Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 533 — page 19: 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. 19 pretty sure, and I move we call a town ne for sundown to-night. Jimmy Bower can tel ou what it’s all about if you don’t know; and tween now and then we can all keep our eyes open for fresh points. I hope something will turn up to show that we are on the wrong scent, but [’m mighty much afraid there won’t. How’s the vote? All speak at once, all speak alike, and it will sound louder.” The answer was aS unanimous as it was in- tended to be. Every man that voted said ac A " ‘“*'hen don’t stand around all afternoon talk- ing over the same old stories, Hunt up some- thing fresh, and be on hand at sundown. This meeting stands adjonrned,” The crowd did not disperse at once, but it gradually fell away, scattering over the town, some seeking further information, and others discussing the situation at the different saloons in the camp. ‘They mean it, sure as you live,” thought Merry May, watching the proceedings from a convenient window. ‘¢ And the worst of it is they all seem to think the same way. It looks to me as though some one was leading them who knows how to man- age the job. I don’t see anything of Ryan in the erowd; Oregon don’t appear to have turned up, and Pm left alone to back the losing side. Ugh! there’s more knocks than coin going in Brace Box. 1 wasa fcol to ever come here. [ suppose I had better look after something to eat no., and then visit the adorable Neville. I’m the ouly friend he bas, and he’s ina heap more danger than he knows of. The wonder is they are not looking after me. I begin to suspect they have Oregon, and my turn may come next.” May was thinking after this style as she lis- tened to the speaker from the porch. He was as roughly-dressed as any onein the mob; but he spoke with an accuracy that showed both education and the hablt of talking in public. If he was leading the crowd for a purpose, he was certainly a dangerous man, She determined to find out once who he was. After all, it was possible that no one had iden- tified her with the Norths. Bower did not seem to when he saw her seated at the dinner-table; and as she was a woman he talked quite freely, though she noticed he gave very little informa- tion that was not already public property. It was natural enough to be horrified at the out- rage and curious about the perpetrators, but Jimmy offered no explanation of the meaning of the speaker from the porch. While they were talking, Neville North came in quietly and took his seat near to her, Two men with revolvers in their belts came in at the same time, and seated themselves not far away. Under the circumstances, May was satisfied that they were a guard, but she paid no attention to them, greeting Neville with a friendly nod, while her face expressed gentle commiseration, without a shadow of suspicion. Fortunately she could speak to him without being over- heard. ‘You have got yourself into an elegant scrape, young man. Perhaps you don’t know it, but you are in danger of your life. A man thinks he saw you part froma gang that was carrying a girl toward Blindman’s Shaft, and some feminine fixings were found around there that makes the town think Miss Viola was taken there and left, Do you think Cyril has enough profit in her death to have arranged for it in that way?” ‘*Ts this the truth? They have not made up this story to throw you—and me—off guard?” ‘‘Ttis the very truth, unless lam more mis- taken than I ever was in my life before. They found her footprints on the edge of the shaft.” ‘Footprints, perhaps, but did Viola ever ‘stand over them? I tell 598 I would wager my } life that she is in Cyril’s bands; and I believe that he has arranged so as to throw suspicion on me, If he has that plan in view, I suspect you can make up your mind that he does not intend I shall ever rit Brace Box alive. What are the ing to do ; Oithey Bis going to have you up before a lynch court this evening, and probably make you climb a tree shortly thereafter, Take my advice, and get out of this before the storm really breaks.” ‘What? Run away?” ‘Yes, Make your escape at once, as I think youcan. It is unfortunate that both Oregon and Sam Ryan have not been around to-day. Indeed, { am almost certain that something has happened to them. Still, I think I can aid you, especially if Ican find some of Ryan’s friends, There is no time to argue, Will you go?” “What? Flee like the guilty wretch they ac- cuse me of being? Never!” ‘Sorry for you, then, young man, Of course Cyril counts on just such obstinacy, and youare playing right into his hands. It is part of the scheme. If you were at liberty you might be looking for Viola, As it is, those who would honestly search for her are all on the wrong ” ‘Perhaps you are right; yet I stand my ” The sullen determination of