Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 551 — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

Garry Kean. 29 Several shots, as befcre stated, were fired by the roughs as they made their charge, but their principal object was to beat down the doors and secure entrance, On are came in a body, whooping and yell- ing like the maddened demons they were. ayor Nicholson shouted a warning, but it was to be doubted if any one heard it outside: it was not heeded, lt would not do to hesitate any longer; the big doors were well barricaded, but the impetus of somany men was not to be disregarded or defied. One shot was fired in the air was a warning, but, as had been expected, it was without effect. Then the word was given for sterner work, and a volley was fired directly into the rushing mass. What followed was—confusion. The shouts of men mingled with the roar of fire- arms, both parties using their weapons freely; and the whole building shook with the force of the assault upon the doors, But the doors stood firm, It could not well be otherwise, for, back of them, was a pile of logs which could not be moved. Weak points the “ fort” had, but the big double door did not furnish one of them. Unconscious of the stout barricade, the Reds hurled themselves against the obstruction time and again, but only to get bruised shins and joints, A perception of the truth finally dawn- ed upon them, and, unable to stand tho galling fire, some of their number broke andrun. That was enough; like sheep following a leader, the others bounded away at full speed. The first triumph was in favor of the be- sieged, and the cheer which ascended made the building shake again. None of their party had been infared, and the effect of the struggle was excellent; it strengthened the courage of the weak-hearted. How the Reds felt the men of the garrison did not know. Some of them were past the emo- tions of life, and cthers had probably carried away painful wounds, Garry Kean had been active during the fight, but when it was over, he, without waiting for the excitement to abate, approached the old gentleman in gold-bowed s cles, of whom mention has before been made. ** Well, sir,” the ex-actor said, eagerly, ‘‘ what is your verdict?” ; ‘I have conversed with Miss Brackett,” the gentleman replied, ‘‘ and find her an intelligent and very estimable young lady. That does not answer your question, but I thought it might interest you.” ** Indeed, it does, sir.” “As to her unfortunate affliction, while I talked I looked carefully and critically at her eyes. If she had not already been taken to eminent surgeons, as you say she has, by Judge Brackett, I should bazard the opinion that her sight could be restored.” ‘* Bear in mind that they had not your skill.” The old gentleman shook his head gravely. ‘** Brackett has not allowed all these years to pass without having consulted some practitioner renowned in the treatment of the eyes.” * But they are not you /” “Do not confide too much in my skill; I am only human. Still, I tell you fairly that I think she can be helped.” ‘* Would it not be well to see the judge now?” ‘“No, Let matters rest for the present. Brackett has enough upon his mind, and I am by no means sure that I am wholly calm. Sup- pose he should call upon me at once to do the work? My hands might not be steady enough for such delicate labor.” “ Truly—I realize that. When you work, all must be favorable. Long as your brilliant and noble career has been, you never before had a case so important as this!” - Garry Kean’s voice trembled, and the old gentleman laid one hand sympathetically on his arm. ‘‘T understand, my boy; I understand. Be of good cheer, for a just and gracious Providence rules, and I believe that, with its aid, I can re- store Alice Brackett’s sight. Now, let us talk no more, or attention may be drawn to me. I want to observe all these parties in whom we have interest, and form an estimate of each.” ‘You cannot but have estimated Alice al- mh ' ‘*T have estimated her, and I fully agree with all you have said. Sheisanamiable, intelligent, noble girl,’” Kean wrung the old gentleman’s hand, and then turned and walk uickly away, not daring to trust himself to make a reply. In the meanwhile, an adverse element was at work within the building which no one sus- ted, nee Nicholson carried a vindictive hear‘ to the refuge, and nearly every one came under the ban of his displ . Since he was last eeny before the reader, he had made a esperate effort to get on good terms at Brack- ett’s. He had pee, to see Alice and declare his alleged affection for her. Being refused, he sought the judge, and requested him to compel his daughter ‘to listen