Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 535 — page 5: what you’re looking at

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

: atl catn a r * . . is “2 art. bp A . step < brief flight leading into the bank. “Take a ' This change of position brought him face to the window, out of which he ‘gazed, blankly at first, but then with growing interest. Hardly knowing what to think of this fellow, Dudley Mann was watching him closely, trying to decide whether he was more fool than rogue, thinking the while that master and man were admirably matched, by way of contrast. And as he watched he saw that growing interest in the gaunt face of SaulSunday. It was the face of a man who sees something that excites a strong interest in his busy brain. Dimly wondering what this might be, Mann altered his position so as to gain a fairer view of the street, when he too grew strongly interested in the movements of two persons who were ap- proaching the bank. ‘““That cur!” he muttered, beneath his breath, as he recognized Major Holly Gardenhire. ‘‘ And he has— You infernal scoundrel!” He saw the major lift a vail and steal a kiss from the lips of the maiden whom he hoped to win for his own wife, and leaping through the opening, Dudley Mann dashed out the lower sash of the window, springing to the ground almost within arm’s-length of the dastard and his shrinking, trembling victim. “Down, you bound! into the gutter!” he raged, hurling Gardenhire backwar« and clasp- ing the almost fainting maiden in his strong arms. CHAPTER V. HOW THE MAJOR WAS SAT UPON, MajorR HOLLY GARDENHIRE surely must have discounted something of this sort when he ielded to temptation at sight of Dudley Mann inside the bank, yet he was wholly taken by surprise when that human catapult came othe the window amidst a jingle of broken glass, He was facing the door through which he ex- pected his rival to emerge, ready to meet his attack with full or empty hands as that assault would justify, but this headlong hasta discon- certed him, and before he could turn to meet it, the fierce grip of the bank clerk closed on his shoulder and hurled him into the gutter. Fortunately for himself the major was pro- tected from worse by the struggling of the maiden. Only by reaching across her shoulders could Dudley touch his rival, else that shove would bave been a blow, and Gardenbire would not have been in such a hurry to regain his feet. As it was the fall proved a severe one, and for a brief space the major lay gasping on the flinty ground, seeing more stars than his limited knowledge of astronomy could name or place. Dudley Mann hardly gave the malicious little rascal a second look, for with a choking, sob- bing cry Lida Corwin sprung into his eager‘arms, shivering like one with a severe chill, but mak- ing no attempt to ward off the hot kisses which her cousin rained upon ber pale face, ‘‘How could you—bow dare he kiss you, Lida?” cried Mann, scarce conscious of the words that passed his lips as he recalled that maddening sight to which his attention had been called by the eager gaze of Saul Sunday. ‘* He said—be swore—” ** Pll kill you, dog, for daring to lay hands on a gentleman!” he vicious speech came from the bearded lips of Major Gardenhire as a matter of course, and Lida broke off with a frightened shriek as she saw her late escort staggering to his feet from the gutter, the sunlight oath brightly from the silver mountings of a revolver clasped in bis right hand. : Dudley Mann also recognized his peril, but he could do naught to avert it, just then, hamper- ed as he was by those clinging, loving arms. ‘**Uphand my promised bride, you beggar!” added Gardenhire, forgetting his fauat cool prudence as hesaw how surely his vengeance was within his grasp, and unable to refrain from giving his hated rival a bitter sting even in death, * Sufferin’ grindpap!” came a harsh, excited voice from just behind the little dssperado, uc- companied by a whistling sound asa polished staff shot forward to knock the aangerous weapon npward as it explo to send its con- tents far away toward the misty clouds. ** Bloody murder an’ ‘tarnal massacreeation! Good Lawp! what is this world comin’ to when weenty kids like you take to babi eed duds an’ totin’ a sure-enough gun! hen little runts. Quit your kickin’, sonny, ‘less ye want five fingers fer a patch on the part you brush a chair with!” That deft stroke with the staff had not only disarmed the major, but it had temporarily de- abi him of the use of tbat hand, though no ones were broken, And before he could fully rally, Saul Sunday closed with him, handling n much as a giant might handle a child. “Is this fair play?’ raged the major, strug- gling to free himself from that grip. ‘Is this the way you-—” “* [t's valet struck usiness, sonny,” coolly