Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 513 — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

SOS L$ Qe PE Partie © ogee Texas Tartar. 27 Even as the boatman spoke, the smuggler suddenly paused. His gaze was bent down- ward, and it was plain that he had made some discovery—what it was quickly became clear. Up from the ground sprung Yank, and his long arms were wrappel around the outlaw. The latter was borne resistlessly to the ground, and the mountaineer’s prowess was shown by the fact that not a cry escaped bis victim’s lips. One moment both were upon their feet; the next they had entirely disappeared from view. Yank had struck no blow and done the smuggler no harm, but had put him out of sight with won- derful skill, Unluckily his work, quick as it was, had not passed unseen. A cry arose from one of the card-players; he addressed some remark to his companions, and then the whole party ran to- ward the scene of interest. Texas Tartar leaped to his feet, and a second later Yank’s voice arose, It was cool and delib- erate, but it sounded a signal well known to the detective. “To the rescue, Tim!” he cried, and then bounded down the steep hillside at reckless speed. Fast as he went he did not lead the rescue- party. A deep. ominous growl broke from the dog’s throat, and then he flashed past Texas Tartar. The smugglers were first on the scene, and Yank’s clubbed rifle was seen to circle thnough the air and felé one of the enemy, while, in a moment more, Moses hore a second to the ground, Then Yank’s other allies reached the spot and plunged into the fight. If they could have been left alone with their present adver- saries they would not have worried concerning the result; but the cries of the smugglers were sounding loudly, aud others came running to their aid. Yank Yellowbird swung his rifle again and sent anotber victim down, stunned. or disabled. ‘*Wade inter them!” he shouted. ‘‘ Remem- ber yer pedigreen an’ don’t git licked! Cut yer bigness, an’ bew right down ter the line, Clean ’em out as Samson did the Hottentots!” If anybody replied the words were not to be distinguished. All were busy. The smugglers were standing up well, but they had met good men. Yank was a host in himself, and his blows told every time; Texas Tartar fought sturdily by his side; Tim Purcell swung a convenient club, which he had picked up, and he swung it with reckless vim: while Moses fought lkikea veritable tiger. The assailants were outnumbered, but they did not once show signs of weakness. Present- ing a bold front they struck wherever an enemy was to be found, and the fruit of their gallant efforts suddenly became apparent. : The smugglers hesitated; then one of their number took to his heels. This was enough to decide the fight. Consternation seized upon all who were left, and with perfect accord they turned and dashed away into the woods. Yank’s exultant shout followed them. ‘“‘Hurrab fur our side! We've cleaned ’em out, an’ now fur the objick of our trip. Le’s s’arch the huts right away!” CHAPTER XXXVII. A FATEFUL REVOLVER-SHOT. * THE following morning David Westerley en- tered Robert Kendall’s prison-room. Kendall did not seem to be in the best of spirits, and his greeting lacked cordiality. ‘ ‘‘ How do you find yourself?” David asked. “Happy! Why should I be otherwise?” “You are certainly .uufortunate, but have courage: all will come out well,” ‘*Ts there new evidence?” ‘*Not to my knowledge.” ‘‘] don’t suppose you can testify in my be- half?” “T certairly shall, b»t 1 am afraid I can’t help you much.” : ‘“ Dave,” replied the prisoner, abruptly, ‘ cir- cumstances lead me to break my reserve some- what. Tim Purcell says he saw me return from a trip in one of his boats, the night of the tragedy. I have denied it heretofore; now I admit that he was right.” ** Indeed! Is that all?” “No!” was the reply. ‘‘I went out in the boat with an innocent object. I was restless, and was seized with a strong desire to get the lake breeze fully. I intended to pay Purcell for the use of his boat. What I saw made me re- solve never to let any one know of my trip. Can you surmise what it was?” Kendall looked at Westerley with a scowl, but the latter simply looked surprised. “No,” he responded. ‘‘Then I will tell you. Isaw you and Edgar meet the smugglers and receive the contra- band lace!” David started back. | . ‘* What?” he cried, with an air of uameasura- ble surprise. . “Didn't [ speak plainly?” **T don’t understand—” ‘“T saw the smuggler boat land. It was received hy two men. landed and waited. The smugglers were awhile on shore, and then * ’ a ,. = of ‘ they went out on the lake again. You and Edgar came near the water and watched them go. ThenI heard you ask Edgar if he had the lace safe. Hesaid he had. ‘Then let us go home,’ you returned, and you both walked west.” Kendall spoke in curt, ungracious tones, but David quickly answered: ‘Great beavens! do you think we were in league with the smugglers?” ‘* What else am I to think?’ ‘You are mad—mad! Why, man, Edgar and I have been secretly hunting the smugglers for weeks, It was our whim to keep the matter to ourselves. The night you mention we, too, saw the smugglers land, but it was not we who received them. The lace, of which I spoke to Edgar, we found where they accidentally drop- oed it among the rocks. We, smugglers! Why, obert, we have of late been treating with one of their allies across the line—I did not intend to confess it until we had learned all—and I now say we bope to prove you innocent through this man, We have bad him bere at the village —and, by the way, Tabor nearly nabbed us all when he was poking around, as usual. He cor- nered us and our half-smuggler in the old car- penter’s shed one night, but we were not going to give him a share in our game, and we slipped away from him. We, smugglers! Wby, Robert, we have been straining every nerve to prove your innocence, Perhaps we bave been foolish to work in secret, but work we have to the best of our ability!” David poured out this explanation rapidly, and Kendall's face was the scene of changing emotions. Surprise, doubt, bewilderment and chagrin succeeded each other, and then his face flushed scarlet, “*David, bave I wronged you so foully?” he cried. *’You’ve wronged us, Rob, hut we won’t ap- ply any hard names to it. You've been in a bard fix, and it was natural you should doubt even— Heavens! Robert, I see why you would not admit, you were out in the boat! You saw circumstances very much against Edger and me, and you iojured your own cause, by deny- ing that you were out in the boat, for our sake!” **T had no right to doubt you.” ‘Don’t say it. How were you to know we came by the lace honestly? Robert, your hand!” Both impulsively moved forward, and their hands crossed in a warm, friendly way. “* We're getting to light!” declared Westerley, with almost boyish enthusiasm. **T should say so. And you were hunting the smugglers! David, I’ve been on the same track, though I never progressed much. Do you know, 1 thought it would be a fine idea to run the gang down all alone, and, resolving to be wholly secret, I purchased a disguise of Amos Nash, the peddler—a blonde wig and false beard. That reminds me to say, perhaps they will be of use to you in your work against the smugglers. They are concealed among the rocks by the five big pines, You know the place?” ‘** Yes, and I may use them, A blonde wig and beard would be a good disguise,” ‘* Use them if you can,” ‘* T will, And now I'll leave you, Robert, for I have work todo. Beof good cheer, for I’m sure all will end well,” The young men shook hands cordially, and then David left the jail. He went home at once and met Edgar in the hall, ‘We have compuny up-stairs,” the younger brother observed, with a look of disgust. ** Who is it?” ** The Iibrahams, Jacob and Levi.” ** What are they doing here?” ‘*They asked to see Norma, but she was out, Grand{ford is now with them. What business can those reptiles have with Norma?” ‘* Have you been in?” ‘**Not I, I want no acquaintance with them.” ‘Tam going.” David promptly made his way to the room, and found the Ilbrahams talking witb Captain Grandford. Old Jacob welcomed bim witb an expansive smile, **My dear Meester Vesterley, I am veery glad to see you. I hope you are vell?” ey ts zpanke Uncle Lloyd, is there anything new Bestowing the one curt word upon Jacob, David had turned to his relative. ‘“ Nothing new,” Grandford replied, gravely. ‘‘ My son, Levi, hopes for better t’ings:” and J a smiled again, and spread out both hands widely, _ “Does he propose to catch the smugglers?” inquired David, with undisguised sarcasm, ‘* He may, my dear Meester Vesterley.” ‘* He looks like a hero!” The sneer was so open and bitter that no one could be oblivious to it, and Grandford spoke with mild reproof, ** David!” he uttered, suggestively. Levi first thrust the favoriteend of his melan- choly little mustache fiercely up until it pointed at his weak littleeye, and then gathered himself on bis feet, ‘* Demme, sir!” he