his tone convinced Merry May that argument would be of no avail. She did not wish to pose in public as his active and earnest friend, so she said no more, but, as she had finished ber dinner, withdrew. Shortly afterward she left the hotel, going in search of Solid Sam, or his friends; and anxious, if pos- sible, to learn what had become of Oregon, CHAPTER XXII, CAPTAIN GADLEY SMILES, ‘CAPTAIN GADLEY ” made his proposition as coolly as the average gallant declares his inten- tions under roof, and knowing that be stands well up in the list of eligibles. Viola North re- ceived it without any apparent surprise. To have seen her one would have thought that she was considering what answer should be given. So she was, after a way; but the proposal had not surprised ber a particle. She expected something of the kind. The question in her mind was whether she should or should not take back what she bad vowed, and recognize the man as her cousin. ‘*Come!” he said, noting her hesitation, and guessing the cause of it. ‘“* Why persist in this folly? You know that I am Cyril, and as 1 said, in substance, the same thing a number of years ago, you should have your answer ready by this time, If you think it a bad predicament why not make the best of it, anyhow? I mean every word I say, just as J meant it before; how can you doubt me? Why have you sought me out if it was not to answer? Take your time, but say yes.” He was a good-looking fellow—better looking, if anything, than Neville, and he seemed to grow in earnestness. He looked little like an outlaw just then. . **T will take back something of what I said,” responded Viola, slowly. ‘*T will even admit that, from the outset, J knew you. But 1 have said that I will not con- sider any such offer—if you can call an offer anything said in the face of such an outrage— while | am your prisoner. I will only say that i course is bringing you into danger, and if am aetained here even a little longer my frienas will organize such a pursuit that your capture and my release will be certain. After that, if you have any reason to fear the rope, you can guess the ending.” ‘“‘Ha, ha! Just as brave as ever; and just as hopeful. It’s a pity, truly a pity, to spoil these youthful illusions; but I assure you that, what- ever danger may threaten others, | feel myself secure, ey ke did look out for number one pretty well. Now, there are double risks, and I take double precautions.” _“ Why, man alive, what precautions can avail when the whole district turns ont to hunt you, by such men as Neville North and Oregon? They have money enough to equip a regiment, and their nerve is fullv equal to yours.” ** My sweet cousin, if you are depending for assistance upon any one but yourself you are most egregiously off. The gentlemen you men- tion will not move a step; and all Brace Box will stay at home.” Why?’ “That is my secret; and yet, I don’t mind mentioning it to you. ‘** Your named leaders have their own affairs; and very pressing ones they seem to be. Take Oregon, for instance. [’m not sure that he’s dead, but I’d sooner bet large that he was than that he wasn’t. Last night he was led into a skillfully contrived ambuscade, captured and carried away. Brace Box will know him no more. ‘*That hits you hard, does it? Well, there is Neville, then. He don’t want to come out asa leader, In the first place he had a very strong notion that you fled to my sheltering arms. In the next place he couldn’t come if he wanted. By a little finesse the camp was all thrown on the wrong scent, They believe that you were murdered and thrown into the Blindman’s Shaft; the gentle Neville even now is under arrest as the principal in thecrime. They may not ele- vate him at once, but it’s dollars to cents that shortly after dark Judge Lynch’s court will look the prisoner very firmly in the face and say, guilty: and no recommendation to mercy.” ** Good heavens!” There was the quiet accent of truth in Cyril’s aes so that Viola did not in the least doubt im, ‘“Yes. The heavens are very kind—to me, The disappearanve of Oregon is a great point in my favor, though [may have something more to say about it heresfter. As the friend of the accused his absence will tell greatly against bim. Indeed, T count on its largely assisting to cause his eleVation.” ‘You fiend, you!” ; Viola looked at ber cousin in horror. If she had-known less about him she might have sup- ee a toat Cyril was trying to alarm her, for it ardly seemed possible that in so brief a period of time sucha villainous scheme could have been laid, and so far carried into execution, At her exclamation Cyril laughed gayly. ‘Tf I was not well aware that the feelings of my relative toward me are of the same unchris- tian nature I might feel some compunction, If he had meinas bad a predicament he would = ‘ s , en 4 = ede ee een cece, emcee