Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 551 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

eee ee g ees. = - - i —=> ee * ‘™ J x * 4 ‘ Garry Kean. il According to his knowledge and belief the actor had fully intended to return; there had never been resson to think otherwise; and the charge was without the least foundation. On being asked the names of the men who bad bribed him, he attempted to reply, but the names were never revealed. He was within the grasp of Death, and he succumbed with the secret in part untold, All this was unfortanate, but he had told enough to help Garry Kean. Sheriff White, aroused at last, had arrived in time to hear the confession, and as he was somewhat alarmed by the possibility that he might be brought to judgment for refusing to strengthen the guard, when notified of the danger, he tried to even up on his record by releasing Kean promptly. Without stopping to consider whether or not Judge Brackett would desire to sit on the case, he opened the jail doors, gave Garry an apology and his blessing, and the young actor was again free to go and come at his pleasure. One question was often asked, but never an- swered: Who had given warning to the de- fenders? Those who could answer, would not. English John was silent for Alice’s sake; Ambrose White was silent for his ownsake. He was willing to let the matter die out if it would. Only among the Reds was there an overpow- ering desire to know how they had been out- witted. They looked fora traitor, but did not find him. The Brackett family did not come prominent- ly to the front that day. The judge visited the eoroner, suggested to that official that he do his work promptly, dropped a hint that the depart- ment of justice would follow after—and then went back home, Had Alice told him of her share in the night’s work? Sheriff White asked the question mentally dreading the wrath of his superior. He had neglected his duty, and if the Brackett temper became aroused, there would be music for the sheriff of the city. Garry Kean asked the question, too. English John, close-mouthed as he was when with others, told his young friend all he knew, and great was Garry’s curiosity to know the state of affairs in the Brackett house. Had Alice kept her secret from her father? Or had she revealed all, fallen under his displeasure, and been made a practical prisoner there? Whatever the facts were, they did not leak out. Alice was not visible. The judge, as before stated, appeared only to disap- pear soon after, The house kept its secrets well. One of the favorite resorts of Jack’s Delight was what was called ‘*The Sporting Arena,” It was not the best place in the world, but good management saved it from being very bad. There were several small and three large rooms under one roof. Of the latter, one was a so- called “‘ theater,” where boxing and wrestling were to be seen on a stage during the evening; the second was a bar-room; and the third was an apartment which contained several billiard- tables, a bowling-alley, a shooting-gallery and a quantity of chairs. _ The place was prosperous; it was well patron- ized; and it really rose above the level of the or- dinary saloon. Nearly allof the best men of the town were seen there, at times, and they felt none the worse for it, On the afternoon of the day following the at- tack upon the jail about twenty men were in the main room, and among them were Nathan Bradley and Thad Jobnson. The two persons last named were notin their usual good spirits. Sitting somewhat apart from the rest, they had indulged in a long, ear- nest conversation, and their expressions showed that they found but little pleasure in it. On the contrary, they looked glum and angry. In the midst of their discussion ‘Bradley sud- denly became aware that a man was standing within a few feet of them, regarding them closely. He looked up with a start and saw Garry Kean. The latter’s personal appearance had changed, He bad discarded his white shirt for.one of blue flannel, and his derby hat for one of true West- ern style; and around his waist was a belt which contained a pair of revolvers. ; . The metamorphosis was complete and strik- ing. Ithada meaning, and the meaning was plain—the quiet citizen was turned to a man who, realizing that he had enemies, intended thereafter to meet them on their own ground. Bradley did not see fit to be instructed by ap- pearances, and his lip curled in a scornful sneer. ‘* Hallo!