Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 551 — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

—— . — a ee c - a — : - Garry Kean. she would have gone, not knowing who he vas, but I put a stop tu zat. He had told ber zat ze Brackett carriage was at ze door, but when I went apart wiz her, to change her shepherd dis- guise for ze nun’s, I told her zere was a change in ze plan, and eef she would go to ze ball-room, Electa would soon join ber zere; and I led her to ze room, and left her zere, I thoughtit would be ze grand sport to deceive Bradley, and I en- ter ze carriage wiz him. Then he put his arm around iny waist—oh! ze grand rascal!—and I pretend to be faint wiz illness, and_he nevaire, nevaire discover hees mistake until I tell him of eet.” The girl spoke volubly, but with an appear- ance of sincerity, and Kean believed her, Not yet, however, could he understand Marie fully; there was something back of what she had re- vealed. From accounts he had heard of the fair Marie he believed her to be vicious and unscrupulous to a certain degree, though by no means thoroughly evil. Neither did she have any love for Alice, if he was correctly informed. Why, then, had she so heroically come to Alice’s rescue? The City Hall was reached, and Brackett sprung tothe ground. Nathan readily agreed to remain in the hands of Kean and Jcb, and _ then the judge entered the building. He met Mrs. Brackett in the conservatory. ‘Still looking for Alice?” the lady asked, graciously. ‘* T am told that she is here—” ‘“ She is: she’s safe in the ball-room, and in Electa’s charge. Depend upon it, ber grim old friend will stand between hor and harm, Your child owes her escape to the good service of Marie, my maid. As there have been countless strange mistakes here, to-night, you will not be surprised to learn that Alice mistook Bradley forafriend, His conduct toward her was of ‘the best, except that it seems he did actually try to decoy her away on the pretense that your carriage awaited her. I dare say you will chastise the man. Your daughter, however, is safe, and all's well that ends well.” Mrs. Brackett was about as voluble as Marie had been, and she, too, had a crooked trail to cover, If shehad not been so indifferent, and falsely informed Brackett that she had ** just seen” Alice, Bradley’s plot would not have reached such a radical stage. Being well aware that he could be a tiger ‘where the girl was concerned, the female Caesar was anxious to win her husband’s good will and lull possible suspicions, Just then, the judge was not ina mood for anelyzing obscure points. . id will 0 to Mice,” he answered. she in a fairly tranquil mood?’ ‘‘Quite so. She is deeply troubled by her mistake, but, by my orders, the full truth has been kept from her. She does not suspect what an iniquitous plot was laid against her. | thought it best that she should not.” ‘‘You were right, Agatha, and 1 thank you heartily.” The speaker gave his wife a grateful glance, and then went on to the ball-room. This time it was easy to find Alice. Masks and disguises had grown distasteful to her, and she had thrown them wholly aside. She sat at a retired point, her own incomparable self, with Electa by her side as grim, stern and severe as a statue. If any man who was not wanted should come near, Miss Parsons would make him the most repentant man in Jack’s Delight. Brackett advanced and spoke to his daughter. He did not refer to the late trouble, but with a few adroit words obtained the assurance that all was well with her, and then added that, in a few minntes, he would come again to escort her to their carriage, as he wished to return home. . She acquiesced in all that he said, and appear- ed to be quite but as she lif her pretty refined face to his, there was perceptible upon it a shadow of trouble, He believed that it was the result of her recent adventure. He was never more mistaken. Chagrined as she was over her deception, the discovery had brought one happy result. The proposition to elope ad dismayed her when she thought it made by Kean, but now he was cleared of the charge. Better that she should, by mistake, pass a period of time in poten company, than that the ex-actor should so far fall in her estimation, But one thing could not very well be ex- plained pwer- Mrs. Brackett’s flirtation with Colonel Yoke Norman was fresh in Alice’s mind, and it filled her with actual horror, The female Caesar had listened graciously tothe bachelor politician,and had met his tender speeches in kind. If Alice had known that it was only a species of flirta- tion popular in many grades of society, her worst fears would have been quieted, though nothing, in her opinion, could excuse her father’s wife for using such language to another man. Ignorant