The Deadwood Dick Library: Denver Doll's Device — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

Jol’s Device. ‘You have all things ready I believe. I will “Very well; it’s a bargain. I will go to work get back to the bills, and there will be another meeting here to-morrow night, after the Post- office closes.” i CHAPTER V. THE BLACK-BEARDED MAN. THE next morning Shining Bar’s agent for Wells-Fargo Company.awoke to the most un- svelcomea fact that the office had been entered . during the night, the safe unlocked, and all of its valunble contents taken. When the news got abroad, the camp was once more thrown into a great state of com- motion, and citizen Markward,(who by the way was a heavy loser by te robbery) together with Burkey the chief of the Vigilantes, and several other influential men of Sbining Bar, by agree- ment called upon Denver Doll, at the Occi- dental boarding-house. : They were shown into the parlor, where they were shortly joined by the young Detective Queen, who was looking remarkably fresh and pretty after a night's rest. Ste bad met Burke before, and by him was introduced to the other members of the party, after whica she was Informed of the safe-ro bery. Phad now we have come,” said Markward, to see if we cannot enlist you to put an end to this series of depredations, and bring this McParland and his band to justice. We have heard that you are by profession a detective, literally a detective on the track of the road- agent chiof.” “Perhaps I am, but I may have private reasous for this. Oneis not apt to spend much valuable time, unrewarded, in hunting down a desperado, unless he or-she has svme private object in view. I am sorry to hear of these depredations, as it places this section of the country in a feverish state of excitement, and keeps many good people away. Perhaps a re- ward would tempt some daring spirit to hunt this road-agent to his lair.” “*There are several rewards offered by pri- vate parties, already.” 2 “Yes, and still, without meaning offense, these same parties, or at least some of them, may be greatly assured in offering the re- wards,” \ s The significance in her tone conveyed the meaning pretty plainly, even if the words did not, ~ ““You mean tosay tbat if they had to pay these offered rewards, they would not eventu- ally be anything out of pocket?” ; “ Well,yes—that is, Vve dreamed that such ee might easily be worked, in cases like this. **T myself have sometimes cherished an idea that McParland bas associates in this town.” “T have no doubt of it, and possibly might, after a study, suspicion some one, were a quiet thousand dollars to back the event of my cap- ture of one of the ringleaders!” “That can be arranged right here among us,” Markward announced. ‘‘ We are all men of responsibility, and will pledge you the amonnt for the capture of one of the ringleaders, A*ter that we will bargain wibl you further.” quietly, and you must all do the same, so far as furnishing me any needed assistance, If I cannot accomplish anytbing by the 20th of No- vember, I will give it up as a bad job.” ‘* Ah! what peculiarity has that day?” “Tt may have several, you know—it may have none! But, so-long!” and bowing, she walked away, leaving the gentlemen to depart with a feeling that womén are always the “weaker sex.” f Yankee, after being removed to Crystal Car- rol’s after the duel, had his wound dressed, and felt a little better, though by no means what could be called frisky. The bullet bad passed not far from a vital spot, and on being extracted proved to be one of such as are used in 82-caliber sporting rifles. Crystal bustled about and waited on him with alacrity, prepared him some stimulant, aud then a piece of toast, all the time chatting in hor own artless manner, until he finally nearly forgot his wound, and dropped asleep. He did not awaken until late the next morn- ing, when, on opening his eyes, he beheld his hostess behind the counter, engaged in waiting upon a customer—a burly, black-haired and be- whishered chap. ‘© Ah! you have had quite asleep for a sick man,” Crystal said, smiling over at him. ‘‘ How are you feeling?” y well, thanks to the efforts of my ad- mirable nurse!” Yankee replied. ‘I reckon I can navigate once more,” = ‘*Don’t try to exert yourself, please. I will get you some breakfast in a moment.” Lrg seem mighty anxious to retain your patient,” the man at the bar growled, in a low, hoarse tone, but as low as were the words, Yan- kee overheard them, ‘* What's this?’ flashed through his mind. “The gent of black aspect speaks rather famil- larly, ib seems to me, for a eustomer.” Crystal did not look toward the Sport, but giving the black-beard a scowling look, went behind the counter into the cigar room in front, the customer following her example via the slat door. Then, for several minutes, Yankee heard a low and at times sullen murmur of voices, but could not distinguish what was said, though he concluded the interview was not exactly har- mopious. “T wonder if that is the lover of my fair hostess?” he mused, ‘If so, she has a very poor choice, barring that be is not in disguise, which I should not be surprised if he was, Humph! strange things in this life. Aithough now Satisfied that I am wrong, I cannot shake off the likeness of this woman to my lost Dora: I could almost love her for the resemblance. But, no; I’ve no time to love now, except for my lost ones, and to pursue the bitter trail of vengeance!” " is reverie was brougbt toa close fora time by the entrance of Crystal, the black-bearded gent having taken his departure, “Oh! have I kept you waiting long?” she apol- ogized; ‘‘ these rough customers are such bores, anes SAE SOC Deen! tL MOE ties