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ the tenderfoot has turned into some other sort of a biped!” ‘*Tt’s a clown, this time,” added Thad John- son, ‘* Reckon he’s goin’ on the stage ag‘in.” Garry Kean advanced a few steps nearer. ‘**Gentlemen,” he very quietly returned, ‘* you have hit the nail on the head. I am going on the stage.” ‘“Not as a stage-robber ?” inquired Bradley, with ill-tempered sarcasm. ‘** Guess again, sir!” ‘““Can’t be as driver of a stage, for you have shown that handling a team is not your forte.” LL “St ‘Your wit is admirable, sir; but your wits are slow. I am going to branch out asa hunter, and my game will be human game!” Thad Johnson laughed boisterously. **Durn me ef it ain’t amoosin’ ter hear a ten- derfoot go on!” he asserted. ‘‘ Ef I didn’t hate a fool, I should pity a tenderfoot!” ‘*Reserve your pity, my good sir,” calmly answered Kean. ‘* Ycu may need it for your- self presently.” ‘* Wor myself?” ce Yes,” Johnson scowled fiercely. ‘What d’ye mean?” ‘*Great men often meet with ill luck. Napo- lean did, and the run of the cards has not changed since his day. Even you, Mr. Johnson, may be struck by lightning.” ‘““Ef I be, thar’ll be enough on me left ter thrash any tenderfoot in Idaho!” ‘You please me, sir, I am an admirer of courage, especially when it is accompanied with high intellect, as in your case; and I appreciate your sanguinary taste all the more, because I exe contemplating going on the war-path, my- self, Thad was ready with another sneer, but Na- than roan impatiently: : - i, don’t care a continental what you intend o do. “Of course I realize that, but as you are one of the most emlnent citizens of this city, I crave permission to lay my case before you. You know something about my history, I came here a a peaceable man, with good will to all and a disposition to mind my own businees,” ‘* Pity you changed your mind!” sneered Brad- ley, but the interruption was ignored. ‘*T unexpectedly had occasion to defend a lady, and was, as a consequence, wounded by a ruffian. After a time in bed, I got uround again, and then another ruffian charged me with having been a black-mailer in the former case. I chastised that man, as any honest person of spirit would do.” ‘* Hum!” muttered Thad Johnson, puffing out his whisky -bictched cheeks, ‘‘In these, and other ways, I gained the ill will of certain men, and a scheme was concocted to make me out a horse-thief. It fell through, but it impressed one fact indelibly upon my mind. It was this: I had deadly enemies in town; men who were determined to crush me; who would scruple at nothing; who would not let a “peaceable citizen alone; who would ruin me if they could; who would probably kill me, if they couldn’t ruin me!” The Man with Backbone was growing inter- ested in his statement. He drew his fine form more erect; his eyes sparkled; and his voice had a tense, ringing sound not to be misunder- stood, ** What is all this to us?” demanded Bradley. ‘*Perhaps nothing; possibly much, If you are good citizens, you must appreciate my posi- tion. The situation is this: om this time out I am going to be more than a drifting log on the current. y enemies have given me one blow; it may not be the last. I hope it will not!” ” o are these enemies you talk so much about?” ‘* Rattlesnakes that aspire to strike me with their fangs, and, at the same time, keep in their holes!” “ That is not giving names.” ‘* Deeds, not names, count. I have seen their deeds; they shall see mine, if they jump on me again. You will observe”—touching his belt— ‘that I have provided myself with the meansof self-defense. Heretofore I have always desired to avoid trouble; now Linvite it. I wish tohear from my enemies 2 ey His keen eyes looked unwaveringly at Nathan Bradley, and that worthy appeared to be dis- com ' “Tf you are spoiling for a fight. why don’t you go to them?” he asked, curtly. ‘* Possibly I shall, presently. I may yet as- sume the offensive. Just now, however, I am awaiting their pleasure. I intend to serve no- tice upon them that Iam ready—let them attack me if they dare |” His manner grew more impressive, but it was not that of a bully or a boaster. His voice was not raised high, nor did his quiet demeanor for- sake him, but through all ran a vein of implaca- ble determination. ‘*Do you know these enemies?” asked Brad- ey. ‘*T am pretty well informed,” ‘** What is their grudge against you?” “They and I know well what it is.” ‘* How do you propose to act?” ‘*] have before compared them to rattle- snakes. I will now add that the best way to subdue such a reptile is to crush its head !” ‘‘ See hyar, mister,” suggested Thad Johnson, “ain't you an artom keerless ter give away yer plan? S’pose these inemies 0’ yourn should hear 0’ yer intentions?” ‘That