Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1084) (1898 12)
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C—O [Cj MGCCtGCtE CCCI: L-,,£-,,£lS- “~NEW YORK —— ——— = nae = Aan eo fail > sae ‘ Dp a tp mine, ‘ ~~ G SY P| wc? ‘%. OAR“Cef OAT : je te ele i! ut a a a nl tS aa a ates ire! ANS T, 1891, BY BrapLEe & “ADAMS. ENTERED As Szconn Cuass Marrer at THE New York, N: Y., Post Orrior. MAMA 1084 Published Every Da. Dw. EVE iS puta Publishers, PRICE 5 GENTS. Py Month. (JAMES SULLI AN, PROPRIETOR), 0c. a ¥ 0 ‘ : 379 Pearl Street, New York. . ear, s e a 2 Three Snot BY MARCUS H. WARING—“ Sergeant Mark.” — ns git ¥ TRF Hi} | ge “mibereeest ene tee Mouanutts ierss — i) TTT Hi | | | Mi I a Mi I i} i | { | | a Meith il il sage 111) iY, i i Wy din Y] WT A \ an Wy, 11) ) | wi +) i < ] Ati ata a yo es. see cn MINT i = AN AT an <== = mn = ——— { oe ttle Se —— ee = ——— 0 *: WITH THE SKILL OF A PRACTICED HAND HE HAD PREPARED FOR A Gast, AND AS SHE MOVED HE ACTED.
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¥ The Three Spotters’ Duel in it e Dark. : 2 ’ : .| “By G ! I'm glad that’s over!” be d ‘ Bobby could only look i t. © The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark; | cinree’ Cores! Mm ed thats overt” bo co) sVowlin’ catst™ ho, commented, et ther 1@) ‘* Painted, ain't she, mister?” ain’t queer belongin’s fer a woman that lives in R, **More likely ber insensibility was caused by | a barren garret I’m er perjurer, What is the the shock of falling.” t ane mystery of her life?” { ‘“‘ Why, this rope is clean around her,'an’ it’s a —-- The Thugs and Trailers of Gotham, lasso, Yowlin’ cats} w’ot does this mean, mister?” CHAPTER II, ARES ‘16 means that I lassoed her just as she was THE MYSTERY OF MADELINE. BY MARCUS H, WARING, about to leap into the street.” THERE was other evidence that Mrs. Gray ~~ ‘‘To leap— Say, d’ye mean she tried ter com- | had not lived poorly. Sbe was ber own house- I yay (* SERGEANT MARK,” > ) 4€ ») mit suicide?” keeper, aud in the clcset was an abundance of . ] > ‘ AUTHOR OF “THE THRER SPOTTERS,’ ‘ THE ‘* Exactly,” food, cocked and uncooked, and all of the very STREET SPOTTERS’ WEIRD HUNT,” ETC, “ Yowlin’ cats!” the boy again exclaimed, in | !-est grade. ; amazement. The mystery was, indeed, strong. "Why did CHAPTER I. ‘7 suspected her object and followed her to | this woman, who had abundant means and, plainly, was no miser, live in the barren attic of a poor, plain house, among poverty-stricken neighbors? Bobby Blussom caught sight of a bottle of wine, nearly full, too; and be quickly ¢arried it to Gus Leonard, with a drinking-glass, The latter poured out a generous quantity and deftly tipped it into her mouth, “You must be a boss Jasso-thrower, mister,” remarked the boy, looking at the article men- tioned. ©] Jearned it on the plains of Texas.” ** Cowboy, eh?” ; “*T was, Bat I left the life a yéar ago.” “Come down ter humdrum life, hev ye?” “*T cannot say .I liked wild life; there’s more hard work and bardship to it than pleasure, and absolutely no romance. Still, I was brought back by a rich relative towhom I am heir, who promised much and did little. The old lady and I are 4 trifle on the outs, now; sho is willing I should live bere like a semi-beggar, and J don’t object, Lord love you, no; I’m in- dependent, you see. Earn @ precarious living, eat what I Can scare up, sleep well, and owe no- body abject homage.” : the roof, equipped with the lasso. I cast it A, PESERRATE DEED ATER TED : very Bit euie es she was about to leap, but, A HovusE-TOP on Thirteenth street, in the city | unluckily, an instant too late; at the last her of New York. movements were very rapid, end I barely missed Up the ladder from the top floor, and through | josing her, As it was she went over the edge. the scuttle came a woman who, perbaps, was | Luckily, the coil was about her stoulders, and thirty years of age, Evidently, she was &/ the only ill effect was to bring her up hard stranger there, for, once on the roof, she paused | against the edge of the roof. The shock stunned and looked around as if to see the exact condi- | her, it seemed, but I hope she is not injured.” tion of the place, ; The speaker looked at the unconscious woman This done she advanced quickly to the edge of | somewhat anxiously. the roof, ** Don’t we want ter call her female folks?” the Five stories below lay the street—a street boy asked. never subject to the turmoil and bustle of trade, ‘I am not so sure of that. Mrs, Gray is a and, at that particular moment, almost deserted | yery retiring, unobtrusive woman, and, having through the entire block. no * folks,’ as far as I know, might not want her She seemed to give no thought to that, but | neighbors to meddle with her.” ‘looked down at the hard, rough pavement. @ walked to the edge again, and looked Then she turned her gaze upward, The sun was | down into the street, and at the windows op- shining, and the great city was bathed in its | posite, splendor, but she gave it no heed, She fell upon “Tt is remarkable,” he added. ‘‘ but no one ex- her knees, aud her hands were clasped nerv- cept you seems to have seen this occurrence, ous! , : For her sake let us see if we can’t manage the “ Eeaven ‘orgive me!” she brokenly mur- | affair without bringing ber into notoriety. You myred; “ inay Heaven forgive mel”. hold her head, and I will carry ber down into Up to tue roof, by,the same route she had | per room, Thats right, young— What is your come, came a second person, a man, He paused | name?” “Phat’s the proper caper,” agreed Bobby, au;: looked at ber keenly and critically. In one} ‘ Bobby Blossom,” much cide by Gus’s straightforward, but hand he carried a coil of flexible stuff: the gen-| - Mine is Gus Leonard. Now, carefully!” modest, manner, ; vine lasso of the Western cowboy, He hesitat- The man was big and strong, end of bearty ““ New Yorkers are noi apt o be togdiag, any ed; then began to loosen the coils with extreme | manners, but toward the unfortunate woman he | how,” = * caution, He might have been less careful; she | was as gentle as one of her own sex could be. ‘““Only a few cranks who worsbip the rich gave heed to nothing around her, Aided by the boy he carried her down the lad- | folks, know the house of ev’ry nabob on Filth Suddenly she sprung to her feet, der and to her room, which was on the top floor. | avenue, an’ turn green with envy while they Her feet pressed the very verge of the roof, Like most New York houses the greater part of | worship. Them is a few New Yorkers ‘who Sbe flung ber arms up heavenward. | this floor was a wilderness where tronks, old | ought ter been drownded in Noah’s flood. But “Farewell, life!” she eried, ‘* Welcome, | boxes, and odds and ends had collected, The | Mrs. Gray, bere: don’t yer know why she tried death!” general tenant let furnished rooms, There was | to commit suicide?” She sprung forward from the roof} forward | hut one room of this class on the top floor, and **No. She has made no acquaintances here, toward the street and its pitiless pavement, | Mrs, Madeline Gray occupied it, in the real ¢ense of the worc, She is very re- where a fall meant death, As they brought her in, Bobby Blossom f6ok- served; bows to those whom she ean’t ignore, But the man with the lasso had not been idle. | ed around critically. It was.a large room, look- ;.sbe sees them so often—this inclu les me—but ‘With the skill of a practiced hand be bad pre- ing to the right and left, but the ceiling was low | has no intimates, On two occasions she bas pared for a cast, and.as she moved he acted, and the windows small, It was plainly and | given money generously to the sick end need¥, Strange sight in New York, the lasso went | sparsely furnished, and the carpet on tht fowr,y ut when wey got well, she kept them a pais fiying through the air, originally very cheap, was now about as thread- | tance,” bare as it could be. “Puiny wocaan!” ; a A boy,of fourteen years was passing through Tbe lady, herself, was plainly dressed, but “A woman with a tistory?’ the street, He heard sounds above—a shock—he | Bobby was a shrewd observer, and be was im- ** An unwritten hist’ry-. looked up, He saw a woman dangling at the | pressed with the fact that she did not seem to fit ‘‘ Bmphatically so, as falas we know. But, edge of the roof, suspended by some invisible | per surroundings, hush—shé is coming to!” ; : power, , He noticed several little things that went to Leonard’s observation had noi taceived him, The sight startled him, It had been sudden | tell of marked refinement, and hint that the | for she soon opened her eyes, Sie_looked and wholly unexpected; it was a sight he never lowly life of a bumble house and poor neighbors around, shivered; then closed her eyes agains had seen before, His ideas worked rapidly, if | had not always been ber lot. **Be at ease!” Gus urged. ‘ You are safe. incoufusion, and, seeing that the door of the She was a fine-looking woman, too, with a | All is well.” house stood open, he gained an idea based on | form of singular perfection, and a face no one * All is not well—I am alive!” the vague belief that she had accidentally slipped | could fault. She pronounced the words in a mournful, dis. and was hanging by means of her own strength. ** Why did she try ter kill herself?’ he asked, appointed way which made Bobby Blossom fee} * Hang on!” he shouted, ‘Hang like a guod | in wonder. “creepy,” as he expressed it, feller, an’ Til be there in a jiff!” ‘* Because she is a living mystery.” Why did she so desire death? He sprang through the open door; he rushed A wot?” * Now, Mrs. Gray, this is not just,” Gus urged. madly up the stairs, Excitement and zeal gave ‘‘] know but little more of her than you do, | “ Your life is too valugble to be lost,” metaphorical ait, Pleo his feet, and bis speed | but that little is enough to make me think that ‘Valuable! To whém?” was remarkable. ng as the journey seemed, | persecution and wrongs, perhaps romance and “ Yourself—your friends,” he made it ia very short time, and without en- | crime, figured in ber past. Ihave a room on| ‘J bave no friends.” countering any one. He did not think to sound | the fluor below, but none of us know much about “Wrong! You see two of them here.” an alarm, Madeline Gray. With the petty meanness some- ** T know no better friend than thegrave, The He sprung out on the roof, — times seen in the sex, some of the women in the | embraces of the human kind relax when the There he saw a peculiar sight. Close to the | house call her a proud upstart, but I admire and | bearts grow cold; that of thegrave endures fo edge of the roof was a man, and while he held | pity ber, This woman has suffered—whbat? | ever.” fast to a rope with one band, he was trying to i know not, I wish I did.” “Tt holds the senseless clay, but what of the draw to the roof with the other the woman, He was gazing attentively at her face, but | immortal soul? But let me not preach, Mrs, whose head aud shoulders were barely visible. | suddenly-aroused, Gray, I am reluctant to refer tothe matter, but ‘* Keep yer grip!” cried the boy. ‘I’m with ‘We lose valuable time!” he exclaimed. | you have narrowly escaped death by your own yer! “This delay is criminal. Look in the closet, | act.” The man looked around, 5 boy, and see if you find any restorative,” Quick?’ he exclaimed, You have come obby ohana The first thing be discovered ag in time. Grasp this lasso and hang on for | when be opened the door gave him a shock. e. Bee!” There was a bright glitter, and he saw in a box Pm on!” ‘ 4 a quantity of set diamonds which must have The new-comer seized qhe line, and, bracing as | represented hundreds of dollars, while beside the well as the nature of the roof would allow, pro- | box was. big pile of bank-notes, neatly arrang- ceeded to ‘‘ hang on for life.” His ally did not | ed, the upper one representing one huudred dol- anes wie hold “el Ke poe, and nei inves lars. both 8 ab bis disposal, he proceeded to lift | Andon the money was a slip of paper with with a. Bg es Rit eo task, Nt aro this brief inacelitens Reino bop raised safety, He drew & ‘Give all L have to the when I am dead, _ sigh of relief, : Peer. MADELINE GRAY.” “I know not how, but I feel that you saved me, J] donot thank you.” ‘‘At present you are ill in body and mind. Weigh not my act, wholly, friendly though it was, but look to the future. You live; you js- sess that breath of life, Divinely bestowed, which no one of this earth bas a right to take awey, Turn your.back on the past, If it has been ‘bit- ter, wait for happier days. Ifyou are friendless, be 80 no longer; accept me as a friend, humble but true, If you have suffered wrongs, let me avenge them, “No, no!” ——— Ea ete SD \ ' Ka ~*~ +
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---FROM--- J.N. KEELS NEWS DEPOFD. | The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. Old Books } «J would do so gladly, and you would owe me CHAPTER II. honesty; then #2, a FRRPRER. But when ; uo debt.” THE STRANGE WANDERER, the speaker announced his calling there came ‘*T6 cannot be.” A youve girl was passing along Greenwich | another change, swifter and more pronounced, ** Do you decline all help?” avenue with a loaf of bread in her hand, A | His face paled, and he sat looking at Stumps in +] must. Leave me alone.” man passed her, and looked so attentively as to | great terror. “ Not wotil you have given me one promise!” attract her attention, She thought herself the ‘* 4 detective!” he gasped, declared Leonard, firmly. | object of the scrutiny, and looked to learn the | ‘* Yes, Why, what—’ * And that?” cause, and see who the man was, but was Ezra Otis started up nervously, “Tq that you will not again attempt your | surprised to see that be was eying the, bread ““T must go!” he declared, ‘*I—I have anh eti- life.” | hungrily. gagement. lam not well, I~” “T can make no promise.” / Pity, quick and sure, was aroused in her sym- ** Wait, wait!” urged Stumps, putting his cane ‘Madam, this shall not be; your life is not | patnetic mind. Tbe man was poorly dressed, | out in front of tte wanderer, ‘Don’t rush yours to toss away like a bauble. Even among | and his face was baggard, unshaven, and deeply- | away like that, W hat ‘bev I said ter unsettie those of mortal attributes there is one who has a | lined for one of his years, but be was not ill- | you? Surely, et ain’t because I am a’ detec- claim upon it, and that one 1s myself! I have | looking, = _ 1 tive? i saved that life; it is, in part, mine. I demand Sbe was tempted to address iim, but, while | ‘No, no; it wasn’t that; of course not, 1 that it shall be preserved. Madam, you must, | she besitatea, she reached the door of ber house, | only—l promised a friend to come right back.” you shall promise not to repeat your mad at- | Ste stopped, was undecided what to do, but ‘* But you intimated you hadu’t no friends.” tempt!” finally ended by opening the door preparatory to “Yon misunderstood me; you’ certainly did His bold, authoritative manner was tbe best | entering. : It’s all right, sir, and Iam very much obliged that could have been adopted. She roused from Seeing this, he turned back quickly, and came for the food, I will caJl and see you again, and her hopeless mood and looked at him in wonder | up to her. will try to pay you—that is, I'll take the work and surprise. “ For beaven’s sake,” he exclaimed, ‘* give me ~ speak of, and wanage to square the account, Gradually, a new expression appeared in her something to eat!” ou are very kind, and I'll call again—soon!” Hie “ Be you reely hungry?” she asked, quickly, _ This rambling address was made in a tremb- ** You are right,,and I am wrong,” she admit- ‘**T am starving!” } ling voice, and Otis nervously turned his gaze ted. “I have po fight to take my own life, I ‘You sha’n’t starve while I have anything to | from side to side as if he expected to see soma will not taketif,”, ’ eat, Come in, an’ I'll give you food,” one ri yaad and do him harm in some way; and Her manner was submissive, not thankful; it * But your folks—” when he had spoken the last abrupt word he was as. if she bowed meekly to more trouble. ‘* Mebbe nobody is there; ef there is, youll not | made for the door with haste which was almost Then she added: be the less welcome,” precipitate flight. *¢To you who have saved my life I will say ** Bless you, child!” he cried, hoarsely. ‘I For awhile his hasty steps were heard on the that it is in keeping with the nature of what I | am no fraud, [am not a man unwilling to work, | stairs, and then all was stil, belisve you to be: an honest, bold and kind-| I suffer, and your goodness will not be re- When Stumps saw the mood he was in he had hearted man. It was generous in you.” jected.” made no further effort to detain him; but as the The peculiar way of expressing her indebted- She conducted him to a room on the third | Jast sound died away he turned his gaze upom ness showed that she was not glad the work had | floor. It was plainly furnished, but large and | Bertina and shook his bead gravely, been done, but let it rest at that. pleasant, She gave him a seat, and then quickly ‘* Child,” he said, with asigh, ‘* this is a world ‘« Now leave me alone, please,” she weut on, sliced the bread and put it on the table, with | 0’ trouble fer many a poor hutnan bein?!" ; *¢ Are you sure you are uninjured?” cold meat, pie, cbeese, and wine—the , latter ‘““ Why,” asked the girl, serionsly, ** did he fall on She rose from the lounge upon which he had | because his wan face told of the need of some | inter such a sudden panic?” placed ber, and moved about freely. stimulant, ** What could it be but because I said I was” ‘*] am not injured,” she asserted, “I will And be did justice to the substantial, though | detective? Simple as them words w as, they see you again.” plain, repast. He ate eagerly, rapidly, vora- ; must bev meant a gcod ’eal ter Ezra Otis.” Despite the further hint that she wanted to be | ciously;and her satisfaction over her own charity **They scared him clean out o’ his wits!” Ber- vig of tim, Leonard hesitated. She noticed it, | grew as shesaw how genuine had been his claim | tina quickly agreed, ‘‘ Uncle, why need such a and smiling drearily, gave the promise: that he was hungry. man feara detective? I can’t think Ae ever did ‘*] shali not barm myself, Haveno fear.” He was finishing the meal by eating the pie, | anything wrong.” “ “Very well. If you want help in any way, | at last, when the door opened, and a plainly- Again Stumps shook his head. please call on me,” dressed, honest-looking man of middie age enter- “Far be it from me ter unjustly judge any Riv bowed, and preceded by Bobby Blossom, | ed, One physical feature at once became | man, an’ I wouldn’t whisper these words ter any left the room, He had unostentatiously taken | noticeable: the lower half of his left leg was a | of our neighbors; but what are we to think now? his lasso along, and, proceeding to coil it, he | wooden peg, only. | What can we think, save one thing? The man walked down the stairs to the next floor, and ‘‘ Uncle,” said the girl, quickly, “this is a | set here, grateful an’ happy, bis face beamin? into his own room. So absorbed was he in | hungry man I brought in to feed,” with pleasure at the idee o’ gettin’ work, but the thought that he did not realize that he had a He of the wooden leg looked sharply at the | moment I mentioned I was a detective he fell companion until he turned to close the door | eater, inter an awful fright. He got as pale asa and saw Bobby in the way. ‘The boy bad fol- * You did right, Bertina, quite right,” he re- | ghost, an’ scarcely knew what he said, after; an’ lowed quietly, but pertinaciously, for he wanted | turned, ‘“ Stranger, eat hearty an’ give the | be soon took ter mad flight. I hore he’s all to know more about Madeline Gray, house a good name,” right, but what can we think?” a “Fixcuse me,” said Gus, courteously. ‘ My * Sir, | thank you warmly, I was afraid you ‘ Ef he’s done wrong, I know he was led inte & wits were wool-gathering. Come in!” would ebject.” it!” declared Blonde Bert, loyally, ¢ Mister, is it safe ter leave her alone?” ““T hope it never will be said of old Stumps— ‘* Bless your kind heart, child! P’'m glad you **That’s what is troubling me,” my name is Stumps, sir—that he begrudged a | take that view of it, an’ I more’n half belive “You presented a good logerkel argument | bungry man food when he was honest. Eat, an’| you are right. I wish he had stayed ter say that Jedge Duffy, or Jedge Martine, needn’t be | be happy; a full stomach makes a man full o’ | more.” ashamed on, but it was only an argument, No | grace, I didv’t ketch yer name, sir.” *¢ Will he come back?” me reel, open-an’-shut reason why she should change ** Tt is Evra Otis,” “ Never !” “i her mind an’ feel that life’s worth livin’ fer.” ‘* Live nigh here?” Bertina sighed. Both she and Stumps had * Trae,” ‘IT don’t know where I do live; Iam home- | grown interested in the man, and it was not idle Gus flung down the lasso, and began to pace | less, Last night I slept in a station-house. They | curiosity which made them wish 80 strongly the room in a nervous Way. showed me where to lie, but not where to eat.” | that they knew the cause of his alarm, and the “What we have to fear most,” he remarked, ‘** They stomach is a wounded funny tenant | bistory of the past. He had so! impressed upon ‘fis solitude, Left alone day after day as she | within us,” remarked Mr. Stumps, gravely, | them, without effort of his own, tne belief that is, Mrs, Gray has nothing to do but brood over | ** We hev ter pay rent to it, an’ it ain’t never | he was a worthy man that they were reluctant to her wrongs. Solitude is her worst foe; it is the | satisfied, It takes all we kin give it, waits a | believe himas much open to danger from the law L strongest ally of the destroyer, Death, If Mrs. | bit, an’ then calls fer more.” as his headlong departure would intimate, J Gray only had a companion, so her mind would * And does not always get it.” As. his words indicated, Stumps was very be occupied! I havea crude idea, but how can “* Too true.” much disappointed because Otis had not remain- yi it be worked?. No companion can be forced * Well, sir, I have eaten and am filled, and | ed and told his story. upon her by ordinary means, { was wondering | my most grateful thanks are yours, Now, I Would they Pet sort GAN it, now?” if it could not be worked by means of her well- | can go on my way without physical trouble.” Was the mystery of his life forever vailed? Macs known bent for charity. But there is noone to “* Which way is your way?” While they were considering this point, quick, put forward.” **T know not; the homeless never do.” light steps were heard on the stairs. fj **T know just the person!” Bobby exclaimed. ** Have you no work?” “Bobby!” exclaimed Stumps, smiling, { “You do? Who is it?” “ None at aJl.” Then into the room rushed young Mr. ** Blonde Bert.” ‘* Mebbe [ kin find some fer you.” som excitedly, and down on the floor he dashed ‘““A man? Nonsense!” Ezra Otis’s face suddenly lighted up with | his cap. 1 * Blonde Bert ain’t no man; she’s a female | grateful pleasure, “Hi, Bert!” he cried, “I’ve got a job fer 1 girl, she is; aged erbout fourteen. She’s named ** Indeed, sir, if you could I should be most | you!” Bertina Laselle, reelly, but is’*most always called | happy. I am not lazy; I am willing to work; ‘¢ A job for me!” Bertina echoed, Bert, an’ she’s a blonde, Ketch on?” but L have nothing todo. If you can point out “Yes, an’ one fer The Three Spotters, I } ** You know this girl?” something, however humble, I shall owe you a | reckon. Stumps, where is Jim Royal? IT want P ' “ Rayther !’ debt of lasting nature,” his leave fer us ter go inter a new detective case, itt *‘ But would she come here?” “Tt shall be worked, Ican’t say jest w’at, | Stumpsey, I b’lieve there’s fun ahead!” ie ** You bet!” now, fer the necessity comes unexpected, but . Mi “Ts she honest, amiable, intelligent, fairly re- | you kin trust in me. I like yer looks, so I’m CHAPTER IV. hy fined, sympathetic and shrewd?” sure you kin give yood references as ter your CHUNKY JAKE SEEKS HIS PREY, ' ‘All o? them, an’ more; warranted not ter | honesty, an’ I an’ mv friends will look upa job, | WHEN Ezra Otis left the house he wake) kick, bite, shy or ‘crib,’ See her, an’ jedge fer | fer we hev some influence. You see, I’m a de- | rapidly down Greenwich avenue, and was t rself.” ) tective, or, at least, partner to a detective; | nearing the Kighth street station of the Blevaty® **T will, and if she proves all right, I'll pay | same thing,” Road. At that point he came under the not?” her to come here as aforesaid, Bring’ on the| The wanderer’s worn face bad been bright and | of a man who, at sight of him, stopped th girl!” hopeful until Stumps spoke of references as to | surprise and incredulity. Bes
