Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1053) (1897 09 28)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. 2 September 2, 1897. $2.50 a Year.. 92 Wiiir1aM Street, New York. Tuesday. 5 alactonaael Cop ri E i blished Eve RSG wie Re. No. 1053 ents py BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, Pu ry Vol. XLIL THE THREE SPOTTERS’ PIEAD MYSTERY. —~ N ON SY WS SN SS SS “ato AM Me = ayy ALEC EETUATHA ALUN rane wf ha = seaiasenanite ae a N’ I WANT TO GET OUT 0’ HERE!” a ae
Page 2
2 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery ; oJ Blonde Bert of Brick Alley. BY MARCUS H. WARING, (“SERGEANT MARK,”) AUTHOR OF “THE THREE SPOTTERS,” ‘‘ THE STREET SPOTTERS’ WEIRD HUNT,” ETC, CHAPTER I. THE MYSTERY OF THE COFFIN, DISMAY was in the household of Walden Sav- ern, Without warning, an event bad occurred which made every one look frightened, from the rich man down tothe humblest servant in the grand house, and the subdued whispers which had taken the placeof merry voices told of awe and fear. That morning, Wilbelmina Willoughby, the colored chambermaid, bad entered the parlor to open the blinds and air the room. In less than a minute she came flying down the basement stairs, entered the dining-room where Jobn Jay, the man of-all-work, was engaged, and uttered several screeches, These outcries would have been loud and startling if Wilhelmina had possessed her usual lung-power, but some malign spell was upon her, and she could only sefeech faintly. John Jay looked at her in severe disapproval. “What are you squawking about?” he de- manded, sternly. But Miss Willoughby only threw herself on the floor, and began to kick rapidly and for- cibly. Entered Mrs, Goff, the housekeeper. ‘* What is wrong? she asked, ‘This person,” declared Mr, Jay, with great caer e ** has got them again!” ilhelmina possessed some of the qualifica- tions of an emotional actress, and often proved the fact. On these occasions it was the habit of Jobn Jay to observe that she had ‘‘ got them again!” Usually, she resented this unjust insinu- -ation warmly, but, now, she only kicked and moaned, Mrs, Goff shook her none too gently. * What's the matter?” she asked, ‘*Go up in the parlor and see,” ** See what?” But there was no intelligent, or intelligible re- ply, and the housekeeper turned to Jay. ‘ Do go and see!” she directed. “Ts only that this- person has got them again,” reiterated John Jay, sulkily, but he went obediently, The parlor door was open. He entered with the air of a superior being, a lord of creation disgusted with woman’s weakness, Would he fiad any cause for the girl’s commotion? He doubted it, Toe previous opening of the blinds had let in the light fully, and he paused to look around crit- ically. One glance he took, and then found there was something to hold his attention. In the center of the room was a rich and elab- orate table, and upon this was a strange and startling object. It was a coffin! Joon Jay’s mouth and eyes opened wide. Speechless, he gazed at the ominous thing, like one fascinated. A ccffin—there! A coffin inthe parlor of one of New York’s wealtby and distin- guished citizens? A coffin there, when all of the family were alive and well? John Jay felt a queer sensation as if his blood and nerves were in rebellion, He rubbed his eyes, thinking the matter alla delusion, but it was not so. Then it flashed upon him that it was, doubtless, a pe joke, pared and in wretched taste, ut, nevertheless, a joke, His courage returned, and he smiled as if to assure himself he had not been frightened at all. Then he advaneed toward the object with an air of confidence, Flowers were sparsely scattered over the top of the casket, and their perfume was on the air, but even this was not enough to shake Mr. Jay’s faith, The Kid was raised, and he looked inside very calmly, But he saw something more than ke tae =the tate of he f ace—the face of a young woman—the face of the dead! alae He started back with a cry of alarm, but, after a moment of dismay, forced himself to _ look again, The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. In the coffin was the body of a girl who did | “‘ Well, do you know her?” Mrs. Savern asked not look to be twenty years old. There was all | the elaboration of arrangement usually seen in such cases, and she lay with folded hands and composed face, The fuce was one of beauty, too, Despite the seal of awful silence which Death had set upon each feature, the observer thought he never before had seen a face so beautiful, He gazed raptly, but finally, and suddenly, aroused to more practical drift of | mind, ‘*Great heavens!” he exclaimed, aghast, ‘what does this mean? I’m sure nobody in the house knows of this, The girl don’t belong here, and her funeral don’t belong here. How cid the body getin? What awful mystery is it?” Not being able to solve this puzzle, he burried down to the basement and told all to the house- keeper, Mrs, Goff was a woman who rarely lost her calmness, but she declared that this news was horrible, She went to the body, but, like John Jay, failed to render any probable solution of the matter. Neither of them had ever seen the girl in the house, in life, ‘*Can the master, or his wife, know of it?” Jobn asked. ‘Do you stppose they would bring a body bere and not notify the servants?” sc No.” ‘* Somebody else did it.” Who?” ‘*That’s the question. Have you looked to see if the house was broken into?” “ce No,” ** Do so, at once.” Jobn looked, but only to discover that every- thing was as usual, There was nothing to show that doors or windows had been tampered with, and he could not see how the silent visitor bad been brought in, unless by the door, and with the help of a key. ‘* We lose valuable time,” finally remarked Mrs, Goff, in her straightforward way, ‘ Mr, Savern and his wife must know of this matter, Remain here, Jay, while I go and knock at the mistress’s door,” Ste went, Mr. Jay envied Wilhelmina Wil- loughby, who could lie on the kitchen floor and kick to her beart’s contert. He had not before held lifeless og in great awe, but there was something about this one which upset him thor- oughly. He wanted to run away, and every sound in the street made him start nervously. ‘‘Tt is horrible, horrible!” he muttered. After considerable delay Mrs, Savern ap- peared. She was a woman of thirty years, and her husband’s second wife. Rumor said she had married him solely for his money, and, certainly, sbe was a cold, calm woman, who rarely be- came excited, When she entered the parlor on this occasion she looked angry, and nothing more, She went quickly to the coffin and looked at the occu- pant. ‘*T never saw her!” was the prompt verdict, ‘‘ Who can the wretched creature be?” ‘‘ Wretched creature?” repeated Mrs. Goff, inquiringly. “ That is what I said.” : “This is an affair in which some one is to blame, greatly to blame,” agreed the house- keeper, severely, “but it can hardly be she. She became a passive object when she died. But, somebody has served us ill.” ‘It is infamous!” Mrs. Savern affirmed. “And what are we to do with ber? Horrors! must we call in the police and have this matter proclaimed in the columns of the newspapers, those vulture-like sheets that spare the reputa- tion and fair fame of no one?” The speaker shivered, but only because her pride was touched; and, surely, not without cause. The pros would have made a better woman abrixe within herself. ‘**T will not remain here,” she pursued. ‘Tl return up-stairs and hasten Mr. Savern, Even a dead woman in the parlor does not seem to ex- cite him, In the mean time, go to your work both of you; I will not have breakfast spoiled by this inconsi'erate intrusion, Go!” Young Mrs. Savern waved her white band, and Mrs, Goff an’ John Jay obeyed. The latter wert about his own work again, fae as matters so that he was soon at a erty. Still, breakfast did not progress as cou be desired, Miss Wilhelmina Wren about with an expression which made her objectionable, and Mrs, Goff was not attentive. The fascination of borror was upou Jay, and he again ascended to the parlor, Waldon Sav- ern, a portly. vood-looking, gray-baired, aristo- cratic man of fifty years was there, and he had just been joined by his wife. 4 none too amiably. ce No. ” ** Then why is she here ?” ‘¢ Does no one in the house know?” “ No.” “Then it is a beastly joke,” “A joke! Is that what you call it” Savern made an impatient gesture. “Don’t split hairs on words, Byrna! I seid ‘a beastly joke,’ which should be plain enough. Tell me more about this, How was this thing found? I want to know all about it.” Wilhelmina was summoned, and she and John Jay told their stories. Every member of the household declared innocence and ignorance of all connection with the mystery. : ‘John, you locked the house last night?’ Mr, Savern questioned. **T did, sir.” ‘* Are you sure you did it well?” “Yes, sir.” “And no door or window was tampered with?” ‘‘T cannot find a scratch on door or window, me ‘‘Ttéis remarkable!” Walden Savern contracted bis brows and seemed trying to focus bis gaze on a suitable explanation, He was a resolute man, not easily disturbed or put at fault, but this matter was beyond precedent, Every one again looked at the Mystery. The coffin was not radically expensive, but it was far from cheap, and the flowers upon it were the usual ones in such cases, As for the forever- silent occupant, she was certainly a girl who bad been beautiful of face and pleasing of figure. Yet, every one shrunk from her, and with a horior that no other dead person ever had aroused. It was Mrs. Savern who finally broke the silence, ‘* What is to be done?” she demanded. Savern aroused and ran his fingers through his thick hair. , ' ‘*] suppose we must notify the police,” he re- lied, ps Horrors! borrors!” ‘* It is unpleasant.” ‘Our names will be in all the papers—those merciless vebicles of abuse and libel, that spare nobody’s reputation,” ‘“*Our high position will save us, Byrna.” ‘* No; they will be all the more eager to assail us. A shining mark will make their comments the more caustic, and their innuendoes the more cruel, Can’t we get rid of—of this thing—se- cretly ?” ah ‘Impossible! Shocking as the necessity is, we must report it to the police, and let them deal with the subject. Really, it is our onl way out of the trouble, and the quickest relief, My influence Will enable vs to have the coroner here at once—our personal friend, Mr, Pfeffsky— and our house will be rid of the dread object in a few bours,” : ‘“Why not order a wagon and take it to the police station at once?” ‘*Tbe law would not countenance such a step. The coroner must see the deceased where she lies, and we must uphold the Jaw. Then we shall be rid alike of the unknown and of all blame,” “But who is it?” cried Mrs. Savern, with more of curiosity. ‘* Who is the creature so strangely thrust upon us? What drama of crime is bac of all this?” CHAPTER Ii, BOBBY BLOSSOM WANTS TO KNOW. New YorK is full of sbarp contrasts. There was little resemblance between Walden Savern’s aristocratic mansion avd a certain humble house on Greenwich avenue, ¢xcept that both were made to shelter mankind. The latter bad been erected long before the date of which mention ig made, and had passed from its prime to seedy old age. In a of its humble rooms sat two persons— a bright, keen-looking boy of fourteen, and a man of middle age. The latter was minus bal! of one of his legs, that useful member being re. placed in its lower extremity by a substitute o7 wood. Both these persons were plainly but re. spectably dressed. A knock sounded at the door. ‘Come in!” cried he of tho false leg. A man entered. He was a stout person forty years who did not seem to bave kept his en up in the world. He was ragged, unsbaven an unshorn, and but one degree above the typica tramp, it seemed, _ | . +a a é ay
Page 3
OA mG 8? ISA OR _ ‘but may there not be a guilt, “Hullo, Job Lots!” was the greeting. he re- ceived, “Hullo, Stumps! Hullo, Bobby!” Nodding to both the others the new-comer sat down, Then he produced: a paper from his ket. ‘“‘ Bobby, kin you read?” he added. “ Kin I?’ retorted the boy. “Take me fer a heathen from the, Cannibawl Islands? Nary time, Moses!” “* Wal, J can’t read,” Job Lots confessed, ‘an’ I wish you’d take this paper an’ read the racin’ news from Guttenburg. I had money up on Slide-foot, in the five furlongs, an’ I want ter see ef he won.” * You had money up?’ Bobby returned, skepti- | cally. ‘‘I don’t b’lieve you ever had tin enough ter bet on nig, es > than a glass o’ beer an’ a free lunch. But I’m ycur gent.. Guttenburg? | Ob! here it is! First race. Moses, my boy, you’re iu it; Slide-foot, won!” **Good! good!” the visitor exclaimed, rubbing his bands. Tiat makes mea hundred dollars in. Great luck! Eb! Stamp?” Stumps and Bobby still showed by their man- ner that they doubted the man’s claim, but they let it go, and Stumps duly congratulated him, Slide-foot had teen a ten-to-one “shot,” and it would not take such a very big sum to win the century. And if Job Lots—whose real na.ae was Moses Bemis—had come in winner, there certainly were ways in which be could use the money to good advantage. *‘ Guess that’s the first time I ever bowght a paper,” observed Moses, later, ‘‘ but I don’t be- grudge the penny. I was jest acbin’ ter know ef my hoss got there, Any more news, Bobby?” ‘* Blinkers won the seven furlongs.” **T mean, other news besides racin’.” ‘** Here’s a divorce case.” ‘* Never mind that.” ‘* Moses knows his wife ain’t applied fer no di- vorce,” remarked Stumps, with a smile. ‘‘ Hello!” the reader added, ‘ here’s some Startlin’ head-lines. Listen ter this: ‘A GHASTLY GUEST! A Corrin IN THE PARLOR. A BeavrircuL UNKNOWN. 4 TZRRIBLE MORNING DISCOVERY IN A New York Mansion!’ ” Stumps moved excitedly in bis chair. ‘*Be you givin’ us that straight, Bobby?” he asked. “Sure! Here’s the article ter prove it, too. Shall I read it, gents?” ‘* Yes, yes!” directed Job Lots, eagerly. Bobby read. The first part of the article was no more than {is already known to the reader, for it was an account of the events that have been described in the previous chapter, It told how the coffin and its occupant had been fornd in Walden Savern’s parlor, and what consterna- ‘tion had followed. Evidently, the rich man had made good his Claim that he possessed influence enough to rid himself of the dead girl speedily, for the coroner had been there already, and the body had been Temoved to an undertaker’s, Continuing, the account said: “During the day no light bas been thrown upon | the mystery. 6 identity of the deceased remains | a mystery. Many persons already have looked at the handsome face. the majority perhaps, in idle curicsity; others, with a more serious motive. But no one recognizes her. ‘*Who was she? wey was the coffia put in Mr, | Savern's resideoce? ow did those wh» brought it gain aurrenee’ What could be the motive for such an ac “Such are the questions that are puzzlin 0- lice, but to solve them they know het which ade turn. At present all is dark end doubtful, and the case mey prove one of the most mysterious in New York's annals of crime. “Tt is believed the girl died from natural causes, secret back of the hour when she was placed in the coffin?” Bobby Blossom ceased to read, and looked at . the one-legged man, ‘*That’s a mighty queer case!” he commented, ** Right you be, Be by,” Stumps admitted, Never heerd 0’ one like it.” “Nor me.” “Wal, ‘read about somethin’ else,” urged “Moses, i a _ ferred to, comply. “Great yowlin’ cats!” Bobby exclaimed, ‘*wouldn’t this be a boss case fer The Three Spotters ter tackle?” ‘*It would, tbat!” ‘* We'll lay the case before Jim Royal.” ‘*'You’d better stick ter business,” advised Moses, with emphasis, ‘‘ You two an’ Jim hev made a big reputation in detective work, but you don’t want ter lose it by meddlin’ with this case,” ‘* How does this case differ from any other?” ““Tt’s too complicated.” ‘* So much the better!” ‘*Prob’ly the perleece bey solved it by this time.” ‘* Your two arguments don’t jibe, Mr. Job Lots. Anyhow, the Three Spotters never hey | lost a case yet, an’ ef they take up this one, they mean ter win,” ‘““But let it alone,” Job Lots advised. “It ain’t in your line, Al! the known p’ints are in the hands o’ the perleece an’ Savern’s people, an’ do you s’pose they’d let a kid an’ a one-legged man inter their confidence? Go-right inter Savern’s parlor an’ bob-nob with bim, would ye? Rydickerlous! Stumpsey, you want ter argue Bobby right out o’ this. Wal, gents, I'll be goin’, I want that Guttenburg money.” Moses Bemis rose and went out. He barely missed meeting an athletic youth of twenty years who presently came in, ; ‘* Hi, Jim!” Bobby cried. paper?” No,” the new-comer replied. ‘*Read that!” Young Blossom whisked the paper over, and Jim was soon deep in the account. This trio, Jim Royal, Stumps and Bobby were well known in detective circles, for, though not regular disciples of that calling, they bad done some very neat work in bringing evil doers to justice. They called themselves the ‘‘ Three Spotters,” and, thus far, trouble had overtaken every criminal they bad ‘‘ spotted,” Jim Royal’s expression showed that he found his reading interesting, and he ended it with the comment: “Well, this is remarkable!” ** How do you explain it?” Bobby asked. “I can’t explain it, Knowing none of the parties, I have no opinion, even, about the affair. It is rermaikably strange and mysteri- ous, “* Wouldn’t you like ter know the explanation of it?” ‘** Yes, I certainly would!” ** Then let’s find out.” ‘* How find out, my Blossom?” * Ain’t you stupid, Jim Royal! How should ne out, Only by lettin’ the Big Three loose ag’ip ‘“ Ah! so you want another case?” ** Jeems, pockets will get empty in New York with a rush ef the ghost don’t walk. It be- hooves us ter git up on our heels an’ squirm, We ain’t had our pames in the papers, lately, an’ it’s high time we did, Gents, we must tackle this very case!” Bobby spoke with.emphasis and enthusiasm, but his companions did not catch the fever, Stumps’s face expressed disapproval, and Jim Royal was thoughtful and silent. Interesting as the Dead Mystery was, it seemed to them too deep and complete to warrant them in entering the field and trying to do more than the best qualified detectives, The boy continued to urge tbe point, but Mie such poor luck that he finally rose in dis- e All right!” he exclaimed. ‘7 am goin’ inter this ies but I npg bite unwillin’ belpers. Set you here, gents; © an’ reap all f So-long!” ' ; : r rt **Seen an’ evenin’ CHAPTER ILI. AT SAVERN’S BY NIGHT, Tur attention which the body at the under- | taker’s had attracted during the day was as nothing to whet followed after the evening ogg had told their story. : here are many men and women—thongh by far tbe greater part are women—who feel a strange, unnatural, ghoul-like interest and curi- osity in every dead person whose identity is unknown. It is oue of the misfortunes of city life that many persons of the middle classes have nothing to do. Idleness breeds an un- healthy condition of mind, and its victims grasp at every chance for excitement, The more hor- rible the case, the more pleasure these vultures When such apologies for human beings gq. _ dead under commonplace cir- to see thése foun ee ee ee ppt dl ae al ~ . a 4 x oe a “" eee, Oe 4) ett The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. 3 cumstances, it was not strange that a case so re~ remarkable brought them out in full force. The undertaker’s shop rivaled the theaters as an attraction. Bobby Blossom was there, but he was one of the few who bad not come out of idle curiosity, He had jooked at the still face, and then he fell back and stood watching the others, He wanted to observe those who went to the coffin. While thus occupied he did not fail to have an eye open to other things, and one result of his watching was that just as a certain man was leaving the rom, be accosted him, ‘Say, mister, will you tell me w’ot time it is?” The man lowered his band to his watch- pocket, and then exclaimed: ** Great Scott!” ** What’s up?” ‘* My watch is gone!” ‘“‘ Jes’ so, mister! I suspected that was the case, fer I see a chap waltzin’ around you ina way that struck me ¢z suspicious. ts my opinion he bas been workin’ the crowd in great shape, an’ you ain’t the only loser.” ‘© A pickpocket, eb? Point bim out! go back. The fellow shall suffer—” ‘“ Don’t be in a rusb, general. I give the tip to a detective who is on guard there, an’ I guess he will look out fer our ligbt-fingered gent, Ef you go back now you may spoil the game. Did you know the girl, mister?” Let us “T thought you acted different from the others.” ‘“*T work at Walden Savern’s,” **Oh! do ye? Be you John Jay?” oe Yes.” ‘Wal, this is a deuce of a mystery, ain’t it?” ** Awful! Why, cold shivers ain’t got Gone chasing each other up my back since I saw the gir) in the parlor.” John Jay forgot his watch, the value of which was very-smaJl, and showed a willingness to talk about the more important case which Bob- by did not fail to see and take advantage of. He adroitly questioned his companion, and the lat- ter talked freely. He was more than ready to talk to any one who would listen, and it mat- tered not whether the listener was fourteen or forty-one. By the time Bobby bad gained particulars, there was a commotion at the door, and the de- tective appeared with a man in his grasp. ‘““That’s the pickpocket,” Bobby announced. “Now, ef you want yer ticker back, swing up — that way an’ identify it.” John took the advice, and soon had his watch again. He thanked his new acquaintance cor- dially. ‘« Bf you're really grateful, you kin prove it,” the boy answered, “ How ? ‘* You see before yer a homeless waif an’ orfin. U ain’t noways sure where I'll sleep ter-night. Et may be a box or barrel, an’ it may not. General, can’t you open yer heart an’ let me sleep in yer master’s kitchen?” Jobn hesitated and then answered: “T badn’t dare.” ‘Why not?” ‘“‘It would be a literty, anyway, for Walden Savern, not I. is boss there; while, just after this horrible affair at our house, it would be go- ing a long ways to take in a stranger.” t was a sudden idea on Bobby’s part to pass the night at Savern’s, and he could not have told why he desired it, since another startling mys- tery was not likely to put in an appearance, but opposition only made him the more eager, “Don’t think P’d ren cff with yer bouse, do ye?” he replied, : ““No, but Mr. Savern would blame me if he saw you,” “* He need not see me,” ** But he might.” **T'm afeerd you ain’t got so much gratitude as you might hev. I helped ye get yer watch back, an’ now you want ter semd me out ter sleep on a pier, where I'll most likely get ’rested fer stealin’—stealin’ sleep,” Bobby, himself, saw a practical way out of the supposed difficulty, and was afraid Jay would offer bim money to pay for a night’s tes but the man-of-all-work was more powerfully moved than Bobby suspected. He slept in the basement of the Savern house, and the nearest sleeper to him was two floors above. Really, be had a lively co + ah wer gee that the dead girl’s host might walk that night, and gladly would coe had Bobby’s company were it nov for fear of hawog fee {oom Se P a. Bd a ph iy f by ‘ cy Wie
