Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 525 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

_ visitor, ot te ie I'resh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. 11 open an’ look fer Rattlesnake, He be ’round, | big chief on wheels,” t was evident that the chief had been among the whites a good deal. Though his sentences were short he spoke plainly, and Rhoda had no difficulty in comprehending his meaning, She had ceased to feel any great alarm; but she was fairly puzzled. **l am much obliged to you, Mr. Rattlesnake, for your information and good wishes, but I don’t understand why you should concern your- self about my danger, or my father’s success, Are all of your tribe so tender-hearted?” The Indian shook his head, ** Rattlesnake heap friend father. He save life of Rattlesnake father heap moons past, when him big medicine. Squaw not know; Rattlesnake know. Tribe fight for bad men; Rattlesnake hate bad men, Want git even, You trust every time; no git left. You tell white men keep eyes peeled; keep eyes wide open—all get scooped, White man come, you tellwhat Rattlesnake say, So long. See you bimeby soon.” Without waiting for an answer the Indian slipped away as noiselessly as he bad come, not another sleeper in camp having been disturbed. Rhoda listening could hear nothing of him, though she did hear the sound of approaching footsteps—Destiny Dave and her father, who had just finished a conference outside of the camp, They separated as she looked out at them, and Major Raleigh came directly toward the ambulanos, A movement made by Rhoda showed that she was not asleep, and he spoke somewhat anx- ionsly: “IL hope you have not been alarmed. Dave and I were talking over the journey. He will have to change his route a little, on account of your presence, which had not originally been counted on, Of course, with the men around you, there could be no occasion for fear,” ‘‘Tam hardly one of the fearful kind or I would not have been here, Besides I had a His cheerful conversation would of itself have been sufficient to allay any nervous- ness I might feel on account of my peculiar position.” ** A visitor!” Kiward Raleigh showed both surprise and anger at hearing this intelligence, If his men were intruding so early in the march they might give trouble enough later on. * Yes, a gentleman who styled himself Mr. Rattlesnake. After all, he was more earnest than amusing.” ‘Which one of the men was it?’ asked Raleigh, Fig ston * Would you know him again? What did he look like?” ‘Very much like a full-blooded Indian, He styled himself a mighty chief, and I have no reason to disbelieve his word,” ‘*Then he was not one of our men at all. Did the boys not see him? How did he get into the camp?” ‘* They did not seem tu see him either come or go; and he left word for you that if “be did not keep better watch you would all be ‘scooped in.’ He was very friendly, and, I should judge, a man of solid sense.” ‘*But what did he want; how came he to speak to you?” ‘*He was anxious to scatter good advice around. As we never met before I could not well imagine that I fascinated him.” Then, dropping ber tone of badinage Rhoda told the particulars of her little adventure, in- cluding the very words of the chief, so far as she could remember them; winding up with: **So you see that I have found out some- thing of what_you have iu view, in spite of your silence, It’s a mine you are after; one of those remarkable bonanzas, that will draw men by the hundreds, away from peace and plenty to starvation in the wilderness, I can see be- forehand that the result will be failure, even if no worse. If I had not my reasons—foolish, girlish reasons they are—and were it not that I have all of your obstinacy of Poe when I have once started out, [ would beg you to go back even now, and at the sacrifice of the time and money you have wasted on the scheme,” The major was troubled on two accounts. In spite of Rhoda’s explanation, he could not understand the object of the Indian in entering his camp. Were his words for good or ill? Her warning worried him also, It put in sbape the more than doubts that had been agi- tating bisown mind. He was willing to take desperate chances himself, and knew that when his daughter once declared her intentions, no ordinary dangers would cause her to recede. Yet, as he cared for her in his own firm way, he did not feel altogether comfortable at taking her into them. Add to that, he was really a little out of temper at her finding out so much about the intentions that he had not revealed to her, and did not expect to until they were nearer to the scene of operations. He tried to show nothing of this in his speech; the darkness hid the expression of his face, “My dear child, since you are so far to the front that you can’t go