to reason ”—and to the speaker’s suit. Brackett had politely declined to interfere, whereupon he became boisterous and abusive, and the judge had left the room and refused all further conversation with him. The young man’s next step was to seek his own father, the mayor, and ask his aid to “compel” Alice to accept him as a suitor. Again he was refused, No one knew better than Elijah Nicholson how unworthy Elmer was. He had an elder son who was at a celebrated college in the East, but had no intention of sending Elmer there. The elder son was strong, honest and intelligent: Elmer was just the reverse. For years the old aes had tried to make something of him, ut he had failed signally, and never expected better things, . He declined to assist in compelling Alice to marry the youth, and then Elmer’s cup of bit- terness and revenge was full. Hence, he came into the fortress with his worst passions aroused, and from the first he began to plan mischief. He had not given Alice up, by any means—he determined to cast off all restraint and win her in spite of all opposition, The means of accomplishing his object were not, unfortunately, lacking. Among those who were among the building's trusted defenders were two whom he rie lie could rely upon. They were rough men, but generally considered honest. Elmer knew they were not. Before then he had secured their services by the payment of money, and he knew roe money, too, would lead them to do any- ing. His present ambition was to get Alice out of the City Hall, away from her friends—away from the Reds—and away from every one but himself. He had a vague picture in mind in which he saw bimself with the captive girl mounted on a big black horse speering into the trackless wilderness like a knight of old, or some other romantic—and knavish—person, Where they would go he did not know, but he pulled bis dim little mustache fiercely, and mentally assured himself that the West was wide and wild, and that, once clear of the town, he could defy pursuit. Unfortunately, the plans of a fool are at times capable of being carried out. Imer did not see how his were to be made feasible until chance favored him. The peculiar situation of the conservatory annex made it nearly secure from assault, and no force was placed there. _A trusty man stood by the door, and that was all. This place, it had been decided, was to be the sleeping gies of the women. Young Nicholson’s plot took shape when he saw Alice and Electa retire to the conservatory in advance of all others. Then what had before seemed visionary became possible, and he flew to his allies to put them to work. Shortly after, the man who had stood guard at the door ap in the main room and ap- proached Mayor Nicholson, “Wal, sir, what is it?” he asked. ** What is what ?” Nicholson returned, ** ‘What d’ye want o’ me?” “1? Nothing.” **Didn’t you send for me?” ** Certainly not!” “Your boy said ye did. He said I was ter report ter you right away, an’—” ‘*Didn’t you fave charge of the north door?” “cc Yes,” ‘** Who is there now?” ‘“Elmer, He said them was your orders—” The sentence was not finished. An anxious expression had appeared on the mayor’s face, and be hastened toward the conservatory. He was followed by Judge Brackett, Garry Kean and English John, and the troubled look was reflected in their own expressions. Alice had lately gone to the conservatory, and Elmer Nicholson was not the proper man to stand guard at a door which interposed between the girl and danger. They reached the annex, and the first view caused them to stand dumb with dismay, Elmer was not visible, but the door was wide open! Only one thing had prevented the entrance of the Reds, and that was the fact that they, like the defenders, did not consider the point one favorable to violent entrance, and had: not had any one there to discover how easily it could be carried just then. Mayor Nicholson’s face grew white. ‘Just Heaven! there is treachery here!” he gasped, Brackett looked anxiously around. ‘* Where is Alice® he cried, in a husky voice, ‘Powers of mercy! what has that mad boy done?” demanded Nicholson, in whose mind was a relization of the terrible truth. Brackett had turned to search the place, but, Garry Kean’s eyes were more useful, and he discovered an irregular piece of paper tied to the handle of the door, Ho tore it away and, ae a few written lines, hastily read as fol- ows: “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: “*T have struck outin life formyself, If any one wants to see me or Alice Brackett, we may be look. ed for among the wild fastnesses and untrodden areas of the mountains. ELMER NICHOLSoN.” Garry had read aloud, and the mayor's voice took up the