Page 4
4 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. for him if it was known he had taken any one He besitated, and the boy improved the chance to urge the point until be carried the day. ‘‘ Pll take you in,” Jay agreed, ‘‘ but you must be very careful.” “Sure!” * And you mustn’t come before ten o’clock.” ** All right.” ‘* Walk along past the house at that time, and watch the basement\door, and if it is all right I will signal to you.” “Correct; and I’m powerfully: obliged ter you fer givin’ me a place ter sleep.” There was a twinkle in the speaker’s eyes, but his new friend could not surmise that it was over the joke he had perpetrated, when he gave the impression he was homeless, They talked for a while longer, and then John left and made his way back to Savern’s. ‘A likely kind of a lad,” he thought, ‘and if I can prevent discovery, I shall feel easier to- sight with him near me, I’ve beard it said these street-boys are grateful for favors done them, and true as steel to their friends. I guess itll be all right to take him in.” In the meanwhile Bobby Blossom was consider- ing the time. He had taken a radical step in planning to sleep at Savern’s, and though he did not fully understand why he should wish. to go, he felt elated. rm ** You lin’ cats!” he commented, ‘but ain't I gotarustle on! Takes meter ketch a grip an’ gitthar. I ought ter go an’ notify Jim Royal an’ Stumps, but I don’t seem ter hev time. Guess I'l] indite an epistle # steat.” He purchased stationery, ar wrote as fol- ows: “*Fetiter Spors:— “J ain't made no discoveries yet, but Ill do so retty quick or lose a leg. I hev made arrangements er ter sleep at Walden Savern’s, ter-night, unbe- knownst ter him an’ his fam’ly, an’ I look for rev- elations. Ef I come home with a detective case, or a broken head, don’t be surprised. Tiaere’s a guilty secret at Savern’s, an’ l’m after it, Keep the fire goin’ an’ lec the kittle b’ile. “ Yours respectabl, “*R, BonyparT NApoLEON BLossom.” He posted this letter with a good deal of satis- faction. ‘** Probably I’ll see Jim before this letter gets there, but it’s wal ter be fortified ag’inst mis- ha ” He proceeded to idle away the time to the best of his ability, until he could move decisively again, At the appointed hour he went to the block where Savern lived. He sauntered down the street in the most innocent way imaginable, and did not show any interest in the house, but, nevertheless, nothing escaped his notice. The Savern residence was quiet, and the only visible light was in the basement, hen near the stoop he saw John Jay at the gate, anda motion was enough to make him join that person. ** I'm glad you’ve come,” declared John, “ for I'm as nervous as a witch.” ‘* Ain’t seen no hopgoblins, hev ye?” * Not yet.” “ Expect ter?” **T hope not,” ** Got any reason ter?” Bobby persisted. ** Only that her ghost may walk, It’s an awful affair, and I’m all broke up,” Su uent conversation in the kitchen cov- firmed the last assertion, but Bobby talked in his free-and-easy, jovial way untilJobn felt somewhat more at ease, and when, later, he retired, he ex- pressed strong hope that nothing serious would oecur. He had a room off the kitchen, and he gave Bobby an old lounge in the latter room to lie on, but the boy was no sooner sure that John was asleep than he rose, - ** Now for business!” he muttered, in a serious sway. CHAPTER IV. THE BLOW IN THE DARK. Nor many minutes’ walk from Union Square was a building in which the Old Red Chief Club had its quarters. Men who belonged to the Union League, New York, or Lotos Clubs prob- ably never heard of the Old Red Chief, and certainly never frequented its rooms, but if the aristocracy of Gotham was confined to a few or- ganizations, it was not so with the vivacity, The Old hea Chief lived and moved, and was ular with those whose tastes fitted its condi- f nS, were some who had an opinion of the club ead ose favorable, but a int e AALS £ he s D) 108 , ee CS ee ip Publ to Savern’s, a man walked to the street-door of the club-house building, opened it with the con- | this outbreak, but he remained quiet and kept © Jim Royal was curious to know the cause of fidence of one who had reason to know it would | his place, unseen but vigilant, be unlocked, and went up the stairs. There he entered a long, large room where the big chairs and the long table, covered with newspapers, told that it was the headquarters of the club men, No one else was visible, for it was at that hour when the few afternoon frequenters had gone to their dinner, and the fresh supply had not come in. The gas had not yet been lighted, and shad- ows were in the room, which the fading light of day, entering furtively at the windows, could not banish. The new-comer sat down by one of these win- dows, lighted a cigar, and began to smoke thoughtfully. Unknown to him he was under observation, and the impression that he was alone was not correct, A few minutes before he entered some one else had come in; a person not a member of the club, but sufficiently familiar with the place to act with confidence, This person was Jim Royal. A few days before one of themembers had induced a young man, a mere boy, to play poker, and had cheated him out of his money. Jim had been asked to recover it, and as the proof of unfair play was strong, he had taken the case, and had come there because he had reason to believe he would meet the gambler at that bour. With that affair this story bas nothing to do, so it may be dismissed here with the statement that the gambler was compelled to disgorge. Jim did not see him that night, but, sitting in the second room which was, really, a continu- sion of the first, he looked at. the latest comer tdle curiosity. ‘> be was the young detective did not 1or could he distinguish his features, but he cu. See that the man was well dressed, Suda, the door which led to the hall was again open J, and a third person came in quick- ly. There was a rustle of female garments, and Jim imagiged it was the wife of the janitor until he discovered that she was small and slight, Pausing for a moment only, she went rapidly to the side of the unknown man, ‘“*T want to talk with you!” she exclaimed. He had looked around and half-risen in a spirit of gallantry, but as he saw theslight figure and heard the girlish voice, he sunk back, ‘* And who the deuce are you?” he drawled. ‘* ll swap names with you.” ‘Swap names?” ‘‘-Yes, What's yours?” Pi the Man About Town,” was the drawling reply. in IT mean, yer reel name.” ‘‘That don’t matter. What are you drivin at? There is vinegar in your voice, kid. Wha 1s the matter?” The girl clinched her hands, and Jim Royal half-thought she was going to make an attack on the Man About Town, but her demonstra- tion was limited’ to words—words, however, that were fierce and vehement. “‘T wanted to find you; I follered you here. I’ve been trackin’ you, an’ I knew I'd run you you down. I don’t know the kind of a place this is, but I’ve Got you!” ** Bless my soul! what is all this rumpus about, my infant? What have I done to you” ‘* What hey you done to Louise? The club-room room clock ticked away brisk- ly, and was the only sound in the place. For some reason the Man About Town was not ready with his answer. The darkness hid bis expres- sion, but the lull was suggestive. He hesitated. bis 4 Finally he answered: **T know no one named Louise! Who is she?” The girl brought her foot down on the floor angrily. ‘*How you lie! how you lie!” she cricd, pas- sionately. ‘‘ Do you think I don’t know you? [ seen you at the house, an’ I know you took Louise away. What have you done with her? Have you killed her?” “Girl,” was the stern reply, “‘ you will lower your voice or get thrown into the street, Iam not going to have you shout like a mad person, and call in other meddlers, What in perdition do you mean, anyhow, by charging a gentleman Hey such work? {know no Louise, and never ‘* Tt’s a lie!” The scene was growing deeply ae teresting Se eal: prberggec belon ve ro C) sphere e, but possessed keen gence,. was tely in earnest, and the man had lost a) * more ROE RT etre Pe te gear Riad at ‘“*If you know,so much about me,” pursued the stranger, ‘‘ why don’t you know my name—” _ ** Because [ never heerd it.” **That’s right; and you never saw me.” ‘‘T have. You're a sport—” ‘“*Pardon me; a man about town—the Man About Town. I’m no sport. I do not bow to cards, race-horses or other diyinities of the sport- ing fraternity.” ** Anyhow, you’ve took Louise away. Have you killed her?” ‘*Don’t dare to use those words again! I am no assassin; I am not a rascal.” ‘‘T know she was afraid of you; I’ve heerd her say so, an’ I know she was right. She wouldn’t never tell why, but she was scared of arm.” ‘* Tf there isa bone to pick why don’t ber adult friends come, and not send a kid?” ‘*T may be scared off!” was the defiant retort. ‘‘ I know I’m goin’ ter see Louise, or make trouble fer you. It wa’n’t fer nothin’ you bev been prowl- in’ around the house. you’ve got her away, What have you done with her? You say, quick, or I'll call in the police an’ let them find out!” The Man About Town rose quickly and grasped her arm. Harsh as his voice was when he spoke, it betrayed, also, genuine fear, Other men were liable to enter the club-room at any mo- ment, and, guilty or innocent, he had cause to” fear such an intrusion. “That will do!”, he declared. ‘‘ You hush | your voice, or I'll forget you are a child and « shut off your wind!” *¢ As you did hers?” ‘*T never touched ber,” M4 ‘* It’s a wicked lie!” r Muttering a savage exclamation the man es- sayed to seize the bold speaker by the throat, She evaded the grasp, but was not so successful in the effort to free her arm. “You let me alone, or lll call for help,” she added, resolutely. “Girl, you don’t know what ag are doing. * A racket here would get us both into trouble, Be reasonable; Iam ready and anxious to prove my iunocence, if 1 can have the chance. Calm 4 reel and Vl order a cab and go to your © riends,” ““You’d like ter get me into a cab, wouldn’t you?” she retorted, ‘‘ Then you’d spirit me away, as you did her. But, you can’t doit, You te me now where Louise is; you show her ter me ef she’s alive, or I'l] scream for help, See!” With a quick motion she flung up the window, but the man threw his hand across her mouth. ‘““ By the fiends!” he bissed, “you will force me to do you harm!” “You will not harm her!” At the same moment the words were spoken by his side a hand was laid on hiy arm. He wheeled and saw Jim Royal by his side, two faced each other for a moment in silence, neither being able to distinguish the other’s fea- « tures, but the.pause was soon broken. The Man About Town ie, his clinched » hand with great force, and the blow, catchin Jim on the neck, knocked him, stunned an senseless, to the floor. ; CHAPTER V. THE MISSING ALLY, Jr Roya sprung up. He was in the dark and alone. No sound came to him except the’ tramp of feet on the sidewalk below the open window. It seemed but a second since he x ou, an’ she said she was afraid you’d do her ¢ be a kid, but don’t you think I’m ter , what I am talkin’ about, an’ you'll find it out. |. I warned Louise, but _ The, : mi Lh i a % & : caught the Man About Town by the arm and in-). terfered to save the young girl, yet it was clear pF that he had been lying unconscious for several minutes—bow long, he could not say. Where was his assailant?—where, the girl? While he hesitated a woman entered who proved to be the janitor’s wife. She proceeded — to light the gas, exbibiting no surprise at sight of Jim, for there was nearly always some one i the club-rooms, ; The detective saw that bis late companions a. a had vanished, and he addressed the woman: ra ‘Madam, can you tell me where the gir 4 who was here a short time ago?” ; Cer ' The janitor’s wife regarded him in surprise, a repeated, “y
Page 5
= *y — ad Ee = + lief that she was not wholly sincere. The Three Spott ers’ Dead Mystery. 5 hen she came here without any right. No Bung woman, nor girls, areallowed here, There will be trouble in the club if this is true.” Royal regarded her sharply, moved b if be- Vas it possible that such things bad occurred in the club-rooms and no one been aware of it? “Didn't you see a girl come in?” ** No, sir.” ‘Nor go out?” “No.” “Do you know a man whocalls himself the Man About Town?” “No, sir. I know agood many, by sight, who come under that bead, but no one who uses such a name. Ido not believe he is a regular member of the club.” This time there was more of sincerity in her manner,and Royal Jim was led to believe that she told the truth, **Such a man bas been here,” he explained, *‘and a girl of about fourteen years followed him in, and they had a row, I interfered in ber behalf, though not until he began to use violence, and was knocked down for my trouble. The blow stunned me, and when I recovered, they were gone, Have you seen a cab near the door which would indicate any one’s departure?” “‘No, sir, Merey! bas such a thing occurred here? It is terrible! My husband must watch ‘these rooms more closely, or we shall lose our places.” Again Jim was impressed with the belief that the woman might know more than she would admit, but hesaw no way of proving it on the spot, so he decided to let the matter rest where it was. He was deoply interested in the case of the young girl whose name, even, was unknown to him, but was not disposed to act rashly in the se, Since he had no proof against the janitor’s ‘wife it would be foolish to accuse her. After a little more talk he left the place and started homeward. His pride was somewhat hurt by the fact that he had been ‘knocked out” so summarily, ‘though he need not have taken that view of the matter. The darkness had aided the Man About Town, and he had proved himself a hitter of prowess, ** Well, here is a profound mystery without any clew,” the detective thought. ‘The name of the man and that of the girl are alike un- known to me, and so is the matter of trouble. ‘Where any of them live I can’t guess, and the Toow was not light enough to enable me to see ‘their faces. I might meet them now and not recognize them, y one clew is the name, Louise, Louise! I wonder if I’ll ever hear of her ba 1] he following morning Jim rose and, while he cate breakfast, read a fresh article on the Savern Case, * Evidently, the newspapers gloried in it, It was blind enough to admit of any number “of speculations, and the spacefillers were mak- ing the most of it. One part of the article was in these words: “Tn many respects it is the greatest mystery Ne “York ever has aeeils On the one hand there is : ‘wealthy, respectable and exclusive family living in ‘the best part of the city; on the otuer, a Ein, a ‘beautiful unknown, fomod d-ad in a coffin in the vich man’s parlor at early morn. Who was she? Why was.she brought there? How was she brought ‘there? It is a vast subject for wonder; a mystery ‘so strange and perplexing that even the keenest of our detectives have, as yet, not been able to get any -clew. Many persons looked at the deceased, last night. None knew her. Shelies nameless, friend- less, wrapped in mystery. Where is the key to that mystery? “ This grows interesting,” thought Jim Royal. He found the matter growing pow him, and began to feel a desire to undertake the case in a detective way. When he, Stumps and Bobby Blossom first ventered on their career as “The Three Spot- ters,’ it had been in a purely amateur way, and amateurs they still were, but their several bril- Jiant successes had made them well known at P lice Headquarters, and they had a certain, MY and very solid, standing with the police, “Tam tempted to look into this,” Jim added, He walked over to Stumps’s room and found ‘the one-legged man meditating on the same _ matter. ** One of the detectives mentioned in this arti- cle is Amos Hamlin,” Jim remarked. “I know him well, and in his company could easily gain _ access to Savern’s house. I don’t see what good that would do me, for if any loose end of the mystery is there, it will not be flaunted in my face; but I could gratify my curiosity.” _ The landlady appeared with a letter, oe ‘* Just brought by the postman,” she said. Royal opened it, and it proved to be that written by Bobby Blossom the previous night. It gave them a start. ‘What in the world does the boy mean?” Jim demanded. “Kin he really hey gone ter- Savern’s?” Stumps asked. ‘* He says so.” ‘An’ will sleep there unknown ter them, Why, he’s gone crazy!” ‘* He is too reckless, anyhow. He don’t under- stand that the Three Spotters have grown out of their short pants, and are now full-fledged detectives, If he had a plan to get into Sav- ern’s house, it was a very reckless piece of work, This troubles me, and I will go over to Mr, Blossom’s at once, and see if Bobby is there.” He went, but soon returned. ‘Not there, and was not home last night!” he announced, gravely. ‘ Whew!” “Stumps, I’m afraid Bobby has got into trouble. He is always here early in the morn- ing; earlier than this; and if he had done aty risky deed last night, he would be eager to see us, and tell all about it.” ‘‘He says in his letter that there’s a guilty secret at Savern’s,” ‘*'Yes. Can he have gota clew, really?” Stumps shook his head. **T don’t know what ter think, but ef he don’t show up pooty quick, you kin depend on it he has got into trouble, It was a risky thing fer him ter go ter Savern’s on the sly, an’ there is several ways in which he might git inter an awful fix. I hope barm ain’t come ter the boy.” ‘*T’)]] wait balf an hour, and then start out in search of him,” Tbe half-hour passed, but did not bring Bobby. Then Jim went to Police Headquarters, He had a fear that, baving entered the Savern h¢é «> secretly, his young ally had brought disce is upon himself, and with it, suspicion of” tion with the mystery of the coffin: was nothing to show that Bobby we: der ar- rest, of There, however, Jim came upouAmos Ham- lin, the detective before mentioned, and when the Spotter learned that Amos was on the point of, going to Savern’s, Jim played his cards so well that he was asked to accompany him. They went accordingly. The Savern mansion presented its usual state- ly, respectable and exclusive appearance, and there was nothing to tell of its late history ex- cept a few idlers on the street. ystery and crime draw the weak-minded like a magnet. When Jim ore entered, be f.und it hard to believe that Bobby Blossom ever had been ip the house; things were so much against it that the idea soon left his mind for the time being. A servant conducted them to th? parlor, and there they were soon joined by Walden Savern. Hamlin was very polite to the host. He was rich: he stood high in society; he had a p«rsonal carriage fit for a grand duke inits dignity. The detectiye admired such men, But Mr. Savern was troubled. His manner was nervous while he talked, and he freely ad- mitted his perturbation. ; “Tt is a horrible affair!” he'declared. ‘* My name is paraded in all the papers; my house isa center of curiosity, and the horror of having had such an experience is not to be described. Think of it, sir! We waken in ‘the morning.as usual, unsuspicious of trouble, &nd we find— Oh! it is terrible, terrible!” He raised both hands to italicize his disturbed condition, and Hamlin hastened to console bim. Jim Royal did not like the master of the house. At first sight he might hava been thought a good-looking mean, but as the young Spotter studied his face a feeling came over him which produced an involuntary shiver, It was not a frank, open face, but one of furtive expression, with promise of treachery; and there was that about his eyes and mouth which told of a cruel nature, ‘“T know of no earthly reason why any one should play such a ghastly trick upon me,” Wal- den added. Did he speak the truth ? Jim Royal found himself growing suspicious without any good cause, and then came to his mind the clause in Bobby Blossom’s note: “ There’s a guilty secret at Savern’s.” Where was Bobby now? _‘*Have there been any new developments, ret a im inquired, politely, 0 uee- ' .chere “oe \ va oe last night?” SL Baile ate, ie ieee y us 7a The rich man’s gaze was bent on Jim’s face for a moment, and the latter fancied it was full of question points, but no question was asked, ‘‘Have you confidence enough in your ser- vants, sir,so you believe them as ignorant as they claim?” he added. “ Yes.” ‘And you think no one in the house was ac- quainted with the dead girl, in the plot ”” ‘‘ T am sure no one was.” “Then how did those who brought the body pass the locked doors?” ‘* By picking a lock.” “Yet no lock shows signs of having been tampered with.” ‘* All these points have been considered by ex- perienced men, young sir,” returned Walden, with a wave of his band, and an evident sneer at Jim’s youth. ‘I need not refer to them again, It isa great mystery; a shocking affair, But I hope to see the guilty punished.” Royal had spoken with no idle object when he asked if all had been quiet the previous night. If Bobby bad come to grief there, Savern must know of it, Little confidence as Jim reposed in the man, he felt somewhat easier after the denial, and acquired the hope that the junior member of the Spotter Trio would be found at Stumps’s roomon his own return. Hamlin said a good many pleasant and wise things to the rich man, and then he and his companion went away. ‘« Tt’s a shame that such a fine man should be brougkt intowunpleasant notoriety!” Hamlin de- clared, ‘You lfke Savern?” ‘Yes, He’s one of the noble class that makes New York the grand city it is.” ‘‘T agree with you that ours is a grand city,” Royal quietly,retuyned, ‘‘ but I believe its cbief ornament is “3e honest middle class, those who pay respect \ the law though their pockets are not bursting with gold. But that is not to the oint. I don’tsee that you need me longer, so *1l go home.” Half an hour later he was with Stumps. He look around the room eagerly, whereupon the one-legged man graveiy: shook bis head and ob- served: ~ ‘“No; Bobby ain’t come!” “This is alarming!’ Jim Royal declared. “T’'m afeerd that boy bas got inter trouble.” “Suvam I, I’ve been to Savern’s, but saw no sign of Bobby, and the old gentleman said all bad been quiet there. Now, Bobby is not the person to play a trick on anyone. Kh. said be was going to enter that house last night, and that means that he intended to doit. Did he fail? If so, where-is he? Did he succeed? If 80, what happened after that?” gain Stumps shook his head, but there was silence in the room/for several seconds, **What can I do to find him?’ Jim finally asked. “Ef harm has come ter him it’s an awful hopeless job, fer we ain’t got the least clew. But we must both go out an’ bunt. We can’t set idle while that noble boy may be in awful danger. Yes, yes; we'll go out an’ hunt fer poor Bobby !” The speaker rose and began to hustle around the room at a rate so lively that bis wooden leg beat a regular tune on the floor. CHAPTER VI, A STARTLING DISCOVERY. Jrm Roya and Stumps went out together. The latter sought some of Bobby’s old baunts, while Jin, for want of a better place, went to the undertaker’s shop. Public interest had not waned, and there were half a dozen people in the room, Most of them were women, who looked to their heart’s con- tent, and then went away to indulge in idle gossip on the case, Bobby was not visible. While Jim stood on the sidewalk, a lame, feeble old woman advanced, limping painfully. She was very plainly dressed, and did not look well enough to be out, She gazed at the two long steps which Jed to the shop, hesitated, and then turned to Royal. @ z ‘‘T beg your pardon, young sir,” she said, “but would you give a poor old body a lift so she can get in there?” ** Certainly, madam.” The detective was always ready to help the aged, and he lifted steadily at both her eo “ atitude and pee her iv so skillfully that ber bubbled over. Like most of the others she gazed at the beautiful unknown in mere curiosity, and when Jim helped her back to the street, she grew confilential, ,
Page 6
sf) the house, _ Trio presently observed, ‘ 6 “T didn’t think I should know her,” was tbe frank confession, ‘‘out I wanted to see what manner of a person had caused such strange do- ings at Walden Savern’s. You see, I used to know him.” “Did you?” Royal returned, somewhat skepti- cally. ‘“T was once housekeeper there,” ‘¢ When was that?” ‘¢ When you were a baby, young sir; it’s fifteen years since I left, I’ve seen bard times since then, but it wouldn’t have been so if Master Ithamar, or Master Edwin had lived.” ‘Who were they!” ‘* Hdwin was Walden Savern’s brother; their father was Ithamar Savern. I never thought he was so rich as would seem to be proved by the style he lived in, but be was a good man, and as I'd been twenty years in the family, he never would bave seen me want if he had lived, Ed win was just like him, but Walden—”’ The old woman paused and shook her head, “ What about Walden?” Jim inquired. ““Y never liked him—no one did—and | liked him less when he discharged me, fifteen yeurs ago, soon after his father died. 1’ve never seen him since, but I hear that when he married bis resent wife, his sons would not live at home, 30th are in Oregon, now.” **Then you have no knowledge of the family now, personally?” “*No, The only one I should much care to know about would be Master Eiwin’s daughter. He left one child. I saw her when she was very young, and a sweet child she was, Her name was Louise.” ** Louise!” Jim repeated the name almost mechanically. It forcibly recalled the scene at the club-room, when the young girl talked so severely to the Man About Town concernibg some one whose name was Louise, He dismissed the matter as a mere coincidence. ** What became of Louise?” **T wish I knew, but I don’t, I ain’t heard from her in all these years, and I know of no way to get news: except by asking Walden Savern. That [ won’t do.” ‘‘ Were the brothers on good terms?”, . ‘“Yes, Edwin was too wise to quarrel, He let Walden alone when the latter got into his spasms of temper, and, of course, that settled it. Deary me, | ow an old body’s mind does wan@er on! I don’t know that I need inflict all this on you, so I'l] go home.” Jim did not object, but he asked for and re- ceived her name and address, Then she hobbled down the street. The detective lingered for some time longer, but Bobby did not appear, so he returned to Stumps’s room. That person bad just come in, and he too had a story of ill luck totell, Hebad been around Bobby’s usual haunts, and had stopped at the boy’s own home on his way back, but had gained no tidings whatever. No one had seen him since the previous day. ‘ Jeems,” the elder man gravely declared, **that kid has got inter trouble!’ “I’m afraid that’s so.” ‘* Dye s’pose he went ter Savern’s?” “ That’s just what I don't know. Rash as he is in his zeal to get detective points, it don’t seen as if be would do that,” ** But we know he intended to, for his own let- ter says it, He wouldn’t give us no blind tips,” “True.” ** Wal, I believe he went in, an’ come ter grief, Tain’t got no high opinion 0’ that house. Was the dead girl taken there fer a joke? Not much! _ It was algae ty? Sa an’ aimed at somebody in ho ; “We know who was hit, Only Savern and his wife could be affected seriously by such a step.” Pen one, or both, o’ them is rascals, an’ it’s a hotbed of evil. An’ ef they’re bad enough ter _ deserve sech an awful shock, ain’t they bad enough ter do away with poor Bobby?” _ Stumps was taking a radical view of the mat- _ter, but Jim was not disposed to argue against him, Even since he saw Walden Savern he had felt a shrinking sensation when he thought of the man and the cruel cur! of his lips. Had he really harmed Bobby? “We are in a fix, Stumps ” the leader of the We ean’t go to the house and ask for Bobby, for we dare not con- fess that we have any reason to suppose he is » She uttered The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. Stumps, “Yes, I’m going out now, but wil] soon re- turn. If you see Bobby, nail him, and make sure he don’t fly off at another tangent.” ‘** Pll do it, sure.” Royal left the house and walked rapidly away. ‘** | suppose [ am as fanciful as an old woman,” be murmured, as he went, ‘‘ but, just now, I would give a dollar to know who the Louise was that the small girl talked about. Can it have been Louise Savern? But it is absurd, Louise Savern may have been dead these fifteen years. If not and she is Walden’s niece— But, why speculate so wildly? Dll see the janitor’s wife again. I believe that place is a den of rascality, and she a fit companion for the gang.” He had nearly reached the club-house when he felt a smart pull at his sleeve. He turned quickly and saw an odd specimen of maukind, It wasa man of about fifty years, but one upon whom Nature had laid a heavy hand. He was not over five feet tall, and had a great hump between his shoulders. His breadth of chest was remarkable. His beardless face was full, but irregular of formation, “ He pointed to the club-house with one thumb, ‘** Goin’ in there?” he asked, er en ‘“ Want ter see the janitor’s wife?” Royal regarded the questioner more keerly. ‘Why do you think that?” ‘*T heerd you last ‘highbt.” ** When?” ‘“When you asked fer the Man About Town.” ‘*' The dickens you did!” ‘*Yes; you wanted ter know his reel name. She couldn’t tell yer, or wouldn’t. J can!” ‘* Do it, and Pll be much obliged.” ‘¢ Mister,” quoth the hunchback, with a wink, | “the poor never kin be generous on tick, Pay me rocks, an’ ll do the job up brown, I know bim by sight, an? I know where he lives; my sister keeps the house, Fer the small sum ® two dollars ll tell his name an’ guide you ter his boudoir, I’d a’ spoke ter you last night, but I dared. not do it in the old woman’s presence, au’ when I managed ter slip out on the street, you'd gone.” ‘““The money is yours when you keep your promise.” ; ‘‘Good! The name is Courtney Ray.” “ Here is ove dollar, Now for the residence,” “Come with me!” The hunchback was not pleasing to the eye, but Jim had a feeling that he was to be trusted, so when be started off, the detective followed by his side. On the way the latter asked some further questions, and all were readily answered. The hunchback said his name was Abe Jones, Courtney Ray bal had a room at Miss Jones’s house for several months, and had been a quiet, ey gig man, butthey had no high opinion of him, As far as they knew he did no work, and, re- fusing to have the landlady care for his room, he looked after it himself, kept it locked, retain- ed the key, and allowed no one inside bat his own visitors. ‘That is, he thinks he allows nobody in,” added Mr. Joves, with a grin, ‘‘and my sister reelly don’t go there, but yer Uncle Abe ain’t so green. I’m more fly than he or my sister thinks, av’ I’ve got a key that opens his doors, I ain’t ‘been in fer a month, but ef he aia’t at home, T’ll unlock the door an’ let yer see his sanctum.” Royal heard all this distinctly enough to take it all in, but be was also meditating on another point—what was he to say to Courtney Ray when they met? ‘ Tt was not likely the fellow would obligingly offer to tell the whole story on demand, and Jim did not see-how he was to arrest him for kid- napping the girl until he was sure she had been kidnapped, ~ ‘“*T guess it will have to be a bluff game,” he | thought, ‘*bnt Pll try to talk as big as I can, He may weaken,” Then to Abraham he added: x ** You haven’t seen a young girl around th house, have you?” “Nary girl, an’ef be brings one there, he walks out,” They reached the house, and Jones unlocked the front door. as he said, the guide went very carefully, and Royal imitated him. Reaching a room,on the second floor he knocked once, twice, three times.” ‘* He’s out,” was the comment; and then Jones fitted a key and unlocked the door, _ _ They entered a close, hot room. The shade was down, but the hunchback ran it up. Then if cry of sur . ft «\ a a ° hal ‘o. avoid notice from his sister, common, every-d “T never ** Great Scott!” In the ceuter of the room was a table, and on this stood a coffiu! Jim Royal recoiled in astonishment, and Joues: seemed equally moved, He stared with wide- open eyes and drooping jaw, and the picture would have been amusing at a less critical ; moment. Ny ‘*Wal, that’s a new ornament!” he declared. : ‘* What devil’s work has been goin’ on here? Is * —is there anything in it?” The suggestion was enough to make the detec- tive walk quickly tothe box. Thelid was closed, and he was about to try and open it when the glitter of a silver plate on the top arrested bis be attentior. A name was on the plate, and he read quickly. It was as follows: LOUISE SAVERN, AGED 18, - Back from the box the observer started. ‘¢ Merciful Powers!” the detective cried, ‘‘ her name is on the plate!” ; CHAPTER VII. : COMPANIONS IN TROUBLE, : fn a miserable old room of a house on Avenue B a young girl wasseated inan attitude of dejec~ _ tion: The broad light of day was outside, but = not a ray penetrated to ber room. Although © not a business house, iron shutters were on the single window, and these would have made the P* place utterly dark had it not been for the burn- | lng gas. : Sddenly she raised her head and looked at-— tentively at a certain point, i > Once, there had been an opening in the wail, | used to pass dishes and other articles from a. kitchen to a dining-room, it seemed, but the 6 march of time had swept away the original uses: rie of the rooms, and the sliding door to this open-» | > ing, as she well knew, was now tightly closed. ay & But at the sliding door were now sounds which. © She watched proved of great interest to her, that quarter, and waited with manifest eager-. 2 ness, + Five minutes passed, and the sounds did not: a cease. They were not loud, but they were: ; stearly, and it seemed as if some one was trying: to open the panel” under difficulties, At last it. moved perceptibly, and as an unseen persum pushed it wholly back, she rose hastily. A sharp, youthful face was at the opening, — and she judged that it belonged to a boy, ; th He took a Jong, sericus look at her, and them = seenied to step on a chair; after which he tbrast. “Say, young woman, my name is Bobby Blossom, an’ I want to get out o’ bere!” » Evidently, this. did not convey much to the irl. , “ Why don’t you get out, then?” she asked. “Cause they've got me shut in,” was the luga~ aS brious reply. ees “What! be you a prisoner?” . : 8 “Wal, I should weep!” i a “They've shut you up, too?” ‘No; they ain’t shut me up two; they’ve shut: meup one, An’ then, ag’in, they ain’t shut me up at all, fer while Robert Napoleon Bonaparte Blossom has his tongue left, be ain’t ter be shut up! Great humpbacked cats! but ain’t I said a heap o’ mean things about them! Jest put on ~ steam, I did; an’ let my tongue wobble, Tell ye wot, young woman, it’s hard ter put ther Blossoms down!” : ire ‘‘ Can't we get out?” the girl asked, eagerly, * Be you a captyve, also?” oe a iti “Snuff an’ steam whistles! you don’t say so!” — «“ Ob{ won't you help me out?” shecried,clasp- ing her hands, ~ co pligs, Hee . “ Young woman, I will! 1. dg know how, a4 fer ef I was able ter help anybody I'd been out, myself, long ago, but L ain’t goin’ ter see Beauty in distress an’ turn a deef eye or blind ear, 9 Give me yer visitin’ keerd so I'll feelthat [know * ye, an’ then J’ll hustle.” — (a ae .“T don’t understand,” cae eu” “Who be you?” oa ‘* Bertina aselle; but they call me Blon Bert of the Alley.” . ha A “That’s a good name, though a bit longfer practical use ef they want ter call yer ter break-- fast. I see you’re a blonde, an’ I s*pose that’s. — somethin’ ter do with it, Who shut ye up?” inet “The Man About Town.” i “Say, that’s another corker! Ain’t he got Bynamete! 2. loa Wot: it was, but. a fer er knew
Page 7
nat wuz dropped when he brought me here makes me think his reel name is Courtney Ray.” * W'ov’s he got ag’in’ you?” ** He’s stole Louise, an’ I wuz buntin’ him; an’ he got me an’ brought me here,” ‘*] don’t grasp it all yit, fer I ain’t acquainted with Louise, as I knows of, but I presoom the Z story is too long ter be spun now, The main _ - pint is that we are both captyves, an’ we want ter git out. Do I state it proper?” ** Of course.” a The boy looked critically at. the window. He saw the iron shutters, and the padlock with ¢ which they were secured, , Qn 4 3 isp they’re fast? ‘* Same state of affairs on my side o’ the wall. __ I broke out o’ one room, got inter another, an’ ~*~ here’s the third. All on ’em fastened up like a prison cell, Say, Blondie, ef you ever git out, ' don’t let James Royal an’ Stumps know how big ~ afoolT be!” “You do nothin’ but talk, talk!” the girl cried with sudden vehemenee, 4/ “Kin you suggest any more I kin do? Want me ter smash them won shutters with my fist? Thank you, Miss Bertina, but ’m no museum freak!” 7 *‘Don’t blame me! I was mean to talk so, but I’m awful nervous. I want ter git cut, so I ean go an’ bring a villain ter justice.’ yf * Jest my fix; but I guess you bev one advan- tageo’ me, You know your villain, an’ [ don’t know mine, I’m fizhtin’ foes in the dark.” + ** Don’t you know who put ye here?” Bobby Blossom looked sheepish. * Yes, I do, an’ | wouldn’t be here ef I hadn’t ‘ made a howlin’ ijit o’ myself. You wouldn't ~ think from my late record that I wuz a member o’ the New York perleece force, but I be.” **T don’t see how you kin joke, now.” “My b’loved frien’, this is anything but a joke; it’s a grim fact o’ the most dismal type. ut wait uotil 1 come in where you be. I don’t fer the life o’ me see how we are ter get out jest & mow, so we may as wal get together an’ swap all the gossip. I’m comin’!” Despite this announcement Bobby did not come at once, and he found it a matter of much * difficulty to crawl through, but after a good deal of struggling he succeeded in accomplishing the work. " When both were in the sama room the young folks looked at each other in ratural curiosity. Blonde Bert of the Alley was an attractive- looking girl, if her garments were poor and * coarse, and her hair now upcombed and rum- pled. She kad a bright face, and ber hair was a vast wilderness of blonde tresses of a hand- some shade, Bobby Blossom was a very frank 4 person, and after his critical survey he tersely remarked; * You'll do!” +e ‘Tf Bertina realized that she had received a strong compliment she gave no evidence of the fact. Her mind was all fixed on escape, but when Bobby bad gone over the ground again in @ more serious way sbe was forced to agree with him that there was no way to get out until mat- ters took some new turn, “But then, they can’t bold the bulge on me long,” the irrepressibie boy declared, with confi- ‘dence. ‘* You can’t no more keep me down than a tigh'-rope-walker kin. promenade on an elec- tric light wire,” ‘1 wish I had your confidence.” ‘J “J kin lend you all you need. But see here, _ Bertina, I move we kinder swap stories of our o. wrongs while we wait. We've got plenty o’ time, an’ it’s our only amusement, Just tel] mo all about how you got inter hock.” Tt was on account o’ Louise,” , ¥ : “ iin nt aa be Ra: call e cd a * Louise who?” _ “J don’t remember her other name, She tol’ a _ it to me once, but it was a queer name, an’ it’s gone from my miod. I wish it hadn’t! But Pl « En you all about it.” Peay __ Bertina sat down, and went on rapidly: _ . “T live in Brick Alley, an’ I guess | always - lived there, though I ain’t got no folks ter tell _ me anything about it. I kinder brought myself up, fer there was nobody else ter do it. “Two years ago Louise came ter Brick Alley, an’ lived with Michael Gammon’s folks, Louise --'Wa’n’t no more than sixteen years old, an’ she __- was as nice as she could be. She was avoutthe only person who ever was good ter me, an’ I ad ter do all I could fer her. Isee that from the st, an’ she confessed it was so, but I don’t ow from that day to this what that trouble en I see she wa’n't proud } used ter ask go with me, but she wouldn’t never act > “She was in trouble. Yee eg doit. ‘IP’d like to, but I can’t,’ she would say. ‘Why not? I would ask, Well, she put me off for a long time, but finally she tol’ me, very serious, one night, that she did not dare ter go out. ‘lam in trouble,’ sbe said, ‘an’ 1 want ter stay right here} an’ not let anybody know where I am.’ ‘‘T tried ter hev ber explain this, but she jest kissed me and said: ‘ Dou’t ask me, Bertina; I can’t tell “Well, I givo it up at that, an’ weeks an’ months rolled on; yes, an’ two years. It wasa long time: before she went out o’ the house, Then she got so she would go into the court in the evenin’, an finally, out in the street a bit with me, very late at night, but only ter get the air. “The last few weeks she went ter a storea few times by day, but always with a vail on, “‘Poor Louise! she never got over bein’ afraid, thongh I don’s know why. “Tt was about two months ago that a man came inter B:ick Alley an’ happened ter see Louise. Inever knew bis name, but he’s the feller that put me here, an’ I now think he is called Courtney Ray. ‘* When he chanced ter see Louise he fell in love with her, an’ then he tried ter get acquaint- ed with her, He came often ter Brick Alley, an’ once she was out o’ doors, an’ he spoke ter ber, but she run inter the house, Somebody ought ter smashed him all ter pieces, right then!” CUAPTER VIII. BOBBY ASSUMES THE AGGRESSIVE, BLONDE BERT lust the thread of her story. Her eyes flashed, her small liands were clinched, and it was plein that she bad the will to serve Courtney Ray just as she declared be ought to be served, ‘* Mebbe we'll take a back at him bime-by,” suggested Bobby Blossom, who was all in sym- pathy with his companion, * We're shut up.” **But we'll git out, you bet! Tbe Blossoms never stay down, But resoom your narrative, my pep ‘* After that,” Bertina went on, ‘‘the Man About Town jest baunted the alley, an’ was al- ways on the lookout fer Louise, but he didn’t | succeel well, She kept away from him. Once, he tried ter to go inter the house, but Michael Gammon throwed him out,” “What kind of a rooster is Michael?’ Bobby asked, with interest. : **T don’t know what ter think,” Bert confessec. ‘He an’ his wife always was good ter Louise, but I never liked him much. He’s got more ed- ucation than most o’ the folks in Brick Alley, an’ is awful sharp.” ** Wal, resoom!” | “Although Louise kept away from Ray she | never had no peace after he come. ‘I’m afraid o’ him,’ says she. ‘Heis a mean masher,’ says I, ‘I’m afraid there’s more to it,’ says she, ‘What? saysl, ‘I can’t tell ye,’ saysshe; ‘ but Im afraid ‘* And then she shivered dreadful, * “Well, I got it inter my head that she would be harmed by him, an’ I made it my business ter watch over her when [ could. I didn’t tell her I was doin’ it, but I did, , “In spite of all that, Louise disappeared— how, I don’t know. She jest went out o’ sight, Whén we knew she was gone there was an awful row, We had proof that somebody had broke inter the house an’ took her away by force, but who was it? a I spoke ter Michael Gammon about Ray, an’ Michael he flew inter an awful rage, He declared he would kill Ray on sight. Why he was so worked up I don’t jest kuow, fer he never cared fer Louise, but I hev an idee he made money by keepin’ her. ‘*But how was Michael ter find him, w’en he didn’t know even his name? *‘ Michael set out, though, an’so did I, Last night I see him on the street. 1 ought ter called an officer, but thought I'd foller an’ see where he lived. He went inter a house, or some kind of a buildin’, an’ then I pounced on him, “Taccused him o’ gettin’ Louise away, mebbe of killin’ her, an’ he jest gripped me vicious, Another man that I hadn’t seen before interfer- ed, an’ Ray knocked him down. Then he drag- ged the ott o’ the room, ‘* He give me in charge of a woman till he got acab, an’ then he took me here. Id’a’ hollered, but he didn’t give me any chance, I Mi Soe all; only he shut me up here, an’ here Blonde Bert ended with a sigh, and Bobby when they | this, he had d The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. ee try ter beat our rascals, but, don’t you worry my queen; we are goin’ ter git out o’ bere, an then we’ll make the dry bones rattle in Cou'tney Ray’s anatomy. Yowlin’ cats! but won't we, though!” ‘* There’s one thing 1 don’t know.” ** Wot’s that?” ‘‘ There’s a woman in the case.” * Who? : ‘““That’s another mystery. A woman Called on Louise a few days ago, but who it was no- body knows but sbe an’ Louise, She was ail covered with a vail, an’ made tbe call secretly. Louise seemed ter do a good ’eal o’ thinkin’ after that, but she wouldn’t tell me who the woman was, or w’ot she wanted.” “«Prob’ly a heeler fer Ray.” ‘Tm afraid so.” ‘* Wal, Bertina, I feel fer you inyer troubles, fer hev a good load, myself; but when we git out we'll fix the flint o’ these vampires right off quick, We'll find Louise!” “Oh! I wish you could!” cried Bertina, clasp- ing her hands. ** Sure!” “* How will yer do it?” ‘Til set the Three Spotters on ter them.” ‘* Who's that?” : ‘ Me, an’ Jim, an’ Stumps.” Fc girl looked puzzled,and Bobby gravely added: ; ** You see, I’m the junior member of a detective firm; an’ a reg’lar old git-up-an’-git combina~ tion; an’ when we git after a man we loosen all his back teeth in the hustle of a mule’s off heel, See? Bert’s expression indicated that she was still puzzled, but Bobby enjoyed the dignity he had assumed, and went on witvout giving ber oppor- tunity to inquire further, ““T will now describe the tbrillir’ events that put me in quod, thoughIc ut tel) i the facts that led up to it, Youree, detectives bev ter keep their secrets. The main pint is that I got quarters last night in a high-toned mausion, un- known ter its owner, After all things was still I riz up from my couch an’ stole on tiptoe up the stairs, an’ then—” *¢ Hush!” “ Yowlin’ cats!” A key rattled in the door, and Bobby and Ber- tina sprung up as if operated by one mind. ‘¢They’re comin’ in!”’ the gir] whispered, “Sure!” Bobby looked around in momentary bewilder- ment. He bad no time to retreat by the way in which be had entered, and be was not wild enough to imagine he could engage a man with much chance of defeating bim. Acting on the spur of the moment, he dodged bebind the door, and just in time, The door opened, end a woman entered, but he was for the time screened from her view. She was a person of abundant flesh, red face, slovenly dress and dissipated air. She looked only at Bertina. - Well, how be you getting along?” she asked. “ Bad!” was ail Bertina could say, in her trepidation. ‘*What’s the matter?” “T want ter get out!” The woman laughed aloud, “Well, now, that’s funny!. I supposed you did. Butdo you suppose we peowgnt you here to let yon go away again? Hardly! You are here to stay.” **T don’t know wig 708 should be so mean; I. never barmed you, hy do you want ter keep me shut up?” ‘“* My dear, it is the good old ‘ stuff.’—the bard cash—that moves me, I am paid for keepin:: you; Ido keep you. But don’t get cast down; | am not a woman to be moved by any senii- mentel talk, and you will waste your lung-pow er if you try to move me; stay here you must and sball; but you won’t be misused if you behave. You'll bave enough to eat ard drink,” Pion ** But I want to go away.” ** Possible?” ‘* Won’t you let me go?” Paes ‘No, I won’t; and don’t you .orget it. Letup on that talk. When my charges get the fool in the head, I sometimes have ter get it out of them by smashing them in the jaw. Con-ider that, and don’t tempt me; I am a_ business woman, and you may as well hold your tongue, No use to yond to me, or snivel. Br, iby Bobby Blossom, still unseen, by the woman, had been studying her critically, and it was very plain to bim that it wonld be a waste of words to try and move her. She was not rough of speech, but she was stubborn, and her face w not that of a sympathetic person, More th cided that a better chance . Fo gb? ay a Js * a9 * 4 wall ea aptacte er kee he A ATAU =] se
Page 8
ovidentily selected as that of a certa 8 action was not likely to present itself, and he braced himself for work, The old woman was three times his own bulk, but ke maae a sudden dash and flung himself against her with full force, Taken wholly hy surprise, she reeled to one side and came within an ace of falling. As it was, she staggered long and far before she could _ regain her equilibrium, Bobby saw that the key was still in the door, and be caught Bertina by the arm, “Scud !" he directed, excitedly. Blonde Bert was under a spell, but the com- mand broke it. She darted out of the room, and the junior Spotter followed at her heels, A loud cry rose behind them, “Stop! stop!” shouted the woman, in a panic, ‘ “Stop yer uncle!” Bobby retorted, impo- isely. He pulied the door to, and turned the key with a quick and decisive motion, ‘¢‘Yowlin’ cats!’ he ejaculated, ‘ what’s the mitter with that ? Guess the old woman will know how it feels ter be on the wrong side o’ the door, herself, now!” She began tc pound on the door and shout, ‘‘ Whoop ’er up, Eliza Jane!” Bobby com- mented. ‘* Now, Bert, you an’ me will slide out o’ here on the toboggan plan. There's prob’ly more vampires about,” He had caught Bertina’s arm and was helping her along, but, balf-way down the stairs, they had a fresh shock. A man, doubtless alarmed by the cries above, came rushing up. er top right there, you young devils!” he ed, CHAPTER IX. THE SECOND COFFIN, Jm RoyaL was dumfounded when ke saw the name on the coffin, The discovery could not have affected him to a more marked degree, The name of Louise Savern, and the name of the other—or the same—Louise had not left his mind for a moment, and the fresh revelation startled him. The bumpback recovered from his own sur- prise and advanced to the coffin. He, too, read the name on the plate. ‘*¢ Louise Savern!” be murmured, ‘* [s this a dead-house?” Jim asked. *‘ Providence only knows. What manner of a man is Courtney Ray that he keeps such a thing here?” “ We see the coffin, but what is inside?” Abe Jones looked frightened. “Do you think it’s a deed person?” ‘’ We woun’t speculate; the truth will speak for itself.” Eager as Royal was to know all, he felt a shrinking as he put his hand on the lid, What would be the result? The close, hot air of the room showed that it had had no tenant fora considerable time. Had Courtney Ray mur- dered a girl and fled after leaving the body there?” The lid was not fastened down. The dotective raised it up abruptly. Then he breathed a sigh of relief; the coffin had no tenant, ‘* Well, well,” remarked Abraham, ‘it ain’t so bad as it might ’a’ been, I expected ter see a dead somebody, sure. But what is the coffin here for?” Sure enough! That was whet Jim Royal wished to know. It was an unusual ornament for a ‘‘furnished room,” anyway, and, under the circumstances, was more than that. Plainly, no sane person would keep it to look at, or, if kept, it would not be be marked with the name of a genuine personp. Impressed with a sudden thought Jim looked narrowly to see if any earth was to be found clinging to it, or any evidence that it had been tenanted and then taken from a@ grave, but there was no such sign. he detective’s mind weht to another coffin— one which had been tenanted—and bis forehead was knit in a frown as ho tried to grasp the meaning of the mystery. Was there any connection between the two burial boxes? It was a very perplexing question. ‘Wot d’ye make out of it?” the buncbback asked, ** You ought to know better than I. You know Courtney Ray and his ways.” ** No more’n I’ve tol’ you.” *‘ Jy the name on the plate familiar to you?” “* Never heard it before.” *¢ Why should Ray have this coffin, which was in person ?— of Louise Savern?” ; know,” | m } awful thing ter hev a jumpin’ toothache,” The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. ae never saw a coflin brought in here, eh? ‘“‘ Never!” Jones declared, with emphasis. ‘“ Why, ef I had known there was a thing here so ghastly I never should have slept o’ nights, But, I don’t think it has been here long. Whether it ever had anybody in it, or not, I guess Roy has taken ona scare an’ skipped, The air here is bad enough ter kill at forty rods, an’ it shows he ain’t been here in a long time. I reckon his plans hev gone wrong, an’ he’s in hidin’,” Jim did not take this view of the matter, but he plainly saw that the bunchback was sin- cero; that person could throw no light on the mystery. More and more the detective marveled. The coffin and the dead girl at Savern’s; the empty coffin at Jones's, with Louise Savern’s name on the plate—w ‘at did it all mean? “{ would give ten dollars to see the girl who was at the club room,” he muttered, ‘* She knew some Louise, and who should it be if not the same whose name is on this plate? She ac- cused Courtney Ray of killing that Louise, Has the work really been done? Does the Mys- tery at Walden Savern’s answer me? If s0, there may have been method in conveying the body to the rich man’s house.” “Mebbe,” spoke Abraham, ‘you can find something in Ray’s belonings, here.” Royal had thought of the same thing, and he he proceeded to make search, but no collection of letters, or business papers, was to be found. He was about to give it up when the hunchback fished a rumpled paper out of the grate. It Agibe: to be note-paper, and his face lighted as e look at it. He handed it to Jim, ** Read!” be directed, Royal obey. d, and saw these words: “Mr. C, R.—: -I wish the work to be done on the night of the 13th. That unlucky day shall be one of ill luck to those we strike. Spare no pains in arrangements. Moses is faithful, but he lacks keen intelligence. I beg of es to guard against discovery when introducing it here.” Jim did not speak at once, ‘sTt’s a woman’s handwrite, ain’t it?’ Jones asked, ** Tt seems to be, but there has been a great at- tempt at disguising it.” The answer was mechanical, for the speaker was dwelling upon the last few words, The writer spoke of *‘ introducing it here!” Where did that mean? Jim was excited. It was on the night of the 13th that the coffin had been taken by somebody to-Savern’s, and this fact was very striking when taken with the close of the note, From the first be had entertained the idea that some one at Savern’s had been party to the in- troduction of the dead mystery. Had that party also written the note? Could it have been young Mrs. Savern ? * C, R, is Courtney sac | of course,” pursued Abraham, ‘‘ but who is ‘ foses?*” Jim. Royal abruptly thrust the note into his ket. ‘¢ It is useless to speculate on these ag for all is wrapped up out of our reach,” he re- sponded. ‘* We must wait for time to put us on the track. Mr, Jones, I wish you to make me two promises—first, that you will tell no one about my’ visit here; secondly, that you will notify me at once if Ray returns, or you in any way get news of interest.” ‘* (11 do it, sure.” After some further talk they took their leave, locking the door behind them carefully, Abra- ham let Jim out of the house, but himself re- mained within, Jim left the vicinity and walked on rapidly, until be reached a house on Clinton place, Ringing the bell he went up-stairs, and unceremoniously opened a door there. A man sat within, smoking an old clay pipe. ‘Hallo, Job Lots!” Jim exclaimed. *¢ Hullo, Jeems! Hullo, bullo!” was the cor dial reply. ‘*Can’t you afford to smoke something better than that, after the work you and Courtney Ray have done?” The detective flung the question at Job Lots like a knife, and though it was purely experi- mental, the “knife” took effect, The man’s jaws unclosed so suddenly, so unexpectedly to himself, that bis pipe fell rattling to the floor, but even that did not rouse him from the trance atonce, He was gazing wildly at Jim; gazing in dismay, it seemed. Then he suddenly flopped down on the floor, and began to gather up the hot and burning particles, ‘‘Dear me, dear me!” he exclaimed, ‘‘it’s an Medias ily oe . ‘a mia eh i) 1 ** And worse to have a jumping consvienee,” Job Lots ignored the ques: ion, | ut took a long while to clean up tbe fragments. Royal Jim gave him full sway, but opened on him at once when he resumed his seat. ‘* Tell me all about it, Moses,” “* About what?” ‘“Your experience in carrying the coffin to Savern’s,” Job Lots hfted both hands in dismay. ‘Why! land o’ the livin’! be you crazy, Jeems?”’ >>) Not at all. the facts,” ‘* But you don’t mean that 2 was in it” ‘Yes, just that, Moses!” “Oh! James, James. how can you? I heerd about that affair, but be concerned in itt—why, I wasn't, an’ I couldn’t be. No, no!” ‘Moses, you bought a paper the evening after that and went to Stumps’s room to have it read because you are not educated. “You pretended to be interested ina race at Guttenburg, but you eared no more for Guttenburg than you did for the state of the weather in Asia. What you wanted to see was what the paper said about the Savern case. By chance, Bobby spoke of the Three Spotters taking up the case, and you at once, and strongly, advised that we let it alone. Why, unless because you were guilty?” ‘* Now, Jeems, I ain’t—” “What of this note, written by one of your accomplices to Courtney Ray? It mentions you by name.” ‘Then it’s a lie; I wa’n’t into it!” Moses de- elared, vehemently. ‘I ain’t no criminal.” ‘| didn’t say you were, T believe you are an honest man, bat if you are, you will at ouce own up. Who was the girl you carried to Savern’s, and why did you do it?” **T didn’t do it!” asserted Mr. Bemis, shrilly. ‘*-You wrong me; youare lyin’ about me!” ‘* Moses, I hate to put on the screws with Stumps’s friend, but this is a case where I have no choice, Take your pick—will you own up, or be arrested?” All I want is your statement of CHAPTER X. THE CRY OF ONE INVISIBLE, ‘¢ Tv afeerd poor Bobby isa goner!” The dismal prediction came in dismal tones from Stumps’s lips as he leaned against a box by a grocery store to rest, His one natural ] was weary with tramping in Bobby Blossom behalf, and so was bis body—he almost fancied that the wooden leg ached, also, He bad a strong affection for the boy, and had uncomplainingly tramped long and far to try and get sight of him again, but it had been labor lost. He rested for awhile, and then tramped on his way. He was passing along the street when a shrill voice suddenly fell upon his ears in these words: ‘Great yowlin’ cats! ef you te’ch a hem o’ my garments I'll walk all over ye!” The words were to Stumps like the sound of a bugle to a war-horse. His head was thrown back, and his eyes sparkled. ‘* Bobby’s voice!” be exclaimed, He looked all around but no Bobby was visible, ‘You keep your distance, mister, or [’ll smite ys bip and’ thigh, an’ I’m a reg’lar Samson when buckle on my smiter, See?” This time Stumps located the voice, There was a transom over the door beside him, and this, being open, had allowed the young Spotter’s voice to float out. It startled Stumps; he realiz- ed that his ally was in danger, and be began to thump on the door with his cane. ‘* Open it!” he cried, ‘Lemme in, or I'll call a perleeceman!” ‘Hurrah!” shouted Bobby; ‘that’s Stump- sey’s warble. Smash in the door, an’ help me clean out this gang!” ‘ This was just what Stumps was not able to do, He rattled away at the knob of the door, and posed with his cane, but all this did no good, hen a racket began inside, and with sounds of a struggle were Slended B ie a groaned aloud and looked about for help, but the street was lonely, and no one was to be seen, Roused ‘to the imperative need of action his gaze chanced to rest upon a row of stones by the curbstone, a part of u shed work on the street. He seized one of these heavy blocks, and, pois- ing it for.a moment, flung it against the lock. . e door flew open, ; He saw Bobby just suecum with surprising agility. | heavy cane wer obby’s defiant cries, ving- | bing to a man and 3 and a colored girl, and he hopped into the house
Page 9
