Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1085) (1899 01)
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2 Detective Frank's Fl Flush J DODGER AGAINST DODGER. W BY CHARLES MORRIS. CHAPTER L A GOHANCE AT THE DODGER. “ TELL you, Dick, he is a good bit the Heavi- est. weight l ever tried tocarry. 1t’s a disgrace to our profession that we can’t handle him; but we can’t, that’s the long and short of it,” * Never say can’t, Don’t the Good Book tell you that? e haven't climbed all the bills yet, Joe: nor seen through all the holes.” “Tf you can see through the Artful Dodger you must have a six barreled microscope in each eye, that’s all ve got to say, He’s a whole team, and a little dog under the wagon,” These words passed between two men who were seated in an office room in the city of New York. The room was a large one, with a table desk in the center, well covered witb papers, a cabinet against the wall with pigeon-holes stuffed full of documents, and a number of cane-seat chairs, ‘ The walls displayed an odd attempt at orna- ment, being hung with pictures of noted crim- inals, scenes of burglary and crime, and other extracts from the life of the law-breakers—most of them newspaper illustrations, which were tack- ed up at intervals around the room. The two men were negligently dressed, one of them leaning back in his chair, with his feet on the table and a pipe in bis mouth, while the one ~Ramed-Joe sat with both elbows on the table, and with a look of vexation on his face, On a lounge at one side of the room lay a well- grown boy, to all appearance asleep, though closer observation would have shown that nota word of the conversation escaped him. At the last remark he stirred, rose ou one elbow, and said in a drawliag tone: “ Maybe bes a whole team, but I reckon I’m the. Mttle yor -inder the wagon. That's me!” 28 y up, youngster,” growled the man nemeda Dick. *! We'll whistle for you when we want a pup of your size.” **Me a pup!” cried the boy indignantly, ** ?m os bull-dog of the Bowery, and don’t you forget t. With these words he fell back on the lounge, closed his eyes, and in a moment seemed fast asleep again. The two men laughed, **More of the blcodbound than of the bull- dog, I fancy,” inferred the man who was lean- ing on the table, ‘* With a cross of the rat-terrier,” suggested the other. The first speaker now picked up a newspaper, opened it, and leaned back in his chair to read, while the other addressed himself to puffing out whirling clouds of smoke from his pipe, Thus some five minutes passed. Then the silence was broken by a loud whistle from the moan with the paper. ** Jupiter!” he cried, ‘‘Here’s nuts!” and he struck the table a blow that made its papers dance, * Hillo!” cried Dick, taking the pipe hastily from his mouth, ‘‘ what snake's bit you?” ‘A rattler, 2 jingo!” exclaimed the boy, springing suddenly from the lounge. “Slow down, Shut off steam. There isn’t any dynamite in it,” rejoined Joe, “Struck a little snag, that’s al isten to this advertise- ment, Dick.” Opening the paper in, he turned to the colunn of ** Wants,” and read as follows: » “ Wanrzp—A boy from fifteen to eighteen years of age, quick-witted and quick motioned, none others need apply. For messenger and neral utility service. Cail, 3 to 5 p, mw. Wednesday, at 468 Bronson street.” *« Well?” queried Dick, ** He’s the Artful himself! That’s his number. What for?” ¥ should say,” rejoined Dick, “See here, Dick: do you know what struck nic tyr ir wy i hi lied th h Ml suppose,” rep the other. They are all the time striking you, but none of in, i oe butte pipe to his lips again, and drew a Bn fi He want a messenger! ¥ run messages, faa: iin ES We Fig a ‘an » F 4 at x : «! ol ee oy Detective Frank’s Full Flush. “ You're too confoundedly smart,” retorted Joe, in a pet, ‘See here, now! For three years we bave been trying*to get on the track of this Clarkson, In that time we have reason to think he bas been mixed in a dozen crimes, burglaries, counterfeiting, and even murder, yet not an ounce of sure evidence have we got against him, The eyte rascal has dodged the whole detective force of New York so neatly that he has well earned the title of the Artful Dodger.” “Bless your heart, Joe, that’s no news, Tell me something new. What's the idea this time?” ‘*He wants a messenger-boy{ spry, ready, quick-witted ; why not send him the bull-dog of the Bowery? “Whew! that is an idea!” “ Jolly for you! I’m your chap!” cried the boy, dancing with excitement. ‘Put mein his house, and if there’s anything crooked in it, Pl find it out or collapse, I ain’t the bull-dog of the Bowery any more; I'm the rat-terriér of the Kie- | vated; I’m the premium ferret of the Under- round, Put my nose on bis trail, and Pll run im to his hole or burst.” ‘Ry Jove, I believe you will!” remarked Dick, looking with admiration on the acute and intel- ligent countenance of the boy, and his excite- ment at the very suggestion of detective work. Said boy, Frank Melton by name, was a well- built and strongly-framed youth, of somewhere from sixteen to eighteen years of age, neatly dressed and pear hin aes well-cared for, and of a peeking and clean-cut face, He was evi- ently excitable and ready-witted, and the keen look in his eyes indicated that he was adapted by by nature to his present occupation, that of aid and assistant to the detectives, Richard Wister and Joseph Smith. ‘t Joa, { forgive you,” continued Dick, “* Your ideas have led me into many a bramble-bush; but this looks like one that won't scratch, I for- OU este: al d, if it wait enius always gets recognized, if it waits long enough,” rejoined Joe, with a sigh of satis- faction, ‘1 have not quite wasted my talents.— But come, joking aside: what do you think of sending Frank to apply for that situation?” ‘t Joking aside, I think very well of it. There is nothing like getting behind the breastworks of the enemy. You know what you’ve got to do, Frank?” ** Yes,” answered the boy curtly. “ What?” “ First, to try for the situation.” “Very good. What next?” To get it.” LI yu can,” i “Tf T can? There ain’t no if about it.” ** Well—what after?” ‘General utility,” responded Frank. ‘* Pm to keep my eyes and ears open, slip around like a ferret,: peek here and peer there, see every- thing and say nothing, be asinnocent as a dove and as sharp as a hawk—and when I strike any- thing shady fetch it straight to you,” ‘*The boy don’t need any instructions, Dick,” declared Joe. ** Not he. He’s got the idea.” ‘¢ Wednesday—that’s to-morrow. Three to five rp, Ms. You know what P, M. means?” “Yes, Past munching. After dinner.” ** Boe there as soon after three as you can, The early bird catches the worm, He will probably want references. Give him these names as your last employers. Ill see that they are posted as to your value and virtue.” oe, as he spoke, wrote down two names and addresses, which ne handed to the boy, All O, K. and P, M,,” assented Frank, “I’m going to get thatsituation. Maybe I’m runnin my head into a hornet’s nest, for the Artfu ain’t the sort of chap to try tricks on. If I get into trouble, [ want you to help me out of it. “That we'll do, We expect to keep track of the Dodger. If you get into chancery, we'll be on the other side of the wall. But you must play deuced sly. When you come to us to re- port, see that you are not tracked. He might Se TAL AS ay Drea be Oo my prettiest, you can bet high on that.” “| x A conversation of considerable length follow- ed, in which more exact and definite directions were given to,the youthful scout, He listened respectfully, though not without some show of impatience, as if he felt that noin- structions were necessary in his case, “Hinough said,” he at length broke ont, ‘ There’s nothing wanted buta sharp eye, a still fongue, anda cat tread. If I can run him tehis » ‘We'll be on band to trap him.”. : rx “J ian F —_— * Just you stick to that, Don’t leave bim tc trap me, Good-by. I’m going to have th-*% situation, or—subside,” Seizing his hat, he set it rakisbly on his head, and swaggered out of the room, followed by the laugiter of the detectives. Promptly at three o’clock of the next after- noon, the young detective spy presented hime) fi at the door of 468 Bronson street. He found a number of boys there ahead of him, whom he closely observed, weighing their chances of the situation. ‘** There won’t be any of these chaps take the wind out of my sails,” he said to himseli. “ They’re all of the half-baked sort, The Artful don’t want no grown-up infants.” The bell being rung, the applicants were a'-- mitted, and shown into a room on ono side cf the hall, whence they were calied one by ove by the woman who had admitted them, for an in- terview with her employer, Frank hung back, not caring to be the first éXamined. ie wanted Mr, Clarkson first to be disgusted with somo of thadeaw, Wood surround~ ing him before showing bis mettle. iA After half a dozen had been called cul and d‘s- missed, Frank decided that bis turn bad come, and pressed forward so obtrusively that the wo- man beckoned to him next, He followed he: briskly, and was led to a room across the hall, where he found himself before a well-dresseci person seated negligently in an easy-chair. Frauk observed him with the critical eye of the born detective. It was no part of his role*c play the shy or modest youth. He felt sure that that was not the kind of boy wanted, He saw before hima gentlemanly individual, of a smoo'b and not unhandsome face, with a marked benev - olence of expression. Yet the keen-eyed boy saw more in the countenance than he con! readily fathom—a shadow of a character differ- ent from that which the face wore as a mask. ‘He's a wolf in a lamb’s hide, VP’ bet my pile on that,” decided Frank, The gentleman looked at him closely. : “ What is your name, my boy?” he asked in 4 quiet. tone, “rank Melton, ” ‘« Where do you reside?” Frank gave his address, which the questioner jotted down, ; ‘* What can you do?” ‘* Hverything.” ‘‘ Mercy on us, here is an Admirahie Crichton} What do you know?” “ Nothing—except what I’m wanted to know.” ‘Knows nothing and can do everthing! A promising youth, indeed! Can you find your way about New York?” ‘* With my eyes shut, at midnight.” “« And if sent on an errand, cam you perfor.o it promptly and correctly?” Hane “Try me, That’s the proof of the pudding.” The questioner now looked -the boy over from head to foot, with eyes that seemed fo’ ke in every detail of his organization, ‘if I should engage you, when couid you come?” “T could stay now, if you said the word.” ‘Good. Have you been in service before?” ‘Yes, sir, Here are my references, He handed him the written list which he had received from Joe Smith, The gentleman look- ed over them, “T like you, boy, You seem wide-awake, and that’s what I want, Here are four letters to be delivered. Take them to their addresses, and let me see how soon and how well you can do it, There will be an answer in each case.” Frank put on his hat and took the letters, look- ing at the addresses, ““Good-day, sir!” he said; ‘ here’s to prov)’ the pudding.” And he was off. CHAPTER II, THE FOUR QUEER VISITORS. Av an afternoon hour of the next day Frank Melton met the detective, Dick Wister, in the street. “T told you I'd do it,” he cried in triumpb. ‘« Pye got the situation,” ‘‘Good for you, F,ank. I judged you’d man age it, What salary do you get ‘* Four dollars a week and A od *¢ And what are you to do ‘(Run errands, tend door, keep up fires, help in tne kitchen, and about everything else,” That looks like small pay for big work, Don't let him crowd you too much,” ‘Pll hold up my end, now you bet! I reckon my pay’s to goon with you?” Be: your work goes o., ‘We'll pay you for all the useful news you bring in.” “* Here's the Gret installmen,, ss tae 5 Pini
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Frank’s Full Flush. Dick cast his eye over the paper. ‘* All strangers. Must look them up. That’s a good idea, Frank. Keep us posted in all things, big and small,” ** Won't I? Pll write you every time the cat squalls, You write me to my home address if you've got any orders. Itisn’t safe for me to come to the office.” ** That’s it exactly, play with.” **You bet he ain't! Outside he’s just as smooth and sweet as new milk, but he’s awful deep. I've been trying to look into him, but 1 can’t see half way tothe bottom, And I wouldn’t like to stir him up too much for fear of waking ap earthquake,” ‘J know him, A soft and smiling rascal. And knows better how to cover up his tracks than any Indian scout. Now, scoot away, youngster, you’re Joafing on your employer.” Frank burst intova merry laugh, and darted off without answering. Dick Wister stood look- ing after him, “rank willmake his mark yet. He has the detective instinct strong. It was a\stroke of genius to put him on Clarkson’s trail,” Dick’s thoughts took form. Meanwhile the boy was making rapid way to- ward his new home, seeking to recover the time he had lost in his chat with the detective. He was too early in service yet to play the laggard, Reaching the Bronson street mansion be report- éd the result of bis errand to Mr, Clarkson, ‘Very well. Now you may go down in the kitchen aud belp the cook. tt anybody calls tell them that I am out, I will not,be back till evening.” ' ** Cook’s aid-de-camp! I didn’t hire for that,” growled Frank when’ out of hearing. ‘ When you get out of doors I’m going to take a peep round this shanty, I reckon that’s more in my line than paring potatoes and polishing frying- pans, As the boy retreated Mr. Olarkson put on his spring overcoat, took his bat and cane, uu walked out witha steady, solid step, like that of a man who owns a good slice of the eirth, He looked the retired merchant or gen- tleman of leisure, rather than the criminal at lirge and ‘‘ Artful Dodger,” as the detectives named him. Frank was too acute to begin bis investiga- tion at once. He did not know but vhat the cook might be questioned as to bis doings, and therefore went to the kitchen as ordered, But an hour sufficed to finish bis labors there, aud then he slipped into the front portion of the house, and began to wander about ina listless fashion, as if moved only by idle curiosity, He instinctively distrusted everything and every person about that house, But lazy as his feet seemed, the boy’s eyes were kept ag busy, and nothing escaped. his ilert glance. The house he found to be a large one, with a central ball, having a large and handsomely furnished parlor on one side, and two rooms on theother, Of these the front one was fitted up as library and office, its desk standing unlocked, and stuffed full of papers. “Nothing there,” observed Frank, shrugging lis shoulders, ‘‘That’s just like the Artful, Wears an open countenance, he’ does; as inno- cent as an angel outside, but with a good deal of the devil hid away. It isn’t there I’d look for unything shady,” aking the best of care to touch nothing, Frank left the room and leisurely ascended ‘the stairs, On the second floor he found a large sitting-room in the rear, with a bay window back. A center table occupied the middle of the apartment, with writing materials and newspapers. Several handsome. chairs and sofus furnished the room, which also contained @ Cabinet of bric-a-brac, a marble mantel clock, and other ornaments, A glance took in the room, and then the boy songht the front region of the house. Here were several bedrooms, the large front one being evidently that of Mr. Clarkson him- self, It was tastefully furnished, and looked like the apartment of a gentleman of wealth, In one forner was a small fire-proof safe. On this Prank fixed his eyes covetously. Who could tell what deep and valuable secrets it might contain? > The third floor he had no occasion to visit. It contained his ‘own bedroom and those of the two servants who made up the working fcrce of the family, : But there remained the cellar and the yard, Clarkson isnot the sort to 7 A mak Here no secrets were likely to Jurk, but Frank believed in thorough work. The cellar was a long, cemented, dry room, with furnace and coa) bins in front, a wine closet on one side, and foud shelves and safes in the rear. The yard extended some distance back, with a square grass plot in the center, and a grape arbor, from which supports for the vine extend- ed to a shed over the kitchen door, This survey consumed considerable time, for the youthful scout iet nothing escape his observa- tion, while he took the best of care to touch no- thing, not knowing what trap for curiosity his astute master might have set, His work done he seated himself in a chair in the yard, with his feet upon the grape-arbor post, and reflected, ‘The whole house is just as innocent as an angel,” he said to himself, ‘* Nothing crooked high nor low. And the Artful is a born cherub. He couldn’t do a thing wrong, on account of his tender conscience. Ob, he’s a perfect daisy, he ia! ‘‘ But when the bull-dog of the Bowery gets his teeth in be don’t let go easy, I bet high fel fetch blood yet, Jobn P. Clarkson, Esquire, ain’t quite a spring lamb nora pet dove if he does show such pretty ways, reckon he’s a good deal of the fox and a little of the wolf.” ‘‘Ye’re takin’ life purty tender and ’asy, me boy,” cried the cook from the kitchen at this juncture. ‘* Wouldn’t ye like a pipe o’ *baccy and a glass 0’ poteen, avick?” ‘¢ Anything that’s handy. Don’t disturb your- self, Bridget.” ‘““Faix, I won’t that; bot I’ve got a crvel desire to disturb you. Here’s the knives I bid ye to scour, and purtily scoured they are,” ‘Oh, if that’s all, Pll do it in two shakes of a cat’s tail. Let me have them, I'd stand on my head all day to accommodate you, Biddy.” ‘**Would ye now? I’m afraid ye’d git.a rush o’ blood to the head sooner that way than with hard work.” ‘* Maybe so,” said Frank, laughing. ‘* At any rate, you'll soon see me make looking-glasses of your knife-blades. [1a running over with elbow grease,” * And ain’t wantin’ in tongue ‘ile, I be think- in’,” retorted Biddy. Frank had evidently already got on the best of terms with the autocrat of the kitchen, and as he rubbed diligently away at the knife-blades, whistling and singing at intervals, she beamed upon him with satisfaction. “‘ What’s the bill of fare to-night, Biddy?” ‘‘Lamb chops and hot biscuit, The master won’t be in, so we'll have our little smack to our- selves,” ‘*T reckon I'll have to put up with it, but it ain’t the kind of grub I’m used to,” “Tt ain’t then!” cried Biddy, with a burst of wrath. *‘Faix, and what has your lordship been used to, if I might be so bould as to ask? Nothin’ better nor pigs’ trotters and salt mack- erel, I'll be bound,” ‘You're a born prophet, Biddy,” rejoined Frank, laughing, ‘‘ Fetch along your chops and biscuit as soon as you’ve a mind, I could eat fried railroad spikes on a pinch.” : “Could ye, indade? Don’t try it on, avick, or I might have to sell ye for ould iron,” Thus rattling on Frank enjoyed his supper bugely, and helped Bridget, and Sarah the chambermaid, in their duties of ‘‘ clearing up.” By the time this was at an end Mr. Clarkson returned, The first sound of bis key in the door ut a stop to the clatter in the kitchen. When 3s walked in all was moving with mouse-like smoothness and quietness, ** Frank!” he called. ‘ eta answered the boy, hastening into the a . -“T expect four gentlemen to call on me to- night, wish you to attend to the bell, as I have given the girls a night out, When they come, show them up to the sitting-room. And remember, Iam not at home to any one else,” * I'll not forget, Mr, Clarkson,” ‘* You know what ‘Not at home’ means?” **Ob, yes! It means a lie, dressed up in the overcoat of truth,” “*Good!” cried Mr. Clarkson, breaking into a laugh. - * You'll do, boy. You don’t need any lessons,” He walked up-stairs, stil] laughing. ‘‘ Not from you,” said Frank to himself, look- ing after him. “lve got my eye-teeth pretty well cut, Mr, Artful Dedzer Frank turned away, thinking deeply, He had taken letters the day before to four per- sons, Four were to call to-night, and nobody else to be admitted, Tbe women-servants were g dismissed for the night. Was there some ras- cality afoot? It looked that way, and he quietly made up his mind that he was not going to sleep through it. It was his first job of real detective work, and now was the time to show what stuff was in him, At eight o’clock’ the two women, baving fin- ished their work, went out, Frank seated him- self on a chair in the hall, waiting for the ex- pected tinkle of the bell, At half-past eight 1 came, Opening the door, he saw before him a tali, stout personage, heavily bearded, and with bis hat well drawn down over his face, as if to bive bis countenance, “Is Mr, Clarkson in?” ‘* Yes, sir, Walk in.” Frank closed the door and led the way to thé sitting-room, on whose portal he rapped loudly, Mr, Clarkson quickly opened, **Good-evening! Walk in,” to the visitor, Then turning to Frank he remarked, pleasantly: ‘‘ When the other gentlemen come you may send them up. They know the way,” ** All right, sir,” and Frank retreated, Ten minutes passed, and then came another ring. On opening the door Frank was con- fronted by a seedy-looking individual, his well- worn coat buttoned to bis throat, as if to hide the absence of a shirt, the ragged brim of his soft bat flapping over his face, The boy’s first impulse was to tell him there was no cold victuals to-night, for he could not imagine this to be one of the expected visitors, ‘* is Mr, Clarkson, in?” were the words that met his ears, He stared in surprise, ‘*You ain’t one of—” he began, but checked himself, ‘* Waita minute; I'l) see if he’s in,” Glancing hastily round, to see if there were any valuables within reach, Frank ran up the stairs, leaving the visitor standing in the hall. He rapped again at the sitting-room door. Mr, Clarkson appeared, this time with a show of vexation in his face. ** Didn’t I tell you to send the other gentlemen up?” he demanded, * Just so,” responded Frank. ‘Then what brings you here?” “You said gentlemen, You didn’t say a word about tramps, This one’s a genuine cold victualer, one of the sort that shveps 12 barns, and keeps one eye squinted for dogs,” * ~ ‘*Send him up,” rejoined Mr. Clarke on, wit. ae alaugh. ‘* And don’t trouble meagei:. If the other two are citizens it will answer. You needn’t be particular about gentlemen,” ** All O, K. You're the doctor,” thought Frank, as he descended the stairs, * You'll find him up there,” he said to the visitor, pointing with his thumb, ‘* We keep the cold pieces in the second-story, back,” Without a word of response the seedy visitor ascended the stairs, leaving Frank again alone on guard. He whistled ‘in surprise, ‘**T wonder what sort of a candidate the next one will be?” he queried, He had not long to wait to discover, for the bell tinkled again within five minutes. Frank opened the door with some curiosity, but fall back a step on seeing the form before him, For it was an indi7idual with a coppery com plexion and dressed in the white Liouse of the Chinaman—to all appearance a genuine repre- sentative of the Celestial kingdom. “ How nh 5) do, John? Fetch home the dickies?” asked Frank, ** Mista Carkson—hizn in?’ asked the caller, ** ‘You don’t mean to say you're one of them?” ** Mista Carkson-—him in?” repeated John. ‘* Well, Pll be fiddled! Plant yourself right there, and Vll see;” and, leaving the Celestia) on the door-step, Frank again ascended the stairs and knocked at the sitting-room door, Mr. Clarkson’s face grew red with anger on seeing him, ** Are you a born fool?” he ejaculated, ‘* Didn't I tell you to send up my visitors without troub- ling me?” “You told me to send up gentlemen and citi- zens, There wasn’t a word said about such half- cocked specimens as this.” ‘* What do you mean, boy?” Frank turned and whistled. ‘*Glide up bere, Jobn, and show your hand- some phiz,” he called out, In response the Chinaman ascended the stairs, * Look at that !” demanded Krank indignant- ly ‘* A snub nose, coffee-colored, rub-rub John hinaman, You don’t call that sort of cross- eyed coon a citizen?” Mr. Clarkson’s anger disappeared, and he could not help laughing againat the boy’s indigna- on. >.
