Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1015) (1897 01 05)
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\ y \ SN \ \ \Y/ < f ‘ \ ‘ : = —~ sila UA Re EP EI eee, BEY: oy \\ \ at a SS io a i mae Wl Ti Ht i PL i a i! SCO mS Aa i ik { Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office, Copyrighted 1897; by BEADLE AND ADAMS, January 5, 1897. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, N 0. 1015. a Year. No, 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. ol, XL. Whe Reporter-Mletective’s Big Put BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWN. ] IH Hi / | mney || il TTT | : IIH ii] . HTT] il 1 Wil TH HY HH 1} HHI Hl { At | Hi} 1} ESS WH | | i) geen URANARMOOTOTEEEE: 1 Re antl Heke ii TMD YON Rete PTD LL M11 | 1H | H | F iM iH] i ’ | ’ \| Mea A WT A a ima § | i Sd a | | il | iy f ANTAL a “ft AM THE NEPHEW OF COMMODORE SUTHERLAND, WHOSE BODY LIES ON THE FLOOR,”
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2 The Reporter-Detective's Big Pull ; OR, THE WALL STREET SWELL’S SNAG, ——__—_— BY WM. PERRY BROWN. AUTHOR OF “‘ BROOKLYN BOB'S BULGE,” ETC, CHAPTER I. “YOUR CHANCE HAS COME, MY BOY.” The telephone in the editorial rooms is ringing. “ B-r-r-r-r-r'’’ it keeps going, until the night editor jumps to the machine and places the tube at his ear as he calls listens his face lights up. As he hangs up the receiver he glances at the clock, and turns to a smooth- faced, boyish young fellow, who is at one of the writing tables in the next room. “ Boland.,” calls the night editor through the open doorway between the rooms, Boland came forward at once, tucking his note-book in his breast pocket. “T am going to give you a chance, 30oland, or rather your chance has come, my boy, without my aid. I have no one to send but you—see?’”’ “T see.” “Should you make a good thing for the paper out of this, it may lead to a good thing for you. Do you take me?” “ Yes, sir.’’ * Now, I want you to go at once to No. —— Fifth Avenue. Take the Ele- vated. Ask for Commodore Sutherland.” Boland started. This was the name of one of the financial magnates of the land, ‘* You understand?” asked the editor, sharply. ‘Every word, sir,” returned the young re- porter. ‘*Send in your card and ask for the commo- dore, You must manage to see him, somehow. If you don’t, some other paper will, and we may bescooped, He has been dodging the newspaper menallday. I haveit froma sure source that he has just gone home, Pump him regarding the squeeze in Union Pacific. { suppose you have kept up with Wall street news, haven't ou - , Sir. It is said that the commodore has cleared a million or more. His nephew, De Lancy Leland,a Wall street swell, is reported short on the deal to the tune of five hundred thousand more than he will be able to meet, that he lays his ruin to Commodore Suther- and, ““Tsee, Youll do. Well, get an interview out of the old man, if you have torisk a kicking afterward. This paper has got to have one— ot to—mind you. it looks to you to get it. ow, off you go!” - Five minutes later Thomas Boland, or Tom, as he was usually called, was sharpening his pencil on board the Elevated Railroad, Old Briggs seems to think I am still tied to mamma’s apron-strings,” hesaidto himself, ‘I guess all the fellows do, Well, I hope to show them before long who I am, and what I can. do!” The train rattled on to Fifty-ninth street. Bo- land ran down the station stairs and hurried away. Meanwhile Mr. Briggs, the night editor, began to feel uncomfortable, **f wish some of the other boys had been in,” be thought. ‘‘This Sutherland affair is apt to bea big thing. Don’t suppose there is another aper that knows just where the commodore is. oland is very young, and I fear awfully green. But, hang it, what else could I do?” He sighed, lighted a cigar, then fell savagely with his blue pencil upon a long report of some rally of the Populists, out in Kansas, that day. Tom, in the mean time, turned up Fifth avenue, and walking rapidly for a few minutes, arrived in front of the Sutherland mansion. He led the bell, Noonecametothe door, Then erung again, Still no answer, <A third and harder pull met with similar inattention. Then he began to consider what he had best do next, He learied over the brown-stone railing and looked inata window. The gas was evidently turned low in one of the drawing-rooms, for the The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. | vague outlines of furniture, and pictures, and Under another rich rugs on the carpeted floor. But it was impulse he rung the bell once more, with the usual result, ** Are they all dead, I wonder?” he ejaculated, impatiently, ‘‘Strange there are no servants about.” People were passing along the pavements, car- riages were rolling by, and thestreet-ligutsshone brilliantly, Tne silence within the apparently vacant mansion seemed almostuncunny, Again Tom leaned over the balustrade, this time fur- ther than before. Suddenly he drew back, while every nerve in him throbbed violently as the blood jumped in his veins. He. drew back pale and breathless. ‘* What the deuce shall I do now?” he thought. He seized the door-knob, hardly realizing what he was at, when, to his surprise, the dcor opened at histouch, 1t had been left ajar by some oue! He did not hesitate, but passed quickly through the vestibule into a large hall with doors to the right and a broad stairway winding upward at the other end, In this hall the gas was also turned low, This was a critical moment for young Boland. Should he proceed further, risking he knew not what danger, and possible misconstruction, or should he return and report his lack of success? ‘* T must take a look into that drawing-room,” he resolved, and allowing himself no time to hesitate he opened the first right-hand door. A kind of shudder seized him, and under an un- governab!eimpulse, he darted forward to turn up the gas, His foot struck some soft, heavy object and he reeled ioto a richly-upholstered chair, Then, nerving himself anew, he sprung up, turne:t on the gas and cast his eye downward. The curdling thrill that had so nearly overcome him was not without cause. ‘* Good God!” he exclaimed, falling back a step or two, CHAPTER II, TOM’S DISCOVERY—AN ARREST. AT his feet was the body of a man, lying face downward, The back of the head was crushed in, evidently by the blows of some blunt instru- ment. : At sight of an actual, tangible cause for his dread, fear gave way in Tom’s mind to his news- paper instinct, Here was a bigger sensation than old Briggs had dreamed of, and Tom’s shrewdness told him that his own chance had come if he managed rightly. A seemingly de- serted house—a murder—the body yet warm, _for he felt to see, though shuddering again as his hand touched the inanimate flesh. Boland was first‘on the ground. He alone, of allthe city’s alert news-gatherers, knew of this thing! Even the police werein ignorance, He must be at once prompt, cool, sure and circum- spect. He thanked his stars now that he had plenty of nerve. He again bent down and turned the head so that be could see theface, Then he once more started back in surprise. He had seen that countenance before on the Stock Exchange, at the Gold Board, and elsewhere, It was that of a king among men during many a maddening flurry, when millions were at stake upon each revolution of the electric ticker, It was a face well known everywhere in New York. It was tre face of Commodore Sutherland! The tall, portly figure, the abundant gray hair, the white beard, the strong Roman nose were unmistakable, Tom knew that there could be no mistake of identity. He stood meditative- ly over the body with his back tothe ball door, Had he been thinking less intently, or bad his eye been toward the door, he would have become aware of a stealthy opening of another door in the hall, and of a swift, noiseless movement to- ward the front entrance, A man’s form, muf- fled to the eyes, was stealing by the open front drawing-room door, It shota swift glance at the young reporter, then passed on over the soft hall carpeting, out at the street door, down the steps and then swiftly receded from sight. Tom, all unconscious, was making up bis mind how to proceed, Before giving the alarm he re- solyed to investigate a little bimself, for the benefit of his paper. Hs examined the dead man’s pockets. Money, watch and other con- tents had not been disturbed. It did not seem that robbery could have been the motiveof the crime. In one of the commodore’s bands he found a man’s scarf pia tightly clutched, to- gether with a portion of a four-in-hand tie. These, after a brief reflection, heconcealed upon his own person, Hardly the proper thing to do, perhaps, but as Briges said, Tom was ‘*‘ green” and he was working to help himself as well as light within was dim, He could detect tke: the public and his paper. He began a hurried search of the floor. The carpet was a heavy moquette of an elaborate pattern, Ata spotnear the portiere leading to the back drawing-room, was a damp, discolored — His hand was upon the carpet instantly. lood | The body seemed to have been moved after the man wasstricken down. Why? Obviously so that it could be seen by any person entering the hall. Bat, what would :.e the incentive to such anact? Would it not be apt to bethemaneuver of one who knew whut people were expected and when they would arrive? One unfamiliar with the house and its occu- pants would doubtless have allowed the body to lie where it wou'd remain undiscovered as long as possible. Somewhat in this way Tom rea- soned, He now glanced into the hall and saw the commodore’s well-known white silk hat hanging on therack, This he also examived and found that it must have been placed there, after the murder, The rim wag spotted a little with blood. One side had beencrusbed in but had been straightened out again carefully. Tom turned his atteution to the street door, The catch inside was also bloody, as if the murderer, in order that the door might be pushed open from without, had set the lock ac- cordingly. Now, why should he want to do that? The natural theory might be that it would be sup- posed some wandering night prowler, thus er- tering, had done the killing. Yet the real mur- derer, in his haste, had forgotten to rob, or even remove from his victim’s hand the evidence of scarf and tie, thus upsetting the coherency of the plan he had probably devised to throw the police from the true trail, It seemed to Tom as if the criminal, between haste, fear and the confusion of thought, had dons whatever came uppermost in his mind, yet had done nothing with a clear perception of the nature of its probabie interpretation by others, Returning to the drawing-room he began a final search to see if any weapon that had been used were discoverable, Some scattering blood- stains near a sofa by the wall caused him to look beneath, Then he drew fortha piece of gas-pipe about two feet long, One end was cov- ered with blood and scattering bits of gray hair. After the killing the murderer must have thrown down the bludgeon, and it had rolled under the sofa, thus further staining the carpet. Boland now determined to give the alarm. He would like to have made further investiga- tion, but he felt that the risk of keeping this hor- ror longer to himself was growing with each passing moment, He turned the dead man’s face back to its original positi6én, but paused to examine the gas-pipe before replacing it under the sofa, At this juncture — were heard outside ascending the steps. Tomistarted forward, un- thinkingly holding the bludgeon in his band. The street door was flung open, and in ran a couple of policemen, who were followed by a man in plain clothes, ** Arrest that young man!’ exclaimed the lat- ter, pointing to the reporter, ‘‘I saw him in here as I started to enter the house a few min- utes back. He was bending over his victim.” The officers seized Tom, who resisted vigor- ously. “T am not your man!” he cried, “Il ama reporter,and came here to interview the man whom I founddead.” . But, appearances were against Boland and the police were incredulous, ‘Take it easy, young fellow!” ordered one officer. ‘*Clap on the bracelets, Mulligan.” As the handcuffs were snapped over his wrists Tom, perforce, ceased to resist. ‘*Mr. Leland, do you say that you saw this lad in bere before you gave the alarm?” asked one of the patrolmen. “I did.” The man in citizen’s clothing look- ed both nervous and excited, ‘‘ Iam Commo- dore Satherland’s nephew, and was coming here to see him oa business, AsI said, when [ was about to enter, I saw this youth in the drawing- room, He was prowling about, The commo- dore’s body was on the floor.” ‘Wasn't ye efeard the bloke ’u’d get away while ye rin afther us?” demanded Mulligan, a burly patrolman, Leland acknowledged that he had thought of that, yet be hesitated to venture in on a prob- able murderer when alone and unarmed, “‘ Bedad! I’d ’ave locked the dure on him any- how.” was Mulligan’s comment; to which Le- land’s reply war rather confused.
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{ mS ee ee me mw 8 er 2 ee, Peete - Ot n-ne -cer of Leland, ‘Is the house deserted?” ** When I came up | rung the bell repeatedly,” put in Tom, anxious to exculpat | iinosclf, **Then I leaned over the balustrade. I saw the body on the floor, and as the door was unlocked I came in, thinking that I might nose out a big thing for my paper. 4 ‘That may be so, but you'll go with us all the same, You can telephone your paper from the station, though I guess you won’t get much of an answer, Boland saw that but little faith was placed in either bis protestations or explanations, At this moment the front door was again opened and a swish of skirts sounded in the hall, De Lancy Leland sprung to the doorway in order to prevent the new-comer from entering the drawing-room, but he was too late. Then Tom Boland bebeld a bewitching vision of feminine loveliness looking in upon him and the rest. He noted a pair of large, limpid eyes glancing downward, while their wondering expression changed into one of fear and horror, ‘* Agnes,” cried Leland, stepping forward and attempting to lead the girl from the room, “ This is no sight for you.” But the girl, who seemed to be hardly as old as Boland, broke away from bim, and, darting forward, took one long, recognizing look at the figure stretched on the carpet. She did not faint, but, after a gasping ery, checked herself and looke round upon them all, with her fea- tures convulsed by mental agony. ‘* Who has done this?” she faltered at length, ‘* Well, iniss,’ said one of the officers, ‘‘ we don’t know, for certain. But we rather think this is the fellow.” She gazed upon Boland with fear, wonder, perplexity and aversion contending in her man- ner, then she turned to tue corpse, “Oh, my pvor father!” she cried, ‘* Who could—” Again she looked at the youth, ‘* You seem too young to bave duoue such a terrible thing. Is it sure that— YS ‘* No!” exclaimed Tom, interrupting her ener- getically, ‘“‘I didnot do it. 1 wouldn't have harmed a bair of his bead, Ob, believe that, miss! It is the truth,” ‘*I—I do not think you guilty,” she mur- mured, then sinking to the floor beside the body, she began to weepas if her heart was break- ng. Leland tried to lead ber away, but she resist- ed. At this moment the old female servant who had acted as her escort, and who bad fallen be- hind for some reason, camein, Agnesrose and fell sobbing into the woman’s arms, after evinc- ing a certain repugnanceto Leland’s very touch. She was assisted from the room, Then Mulligan took Tom by the arm, “The gurrul may think ye’reinnicint. Sure Ihope you are. But at prisint you'll say no more and come along wid me,” As be took Tom out, the young reporter saw @ newspaper man coming up the steps, in a rasb. ‘* We will be scooped, after all!” he thought, despairingly. ‘‘ Well, this is tough, And I had such a pretty start of them all!” As the patrol wagon bore him to Police Head- ‘quarters in Mulberry street, he felt that the only consoling feature in the whole business was the opinion expressed by the commodore’s lovely daughter, ‘* Bless her heart!” he thought, ‘‘I seem to be down on my luck now, but, should the police fail, I will find the murderer of her father if it takes me ten years!” But at present this valiant resolution was rettily discounted by his circumstances. At eadquarters he was ,at once taken into In- spector Byrnes’s private room, The famous de- tective looked the lad over critically, then ques- tioned him closely. CHAPTER III, FIRED! TOM AS A LISTENER, WHILE Tom wag replying as best he could a yelephone was sent to the office, as follows: ‘* Have arrested a young man calling himself Thomas Boland on suspicion of murder, He claims to be one of your reporters, As your regular man is nct here now, we suggest that you bad better send one along at once. Com- modore Sutherland has been killed. Old Briggs in the editorial-rooms nearly fell hed the floor as he stood with his ear at the re- ver, ‘* What the deuce!” he exclaimed. Then en- wued a brief, rapid interchange of questions and %* Where are all the servants?” asked the offi- — a 8 —eE———e——————EeEEEE————————Ew — replies that lasted about three minutes. ‘‘ This is what comes of sending a green hand on such an assignment.” He felt like kicking himself, but tore into the reporters’ room instead and dispatched two trusty men, who bad come in, to tbe scene of the murder, with orders to rush the news no matter who was burt or whatit cost, A third reporter took a cab for Headquarters, where he was usu- ally stationed at this time, but as ill-luck would Hold it, had returned to the office with ether tems, ** See what that little fool has to say for him- self,” was the night-editor’s parting injunction, then he sat down and wiped the perspiration from his brow. ‘‘ Hang it!” he soliloquized, when he was once more alone. ‘‘ That kid might have made his fortune, It is the first time I ever knew of a man’s getting himself killed for toe benefit of bis interviewer. And the commodore, too! Holy smoke! Boland might as well quit newspapering now.” Tbe magnitude of the crime and the impor- tanco of the victim rendered the police hard to satisfy. Daylight was at hand before Tom walked out into the street, a free personage, As he went moodily down the street something began to hurt one of his feet, He took occasion to enter a barber-shop and remove his shoe and stocking. Then he found the scarf-pin, and also the remnantof necktie. He had concealed them inside his stocking, and during the anxieties in- spired by his arrest he had forgotten them, As his identity was proved before being thoroughly searched the articles had escaped Cetection. ** Had I better turn them over to the police?” he asked himself, ‘‘ No, I will not. They bave not treated me with much consideration, and I am going to look into that murder a little my- self. Must doit for my reputation’s sake,” He stowed the articles away in his pocket; then, as he proceeded on his way, he bought a copy of the World and glanced over its still damp pages. He also secured copies of the other morning papers. The World's account was, if auytning, less full and explicit than those of the HTerald, Sun and Tribune, All the advantage that might have accrued from his early presence on the ground had been more than lost by his arrest. He bad lost his chance. With maledictions on bis own ill-luck and the blindness of the police, when egged on by Le- land, be took his seat in one of the elevators and was hoisted to the editorial floor of his own paper. riggs was putting on bis hat preparatory to leaving. Boland saw that there was blood inthe night editor’s eye, so tospeak. Briggs returned to his desk and scribbled rapidly. ** Here is an order for your pay to date,” he said, handing Tom a slip of paper. ‘‘ You may consider yourself discharged without further notice,” . * But, Mr. Briggs, I think I might convince the managing editor that I could not help being arrested and detained. Don’s you?” ‘* You should have helped it, Boland,” said Briggs. ‘‘ A man who cannot help blundering, at such a time as that, has no business on a live newspaper.” **Ts not this a little hard on a follow?” “Of course it is hard. We have to be bard with each other, in order to hold our own with the rest of the papers. I am sorry, Boland. But you had better try something else for a liv- ing, next time, besides reporting. You’re notin it. There!” Then Briggs took himself off to breakfast and ved. Tom returned to the street, and wan- dering across City Hall Park, turned up Broad- way, feeling rather dejected. He was almost a stranger in New York, and realized the difficulty of securing another job under present circum- stances, is parents were not rich, and he felt too independent to burden them again. The cashier of the paper had paid him just twelve dollars, That, togather with a little pocket change, was all that lay between him and utter destitution. Ten hours ago he had felt quite sure of making a mame for himself on the staff. He even anticipated a round increase of salary, as a reward for the scoop he shou'd bave handed in. Now, every one who had heard cf his recent effort was doubtless laughing athim, Yet he knew that he had been prompt, nervy and cool. Even yet, he did not see how, under the circum- stances, he would have been justified in doing differently. Insensibly his steps tended toward the scene of the murder. He did not feel like going to bed, At that early hour Fifth avenue was nearly de- serted. While hestood behind a lamp-post, gaz- ing gloomily at the Sutherland mansion, which he had finally reached, the front door opened, ee ‘nor there, with me. and Tom saw De Lancy Leland descend the steps. At sight of this man the youth’s indignation rose. He'also remembered what he had read and heard concerning the nephew of the com- modore, and his reputed loss in the great rail- road deal, ‘* As I have nothing else to do,” Tom decided, **T believe 1 will keep an eye op you.” So he followed cautiously, while Leland walked rapidly down Fifth avenue to Broadway, and then turned eastward for several blocks, finally entering a saloon at the corner of a side street, where the neighborhood first began to appear somewhat disreputable. After a moment's re- flection Tom also entered. There were several private stalls at one end, from one of which came a sound of voices, Tom sat down in an adjoin- ing stall, ordered a lemonade, drew forth a paper, and sat there listening, though pretend- ing to read. No one else was in the saloon but the bar- keeper, and Tom felt sure that he recognized the harsh, strident. tones of the man who had de- nounced him to the police. The partition pre- vented him from seeing his neighbors, or being seen by them himself, ‘* How will to-night at midnight do?” asked a strange voice, “No. We must give her time. I shall havea talk with her this afternoon. Then, if she fails to come to time, we can resort to force, I had rather proceed by milder means if possible.” The last speaker was Leland. So quiet was the room, that Tom, not four feet away, could hear every word through the thin, low parti- tion, ‘* Weill, sir,” said the strange voice, ‘‘ just as you think best, So’s I’m paid, ali’s one tom’. But it is my opinion, that, if she really won’t g:, the quicker you ask her go the better.” “Yes, yes. But we must go a little slow. Her father yet lies dead in the housce, His slayer not yet known.” ‘*Y wonder now who did do up old Suther- land?” ‘* You need not look at me, doctor,” protested Leland, and Tom detected vexation in his tone. ‘It is true that the commodore was the cause of my ruin in the last deal. Yet I would have scooped him had I beenable, But when I marry bis daughter it will all come back to me, wita an additional million or two in the bargain.” ‘You have not married ber yet, Leland. Many e man has been done up for a smaller Joss than you sustained. But, all thatis neither here When must I make my move?” ** Not before I put the facis of the case square- ly before her. The commodore died intestute, But I have had papers fixed up that make me administrator and guardian of bis daughter. If she finally refuses to marry me, you and your assistants can step in with your lunacy proceed- ingsandsoon. Agnes is young, but sho is with- in the legal matrimonial limit, especially when her guardian takes hold, Sbe has no near rela- tives—none at all in fact, except me, I think she will be amenable to reason.’ ** if all goes well then, I am to receive—” **One thousand dollars if you don’t stir a peg. Five thousand if you find her out to be of un- sound mind, and fifty a week for whatever time you keep her safe within the walls of that in- fernal retreatof yours, How is that for doing so ligbt a job?” ‘You overlook the other possible risks, A man isa fool to put himself in danger of Sing Sing, unless he is sure of a fat fee. Well, let me know when I am tomovein theeffair, I will go out from here first, Leland. We had better not be seen together in public more than neces- sary just now.” ~ Boland, glancing over the top of his paper, saw a heavy set, pockmarked man go by who, be found out later on, was a certain Doctor Studley, proprietor of a private retreat for in- sane people somewhere on Long Island. Leland remained sometime longer, asdid Tom, for lack of sometbing better todo. Finally the first went out, while Boland buried himself behind his paper in order to avoid any chance recogni- tion, After waiting a few minutes Tom strolled leisurely out into the street, reflecting Ceeply. “*T havean idea that Miss Sutberland is the intended victim of a foul conspiracy,” he said to himself. ‘‘If her immediate friends prove to be as indifferent as her only relative seems treach- erous, she certainly needshelp. I will look into this murder and defeat this scoundrel. Who said I was out of a job? Seems to me I have got 8 pretty big contract on hand right now. Let me see, What had better be my next move, fF wonder?” ; zs me i = Bi. yp Raa Sree. Bg
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pee CHAPTER IV, LELAND'S PROPOSAL, THE YOUNG WAITER, ‘*Marry you? Never! I would rather bein my poor father’s grave. Itis revolting to think of marriage with any one, just now. It would be always revolting to me to think of marriage with you.” The speaker, a blue-eyed, graceful girl, just budding into early womanhood, pointed as she spoke toward the drawing-room door, Though e with grief, her momentary anger only en- anced her rare and radiant beauty. ‘*T think you had better go at once,” she added, The man she addressed rose from his attitude of entreaty, with malevolent looks darting from his hard eyes. His sinister features showed mortification mixed with anger, and he bit his moustache nervously, But with an effort he diverted his show of passion into a bitter smile. ** Well, Agnes,” he replied, ‘* you certainly need a protector. I was in hopes you would take me, Itis true we arecousins, yet our mar- riage, even at this sad time, would enable me to look out for yourinterests and keep together the scattered wealth that was your father’s,” **T tell you frankly, Cousin De Lancy, [ have no confidence in you; neither had my father. He was always op to my marrying you, although he befriended you often enough,” ‘*But he is dead now, and I am your legal 5 neon and the administrator on your estate. ou area minor. I thought it would simplify matters if we married, The commodore evi- dently thought my head was level or he would not have left me in charge of you and yours,” ‘*T donot believe he really did, This is some vile scheme of yours to revenge yourself on me * because you were under heavy obligations to my father in Wall street.” Leland’s eyes flashed ominously. ‘© You are not only a weak, silly girl,” be hiss- ed angrily, ‘‘ but your mind seems to be already affected by grief over your father’s awful death. Others have also noticed this, You are notonly a child, incapable of managing your affairs, but you should be watched and restrained, lest you do something unwise, or worse.” ‘You are a fool, cousin, to talk to me like this. You will impose on no one by such slan- ders as these,” ‘Those gentlemen who saw you yesterday, Agnes, are physicians. You remember how cautiously, yet persistently, they questioned you? Your wild, angry replies, your flighty behavior, were carefully noted. Do you know what these men have done?” “‘T know that they seemed impertinent and presuming. What business had they here?” “They were here to certify to your unsound- ness of mind,” ‘“*Good Heavens! And yet you would marry me! Are you really anxious to marry a crazy person, De Lancy?” In spite of her visible alarm he saw that she had penetrated the hollowness of his various as- sertions, and the knowledge added to his anger by increasing his confusion. ‘*Tt is all a base conspiracy,” she added, as if Fy Ta any **God help me! Where will it en “Tt will end in your doing as I say, Agnes,” he blustered. ‘“ Otherwise, £ shall use my legal authority to have you conveyed to an asylum until your reason is restored,’ ‘*My reason! I used to suspect that you were a villain, Now I know you are one, ve the room! I wish to be alone.” ** Not until you have promised to be my wife, Then ail will be well. Otherwise, as [ said, Doctor Studley’s private retreat is your only refuge, perhaps for years, perhaps for life,” A slight scream was the response to this heart- less alternative, then Agnes sunk into a chair, buried her face in her hands and burst intotears, Then came a knock on the door, which at once opened and a very young man ina waiter’s garb, with a napkin thrown over his arm, appeared, He was a medium-sized, thin-faced youth of reese A complexion, with long, curling black hair, One rather odd thing about him for a waiter was that he worea of smoked glasses, as if his eyes were weak. ** Luncheon is served, ma’am,” he said to Miss Sutherland. ‘* What do you mean by entering here unbid- den?” demanded Leland roughly. ‘' Leavesthe room|!’ ** He shall not go!” said the girl energetically. ‘* His presence w cd asade tactack ves been Tas ther insult,” adduced as further evidence of her alleged*men- ee Leland looked knowing, as if her use of such | pronounced language ore a servant might be | 4 The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. tal unsoundness, then he took up his hat, ** Well, he may remain,” he assented, ‘‘ But you have heard my ultimatum.” He drew close and whispered. ‘‘If by this time to-morrow you donot consent to my proposal, the other means I spoke of shall beat once employed. I[ am your guardian and I have full authority.” Then to the waiter. ‘‘Outof my way, fellow!” Mr. Leland strode from the room, jumped into his private hansom and drove rapidly to bisclub, Had he been aware that this same [talian-looking servant had been listening at the keyhole for several minutes previous to his entrance, proba- bly the commodore’s nephew would have been yet more avgry than he was, Agnes, who had plunged into sad reflection upon her cousin’s withdrawal, at length raised her eyes. She had forgotten the waiter for the moment, He was regarding her respectfully, Something in his manner inspired confidence, and she felt very helpless and friendless just er notwithstanding her brave words to Le- After the commodore’s burial, her cousin’s forged letters of guardianship and administrator- ship had been recognized by the surrogate, so deftly had Leland done his work, and he had at once assumed the legal control over her affairs which he claimed to be authorized tohave. As she was just out of school, and with but few in- timate friends in New York, notwithstanding her father’s high position, she found the strange- ness of her situation equaled only by its apparent helplessness, Under plea of the disagreeable associations connected with the murder, Leland had per- suaded Agnes to go to another house that was in charge of her father’s butler, who was a crea- ture totally under Leland’s influence, This man controlled the under-servants, and asthings were now arranged, every movement of the girl was watched andreported. Nowondershefelt hope- less. Her father’s murderer was undetected, she and her property were in Leland’s bands, there were no friends near by sufliciently cog- nizant of her situation to interferethatshe knew of, and she herself had only recently returned from a three-years’ absence at a distant school in New England, Still looking at the waiter, she approached him slowly, while a wan smile replaced the brooding melancholy that had characterized her aspect. **-You look to meas if you mi,ht be trusted,” she saidin a wonderfully winning voice, with a suggestion of sadness in its tone that affected the youth greatly, although he gave no sign, “*Do you think 1 may trust you?” CHAPTER V. THAT CROSS-EYED BUTLER, THE COAL-HOUSE. Tue waiter regarded the commodore’s daugh- ter so ardently that, perhaps, it was well that his glasses concealed his eyes. ‘*lam gure you may trust me,” he replied earnestly, ‘‘If you will let me bring your luncheon into the library and wait on you there, I will prove to you that Iam sincere,” - Though she did not reply in words, she moved toward the room in question and the waiter retired, In a moment or two he re- appeared bearing a tray covered with eatables which he rather clumsily arranged on a sm table, Then he opened a bottle of claret, Ag- nes, wearily watching, smiled slightly. ‘** You do not appear to be a practiced hand,” she ventured to say. ‘‘Perhaps not, miss,” returned he, plccing a chair for her then drawing back. ‘ But wai ug on tables is not what I am really here for, Iam here toserve you! See” The girl almost screamed as she beheld him divest bimself, not only of his glasses but his ebony curls, disclosing close-cropped light hair, and keen gay, ses that did not seem to be at all weak. Suddenly she grew pale. “Do you recognize me?” he asked. “‘ You—were—” Te ‘Yes; lam the young rter who was ar- a by mistake on the night of your father’s death. ‘“‘T thought you were when you removed the glasses, felt all the time that you were not ilty.” oe Bat I lost my place, all the same, through that very blunder. ‘Poor fellow!” Thissympathetically, ‘‘ And then 7 becom ‘*] didn’t have to, but I chose to in order to secure another position,” e a servant, I sup- ** Another position?’ Agnes looked up fron: the luncheon she was pretending to eat. “LE fear I do not exactly understand.” ‘*Yes, to secure another position—one that will enable me to—to protect you.” The girl dropped her knife and fork. ** Don’t you see?” Tom added, earnestly. I can succeed in protecting you from those who wish todo you harm, my reward will be ample for having had to appear as a servant. I I add to this that I hope to find out the real mur- derer of your father, then—” ‘* Yes, then—” joined in Agnes, eagerly, for she was already infected by his confidence in himeelf, : ** Why, then I might get back my old job on the newspaper again.” At this they both laughed, and the assumed waiter again put on his disguise and stood at the back of her chair as he related to her most of the events with which the reader is already familiar. From the first the almost friendless girl trusted him implicitly, “Then,” continued Boland, “‘ when 1 saw what this cousin of yours was up to, I made up my mind that I would devote my energies to saving youif I could; that is, if you authorized me to goahead. You can always count on Tom Boland.” “*T believe in you,” she said, assuringly. ** And I will confide in you. Rich as I am, in money matters, I am poor in friends; true friends, 1 mean.” “*You will never have a truer one than I, miss, Please believe that. Now I will take these dishes down or I may be suspected, That cross-eyed butler is terribly suspicious, He hired me only yesterday, but [am onto his lit- tle game, already. You must do nothing what- ever until you see me again.” ; Boland started, stopped, put down his tray and respectfully ki the young lady’s hand— a proceeding she but faintly resisted, though blushing brightly the while. Then he hurried out, while Agnes, leaving the library, went fly- ing up-stairs, eanwhile, in a room below, a cross-eyed man had been listening at the fiue leading to the library register, which was open, and every word uttered by the two young people had been heard by him easily, This unseen auditor now drew a long breath and slowly scratched his head. Mi dara I will be cursed!” he at length ejacu- It was the butler, who was the trusted spy and servitor of De Lancy Leland! He was a husky-voiced, bald-headed, broad-faced man, who usually walked about as if he were step- ping on eggs. ‘*T must look into this,”he muttered, as he glided softly toward the kitchen, where the new waiter was just setting down his dishes, ‘ Tony,” said the butler, ‘‘come with me out to the coal- ~ ao y There is something there we must set to rights. He led the way to a small out-building at the further end of the back yard and unfastened the door, which was a heavy one and secured by a strong padlock, f ‘In with you, Tony,” he directed, pointing to a pile of coal at the furtherend, ‘* We must get this coal into the house first, Then—” : Tom, who had unsuspectingly entered, heard the butler’s words interrupted by a slamming-to of the door. As he wheeled round the lock snapped and he realized all at once that he was a prisoner! ‘Open that door,” he shouted, then flung his whole weight against it, ‘‘ Open it, I say!” ~ But the strong lock would not yield, He heard the butler’s sullen laugh echo dismally. The sound enraged the lad, and he again exert- ed his whole strength upon the door, at the same time shouting: ‘© You had better let me out, else there will be trouble,” “ Better take it easy, until master comes,” said — the butler from without. ‘‘ Holierin’ won’t help e one bit, Master will talk to you better than can, Mister Tom Boland.” ‘‘Euchered, by the Lord Harry!” ejaculated iy 2 ” called the butler, as he chuckled Tom, “Ty say, slowly. ‘Next time you want to talk with the 9) missus, rian, He-he-he!” Then he went away, and forseveral long hours the young man fumed, fretted and tried in vain to extricate brick and as strong as a prison. At last he crouched down in one corner and waited in sul- in len silence, while the daylight slowly waned and the night "approached, The streot imps were “ 1 rhaps you'd better close the re- ‘A himself, But the out-house was of oF +e pat
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| lighted when he heard steps draw near and the padlock creaked as it was unfastened. The door slightly opened. Tom heard the voice of the butler. ‘* Master haven’t come yet, I’ve brought you a bite of supper, though it is more than you de- serve, Come here and get it or you will do without till breakfast.” ** All right,” mumbled Tom, as if he had just awakened from a nap. ‘*Ha-hum! Believe I must have been asleep. My, whata cramp I’ve got in that leg! Please, sir, would you mind setting the dish on that empty barrel by the door? I am just that stiff I can hardly move,” While the butler, grumbling at the youth’s ** laziness,” put one foot inside in order to reach the barrel Tom sprung noiselessly forward. The man’s outstretched arm was seized and he was jerked violently, stumbling over the sill as he felltothe ground. The plate was shattered scattering the food. But before he could move further, or even ery out, his throat was grasped and squeezed until he could barely breathe, Then a knotted handkerchief was thrust into his mouth and drawn tight behind his ears, so tight that the blood nearly gushed from the corners of hislips. A pair of bandcuffs, which Tom, as a self-constituted detective, had pro- vided himself with asa matter of course, were snapped about his wrists behind his back, and his legs were bound with strips from the butler’s own apron. In two minutes the man lay as helpless as a new-born babe, unable even to call out, *‘ Now, my friend,” said Tom, ‘‘ I am sorry to have to return your offer of supper in this way, but, as I’ve got another appointment, it is neces- sary for me to leave without the pleasure of see- ing your master here. Have to let you take my place. You may tell him that, though you think you have foiled me to-day, he will hear from me soon enough agein, especially if he at- tempts anything against the peace or freedom of Miss Sutherland. Ta-ta, old boy!” Boland now left the coal-house, locked the poet and threw che key over into the adjacent ey. ‘*Grunt away!” he muttered, as he heard the butler’s efforts to release himself, ‘' You will work a good while before you succeed, if Iam any judge of knots and handcuffs, Lucky I provided myself with darbiesand pistol. Didn't think I would need the first so soon. Perhaps it won’t be long before I will have a use for the second,” But, instead of escaping by the back yard gate, Tom now boldly made his way to the house again and entered. CHAPTER VI, AN INTERRUPTION, BoLAND's idea was that, as the butler prob- ably had not made public his knowledge of the young man’s identity in view of Leland’s con- tinued absence, the risk of re-entering the house would not be great, and the possibility of learn- ing something serviceable thereby ought not to be neglected. He was still in bis waiter’s costume. Avoid- ing the kitchen and the cook, he stole through the basement corridor that led by a stairway to the upper front hall. The drawing-rooms and library were in darkness, Then he crept up to the second floor and there met Miss Sutherland’s maid, who uttered a low exclamation of alarm. “Ttis only eee said Tom, trusting still to prevarication, ‘‘Where can [ find your mis- tress? Cook wants to send up supper,” ‘*Qook must be crazy,” said the maid, ‘‘ Miss Sutherland have had tea and she be walkin’ in the Square.” “The very thing for me,” thought Tom, and making a brief excuse for bis error, he ran down to the basement, put on his hat and coat, and sought the street through the rear exit by way of the alley. In the quiet little Square before the house he came across Miss Sutherland under the trees, He soon made his altered situation known, and though she seemed glad to see bim, her nervous start when he told how the butler had overheard and frustrated his first plans, evinced that she was much alarmed. Yet, when he related how he had evened upthings with that cross-eyed functionary, she laughed, but suddenly looked serious again, ‘* I shall be deprived of your services just as I was beginning to feel that I had one true friend,” she said sadly. ‘‘ Not so,.miss, We will merely have tochange our programme. “Tet us sit down on this bench and talk it over.” The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. So they seated themselves at a retired naok where the electric light shone dimly and the sur- rounding shrubbery was thick, **Of course,” explained Boland, ‘“‘I will not be a waiter any longer. . But there are other ways for metoaid you. Have you no relatives or near friends who would receive you if you left this house here? Leland is too great a ras- cal to take charge of you, even if he is your guardian, which—by the way—I don’t believe at all.” ‘¢T have acquaintances here, But the few real friends of mine are in other parts of the country. Having been away so long lam almost a stranger to my father’s friends heré, Besides, De Lancy would undoubtedly make any one with whom I took refuge, give me up.” ‘7 have it!” exclaimed Tom, ‘ But you will trust yourself entirely to me? I shall be true,” ‘¢T have no one but you to trust now,” ‘7 am young, I know. But I would die for you if necessary,” ‘*T feel sure that you mean well.” ‘¢ This Leland has threatened you with confine- ment in a mad-house, hasn’t he? Well, you re- main quiet. Seem to asseut to whatever he r: quires, except to insist on delay as far as the murriage goes, Then wait until you hear from meagain. You must also be ready to fly at a moment’s notice whenever I say the word,” ‘Would going off with you be—be exactly proper?” This with a modest blusb, ‘* Yes, under thecircumstances, I should only take you to my mother. She