$y a s. — & — up; it fell, and the unknown man was prostrated by a fortunate blow. ‘Whoop ’er up!” cried Bobby, gleefully. *< We're still in it, Great yowlin’ cats! but the Spotter Clique can’t be put down!” The colored girl had fled, and the man was moving about in a dazed way, so Stumps saw that the time for action was at hand. * Run, run!” he exclaimed. Bobby half-pushed Blonde Bert out of the house, and Stumps followed as fast as possible. All saw the need of baste, and they began to re- treat with cclerity limited only by the wooden leg. It seemed almost impossible, even if no otber travelers were near on the street, that the crash of the broken door had called no one to the neighboring windows, but the street was used to crashes and rows, and if the present case had been noticed, no-one felt called upon to in- terfere, The fugitives reached the end of the block, took a street-car ani rode until near Stumps’s home, By that time Bertina had fully recovered ber coolness, and when she was asked to accompany them, she readily consented. She had gained a profound confidence in Bobby, and thought it well to have such a valiant and sagacious friend in her secret. Entering the one-legged man’s room they were pleased to see Jim Royal. He greeted Bobby cordially, and then promptly took Stumps aside, “*T want you to go and see Moses Bemis,” he explained. : ** Job Lots¢ Why?” ‘““T think he had a hand in the game at Savern’s.” “ No!” “Yes. Don’t you remember how odd he acted when ke brought the newspaper for you to read?” **T do remember it, fer it was me who spoke ter you about it; but, surely, run ter seed as Moses is, be can’t be an out-an’-out rascal.” **T don’t think he is, at heart; but I believe money led him into questionable work. Tl tell you why I think so, presently. I’ve been coax- ing and threatening him for an hour, but I had to giveit up. He regards jou as his friend, and you are the one, if anybody, to make him own up frankly. But I want to hear your report and Bobby’s, first. Has Bobby had any adven- ture?” ** Has he?" retorted young Mr, Blossom, over- hearing the last question. ‘Has a tree got a leaf? Or a dog got a flea? Or does a woman want a dress? Millions on "em, James Git-thar Royal; millions on ’em. Yes; I’ve bad an ad- venture—one !” ‘¢ An explanation is in order. ried us a good deal.” “ T've been an atom worried, myself. Yowlin’ cats! it’s a wonder my hair ain’t turned gray!” “Give us the story.” *‘ All right, general; here goes!” Bobby was in his element, for he was not suffi- ciently beset with modesty so that he was reluc- tant to exhibit himself as a hero, He told how he had made the acquaintance of John Jay at the undertaker’s, and gone with him to Savern’s, and then proceeded in these words: **When John got sound asleep | jest riz up an’ cautiously navigated up-stairs. Great generals an’ aldermen sometimes make mistakes, an’ I guess I made one when I went ter the mansion. ‘“*EzI was goin’ up the steps I asked myself, ‘W’ot do I expect ter find here, anyhow? I didn’t know, an’ felt, like backin’ out, but it’s the way 0’ the Blossoms ter go ahead when they git started, “Wal, [krept upter the parlor like a melan- choly ghost an’ went in, see nobody there, but | did see the table, an’ [ knew it was there the coffin had set. Friends an’ feller-citizens, it made the ice-chest shivers go up my spinal col- yumb ter think of it—it did, swre-pop!” “But I soon had somethin’ else ter think on. You have wor- re sounded, an’ I hustled around an’ crawled under the pianner, bodv an*lit the gas. “ Yowlin’ cats! it was Walden Savern! “Wal, he looked around, an’ be folded his hands bebind his back an’ promenaded the room: an’ his brow was blacker nor a pirate’s in a Bowery play. Several times he stopped by the ‘table an’ looked at it, and hisscow] got wickeder an’ wickeder, “T hoped he would go ter mutterin’ like a theater feller, but, Walden ain’t weak minded; he jest didn’t say nothin’. I could see his mind was ill at ease, but I wa’n’t situated so I could ‘conaole him, _ “I was in for it, all the same, Then in come some- ‘ Pooty soon—it was awful!—he got his most wickedest eye fixed right on me under the pian- ner. He was took all by surprise, but he rallied a ner quicker’n I did, an’ be yanked me out in public, ‘* Then we had a duel o’ words. “He accused me o’ bein’ a burglar, an’ I bold- ly told him I bad come in with a detective, an’ had fell asleep under the music-box by accident. The yarn didn’t go down, an’ I guess if made things all the worse for me. ‘“‘ Instead 0’ stickin’ ter the burglar charge bis wicked old brows got more like Bowery tragedy, an’ he jest looked asef he would eat me up. All of asudden he gripped me, an’ I found he was strong as a giant, He tied up my mouth sol couldn’t yelp, an’ he tied my wrists an’ legs, “Then he took me out like a baby on the street. I felt sure we would run onter a per- leecoman, an’ I get a chance fer myself ef I couldn’t speak, but we come onter a cab, in- stead, ‘“*Savern told cabby 1 was sick with hydro- phobia—jest think of it, the old Hottentot!— an’ there was no suspicion when he hired the vehicle ter take me away so awfully tied up. He took me ter where Stumps found me, ‘‘ Now, I say Savern stands branded a rascal. That place was a reg’lar prison, an’ the abode of knaves, an’ Savern knew it, an’ wuz on good terms with them. ‘“‘T was took in an’ shut up, but I didn’t feel like stayin’. I begun ter break prison. The iron shutters kep’ me from goin’ out o’ the win- ders, but I got ter where I found another pris- oner,.” Bobby then told of bis meeting with Blonde Bert of Brick Alley, and their subsequent es- cape, tt was clear to Jim and Stumps that Savern was not a man to be honored,.and they said so, but Royal the detective did not dwell on the subject. Several times he had looked inquiring- ly at Bertina, and he presently inquired: “Haven't | seen you before, miss?” ** Mebbe,” Bertina agreed. ** Was & at the club-rooms?” “What! was that you?” “Tt was, and I now want to know more of your Louise,” CHAPTER XI. BLONDE BERT’S REVELATION, THE detective was not yet certain he was on the right track, but he quickly found that he was. “ Tl gladly tell all I know,” Bertioa replied, quickly, ‘fan’ I do hope you will find Louise for me ‘* And Courtney Ray?” ** An’ him, too, fer I know he’s the one who took her off.” ** Why should he?” “Pl tell you all I know.” Blonde Bert then gave the same account with which she had favored Bobby Blossom ‘in their prison-room, When she ended with the asser- tion that she was afraid harm had come to Louise, Jim did not argue against the idea. ** You say you don’t know her last name?” he questioned. **T don’t know it.” ‘¢ But she mentioned it to you, once?” “Yes, but it was an odd name, an’ it soon slipped out o’ my mind. Sbe tol’ it ter mein confidence, but said I was never ter speak it ter anybody else, nor ter her, an’ I didn’t, I wish I had remembered it,” ‘“* Bertina, do you read the papers?” * ** Me? Oh! my, no!” _ The girl spoke impulsively, as though aston- ished at the idea; then her expression suddenly changed and grew grave. Anxiously she asked: sag anything in them about Louise?” ** T don’t know, but ’'m afraid there may be. There are many mysterious disappearances in New York. Sometimes those who vanish soon reappear all ‘right; sometimes— Do you know what becomes of the rest?” ‘They die!” cried the girl, sharply; and then she feverishly added: ‘Oh! don’t tell me Louise is dead! Don’t, don’t; for I loved her so!” “‘Be calm, Bertina, for I am not sure it is so; I hope itis not, However, some young woman has been found dead, and 1 want you to see her and decide whether it was your friend. Will you go with me now?” “* Yes, yes; let’s go right away!” She sprung to her feet, and she and Royal Jim were soon ready. Stumps and Bobby were left behind. Jim had rit pe interest in his detective work 80 that he decided that if the girl at the under- The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. : Fea | taker’s proved to be the lost Louise he did not 9 want the regular officers to know it, at once. If | he had distanced them aJl in establishing her identity it ought to be his task, he thought, to follow the case up and learn why the body had been placed in Savern’s parlor, So he told Blonde Bert that, even if she discovered the worst, he desired her to control her feelings and not let any one in the undertaker’s shop-suspect she had made a recognition. Bertina gave the promise. Jim had one more question in his mind. The doctors bad said that the girl found at Savern’s had died from natural causes, yet Louise of Brick Alley had been in perfect health only thirty-six hours before. Natural causes? Did not the case look more like one of foul murder? As they neared the undertaker’s place Royal again urged Bertina to maintain ber calmness when there, no matter what might occur, and she, evidently resolved tc please her new friends, gave the promise in a way which made him be- lieve it would be kept. On their arrival they found the usual crowd present, but Jim took the girl into place in line, and they quietly awaited their turn, When Berting reached the pe and gazed on the still face, Royal was looking quite as keenly at her face, anxious to read its every change. He had his answer at once, Bertina had remarkable will-power for one so young, and there was no overpowering change, and no outcry, but grief was expressed too plainly for him to wonder further. Sbe looked long and earnestly, but notfor an instant in doubt, and then turned away, Side by side she end Jim walked out on the street, but no word was spoken until they were fully clear of the crowd, It was the detective who broke the silence, ‘* Well?’ he questioned, A sob came from Blonde Bert’s lips. “« 7's Louise /” she faltered. “You are sure?” “Oh! yes; I couldn’t be mistaken,” They walked in silence for some distance, and then the questioner added: ‘“‘ How do you account for this?” “Courtney Ray killed her!” the girl cried, fiercely. ‘“ Why should he do that?” *T don’t know.” “You think he had a strong liking for her. Now, would he make way with anybody he liked? Suppose he did steal her; would he not be all the more anxious to keep her?” ‘‘Tt looks like it, but you see she is there— dead!” and again the sob sounded. ‘‘Now, Bertina, you say you once heard her surname. I want to mention a name to you, and see how it strikes upon your memory. Con- sider it carefully, and don’t answer hastily, Was her name Louise Savern?” Bert grappled with the question, and her pretty brows were knit in an_ interesting thoughtful frown, There was another period o —? and thena swift change came to her ace was. Itall comes back ter me now, an’ I see her settin’ rigbt there by the winder, an’ hear her voice sayin’: ‘My full name is Louise Savern, but no one else here must know it. will trust nobody but you!’” company was giving him additional respect for her, and fresh belief in her shrewdness and wis- dom, and he felt positive she had named the right name, t_ was she who spoke next: “Oh! sir, won't you do somethin’ in this case? Won’t you revenge Louise? The person w could harm her was an awful villain! him suffer for doin’ harm to her?” Impulsively Jim Royal Jaid his hand on her arm, and his voice was full of human feeling, turned: : ‘Providence permitting, if it takes five years to do it! abe M but it shall be solved if such a thing is ible, “ Tj] help you all I can.” ‘* Bertina, I think you said you had no tives at Brick Alley? “That was it!” she exclaimed; ‘‘I know it. She was so good, so kind! Won’t you find him, an’ make — ri bunt’ him down — “God bless you!” Bertina murmured, broken- ; Y. f “It’s a great mystory,” be went on, hardly — conscious that be was putting his thoughts in — “T ain't got any. ea And ndbody there hasaclaimonyou?? | I ; Jim Royal believed. Each momentin Bert’s * instead of detective zeal, as he earnestly re-
Page 10
aT eerie 3 ‘& Ge “‘ Me—oh! I guess not! They jest think I am a beggar ter be worked when I ain’t being kicked.” “Tf we give you a home in the same house ‘where Mr. Stumps lives, will you stay there and be ready to help us when the right time comes?” “ will 12 I guess I will! I'd like ter get away from Brick Alley, no matter where I went. I bate them, there, an’ they bate me!” Her eyes blazed with the bitter, defiant light that told of a nature long assailed end abused, but there was a Jack of hardness and roughness about it that spoke well for her, Jim was not rich, but he had made some money out of his detective work, in the form of fees from grate- ful employers, and he resolved that if future events confirmed his opinion of Blonde Bert, he wuuld do what he could to turn her path into happier fields. hen they arrived at Stumps’s quarters, a - geriovs conversation took place between the _ Three Spotters. + We are hemmed iv with mystery,” remarked the leader. “If the dead girl was Louise Sav- ern, she was Walden Savern’s niece, Now, ft why was she thus introduced to his house?” _ ¢° Ffe had no hand in it,” Stumps returned. “ Decidedly not. But who had?” 4 ‘* It’s too deep fer me.” ' ‘Was it a blow at him?” ; “Ef so, he must hev been on bad terms with her.” **On that point we have no information, but, certainly, he is not acting like an honest man now. He must know whoshe is, I think, Why don’t he say so? Why does be allow her to lie | nameless and exposed to the curious gaze of | morbid-r inded men and women?” ** You are a bit hasty in assumin’ that he does know her, fer he may not hev seen her in a good a years. Still, 1 allow I think he knows er. ‘* Then the man is a villain!” | * Bet yer life he’s that, anyhow,” Bobby Blos- som cried, ‘* Why, he looked at me like Cap- tain Kidd, when he had yanked me out from under the music-box.” * Again,” Jim pursued, “‘why did Louise make a hermit of herself at Brick Alley? She gaid she was in trouble, and never would go out ou the street.” Stumps shook bis head. *¢ Bt don’s show a ray o’ light ter me, an’ ef it | ain’t a case ter spur on the Three Spotters, what 4 - “The Three Spotters are going on the trail!” | Jim cried, with emphasis. . CHAPTER XIT. A SUSPICIOUS LETTER. ‘“ Waar we need to do most of all,” remarked Jim, Peosentty, ‘is to find Courtney Ray and make Lim talk. Moses Bemis, too, must be made to thaw out, One isa knave, but I don’t | think the other is; yet, both can tell something ’ of interest, [feel sure. If not at the bottom of | the mystery, they wire tke tools of those who instigated it, Stumps, put on your hat and let us go to Job Lots,” _ The one-legged man obeyed, and they were - soon at Bemis’s room. ; | That was all the good it did them; Job Lots | was not there, | _ Anxious not to lose any charice, Jim directed - Stumps to wait there and see if he would return t before bedtime. Then the Spotter leader again went to the house which had been Courtney -Ray’s home, to try and get tidings of him, 3 hay had not appeared. a It was evident by this time that the Man About Town was in biding, or, at least, that he ‘did not intend to visit his old haunts. He saw | himself a marked man, and was wise enough not to tempt fate. All this was comp!imentary 3 > his shrewdness, but it was just what did not | please Jim Royal. If he could find the man, and make him talk, be felt sure that a part, or | all, of the mystery would soon be explained, A fee to Abraham Jones spurred on that person’s | zeal, and he agreed to watch the house’and let | Royal know, at once, if there were any develop- ts, ben walking homeward, Jim chanced upon os Hamlin, the regular detective with whom id gone to Savern’s, After a little casual con- ation, the younger man asked with out- carelessness: ; 5 Any new points on your case?” ‘No, uzzling, isn’t it?” h, I'll get it yet; somebody will recognize ch log often t chee rag slowly. I e decided that if, is fonly a mean trick The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. to | it’s myrencee: Op did not apres fne Hes bas The detective’s first impulse was to ignore the call, but this was hardly in keeping with his bold nature. He meditated, and arrived at a con- clusion, ‘Pll keep the appointment!” Since entering upon bis professional career he kad received a permit to carry a revolver, and. he now took an inexpensive, but reliable, six- shooter out of adrawer, He loaded it carefully and put it in his pocket. The clock indicated that it was time to be moy- ing, and he left the bouse, went to the Four- teenth Street Elevated Station, and was soon on lis way north. He bad not sent word to bis col- leagues of his fresh interests, and rather regret- ted that this was so, but he trusted to luck to come out of the venture safely. , He reached Eighty-first street and alighted. On the southwest corner was a young fellow in a flannel shirt and common clothes, who at once came up to him. ‘*Mr, Royal?” he inquired. “That is my name,” ““T wuz a-waitin’ fer you.” . ‘* Are you the man who wrote to me?” ‘“No. Dat’s de man dat hired me, I guess, He’s over by de river.” Jim found his suspicions confirmed. ‘‘ Over by the river” was a lonely place; night was fall- ing; and the place and the bour were just right for an attempted crime, He gave no evidence of bis belief, and quietly asked: ‘¢ Who is he?” ‘*T don’t know his name; never seen him ‘untib \ was over ** No drama back of it, eh?” ** None at all.” ‘* How do you suppose they got the body?” ‘Oh! there are many ways.” ** Does Mr, Savern come of an old New York art a ‘*His father lived here; I know nothing of them back of that.” ‘Was Walden an only son?” ‘* He had a brother Edwin, now dead.” ‘* Has Edwin any children around here?” “He bad only one child; a daughter whose pame was Louiee, She was only about eight vearsold when her father died, alden Savern became her guardian, and as he had a valued friend who was teacher in a college out West, somewhere, he sent her there to school. She is there now.” ‘¢ Mr, Savern proves his goodness of heart by supporting her—but perbaps she is’ not poor, herself,” ‘*T don’t know as tothat, I had some knowl- edge of the Saverns, years ago, though no ac- quaintance; and it is my impression that Edwin was for some time in the lumber business down in Maine. Whether he got anything out of it, financially, I don’t know, Probably not.” Jim Royal wished to ask further questions, but would not run the risk. A very little thing might put Hamlin to thinking, and it cer- tainly would show that the younger detec- tive held no high opinion of the Mr. Savern of the present. . ‘*T don’t suppose you have decided how the nae was got into the mansion?” he carelessly asked, ‘© T confess I have not.” ‘Do you mistrust the servants?” ae No,” ** Are they old servitors?” “Only one of them. Mrs. Goff has been there along while; has been housekeeper over eight years, and, I think, was there for awhile in Ith- amar Savern’s day, as chambermaid, or some- thing of the kind. The others are like most ser- vants: of the kind that are here to-day, and there, to-morrow. But they’ve been with Mr. Savern for about a year, and he regards them as trustwortby.” Jim had asked all he would venture to ask, and he soon left Mr. Hamlin. A vague idea which bad been in his mind had assumed new form, however. If all people re- garded the late Edwin Savern as highly as the ex-housekeeper did, the present housekeeper might be a good person to see, Doubtless she, too, had known him, and a family servant often knows more family secrets than any one member of the family that employs-her, “T would like to talk privately with Mrs. Goff,” murmured Royal, as he walked along thoughtfully. ‘‘ But how can I arrange it?” When he arrived home he had supper, and was reading the latest news in the evening papers when a messenger boy came in with a note. Charges were paid, and Royal receipted for it and the boy wentaway. Then Jim tore the en- velope open and read as follows: “ James RoyYAL:— * Dear Srr:-I think I have some points which may not only prove of some interest to you, but en- os 8 r ® a i] iti) g o = = x ® 2 = = S # i] =a 8 a i matte:s plected—” ‘* Complicated,” Jim suggested. | ‘“‘ Yes; dat’s w’ot he said. But fer de life o” me I can’t repeat his high flown lingo, Ill give me own words, See? Wal, he said he wanted ter pipe a party over by de railroad-tracks, an’ was afraid be’d lose dem ef he come here; so he give me half a case ter come here an’ meet you, in place o’ him, an’ guide you over. See?” ‘*T see, and I'll go with you!” Jim Royal spoke with quiet decision. The trap wag as plain as the tall stairway that led to the station above them, but he was going tv meet the unknown trapper. CHAPTER XIII. THE LONELY FIELD BY THE RIVER. THERE was a twinkle of satisfaction in the eyes of the detective’s companion, and Jim saw it plainly, but he preserved an urroffled front. At uny time the decoy would have been a person open to suspicion, for not only his language, but bis face, bespoke the typical tough, It was a warning that R yal would find ugly customers down by the lonely river, but he brushed bis hand over the concealed revolver aud added: ‘* Lead on!” Sinton ter digestion, See?” - J The fellow rattled on volubly on trivial sub- jects, referring to an alleged grandfather who was ninety-seven years old, and always bad useG tobacco, but never beer or whisky; and Jim patiently listened to all this family history for what it was worth, They walked on untii they reached Riversi’e drive, and then the young tough, who gave his name as Mat, found # break in the wall, and led the way into the lot which, lying between the drive and the river, was now silent, and, as far a as could be seen, deserted. ° ' ‘ The shadows of night bad increased, and semi- darkness reigned. For a moment Jim was. dis- posed to halt, admit his own recklessness, and re- vol fuse to go further, but pride spurred him on. iy His resolution had been made in the safe cover © a, of his room; should he now abandon the proj ct becanse he was near to the danger? “Lead on!” he directed, as Mat, himself, slackened his pace for a moment, ‘«Bit’s only a step furder, boss.” ver the brow of the hill they went. The Dear | railroad track lay below, and the river beyond. = | dim swept a keen glance to the right As Jef, 22 ; Riad Aiea 7 Royal turned the letter over in wondering sur- prise. Who was “W, §.,” and what did he want? What was the matter to which he re- ferred? The letter was wholly enigmatical, and he was none thé wiser when he had read it through. : Did it refer to the Savern case? p The natural inquiry reminded him that ‘‘ W. 8.” formed the initials of Walden Savern, but not for a moment was he inclined to believe that the owner of the mansion had been the writer. - He tried to think of some other person with the initials, but, failing. suddenly grew suspi- cious, The light, familiar tenor of the note might indicate the hand of a friend under some circumstances, but be could not see it in that light, now, Instead, he began to suspect a trap. **T don’t know * W. S.’,” he commented, ‘‘ and though he seems to throw out the intimation that I ought to, I don’t believe there is any reason why I should. [ believe this is a clumsy decoy, though one regarded as very shrewd by the writer, In his off-hand, wel:-acquainted mood, 4 able you to beat out the detectives who are regulars. f ¥ I would come to your room. but [am cophoyed | un'il | ‘Right dis way, boss. Say, you’s ain’t got a } ; 7 Pp. M., and as you would have toreturn to near here, | hunk o’ fine-cut wid you's, hev you?” Tus agood deal of time would be wasted, If you will ‘*No, but I happen to bave a cigar; take it, i meet me at Sist street station, 9th avenu > road, and he happy.” ; ‘a Share fhe ded Yaa It all 1 ein. tp ‘‘Dat’s de figger. I’se used terbarker ever ne sence I’s four year old, an’ I find it’s a great aid \. Li. ad ig? : : 4 ye ce! Veg .