interposed the whirling his captive around until his heels sbarply against the lower of the at } ’ - ( r . _ a aid ‘ Pd Pa Sel ; ; . - “ ° +" 5 ; ~ 2} ‘ — af tr7 ee > ' <a u C= “T7 Dandy Dutch. — - - i i es Wc? » = 4 “<e ry ~~ : 5 ee seat an’ ketch your nat’ral breath, little ruant— so ” Saul Sunday deftly tripped his captive, lay- | at nearly closed as though bis usual squint had suddenly grown very much worse. And close his shoulder towered Saal Sunday, staff in ing bim on the lower step, then using him as a | hand, a dull ferocity taking the place of the cushioned seat while placidly watching the | doleful dejection usually imprinted upon his lovers just beyond, ‘* Never mind the ole man but go on with the pritty talk, boss,” he nodded in calm approval long visage, ‘* What does it all mean, anyhow?” irritably demanded the banker, his worst fears vanishing of the methods which Dudley Mann was using | as he saw that his daughter had received no to restore the almost swooning maiden. ‘‘ Ef I’m lookin’ on I aiu’t seein’ nothin’ nur even— Lay still, ye p’izen critter!” sharply tapping the major with his staffas that worthy strove to dislodge his weight. ‘‘ Ef ye was to dump me in the gud-mutter an’ daub up my rijimentals, the boss’d never for— Good Lawd!” Tbe bank door opened to give egress to the banker and his guest, and only by rapid work did Saul Sunday manage to escape being trod- den underfoot. With a jerk and a scramble he cleared the steps with his charge, just in time, mechanically saluting bis employer with his free hand, ‘**What’s the racket, Sunday?” sharply de- manded Deutsch, his black eyes glowing as though backed by living fire, ‘* Who’s that ber ha got there? What’s he been trying to Oo ‘Saultin’ a female lady, sir, boss, an’ then tryin’ to salt aman fer ’fendin’— Stiddy, son- ny! The last words were addressed to Major Gardenhire who made a vigorous effort to break away from that vise-like grip, mutter- ing threats not loud but deep and thoroughly well meant, Meanwhile Leonard Corwin had passed on to where his daughter was sobbing hysterically in the embrace of her cousin. For once in his life the staid, grave banker was thoroughly shaken, his pale face and husky voice betraying how intensely he loved his child, and how sorely the thoughts of peril to her had shaken his nerves. ‘“*Take me away—let me go!” panted Lida, flushing hotly as she noted the rapidly gather- ing crowd, attracted to the spot by the pistol- shot. ‘‘I am not hurt, only—’ “What is it? What's it all about?’ splutter- ed the banker, too greatly startled to read the signs as readily as a cooler man might have done. ‘If you're to blame, Dudley Mann, Pll—” ‘*Not him—tbhat other—take me away, please!” Lida shook her vail over her face and took a step or two toward the bank entrance, Then Dudley Mann lifted her lithe figure in his strong arms, bearing her within the building away from the curious gathering, Leonard Corwin hurried after them, but Andre Deutsch paused long enough to smule blandly into the face of the major as he uttered: ‘** Don’t you think you had better bear us com- pany, my dear sir? You ought to be able to do a little explaining, and from all appearances, there will be considerable required.” ‘* Ef be don’t want to bear, I reckon he kin be borne, boss,” faintly grinned Saul Sunday, as his grip tightened, ** Take your band off or [ll kill you, rascal!” flashed Gardenbire. Dandy Dutch, as Sunday had termed his mas- ter, lifted a gloved finger with a slight nod, Instantly the man in livery obeyed the silent command, releasing his captive, but keeping within reach. ** Your bands are free to begin the slaughter act, dear sir,” bowed the sport, smiling even more sweetly than before. *’ Only—are you in- sured against lightning?” The major frowned blackly as he saw how coolly Siul Sunday was balancing that silver- bound staff in bis hands, and he bad no great difficulty in interpreting that blind query. Like magic bis usual coolness returued. All anger seemed to vanish with the swift glance he cast around over the curious crowd, and smooth- ing down his disordered clothes, be quietly ascended the steps and entered the bank. A sign from Dandy Dutch sent Saul Sunday close after, the sport pausing on the top step to blandly address the crowd below, ‘* False alarm, gentlemen, and the circus is over. Just a mouse, which a frightened lady naturally mistook for a roaring hon, seeking whom he might devour. Mouse crushed, lady abashed, and no gentleman will add to her em- barrassment by lingering near. If any one else sees fit to do so, [ll be most happy to return and satisfy his curiosity to the best of my abil- ip oe Good-evening, gentlemen!” ith a profound bow, Andre Deutsch turned and entered the bank, closing and locking the door behind bim, pulling