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ay 4 “You area little hard to please, my young friend,” he said. mav, That ought to be broad enough to suit you.” And he shut the door, after admitting the Chinaman, ** Well, if these ain’t sweet samples of dime- museum freaks, I'll be shot!” remarked Frank, as he descended the stairs, ‘‘ Lucky there’s only onewnore of them, or I’d throw up my situation on the spot. A fellow’s got to draw a line some- where,” He now waited some ten minutes, at the end of which time the bell very feebly tinkled. “A weak-wristed freak, this one,” thought Frank, as he again opened the door, He stared at the personage before him in more surprise than ever. What he saw was a short, spare specimen of bumanity, with a very thin aked face, and hawk-like nose, while a pair of uxuriant side-whiskers, of reddish hue, descend- * ed half way to bis waist. His eyes peered out oddly from under the rim of a queer shaped cap, that was drawn down over half hisface. A blue cloak, edged with fur, was wrapped closly round his form, He rattled off something to Frank in a foreign dialect that sounded like sheer gibberish to the disgusted boy. ‘“Whatdo you want?” demanded Frank, sharp- ly The strange personage again jabbered earnest- ly the only words Frank could ynderstand being Mista Clarkson.” ** Want tosee Mr, Clarkson? Is that it?” The visitor nodded energetically. Frank looked at bim with dubious eyes, and then at the stairs, Ina minute he made up his mind, He caught the visitor by ‘the shoulder und pulled him in, ney re, the door behind him, ‘Thenybe shut the vestibule door, leaving him be- tween the two doors, “ T reckon you're safe there,” he grumbled, as lie ascended the stairs for the fourth time, . He knocked paeg, shar ply this time on the sit- ting-room door. r, Clarkson quickly respond- ed, and on seeing the boy again, sprung angrily toward him, as if with intent to kick him down- stairs, * Don’t,” protested Frank. if Vd fall on it.” “Hart i? What?” “ The thing down there.” © WVhatdo you mean, booby? Didn't I tell you “send. him up this time if he was a man?” ‘* Vos, sir.” “*Then why didn’t you?” ‘* Because it ain’t a man,” “Then what is it?” “That's where you’ve got me, It’s a what-is- it. Some sort of a cross between a baboon and a kangardo, I’ve got it caged down there.” He pointed mysteriously downward, ‘© What does the fool mean?” cried Mr, Clark- son, descending the stairs hastily, bis expression now divided between anger and amusement, He threw open the vestibule door and released Frank's prisoner. “ Well, this is rich!” he ejaculated, but laugb- ing outright. In a moment he suppressed his mirth, and spoke to the visitor in the same lan- guage which had so perplexed the boy. ___-He now led the caijler up stairs, and ushering iim into the sitting-room, turned to Frank with a face full of suppressed amusement. “You're something of a judge of human na- ture, boy,” he declared, ‘‘ But, bear this in mind; if you disturb me again, I'll be tempted to break your neck, Now take your station in the hall, and see that no one else is admitted, I am not at home to any one, you understand?” 4 sir, ne That will do, then,” Mr, Clarkson re-enter- éd the sitting-room and shut the door behind him. Frank heard the lock click sharply. * Wouldn't I give something to have Joe and Dick here now!” said the boy to himself, ‘‘ The Artful Dodger’s wide-awake to-night. And you bet the rat-terrier of the Underground ain’t fast asleep!” “T might hurt it CHAPTER III. A PEEP AT A MYSTERY. FRANK certainly had no intention of going to sleep. Never in his life bad he been more wide- awake, That something mysterious was going on in that closed room there could be no ques- tion, Something criminal, perhaps. The boy was eaten up with curiosity. But bow to get at the secret? Tho key-hole was of no use, that he quickly discovered, for Sie Rey mae eee Sect ty ere was nothing ar but the ake fear at the oor of the thing room, Coul any way, get a glance through this? eae eee EEO Detective Frank’s Full Flush. Frauk lost no time in passing through the ‘Send up the next, if he is a | kitchen into the yard. He could see that the cur- tains of the bay-wiadow were pulled well down, though raised sufficiently at one sash to let out a bright ray of light. This sash was lifted several inches for ventilation. The hed over the kitchen door came up to within some four feet of the bottom of the win- dows. If he could get on that shed! He looked about him, The supports of the grape-vine arbor? No, they were too weak. He shook his head, Against the fence stood a step-ladder, con- siderably too short toreacb the edge of the shed. But a broad work-table stood against the outer wall of the house. The astute boy was not long in putting this and that together. Lifting the table as quietly as possible, he set it under the edge of the shed. Then with equal caution he adjusted the ladder on the table. Eureka! it reached within a foot of the shed, So much done Frank paused and listened. His operations had evidently been unheard, From under the raised sash there came to his ears the faint sound of voices, He returned into the house and ascended the stairs. The keyhole was still obstructed and the sour evidently locked. No alarm had been taken, With a look of satisfaction the young scout returned to the yard, where be went to the rear gate, slipped its bolt, and partly opened it. ‘* The wise general always leaves a way open for retreat,” he muttered. Returning now to the table he noiselessly climbed upon it by the aid of a chair, and then very carefully began the ascent of the somewhat rickety ladder. No cat ever moved with less noise than did the young detective in this slow ascent. After ascending a few steps of the ladder he was able to steady himself by catching the edge of the shed roof. A step or twomore brought him high enough to climb to the roof, This was done with greater caution than ever. He had to lift his feet from the ladder with great care not to overturn it, while the slightest noise might have reached the ears within, Fortunately the roof was not steep, and he wormed his way slowly up it, inch by inch, un- til he came directly beneath the raised sash, The voices now came to him louder than before, but he could distinguish no words. Reaching upward, he caught the edge of the sash, and lifted himself carefully till he stood upon his feet. He was obliged to remain in a stooping attitude, for if he had stood upright his head would have come a foot up the sash, Curious as he was for a sight of what was passing within, it was the part of wisdom to move slowly in his dangerous quest, and he paused to listen, with his head just below the window-sill. Now, by bending his head so as to throw his ear upward, be found himself able todistinguish something of what was being said. He listened intently, “Ttisaneat job,” came in the voice of Mr, Clarkson. “ Vanilli is an artist, that 1 must acknowledge.” Other voices answered, but their tones were hoarser, and he could not distinguish their words, ‘Fine, fine,” again exclaimed Mr. Clarkson. **T wouldn’t mind dropping some of this proven- der myself,” ‘* Maybe it'd be wise to give the go-by to the other game and try the old lay, it’s mighty promising,” came in another voice, ‘“No, no. I play oo games but safe ones, you know that,” For several minutes now the interested listen- er could hear no more words, Growing im- atient at length he yentured to lift his head a ittle further until his eyes were high enough to look into the room, The first glance showed him that he was safe, as none of the men were directly facing him, or looking in his direction. The second glance so filled him with astonishment that he came near ut- tering an exclamation that would have brought his game toasuddenend, . The surprise was well founded. He had looked for a tramp, a Chinaman, and a what-is- it, among the compavions of Mr, Clarkson, but what he saw was four gentlemanly-appearing individuals, with scarcely a trace of the persons he remembered, A remarkable transformation had taken place, The tramp bad thrown off his coat ani hat, and stood reveuled as a well-dressed persnange. The Chinaman had shed his nationality with blouse and mask, which lay on a table behind him. As for the what-is-it, the removal of the odd hat and the side-whiskers left bim as a foreign-looking and narrow-faced, but not un- presentable individual. Frank would have given a dime to whistle. But, as that was not to be ventured, he relieved bis feelings with some strong inward exclama- tions, ‘*By the seven jumping jacks, this takes the rag off the shrubbery! Talk about fun! You bet the Artful’s chock full of it, But if I don’t get a ring in his nose yet, P’ll sell out,” The five men, in utter oblivion of this intent observer, were bent over ap object which lay on the center of the table around which they stood. They were examining it with the utmost care- fulness, and pointing out to each other its excel> lencies and defects, But their words had no meaning to the lis- tener. They were talking in a technica! lan- guage, whose terms were foreign to his ears, He raised bimself higher in an effort to see the object of their observation, All be could make out was a flat, oblong substance, of bout an inch in thickness, and, so far 23 be could tell, made of steel or iron, What it war, be couid not decide from its appearance or their words, One of them now moved around the table into a position to face him, and be ducked his head quickly down for fear of being seen. ‘¢ There’s nothing more to look at,” he thought. ‘¢}’ve seen more than | built on already; what’s left isto bear. They'll quit talking Greek after awhile, and get down to plain English, and when they do, I’m here.” Butin ten minutes more of this conversation, he failed to understand the few words that reached his ears. “Come, and I'll show you,” at length said Mr. Clarkson, in reply to scme inaudible re- mark. ‘ It isin my office down-stairs,” Frank raised his hand in sudden hope, They were moving toward thedoor. Inamoment the lock clicked, and the door flew open. The five men filed out to the stairs. ‘“*T wonder if the Dodger ’ll miss me?” ques- tioned the window spy. ‘* Anyhow, I’ve got to take the chance. - I’m in the swim now, and can’t go back.” He was bound to know what that thing was over which they had bent so intently, and con- cerning which they had used such strange lan- guage, if he risked bis life in learning. The men were scarcely half-way down the stairs before the daring boy had raised the sash bigher, and was lifting himself into the window. In a minute more he stood on the floor of the room, His first movement was to glide with a ghost- like tread to the door. The dangerous five were out of sight and hearing, evidently in Mr, Clark- son’s office, Then with a nimble movement he slipped back to the table, and bent with eager curiosity over the object that lay in its center. An exclamation of surprise and satisfaction broke from his lips, ‘*By thunder!” he cried, ‘if I ain't got the Artful Dodger down fine now, there’s nv snakes! Won't this be nuts for Joe and Dick?” CHAPTER IV, A RASCAL-TRAP, AND WHAT IT CAUGHT, FRANE’S ition was very far from being a safe one, Nobody in New York could have told him that better than he knew it himself, That object on the table! If those five men should catch him looking at it, his doom was sealed! He stood a moment reflecting what to do. Then a thought came to him. On the table be- side the object lay a square of thick blotting- paper. Near it wasa wide-mouthed pitcher of water. With the quickness of lightning he put this and that together in bis brain, : Seizing the blotting-sheet he thrust it into the yiteber until it was saturated with the water. hen withdrawing it, he pressed out the excess liquid between his hands, and laid it flat on the questionable object. Pressing with all the force of bis hands on the blotter, be squeezed it into every crevice of the metallic surface, as a printer presses his paper upon the type, The astute boy was, in technical language, taking a “squeeze” of tke suspicious oblong of metal. This done, he care ay stripped off the blot- ting-sheet, and thrust it into his pocket, taking care not to disturb its tell-tale record! Quickly as all this had been done, it had taken some time, and every second now counted, Flight was next on the programme. The boy was on
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the point of darting swiftly to the window, when a aew thought came into his mind, and a look of | vexation on his face, ** A confounded stupid Jackass! that’s the best word I’ve got for myself,” he muttered. ‘*‘ Why didn’t I snatch the whole thing and scoot? Won- der if it’s too late, yet?” He paused to listen, His absorption in his late efforts had partly relaxed his vigilance, and the daring boy was in far greater peril than he | For, as he listened, there came to | dreamed of, his quick ears the sound of a light step on the stairs very near the top of the flight. The men were returning! In asecond more they would be in the room! It seemed too late for flight by the window. Frank’s eyes swept the room in arapid glance, The dcor opened inward, and left a narrow | space between it and the wall, affording a tem- porary hiding place—the only one he could see, It was a risky expedient, but it was now a question of life or death, Without a moment’s hesitation, the active boy glided noiselessly over the carpet to the wall, and slid like a flash along the latter til) he reached the space behind the door. He was not a moment too soon, for at the in- stant he vanished behind the door the foot of Mr. Clarkson resched the threshold of the room. The footsteps of his visitors could now be heard closely behind him. Frank, listening intently from his hiding- place, heard a sudden check to Mr, Clarkson’s step, and an exclamation of surprise and alarm from his lips, * What is that window doing up?” he exclaim- ed, ‘It was not raised two inches! Did any of you meddle with it?” A chorus of dissent came from the others, who were now crowding into the room behind him, ‘** By heaven, there’s something loose here!” be ejaculated, hurrying to the table, ‘What brings this water here; Who spilt it?” ** None of us,” was the answer, “ There’s been sume one in the room!” cried the black-whiskered man, pushing bastily for- ward, “* Whoever it was, be came and went by that window! By the blue blazes, if I get my five fingers on bim—” He ran rapidly to the window as he spoke, followed by the others, ** There is a ladder out-ide! The gate is open!” he cried, springing out to the shed, : Mr, Clarkson followed him, while the others pressed up and thrust their heads out in alarmed excitement, Now was the critical moment for Frank, It need hardly be said that he took hasty advan- tage of it. Slipping with the agility of a weasel from his covert, two uoiseless steps‘ took him to the head of the stairs, There be checked bis impulse to rush down- ward, stopped, and looked back round the edge of the door, Of the three men he had last seen, one was stepping out to the roof, The other two were still i the window, with their eyes bent out- ward, He could hear the voice of Mr, Clarkson, raised to loud tones, Then came a sucden crash, a fierce curse, and a cry of pain, ‘** By the jumping Jehosaphat, one of them’s tried the ladder, and it’s gone down under him! Jolly for me! It’s a regular rasca!-trap, and I didn’t know I was setting it,” and the mischief- loving boy capered for an instant with delight. The cries outside were followed by curses. The two men at the window stepped back, to allow those‘outside to re-enter, Frank’s time for action had come. Like a ferret he glided down \the stairway. An impulse came into bis mind to open the front door and fly for life, But, he knew that if he did so his chance for detective work on the Art- ful Dodger was at an end. He had learned something, but it was not a tithe of what he hoped for, It might be risky to stay, but it was worth the risk. He was not long in deciding, “Nobody suspects me,” he said. ‘' They think it was some stranger. But this thing— there’!l be the old boy to pay if it’s found on me, How ‘II get rid of it?” He was now near the door leading down to the cellar, Opening this he-drew the ‘‘ squeeze” from his pocket and gave it a sharp flip down the cellar stairs, He cared little for the mo- ment where it might go, being satisfied that he could find it without difficulty in‘the morning. Barely bad the boy disposed of this tell-tale article when voices sounded at the head of the stairway, and steps were beard rapidly descena- ing. fe Detective Frank’s Full Flush. 5 ! | In a second or two more a group of men came rusbing back through the hall, *“Confound bis awkwardness, he must be badly hurt!” came in the voice of Mr, Clarkson, ‘* Amos always was a headstrong fool,” **T hope to gracious he hasn’t broken bis neck!” cried the *‘ tramp.” An execration, followed by a groan, from the yard, showed that it was not so bad as that, Out through the kitchen they rushed, and their voices could soon be heard in the area be- hind the house, ‘“What’s the outcome, Amos?” asked Mr, Clarkson. ‘* Where is it? Are you hurt bad?” ** Where is it? All over,” and a volley of ob- jurgations came from the fallen man’s lips, ** What the blazes are you standing there for? After him! He may be just outside the gate,” Two of the men started for the gate at this, but Mr. Clarkson saidin a tone of assurance: ‘*You might as well chase yesterday’s wind, The hound that was in that room isn’t the sort to hang fire. Get up, Amos. Don’t lay there srosiing like a stuck pig. I thought you had more grit,” | | Amos evidently attempted to rise, but fell back witb a louder groan than ever, “* Well, why don't you get up?” “Tecan’t. It’s gone,” he groaned, ** 'W hat’s gone?’ “This one. It’s got a bad 3 “The devil! A broken leg! That’s deuced bad. What's to be done?” ‘“‘ The first thing’s to get me out of this, The next is tosend for a doctor. The rascally bone wants to be spliced, and that lively.” “We'll fetch you in,” said Mr. Clarkson decisively. ‘‘My boy canrun for a surgeon, By the way, where is that boy? Frank /” No response came, ‘Frank, [ say! Frank!” Still no answer, , ‘‘ Where the deuce is be! Ha! can the boy have bad anything to do with that ugly job up- stairs? I never thought of him, Frank, you sand-snipe, where are you?” Only the echoes of the house replied, With a muttered anathema Mr, Clarkson bur- ried back into the house, Tbe hall was dimly lighted by a turn-down gas-burner, He turned this quickly on to a full blaze, and looked about him suspiciously for the missing boy. ‘*Frank! Frank, I say! Hillo! here he is, curled up in a corner, and sleepivg like a pine knot,” He had just discovered the boy, seated on a chair in a recess beside the cellar door, The chair was tilted back against the wall, and the boy was curled up on it, with bis head drooping to one side, and to all appearance lost in deep slumber. ** By Jove, he snoozes finely. Wake up, boy! split.” Wake up, I say!” Not content with calling him, loudly, Mr, a shook the seeming sleeper with no light and, All be got from him in response was a scund between a snore and a groan, * Well, this is enough to try Job’s patience! Wake up, you young rascal!” As he spoke he gave the chair a tilt that sent the boy sprawling to the floor, Frank, at this, stretched himself, opened his eyes, and crawled in a dazed way to his feet. ‘* What’s the matter, Biddy?’ he demanded. { 3 it a are you pelting me with frying-pans or A grim laugh came from Mr, Clarkson’s lips. “The Seven Sleepers are no touch to this boy,” he said. Then a sudden shadow of sus- jicion came upon him, and he continued, ‘That sleep’s too sound to be natural. Is the fellow playing ’possum? By Heaven, if be has bad @ hand in this I’llsplit his cranium! Search him, men, If he has that missing blotting sheet on him it’s his death-warrant, as sure as I’m a living man,” Two of the men, who had stood bebind dur- ing this colloquy, now seized on Frank, who was rubbing bis eyes as if he were not yet half- awake, They evidently were well versed in the art of searching, and in less than five minutes had gone through his clothing so thoroughly that not a pin could have escaped their scrutiny, ‘* Nothing here,” said one of them. ‘“What’s all this about?” queried Frank, now seemingly wMe-awake, and with a show of in- dignation. ‘*Ihain’tstole nothing. Whathave you got your dirty fingers in my pockets for?” “You set that trap in the yard,” cried Mr. Clarkson, savagely. ‘* Trap!—yard!— What trap?” Mr. Clarkson looked at him searchingly, Bat a ne ae innocence itself could not have put on a more perplexed and unknowing air than that on Frank’s face. His employer shook his head, ‘*The boy is all right,” he said at length. ‘*There’s no game in this, but he’d take the prize at sleeping. Are you wide-awake, Frank?” ‘* Wide-awake? You bet I am! Who says I’ve been snoozing ?” ‘Then run for the nearest doctor. You'll find one at the next corner below, Tell him there’s a case of broken leg here, and that he must come at once,” ‘* All right,” cried Frank, seizing bis hat. ‘1’ fetch him in a whiff.” In a minute more he was out of doors, where he quaffed the fresh air with a deep sense of relief, ‘Tf that wash’t a close pull there’s no use talking,” he said to himself, with an air of tri- umph, “lf they’d found that paper on me there'd have been a case of broken neck as well as of broken leg, and one past cure, I bet you, I’m no slouch at detective work, The chap that can get the bulge on the Artful Dodger ain’t to be sneezed at. Won't Dick and Joe open their eepers when they get a squint at my find? Oh, ’m a snoozer, from the word go!” Thus engaged in self-gratulations, Frank made his way to the doctor's office, where he luckily found the physician in and disengaged, and ready to accompany him back without delay, On reaching the house they found that the wounded man had been carried in and laid on a lounge in Mr. Clarkson’s office. The surgeon examined the hurt with a grave face, making the sufferer groan pitifully as he handled the wounded limb with professional freedom. ‘*Tt’s an ugly break, I fear,” he at length said, ‘* Looks like a compound fracture, The gentle- man is in for a rest for the next three months at least,” A look came on Frank’s face that was any- thing but pitying. *T caught one rat in my trap. °“nvhow,” he ruminated. ‘Ionly wish it had @ ' the big one, instead of one of the little cri.te.s,” CHAPTER V. - > ™» HOW TO NURSE A SICK BEA” DURING Frank’s return with the surgeon bis quick eyes had noted one interesting cireum- stance, On 2) aera the house he passed in succession the tramp and the Chinaman, both of whom had resumed their disguises. As be neared the door a third member of the party was leav- i the ‘* what-is-it.” ; he boy gave him but one quick glance, but that was enough to reveal to him an important secret, The short coat worn by the foreigner sagged down on one side, as if from a weight in the pocket, ‘* He’s got it!” decided the boy spy. ‘*That’s something worth knowing. This is the one the Artful called Vanilli the artist, The soup’s get- ting thicker every minute,” We have already told the result of the doctor’s examination of the injuredman, On hearing the verdict a volley of execrations came from Arc*a lips. He cursed his associates, the step-laddur, the house, and might have gone on to more s)g- nificant revelations had not Mr, Clarkson stcp- ped his flow of eloquence, ‘*Shut off steam, you fool!" he cried harshly, “Do you think that losing your temper and swearing like a trooper will cure a broken leg? Dry up, or you will drive the doctor from the house, He is not used to such profanity.” “Bless your heart, let him blow off if he wants to!” said the doctor coolly. ‘*He will be quieter afterwards. Il don’t enjoy swearing as a stead diet, but a broken leg is no small provocation, As he spoke be proceeded skillfully with the work of setting the broken leg, aided by Frank, who proved a ready and useful assistant. +‘ Does it hurt?” be asked the sufferer. ‘Hurt! How’d you like to be toasted overa slow fire? Do you think tbat’d burt?” groaned Amos. ‘“‘T had better give him ether,” said the doctor to Mr. Clarkson. ‘‘ But it will be a loss of time, aslhbave none at hand, And time just now counts,” . “Go on,” cried Amos with an oath, ‘‘T can stand it. What I can’t stand is your asking nie if it hurts, Do you think ’m made ¢f cast iron or salt bacon?” The doctor gave a short laugh at this, ‘‘ You're a hero,” he said, ‘ Keep your nerve now. It wor’t be long.” He proceeded in bis work of readjusting the broken bone, regardless of the patient’s groans, - ‘ \