Page 11
SS ee = > The Three Spotters’ Dead He did not see any covert immediately by the road-bed, but did see that their course was to be st a rock which put its head so far up that it id all view beyond. Mat became loquacious again, and rattled off idle talk at race-horse speed, but be was heeded even less than before, Royal thought only of the situation. When the rock was reached the guide sud- denly pointed in the opposite direction, and ’ made an effort toturn Jim’s gaze there by means of a plausible remark, but the latter was not to be caught. He looked behind the rock and saw two men skulking out, each carrying a club, In a moment his revolver was drawn and leveled, “Halt!” he cried, in a clear, commanding voice. The men were not slow to recogniz2 the object which all persons hold in awe; the leveled weapon checked the advance, A brief tableau followed, and the dullest-witted there knew that the trap was detected, and the assault re- vealed, “Tf you come a step nearer,” the detective added, ‘‘1’l) shoot you as I would hyenas!” The two unknowns had nothing to say, but Mat found his voice and spoke in an aggrieved tone: * Say, boss, w’ot’s d2 racket?” ** You are baffled.” **'You must think me a very green tree. Do you suppose that I would walk into a trap when the bait does not cover the jaws? I should be blind bad TI not foreseen this at the first, You can play no secret hand, so trot out your em- ployer and let him face me like a man, if he dares.” ‘** Boss, you’s away off.” * Rubbish!” ss fo et ain’t as you says, Ask dese gents!” ‘*T want no talk with the ‘gents,’ I see they are off the same piece as yourself. I want to see your employer,” ; ** Dare’s nobody, but us.” ** Who hired you?” ** Nobody.” . ‘Look you, Mat, there is no need of lying aboot this matter, for it_will not go down, ' Neither need we quarrel, You have no grudge against me, and don’t care a rap whetber I live or die, if you only get the cash. ‘Now, if your employer has already paid up, you have that cash, while if all, or a part, remains due, I will pay you more than he promised you if you will tell a per he is.” ® aln’t got nothin’ ter tell.” “Reflect, Mat! 1s money of no value?’ “* { wouldn’t tell a lie fer ‘a buisiel o’ money.” “Remarkable honor! But, Mat, let us be sensible; I know I have called the turn, and, so do you. Don’t be foolish? Talk, and be paid for it. Staad by me, and I will stand by you.” The offr certainly ought to have been tempt- ing, butit did not proveso, Jim saw that the o were edging toward bim, and decided that he was in fora fight without any valuable re- turn. Hehad arrived at the conclusion that their superior was not near, and that he had simply been deccyed into the hands of three ‘ ruffians who were determined to make way with him, permanently or otherwise. He retreated a step and again presented the revolver. *“Do you want to get shot?” he demanded, sharply. ““We’s a-goin’ ter do ye up!” Mat declared, plainly. ne ~ ‘Keep back!” ** At him, fellers!” The last two orders came almost together, and } were followed by a rush on the part of the $i rough. Jim regretted the necessity of the mo- i ent, but he could not give up his own lite tamely—he pulled the trigger, _ The revolver missed fire! _ Another moment and they were upon him, Sehomty an agile ducking of his head saved that valuable member from the vicious sweep ot a club, but the blow, wicked as it was, did him / more good than harm. It did not waste its force - . onthe air; the club took one of the wielder’s own - friénds on the head, aud knocked ‘him over un- ceremoniously, _ Mat managed aa to get ina blow with his fist, nd again the club was raised for work, but ore Jim had pulled back the bammer of He pulled the tri ulle Bie geer. fi time th was no failure, » was a flash andar ‘t—a on nd : mice >) wore ¥ user went beside his companion, | her highly.” we, ee sd 4 Mat grappled with the detective. “Pil do ye up!” he hissed, Royal did not think it was any time for idle words, and, anxious to avoid using the revolver again ‘he returned the hostile embrace ard they went staggering about on the bank. But the ground was not good for footing; Mat stepped into a depression and fell backward, and Jim dropped heavily on top of him. Then, before systematic work could be renewed, they began | to roll down the descent. Mat tried bis best to check their progress, but they sean, shot off from the last part of the bank and fell with great force, and when they became stationary they were lying across one rail of the track. Both were balf-stunned, but Jim possessed energy enough to look for the meaning of a peculiar singing sound along the rail. He glanc- ed northward and saw a train approaching, and the glare of the headlight was strong in the gloom, A shout rose from the bank, ‘A train, a train! Hustle, Mat!” The detective saw the other two ruffians com- ing down, and with a strong effort he wrenched himself clear of Mat’s now-feeble hold. Mat’s friends were at band, but the roar of the train turned their thoughts away from war, Botb sprung forward and seized Mat, and he was at once drawn from the place of danger, and none too soon. The headlight of the train was throw- ing its glare on them all Jim Royal did some rapid thinking. The train bad created a most fortunate diversion, but it would soon be past, and then he would be left to fightit out wih the men, unless he took some other step promptly. He studied the speed of the train. It was not going swiftly when taken in com- parison with the running rate in the open coun- try. “*Tll try to catch on!” he decided, _ Tbe engine passed him witb a rush, a roar, a great clanking and a fierce flash its light, and he made ready to lay hold and draw himself up on the most favorable of one of the flat-cars, But already he saw his enemies moving to- ward him, and he knew he had but secant time. A car neared bim which suited his taste, and he ag it and tried to raise his body to the level, It was no easy matter, The height, the speed of the train and other things were against him, but he was spurred on by the excitement of the danger. Mat and his allies were run- ning toward that quarter, ‘** Kill him!” cried one of the trio, Jim gave a great leap and landed on the car, Quickly he faced about, The speed of the train bad enabled him to distance all but one of his foes. That person was close at hand. He aimed a blow at the detective, but it missed, and in a moment more Royal was borne away, safe from all danger, CHAPTER XIV. THE MAN WHO CARRIED THE COFFIN, BEFORE the train came toa full stop Jim Royal leaped off, and then hastened away to avoid being questioned by the trainmen. He was annoyed by the late adventure. He was bold and resolute, und, like the successful general of an army, believed in the efficacy of daring movements to gain a desired end, but in deliberately walking into the trap which had been set for him he had failed to see the chief of the trappers, and had merely meta gang of com- _ roffians who had made it uncomfortable for im, : - However, Ihave no cause to complain if they are satisfied,” he decided, “‘ and they pro- bably believe, now, that luck does not run all their way. lll go home,” He went, and found that a note bad beea left for him while he wasaway, It was signed by a city detective and was in these words: , “Tf you will call at my office at you: earliest con- venience you may hear something of ixterest.” Royal went at once, and was soon in the pres- ence of thedetective, The latter was very busy with official papers, and came to the point at once, ° ‘To-day, Jim, I have taken a case which now proves to be a millstone on my neck, Ten min- utes after my client left me, another case upon which J have been engaged suddenly assumed proportions which proves that I cannot take the new case. I must slight both, or refuse the lat- ter. Hence, if you are not engaged, I shall be | pleased to turn the second over to you, if my I will recommend you to ernployer will agree, as Mystery. reasonable, ‘* So it’s a woman?” ‘oY es,” ** And the case?” ‘A missing girl.” ‘*« Are all the girls of New York missing?” * Possibly, for it’s a prculiarity of the sex, But in this case these seems to be an abduction, perhaps a crime. You will, perbaps, feel a lack of zeal when ] state that she lived among wretch- edly poo people in a den, called, with its sur- roundings, Brick Alley, but a thread of romance is thrown in by the assertion that sh was by no means of common stoek.” Feel.a lack of zeal! The detective had made th. poorest guess of hiscareer when he imagined that Jim would be in that state of mind after hearing somuch. He concealed his interest and quietly replied: . ‘* Who is this girl?” “Her name is Luise. My employer professed not to know her last name, though that is open to doubt.” ‘ ‘© And who is your employer?” ** Another mystery. She would not give her name.” ; ‘“A woman, eh? How did she look? Wasshe — old cr—” , “Not young, certainly, but I can’t describe: ber face, She was heavily vailed.” Royal’s mind flushed back to Blonde Bert’s statement that a mysterious vailed woman had visited Levise at Brick Alley, and he saw be was getting a little nearer the light. ‘‘ You interest me, sir,” the young man quiet- ly remarked. ‘ Describe the interview in full,” ‘*Tt was like this: She came to my office just after dark, and after the usual preliminaries, plunged straight into business. She said she wanted to hire an hovorable detective, and would pay well for prompt, energetic service. She explained that this Louise bad disappeared mysteriously, and, sbe believed, had been ab- ducted by some villain, ‘She said there were very important reasons why the girl should te known simply as Louise, but declared tbat, though she had lived in the wretched region of Brick Alley, she was of good birth, gocd family end excellent character, and that it was all an affair of money. ““T objected to being kept in the dark as to the girl’s name, and when my visitor added that — her own identity must, for weighty reasons, be — kept secret, also, I made strong remoustrance. She was firm, however, and I yielded tothe in- — evitable, at last, and took the case, { ‘‘ Now, I 9m so rushed that I cannot attend to it, and you can bave it if you wisb.” 4 ‘And your employer—the vailed woman— when can I see ber?’ Jim asked. ‘1 don’t know. I was to do all reporting — through a certain address, which was a post- — office box, I dare say if you write her you’lR | get an answer.” nae ‘Have you no idea where she lives?” . ‘« None,” ‘* You say she isn’t young?” eon. ** She isn’t.” ; ‘* What is her form?’ ic ‘¢ Somewhat tall and bony; and her carriage — is quite dignified. I judged that she belongedto | the middle class in life, but wasof more tham | ordinary intelligence She was very much im earnest, and deeply worried. If it had not been for the mystery she observed, I sbould beheve — she was the mother of the girl, and such may he the case; at any rate, she was inastateof alarm. and sorrow,” Yh ‘I should be glad to see her,” i “ Write her, and say you wish to take her — ’ : 3M “She may object. I prefer that you write, | and ask her to meet youvhere, or at some given © point, at a specified hour to-morrow.” ee ‘“That would be more regular. What bour shall I say?” eg ‘“‘ Ten-thirty, A. M., would about hit it.” “‘ We will call her right bere.” } Rete The master of tbe office burriedly wrote the note, and when Jim had read and approved it, — it was given to him to mail, He dropped it in the nearest box, and then went home, Pe He began to feel stronger bopes than before, | If he could see the vailed woman it was likely | that an understanding would soon. be arrived’ at. He would not be in the dark, as the other — officer had been, and with a few words could | show her that he knew a good deal which she | chose to a secret. Other discoveries, and an. — exchange of confidence, probably would follow.. | But who was this vailec woman? 1 toe Jim studied on this point without getting a light, Theories were cheap, and he fod alged it them somewhat, but found none that — q
Page 12
12 Early in ‘the morning he had a caller in the shape of rg te and with Stumps was a man dressed in a laborer’s costume, e was a stran- ger, and Jim noticed that he looked very much discom posed. ** Jeems,” observed the one-legged man, “ I’ve brought ye somebody that kin tell an interestin’ | story. I found him while lookin’ fer Job Lots, or, ruther, I happened on him, asked ef be’d seen foses, an’ our talk follered. Mr. Royal, Mr, Timothy Donegan. I’ve known Tim f@r some time.” Mr, Donegan bowed low and hastily remark- “Sure, Oi’ve been a friend ter Stumps, an’ ter Moses Bemis, but I’m afraid me likin’ fer Job Lots has got me into a divil av a scrape!” ** What have you been doing?” ‘* Cartin’ around a coffin, begorra!” ‘* What?” “ He’s one on ’em that took it ter Savern’s,” Stumps gravely observed. Jim Royal was keenly attentive, ** And this happened—when?” “The noight ay the 13th, sors” “The same night! Mr, Donegan, who were your companions in this work?” ' “ Sure, it wor Moses an’ anither man; Oi don’t know his name,” *‘ Describe him,” Timothy obeyed, and his outline agreed so roe with the description given by Blonde Bert that Royal saw no room to doubt that the man was Courtney Ray. "You say you three were in the job. Any one else?” ** No, sor.” ** Who hired you?’ * Moses Bemis,” ** But some one was back of him?” ‘Oi think so, sor; in fact, he tol’ me at the start that somebody was ready ter hire us that was good pay, an’ we nade hev not a fear as aca the stuff. You see, sor, it was loike ‘Oi own a horse an’ wagon, an’ do a little Ex- press business, but Oi’m not well ter do. Me wagon is a ricketty ould trap, an’ me horse is about all skin an’ bones, Me Family is wan ave eleven children, an’ Oi hev ter take all the dol- lars Oi can lay me hands on honestly. * Well, Job Lots come ter me av’ proposed tthe ob, but Oi shook in me shoes whin bi heard ave t, begorra! __ ** We ware ter take a coffin from a boat down ‘by the North River, put it in me wagon, carry it to a rich man’s house, carry it saycretly into his parlor, an’ Pave it there, Oi was afraid ave getting into trouble, an’ Oi bung off until Moses declared on his word ave honor that it was not only perfectly safe, but that we should infringe on no law, an’, hence, _day ourselves liable ter no law. _ ‘Loike a fool,” added the narrator, nervously were his heated brow, “‘ Oi agreed ter do the ob, CHAPTER XV. THE EVIDENCE OF THE NOTES. | __Mr, DoneGan had a rapt listener in Jim Royal, and as he paused, Jim encouragingly ob- | served: ‘**T don’t think you need to be under any fear of the law, sir. The blame will fall on the others. Go on!” __ * Wal, sor,” Timothy resumed, ‘‘ Job Lots an’ de other man came ter my place at eleven _0’clock, an’ Oi harnessed me ould pile ave bones _ an’ putt bim in the wagon, an’ drove down to the river.” _ “At what point?” _ * You'll think me lyin’, Oi fear, but it’s the truth that Oi don’t know the pier, It was below Desbrosses street, but Oi can’t say just where. Oj don’t think it matters, for we took the coffin from a row-boat, an’ the two men who had pe ware pullin’ away from the pier as we drove on, “Go on!” _ “* Wal, sor, we drove straight to Walden Sav- vern’s house, Oi didn’t know who lived there until Oi read the papers after it, but by that _toime Oi had grown fly, an’ noted the strate an’ | Dumber.” __ ** How did you enter the house?” __* Moses had a key ter the front door,” | Indeed!” | “Yes, sor. You see, we did some careful ‘work at that point. We piped the patrolman, | Jet bim pass by, an’ then, knowin’ he would not | be around again in some time, went quickly an’ | q “po the door. Moses unlocked it as easy if he lived there, an’ the way was open. y on all three ave us grappled wid the box, A : The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery; young woman ain’t much avea load fer three men, an’ we jest carried it inter de parlor in a jiffy.” ‘** Did Moses seem to know the way?” ‘* Wedid that, easy. The gas was lighted when we got in, but turned very low. up, an’ then we set the coffin on the table. We dumped the flowers down on the floor, went out, drove away an’ went home.” ‘““Wait a bit! You say you ‘dumped the flowers on the floor.’ You don’t mean you left them there?” * But we did,” “Why, they were found on the coffin, the next morning.” **So the paper said. Oi know nothin’ about that, but Oi’m givin’ it to yous straight. Oi smelled de flowers in a bag which we took in at the same time we did tbe coffin, down by the river, an’ asked what they were. Moses says, brief an’ kinder sharp, ‘ Flowers!’ an’ Oi said no more, The bag lay by my feet all the way goin’ up, an’ this Oi’ll swear to: Moses brought the bag in an’ laid it on the ficor. Not a flower was put on the coffin, Oi know that because Oi called bis attention to it, an’ asked him, wa’n’t he forgottin’ the fliwers? ‘Niver moind,’ he says, an’ the flowers were left in the bag on the floor.’ Jim and Stumps exchanged glances, ** How's that?’ the latter asked. “ Suggestive.” “*T should remark,” “*One point is settled.” ‘““ There was ap ally in the house,” ‘*Exactly. We kuow fbat in the morning these flowers were arranged on the coffin in the funeral style. That fact answers for itself, and proves your assertion. No wonder Bemis did not thick it ime gg & to remain and arrange them, The ally did the rest, putting all in the condition in which it was found in the morn- ing.” ‘*Oi remember, too, that the papers says the door was fast locked in the mornin’,” added Donegan, ‘* but Oi’ll swear Moses turned niver a key when we left. ‘ You ain’t iocked the door? says Oi. ‘Dat’s all roight,’ says be. Now, Oi be ave he left the key there that we went in wid.” ‘** Very likely.” ‘Oi hope ef this matter is made public you'll stand by me, Mr. Royal, fer Oi niver meant harm.” Jim gave the promise, and the driver went away. Then Royal rose and began to pace the room, Who was the ally that bad been inside the house? What member of the household had been concerned in the plot, and bad finished the work begun by the men? Walden Savern had an enemy in bis own strongbold. Was it oneof the servants, or bis haughty wife? The detective’s opinion of the second Mrs, Savern was very poor, but be could see no good reason why her interests should run counter to her husband’s. But what would such a woman not do if she had a wrong, real or imaginary, to avenge? **If I had the license to question those in the honse that the regular detectives have, I would soon get at the truth.” It was nearing the time when the vailed wo- man had been asked to call at the detective’s office, so Jim walked over there, His friend re- ceived him with a grave face. **1’m afraid you are ‘in the soup,’ James,” he observed, ‘* You are not likely to see my vailed employer, for she bas sent a letter, instead. In- closed was a ten-dollar note. Here is the letter, ead it!” The reading was soon done, for it was brief and to the point. “Dear Str:—Since you cannot attend to my case. I will select some one whom [ know. Please do no mention the matter in any way.” There was no signature, ‘Tt seems, Royal, that you are not wanted.” “Nothing is plainer than that I have got the cold shoulder,” James admitted, ‘‘and I may as well give up all hopes of becoming her agent, Hither she knows me and don’t want my services, or else she is wary. In either case, lam not to have the job. So be it; I will look elsewhere for service. Can [ keep this note?” “Certainly.” be Spotter took it home with him, Once there he took another brief missive from his pocket and laid them side by side, The second was that found in the grate in Courtney Ray’s room—the instructions from the unknown em- ployer of Ray and Bemis—and the result of Placing the two together was astonishing. Both had been written by the same person ! “JT am beat!” Jim admitted, ‘‘1 can’t see through this, The person who instigated all this weird work is now hiring a detective to find the body which he, or she, himself had placed at Savern’s. To find it, when everybody knows | the body is at the undertaker’s, unidentified and He turned it | unclaimed. Amazing fact! a i ee ee ae - —_ ls it the work of a madman? The detective did not exaggerate when he con- fessed himself so bewildered, and surely, be had good cause for his condition of mind. He rose and paced the floor for some time, and meditat- ed with all possible closeness. Finally, he ex- claimed: Vl try it!” He took a pad of writing-paper, put it in his pocket, left the house and started up-town. In due time he was at the door of Walden Savern’s house. He rung the bell, and Jobn Jay ap- peared, es I wish to see Mr, Savern,” quietly explained im, The master of the house came to him in the parlor, quiet, attentive, and now not inclined to sneer at the detective’s youth. ‘*Pardon me for interrupting you, sir,” said the cailer, politely, ‘‘but I desire to prepare a formal] statement for the police which shall in- clude these questions: Did you see any one lurking near the house previous to the night of the 18th? Did you hear any unusual sound dur- ing said night? Were you wakeful, or the re- verse? Has any key to the outer doors been lost at any time, to your knowledge? Has any per- son .who has been in the house to make repairs— a plumber, or a carpenter, for instance—bad chance to take an impression of the keys? Has any servant been discharged for dishonesty? Do you know if the key of any adjacent. house will also fit the front door of this house? Do you know ill of the neighbors’ servants?” Having spoken with great eeity Jim paused for a moment and then added: ‘“‘The idea is to present each of these ques- tions to each member of your household, and have every person sign his, or her, statement. Jn one sense it is a mere form, but by having the signed statements at hand, it removes any doubt as to whether the questions have been asked.” Jim’s manner was very polite, and as Mr, Savern could see nothing out of the way in the requests, he acquiesced with the readiness he had shown in meeting every move of the lice, First of all be answered the questions and signed his name, hen came all the others, one after theother —haughty Mrs. Savern; dignified Mrs, Electa Selina Gcff; frightened Wilbelmina Willoughby; solemn John Jay; prim Miss Nettle, ard jolly Bridget Murpby ;»the last five being the house- keeper and her subordinate servants, Each answered the questions and signed in due ferm, Savern did not ask whom Jim represented, Perbaps the question did not occur to him, and the fact that the young man had come there be Hamlin, before, seemed to recommend him ully, When once more in a car of the Elevated Road, Royal examined the signatures. His manner did not betray eagerness; be had noticed each name as it was written, and was prepared for the result. gust. ‘‘ Not one resembles the writing in the notes!” he admitted, CHAPTER XVI. BOBBY GROWS RECKLESS, “Hr! Stumpsey, git on ter his nibs over there!” The two subordinate members ‘of the Three Spotters’ combination had been out trying to locate Job Lots, and had visited various places where it was thought the latter might be found but, failing, bad paused in Madison Park and sat down until Stumps could ‘‘ rest his wooden leg,” as his ally expressed it. * The one with the white hat, Bobby?” ” “ Yes,” “Do you know him?” “That’s the pint. Do I, or don’t I? Can't say Lever set my peepers on him afore, buthe brings up recollections.” “Of what?” tay ‘*“D’ye remeniber Blonde Bert’s description 0” Courtney ig, : ‘ “ Vaguely, Bobby; but do you think—” ** His nibs about fills the bill.” ‘‘'m afeerd you're a bit hasty, There ain’t but a few men in New York who ain’t got others who looks like them, an’ Bertina’s description | He now regarded them in dis- - \ :
Page 13
