The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1878-04-05
CHAPrER Ii.
THE TIGER OF THE MINES.

THE TIGER OF THE MINES.
A lively place was the city of Greaser Gulch
since the rich deposits Of gold discovered in
the dark bed of the swiit-flowing stream that
ran through the canon had drawn the miners,
ever attracted by the fascinating inducements
held out by new digpins,' from far and wide to
this spot Almost in day, Greaser Gulch had
sprung into existence.
First few novels inhabited by Mexicans :;
then the rush of the gold-seekers; and then, as
if by magic, city of nearly five hundred souls,
of hotels, stores, gaming d.ns and dance-houses
lhickly interspersed among the habilations of
the miners Nightly these places Of 'amuse-
menf were thronged by the miners, who lured
on by the tickle goddess, or the smiles of the
heartless sirens, would throw away in few
hours the gold they had wrested from the earth
during the day.
Notably was this the case in large establish
ment which lorded it over its neighbors,
inasmuch that it boasted of two stories, and
which bore on its sign the title Of 'El Capt.
tam
On the night we write Of, the gambling room
of the Ell Captain was crowded, and the various
games of chance in full blast, early as was the
evening.
Seated at one of the small tables ranged along
side Of the walls, three men were playing at a
game Of cards.
From the poor playing they did and the fire.
quent mistakes that were permitted to pass un-
onf;ool Il ay,i,pf hot tho thNnUhfa nf 10
players were not on the game. In fact they
were conversing in low, guarded tones.
And when will this girl be hereT inquired
the younger of the trio, spaniard, evidently,
from his swarthy face and fanciful dress, but
who spoke English perfectly.
Il expect her by to.night's stage, Dave an
swered the man at the head Of the table, and
who was dealing the cards.
This was Colonel Reardon, proprietor of the
Ell Captain Hotel, and reputed one Of the best
card players in Arizona.
Then 1 think had better be preparing my
self for the sacrifice. said Dave, with sarcas-
tic laugh.
Does this girl know The secret"
1t was Elan Ellwell who spoke-the express
agent and postmaster Of the guch-a man, like
keardon, past the prime OF life, with small
cunning eyes and crafty smile upon his
lips.
Il think So answered Reardon, but we must
proceed cautiously; too much haste will spoil
it. BY the way, Dave'-Reardon sank his voice
to whisper-'there is man around here
whom don't like-one who, fear, knows to
much for our good
who is thalY inquired both the listeners,
eagerly.
Hush Don't speak So loud. There he is
leaning on the bar
Red Hall"
Yes; depuly-sheriG from Texas
i fear him. What are you about, Dave p
said the colonel, suddenly. That spade calls
for trumpY
'Ah so it does. Where are my wits p and
Dave placed the jack OF clubs upon the bower.
A man sauntered by close to the table TO
Ellwell and Reardon he nodded familiarly.
Upsn the Spaniard he cast u sharp, curious
look.
His face, contrasted by the black, wavy hair
escaping from under the slouched hat, the large
brilliant eyes, and mustache of the same dark
hue, looked ghastly in its marble like pallor.
But the most remarkable thing about him,
and one which would have attracted attention
even in the most resplendent courts of Europe,
was the mass of diamonds his clothes were
adorned with.
Each button on his coat and vest had set in
its center flashing stone; in his immediate
shirt bosom cleaned magnificent solitaire !;
The watch chain dangling from his fob was
sparkling with the preciors gems and upon
the small fin gers Of both hands he wore rings
set with the same brilliant crystals.
This man was Diamond Dick, sometimes
called The Tiger, from wonderful quickness
and activity he had displayed on several ocea-
sions.
Exchanging greetings with many in the room
Diamond Dick proceeded straight to the bar
and after shaking hands cordially with Red
Hall, drew him aside in conversation.
The three plotters at the table exchanged un'
easy glances.
Hush, boys, here comes the deputy sheriff
cautioned ReaIdon.
In TRUTH Red Hall, after few minutes con
yersation with Diamond Dick, had turned di
rectly and was advancing to the door.
Like Diamond Dick, he flashed searching
glance at the Spaniard, Dave, as he passed.
| The next moment he left the room.
| The nal L., tha,
seats.
"Come, Dave, you'd better CO. said Col. Rear
don, suddenly, arising 1t wouldn't do TO hav
you caught here, We can continue this CONVEX
sation at some future time.
All right, leave word in the usual place whe
you wan. me, and I'll be on hand.
The Spaniard coolly lit cigarette, and the
without betraying any haste, ssuntered out
the apartment.
Hardly had the baize covered doors folde
! behind his form, when terrible hubbub arc
in the saloon into which the door opened. Lot
shouts and curses rent the air. The next in,ta
the doors were dashed aside, and mar, ey
IDENTIFY very much under the influence of whist
staggered into the room.
, Whoopl he vociferated, in thick, hoar
e voice, Who says / can't come in hereY Wha
D the manY Show him 10 me quick.
The man was perfect giant in stature, Al
broad in pro portion. His dress consisted o
a blue flannel shirt, rough pantaloons, and b
$ boots. A mass of fiery red hair struggled fro
under the edge Of battered plug hat, a
Z frowsy beard Of the same color covered his fas
b Around his waist was strapped a small arser
! Of weapons.