Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 533 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

Oregon, the Sport with a Scar. have heard or seen something that you are keep- ing back from me. What isit? You did not use to have such peculiar notions. No one was more anxious than you when the quest started.” **And you are determined on running him to the ground, no matter how he may double or strive to escape?’ **Tf you put it in that shape, yes. The truth suits me very well, The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Now tell me what you have learned, or seen, to-night. Something, for you were not so half-hearted when you left me a few hours ago.” The conversation was held in a tone hardly above a whisper, but both were very much in earnest. The two were standing now, and near an open window, It seemed nothing strange that he leaned over, raising his left forefinger in something like a gesture for silence. There was a mystery somewhere; certainly Viola would never have expected danger then and there. Even when his right arm dropped sud- denly around her waist, she was a little indig- nant, but not much startled, . After that the time to help herself by words or act was past. The arm around her closed like a vise, the other hand shut down over her mouta; and, save that she had a hazy idea of being lifted from the floor and passed out through an open window, she knew no more, When, at last, she recovered her senses, it was to find herself riding in front of a horseman, whose burly arms and towering figure could hardly be mistaken for those belonging to either Neville or Cyril North. By the side of this man rode another, bis | equal in build, and his like in general appear- | ance, Both were silent, and they sent their horses along at a swinging trot that got over the ground at a rapid rate, was not hard for Viola to guess that they were following an upward trail that led into the mountains, For a moment or so after her first start she | lay qufet in the fellow’s arms, gathering her | wandering strength. Whenshespoke, her voice | was still husky, yet stronger by far, and steadier, | than she expected, | + Who are you, men? Where are you taking | me ‘*Gadley’s Gang, marm. That answers all both ov yer questions; an’ gives "bout ez much infurmashan ez it’s ther squar’ thing ter ax. Ef yer hez any more, pickle ’em down till yer meets ther boss. He kin talk ez much ez he’s a mind ter; butit ain’t safe fur us ter let our tongues woggle too free, He ’xpecks every man ter do his dooty, an’ thim ez don’t he lets lead thro’, an’ gits a new man. Hope stands,” The hint was intelligible enough. It gave Viola to understand that their lives depended on the faithful performance of their duty ; it was no use for her to question farthie had told all they were authorized to, Gadley’s Gang! Then, these were the men from whom she had esca through the wit and courage of erty ay. Doubtless they had followed her into Brace Box, and captured her for the sake of the ransom they were certain she could pay. But where was Neville? What share had he in the outrage? _She had almost forgotten him until this ques- tion came to her like a flash. Then came the answer, Neville North had nothing to do with the matter. And Cyril North a great deal. Once more she had been deceived either by the thoroughness of a disguise or through the extraordinary resemblance of the two men. ‘* And in that case Cyril and Captain Gadley of the road-agents are probably one and the same, After what [ have said, I may know what to expect, It will bea relief to see him, and know the worst, He may think that my little story comes too late,” If his identity with the well-known outlaw could ever be suspected, it was not very likely that Cyril would be willing to put himself where hanging was the natural corollary, Though Viola expected to see him every min- ute, the well-known outlaw delayed his coming. Her ride lasted for hours. Though her cavaliers were mespeckial, they were silent and vigilant. It was about morning when a permanent halt was made, and she was permitted to seek the rest for which she was almost dying. Before she had fairly closed her eyes she was fast asleep, forgetful of her troub es; nor did she awaken until Captain Gadley stood in her presence, : f She knew him by instinct, and coolly stared him in the face, trying to trace the re:emblance she expected to see, He gave a short laugh, such as she had _ heard over and over again in the past, but uttered no word of greeting in response to his inquiring gaze, until her eyes fell, ‘**You’re not sure, but you suspect that this time you have found the Simon-pure articie, Under the circumstances it is hard to see how you can deceived, You would hardly