er The Three would fit a good many of ‘New York’s sportin’ fellers.” “‘T ain’t bettin’ on that, fer cash comes too hard ter be bet on a hoss that may be stole. I wuz only struck by the likeness; that’s: all. Yowlin’ cats! I’ve a good mind ter foller the feller when he leaves!” ‘« Bf we could find Ray it would be a great thing.” ** You bet! an’ I’d jest like ter score one ahead o’ James Cicero Royal.” ** That ain’t an easy job, Bobby.” “Say, d’ye s’pose anybody kin beat me? Ef they can I don't admit it, When the Blossom family gird up their lions an’ git a wobble on there is apt ter be a commotion in the oxengen and hydrant-gin. Sure-pop! Hullo! a female * has gone ter givin’ White Hat an earache!” ** Yes; and he ain’t glad to see her,” “T notice that, Stumpsey, an’ I also hev a hankerin’ desire to know the subjeck o’ discus- sion. You stay here, my wooden-heeled frien’, an’ see me play the innocent an’ take in their catechism, Here goes!” Bobby sauntered toward the parties under discussion with all the nonchalance imaginable. He did not seem to have a serious thought in the world, but to be a typical youth of the sort that finds life an old story, and the things thereof all worn out, even at the age of fifteen. He edged near the couple without creating notice, and, as he afterward said, ‘‘ pinned his ears back and got a draught on their remarks,” The man with the white hat was speaking. ** Well, suppose I am the person—what then?” he asked, in a tone of irritation, * Do you deny that you’re him?” : Let that pass, since you dispute me.” ‘I know you’re him. I seen you there, an’ you seen me, so it ain’t no use ter play off.” “Come to the point.” ‘* What hev you done to that girl?” The question was sharp and hostile, but if it aroused alarm in the mind of the man he did not betray any emotion. . **T suppose you refer to—” “The girl! Hebe, I call her; fer that is w’ot was the name of a galin the theater play who was awful lovely,” ‘*T know nothing about Hebe.” ** They say she’s dead.” ** Possible?” ** Now, don’t you stand there an’ talk like a careless, mockin’ devil!” the woman _passion- ately retorted. “‘It wouldn’t take much ter make me call a perleeceman an’ make charge ag’inst you!” “*T meant no harm,” he pacifically returned, evidently duly influenced by the threat. “All I wished to convey was that T did not know of her —of your ‘ Hebe,’” ‘*T believe you killed her!” ‘“* Nonsense!” * Somebody did.” Can you prove that?” * Anyhow, she was about the house in the mornin’, an’ at night she was dead, ‘ This is the mornin’ o’ the 13th,’ she says ter me; ‘I hope it'll bring me no ill luck.’ [ kinder smiled when she said that, but I kin see, now, that she was in fear o’ her life.” She was sick, anyhow.” ‘I don’t b’lieve that; she didn’t lookit, Any- how, She vanished all of a sudden, the eyenin’ o’ the 18th, an’ they told me she was dead, Where's the body?” He in the white hat looked alarmed, at last. ** Really, I don’t know.” ‘I believe you lie! I see you an’ the other man hoverin’ around like vultures, an’ I said then that you meant no good. I believe you murdered ebe; if you didn’t, where is she?” ‘“ Why don’t -you go to your employers for these auswers, Woman?” “ T have, but they won’t answer. Anyhow, I b’lieve you are the one who knows the most about it. Moses Bemis isn’t much better than a Rumert, but your wits are keen; too keen, by ar. ““T tell you ai. * But I won't b’lieve you. Why, I dreampt last night, that I seen her layin’ in Has oe n, with flowers all over it, but I ain’t so sure you'd give ber any coffin, I kin read you, an’ I know you ain’t no good. Now, she was good; jest as good as shecould be. I know that, ef I wa’n’t acquainted with her long. Men like you be are always figurin’ on what mischief they can do an’ I wouldn’t trust you—” , ‘Look here, woman, lower your voice! Do ‘ou want to alarm every person around here? ush your noise, and let this matter drop, I have done the |] no barm; your employers will tell you that. More than this, if,you, ever Rata see her, and she complains of me, Ill give youa hundred dollars,” He spoke with earnestness which impressed his companion, and followed it up with further speech, inaudible to Bobby Blossom. Evidently, he made some argument which bad further in- fluence, and the belligerent young woman quieted down. The next move was to call a cab, and she and the man entered. Bobby let them go a few yards, and then be began to motion excitedly. He was trying to call two persons at once, and he succeeded so well that Stumps came hobbling to the spot, while the driver of a second cab squared him- self away for business, ‘* Git in, Stumpsey !” the young Spotter urged. “ Git a wiggle on, fer there is work ter be done, Cabby, d’ye see that vehicle over yender?” a Yes.” ‘* Foller wherever it goes, an’ do it sly, an’ you shall be well paid. Here’s a two dollar William, Now, don’t set em know you are pur- suin’, but see to it you set us down nigh where they ‘light. See?” ‘Sure. Swing in!” Bobby swung, and they were soon rolling along in pursuit, “ Robert, what’s up?” Stumps demanded. ‘Ef that aiu’t Courtney Ray I’m a sassige- headed hayseed from Cloverville, an’ don’t you forgit it, Anyhow, he’s the gallus gent that has been in hock with Moses Bemis, fer Moses was mentioned by name, an’ the female with Court- ney—she’s a servant-—has accused him o’ mur- derin’ Louise Savern.” ** Shockin’!” ‘That’s my think, too. Mebbe he didn’t kill her, though—an’ that reminds me that I should say that nobody spoke Louise Savern’s name, I ain’t got sure proof it was her, but the evidence is arong enough ter justify us in makin’ a werful big brace, you bet! Yowlin’ cats! ut I opine we are on the ‘toboggan slide ter victory !” It took some further explanation to convert Stumps to these ideas fully, but when all had been told be agreed that it had been a wise step to pursue. It did, indeed, look as if they were on the trail, and there was nothing like prompt action. Finally the cab balted, and the driver spoke to his ‘‘ fares.” ““They’re gittin’ out; yes, an’ they’re goin’ in ter that buildin’ over yender,” he explained. Bobby looked and located the place just as the man in the white hat was entering ‘the door. The other cab was driving away. Bobby and Stumps alighted, and dismissed their own driver. “* Yowlin’ cats!” suddenly exclaimed the boy. What now?” “Why, that’s the very place where I wuz held captive, an’ from which you rescued me an’ Blonde Bert!” Ms arom my word, so it is!” “ Wal, now, that’s interestin’. We hev proof that our game is on good terms with a nest 0’ rascals, an’ it’s about the cage old Court Ray would put up in. Say, general, I wish we could walk in an’ see w’ot’s goin’ on there!” “ An’ get captured again?” ““ Nary! alden Savern ain’t on hand, now. Say, Stumpsey, there’s a feller sweepin’ out the dust. Wonder ef we can’t bribe him?” ‘* I’m afeerd not,” Despite this opinion Bobby, feeling that they had everything to win and nothing to lose, walked up to the sweeper. “Say, general, d’ye want ter earn some money?” The sweeper, a surly-looking fellow, paused and regarded Bobby doubtfully. “T never see the time when I didn’t,” he re- plied, finally. “Let us inter that house on the sly an’ I'll give ye five dollars, b’ jinks!” ‘““What do you want ter goin fer?” ** Never mind; it’s all a question o’ whether you want the fiver. Our motive—” ‘“‘Hang the motive! I got notice, ter-day, that I was discharged, an’ second thought satis- fies me that it is busimess principles ter rake in all the stuff {can. Fork over the V, an’ you kin go in, or stay out, as you please. ” “Right I do, gineral, an’ here’s the bonus, Come on, Stumpsey!” The headlong young Spotter began to drag his friend into the house, and though Stumps was far from being reconciled to such bazard- ous work, be found himself on the other side of the threshole before he could fairly realize the fact, Then he halted, ‘Look here, Bobby, this is awful resky,” he ry. 13 asserted, ‘* We'll be found out right away, an'— **T ain’t so sure o’ that.. You see, this ain’t a narrer dwellin’-house. It’s a ramblin’ old place once used fer a factory, I guess, an’ hidin’-places are thick as hairs on adog. Git a canter on, general, an’ we'll wade in fer victory an’ glory. Come!” ‘* What are we ter gain by it?” “What? Why, we'll git on ter all the fam’ly seerets. This must be the place where Louise was made ’way with, an’ ef we kin git a frag- ment of a clew we'll jest wade in an’ hev the whole caboodle arrested. See?” If Stumps had been given time to reflect calm- ly, he would have said that he did not “‘ see,” but Bobby was in a burricane mood, and he pulled so stoutly at his arm that he found him- self going up the stairs before be hardly knew it, There were times when young Mr. Blossom’s velocity carried all things by storm, and this was one of them. Bobby, however, bad not parted with all the shrewdness that was so much a part of his nature, and when tbe second floor was reached he became cautious. Pausing, he looked about him, They were in a long hall, out of which opened doors at intervals, and though these doors were closed and no one visible, he knew they were liable to be seen at any time. ‘‘ We want ter find that female that came with him,” the young spotter observed, “an’ she must be in some o’ these rooms. Le’s toddle along the hall, an’ we may git sight o’ ber.” Very willingly Stumps allowed himself to be led along, but they went to the end of the hall without seeing any one. Bobby was about to open the nearest door, as an experiment, when Stumps suddenly caught his arm forcibly. “Look!” he cried, pointing down the hall. CHAPTER XVII. A NEW SCHEME, Jr RoyYA. stood on the corner next to Sav- ern’s house, Disappointed in his efforts to locate either Bemis or Ray, and with the thread of revelation kept out of his hands when it was almost in his grasp, the mansion proved a source of attraction, In that house, he felt sure, lived the instigator of the bold step which had startled all New York. Who was it? Who was the writer of the notes in the dis- guised hand If Jim bad gained nothing on paper by hia scheme for securing the signatures of the inmates, he had not been so far defeated in othe respects. He had studied the inmates, had weighed their mental qualities, and an opinion was fast taking shape in his mind. But how was he to get at the working-lever? He stood on the corner, looking in a half unconscious way, when one of the household came out. This, of course, was a common-place affair. The servants came and went as usual, and so did Savern, but his blue-blooded wife was making almost a hermit of herself. The present traveler was Mrs, Electa Seline Goff, housekeeper, Jim fell back a little to avoid her notice, bu not because there was any visible reason why he should. Her calm manner indicated that sh was out on a very commonplace errand, His first impression that she would not leave the neighborhood was soon proven incorrect, for she ascended to the station of the Elevated Road. Immediately he made a resolution; he would follow her, see what business she had iy hand, if possible, and then quietly accost her on her way back, The train which took her south bore him also, She alighted at Twenty-third street, and the walked to Twenty-fourth, At that point shi paused and neatly adjusted a heavy vail. Whe it was dropped over her face she was almost un recognizable, : Royal’s eyes sparkled suddenly, Did this in dicate anything? Fresh in his mind were reco lections of the vailed woman who had called 0 Louise at Brick Alley, and of the vailed wom who had engaged a detective to find Louise, b had refused to avail herself of Jim’s services, Was there anything significant in all this? He recalled his friend’s description of thi vailed woman. She had been tall, somewhe bony, of dignified carriage, and of intelliger mind, . ; The description fitted Electa Selina Goff tot etter.
Page 14
*tive to find the an’ if the 14 **Go on!” the Spotter murmured; ‘I want to see where you bring up.” The housekeeper ‘‘ went on,” but not a very long distance, She paused at a house on West Twenty-fourth street, rung the bell and was soon admitted. Jim was left outside with nothing but the bare wall to look at. He improved the chance to put down the number of the house, * There is somebody, or something there that T waut to know more about, ‘hethought, ‘“I imagine I shall call here, later, but—who, or what, am I to ask for? Great conundrum!” He gained the best place of concealment possible and continued to watch the house, but saw nothing of interest. In less than half an hour Mrs, Goff came out. She was still vailed Sha looked around atten- tively, and, in his existing mood of suspicion, he believed it was with a view of seeing if she was shadowed. Then she walked on, Again he followed. ““[ have the clew!” he thought, confidently. ** All this is not meaningless, Mrs, Goff was the vailed woman who went to Brick Alley to see Louise, Is she the same who introduced the body to Savern’s house? But that can hardly bs, since she has subsequently employed a detec- girl. Wait! there may be method in all this. Walden Severn has refused to recogniza thedead girl, Perhaps, wishing to hide her share in the work, Mrs, Goff has decided to have the deceased found by regular detective work,” The housekeeper paused. * What now?” Jim wondered. She entered another building. ““An employment office! want?” He knew the manager of the office very well, and the latter was under obligations to him, He determined to know what Mrs, Goff wanted, The ofiice-window was open, aud he walked to that pcint and listened. The voiceof the mana- ger became audible to him, “T think we furnished your last chamber- maid a colored girl named Willoughby.” * Yes, sir, you did.” “* Has she proved unsatisfactory?” ** No, but she wishes to leave,” ** Very well; I will send a girl to you to-day.” “ That will do.” There was a stir which indicated that Mrs, Goff was going away, and Jim hastily stepped into an adjacent store. When she came out he hesitated as to his next step, but decided to let her go. He entered the employment office and was cordially received, . “So you are going to furnish a chambermaid What can she to Mrs. Goff?” he inquired, presently. “c Yes,” **T wish to recommend a girl for the place.” “a You y “Yes, She is bright, quick and willing, and, frankly, it will serve the interests of justice to have her go there.” The mavager was not convinced, but Royal roceeded to present the case in a strong light. ithout betraying his exact position he told enough to interest his companion. “ Well,” remarked the latter, finally, ‘‘ this is a very irregular course, and I hope it will not bring discredit on our office, but I have faith in ou, Jim, and I owe you a debt of gratitude, ring your girl here, and if she pans out at all well I will accede to your request.” The detective went home, and was soon in the presence of Blonde Bert. “ Bertina,” he Aegan, ‘* you have said that zon would like to do something to repay us for elping ou,” “Pil do anything!” she declared, quickly. ** Will you go into Walden Savern’s house as a chambermaid?” The question dazed Bertina for a moment, but she y pone rallied. ‘| meant what I said,” she returned. ** You’ve helped me, an’ you've only got ter give your orders. I never was ina fine house, an’ I’m afeerd sweepin’ rooms an’ makin’ beds at Brick Alley ain’t like bein’ a chambermaid at a rich man’s bouse, but I’ll try whatever you say. If you can give me any pointers I'll try to catch on, quick.” ** You're not afraid to go there?” ‘* Afraid?” she echoed opening ber eyes wide. “Why, I should say not! It ain’t likely the same things will happen again at Savern’s house, do, why, I was brought up at Brick Alley, an’I guess the quarrels an’ fights there | havo about took all the fear out 0’ me,” f y er brave and willin H manner won Jim’s ee dee and he assure “ her that he did not e she would be in any danger whatever. _ “Can you read and write?” he asked. - lk Met? abe a 3 } wt , Dena ee The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. ‘Yes: Louise taught me.” **And you will write mea letter whenever you hear of anything of value?” “* Yes; right away.” “Good! I depend a good dealon your shrewd- ness, Bertina, of which I think you have an upusual supply. Use your judginent well when you get there, for much wil] depend upon you; and if at any time you think you have learned enough to make it best for me to go there, sum- mon me at once. I will come to the basement door, and you can admit me there.” Pil do it.” Time was precious, and Royal took steps to provide his charge with garments suitable for a chambermaid. It was not hard to fit her witha ready-made suit, for she had an excellent form. Then he took her to the employment office, and both he and the manager gave her all possi- ble points as to her new duties, The doubts of the manager grew much less acute when he bad seen her; she was pretty, neat, bright, earnest, ard he suspected that she had tact and intelli- gence enough to carry her through, In due time she left for the scene of action. Jim Royal waited at Stumps’s room, and as she did not return, he decided that the scheme had worked weil—that she was engaged, Others were absent, too. He expected to see Stumps and Bobby, but they came not, The day passed without bringing them, He began to wonder it they were in trouble. At ten o'clock that evening a messenger boy brought a note. He opened it and read: “Mr. Royau:—I think you had better come here. Be at the basement door at twelve o’clock. ** BERTINA.” CHAPTER XVIII. STUMPS GROWS SUSPICIOUS. Even Bobby was worried when, obeying Stumps’s direction, he turned and saw Courtnéy Ray between them and the point of escape. By following along the hall, they had left the stairs well behind, and it was at that point that Ray stood. Retreat was cut off. . ue ain’t seen us yit!” Bobby whispered. ‘No, ‘Then we don’t want him to, Lemme see ef this door—” He turned the knob, and found that the door was not locked. Moreover, an empty room was beyond. ‘Slide in!” he advised. This time Stumps did not hesitate to comply, and they were soon on the other side of the door. **Old P’izon will soon git out o’ the way,” Bobby confidently announced, ‘‘ an’ then we kin investigate,” “Not much!” the elder Spotter exclaimed. ‘*Don’t think of it. We done an awful reckless ing in comin’ in, anyhow; nobody should do that but the perleece, All I want is ter git out. I ain’t a coward, I think, but no wooden-legged man should try ter do what the biggest, stout- est an’ bravest police officer in New York should hesitate ter try.” ‘*Stumpsey, put it there! You're right, an’ I’m wrong. { dunno, b’jinks! w’ot hez come over me 0’ late; I’m as reckless as a man who goes swimmin’ with sharks. I’ve got ter reform or I won’t never be a great detective, an’ no candidate fer alderman— Hullo!” The key clicked in the lock, ** Yowlin’ cats!” Bobby added. The Spotters looked at each other in dismay. They knew without testing the matter that they had been locked in, and consternation was in- evitable, They heard no one outside, though they waited for some time, Then Bobby crossed the floor and carefully turned the knob, ‘* They’ve got us!” he sigked. “Tm afeerd that sweeper proved false, I can’t hardly b’lieve Courtney Ray seen us.” * Kt ain’t certain anybody did. Jest ez likely ez not the lockin’ o’ the door was mere chance. As I size up this den o’ rascals, itis a reg’lar prison where outside rascals can git their enemies shut up. See? Why, there may be a dozen in here now, sighin’ fer freedom,” ‘* What consarns us most is in regard ter our- selves,” Stumps practically returned. ‘‘ We’re locked in, but here is a second door ter our room. Wonder where it leads?” “Inter another prison, mebbe. That’s the way the biz worked when I got from my prison ter Blonde Bert’s,” “ Stumps had tried the door only to ‘ind it fastened, and. they tried to take their captivity as calmly as possible, The room had the same kind of iron shutters at the window that had been in Bertina’s prison, and escape séemed out of the question, Yet, they suspectcd they were in a room which had not been used as a prison for some time, There was a good deal of litter on the floor, and, among other things, shavings which were the result of carpenter work, Bobby grew more and more chagrined, ‘*Guess I’m erbout done with the Three Spot- ters’ combination.” **Ob! we'll get out, some time.” “That ain’t it; James. Demostheness Royal is cap'n of our gang, an’ he’s get some hoss-sense. W’ot’ll he say ter a partner that deliberately walks inter the enemy’s lair, an’ lets hisself be locked up?” “* Depends on whether the partner gits out.” ‘* Anyhow, my perfeshnal rep’ is gone!” Bobby kicked the shavings viciously to em- phasize his disgust with himself, and not only created a big disturbance among the shavings, but sent a bright, brass ebject spinning agains Stumps’s wooden leg. Stumps picked it up. ** Tt’s a key.” ‘“‘Tooks amazin’ly like it, general. Belongs ter Bluebeard, I reckon.” But Stumps looked thoughtfully at the inner door. The key had been in the shavings directly beside this door, and it suggested an idea to him, Moving forward he put it in the keyhole, , It fitted to a charm. He turned and felt the bolt move back, As the two adventurers realized what had been done they looked at each other. Question yoints were in each gaze. The door was un- isdkade-whet did that mean to them? What lay beyond? Was it freedom, or fresh troubles? Bobby nodded quickly, **Open it!” Stumps swung tbe door back, and both looked eagerly to see what was revealed. They saw a room with secured windows—then the sleeve of a coat became visible; the door was swung fully open. Me A man!” Stumps muttered, as wonderingly as if he had been obliged to say, ** A ghost!” But #be person revealed could hardly be called a man, for on the face was no sign of beard, and the figure revealed wasof the slight development of youth. A boy of about eighteen Stumps judged him to be, but that point was immaterial, He was there, and both the Spotters at once placed him as a fellow-prisoner. As for the stranger, he seemed wholly uncer- tain what the intrusion meant, and he regarded them inquiringly and anxiously. He must have found consolation in seeing a meek, wooden-leg- ged man and a small boy, for bis face cleared, ‘* Hallo!” exclaimed Stumps, * Hallo!” was the reply **Do you b’long here?’ ‘*T seem to be here.” ‘*T mean, be you a pris’ner, or be you a cap- tor?” ‘*Certainly J am no captor; I am not even master of my own actions, Are you,” and the youth looked sharply at them—‘‘ are you also victims of this gan ‘* We're nothin’ else, young man. We're shut up here like sardines in a box, an’ the key is turned on us,” “Then there is a bond of sympathy between us,” the youth quickly declared, ‘I, too, ain a prisoner,” . ‘*-Yowlin’ cats!” commented Bobby, with a return of confidence, ‘tour squadron is growin’, We maybe in it, yet, an’ able ter wrastle down them Philistines.’ “Young man,” Stumps abruptly said to the stranger, ‘‘kin you suggest any way out o! i? ere ‘*Tf I could, I should bave been out before now; rest assured of that. I have been here for days—I know not how long, for when one has no light but that of gas, day and night are all ona—and I have studied ia vain to find a way of escape,” « What's your name?” * John Smith.” “Why are you shut up?” “T jadge that I am not wanted at liberty,” was the evasive reply. ‘t You see, this is a place, as near as I can find out, which few would be- lieve was in existence in New York, It is run by an organized gang of desperadoes, and for pay they will receive any person and bold him in their prison-rooms, getting pay from the ene- my who shuts him up.” ” ‘ Jee-whiz! that’s as bad as the Dark Ages! Bobby declared. ‘ Better be here than sbut up in a coffin, hke the gal at Savern’s.” “‘ What is that?” John Smith asked, quickly. Pobby repeated his remark, ‘* What do you mean by-that?” **On! you see, some rich folks up-town got up tent one mornin’ an’ found in ‘auf’ their parlor a coffin Liat y eee tree f ee PE