is a dear good woman, My parentslivein thecountry, That fellow will never find you there and she will care for you asif you werea daughter, She cannot help loving you if you wili allow her to.” “But will not Cousin Leland still have au- thority over my property? Can he not, at any time, take charge of me, should he fini me? It will be four years yet before I am twenty- one. 7 Boland knit bis brow in deep thought~ then his face brightened as he said: ‘* You will have to trust to what can be after- ward done, I think your cousin’s guardianship over you and your property can beset aside, In fact, I feel sure that it can.” ‘¢ That would be delightful. But how?” Tom leaned forward and whispered in the girl’s ear. Her face took on an expression of amazement and fear. : ‘Tt is borrible!” she exclaimed. ‘* Horrible enough,” commented Tom. ‘ But I have a conviction that De Laacy Leland is base enough for anything.” ‘‘Tg he?” hissed a harsh, grating voice directly behind the two young people. ‘‘ We will see about that.” ‘¢ Boland jumped to his feet with one hand on his revolver, and Miss Sutherland uttered a low ery of dismay, Then the form of a man thrust itself between the youth and the girl, and turn- ing, grasped the arm of Agnes, t was Leland himself, white with rage as his sinister eyes burned with a baleful light! Be- side him was the cross-eyed butler. ““Itis you, is it?’ to Tom, whom he at once recognized, for the lad had lost his glasses in the fracas at the coal-house, ‘‘ Not content with blundering over the corpse of my poor uncle, you must meddle in my affairs, Pity the police could not hold you. Butif 1 cause your psa you will scarcely go free so easy. Now, ° He pointed down the veled path, but Bo- land merely smiled, gins <i ‘*T said for you to go!” insisted Leland, “If you remain in this neighborhood, I will have you run in,” “7 hardly think you will,” returned Tom, calmly, as he drew something from an inside pocket of his coat. Do you see this?” Under the flare of the distant electric light something flashed brightly as he stretched forth his arm, It was a diamond scarf-pin of a peculiar shape, Around the stones was a crest of arms in filagree-work. Leland staggered back with features gray as those of a corpse. Agnes seemed to recognize the coat of arms. Boland bent forward, “Do you know where I found that?” he de- wTeiena gazed ly, lik trick an vacantly, like a man stricken with palsy, . “Tt was in bis hand,” added the youth, rapidly. ‘‘There was a piece of torn necktie there, too, There was blood on botk.” \ Without giving the amazed man tinie to re- cover, Tom turned from him, lifted his hat to Agnes and said, with meaning emphasis: ‘* Remember!” —————$ eo Then he walked rapidly away toward one of the entrances to the Square. He had gone perhaps thirty yards. when Le- land recovered his nerve. “ After that fellow!” he urged to his at- tendant. ‘‘ Don’tlosesight of him. See where he stops—what he does—if you have to shadow him until morning. And hark!” He whispered in the butler’s ear. The cross-eyed man nodded and slipped quiet- ly away. Leland turned to the commodore’s daughter. He attempted to draw her arm within his own, but she resisted with such unmistakable aversion that he bit his lip in ury. ““T will go with you, since I must,” she said, “but you sball not touch me, Besides, what did that young man mean by producing that pin? I surely recognized your coat of arms,” They were walking toward. the house now. Lelaud did not reply until he had carefully closed the door behind them both, ‘¢'You are too curious,” he said. ‘‘ The fel- low stole the pin, of course. His impudence needs taking down.” ‘‘ T do not-believe that, De Lancy. He is cer- tainly an honest—” ‘« Silence!” he harshly interrupted, ‘ What do you know of such vagabonds as he? You seem so determined to thwart me that I must take stringent measures, Once for all, will you quietly marry me and thus avoid a restraint which will be as unpleasant to you as the impo- sition of it will be irksome to me?” ‘‘ No!” she defiantly replied, forgetting in her anger the advice as to delay given by Tom _be- fore they were thus interrupted. ‘‘ A hundred times no! Not if you were the last man on earth,” Hea clinched his fist as if about to. strike her, but restrained himself with an effort. ‘* Very well,” be rejoined. ‘‘On your head be the blame for whatever may follow. You must be ready to leave here at daylight.” ‘‘ Where am I to go?” she asked, feeling a sud- den thrillof alarm that dashed her as 2 aside. ‘¢ That you will know, in due time, au need not try to run away. I shall not allow you to go out again, Every door and window is se- cured, and you yourself are watched. You may have fooled me once, but I hardly think you will, again.” By this time they were up-stairs in her own sitting-room, Without waiting to hear more he pow abruptly went out, Agnes sunk back intoa chair, She felt discouraged. Adroit as Boland appeared to be, it seemed as if Leland were fully his equal at that sort of game, besides having the advantage of possessing both money and personal influence, ? She trembled and wept. If Tom’s suggestions and the hint conveyed by the mysterious pin were true, she wasin the power of a man who would stop at no crime which he might deem necessary in order to compass his purposes, And he was her legal guardian! “ What shall I do?” she faltered, ‘‘God have mercy! What can I dof” CHAPTER VII. SHADOWED, SMALLEY AND THE BUTLER. WHEN young Boland departed from the Square, he passed down the street he happened to be on, until be came to Fourth avenue; then he made his way down-town. Once, after stop- ing to light a cigarette, and remove his wig, he noticed a man over the way pause in an ad- jacent doorway. Presently he looked back. As he suspected, the man was following. Tom made several detours, but soon found that this shadow was not to be easily shaken off. Finally, as the man passed a jeweler’s window diagonally across the street, the youth thought he recognized the cross-eyed butler, “Leland must be scared,” thougbt Tom, “or that bloke would not beon my track. I must give him the shake, I wonder how he got out of the coal-house so quick?” The young reporter increased his pace and presently turned into the upper Bowery, where the increasing crowds of wayfarers promised to assist in his escape, Watching his chance he darted into the side door of a certain well-known resort for printers and newspaper-men, and looked eagerly about, Then he hurried across the long bar and billiard-room and tapped a round-faced, jolly-looking young man on the shoulder, The latter was idly watching a game from one of the chairs against the wall, “ Hello, Smalley!” accosted Boland. ‘I want you to do me a favor.” “All right, youngster,” returned Smalley, somewhat cautiously, as if be feared that Tom
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might want to borrow money, ‘‘ We'll see about it, Heard you got the bounce, Where have you been keeping yourself?” ‘“Been knocking about. But, I say! Ifa cross-eyed man in a sort of waiter’s dress comes in here, just swing to him, will you? Keep him in tow for a moment or two.” ‘Very well, sonny.” Smalley was eying B>- land’s garb the while, ‘‘I’ll tackle him. Bu;, are you really down to slinging bash in a restau- rant?” ‘* Well, not exactly!” ‘¢ Dey’lish mean in old Briggs to give you the sack, You'll do better when you have more ex- perience. Broke?” ‘‘ Not yet. Can’t explain, but Iam on a new lay now. It may pan outa good thing if I can work it out. Look sharp! There ismy man,” Tom darced behind a screen and made his way out without being seen, just as the cross- eyed butler entered from the other side and stood looking cautiously about. Smalley saun- tered up .o bim, locked him carefully over, then he held o ut his hand. *¢ Bless my sout!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Why, how are you, Dick? When did you get back?” Then he rattled on with a string of effusive nonsense at a pace that gave the astonished butler no chance to say a word for a moment or more, “I don’t think I remember you,” said the shadower, as soon as he could make himself heard, and moving off at the same time, But, Smalley was after him with an air of social insistence, and thrusting his arm through the butler’s, bore him gently but irresistibly to the bar, “Well, I remember you perfectly,” averred Smalley, gayly. ‘‘ Long time, though, since we met. Smalley is my name, What will you take?” The butler, finding his new acquaintance per- sistent, took something red, with lemon and sugar attached thereto, and again looked around the room, “Looking for somebody, Dick?” asked Smal- ley. ‘*Mighty apt to find him here, Great lace this, But, 1 say, whatis the matter? You ook as if you had wallowed ina coal-bin?” The butler winced at Smalley’s accidental ac- curacy The back of his coat was covered with coal-dust, he having had no time to brush up when found by Leland, who bad entered the house by the rear way as was sometimes his wont, and who had heard the butler’s groans, had released him, heard the explanations and then made his servitor follow him at once in search of Agnes, the housemaid telling them that she was in the Square, “But, that’s all right,” continued Smalley. “TI get a jag on myself, now and then, I’m afraid you'll have a head on you in the morning, old boy.” Thus, on one pretext or another, he managed to detain the man for several minutes; then Mr. Smalley suddenly remembered that he had for- otten a pressing engagement and tore himself away from his friend, Dick, with some appear- ance of regret, having, the while, dextrously forestalled all attempts on the butler’s part to either explain or withdraw, Then he walked slowly down the Bowery to another well-known resort near Park Row. He stood in the coor- way, quite oblivious of that engagement, and yo himself, on the whole, feeling rather ull, “Wish I was at work,” he thought. ‘For fifty cents im nickels I’d give this blessed burg the shake, One might as well get jagged at once as to be reduced to kill time in this shape. Hullo here! Look where you're going, will you?” This remark was brought out by his being rudely shouldered by a seedy-looking youth with spectacles and a moustache, who seemed to have taken on the kind of “jag” which Smalley had alluded to in his solitary com- munings. The fellow steadied himself against the door-post and peering into Smalley’s face, grinned in an idiotic manner, “way! You're too full for my company,” said Smalley, starting away, but the other bold- ly held him back by the collar, *“‘Tf you fail to recognize me in this get-up, guess I’m safe enough,” remarked the new- comer, suddenly sobering up. ‘ Don’t you know Tom Boland, man?” ‘Well, I swear!” Smalley was Leary as wellasamazed, ‘‘I even fancied I could smell your breath, Come! This is immense! What are you up to, anyhow?” Tom’s waiter’s garb had been exchanged for a half. mt A cutaway coat, loud trowsers, and a brown derby. He wore hi3 own short hair, but had donned a reddish-brown mustache and a The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. a different pair of eye-glasses. A peculiar limp, asif one leg was stiff, also strengthened the dis- guise. “T see you have given Cross-eyes the shake,” said Tom. ‘I hardly think he will recognize me in thisrig. Let us go into Hilton’s and bave some oysters. As I said before, I am on a little lay and find that I need help, I understood that as were temporarily laid off. How would you ike to take a hand in a little racket that promises to turn out the biggest kind of a sensa- tion?” $¢ well, that depends. Any money in it, my “Scadoodles of it if we succeed! But that is not all, Smalley. We are to rescue beauty in distress—avenge a foul crime and all that sort of thing.” ‘*Sounds old-time-novelish. Any risks to run?” “Of course, But none that cannot be sur- mounted. Tell you what, Small; you are a good fellow. Vii let you in on the ground floor.” Smalley was interested, but dubious, They talked it over while discussing their oysters, and Boland grew eloquent in depicting the possible advantages that might accrue from a vigorous pushing of this Sutherland affair, privately, on their own hook, “ Come with me to my room, Smalley,” urged Tom, as he paid the bill and they strolled out to the street. ‘I will explain just what I want ys assistant for and what you will have to 0. CHAPTER VIII. THE OLD CLOTHES MAN, CONSPIRATORS, NEARLY a fortnight after the events recorded in the preceding chapter, Swivel, the cross-eyed butler, was called from tbe kitchen to the back- yard gate of the Leland house by a knock, He admitted a hump-backed man, whose face was nearly bidden by a thick beard. His gen- eral appearance was that of a second-hand ae 1g in old clothing something down upon his uck, “Swivel, my poy,” said this person as he pushed his way inside, ‘‘{ thought ash how you would nefer let mein, Have you collected all your master’s old clothes?” ‘Come, now,” returned Swivel shrewdly; “I know you haven’t been hanging round for a week just to get a few old clothes. What are you up to, anybow?” “*S help me gracious!” exclaimed the other in awkwardly expressed surprise. ‘* What else should I want? lama poor man, undt trade is very pad—exsheedingly pad. Your master, he has gone, undt he leafs you in sharge. Well, now. I get dem clothes of you, sheap. You no want ’em yourself.” The cross-eyed butler leaned forward and smiled knowingly. ‘‘T want to know your little game,” said he, “You are no more an old-clothes dealer than I am anangel. 1l’ve only been waiting for a good chance to tell you so—see?” As he spoke he jerked the hump-backed man’s hat from the latter’s heed with a swift move- ment, bringing with it also a busby wig and beard, Then he fell back in amazement at this result, for confronting him were the sharp fea- tures and keen eyes of the young man who had turned the tables on him in the coal-house! But, while he stared, Boland ee upon him and the two went down under the kitchen table, for they had entered the house meanwhile. Presently the butler began to call for belp. “Callaway!” said Tom. ‘ Don’t I know that you have been alone here for ten days? There, take that.” He forced something tightly over the butler’s mouth and nose, despite the Jatter’s struggles, which soon grew fainter, and finally ceased alto- gether. Tom rose, took from his pockets some gmall rope and bound the butler securely. Then he seated himself, drew a revolver and calmly waited for the man to revive, which he present- ly did, with a sneeze, a growl and an ineffectual effort to release himself from his bonds, _ “T rather think I have bested you again, Mr, Be wivel,” remarked Boland, affecting a lazy aw, 5 ‘‘ You must be the devil,” groaned the butler, “But, I bave had enough of this foolishness, Let me up.” “Not just yet. Idid not intend to unmask until my pal comes, but you were so very eager, ou know, that I bad to precipitate mattersa ttle. No, you must lic quiet a bit.” ‘*Do you mean to rob the house? If so I can still raise an alarm,” —— “Yes, and get either a ball in your goozleor another gag in your mouth. It’s healthiest for you to keep quiet. We may need your help.” ‘*1’ll gee you hanged before I help you except to clap you in jail.” Said with vicious em- phasis, ‘‘ Excuse me,” said Tom. ‘‘I think you will assist us when we are ready for you to do so.” ‘‘That’s cool. Why, 1’d like to know?” ‘Because your life is at stake—see?” The butler sneered. ‘‘ Now listen to me, you scoun- drel,” Tom, dropping his affected draw], spoke sharp and stern, ‘I have got you and your precious master down fine, He will be here to- night.” Swivel started involuntarily. “I see you understand, Some one will meet him here ~—gome one who was in Commodore Sutherland’s house on the night of the murder, Some one also saw to it that the servants should be out of the way when the deed was done,” ‘‘ How do you know that?” demanded Swivel, startled into a certain wildness of manner. ‘* Are you the very devil himself?” ‘] will preve worse than the devil to you if you interfere, either by word, look or movement with the programme I bave arranged to carry out here to-night. Do you suppose I have beer selling old clothes for nothing, this week or more?” The butler twisted about uneasily, regarding Tom with both fear and aversion. Young Bo- land continued: ‘* When Leland comes here, you are to receive bim just as usual, never letting him know about me or my partner being on band, ‘‘ You will take him to his room on the second floor and see that he stays there. When that other person arrives, show him in to your master and let their interview take place there. D’ye under- stand?” Swivel grunted in an unmeaping sort of way. ‘* When my partner comes he will be in the wake of that other fellow. Take him into the room adjoining the one your master and his guest will be in.” ‘Bloody nice programme this, Where will you happen to be?” ‘“Never mind. I shall be on hand to riddle ou with bullets if you failin the least to do as. say. I shall turn the gas off and keep the key of the meter. I found out you had one when was a waiter here. the company are having some pipes mended, and serve him with candles, which I know you have on hand, The house will be dark and my plan be less liable to interruption.” Then Boland seis 5h down the cellar stairs, Swivel struggled desperately to release himself, and his face was red with ineffectual exertion as Tom soon returned, ‘“‘T have turned off the gas,” he remarked. “ Now, as it is getting dark, we will light this candle, I see one sign of good old aristocracy here; you don’t bave any vulgar lamps about, Nothing but gas and good wax-candles, Now, old man, I’m going to set you free, I'll borrow your pocket- knife, and I know you have no other weapons in the house except a carver and butch- er, which I will alsolookafter. If you are quiet and docile—all well. But one wrong step, one misplaced word—nay, one suspicious quiver of your eyelid, and I’ll do a little murdering, my- self. Remember; this is a desperate game, an land my pal are not only armed but actually thirsting for gore! It’s all I can do to keep my finger from a trigger, right now.” Boland, while speaking, loosed Swivel’s bonds, but kept a wary eye on his least movement. The butler arose to his feet and stood there obe- dient but sullen, The extraordinary nerve and dexterity of the young man. had evidently awed the fellow, somewhat, At this juncture the door-bell rung loudly. ‘‘ Well, why are you not getting a move on yourself?” demanded Boland, ‘Remember, I shall be watching,” and he showed his pistol significantly as Swivel moved off. ; ‘* What makes you so slow?” growled Leland as his butler at last opened the street-door. ‘Think I must have been nodding,ir.” As he spoke Swivel glanced nervously toward a dark recess under the ball-stairs where he knew You will say to Leland that > Boland had ensconced himself with a cocked re- | volver, ‘‘ Well, show me into a warm room and be quick about it, I don’t pay you to nod.” Leland seemed to be ina bad bumor and fol- lowed the butler up-stairs, grumbling as he went. The heat had been turned on from the furnace, but as Swivel placed a lighted candle on the table Leland ordered him to light the gas, Swivel explained, according to Boland’s in- structions, for he felt the presence of the latter’s eye and pistol in his very bones, ‘ tee ;