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6 a task which his professional skill enabled him to do with quickness and dispatch. “Tt is not as bad as I feared,” he said, when he at length began the work of bandaging. *'The fracture is not a compound one, With care and patience you may be fit to walk again in a couple of months,” “That's a blamed fine prosrect for a couple of minutes’ doings,” growled Auuis, * You'd do well to keep your temper, and be careful of your diet, or it may be six months,” retorted the doctor, The peneeging completed, he applied splints to the wounded leg. This done the patient was carried up-stairs, to a bedroom on the second floor. “Can I get home to-morrow, doctor?’ he asked, more calmly. ? “To-morrow week, or to-morrow moath; I eannot say yet,” replied the doctor, ‘tI suppose ou can accommodate him, sir,” he asked Mr. larkson, “ till he is fit to move?” * Oh, yes! I and my boy here can play the nurse.” Shortly afterward the doctor left, having done all he could for the ease of his patient. Mr. Clarkson now dismissed Frank, telling him that he might go to bed, and that he would sit up with the patient. Ia truth, Frank was glad enough to get away. He told himself that he wanted to think, What be really wanted was to sleep, for he was worn out with the evening's excitement, ‘It has been a jolly night’s work,” be con- eluded, when his bead was on the pillow, *‘ Pve got in deeper on the Dodger in five hours than all the detectives have in five years, If this fel- jow—with—broken leg—” Then came a yawn that broke off the thread of his thougbts, and in a minute more he was a fast prisoner to slum- r. The next day Frank had more than one task to perform. An important part of the duty which he set himself was the recovery of the valuable paper which he bad flirted into the cel- Jar, Asecond tak was to look after the patient, Mr. Clarkson having ordered him to bring up his breakfast, and to attend to his other wants. A third was to satis!y the curiosity of the wo mer. who were not long home before they Let that the house bad a new inmate. +t Paix, an’ this is a noice state o’ things, in- dade!" declared Bridget, in a pet, ‘‘ How came the man to break his leg, then?” “1 yeckon it was because the bone couldn’t stand the pressure,” rejvined Frank, “That isn’t all,” broke if Sarah, angrily. ** There's my step-ladder smashed into kindling wood. Who's done that? There seem to have been high doings here last night. That comes of our sleeping out.” ‘The truth is, him, up there,” began Frank, pointing upward witb bis thumb, ‘‘ went bird- catching. He climbed the ladder to catch a humming bird on top the arbor, and he caugbt a bummer. That's all, except two broken bits of furniture—a broken ladder and a broken leg.” "i Do you know anything about it at all, at all, now?” queried Bridget, suspiciously. **‘ Were- 4’ Fu fast asleep through it all, master nimble- tongue?’ ‘And dreamed all this pretty story?’ added Sarab, ‘‘ Ask Mr, Clarkson; he'll tell you how wide- awake I was,” ‘“Y.u were about as wide-awake as an Egyp- tian mummy,” said Mr. Clarkson, stepping at this moment into the kitchen as quickly as if he lad been there listening. ‘I could have stirred vp « dead man about as easily. And now, bear ii mind, I want you all to find something else to tulk about. My friend foolisbly tried to climb a shaky ladder, and nearly broke bis neck for his ins, That’s the whole story. He is growling or his breakfast, Is it ready, Bridget?’ “Tt will be scon, sor. The fire is a vexation this morniu’,” “That's an old fault with your fires,” au- swered Mr, Clarkson shortly. ‘‘ When itis ready let Frank take it up.” He turned and walked away, ‘*Waix, and what sort of fires does he want me to have, with coal as hard as a miser’s heart?” demanded Bridget in a rage. ‘ And ‘ makin’ a cruel time if ever I burn a trifle of wood, He’s welcome to run the fire himself if he can do it so n'ately,” * And does he think I can wash windows with that Jadder?” chimed in Sarab. ‘' Yet never a word says he about a new one,” ‘He's a tyrant—an out and out tyrant,” de- Claret Frank, with a wicked desire to stir to a higher ;iteh the wrath of the indignant women. D etective Frank’s Full Flush. ‘““When he hired me there wasn’t a word said about carrying up breakfast fo one-legged men, and I’ve a mind to kick, He’s going behind the contract,” ‘* Kick, will you?’ queried Bridget. ‘‘ Well, you mought do that same for exercise, for you’ve little else to to. Wait, now, and Ill give you the man’s breakfast. Then you’d best travel lively, or somebody else mought do the kickin’,” Frank laughed at the sudden turn of the tide of Bridget’s wrath, and a few minutes afterward took up the breakfast which she had neatly ar- ranged on a waiter, The black-bearded patient hailed his appear- ance with a bear-like growl, ‘*‘ Here at last, are you, Mr. Slow-go-easy?” he exclaimed. ‘‘Are you trying among you to starve me? I’m as hungry as six catamounts. I suppose, after al], you’ve brought me nothing fit for a dog to eat.” ‘*T always heard that a hungry man wasn’t particular,” rejoined Frank, “ The particular ones are them that ain’t hungry.” * ry np, youngster, Who asked for your gab! Set it down, avi I'll seon see,” Frank at this set the waiter on a table six feet from the bed, and turned as if to leave the room, * Hello! you young hound, what are you up to? Fetch it here, instantly, or I'll smash your jaw! ‘*T reckon you won't, then,” answered Frank, coolly. ‘‘J’m bossing this job, and you’ve got to take a reef in your tongue if you want me to wait on you.” ** Why, blame your saucy picture—” ‘Hold up, there, old man! You'll not get a mouthful of grub till youask for it like a gentle- man,” At this, Amos, in a hot rage, broke out in a torreut of expletives. Frank seated himself on a chair and quietly looked at bim, ‘¢ Are you near through?” he asked, at length. ‘T can’t listen to much more of that sort of thing. I don’t want niy principles spoiled,” ‘* Bring me my breakfast, or I'll break your impudent neck,” * How will youwdoit? You can’t dance over here om one leg, Don’t you think it would be easier and more polite to say please? It’s a short word, and don’t take any extra amount of breath,” The invalid looked at the boy as if he could kill him, Then, with a sudden change of expres- sion, he broke into a hoarse laugh. ‘*Oh, you’re a gay young rooster! Please give me my breakfast, then, Will that suit your honor?” ‘‘ With the greatest of pleasure!” replied Frank, rising and placing the waiter on the table by! the bed, ‘' Here’s some nice buttered biscuit; and the coffee’s prime, Shall I open those eggs for you?” ‘* Yes, if you please.” Amos was conquered, tory. The boy now took great pains to satisfy the testy patient, He had done a good job in bring- ing bim to terms, and he wanted to Jet bim see that bis politeness was appreciated. When at length Frank left the room, his bear-like charge had subsided to the docileness of a lamb. The young detective had still his most impor- tant task to perform—the search for his **squeeze.” As soon as be had returned the dishes to the kitchen, be sought the cellar, con- fidently expecting to find the desired paper on the floor at the bottom of the stairs, It was not there! ‘‘Tt has slid furtber than I thought,” be said, and extended his researches, ' But, though he walked to the coal-bins in front, no trace of it was visible. “That’s curious,” said Frank, retracing his steps, and examining the floor foot by foot, Still the same result, The paper was not forthcoming, He now grew annoyed, Where could it have flown? ere there any crevices in the wall? He extended his range of search, examining tho wall inch by inch, overturning barrels and boxes, investigating every crack and crevice, but no trace of it could he find. ‘*What under the seven stars has become of it?” he asked himself, petulantly. ‘‘I flung it iere, there’s no two ways about that, Nobody’s been here to disturb it. Where hgs the con- founded thing gone?” For a full balf-hour m:re be continued his search, but at the end of that time gave it up in despair. Tbe mysterious paper bad vanished as utterly as though it were made of morning Frank had won a vic- COBDS 9 se ee SS ee ee ee oS a Sere To. Se i eS ee ee ee ee ee a floor inarage. ‘‘ ’ve got a pretty story as it is for Dick and Joe—but’/to lose the pith of the whole business—it’s enough to make a saint swear,” And for the rest of that day, Bridget Maloney found her kitchen help a very cross-grained and disobliging young cub. CHAPTER. VI. MORE GAME FOR THE DETECTIVES. SEVERAL days passed, during which Frank Melton bad his hands pretty well filled with service, what with running errands for Mr, Clarkson, helping to nurse the invalid, aiding the women, and doing about everything for everybody. He was beginning to get tired of it—particu- larly as bis detective work showed no signs of progress. Nothing else suspicious took place, the missing paper failed to turn up, and the patient grew as cross as a sick bear. But Frank had learned how to deal with him. Amos,/indeed, appeared to have taken a fancy to his independent nurse, and vented his ill- humor on his host, ‘¢Where’s that Jobn P. Clarkson now?” he would exclaim, ‘ Blust his picture, he’s got me anchored here, and takes no more trouble about me than if I was a water-soaked log! He’s an ungrateful hound—after all I’ve done for him,” ‘“Oh, come now,” said Frank, deprecatingly, ‘* that’s rough. r, Clarkson is a gentleman and a scholar, Look what he’s done for you, in giving you this nice bed, and a nice boy like me to fetcb you grub.” ‘* Done for me, shoot him! I haven't set eyes on his ugly face for ten hours.” “Ugly face? Why, he’s a mighty handsome man, Mr, Jones.” ** Han Jsome is as handsome does,” growled the patient, “Drat him, he ought to know if Pd open my bag and let out all that’s in it ’d make him squeal like a stuck pig.” ‘* Now, I wish you’d drop all that,” rejoined Frank, with a show of petulance. ‘‘I can’t stand by and hear Mr, Clarkson slandered, after all he’s done for me and you.,?’ ‘* For me, you donkey? What has he done for me? It's only me that’s kept him out of jail, if not out of—” He checked himself suddenly, ending his sen- tence with an oath directed against his own eyes, ‘*m going to leave,” said Frank, getting up, and walking resolutely tothedoor, ‘‘ Mr, Clark- son is a gentleman and a Cbristiun, and you don’t know him if you say Bay ting else.” ‘ ‘““Don’t know bim!” yelle Amos, breakin into a hot rage. ‘Don’t know. bim, the thie and rascal! know enough to hang him, blast him!— Get out of this, boy,” he continued, with a sudden change of tone, ‘ You've riled me till I’m talking like a foo], Get, or I’ll throw my medicine glass at your head,” **Get’s the word,” said Frank, as he left the - room. But when fairly out of bearing of the invalid he broke into.a laugh of high amusement, ‘A gentleman and a Christian! That was neat, mighty neat,” he considered, ‘If I'd called him an angel, that ¢ross-grained chap would have let the whole cat out of the bag. It’s a mighty pretty game, and I’m going to play it for all it’s worth. I won’t talk of any- thing but the Artful’s charity, benevolence, and general piety. If I can only work up old Amos raving mad, he may split on the whole business. My, but isn’t it a jolly dodge!” Frank was bursting with suppressed fun when he entered the kitchen. He tried to put on a demure face, but despite himself littic bursts of laughter kept breaking out. “ Sure, an’ the boy must ha’ been stung by a funny bee,” cried Bridget, —‘* An what are you laughing at, for the wurrld?”’ Becta I’m bappy,” answered Frank, ‘* And because it’s so nice to live with a gentile- man like Mr. Clarkson and two good-hearted ladies like you and Sarah,” ‘Git cut wid your blarney now! I’m sorely timpted to take the clothes-stick till ye.—Or, come back here; fetch me some bits of wood from the cellar. tor my fire’s dead out.” “Out again?” ‘* Out ag’in, is it? D’ye expect me to kapea fire in forever wid that stone coal?” “You've made it new six umes this weck, to my certain knowledge,” declared Frank, ‘* This time counts seven.” ‘Faix, an’ who axed for your ‘rithmetic?” cried Bridget wratbfully, ‘‘ Fetch the wood this blessed minute, or—” Frank did not wait to bear the end of ber mist, ‘Well, this gets me!” he cried, stamping the | seutence, but plunged with a laugo down the /
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cellar, from which he quickly emerged with an arm-load of kindling wood, ‘“* Now make yourself useful, and let me hear no more of yer blatherin’,” commanded Bridget. | | ** Bring me a handful of the paper ye’ll find in | the closet there, and we'll bave a new fire blazin’ in the snap of a finger.” Frank obeyed orders, opening the closet door and catching up a double bandful of waste paper, with which he started across the kitchen or. But, he was not half way to Bridget before he suddenly let the paper fall, dropped on his knees before it, and began hastily to delve into the heap. “What ails the boy?” cried Bridget in alarm. ** Has he gone cl’ane daft?” **Where did you get this paper?” demanded Frank, as with an air of infinite satisfaction he drew a small square from the mess and thrust it into his pocket, ‘Where did I gitit, isit? From the cellar, sure, other mornin’, It’s somethin’ more nor a bee that’s stung ye this time, 1 do be thinkin’. What isit, avick?” ** 10’3 a love Jetter from my girl, that dropped out of my ket. I’ve been hunting it every- where, and here it is in your waste paper.” ‘A love letter, eh? Faix, the pair o’ ye ought to be put in bibs and long clothes, Now, fetch me the paper, will ye?” Frank obeyed this time, gathering up the fallen inass and carrying it to the kitchen range, But, his face wore a look of curious satisfaction that Bridget could not help notic- ing. : * A love letter! Sure, an’ I never had one in me life. But I’d much like to, indade, for it seems to work on the timper like strained honey. Let me see it now, will ye?” ‘* After ’while, Bridget. I want to get the good of it myself, first.” Frank broke from the kitchen with these words, fearing the good woman might grow too curious, He hastened to his room, where he drew the prize from his pocket, It was the lost square of blotting-paper, with the tell-tale record on»it. ‘It was touch and go,” he said to himself, **A minute more and it would have been all ashes, Queer how it came around. It must have slid into Bridget’s waste-paper box, and ths brought it all up together. I bet I don’t take no more chances on it. It’s going to Dick W ister by next mail.” He spread the blotter before him, and fixed his eyes curiously upon it. The surface on which he had taken the **sqneeze” showed certain faint lines and trac- inzs from which he could make nothing satis- factory. He shook his head with an air of disconteut. “Tt is an ugly business, and that bit of flat Steel looked mightily like something I’ve heard af more than I’ve seen,” he soliloquized, “‘ But JT cawt make anythinys out of this, Dick said he'd have it photographed, Maybe it'll come out that way; but it’s no go here,” ; “Giving up his effort to read the indistinct record, he took a large envelope from _ his drawer, placed the blotting sheet within it, and wrote a few lines to accompany it. Then, seal- ing the envelope he directed it to ** Mr. Richard Wister.” with street and number, Frank now slipped quietly down stairs, taking great care not to ba seen, and glided out through the front door without a sound, Brenntag the street, he looked heedfully to right and left for Mr. Clarkson, Not til] satia- fi-d that be was nowhe e in sight @id he take another step, Then he hastened to the nearest lamp-post letter-box, thrust in his important wiissive, and bnrried back to the house, _/He had got his work in on the firm cf Clark- ol. n and Company, dealers in general rascality ! Frank was vot long back in the house before Mr, Clarkson returned, He had been out for several hours, ‘“What have vou been doing since I went out?’ he asked Frank, on passing that young - worthy in the bali, ‘‘ Nothing,” answered Frank, ** Well, that’s a clear and clean confession, I hope it bas not tired you. Hold yourself ready, r I may want you to do something before He walked up-stairs and entered the invalid’s room, where he shut the door closely. He was [ ee for more than an bour, ogeted there f Frank felt in his mind that some matter of im- Ph rphaitli under discussion, and curiosity took him up to the door of the a sound at be heard, and | irl a At length the Artful left the room, and came down to his cftice, where he sat at bis desk for half an hour more. Ip that time he tore up more tban ons written sheet before he could get one to his satisfaction, ‘“ Frank,” be at length called sharply. Frank made his appearance after a minute’s delay, He did not care to seem too prompt. “T bave that something now for you to do,” began Mr. Clarkson, ‘ Here isa letter which | wish delivered without delay. Look at the ad- dress. Do you know that street?” ‘* As well as 1 know my own name,” “Take the Sixth Avenue Elevated, and go there as quickly as you.can. Put this letter into the hands of the gentleman to whom it is ad- dressed, Don’t give it to a servant, or to a young lady who may offer to take it, Ask to see Mr, Herbert Walsh, If he is out, or you are not allowed to see him, bring the letter back, Take care that no one else gets it,” ** All right,” answered Frank, ‘* You are sure you understand?” ‘“*If they want that letter, they'll have to get a grip on it like a dentist gets on a fellow’s tooth when he’s on the pull, I won’t say letter till 1 see Mr, Walsh,’ ’ “Good. That’s the idea, Here is money for your fare. He will probably give you an an- swer, If so, bring it back without delay. That is all, Be off now,” Frank took the letter, thrust it into the inside pocket of his vest, and buttoned the coat tightly about him; then taking the money, he left the house witbout a word of reply. Clarkson looked after him with a gratified ex- pression, “I did_a good job in getting that boy,” he said. ‘‘ He’s smart and quick, and don’t need twice telling, And be can be trusted not to think anything but what he’s paid for.” If be bad known that Frank was in other pay than his own, he might have come toa different eonclusion, He certainly would if he had heard the mental remarks of his messenger at that mo- ment, : “I ought to take this to Dick and Joe, and Rive them a peep at it,” he reflected. ‘1 can’t 0 it, though; it’s the wrong way, and DPve got sharp time to make. But there are the letters I saw him tear up and throw into his waste- basket. I’m going for the bits of them to-night. lf I can put them together, I may get to the bottom of some deep job,” As he thus conversed with himself, he was making rapid way toward the Elevated Rail- road, In sometbing over balf an hour after- ward, be was in the street to which be bad been sent. He traced thenumbers on the doors till he found tbe one required, j It was a very quiet-looking house, with shut- ters as closely bowed as though there was some one dead within, After a quick glance at the front, Frank stepped up and rung the bell, He wajted some time for an answer, and was abuut giving a sec- ond impatient pull, when the door opened, He saw before him a young lady, dressed sim- ply in white with a blue ribbon at her throat, at of such unusual beauty of face, that Frank for the moment stood dazzled, ‘Well, sir?” she asked, ‘On, excuse me! Does Mr. Walsh live here?” ‘* He does,” ** Can I see bim!” ‘No, sir. /If you have any message for him, you may give 1b to me,” Frank bad got his first counter-check, CHAPTER VII, STRUCK BY JERSEY LIGHTNING, FRANK MELTON still stood on the doorstep, looking admiringly st the young lady, who waited his message with some show of impa- tience, ‘You might ask me in, anyhow,” he said. ‘“‘ That depends,” she answered with a smile. **T have no time to spare, and your business may be of no importance.” “* Now there you're away off the track,” cried Frank energetically. ‘It's the biggest kind of importance. And I’ve come ten miles, more or less, and am so tired that Pve got to stand on one foot, like a chicken, to rest the other.” “Oh, if it’s so bad as that you had better come in,” she replied, with a rippling laugh, Frank followed her into the house, bis eyes fixed on her with growing admiration. ‘* She’s a ripping pretty girl, and no mistske,” | he said to bimsellf; ‘‘and has a laugh like a silver bell, I tell vou, that kind don’t grow out “i every potat hill, and I’m going to cultivate er, _ She Jed the way into the parlor, and invited Saat ier Alaa, ij ye if in a Riad ek * 7 Detective. Frank’s Full Flush. 