Page 15
15 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. “with a dead girl into it, an’, b’ jinks! nobody knows who she is, ‘¢ They don’t know her?” “ ” “That is strange!” Smith exclaimed in sur- “Tf I haven’t proved it, how can I? ma man that is always glad to accommodate, You never knew me to act a false part in the past, did you? Well, explanations all round will show you I am as white as man can be!” the point,’ says he. ‘I’ve got to skip out o’ New York? “«* Why? says she, lookin’ scared. ** «The coppers are after me, It ain’t on ac- count of our job, an’ I don't believe there is any rise. ‘** But she was a stranger.” ** Didn’t any one know her face?” oe No.” ‘* But the plate on tho coffin—didn’t that give her name?” There was something in the question, but far more in the questioner’s manner, which made Stumps look athim sharply. And John Smith’s expression increased the Spotter’s vague impres- sion, “ What do demanded, “TI? Nothing.” ‘You spoke right glib about the plate an’ the name.” ‘*Oh! such things are common, an’ I supposed there must be ove. And no one has recognized girl? What does Walden Savern say about it ‘So you know him ?” No.” “Young man, you give yourself dead away; you know more than yousay!” Stump declared, ** What you say about the plate proves that; av’ now, though you claim not ter know the rich man, you refer ter him as Walden Savern. How did yer know his first name? We ain’t told it to ye!” Jobn Smith’s face flushed and he exhibited marked confusion, He seemed struggling to find an answer; perhaps to explain away some error On his part; but before he found speech Bobb y suddenly held up a warning finger. ist!” he whispered, He nodded to the connecting room, and Stumps raised his cane asa weapon of defense, Somo one was in the other room! you know about the matter?” he HAPTE “ But what do we care about her?” advice, never should have been missing but CHAPTER XIX. “It may be that we care more than you sus- | forhim, He abducted me from Brick siey STRANGE SCENES AT SAYERN’S. Jim Roya carefully kept the engagement with Bertina, and approached the basement of the Savern house at the designated time. He was not kept in suspense, for she appeared at the pe €s soon as he reached the place, knew you!” she exclaimed. “I’m awful glad you've come, too,” mK What bave you learned?” rs Come in, an’ I'll tell you.” - But Jobn Jay sleeps on the lower floor—” He’s away, now, an’ that’s wat knew it e was safe fer you ter \ Mrs, Goff.” come here. He’s-out with ‘* Where’ve they gone?” “TY don’t know. I was a-good mind ter follow them, but they are comin’ back, an’ I guess the fun will berighthere. Ivg found out somethin’ as little time as I’ve been here, I got here just in time, and news came witha rusb. Before I forget it ’ll say that Mrs, Goff is Moses Bemis’s sister, Her name was Bemis before she was married,” ** Ah! that explains Job Lots’s devotion to the Cause; specimen of the gone-too-seed man that he is, [ never believed him capable of crime, na it don’t explain where Courtney Ray comes 5 2 - “He Was just a helper for them, but he’sa Pe pereg bi: that, an’ in all else. He’s a traitor to ‘* How did you learn this?” ‘* Ray has been here, and it was his talk with Mrs. Goff that ave me light; an’ he’s comin’ me, at one o'clock, an’ that’s why 1 sent for ast Tell me A ap it.” “ Well,” Bertina explained, ‘* I came here, an’ I guess I suited Mrs, Goff, for she hired me right away, an’ as Wilhelmina was in a burry ter’ 20, I just stayed rigbt here an’ begun work. Now, w’ot do as think? ar ty after dark the base- ment bell rung, an’ when I went it there ated Courtney Hay, ter answer if, ‘l expec e would know me but the gas was dim in the hall entice didn't. He says, sharp-like, that he wants to see Mrs. Goff, an’ I answered never a word but went to tell her. An’ I did tell her, an’ she went inter the dinin’-room ter see him, but bis just bet I | room. First came Mrs. Goff; then a young per- | me by the Hudson River.” /i a was where I could see an’ hear al] son of less than twenty-one, in neat¥hat, coat, Ray’s face fel]. Cornered, he provedacoward | “He hadn’t sent bis name, an’ of course I | trowsers, and other equipments;Sthen?Courtney | at heart, and had no words ready, 7 an didn’t tell ber who was there, an’ it was a sur- Suddenly a small, sharp voice broke in: = 3e when she A i there an’ see who it was, *¢ You bere? she says. “Don’t you think I have earned my reward?” | in! Me an’ Stumpsey is here, an’ we ccc Nobody else,’ says he, cool-like. he Fee aed finger in the = cae site tar ta saysshe, = __—_—_—_si|_.** Pm not so sure of that,” Mrs. Goff an-| — The voi d be that of nobody b ee 2¢ on business, an’ I'll come right to | swered. . f _ | Blossom, and Jim became SET NTR a ony ate ae OD a ae “3 : j ana Saddles ~s ye reas aid ¥ : u = suspicion, but J am so fixed that I’ve got toskip. Now, I’ve come ter you to ask for a bundred dollars. Give it ter me an’ away I go, an’ your secret will be all the safer,’ “Mrs. Goff looked frightened. ** *] paid you,’ she says, ‘*¢You did; you paid me a miserly sum to help you an’ Moses; a very miserly sum. Still, { ain’t kickin’ about that, for it was a fair bar- ain, an’ a hard-up man has to take any job. on’t think [ am goin’ to play the blackmailer, | forIam not. I wanta hundred dollars, but it isall on another account, [ll put it in a few words: A certain young lady is missin’ Give me the century, an’ l’ll belp you to find ber.’ *¢¢ Courtney Ray!’ cried Mrs. Goff, in a sharp | voice, ‘{ have ail along suspected that you stole her, an’ now I know it? ‘*¢ Madam,’ says Ray, as cool as ice, ‘let the dead past bury its dead; let us speak of the fu- ture. Do you want the girl?” Blonde Bert paused for breath. Her delivery of the dialogue bad been a marvel, and ever word had impressed Jim Royal almost as muc re if he had heard it as spoken by Ray and Mrs. off, ‘ ‘* And then?” he questicned. “Well, they pretty near quarreled, an’ she again accusea him of bein’ a traitor, but he never lost his coolness, an’ finally she give in. Shoe said he sbould have the money if he would produce the girl, whoever she is; an’ he agreed tor do that. Now, Mrs, Goff has gone out, tak- ing John Jay with her, to raise the hundred dol- Jars, and at one o’clock Courtney Ray is to bring the girl here.” ae ere ?? TR A **That’s glorious luck!” pect. Ideas are working in my mind which, if true, may bring surprising light to this case. Don’t ask me what they are, now, for I am not prepared to say, but wait until events prove me right or wrong.” — ‘ There’s one thing I forgot,” Bertina added. “When Mrs, Gof? objected to payin’ him the hundred dollars Ray says to her: ‘ Why should you haggle over such a trifle? Louise Savern was worth a pile o’ money—more than ever belonged to all the Saverns—an’ now she is dead it will all come inter this house. Possibly you get your share; if not, Walden, at least, will be rollin’ in riches,’ ” ‘*T fancy Walden would not as heir-at-law.” It was nearing the time when Mrs, Goff was expected back and they prepared for the future, As Blonde Bert was supposed to be up-stairs and asleep it was just as necessary that she should keep out of sight as that Royal should, so both went to a place of concealment. There was a rear extension to the house which made a sub- kitchen, and there they took refuge. Mrs. Goff and Jay soon returned, after which the former sent the man-of-all-work up-stairs to sleep in one of the upper rooms for that ag me he then sat down alone in the dining-room. There was a Jull in proceedings, and then the basement bell rung very softly. The} house- keeper rose quickly and went to answer it. Jim and Bertina stole out of their covert and went to the passage which led from the kitchen to the Mipiaroom. The door next to the latter room was closed, but Jim swung it back just enough so he could see but not enough togive Bertina a like chance, -** You shall look, later,” he remarked. ‘‘ Now, you have in the past proved your nerve. anf be severely tried before long. Do you thin that, whan you look, no matter what you see, you can avoid uttering a cry, and in all ways avoid alarming them?” *‘ Now you have cautioned me, I know I can!” she replied, earnestly, ‘* You are a trump, Bert!” There was considerable delay, but, finally, three persons came from the hall into the dining- refuse his rights i at the rear. he latter was smiling as if in amusement. While he was making these light, half-sneer- ing remarks, and others with which he followed them up, Jim Royal stepped back and touched Bertina’s arm, ~ Remember your promise!” be urged, ‘* Look, but, no matter what you see, don’t cry out, Now, look!” He gave her bis position and she looked, but almost immediately she started back and faced him. There wasa world of meaning in what ~ her face conveyed. She bad grown pale, butin — ber expression was the light of joy. “ Jt’s Louise !” sbe almost gasped. ‘ Louise of Brick Alley?” “Yes, Oh! thank Heaven, thank Heaven!” Jim Royal’s expression was one of deep grati- fication, but he said nothing. Suddenly, how- ever, Bertina grew grave. “ But,” she added, ‘* the—the girl at the under- taker’s? That was Louise—or | thought it was, I don’t understand,” ‘Be patient, and we shall know all. Let me look!” i Again he faced the trio in the next room, The youth in male attire interested bim now more than ever, for he knew the boy wasa woman, More than tbat, he saw her likeness to another face. “We won't waste any more words,” Ray was saying in a more decided tove, “I’ve kept my promise and reunited you: now give me the hundred dollars and I'll go.” The disguised girl suddenly and forcibly broke silence, ““ Are you going to give this wretch money?” she demanded. “T agreed to give hima hundred dollars to find you.” ** Don’t pay him a dollar!” was the vehement ‘ and has kept me in prison ever since. He sb not receive a penny!” “Then,” cried Ray, sharply, “‘I will at once go to Walden Savern and tell him the whole © truth! CHAPTER XX. LIGHT ON THE DEAD MYSTERY. Tus threat made the disguised girl look troubled,but Mrs, Goff answered bravely enough, Whether she meant all she said was question- — “Tell him as soon as you will. how soon the plot is abandoned,” ** Nonsense!” “Such complications have come that I am willing to give up my undertaking.” ‘* Anybow, I can fix you!” Ray angrily cried, ‘“‘Rather than be prosecuted, Walden’ Savern may overlook and hush up the plot against him, — but I will have you arrested for poisoning a cer- tain girl, and even if the jury fails to b you | in guilty, there are facts enough to blacken your reputation forever.” =f At this the housekeeper looked really troubled, | “Come, will you band over the cash?” Ray | added, a with triumph as he saw how — he had hit the mark. 1 Mrs. Goff looked at the third member of the | party. ma ‘* Perhaps it is best so,” she admitted, “but I | dislike to see this wretch have a penny!’ “sere «This wretch’ bas you all by the neck,” Ray — asserted, insdlently, ‘‘and he will make you | smart if you don’t bend your back. Cash now!” | James Royal moved quickly from cover, ‘** Courtney Ray, you will get no money!” he © declared, uy The Man About Town was manifested startled, _ but, after a little delay, he fell back onthere- | source of the knave and thecoward—bluster, ‘‘ What in Hades have you got to do about it? — If you meddle here, ll smash you in the jaw!” “T am amply able to take care of my jaw, | Mr. Ray. Furthermore, I have this todo Eom ts, it: You will give up all claim on this woman, or — I shall at once arrest you on a double charge—_ assault on, and the kidnapping of Bertina La- — selle, and setting tbree ruffians upon me, to kill © I care not ‘¥ te a 4] ? ‘* Hi! Jim Royal, open the door an’ Jet a fell
Page 16
16 front windows had been lowered at the top, a brown hand had pushed the shade aside a little, and one of Bobby’s eyes was to be seen at the opening. Another thing Jim noticed: the dis- uised girl had one arm lovingly around Blonde rt’s waist. ‘*Mrs, Goff,” the Spotter leader continued, forcibly, “‘if you will open the door and let in those friends of mine, I promise to free you from all your troubles,” “Git a wobble on!” added Robert Blossom, encouragingly. The housekeeper was moved with a sudden feeling of confidence, and opened the door. Then the other Spotters came in. Bobby looked at the disguised girl and laughed, “Hi! John Smithy, we’ve got around ag’in, you see!” ** Perdition!” Ray muttered. *Didn’t expect us, did yer, general! Wal, ou see it was like this: When you sent yer men in, ter-night, an’ took John Smith out, but left us in prison, you thought you had a cinch, but we wasin therace. We hada friend there, or you had an enemy, which amounted to the same; an’ he, the feller who did the sweepin’ in that rison-house, jest let us out, quick. We fol- ered you here, an’ I guess we are in at the wire.” ** Courtney Ray is a villain!” declared ‘ John Smith.” ‘He saw me at Brick Alley, tried to make my acquaintance, and, when I would not allow it, abducted me. He shut me up in a prison-room. Last night an old woman em- ployed about the place entered my room while I slept, stole my clothing, and left a man’s suit in place of it, As I had notuing else, I put on the suit, and, as my hair was short, seemed to be a A “You did, sure-pop!” Bobby declared. **Stumps an’ I never got on ter the racket, but I’m glad you ain’t Jobn Smith, all the same,” “* She is Louise Savern, niece of Walden Sav- ern!” Mrs. Goff suddenly declared. ‘* And the A gh found in the coffin, up-stairs; who was she?” Jim asked. ‘Her name was Olivia Beck. Her remarka- ble resemblance to Louise led to a plot, the ob- ject of which I will now explain: **Walden Savern is, and always was, a vil- lain. Despite the style they lived in, all the Saverns were poor except Edwin, brother of Walden and father of Louise. He made a for- tune in Maine, in the lumber business, When Louise was still a child he gave up business and came here. Walden induced him to put his money into his—Walden’s—business, but before the copartnership papers were duly made out, Edwin died suddenly. “Then Walden determined to steal all, * Louise, a very small girl, was sent West, to school. Walden held on to the money and said nothing. He has played his game for years, One year later than now certain papers would mature., Then he intended to close out business, take all the money he could get, and flee to Europe. To go before the papers matured would be to lose large sums, “ Two years ago Louise grew dissatisfied and started East. Walden heard of it and had her seized by ruffians at Jersey City, She defended herself, and in the struggle one of the men was wounded. ‘* Walden sent her to Brick Alley. She was to be kept a prisoner, but Walden thought ofa better plan. He made her believe two things: first, that I had turned against her; second, that the wounded man wasdead. This terrified her; believing she would be arrested for murder she never dared go out of Brick Alley. “JT gained no clew to her whereabouts until a few weeks ago, Then, heavily vailed, 1 called on her. She told me how Michael Gam- mon and his wife always kept before her the supposed fact that she had slaina man, J, too, taking Walden’s word, supposed this to be true, and I laid a plan to secure safety for her. TT had heard of, and seen, a girl named _ Olivia Beck, who looked wonderfully like Louise, was liable to die at any moment of , a heart disease. She was alone in the world and wretchedly poor, and I had helped her finan- cially. ‘* Now I went to her, and when she declared she would live but a few days, I laid a bold plan before her. Grateful for what 1 had done for her, she agreed. “*Tt was better for Louise to lose her fortune than for her to be in danger of arrest for mur- der. I determined that Walden Savern should think her dead, ‘* Olivia died, and with the help of my brother, Moses Bemis, and this wretch ”—she pointed to Ray—‘' whom my brother mistakenly recom- mended asa reliable man, Olivia’s remains were introduced here and, the next morning, found, as you know, *T had intended the whole world should think it was Louise, and had a coffin prepared with her name and age on the plate, but through Ray’s indifference, to ayoid trouble, another coffin was substituted, and the plate not put on. ** Hence, the remains here became those of an ‘unknown,’ Walden Savern surely believed it was his niece, but he kept silent, and there was nothing to reveal the supposed truth. ** Now, acting as Louise’s friend, I propose to abandon my plan, and have her enter claim to the estate which Walden Savern stole from her father,” ‘You forget that our fair friend has ‘ killed ber man!’” sneered Ray. ‘Tl tell the whole world of that!” “Tell!” flashed Mrs. Goff. ‘I know now it is false; the man was not wounded by her, but by one of his friends, and he did not die! To-day I visited my brother where he has been hiding, on Twenty-fourth street, There he has found proof of all I say, You are foiled, Courtney Ray!” ‘‘ More than that,” cried Jim Royal, “he is my prisoner, and shall be tried for his crimes,” “* Yowlin’ cats!” muttered Bobby, ‘‘ I guess we're in it!” ls all right!” Stumps assented. Louise Savern, alias John Smith, gave her hand to Jim, “ Bertina tells me you have worked hard in my behalf. Later, i snall have more to say; now, I'll only add, God bless you!” “Forget not your noble young friend Ber- tina” Jim directed. ‘She is loyal and brave. She deserves great credit!” Bobby poked Stumps in the ribs, ‘*Guess the Three Spotters deserve some glory!’ he declared. The Three Spotters received due ‘* glory.” When Ray was safe in Sing Sing; when Wal- den Savern was stripped of his ill-gotten gains and sent to jojn Ray, ‘‘ Mat,” and the other con- victed toughs of our story; when Mrs, Byrna Savern was a self-exile in Europe; when Olivia Beck was sleeping in Greenwood; when Louise had her fortune, and, with Mrs, Goff for house- keeper, was beginning life anew; when the whole strange story was known, the papers were filled with articles in which Jim Royal, Bobby and Stumps were given due credit. When those who had helped Louise were re- warded, Royal did not forget to call her atten- tion to the aged ex-housekeeper of the Saverns of the past, and feeble old Miranda Day had cause to love Louise as she bad loved Edwin Savern, The Three Spotters took Bertina under their care, and that, with Louise’s unfailing love, finan- cial aid and help for the girl of Brick Alley, made Blonde Bert’s future assuredly happy. THE END. The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. . Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 1042 Little Grit, the Pony Express Rider. 1040 Kuffalo Will's Pony Patrol. 1018 Buffalo BU. T. xas Team. 1007 Baffalo Bill’« Sure-Shota. 1006 Buffalo Kills Decoy Boys. > 995 Buffalo BUl’s Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned , the Kansas Kid 988 Buffaio Bill's Lasso Throwers, 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill’« Rifle Shots. 968 Buffalo Bill's Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High Pier 964 Buffalo Bills Decoy ; or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 958 Buffalo Bill's Mazeppa-Chase, 7 948 Buffalo BIL’s Snap-Shot ¢ or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tall) 942 Buffalo Bill’s Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo Bilas Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up, 929 Buffalo Bills Crack-shot Pard, 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince ot the Reins. 222 Bison BILP« Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhoo! 68 Border Robin Hood ; or, The Prairle Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, 1029 ‘the Phantom Spy. 1088 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 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. 1087 The Artiat Detective. 1084 The Gold Witch’s Shadower. 1081 The Texan Huatlers in Cuba. 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Cuba 1025 The Flying \¥ ankee or, The Ocean Outcast, 1028 The Cowboy Clan in Cuba, 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba. 982 New Werk Nat’s ower? or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Gam 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 York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp, York Nat’s Deadly Deal. New York Nat’s Crook-Chase. New York Nat’s Trump Card. New York Natand the Grave Ghouls, York Nat’« Masked Mascots 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. Doom’s Ten Strike. Doom’s Flush Hand. Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny — Doon Destinys or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, tk Doomy or. the Sharps and Sharks ot New York, ; -k Doom In Bostons or, A Man of Many Masks. Dick Doom in Cheah. ° Dick Doom in the Wild W eat. Doom’s Clean Sweep} or, Five Links in a Clue, Doom’s Death Clue. 8 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt, 885 Dick Doom’s Big Haul, 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trall 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive 760 Dashing Charlie’s Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Ca tive. 748 Buck Taylor's Boys or, The Red Ridersot the Rio Grand n ifty Others. BY LIEUT,. A, K, SIMS, 589 Tom-Cat and Pardy or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’a Triad; or, The Affair at Tonibstone, 681 Tom Cat's Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective 688°Tom-Cat’s Triumph or, Black Yan's Great Combine, 546 Captain Cactus, the 568 The Dandy of Dod ge; or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The meng xf eg ra os Joah Bayperslat's Jehtive 588-Saffron Sol, the Man With a ow 601 Happy Hansa, the Dutch Vidoeg; or, Hot Timesat Round-U 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling W!lliam the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. ly, the Gypa y Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 9 Simple Sim, the Bronebo Buster: or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Meamertat Sports or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. 245 Kanans Fim. the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Moustanger Detective, 778 The Rustler of Rolling Stone, d Joe the Committee of One, 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete ctive In Texas, 872 Two Showmen Detectives In Colorado, 987 The Texan Fir ebrana: or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot. 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES, 1051 The Boy Wercules, By 01) Coomes. 1052 Buffalo Bill in sisguise. By Col. P. Ingraham, ~~ 1058 The Three Spotters’ Dead Mystery. By Warring 1054 Mustang Merle’s Merciless Foe- By Maj. Scott, 1055 Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. By Co! P- Ingraham 1056 Cowboy Chris in Cinnabar. By W™ W. Wilder, — JUST ISSUED. 1044 The New York Sharp. By Ben D. Halliday. 1045 Metas Merie’s Mine. By Maj. Sam. 8. Scott, 1046 Goid Plume, the Boy Bandit, or, Buffalo Express Rider. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 1047 Flyer Fred, the Cyclist Ferret. By Roy Rockwoo¢ 1048 The Street Spotters’ W eird Hunt. By Waring, 1049 aw Edna of the Panthers By Wm. R. Eyster, 1050 The One-Armed Sport. By T,C Harbaugh. A New Issue Every Tuesday. haparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike - ier eg Bill, the Ponj) ein re The Half-Dime Library ‘s for sale by all abondeciers: hal 3 gents per copy, or sent by mai! on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, TS Pile i ma Ye ates y ul at al y ast Ah 7 % a Pe at irae a 92 William Street, New York. gua ehes