querulously exclaimed, “ it is evident to me that you intend disrespect, I will have you understand that I—I, Levi Ilbra- ham—am as good as any man here, I ama graduate of Simpson College, an educated gen- tlewan and a scholar. I have, at times, com- posed Alexandrine poetry. Demme! such a man is not to be insulted with impunity, and I will withdraw!” The irate young man marched toward the door with dignity as ponderous as he could summon. ** Levi, my son!” cried Jacob, deeply shocked: but out went Levi in great wrath. ‘* Captain Krancford, see what you haf done,” added Jacob, angrily. ‘*T have said nothing.” ** You permitted it. He did der mischief,” Ilbraham looked at David with great hostility, but Grandford first winked to David, and then answered, soothingly: ‘** Be at ease, Mr. IJbraham. David meant no harm. He would not willingly injure any one’s feelings.” The captain clapped his hand heartily upom David’s shoulder, and the latter lost his ill- bumor, and smiled, , ‘* Pll take myself off, gentlemen, before I make any further commotion.” So saying, David left the room and went to hisown chamber. From there he could watch for Norma’s return, and this he intended to do, and keep her from falling into the hands of the Ilbrahams. Ih David’s opinion she would be disgraced by so much as looking at them. Perhaps ten minutes had passed when he heard some one enter Grandford’s room, He paid no particular attention to it, for he knew it might be Susie doing the chamber-work, and his mind turned to other subjects, A few moments passed; then he was rudely aroused, A revolver-shot rung out on the air, David sprung to his feet, He was not quite sure where the shot had come from, but it filled him with alarm for which he could not account. He hurried into Grandford’s room. The window was open; he looked out. Upon the ground lay the captain. As David looked, Granford partially raised bim- self on one elbow, and then fell back with help- less force which was terribly suggestive. The window was not high enough to daunt an active young man, and David sprung out at once, Alighting on bis feet be turned to his. uncle. A red stream was trickling down upon the ground, ard Lloyd Grandford was past human aid. ‘ Even while the young man looked, three per- sons turnecl the corner of the house. David looked_mechanically and saw Texas Tartar, Yank Yellowbird and a young woman. Even at that tragic moment Westerley started back in surprise as he saw the last of the trio. lt was Eve Hendricks—autve ! Texas Tartar spoke quickly: Ai We beard a shot— Great heavens! what is sf ‘** My uncle has met with a fatal accident.” ‘He was trying to escape, probably.” “To escape!” ‘* Why should he—” The detective laid one hand kindly, sympa- thetically upon Westerley’s arm. ‘*Friend David,” he replied, ‘‘be calm, and may you have strength to bear this blow. I would spare you from it if I could, but it is im- possible. Light has come at last, and I am able to say that the evil genitts of Powderhorn Mile was Captain Lloyd Grandford!” CHAPTER XXXVIITI. THE ERA OF EXPLANATION, HALF an hour later. The body of Captain Grandford bad been borne to the house, and several] persons besides: the members of the family were gathered there, in another room. It bad been shown that Levi Ilbraham, after leaving the house in anger, had discovered the approach of the party with Eve Hendricks in charge; and had re-entered the dwelling and given the news to bis father and Grandford, whereupon the latter at once left the Ibrahams. It was clear that he had tried to leap from bis: chamber-window, and had accidentally shot himself in doing so, Texas Tartar had announced himself as a de- tective whose real name was Merk Severn, and at his direction, Sheriff Troy, who bad appeared on the scene, put the [brabams under arrest. They had protested, and so had Charles Tabor, who was among those who bad gathered—the latter saw hisown laurels in danger—but the case was going all one way. — In Grandford’s pocket was found a_ paper,. dated the night before, which read as follows: *T, Lloyd Grandford, see Ganger ahead. I am going to escape if I can; if not, this confession will be found upon my person when I am dead. I will not be taken alive. ‘*T am the man who bas been the ally of the smug- glers at Powderhorn Mile. I entered upon the scheme because I was practically poor. and de- pc oh upon my relatives, the Westerleys. I aided he free-traders all I could, and receiv & share of “S Gomichboo ae m= ¥ NB a a ; a a TANS - s f es