been a silent accuser.” ‘You make a strong case,” admitted Texas Tartar, ‘‘ but who was the man?” ‘““ Now Lam wholly at loss, I don’t know of any man who aspired to rival Kendall.” ‘* Well, what next?” ‘‘The doctor is strongly of the opinion that the drug used upon my sister may have been purchased at Jacob Ilbraham’s store, He keeps patent medicines—why not drugs?” ‘* Have you seen him?’ “The doctor has. Jlbraham denies selling anything of the kind, and says he has never kept anything but harmless patent medicines,” ** Does this settle it?” ** Tt does not; I would not believe the Lbra- hams under oath.” ‘** Ilbraham, senior, has a son?” sé Yes.” ** Can he have been the rival?” ‘* Heavens! no,” replied Edgar, with a ges- ture of disgust. ‘** That creature would not dare to look at Norma.” Texas Tartar was not so sure of that, but, re- membering the peculiar wording of the letter then in his pocket, he felt sure that Levi Ilbra- ham was not the ex-lover of Eve Hendricks. *“Do you wish to direct my attention to any one man whom you suspect?” he asked, ‘* No,” responded Edgar. ‘‘I would if I could, but I am all at sea.” ‘‘Then do ancther thing to help the good cause,” continued the detective. ‘I am almost astranger here—will you write off a list of every unmarried man in town who is under the age of thirty-five, giving notes on each, with your opinion of him as a man andas to the possibility that he may be the guilty person?” Yank Yellowbird’s eyes brightened as he saw the trap laid at last. Would Edgar walk into it and give them a specimen of his writing? Edgar answered without hesitation: ‘* Willingly. Whatever I can do to help you shall be done. Have you paper?” Texas Tartar answered in the affirmative, and Westerly was soon put in possession of the neces- sary materials. He wrote one line, and then paused and smiled. ‘““T have begun with these words: ‘ List of Doubtful Persons.’ Shall J put myself first?” ‘* Hardly,” returned Texas Tartar, with a re- sponsive smile. ‘* You and I, and your brother, are not to be considered.” ‘‘Nor me,” quoth Yank Yellowbird. ‘‘ I’m past thirty-five, an’ too old ter bedrafted, though my gran’father fit like hurley arter he was up- "ards o’ seventy-nine year old, but he was more posted on the tick-tacks than I be,” “‘Tf he could beat you in a fight, your reputa- tion belies you,” observed Edgar, as he began to write. Yank watched him closely, anxious to know the resu]t of the test, but found time to talk, ‘*Ttv’s egregious queer,” he declared, ‘‘ how a man 0’ peace like me ever got the name o’ bein’ a fighter. I’m as weak at it as I should be at dancin’, Ever practyse in that line, Texas?” ‘*T did a little dancing when young.” ‘‘T remember right plain,” added Yank, se- riously, ‘‘ the fu’st ball I ever *tended—yes; an’ *twas my last, too. I didn’t want ter go, but my marm tackled me, aun’ was bound I should come out in socksiety, as she called it. She fix- ed me up in a big red _ neck-tie an’ a dickey —they wore that atrocious sort o’ collar in them days—the eends o’ which stuck out past my chin-bone like blinders on a hoss, I felt egregious uncomfor’ble in the rig, but I'd made up my mind ter g0 in on my muskle, dance like a jumpin’-jack, an’ make a con- demp’d commotion in the hearts o’ the gals, ‘¢ This feelin’ lasted till I got ter the hall, but Tadmnut it left me sudden when I seen all the gals thar, with their pooty clo’se on an’ their eyes as bright as diamonds. I stood ’round a bit, but my hands seemed dreffully in the way, an’ I went over in the corner an’ sat down be- hind the wood-box, ! ‘‘T stayed thar ontil they’d danced sev’ral fizgers, an’ I grew more miser’ble all the while. I'd jest made up my mind ter sneak out, when up came Susannah Parsons—a right pooty gal, with red hair an’ actyve dispersition. } ‘¢¢ Tts ladies’ choice,’ sez she, lookin’ amazin’ smilin’, ‘an’ 1 choose you, Mr. ‘Yellowbird,’ sez she. ‘* * Wh-wh-what? sez I, scart ’most out o’ my wits. ‘“* Hurry up!’ sez she; ‘it’s the Devil’s Dream!’ ; “I thought then she was swearin’, but I found out arterwards that ‘ Devil’s Dream’ was the name o’ the dance; but I couldn’t ’a’ reproved her fur profanity, then, ef the parson an’ all the deacons had b’en lookin’ ter me fur a good egg-sample, I’s so scared, I shook like a leaf, a EE LL CC = ee “**T can’t dance,’ sez I, in despair. *** Dll show ye,’ sez she, snickerin’, ‘*** Tm tired,’ sez I; ‘ we’ve b’en layin’ wall ty the south pastur’, an’—’ ‘* 'That’s all [ said, then, fur I'll be condemn’d ef thet gal didn’t lay holt on me, an’ pull me right out on the floor. She sot me up in a line, an’ thar L stood like a stick, iny face as red asa turkey-gobbler’s head, an’ the porsperation oozin’ out at ev’ry gore. Ev’rybody was gig- glin’, an’ they all looked at me; an’I declare, I'd give my half interest in dad’s brindled heifer ef I'd b’en at home with my mother. ‘*Pooty soon the ficdle struck up. an’ the dancers all began ter kite around—all but me, I stood still, an’ Lot’s wife wa’n’t no comparison ter how miser’ble Iwas. I wouldn't ’a’ stirred a step, but Susannab, she got me by the arm an’ sent me a-flyin’ som’ers; an’ ev’ry time I tried ter bold up I got a push from somebody else; an’ 1 consait they kept me at it lively. ‘*T badn’t the least idee what they was all tryin’ ter do. They skipped about like mad, no two goin’ the same way, an’no one doin’ the same thing twice. Mebbe that’s why they call- ed it the ‘Devil’s Dream,’ but ef the devil ever hadadream as bad as that, I pity him—I do, by hurley! Wal, when I seen they wouldn't let me stan’ still, I went in on my muskle, I rushed about hyar an’ thar, dodgin’ the other parties as wal as I could—though I run inter some on ’em with a voyvlent shock—but it did beat all natur’ how clumsy some o’ them gals got ter be arter a bit. Turn which way I would,a gal was sure ter run ag’in’ me; an’ pooty soon two come at once, an’ I lust my balance, an’ down I went on the floor with a shock that rattled the chimbly.” The mountaineer paused, solemnly, and then added: ‘*T dunnoas I'd ever got out on’t alive, but the fiddle let up jist then, an’ the misery was over. Ev’rybody scooted ter the benches used fur seats, an’ thar was me a-sprawlin’ on the floor, I got upas soon’s I could, though, an’ then I seen the hull gang was snickerin’ like mad, an’ lookin’ at me. I may be wrong, but I bad an idee they was makin’ fun o’ me, an’ I bolted out o’ that place like hurley. , ‘* My dickey was so wet with perspiration it hung down over my coat-collar, an’ my pcot red neck-tie was spiled; an’ when I got home remembered as how Parson Jimson said dancin’ was a sin. I allowed he was right, an’ I never tried it ag’in. “You had a very serious time,” laughed Edgar, as he finished writing. ‘‘Here is the list, Texas Tartar. You wil! find the name of every man there, with my comments, Of course you will regard it as confidential.” ‘* Certainly,” replied the detective, _ Westerley extended the list, and The Man with Nine Lives looked at the closely-written page. He seemed to be reading, but, really, was studying the chirograpby. One glance was enough to saow him that it was very much un- like the writing in the letter. Having previous- ly decided that this was disguised, he looked for betraying minor points, like the ‘‘ loop” of some particular letter, or the manner of form- ing any part of the several characters, e could see nothing of the kind, but this did not prove but that future examination might develop something new. ‘*T will pay due attention to your hints, Mr. Westerley,” the detective said, as he laid the paper aside. ‘ Next,” resumed Edgar, seriously, ‘‘ I would like to call your attention to one point.” ‘* Proceed, sir.” ‘‘Do you believe that Eve Hendricks com- mitted suicide?” Texas Tartar’s face assumed a look of sur- prise, real or feigned. ‘‘What room is there to doubt it?’ he asked. Edgar moved uneasily in bis chair. ‘*T hardly know how to explain, but I hold the theory that she was not in a state of mind to take her own life. She had discovered that the man, whoever he was, bad tired of her, and [ think she had tired of him.” ‘*'W hat evidence is there to that effect?” ‘* None, perhaps.” ‘*Then there is her letter to her father, say- ing that she wastired of life, since her lover rs deserted her, and she was resolved to end i shook his head ‘* The letter may have been a forgery.” “Done by whom?” ‘* The faithless lover.” ‘* Then you infer that he killed her?” “Possibly he hired it done. There are men around here who would not hesitate todo such a thing, as the tragedy at the Point of Pines proves. Possibly the faithless lover was con- nected with the smugglers. If he was, Eve may have known of the fact, and, accusing him, brought down upon her head the anger which led to her death.” a Have you any evidence to this effect?” _ ‘IT am giving you atheory. Possibly there is nothing in it, for I am not a detective, lawyer or far-seer,” Edgar smiled, and seemed to wish to raise the conversation to a lighter plane, but Texas Tar- tar easily detected an evasion. | Pama Nia A eben ay. PF a eo ee **Can we help Kendall’s cause by proving that the gir] was murdered?” he asked. ‘* Not unless