Adventure Magazine Cover — page 93: what you’re looking at

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

A ee Am trek IO tin re een as pe ee ee = eee et ee 72> 5 ee Amel Signs Sh ey eRe ye es SS ON, : eros, Ee peak ae es seas es sue . Pay Gravel correctly. The stranger pushed back his chair and gsaid— “Tf you had offered me ten thousand, or a -mnillion to name it, I couldn’t have done it.” “There was an cld woman had three sons, Joshua, James and John.” roared Pyrites, slapping a hand on the dealer’s shoulder and waving a hand at Dinsdale. The ferocity slowly left the stranger’s face. With a reckless laugh he lifted his head and commenced singing— “T used to love a gal there, and they called her Sally Black.” “Hangtown and Spanish Dry Diggings. Fall of Fifty-one!” rejoiced Pyrites. “But you ain’t old enough to have been out there at that singing.” “But a certain old man is, who still sings those songs and taught them to. me,” said the stranger. Springing to his feet he said to Dinsdale, ‘“You’ve cleaned me out. Is there any fighting blood between us? If sO, we can step outside.” “Shame for two young fellows to spill blood,” protested Pyrites. “Let every one be happy.” Dinsdale voted for peace by saying: “Don’t take my talk too seriously. You’re a stranger to me. I was only doing what you probably would have done. If the house will join me?” The house advanced as a man. “T’m called Pete Dinsdale by those who know me the longest,” he continued as he and the stranger followed the crowd to the bar. “Those who know me the least call me ‘Greenback man.’ ”’ “My Black Hills handle is ‘Easy.’ ‘Easy come, easy go,’ you know. I’m glad we don’t 'street-fight. Id have to kill you then. I’m a whale with a gun.” “So am I,” heartily retorted Dinsdale. “T never met up with as good a gunfighter as Iam. Lucky both of us prefer whisky. One or both would sure be killed. If you’re broke [’ll stake you.” : “Thanks. I’m nearly broke, but not enough so to take from the man who won from me. When we meet again I’m coming after your hide. I don’t want any favors standing between us. Where’ll I find you when I get re-lined?” “Deadwood City. San Juan Joe’s place. Come heavy loaded.” age Sea Their glasses traveled to them over the heads of the first comers. While he was drinking Dinsdale was conscious of some one tugging hisarm. He turned impatiently and looked down into Scissors’ innocuous face. “No pictures now, old man,” he curtly said. “But I’m remembering you did me a favor. I owe you a rich stake. I'll settle later.” “San Juan said to give.it to you the first time I caught you alone. Guess you won’t ever be alone, and I’ve been waiting here away from my business for two days,” whispered Scissors. “All right. Hand over.” “It’s in your right hand pocket.” With that Scissors backed away. Taking advantage of the _ boisterous merriment Dinsdale fell back a few steps and pulled a paper from his coat pocket. | He opened it and read: Everything o. k. Come back with Scissors. Job ready very soon.—S. J. J. Dinsdale got Pyrites by the collar and dragged him to one side. ‘Are you too drunk to understand plain English?” he asked. “Ym sober enough to locate two-ounce diggings within fifty rod of here blind- - folded,” proudly assured the prospector. Dinsdale growled in disgust. “See here. Try to remember this when you wake up tomorrow morning. I’m off for Deadwood City. Word from San Juan Joe. I make you a present of the grub- stake. Lay off that whisky.” “Lord! I hate to have you go! Stay till tomorrow and we boys will have some fun tonight. That new cuss knows the same old songs that I do— “There was an old woman had three sons ihe “Drop it! Listen to me carefully. Sober up. Keep your mouth shut. The man who — calls himself ‘Easy’ isn’t as easy as he pre- tends. I’m positive he’s the man I cracked over the head with my gun-barrel up on the divide.” CHAPTER VII THE TRAP AT MATO TIPI Pope Pale was very curious’ for the latest news from Deadwood City, but Scissors galloped ahead until they were clear of the town and defeated all attempts at conversation. When the picture-man slackened his pace it was to ask— Gomichooks 4