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4 The Then joy flashed to this person’s face. *“ Whoop, Jule Caesar!” he muttered: I'll be dratted ef this ain’t the bossest diskivery o’ the year. Hi! my run-down laddy, Chunky Jake will jest take acard on you, Gee! I'll foller the critter ter whar he yards up, an’ then spring de trap on him, Howlin’ Hannah! but ain’t this prime|” _ He grimaced grotesquely to evidence his satis- , faction, but as an act of art the grimace was a ftotalfailure, He who had called himself Chunky Jake had been supplied by Nature with a face which came close to beating the recurd for ugli- mess, and be made a bad matter worse by twist- dog the brutal, irregular, mis-shapen apology for a face. Homely and brutal-like as Chunky Jake was he was not handicapped as to strength; he had the physique of an athlete. Fallipge in behind Otis he went along in his Year across Sixth avenue and eastward, but he did not enjoy a monopoly. Unknown to him he had been followed before he saw Otis, and as the pursuit was kept up the uliar condition of a double chase was present- ed, though the third man did his work so neatly and shrewdly that no one would suspect he was ubroad on business out of ordinary channels, or that be cared a rap for Chunky Jake, This third person was young—it was doubtful if he had reached his twenty-first year—but he had a mature, resolute fuce, an athletic phy- sique, and general air of solidity which was im- ressive. J It did not take him long to see that Jake was pursuing the leader of the trio, but the fact only aroused the inquiry: "Tg the fellow looking for prey?” Olis weat as nearly due south-east as the street. «> ransements would allow, and was thus hrought co Washington Square. There he paused. His manner had indicated a desire to sit down and rest, but the day being warm, the popular Ealnare was so crowded that he changed his i Tire @ | . He went on again toward the east, but after passing the Square his steps became slow and his manner uncertain, Chunky Jake’s plan of tracing him to his home did not look promising; that knave had seen enough of the ups and downs of life to suspect that his man knew not where to go for shelter; and he began to close up. n this respect he was imitated by the young- est of the trio, and the three drew near to- gether, Jake reached his prey and seized his arm, whereupon Otis turned like a flash, his manner betraying fresh terror. He recoiled at sight - the other, and the color fled anew from his ce, The man at therear could not see the latter fact, but did kmow that Chunky Jake bad given the leader a shock. Their first words, too, were jost on him, but what followed was audible. ‘J well you that you’re mistaken!” asserted the stranger. ‘‘ My name is Ezra Otis,” ** zra Grenddaddy!” sneered Jake. “My namic is Otis.” Now, you see byer, = little fool! do yer think you kin bamfoodle me? Don’t I know ye? Ain’t yer pooty mug as familiar as the dirt under my nails? Now, you shut up; ef yer give me an more o’ yer lies T'llsmash you in the aw. j : He at ths rear would have paused and let Otis and Jake have their talk out, in order to gain points, but at that moment the rough caught sightof him, So up tothe couple the young man at once walked. ? “At your old tricks, Jake, are you?’ he asked, “ih? W’ot’s that?” ‘+ Seeking prey, I see.” **T ain’t seekin’ nothin’.” ‘That won't go down.” “ An’ who in blazes be you who questions me?” blustered Jake, ‘I won’t hey it; I take no lip from no man, See?’ “] bear ye vainglorious talk, my jail-bird bully, but I think ee are joking. To return your favorite word in a different light, I will say—See ?” he speaker turned back the lapel of his vest, and the badge of a New York detective sparkled before Jacob's eyes. It bad magical effect upon bim, He never had been detective, attorney, judge or juryman, but bad had considerable ex- Bistence with detectives, nevertheless—with the ruachinery of law and the penalties of crime. bor weakened at once. withl ain’t doin’ nuthin’,” he whined. pen ere evil designs on this man.” sigh ’ ain't.” ‘Uknow it is false, Be careful, Chunky Jake, tu will again see the interior Of Hon: Three Spotter's’ Duel in the ‘Dark. quarters, and get a sweat im Inspector Byrnes’s | private room,” though thick-headed in certain ways, he been keen enough to see his way clear. Quickly pointing to Otis he exclaimed, * Ask him! ask him! complaint to make ag’in’ me.” ‘*No; none whatever,” Otis answered hur- riedly. ‘* | see it is some affair where soiled linen may | into m The threat alarmed Jake more than ever, but, | fore, **T am gla; to hear that, for since you came life it has been far, far bappier than be- have some one to talk to, some one to had | love—for, Bertina, you have won my heart. I | believe Heaven, itself, sent | ber how you came here Feller, hev you any | and down-hearted, and said you had seen my ou here. 1} remem- rst, ragged, hungry face at the window, and, being inspressed by it, had sought my aid to save you from starva- tion, Honest Bertina’s face flusted. She despised a be ready to fall from both shoulders, and as'I | tie, and even in a good cause, deception was know of no reason to follow it up—it is not my case—we will not press the point, Still, I fancy your acquaintance will feel safer away fom you, “Mr. Otis, you can go!” ; ** Thank you!” The reply was promptly made, and Otis walk- ed off with long steps, Chunky Jake stood in wn- certainty. It was not so much regret at losing his prey tbat was in his mind, but he was tempted to make a certain revelation, and knew not whether such was his best course. If there had not been a shadow hanging over himself which made all men and machivery of law a living nightmare to him he would have spoken, He was tempted to do so, anyhow, but, while he hesitated, Otis disappeared around a corner. ‘* What new villainy are you in, Jake?” asked the detective, The rough turned, looked at the detective and whined: ‘* Sure, I’m not in any!” ‘*T don’t believe it, Even before you saw this Ezra Otis, whoever he is, your manner was that of one who was meditating mischief.” ‘* Boss, be you Jim Royal, one o’ The Three Spotters?” “Tam,” ‘I’ve jest recognized ye, fer I seen you in court when you had Walden Savern tried an’ sentenced, ow, I’ve always admired you, I hev; you an’ yer two pals make an awful team. The reg’lar detectives were fairly dumfounded by yer success when you was an amachuie, au 0 you're a reg’lar they admire ye, So do I! “ Jacob, you admire me as the devil does holy water. You area law-breaker of long service, and it’s only a matter of time when you go to Sing Sing again, Just now I know of no rea- son why I should arrest you, Walk with me to Sixth avenue, and then you can go your bes Chunky Jake was anxious to get sight of his prey again, but he could not afford to despise such an offer of freedom. assertions of innocence which were all the more notable because, when things were going his something she shropk from, It had been for Mrs. Gray’s good, and for that alone, she bad made her way to the garret and told the fic- titious story, but, though they bad found mutual happiness from the meeting, she could not look upon the deceit with composure, ‘*E took you in,” pursued the lady, “and the act has proved a blessing tome. How much of a blessing—can you guess its full extent?” “ce No,” ‘* Had you not come, I should be dead, now!” Despite the warning of circumstances Bertina could not avoid a nervous start, ** Oh} don’t say that!” she exclaimed. “It is true, have told you of my former rash attempt at suicide, and my promise to Mr. Leonard, but I feel that 1 should not have kept that promise; solitude and thowght would have sent me to the roof again.” ** Dear friend, why should you fee) so?” ** Trouble, child; trouble, ‘* But what is your trouble?” ** Don’t ask me; I cannot tell. There is much of woe, cf horror, in my life. I never shall be like other women again, but I hope to endure life until my Creator sees fit to remove me, and to be content with my lot, That this is so, that Iam so hopeful, is all due to you.” Bertina felt that she bad indeed, done great good by coming to/ the garret, but where was it to end? She could not remain there always. Before she came, Gus Leovard had seen Detec- tive Royal and had a long talk with bim, Act- ing with the best of motives he had told Jim ne would pay well to have the mystery of Mrs, Gray’s past life solved, as he felt sure she bad suffered wrongs which ought to be avenged, and in order to give Jim a clew, Bertina bad several times delicately and deftly tried to win the wid- ow’s confidence, but in vain, Mrs, Gray had kindly evaded all attempts to gain knowledge of past events, : On the present occasion, conversation was in- He went, whining | terrupted by the entrance of Gus Leonard, He had grown to be a frequent visitor, After he had saved Mrs, Gray’s life she could not very way, he was one of the boldest, roughest and | well ignore bim, and as be was a sensible, mod- most blustering of New Y ork’s crimivals, After parting with him Jim Royal walked up Greenwich avenue toward Stumps’s place of abode, Each of the celebrated Three Spotters est and manly gentleman, she did not try. He came often and, at the widow’s request, consented to share her interest in Bertina, bud neither the latrer nor Leonard had betrayed the had quarters in. a different place, and Bobby | fact that they knew more of each otber, though Blossom lived with his parents. Stumps had three modest rooms on Greenwich avenue and eared for Bertina, who was under the joint guardianship of the three—though Do papers to that effect ever had been made out, On his arrival Jim found his friends eagerly awaiting him, ‘* New case fer The Three Spotters!” Bobby cried, ** Sure?” i a “Sure-pop! It’s so myater’us, too, it will be a reg'lar duel in the dark |” ‘¢ Let me hear it.” Irrepressible Bobby constituted spokesman, and the story was soon told, ** Now, then, do we loan Bert fer the job?’ Bobby added, ‘‘That’s for Bertina to say, not us,” Royal re- minded, “Tl go, gladly,” she agreed, like it I can come back,” ‘* Of course; and you may do much good there. At present it is not a detective case, but, as Bobby says, 4 duel in the dark. We will see if it will grow.” himself CHAPTER V/ MYSTERIES STRANGELY UNITE, Frve days later. Mrs, Madeline Gray sat in her garret room, engaged in sewing, and by her side was Blonde Bert. There had been silence between them, but Mrs, Gray finally ceased work ard looked closely at her companion, * Bertina,” she spoke, “are you satisfied, here?” ** How can I be otherwise when you are 80 good ter me?” was the quick answer, * And you are happy * Yes, | the young girl was, as he expressed it, doubly i his protegee, ‘“{ am going out,” he now said, lightly. ‘‘ Do you want anything from Tiffany’s?” ‘Nothing, to-day,” Mrs, Gray replied, smil- ing. ty would not mind ordering a few hundred dollars’ worth of diamonds. I have the ¢ash here: thirty-four cents, all told;” and he jingled the coins merril y. 1 ‘*Mr. Leonard, I wish you would let me loan ‘ou something.” ‘¢ Mrs, Gray, I amas proud as Lucifer;, a stiff- necked begger who would not borrow enough to buy a drink of whisky. Therefore, count mean extraordinary beggar. I am going to. see the wealthy relative who objects to my being an un- gentlemanly cowboy, but would let me die a gentlemanly beggar in New York, Her taste is ‘an’ if Idon’t | execrable; so is my faculty for makimg mopey. Still, | stagger on without recourse to strong drink for momentum.” : Leonard’s good humor never failed, and his repeated jokes about, bis rich relative left Mrs. Gray in doubt as to the actual state of affairs, but his remarks on the subject were always in line with the facts. He was bard up, financially, although he tried his best to earn his living in various ways, and under bis light talk was pride which, really, - prevented him from becoming a borrower. After half an hour in the garret, on this occa- sion, he went out, Shortly after Bertina went to the roof. Her errand was not the same that had taken Mrs, Gray there on a previous occasion, but the place like the roof of many another house in Gotham, saw a good deal of business done in its limits, especially on wasb-day; and the girl now went to hang out a few articles to be aired, /
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The When she descended the ladder she heard a man’s voice in the attic, At first she thought Leonard had returned, but one view of the man dispelled that idea, Who was it? It was generally understood that Mrs. Gray never had company. At the point where Blonde Bert stood she could look into the room without being seen in return, and as the man partially turned she made a surprising discovery, It was Fzra Otis! Her surprise wat marked, for she never had expected to see him again, but this was nothing compared with the wonder of beholding him in Madeline Gray’s room, Witbout knowing just why, she was astonished to find they were acquaintances, Both were standing, engaged in conversation, and their manner was so peculiar as to arrest and hold Bertina’s attention. Ezra Otis was speaking rapidly, dramatically, but in a. sub- dued voice, and frequent gestures marked his speech, Placed theré asshe had been, Bert would have n @ curiosity if she hud neglected to avail herself of this conversation, With the best of motives she took cecasion to overhear what was said. She advanced nearer, Otis, more seedy and dilapidated looking than ever, was speaking: ‘*Have you no regard for my reputation?” he demanded, excitedly, ** Heaven knows, I have!” cried Mrs, Gray. ** You donot show it,” ** Bnt you don’t know,” ‘*T know my peril; I know you can save me,” ‘¢) wish it was as you say, but I am bound down, I am helpless.” ‘¢ Why will you talk like that when a poor wretch stands before you, imploring your aid? Look at me! See my vile exterior; see my wretched clothing, my unshaven face, my squalor, Do not these appeal to you when you remember what I was?” rs, Gray clasped her hands, and ber voice was broken as she almost moaned: “ They do, they do; but Tam helpless,” ‘© Helpless! And what of me?” There was bitter reproach in the visitor's voiceas he spoke, and he suddenly drew himself more erect and went on vehemently: “See what [am,and consider what a word from you would make me, It is in your power to save or to ruinme, Every moment I tread the streets of New York is one of peril for me, but, as there is safety for me nowhere, I am here—-here, where danger is the most imminent. Daring all find you. looked like a wild, a hopeless quest; for I knew not even that you were here, but 1 came as the last resort. I searched through block after block, looking for you with one eye; At last I saw you for danger, with the other. at your window, here.” : He paused for a moment, while Bertina thought how odd it was that be should have dis- covered Mrs, Gray in the way she pretended to have seen her. “T came in,” Otis resumed, presently, ‘* hop- ing to be saved, What is my fate?” He folded his arms and stocd looking at her fixedly, awaiting the answer. It was hard to say which was the most moved, or which exhib- ited the most mental agony, but in the widow’s manner was a vervousness which he crushed down within himself, ** Heaven pity you!” she brokenly said, “Heaven,” he returned, wit. deliberate an- nunciation, “has leftall toyou, It is for you to ruin or tosaye, What is your verdict? Will you save me?” **T cannot, I cannot!” ‘Then let this settle it!” With a quick motion he drew a revolver and clapped it to his temple, but swifter than his movements were her.own, She sprung forward, seized thesweapon and turned it away. “No, no!” she cried, wildly; ‘‘ you must not; | you shall not!” ‘Release your bold, woman; I tell you I will | die!” ‘*Rather Iet that be my fate! Turn the re- | volver upon me; cover my heart, and fire with unsbaking hand!” ** You do not deserve death—you must live to suffer. My life ends here!” Again he tried to raise the weapon, but she clong to him yet more tenaciously. “You shall not; you shall not! instead!” ‘You are logical. You would die, but you would not speak, But I know how sincere you are; you value your life as a Mohammedan does | Let me die, | F I came to the city determined to | th have been my lot, t Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark, 5 his religion; it is all to you. Live, then, live! | Your punishment may come,” He cast her violently from him, and delib- | erately put the revolver into his pocket, Stony | calmness had settled upon him, ** Your advice shall be taken,” headded, *T’ll not meddle at all with the progress of events, at present, but rely upon this: If I am molested, | will do that which will make New York ring with the horror of the deed. This revolver is still mine |” **Worbear! forbear!” ** Do I shock your fine sensibilities?” The bitter sneer in bis voice touched her to the quick, and she suddenly fell upon her knees and raised her clasped bande to him. ‘“* Hear me!” she exclaimed; “‘ hear’me, and believe, when I swear that 1 cannot tell what ouask, It is beyond my ability, and the same inexorable power that crushes you down crushes me, also, Bclieve me, every trouble I have, and they are thick and black as the thunder- clouds of heaven, are but shadows of your own misfortunes. You are the cause of it all—the innocent cause, for you are not more responsible than], This is the truth; I swear it!” Ezra Otis put his hand to his head in bewil- derment, He gazed at the woman, he heard her voice, and would have been callous as rock. to have ei re vehement assertion with outspoken un- relief, “This is amazing!” he finally muttered. ‘** Tt is true.” ‘* You—you are crushed by the-same power?” ** Crushed, hunted, driven to desperation!” “The devils were not all drowned with the swine in the sea,” “The devils of to-day are too cunning for that.” His gaze wandered to a roll of bank-notes on the table. ‘** You are not living in poverty.” **{ would welcome poverty; ay, I would bless the hour which put me in the poor-house, if I could be free from the curse, But eince 1 am under the evil spell | am glad I have means of living. Money I have; enough to supply all my wants, to-day and henceforth.” “Yet, you live in a garret.” ‘*What safer place for the hunted to hide? Oh! you know not what I have endured! I have kept my room like a veritable prisoner; I have avolded my kind, and refused the associa- tion of those kind of heart; I have started at the sound of a human voice, and shivered at the rustle of a garment. You do not know—” “I know it all!” cried Otis, ‘All three Hagar in the wilder- ness was more fortunate than I; she was con- demued, but the wilderness covered her, I linger among buman beasts of prey; I shiver at the buman voice, or footstep, or glance, J know! ‘Yet, I bad hoped you could help me.” ‘Heaven pity us both, I can tell ndthing.” ‘Then my one hope is gone!” “Say not so, Hope, hope!” “Hope is gone, since you can do nothing, Hope died when help was denied,” Suddenly Mrs, Gray sprung to her feet, “One thing I can do: you shall share my plenty, if nothing more. Here, here is money! Take it, and may God bless you! Take it—” But Ezra Otis recoiled, putting out both hands before him, **No, no; notone penny. It would burn my hands; it would sear my soul, Farewell!” He turned and fled from the room. Heavily his steps sounded on the stairs, and then he was gone, CHAPTER VI. A TIME OF TERROR, AS the days passed, and Blonde Bert failed to get any information from Mrs, Gray, Jim Royal foresaw failure in that attempt and looked around for a fresh bold, Tn the long interview with Gus Leonard, when the latter had formally employed Spotter Jim— promising to pay bim when he could—the ex- cowboy had stated his position in these words: ** Above all'I wish you to understand I am not an idle meddler, A man who would annoy a woman like her is a contemptible creature. This is my position; Mrs, Gray bas trouble so serious tbat she grew desperate enough to at- tempt her own life, yet she will not tell what the trouble is. I wantto save her in spite of herself; to rémove the trouble that has once led her to attempt suicide, and is liable—nay, more than likely—to lead her to that rash step again, Can wesave ber? Letustry. Let us learn her cape tihs nat ; ae aS PE secret, and then, if we cannot help her, we will bury it forever from sigbt,” Convinced that Gus was sincere, Royal took the detective job, and Bertina went to Mrs, Gray’s, Her reports brought no news, Jim saw he must work in another way, ** | know the landlord,” be observed, to Stumps, one morning,” and I'll see if he can help me,’ ‘** Not a hopeful outlook.” ‘Tt can be tried, however,” He went to the landlord and opened the cons versation, ‘*Mrs, Gray? Ob! yes; she has the garret~ room, A ladylike woman who makes an excel-« lent tenant, Prompt pay; no broils; no com, plaints. Has been with me for several months,” ** Have you got well acquainted with her?” “Quite the reverse, You see, I have fiye houses,.and never visit the tenants except on pay-day, once a month, The janitor of each ullding does the rest.” ‘From what place did Mrs, Gray come when she moved into your house?” ‘* Well, that’s the mystery!” “ Mystery?” ‘* Nothing less; I don’t know where she did come from, Butif you want to know just how much we can tell you about her, go to my friend Gordon, of Tenth street. He knows all I do, and much on top of it, Ill give you a note which will O, K, you, and then he will tell you a striking story.” The landlord scratched off the note, and Royal took it and went to Mr. Gordon, The latter was a gentleman past bis fiftieth years but a very bale and hearty man, His air was decidedly gray. and made a striking contrast to hisred face; while his eyes “Were singularly bright. His room looked like an ar senal, Guns, rifles, revolvers, knives and pow- der flasks were there in abundance; and there too, was & mounted deer, a panther, and several specimens of the fowl] family. He received Royal cordially, but hesitated when he read the note, Evidently he did not approve of his friend’s suggestion that he talk freely to the visitor, but, after some conversa- tion, he decided that it was safe, ‘“*T hesitated only for the sake of the lady in the case, and I am persuaded that you would not be knave enough to worry an unfortunate, worthy woman,” ‘* Decidedly not,” Jim agreed, “You shall hear the, story, sir. First of all, look around this room, What does it suggest?” ‘That you are an ardent sportsman.” “That’s just what I am. Don’t think me a crank, sir, The mounted creatures all fell by my own hand, and the weapons—why, every one is for use, and in the best of condition, But to business: *‘ Just before I took the lady to her present landlord I went out hunting, alove, as usual, in the woods of New Jersey.” He mentioned the exact place and went on: ‘*One afternoon I was walking along quietly, riflein band, when I hecrd the Saving of dogs. My own canine companions, of which I bad two, pricked up their ears, but I gave the matter hardly a thought, “Supposing a fellow hunter had struck a trril and had his dogs on it I calmly pursued my way. I did not want tomonkey with the other hunter’s game, and, as we bade fair to.meet, or nearly meet, at the right-angled junction of our trails, I would have’ madea detour bad it nut been for the nature of the ground, “The region was swampy, and only by holding to my course could I find decent walking, ‘*T kept on, and all the while thé unseen do drew nearer to me. I kuew they were of the first rank as hunters, for my experienced ears told me they were making a hot chase of it, and holding tenaciously to the game, ‘‘T make it a rule never to meddle with other hunters, but, as the dogs got so near I caught the hurting fever and grew curious as to the nature of the game, ‘Finally I reached a long, sy pool, and, knowing they must soon break from cover, paused. Almost at once game and dogs ap- peared, and I tell you it was the worst shock of my life. ‘Out from the bushes came a woman who ran at full speed, but that was not saying so very much, With ber flesh scratched and the cloth- ing almost torn fiom her back ty the bushes; pursued at full speed pntil almost every atom of strength was gone; run for ber life and yet finding it slipping away, she staggered like one intoxicated, ‘* And in the rear, close to her now, came they dogs— fierce, strong animals which, to m» - uO > pE Se Soe-ers SSeS Se ee SO S455 s@eprs-so Ieee Th