take me for the gentle Neville in the midst of such . surroundings,” yer onder+ r, as they From the motion, it | and that |. ‘Who are you, sir? Whatis the meaning of this outrage?” She was, if anything, cooler than when she returned to consciousness in the arms of the ruffian, and there was no spark of recognition in ber eyes, “That all just depends on who is asking the : baa Doubtless you have beard of a certain ipa named Captain Gadley. Mr. Gadley and myself are one and the same, If that gen- tleman ever had any other object in this life save money I never was aware of the fact; and you can understand that we have been pretty intimate acquaintances during the time he has been collecting the taxes,” ‘*] have no doubt that you are as great a ruf- fian, as huge a rascal as you represent yourself to be, but you have made the mistake of your life if you think you will make a dollar from me beyond those of which you have already plundered me,” ‘** Excuse me. One moment, please, Of course, in collecting the percentages from the average passengers in the hearse, [ have to look after the odd Seay yk but with my capecia) guests it is an entirely different thing. I hope you don’t im- agine that [ am one of the kind that steals the coppers from a defunct Ethiopian’s eyelids, or absconds to Canada with the embezzled pro- ceeds of a peanut-stand? If I find that after all my effort at liberal education any of my men have been guilty of such ten-cent nonsense [ shall apply the rod of correction after a fashion they will certainly despise. Examine your pockets and give an account of missing stock.” He spoke with a sternness that showed he intended to be obeyed. Uncertain what fur- ther he meant Viola turned her pocket inside out. ‘*T had a purse once upon atime, with about a hundred dollars in it, that I always carried then. I see nothing of it now, and of course the supposition is that your treasurv is that much the richer.” ‘Ah, su positions don’t always go. We'll investigate,’ de put a whistle to his lips, and blew a low, triling blast, In answer a young man made his appearance, ‘* Investigate Numbers Six and Hight. This young lady claims that they have relieved her of her purse and a hundred dollars, If that is the fact, bang them, I gave them due cau- tion.” ** Certainly, sir.” The young man, who had rather a handsome face, and an air about him that showed he was uthority, touched his hat as he spoke, and out further question departed, If Captain ey was in earnest, and his orders were ed, Viola had pea started an unpleasant tigation for the gentlemen known as Six and Eight. ‘Discipline must be maintained,” continued the captain, again turning toward Viola, ‘if it breaks up theGang, I hope that you have been mistaken; if you are correct, I will have you view the result.” Miss North shuddered slightly as she listened, She was certain that she bad only told the truth, but it was terrible to think she might have doomed two men to death without advancing her own interests a particle, ** Now, we'll return to our mutton, as they sometimes say, putting the words into very bad French, ‘**Of course you recognize me—your affection- ate cousin, Cyril North. For some time I have been aware of the fact that you were searching for me. From what I have picked up, there have been some new developments concerning our aunt’s will, and the bulk of her fortune comes to me—as it should. You know as well I do that I had nothing to do with that miserable affair at the bank.” She refused to answer the question by word or sign. After a slight pause he smiled and went on: ** As Tread the rapers I am aware that the cloud has lifted, the really guilty parties rising with it. Since then there bas been a feveris industry about the efforts you have been mak- ing to secure justice for the unfortunate Cyril, that has been a puzzle. I know the immense singleness of purpose of which you are capable; but to be so entirely anxious to thrust half a million or so into the hands of a man whom you once professed to hate so bitterly is more than I can entirely understand. What is your little game?” ‘“*Tf you 'were Cyril North a thousand times over I would refuse to treat with you when you approach me in such guise, He has re- fused to meet me openly; and every time he has come in disguise or by stealth he has made an effort to strike a deadly blow. So long as I am here you may rest very certain that I will not have a word to say in regard to the busi- ness on which Neville and I wish to meet him.” “Very positively said, my sweet cousin. Now, you hear me. While my business here is fairly remunerative, I will not deny that I de- sire a change. As I understand it, the Ruggles fortune is mine for the claiming. At the same time | am