back, it will be just as | di ooo | well for you not to worry about what losses may happen to me, You have discovered enough of the truth to force me to tell you the rest, unless I keep silent altogether. As you say, there isa mine, If it was worked after our American methods, it would turn out equal to the most fabulous bonanzas, Legally the title belongs to me, but in Mexicol am not sure that is any great advantage. The authorities, such as they are, seem to prefer to lay in with the rascals, ‘*T may be able to hold and work this mine, In that case it would take but a few years to satisfy iy most ardent desires for wealth, **T may not be able to hold this mine, which is located on what is known as ‘The Guadana Grant; but this much I do know: It has been worked before to very good purpose, und there is a cache of the result that is the first object of this expedition.” ‘*Perhaps you may find some difficulty in either discovering or carrying away this buried treasure, No doubt there have been other searchers for it, who may have succeeded in un- earthing it long ago. Others know of it and are watching, or will be watching you, if they have not already found it. You may make a convenient cat’s-paw,” **As I have said, I must take my chances, though I fear not that the hidden fortune has been found, unless it be by the Indians. ‘In the Jatter case it might still be there, safe enough, They have little use for the pre- cious metals, though sometimes they use them for ornaments, or now and then take in to settlements a few small nuggets to exchange for whisky, or some necessity, It is generally agreed that the Indians know the secret diggings and hidden mines, but they keep the knowledge to themselves. They are only too anxious to avoid the rush that follows when such secrets ure made known,” ‘* And bow is it that you know all about this secret, which otherwise seems to have been kept for so many years?” ‘* It was never a secret to me,” responded the major, a trifle gloomily, ** Those that bide can find. It was years ago yet it all seems as clear as though it happened yesterday. Butthere! IT am in no mood for talking more to-night, The real journey begins to-morrow, and as an early start should be made, there is none too much time for rest, Some other time I will tell you more—perhaps when we have reached the goal it may seem all the more interesting, As I have talked frankly you might return the compliment, You know now what it is that draws me on this dangerous quest, but you have failed to say what has been phe a romantic love of adventure—the peculiar fascination for you.” “For me? Oh, I am going in the hope of meeting an old friend. Now, not another word hs ip I have had a}l the news I can digest, and | am going to sleep,” It was the first intimation that Raleigh had of his daughter’s inner expectation, ant it was agenuine surprise. He had noidea who the friend might be. He thought of Frank Foxton first thing, but from what Rhoda had previously said. the friend could hardly be he, AVho else was it then? Of course, if there was another man in the case, she would hardly be apt to yield to the fascinations of Foxton, which was some con- solation; but who was the other man? In spite of his intimate knowledge of his daughter, he was about to open his mouth and ask. He closed his lips again when he remembered that oe but stern parental command would force her to speak after she had declared the conversation closed, Under the circum- stances he did not wish any unpleasantness be- tween them, so he followed her example and po age himself for slumber, hoping that he would obtain some more explicit information on the morrow, For the balance of the night the slumbers of the two were unbroken, though they were up by times, and preparing for the march that was before them, Of that march itis not necessary to givea history. It was toilsome and tedious, yet Rhoda found interest in it, with less visible danger than she had expected. Destiny Dave knew the region fairly well, and timed the sec- tions of the journey with an eye largely to her comfort, The little army was brought under strict discipline, and at night it would have puzzled even Rattlesnake to make his way to where Rhoda slept, without being challenged. His having done so once had no doubt been a warning that would not be neglected. Much of their journey had been through a wild and often rugged country, but that finally began to change. They were skirting the ober of what might be called civiliza- ion. Their way led over achain of rolling foot- hills, away from which spread vast plains of almost level land. More than once they saw herds of cattle and their attendant horsemen in the distance, Concealment was hardly possible, if they had attempted it. _ One day, from the top of one of these hills, ‘ the air was at its clearest, they could see b j ¥ cf we soa oe oy tml ~ _—_—————— Orel nw ee your prejudices—I wil] not say fears—but miles away the dim outlines of extensive build- ings. aleigh pointed them out to his daughter. “It is worth while tosee them, since they are the only signs of population we will be apt to meet witn on our way.” ‘* Yes. It looks as though one might be will- ing to live there. Who is their owner?’ Rhoda spoke as though they were at home, where the owner of every noticeable property was known to about everybody, Her father laughed. “if I was well enough acquainted with the country to say, I would not be paying Destiny Dave quite so big a salary to act as guide, Some rich rancher, doubtless.” **Do you know?” she asked, turning to Dave, who happened to be riding near, | **T don’t know, ’ca’se I never bin thar, an’ don’t jest recomember hearing ary one says but I should jedge thar’s on’y one ranch like that hereaways, an’ that’s what’s called ther Banzos Hacienda, Ef it are, ther’s beaps big money thar, more cattle than you kin shakea stick at frum now tell next day, an’ a rattlin’ leetle gal ter run ther ranch,” ‘““The Banzos Hacienda!” exclaimed Rhoda, ‘*Then let me tuke a look at it. I have an idea that it is worth the seemg.” She stood up as she spoke, and steadying her- self by two of the posts to the top of the ambu- lance, took a long look at the clump of buildings that showed hazily in the distance. Then, with them as a center, she let her eyes sweep around until she bad taken in the whole lay of the land, Then she dropped back in her seat. ‘* And so that is the Banzos Hacienda! Who would have thought 1t?” | i” major was watching his daughter curi- ously. “You seem strangely interested. What es- pecial interest has the place for you?” ‘*Oh, I have heard of it. I must say the view surpasses my expectations, and some day I shall try to take a closer look, Would it be much out of our way to go there now?” ‘‘ Very much indeed,” responded Raleigh, dryly. a ? think if we made the visit it is very doubt- ful if we found this trail again. But we will not discuss the subject now. There is no time to waste on side excursions. I only hope that we have not been seen from over yonder, I think not, though. Against the mountain line behind us we should make but little showing.” ** And yonder are two gentlemen who seem to have much the same opinion,” said Rhoda pointing back over the route by which they had come, ‘* They are either following us, or are keeping out of sight of the bacienda,” ‘* Heavens!” exclaimed Raleigh. “Tt’s Jones and that infernal Foxton.” CHAPTER XII, FOXTON HOLDS THE DROP. Ir was nothing but a guess, yet Raleigh guessed very shrewdly. Foxton had flanked the outlaws, as he had desired; and then ambled along southward, accompanied by bis retainer. How they subsisted on the route was a conun- drum it might have puzzled them to answer, save by saying they had lived off of the country by the aid of the shot-gun. It would have been hard to have made the major believe that they had not been following his trail; while the fact was that as yet they had not struck it, The Fresh Sport was on a line of bis own, The conversation of the two at the very moment Raleigh uttered his impa- tient exclamation might have enlightened him somewhat, could he have heard it. ‘“‘T’'m afraid the old man has lost his chance for this time, Thought we'd strike his spoor for certain before this. Not that it makes much difference as pe as no one goes through for my wealth and collaterals; but I think he’ rest easier if I could put in his bands the a gage of his I received from Captain John. can wait, though. The good aritan didn’t let side issues interfere it! much with his af- fairs after all, and I don’t think I will either.” The longer phd journeyed together the more freely Frank spoke to his aide. Jones and his shot-gun had really been very comfortable at- tendants, ‘* Ez I don’t know whar ther major’s goin’, I cain’t say fer sure, but I'd jedge it won’t be — long afore we strike his tracks, onless he’s slid over ther other side ov ther mount’in’, Yister- day mornin’ war ther fu’st real good chance, an’ ez we didn’t hit him then we'll be ther more apt > ter do it ter-day.” ‘* Very true, if we are on traveling, but I- guess I've got enough for a little while, Pm thinking seriously of going into camp, and tak- ing a leisurely view of the country, Not a bad place to settle, this, Eh, Robert?” ““Settle—blazes! Ef month, an’ pay in advance for think I'd be hyar? Not ez long ez nt ter cut, an’ ther Greasers kerry knives. A white man hez ez much business byar ez acat down berlow ’thout claws.” ; ‘* Ah, yes, you have tried to impress me with m S COMICHoOO warn’t tee Lh auf ays, dyer hed 4 thane € Idon’t > rye se A <) , QO |. - =