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The 6 would have seemed noble brutes had they been after legitimate game, but were now veritable devils, **T could hardly believe what I saw. ** A woman hunted by dogs within a hundred miles of New York! **Tt was horrible! ** While I stood incapable of motion the crisis came, The poor fugitive reached treacherous ground and went down, mired to ber waist and helpless, and the dogs leaped upon her, Their great white teeth gleamed in the red expanse of Lheir open jaws, and those jaws were opened to seize, to rend her flesh. ** She uttered a despairing cry of horror. * The end seemed near at band, for the brutes were mad for blood, **] thank Heaven that I roused from my stupor of dismay, and that woman has cause to be thankful that long experience in the woods had made the moment of firing at game the coolest of my life, ‘My splendid repeating rifle — that’s the Weapon on the wall, yonder—was in my hands, It sprung to my shoulder; the bore menaced the greediest dog; I pulled the trigger. Ay; twice I fired, and I sent no bullet in vain, ** When L lowered the rifle the two dogs lay dead on the form of the woman. “T rushed around the pool; I dashed forward wit long steps, Now, indeed, there was fever in uiy blood—ay, it ran like molten lava through my veins, Was she dead or living? She gave no sign. “tt reached the spot; I found a log which made safe footing; I cast off the dead dogs in mad haste, Bhe stirred; she opened her eves; she raised her white arms; she piteously whisperéd: ™~ **Save me! save me!’ “T know not what J said, but with a giant's strength I lifted. her from the foul mass of mud and water, and bore her to dry land, . I laid her down there, She bad fainted. I raised her head on my knee, and I poured down her throat a drink of as pure braniy as New York ever saw. ‘©All along 1 had suspected that the dogs had not run the game on their own responsibility, and I found proof eof it, then. Along her left side was a mark where a bullet, passing between her arm and body, bad cut a gash in her dress for inches, “Think of it! think of it!—but, thank Heaven, there was not even a crease on the skin, **T think 1 blubbered then like an old fool, Mr, Royal. I bad a daughter of about the same age as this woman, and f imagined her hunted by dogs, set on by human fiends, and it was too much for me, ** Presently she recovered, starting up in ter- ror, “** Save me! save me!’ she again gasped. “ Then I set to work to intents her, but it was hoeasy task, I did it, at last, in a meas- ure. I told her tha dogs were dead, and that she was safe in my care, The men did not appear. I don’t know, even now, who they were. “She admitted they had set the dogs on her, and had fired upon her, but she would say no more, Grateful as woman could be she was, but when I asked her to explain all, so I could avenge her wrongs, she would only say: *** Don’t ask me, for I cannot tell!’” CHAPTER VIT, CHUNKY JAK}W’S NIGHT FORAY, Ta narrator paused and looked at vacancy &-i ue, in imagioution, still saw Mrs. Gray and toved her make the assertion. ‘And you've never obtained any light?” ques- tioned Jim Royal, * None whatever.” ¥° hed do you suppose she was so brutally * J don’t know; certainly, I don’t believe it was because of any fault of hers, I found her & mild, amiable woman, and I'll swearjI believe noharmof her, She admitted that enemies had ursuec her, fired at ber and set the dogson her, t further than that she spoke not of the past. As to the future, when I asked where she wished to go, she cried out, sharply: ‘Ou! get mie a place somewhere, anywhere, so I can de forever?” ** And you suggested her present quarters.” “Ves, IT knowof no place this side of the North Pole where ove can bide so effectually as in our own great city. Yes; I attended to the business saw Mrs, Gray safely domiciled pore she is, but I never have bothered her with its, for, grateful as she was, I fancied she . ished to be left alone.” ~~, wd Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. — Here ended bis information, but James Royal he saw that which suddenly impressed him, His went away more than ever anxious to aid Mrs. | hand fell to his side, and he started back, His Gray. Every one united in the opinion that she was a victim of wrong rather than a doer of evil, and though the detective was shrewd enough to see that there was something she dared not tell, it would have given him pleasure to right her wrongs, That evening Bertina called and told Jim of the visit, a few hours before, of Ezra Otis to Mrs, Gray, ‘* After he went away she just got down on her knees and prayed,” Bert explained, * though I didn’t bear a word she said, I don’t know but I ought ter gone in right away, but I felt.so bad fer her 1 couldn’t; an’ when I did go, an’ said kinder careless that she had had a visitor, she never let on a thing.” Royal was silent. The mystery of the duol in the dark deepened. Mrs, Gray aud Otis, both persons of mystery, but, it appeared, of such qualities as to im- press every One favorably, bad met under circumstances which SEnved: whatever had been the troubles which had so environed them, that their past ran together, and that the life-drama of the one was intermingled with that of the other, But what'was the mystery, and where lay the key to the past? **If Otis comes again,” Royal directed, * let me or Bobby know at once. I belisve I can wrest some part of the truth from him, if I can locate him.” Bertina promised, and then went back to the garret, while Jim held a conference on the sub- ject with Stumps aud Bobby. Theories were plentiful, though it was impos- sible to say whether any one of them touched the facts, When they separated they were as wide from the clew as ever, That night Royal retired as usual, but, before seeking his bed, he took from a miniature éasel on the bureau a cabinet photograph and stood looking at it for several minutes, It represented Mrs, Gray, was one of a quan- tity she had kept in her room, and had been brought to Royal by Gus Leonard with the idea of impressing the detective favorably. The plan had not failed, **A good face!” Jim commented, as he put the picture back in its pluce, ‘It was taken when she was happier than now. I would give something to know what bas happened to her since she faced the artist,” He went to bed, and was'soon asleep. Hours passed, The detective dreamed he was in the Jersey woods, and saw a woman who was hunted by a beast, but the beast was a panther, and its ad- vance was slow, He crept near his victim, and the soft patter of bis footsteps sounded in Jim’s ears, causing fright, The dreamer awoke, and was not long in realizing that all this had been unsubstantial matter, but while be lay in thought, not having moved, 4 sound reached his hearing which re- called the imaginary step of the panther, A footfall, soft and low! And in his room! He was about to start up and cha!lenge the in- truder, bat controlled bimself in time, Very slowly and gently he raised his hand to the pil- low and secured his revolver, He dared not cock it, but he held it ready so that a moment’s preparation would put him in defensive, or of- fensive, condition, A little later a match was scratched with great caution, and then some one coolly lighted the gas, Royal, looking in astonishment, saw @ man of extremely muscular build, dressed even to hat, and as he partially turned his face, Jim recog- nized him, It was Chunky Jake! It flashed upon the detective that the fellow had come to revenge bis discomfiture near Wash- ington Square, but Jake did not proceed to hostilities as expected. He ran his gaze over the room as if looking for plunder. Royal’s opinion changed, Chunky Jake doubt- less bad satisfied himself that the occupant of the bed was asleep, but be would not be sc calm if bent on revenge. Doubtless he was at bis old tricks, and acting the burglar; so Royal lay quiet, glad that cir- cumstances brought bis own face into shadow. His clothes were lifted by the intruder, who went through the pockets with more deftness than success, and then, tossing them on the floor, he moved toward tbe bureau. His hand sought the dangling ball that operated the top drawer, but, at that stage of. affairs, he paused and ran his gaze ovar the articles on top. He was after plunder, and none “as there, but a face, plainly revealed to Jim, expressed that which surprised the observer. Chunky Jim wasin terror. Why? Royal could not imagine what article was there to so impress him, and his own interest in- creased, A moment, and then Chunky Jake smiled—a kind of apologetic smile, as if he felt ashamed of some weakness and was trying to convince him- self no weakness bad been felt, He put out a big, bairy hand, and lifted Mrs. Gray's picture ! If he bad been reckless in his disregard of danger before, he was more so now. He moved boldly to the gas and looked atthe pictured face, He turned it in first one position and then another, surveying it critically. His first emotion had betrayed the fact that it had been recognized, and Jim was curious to see what would follow, Suddenly the picture was raised and pressed to the bearded lips, _Then he held it off and, grin- ning and grimacing in fancied humor, bowed to it deeply. This clown-play went on for some time, but he seemed suddenly to remember where he was, Quickly he turned toward the bed, It had been Jim Royal’s plan to feign re if Jake came to look at him, and give the fellow full swing before arresting him, but he was taken off bis guard, Their eyes met, and secrecy was no longer possible. Swiftly the former rose to a sitting ure in the bed, and his ready revolyer was brought to bear on the burglar, ‘* Hands up, Chunky Jake!” the Spotter-detec- tive exclaimed. ‘*I want you!” The law-breaker plainly bad another start, He gazed at Royal in dismay. ‘+ You here!” he exclaimed. * Right here, Jacob, ‘Didn’t you know it?” * Old Jule Cassar! no; [ thougbt twas a com- mon man, Why, dash it, I’d as soon gone inter a lion’s den as your room; I would, b’ thunder!” “Why so?” “Cause you're bad medicine,” was the frank ig ae , ave I ever done you harm?” ‘I’m going to begin! You have entered my room at the dead of night, and I have @ sus- picion that if you bad known who was here I never should bave wakened. I don’t like Mid way, Jacob, and propose to stop your prowling. Consider Seale my prisoner, _If you try to run away I shall ‘wing’ you.” “» **Drat it all! you’re hard on a feller!” ‘Such an inoffensive person may well make the complaint, but it’s my way. What are you doing with thet picture?” “1? Eh? Ob! I didn’t knowl! hadit. Beg yer pardon!” and Jake put it down. ‘* Where is the original of that likeness, now?” the detective asked, tersely and peremptorily. ‘Where? Oh! Lord, don’t know; I never heerd o’ her, nor saw her, in my life.” You are lying, Jake, and you know it, First sight of that picture gave you a shock. Why? Come! this is a confessional, and a statement is in order,” CHAPTER VTII. THE EVIDENCE OF THE LETTER, CHUNKY JAKE was by no means reconciled to the state of affairs, and ever and anon his gaze wandered from Jim Royal and around the room, as if he were looking for a hole to dodge out of, but the revolver kept him in place, Whatever emotion had been aroused by the picture was gone, and he wished himself far away from it. ** Now, I dunno why you should git sech an idee inter yer head,” he complained, ‘I looked at the thing because I admire female beauty—” ““Why will -you lie?” Royal sternly inter- rupted, **T don’t.” “Tt is false] You have seen that woman,” ‘Never, boss; never.” rh Your guilty start, and interest, betrayed ** Now, boss—” “* Come here, Jake!” The order gave the burglar another start. The tone showed him that Spotter Jim meant business and was not to be trifled with. It showed more, Jake knew that, if his com- pavion had bis way, old, familiar haunts and himself would resume former ways before the sun again touched the meridian; in other words, Chunky Jake would be in a police cell, Now, KW
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this he had determined should not be, and the weukness in his nature bad been so crowded to the rear by the bulldog element that he was bound to escape or risk deatb, The detective’s last words showed that the crisis was at band, and the fellow developed valor worthy of a better cause, Stouping suddenly he caught up a chair which had a stout, wooden seat, and one sweep carried it before his faca as a shield, while a bending of his back made the chair a protection for far more than his person. ‘Thus armored he began to retreat backward toward the door, and Jim Royal saw he was in danger of losing his prisoner. With one leap the detective gained the floor and started in pursuit, while Jake put back one hand and opened the door. Royal could at any time have put a bullet through his leg, but this was nota part of his programme, Anxious to bring him to bay at the revolver’s muzzle he overtook him and grasped the chair, With matters thus peculiarly situated an ac- cident occurred, Chunky Jake forgot to lift his feet at the door, and the inevitable result followed. He tripped over the threshold, and, in some way neither ever could clearly understand, pulled Jim forward, The burglar fell, and Jim dropped on top of him, crushing the chair as he went down, It was a point scored for Jake; he could meet his enemy on equal terms, A great breath welled up from his lungs to express his Satisfaction, and he wrapped his arms around the detective. ‘I’ve got yer, cuss ye!” he exclaimed. Qa1ickly Royal tried to writhe away. He had lost. the révolver, and it was no desirable job to meet the big, gladiator-like criminal on even terms—he writhed, but in vain, Jake held fast. ‘ve got yer!” he repeated, exultantly, His strong hand caught Royal’s throat, and murder was in his heart, but«be had no passive victim, Jim wrenehed the hostile hand away, and then an a struggle as fierce, as it was vapid, The burgiar’s chief fear was that his a@iversary would call for help and alarm the lodgers who were near, but as this was not done, Savage joy filled Jake’s mind, ‘* He dies right here!” was the thought of the ruffian, ; He bad no doubt of his ability to c.. *y out the plan. He wasmuch heavier, much stronger tban Royal, and had fall confidence in bis brute prowess. Surely no boy —even a muscular **boy” of twenty like the Spotter—could stand against bim. He sought to end it quickly, but was some- what surprised at the result, Whenever he gained a good hold Jim glided $nake-like out of it, and in return he received a hold which told of steel-like muscles on bis ad- preety’ part. In fact, the big bravo quickly found he had met a singularly able fueman, The fact angered him, and he greeted each futile attempt with muttered curses, but they were even less effsctives than his « ther efforts, Where was all his strength? He wondered «ver the fact, and worked himself into a fever, ‘To be successfully resisted by a mere youth—it wasa disgrace to his manhood, and something he could not endare tamely, Something niust be done—bvut what? What could he do? Cir- cumstances had forced upon him the awazing fact that he had met a man as good as himself, How was he to gain the advantage? Sevivg only one plan he fell back upon it. for a moment he ceased operations until he could get his rightarm wholly at liberty. Upon tiat brawny member he would rely, He would strike Jim iu the face; be would disable him from farther work; he would stun him and ef- fect his own escape; he would smash— The New York tough would nev: r recognize himself if he did not bring tbe word ‘*smasb ” into every trouble, Jake used it, now, ia his unspokea plan of operarions, Tnen be proceeded to ‘* smash,” He swung his arm and tried to get in the ‘low, but, half-way, the arm was arrested by some coil that had been stealthily wrapped around it, and he found .Jim’s own arm in the way. a I bave you, Jacob!” Jim exclaimed, *“ Nary hev, critter!” Jake panted. “You weaken; you tremble; you are faint!” Faint f ‘ Burly Jake could forgive almost anything—he had himself said so—but that®# Could he for- #ive an insult so vile? It was maddening. He, _¢ faint? He, swoonlikea silly school-girl whose chest-diameter was about equal to that of one of his ponderous arms? ** Cuss ye!” he snarled, ‘t you won’t never say that ag’ii. Vil kill yer! Vil smash—” But now Royal swung him over, and the fel- low saw all his plans and his future going to ruin together. This amazing boy was proving a veritable wonder, and the Goliath in the case was the under dog in the fight, in a double sense, Realizing that he must move at once or take his next sleep behind the bars, the bravo col- lected all his strength for a final effort. He moved, and his muscles swelied with the attempt, Again the contestants rolled about rapidly and furiously, and neither could gaina decisive hold, but Jake felt that it was a losing cause for him again. Unluckily for Royal a turn of his body mo- mentarily bent one of his legs sq as to give him a sharp pain, and his hold unconsciously re- Jjaxed. It wa;a chance Jake did not fail to im- prove, ‘ He twisted away and sprung partially to bis feet, and though his enemy’s muscles at once contracted again, bis grasp was on Jake's coat oniy. Then the burglar tried to break away, but in vain, But he thought he heard some one else moving, and a new idea. came to him, With a single contortion he slipped entirely out of the coat, and, leaving the garment in Jim’s grasp, sprung away in haste. He had reason to believe there was.a way for him to get out of the house as he had come ip, and he was eager to do it, His entrance had been purely burglarious, for he bad not known that Spotter Jim lived there until he saw him sitting up in bed, revolver in hand, and now he did not aspire to look for plunder, The detective was oh his feet in a moment, but was seriously handicapped. His late opponent had fled in the darkness, and he had no means of knowing toward what p: int he had gone, Jim made pursuit, but the result proved that he was too Jate; a window was open, and Chunky Jake was gone. Accepting the result as philosophically as pos- sible, Jim fastened tie window and returned to his room, Remembering, however, that be bad gained a trophy in the form of the burglar’s cvat he went to the hall and secured that erticle, At first it did not seem to be very interesting, for it partook of the slovenly nature of its owner, but in one pocket the searcher came up- on a letter, sealed and stamped, and ready for mailing, It was addressed to **Mowbrey Elwell, No. — Sixtieth s.reet, New York,” and the Spotter de- cided that it might he worth reading. He calmly broke it cpen, and. perused the following scholarly production; ‘* Nu york, 18th, to-day. “Mister Mowsrey Enweur, EF Sqvarer, *‘Sur;,—i take plazure in riting to yu to say that i hav a mater uy impportance to bring to yore atten: shun, yu wil rekunize me az aman yu hay had deelings within the passed, i hélped you about mad- dalyin, yu no you pade me like wan jent'eman shud anuther, wich we ar, and though i hav fownd owt yore reel name i should skorn to akt the bla! maler, ian’t that kind, sur. iam aSquare Man, but ihav that to say wichi kno wil bee uy interest to yu. *“ Thare iza person in this sitty that yu o’t to no about, idon’t think she iz a propper person 'o hav att larce. i did think uv ritin’ to poleace head Quarierz abcut itt. but i bad jest az so0.n they wood knot sea my hanadvitin’, See? ‘*this fr ur Goin’ above iz a goke, “now lobizziniss. i hav seen maddylyin’._ she iz in nuyork, to. idon’t no jest whare she livys, but no ebout the place wich is neer 14 street, and will find her if yu say the word. iwant to urn anonist peny, an‘ i gess yu wil pay togit site uv her ag’in. how iz it? “If yu want to higher me, dropp a lyin tothe pos toffis adress i giv heer, an’ let me no thare is munpy init four us both, and i-am aman that kan bee d pentied On. “ Yores respeckabell. * GAKoB GREEN. “kommonly called chunky Guth.” If Mr, Green’s spelling was erratic it was, nevertheless, not a rival to his penmanstip, Big, broad marks were sprawled here and there in confusion, and to read it was about as difficult as it had been for him to write. Spotter Jim had made a discovery! CHAPTER IX, GETTING AT THE SECRET, THE detective’s miud at once reached out to asp the clew which seemed in bis grasp, bunky Jake had written of a woman who lived *neer 14 street,” an! whose name was ‘*maddylvin.” It was but natural that he should think of Madeline Gray, who lived on ' Thirteenth street, and though he had not known The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark, 7 that Jake had any knowledge of her, corrobora- tive evidence was almost at bis elbow, There lay Mrs. Gray’s picture where the burglar bad thrown it down, and bis conduct at | sight of it had not been forgotten, **’ Maddylyin’ is Madeline,” was the ready | decision, ‘* and if the Madeline of this case is not | Mrs, Gray, then Chuuky Jake's emotion is very deceptive,” The Spotter believed he had found the desired thread which, followed, would lead up to the web, and the principal question now became, who was Mowbrey Hiwell! ‘*T don’t know, but I intend to find out, to- morrow,” he declared, as be returned to bed, He obtained but little more sleep that night, and bad an early breakfast. Going from there to a drug-store he found a directory and, in it, this record: ‘Elwell, Mowbrey; president Marlstone National Bank; house, — dSixtieth street.” Royal’s eyes brightened, * President of a bank, eh? Now, I think I shali be able to Jearn more about him in a short time, I will see to it at once,” He bad a friend who moved in the dizzy whirl of Wall street, and as it .was too early for bim to be at his office, it was probable he was at home. That be was there was proved when Jim ar- rived, ‘* Well, this is an early call, Royal,” remarked the financier, ‘‘ but you are just as welcome, Sit and smoke with me until I go out.” “Vm inclined to think I sball go first, for I Lave come on business—” ‘Fire ahead!” ‘Do you know the president of the Marletens Bank ?” oe ‘\Mowbry Elwell? Yes, and no; I know bim by sigbt, and always bow to him when we mieet, Lut when you speak of acquaintance, I can’t say Tam in it,” “What do you know about him?” “Well, Elwell cuts quite’ a swath in the money world, but rumor says he leaves a ragged etubbie, Time was when he was a big gun, but neither be nor his bank stands very bigh to-day. There were rumors, Jast winter, that tbe institu- tion was not on firm footing, Lut they seem to bave weathered the pale; [ know their credit is better than then, though wot, Al, There is lack _of confidence in Elwell. and in his bank,” ‘*So much for him as a business man, What do you know of him as a private individual?” ‘* Less, far less, almost notbing. I don’t know where he lives, or what family he bas, I do know he once bad a son, Piercey Elwell, who died when about thirty years of age, He was'a very different man, I assure you,’ “ Well liked, I take it?” ‘* Yes, by everybody. He must bave got his good qualities trom his m:ther, I think, He was a frank, honest, manly fellow who inspired busj- ness and social confidence, He was very young you see, but he built up the credit of M. Elwell & Son—they were in business, then—wonder- fully, When he died the business went to the dogs. There was no failure, but it was common talk that old Mowbrey did not take a dollar more out of the business than be put in when be and Piercey started, It true, that meant a shrinkage of upward of a hundred thousand dol- lars, sure,” ** When did Piercey die?’ ** About four years ago.” ‘* Was he married?” ** Yes,” ‘Is his wife living?” ‘‘T haven’t the Jeast idea, He was spoken of as a married man. and that is all I know about ir. But, see here, Royal, you can do better than to question me.” “What?” ‘Go to Fifty-seventh street aud see a friend of mine. He don’t like old Mowbrey and will tell all the mean things he knows about the old man. On the other band, be will not ie about Elwell, or anybody else; you'can rely upon what le says. Go, by al) means!” Jim went, atd again found a ready talker, “Yes, I know oll Mowbsey,” was the frank reply to his question, after bis standing had been established, *‘ but I kn w no good of him, Am [ talzing in confidence?” ** Decidedly, yes.” ‘* Well, Mowbrey Elwell is a rascal, and the world is going to find it out, some day. Tex- pee him to wreck the Marlstone Bank, though hope that won’t come,” +f Has he ever been caught in business crookeds ness? ‘*\ No, or be would not be at the head of the bank, Still, be is under suspicion by many EEE a