7 per vine to be seated, but continued standing serself, ‘* Now, sir, what message have you for Mr. Walsb?” she asked, ““T was bid to tellit to him and to noone else,” answered Frank. ‘I'd like to oblige you, but orders are orders.” “Exactly. But, what if I am under orders too? If, you want your message delivered it will bave to be through me, “You cannot see Mr, Walsh,” Frank looked up into her resolute face. ‘*My eyes, but he’s got a mighty pretty jailer!” he said. The young lady blushed and smiled, ‘* That sounds like flattery,” she answered, ‘“‘Tt’s solid truth,” declared Frank energetical- ly. ‘* But about seeing Mr, Walsh, just suppose you sit down and Jet us argue it out,” **T don't quite approve of your style of argu- ment,” sae answered laughingly, ** Give me your message, or—” and she pointed to the door. * That’s a regular knockdowner,” groaned Frank, ‘Fact is, miss, ’'ve pot a letter for him, which I was to give into his own hands, or take back.” ‘* Very well, you may take it back then,” was her cool reply, This quiet remark gave rise toa remarkable demonstration. For hardly was it spoken when the door, which stood ajar, was flung open as if a heavy weight bad fallen against it, and a man came balf-staggering and half-stamping into the room, He wasa short, thick-set individual, with a face as red as a beet, and a nose sown with wine pimples till it looked like a nutmeg-grater, He had evidently been drinking, and his little, deep- set eves glared with wrath, ‘* What's this I hear?” he roared, “ A letter for me, and you won’t let me have it? You saucy minx, what do you mean by that? How dare you do ifs you jade?” The young lady bad turned pale at this irrup- tion, She drew back astep from the furious speaker, and said: “LT asked bim to give me the letter and that T would take it to you,” “What right had you to meddle? Why should- n’t I see people that come to see me? Why shouldn’t I?—answer me, minx.” ‘Because youare not fit tobe seen, uncle,” she replied firmly, ‘*You jade! how dare you talk that way to me? Take that—and that!” And with a quickness born of drunken rage he sprung forward and gave ber a ringing slap on the cheek that brought the blood gushing to her face, He raised the other hand to repeat the insulf, but before the blow could fall Frank was on his feet and had rushed between them, In a minute the alert and muscular youth had caught the up- lifted arm, and was pushing the drunken brute back against the wall with an unexpected display of strength. “‘Pvea mind to smash the blossoms on your nose!” he cried indignantly. ‘* You call yourself a man—and to bit a woman like that! I'd like to shake the rum out of your hide, you brute!” Shake him he did, for the inebriate was so over- come with surprise at this sudden assault that be — made no resistance, * But at this moment the young lady came to the rescue, ‘Ob, don't do that!’ she pleaded, laying her hand on Frank’s arm. ‘ He did not know what he was doing; and you will only make it harder for me,” “Didnt know what he was. doing?” cried Frank, releasing his captive, ‘Then itis time he was learning.” ; The drunkard took a minute or two to recover — from his stupor of surprise. Then he suddenly flamed out again into rage, rushed across the room, and shook his fist in Frank’s face, © You rascally young whelp.” he yelled. ‘To dare to lay your hands on a gentleman! V’ll— Vil pulverize you!” But be didn’t touch him, and in spite of his bluster evileutly stool in awe of the boy’s strength and resolation, Frank faced hij beldly, looking him straight in the eye with an urqueiling expression, “¢ Ajl right,” be said, anyway. Lis ak ton Ict us have no more of this!” cried young Jady in distress, ‘ Uncle Barbe rt, think. of stranger!” ts mt “Toen he has the habit of strikit there’s no stranger about?” queried ba ie a yf $ } «yt ‘iy ts ae ni *. " ; oy ‘gat y Niners bs Ne} try pulverizing I’m your meat, tdontyou §— try It on 8 girl again—not when I'm Pde ; Eps your ‘striking me! and before a | PD 2 Vy
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“cried, petulantly. ee cS) “Strike you? Why, I could smash the fellow that did it into mince-meat.” Detective Diink’s Full Hand. : ‘Maybe so,” answered Frank, ‘‘ but it looked to me lke the same old drunk, He must have And so undisguised was the admiration of | been at it a good while to get so soaking full,” his look that the young lady turned away with a faint blush. As for Mr, Walsh, after waving his hands with drunken energy about Frank’s head, and vituperating like a madman, he fell back into a chiir, evidently cowed by the unflinching atti- tude of his antagonist, Here be burst into the maudlin tears of the drunkard, bewailing his misfortunes, and blub- beringly declaring that he had not a friend in the world. | ‘* He has,” answered Clarkson, with a laugh. *¢ He guzzies like a fish, That will do, Frank.” He walked back into his office, leaving the boy to his own devices, Frank thereupon concluded to make himself very much at home, and walked into the parlor, where he threw himself into an easy-chair to rest from his arduous labors. He bad not been there long before he heard the Artful leave bis oftice and go up-stairs. “‘Going to see his chum,” remarked. Frank. “What do you live with bim for?’ said | ‘‘ Now’s a good chance to look after those torn- Frank aside to the young lady, who stood with her hands clasped in distress. ** Because I bave to,” she replied, tears be- ginning to flow from her eyes. ‘‘ And there is nobody but me to look after him,” “Don’t cry,” pleaded the boy soothingly. **T reckon you want somebody to look after you, and I’m going to do it, If he bits you again tell me, and I bet you I'll go for bim,” “He is kind enough when he’s sober,” she replied. **Tt is only the liquor.” ‘Then he wants a hole bored in his hide to let the liquor out, for he’s bursting full of it. Here’s the letter, You can give it to bim when he’s fit to take it. I was told to bring an an- swer, but I reckon there’s no use waiting for that.” ‘No. He is in no state to write,” While they spoke Mr. Walsh had gradually ot over his maudlin tears, and began to lis- n. At this last remark be sprung up, crying: ‘© Who says I can’t do business? Give me that letter, mistress. I won’t have you meddling with*my affairs.” ** Here 1t is, Uncle Herbert. meddle, 1am sure,” ‘Yes, you do. You treat mo as if I was a great grown-up baby.” ** And I reckon she hits it Frank, to bimself, Mr. Walsh tore the letter open with trembling fingers, and slowly read its contents, A cun- nitig look came upon his face, ** You don’t want me to go, I see what’s up,” he said, ‘Bot, I will, Pm not in leading strings, Tell Mr, Clarkson, I’ll come.” “Mr, Clarkson?” cried the young lady, in a tone of alarm: ‘'Ohb, uncle—’ -~Shutnp! I want pone of your jabber!” he ‘Pm old enough to manage my own affairs, Tell him Pll come,” he repeat- ed to Frank. *‘And take your impudent face out of;my house. I’ve seen enough of you,” ‘“*Tf you lay your bands on this young lady again you'll see more of me,” replied Frank, in- dignantly. ‘‘l’m going to take her under my wing; remember that, old boozer.” He strode angrily from the room, The young lady hastened after him, “Ob, don’t talk to him vhat way! You'll only make trouble for me,” she begged, laving both hands on his arm, and looking pleadingly up into his face, Tf I make trouble I’}l cure it,” answered Frank, ‘‘ He’s got to let you alone, or be’ll find he’s waked up the bull-dog of the Bowerys I’m going to boss this job, now you bet,” There came a Very grateful look into her eyes, - § Alice!’ came in loud tones from Walsh, “What are you doing there? Conspiring wittf that young villain, are you?) Come here, I say!” With a glance of mutual confidence with Frank, the young lady turned and tripped back to the parlor, leaving her knight protector to find his own way from the house, He had not been there many minutes, but long enough to I don’t want to pretty close,” said * establish confidential relations with the prettiest girl be had ever seen, **My, bnt she’s a scrouger!” he said to him- self, as be went alongthestreet, ‘ And to think of that drunken hog hitting her!—And I to let him off witha shaking! LIought to shake my- self that I didn’t smash his nose. Is’pose ll have that to do yet, for she’s so blamed pretty and nive that J’m going to keep an eye on her. And if he touches ber again I'll go for him like thunder for a milk-pan.” {n half an hour more Frank was back at the Bronson street house, The Artful was in his office, and came out as his messenger entered che door. “You have made good time,” he said, ‘‘ Have you brought me an answer?” He says he will come.” _ Is that all? “Didn't he give you a written up letters,” Seeking the office, he investigated the waste- paper basket, To his disappointment it was empty. The Artful Dodger was not the man to leave criminating evidence uncared for. ‘“‘ Burned up, dead sure,” remarked the pry- ing boy. ‘‘ Anyhow, I don’t believe it was any- thing but an invitation. The Artful ain’t the sort to give himself away on paper.) Old Boozer Walsh says he’ll come, When he comes I'll be there, sure pop! T’ll bet high the Artful’s talk- ing it over now with the broken-legged kicker! I'm going to take an ear bath, and find out what their confab’s about.” With this new idea ripe witbin his brain, Frank made bis way stealthily up-stairs. On approaching Amos’s room, he perceived that the door stood a crack open, and through this crevice came the sound of voices, Frank crept closer. It was the first time he bad ever found them together with the door open. On getting near the crevice he found himself able to distinguish the words of their conversa- tion, He listened intently. ‘Phen you'll get him to take the other bottle home?” asked Amos, ‘Yes. One will begin the work. The drug is a slow one, and the dose must be repeated.” ‘* He'll repeat it fast enough, if it’s only some- thing to drink. The foo) would swallow aqua- fortis if it had the taste of brandy.” ‘* We must have the paper signed, first of all, and the queer shoved on him, Once get that done, and he’ll be more useful in a coffin than stumping round,” ‘* Very true,” answered Amos, with a harsh laugh, ‘‘ And the drug— But, see here, Jack; that door’s open, That ain’t like you. We're not talking stuff for loose ears to hear.” With an oath at his carelessness, Clarkson sprung up and hastened to the door. He looked out for prying ears, but no one was in sight. The boy had vanished. ‘*No harm done,” he said, with satisfaction, as he closed the door. CHAPTER VIII. FRANK UNLOADS HIS NEWS BAG, WE must now return to the locality of our first chapter, the office of the detectives, Richard Wister and Joseph Smith, They are both pres- ent, and with them their youthful aid-de-camp, Frank Melton. A conversation of some length bas passed, and the detectives look much pleased at the infor- mation which Frank has given. ‘You are getting your work in,” said Dick, approvingly. ‘‘Keep it up, and we'll have the Artful in such a noose, that he can’t get his neck out without stretching it.” » **T tell you he’s jolly cute,” a*seyerated Frank, ‘You never saw anybody play it off neater. He’s a benevolent, high-toned gentleman, and if you'd leave butter in his mouth for a month it’d come out solid. But you bet I don’t take no stock in that. Them quiet eyes of his ain’t to be took at a discount.” “Don’t trust **Not much,” broke in Dick. for a minute to his easy ways, They are only a cloak to hide the rogue beneath them,” **Don’t I know it? You ought to seen me coming here, dodging round five hundred cor- ners, and looking all ways for Sunday, I’m not oing to be sold for a shilling.” “Stick to that, Frank, You've got no every- day rogue to play with,” ' “But what, have you. been up to?’ Did you make anything of that paper I sent you?” ‘* A little something,” answered Joe, with a knowing smile. ‘‘ We bad it treated in a cer- tain way that photographers have, and then photographed, Do you want to see the photo?” **That’s what I’m here for,” Joe opened the drawer of a table, and drew out a photographic impression, which he laid flat on the table, ‘* There it is,” he said. What Frank saw wasa very faint and indis- Wan tinct impression, blank in some places, but here and there clearly defined, of a United States bank note, The figure **10” had come out plainly on one corner, showing that it was a ten dollar bill. ig The boy looked at it with interest and satisfac- ion, ‘*T knowed it!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ As soon as I clapped my eyes on that plate, [saw what it was for.” ‘*It is a very neatly made counterfeit steel late, for printing ten-dollar greenbacks,” said ick. ‘ Your ‘ squeeze’ got too rough handling, but there’s plenty here to work on, We're set- ting our net, and will sweep in the whole gang the minute they try to plant these pretty pic- tures,” ‘What are you waiting for? Vanilli car- ried off the plate. Why don’t you nab him, and search for it?” ‘In the first place we haven’t quite located him. Tbe four men you gave us the names of were only stocl- pigeons, The right trail basn’t opened yet. If you get a squint on any of these men again, we want you totrack them like « bloodhound,” ‘* Won't I, then?” ‘In the second place,” chimed in Joe, ‘we. , don’t want to catch tbe little birds and let the big one fly. Your operations that night have ut Clarkson on the scare, He’s watching likea Dake and will vamose the raach instanter if one of his pals is touched.” “The fact is, they won’t try to shove the queer just now,” remarked Dick, ‘*They got too eat a fright, They’ll wait till the air is clear Zaid, d a Or they may print a batch of counterfeits,” said Joe, ‘and put them off through agents West and South, ‘*T tell you what,” anapested Frank, after an interval of reflection, ‘*I don’t believe either of you is near the mark, I’ve got my little theory.” “What is it?” they asked curiously. “Have you found out anything about Mr. Herbert Walsh?” ‘Ves. He has a queer reputation, He is said to be a miser, and to have large sums of money hidden in some secret place, He lives alone, with the exception of his niece and a ser- vant, The poor girl is an orphan, and entire] dependent on him, and he is said to be bars and brutal to her. His drinking habits have grown on him rapidly witbin the last year, and in bis drunken fits she bas a hard life of it,” ‘*He wants a settler, he does!” cried Frank indignantly. ‘‘1f he touches her again where L am, there’s going to be a tussle.” ‘* But what is iad theory ?” ‘ Didn’t I tell you that the Artful talked of ‘shoving the queer’ on old Walsb; and getting him to sign some paper? As s¥re as you live they ain’t going to put these counterfeit tens out. They’ve worked some game to plant them on the old boozer. Maybe they’ve got a plan to get on his bicden treasure. somewhere,” ‘‘The boy is coming round jovial,” said Dick, ** He’s hot on the the trail.” “I do believe he is getting down to the bot- tom of the puzzle,” rejoined Joe, * That’s not all, bat are they talking about drugs, and bottles, and doses for? And Walsh is to be most useful to them in a coffin,” “The plot is opening; but it is by no means clear as daylight.” answered Dick, ‘‘ We bave gone through all that, Frank, but wanted to hear yovr say. ‘The plot stands about in this shape. Walsh is to be got, while drunk, to sigm some paper upon payment of a certain sum in counterfeit notes, These notes they depend on his hiding away, for they trust to bis miserly habits, and have no fear of his falling upon their game by issuing them. To prevent avy future danger of that, they are going to dispo:e of bim by poison, and will cover up their tracks by ad- ministering some slow drug, that no one wilh suspect, All this seems clear enough. What we now veed to discover, is how they are to benefit by it.” “‘ Just so,” brokein Joe, ‘‘ Whatis the nature of that paper which Walsh is to sign? And how do they expect to learn where bis hoard is hidden?” : ; ‘*There’s where Frank must get bis work in,” added Dick. “That’s my go,” cried the boy energetically “Its a big contract, but I’m going to take it on. If I go under trying, I hops you'll give me a decent funeral.” ‘Be cautious, Frank, Remember you're y perfect playing with fire,” ‘‘Tain’t afraid. Clarkson thinks ’ma at here’s a deep plot * = 4
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{ 1 7 “and then—out of yh - - Detective Frank’s Full Flush. jewel. I’ve shut up his sharp peepers just the neatest. And, what’s morc, 1’: going to keep the plasters on them tight.” “Take care! He may be playivg you. Heis not to be trusted.” “Pm playing him; just you mind that, And I’ve got some Firech =P bpg in my hand,” ‘* As for Herbert Walsh we will keep an eye in that quarter. What we want of you is to learn all vou can of this interview.” ‘Pll do my prettiest, If there’s a rat-hole near where they’re confabing old Mr, Rat has to get out, for I’m going to borrow his ole, The detectives laughed heartily at this, and Frank took his departure, His hour’s confer- ence with them had helped to clear the track, The boy was in no hurry to return. He had still an hour or two of-leisure. This he spent in a slow saunter, interspersed with occasional brief interviews with old acquaintances, Suddenly he was brought up all standing. For he found himself face to face with Alice Walsh, who, basket on arm, was proceeding in the opposite direction, “« Hello!” ejaculated Frank. ‘It’s as good as sweet potatoes for dinner to run across you,” “‘Why, it is my young protector!” she ex- claimed. : “Frank’s my name, Yourn’s Alice, isn’t it?” «Miss Walsh, some folks call me,” she replied, with a show of reserve, Just so. But I never take hold of names by the back handle—except it’s that of Mr. Clark- son; and he’s death on dignity. You're quite welcome to call me Frank; and I’m going to borrow the same privilege.” ‘*You are an odd one,” she answered, laugh- ing, ‘* But about this Mr. Clarkson,” she ad- ded, gravely, ‘‘ You spoke of him yesterday. Do you live with him?” “Yes, Or he lives with me, L[hain’t got that just straightened out yet. What do you know about him? You was struck all aback ' when I spoke of him yesterday.” ‘“*T don’t like him, that’s all, I care to sa no more about him, . Good-day, I must go on.’ ‘* Not yet. See here; you needn’t mind my living with him. I know he’s a bad lot. [Pm only staying there to try and make his house re- spectable—just to give him a kind of standing in society, you see!’ “That is very kind in you, I am sure,” she ‘¢ But I must really go,” psbaw! There’s no burry. I want to hear all about this Clarkson, I tell you what, he’s ge: aome go in band op your uncle, That letter wasn’t sent for no fun. I’m bound to put a spoke in bis wheel, and I want to know all about bim,” “ He does not mean any harm to my uncle?” she cried, in a tone of alarm. *“Don’t be too sure of that, you kuow about him?” *T know this, that it was he who made Mr, Walsh such a drunkard, He drank very little vi!) this man began to visit bim, but he led him ov add on, until my uncle became almost a sot, | hate the sleek wretch!” she energetically con- cluded, * | reckon you do, house?” ** Yes; he and some others,” “That black-whiskered Amos Jones amcng them?” “ Yes.” “Why did they want to make him drink? Weove they after Lis money ?” ‘That I can’t say; but it is likely. Butif they thought to make my uncle reveal his secrets while drutk, they failed, No one living can learn from him where his money is bidden.” ‘+ Not even you?” *{ know no more of it than you,” * He's a jolly cute one, then. Clarkson’s after his money; that’s sure—and 1’m after Clarkson. Ani [’m going to run him down, or sell out, Say, Alice, sha’n’t I come up and see you some time? It’s tiresome work, trying to make Clark- son’s hduse respectable, and there ain’t no pretty girls down our way.” ** Very well, Frank. Now, what do Did Clarkson come to his T’'ll let you come now Now, good-by.” And she tripped lightly away, witha laugh of amusement, Frank stood looking after her. ; ‘You, bet, she’s a scrouger!” he ejaculated. “Tf she aint walked into my affections, there’s _ nouse talking,” — CHAPTER IX. PRIMING A DUPE, : ; ‘“ WuErE is that rascally boy?” demanded the Artful, after an ineffectual cail for Frank. - IT - hought the confounded youngster was too spry to last. Where is he, Bridget?” ‘* Sure, sor, an you’d as well ask me where’s the bee that jist flaw outen the garden, He said as he was goin’ home fur some cl’ane duds, but where he is now, sor, there’s none 0’ me knows,” “Plt let him stay home for good, if he tries this on much, I expect some visitors, Bridget. I will be in Mr. Jones’s room if any call, And when that boy puts in an appearance, send him up to me.” ** Pl do that same, sor.” Had he known that Frank was at that instant quietly couched on the floor under Mr, Jones’s bed he would have felt deeper cause for anger. Tbe astute youth had heard some suspicious words spoken, which put him on the track, and had managed to creep into this covert during a temporary slumber of the invalid, to await de- velopments, They were not long in coming. From where he lay he heard Clarkson enter the ‘room, in company with another person, and a conversa- tion that arose between the two and Amos. ‘* T expect him every minute,” said Clarkeon. ‘* We must get him soaking with hard stuff. He is so confoundly suspicious when he’s sober.” ‘Have you got his private bottle ready?” asked Amos, “Yes.” He drew a table near the bedside, and arranged bottles and glasses on it, ‘Take care that none of you drink from this bottle with the green label, That’s Walsh’s particular.” A heartless laugh followed, Evidently those men were ripe for any crime, ‘“‘T wish the devil had this leg of mine!” cried Amos, impatiently. ‘‘ Here I’ve got to lay like a log and look on.” “You can sign your name yet.” od | iy Be The hand is all right, if the leg has gone back on me.” ** You'll do, then, for a witness, All we want now is to get his fist to that paper. The rest will do itself.” The interested listener now heard a diversion. Bridget announced at the door that here was another gentleman * that wants to see you, sor,” and ina minute afterward the host ushered in Mr. Walsh, presenting him to the others witb a great show of cordiality. ‘*Glad to see you all,” be said, in that shrill tone which Fiank so well remembered, ‘* How’s that leg getting, Jones? I’ve heard of your little misfortune,” and he laughed as if be had made a witty remark, ‘It’s nothing to laugb at,” growled Amos, “Tt was a blazing trap whicb Jack, here, set me —getting me to climb a crazy step-ladder. Shoot the luck, I say. I'll be afraid to go up- stairs all the rest of my life.” A general laugh followed this, _ Then began a conversation on ordinary sub- jects, ** Ain’t this a dry confab?” at length spoke the third man. ‘ Clarkson’s got the table very pret- tily ornamented with bottles and glasses, but it never comes into his cranium to say ‘ drink,’” **Dry coppers, eb, Mason?” queried the host, ‘Deuce take you fellows; you can’t talk without wetting every ten words. What ’ll you take, Walsh? Here's your favorite old rye.” “T won't mind wetting my lips with that,” answered Walsh, with a show of the drunkard’s craving. 