haunted by a miserable suspicion that you might some day declare I was not 15 Cyril North, but an impostor whose right name was Captain Gadley, That would be awkward, and I prefer to take measures rendering this unlikely, Neville is an unmitigated fool; but you area woman of sense. He deserves, and will get nothing. You deserve all you can lay your hands on, For these reasons, and others not necessary to mention, I propose to make you Mrs. North before we leave this retreat, After that, you and [ against the world. We can take care of ourselves.” CHAPTER XVII. OREGON’S LONE HAND, ‘“* By ther rollin’ wheels!” exclaimed Oregon, as his eyes fell on the unfortunate Chestnut, **They’ve got ther dead medicine on us this time, and don’t yer furgit it. Cleaned Chink out right under our noses, an’ sloped with ther spoils, we not seein’ "em. Why didn’t yer shout er shoot, young man? We war all thar, jest waitin’ fur an’ invite ter come in. They got yer stamps, in course?” Sam Ryan had meantime been hunting for the candle, and found it on the floor. When he had Jitit Oregon quickly and quietly cut the cords, Chestnut popping up like a jumping- jack, as they fell wie “Go fur’em, quick!” he shouted, swinging himself wildly around as his eyes shot to this side and that, to make sure tbat the robbers had made good their escape. “They can’t hev got fur. heavy a load ter run fast. All my pile, every durned red cent, an’ me a-starvin’! Ob, ther precious rascals! Ill hev ther law on’em, er youll think it’s a ’bull army, what’s shootin’ my guns off.” ‘Oh, don’t git excited,” said Oregon, as he quietly seized Chestnut by the shoulder and stop- ped him as he was about rushing out, ‘*Who did ther trick, and when? It don’t seem more than a minute ago chat 1 was looking in through yonder window, an’ seen everything lovely, an’ you a-countin’ ther casb,” “Bf you'd only stayed! That’s whar they went out—a good round dozen ov ’em ther’ war, Yer must hev heard ther stampin’ and ther shootin’, Why ner blazes didn’t yer come sconer? It war too orful fur any one tell I got wored down,” ‘Tt was exciting, Chestnut Chink,” remarked the Sport with a Scar, quite gravely. ‘We were actually afraid tercome ip. Butif yer don’t sail a leetle nearder to ther truth, we'll hev ter wade in ourselves. I’m yer solid friend, Chestnut, so you tell me jest who it war, an’ how he worked ther racket. It’s bizziness ’'m after, now, an’ not fun,” ** W’ot’s ther use ov tellin’ ther truth. I don’t know nothin’, I war sottin’ thar countin’ ther coin; an’ ther next thing I knowed I didn’t know nothin’, Ther lights went out, an I war dead ez . ge yee didn’ the [ nd you didn’t see or recognize the [part that ld 3 you?” .. sae Merry May was listening with interest, and tbrew in ber question at a venture. “Thunder, no! They war too thick ter see ’em. But Pll find ’em, an’ I'll be even with ’em er lose a leg. Don’t be goin’. Gracious! Woul yer leave me hyer, all alone?” ‘There are some things more important than others, and I don’t think we can afford to waste time listening to your lamentations,” replied Merry May, sharply. ‘We'll give you a chance, however, to get as even as you could or should desire. Put us in sight of the men who have robbed you, and if we can’t get your money back from them I will undertake to make good your losses, I’m not making you the offer twice, either, Rustle ‘round! If you get on the trail come to Jimmy Bower’s for us. You'll find us all there, and we'll run it down for youif you can’t make the riffle. Of course it’s all one point for you and half a dozen for us; but that’s none of your busi- ness, Good-nigut; and the next time ycu hit it so big don’t let the Gang get away with your luggage.” hestnut began to return thanks, If they had remained to hear, his tongue, now that the steam was up, would probably have kept run- ning all night. Heseemed to have a good deal to explain, considerable more to express, and to have no lack of words to do justice to the occa- sion. It was observable, also, that be never laughed once. Merry May shut off all this. She aloe strode rei making an almost im sah 4 e gesture to ber companions, who followed her without a word, She was evidently thinking hard, as they went along; and Oregon, who was furtively watching her, could have sworn that she man- aged to watch the door of Cbestnut’s dug-out, though she never once turned her head, until it was fairly beyond sight, Then she halted, and beld up her band. ‘There you have it; and who would have thought it? We've lost pe of the balance, but the Fates have left us Chestnut; and, if ’'m not ’way off, be’s the hub of the whole affair.” ‘*How do yer make that out?” queried Ryan, a little puzzled. . An’ they’ve got too Le COmiGcidoo <S.CO a. —