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~y es fe meet eek hn no = i ‘ ‘Curse the gas company!” growled Leland, *<Set outsome wine and brandy. We sball need something strong for this night’s work.” The butler brought bottles and glasses, then was ordered to remain and pay attention. ‘“*T have some things to say concerning your own safety as well as mine, Swivel,” informed Leland after helping himself to brandy. The butler glanced nervously behind him. There was a portiére which concealed sliding- doors that led intothenext room. Over this doorway was a transom, A slight—a very slight creaking sound was now heard, ‘* What is that?’ demanded Leland, who was also nervous as well as irritable, ‘* A swinging window-blind, I guess, But had you not better be cautious about what you say, sir? Sometimes the very walls have ears.” ‘* You are very squeamish, all at once,” sneered Leland feeling the brandy in his veins. ‘How much did I have to pay you to see that all the other servants were out of the house— that night?” ‘¢ H-g-s-h!” whispered Swivel, as a cold per- spiration started on his brow. ‘* What’s the use | of going over this? The pay is all right.” ‘* Yes; but your part of tx0 work is not, by a devilish sight! Ose man was left in the house. He went for meafterward and I had to come down handsomely in order to close his mouth. He will come again, I guess, and keep coming.” “| thought all were gone,” whimpered Swivel, who, between bis fear of Leland’s saying too much, with Boland as a secret au‘titor, and his dread of the latter’s pistol, was nearly beside himself, being cowardly at heart. ‘‘ But, why rake things up that cannot be helped? I tried to do the best I could.” ‘Well, mark me! You have not got all your pay yet, Unless you strictly doall I want done, you won't get it either, Lf it comes to the law, you are in for it as well as the others, as an accessory. ** Well,” said Swivel, in dogged desperation, ““whatelseisit lam todo? Donottailk so loud, sir, if you please.” Leland’s back was toward the portiére. As Swivel spoke, the butler saw the curtains slow] ea and the face of Boland appear, Tom shoo is head menacingly, as an intimation to Swivel that his master must be allowed to talk. The butler shuddered as he noted the gleam of Tom’s pistol-barrel, Then the face disappeared as the curtain fell. “What the deuce is the matter with you?” demanded Leland. ‘‘ Drink that and put some courage into your shaking bones, I’m tired of looking at your ugly yellow face,” Swivel gulped down a glass of raw spirits, while his master, leaning far across the table, fixed on the servani a burning gaze. ‘“*This chap who is coming here must never leave this house alive!” he whispered, in accents of startling intensity, Swivel could only stare helplessly. ‘* We must make way with him—we! understand?” ‘*T—T dare not,” began the butler; ‘‘ T can’t—” ‘Oh, yes you can, It only requires a little nerve and shrewd management. Remember! Asisaid before,in helping me to conceal the real cause of the commodore’s death, you are guilty before the law. If I am arrested you will be. How does that strike you?’ Apparently it struck bim hard, for Mr. Swivel appeared to be on the point of a total collapse, Leland smiled grimly. “¢Tgee you understand,” hecontinued. ‘ Your only safe course is to keep on, with me, The only witness of my—of our guilt, will be here very shortly, He will come alone. He must not go back—alive.” ** But h-h-ow shall we—” Swivel could hard- ly talk at all. Leland drew forth a very small vial contain- ing a few grains of a white crystalline powder, **Leave that part to me,” said he. ‘* What are you afraid of? Weare alone and will be un- interrupted. This house is closed until the Christmas holidays, is it not? Miss Sutherland and myself are in the country, nre we not, and for the benefit of her health? You are merely here to look after things and are on board wages, are you not?” Lelani lauzhed at his own grim, humorous way of putting things; then be grew grave. “All you need do is to assist te to dispose cf the body—d’ye hear, my man? The butler heard, but his heart was like ice as | he thought of Boland listening to every word over his cocked pistol! For him the situation | wrs almost maddening. ‘““That is all,” continued Leland, staring at | the viul, and all unconscious of the unseen Do you — cere t= am me Oe AO NAS F pra at ees ——— . auditur behind the portiére, ‘‘ When he swal- lows this the work is done.” Again tbe bell rung below. ‘*Let him in!” ordered Leland. ‘‘ Lock the door and pocket the key. We do not want to be interrupted.” Swivel staggered from the room, and Leland again helped himself to the brandy. : ws the dark stairway Boland intercepted tbe utler. CHAPTER IX. SIGNOR FRANCONI, WHAT SMALLEY D@ES, THE young reporter thrust thie barrel of his pistol against the craven’s temple as he softly accorpanied him to the lower hall, ‘* Listen,” he whispered. ‘‘ Leave that key in the door. I am going to probe your master’s villainy to the bottom. At the slightest eign of your treachery you area dead man, Your only chance of safety lies in your keeping faith with me. Now go. Remember 1 am watching The butler, like a man in a state of mental coma, opened the sireet-duor and admitted a thin, shambling figure, that followed bim up- stairswithouta word. A solitary candle burned in the lower hall. By its dim light Tom, from his point of concealment, no sooncr saw that the front door was left so tbat Smailey, who was now his partner, could eater safely, than he bastened to his post behind the portiére in the room back of the one where the three others now were, There he could overhear and see everything, Knowing Swivel’s cowardice he felt himself measurably master of the situation. ‘** Glad to see you, Franconi,” said Leland care- lessly as the butler ushered the new-comer in, who looked like an artist very much at war with good fortune, ‘Sit down and have some- thing.” Ali three then ‘‘had something.” After that came an interval of silence, in which the parties appeared to be watching each other with suspi- cion. Tom, outside, beard the front door open and close softly. He glided tothe head of the stairs and beckoned to an approaching figure. Then the two disappeared inside of the back second-story room, ‘* Now, Franconi,” began Leland at length, ‘'I suppose you havean idea as to why I want to see you here to-night?” ‘*T know that Iam hard up,” replied Franconi, with an insinuating smile, that was somewhat contradicted by the snake-likv gleam cf his nar- row black eyes, ‘* That means—cold cash—does it not?” “Ah, yes. Plenta of money. You have so much of money, I1tis vera hard for one so poor as I to keep tue tongue still.” _“*T suppose you are aware tbat the police will give you nothing,” remarked Leland coolly. ‘**Tne governor’s reward is only one thousand. Now, I will give you ten thousand an‘ a ticket to China, Africa, anywhere, so that you agree never to set foot in America again.” Tho Italian seemed to reflect. ‘I tcink the Mees Sutherland might give twenta thousand to know—a—to know—just what I happen to know about—” ** Possibly, But Iam Miss Sutherland’s guar- dian. Sheisa minor. I control every dollar of ber father’s estate at present,” Franconi chewed at his whiskers in silence, Suddenly he broke into a ravishing smile. ‘*T cannot resist you,” he said sweetly. ‘‘I will go to the end of all tLis world—stay there— come back never—keep hold of my tongue for- ever for—for—” ‘* For ten thousand. Well, then, we will—” “For twenta-five thousand,” added Franconi, beaming benignantly upon his auditors, “The deuce you will!” Leland glared upon the sallow-faced, shabby- looking foreigner malevolently. But he con- trolled himself. ‘all right,” said he, breaking into a laugh. *¢ You shall have thecash in the shape of a draft on some foreign bavuk, whenever my servant here sees you safely on board of an outgoing steamer, Let us bind the bargain with another glass,” The glasses were filled by Swivel, whose face was still very white. As Franconi turned aside to place his hat in the chair, Leland dropped the | powder from the vial into the Italian’s glass where it instantly dissolved. The butler wus shaking in every limb. ** Here we go,” said Leland, biting his lips to | disguise their tremulousness, while Franconi raised the glass to his mouth, But before he had drank the door-bel! rung. wit three men set their glasses down un- 8 . ee The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. 7 ‘“* Who can that be?” exclaimed Leland, great- ly alarmed, ‘‘ Run down and see, Swivel.” The butler obeyed. As he disappeared down the dark stairway, Leland, carried away by an ungovernable anxiety, followed to the head of the stairs and peered down. Franconi, also curious, accompanied him, leaving the room va- cant for a moment, Then the portiére was drawn aside. Smalley, pistol in hand, darted noiseless!y iorth, threw the contents of the pois- oned glass into the empty grate, and refilled it from the open bottle. ly disappeared. Meanwhile Swivel found the front door locked though the key was there. At that instant a low voice whispered from behind the inner ves- tibule door: ‘*Go back up-stairs,; Report no one here, Obey, or it will be the worse for you.” Likean automaton the butler returned. Amid the dim flare of the candle his eye had caught the aull gleam of steel. Evidently Tom and his revolver were in waiting there, ‘You say there is nobody?’ exclaimed Leland, greatly mystified. ‘*‘ Well, maybe the rats were gnawing aboutthe wire. Let us have our drink and get down to business again,” Franconi tossed cff bis glass lightly, though the other tvocould hardly swallow theirs, ‘‘Now, gentlemen,” remarked the artist, ‘‘ we understanu each other, Onthenight of thecom- modore’sceath, I happen to be detaimed later than usual by Mees Sutherland to retouch a portrait in her boudoir. Meanwhileshe goes out. I find that lam bungry. Lring. But no one answers, For why? My friend here, Signor Swivel—he have sent them all out of the house on cue pre- tense or another,” ‘¢ What is the use of going into details?” inter- rupted Leland harshly. ‘‘ We now understand each other,” ‘Tt is well to have everythings made plain, Then I come down to see about that lunch and I hear loud voices below. I go forward to the hall —I look into the drawing-room and I see—” ‘*Curse it!” roared Leland, in so savage a tone that Swivel fell back, though Franconi only smiled sweetly. ‘‘ Never mind what you thought )ou saw.” ‘* Very well, sir;” returned the Italian, suave- ly. ‘“‘Isaynomore, Signor Leland is a man of his word, and I havo made—twenta-five thou- sand dollar,” Leland bowed. He, too, was growing pale, Why was not the poison doing its accur-sed work? Instead ot writhing upon the floor in his. death agony, Franconi, enlivened by tbe brandy, was the personification of serene urban- ity. %i And now willl go,” he continued. ‘ I shail look to see Monsieur Swivel in the morning. The Ceety of Paris leaves before noon, If [ fail to get off on her, I may not be able to keep myself away from Inspector Byrnes. He is such an inqueesitive man that I—that1 think I had better go away on the Ceety of Paris.” As ha spoue Franconi backed and bowed him- self into tne corridor, while Leland stared help- lessly, as if paralyzed by this unaccountable failure of his diabolical attempt. ‘‘Shall I let him out?’ whispered Swivel. ‘*Curse him—yes!” groaned Leland, cag confounded, ‘The devil protects him, think.” As the butler opened the door below, Franconi laid a band on his arm. ‘Tell Signor Leland to make that twenta- five-tnousand check payable to bearer,” he whis- pered. ‘*So-long, my dear Swivel, Twenta-five thousand—it is not too much,” He glided away and the butler returned, feel- ing dazed, helpless and terrified, For a moment or more the to men gazed at each other in si- lence, Then Leland bolted another glass, rose and began to put on bis light overcoat. ‘*T cannot explain its failure to act,” he said, ‘‘T had that stuff from a sure hand. Well, [ am out twenty-five thousand dollars, But I will have the fellow followed. In his own nea- tive Italian town a stiletto will make sure work,” “You will not remain all night?’ asked ; Swivel. ‘*No, I feeloppressed here. The houseseems as if it were haunted, Do you not feel rather r? He half intended, es he ushered his master out, to cast discretion to the winds and flee him- self, once they were at the front door, But a haunting fear of pursuing pistol-balls restrained him at the last, Then heswiftly and silent-
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8 The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. **T shall stop at the Hoffman,” said Leland. **Come around at half-past nine in the morn- ing and be ready to see that confounded Italian rs) Ru Then Leland passed slowly away down the street, wrestling with foreboding thoughts, When Swivel closed the door, he saw Boland watching his movements, ** Now see here,” said Tom. going to remain with you to-night. make him comfortable. You needn’t try to poison him, because, when weare about, poison. doesn’t take any effect,” ‘*T—begin tc—understand,” replied Swivel, seiy > ‘* Well, then, don’t let your understanding Tun away with your judgment, or prudence, You can go up now. You'll find my pal wait- ing. I willlet myself out, Now—as a pointer —Il’ll wind up with this: your only chance is to stick to us, If you don’t, you’re gone. sure as preaching. Ta-ta. See you at the Hoffman in the morning.” Then Boland disappeared down the deserted street, ‘*My partner is CHAPTER X, AT THE HOFFMAN, BOLAND TAKES THE TRAIL, AT half-past-ninethe next morning, Mr, Swivel entered the Hoffman House and asked the clerk to be shown to the roum of De Lancy Leland. The butler was in ordinary street costume. He looked haggard and anxious, Following him was Smalley, who had never allowed the man out of nissightfor an instant, At the same time young Boland rose from a chair in the corridor as Swivel disappeared up-stairsin the wake of a call-boy. ** T guess there is no need of my following him up there,” said Smalley, as the two drew to- ether, ‘* After all that we saw and heard last night, Swivel knows his only chance outside of utter flight and disappearance is to stand in with us. Well, be has got no money to leave on, nor will Leland give him any, for he needs him here, ‘*T suppose as soon as we bag the Italian we might as well have Leland nabbed at once?” “You are good at executing, George, but when it comes to cool planning, you are not in it, If Leland is arrested now, how does that help us to find Miss Sutherland? True, the po- lice might hunt ber up, but I have promised that amasement for youand J. We might as well get all the credit for ourselves that we can out of this case and let the police hoe their own row. Wealso want this precious traitor to en- trap himself so deeply that when we bring him up finally the whole world will stare, both at our shrewdness and his villainy. Have patience. He is roping himself the tighter every day. Ab! here they both come—a delightful pair of rascals. Let us get into a corner,” Leland and Swivel descended the main stair- case and walked into the reading - room. Smalley, who was unknown to De Lancy, sauntered in after them. The dead commo- dore’s nephew sati down at a writing-table, drew forth a check-book and wrote. Smalley, seated near, seemed to be absorbed in smoking, Swivel glared malevolently, like a trapped ani- mal, “There,” said Leland, handing bis butler a draft. “Do not give it to him until you sea him safely aboard, and the gangplank ready to fall, I bave madeit outin anotber name than own for precautionary reasons, Tell bim I will cable instructions to him at Paris regard- ing the cashing of it. Curse him! He has euchered me out of a snug pile, but I will be even with bim yet.” **T would,” grunbled Swivel. ‘* He is a com- plete hog, Twenty-five thousand. Thatis five times what 7ou are to give me,” ‘* Perhaps,” returned Leland, with a cunning smile, ‘‘but the law has hardly any hold on Franconi at present. It has a good one on ou, Only the public lang they were in prevented Swivel from breaking into execrations at this manifestation of his master’s complete selfish- ness, “T hardly think this is fair,” he said, ‘‘This Italian, for merely avoiding a chance to give you away—” **Us—us, my good fellow,” corrected Leland, blandly. ‘* Your safety, as an accessory before and after the fact, is compromised quite as sure- ly as mine.” “He gets all this cash for merely going You must ! away,” insisted the butler, in a voice thick with anger, ‘‘ while I, who have stood by and helped you through all, get one-fifth as much. I bave a good notion to split on the whole af- fair,’ ** No, you will not,” ‘*T would like to know why?” ‘* First, you care too much for your own precious hide to want to risk spending ten or fifteen years in Sing Sing. Second, if I reall thought you would do so ungrateful a thing, would kill you. You know I would. A man cannot die but once for a crime, whether he takes one or a dozen lives,” _ Though this conversation had been carried on in vel y low tones, Swivel’s countenance assumed such a look of utter fear and desperation that Leland himself grew alarmed, The butler, be- tween his master on one hand and Boland’s sleuth-like relentlessness on the other, was well- nigh at his wits’ end, ‘* Come, come!” whispered Leland. ‘‘ Enough of this silly talk, Take thisdraft. Do as I bid you, When Agnes Sutherland becomes my wife, your reward shall be ample. Fail me now—and your chance of life won’t be worth a nickel,” He rose, and buttoned his overcoat. folded the draft. ‘* What surety have you that Franconi will not return and bleed you again?” Leland smiled in a sinister way as he drew on his gloves, ** Do you think the success of all my plans de- pends upon your ccdperation?’ he asked, ‘* Hardly. The Jtalian can be reached oven better in Europe than here, Before he gets the money on that draft—if my plans work—he will have no need of itor anything else in this world, unless it is a grave,” Then Leland walked away. Swivel, looking at the draft, saw that it was payable in sixty days only and @rawn upon an obscure banking- house in Naples, ‘* Master is a shrewd one,” he thought. ‘ But I fear he has got a shrewder one after him and me both.” Some one tapped him.on the shoulder. Then Smalley held out his hand for the draft. ‘*T am afraid that is too much money for you to be obliged to worry with, my friend,” said George urbanely. ‘' You are gray already with responsibility, We must be more considerate of your health,” While speaking he pocketed the folded paper, took Swivel by the arm and propelled him out upon the sidewalk, ** Now for Franconi,” said Smalley, ‘‘Take me tohim. Fl follow.” As Swivel hesitated the other pointed toan officer in blue. ‘* See thatcop? Well, I should hate to have to give you up, for I really dote on your society, do indeed, But—frankly speaking—if we do not find Franconi in about fifteen minutes or sol am very much afraid we will find Inspector Byrnes,” Swivel gave a sortof despairing groan and moved off, Smalley following at a discreet dis- tance. When Leland left the hotel Boland kept him in sight, This youth was now in high spirits, Every- thing seemed to be moving on smoothly. With Smalley to look after Swivel and Franconi, he resolved to look after the arch traitor himself, He felt rather like playing with him, somewhat as a cat plays with a mouse before making a meal of its victim, Leland tock the Elevated and so did Tom, At Canal street on the way down-town Leland got out, So did Boland, The comamodore’s nephew then plunged into the maz of streets lying adjacent to the Hudson River, and after making several turnings, passed down somearea steps and entered a tall, ancient- looking house by a door in the low basement, Tom, who had, as he thought, kept well out of sight, sauptered by after Leland had disappeared, To his surprise he saw that the basement door was only ajar. What could Leland be up to here? Might Agnes be anywhere in the neighborhood? Bo- land, realizing that his man was capable of any- thing desperate, felt his veins tingle at the idea that those gloomy walls, and closely-shuttered windows were possibly gre of the girl he had resolved toliberate, He took a sudden reso- lution, retraced his steps, glided down the area and peered cautiously within the door, Nothing but gloom and obscurity could he at first discern, Yet—was not that a twinkle of light ahead? He entered and softly closed the door. He had not intended it, but the catch fastened with a sullen click. He attempted to Swivel sig, PLE BRS Tey ee. A open the door again, but his efforts were baffled by the intricacy of the lock, ‘*Here’s a go,” he thought. ‘‘I should have been more cautious, But as long as I am in here, I will see what that light ahead means,” The narrow basement passage in which he found himself was totally dark, except for the faint glimmer, apparently far ahead. He made his way slowly forward, feeling the walls as he went, and keeping hiseyeon the light, It ap- peared to be the reflection of a lamp or candle passing through some crack or cranny in the partition. Thesilence inside wascomplete, Tom’s breath- ing sounded to him unnaturally loud. Suddenly his groping footsunk, The floor seemed to give way and he pitched heavily forward into some invisible abyss. As he fell his body bounced from one projecting subtance to another until he lay motionless and groaning upon a damp and mildewed surface, his breath nearly driven from his body and his joints aching with pain, A harsh, mocking laugh sounded from above, Tom opened his eyes and saw Leland holding a candle and gazing down into the black abyss, The man’s face was really diabolical in its say- age exultation, ** Ho, ho!” he chuckled, your own business and alone?” ‘Where am I?” faltered Tom, in a feeble tone, for he was far gone with pain and ex- baustion, ‘* You are where you will be apt to stay until I see fit to let you out. Do you know when that will be?” Boland did not respond other than with a groan. ‘* Tt will be when you aredead. D’ye hear? I recognized you as I left the Hoffman, I saw that you were following me. Well, 1 do not choose to be shadowed, I have had enough of your impudent intermeddling. You were a very poor waiter, but you are a worse detec- tive.’ Again sounded that mocking laugh that echoed Siriaas through the deserted rooms over- ead, ‘*You are a tremendous villain!” said Tom, exasperated atlast, ‘‘ Your crimes will be made known yet. Do not think that you will finally triumph,” ** This house is mine,” continued Leland as if Tom had not spoken. ‘‘It is empty, So are the houses on either side, This back region is also comparatively deserted. "Your cries can- not be heard, When you are starving and rot- ting down there, I will be on my wedding- ‘* Now, willyou mind let other people’s trip.” yy iss Sutherland would die rather than marry you!” exclaimed Tom, lashed into this indis- creet expression by Leland’s taunting tone, ‘*She will go with me willingly, when she learns that her amateur detective bas played her false. I will see that she hears only the worst of you and your work,” ‘‘She will not believe you, Beware! Your own day of reckoning may be nearer than you think,” ‘*Your mind wanders,” sneered the other. **But—I waste time. 1 shall close and bolt this trap-door. Nice place, is it not, down there? I have had this place fixed for just such an emergency as this. I thougbtI could lure you bere if Lever saw you again after I heard how you had served my servant, Over this trap I shall chain a beast, already half-famisbed and eager for flesh. Now, miserable fool, fare- well!” A heavy door fell down over the lad’s head, and Tom saw the last vestige of light dis- appear. ** Villain! Murderer!” hecried, ‘‘ Undo that door, A taunting laugh was the only reply. Then he heard the sullen clang of the bolts as they were shot into place, A moment later camea clanking sound, intermingled with fierce growls, that seemed to descend from the upper ons of the house to the trap over bis head, ‘Tom knew that Leland was chaining some fierce, half- starved animal, perhaps a dog, to the floor, CHAPTER XI, BURIED ALIVE, TOM’S TELEGRAM, THEN the footsteps retreated. A street door banged in the distance, and Boland realized that he was left in this horrible situation alone, He was bruised, aching, yet still unconquered, He knew that he must either rescue himself or in all probability die a slow death of exhaustion and starvation. The beast overhead, though it probably knew Leland, would attack any one else, It also must be overcome or eluded.