1 ‘* Here you are then. Help yourself, Mason.” ‘*‘ This red seal’s the stuff for me, I’ve tested its flavor before,” “Everybody to his taste,” chimed in the host, “But take my word for it, Mr, Walsh knows good tipple from [bad. I call that green label whisky, Walsh’s particular.” “Ha! ba!” laughed Walsh, ‘ That’s good; very good. Sois the liquor. I know a prime brand every time?’ Their conversation for the next half-hour was a bacchanalian one, ‘No suggestion of business was made, and the whole object of the con- spirators seemed to be to fill their guests with strong drink. In this they succeeded admirably. Before the half-hour was up Walsh showed decided signs of intoxication, is voice grew thick, his ideas confused, and he kept breaking out at intervals into bits of song, ina voice that had about as much music as a pile-driver. ** Ha! ba! who says I’m drunk?” he demanded, “IT tell you I’ve gota bead of wrought iron. Old rye can’t faze it. ‘Oh, Sally was a gay young lass.’ What's up, Jack? You said something ’bout busi- ness, If there’s business you'd best get atit ’fore you’re all drunk, ‘And she fell in love with a looking-glags,’ Business is business, every time,” ‘“That’s so. Amos is knitting that broken leg of bis with whisky, and Bill Mason here is. getting as blear-eyed asaturnip, We had better get that job done, Mr. Walsh, while you and I are sober.” ‘It’s too late for that,” said Walsh, witha hiccup, ‘‘ Your ’way ’cross the line yourself, et hee Lord, what weak heads some men ave ‘Oh! Sally was a grocer’s girl, And she twisted her hair in a jolly curl!’ Hand me that glass, Jack.” **Hadn’t we best all stop boozing, and get down to business?” suggested Mr. Clarkson, “* Walsh is the only cool head in the party now, The cute dog will fleece us if we get too full,” ‘“‘Ha! ha! fleece you?’ laughed Walsh. ‘¢ Little wool I'd get off your tough bide.” At this they all broke out into a fit of laugh- ter, Mason declaring that they must toast that, it was too good to pass. Another round of drinks was taken, though an observer would have seen that Wals) alone: drank deeply, the others very sparingly. “*T have the paper here,” now said the Art-- ful. ‘It isall ready for the signature. Shall I read it to you?” ‘What do you buy me for?” demanded Walsh cunningly. ‘‘Me put my name toa document on somebody else’s reading? 1 wasn’t brought. up that way. Hand it over. Dll read for my- self “Tl bet you don’t get no underground work in = old Herb, Walsh,” broke in Amos, approy- ingly. Ss Hie is welcome to read it,” answered Mr, Clarkson, with a pretense of yexation, “ But I don’t like to have my honor doubted.” a ‘Doubt you, old boy!” cried Walsh, ‘* Who doubts you? But business js business,” ‘* Well, here’s the paper. You'll find it all square, according to contract,” Mr, Walsh took the paper, and leaned back in. his chair to read it, The others sat carelessly conversing, to all appearance, but really watcb- ing him like hawks watching a game bird. ith many hiccups, questions whieh had nothing to do with the subject, and occasions’ lapses into song, the drunken dupe managed to — get through the document, “Well, I judge it’s *bout the contract,” he e,, “It's all right, ‘cept the considera- tion, ‘“*Namely, two thousand dollars in lawful money of the United States for your signature to that document. Said signature to wit- nessed by our two friends and fellow topers,” ‘¢That’s the contract,” Walsh briefly replied, with less sign of drunkenness in bis voice, The situation was now growing decidedly in- teresting to the concealed listener, His position was by no means comfortable, but he dared not move. What he next heard was a movement across the floor, the pushing of bottles and glasses aside on the table, and a rustling sound as of stiff pape aper mill,” said Mr, Clarkson, ‘I drew thei rom bank to-day, and told them I wanted the last issue. I know your weakness for new notes,” “Yes,” answered Mr. Walsh, ‘I hate that dirty stuff that has been in everybody’s clutch, and maybe carries small-pox or yellow fever,” ‘*These are fresh from the printers,” laughed Mr. Clarkson, as he rapidly told: out the notes, ‘+ No beggar bas fingered them yet.” ‘+ A)) tens? Why didn’t you get larger fig ures?” ; “This batch just came in, All their large notes were old issues.” ie “All right. Ivs money’s money.” Walsh had evidently grown much soberer, “Two thousand, yp the sum, You can tell it over for, yourself, ** Business is fisinees.* hiccoughed Walsh, sud- denly growing drunk again, He was sober enough, however, to careful) run over the batch of notes, satisfying bimse fully that the tale was correct, ‘And now?’ he began, as wallet from his pocket, *¢ Now,” repeated Clarkson, laying bis hand firmly on the bank notes, ‘* we'll have that sig- nature first. You've sold, old fellow, but you haven't delivered.” ji ‘‘Ha! ha! very good! very 1 Two thou- sand dollars for my name. I never sold it so, money anyhow, he drew a great. r. “They are brand new. Just come from thé” . 2» 7. : 1
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10 Detective Frank’s Full Flush. a ee dear before. Fetch the paper. sign.” During the next few minutes the concealed detective judged by tbe sounds and words that the document—of whose purpose he remained in ignorance—was duly signed and witnessed, and that Mr. Walsh had deposited the price of his signature carefully within his inside coat pocket, What was the value of the signature the boy could not determine, but he hada very clear ap- preciation of the value of the consideration money, and he concluded to himself that the first was not, worth much if it was measured by the worth of that pile of ten-dollar bills, ** Tt’s a clean sell,” he said to himself. ‘* Coun- terfeits, every one of them. It’s a cheap cheat, old boozer, except I pull you out of this hole that you’ve rammed your bead into,” Meanwhile the whisky-loving party were hilariously toasting their bargain, and Mr. Walsh seemed to have grown very tipsy again. But, Frank bad begun to grow suspicious of his drunkenness—he seemed able to throw it off so easily. ‘Say, old boss, that is a glorious tipple, and no mistake,” he declared.” ** You like it?’ queried Clarkson, ‘‘ By Jove, then, I'll make you a present of some, Here’s a brace of bottles to take home with you.” ‘You don’t mean it? Much ’bliged, then. Vil have a jolly boozin’ time all to myself. Now I’m goin’. Bottle’s empty, and biz is all done, Goin’ home, ‘T'll go home with the boys in the morning.’ Good-by. Take care yerselves.” And with a bottle clasped under each arm, and still singing snatches of song, he rose and reeled toward the door. The others sprung from their seats and accompanied bim. ** We'll see you safe out,” said the Artful, ‘' Take care you don’t break your bottles,” ‘Break ’eom? What ye take me fur? Goin’ ter drink ’em,” Out of the door they went in company, while Amos rolled over in bed with bis face to the wall, cursing his luck, This movement the alert boy took instant ad- vantage of, crawling silently from under the bed, Raising his head, Frank peered at the jrate rogue, who was gazing intently at the wall an’ swearing vigorously to himself, Now or never! The boy wormed silently over the floor, every slight sound being drowned in the noise of the party without, and the oaths of the invalid within. Not till be reached the sill did he rise to his feet, at the foot of the stairs, Frank slipped like a flash from the room and up to thé the third floor, where he remained till he heard the door close below, and steps re- ascending the stairs, Not till they had entered Amos’s room and closed the door bebind them did he stir. Then he glided down-stairs and out ‘the front door, which he closed with all care be- hind bim, Reaching the street, he looked eagerly for Mr, Walsh. There he was, about ablockaway. He knew him by the way he clasped his precidus prizes under his arms, ** He's half-tull of poison now, and don’t know it,” said Frank, “It ain’t n to work yet, And he’s got two more bottles of it under his arms, It isn’t in my bones to stand by and see murder done. But it won’t be any use talking to the old fvol, Some other scheme has got to be worked,” He followed sharply as he spoke, Before many minutes he was clove behind old Walsh—almost within touching distance, The drunkard staggered as he walked, And Frank could hear him talking to himself, witn a pecu- liar chuckle: **Two thousand brand new notes for signing that paper,” he said, with a drunken laugh, ‘if they only knowed how much they’ll get! They’re sold! sold! sold /” ‘Then there’s been a double sell,” thought Frank, ‘‘ Here goes to make it a triple.” Starting forward, he bounced against the drunkard with a force that sent bim sprawling on the pevement, while the bottles flew from ander 4 2 arms. The clash of broken glass filled the air’. With a langh Frank turned and ran back, satisfied that he had effectually done his work, and not caring to face tne irate drunkard, He was tov hasty, as it proved, for only one of the bottles was broken, After making the air blue with bis opinion of the awkward fellow who had overturned him, Walsh gathered up ‘the unbroken bottle in bis arms and steggered éon, nursing it like a sick baby, I’m ready to The retreating party was CHAPTER X. THE DOWNFALL OF ‘“‘WALSH’S PARTICULAR,” A week bad passed after the events recorded, ‘* The fellow ought to be dead as a door-nail by this time,” remarked Clarkson to Amos, who was now able to sit in an easy-chair 10 his chamber. ‘‘I don’t know what to make of it. Mason says he is as spry as a lark,” ‘“*What do you expect of a miser?’ queried Amos, ‘‘ He is boarding his whisky with his cash.” ** No,” and the Artful shook his head. ‘‘ No drupkard is a miser with his drink. Something must be done to hurry this up. He will be try- ing to spend some of that bogus money next.” ‘* No fear of that, while he has any old notes, The man has a craze for new money.” ‘* But he might spoil bis signature by a new one, and take the wind out of our sails. This thing bas got to be hurried. Iam not going to trust to chance,” As he said this the door opened sharply, and Frank entered the room, bearing a tray load of eatables, ‘* What do you mean, you young cur!” said Mr. Clarkson, springing up in rage, ‘ How dare you come in here in that fashion?’ ‘* What fashion would you like!” asked Frank coolly. ‘*I come in the door, because I didn’t like to crawl in at the window, or drop down through the ceiling.” ‘* Haven't you politeness enough not to inter- rupt a private conversation?” ‘ There ain’t no sign outside; ‘ private confabs going on,’ Bridget sent me up with Mr, Jones’s dinner. And he looks hungry enough to eata locomotive,” ‘* Hungry? You bet I am!” cried Amos, ‘* You'd best vacate the ranch, Clarkson, There is no. room here for interlopers,” ** Somebody’s got to take the hint,” rejoined Clarkson, in a tone divided between vexation and amusement, ‘‘If the boy won’t, I must,” and he left the roota. ‘* Put it bere, Frank, I’m glad you froze him out. Grub suits me better than talk just now, And be’s so thundering cross-grained he tires me, **Who? Mr, Clarkson?” demanded Frank, with an air of surprise, ‘*Oh, come, now, that’s too rough! After all he’s done fer you, tov!” ‘* Done for me? Him? Why, blast his eyes, I'd like to see him go back on me!” ‘He is a kind, honest, open-hearted gentle- man, that’s what he is,” declared Frank, with a great show of eurnestness, ‘‘ It isn’t everybody that would put up with your ill-temper, as he does,” ‘* He put up” cried Amos, in a rage, ‘‘ Why, ou fool, if you only knew— My ill-temper— y— That’s too good!” ** And he is so frank and open,” “Open? He? Bless my eyes!” Amos broke into an ironical Jaugh. ** Well, 1 didn’t know bow well his plan worked. Ob, yes, he’s open, If he had a document that would hang him he’d lay it ov a table, and carefully lock up his waste papers. That’s his dedge, He knows humun nature like a brick. Now, what have you got here, boy? You've: ’most spoiled my appetite by stirring up my temper.” He proveeded to eat his dinner, interspersing it with occasional growls at the expense of his host, whom the mischievous boy continued to praise, “The Artful ’3 a bigger fool than I took him for,” mused Frank, on leaving the room, ‘If he had any wit he’d drop this chap, who blurts out all he knows when he’s riled. So the Art- ful leaves his dangerous documents lying loose, and Jocks up his innocent ones? That’sa mighty nice point to know. I’m going to work it for all it’s worth.” An hour afterward Frank left the house, hav- ing got an afternoon’s leave of absence from Ciarkson, to attend to some necessary affairs at home, Had the Artful Dodger suspected and follow- ed his messenger, however, he would have found him setting out in a very different direction from his home, Fortunately for Frank’s plans his employer did not suspect him. His course, indeed, was up-town, and ended in that street where lay Mr. Walsh’s residence, Reaching the locality of his former visit, be rung the bel], This time a kitchen girl, with a pro- nounced snub to her nose, opened the door. ** Ts Miss Walsh in?” he asked. * She is, sor.” ** Can T see her?” Waik iv, sor, Ill ax the lady,” Frank was ushered into the parlor, and the maid disappeared, eS re A SoS a eee ene ae res a eee Oe eee In a few minutes her snub nose again showed itself. ‘‘m bid to ax your name, sor. And she bids me say that she’s in if she knows you, sor; but she’s out if she don’t.” “Did she say just that ?” laughed Frank. ‘¢ Then tell her itsa boy; and his name’s Frank Melton; and he knows her like a breeze.” The kitchen jewel again disappeared, Soon she returned once more. ‘‘ She'll be down this evenin’, sor, if you'll kindly wait.” ‘This evening?” cried Frank. sure she didn’t say next week?” ** No, sor, ’'m not.” And the girl disappeared with a face of unruffled serenity. “We'll, Tl be fizzled!” exclaimed Frank. ** That specimen ought to be put in a glass case, atso mucha peep. It isn’t safe to let wild ani- mals like that run at large. This evening? I wonder if I’m invited to stay to supper.” His doubt was soon settled by the appearance of Alice Walsh, who greeted him with a smile of pleasure. ' ‘* Have I kept you waiting?” she asked, ** Not much, expected to wait till sundown, anyhow; aud maybe till next week.” ** Why, what put such silly notions as that iu your head?” “That’s the message you sent me, by your jewel of a maid-servant. She also told me that you were at home if Maes wanted to see me, but you were out if you didn’t.” Alice looked at him with an air of perplexity, which was followed by a burst of laughter. ** You are joking?” “Not a bit! Oh, she’s justa jewel.” ‘““She grows stupider every day,” declared Alice.. ‘“And it is hard to see how she does it, for I fancied she was as stupid as any human being could be to begin with.” ‘*T tell you she’s a genius!” ‘* What Il told her was that I am very much engaged just now. My uncle is not at all well. “ Are” you ‘*- You don’t say so?’ exclaimed Frank, with a sudden show of interest. ‘t What seems to ail him?” ‘© T can’t tell.. He has been weak and droop- ing ever since he was out last week. He has been in his room ever since,” ‘‘ Ts the poison working,” said Frank, to bim- self, ‘‘ Lucky I broke those two bottles, Is he tippling?” he asked her, ‘No. He has not touched liquor.” ‘* Maybe that’s it, **T thougbt of that, about bim.” ‘* Have you called in a doctor?” * A doctor? He would not listen to it,” ‘*T see. Doctors cost money,” suggested : hi Come now, you must let me - He Stopped «ff too sudden,” lam certainly frightened . Lknow something about medicine. I swept out a drug-store once,” *“And took in all you found on the floor?” she asked, laughing. ‘* Alice!” came in a querulous voice from above. ‘*There. I must go.” ** Alice!” came more sharply, ‘*Yos, uncle.—Wait, Frank, I will be back ene ped up-sta he tri u irs, Pranic toon had no idea of waiting, followed her. He was curious to see what bad been the effect of ‘* Walsb’s particular,” In a mipute he had followed Alice into a sit- ting-room on the second floor, where the invalid was seated in an easy -chair before the fire. That he was far froin well was evident to Frank at a glance, for, he bad changed greatly since be last saw him.’ His cheeks were sunken, bis eyes inflamed, his general aspect cadaverous. On the table before him was a bottle, as yet unopened, Frank’s eyes fell quickly upon this and to his surprise and alarm he saw ihatit ha a green label. Was this some more of ‘* Walsh’s particular?” ‘ What have cae done with the corkscrew, girl?’ demanded the invalid, angrily, ‘‘ You have hid 1t somewhere.” “Oh, uncle!” cried Alice, in distress, “ you are not going to drink again?” ‘‘ Hold your tongue, vixen. I’jl do as I please, Bring me that corkscrew.” ‘* 7 wouldu’t drink that,” said Frank, who’had advanced to the table. ‘it isn’t good fur you,” ‘‘Who are you?’ demanded the angry in- valid, ‘‘ What fellow is this you’ve brought here, girl? Sbow him the door.” “T van see it without showing,” answered Frank. ‘It’s a pretty piece of wood-work, But T ain’t worth a cent in the carpenter line,”
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“Why, youimpudent— Get out, now, before I put you out,” “ve got some business with you, Mr. Walsh,” rejoined Frank, ‘*.When that’sdone, Pllgo. You needn’t invite me to stay any longer. Your society isn’t such a treasure that I’d wait to be kicked out.” As he spoke he seated himself coolly opposite the irate invalid, planting one foot under the table, and lifted the other to cross bis legs. He raised it too bigh, as it proved, for his knee caught the end of the table, and tilted it up sev- eral inches from the floor. The bottle at ence began to slide down the surface of the table. Mr. Walsh, with a loud oath, made a desperate clutch tosaveit, Frank did the same, but his hand awkwardly struck the bottle and dashed it forward, In an instant more it fell to the floor with a loud crash of broken glass. The amber-colored liquid flowed in pitiless lines over the carpet, Frank sprung from bis chair, and started back witb av appearance of intense alarm, while the invalid jumped to his feet as if he had been shot up by a spring, and filled the room with curses, As for Alice, she stood in the background, ‘with a look divided between dread and satis- faction. “Out of my house, or lll kick you out!” roared the invalid. ‘‘ You awkward hound! A whole bottle of prime liquor spilled! By—you shall pay for it, or Pll take it out of your hide,” **[ didn’t go to do it, Mr, Walsh,” declared Frank, with a show of contrition, * Didn’t go to do it!—Hand over its price, or Pll beat you to a mummy.” “Tl make it all right. Vl bring you two botiles for one. Wait,” cried Frank, and he iburried from the room, Alice was hastening after him, to beg him to do nothing of the kind, but sbe was brought back by a peremptory ca!! from her uncle. ** You want to stop him, minx. Let him go, And if he don’t come back, I'll make you pay desr for it. Its a trick between you. I know it is, Vrank did come back, In about ten minutes Lie reappeared in the room, bearing with him a bat le of liquor in each hand, Alice, who was on her knees picking up the fragments of the ‘broken bottle, looked yp at bim reproachfully, but be placed his burdén on the table. ‘There you are, Mr. Walsh,” he said, ‘I ‘was awkward, but I’ve made it all right now, haven’t I?” ‘“- Yes,” said the mollified miser, as he fixed his eyes with the drunkard’s craving appetite on the bottles, ‘I forgive you boy.” “Phen it’s all square? If it is, I'll get, before I break another.” * You'd better. But wait. You can write your name?” **{ reckon I can fling that much ink,” . “Then I want.you as a witness to a paper I aim going to “ig? Alice, bring me the pen and ink, Andcall up Mary from the kitchen, I want two witnesses,” é ** Won’t I do for oue?” asked Alice, “No, Call Mary. I don’t want you.” Alice left the room to obey this order, while Frank waited in great surprise. By the time Alice had returned, with the s$nub-nose genius of the kitchen, Mr. Walst) had drawn a legal-locking document from bis pocket, which he unfolded on!y sufficiently to show a line in writing. Tothe bottom of this he affix- ed his name, with trembling hand, and then showed the two witnesses where he wished their signatures, This done, he carefully folded it again, placed % in a large envelope, and sealed the letter tigbtly. *‘ You are interested in this, Alice,” he-re- marked, ‘‘The time may come when you'll find it valuable, But I don’t think it will come soon.” He placed the envelope carefully in his pocket, ‘ Now bring me the corkscrew,” Ten minutes afterward Alice bade Frank gvod-by at the door. “* What is that paper?” she asked, ‘You bave me there. I know no more than ithe man in the moon.” “But why did you break that bottle?” “To save your uncle from being poisoned.” Ive got an idea, CHAPTER XI. FRANK ON A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY. **AND what are ye doin’ now, sure? Who tould ye to be meddlin’ there?” Frank looked up hastily at this voice, He ne - 12y Fa ta ae ! Detective Frank’s Full Flush. 