ceepheenecieemeestnateseesearsisiiiiaaneneetisiitiiiattiait i EE Ln —~ — not only say, ‘ Let bim bang,’ but be would cry for atug at the rope. Then, why should I be unhappy, when I see myself about to be relieved of what, I confess, has always been a great an- noyance? If I was sure of you, however, I won’t say that I would not be willing to let bim off with a good fright. Fiend yourself! What will you be if you don’t save him, when you have the chance?” ‘* What do you mean by that?” ‘* The easiest sort of a conundrum. Suppose, just as they were slipping the noose over his neck, you appeared on the scene and called a halt, I can see the eyes the crowd would make as you told them that all these deceptive indications were arranged so that you could run away from one cousin to marry another without interrup- tion. You hold bis life in your hand. Decide what is to become of it.” *“Tdo not believe that you would allow the the matter to go to such an extreme. If so—if he can make his escape in no other way—he must die. But I caution you to beware.” He turned quickly, and without answer. The oung man who had obeyed bis calla short time batons, again made his appearance, holding a small purse in his hand as he entered, ‘‘ Excuse the interruption but I understood you to desire prompt investigation, This I sup- e, is the article, At least, it bears the young ady’s name, Number Six bad it; Number Eight appeared to know nothing about it, What are your wishes?” **Ts Number Six hung yet?” ‘* No, sir. I desired to be certain that this was the right purse.” ‘* Well, hang him, then. I will be along in ten minutes, to make sure that the work has been properly done.” “* Yeu, sit.” The lieutenant withdrew and Cyril went on: ‘*T am certain you will be curious to know how this winds up, and so I assure you I intend that you shall see. You will then havea chance to know how our cousin will look after sentence has been executed, Meditate a few moments. If you can pane yourself to make proper an- swer to what 1 bave asked you, of course you can be spared the double infliction. Otherwise swear, you shall see them both,” Cyril left her to her own devices fora brief period; but though she glared around anxiously enough she saw nothing that suggested assist- ance in her plight. The building that held ‘her was probably never intended for a prison; but as faras she was concerned, it answered the purpose well enough, It was a rough hut, built very solidly of logs, and there was a stone fireplace ut oneend. The floor was furnished by the flat rock upon which the cabin was built, and the puncheon dor that was secured by bolts and bar inside and heavy hooks outside looked able to bar, either way, the progress of a regiment, There wasa window but outside of the window was a sentinel, so tha escape in that way was shut off. Viola felt very much tempted to throw herself down upon the rough couch in the corner, and abandon herself to despair, If the window had been a little lower, ora little higher, she might have done so. On account of the difficult possibility she made an effort to peep into the outside world— and succeeded, There was not much to be seen; but that little added to her loneliness. The cabin was built upon a narrow ledge. She could not see the precipice that towered above her, but she could look down into the valley that seemed to be hundreds of feet be- ow. A eT cane nook it might otherwise have seemed, though somewhat sbeded, and evidently the ni af hog of the outlaws. She could see a dozen of them gathered around a common center, There was an instant of confusion, and what looked to her like conflict. When it was over a man was being dragged away toward a tree that stood suggestively near. Even at that dis- tance she could see the rope arvund bis neck, and imagine what was to be his fate, Number Six had been called up to punishment parade. The sight sickened her. She dropped down from her tiptoes, and resting her arms against the wall leaned her bead against them. ‘* My heavens!” she muttered. ‘It isa just punishment, Why should I have taken up the task because those whose duty it was failed? If this sight will haunt me fora life- time oat would it be if my bands knotted the rope . And yet, with feminine inconsistency, she raised her head to take another look. She felt that she could never be contert unless she knew the ending of thescene, that bad just bad such a benumbing effect. oe She had been crouching below the window sill longer than she knew. The struggle was over, the group of men had disperred, and to the lower hranch of the tree there bung a dark ob- ject which she knew to be a buman body. — echoed by a laugh, as Cyril stepped into the ‘‘T had intended to ask you to take a stroll &, with me, so GOIMil et ee ~——- ee ee oe wy Again she drew back with acry; and this was. cbooks:com ae eee eee need TS ST ST A A ——— a