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ee ee: At first he was inclined to be discouraged. The contrast between his present position and that of an hour previous was heartrending. 6 tte a Then he was free, and had the man he was run- | ning downin a measure at his mercy, thought of Agnes and his hoped revived. **] will not die in this hole!”he said aloud, ** That defenseless girl needs me more than ever. But he | Without my aid Smalley will accomplish but | little. By heavens! I will be free again.” Ge felt of his bruises and strove to rise, Though sore indeed, he was thankful to discover that no bones were broken or cords twisted. Then he began to feel his way about. The roar of the city sounded faint and far away, in that subterranean place, It was, he thought, the disused cellar of the old house dug beneath the low basement. He felt in his pockets, There were three matches there, Hoe struck one on his boot-heel, glanced rapidly about, then looked downward. He reeled and almost fell as the match went out. Within three feet of where he stood was a yawning black hole paved round on its upper edge with brick. Another step in the darkness and he would have been precipitated into its depths, In his look about, he saw that the cel- lar was small and that there were no windows or other outlet except the trap-door. There was nothing but the moldy walls, the damp flooring under foot, the steep stairs at his back, down which he had fallen, and the treacherous well in the center. He was, as it were, buried alive. He took his bearings and began to follow the circuit of the walls, feeling every foot of space tosee if there was any break or obscure outlet that had escaped his notice before. He feared to use his other matches except in a dire emer- gency. Placing his hat at the foot of the wall, he made the circuit surely but slowly, until bis foot struck it on his return after passing the steps. Apparently, he had accomplished noth- ing more than to ascertain that he was immured asif in some medieval dungeon. There was no avenue of escape but the trap. He crawled on his knees to the edge of the well, struck another match and peered down into its depths, He could see the reflection of water far below but—nothiny else. Just as the match was going out he saw some object at his feet. Picking it up he felt of it carefully. It was an iron bar, much rusted, and had pro- bably been some part of a former pump, It was heavy enough fora weapon and somehow his heart lightened a little, He was not entirely defenseless. Then he sat down, rubbed his sore places and reflected. The trap-door seemed to be well- nigh impassable, but it appeared to be his only chance of escape. It was worth looking into, Already the close, mephitic air was becoming oppressive, This underground cellar had not, in all probability, been opened before in years. Tom crawled to tha foot of the steps and cau- tiously ascended until he could feel the trap- door overhead. Thenhe hesitated. What could he do against those heavy fastenings? An omi- nous growl sounded from above. The beast, disturbed by Tom’s maneuvers, was evincing its famishing condition by a show of 1ts savage tem- — r. Boland sat_there for a long time, thoroughly rplexed. His case seemed to be hopeless. At | ast, more from curiosity than hore, be set bis shoulder against the trap and pushed upward with all his might. He had not expected to ac- complish aught more than to test the impreg- nability of the fastenings, The next instant a joyful palpitation so weakened him that he sat down again trembling. The trap-door had moved, The growls were renewed with greater vehe- mence, but Tom sprung up again and applied his shoulders to the door with all his strength. Something gave way above. Hither the iron fastenings had rusted or a portion of the wood- \work had rotted. He raised the trap high enough to know that the door itself had ceased to be an obstacle to his escape, then he reseated himself to consider the manner of his next effort. He was both impatient and anxious, If Le- land were lost sight of, the possibility of his accomplishing a forced marriage would be in- creased, Boland’s only tne guide to the girl’s whereabouts was through what he had overheard in the talk between Leland and this Doctor Studley in the bar-room two weeks pre- viously. Swivel did not seem to know what had been done with the commodore’s daughter, Hither that or else the butler was prevaricating, The location of Studley’s asylum was also un- known to the young detective, except that it was somewhere on Long Island, He had been shadowing Leland as his best course, meanwhilo instituting inquiries through Smalley as to the doctor’s location. The sooner he was out of this hole the sooner would he be able to resume his operations, Taking out his silk handkerchief he set fire to it with his remaining match, Then, with the iron bar in his other hand, he threw open the trap with bis back and flung down the blazing kerchief on the upper floor. The red light flash- ed upon apair of savagely-shining eyes and a low, bulky, crouching form, A loud snarl was heard as the lad sprung into the hall, and with rapid clankings of its chain, a large bulldog leaped at Tom’s throat, He struck one swift blow and grasped the brute’s throat as the light went out. Boland dropped the bar. It was useless in the dark, and all his strength was now needed as he clung with both hands to the dog’s throat, He felt its hot breath steaming in his face, and his ears were filled by its thick growls and chokings. The beast was unusually strong and crazed by hunger as well. Over the floor both man and dog rolled in a desperate struggle, Tom felt that his grip was growing weaker as the dog’s struggles grew more frantic, ‘Am I to be murdered ‘by this brute?” he thought as he panted more and more, He gavea vigorous push in order to enlarge his grasp, when the dog’s body sunk down sud- denly. Boland drew back instinctively. Then the animal’s clanking chain tightened with rigid vibrations, _ The dog had fallen through the trap and hung beside the steep stairway. The vibra- tiors lessened gradually then ceased and all was quiet. The dog in his fail bad hung himself, As Tom realized that this danger was surmounted, he sprung to his feet in oxultation. He was saved and almost at liberty. ** Next time [ zo 22% without my pistol,” he thought, ‘* I will deserve just such luck again,” In his hasty toilet that morring when prepar- ing to go to the Hoffman, he had forgotten his revolver and left it in hisroom. Hewent down, assured himself that the bulldog was dead, as it hung beside the stairs with its hind feet within six inches of the floor, ben regained his hat, and going back up, he rearranged his attire as best he could, then tried the basement door, With but little effort he wrenched loose the lock with the narrow edge of his iron bar, and passed out into the area, Theopen air and sunlight almost blinded bim, yet never did it seem so grateful to his senses, ‘‘T might as well go to the rendezvous and wait for Smalley,” he concluded as he hastened along the street. ‘‘Meanwhile I will study up some new disguises. We may reed them soon,” Gaining Broadway, he walked rapidly for several blocks, thence made his way to where himself and Smalley had taken rooms on the east side. Passing Police Headquarters he rons in and asked a clerk whom he knew very well: ‘* No news yet, Barney?” “Faith but there is though, We were looking for you lastnight. Inspector came near opening this, but he said he would wait a few hours on you, being you was working a racket of your own. Barney tossed out a sealed telegram which ie at once opened. Then he looked up and said: ‘*T know the inspector doesn’t think much of my moves, Good reason, Barney. He doesn’t know what I am up to; but he soon will—bet your sweet life! When I finally explain and turn over my prisoner, the least I expect is an offer of a choice job on the force,” ‘*Y think I see you getting it. me boy,” replied Bauney, with a good-natured but incredulous augh. Out on the street Tom again read over his telegram carefully. CHAPTER. XII. SMALLEY’S FIASCO, A CHANGE OF PLAN, Tue dispatch ran as follows: ‘“HuntTinetTon, L. I., “ Oct. 8, 189—. ** THOMAS BOLAND :— “* Police Headquarters, ** Mulberry and Houstons Sts,, N. Y.:— ‘* Have located her. Come on at once. ** Signed, “STEPHEN BOLAND,” Tom thrust the telegram into his pocket and pushed on rapidly toward his rooms. The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. i ESSE 9 “ The old governor hasn’t forgotten his old trade,” he said to himself, ‘* Lucky I thought to write tohim, Heis more than apt to, know every old rookery within fifty miles of New York that has ever been under police sur- veillance, I hopeheis not on a wrong scent; but no, An old hand like he is, with the clues and description I gave him, would hardly go wrong.” Arrived at the house where he lodged, Boland let himself in with bis latch-key, hastened up three flights of stairs, opened his door and found George Smalley seated on the bedside in their modest apartment, looking quite de- jected. at Hello, George!” cried Tom, drawing forth his dispatch, ‘I thought yau might be here, though I have been unavoidably detained. Now if you have got that Italian safe and haven’t lost track of Swivel, we can fly to the rescue of beauty in distress at once.” Smalley read the telegram in a listless way, but did not seem to be greatly inspirited there- a. What's the matter, old man?’ cried Tom. “T have had a deuce of a time myself. Any- thing gone wrong?” “‘T should say so. 1 failed to hold ap the Italian.” ‘* What?” exclaimed Boland. ‘‘ Tell me every- thing.” “‘ Instead of that, he, or rather that infernal butler and his master, nearly held me up.” * Do you mean Leland?” ** The very identical cove.” ‘*Tmpossible! It has not been long since he locked me up in a miserable cellar.” For the first time Smalley looked ested. % ‘* Explain yourself,” said he. ‘‘ Then I will tell my story.” Tom related his misadventure. George gave a long whistle, ‘* Listen to me,” he began at last. When Swivel and I left the Hoffman, I made him pilot me to where Franconi was waiting and there introduce me asa trusted friend. I knew the trust part was too thin for credence, for I saw ibin the eyes of both the rascals to knife me if they dared, But, as we had the dead wood on the game, I cared little for that. We took a cab, drove to the pier where the City of Paris lay, and there is where I made a mistake. I already had the check and I should have had the Italian arrested at first. But I wanted to see what other move [ might learn.” ‘‘There is where you were wrong. You had all you wanted out of the Italian except his inter- precious person, which would be safe only in a, police cell.” **T know, but I thought I would let him get his ticket, then have the pier police arrest him on board. I thought taking him in the act of leaving, with check and ticket in possession, would strengthen the case against Leland, Proof of bribing the bloke to leave, don’t yeu see?’ ‘‘ That was hardly necessary. But—go on.” ‘* Well, when we reached the steamer another cab drove down on the pier just ahead of us, and out jumped Leland.” ** Leland!” gasped Boland. was that?” ‘* Might have been an hour or so,” Tom made a calculation. Then he said: ‘* Agssoon as Leland left me he must havetaken the cab and driven right to the pier. He prob- ably suspected, from my following him, that his pals would also be shadowed, and Franconi’s de- parture perhaps prevented. “That is about the size of it, and the ite Om blocked my little plan was a caution. You would never guess his method.” **Oh, bother guessing! Go on with thestory.” “When he saw me he probably remembered my watching him in the Hoffman House reading- room, for he drew Swivel on one side, and I sup- pose the fellow told him who I was, end that I had the check,” “ T think I understand what his method was,” said Tom, eagerly. ‘* But, go on,George. Let’s have it all,” ** Presently he came v, ee me, looking as black as a thunder-cloud, ‘My servant,’ he says, ‘ tells me that you have deprived him of a draft of mine, which I gave him for another party. If you do not instantly give it up I will have you arrested for robbery. *s He was bluffing you, my boy.” “Wait and you will see. His impudence nearly took my breath away, but appearances were against me justthen. I certainly had the check, and there were bis two pals, ready to swear anything, I suppose. I naturally hesi- “How long ago
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10 The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. tated. He grew bolder. . ‘Come,’ said he. ‘Hand it over; we areina hurry.’ I knew, of course, that a few hours of investigation would place matters square before tiie police, but it I -were arrested the rascals would have time to get away—in fact, anytuing mighthappen. Said I to himat last, ‘ You arean unblusbing fraud. I came here to stop this man from leaving the city, and he bas got to stay.’” ** Why did you not forestall him by calling for the police at once yourself, and bold them up with your pistol, in case they attempted to run, You know we have detective permits. This might bave hastened our denouement, but that would have been better than giving bima chance to best you in public withan argument, We had them dead to rights anyhow.” ‘*Hedid not argue worte a cent. Hecoolly beckoned to the pier police, Twoof them came on the jump. hink of the gall of the man. * Arrest this fellow, officer,’ said he. ‘He has robbed one of these servants of a draft of mine, Both of them wi!lswear tothecharge, Hereis my card.’ Well, Tom, you know Leland is well- known in this city. When the cop read the name he bowed low, then turned and collared me, ‘Why did you not use your own tongue, man?” “T did. But appearances were against me, I saw Leland slip a bank-bill iato the cop’s hand and the cop threatened toclub meif I did not dry up. A crowd gathered, Swivel and the Italianslippedaway. Presently the patrol drove up, for we were near an alarm which the other cop had run upatonce, You should have seen Leland’s airs. The crowd sided with him and looked on me as a desperate crook. The patrol drove away, with mein it, Leland got into his cab and went—to join his pals, I guess,” ** Smalley,” said Boland, ‘‘ if any one else had told me of your being s0 easily done up, I would not have believed his yarn,” ** Come, now, Boland,” returned George roused from dejection into self-defense, ‘‘ what could I do? They wouldn’t believe me, even at the me Then they found the draft in my pocket. It was payable to bearer, too. That looked bad. Batsee here. If you are so im- mensely sharp, how was it that you, who were shadowing Leland, let him getaway? Not only did he catch cn to your game, but he decoyed you into that hole and locked you up.” ‘“*T am wrong to recriminate, George. I own up. But how did you get away from the police?” ** As luck would have it, I met old Briggs just as we hauled up in front or the station-bouse, took him one side after I was searched and told him how things were, Had to explain partly, in regard to our work on the Sutherland case, but he is solidand admires your method of vin- dicating your conduct asa reporter. He knew the captain in charge,and the captain has a great respect for a big newspaper like tue World, On Briggs’s representation ke let me go on my own recognizance to appear when wanted, in case Leland pressed the charge, which cf course he won't do at all.” ‘Lucky you happened to see Briggs. Glad, too; for the old fellow thinks there may yet be something in me after all, Where is that draft?” “The captain allowed me to leave it with Briggs for safe-keeping, on my assuring him that there were other matters in which it might be wanted as evidence, He would not let me take it away. But, you see, he hasa great respect for an editor of a big daily. Now,what shall we do next? Our three birds have flown, and deuce only knows where the girl is!” ‘* Have you forgotten this telegram?” Smalley read it over again, then inquired: ‘*Who isthe ‘her’ referred to, and who is Stephen Boland?” “The ‘her’ is Agnes-Sutherland, of course. Stephen Boland is my respected father who, in his younger days, was a Brooklyn detective, He has a place near Huntingdon, I wrote tohimat a venture about Doctor Studley and his retreat and also of Leland’s plots and plans. I thought that if Studley had ever been crooked, his place might be knowrm bythe govefnor, It seems I did jast the right thing in writing.” a’ \ aine are we to hunt up Leland and his pals ain ** Wo will not lose sight of Leland very longif we keep en eyéon the young lady, I think we had better take the first train to Huntingdon,” ‘*Bat we may possibly let the arch crimina flip : through our fingers in looking up the girl. > Tom regarded his frisnd with a slightly con- tem tuons smile, | ‘* You might make a good private on the city | force, George, but you will never make an emer- gency detective.” ‘* We]l, I’m not embitious in that line—very. But why?” CHAPTER XIiii, OFF FOR THE COUNTRY, TOMS HOME. GEORGE looked piqued and ‘l'om serene, yet both were thoroughly good-natured, ‘*T will tell you why,” explained the young reporter. ‘‘ You can follow a plain trail weil enough, but when difficulties occur you don’t use | your head, Ofcourse we must not lose sight of Leland, But, itis plainas daylight to me that Leland will not lose sight of Miss Agnes. She is the corner-stone of bis air-castle, s0 to speak, | Without her be cannot’ handle the commodore’s millions. Therefore, where she is, he will be, sooner or later.” “Yet, knowing as he must, that, with the knowledge we now have of him, his game is about up, will he not collect all the boodle he | can lay his hands on and skip out, together with | his precious pals? ‘*Let us reason a little: Would he be apt to leave behind the principal object of all his scheming? He is an audacious as well as shrewd villain. Now that he supposes he has bested us both, he will hardly relinquish the main fruits of his crime and plotting without a further effort to gain absolute control of Miss Sutherland by inaking her his w:fe. Then the Sutherland fortune will bo virtually his, to fight justice with, if need be, Besides, he does not know, either that you and J are free, or that we have a good clue as to Miss Sutherland’s present whereabouts,” ‘*T believe you are right, Tom, hurry, ourselves, then, I suppose.” ‘To be sure! Leland knows that time is precious—that what he does he must do quick- ly We must *‘ Suppose we find that the girl is gone?” ‘* My governor has ber under his eye, If she leaves, and he is unable to det«in ber, Le will let us know something as to what has become of her. Trust the old gent. Heisa corker detec- tive, my boy. Now, while you pack a sachel I will run out and wire him that we will be down on the next train.” This plan was carried out. Smalley, acting under Tom’s advice, threw a couple of disguises into a hand-bag; then the two hastened to the Brooklyn dep6t by way of the Bridge, Boland, on counting his money, found that he had bare- ly enough for car-fare for both and a few nickels over, ‘*T will borrow from the governor,” said he. “Tf we give old Briggs a good scoop on the whole affair, we will have money enough.” But Smalley dived into his pocket and pro- duced a small wad of bank-bills. Then he ex- plained: ** When I swore old Briggs to secrecy, on this job, I borrowed this of him to clinch the har- gain. Guess he thinks we bave got a sure thing or he would not have been s0 liberal,” ‘*T suppose you promised him that the paper should have the inside track when we are ready to bring in our returns. Well, the money 1s hendy now, yet itcuts us outof the chance to sell our news to the highest bidder,” ‘* Briggs said he would pay as high as any one. He only wants the first whack.” ** Well, he shall have it, good, bad or indiffer- ent. But, haste is our watch-word now. The police are suspicious something is up which their wise heads have not fathomed, Your ar- rest and release will strengthen that opinion, They will try to push an oar inif only to gain the credit of results due perhaps to our work alone, Then again—” Tom stopped suddenly, and leaned closer to hiscompanion, They were then on the train, ** See that fellow facing us in yonder seat at the end of the car?” he whispered, ‘* Don’t seem to notice him, I believe he is watching us. Keep your eye out and don’t let him get away | unseen,” | A long-faced man, with a heavy chin beard and a ministerial air, had placed himself in a seat that faced most of the other seats, His gaze was mostly bent out et the window; but occasionally he looked toward the two young men, who, as yet, wore no disguise. Smalley appeared to be struck with tbe man’s appear- ance, and pondered for some time as to where he could have seen that face before, The mat- ter remained unsolved to his mind, however, until the train arrived #4 the station nearest Huntington, which lay several miles to the left, on Long Islan! Sound, In the haste of alighting they did not forget their man, but noticed that he, too, left the train. One of his legs was ehorter than the other, which gave Smalley’s memory a hint, “IT know that fellow, now,” said he to Tom, as the object of their scrutiny entered the wait- ing-room, ‘‘ You remember the Reynolds big- amy case? No—it was before your time, That man was one of the defendant’s witnesses, and proved to be a mighty crooked one. I was then reporting for the Sun. The district attorney roasted him well, It seems he had performed the second marriage ceremony after getting an inkling that there might be another wife on band already. But, he gotout of the mess some- how. Wonder what the old rook is up to, now?” The two, meanwhile, had taken seats in one of the waiting hacks and the man was Jost sight of, and thus, for the time, was ignored. They had a pleasant ride through a gently undulating country, semi-wooded, for en bour, when they were set down at the gate of a neat cottage re- sidencs about a mile out of Huntingdon. After paying their fare, Tom us!ered his friend through a trim dooryard into an open square hall, where a comely elderly lady was t advancing to meet them, while in the near-by sitting-room a nice-looking girl of seventeen or eighteen was placing some music in a rack be- 7 side an open upright piano, ‘* How d’ye do, mother?” saluted Tom, kissing the elderly Iady affectionately, ‘“‘This ismy friend and present pard, George Smalley, whom you must make welcome for my sake, and you will soon learn to like him for hisowm. Ah, sis- ter Helen!” He now also kissed the young lady, a proceed- ie ing Smalley would like to have duplicated, on ; bis own account, but contented himself with his , best bow, for obvious reasons, P ‘© W here’s father?” asked Tom when they were seated in the pleasant sitting-room. ‘‘I wired | t him that we would be here on the next train,” i **We are looking for him,” informed Mrs, 7 Boland, ‘* He—” she hesitated, glancing at g George, who was furtively regarding Helen. c ‘* George is allO, K., mother, Did I not say u that we were paris in this affair?” ‘*Your father went away yesterday evening. © r We thought he was only going to town and back but he sent word for us not to look for him un m we saw him again.” j ar ‘He ison track of something,” decided the — son, confidently. ‘‘I did not get his telegram _—_ th until to-day, owing to my being kept away from he headquarters longer than I expected.” to ‘*Have you had dinner, or rather, perhaps, I yo shonld say luncheon?” th ‘*No; we did not take time toeat. We are bungry as bears—at least I am,” ; ba On learning this the ladies withdrew to pre- wh pare a hasty meal, while Smalley followed Helen ‘ with his eyes as long as she was in sight, ha ‘*We must wait bere until father returns or cla sends some word,” announced Boland, ‘He is ha probably interesting himself in our behalf, fro now,” bee “\Vell, [don’t mind that.” returned George, “ with his thoughts still on Miss Boland, then add- “ ing mentally to himself: ‘Gad! I will bet tim Agnes Sutherland cannot hold a candle to this tha’ one! ; Sut Presently he inquired of Tom: vis ‘* Who is that coming across the field witha ~ shovel over his shoulder?” ‘‘Tooks like some laborer,” remarked Tora going toa window. ‘‘ Coming here for work, I guess,” Tc Then he resumed his seat and began to talk “) about something else, Presently the door open- wan ing upon a back piazza was darkened,and they = Tala saw a workingman standing there, leaning upon #65 his shovel. ly “Can ayther av youtwogintlemin,” hersked ave in a busky voice and a bregue, ‘‘tell me wherea — pty poor man can get a bitava iobh - papel ‘*No! no!” replied Tom, balf-impatiently, for “eR be disliked the nature of the interruption, time? ‘Faith, then, O'll wait for the leddy,” said «sy a coolly, taking a seat with his back to from, © light. \ Tom stared at the man’s impudence and even — _— Smalley looked humorously puzzled, \ until. ‘*See here,” said Boland rising, ‘‘ we don’t rs 7 want you in here, and the lady won't want yo «to Le} either, Now—will you go out!” rik The PF if I know — tg vin fellow recede taking outa pipe and preparing to smoke, “ Sach éxsreine effrontery almost paralyzed ang - Tom; then he was suddenly struck hy asbrew@ = gona suspicion, Changing bis manner to one/ot -a- ., « Ww, sistent courtesy, he produced a cigarette.anda presen’ match, Thrusting the first into the man’s C& 4,6 seen