11 had reason to be startled, for he was deep in the work of examining the papers in Mr, Ciark- son’s desk, and had been caught at this suspi- cious task by Bridget; “Is that you, Bridget?” asked the boy, trying to regain his equanimity, and to invent some ex- cuse for his labors, ‘*Waix, it’s not me aunt, nor me grandmother, It’s about me own size and shape,” **Then come here and help me, somewhere around here,” ** What is, then?” ‘“*My pocketbook, It had a whole dollar and a half in it, and I can’t find it nowheres,” ** Ye’s pocketbook, isit? An’ you’re s’aking it ’mong the master’s papers?” *“Tt’s somewhere, Bridget, every where else,” ‘‘Indade an’ I didn’t think ye were sich a 1 know it is And I’ve looked fool. How’d it iver git there now?” “You baven’t found it, Bridget? If you have, hand it right over. I want it, and I'm going to have it,” **Sure, then an’ you’)! get it, and more till the back of it, if the master finds ye rummagin’ there, He won’t even let me dust them’ papers, he’s so mighty particular bout them, Put ’em back now, and 1’ll say nothin’,” Tbus admonished, Frank began to replace the papers, though be would have Jiked a half-hour more of undisturbed search, So far he had found nothing to wepey him for his trouble, “TL wapt my pocketbook,” be repeated, ‘‘ It had a dollar and a balf in it, and a diamond.” ** A di’mond, is it?” “Yes, A big one, the Bowery.” ‘“‘Faix, and di’monds must be chape there,” laughed Bridget. ‘‘Come now, the masther’s left word ye’re to brush his clothes in the closet up-stairs. I was bid to tell you when you come I gave a quarter for it on *‘ All right, Biddy,” rejoined Frank, who bad now finished replacing the papers. ‘‘ Maybe be’s found my dollar and a half and my diamond, I’m going through his pockets,” ‘* Don’t let him see ye then, for he’s tinder on that pint. Ye’d niver think how he hates rum- magin’,” It was with a feeling of some disappointment that Frank ascended the stairs to Mr, Clarkson’s room. Amos’s suggestion had induced bim to think tbat he might find some important evi- dence among the papers in the office desk, and in particular the one which Mr. Walsh had signed, He had discovered nothing, however, but bills and receipts, ordinary letters, and the like, Unfortunately, Bridget had interrupted bim as be was on the point of searching deeper, for it was quite possible the desk bad secret drawers, ** That woman’s got her nose every where,” he said, discontentedly. “I wonder if she’s put up to act the spy. Maybe that’s it. The Art- ful’s'an old bird, all the time.” Seeking Mr. Clarkson’s clothes closet, he threw it open, and began energetically to brush the garments that hung there. Nor did he fail to investigate the pockets of the various articles of clothing, possibly with the hope of finding his dollar and a half and the twenty-five cent dia- mond. Laying them on the bed as finished, he con- tinued till he had emptied the closet, If he bad hoped to find anything of value he was disap- pointed, In the bottom of the closet lay several pairs of shoes and slippers. “| judge they’re to be done too,” be said, “A job’s a job, and tbem slippers want a jolly brashing out, for they’re sinful dusty,” Picking upa pair of well-worn cloth slippers thatlay in a corner of the closet, he began an energetic brushing. Oue of them seemed puffed out, ‘‘There’s something in this,” he said, giving the ‘heel a hard knock on the floor, “ Maybe it’s a mouse nest, with a baker’s dozen of young mice.” The hard knock had evidently dislodged some- thing, aud a close roll of paper dropped out and fell on the floor, “It looks more like a mare's nest,” said the boy, picking it up and carelessly unrolling it. Bot bis eyes suddenly dilated, and he finished opening the paper with nervous haste. He had seep the name of ‘ Herbert Walsh” signed at bottom, Running bis eyes hastily over it, a whistle broke from his li * Jupiter!” he cried, “ here’s findings, It’s the identical paper they got the old boozer to sign. Here’s their names as witvesses, My, ain’t the Artful a -hoss at hiding! And ain’t the ferret some pumpkins at finding! Now let’s take this in, for it’s mighty interesting,” He began a careful perusal of the document. But before he was half through it be got a start. Footsteps sounded at the head of the stairs, Quickly rolling up the paper he thrust it back into the slipper, and flung the latter into the closet, following it up with its mate, He then snatched up a shoe, and stood upright, rubbing at it vigorously with a cloth, At this instant Mr. Clarkson entered the room, He looked at him with questioning eyes, ** What are you at?” he asked harshly, ‘Bridget told me I was to brush up your things. I’ve been through the clothes, but these shovs are mighty dusty,’ “ Never mind them, Put them back, I want you to go on an errand for me, I will return the clothes to the closet,” ** As you please, Mr. Clarkson.” * Take this package to No, — Third avenue, There ask for the rooms of Mr, Francisco Wil- son. Give him this, and tell bim I sent it.” He handed the boy a very small parcel, not much larger than a pen-handle in size, It was closely wrapped in paper, which was fastened with mucilage. “ All right, sir. Dll find him, Am I to bring anything back?” “No, Be off, now, and lose no time, And take good care not to lose that package,” Without further words, Frank thrust the light parcel into his pocket and left theroom, Tt was a question in his mind whether Mr, Clarkson suspected his late operation, and took this plan to get rid of him that he might in vestigate, ** But what'll he find if he does?” the boy asked himself, ‘I rolled it up just as it was, and left it where I found it, But you bet it ain't all in that paper. ‘Some of it’s inside my brain-pan. And what’s there is going to {stay and to work, The Artful thinks he’s bound to make a big SCOOP, but Pve got a sort of idea he'll be left,” As he thus communed with himself, he was making his way along the street. The spot he was seeking was several miles distant, but the day was a fine one, the air fresh, and the journey full of enjoyment, ‘I'd like to know what’s inside this,” he said, taking out the parcel and looking at ii, ‘ Pnt that can’t be done without ripping the spaper;— and a rip would give me away bad, [rveKon I’ve got to take it out in guessing.” At this moment he was startled by a hearty stroke on the shoulder that veavly made him drop his parcel, ‘Which way now, ferret?” He turned and saw the well-known face of Dick Wister. “Hello, Dick! That you?” ** About my size and complexion, you there?” * That's what I'm going to tell you, and more, too, I’ve gota bagful!l of news, Come on, for I’m making tims,” The detective looked keenly around, with an instinctive distrust of suspicious observation, He then walked ona by the boy’s side, listenin intently to the interesting story which Fran had to relate, By Jove! the plot’s thickening,” be said “The Artful Dodger is playing his game with his old keenness, Fie would discount us all only for you, my lad.” ‘It’s pot time to pull the string yet,” said Frank, “No, He has not gone too far to draw back, If we made a move now, he'd shrink like a turtle into bis shell, and laugh at us. Our only hold on him, so far, is in the counterfeit money he paid Walsb, and that is cat of sight and reach, If we told Walsh of it, he’d be sure to put the Artful on his guard, and every speck of evidence would be destroyed. Id like to get my hands on that fellow Vanilli, before they take an alarm.” ; “What do you think this is?. It is wrapped up so tight I am afraid to tamper with it,” Dick took the parcel and looked at it cu- riously, Sud | via an idea,” he said at length. ** Come in here, It’s easy enough to open,’ He led the way into a drinking-saloon, and to an untenanted table, bldding the waiter to bring him a cup of hot water, On the arrival of this he soaked the parce] till the mucilage was dia- solved, and thea carefully unrolled the wet paper. “It’s not so hard a job, you see,” he said to Frank, A very few seconds sufficed to reveal a small steel instrument, upon which Dick fixed his eyes What bave
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12 knowingly. One end was pointed, and ground inte a peculiar shape, with cutting edges. “As I thought,” remarked Dick, closely ob- serving it, ‘* What is it?’ asked Frank, ** An engraver’s tool, These fellows have got some otber nice little job on band. This has been made for some particular part of the work,” ** Another counterfeit?” queried Frank, in sur- prise, ‘All I've got to say, theu, is that Pm about the first fellow to shut up the Artful’s eye, To think of his trusting me with it!” ‘‘That’s not hard to get at. He don’t care to trust it to the mail, and for good reasons of his own he is skittish about visiting his pals. But he has an honest messenger-boy, whom no one will suspect, and who always strictly obeys orders,” ‘¢ When he doesn’t bu’st them,” laughed Frank, ‘* But who is this Francisco Wilson? ‘* That's to find out. By bis name he ought to be half-foreigner and balf-English. Goon and finish your errand, Ill wait here for your re- port. Keep your eyes wide open.” ‘‘No danger of them shutting. Them eyes are propped open,” As they talked, Dick had procured a slip of wrapping paper, of the same size as that remov- ed by wetting. Rolling the graver’s tool care- fully in it, he sealed it with mucilage, procured from the landlord, ‘‘ Now make tracks, young man,” he admon- ished Frank, ‘‘ You’re wasting your employer's time, which I’m sorry to see.” ‘Pm pot wasting my time, at any rate,” laughed Frank, as hé set out, He continued his course without further inter- ruption until he reached the locality to which he had been directed, It was a large tenement house. Entering it, he soon learned by inquiry that Francisco Wil- son lived there, and was directed bow tv find his room, Making his way up the well-worn stairs to the room in question, be sought te open the door, but it failed to yield, It was locked inside, “Oan’t play that,” he said, “Mr, Wilson don’t keep open house to strangers, He ain’t that sort, Got te knoe, or stay out,” And he gave atbunderin, rap. wile. yuick ears heard certain sounds inside, as if vis, occupant had been disturbed, and was making some quick movements, But the door continued closed till the impatient boy had knocked again. ir all za want?’ came in foreign tones from inside, ‘+7 want to see Mr, Wilson,” answered Frank. * Got something for you.” The door was now partly opened, revealing a man of small frame and spare face, clad in a greasy and torndressing-gown. Yet Frank bad to repress an exclamation of satisfaction on see- ing bim, He sought to push into the room, but the occupant closed up the passage, ** Wha’ ze got?” he demanded, * This,” answered Frank, producing his small parcel. ‘ Mr, Clarkson sends it,” He used his eyes diligently in a close study of the room while the tenant was taking the object handed bim, ' Zat ali?’ he asked, ‘* Any answer?” “ No,” ‘* Zen zat’s all,” rejoined Frank, mocking his tone. At this the door was closed abruptly in his face, and the key turned in the lock, Polite, you are!” cried the boy. ‘ But there’s something you can’t never lock out, I’ve got you down, old buzzer.” Me He made haste back to where he had left ick, © Well?” asked the latter. *¢ Ts pannel out fine,” rejoined Frank, * Who is be?” “It’s Vanilli, the ‘ what-is-it,’ as sure as sin, and he’s at it again.” CHAPTER XII. A PIECE OF BROKEN GLASS, Tag business was ripeving, Sharp as was the Artful Dodger, he had taken a firebrand into bis house in the shape of his messenger-boy. Frank had brought the counterfeit engraver under the eyes of the detectives, and had learned the char- acter of the mysterious document signed by Walsb. But there was one thing more to do be- fore springing the trap, and this was to trace the counterfeit notes into Clarkson’s possession, This could best be done through Walsh’s aid, Not knowing just how to go about this, Frank, Detective Frank’s Full Flush. after reporting upon his errand, made his way slowly toward Mr, Walsh’s house, He had two objects in view—one, to look out for opportuni- ties; the other, to visit bis young lady friend. As he drew near the house, bowever, he stopped and looked keenly before him, There, about half a block in advance, was a familiar figure. That vigorous form, erect gait, gold- headed cane, and general air of bigh respect- ability could belong to but one person, and that person Mr, Clarkson. ‘* What’s he got under his weather-gauge now?” asked Frank, suspiciously. ‘* He's bound for old Walsh’s house, sure pop. There’s some extra gameu», Maybe he’s going to the old boozer’s funeral; or to ask him why he ain’t dead.” Frank drew back, lest he should be seen, but kept a keen eye on the figure before him, Ie was correct in his deduction, Mr, Clark- son, for it was indeed he, stopped at the door of the Walsh residence, and rung the bell. While he stood waiting admission Frank hid himself ina neighboring doorway. He did not care to be a target to those sharp eyes. After a minute’s waiting the visitor was ad- mitted, and Frank was at liberty to leave his covert. He at once made his way to the house and seated himself comfortably on the doorstep. He deemed it unwise to follow his master too closely. Meanwhile Mr. Clarkson had been shown to the room‘of his intended victim. Alice was out of the house for the moment, and the kitchen genius was in charge, or his progress might have been less easy, He found Walsh seated beside the table, still looking much the worse for wear, and asif a strong dose of his ordinary stimulant was sadly wanted, ‘* Hello, old lad!” cried Clarkson cheerily. ‘‘ Why, what’s the matter with you? You look as if you’d been hauled over a door-scraper.” “Is that you, Clarkson?” demanded Walsh. ““ Where have you been this week past?” ‘* Oh, around town,” Clarkson helped himself to a chair, facing his\host, and regarded him closely and seriously. ‘¢Come, Walsh, you’ve been sick. Own up,” he said, ‘Suppose I have? It has not troubled you mucb,” “T tell you what, old lad, your nerves are shaken, You want another sup of ‘ Walsh’s par- ticular.’ I’ve brought you a fresh bottle. A man as sick as you wants medicine, and this is the cure for your complaint.” He slipped a bottle from under his coat and set it on the table. “There, old lad; that’s the genuine green label, There’s the stuff to tonch you in the sore Walsh fixed his eyes on the bottle with an ex- pression divided between temptation and dis- ust, “Take it away,” he ejaculated, ‘ I’ve sworn off. 1am done with liquor, from this day on.” At this Clarkson lay back in bis chair, roaring with laughter, ‘¢ You're a genuine temperance brick,” he de clared, slapping Walsh on theshoulder, ‘ Stick to that, old chap, It’s a deuced shame though, to go back on your best friend.” As he spoke he drew the cork from the bottle and Foner out a glass of the amber-color liquid, ** Not to drink,” he remarked, ‘‘ Only to look at. It’s too pretty to keep corked pir “Take it away. Dve sworn off, I tell you,” *¢ Well, it won’t make you drunk to look at it. Where’s all your resolution?” ‘* Here!” cried Walsh, seizing the glass,’ whose eontents he seemed for the moment about to fling in his visitor’s face. _He turned, however, and flung glass and all at the window, with such forces that they broke through. ‘¢'There! Curse the poison stuff!” Clarkson gave a slight start, His victim had bit uncomfortably near, the truth, He looked at Walsh to seeif there was any hidden meaning in his words, but saw only a look of drunken resolution. ‘+ Ha! ha!” laughed the tempter, ‘old Walsh bas wakened up in earnest.” But he laid his band on the bottle in fear that it might be sent after the glass. “Tye took my last dram,” declared Walsh, ‘*Tt’s been the ruin of me, Jack Clarkson, and you led me into it, blast you!” ‘Me? cried Clarkson, virtuously. ‘ Why, you tippling daisy, I’ve done my best to kee you from it. Icould no more hold you bac than a three-year-old roadster. But it isn’t that I came to talk about, old lad, It is another matter,” Walsh’s eyes, which had been roaming about the room, were now fixed on the bottle, and in- to them was coming a show of the old craving. Clarkson quietly withdrew his hand. Hehad no further fear for the bottle. “JT don’t want to ask you where you keep your spare cash,” began Clarkson, ‘‘ That’s none of my business, But if anything should happen; if you were to drop off suddenly for instance; you ought in justice to your heir to leave something to show where it may be found.” “Tell you where it is, eh?” demanded Mr. Walsh, with a suspicious twinkle in his eyes. **T don’t trust ae that far, Jack.” ‘Tell me!—I don’t want to know. But you should Jeave some paper, some indication—” “Should I?” Walsh’s band bad now advanced, and was tremblingly stroking the bottle. His eyes grew more eager. Clarkson watched him covertly. ‘In justice to your heirs, you should,” But leaving the tempter and his dupe we must return to the young detective, whom we left seated on the door-step of the mansion within which this scene was taking place, } A considerable time passed, Then, thinking / he had waited about long enough, he rose with the intention of ringing. But at that moment he saw a well-known form turn the corner and come tripping toward him. It was Alice Walsh, ‘‘ Well,” she said, on coming up, ‘ keeping vigil on the door-step, are you?” ‘I knew you wasn’t inside,” “ How?” ‘* By instinct,” “What a powerful instinct you must have,” she laughed. ‘* Well, maybe I had another reason. Your a kas a visitor, and I didn’t like to diswurb im, ‘* A visitor! Who?” ‘* Mr, Clarkson.” She started, while an expression of dread came upon her face, “ What brings him here?” she asked, in a low tone, ‘ After what you told me, the very name of that man frightens me, Why has he come?” ‘‘ That’s more than I can say.” ‘*Then I am going to find out. under this dread.” She was moving impulsively to the door when Frank’s voice stopped her, ‘¢ Hold up, You'll just make trouble if you go off that way. Sit down here, and let’s have @ talk, Nobody ever does any good jumping at things,” Sne checked her hasty movement, seated ber- self beside him, and a conversation of some in- terest eusued between them. At the end of about ten minutes they rose to enter the house, ‘Think he will keep it?” asked Frank, “Yes, He promised mo faithfully he would quit drinking. Those two bottles you brought. bim he let me empty out, and has not had a drop in the house since,” ‘He didn’t 1ose much in emptying them,” chuckled Frank, ‘ But I wouldn’t take much stock in his having none in the house. DPve heard that story before,” ‘*T can’t help trusting him, be was so earnest about it,” she answered, as they entered. ‘* Well, he’s got the devil at his elbow now, anyhow,” rejoined Frank, Not many steps had they taken when there came a loud and querulous call] from the up- stairs sitting-room, ‘¢ Alice! Where are you, girl?” ‘‘ Here Lam, uncle. I’ve just come in.” ‘¢-You’re always gadding. Come here at orce, and bring me some hot water and sugar.” She cast a frightened glance at Frank, who looked knowing, “What did I tell you?’ he said. ‘*Ram punch,” ‘* Ob, I bope not!” The demand came again more sharply than before, and with a set and white face she hastened to obey. As she ascended the stairs Frank kept ata short distance behind her, Some premonition of coming evil warned him to be on guard. “ Well, it takes you a time!” cried her uncle angrily as she entered the room. “Oh, uncle! to drink again after all you promised me,” ** Hold your tongue, jade, Bring me the bot water, Don’t you see I’m entertaining a frienc?” The distressed girl advanced tremblingly to the table; but as she came near it the, glass vessel of water fell from her unsteady band, and crashed into fragments on the floor. I will not rest This accident brought Walsh, who was