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_ man fight do it, out of eccentricity; a true wo- poo! make yer mark som’ers else, ine? 8 The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. men. A devious old twister is Elwell. I wouldn’t trust him with a counterfeit dollar!” * What family has he?” “Only an old maid sister, now Piercey Elwell is dead.” ** But Piercey’s widow?” ** Said to be in Europe.” **Why do you put emphasis on the word ‘said? ” ** Because I don’t know about it. Sheis gone somewhere; has been gone over two years; but I won't swear she is sojourning among our cousins of British, French, German, or other blood, have always thought there was a mystery about Madeline Elwell—” ** About whom, sir?” * Piercey’s wife was named Madeline, was going to say, I’ve always thought there was something very odd about her departure from New York,” “ Why so?” ; ** Because she was as popular as Piercey had been, and, though a resident of the vicinity for only a short time, comparatively, when she te MY away it was without bidding any one good- As I “How do you account for that?’ Jim asked. Ma companion shook his head and said no- ng. “You don’t suspect anything wrong?’ con- tinued the Spotter, ** Mr, Royal, I don’t know what to think, I hate Mowbrey Elwell, and say so frankly, but I don’t want to do him injustice, Consider the case, and judge for yourself: Do you think a young, charming woman, social, refined, amiable and popular, would run away between two days, as [ may say, and not tell her best friend? A an, never!” “Was she wealthy?” ™*Not in her own right; she was a Connecticut girl, report said, and without means,” * But as the widow of Piercey Elwell?” **Tt is said by honest men who ought to know that her share of his property remained in the firm and was about wiped out by its shrink- age; but that she stated she was fully paid her just due, and had the money in a safe place, where only she could getat it, Oh!Idon’t think her money got her into trouble!” ‘Was she in trouble?” “Tf not, why did she go away thus? But did she go so suddenly b cause of trouble which she knew of, or did some other trouble come un- expectedly? To put it more plainly, did she run away, or was she stolen away?” The suggeetions thus thrown out so impressed Jim Royal that he was silent, Presently the former speaker added: **T don’t know but Ido a criminal act in giv- ing words to my thoughts, but I never have been repared to believe that Mowbray Elwell told be truth when he said that Madeline had gone to Europe.” “If it was not a money matter, why should he lie, or wish to get her out of the way?” ‘I can’t say, and that is why I feel that I am to blame for speaking thus, Believe me, though I have always spoken my opinion of Elwell as a business man with frankness, I ‘am not in the habit of tattling, nor have I ever wantonly in- jured his reputation, but often have I asked my- aelf; Did young Mrs. Elwell go away because she was in trouble, or did her father-in-law hus- tle her ee because she was in his way ?” The speaker ‘had “oahd a& suggestive question, and he would have been more impressed by it, himself, if he had beard what Jim could tell, The detective was now convinced, in the light of Cbunky Jake's letter, and other matters, that Madeline Elwell and Madeline Gray were one, He asked other questions of his companion, but the latter had told all he could, and, present- ly, Royal went away, meditating deeply on what he had heard, CHAPTER X. THE REVOLVER-MAN, “Air! Benny, old chap, how be you?” The speaker was Bobby Blossom, and he had walked up to a boy of hisown age and slapped him op the back in a friendly way, ** Hi! that you, Bobby?” wasthe reply. ‘‘ Why, I ain’t seen you ina month,” ** Don’t git inter friverlous society much, now,” Mr, Blossom gravely returned, ** Be you still a detective?” “ That’s my line,” Bobby returned, with dig- nity. ay iminy! but don’t I wish I’s one, too!” “Wal, ef you don’t git in public Jife, mebbe W’ot’s your ‘‘l’'m an errand boy. I’ve jest been in here on | but you will push the winkers all back from p biz.” He indicated the building back of them, and Bobby looked at it more closely. ‘¢'Tle Marlistone National Bank. Say, Benny, ef we had all the money in that place, we needn’t go ter do no work.” “* We ain’t got it,” **No, an’ it ain’t likely we shall hev. We ain’t bank-robbers, an’ in biz, honest folks git rich slow, There is them, Benjamin, who want ter git rich at one jump, an’ the fever on: turns them from the path o’ righteousness, feller with that fever is a poor critter, by gum! Better go slow an’ keep in the path of honor. Eh, Benny?” But the second boy did not answer. He was looking into the bank building with a fixedness which amounted to a stare, and, plainly, had forgotten all about Bobby. ‘*'Yowlin’ cats! w’at you see, Ben—a ghost?” Say, d’ye see that fat man?” ‘ es, ‘“‘T seen him do an awful funny thing, one night.” ** What?” * “Shoot at a woman!” ‘* What! a man o’ his cloth? You don’t say so! Pretty biz fer sech an aristocratic swell. How was it?” ‘Wal, you see I wuz over on Charles street, near Greenwich avenue, an’ it was so late the street was about deserted. In fact, I thought nobody else was stirrin’ there but me, but all of a sudden I heerd quick, funny steps like a wo- man makes when runnin’, pene I heerd a man’s voice say, quick an’ sharp: caljin’ ter her in a commandin’ way, ez my dad will say ter me when he calls me up ter be licked, “T turned quick an’ see a woman runnin’, au’ close behind her was the man, He was big an’ fat, an’ seemed ter know he had no show fer ketchin’ her by runnin’, so he says, ag’in: ‘ Stop, Madeline! “But she didn’t stop fer a cent, an’ then he jest jorked a revolver outo’ his pocket an’ raised it, Before you could say ‘Scat? he fired, an’ I heerd her give a little cry, but she wa’n’t hurt, ‘* She kept runnin’ like a hero, an’ she come under the wire first, He pounde! alohga few steps about like an ellefant, bat he see he was not in it, an’ he give up, turned back an’ went the other way. ** OF course she got off, clean, ‘*Ef any perleecemen beerd the shootin’ he took a sneak jest the contrary way, fer he an’ nobody else didn’t show up. That's all,” Bobby quickly asked: ** Be you sure the shooter was the same man who went in here?” Benny looked surprised, “Why, cert!” he returned, ‘* An’ the woman? Would you know her ef you see her again?” “ Pm ‘most dead sure I would,” ‘‘ Wal, that’s slick. Now, see here—be you busy?” ‘* 1s ter get back at noon,” “Good! Timeenongh. First of all, I noticed when this coppulent gent went in, that the feller over yonder—janitor, I s’pose he’is—spoke ter him meek an’ bumble like, He knows the cop- pulent gent. Moreover, I’m goin’ ter find out jest who he is. Rivet yer heels ter the side- walk fer a space o’ time, Benjamin, an’ Vll pre- cipitate my anatomy through the door and cate- chise the janitor.” With this ponderous announcement Robert went, and soon had the attention of his man, ‘* General, I beg yer pardon, but who was that big man vou was speakin’ at a jiffy ago?” “That,” was the consequential reply, ‘* was Mowbrey Elwell, president of the Marlstone National Bank,” ‘** All right; much obliged.” Bobby returned to his young friend in a some- what dazed mood, It was pretty hard to be- lieve that a bank president would go wandering about the streets of New York, shooting at women, but it remained a fact that all the vio- lent work done in the city was not confined to the recognized criminal classes. The young Spotter was getting excited, and he took Benny under his wing, figuratively, and proceeded to escort him up-town somewhat. At a florist’s he stopped and purchased a neat bouquet, and then went to Thirteenth street, ** Now, Benjamin,” be explained, ‘1m goin’ in ter give these smellers to a widder, an’ I want you to see the deed done, Yeu will go as fer as the door, an’ stand there as mcdest an’ lady-like ez you know how, See? You won't say nothin’ unless she opens the cannonade, ( *. * Madeline! It was jest as ef he was | ay an’ look sharp ter see ef yer know her, bh ‘*T’'m on.” ** Folier yer leader, then,” With his usual confident manner Robert walked into Mrs, Madeline Gray’s room. She and Blonde Bert were there, engaged in sewing, and the detective presented the flowers with ap- propriate remurks, e did not linger long, but, with his friend, retraced his steps to the sidewalk. There he turned sharply. “Wal, Benjamin?” ‘*That’s the woman!” declared Ben, with em- phasis. ‘The one who was shot at by Elwell?’ “ Yes,” ** Sure?” “Tm just as sure as that I’m standin’ on m trotters, now,” was the confident reply. ‘“ couldn’t make no mistake, I had a good look at both 0’ them, ef it wuz short, an’ you don’t sup- pose I could forget her,do you! Not much! She’s the one, an’ you kin jest set it down Jer keeps. I’d swear toit. See?” ‘*T think I do, Benjamin!” responded the Spot- ter, significantly. He bad no further use for Ben, so he parted with him soon after and went to Stumps’s room, That gentleman and Jim Royal were there in earnest conversation when Bobby came in like a small whirlwind, dashed his cap down on the floor and exclaimed: *¢ Feller-citizens, ve got em!” ‘Got what?’ Stumps asked, a twinkle in his eyes. ‘‘ Snakes?” ‘* Naw!” returned Bobby, in disgust, ‘“T’ve got.a p’inter on Madeline’s case, or else ’ma perjurer, Anyhow, I’ve found out that she’s got an enemy in the person of one Mowbray El- well, ter wit, namely; bank president, nabob aun’ fat man! "He's a bug, b’jinks!” Royal and Stumps exchenged glances, “Explain, Robert,” the senior Spotter di rected, Bobb soon told, was not reluctant, and the story was Then followed Jim’s, and the. trio unanimously arrived at an opinion, ; Madeline Elwell, daugbter-in-law‘of the presi- dent of the Marlstone Bank, was not in Europe; it was a fact that, as suggested to Jim, there was trouble between ber and Mow brey ; the trouble™ was so serious that he bad once fired at ber, to kill or to alarm her; and Madeline Elwell and Mrs, Gray were one, “There ain’t one chance in a hundred fer @ fluke on that,” Stumps decided, “‘ Whoopee!” cried Bobby, ‘ The Three Spot ters are in the swim again!” or ‘Are they?’ Royal answered. ‘‘ We are i the work ina peculiar way. True. Gus Leonard has employed us in due form, but Mis, Gray bas not. She bas not intimated that there is crime afloat, and, probably, she would set her foot down heavily on any attempt on ovr part to work up the case.” ‘Yowlin’ cats!” gasped young Mr, Blossom, “ you ain’t goit.”’ ter give 1t up, be you?” “* Rest easy; I have no intention of it. I only want to warn you that we may #¢t no case IP court; it may end in a private settlement. Mrs. Gray kas been injured by ber deceased hus- band’s father. 1 do not doubt that he was responsible for the awful scene when she was hunted by dogs, He even fired at her with in- tent to kill. Oh! don’t worry, but tkere is reason enough for us to work, and work we will. thing puzzles me; What connection bas Eze Otis with this case?” CHAPTER XI. HUNTED DOWN, Tt was evening. Bertina had been out on an errand. When she re-entered the house she saw a large man go- ing up the first flight of stairs, As this was her own route, she followed, He ascended the second flight, and again she followed, < But when be started up the third she stoppett in surprise. This stairway Jed to the upper floor, and the only person who had a room there was Mrs, Gray. ; ‘Maybe he’s made a mistake—or it may be the man after the renf.” These thoughts were natural, for Mrs. Gray never received any visitors who were unknown to Bertina. Accepting the lastidea as one probably correct, the girl went on lightly. "The corpulent man had paused near the head ofthe stairs, and was looking around doubttully 9 at last, without seeing Blonde Bert, altbongh { Onda ut he - bad almost reached bim, be started forward, un+
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» was, and the trouble you have given me. ceremoniously opened the door of Mrs, Gray’s room and entered, He pushed the door back 1 catch, being out of orwer, fsii~! remained oped an inch or iors, Bertina heard a frightene: cry—tue voice of Mrs. Gray. ‘¢Bnough of that!” cried the man, harshly, ** No melo-drama now, for I won’t allow it!” “‘ You, here!” gasped the widow, ** Right here.” ‘‘ Heaven have mercy!” ** You have appointed your judge; let us see what decision will be handed in,’ was the sneer, Bertina pushed the door further open,’ She could sea both plainly, now, The man, who was very well dressed and of substantial appearance in all ways, looked ugly and dangerous; Mrs, Gray was almost as white as the handkerchief in her hand, and, plainly, in terror. “Why have you come hare?” she faltered. ““ To gee you—on business |” “Heaven help me, I had hoped never to see you again.” “No doubt, Guilt always fears the accuser,” “Guilt! What have I done?” ‘¢-You’ve turned against the family you should have stood by through life and death, You, a country beggar, elevated to wealth, honor and socia] position by the foolish fancy of a foolish boy—you dare to turn against the power that raised you from the mire?’ ‘“ How have I done that? How did I ever prove falsé to the family honor? How did I ever tarnish the name of Eiwell?” ‘¢ Bnough that I knew your intentions.” ** You did not know them!” ‘‘- Woman, you need not lie to me; it is useless, I know you; I know-your desires. 1 know what you would have done ere now but for the firm- ness I have’ used.” ‘‘Firmness! Heaven savethe name! Was it firmness to send me to a living death, to set madiened dogs upon me, to fire at me with murderous intent when you met me in the street?” ” © Whatever I have done, you deserved it. Reared as you were in the bogs and woods of Connecticut you may not understand the de- mands of polite society, but I think you will by the time I get through with you.” ‘Heaven help me, your lessons, such as they are, have already been abundant!” Mrs, Gray exclaimed, ‘‘And now—now, why are you here?” He regarded her with a pitiless face, * Why, think you?” Ts it to complete the work you began in the street? Is it to do murder? **So, you know your deserts!” **T know your nature,” ‘You are impertinent, woman. How dare ou address such language to me? My honor 8 without blemish, and always has been, and if I have used slightly rigorous measures with you, it is because you have forced me to do it to pre- serve the family honor.” * Aud who put the family honor in jeopardy? Who—? “*T know who the traitor in my own household Tt has been constant toil and study for me to keep you evlove it, but the wold, and it from) mally ruining the good pame my son be- sto wer upon you io marriage,” ““Mowbrey Elwell, do not act the hypocrite!” Mrs. Gray cried, with more spirit. “I expect to face your pitiless enmity; I expect—just Heaven! I know not what I do not expect!—but Task you not to act the hypocrite, You know Tam guiltless. Admit this you mnst, for you cannot deny it. Why are you here?” ** You want to keep me to the point, eh?” re- turned Elwell, with a slow, mean’ng gmile, “Well, since you are so anxious I will say that I have a revolver in my pocket—” “And lam doomed? So be it—I will not ask for merey. I have been hunted for years; [ have known the horrors of a living death; the terror of being dragged down in a swamp by ravenous dogs; the sickening reality of not being able to go out on the street without meeting one who was ready to slay me—my life has been made torture, and I ask not to endure it longer, your work and have it over. Here, here is the chance; do your worst!” The excited woman threw open her arms and Stood where she presented her left side as a con- venient target, but Mowbrey Elwell met the ap- 1 with the usual slow smile, “Don’t let us rush this matter, Madeline. There is one chance left.” She heard the statement without apparent in- idee The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. ** And that?” **People who once knew you in my circle believe you are sojourning in Europe; [ have so told them. Make the belief a reality: go to Europe and swear never to return, and you shall be saved.” *T refuse.” “ce Why?” ‘* Because there, «s here, I should be under watch. I should be in even greater danger than here, since an American abroad cannot hide as well as among her own people. Curiosity always hovers around a stranger in a\strange land. There, your tools could mark my every movement, and, knowing this, I should never feel safe. At any moment I might meet your assassins, Perhaps it is to get such a chance you would send me there, I will not go!” Her firmness caused the first ripple of uneasi- ness on Mowbrey Elwell’s part, ‘*' You are mad!” he exclaimed. **T am desperate! You bave hunted me until life has become a burden, JIask not to endure it longer. Do your work now—now/ Do it, and leave the rest with Providence. Draw your re- volver—I am content!” Her utterance thrilled Bertina. The widow was in the same mood as when she sought the house-top. Her calmness was terrible, and Ber- tina could endure it no longer. She saw Elwell’s hand fall to his bip-pocket, and the expression on his face convinced her that he would soon obey Mrs, Gray’s order. Bertina had been fascinated—charmed as by the malign influence of the rattlesnake—but her witssuddenly began to work rapidly, and, know- ing her own weakness, she moved to get help elsewhere, Turning, she ran quickly and rapidly down the stairs and opened the door of Gus Leonard’s room. The place was dark, and when she spoke there was no answer, Was he absent, or aslee)? Determined to learn she took what seemed the quickest way and lighted the gas, Gus was not there. She was alone. She stood troubled and dazed, uncertain what she had best do to save Mrs. Gray, when, all at once, she became aware that some one was ascending the stairs above—a man, Was. help at hand? Was it Leonard? She ran out into the ball, reaching tbat point pe as the man gained the top of the stairs, scoznition at once followed. It was Ezra Otis! Anxious to seek the help even of such a man, Bert ran up the steps, but when she reached the floor above, Otis, encouraged perhaps by a brief cessation of conversation, and thus unwarned that: Mrs. Gray had’ a caller already, had en- tered the room. Bertina heard an exclamation of surprise in Elwell’s voice, and then hastened to the door in time to see a striking tableau, Ezra Otis was the central figure, and it went withctit sayin that he would rather have been a thousan miles away, He stood staring at Elwell as if he had seen a ghost, and bimself almost as white ag such spec- tral forms are fancied to be, Terror was expressed in every feature—wild, uncontrollel terror; and his breathing was sudi- ble. Elwell broke into a harsh, triumphant laugh, “By my life!” be cried, ‘ this meeting is most timely, and I’m glad to know the company our lady keeps. Birds of a feather flock together. Welcome, Sir Jail-bird!” CHAPTER XII, A CYCLONE FROM THE WEST. EVEN the last few barsh words did not arouse Otis from bis stupor. He could only gaze at Mowbrey Elwell, the look of terror never leav- ing his face, The bank president turned to Mrs. Gray. ‘*T see, madam, you have found a consoler in your exile!” he sneered. ‘* Pray, what parson tied the knot?” With stony calmness she returned: ‘“ This is the second time I have seen him in ears.” ‘* Indeed? Well, that part matters not to me; your associations are not my concern, On the other band, there is nobody else whose presence would give me so much pleasure as that of this man,’ “T_T didn’t know you were here,” muttered Ezra, ‘*No? That’s odd! Isupposed you did know, and had rushed to my arms witb zeal, to tell me how you escaped from Sing Sing.” Otis drew a deep breath, but said nothing: “Where is your striped uniform?’ Elwell io de 2 ee 9 added, in the same sneering vein, ‘ You ought to wear it suill, for you will remember you did not wait to serve your time out, An escaped convict! Do you tell those you meet of the fact?” **T tell them nothing.” ** Possibly you are not proud that you did time for the State,” Sudden fire leaped into the man’s face, ‘*T am proud of one thing—proud that I went there an innocent man!” **Can you prove that statement?” Otis turned and pointed to Mrs, Gray, ‘‘ There is the only person who can prove the fact!” he returned, in a deep voice, “No, no!” she quickly answered; “I cannot prceve it. Don’t wrong me further; don’t eB me all selfish and evil. I cannot prove i Mowbrey Elwell was a shrewd man, and he guessed more of the truth from these few words with the expression of face and inflection of voice that A gr them, than a less astute person would, is first idea that they were in close bonds of friendsbip, if not of matrimony, he now saw to be false. Even Ezra’s rags pro- claimed it when contrasted with Mrs, Gray’s neat, attractive dress, ‘* Never mind all this,” the banker resumed, with fresh confidence, “I want to talk with you, sir. You are an escaped convict, You decapitated your term at Sing Sing by a good many years, and, as jail-birds are not desirable members cf society, you'll have to go back,” “Tl die, rather!’ “Oh! will you? Your mind and Madeline’s run in the same channel, it seems, Well, if you both feel that way, I would suggest that rat- poison is cheap, e? But you are not si) piite tic as you seem, sir, and Time has not yet molded you into a dying vessel, You hang to life as to your old ways, Well, when I go out T’'ll send a policeman in to see you.” Ezra folded his arms, and spoke with the calmness of despair: ‘* He will not take me alive!” Elwell turned to Mrs, Gray: ‘* Madam, go for an cflicer!” ST arr Go, but see to it you don’t try to run awry, Ihave a man on watch outside,” this was a would-be sbrewd falsehood—*“ who will at once nab you if you try it, Neither of you can escape me. Go!” *T will not!” **To you defy me?” “Sir,” Mrs. Gray returned, feverishly, ‘ for long years that man has suffered through my silence ; now, be shall not endure one hardship through act of mine. May Heaven give its pro- tection to him, and enable bim to escape the toils you would spread for his feet, Do with me as you will, kill me if you wish, but this hear me swear: I will not go as you order!” Fury appeared in Mowbrey' Wlwell’s face, and he grasped her arm witb savage rouglness. * Dolt! Idiot!” he eried, ** you will obey me or Pll throw you headlong down the stairs!” He began dragging her toward the door, bat had taken only two steps when there was a sud- den, sharp sound—a crash—and Bank President Elwell lay sprawling on the floor, He bad been knocked down by a blow as neat as any pro- fessional could bave delivered, and the strength which went with it was amazing. Elwell had an unpleasant notion that his left eye had been jammed clean through his bead. Despite this, being a hardy man, he floun- dered over on his knees and rose with agil- ity rarely seen in one of his size, He supposed, of course, that he owed the blow to Ezra Otis, but, on gaining bis feet, saw that an entirely new actor was on the scene: an athletic young man. He glared at hit madly. «© Did you do that?” “Yes,” the young man replied, coolly, “How dared you?! How—” ‘How dared I? Why it don’t take any great courage to knock over a fat sneak like you! om What?” roared Elwell. ‘Hogs are killed every day that are better men than you.” ‘* Dare to speak like that again and—” ‘What will you do, bully? Are you a fighter, Sir Ruffian? Do you object to be called villain, coward, dog, sneak or loathsome reptile? You are sll of these! You are anything buta man / You are a creature too, meap, too utterly contemptible to contaminate this earth. with your vile presence, If you find aught in i re- are \ re marks which seems lacking in respect, wha you going to do about it ?”