thread of remarks where Elmer had had left it, “Gone!” he uttered, hoarsely; ‘*gone out where every foot of the way is roamed by the lawless Reds! For the boy I care nothing, but, oh! Brackett, what of your daughter?” The Iron Judge drew a revolver, and, while os face and voice had a stony calmness, re- ied: pe She shall be saved, or revenged!” CHAPTER XXXVI. A QUICKENED CONSCIENCE, GARRY KEAN was almost stunned by the , news? It was bad enough that Alice should be the captive of young Nicholson, as she certainly must have been to go with him, but when it came to going out among the Reds—then it was something alarming in the extreme. Enough honest men had been left outside to protect the village from any attempt to burn it, if such a notion entered the minds of the Reds, but it could not be — that they would be at hand to defend Alice : English John was the coolest man in the group. He, alone, recognized the fact that the note might be mere bravado, though he did not believe that it was, and he suggested. that thorough search be made for the girl. This was done, but it only established the fact that she and Electa were missing. ‘What is to be done?” the mayor asked, blankly. ‘*T am going at once to rescue my daughter!” Brackett replied, with icy calmness. ** Count me in! exclaimed the miner, ** And me,” the ex-actor added. **Can you spare them, Nicholson?” ‘Yes; and as many more men as you de- sire,” ‘“‘T want no more, A small force of good men is better than a large one of indifferent workers. Are you ready to go?” He turned to Garry and English John as he: spoke, and both’ answered in the affirmative promptly. No more time was lost; they went. at once. Nicholson wrung Brackett’s hand, but he spoke not a word, His heart was too full for utterance. He had learned before that night that his son was a worthless wretch, but. had not thought him so bad as he had nD roven. It was less this, however, than pity or the judge and his blind daughter that moved the mayor, The door closed after them, but Nicholson did not move until he heard the rustle of garments. Then he turned and saw Mrs. Brackett. Her face bore an expression of startled surprise. ** Where has my husband gone?” she asked, quickly. ‘*He has gone—a—he has gone out!” stam- mered the mayor. “Why?” ‘*Oh! it is only for a moment.” ‘* But why has he gone!—where has he gone?” Nicholson had thought best to keep the knowl- edge of Brackett’s danger from his wife, but the net Spewgea | of accounting for the absence of both the judge and Alice in any ordinary way seemed to be so out of the question that he changed his mind and told the whole story in @ few broken words. Mrs. Brackett’s eyes dilated. ‘** Will it not be dangerous?” she asked. “* Heaven help them all! nothing could be more dangerous! They are liable to fall into the hands of the Reds at any moment, Think of that blind girl in such asituation! Thiok of Abram Brackett, whom they, without cause, hate so bitterly! I am afraid he has gone to sure death, but that could not daunt him. He is full of heroism, and his love for Alice passes all other affection which I ever knew. The heroes of old are as nothing compared to your husband !” The er was too wretched, too much moved to weigh his words, and he made them stronger than he would have done had not his own heart been wrung with sorrow. Every word went home, and Mrs, Brackett turned quickly away. At that moment there was a fresh, heavy dis- charge of firearms in the old quarter, and Nich- olson became the warrior again. He hurried away to Jjead his forces in repelling the attack. It was the fiercest of the night, and for awhile Bedlam seemed to be let loose. the sound of firing, were the yells of the Reds, which were positively blood-curdling, while a $ ® ar et i 4 =" W Mingled with shower of bullets was rained on the building. ? a Wiudow after window was struck; glass flew all directions; bullets were imbedded in the walls, or rolled, after failing to effect lodg- ment, upon the floor. In this thrilling crisis, the courage of many of the non-combatants gave way. Women and children shrieked, or fell upon their knees in pra er, and a vivi egers were like. Mrs. Brackett stood at one side, watching the — r other inmates of the room. She was like marble woman, and her face was almost color- less, but her mind was busy. ht of helpless Alice; of Abram She tho Brackett ng bis life for heramong men who had sworn to kill bim: of the coldness which had sprung up between them in consequence of her own acts, She realized at last what the Reds were—the men she would have aided; to | con JOO (ECON AMC cS «4 J+ - wee . eh d idca was given of what the 7? ¥ g a in ‘if ia 5 ier . Pre, - >)