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—_ evidently quite drunk again, to his feet ina rage. we You stupid fool!” he roared, ‘‘ Do you want to rin me? He advanced upon her so threateningly that she retreated hastily, reg 3 the table in doing so and knocking from it the half-emptied bottle of strong drink. This accident seemed to convert the drunkard intoa madman. He sprung furiously upon. the rirl, and struck her a blow that felle. her to the floor. Then he rushed upon her and was about kicking her prostrate form when Mr, Clarkson came to the rescue, seizing bim by the collar and jerking him back so strongly that he in his turn was hurled prostrate amid the fragments of the broken vessel. “You drunken brute!” said Clarkson in dis- gust. ‘To treat a woman in that way!” Frank had not witnessed this assault unmoy- ed, Hesprung into the roomat the same mo- ment, with a fierce purpose of assaulting the drunkard. But on seeing him thus dealt with, he turned his attention to the fallen woman, flying to her aid. ** She’s dead or out of her senses,” he cried to Mr, Clarkson, “Ha, boy, you here? What does this mean?” ‘Tt means that we both visit at the same house,” answered Frank with ready_ wit. ‘You visit the uncle and I the niece. What are we todo with her, Mr, Clarkson?” ‘Get her out of this, and let the kitchen girl bring her to. It is only aswoon, Help me carry her out,” Walsh lay groaning on the floor, but to this they gave not the least heed, not even look- ing toward him, Picking up Alica. between them, they carried her from the room, and laid her on a lounge in an adjoining cham- ber, Then Frank ran hastily down-stairs, and - brought up the girl to her relief. By the time he returned, however, she already gave signs of returning animation. ‘*The woman’s all right,” declared Clarkson, *‘Now let me see what that drunken brute’s groaning about.” He walked toward the sitting-room, leaving Frank with the two women. Yet in a minute there came such a strange, startled cry from his lips that the boy rusbed in- voluntarily out to learn what it meant, He saw Clarkson standing on the tbreshold, in an odd, strained attitude, gazing into the room. Frank hastened forward—but he stopped suddenly on coming near the door, for an omi- nous red stream was visible on the carpet within. ‘© What is it?” he cried in alarm, ** An accident,” explained Mr, Clarkson, in a hasty desire to save himself from blame, ‘An accident; but a fatal one I fear, Look there,” Frank’s eyes followed his pointing finger, There on the floor lay Mr. Walsh, his face as _ white as the wall, his form deathly still, while blood still gushed from a deep cut in bis neck, “Dead!” cried the boy in horror, ‘‘ How is it? What did it?” “That!” exclaimed Mr. Clarkson, pointing to the jagged fragments of the glass vessel which Alice baa let fall. ‘‘He went down on that broken glass, One of the pieces has cut his jugular vein, Herbert Walsh has passed in his chocks,” * Dead!” repeated the boy, shrinking back in involuntary terror, ** Dead,” rejoined Clarkson, There was a hardly-concealed satisfaction in his tone, Chance had come strangely to his aid in his darkepurpose. ve CHAPTER XIII. THE HOARD OF THE MISER, THE death vf Herbert Walsh made a consid- erable sensation in New York. His miserly habits were well known, witb the fact that be distrusted banks and kept his money hidden in some secret covert. This, with the strange man- ner of hi3 death,- gave occasion for extended newspaper comment, That highly respectable citizen, John P. Clark- son, Esq., was closely questioned at the coro- ner’s investigation, and gave a very clear and lucid account of his connection with the affair. He :told feelingiy how he had tried to break Walsh from his drinking habits, and how the accident had occurred from his endeavor tosave — Walsh from the brutality of bis drunken uncie, Here, fortunately for him, he had witnesses. Alice Walsh Caetihned beers of the story, and Frank Melton the remainder, and the investiga- tion ended much to the advantage of Mr. Clark- son, who posed as the virtuous defender of in- jured innocence against drunken vice. ‘‘ Death by accident,” was the verdict of the coroner’s jury, and the story of Herbert Walsh passed into oblivion, except in the minds of the tew persons whovwere specially interested in bis fate, ‘* Where had he hidden his money?” was a prominent question in the minds of these per- sons. ‘*And to whom had he willed it?’ was equally prominent. fhe latter question was answered by Clark- son, on the day after the funeral, in the produc- tion of a will, duly signed and witnessed, in which the deceased fort the bulk of his estate to his dear friend John P, Clarkson, with a leg- acy of two thousand dollars to his niece, Alice Walsh, The witnesses to this will were Amos Jones and William M.son, The signature of Herbert Walsh was too marked to be in doubt, The disinherited niece quite broke down under these tidings, She had pope’, in reward for the sacrifices she had made in liviag with her intem- perate relative, that her future life would be well provided for, This unjust disposal of his property was, therafore, a severe shock to her. “The worst of it is,” she confided to her con- fidant, Frank Melton, ‘‘ that he bas left it to that man Clarkson. If it had been given to charity, I would never have complained. But, to be left to bis worst enemy, and his destroyer!” “You don’t know all the underhand game that’s been going on,” remarked Frank. ‘* What underhand game?” ‘*T can tell you this much, anyhow. That will’s a genuine document. I was there when it was signed, and know how much Clarkson paid for it,’ *¢ Paid for it?” ‘“‘'Yes, I can’t tell you the whole story just now, for I’ve been told to hold my tongue; but John P, Clarkson ain’t going to handle your uncle’s money; you can settle your mind on that. He’s a very artful.dodger, but I reckon he’ll find himself dodged before be gets through,” ‘* What do you mean, Frank? You talk in riddles,” ‘*Then you best give thisoneup, I’m on his dodge, that’s enough. I’m bound to upset his cart. That’s alll can tell you just now, for I’ve been told I mustn’t talk, But he won't handle that money, nary time!” ‘‘ You’re on bis dodge, and are going to upset his cart; that’s all you can tell me, Well, I ought to be obliged for that valuable informa- tion. As for my uncle’s money, [ fear no one will handle it, His hiding-place will not be found easily.” “Won't it? You don’t know John P. Clarkson! He'll take this house down brick by brick till he finds it.” ** And what then? What am I to do?” ‘* You’ve got to wait, that’s all, Leave that to me. I want him to find it, 10’ be just so much trouble saved.” ‘*Té he finds it he will keep it,” ‘* Will he? I reckon he might find a snag in bis pate, Just you mind this: Detective Frank is on the war-path, and he scents blood!” “Oh, Detective Frank is on the war-path and scents blood! That puts quite another aspect on the situation, I’m quite convinced now, Clark- son don’t dream what’s in store for him!” Frank listened in some perplexity to the quiet, grave air with which she said this, But, after a minute he broke into a fit of laughter, ‘* Pll open your eyes yet,” he cried, “IT hope so, So far you have done your best to close them,” she answered with a smile, Frank really bad better warrant for his con- fident aasertions than he felt free to make pub- lic, yet. And one feature of his confidence, of which the reader is not yet aware, was that the document he had found in Artful Clarkson’s slipper was Herbert Walsh’s will, and that he was convinced that this was the paper for which the counterfeit notes had been paid. That it was the purpose of the apparent heir to the estate to find the Walsh hoaré and de- stroy those notes, Frank was convinced. The young detective therefore felt no little satisfac- tion when Mr, Clarkson took poesession of the house which formed part of the inheritance, and brought bim there as his aid and assistant, There was no sign that the astute villain dis- trusted his hired boy, for his presence in that house at the time of Walsh’s death. As_ for Amos Jones, he had been removed to bis own home, so Frank’s aid in nursing was no longer required, “When Clarkson moved into the house Alice Walsh moved out. The habitation that held hold her, herself in the close neighborhood, She might be wanted at a minute’s notice, he informed her, Such was the condition of affairs three weeks after the death of Herbert Walsh, Meanwhile the detectives bad taken no action in regard to Vanilli, They wished him to finish the work on which he was engaged, and content themselves with keeping a close watch upon him, They did not care to draw in their net till all the fish were in it, It need not be said that the heir to the Walsh estate lost no time in bis investigation, He had put the will on probate, and was full master of the sgl with no one to inteffere with his ac- tions. As for Frank, there was but one loose thread in the web of his purposes, He had by no means for- gotten the paper which Walsh had signed in bis presence, and which he and the kitchen girl had wituessed. Where was that paper? and what was it? Of the latter he had bis theory. That it wasa will, later than that under which Clarkson in- herited, he felt no doubt, And he felt sure that the signing of the Clarkson will was a trick, to obtain the money offered, ‘The Dodger didn’t trust him,” gaid Frank; ‘*that’s the reason he tried to poison old Walsh, before he could make another will,” What had become of this important paper? No trace of such a document had been found anywhere among Mr. Walsh’s effects, Alice knew nothing of its disposal, The miser seemed to bave got rid of it as mysteriously as of his money. It was for this reason that Frank was highly satisfied to be made a party to the search for the hidden hoard, He had his own purpose—that of searching for the vanished dovument. Neither search, however, seemed likely to come to a quick termination, It was not want- ing in closeness, Mr, Clarkson proved himself an adept in the art of investigation, and his young assistant gave him satisfaction for his zeal and activity, ¢ But more than a week passed by, and no trace of the concealed treasure was found. The house was thoroughly searched from top to bottom. Its floors, walls and ceilings were examined with minute care, in search of a pos- sible. concealed biding-place. The floor alti walls of the cellar were closely investigated, The chimneys were searched, Every article of furniture ange enough to have a concealed cavity was taken to pieces, “Yet all in vain, The outside walls of the house, the yard, even the fences, were exposed to the same close search, The result continued the same. No trace of the secret hoard was found, As time went on Mr, Clarkson grew nervous and irritable. He began to fear that the for- tune for which he had worked so vigilantly was about to escape him. Frank’s position ceased to be an agreeable one. He was made the victim of much ill humor. **It is here, somewhere,” declared Mr, 'Clark- son, positively, ‘‘He was not the man that could keep long from his beloved hoard, If it had been hidden elsewhere, he would have made frequent journeys, which be did not,” ‘*“Do you know what’s my notion?’ asked Frank, ‘**Some nonsensical one, I suppose,” ‘* Anyhow, it looks as if he didn’t have no money, and as if we’re hunting for something that don’t exist,” “T thought so,” cried Clarkson, angrily. “You always were a fool. Get out, now. I am tired of your nonsense,” “Get out,” growled Frank, as he. moved away from his nervously touchy employer. “Tm glad enough to get, for you’re worse than a bear with a sore head, But where’ll I et to. You’re everywhere, except on the roof, reckon I’d better make for that.” Frank did so, with a double purpose in bis head. The thought of the roof reminded him that in this search the roof had been overlooked, Indeed, no one would have thought of this as a hiding-place for treasure. But all the probable hiding-places bad been investigated. hy not ff the improbable ones? o think was to act with Frank Melton, A trap-door, reached by a short ladder, led to the roof, This be found to be of slate, with a con- siderable slope. He stood on the top round of the ladder, looking at it. ‘*Ole Walsh never crawled round there,” he said, shaking bis head. ‘* He’d broken his jolly neck if he’d tried it. If there’s anything bid here, it must be within reach of the ladder, or of one of those side windows,”
Page 14
14 It had occurred to his mind that one or more of the slates might be movable, and have a cav- iry under it. é examined them one by one, They were all tightly nailed down. Frank shook bis head thoughtfully. Yet he was not the one to give it up so easily as this! Were those nails as firm as they looked? He felt them one by one with his fingers, to find if any of them would move, Atter going nearly round the square of the trap-door, he was successful in fiuding some nails that moved under bis touch. Whipping bis jack-knife from his pocket, he inserted the blade under the head of ona of these nails, and pried upward, It yielded easily, and came out in bis hand. He tried another, and with the same success, The business began to look encouraging. Sev- eral nails in adjoining slates yielded in the same way. After a few minutes four of the slates lay untfastened, He now tried to move these, and found them to slip readily from their places in the roof, Scarcely a minute was needed to move the four slates, and to bis surprise and delight there lay revealed to his eyes a cavity beneath where they had been, An opening a foot square and severa) inches deep had been made here, and deftly covered with the slates removed. And in this opening lay a close black package, of waterproof mate- rial, completel ailing it, With an exclamation of delight the young in- vestigator drew it out,. Opening it carefully his delight increased. Fora single glance suffived t» tell him that the package was made up of a closely condensed mass of bank notes, and that on top of it Jay the sealed envelope be had so dili- gently sought, His first movement was to consign the latter carefully to his pocket, The notes seemed of large denominations, and the total package to represent a very considerable sum of money, But on top lay a thick layer of ten- lollar bills, ‘That's the stuff I’m after,” cried the boy, with a chuckle of satisfaction. “Them’s the Vanilli brand, DP’ve got use for some of them chaps,” Taking possession of a considerable number of these bills, which he felt sure must be the coun- terfeits which Walsh had been paid for his sig- paytore tothe will, Frank placed them in_ bis pocket with the envelope, Then carefully replacing the package of treas- ure in the curiously concealed cavity, he restor- ed the slates to their places, inserted the nails in the holes from which he had drawn them, and left all as be had found it. “Tf this ain’ta jolly job of work, I won't talk,” he said to himself as he descended the stairs, ‘Old Walsh was cute. the Artful Dodger’s sold, of doors just now.” And avoiding Mr, Clarkson, he left the house, shutting the door noiselessly behind him, CHAPTER XTV. THE SPRINGING OF THE TRAP. Two honrs passed before Frank Melton made his appearance again at the Walsh residence, During that time he had done some useful work, whose results will appear hereafter. On his re- turn he found his employer seated in an easy- chair in the parlor, looking very much out of porte, ** Where have you been, you lazy young ras- cal?” he angrily demanded, ‘‘ How dare you absent yourself without permission?” “ Permission!” retorted Frank, ‘Didnt you tell me to get out? Well, I got out, Isn’t that obeying orders?” See here. You'll get out for good if you try your smartness ou me, young man.” “Who's done the best work? You sitting here, or me walking out there?” queried Frank. Mie abe you high, if it’s put to vote, I'll come out And I’ve a big notion lve got business out ‘* What do you mean? What have you done?” “Pye been keeping up a big think, that’s all. You and me have gone over ever t of this house but one, Mr, Clarkson. My thinking machine says that we ought to try that one.” “That one? What one?’ demanded Mr. Clarkson, iooking up with interest, ‘“‘ What do you mean, boy? What place have we left un- tried?” ‘The roof.” The roof?” There was disappointment in his tone. “ That’s all confounded nonsense. How coy. anybody make a hiding-place on the roo “T don’t know,” answered Frank indifferent- ly. “The notion came into my head, and I let it out; that’s all,” | ly. ——— — —— ———————————————————————————————————————— ee pS a z : ace ‘*Tire roof? Nonsense!” Mr. Clarkson threw himse/f back in his chair, and rocked energetical- Then he suddenly started up. ‘‘ Come,” he said,” we'll try the roof.* A fool talks wisdom sometimes,” ‘* And a wise man plays the fool,” said Frank to himself, as he followed his energetic em- ployer. Mr. Clarkson led the way to the upper story of the bouse, and examined the roof from the dormer windows, ‘* Your idea won’t work, boy,” he said, ‘* These slates are nailed on to boards, and the boards run the whole length of the roof, It is impossible to hide anything here,” **Isn’t that just where a cute old coon like miser Walsh ’d hide his money?” queried Frank, " Where it’s impossible is just the place for im,’ ‘* By Jove, boy, you’re not quite such a fool as I en ** Tf you buy me for a fool you're going to get awfully left,” rejoined Frank. 1 eal Mr. Clarkson seated himself on the window- sill, with his eyes fixed on the roof, thinking over the possibilities, Meanwhile Frank sought the lower portion of the house, where some mys- terious events took place. Then the boy made his way to the trap-door, and threw it open. ‘* Prank,” came in the voice of Mr. Clarkson. ** Sir,” answéfred the boy, ‘Come here. There’s nothing in your idea. There is no possible hiding-place on or under this roof.” “Don’t you take too much stock in that,” an- swered Frank, with a show of excitement in his voice, ‘Come here, I’ve struck something.” Mr. Clarkson, with a smile of doubt, sought the ladder, and mounted it to Frank’s side, ‘* Well?’ he asked, ‘‘ Where’s your mare’s nest now?” ‘‘See here,” said Frank, exgihedhy ** Some of these nails are loose, ‘* He moved the heads with his fingers to show. ‘If they were taken out the slates could he moved; and then—” ** We'd see the boards under them,” responded Mr. Clarkson. ‘But Vil try. There are al- ways chances. Make way, boy, we’re crowded here.” Frank descended the ladder, and waited curi- ously for the explosion of delight which he ex- pected. He could hear the scraping sounds above as Mr. Clarkson pried out the vails, Then camea scrape of a different kind as the slates were moved. Finally he beard what he waited for, * By Jove!” came in sharp and excited ac- cents, ‘‘ What's this? Why, hang it all, I be- lieve the boy has hit it! Well, by thunder, here is a queer hiding-place!” ‘*Have you found anything?’ demanded Frank, * Nothing of importance,” rejoined Mr, Clark- son, ina voice whose excitement was suddenly repressed. ‘* Only a hole stuffed with old paper. I thought I had a big find, but there’s nothing in it ” “That's awkward,” rejoined Frank. ‘I thought you'd struck oil,” ** Only water,” rej ined Mr, Clarkson, Frank cculd bear him replacing the slates, He waited below with a knowing smile on his face. After a minute or two Mr, Clarkson came down the ladder. He held nothing in bis hands, and showed no evidence of having any- thing about his person, **7t proved a mare’s nest, as I feared,” he re- marked, ‘‘Only a bunch of old papers, with which the slaters bad filled up a hole. That’s the kind of house work men do nowadays, There’s rascality eo 8 ag By the way, you've given me anew idea, I’m going to move the sideboard in the dining-room and take up the floor under it, I want you to go to my house in Bronson street, and bring me the package of tools you will find on the desk in my office,” “ Right away?’ asked Frank. ** Yes, And don’t be a month on the way.” “ All right,” rejoined the boy, ‘‘Tll be bere inan hour. Queer you didn’t think of that place before.” ** Just so. Now be off” Down-stairs Frank went, two steps at a time, asif in great haste, Not a minute passed be- fore the front door was heard to slam loudly. A meaning smile came upon Mr, Clarkson’s face. “I've got rid of that young ferret,” he said. “ The boy is sharper than I gave him credit for, Tt’s lucky he suspects nothi By Jove, though, I must him handsomely for his idea, The a haos's enine, and old Walsh It’s the only place left. is discounted,” ee oS ee ae ee ee ae ee Detective Frank’s Full Flush. He ascended the ladder again as he spoke, and when he again came down bore with him the package which Frank had already investigated. There was a look of infinite satisfaction on Mr. Clarkson’s face as he made his way down- stairs to the dining-room. He failed to hear certain low sounds in the front of the house, ‘* Two thousand for Alice. I had to do some- thing for the poor girl,”| He laughed in saying this. ‘‘And an even divide with Jones and Mason, Yes, it will be an even divide—atter I’ve had my dividends,” He laughed still more meaningly. Reaching the dining-room, he Jaid the black- covered bundle on the table, and opened it, re- vealing its valuable contents, ** As I thought,” he exclaimed, iv 2 tone of the deepest satisfaction, ‘Here is the pile of hogus tevs. I knew he would not issne them. Well, they’ll make good fire-wood, We can print more if we need them,” He gathered up the bundle of counterfeits, and without counting them carried them to the kitchen, There was a hot fire in the range, and into this he thrust the notes, a handful ata time, looking on with great relief as he watched the curling flames. ‘T's ugly stuff to keep,” he remarked. “lt” has done its work, and this is the best use for it.” At this critical instant a heavy hand fell on his shoulder, and another band seized the notes still remaining in bis grasp. ‘¢ T know a better use for it,” spoke a voice in bis ear, and the bogus money was torn with a quick jerk from his hand. ‘¢ Who in the fiend’s nameis this?” cried Clark- son, turning suddenly, with a look of surprise and fury. He found himself face to face with two reso- lute-looking men, one of whom still kept a firm hold on his shoulder, ‘““My name is Richard Wister, at your ser- vice,” spoke a mocking voice, ** This gentleman is called Joseph Smith, We have been for some time on the track of a gentleman called the Art- ful Dodger, and fancy we have about run that fox to his hole.” Clarkson’s face grew very pale, Then it flushed with anger, and he threw the hand sharply from bis shoulder and struck a quick, hard blow at the detective. Dick Wister started back to avoid this. But for the moment’ he was thrown off bis guard, Befora he could recover, Clarkson bad sprung forward, torn the bundle of notes from his hand, and thrust them in upon the red coals, where they instantly burst into a blaze. “Tm doing this job, gentlemen,” he cried, hoarsely. ‘‘ Stand back, or by heaven, I'l bore a hole through you.” And the steel barrel of a revolver glittered ominously in the fire-light, The two detectives stepped back bastily, and stood facing the resolute man, with no atterp* to draw a weapon in return, Meanwhile, they) curling flames licked up the notes, “‘ Now, my sharp friends, if you have noother business, and are ready to take a wise man’s warning, you'll get out of this bouse,” declared Clarkson, with a smile of triumpb, “ Yuu were on me, were you? | judge l’m on you, now. This house, and all that’s in it, are mine by will. The law gives me the right to defend my house, Vamose, you rascals, or I'll treat you as burg- lars!” ‘‘'You seem to have struck a paying vein,” remarked Dick, quietly, “to judge by the pile of bank notes on the table, yonder, ‘© Ha!—Have you touched that?” Clarkson dashed into the dining-room, and stood with his back to the table, where lay the heap of notes, He still held the pistol threater- in e - fh ou’d best drop that little instrument,” re- joined Joe, ‘*We are officers of the law, and intend to proceed legally,” : ‘‘Progeed? What proceedings remain, except to vacate my house? That I'll give you but five minutes to do.” ‘Your house? your money? What claim have you to them?’ <P elaim them under Herbert Walsb’s will, now on probate,” “Of what date?” “ May 10th,” : “T fear your claims won’t hold good, Mise Walsh, will, you, please give me that docu- ment? Clarkson’s eyes turned sharply and uneasily at this, and his face paled again as he saw Alice Walsh enter theroom, a folded paper in ber band. The villain, despite bis bravado, was beginning to feel very much like a wolf at bay.