we can learn who killed her,” Westerley answered, ‘*Can you suggest any way to do that?” ‘““Not at present; but I believe the name of the real ex-lover is on the paper I gave you. Which one of the lot it is [ have no idea, am trying to learn, and if you will add your help I shall be grateful. Idread to think what ma be the result to my sister if Robert is kille Help us all you can, sir, and you shall be re- warded generously.” Edgar arose to go as he finished speaking. CHAPTER XXXII. KENDALL'S STARTLING STATEMENT. THERE was no objection to Edgar’s departure, and, after a few more words, he left the room, Yank looked inquiringly at Texas Tartar, and observed that the latter’s face was fixed ina very thoughtful expression. Silence continued several moments, and he again took up Edgar’s list. Placing it beside the letter, be compared the writing carefully, and then pap both away. ** What d’ye make on't?” Yank asked. ‘‘ Tt is safe to bet that Edgar did not write th letter you found on tne lake-shore.” ‘** No likeness in the writin’, eb?” ** Not a particle.” ‘*Do ye now onderstand Edgar fully?” ‘Not by any means. His theory that Eve did not commit suicide is rp oie for Ido not know upon what he builds his belief; and I am positive that he was not dealing openly with us. He kept something back.” ‘* Jes’ my idee,” ** What was it?” ** Don’t know, by hurley!” ‘*Nor I. He perplexes me, If Kendall were not the lover of his sister, I should think him determined to send the prisoner to the gallows by bringing up the theory of murder, Edgar is a fair-seeming young man, and does not have the appearance of a crimipal. If, indeed, he wishes to tighten the net about Kenvdall, it is be- cause ke is himself guilty, thinks his case des- rate, and believes some victim must be found. would not say this about him, did I not be- lieve him to be keeping something back—some- thing of importance.” ** Good ’eal mixed up, I consait.” ** Never mind; we will soon bave the clew.” The detective spoke confidently, and, rising, approached the window, Looking out he saw orma Westerley passing, and this thoughts found utterance in words, ** She is going to visit Kendall.” He had surmised correctly, as the sequel proved. Norma remained as loyal as ever, disregard- ing possible public prejudice and all else. On this occasion she had but little time to spare but she was anxious to encourage her lover all she could. She reached the jail and was admitted to his presence, but the first glance sufficed to show that some change had come over him, He bad been calm and resolute, bat now looked wor1ied © and restless, ‘*Is anything wrong?” she asked, when their” greeting was over. ‘‘Hiverything seems to be wrong,” Kendall replied, gloomily. ‘‘ I have tried to be recon- ciled to this, thinking a little investigation would show me innocent, but itis not so, Here I am, and liable to remain, I find disgrace associated with my name, and untold calamities staring me in the face.” ‘*Do not be discouraged. Nearly every one believes you innocent, and those who know you best are positive of it. It is hard, but beas patient as you can and help will come—the truth will prevail,” The prisoner looked cautiously around, and then lowered his voice as be replied: ‘*T am now thinking of quicker relief.” ** What do you mean?” “Why should I, an innocent man, wait for acquittal of charges made bya hot-headed officer and a fever-stricken, delirious hunter? I main- tain that there is positively no evidence upon which I should have been arrested in a more civilized country, Now, as relief is slow in coming, I am going to meet it half-way.” He spoke with an intensity which troubled Norma, and her utterance was faint as she me- chanically asked: e ake ‘I am going to escape!” ** Escape?” - “ ‘Yes. Itis the most feasible thing in the world. This so-called jail is a farce, and even a namby-pamby prisoner like me can get out.” ** But will it not look like guilt?” ‘¢ Yes—until the real criminals are found,” ‘* Suppose you should be recaptured?” *“Tshall not be. When I leave Powderhorn Mile, I shall go disguised.” “ How can you get a disguise here?” ‘* Very easily,” Kendall answered, smiling. “*T have the articles ready for me. Some weeks ago I procured the means for another purpose, little suspecting this ri fae would rise, At a certain point, outside the village, I have hid- den a false beard and a wig. They will change \ Eomicbooks eon pL a= Je le Soe . ~*% “oe ae 2 7 | — on ae : .* - : 6 AF ‘ — i } Be i in 2O — > a ee oe ee eee = Rees OFS, —— Se TE ES Se EE Oe ee ee ee eee eee ‘ —_ o eg i oF ee ee Wt. mae 9 i