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an’a Ce The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. luctant mouth he scratched the match and held it to the weed. ; “Tf you must smoke try that, sir,” said he, **No dodging now!” But the man, after a few efforts to avoid the courtesy, finally spat out the cigarette with every appearance of disgust. His brogue disap- peared as he indignantly exclaimed: ‘* Enough of that, you young rascal! Am I to be poisoned in my own house?” ‘* Well, father,” said Tom falling into a chair under the influence of an explosion of laughter, **did you think I was going to stand by and see you give yourself dead away?” ‘Could you make a better Irishman out of yourself?” asked Boland, senior, for it was he, rather disgusted with this attack upon his adroit disguise. ‘‘ You did not know me at first, any- how,” ‘* Perhaps; but when you attempted the smok- ing dodge I soon caught on, father.” ““f had better have left the pipe alone,” re- turned the ex-detective, who could not endure tobacco in any form. ‘‘I guess my make-up was all right.” ‘*Tt ig immense, father. Couldn’t be better, But—joking aside—here we are in answer to your telegram, This is George Smalley who is in with me on this job,” Smalley and Mr, Boland shook hands, ** Did you get my wire, father?” “Would [ be here otherwise? But let me get rid of these duds and takea wash. There is no hurry. We can do nothing before night, except wait for help.” ** Help!” ejaculated Tom, But Mr. ** What for?” tephen Boland, without replying, “cast his shovel and pipe into the back yard, then hastened up-stairs to make his toilet, “Before he returned the young men were summoned to the dining-room to their long-delayed luncheon, Less than an hour later on, the father drew the son out into a garden at the side of the house in order to talk over matters, Tnen he made Tom go over his entire connection with the Sutherland case, and soon divined that the charms of Miss Agnes had a good deal to do with exciting the lad’s interest therein. ‘So they fired you from the office, did they?’ remarked Mr, Boland as Tom concluded, “Yes, but I think they will be glad to take me back after we have run Leland into his hole and exposed his villainy.” “You made an error I think in not arresting the whole outfit the night you and Smalley heard their confessions and saw oue of them try to poison another, What, better proofs could you desire against them all, than they gave you then?” ‘* Yes, but 1 was not ready to have Leland I did not know where Miss Sutherland have been long before you would have heard from the girl. The Charley Ross case has never been repeated.” ‘Well, I—I was anxious, on her account,” ** And lost your judgment thereby, for the time being. What reason have you to think that her freedom, aside from your discovery of Sutherland’s murderer, will benefit you?” CHAPTER XIV. A DREAM AND AN AWAKENING, s, Tom looked confused; then he sighed a little, ‘None at all, father,” he replied, ** But, I wanted to see her free at the same I brought Leland to book.” ** Yes,” returned the old detective meditative- ly. ‘*But about the only tangible hope you have outside of a money reward and some re- putation, is the chance of getting your news- paper job back,” Dae “But, what have you been doing in the mean time?” . ‘ “Well, I found the girl, She is in a place from which she must be released to-night, or I fear your interest in the case will droop,” “Right you are, father! Never will I rest until Miss Sutherland is free.” “If her name happens to have been changed Ped Leland, meanwhile, what then?” The blood surged into Tom’s face, then slowly receded, “If so, it could only be compassed by foul and coercive measures, But, what is to be done?” » “ Well, you and Smalley must lie close for the resent. There are spies out, You must not P be-seen unless in disguise.” “*How did you locate Ag—Miss Sutherland? Where is she? How does she look? What did she— “Tut! tut! The boy is clean crazy! Well, Tom, to speak plainly, [ shall not tell you any- thing more, You are not in your right mind— an unpardonable condition for an amateur de- tective to allow himself to get into.” ‘* Father, you would make a saint swear!” ‘* Better every saint in the calendar should grow profane than to ruffle a pretty trail by in- discreet blabbing toa love-sick boy! You just keep quiet, now. Lay low; obey orders, and before this time to-morrow we will see—” ‘* Yes, see what?” added Tom, as his father paused, ‘* Well, we will see what we shall see; that’s what!” replied the veteran dryly as he left the garden. “ Hangitall! This is tough,” Tom’s exclamation—sotto voce—evinced his impatience, But, presently, having curbed his feelings to some extent, he went in search of Smalley, and found that young man turning over the music, while Helen Boland played a fetching waltz of the latest pattern with a good dealof snap and expression, Tom gave several audible indications of his weariness at the slow passage of time, “Take things easy, my boy!” urged Smalley, with a provoking air of being in the seventh heaven of enjoyment himself, ‘t Don’t you think we are having a great time? I feel immense, myself Yr Tom regarded the couple in great disdain, fae he thought of Agnes, and became melan- choly. ‘*George is too cursed jolly,” be reflected, as he took his way out into an orchard attached to the premises. ‘‘He and Helen seem to be making hay rapidly,” . Presently he found himself near an abrupt ac- clivity offering a distant view of the bay, near by, and the Sound beyond. The town of Hunting- don lay between the water and his father’s place. During Revolutionary days the British had erected a stone and earth fort there, the ruins of which are still quite prominent. Tom regarded the pleasing view listlessly, until his eyes rested on a long, jail-like looking building far outupon the rugged point of land-forming the west side of the little bay, No other houses were near it except what seemed to belong to the place. A high stone wall fenced in its extensive grounds from the rest of the point to the south. On every side was the salt water. The grim aspect of the spot, and the wild-looking forest that was ad- jacent, were ominously suggestive of a place of forcible restraint. — ‘Looks almost like a prison,” commented Tom, ‘‘but I will bet my life that is Studley’s Asylum,” : He walked tothe ruined old fortress and threw himself down in a turfy embrasure, resting his chin on his hands and gazing upon the place where he now believed Agnes to be, The fa- tigue and lack of sleep be had recently under- gone were soon too much for bim, and betore he realized what was happening he fell asleep, How long he contioued thus was startlingly forced on his mind by the manner of bis awak- ening. He dreamed that his fatherand Smalley had, somehow, disappeared and that, alone and unaided, he was threading the mazes of Stud- ley’s mad-house, Fantastically dressed people followed him, surrounded him and obstructed his way. Hideous faces leered at him; strange voices gibbered in his ears; rough hands held him in order to bear him away. When be finally released himself, and peered into one cell after another, a voice would exclaim: ‘6 Not there! not there! but yonder!” When he would go yonder other voices would mockingly bid him still go elsewhere, Then, all at once, be f.und himself in a dark, dank cavern, and on a bed of boughs he saw Agnes Sutherland lying, bound hand and foot, Presently the boughs were on fire. He could smell the smoke and see and hear the flames and their hissing, Agnes seemed to be burning up! He rushed to the fair one’s side and pulled awa the blazing fagots. But they would be mysteri- ously renevred, and Agnes—this was especially horrible to him—was laughing at his frantic exertions, mocking him and pointing to the mad-house, ‘Not here; “* Not here, fool!” she shrieked. but there!” : Great drops stood upon his brow. He brushed them off and—behold! his hands were red! Up- on them was blood! He cried out and ran to- ward the mad-house, when something fell on him with terrible power. A great weight was. 2S a 11 on his chest; strong hands were tugging at his limbs; the flames were drawing near again. A hoarse, inarticulate cry burst from his lips and. he awoke! Twilight was at hand; the air felt moist and cool, though his head was warm and throbbing. He struggled helplessly, but fell back ex- hausted, ‘* You might as well take things easy, I guess,’”” said a husky voice that sent a disagreeable thrill to his very bones. ‘Where am I? What has happened?” he asked, more to himself than to any one else. ‘You are hard and fast; that’s what’s the matter,” replied the same voice. ‘‘ Franconi, bring him down so that we can talk and be sociable,” Some one half carried and half dragged him around a projecting angle of earth, when the gleam of a lantern assailed his eyes. Several men were seated or lying on the*ground. All were armed, but their ragged garb and sinister, vicious faces were the reverse of reassuring to owe, who had at last collected his scattered wits, Seated on a rock was Swivel, the butler! It was he who had spoken. The snake-like eye and malevolent smile of the Italian near by made — shudder. The other men he did not now. . Tom looked about him with care. The old fort had disappeared. They seemed to be in a wood- ed ravine having precipitous sides and with a glint of starlight above and a liquid souna of waves not lar away. He remembered his father’s injunction to — close, as spies were out, and silently execrat his own indiscreetness in venturing forth with- out disguise, Then, to negligently fall asleep! This, then, was the fateful result of that hor- rible dream, The spies had found him belpiess, had captured, dragged and carried him off, and now his friends were doubtless woniering where he was, The situation was none the less maddening to him ou account of the mystery of it. Ap- parently his foes were also puzzled, for Swivel looked on the Jad curiously. ‘“‘Glad we found you,” said the butler at last, ‘though I must say I hardly thought I should set eyes on you again, especially down here. ‘*T demand to be set free!” cried Tom, in- dignantly. ‘‘ You shall suffer for this out- rage.” “Don’t say!” ejaculated Swivel sarcastical-. ly. ‘*Sounds like big words out of a weak stomach, don’t it, boys?” Tom struggled with his bonds, for he was tied hand and foot, but his efforts to release himself were vaiv. Swivel shook his fist at the youth, exclaiming: “You sing low, now,will you? You may get a biff on the head that will settle you, once for all. You thougbt you had us dead to rights in town, didn’t you? But I'll be skinned if you have got much show here, D’ye think we don’t know what you’re up to? Hain’t you as good as robbed this here Italian—” : ‘‘ Twenta-five thousand dollar!” echoed Fran- coni, showing his white teeth disagreeably. ‘¢ Yes!” shouted Swivel, working himself up . into a rage. ‘And look how you are doin’ me and my master! I call that downright mean—I do, Live and let live, I say.” ‘You s-oundrelly, murdering wretch!” re- torted Tom, in righteous scorn. ‘Such scum as you and your master are fit food only for the jail or—the gallows, Loose me, I say!” He began to shout long and lustily. ‘‘Gag the fool!” roared Swivel, ‘I thought he was disposed of in New York, but here he turns up again like a bad dollar, just when he isn’t wanted,” Franconi and one of the men proceeded to force a gag into Tom’s mouth, but the youth re- sisted, bound as he was, at the same time con- tinuing to shout, ‘ ‘Smother him, curse it all!” insisted Swivel, his distorted eyes glinting fairly green in his anger. ‘*Throw him into the cave. He will bring some one down on us yet with his infernal yowling!” CHAPTER XV.. BOUND AND GAGGED, IN THE CAVE, But Boland, drawing up his legs, drove his. en with all his force into the Italian’s stomach, who breathless, Quick as a flash, Tom jumped to his feet and struck the second man in the face with the heavy iron handcuffs by which his wrists were bound, 9 oaned, rolled his eyes and fell down © es + ' pa
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12 The Repo rter-Detective’s Big: Pull. The man also staggered and reeled, Young Boland, espe? beside himself with rage, east himself upon Swivel and the two fell to the earth together, Tom using the while the heavy bracelets upon the face of tho butler until he was dragged back and thrown down by the other men, who seemed to be tramps. Kill the cursed hound!” sbrieked Swivel, struggling to his feet with blood trickling from his face that was convulsed with fury. ‘‘ Kill him! Whereisa knife—pistol—anytuing?”’ He plucked a gun from the hands of a tramp, while Franconi, grasping a stiletto, watched for an opportunity to sheathe the same in Boland’s bosom, Another movement and the young re- porter might have met an unwelcome fate then and there, “Stand back!” said a quick, authoritative voice bebind tke would-be murderers. ‘‘ Havo you not other work on hand without quarreling among yourselves?” The men fell back obediently, leaving Tom ; lying bound, though sg ill unsubdued in spirit, Looking up, the youth saw De Lancy Leland | that I cautioned him about going off. Have you approaching, while behind bim was tho long- ( anv weapon, Mr. Smalley?” faced, ministerial-appearing man whom the young men bad noticed on the train. When Leland recognized Tom, he fell back a step and his face took .on an expression of anxi- ety and even fear. ** You here?” he exclaimed, were out of my way, at last.” **Not much I ain’t!” retorted Tom, boldly. ** As long as you are outside of a jail and work- ing vile schemes against the weak and innocent, you will find me camped on your trail, Makea note of that, will you?” ‘*How came he here?” demanded Leland, of the others, ** We found him asleep at the old fort on the hill, by accident,” replied Swivel. ‘* Remem- bering where you said you had left the bloke, we was rather took back, Hut, knowing that you didn’t want him running round loose, we givo him a touch/of ether, trussed him up and fetcbed him here. A deuce of a time be has given ussince he woke up, Seems like ho ain't a Lit grateful for what we've done, either.” A coarse Jaugh went round at this feeble ‘witticism, while Leland reflected. ‘*Gag tim again and throw him in the cave,” he ordered, at length, ‘‘Knifo him if he re- sists. Wheat? Will you let one boy, and he bound, baffle the lot of you?” But Tom, being somewhat exhausted, was more easily disposed of than before. His h.ad whirled yet with the fumes that had been in- haled when they first bound him, Presently he was dragged into a dark, subterranean place where the rocks weve damp and ke could hear water slowly dripping. Probably it was some one of the smell caverns that were not infre- uent among the rocky biuffs in that vicinity, Oatside he heard the murmur of voices for a time; then the gece! appeared to go away and all was silent but for the drip in the cave and the sigh of the breeze in the trees with- out, ‘* What a situation!” he thought, as the pos- sible contingencies that migbt follow his con- tinued detention arose in his mind. ‘‘ To-night, of all nights in the world, for me to be tied here, is maddening. Indeed, I shall go mad if Ithink much of Agnes in the hands of those devils, and she helpless and unaided.” Presently, however, he began to set his wits towork. Surely be might devise some method of self-liberation. His hands were small and his handcuffs large. He worked for many min- utes, trying to force the steel bracelets down over his palms, **T thought you he hardly felt any pain, Only an intense pur- pose, amounting almost to frenzy animated his soul, He felt that if his own heedlessness had brought him into this situation, his own in- war rae A ought to extricate him therefrom, At last, one cuff slipped over the half-raw and bleeding hand! Onearm now being free, he tore off the gag and unbound his feet. Then he rose with the handcuffs hanging to his right wrist, Ho was free at last! Crawling stealthily to the cavern’s mouth, he sawa single guard dozing over the embers of a small fire, Tom crept forward, not unlike a panther about to leap. Haising his right arm, the heavy bracelets of steel came down on the man’s head, He rolled over helpless, uttering a low groan. Tom bound him securely, gagged him as he himself had been gagged, and dragged the fellow inside just as he was recovering his senses, Then he returned to the open air and listened long and intently, y { | The edges lacerated bis skin | along detour to the left through field, patches and his fingers grew slippery with blood, But | of woodland, over fences and across high-roads. CHAPTER XVI. WAITING FOR TOM, THE DOOR IN THE WALL, WHEN night fell and Tom Boland could not be found there was great uneasiness at the house of his parents, The elder Boland returned after an absence of an hour or more, and called George Smalley from his agreeable occupation of enter- taining Miss Boland by teaching her the mys- teries of baccarat, Smalley followed the ex-detective into the latter’s own den. Thisapartment was filled with oddsand ends 0‘ farming and fishing implements, and sundry odd-looking suits and disguises, The old officer had not entirely forsaken the tools of his former profession, ‘* Where is Tom?” was his first query, ‘I looked for him as I came in,” ** Don’t know, Iam sure, Haven't seen the old boy for two hours, Miss Helen and I—” ‘* Bettér leave Miss Helen alone—for to-night at any rate,” said her. father significantly. ‘* We havograver matters at hand, Tom will be along shortly, I guess, though I must say f nelley had hisrevolver, Mr. Boland hand- ed bim a suit of rustic clothing rather the worse for wear, and also aset of false wniskers and a wig, ‘* Take these in the next room and put them on,” said_Mr, Boland, ‘‘ Here is a heavy walk- ing stick. You may need a club before you are done, When youreturn I may touch up your face a little to give you a truly bucolic ap- pearance, Wehardly know what resistance we may meet with. I have wired for aid, yet it may not arrive intime,” Smalley obeyed these instructions, though thinking more about Miss Helen than of the pos- sible periltbat mightthreaten, He soon present- ed himself before that astonished young lady so completely changed, even asto complexion, that she was about to leave the room when his al- ready familiar voice teassured her, ** Why, youlook perfectly horrid,” she frankly told him ina Jaughing way. ‘ Isee the marks now of father’s rouge pot, to improve a lady’s complexion, much as he prides himself on his skill in touching up one’s features.” ‘**Am I such a fright?’ asked George rather ruefully, ‘+ Well, perhaps not in reality, but as a make- up I must confess I shudder to look at you.” But thie badinag= was cut short by the en- trance of Boland senior in his Hibernian costume Ho would never do a with a cloud of unlrish anxiety upon bis row. ‘* Wherein the world can Tom be?” he de- manded of the two young people, impatiently, Of course no one knew, The young man ha not been seen for several hours, Night was at hand, Mr. Boland fumed and fretted during the dinner hour and up to the time when it was necessary to act, ** This comes of youthful forwardness,” he grumbled. ‘* Tom doubtlessimagines himself to be a better detective than others who were in harness before he was born, I told him to lie low. Now—the mischief only knows where he is} Come, Mr. Smalley. We aresadly crippled, and we ought to throw up his case, But the boy would never get over it now if the thing miscarried, Letusgo. Wehave nalf a dozen men’s work ahead of us, I fear,” Smalley, after a last word with Helen, tore himself away, and the two men plunged into the darkness without, leaving two quite anxious women behind, not only on their account but Tom's, Mr, Boland avoided the town, and made Smalley soon lost his bearings and followed the older man without knowing whither they were going. Mr. Boland seemed disposed to keep his lans to himself, For a long time they main- ined a grim silence, except for an occasional , . | Peay 1h nat, cin a iain Si re Se hed ns ee a gene ile Si
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13 ** Smalley,” said a subdued voice, as the three halted near by, and Smaliey walked forward. ‘This is Miss Sutherland,” whispered Boland, indicating the silent, female form, ‘‘ And this is the good friend I told you about. I hardly know what we could have done without his aid, See anybody?” ‘* Not asoul,” replied Smalley. ‘‘ What are we to do next?” ‘* Hark!” whispered the friend alluded to, ** What is that?” Loud voices were suddenly heard in the direc- tion of the asylum, Additional lights began to flash from the windows. A gibbering uproar was rising among the patients, Smalley, stand- ing close behind Miss Sutherland, heard her breath come quickly, and perceived that she was trembling violently. ‘* Smalley,” whispered Boland, ‘take Miss Sutherland through the door and keep on as fast as you can down the wall until you come to the beach of the Sound. Then turn to the left. Avoid being seen as much as possible, You will presently come to a ae rock just above high-water mark, Conc yourselves near there and wait forme. Should I fail to appear, wait patiently until a boat arrives. Then men- tion my name to the officer in charge and you will be all right.” ‘* Someone is coming,” interrupted the atten- dant. ‘*‘I must not be seen here. I may lose my place, anyhow.” ‘ Good friend,” said Agnes, speaking for the first time,,‘* you will be well rewarded when I am free. If you lose your place I will provide you with a better one.’ * Allright, ma’am,” said the attendant. ‘1 know you mean wel], Butaman as wouldn't help you now is just no man at all. Now, Mr. Boland, we must skip,” * Yes; I’m with you,” Then toSmalley. ‘‘ Push on now. Look sharp and don’t lose your head. I must keep back pursuit by drawing them in another direction. If all goes well 1 will join you in a few minutes,” - The two men hurried back toward the asy- lum, where the confusion seemed now to beat its height. Smalley, taking Miss Sutherland’s hand, aided her through the door which he closed but left unlocked, arguing that if Boland was hard pushed, he might, on coming out, lock it against his pursuers, Then the two hurried rapidly in the direction of the beach, keeping close tothe wall. Agnes seemed quiet and composed now, and when they reached the open shore, Smalley began to think that the adventure, afterall, might prove rather tame. But, hardly had they left the shelter of the wall, than they almost ran into tLe arms of a scout some little distance ahead of his party, who were just rounding a point of timber. ‘* Hullo!” said a harsh voice, that made Agnes recoil under a shuddering remembrance, ‘* Who have we got here?” CHAPTER XVII, AN INTERRUPTED CEREMONY. Tue fugitives were in an instant surrounded. Yet Agnes plucked Smalley by the arm, though aed latter saw at once that escape was impos- sible. ‘* Let us fly,” she urged. ‘ It is Leland, him- ‘* Leland it is,” replied that personage. ‘‘ And how is it that I find you heret” . But tke girl said nothing, though clinging the more closely to Smalley, who now began to comprehend, how, upon the very vergeof safety, they had fallen into the clutches o pends whom they were seeking to avoid. But Smalley was on his mettle. ‘Stand back!” he exclaimed, as Leland at- tempted to push him aside; but on the latter's ee: he drew back and coolly knocked the commodore’s nephew down. ‘ Get back, I say! This lady is under my—” He got no further, for a blow from behind with a club felled him like an ox as he was reaching for his rye Agnes screamed, but ‘was seized and held firmly, as a husky voice at her ear exclaimed: ‘‘ Hush up now, sweetness! You are too pret- ty for a man to be rough with, but if you don’t stop that yellin’ we'll soon finda way to make ye mum,” ‘ Agnes screamed again, A hand was rudely clasped over her mouth. Two of the party bore her into the woods, despite her struggles. Mean- while Leland had risen, with one eye bruised seit bleeding. He gave the prostrate Smalley a ck, ‘ Fetch him along!” be ordered. *‘ If the fool makes a fuss, gag and tie him fast. I cannot imagine how the girl got away.” eee twanginit. ‘*‘ More money, you know.” The speaker, as far as could be seen, was lank and long in person and limped a little as he walked. ‘** He dare not go back on me!” exclaimed Le- land ina voice now thick with passion, ‘‘ Be- sides, as the girl’s money will be in my charge, I hold the purse-strings, Those who seem dis- 1 to interfere, have no backing. But come! o thecave,men! We must hurry!” They moved on swiftly, two of the party half- carrying, half-supporting Smalley, who was slowly recovering from the stunning effects of the blow, His head was bleeding. He kept quiet, however, and watched for a chance to make an effort to release himself, They had taken his pistol away, In the fight he had also lost his false beard, ‘* Tf we had not missed you,” grumbled Leland to the lame man, “‘ you might have finished the job before now, and been ready to return to the viel I told you the rendezvous would be the old ort. ‘** I must have misunderstood. I went to the old hotel in town and waited two hours, No- body came near me but a half-drunken Irishman who quizzed me considerably and was hard to get rid of atlast,” (This was probably the el- der Boland in his disguise and outafter informa- tion.) ‘‘If I had not met you accidentally, I should have goneback, Risky business this, and Iam half sick of it already.” ‘“* Well, I gucss you are not sick of the pay,” and Leland tapped his pocket as he spoke. **There are three one-hundred dollar bills in here for you just as soon as the knot is tied and that young lady is my wife. Pretty good pay for one day’s work, Mr. Howland,” The Reverend Cephas Howland grinned, nod- ded, but held his peace. The party trudged on as rapidly as possible with their prisoners. Agnes at last abandoned her ineffectual struggles, giv- ing utterance only to a gasping sob from time to time, that rendered Smalley almost frantic un- der a sense of his present powerlessness, After half a mile or so of travel over rugged bluffs and deep ravines, the party halted at last atasignal from Leland, who consalted with a guide familiar with the region, The latter placed his hand to bis mouth and emitted a pe- culiar sound that might be heard some distance. It was not unlike the cry of some night bird. ‘* If Scotty is awake he'll answer that,” said the guide, ‘‘ He knowsthesignel. But—blame meif I see any light! I'll bet the bloke has gone io sleep.” ** T should have left you on guard, Swivel,” re- marked Leland in a low tone to that worthy, who was one of the two guarding Agnes. ‘* That fellow may let Boland get into mischief.” At sound of Boland’s name Agnes started and immediately felt comforted somehow. Smalley himself felt puzzled, ** They cannot mean the old man,” he thought, ‘** Must be they have run up with Tom some- where,” No reply was made to the signal nor was any reflection of a fire to be seen. ‘“* Confound the luck!” growled Leland, ‘‘ But there is no use waiting bere. Moveon to the cave, men, if we can find it in the dark.” Presently, however, as they moved forward, a faint glow was visible and the embers of the dy- ing fire appeared, Wood was thrown on the coals which were fanned into a blaze, Looking about they could not see the man left in charge of the prisoner. Where was Boland? ‘*Look inside the cave, boys,” said Leland, ‘* Light the lantern, Be lively now.” Entering the cave the searchersheard a groan, Then the lantern’s light revealed a sight of Scot- ty the guard, lying helpless and boundon the floor of the cavern, He was partially covered with blood and still so nearly senseless as to be unable toanswer Leland’s angry questionings. ‘* Where is your prisoner, you fool?” shouted the commodore’s nephew, for no sign of Boland was to be seen, But the wounded man only moaned and rolled his eyes. ‘“‘Water,” he managed to gasp, but no one heard his wish except Agnes. She, smitten with pity, notwithstanding her own predicament, handed him a tin cup full from a bucket that was setting near that had been brought by the tramps who had eaten sup- per there earlier in the evening. ‘ The cave and its vicinity was hurriedly searched, Nosign of Boland could be discover- ed. Leland, vaguely alarmed, bade all hands at once assemble in the cavern, except one man who was left asa sentinel outside. The others, as by a preconcerted understanding, gathered about the Reverend Howland who produced a small Bible from his pocket, Leland, pale but resolved, reached forth his hand to Agnes, but she, glancing fearfully about, darted back as far as she could. ‘* T cannot—I will not!” she cried. ‘ Itis an outrage! Save me! Will not some one save me? “Tl try it again!” exclaimed Smalley, break- ing loose from those who held him by a violent effort. He wrenched a stick from the hands of one man and with it felled another, but others fell upon him and he was overborne by weight and numbers, thrown down and bound hand and feet. ‘* Agnes,” said Leland, while the girl struggled with her captors, ‘‘ 1 have sworn to make you my wife. Do you think, after going as far as I have, that I am to be now turned aside?” ‘* You are a monster!” sheretorted. ‘‘Inever liked you, and now I detest you above every liv- ing thing.” ** Come!” said he, witha bitter smile. ‘‘ You cannot escape, You and your wealth are both mine by might. This night shall make them both mine by law.” Two miscreants now held her before the preacher, if preacher he really was. Leland seized her ri bt hand in his own. In his left something glittered. lt was a wedding ring. Miss Sutherland sbrieked, and strove again to resist but her strength was waning. ** Proceed,” said Leland to the Reverend How- land, who was looking so much alarmed at all this violence that his employer began to fear the clergyman might even now decline to go on. ‘* Are you going to be all night saying over a dozen words? The lady is on weak, but she can rest when she is - De Lancy Le- land.” Agnes made a gesture of utter abhorrence, but Leland, with a revolver in his left hand, while grasping his intended bride with his right, again shouted: **Go on, will you? . Make it short.” The Reverend Howland, forgetting his Bible entirely, began the brief, legal form prescribed by law, in a mumbling and confused manner, At the question ‘* Wilt thou have this women, etc,,” Leland responded with a loud affirmative, The eyes of Agnes were already closing, and her rei silence was passed over. She was faint- gz. ‘* Tf any one present,” continued the reverend rascal, ‘‘ knows cause why this man and this woman should not be joined together in legal matrimony, let them now speak or forever after hold their peace.” ** Hold!” exclaimed a high, stern voice, ‘I for- bid this outrage.” A man was thrusting the scared sentinel aside, Every one turned except Agnes, whose sinking form gradually oomnceat as she dropped to the earth, while her supporters fell back in alarm, Leland, uttering a savage oath, leveled his re- volver at the intruder and fired. ** Die!” he shouted, ‘‘ Die like a dog!” The smoke and the bellowing echoes filled the cavern, rolling forth upon the night air with- out, From down the glen followed a distant shout, and one listening without might have heard the rapid tread of many advancing feet. CHAPTER XVIII. MR, BOLAND’S ADVENTURE. THE RELIEF, WHEN ex-detective Stephen Boland and the asylum attendant ran back to the building, they met a woman ata side entrance. It was tke attendant’s wife. ‘* Get to your ward, Jobn,” said she to her husband, ‘If either of us are suspected our places are lost.” ‘“*Then they have discovered her absence?” asked Boland eagerly, as the woman appeared greatly agitated, ‘* They know that she is not in her room and are searching the building. You must not be seen here, Mr, Boland, Come, John.” ‘“*Go with your wife,” said Boland to his friend. ‘“ Don’t mind about me. Ionly came back to see how things looked and to divert pur- suit, if possible. Should we get the girl away from Leland you will be wellrewarded, Why, man, she is worth a million at least in her own vy, eX he three ep hurriedly. Boland. has- tened to the door in the wall, congratulating himself on having succeeded so well. ‘* Now will I go to them at therock, Then, if that help comes in, some one else may do some
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—_—>S ~ - a ia a 14 running—hello! Who thedickensis this? Must be one of the asylum guards!” He had nearly reached the door when he was suddenly confronted by a burly, shadowy form, that blocked bis further advance. ‘* Who are you?” demanded this unknown in an authoritative tone. ‘‘I have a right to know,” Boland, without hesitating, darted past the man and attempted to open the door but could not, ‘* Hang the luck!” he ejaculated and, forget- ting in his vexation his assumption of an Irish role, added: ‘‘ The fools have locked me inside, I guess, and made off with the key.” * Ha!” exclaimed the other map, seizing Bo- land by the collar. ‘* You must be cognizant of this escape. Whatare you doing here?” Bolarid recognized the voice as that of Doctor Studley himself. Ha pretended to sabmit, both to give further time to the fugitives, and to de- vise some plan to elude this obstructor. ‘* Sure!” said hein his best Irish accent. ‘‘ I was visitin’a fri’nd inside, and they towld me to go home by this way. Belike your Honor kas the key wid ye to let me outan ye will; sorr.” ‘©-Yes, [have the key, but you must go back with me and prove P pod statement, A patient has just escaped. suspected this outlet and slipped down here while my attendants are making a search of the house and grounds. I found the door unlocked and the key on the outside,” ‘¢Then of course your Honor locked the dure and has the key wid ye?” ‘* Yes, yes. Comealong. I cannot leave you here.” “All right, your Honor. Ain’t I comin’ on? Sure, ('’m approachin’ ye like wather rollin’ down-bill.” Boland managed to hang somewhat back un- til the burly form of the pbysician passed on ahead, as he continued his discontented mutter- ings. ‘'To-night of all nights for such a thing to happen. When Leland dined here he said he would bo back with bis men about this time, Deuced unlucky! Rather a dangerous busi- ness, too, However, as long as I am well paid, I ought not to complain,” Then, half-turning round, he addressed the supposed Irishman in a louder tone: ‘“*Now, then, my good fellow, step up lively!” He never uttered another word, for something was twisted swiftly around his throat so tightly and dextrously that his tongue protruded and his Ha bulged. He fell helpless to the ground, making only gurgling sounds as he tried to get his breath. Then handcuffs were snapped upon his wrists and he was tightly gagged before he recovered from the severe choking he had re- ceived. With his legs tied and his arms thus fastened behind his back he was as helpless as an infant. ‘*Sorry Oi am sorr, to be so brash wid your Honor,” said Boland while rapidly searching his victim’s pockets, ‘‘But ye might have equalled, and that would have spoilei me thrip intoirely. Here is the key, begobs! Ave ye’d’a’ Jeft it in the dure ye might now |e a-cussin’ at your own sw’ste will all by yoursilf. So long, old boy. Don’t be caught out afther dark by yoursilf ony more, It isn’t a bit healthy for war av your dilicat’ constitution.” Chuckling at his own humor, the pseudo- Irishman left the irate but helpless physician and made his way to the door in the wall once more, It was hightime, Lights were dancing abeut the-grounds and parties of excited atten- davts were drawing momentarily nearer. Bo- land let himself out, relocked the door, and threw the key as far away as he could. ** Now for the rock on the beach,” he said, and started rapidly down the path taken by Smalley and Miss Sutherland but a short time before, The waves were rumbling along the shore a little more loudly than usual as he Jeft the woods and the wall, and made his way to the large bowlder just above tide-water, where he had told Smalley to await his arrival. The wind was rising somewhat, But he found no one at the rendezvous, though he searched carefully and whistled in a low, guarded manner, ‘‘This is singular,” he reflected in some per- plexity. ‘*‘They could hardly get lost comin here, An idiot would know enough for that. fear something has gone wrong.” Mr, Boland’s spirits fell. He grew anxious. The aid be expected had not yet arrived, Tom was missing, and now these other two, Stud- Jey's people might be looked for at any moment. ‘¢ The devil is in the luck!” he fumed to him- Hee ee eee eee ee ee ee ee nn ae a ae a i eC ee Re Caan The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. self, ‘*I don’t know either where Leland and his crew are. For that matter I don’t know where anybody is now, but myself. Let me think, Thatrascally preacher. He was asking me about Indian Cave. He must have hadsome reason, Probably my Irish get-up and lingo put him off his guard, He was waiting for some one I know, and I feel it in my bones that the two ofthem are upto no good, Confound his lank, sanctimonious face!” Tho old ex-detective sat down and continued his cogitations, The waves beat languidly, but with sullen echoes as the wind moaned in the trees, while a dismal old ow! hooted derisively. Mr. Boland felt discouraged. Was it possible that he and Tom were about to be defeated? ‘That lad would try old Job himself,” he grumbled. ‘‘ Where can he have gotto? Well, well, If I hear nothing pretty quick, I will try the cave,” A faint sound of measured oar-beats came over the water, causing Boland to spring up in renewed energy. The sounds drew steadily nearer, and at last something shadowy loomed faintly into view upon the water, ‘*T believe those beggars are coming at last,” he said, going to the water's edge. ‘‘ High time.” He looked closely at his watch, and made out that it was nearly eleven o’clock. The oar- beats suddenly ceased, and three guarded whis- tles were heard. Boland answered the signal, when the boat at once turned in tothe shore. A moment later the bow bumped the gravel and a dozen stalwart menin uniform turned out, Their leader was warmly greeted by the ex- detective, ‘* Well, Dan,” said he, *‘ this is kind of you in- deed. I feared that I might be imposing on your good nature, yet I thought you would not hesitate doing meafavor for the sake of old times. How are things down Flushing and Long Island City way? Gad! When I tele- phoned you, I hardly expected ‘to see you with the men yourself.” ‘* Well, Steve,” said the other, a finely- built, elderly lieutenant of police, ‘‘as you say, I thought of the old times when you and I were on the Brooklyn force together, and I said to the boys, ‘Rat it! but I'll see Steve through this thing myself.’ Now, what’s up? Why did you want us to takea boat at the next station back, instead of coming all the way by train? Why, rat it! I was raised round here. I know this point like a book, Steve.” **Good thing then youcame, Ididn’t want folks here to know any blue-coats were about, hence the boat business, I knew you could pilot ’em right to this rock yourself, or find some one that would.” ‘**To be sure, It’s the only one on the beach of any size for miles, Now, what is the lay, and what are we to do?” ‘*1t is a case of murder and kidnapping. They seem to have raised help enough to make them think they can hold their own against a consta- ble or two, Did youbring your pistols?” ‘* Yes, and a doten pair of darbies besides, Dark lanterns and grub as well, We're fixed for a campaign if need be. Dress up, men. Single file through these woods, Now, Steve, which way? You canexplain as we go, if you are in any hurry.” Boland was still perplexed by the disappsar- ance of Smalley and Agnes which, added to Tom’s unaccountable behavior, made him un- certain what he had better do next, notwith- standing his reinforcement. While he hesitated, the faint report of a firearm was heard in the direction of the cave. ‘* Get your weapons ready, men,” said Boland. ‘© We will make for the cave at double-quick.” Two men having been left to guard the boat and lantern lighted, the squad pushed through- the woods rapidly. Presently several more sbots in succession were heard. On they pushed at a run now, while shouting encouragement as they went, in order, as Boland said, to encour- age the innocent and terrify the guilty. “Coming! Coming!” he shouted yeasty as they dashed along through the darkness re- gardless of trees, rocks, or other obstacles. CHAPTER XIX. AT BAY. A GENERAL ROUND UP, AFTER the flash and report of Lelana’s pistol in Indian Cave, every one stood motionless, dazed as it were with surprise. As the smoke te the pale, determined features of Tom Boland were seen, his eyes fixed upon Leland’s already shrinking figure. In his hand was the revolver which he had taken from the guard he hadovercome, The handcuffs he had gotten rid of somehow. Leland’s shot had missed, ‘* Release that lady!” he commanded. ‘‘ Place your hands upon her again and I will makea hole through two or three of you.” Leland, unnerved by the sight of Boland, re- coiled from the side of Agnes, while the terrified preacher cowered in the rear, Tom, with his pistol cocked, his eye taking in each movement of his enemies, smiled sternly : ‘*T rather guess it is my turn now,” said he, quietly. ‘The first one of you that stirs gets a bullet, Remember that.” Thus saying he coolly strode to where Agnes was recovering from her swoon, Already her courage was returning under the influence of young Boland’s presence. ** Miss Sutherland,” said he, keeping his eyes on the rest, ‘‘if you are strong enough, please rise and leave this accursed place. will pro- tect you. Do not be afraid.’ Desperate as was the odds against him, his be nspired such confidence that she rose, tremulous yet resolute, and passed out of the cave unhindered. Then Boland, facing the crowd with presented weapon, backed deliber- ately to the mouth of the cavern. Suddenly a shriek rose from Agnes outside, Tom unguardedly turned his head for an in- stant, and the spell that had held the ruffians at bay was broken, “¢ Jump for him, boys!” yelled Leland, spring- ing forward himself. ‘* Will you let a mere boy stand you off like this?” Steps outside approached, Agnes screamed again. Tom, divided in purpose between con- cern for her and the necessity of facing his foes in the cave, lost a few precious seconds, Then one of the tramps struck bim on the shoulder heavily witha club, One or two pistols went off and Franconi, maddened by the loss of his draft, leaped upon Tom with a stiletto. Though staggered by the club stroke Boland shook himself free from the Italian, and, singling out the arch eit eo of all, be sprung at De Lancy Leland. The latter darted behind some of his men, and Swivel, closing with Tom, re- ceived a ball in the arm that caused him to howl with pain. ‘* Down with him, men!” cried Leland, firing once more at Boland. ‘‘ Kill him! Show no mercy.” It was his last word. Tom, feeling a sting- ing pain in his hip, realized that he was at last wounded. As he fell, covered by foes, he leveled his weapon at Leland, now advancing in antici- patory triumpb. The ball plowed its way through Leland’s head justabove theeyes. The scoundrel stopped, tottered, and with a gurgling gasp and a vacant fixity of gaze fell prone upon the floor of the cave, At this stage appeared Doctor Studley and two of his assistants, In the g of the lat- ter was Miss Sutherland, apparently once more given over to despair. ‘* What means all this?” demanded the physi- cian, with a well-feigned ignorance of the dis- turbance. ‘ How is it that you have a patient of mine?” ‘*T am not your patient!” interrupted Agnes, ‘© T have been made, through a foul crime, your prisoner, but I deny your authority and abhor your methods!” ‘You see, gentlemen, how excitable she is But—what have we here?” Noticing Leland’s body. ‘‘Murder,aslIlive! This must be looked into at once.” ‘*1t will be looked into,” said Tom, who, though again a prisoner, abated not a jot of his spirit. ‘Don’t you forget that, old man! Cheer up, Miss Sutherland. We willbeall right, et! “High time we were all right, I swear,” groaned Smalley, speaking for the first time from the corner where he had been dragged, after being bound, He had tried vainly to re- lease himself during the fight and now lay breathless and nearly exbausted. ‘‘If I could have got loose, Tom, I would have been with you—sure,” ‘*T know that, my lad, But—listen!” As Tom spoke the tramping and shouting from down the glen were audible to all within the cave, “Some one is coming!” said Studley. thought I heard noises as we came on,” authoritative manner was disappearing, and a look of doubt and even fear was creeping into bis hard face. ‘‘Some ruffian amatled’ him in my own grounds, Perhaps he has confederates. I thought of the cave and came hither.” ‘¢ Surrender!” called out a commanding voice. “You are surrounded, Throw down your arms and put up your hands,” There was a general groan of dismay from the band of ruffians. Standing at the mouth of the “Ty Ss did. Smalle that it ws was thin Were atta cuffs and
