The Deadwood Dick Library: Denver Doll's Device — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

18 ‘*Very well, Describe the place of meeiing, and I will be there,” Miller said. ‘« The rear room of the Post-oflice.. Tap three times on the back door and give the chirp of a cricket,” They then separated, Verner leaving the sa- Joon end Miller moving to another part of it, As soon as she deemed itsafe, Denver Doll, in her disguise, arose and staggered outi of the lace, and was soon in herroom at the board- Ing-house, where she exchanged disguises, and with paints, clothing and wigs sx0on transformed herself into a black-haired Spanish-looking per- son, with a sweeping mustache and dusky com- piexion. Once she had been a passenger in a stage that had been attacked by McParlund’s men, aud among them she had seen a man whum her present make-up almost exactly resembled, A few minutes before twelve she left the building and took a circuitous route to the rear of the Post-office, in which vicinity she secreted herself and waite. ‘ It was not long ere Valentine Verner put in an appearance, and was admitted to therear room of fhe Post-office on giving threes taps upon the door and the chirp of a cricket. Ho was unmasked. : Soon another manu came and was admitted, and so, one after another, until over a dozen had been admitted, Last of all came the red-nosed delegate whora Verner had met at the stage, and was admitted after giving the signal. “Now for it!” Doll muttered, leaving her place of concealment. ‘‘P’m going into that reom if I bu’st a suspender.” Seeing that her weapons were in readiness, she advanced tothe door and gave the signal, Without delay the door was opened, and she stepped into the room,closing the door behind her. leyes were turned upon her, and Valentine Verner leaped hastily from his chair—for all were seated about the table, ‘* Hello! who the deuce are you?” he cried. “Stop!” Miller interposed, arisiag; ‘it’s Steward, one of MeParland’s men. What brings you bere; Steward!” ‘*T was sent by the boys to tell you to go cau- tious, as they’re rather suspicious that the cap- tain smellsa rat!” Doll replied. “Tot him suspect! I ordered the boys-to spot him if he showed bad signs during my absence, and *twas not necessary to send you. However, now that you atu hore, be seated, and we will go on with the meeting.” Denver Doll conl! scarcely repress a sigh of relief at the favorabls turn matters had taken. “Well, if I am to address this meeting,” Verner said, ‘I request the undivided attention of all present—especiallv that of Messrs. Sul- Hinder, Markward, Kelly, Arty, Mount, Hayes and Jarvis, Gentlemen, an important project is before us for consideration, which, if adopted, will undeniably put money equally in all of our pockets, You all well know tae Retin Bar's mineral resources are not fully developed, and that there are bright promises for the future. Moreover, a hundred vigilant, well-trained men could defend this place against the attack of a small army. The way matters stand now a ™ Denver Doll’s Device. few of you are in goodly circumstances, while others ure barely making a living. Under a change, every man would share equally in the profits of the mines. Now, in order to work this satisfactorily, it is necessary to rid the town of most of the present inbabitants, and then we have things all our own way, and ad- mit no more residents except by popular vote on the subject.” ‘© But how do you propose to do this? I’m not interested in murder!” said Tom Markward, ‘*No murder is necessary. There is half of McParland’s band—all good reliable men—who wish to join the movement, ana more fo be heard from. If the present party joins, that willswell our numbers well toward & bundred, which shall be the limit. We will meet, organ- ize, form our rules and regulatiins, and then I can arrange the evacuation of Shining Bar, at short notice.” ¢ © How” - “Simple as ANB C, Send a man in here with posters, stating that a monstrous lead has been struck at some distant place, and thousands of men are wanted, and rich claims are to.be sold! What will ba the result? There will be a stam- ede that will nearly clear the townin twenty- our hours. Then we will sail in, and take pos session, Those who take no part in the stampede will be forced to leave, except where we find a reliable party, whom we think best to keep with us. How like you the scheme, gentlemen? It is a gigantic one, but there’s money in it!” Thera was a grim silence for some minutes; then Verner spoke again. “*Comal speak out! All in favor of the mo- tion make manifest by saying I!” Every voice responded in the affirmative, “Tt is well. Mr. Miller and I will ~uperin- tend the details of this affair, and we will have a meeting here again, to-morrow nigit, to per- fect arrangements, For this evening, the meet- ing is dismissed. Go singly, as you came.” “Now for it!” thought Denver Doll, ‘I must get rid of the red-nosed individual, as I do not care to visit McParland’s ranch to-night, in this disgnise.” 3 Being nearest the door, she arose, and started to take the first leave; but the voice of Miller checked him. ‘Hold up, Steward, Wait till I go. to see you a moment,” ‘To disobey would have been to give the whole business away, besides risking ashot in the back, so Doll bad nothing else to do but await the trai- tor’s motion. One by one the men left the room, Miller finslly joining in the movement and motioning Doll to follow, which she did, her every sense on the alert. When they were some distance from the Post- office, Miller turned upon her. “T am going back to the rendezvous,” he said, “and [ wart you to lay shady in this vicinity until I return. I may need you, you see, when I come back.” “Very well. I willbe in the neighborhood,” Doll replied, and she was not sorry to get out of the serape so easily, for she bad half-expected that he would accuse her of being some one else than Steward. , I want 4