of all this, the judge finished his errand and then sought the outer air again, Confident that Brackett would not dare to molest him, Bradley stood with bis hands in his pockets, calmly smoking a cigar. ‘* Is—is *“What’s the good word?’ he nonchalantly | hyar an’ the mines, asked. ‘** Miss Brackett is found.” ‘“*T thought it would be O. K.” ‘** You are at liberty to go.” ‘Thanks; I’m in no hurry.” The [ron Judge shot a menacing glance at the speaker. He had a strong desire to lay violent hands upon tie fellow, and the ccol, insolent re- ply had increased the desire, but he dared not press hostilities, ‘*As you wish,” he returned, haughtily, and then bent his gaze upon Kean, ‘* Mr. Lawrence,” he added, ‘‘ I owe you thanks for your valuable aid. Believe me, I fully appreciate it.” ‘* You are quite welcome to all I have done, sir,” the ex-actor courteously answered. Bradley smiled sarcastically. ‘The lion and the lamb lie down together,” he muttered; but, except for a swift glance from Garry, the remark was ignored. ‘*T have not time to say more now, but I will endeavor to see you to-morrow, and express my- self properly.” ith these words he turned quickly and en- tered the conservatory. ‘*Mare Antony,” observed Bradley, with a sneer, ‘* you have struck a ‘snap!’” ‘* If you have anything to say to me,” steadily replied Kean, ‘‘ I shall be pleased to see you to- morrow. If you have any bone to pick with me, do not confine your hostility to words. Iam well aware that much of my own trouble at this place is due to you. Let skulking in the dark alone, henceforth, If you are a man, prove it by acting like one, not like a coward!” ‘‘That’s business!” Job ejaculated. ‘‘ Now, we'll see whether Mister Bradley straddles your blind, or crawfishes!” CHAPTER XXVIII. A BUSINESS MEETING OF THE RZDS. NATHAN was wise in his generation, and he ignored all this hostile talk. ‘‘ Other engagements will prevent my accept- ing your invitation, my good man,” he respond- ed, trying to keep up his careless air, ‘‘ but I will not forget your good will. You shall hear from me in due time, and I will try to meet you on warm and—of course—friendly footing.” ** He crawfishes!” muttered Job, in disgust. Before more could be said the Brackett rty came, with Alice upon her father’s arm, It was early for Mrs, Brackett to leave, but she was not going to permit the digging of any pits under her feet. There would be an explanation when the family bome was reached, and she wished to be on band to add her statement. Little did she suspect that Alice had overheard her conversation with Colonol Yoke Norman. Both Kean and Bradley were ignored as the grand if made its way to the carriage, but this did not trouble the ex-actor. He had con- fidence in Alice, and that was enough. ' Job received his passengers, mounted to the box and sent the horses down the street. There was a cloud of dust, and then one echo of the ball died away. Kean watched for a few mo- ments, and when he turned, Nathan Bradley had disappeared, Quietly Garry turned and walked homeward, and only the other drivers, who were a few yards distant, were left as the outside segment of the ball. The ex-actor went at once to Eng- lish John’s hut, and found that worthy carefully cleaning a revolver. - pea’ on the war-vath?’ Kean inquired. ‘* For what game?” ‘** Human!” John squinted through the cylinder and then laid the weapon down. ‘*Garry, you’ve jest come from a scene o’ festivity, an’ I hate woundedly ter upset ye, but thar is high-jinks ahead.” ‘‘Tn what way?” ‘The Reds hey got blood in their eye. It wa’n’t no idle threat when they sail they would rule this city or make Rome howl. Wal, the Og ten ain’t knuckled under, an’ they are liable ter know the result in a bad way.” ‘* You talk in riddles, Explain!” “*T will, While you’ve be’n away, I’ve be’n lookin’ about. It beats all creation how much thar is ter be seen in Shanty-town ef a man keeps his eyes open. There’s a pile ter be heerd, too, Moreover, this has be’na right good night fur eyes an’ ears. The Reds hey be’n up an’ doin’, an’ thar has be’n whisperin’s an’ talkin’s among ’em about things ter come. Garry, I s’pose you’d be s’prised ter know that they meet, ter-night, to lay plans fur a riot?” ‘* Nothing that those knaves may do will sur- prise me.” ‘‘They may s’prise themselves afore they are though. I hev heerd their whisperin’s, an’ ’m goin’ ter attend their meetin’—not as a delegate, though; oh! great. Lord, no! They wouldn’t invite old English John!” ‘‘T should say not.” ‘““We don’t invite small-pox, toothache, measels nor dyspepsy, but they come jest the same, I’m goin’ to the R you along. ! out-a-Cor eds’ war-dance, an’ I ask It’s ter be held at the Bottle-with- Saloon, the half-way house ’twixt Was Nate Bradley at the blow-out?” sé Yes.” ‘“* He’s a wily rat!” «What now?” ‘‘Pard, the Reds contemplate seizin’ the City Hall, stealin’ all official papers an’ et sattery— though what they want o’ et sattery, 1 dunno— an’ turnin’ the buildin’ inter a fort. Nate went ter the ba:l—he bribed another feller ter stay at home an’ give him his card o’ invite—he went ter study the place; see its weak p’ints an’ strong ones; see how the Reds’ kin git in, in case 0’ need, an’ how they kin keep others out.” ‘‘ John, if that fellow isn’t squelched, there will be bloody times here yet.” Mey a an’ Brackett ought ter set down on im.’ Garry silently shook his head. ** Afeerd ter, be they?” added the miner. ‘*T know of no reason why White should be.” ** But the judge is sorter on the anxious seat, Garry, I feel sorry fur that man. He is a man; the jedgeis; in spiteo’ his grim ways. He’s white all through, an’ it’s a durned pity thata mean gkunk has a holt on him.” The miner picked up his revolver again. ** Jewels like this may be trumps afore Jack’s Delight gits red o’ its attack of indigestion!” he added, as he resumed putting the revolver in condition. Kean asked for and received further explana- tion of the new matter of interest. English John occupied a peculiar position at the ‘‘city.” His little shanty was right in the heart of the area given over almost exciusively to the Reds, and there he remained, though well aware that trouble might come at anv moment, The Reds had no love for him. They knew he was not one of their kind, and would not have trusted him under any condition. They knew too, that he was far above them in point of honor, but any contempt which they might have felt for his conscience was offset by his known courage. ° Hence, he was tolerated as a neighbor, and all the more willingly because he was consider- ed a man who would ‘*‘ mind his own business,” He was indifferent to their likes and dislikes, Despite a sturdy independence which made it- self felt at all times, he was not quarrelsome and he kept the httle hut, with toe star-spangled flag floating over it, and lived serenely among the tough citizens of Shanty-town. On this particular evening, being out of doors, he had heard ‘‘ whisperings.” More than that, he had listened to the words thus spoken, and, unsuspected by the Reds, had gained clew to the cope ree meeting. All this be explained at considerable length, and he and Garry, after discussing the matter in all its lights, decided to be present, as Bradley and Thad Johnson had at the ball—as uninvited guests, Preparations were duly made; they left the hut and walked toward the rendezvous, The Bottle-without-a-Cork Saloon was a large, barn-like structure which seemed to be a fit place for the meeting. Its night-trade was limited. Being the last place fora drink on the way to the mines, and the first when returning, it had a good general trade. Patrons were always there of an evening, but they were cnly a few Reds who lived at the outskirts of the city. Practically, it was a fit place for plots and crimes, being at such a lonely place, with the barren hills just beyond, but thus far, its reputa- | tion had been far from bad. When Kean and John approached it, nota light was to be seen. It was too late for reyular customers, and the proprietor was too wise to deviate from his usual practice and have lights out that might cause investigation. There would, however, be no trouble about en- tering. The building was so loosely put together that a novice would have as good chance as a professional cracksman, Having gained a desired position, Jobn left his ally and went forward to reconnoiter. He re- turned at the end of five minutes, ** We're ear!,” he reported. ** Nobody there?” “ ‘Not yet. The old man holds the fort alone. He has got things all arranged for them, though. One side is curtained off, so that the single lamp won’t give out no betrayin’ light. Thepow-wow will be held in half-gloom, with a perfect sea 0’ blackness around, Jest the place fur spies ter sneak up an’ bend their ears forruds ter listen.” ‘* Don’t you flatter yourself that they will dis- — with all precaution!” Garry replied warn- ngly. ‘Nor be we goin’ to. We'll play *em the —. ef they win we won’t yowl. Shall we go in It was considered time for this step, and they 9 went accordingly. The side-door of the saloon was found unfastened, as it had been when John was there, and they went in quietly. The pro- prietor, a fat, ponderous man, was dimly visible | at the further end of the long room, but his back was toward them. They began to walk carefully to the hiding- — — selected by the miner. The darkness was hen both for and against them—it concealed them, and also prevented them from making Ebooks ii = Y 4.44 eom 23 com