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at 2 ae ee out, ‘and I was not going to weaken my own chance cavern was the elder Boland, and behind him was a qguad of blue-coated officers with the lieu- tenant at their head! Their batons and pistols were drawn, The cave had but one outlet and the police had the drop. Weapons were accordingly thrown to the groundand handswentup, Then the lieutenant with two men passed through the crowd, handcuffing each prisoner as they went. Tom, as soon as released, ran to Agnes notwith- standing the pain of his woun!, which fortu- nately was not severe, There was also a bullet hole through his hat where Leland’. first bullet had passed, Swivel, seeing the youth !ree once more, lost his discretion in a burst of distem- pered rage. ‘* Blast you!” he cried, intermeddling.” He leveled a swift blow with his pocket knife at Tom’s throat. But the stroke was diverted by a blow of a handcuff which one of the officers ‘was trying to snap over his wriste, Tom, hard- ly —- the assault, took Miss Sutherland’s and. ‘‘ Thanks to you more than any one,” she re- sponded, in a low, sweet voice, ‘* But, youseem to be wounded.” Noticing blood on bis person. **Oh, heavens! Am I to lose my bravest and truest defender?” ‘*]¢ isnothing—a mere scratch. I could suf- fer much more than thatin your behalf.” *¢ Ha—you runaway,” exclaimed Mr, Boland, coming upon bis son. ‘‘Give an account of yourself! A nice mess you made of things, and yet I suppose you considered yourself a full- fledged detective,” Tbe father’s manner was more playful than serious, now that success was assured, and he listened attentively to Tom’s explanations. ‘6 Well, all’s well that ends well, I suppose,” was hisonly comment, “ But, my son, it takes discretion as well as nerve to circumvent ras- cality, these dave.” Agnes was presented to him as she was leav- ing the cave. Looking at the corpse of Leland sheshuddered. _ ‘‘T owe an inextinguishable debt to both you and your son,” she said, to the detective when they stood again outside, ‘Oh, that isallright, I saw Tom was great- ly interested. I think he intends to make his success here help him back to his old job again if possible, These chapsare a tough lot, There is a fellow who has murder in his eye, if I am any judge.” Mr. Boland pointed to the butler. ‘* Heisas great a Villain as was his master,” said Tom. ‘* We shall prove by him and the Italian that Leland murdered his uncle, in or- der to save his own fortune by forcibly marry- ing the commodore’s daughter and thus secur- ing the property. Wesball prove also, that his authority as guardian atd administrator was fraudulently obtained, and also that the lunacy proceedings through which Miss Sutherland was ‘*Take that for your - forcibly incarcerated here were brought about by Leland through the aid of this man here,” Tom pointed to Studley, who had been kand- cuffed like the rest, despite his vigorous remon- strances, ‘* Franconi se.w the murder committed,” con- tinued Tom. ‘Ialso have possession of a scarf- pia that Leland wore the nigbt of the commo- dore’s death, I found it, with part of the tie, in the dead man’s hand.” ‘* Why did you not turn it over to the police, my son?” asked his father, winking slyly at the lieutenant. ’ “ Well, they were so high and mighty with me that I did not feel much like helping them I had resolved to attempt the case myself, of winning. I ratber think that the end has justified the means, eb, father?” “With a little help from your dad, who, thouvsh a little old, is still in ‘the ring, Mr, Smalley, too, bas not been idle,” “Of course I feel greatly indebted to you both—to every one here, in fact, I should have been hard put to it if help had not come as it did.” : Smalley, now a free man, again suggested that it was high time to move on, Doubtless he was thinking of Miss Helen, The prisoners were attached to a light chain by their hand- sults Page aed 9 ies Bop neces Studley was greatly enraged at suc eatment. *T will make sane of you smart for this,” he asserted. _ “Easy, Doc,” remarked Boland, senior, “I m onto your game and I think you are caught his time, I’ve sus you before, But kid- an heiress under the guise of lunacy tap s gs, and being in partnership with her ~ = The Reporter-Detectives Pig Pull. father’s murderer, ought to land you snugly in Sing Sing for one while.” : Studley quailed. He knew he was in for it, if everything were proved. Two policemen were left with Leland’s body, and the Huntingdon coroner was notified. Tom and Smalley, es- corting Agnes, brought up the rear of this strange procession now on the way toward Huntiogcon. Half the distance had been thus traversed, and the open field around the village reached, when a deep groan from Swivel in the rear rank of the prisoners was heard. CHAPTER XX. CONCLUSION, THE butler sunk to the ground. Then the man at his side darted like lightning past the ee > Oo 1 in a year or so the Sutherland millions, together with the personality of the commodore’s charm- ing daughter, should beconfided, under Hymen’s auspices, to the life-long care of Thomas Boland, Junior, But we will not pursue this branch of the subject. Every reader is apt to be more or less ready at such kind of air castling, and we pre- fer in this case to gratify each one, by allowing those who have read this story to construct a romantic or realistic conclusion, suchas seemeth to them individually best, It may be said, however, that a few davs af- ter the “ great scoop in the Sutherland affeir” had trickled thoroughly into public comprehen- sion, a gray-eyed, alert-looking young man was interviewed by the managing editor of that functionary’s own private office. Acorrespond- ing consultation was said to have been beld in the Sun office over increasing the salary of a stout, officer behind, who, after shouting at him to | jovial reporter known to the public as George halt, fired. The man kept on. Tom, Miss Sutherland and Smalley had fallen | somewhat behind. At the report the man changed his course so as to bring them within the line of fire, and thus shield himself at their expense, **T must tackle that fellow or he will get away,” said Tom. ‘‘ Look after Miss Suther- land, George.” He rushed forward to intercept the prisoner, who, brandishing his arm, struck at Tom. Something glittered in the lantern-light as Boland struck the fellow’s hand aside. Thenthe young man, springing forward, bore the fugitive tothe earth, The latter fought, bit, scratched and gnashed his teeth. His snake-like eyes glit- tered ominously. But others now aided, aud he was again made prisoner, It proved to be Franconi, who had managed to secrete bis stiletto about his person. As they | passed forward they came to Swivel in the | death-agony. . * Dog!” Lenape ga Italian to the dying. | man. ‘‘ You and your master lied to me. shall never gét my twenta-five dollar.” Rige and disappointment had evidently so imbittered his mind as to cause him to seek this surprising revenge upon the chief coadjutor of the man whose ill-kept promises had brought him to this pass. “ How dit he get loose?’ demanded the lieu- tenant, examining the empty pair of hundcuffs | banging to the chain, Mr. Boland examined the prisoner’s hands, ‘* The fellow’s hands are unusually slim; the core are large. He slipped them outas we came along. ** Where is—Miss—Sutherland?” gasped Swiv- el, who was still alive, though his minutes were numbered. Agnes came forward with some reluctance. “Listen,” said the butler as she drew near, “The night—of the murder—Mr, Leland asked —Commodore Sutberland—for your hand. He refused. They quarreled. I was up-stairs—I heard. They went down-stairs—still quarreling. The Italian—followed. Hesaw—tbe murder, I die. Oh- the pain! Curse them all—curse— every—body—” The butler’s eyes became fixed. His head sunk to one side, The man was dead. “Twenta-five thousand dollar,” muttered Franconi despiiringly. ‘‘ All gone! A!lgone!” “Shut up, you brute!” growled an officer, as | they hustled him away. Agnes was overcome by a sickening sen- sation. ‘*T cannot bear these horrors any longer,” saidshe, ‘* Let me go away—any where.” : ‘* We will go to father’s,” said Tom, reassur- | ingly. ‘‘My mother and sister will welcome you gladly.” ‘*)’m with you there,” exclaimed Smalley at | once, “I think we have earnedarest, Your | wound, Tom, needs attention, I am pining— actually pining, for a good fire and a bed to rest | my bruised boneson, Isay, Boland! You may take up the detective line if you want to, but I | thousand ; | ; shall stick to quill-driving. A reporter’s note- | $! book and an unperforated hide are more to my notion than such work as this,” ‘* What do you think?” asked Agnes of Tom, ‘** Anything for me!” he replied, gaily. ‘‘ Just so that I am with you, all places and occupations are much alike.” _ It wasa bold speech, but Tom, in his exhilara- tion, was hardly responsible for what he said just then, yet Miss Sutherland only blushed and looked modestly pleased, It might be surmised that this story ought to wind up with a veritable love match, Also that 857 Spotter Bobin New ¥ Smalley, and toa few of his especial chums as “ Fatty.” ‘Well, Tom,” said Mr, Briggs, the follow- ing day, ‘* what is the old man going to allow ou? “Thirty a week, I think. He’s doubled me on the old job. I call that very handsome, Mr, Briggs.” ‘© He knows now something of what you can do, Boland. Before, he took you on trust as it were, and for the time being you didn’t seem to pan out well. I hear that the commodore’s daughter is quite gone on you, Boland.” ‘*Oh, we are both too young for that sort of thing—yet,” remarked Tom, inscrutably. ‘‘ Be- sides, [I am too “he But at the wedding of his sister nearly a year later, sore social surprise was created upon the announcement that Miss Agnes Sutherland would be the first bridesmaid. This was, per- haps, increased when it was seen that Smalley’s best man was Tom Boland, Mr. Boland senior’s opinion as to bis son’s qualifications as a detective were not altogether favorable. ‘Tom bas nerve but he lacks discretion,” he told his wife one day. ‘‘He wants to rush things too fast. But he did a very creditable job in tracking that traitor, Leland, to his hole,” ‘Tom is allright,” rejoined that young man’s mother, serenely. ‘* Did you notice Miss Suther- land’s manner whenour boy wasabout? You may be a good judge of criminals, and all that, Mr. Boland, but I know girls and their ways. Tom need not be a reporter or a detective either, ina year or 80, unless be wants to be. Wait until they are both old enough.” ‘Old enough for what?’ queried Stephen, with seeming obliviousness. Mrs, Boland made no verbal reply, but she looked very, very wise. THE END. Beatle's Half-Dime Library. BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Glant« of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck. 5ST Old Sucker the Sierra’Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, or, The Man Without a Past, 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective. 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of tne Island 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector. 751 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. | 755 Gold Dust Dan’s Gath; or, Kecklese Roy, the Regulator BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown 665 Violet Vane’« Victory; or, The Jasper City Cleao Out. 698 Violet and Datsy, the Posy Pards. 705 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Crafty Detective’s Cratt. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out. 80 Violet Vane’s Verdiet; or, The Game at Coffin City. 41 Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidocg; or, Sport vs. Sport. 50 Violet Vane, the Vanquished. or, The Lite Struggte. 68 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. xY The Hiamond Sport; or, The Double Kuce of Bed Rocke 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. 631 Daisy ware the Sport from Denver. GST Old tHombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Valtures. 9 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Doubie Grip Witness 641 Diswal Dave's Dandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt. Claw 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcans the Lone-Range Rider. 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. rein _ A 4 Olear-Grit Cal, the Never-Say-Die Detective. 9 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special. 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot. +4 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective. 8 36 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal. 66 Spotter Bob’s Bowery Racket. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1s tor sale oy all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of .ix cents eacn. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yor®s |
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BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. , + Hesaeecs ei Detoness or, Double Daggers. ead woo ek in aguise; or, Buffad. Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in Hin Castle.’ 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger} or, Omana Ol, 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity é ne, the Heroine ane Lae palmer olf raae ace or, Corduroy Charlie. adwoo ck in Leadville. pa need weed pike 44 lee; Fee The Double Cross Sign. eadwoo ck as Detective. ed 1 Se beer hee elegy The ng ver ag Ghost. eadwoo ck’sa Home Bases or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike vee A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick ot Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. eg dcop eae oe peee 4 oF, -sagewaniod Jane’s Adventure, 7 Dead woot ck’s Dead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tovghs, B55 Seatects procter ee 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Dick’a Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’a Ducata; or, Days in the Dignings, by Treanes ree, pemeanesd} or, The Terrible Vendetta, end woo ck’a Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’« Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 48 Beedeed Bloke grr crm Crm Shen endw ek, Jra, Deflunce, 458 Deadwood Dick, dra Full Hand, 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick Jr’« Racket at Clalm 10, y ie peed woes pieks a data or, Bozeman Bill. ead woo ek, Jr.’a, Dox Detectiv 451 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in senda ped. a 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Diggings. 5608 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’a, Deliverance, 615 Deadwood Dick Jr.'s Protegee. 5622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Three. 529 Veadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducka, 5684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt, 639 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 614 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog 5 5649 Deadwooa Dick, Jr., on Hla Mettle. 5654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 5672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 684 Deadwood Dick. wr.. in Denver. 5690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.%«, Decree. aha Restwses F pay qr-s in pecinehuh’s » aitipon: endwoo ck, dr., at Cone sland. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick. Jr. in Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man’a Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick Jr.. In Buffalo. oe8 -Spemy bades teed laf Yonar ovens the mapas : 00 ole i ; "i Gb Bead tend Disks Seite, \wentancs Cae 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” eB oe bare 5 Fi Soll on aha aha an 2 ek, the e. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollara, 695 Deadwood Diek. Jr., at Danger Divide, | 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., In San Franclaco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Irs Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Disguise. TBA Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Deathwatch. T4147 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Deathblow. 75S Deadwood Dick, dr.’« Desperate Strait. Z64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Lone Hand, T70 Deadwood Dick, dr.’a Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, dr.’«, Resurrection, 782 Deadwooa Dick. Jr’« Dark Daya. T Deadwood Dick Jr., Defied. 2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device, 97 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture, | 2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. 807 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Royal Flush. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Mead-off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop. 884 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, High Horse. 852 Dendwood Dick Jr., at Devil’s Guich. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle 868 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Bombshell, S70 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. in Mexteo, S76 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. In Silver Pocket, R91 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Dead-Sure Game, S9S Deadwood Dick, Jr’«, Double Drive, 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Trade.-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Lep. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Double-Decker, 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. at Dollarville, 984 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.. at Flush Flats, 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Shake-up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Drop. Y5L Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Ten-Strike: 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Gold-Dust. 9TL Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Oath, 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Doom, 986 Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Best Card, 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at_Gold Duat. 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr.» Hranden. RY T, J. FLANAGAN, 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. 925 The Young Cowboy Captain. 9388 aue Two §Lidahipmen 3 or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First /ruise. 949 The Three Lieutenanta 959 The Mascot Middy ; or, The Four Commanders, 966 Fighting Jack Shubrick : O72 Fighting Jack’s Middies; or, Dandy Dick’s Dash, 999 Jack Lang, the Privateer Rover. BEADLE'S* H ALF- DIME*[_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdeatlers., Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy), the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy 3 or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nese. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloguist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Sierra Sam’« Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pards or, The Angel ot Big Vista. 255 Sierra Saim’s pevens or, The Stolen Bride. B84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. 8&9 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective: or, Arabs and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Gir) Detective, 226 The Arab Detective 3 or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 201 Turk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 48 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Warry, the Base Ball Detective. Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 568 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buackhorn BIAll; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jaek Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Rosa Kob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scampsa. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trai! Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patro): or, The Rival Heirs. 880 Little Quick-Shot ; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 858 Firat-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 8BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, 4.Son’s Vengeance, 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler; or#The Tribunal of Ten, 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Revenue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk. 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootbiack. BY J. C. COWDRICK, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. ty prenwtns ae a Clearing aStrange Case roadway y's piflikilty.” 557 Broadway de Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’« Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, Ihe Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco, Sie bse way Tt ones or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, roadway ly In Clover. eos ate nb ey, 7 ones or, The River Rustlers, roadway y’s Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. tee Ta a cist dhaay prt ge or, The Gamin Detective, roadway 7a Business, 788 Broadway Billy's Curious Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Brondway BEilly’s Bargain; or, The Three Detective, 44 Brand wey piny, ak dyn i > Broadway y’a adow nae. 788 Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’« Teams or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 4 Brea wary oe qrieats! or, ey Dead Alive. { roadway y’s Queer Beques 800 Broadway Billy BKated, 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Brondway Billy’ Wipe Out. 815 Brondway Billy’s Bank Racket. S21 Kroadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Broadway Billy Among Jersey Thugs, S88 Broadway Billy’s aids 889 Broadway Billy’« Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’« Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy’« #100,000 Snap. a Broad way anys Blind: or, The Bootblack Stowaway. roadway y in London. S68 Broadway Billy Shadows London Sluma. S74 Broadway Billy’« French Game. 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 869 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead, The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny: or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 9 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dade 606 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 671 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 5692 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tynewrlter Tilly, the Merchant's Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the ** Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Bar, SST Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. S94 Arizona Dick's Wipe-Ont. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. 906 Satety Sam, the Cycle Sport. 912 Train Roy Trist’s Hot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy,. 924 Ble Boot« Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kuatler Ralph, the Roy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newshoy Detective’s Chum, 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie's Double. ‘ 947 The Bowery W reatler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer, 958 Paddy’s Trump Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport, 960 The Broadway Sport: or, Flyer Fred’s Clear Case, 967 &81000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop, 978 Bantam Billy, the Corkér-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat, the Street-Boy Detective. 989 Bleycle Bob’« Hot Seorch, 997 Beorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Scorcher Sam’« Sweep-Stake «. 1009 Tne Gir! Oycli *« W nning Hand, BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWN®E, 956 Brooklyn Bob’s Bulge: or, Dodger Dot’s Diamond Snap. 968 The East-Side Spotter: or, Turning Down tho Big Three 974 Old Sant’s Dark Deal; or, Miner Mat’s Inos Grip, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1007 Buffalo Bill's Sure-Shots, 1006 Butfalo 1ili’s Decoy Boya. 995 Buffalo Bill’s Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned , the Kansas Kid. 988 Buffalo Bill’s Lasso Throwers, 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill's Rifle Shots, 968 Buffalo Bill’s Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer, 964 Buffalo Bill's Decoy ; or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 9558 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase, 948 Buffalo Bill’s Snap-Shot 3 or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bill's Tough Tussle, 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Mascots or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up. 929 Buffalo BUl’s Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; of, Butterfly Billy, 216 Bison Bill, the Prince ot the Reins. 222 Bison Bill's Clue: or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Secut, or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY CAPT, ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. 8. A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo BIll’s Bet: or. The Gambler Guide. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 982 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’s Double. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado, 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. SS8SY New York Nat’s Deadly Deal, S88 New York Nat's Crook-Chase. S77 New York Nat’s Trump Card. S7L New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls, 865 New York Nat’« Masked Mascot, 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. $42 Dick Deoom’« Flush Hand. 72 Dick Doom’s Death-G@rip; or, The Detective by Destiny, T77 Dick Doom’« Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, 784 Dick Doom; or, Ihe Sharps and Sharks of New York. 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild West, _ 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep} or, Five Links in a Clue, 808 Dick Doom’sa Death Clue. 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt, 885 Dick Doom’s Big Heul, 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s Firet Trai. 756 Dashing Charlic’s« Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee BIII, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bt: or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bills Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick, 692 Redfern’s Curious Case: o, The Rival Sharps. 697 ledfern at De vil’a Kaneh; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redtern’s High Wands or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. And Fifty Othera. BY LIEUT, A. K, SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’« Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Dan’s Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge: or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sporty: or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, 688 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Video; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bil pe Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 7 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives,” 699 Sirnaple Sim, the Rroncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Mesmeriat Sports or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 45 Kanaas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective, 61 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. 78 The Rustler of Rolling Stone. 85 Lone Hand Jee, the Committee of One, 01 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, 82 The Doctor Dete etive in Texas. 72 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado, 87 The Texan Firebrand; or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot. 61 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. STEMI} NEW ISSUES. 1014 Middy Ned, tke Runaway; or, Hairbreadth Escapes Afloat and Ashore. By T. J. Flanagan. 1015 The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull, By Wm. P. Brown. 1016 The Boy Bugla> in Cuba; or, The Cowboy Clan On = Deck, By Col. P. Ingraham, 1017 Idaho Ma‘t’s Iron @ ip; or, Downing the Desperate Dozen. By Ned St. Meyer. JUST ISSUED. 1010 Kit Bandy’s Big Six; or, The Rustlers of Jackson Basin, By Ol! Coomes. 1011 Deedvo)d Dick, Jr.2a, Dutch Pard; or, Rooting Out the Rascals of Skelcton Gorge. By &. 1, Wheeler. 1012 Th Cripple’* Dead-S»ra Clinch; or, Trapping the Old Fraud. By Charles Morris. 1018 Buffalo Bill’s Texas Team. By Col. P, Ingrabam, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library {s for sale by all newedealers, five eents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt ot six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York,