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— ye Lia imén down L ‘ geen by any For once Elwell was speechless, His bound- less pride of worldly position had been shocked by the first uncomplimentary name applied to him, and he purposed making a big bluster about it, but when other like terms came flouting in in such a perfect deluge be was utterly dumfounded, And to cap the climax this insolent fellow was as cool as ice; was wholly free from swagger or ** toughness,” and looked capable of standing by all he said. Fivally the aristocrat found speech. ** Who—who are you?” he asked, chokingly. **My name is Gus Leonard, and, lest you should forget it, here is my card,” And the aggressive ex-cowboy flung a bit of tehoard at Elwell so deitly that it struck full n the latter’s face, This additional insult did not improve Mow- brey’s temper, “You ruffan!” he exclaimed, ‘if I wire a “younger man [ would not submit to this,” “If you were a younger man you would not be in one piece, now, Ruffian is a word which fits well on your lips, for a man of less ignoble mold would not be guilty of seizing a lady as you did, and threatening to throw her down the stairs, Were there one iota of shame left in our degraded mind you would blush at recol- ection of your own infamy, sir, and if I descended to the level of using coarse terms, it wus only because they seemed to fit to the let- ter. Furthermore, if you have any grievance, you are at liberty to seek satisfaction any way you choose. Asan actor of the role of bully to- ward. women you are a success, Now, let us see how you deal with men /” Gus was almost overmastered by his indig- nation, Mrs, Gray’s wrongs made his honest blood boil, Elwell gave him no chance to act on thedefen- sive. Already the banker’s injured eye was swelling reply and it bade fair to be closed for repairs ere long. He did not care to invite further trouble of that kind. “TI do not care to pit my age against yours,” he finally seid, his yoice low and busky and his face pile; “nor amla disciple of the prize- sing—” ‘* Your forte is bullying women, sir!” Gus re- torted, “* As you are two to my one I will not stay to quarrel; I have no wish to be butchered by bar- barians—” * T know your refined way; it is to throw wo- as stairs!” Elwell was furious. He could not say any- ‘thing without receiving one of the cutting re- torts for which Gus seemed to be famous, and they cnt more than éven Leonard imagined, It was not that the banker was wedded to a notion of honor, true or counterfeit, but it galled him amazing] that he was thus addressed, “T will go,” Ke muttered, chokingly. * And I will walk with you a couple blocks, If you see fit to have me arrested for striking you, all well and good; but this you can rely upon: You are not going to send in a gang of toughs whom you may have near, for all 1 know, Vil walk with you!” “* T object.” * Your emecdion is overruled,” “But I will not walk—” “ You will walk with me. Go on!” Paler yet became the face of the discomfited knave, but as be marked the inexorable ring in Leonard’s voice he knew how useless remon- strance would be, and pride prevented him from making any. Side by side they went out. CHAPTER XIII, GONE! WHEN the two men were fairly gone Bertina looked around to see what was left after the storm, When Gus arrived on the scene he had taken everything into his own bands and ab- sorbed all the attention, and Bert bad been one of the most attentive listeners, She now saw Mrs. Gray sitting in a chair, Jooking pale and ill, but visua! search for Ezra Otis was not so successful. He had taken ad- vantage of the encounter between Leonard and Elwell, and slipped out quietly without being one, Bertina knelt by her friend’s side. Ob! Mrs, Gray,” she exclaimed, ‘* you don’t know how sorry | be fer you?” **T can easily believe it, child.” * Don't you worry any more, fer Gus will look out fer you.” Mr, Leovard i: kind and brave,” * Meo, ob! meo, but didu’t he just “light on / ae = The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. that man! Why, it sounded like a pistol-shot, an’ be went over like I’ve seen ten-pins in a bowlin’- alley; an’ he rattled ’most as much, too, If I could hit hke that l’d just like to see that wretch come in here!” Bertina’s eyes flashed, and she doubled up ber smal] bands to illustrate how she would do it. Mrs,{Gray did pot answer. She believed Gus fully able to care for himself, so she turned her thoughts from him to other matters, She won- dered what would be the result of all this to others, Ezra Otis had fled, and, warned, as be was, might be able to keep out of, sight, but what of herself? Elwell had discovered her refuge, and there would beno furtber safety for her there, It was upon her lips to make a certain state- ment to Bertina, but she changed her mind and said nothing, ‘hey sat together, band in band, waiting and watching, For what? Every moment they expected to hear footsteps on the stairs, Whose coming would they herald? Leonard was expected back, and so did both ex- pect, though the matter was not mentioned, that others would appear. Bertina Jooked to see El- well come with officers of Jaw with him, but Mrs, Gray, well aware that the man had no de- sire to divulge the case to the public, expected bravos, rather, She sat in silence, waiting for him—waiting as the condemned criminal might in his cell for the coming of the executioner, yet without even the small consolation of being condemned by lawful powers, Her nerves were all aquiver, and the least sound in the lower part of the house made her change color, When would the blow fall? As time passed and it was deferred, the idea which bad before been in ber mind returned, and was this time entertained with more gravity. She was about to mention it when Bertina; who bad been thinking also, hesitatingly remarked: ‘‘Tr Mr. Leonard would come back, so you wouldn’t be alone, I'd like ter go out.” “Why sbouldv’t you go, any way?” ‘Tm afraid that horrid rman will come,” * T can go to Mr. Leonard’s room, and no one will think of looking for me there. In fact, Rer- tina, I would iike to Le alune for a litle while, to lie down and rest and get over my nervous- ness,” Blonde Bert thought this a very good idea, and they proceeded to act upon it, She put on her bat and accompanied Mrs. Gray to Leonard’s quarters, and then went.out, She saw none of the male actors in the late scenes. She burried slong without any pause until she reached Greenwich avenue, and then, entering the house where Stumps lived, burst into his room in a state of some excitement. She had been far-seeing enough to understand that there could be no more safety for the widow at her present home, and she not only wished to ask The Three Spotters to take charge of the matter and protect Mrs, Gray, but felt that the sooner they knew of recent events, the better it would be, Mrs, Gréy, Ezra Otis and Mowbrey Elwell were so plainly shown to be all concerned in one case, whatever it was, that the information was highly valuable, Cousiderably to Bert’s surprise, she found Gus Leonard already there, He had been ahead of her with his story, This fact did not make her less welcome, how- ever; she was warmly received, and at once plied witb questions, for she had heard far more than Leonard. The latter had arrived on the scene only a few moments before he made his appearance and served Elwell in such a sum- mary fashion, ‘*What have you learned of the case, Ber- tina?’ asked Jim Royal, *T do believe 1 ain’t learned a thing, I've been goin’ over it, and though they did a neor of talkin’, I can’t see as I’m much wiser than was,” * But have you no clew to the mystery of Mrs, Gray’s life?” ** Nothin’, only Elwell is mad at her.” * And Ezra Otis?” * He’s an escaped convict,” **T’m not surprised,” “*T don’t think he’s bad /” “Some convicts are not; some are victims to circumstances, or to the scben es of enemies, It would not surprise me if Otis owes all his dif- ficulties to Elwell. _ By the way, you must have beard Plwell’s reat name—for, of course, he’s not named Ezra Otis?” ‘+ No; [didn’t hear it. For all they talked so much they never spoke it,” ‘Then we are pot likely to get that thread, at present. But go over the interview and let vs know just what you did bear.” Bertina obeyed, and told tiie story elcquently. All her sympathy was with Mrs, Gray; she hated the banker vehemently,and there were no excuses for bim in her account. Plainly and truthfully told the story revealed the man in all bis glarin villainy, and Gus was complimented all aroun for the blow he had struck. “It is my opinion,” decided Jim Royal, presently, ‘“‘that you and I, Mr. Leonard, should call on Mrs, Gray and endeavor to have an understanding. Situated as she is, she can- not in reason decline to confide in, and receive the help of her friends. Working in the dark we are poorly equipped for defense, but with all the facts known to us, we canact intelligently.” “That's true.” “Then let us go to ber, at once.” Gus agreed promptly, and they and Bertina went at once, Reacbing the bouse they ascend- ed to the upper floors. OUnthe way they looked into Leonarda’s room, but it was vacant, Then they wert to Mrs. Gray’s quarters, ““Why! she ain’t here!” The exclamation came from Bertina as she gained view of theroom, The place was just as the girl had left it, but Mrs, Gray was not there, “Can she have goneto one of the other ten- ants?” Gus asked, anxiously. ‘* She never visited anybody,” Blonde Bert re- minded, trouble in every tone. Jim Royal tad been using his eves to good purpose, and he pow quickly crossed the ficor and lifted a sheet of paper which had been lying there. A few lives were upon it; written ina hurried way, it seemed, and he read all. Then he turned a troubled face toward his compan- ions. ‘‘Ts it from her?” Bertina demanded, eagerly. “You sball hear. Listen!” And he read as follows: * To My Frienps:— ‘*Forreasons sufficient to me I have decided to away fora few days. Keep my roonmrasgitis, ant wili return to cecupy it, shortly. ‘* MADELINE GRaY.”’ Blonde Bert’s eyes sparkled with sudden fire, ‘¢She never wrote that!” the girl cried. **T believe you,” Royal agreed, promptly, ‘Even ef we had no reason to suspect trouble might come to her, I should not believe it, Would she write aletter like that, never men- tionin’ me nor Mr, Leonard, an’ goin’ off all of a sudden without givin’ a reason? No, sir; she wouldn't! She never wrote it; never, never /” The speaker was excited, but she only voiced the belief of the otbers, They did not know anything about her style of penmanship, and the writing was celicate enonghb to be a lady’s, but the note, itself, was not natural. Madeline Gray was not one to pen such a cocl, off-hand note, “Tf she did mot write it, some enemy did,” Royal proceeded, ‘“My God! she has fallen into Mowbrey El- well’s hands!” Leonard exclaimed, “Yes, yes: that fiend has got her!” Bertina agreed, sobbing, ‘‘Ob! why did Togo away? She is lost foreve>.” j : “No!” eried the Spotter, ina ringirg voice, “She is gone, but, at last, we know her enemy, We know him, and we will bunt him down and rescue her. The world is not wide enough to screen him from our vengeance!” CHAPTER SIV. CHUNKY JAKE REAPPEARS. ; CONSIDERING that the case was one never as yet officially recognized by law, Jim Royal was considerably excited, but bis sympathies were aroused to the keenest degree. Gus Leonard caugbt his band and wrung it warmly, almost fiercely. *¢Go ahead, Royal, and you shall yet be well paid, Do your best to hunt those devils down,” Jim put the note carefully in bis pocket. He had a vague hope that it might yet be made use- ful. He saw no paper in the room like that up- on which it was written, while its Eppcet ane a closely-folded half-sheet—satisfied him that some one had been carrying it in bis pocket for son e time, He looked for further signs, but found none, Evidently Mrs. Gray bad left Leonard’s room after Bertina vent away, but just where she had been seized was vot certain, There was no sign of artruggle, and rone of the otber tevants had heard the sound of, struggling. en outside was equally fruitle:s; no trail had left, ane 5 4 \¢ 2a co re} Bas Wy ww 4 ar . ¥v < I Tine . € J | @ - —_—="
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. ~ The trio met to talk again when this investiza- tion was over. It was a noticeable fact that no one referred to Mrs. Gray’s past attempt at suicide, or hinted that she might deliberately have gone to renew the attempt, Loyal, indeed, were the friends she had left. Bertina urged that no time should be allowed to go to waste, and Leonard echoed her words, Jim, too, knew the value of prompt action, and was quite willing to use the remaining time be- fore midnight in energetic work. As some one ought toremain at the Thirteenth street house it was deciled that this should be Blonde Bert’s ‘position for the night. Preliminaries arranged, Royal went quickly ‘to Greenwich avenue and notified the other members of the Spotter Trio. Bobby Blossom slid into his jackeb and cap like an eel. * bea ell !” he exclaimed, ‘‘ this is like vold times, Makes a feller’s blood git a tingle on. Hey, Stumpsey? I guess we'll hey some fun, mow.” Robert, you shouldn’t indulge in levity ‘when that poor woman is in trouble.” ‘*Nary lev, Stumpsey; et’s only the hope she won't monopohze all the fun that stirs me up. ‘Mebbe we kin get inter trouble ef we try fer it hard,” the irrepressible youth returned, with an air of candor, ‘* My theory,” Royal explained, ‘is that Elwell went out, secured a cab and took Mrs, ‘Gray away thus. He could hardly have taken her on foot for two reasons: she would have ap- pealed to a policeman, and, moreover, tie echances are sie would bave been noticed. I scan find no one who did see her, Thus, while I do not bind you toany plan of action, I want you to pay particolar attention to any cab you see. If taere is a chance, question the driver thereof,” ‘We'll turn every cab upsidjMown an’ shake Out passengers an’ secrets,” Boboy declared, There was no such thing as heading off his Lowes Olzbiity and good humor, and his graver gill if 4 4 - Sind friends let him talk, They went, out togetber, and, in order to cover aS much ground as possible, each then went away alone, It was agreed that if no dis- eoveries were made they should meet at their headquarters at midnight, and that hour saw them all together again. Nothmg had been learned, Retiring early, in order to get all the rest pos- sible, they put in the night to the best advan- tage, but were on the trail early the next morn- ing. At this point their movements became more systemutic. It was agreed that Royal should watch Mowbrey Elwell as closely as pos- gible, while Stumps and Bobby, gomg together, Saould have a roving commission, In the latter way, too, went Leonard and Blonde Bert, who could not endure inactivity, ‘and stood some chance of making discoveries, That noon. Bobby and Stumps sat down in a cheap restaurant to eat their dinner. “No diskiviries!” sighed the wooden-legged man, * Never mind, Stumpsey, we'll git there, ? But what may not happen ter that poor wo- man in the meanwhile?” Yowilin’ cats! but ain’t old Mob Elwell a bad Ain? I don’t know w’at’s eatin’ him, but a feller ‘wbo would hound a nice woman like Vrs, Gray anust bea mean riptyle, Hey, Stumpsey?” ‘Right, Bobby.” ** Jee-Susanna! but I’m ina fever ter get ter work ag’in. Had enough tereat? Swaller that coffee, an’ le’s get a wiggle on an’ look fer the Thugs we are trailin’,” * Wait!” Stumps directed, with a sudden change of expression. * Wor’s' up?” “Robert, did you git a good enough look at Chunky Jake, that day last winter, in court, so you'd recognize him ag’in?” “Cert! Do you mean—” ‘Sly yer eye around an’ notice the feller outside, with his bands jammed down in his skets and coat-collar turned up, like as though oe was jest off on a burglar job—” rd enc him; that’s Chunky dake!” “Yowlin’ cats! yes; of course, Couldn't mistake Jacob's Bowery mug fer no other face, ‘cause it jest don’t hev no rival fer ugliness. Say, w'ot’s he sneakin’ around here fer? Is he spot- tin’ us?” Stu meditated, and then answered slowly: “1 don't think it, “He seems ter he waitin’ fer some one, Very likely it’s a matter that dlon’t concern us, ef’ Jeems bas discovered he’s wiixed up in ihe ease But we don’t want ter There may be fun ahead,” “cr Hi a Bobby nudged bis friend so sharply in the ribs that the Jatter started and knocked over what was left of the coffee, but the circumstance passed unbeeced, They were more interested in matters outside, A cab had stopped by the corbstone and the driver alixhted—a fact which was not peculiar, But be came up to Chunky Jake at once and was greeted as if he had been expected—a fact that made an impression, ** Yowlin’ cats! hev we struck it?” ‘* Be still, and watch,” Jake and the cabman fell into earnest con- versation, but it was sooa over, From bis pocket Jake took an envelope and handed to his companion, Tne latter opened it, took out acrisp bank-note and nodded approvingly. After a few more words Jake walked away, while the cabman suspended a pail of oats frome his horse’s neck and gave the animal a chance to eat, This done he entered the restaurant and, as luck would have it, sat dO6wn at the same table with the Spotters. Bobby slyly pinched his ally, and Stumps cleared his throat and observed: “Sir, 1 seen you outside with a party I know,” The cabman started and looked uneasy, but after a glance. at the humble-looking couple bis face cleared, “QO \! did you?” “Yes, Have you known Jacob long?” ** Naver saw him until last night,” the cabman answered, with the air of a man not anxious to claim acquaintar ce. ‘* Where did you see bim?” Agiia a suspicious glance was bent on them, “iéheis your friend, go to him for points,” finally returned the driver. a 9s ain’t my friend. Do you know why?” Os ‘*He is a lJaw-breaker, an ex-convict, the asso‘iate of knaves, an’ a man ready fer any piece «” rascality.” ‘* Well, well, that’s nothing to me; I only car- ried some friends of bis as fares, never saw them before, and, never expect to again,” ‘“*Wasit a woman an’ a fav man?” ‘*See bere—why are you so inquisitive” ‘“ Bacause a wrong bas been done, av’ I b’lieve you are a man honist enough ter help along the cause 0° jestice, ef convineed that you ought ter do it,” “lam an bonest man, and don’t knowingly help or shield rogues. Of course IT carry all kinds in my cab, for I ¢an’t ask for a certificate of good ecbaracter from my fares, But 1 never shield evil-doers. Now, what are you driving at?” ** One word, friendt ‘Describe the lady an’ the fat man you carried last night,” The cabman obeyed, and when he had given the descriptions, and told the time and place of his engagement, the Spotters no longer bada doubt. They were on the track. CHAPTER XV. STUMPS TAKES A BIG RISK. “7 was down on Thirteenth street,” explained the cabwan, ‘‘ when that same fellow you saw outside, Jake—the rest of his name [ didn’t hear—came np and engaged me. Directed by him I drove to an old house which I thought was deserted, at first, but out from under the stoop came a man, a fat fellow, leading a women, ** Juke had said she was sick, and J thought nothing of it when she seemed to be in a passive mood, She walked, but only with the help of the big man. ** T took the two away, Jake leaving us, and, according to orders carried them to the Mebaloe Flats, on —— street, The big man took her in, and then came out and talked with me, couldn't make out what he was driving at, but be questioned me about my family, and » hen he heard I was poor, and had a sick ebild, he said he always liked to do a bit of good for the needy. ‘* He said he had only three dollars, then. He gave me that, and said if I would come here at noon, to-day, 1 should bave twenty dollars more, ‘‘ When Jake gave it to me I thought I’d struek luck, but if the big fellow was a crook, it may be a counterfeit.” e took ont tne crisp, new bavk-note and looked at. it curiously. ‘Tt seems all right. I!) ask at the desk.” “ Lemme take a squint at it,” requested Bobby Blossom, whose sharp eyes bad caught a word Leal The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. 11 Sani ERRATA ION be hasty. Wait a bit, an’ see what will foller, | which, if he had read it correctly wrong side to, was suggestive, The cabman obeyed, and Bobby turned the bill) toward Stumps with his finger resting on a } certain point, The note, which was genuine, was om the Marlstone Bank! Entirely new as it was it satisfied them as to the identity of the big mam inthe case, and they had been in detective work too long to wonder at any mistake, or reckless move, a criminal might make, Police annals, they knew, bristled witb stupid blunders on the part of evil-doers: usually very shrewd, _Elwelt bad let the bill go out when wisdom would bave counseled the sending of money on any other bank than bis own, ‘‘ What kind of a place is ¢he Mebaloe Flats?” Stumpe asked, ‘“Thne building was once a factory. Then it was divided by two partitions,.and three houses madd, all under one roof, The neighborhood is not of the best, and I presume the people of the flats are the*same,” a one ©’ the three did your fares stop at ‘Tm not sure, but my impression is, the middle one, But they may have stopped there only briefly, to frustrate pursuit, if there ie any- thing crooked on foot,” This last idea impressed the Spotters strongly, and when they had left the cabman they were not certain how to proceed, Was it best to call an officer? The Mebaloe Flats P tan a as unprepossessing’ as their informant had suggested—a long, home- ly edifice, the walls of which had sagged until it was warped out of true lines, The Spotters looked it. over attentively, but saw no familiar face. “ Wot’s the programme?” Bobby asked, ‘*T don’t know w’ot tosay, Robert. Thesigns around there ain’t encouragin’, an’ ef we should go forrud an’ ask questions, we might only give: the alarm an’, ef Mrs. Gray is there, lead ter her bein’? taken away. See?” ow Sure!” ‘* What's your idea?” “ Ef ot wuz dark I'd go right in,”’ Stumps’s gaze wandered down the street, Sud- denly bis face brightened and he plucked at, Bobby's sleeve, **Come!” he directed, Ignoring questions, he led the way to the corner where-stood a young. Jew,.with a tray suspended by a cord which was over his neck, In this way was an assortment of combs, needles, , pins, tbimbles, scissors, and the like, and over his arm hung a quantity of suspenders, For the latter Stumps bad no use, but he pro- ceeded to ask the Israelite what‘be would take for the rest of his’ stock, tray and all. The price was not modest, brit it was accepted\at once and the money paic. Then Stumps calmly hung the tray on his own neck, As Bobby caught the idea his face bright- ened, r * Let me take it an’ go in, Stumpsey.” “No: I'm goin’.” ‘But you may git inter trouble,” “So may you. Hf ney boy is ter be done up, let it be me. Besides, I look the character, with my plain old clothes an’ wooden leg. I’m the one fer tha job, Robert,” i This was not satisfactory to the junior Spot- ter, and be. proceeded to say so, but, for once, . Stumps was obstinate, He had no»aspirations in the way of glory, but felt that his chances of escaping detection were better than Bobby's, and, anyhow, be was bound to#assume the» danger. “My only fear is,” he observed, as be left his ally, - bat they won’t allow e peddler in the | house, Bobby shook his head as be watghed him go. , “My conscience smites me; it badn’t oughter be so. Ef they drop on Stumpsey he can't: gallop down the stairs three at a lick, slide the haunisters, nor jump out o’ the fourth story winder, "As a race-boss be went stale when be parted with his left leg. This thing worries 1e!” : “ Stumps entered the middle house of the three, , and at the end of five minutes the watcher de- cided that it was not a place where peddlers were arred out. i A neighboring clock enabled him to mark the : lapse of time as be waited, and he saw the minutes wear on—fifteen, thirty, forty-five, . sixty. on hour, an’ no sign o’ Stumysey. Yowlin’ ’ cats! I bope he ain’t got inter nowif!” , The junior Spotter was gettingynervous, and. he was not relieved of his fears,