is just what I desire, and I passed much of the forenoon debating the advisability of going to these enemies and speaking right out to them. I decided to act openly; to say to each and all that if they wanted to carry the game further, I was all ready.” ‘Have you seen any of them, yet?” Bradley inquired. ss Two 7 ‘* W hat did they say to your challenge?” ‘‘T am waiting for them to answer!” The reply was significant, and Bradley and Thad exchanged glances. They knew perfectly well that all this talk was intended for them; that Garry Kean was informing them to their faces that he defied them—challenging them to renew hostilities. His suspicions were not groundless, and the opportunity was offered for them to strike openly, as they bad before struck secretly; but they did not accept the invitation, They were two men—he was but one; yet not a hostile hand was lifted against him, As they were influenced by notbing except a consideration for their own safety, it was but fair to infer that they discerned more ‘ sand” about tke Man with Backbone than they were able to match. ‘* And,” added Garry, after a striking pause, ‘*T hope they will not be backward about put- ting in their answer. I hate a coward!” CHAPTER XIII. GARRY MEETS A REDOUBTABLE BRAVO, NATHAN BRADLEY felt uncomfortable, but he managed to rally. ‘*T appreciate your situation, Kean,” he blandly observed, ‘‘and if I can help you, I will. [ am, as you are probably aware, a prominent man in this city. The chances aro that I shall be its next mayor. J have a large following here; about half of the population stand ready to obey me in all this. If your ene- mies can be spotted, my followers shall make it warm forthem. Ido not jest, Mr. Kean, when I say that if I request my worthy constituents © to drop on any certain man, that man disap- pears forever !” The speaker was taking his turn at significant remarks, ‘*Do you never find a man selected for doom who defies you?” calmly inquired Garry. ‘*Often. These men, however, never have a gravestone to sleep under; I bury them cheaply.” ‘*This is amusing. You must enjoy yourself to have matters all your own way. owever, you may yet run up against a snag. It would not surprise me if you do. Your friendly offer will not be forgotten, and you may hear from me again. Having mentioned it, | shall know how to deal with your heroes. As for my ene- mies, they are cowards who strike in the dark.” Nathan moved uneasily. ‘*Let me hear from you, if they molest you again,” he advised. ** You shall !” Slowly and pointedly the reply was made, and the farce of enduring such rep i shots be- came too much for Nathan to bear. He arose abruptly. ‘*T shall have to excuse myself now, Kean, for I have business to attend to, but you shall hear trom me again !” fine 2 ny whenever te will; = will nd me ready! respon promptly. ** Well, pondlibe.-ele ” , ‘‘Good-day. Iam glad to know you so well!” Even the last remark was a covert shot, but it, like all that had gone before, was ignored. Bradley bowed ceremoniously, and then he walked out of the room, Tbad Johnson fol- lowed, That ill-favored ruffian hardly knew how to act. He felt like rising in bis wrath, and in his boots, and chastising the ‘‘ tender- foot” then and there, but something in the lat- ter’s manner made him hesitate. Noisy brag- gart that Johnson usually was, he decided that, as Nathan was his acknowledged leader, he would await Nathan’s word before proceeding to annihilate the tenderfoot. Despite this, Thad was in an ugly mood, and as they left the building he vented his spite by eo a Chinaman who happened to be at and, Once out of sight, Bradley wheeled quickly. ‘‘Thad, the danger-light is out!” he ex- claimed. ‘** How so, Cap?” ‘Garry Kean is on to my racket.” ** Does look like it, by blazes!” ** Ho's on, sure /” ‘Knows that you planned the ’tack on the jail, I s’pose.” ‘** No doubt, and I have some fear that he sus- ts the primary cause of my hostility to him.” ** What ef he tells Jedge Brackett?” “Hang the judge! I have him under my thumb, Let us speak only of tbis scoundrel who has just bluffed us into silence. Maledic- tion seize him! he somehow took my nerve away! Let-us speak of Garry Kean. Thad, that fellow must die!” ae a, the word, an’. I'll pop him over now!” ce 00 ! The deed would ruin us both, Soft and easy, is the only way. We will strike him again, and this time not by any clumsy plot like the other. We will catch him outside the village, and do him up.” ‘* Correct!” ; ** Mind now, not a word of this. Garry Kean dies, but there must be no tattling.” <€om JOO (E € o4 - You reason and act like an animal! |