down the blinds as he did so, A single glance showed him the situation as he finished this. Leenard Corwin was bending over his daugh- ter, who half-reclined in a chair, silent now, though her figure was still trembling. Dudley Mann stood near, pale, stern, more than half angry at the harsh words which his uncle had used, yet plainly with thoughts only for his fair cousin. Major Holly Gardenhire was coldly watching this group, his face expressionless, his eyes * ——— i material injury, physically speaking. ‘* Con- found it, boy!” frowning blackly upon his nephew, ‘can’t you explain? What have you been doing to—” * Trying to protect her from the dirty whelp you bave seen fit to throw ber in company with, sir!” flashed the young man, forgetting all pru- dence as he recalled that scene through the win- dow, ‘Even you would hardly stand idly by to see her kissed against her will in broad day- light, and on the public street where—” He stopped short in his impetuous speech as a sound drew his gaze toward the major himself. One instant in mad doubt, then he leaped for- ward with a hoarse, inarticulate cry, his bands outstretched to rene with the insulter—only to be checked by Saul Sunday, whose staff barred the way, while he quickly asked: ** Shell [ let him, boss?” ‘* Let bim—and I’)! blow him through the in- stant his hand touches my person!” coldly cried Gardenhire, slipping a band into his bosom, where rested an ugly derringer. Lida uttered a faint cry and rose to ber feet, stretching out a band toward her cousin, Cor- win strode forward and forcibly jerked his nepbew back, standing between the two angry men, glancing from face to face as be once more demanded an explanation. **T decline to answer even you, Mr. Corwin, while that young ruffian is standing by,” coldly responded the major, flashing a vicious glance toward his rival, “Send him away, and Ill give you the information you seek, Or—ask your daughter for her version. 1am perfectly willing to be judged by her statement. ‘* No, no—spare him for my—” ** Enough, Miss Corwin,” swiftly interposed Gardenbire, cutting the poor gir] short before she could fully ib her secret in her sad agi- tation. ‘“‘ Your will is my law. I will obey, for a gentleman should know how to respect a lady’s seeret.” The major drew back a pace, crossing his arms over his swelling chest, bis stature seeming to increase at least an inch as he delivered bim- self of this speech. It was meant to be very ef- fective, but this was just a little marred by the soit laugh which bubbled from the red lips of the Decorator, ‘* Bring him a chair for a pedestal, Sundey ” he murmured, in a theatrical aside. ‘* Whit a pity the poor little devil isn’t a foot nearer the size of a man!” Gardenbire flushed hotly as these words met his ear, but he coldJy added, still addressing himself to the banker: “If the lady wishes, I will at any time ex- plain all to you, sir. As for the rest,” and bis eyes roved quickly from face to face, ‘* As for the rest, if bey feel at all aggrieved atanything I may have said or done this day, a hint will suffice, and they will find me entirely at their service, night orday. Now—” He was cut short by Dandy Dutch, whose gloved band gently tapped his shoulder as its owner softly uttered: * May I utter a word before you levant, dear sir? CHAPTER VI, SOLEMN SAUL’S MISSION, MaJOR HOLLY GARDENHIRE shook that band from his shoulder, frowning darkty as he con- fronted the bland sport. **T do not know you, sir. be wiser either.” ‘Tf one could have all one wishes, and noth- ing but what one desired, what a paradise this world would become, to be sure!” laughed Deutsch, then adding briskly as he extended a bit of pasteboard similar to that which had startled Dudley Mann: ‘‘My card, major. I room at the Occidenta), Office bours such as best suits your leisure, and terms your own. Charge all to me, and present your bill as scon as you see fit,” : Gardenhire dropped the card after a single glance, bis eyes glittering through his nearly closed lids as they swept over the face of the Jewish-looking sport. ‘“*T don’t know what you are trying to get through vou, but—-” ‘* My valet tumbled you in the dirt, I believe? At any rate, he used you as a cushion, and your wardrobe looks a little the worse for wear. Sol- emn Saul Sunday is a nuisance—granted. But Solemn Saul Sunday is in my employ. Conse- quently, 1 am responsible for whatever damage be may do. He has damaged you—in dignity if notin purse. So—see? Shall expect you at an early date, dear sir. Until then, ta-ta! Saul Sunday, show the major out!” I have no desire to ** Yes, sir; this way, sir,” bowed the man in- livery, a bony band clutching on an arm of the little major, and forcing him to the door. ; Solemn Saul turned the key, and thrust his Gomichboo Sy