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Another half-bour rolled by without develop- meuts, By that time he was thoroughly alarm- cd, and with a lugubrious face he gave vent to his fears, Tvs come, sure-pop! ‘Stumps has met the enemy, he’s theirs, Kt woulde’t take him all this time fer ter canvass-tbat ‘old rookery, an’ there’s only ove tiing fer me ter think, Mob Elwell has some heelersin there, an’ they’ve gob- bled my purd up ez Dawgiel did the lions in bis Gen. Crickety-jim! this is an awful go! W’ot’s ter be done?” And Stumps—where was he? When he entered the old house he was not driven out—far from it, There was no Argus- eyed janitor to pounce upon him, and he was among people who would as soon buy from a tray-peddler as at the best dry-goods store on Sixth avenue, More than that the women— women and children seemed to comprise the pop- ulation—at once, and universally, showed a@ dis- position to talk like race-horses to him,in a friendly way. + A woman would buy a comb or some trifling article, and then evince a disposition to fill up theest of the day by joking wath him, His corial reception had one good result; he was enabled to inquire concerning the occupants of the various flats before reaching them, but, though he heard an abundance of gossip, there was no mention of those he was seeking. At last, after more delay than was to his liking, he reached the floor next to the top, i made a trifling sale to a wowan named Mrs, obin, “* Ba L likely ter soll t» yer neighbors, mum? he asked, with deferential politeness, - ‘* Mrs, Trooper might buy a pair of specs, ef you hey the right kind.” **? think I can fit ber eyes.” “Ef you do, I'll pay fer the spec:.” * Wot’s the matter with ber eyes--old age?” ‘No; she’s blind/” Jolly Mra. Tobin laughed heartily at ber joke, and Stumps joined her, as in duty bound, *“*T hardly think I shall sell much ter Mrs. Trooper. Who else lives ou this fluor?” ** Sure, there’s only the new family that moved in last night,” ** Last night, eh? Who was they?’ “YT don’t know, but I hear they are mighty nice, One on’emisa young woman as. pretty as a peach, an’ she’s married to a fat man,who looks as.ef he was a railroad president.” Now, Mrs, Tobin was drawing on her fancy, and preparing for anotber joka, but luck—evil luck—had so willed it that she interested the “ neddier” at once, “Til try ter sell them, ef you'll show me the door, mum,” hé replied, with Cue gravity. ** |)’ye see the door down heyanst, there? |Go an’ open that, walk in, an’ just beyond you'll s3e another door, -Knock on that, an’ I guess the pretty woman will see yer.” Stumps wert, full of hope that he was to get light, e@ reached ‘tae first door; he opened it; he entered; and then— He stood aghast, He was face to face with Chunky Jake! CHAPTER XVI, THE BLOW AND THE VICTIM, Stumps was star.led, Striking as some of Mrs, Tobin's remarks had been, he had not really expected to get trace of the party he sought, QOae reason for this was that the people be had thus far seen, though humble and, in some cases, none too clean, seemed to be perfectly honest, and he was not inclined to believe much crooked- ness existed there, Again, the new tenants had moved about free- ly, or so he judged from what Mrs, Tobin said, Thus, his visit was a precaution taken to make sure no one of the party was there. When be encountered Chunky Jake he saw that he had made sure! Startling as tae meeting was, he did not for- get that he relied upon an humble role to take him through all suspicions, and he balf-raised the tray and meekly inquired: ** Want ter buy a conib, sir?” It wasa timely question, for Jake’s hair and beard were on strike against neatness and order, but the burglar only glared at him and ex- claimed: ‘* What in perdition are you doin’ here?” ** Pm sellin’ combs, razors, needles—” * Satan take you! do yer think I don't know ye? You're oneo’ The Three Spotters!” ©] don’t know w’ot you mean—” **You lis! You're Jim Royal’s pal, an’ you’re here ter pipe us, you sveakin’ police spy!” ‘* Ef yon’re goin’ ter use such vioient language ll retire—” ** Not much, you won’t, cuss you! I'll bore ye t’rou’ de eater. See?” Tho ruffian jerked out a revolver, and Stum saw the situation getting decidedly warm. e was no match for the athletic burglar, and be believed the latter fully capable of adding mur- der to his other crimes if he could gain anything thereby, It was evident that the gang had been run down, and what would Chunky Jake not do to insure his own safety? The latter glared at Stumps, and then, seeing that he stood passive, turned his gaze on the door, ** How did you git in?” ks Pay turned the knob an’ come in,” ** You lie!” Jake took a step and tried to open the door, but it resisted all of his efforts, “* Locked!” he exclaimed. ‘* Now, Id like ter know how you opened it,” ‘* Wal, I s’pose it can be opened on one side an’ not on the other, like a street door,” ‘Ef that’s it, Po glad ter knovy it, an’ I’ll see that nobody else does the trick.” He slipped the bolt, ** Pll go out—” ‘* No, you won't, you one-legged jay! You come in, an’ that’s all you've got ter do about it; V’ll do the rest, So The Three Spotters are nosin’ around here? Wal, I’ve got one on ’em, an’ I’m goin’ ter smash him!” The bully shook his fist under Stumps’s nose, and looked as if he intended to perform the jub rightaway. But Stumps did nct retreat a step. He stood with one hund on his now useless wares, and the other on his cane, and calmly respond- Try it, an’ ed: ‘¢T don’t see no need of it, You would waste your strength on somebody not worth it.” * You're a broken-down old bum, I know, but there is plenty of cussedness in your head, if not in your maulers, I’m goin’ ter smash that cuss- edness out 0’ you!” and he swelled with the pride of brute strength and towered above Stumps, thinking what rare sport he would bave in ni ping a one-legged man who was considerably older than he, **T don’t want no trouble—” ‘Oh! you don’t, 6h? Haw! haw! Wal, now, that’s rich! Don’t want a scrap with me, eh? Afraid you'll hurt me, or lose yer temper an’ not be a good Sunday-school scholar, I s’pose? Eb? Don't want a scrap, do ye? Haw! haw!” Chunky Jake flattered bimself he was the fun- niest man in New York, and to impress himself still further with this belief he gadfenty reached forward, seized Stunips’s nose between bis thumb and finger, twisted it smartly, and then leaped back a few feet, The latter movement was not caused by any fear that Stumps would retaliate—of course that was absurd—but simply to keep up his own repu- tation as a humorist, He wanted to play with this helpless cripple in cat-and-mouse fashion; to amuse himself by acting the bully and making life a burden to his victim before proceeding to more serious business: to ‘* wipé up the floor” with the intruder, and— But Jacob had barely gained his new position and allowed his cavernous mouth to expand in an appropriate smile when there was a whist- ling sound, acrash, and the ruffian found him- self lying on the floor, He had felt a sensation as if his head had been cleanly split open by a lightning-bolt, but, as he had seen Stumps’s cane come sweeping through the air, he knew the only lightning in the case had been that generated by the one-legged man’s biceps. Siowly Jake rose to a sitting position. He saw Stumps try the door in an attempt to get out, but that was only a passing incident, Chunky Jake was dazed, and his head still rung with tbe blow of the cane, There was another door, and, anxious to get out of the dangerous locality, Stumps opened it, He saw a kitchen-like room, and sight of him at once brought upon her fect a negress who was nearly as masculine and quite as ugly as Chunky Jake, ** Hil who dar?’ alarm, **My good woman.” Stumps explained, as calmly as possible, ‘‘Iam a peddler, an’ I got in here by mistake. I want ter go inter the hall—” **No, yer don’t!” she retorted. ‘* You-un doan’ go out till I knows who vou are, ‘Hi! Jake, where are you?) What debbil’s work is this?” The white ruffian came staggering into the she cried, in manifest room, “You dog! you villain!” be panted, address- Stumps, ‘ [ll fix yer now!” ut came the revolver again, and he fully The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. intended to use it, but the negress sprung for ward and wrested it out of his hand, ‘* What fer be you tryin’ ter do” she cried, angrily, ‘* Want ter go shootin’ in hyer an’ alarm all ther neighbors, do ye? I guess not, boss! You-’uns try it an’ Vil belt you in de smeller, See?” ** Woman, he knocked me down! Hesmashed me with his cane, an’ I'll do him up ef I live, Gimme that gun—” ‘* Ng, | won’t; no shootin’ won’t be done hyer while I fill my uppers, Ef you want de police ter pull ye in, go out on the street an’ kick upa row, an’ get soaked; but I don’t want that same, Noshootin’ here, You bear me?” The masculine negress was evilently a person f authority, and, though Ch: nky Jake’s wrath did not abate, he yielded to thé inevitable. He began to rub bis aching head, ‘*How’d you git knocked out?” the negress asked. ‘“ Wal, it wuz like this, Cl’opatra, He come in, au’ I—an’ I—I thought I bad him sure; an’ I —an’ I went ter the door ter see how he could it in w’en it was locked, an’ ez I badn’t given im no provocation I didn’t s’pose he would harm me, an’ I sorter turned my back on him, an’ as I wuz a-lookin’ at the Jock I couldn’t see him, an’ all of a sudden he swung his cane an’ biffed me, See?” It took Jacob some time to find an explana- tion which would cover up his open defeat, but though he floundered a good deal in seeking for i ae finally got on the track and rattled 16 off glibly. Whatever Cleopatra thought, she expressed no disbelief. ** Wal, who’s this man?’ she asked. ‘*One o’ The Three Spotters.” ‘* Hi! datso? Then they’re on our track!” ‘* Mum,” spoke Stumps, panel “there isa mistake, I am only a peddler, an’ I come in ter sell— ““Gammon{ I know what a police spy.is, an’? I know how ter deal with him,” Crossing the room she flang open another door, “* Go in there!” she ordered, “Mum, Dll give ye twenty dollars ter let me go—” She stamped her foot angrily, “*Go in!” she repeated. ‘*’You git yer carcass trou’ dat door or I'll smash you, You hear me?” She caug!t up the fire-poker, and the Spotter saw he must yield. He could not successfully oppose both these persons, for each was as hardy and strong asan ox, and if he gained Cléo- patra’s ill will she might be only too ready to yield to Chunky Jake’s wishes and consent tolie destruction, Prudence demandéd that he yield, and witha heavy heart he passed through te door invica- ted, | Beyond, there was nothing but darkness— a place where he could see nothmg—but he went, The door was banged to after him, and the key was turned in the lock, He was a prisoner, \ He looked around gloomily, “Bobby was right,” he commented; “a wooden-legged cripple was not the man fer this job, I’m done up, sure!” CHAPTER XVII. STRANGE SOUNDS BEHIND THE DOOR. Stumps was ivclined to despair for a few moments, but courage returned to him, ‘* While there’s life there’s hope,” he comment~ ed, ‘tan’ even ef an old hulk like me is cast on the rocks it don’§ matter so very much. But I'm not goin’ on the rocks ef I kin help myself, Wonder what sort of a den I’m in?” He had: matches, and he proceeded to light one, Being wary, his first care was to see that there was no Visible pit in the floor down which he might fall; then he swept his gaze around to take in the points of the room, It was about twelve feet square; the floor was bare, and the walls were of undressed boards, But what impressed bim most was the fact that no window was,o be seen; the door by which he had entered was the only break in the walls, He lighted a second match in the bope that he could discover a gas-fixiure somewhere, but there -was none, He was deprived of hoth natural and artificial light, and, plainly, must make the best of the dark, miserable rocm, The situation was not pleasant, and it was rendered al! the more unsatisfactory by tbe in- uiry: Had he doneany good by coming there? e had not seen Mrs, Grav. He had not proved she was there, Certainly, he had not her, And he was in prisongin danger, ‘ i é \ “ ves « moO ee eA Bi oe A |
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i . 5] a - - or “ Po: 20 i> ee ‘ } eee lp4 His long tramp had made him weary, and he sat down on the floor, for waut of a betier seat, As he did so a clock in the next room struck the hour of four, showing how time had fled while he was making bis patient canvass as a pedddler. His chief anxiety was for Bobby Blossom, Loyal to the core and brave as a lion, the boy night run the risk of entering, alone, and it seemed as if that would only add to his troubles; the boy could not defeat the enemy on even terms. Another hour passed. , Ba Yhen, in the kitchen, loud, angry voices »unded, and it became evident that Chunky “Jake and Cleopatra had quarreled. If Stumps had any doubt as to the cause, he was soon en- lightened. A hand was laid on the door-knob, and then came a scufile outside, lage you,” cried the negress, ‘you sha’n’t in * An’ I tell you,” shouted the burglar, ‘* I'll kill that wooden-legged devil afore I’m an hour older |” The struggle was renewed, and it seemed that she had pushed Jake back, but it was not a lull. The angry voices continued to be audible, and Stumps heard Jake reiterate his last assertion, The Spotter took the largest pair of sbears out of his tray and, rising, stood ready for action, the impromptu weapon firmly grasped, Jake was likely to rely upon his revolver, but if hs ventured on more manly measures, Stumps was determined not to yield tamely, Finally the voices ceased to be heard, and he judged that Cleopatra had convinced Jake, or that the latter, finding he could not bully his way to success, had adopted another course and, pretending to be convinced, was waiting for a chance to strike. At last the prisoner ventured to sit down again, and, for a long time, the only thing to break the weary waiting was the striking of the clock, hour by hour. When it struck ten, he drew a deep breath. “I guess I’m doomed ter stay here over night,” he murmured. Rat-tat-tat ! aa ‘lt was & knock at the door, and he rose with all the agility he could muster. Why did the unknown rap when the door was locked on the other si le? Hark! Again the knock! Stumps was puzzled, but it occurred to him that the sounds must be made by some one be- sides his known captors. They had closed their captive in and turned the key, and, naturally, would not expect, or desire, an answer, He went close to the door, Oace more came the knock, Who was it? An ally of Chunky Jake's, or his own friend? “Odd!” he thought; “it seems to be at the bottom o’ the door. Kin it be a child?” Again came the puzzling sound, and he deter- mined to make an effort to gain information, ** Who is there?” he asked, cautiously. The old knock was the only answer, This time it was so plaia it was at the bottom of the door that re knelt down to repeat the question; “ Who is. there?” A queer sound, not a rap, answered him; it Was as if some one was choking to death, chok- ing within his reach, yet the same as miles away. He experienced a queer sensation, and was not sure but his bair was rising on end. Troubled and nervous as he was, and shut up in total darkness, this exterior demonstration was ' decidedly ghostly. **Ts any one there?” he continued, Again the choking sound! He was alarmed More than ever. Whatdid it mean? Wassome one dying there? _He put his head closer to the floor, and, be- lieving he distinguished a faint ray of ight, put out his hand investigatingly. His fingers touched some small, loose object which rattled on the floor, What wasit? What— “A key! He could bardly avoid shouting the words, for hope flashed up once more. Quickly he rose; eagerly he fitted the bit of brass to the keyhole, He turned; he heard the bolt spring back. It wasa vast change, and his hand was not wholly steady as he opened the door. What lay mous? Darkness!—that was all he could see, The room was nut lighted. He paused. . Perhaps a trap was there. be} Once more he gave an excited start. Almost his feet sounded that strange gurgling which erit®? 2° like that of a dying person, and before he move away something touched his ankle & peculiar motion, Pa mercy’s name, who is it?” he asked, bss { ee, | The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. Only the gurgle answered him. By this time he was all out of patience, and determined to solve the mystery, even at the cost of further mishap. He struck a match, and, seeing the gas fixture close at hand, gained a brilliant light at one stroke, He was well repaid. On the floor lay Bobby Blossom, bound and gagged—the mystery of the ‘‘gurgle” was solved, and the boy’s appearance indicated some disgust tbat he had been so long in making bim- self unde:stood. As quickly as possible Stumps freed him from bonds. “Thank Heaven you are alive!” ‘I be, Stumps; I ain’t no condemned old ghost, an’ don’t you think I be, , But we’ve got ter hustle out o’ here, or Jake an’ the’ brunette beauty will be around an’ gobble us. See? Waltz!” Bobby was in gcod condition, if he had been subjected to hard usage, and was just as lively asever, He opened a door near at band, but it proved to lead to a closet, and when he tried an- other which, he now realized, was the one they wanted, it did not yield, ** Locked in, by crickety-jim!” ‘‘Where are Jake an’ the negress?” Stumps asked. ‘Gone out fer a bit, but expected back every minute, Want to see them?’ ‘‘Don’ be absurd, Bobby! Ycu have no reason ter look on if as a joke, judgin’ by the way you was gurglin’, an’ your tied-up condi- tion.” “Say, they about did us, didn’t they, Stump- sey? When you didn’t come out I walked in ter see wat the fix was. I traced ye to this floor, an’ actually come in here, not knowin’ how they run the ranch, I ee about got ketched be- tween Jake an’ the old woman, an’ jest had time ter dodge under that table. There I lay fer two hours, an’ then they happened ter see me, an’ I was soon tied up ez you found me,” ‘* But where be they, now?” ‘*T only know they went out, Id found out where you was, an’ got my eye on the key. w’ich was on the table, an’ I had an awful time ettin’ it, an’ workin’ it over ter the door, ourse [ couldn’t use it, fer I could pot stand up, so I pushed it under. the door an’ rapped fer you. I didn’t know you was in the dark, but I couldn’t bey talked ef it had been twice as dark.” ‘* Bobby, how are we ter get out?” ‘* Weve got ter smash that door!” ‘* Can wede it?” ** We kin try.” m The junior Spotter JookeU around. for some inyplement heavy enough to effect the work, but, at that moment, a key was introduced to the lock on the other side. The door opened and the negress appeared, CHAPTER XVIII. MORE LIGHT ON THE DARK DUEL, Getesep csi RoyawL found this note on his table: **Tf you want a small pointer on Mrs, Gray’s case come to her old residence and inquire for Matthew Drake. He thinks he can give you a hint.” Spotter Jim had come in wearied by a bard day's work, and tbe continued absence of Stumps and Bobby Blossom gave him no one to ex- change views with, but the note revived his spirits somewhat, Who Mattbew Drake was he did not know, but he went at once to ths Thirteenth street house, and there ascertained that he was a *¢ Jone man,” who lived on the first floor, More- over, Matthew wasill and in poor circumstances, financially. Jim went in to see him, and, in a small and dreary room found an intelligent-looking, hag- ard young man, who was propped up s be e recognized the visitor at once and exclaimed: ‘‘T'm glad you bave come!” ‘‘So am I, if you can give me light,” ‘*Go to the Mebaloe Flats, and try your luck there.” ‘¢ Where is that?” Drake gave the street and number. ‘“* Why do hs advise me to go there?” ‘‘ Because | know Mowbrey Elwell owns the flats, and I think it just the place he would select as a prison for Mrs, Gray.” ‘* Allow me to ask what you know about this matter, Mr, Drake,” “T know Elwell is Mrs. Gray’s enemy; bow I know it I will tell you presently. Although a sick man I have not been confined to my bed, and have observed many ny which have been transpiring here. I know Mrs, Gray was in hiding here, You, | know by sight, and I know iy ees 13 not only that The Three Spotters have taken up her cause professionally, but that they are her personal friends. ‘hat’s why I sent for you.” ‘““And you think she. is in Elwell’s hands, Why?” ‘* Because he is her enemy. Now, I saw her go out just before you missed her, and I believe Elwell seized her on the street,” ‘* Why should she go out?” **T don’t know.” ‘Can you give me. no light except that you suspect Eiwell seized her, and that she is in the Mebaloe Flats?’ ‘“ None whatever, but as to the source of her trouble, who can doubt? I was at the insane asylum when Mowbrey E!well put her there,” ** What! did he do that? When was*it?” ‘* About three years ago. I was an attendant there, then, and I plainly remember when she was committed. False names were given; the entry was to the effect that Eliza Rogers was committed to the asylum by her father, John Rogers.” ‘“ How could the lie be worked?” ‘“ Easily enough. It wasa private asylum in Jersey, and of the worst class; the doctors would, and did, sell their souls for money. I recognized Elwell when he came, or I never shoyld have known the truth, pene ‘Mrs, Gray—her. réal naire is Madeline El- well, and she is Mowbrey’s daughter-in-law— was under female attendants, but | saw enough of her to know she was perfectly sane, ‘*T often talked with the female attendants, and though we all had to barden our hearts in that place of horrors, or leave it, we grew to feel more for Mrs, Gray: than any one else, She was a lady, and was always patient and kind to the attendants. *¢ Of course, like others, she tried to bribe the women, but the doctors had a strong force of ruffians who ruled all and made scherning use less on the part of those who had hearts left, * “TI was one of the latter, and though I was getting far better pay than I could command elsewhere, I finally determined to leave. Just before I wasready to give my notice Mrs. Gray 4s ‘‘T know now that’ she actually bribed one of the minor doctors of the place, He turned against his superiors and got her away. ‘** What followed is even more horrible, **One of the keepers got word to Elwell, and the latter sent a ruffian named Jacob Krauss, more commonly known as Chunky Jake, to bunt her down. Jake and the keeper took two fierce dogs and started. “The fugitive had been taken ill, and had secreted herself awhile in a deserted building, a delay which gave them a chance which was im- proved. ‘They got trace'of her and put the dogs on the trail, ‘*- You will not wonder that’ she saw fit to live as a recluse in after days*when ‘you hear of this, She was pursued through a great swamp by the brutes that, certainly, would have killed ber if given a chance, for they were like hungry wolves, ‘*Outstripping Jake and the keeper the dogs followed ber for miles—a mad race+-a race of death—and overtook her at last, ** But they were foiled, ** Jake and his fellow ruffian were near enough to hear two rifle-shots, but, though they sus- ted the truth, they went on to the spot, final- . They found the dogs dead, with evidence that they had first run the unfortunate woman down and mired her in the treacherous land, ‘They realized that some chance hunter had been at band; had shot the dogs and saved the woman. They did not learn who did it, Mrs, Gray escaped and, I judged, had two years of peace of a certain kind. “T left, the asylum, but have since been in hard luck. I knew, during the past two montbs, I was in the same house with her, but I said nothing. When I took sick, food, medicine and nourishing articles were sent me by her, though I think she did not even know me by sight, “Mr, Royal, sbe isa noble woman, and I wish I could go, now, and help her. I implore you to do all in el power,” Spotted Jim reached over and shook the sick man’s hand, ‘You have shown up’ well under circum- stances not wholly in your favor, Mr, Drake,” he replied, ‘‘and I am tijuch obliged ‘for all you bave told me. Tl go immediately to the eo named, and when I get ‘this matter settled Pll look in on you again. You impress me as an honest: man.” Jim went out, took a cab and drove at once to the Mebaloe Flats..-He was determined’ to: make short work tbereso he secured an as-
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14 sistant on the way, but events proved that extra help was not needed, As he left the cab he heard a voice exclaim: ** Yowlin’ cats!” Quickly he looked up; Bobby Blossom and Stumps stood in the doorway, evidently having just come out, and their dusty, begrimed ap- ag told of events out of the conimon chap- nel, ‘* Have you been in here?” Royal asked, quick- ly. ‘* Wal, a few!” Robert returned, dryly, “And Mrs, Gray?” **Took away, ’'m afeerd, We've jest had.a set-to with a charmin’ damsel named Cleopatra, You see, we was jest goin’ ter escape when she Opened the door an’ got in our way. I sailed inter her at once, an’ Stumps, he slapped his wooden leg in between her trotters an’ give her atumble, Then we had it all our own way, of course, The old woman wouldn’t admit she knew where Mrs, Gray was, so we locked her in an’ left her there, See?” . ern peat all, yeke it clearer!” ney got Stum rst; then they got me b & fluke, Prey le the tied up 2 vf dad ae Then Btyumpsey an’ I joined forces an’ got clear, an’ we had only ter yohorse Cleopatra an’ the work Wasdone, On? wo “And Mrs, Gray?” * Taken away ag’in.” ** Has shé really been here?” ‘We reckon so, though the old black-mug wou’t own up. She accused us o’ bein’ white trash an’ pale monkeys, which hurted our feel- in’s, * Lead me to that woman!” They went, and aj took bis turn at per- suading Cleopatra. He was not in mood to dally with her, and when he again refused infor- mation he did not hesitate to resort to energetic measures. He puta revolver to ber temple and, as ferociously as possible, made threats which speedily brougot her to her senses, She confessed that Mrs, Gray had been there. ‘* Where is she now?” “Chunky Jake an’ de other man done took her away, an’ I bave a notion they took her ter Jake’s boss, I doam know, fer they~uns diin’t tell me.” Royal finally. led his warriors out. ** [t seems to be touchy and go all the time, but mostly * go,’ Here’s for another push, and may our luok be better!” CHAPTER XIX, A GAME OF BULLETS. Au attempts to trace the abductors away from the house proved unavailing. If any one iu, or outside, bad seen Mrs, Gray taken away the fact could not be learned, A1l professed not to have seen her, Mrs, Tobin, the woman who had been the means of sending Stumps into the midst of his enemies, as before described, expressed sincere regret, She had not had any suspicion that the ten- ants were law-breakers. She had seen Cleo- patra,and had been told that all of the family were colored, and, consequently, had imagined ita‘fine joke to talk of a “‘ beautiful lady” and get Stumps to go in there, She now asked to be forgiven, and Stumps acted the philosopher and made no reproaches, Ounce outside ‘the trio gathered for consulta- ticn, "“ What will ‘be the next move?” Royal asked. ‘You've asked too nauch,” confessed ‘the wooden-legged man, “ Ho's took. Madeline ter his home base,” promptly amended Bobby. **T have been considering that possibility, and the advisability of getting out a search-war: rant. ‘* But,” urgdd Stumps, ‘‘ would he be so’rash as ter take herright to bis own house?” In the Tashness lies the possibility. Tt is sometimes best to do, not what is wisest on the surface, but what is not expected by the opposi- tion. Hlwell knows by this time that beis ‘in it’ for a war-dance, and heis bold enough to venture on ‘any step which he might tbink promised swecess.” “That's a fact.” “T have a’plan for the case, I wish you and Bobby to go’ to the block where Elwell lives, look the place over, see if you can discover sus- picious signs; try to learn if any woman has come there in a cab—miake yourselves known to the patrolman‘on that beat, and inquire of him. Then, whatever the result may be. Jen may re- ‘turn to ourrquarters. As for y-~do you *want toremain on watch?” | * Betuyer éollar-button!” Bobby declared, } The T **So be it, then. If you learn anything, tele- phone, or come in person.” “Correct, generals"an’ you kin depend on Robert Bonaparte Napoleon Blossom fer ter raz- | zle-dazzle the enemy. Yowlin’ cats! but I’m pinin’ fer a bit of excitement,” “You've raised an appetite quickly, after your latest brush. Well, let it stand that way.” The trio separated, and Jim returned to their beacquarters, On the table be found asealed leiter which, evidently, bad come by special messengér. He opened it and read as follows: ‘* JAMES Royau:—1 have information which I think valuable, acd would like to see you as svon as possi- ble. I don't want to leave here, and can lose no time waiting at the office, so come to me at 9th avenue and 15th street, Gus Leonarp.” Royal looked at the note thoughtfully, even | after the last word was read. It seemed to be a | very innocent affair, but he was not wholly sat- isfied, He called the servant and Jearned that a boy had brought it, but the identity and where- | abouts of the boy were alike unknown. Not for a moment did the detective think of failing to, answer the callin person, but he was vy 00 means sure it had come from Gus Leon- ara, In his professional life he had grown accus- tomed to snares and decoys set for him by the criminal classes, and he was suspicious that one of the kind was dimly visible in the present case, He went close to the light and examined his revolver with care, and then put it in his pocket and left the house. The journey was but short, and he was soon nearing the corner mentioned, Fifteenth street, west of Ninth avenue. is not the most elegant part of New York, and the long, dark stretch which led to the river did not look inviting as Royal approached. He did not see Gus Leonard, and, at first, no one appeared to be there, but as he camenearer, a boy of about ten years appeared from the shadow of the Elevated Railroad steps. He stared at Jim, and then walked forward and asked: | “* Say, boss, is you de one who was ter meet a gent here?’ : What ‘ gent?” ** Gus Leonard.” ‘* Suppose I am—what then?” ** He's down dere, an’ you’s ter come dat way. Bee?” The boy had pointed toward the North River, but Royal sharply asked: ‘* Whereis “downsthere? ” ‘““Why, it’s down by dat houze, where Mal | Gragan lives, Se.? De gent ain’t wisible from here, but dat’sa part of hisgame. See?’ * Boy, who sent you here to lie to me?” ** Hay? W’ot’s dat?’ ‘Gus Leonard is not here, and you know it. You are a Gecoy, to lure me into a trap, Who sent you?” The Spotter defily caught the boy and held him tightly, but‘the latter took it very coolly. **Gee-whiz! ef dere’s anuyving wrong, I don’t know it, boss, I’s only deliverin’ de message as he sent it, an’ he’s down’dere a-pipin’ de house, now. Is’pect'he’s got a graft, See?” : Jim could not'tell whether this was innocence or nerve, but he détermined to test the matter, * You cat ‘lead the way, but mark one thing down: If you are luring me into the hands of my enemies, you shall be the first tosuffer. I have a revolver, and shall wing you, first off!” “ Dat’sall right, boss; Lain’t in no scheme, 1 don’t pretend ter answer fer de gent, but ef he’s crooked, I ain’t, You kin do ez you please about goin’; I’s got'de stuff. See?” He exhibited a small coin. Lead on!” Royal directed. The bov accepted the order with the same calm indifference which had marked bis manner before, and began to move down the street. Royal followed, His doubts bad not abated, but hé was thoroughly on the alert. His threat, which; of course, had been idle talk, had not ac- conyplished anything, but if the boy was safe, such was not the case with any one who might molest him, He had his revdlver ready for use. They went on the north side of the street, On the south side was a long row of trucks, housed for the ‘night in the economical fashion dear to the heart of the New York teamster, and there, as elsewhere, the barren thoroughfare furnished abundant refuge for evil-doers, With every sense on’ the alert, the Spotter | went to make the test; He knew the danger would come before the bouse was reached, if at He had*a-#harp eye on the trucks, but no a skulking tigure was to be seen, came, and in earnest, A flash, the whistling of a bullet, the report of a revolver, The leaden missile bad passed so close to the detective’s nead that it was the narrowest of misses, The boy took to his heels and ran like a scared coyote. But Royal remained, and het faced the danger. Another shot followed quick- ly, but it went so far wide as to suggest that the marksman had grown excited, A third shot flew far over Jim’s head, By that time he had the would-be assassin fully Yet, the attack located, He was in acovered wagon, but wholly invisible, and circumstances went. to show that he had cut a hole in the light covering and was using it for gunning purposes. The Spotter os his own revolver, took deliberate uim and red, A yell followed, and then all was stil). Determined not to be thrown off his guard, Royal made no haste to act, but at that moment a patrolman came rushing up. His first idea was to arrest Jim anddrag him away imme- diately, but when the latter had shown ‘his badge and explained the situation, the blue-~ coat became a stout ally, and they advanced toward tbe wagon. An ambush was to be feared, but when they saw that the assassin’s revolver bad fallen out- side the wagon the danger seemed to grow less, Promptly they investigated and found a pros- trate man inside, ‘* Hallo, my covey!” the policeman cried, ** who the blazes are you?” ‘Tm a dyin’ man!” groaned the fallen bravo, feebly. »“‘The bullet is in my body; I’m done fer!” \ The voice was a revelation to Royal. ‘Chunky Jake!” he exciaimed, CHAFTER XX, A SURPRISE AT ELWELL’S. “THat’s me!” the fallen man agreed, with another groan, ‘“ Well,” Spotter Jim tartly, returned, “I trust you are satisfied with the result of your littie ambush ?” ‘‘T never missed afore; never, never! What devil hoodooed my luck I don’t know, an’ I couldn't helieve when I seen you,still standin’. But you fired well; ‘you did, b’mighty! ,l’m done fer; I'm a dyin’ man!” ‘Where are you bit?” ** Right in the beart.” “ Nonsense! Your tongue would not run. so briskly if you were perforated there,” ‘‘ Wal, the blood is runnin’ like sin; look fer yourself,” ‘Tf you are going to die J advise you tovease your conscience at ouce, Where have you taken rs, Gray?” ‘‘ Hi! don’t you wish I’s old woman enough ter git a wobble on my tongue an’peach? | ain't built that way; I'll die game. Chunky Jake ain’t no sneak.” ; ** Look you, if you want any show with us you had better not sbield the man who got you into all this trcuble. Mowbrey Elwell and _ his plots are wholly responsible for your downfall, Only for him you ,would not be here, Why should you ruin your own chances by standing by a man who would do yoo up in a twinkling if his interests demanded it?” * Boss, you talk it well, but ef the perleece ain’t prone ter doa feller upl’m a liar, I know them of old, by mighty!” Tbe burglar’s vigorous remurks. led to the be- lief that be was more frightened than hurt, but examination showed he’ bad a bad wound. The chance shot had entered his left side, and blood had escaped freely. ‘The policeman went to summon ap ambulance, while,Jim renewed, his efforts to get a confessicn. Chunky Jake was firm, however; nota word would he say. : In due time the ambulance came and be was taken away: p The following morning saw no change in the situation. Royal went to see the burglar, aud was told that, while he was in no danger of death, he would have plenty of time to think be- fore he would be a well man again. He, bhow- ever, persisted that he was going to die, and up- on this belief the detective haped. uaa of his hopes, The burglar might yet confess, n Jim’s naiaal the Spotter Trio held another conference with ees Leonard and easter ane unct members, and the questiou of applying [or : search-warrant and going boldly to Elwell’s house was discussed, If it had not seemed ch, a reckless move on the arch-plotter’s part an her there the experiment would have bead tri ae
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i J t A “o> SC, ess ¥ H Le in, | The 15 While they hesitated Bertina came to the front. : ‘ “You just let me try my hand,” she advised, “Mr, Stumps went ter the Mebaloe Flats an’ found he could sell to ’most everybody. rant folks eeerally do buy of pedulers, why can’t 1 go ter Elwell’s asa peddler, get in- side an’ look around? ‘The servants will look at my goods sure, unless they have the very strict- | est orders never to see a peddler.” s+ You mustn’t take the risk, Bertina!” Stumps declared, quick. : (Risk! Don't you think I’m willing to risk something for Mrs. Gray? But there’s no risk in this, an’? Pm goin’. So there, now!” Blonde Bert spoke with emphasis, and the | thoughtful expression on Jim’s face showed he was not disposed to condemn the plan hastily. It did not appear that she would risk any great danger, and when he had said so, the matter was folly discussed. The result was that some shopping was done ina hurry, and a quantity of articles obtained 4uch ‘as were. dear to the heart of the average servant girl Two baskets, neither of which was too new to be suspicious, completed the pur- chases, Im these the goods were duly placed, Bertina took one/and Bobby the other, and then they left the house, A street-ear bore them as far up-town as the vicinity of Elwell’s house, where they alighted. After a little talk they separated and Bertina went on alone. To carry out her plan naturally she first called at the basement of other houses, but made no efforts to develop talent as a saleswoman until the mansion of interest was reached. She was in something of a flutter when she rung the bell, but looked calm enough when a plump, jolly Irishwoman answered the sum- mons. ** Please, ma’sim, won’t you buy something of me? she of. 33, pleadingly. *'Ge-wiong wid you!” was the retort, ‘‘ What de be wantin’ wid your old traps?” Butthey aré new an’ nice, Can’t. youhelp a poor girl with a sick mother? re, there’s a heap o’ trouble in this world col: a lone wid- der.” “T's safe bettin’? you hev a father an’ seven stout brothers, all too lazy to worruk.” Daspite this proof that she’ knew the way of the world the servant condescended to lift one of the gandy articles in the basket, and, with the ice once broken, Bertina talked so well that | she was duly admitted. Oace there she was surrounded by the servants; “Phe scene, was one few women could resist, and the young vender could find no fault° with the way she was treated. Yhe one male servant hung around the group aud made observations which he intended should be funny and sareastic, ** Better buy some jimcrack for the mysteri- ous woman up-stairs,” he finally suggested, 4 Sure, and who’l! give them to her? I’m not sure but sight of ber face would strike us dead,” declared a pert chambermaid, You'll not die that way, l’m thinkin’.” Bertina wasagain ina flutter, but she concealed her emotion and quietly remarked: ‘* 1d like to take some things up an’ sell to the any he male servant laughed loudly, “Well, ask the master. Sure, if be keeps her locked in he ougbt to let her buy a little | shoddy stuff a8 a-mental pacityer,” ‘You bush your noise, Tom!” one of the female servant® commanded. ‘Do you want us all to lose our places? The master’s busi- ness isn’bany of Our business, You dry up!” “Who is this lady you’re talkin’ about?’ Bertina asked, in @ very inatter-of-fact way, as she deftly spread out a part of her collection, “Enough has been said about her, Close your mouths, all of you!” directed the leading spirit of the servants, pone oly Blende Bert was more affected by this order than any one else, but she had beard enough, already, to raise ber hopes high. Who sbould the ‘‘ mysterious” lady be who was kept locked UP, if not Mrs, Gray? At that moment, as she stood near the win- flow, she saw that a carriage had stopped in ‘cont of the house, Four persons came from the closed interior, The first two were stran- era, tt next—she started as she recognized Zra bis. Bobby Bigssom ! Bert coujd- not understand that. She did not believe the tw I's were officers, though Otis looked pel] aod firey apogee) criminal ir. os babds law. atta ae What oon Bobby be doing in that crowd’ \ « Igno- | Now, | | The last—wonderful fact~—was : Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark. a This was a question which young Mr, Blos- som himself, would have fvuund it, hard to |; answer, but he was in the swim and going ) whither the current ran. The bell was rung, and Mowbrey Elwell, bimself, opened the door, Bobby experienced some fear that be would be recognized, but the rich man hardly looked at | him, Tue Spotter’s present companions bad seen | bim and taken bim at random to fill the place of | another boy, known to Elwell by reputation, | whom they had failed to get as a companion, ‘© Came in, at once!” he directed. All crossed the threstold, though Ezra Otis’s manner indicated a desire to flee. He bad deen assured, however, that his one chance of es- caping arrest lay in submission, and, though he | bad no faith in Elwell’s word, he knew matters could not be made worse for him, aud was re- solved to accept the one chance, The entire party were conducted to the back- parlor. ‘* Wait here!” Elwell djmected, and went out, On being left alone orf of the men crossed over to Bobby and whispered earnestly and warningly to him. The boy heard and nodded. ‘“That’s all right,” he returned, ‘I’m fly!” He was more “fly” than the man imagined, ay he cared to contess, Ezra Otis regarded bim with a brief degree of hope and interest, but it soon died away. Footsteps sounded outside and Elwell re- entered, By his side walked a lady, and ligbt flashed in Bobby’s eyes, It was Madeline Gray! CHAPTER XXI. HEMMED IN, ELWELL paused and looked alternately at Mrs, Gray and Otis, a sneering smile on his face, but if he expected either to speak he was disap- pointed, They looked; they did nomore. They looked—and each in a hopeless way. Then Elwell turned-toward Bobby Blossom and favored him witb a very sharp glance, ‘* You are the boy mentioned to me by Chunky Jake, are you?’ he asked. “Yes; I’m de boy,” quoth Robert, with a swagger. And I can rely on you?” ** Boss, I never goes tack on me friends,” ‘You're all right, I think, Men, you can | retire to the basement and await my call, |} This boy I will keep here, for our jail-bird may see fit to fight, and I want a messenger near, Don’t go out, and don’t talk with the servants.” The men who were: feirlv well-dressed, but hard-featured, persons, withdrew, and Elwell, Mrs, Gray, Otis and Bobby were left as the only occupants of the room, The old, sneering smile came back to Elwell’s face as he regarded those he bad so fully in his power, ““T have brought you two together,” he pre- | Sently said, ‘!to let you squirm and writhe on the book all you wisb, 1 think you fit compan- ions: a Woman who has proved recreant to her family, a man who robbed a bank and wore a convict’s stripes.” ‘* Unjustly!” cried Otis, vehemently. ‘* You know, sir, that no man was ever more true to his trust than I was when cashier of the Marl- stone Bank. You know I never robbed it, and there is another who knows it, too. Sbe—she could clear me, if she would!” He pointed to Mrs, Gray, but she as quickly answered: “IT cannot ‘prove it, could!” ** Now, don’t you two begin your denials and recriminations,” Elwel] directed, with the air of one in power, “You are both guilty, I have brought you together, now, to show that, as in the past, 1 am master of the situation, But I am not, and never was,a hard man. I don’t like to see you two in such misery, and have studied out a way toassist you. If you will both leave the country, promising never to return, I wil) see vou safely away. You, Alton Chase— or Ezra Otis, if yeu prefer the name—are a con- vict escaped from Sing Sing. The police are on your track, avd the only wonder is that you’ve not been caught, Liberty will be precious to you. Now, hear my plan: 1 will furnish you with money, and with a stout yacht in which you cap go to Brazil, or any point you choose, After that you wili be safe—if you keep away from this country.” ‘*) will not go!” cried Mrs, Gray. StiNo.s “ Your plot is too transparent, If we started on the voyage we should not be alive four days after, Your tools would throw us overboard, That is your scheme!” * Nonsense!” Would to Heaven I “T will not go!” ‘* Weman, if you defy me, it will be a sad day | for you!’ Elwell exclaimed, angrily. ‘*T refuse to go to sure death.” “Then, by the fiends! you shall go, anyhow, and if anything does bappen on the voyage, it wil] be your fault.” ‘Sir, you will never get me to the yacht. Let the result be what it may, all shall be settled now! I will scream for help—” He sprung toward ber, lut, at that moment, the door was flung open and three mu+cular men entered, The foremost was Jim Royal, * Yowlin cats!” Bobby exclaimed, in delight. But Elwell was less pleasantly surprised, and he glared fiercely at the unceremonious in- truders, “What shouted, ‘‘Simply that we are an escort to an old friend of yours, Here he comes!” Then other men entered, and hetween them they half-carried Chunky Jake. At that sight Elwell los: color. One look was enough to show that Jake was a stricken map. His pallor told that; and Jake, wounded, perbaps dying, was not the bold helper of old, Speen looking blankly on the crowd, Be- sides Otis, Bobby and Jim Royal, he saw Gus and strange men in perdition does this mean?” he Leonard, Stumps, Bertina who hada detective-like look, ‘With the help of a certain girl-peddler wé have all come in quietly at the basement,” con- tinued Jim, ‘“‘ and now, baving quelled your men below, we are ready for business, Mr, Chunky Jake basa word to say.” ‘** He shall not speak | He sball not ligg-” ** Be quiet, sir!’ “*T will not! endure this outrage.” But the power was there, in the shape of a re volver in a detective’s hands, and when, after long blustering, he was quieted, Chunky dake spoke: ‘“’'m a dyin’ man,” he said, boarsely, ‘*an” Tm goin’ ter free my conscience ‘afore t go off. See? I may be weak, but the strength bas gone out with my blood, That man there,” and he pointed to Otis, ‘‘ was sent ter prison fer robbin’ the Marlstone Be ok when he was its cashier, but he was innocent, Mowbrey Elwell an’ | did the robbit’; we was the ctiminals!” The rich nian glared “n silence, but Madeline Gray Elwell fell upon ber knees, “Thank Heaven!” she ctied, fervently. 3 knew, but could not prove ‘it,’ 1 overkeard Mowbrey Hlwell and Jake talk of it, and make a practical confession, but priof— “ Oh! I could not give that. [ knew Elwell could arcount for every moment of his time the night of the rob- bery. How could he be the robber? Even now I don't see,” “The bank was robbed two nights afore.’twas found out,” Jake explained, *‘ an’ Elwe}l covered |} it vp until he could spring it au’ hey an alibi ready. That man, Alton Chase, the cashier, bad no hand in it,” “Again I thank Heaven!” feverishly addca Medeline, ‘Mr, Chase, you wronged me when au said I could prove your innocence if I wou a. did send you an anonymous note while you were awaiting trial, and my strange looks apd swoon in the court-room gave you a clew, vague, but correct. But I knew nothing; I could not save you in the face of Elwell’s alibi, ‘“* As it was, I did alll could, I told him ] had overheard the talk between him and Jake, and besought bim not to ruin your life. What was the result? I was the wife of bis dead son, yet be swore he would Fill me at once if I spoke out, He put me in terrible fear; hésutdued my will, As I could prove nothing, I kr pt silent, ‘* But that did not saveme, He put me in an insane asylum, and when I escaped, his tools hunted me with dogs, Once he Shot at me on the streets of New York, He made my hfe a horror, and I dared not appeal to the police— words can not tell how 1 feared him, ‘“‘T dared not leave my own room, and solitude there made me mad, mad! I attempted my own life—but let me not speak of that, For several hours I have been his prisoner here, Living in horror as I did, I left my room on Thirteenth street. to hire new quarters, I was seized on the street; i was taken to the Mebaloe Fiats, and then here, a prisoner,” ““Tt’s all over,” added Chunky Jake; ‘ your troubles an’ my life are about fled, but,” he hypocritically added, ‘‘I won’t uo longer stand by the man who led me into crime, Elwell an’ I was the bank-robbers!” Backward the bank president stepped, and out from his ket came a revolver, BG times he fired—at Chunky Jake, at Mad The rich man stood No power on earth canmake me P
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Lr is 16 and at himself, When it was over the first two were uninjured, but Mowbrey Elwell lay dead on the floor. ix Even when it was known that Mowbrey El- well was the real bank-robber, people found it hard to believe, but when the dead man’s affairs were settled up it was found that he was not the rich man he had been thought, and that, at the time of the robbery, he had only escaped bual- ness failure at the expense of his partners in the bank—by robbing it and them, Chunky Jake did not die, after all, and is now back in a place he had been vi-iting periodically~}*s04 * for twenty years—State’s Prison. Cleopatra received a term on the island. Alton Chase’s reputation was cleared, at last, ai Rig was again given the cashiership of the ank, Madeline Gray Elwell is happy. Free from danger and trouble, her life is calm) and peace- ful. She is now Mrs. Leonard, for Gus set a price on his services and received it. The price named was her hand, and she married bim, The Three Spotters, with Bertina as an aid, of course continued their detective work, Alert, 2ouest and expert, they continued to do their irt to free New York from its Jaw-breakers aad thugs, and their success as trailers brought them fresh renown, THE END, Beadle’s Dime Library. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, U0 Te Rover’s Retribution. he Ex Buccaneer; or, The Stigma of Sin, 640 Th: Sea Thief “S Yeed Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas. 415 The Three buccaneers, ui0 ‘The Red Flag Rover; or, White Wings of the Deep, (0S The Shadow Silver Ship. 600 ‘The Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scouts of 76, 4048 The Sea Rebel; or. Red Rovers of the Revolution. 5°7 Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or, True Hearts of "76, 581 The Outlawed Skipper; or, The Gantlet Runner, 560 The Man from: Mexico, 553 Mark Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig. M6 The Doomed Whaler; or, The Life Wreck. 340 The Pleet Scourge; or, The Sea Wings of Salem, 530 The Savages of the Sea, 524 The Sea Chaser; or, The Pirate: Noble, 516 Chatard, the Dead-Shot Duelist. 510 Bl Mora, the Corsair Commodore. 493 The Scouts of the Sea. is? The Pirate Hunter; or, The Ocean Rivals. 482 Ocean Tramps; or, The Desperadoes of the Deep. 476 Bob Brent,the Buccaneer; or, the Red Séa Raider. 469 The Lieutenant Detective: or, the Fugitive Sailor. 457 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Son. 446 Oeean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair, 5 The One-Armed Buccaneer. The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and War, The Sea Sword; or. The Ocean Rivals. Che Sea Siren; or. The Fugitive Privateer, The New Monte Cristo. The Convict Captian, Tne Giant Buecaneer; or, The Wrecker Witch, Afloat and Ashore; or, Tne Corsair Conspirator. Suilor of Fortune; or, The Barnegat Buccaneer. The Coast Corsair; or, The Siren of the Sea. fhe Sea Fugitive; or, The Queen of tne Coast, O¢ean Guerrillas; or, Paantom Midshipman. M1 The Sea Desperado, 336. ‘Lhe Magic Ship; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters. 225 The Gentleman Pirate; or. The Casco Hermits. 318 The Indian Buccaneer; or, Fhe Red Rovers. 207 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves, 241 PheSea Owl; or. The Lady Captain of the Gulf. 259 utiass and Cross; or, the Ghouls of the Sea. 255/The Pirate Priest; or, The Gampler'’s Daughter, RAG weer Helen, the Amazon of the Overland. 235 d Ligntning the Man of Chance. 231 The Kid Glove Miner; or, The Magic Doctor, 224 Black Beard, the Buccaneer. 22 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother’s Orime. 216 The Corsair Planter; or, Driven to Doom, 210 Buccaneer Beas. the Lioness of the Sea. 205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon, 198 Phe Skeleton’ Schooner; or, The Skimmer. 164 Phe Ocean Vampire; or, The Castle Heiress. Ist The. Scarlet Schooner; or, The Sea Nemesis. 177 Don Diablo, the Planter-Corsair. 472 Black Pirate; or, The Golden Fetters Mystery. 162 The Mad Mariuer: or, Dishonored and Disowned 155 The Corsair Queen: or, The Gypsies of the Sea. 147 Gold Spur, the Gentleman from Texas. 120 Fire Eye; or, The Bride of a Buccaneer, 134 Darkey Dan, the Colored Detective. 131 Buckskin Sam, the Texas Trailer. 128 The Chevalier Corsair; or. The Heritage. 121 The Sea Cadet; or, The Rover of the Rigoletts, 116 Black Pinme; or. The Sorceress of Heli Gate, 109 Captain Kyd, the King of the Black Flag. 104 Montezuma, the Merciless. 10% Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor Brand, 94 Freelance, the Buccaneer. 80 The Pirate Prince; or, The Queen of the Isle. % The Cretan Rover’ or, Zuleikah the Beautiful, “he Dare Devil; or, The Winged Sea Witch, The Three Spotters’ Duel in the Dark, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. Numbers * are from the pen of Buffalo B.U. » 644 Buffalo Sill’s Bonanza, *639 The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnificent. 629 Daredeath Dick; or, Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role. *599 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains 517 Buffalo Biil’s First Trail, een Red Renard. the Indian Detective. 401 *397 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver's Trail, 394 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. 362 Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or Oatn Bound to Custer, 29 The League of Three: or, Buffalo Bill’s Pledge. *319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. 243 The Pilgrim Sharp: or, The Soldier's Sweetheart 189 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen 175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot. 92 Buffalo Bill. the Buckskin King. *83 Gold Bullet Sport; or, Knights of the Overland. *52 Death-Trailer, the Chief of Scouts. BY JOSEPH E,. BADGER, JR. 645 Gopher Gabe, the Uwseen Detective, 636 Dandy Dariing, Detective. 627 Mossback Mose, the Mountaineer. 617 The Grip-Sack Sharp’s Even up. 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. 588 Sandy Sands, the Sharp from Snap City. 576 Silver-Tongued Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp's Sweep. 84 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom, 855 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. 847 The Buried Detectives or, Sauis Six Sensations, 541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve, 585 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift. 527 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective: 514 Gabe Gunn, the Grizzly from Ginseng. 504 Solemn Saul, the Sad Man from San Saba, 495 Rattlepete Rob; or, The Roundhead’s Reprisal, 485 The Thorcughbred Sport. 474 Daddy Dead-Eye, the Despot of Dew Drop, 466 Old ugh and Ready, the Sage of Sundown. 458 Dutch Dan, the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. 450 The Rustler Detective. 443 A Cool Hand; or, Pistol Johnny’s Picnic. 428 Oklahoma Nick. 433 Laughing Leo; or, Sam's Dandy Pard. 426 The Ghost Detective; or, The Secret Service Spy. 416 Monte Jim, the-Black Sheep of Bismarck. 409 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle, 403 The Nameless Sport. 305 Deadly Aim, the Duke of Derringers. 387 Dirk Durg, the Ishmael of the Hills. : 879 Howling Jonathan, the Terror from Headwaters, 272 Captain Crisp, the Man with a Record. 867 A Royal Fiush: or, Dan Brown’s Big Game. 360 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown. 355 Stormy Steve, the Maa Athlete. 351 Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. 345 Masked Mark, the Mounted Detective. 339 Spread Eagle Sam, the Hereules Hide flunter, 331 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport. 324 Old Forked Lightnin”. the Solitary. $17. Krank Lightfoot, the Vioer Detective. 402 Faro Saul, the Handsome flercules, 292 Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout, 286 Pistol Johnny; or, One Man in a Thousand. 283 Sieek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. 257 Death Trap Diggings; or, 249 Elephant Tom, of Durango, 241 Spitfire Saul, King of the Rustlers. 233 The Old Boy of Tombstone. 201 Pirate of the Placers; or, Josqudis Death Hunt, 197 Revolver Rob; or, The Belle of Nugget Camp. 180 Old 49; or, The Amazon of Arizona, 170 Sweet Wiliiam, the Trapper Detective, 165 Joaquin. the Terrible 154 Joaquin, the Saddie King. 141 Equinox Tom, the Bui'y of Red Rock, 127 Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. 119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters, 105 Dan Brown of Denver; or, The Detective. 88 Bie George; or, The Five Outlaw Brothers. 71 Captain Coot Blade; or, Mississippi Man Shark, 67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness, Double-Sight, the Death Shot. Jack Rabbit, tne Prairie Sport. Pacific Pete, the Prince of tue Revolver, 5 Old Bull’s-Byé, the Lightning Shot. 40 Long-Haired Pards; or, The Tarters of the Plains. 30 Gospel George; or, Fiery Fred, the Outlaw. 28 Three-Fingered Jack, the Road-Agent. BY J. Cc. COWDRICK. 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry, 598 The Dominie Detective, ‘ 591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective. 580 Shadowing a Shadow. : 565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective. 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle. 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky Ranger 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. 472 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective, 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas, 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pive. 422 Blue Grass Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 390 ‘The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. A new issue every Wednesday. BReadie’« Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdeelers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusrisHERs, 98 William Street, New York, A Man ’Way Bagity). as URE NR EE RS A a Issued Every Wednesday. BEADLE’S One-Armed Pard; or, Borderland Retribution, || ———_wy POPULAR Lin. SRY, PRICE, FIVE CENTS. This New Library will give only the Best Work of the Best Writers in POPULAR AMERI- CAN ROMANCE, Each and every issue will be a bright, strong, markedly original work, produced expressly for the series by special order, and wrought up to oe highest standard of popular story excel- ence, . Its field will cover the wide scope of Wi' West, Border, Mining, Ranching, Detectiy } Secret Service, City ard Sea Life, and th. maintain, as a Library, an interest ** ~\ varied and commanding, & As no inferior or amateur product. y 7”, mitted to the schedules, so everything, re) questionable or vitiating character is studious) excluded. Therefore, with the trade gs. well with readers, BEADLE’S PopuLak J. any / certain to win a wide pepularity, and + re > ——< one of the standards in the literatur: people, 1—Dandy Dic) yDetective: or, The St... at Burnt Match. By Robert Randolpb . man. 2—The Three Spotters; or, Rogues, By Mareus geant Mark,” 8—Cowtoy Chris, the Man of Caliber; or, Hot Times in Hot Hole. By Wm. West Wilder —* Wyoming Will.” 4—Dandy Dick’s Double; or, The Severed Head of Paradise Pocket.. By Robert. Rand“ Inman, 5—The Street Spotters’ Weird Hunt; or. Angel of the Docks. By Marcus H, W —* Sergeant Mark,” 6—Mustang Merle, the Boy Rancher’ Joe Bundy’s Wipe-ont. By Maj. Scott. %—Flip Fred, the Pack-Peddler Prine Witch of the Black Swamp. Lytton, 8—Cowboy Chris to the Fore; or, 8 Scourge of the San Juan. By Wilder. 9—The Three Spotters’ Dead My: Blonde Bert of Brick Alley. By H, Waring—‘ Sergeant Mark,” 10—Dandy Dick Decoyed; or, The Tussle et Satan’s Delight. By Randolph: Inman. 11—Rustling Rob, the Tramp’s Protege Master of the Cedars. By Edwar 12—Mustang Merle’s Mine; or, Dolores Pard. By Maj. Sam 8, Scott. 13—The Three Spotters’ Duel in the I The Thugs and Trailers of Gotha Marcus H. Waring,—‘‘ Sergeant Ma 14--Cowboy Chris in Ciunabar; or, Th of the Blne Jeans; By Wm. West » —* Wyoming Will.” Ready July ist. 15—Lightning Leo, the Bebind-’ “ rs By Redmond Blak Ready July 8. For sale by all newsdealers at » septs pe copy, or sent, post-paid, on receipt of six ce each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pudlisbers, 98. William street, New York. é Runping Down, the H, Warivg — ‘‘Ser-