Page 15
% om her hand, and , Clarkson,” he said, not inherit under that a later will, dated May year, and leaving all the this young lady. I doubtif » fem this as your house and casile,” “By all that’s foul, it’s a forgery!’ cried Clarkson, in deep excitement. ‘Hardly, my dear sir, I fancy this will stand as Herbert Walsh’s signature, And itis duiy witnessed.” “Be whom?” * Frank Melton and Mary O'Reilly.” “} ank Melton!” At’ that instant Clarkson’s roving eye eaught sight of the face of Frauk, who was peering in from the hall, An instant suspicion sprung into bis face, followed by the expression of a fury, *You bere? You?” be hissed in wild accents, “Traitor! You haye done this! Take your pay, then!” ud hastily turning his arm, the crack of a pistol-shot rung sharply through the room, as he aimed point-blank at the boy, and fired, rank’s face suddenly vanished. Alice screamed in terror, The two detectives, with oaths of rage, threw themselves on the desper- ate man, Dick striking his wrist a blow: that hurled the revolver to the floor, while Joe seized his other arm, ‘*Wretch! Murderer!” cried ‘Dick, ‘You aré hot satisfed with a lock-up. You want to stretch bemp, do you?” i “Not guite a murderer,” responded a coor voice from the hall, and Frank walked un- harmed into the-room, ‘I dodged that bullet at the flash, but I don’t want any more of that sort of bugs flying round my cranium,” “There will be no more,” remarked Dick, as he slipped a pair of handcuffs on Clarkson’s wrists, despite his strnggles. ‘* You’ve got to the end of your rope, John Clarkson. ; You've been a mighty cute band, and have fooled us for years; but this time you’ve put your foot in it.” “You rascals!” cried Clarkson, with a great show of indignation. ‘* Take Off these things, or il make you sweat for it! Why do you assault me? For burning up what was left me by will? Who questions my right to do that?” ‘* Making counterfeit notes is an ugly business, John Clarkson,” ‘*How will you prove them to be cquater- feits?’ asked Clarkson triumphantly. “ By very good evidence, my dear, sir. In the first place, our young friend here found the miser’s hoard before you did, and wes smart enough to take from it this last will and testa- meat, and a goodly batch of those counterfeit notes, So your burn won’t do you much good.” Clarkson fixed his eyes on Frank’s face/with a deaniy batred, ** Well,” he broke out, with a néw expression, “what bave Ido with all this? If Walsh put rounterfeit notes in bis bundle I am not respon- uble. “Only that. we have evidence that you paid bim with these notes for the making of that will. He was sharp enough to take your money and make a later will, though you tried to bin- der him by poison.” Olarkson groaned, and sunk into a chair be- hind him, “That’s not all, my sharp friend. We've got your pal ‘Vanilli in our clutches, «vith the old counterfeit plate, and the naw one he was making, And we know where to !av our hands on your other at You have pleyed the Art- ful Dodger well, old fellow, but t's ptayed out. ‘We've got our work in at last.” “Tat boy! Pll murder him yet!” After these words, which were uttered in a hiss of concentrated rage, Clarkson’s face fell heavily on his hands, and he seemed suddenly to collapse, “He throws up the sponge,” said Vick, ‘ Let us take him out, Miss Walsh, we Jeave you in possession of your property.” That night Jobn P. Clarkson siept in a prison cell, Vanilli, the engraver, occupied another cell in the same prison. On the next day Herbert Walsh’s last will J : ‘was put on probate, the signetu.e being attested OF the witnesses, and the strar.¢ circumstances of its finding described. A count of the treasure-trovs proved the young lady to be heiress to fu!?y seventy-five thousand dollars in Cash, together wit) ‘6 house and lot in which these events had tn): place, She was well repaid for her long mar. yr: toa gy hie pina. took place after wand may | « _obd very wiefly. Theerime of counterfeiting wa clear- Detective Frank’s, Full Flush. ly prove on Clarkson and Vanilli, and they were encb sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment, with hard labor, y As regarded their confederates, there was no | convincing evidence that they bad taken any part in the actual work of counterfeiting, but ) their guilty connection with the Walsh affair brought them each a sentence of five years, The honor of all this exposure was generously egiven by the detectives to their young assistant, Frank Melton, through whose skill and intelli- gence they bad been evabled to run the Artful Dodger to his hole, after baving been so long baffled by him, Frank, modest under his honors, declared that he owed all bis success tu their advice, and that | he deserved no credit but that of being a good | ah Se n later years, however, he blossomed out into a highly promising young detective, perform)n many skillful bits of detective work, some o which we may hereafter describe, And his friendship for Alice Walsh ripened into a genuine boyish love, which she was not in- disposed to return, er house became almost a home to Frank, and the wealth which she owed to his useful as- sistance she insisted be should sharé, Their friends say, indeed, that the two will et become man and wife, and it certainly ooks that way. But that is an affair of the Piayrdis and with the future we have nothing to O. We leave them, therefore, to tine and destiny, THE END, Beadle’s Dime Library. BY CHARLES MORRIS. 589 Prince Hal, the Rattling Detective. 830 Cop Colt, the Quaker City Detective. BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers. 650 Lucky Lester's Lone Hand, Old Handeart’s Big Dump. 622 The All Around Sports, 603 Desers alf, the Man With the Cougar. 590 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile, The Dude Detective, } Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Haleyon. Belsvazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 583 Oregon. the Sport With aScar, Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. 508 The Dude from Denver. Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. M Jor Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives. Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend, 402 Spapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ #lat Racket, 396 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Kdge Gang. 875 Royal George, the Taree in One. , 356 Tor e Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. | Double Shot Dave of the Left Hand, 833 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop. Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug. | } | 300 A Sport in Spectacles; or, Bad Time at Buanco. 268 Magic Mike, the Man of Frills 229 Captain Cutsleeve; or, The Little Sport. The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch. 192 The Lightning Sport. Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 160 Soft, Hand, Sharp: or, The Man with the Sana. . 145, Pistol Pards; or, The silent Sport.from Cinnabar BY CAPT, FRED, WHITYAKER. 614 The Showman Detective; or, The Mad Magician. 609 The Texas Tramp; or, Solid ‘Saul. 445 Journeyman John. the Champion 412 Larry Locke, the Man of Iron 406 Old Pop Hieks, Showman, 878 John Armstrong, Mechanic, $26 ae woe Man in the Mines 310 The Marshal of Satanstown: «p 3 j 303 Top-Notch Tom, the Cowboy’ ( cr AS cansh lah Olu Cross-Eve, the Maveriele-} funter. 290 The Lost Corvette; or, Blake! -y’s Last Cruise. The Three Frigates; or, Cld ironsides’ Revenge, 277 The Saucy Jane, Privatéer, 272 Seth Slocum, Railroad Surveyor. Old Double-Sword;: or, Pilots and Pirates. 253 A Yankee Cossack; or, The Queen of the “itilists, 247 Alligator Ike: or, The Saret of the Everglade, 242 The Fog Devil: or, The Ski sper of the Piash. 230 The Flving Dutchman of 1% Je 226 The Mad Hussers; or. ve O's and the Mac's, 215 Parson Jim, Kine of ...e Cowboys, 211 Colonel Plunger; or, The Vaknown Sport, 206. One Kye, tho Carnopeer. 193 The Man in ke’: »r, The Ghost of the Old Guard. 187 The Death’s Hea: Cuirassiers, 174 The Phantom ifni. ‘hts, 159 Red Rudiger, the © reher. 132 Nemo, King of tle Tramps. 115 The Severed Head: or, The Castle Coucy Secret. 108 The Duke of Diamonas, 98 The Rock Ridec; or. The Spirit of the Sierra. 96 Double Death; cr, The Spy of Wyoming. 69 The Irish Captain. A Tale of Fontenoy, 16 BY COL. THOMAS H,. MONSTERY. 322 Spring-Hewi Jack: or, The Masked Mystery. 262 Fighting Tom, the Terror of the Toughs. 236 Charapion Sam; or, The Monarchs of the Show, 169 Corporal Cannon, the Man of Forty Dnels 157 Mourad, the Mameluke; or, The Three Sword masters. 150 EH) Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. 143 The Czar’s Spy; or, The Nihilist League 126 The Demon Duelist; or, The League of Steel. 82 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. BY LEON LEWIS, 624 The. Submarine Detec'ive: or, The Water Ghouls. 454 Captain Ready, th: Red Ransomer. 431 The Silent Detective; or, The Bogus Nephew, 456 The Demon Steer. 428 The Flying Glim; or, The Island Lure, BY ISAAC HAWKS, Ex-Dete¢tive, 240 A Cool Head: or. Orson Oxx in Peril, 232 Orson Oxx; or. The River Mystery. BY E. A, ST. MOX. 491 Zigzag and Cutt. the Invincible Detectives. 471 The Heart of Oak Detective. BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES, 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hun’‘er. 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective, 642 Red Pard and Yellow, 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 592 Oaptain Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 579 Old Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery 559 Danton, the Shadow Sbarp. 550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret, 548 The Magnate Detective, ‘ 532 Jacc Javert, the Independéit Detective, S23 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective, 512 Captain Velvet's Big Stake. 505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. 496 Riehard Redfire, the Two Worlds’ Detective. 487 Sunshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block, 480 Hawkspear, the Man with a Secret. 468 Coldgrip in Dea diwood, 460 Captain Coid«rip, the Detective 458 Captain T'cldgrip’s Long Trail. 447 Voicauo, the Frisco Spy. 441 The (riifornia Sharp, 434 Livifer Lynx, ti e W onder Detective. 421 Tather Ferret e Friseo Shadow, 41h Cap sin ( Wldgyrip n New York, 407 Captain Coidgrip's Nerve tnjun Nick, 400 Cap'ain Col@erip: or, The Nev A wrk Spotter, $92 Tae List Lonanazt: or, The Boo! of tJ 382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Dou of Guwi .dans 374 Major Blister, the Sport of Tw Cities. ’ 3605 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow. 852 The Desperate Dozen, 347 Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sond,” 340 Coo! Oonrad, the Dakota Detective. : 25 lash Dan, the Nabob; or, Blades of Bowie Bar, 21 California Claude, the Lone Banait, 4 Broadeloth Burt, the Denver Dandy. | -rcules Goldspur, the Man of the Velvet Hand, A MISCELLVNNEOUS, 566 The Dauntless Detec.ive: cr, The Daughter Avenger, By Tom W. King. 542 The Ovean Drift; or, The Fight for Two Lives, By A. F. Holt. Green Mountain Joe: or, The Cave. By Marmaduké Dey. Royal Richard, the Thoroughbred, By J. W. Osbon, 410 Sarah Brown, Detective. By K. F. Hill, 866 The Telegraph Detective. By George HW. Morse, Bart Brennan; or, The King of Straight hush. By John Cuthbert. 850 Flash Falcon. Society Detective. By W. J. Cobh. 812 Kinkfoot Karl, the Mountain Scourge. By Mor- ris Redwing. 275 The Smuggler Cutter, By J, D. Conroy Black Sam, t.e Prairie Thuncerholt. “By Jo Yards, 190 The Three Guardsmeu., Py Alexander Dumas. 179 Conrad, the Convict. &y Prof, Gildersleeve, i} Owlet, the ReDrsor Prince. -By § R, Urban. 158 The Doomed Dozen, By Dr. Frank Powel) 152 Maptc'o lronnerve, the Cou terfeiter Chief, he tor Detective. By George Lemuel, the Hunebbaeck of Notre Dame. By Vict. ritugo.. The Three Spaniards. By Geo. Walker, Rody the Rover. By William Canet n. 125 The Blacksinith Outlaw. By H, Ainsworth, 110 The Silent Rifleman. By H. W. Herhert, 102 The Masked Band. By George L. Aiken. 78 The Mysterious Spy. By Arthur M. Grainger, 76 The Queen’s Musketeers, By Geor*e Albany, 68 The Fighting Trapper. By Capt. J. F, GO, Adams, 60 Wide Awake, the Robber King. Py F. Dumant, 82 B’hoys of Yale: or, The Scrapes of Coll gians, 1 Midshipman Easy, By Captain Marryapt. 10 Vidoeq, the French Police Spy, By himself. 9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 6 Wildcat Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler. A new. issue every Weanosday. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on Counterteiter’s Col. 65 The Red Ra: jah; or, The Scourge of the Indies, receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMNE,. 89 The Russian Sp, - or, The Starry Crosy Brothers, Publishers, 98. William. street, New York, i
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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME* 7 [BRA Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, b BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels, 1 Deadwood 20 Deadwood 25 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. Dick’s Detiunce; or, Vouble Daggers. Dick In Disguise; or, Bulla), Ben 85 Deudwood Dick in Hia Castle. 42 Deadwood 49 Deadwood 67 Deadwovud 7B Deadwood 7 Deadwood 100 dwood 104 Deadwood 109 Deadwood 139 Deadwood 1858 Deadwood 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 195 Deadwood 201 Deadwood 205 Deadwood 21? Jiead wood 221i Deadwood 282 Gold-Duat Deadwood 268 Deadwood off fssasest adwoo B47 Deadw Bi bestvicd ead wo 40 444% Deadwood 458 Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Dead wood Dead wood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Desawooa Deadwood Deadwood Veadwooa Penadwood Deadwood Dendwood Deadwooa Deadwood Dend wood Deadwood Dead wood Deadwood Dead wooa Dead wood & Deadwood Deadwood 06 Deadwood G12 Deadwood 61% Deadwood u%4 Deadwood Cit Doadwood SS W6ads ood ete Weed Deadwood Imadwood Peadwoot Dendwood Dénd wood lbendwood Deadwood Deadwood Deud wood Dend wood Deadwood Deadwood Dead wood Deadwood Deadwood Donadwood Deadwood Pead wood VPeadwood Deadwood Deadwood Dendwood Deadwood Dead wooa Deadwoo ead wood Peadwood Poadwood weadwood Deadw Deadwood Deadwood Deadwoo tegee Dick, SE, Thee! . Dick, dr.'s, Danger Ducka, L dood aes * Heath unt. rk, dre, in Texas, Dick, Jr. the Wild West Vidoeg Tek, Jr., on Mia Mette. Dick, Jr., in Gotham, ~*~ Jick, Jr., iu Boaton, lek, Jr., In Philad|phia. plete bas Ae CK. Pee oat. t Dick. wr.. in Denver. Dick, Jr.’a, Deerce, Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Kbas'n. Dick Jr., at Coney Island. Dick, drs Loadyille Lay. Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Dicks dr. in Cincinaat!) Dick, Jr. in Nevada, Dick. Jr., in No Man’: Land. Wick, Jr., After the Quer. Dick Jy... in Buffalo, Dick, dr.’a, Chase Acrosath: Continent Dick, Jr.. Among the Smugglers. viek, Jr.’s, inaurance Case. Wick, Ir. Back in the Mines, Dick, dr., tn Purangoy or, “ Gathered In.” Dick, Jr.’a Dixcovery; or, Found a Fortune, Dick, Jr.’a, Dazzle. Dick, Jr.’a. Dollars, Rick Jr., at Danger Divide, Dick, Jr.%a, Drop. Hick, Jr., at Jack-Pot, Diek Jr., in San Franclaco. Wick, Jr.t« Still Hunt. Dick, Jr.’a Dominoes. Mek, Jr.'s Diaguiac Dick. Jr.’4, Double Deal. Wieck Jrv’a., Deathwateh. Dick Jr.'s, loublet. Vick Jr.’a, Peathblow. Dick, Jr.’a Desperate Strait, Wek, Jr.a, Lone Wand, Dick, Jrv.’a Defeat. Dick, dr.’a, Resurrection, Dick. gt-* vere Days. res cnhed,. Dick, Jr.’a, Pouble Device, Pick, Jr’.», Pesperate Venture, Dick, Jrvs, Diamond Dice, Dick Jr.’ Royal Fla Dice, Sra Rival” ek, Jr.’a, val, J Dickey Sr3n,’Beoop.. Dick, Jr.’#, Proxy. Wick, dr.’4, Clutch, Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse. Dick Jr., at Devils Gulch, Dick, Jr.’«, Peath-fole Hustle Dick, Jr,’« Bombshell: Dick, Jr., In Mexico. Diek, Jr’a Decoy Duck. ck, Jr. in Miiver Pocket. Diek, Jr’a, Dend-Sure Game, JrJa, Rouble Drive. dra, Trade-Mark, Frey at Bad che - dr.s Double-Decker. Jr. at Dollarvilie. dr.. at Flush Flate Dick, Dick, Dick, Jr.’a, Beat Card, lek, Dek, J BY ROBERT R. INMAN, ck’n Double. . Detective. BY MARCUS H..WARING. 1 Three ter’. Sie ee sro. a eee ma II I II IIII_II0I0IxIuXI$JI III III I Other Novels by E. L.. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Kosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idyl, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Keay en Fance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Cha te ooh or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones. 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanaa. 896 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 86s Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherery or; The Lie Lottery, 87% Yreka dim’s Prize} or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nese, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, tho Fronti«r Ferret; or, A Siater’s Devotion. 248 Sicrra Sam Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. 258 Siérra Sam’s Pard; or, Tire Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Sevens; or, The Stolen Bride, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit/« Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detertive ; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. rt Tell tothe Pye he De Phi elley, Mickey & Uo., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, . 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Nat Narry, the Base Ball Detective, 6 Sam Slabaldes, the r-Boy Detective, 434 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Is{ill; or, The Red Rifle Team, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s-Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Bosse Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agenty or, The Branded Brows. 177 Robby Risk of Nevadays or, The Sierras Scampa. 18% Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily's Love. . 86 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate, | Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Lockel Valley, 8 8 Jumbe J« the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs. 0 Little = -Shotys or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 58 Firet-Clasa Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 78 Nabob Ned} or, The Secret of Slab City, 88 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son's Vengeunce. 456 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. 918 Kit Kelth, t o Revenue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New_York Night-Hawk. 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunce Men. 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootbiack,. BY J. CC. COWDRICK, 490 Broadway Btlily, tte Bootbiack Bravo. 614 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Cleaing a Strange Case B86 Broadway Billy’s ‘Dimkilty.” Broadway Bos Poath Racket- Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Brondway Billy; or, The ov Detective’s Bie Invine, 628 Brondway Billy’« Dea. ets or, The League of Seven, 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy's Bests or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Brondway Billy in Clover. Billy ta Texas; or, The River Rustlers, Rilly’s Brand. Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal, Billy's Full Waads or, The Gamin Detective, Billy’s Buaines«, Bully’s Curious Case, Hilly in Denver. Bily’s Bargains or, The Three Detective. Billy, the Retriever Detective. Rilly’s Shadow Chane. Billy’« Beagless or, The Trio’s Quest. Billy’a Teamy or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Billy’s Brigade: or, The Dead Alive, salty 's Gaver Bequest. y Batted. Billy’s Signal Scoop, Rilly’s Wipe Out. Billy’s Bank Racket. eos Bluff. tilly Amon Billy’s Raid. Billy’s Big Boom, Billy’s Big Bulge. Billy's #100,000 Snap. Tilly’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Billy in London. a : i Salad alee 9 senda Slums. roalway y’a French Game, Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers, Silver-Mank, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. Shasta, the Gold Kings or, ForSeven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’» Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Nandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Diaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. £06 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road, 524 The Engineer Petective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. G71 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 692 The Boy Pinkertwun; or, Running the Rascals Ont. 615 Fighting Narr the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 640 Bareback. Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, G47 Tyvewriter Tilly thy Merchant’s Ward. 659 Woonlight Morgan the‘ Pizenest’? Map of Ante Bas, S87 Battery Rob, the Dock, Detective. 894 Arizona Dick’s Wipe-@ut. 900 Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. 906 Safety Sam; the Cyele Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s NWotAlustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Ble Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kustler Ralph, the Boy Spttter, 985 The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum, 941 The Rowling Green Petective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie’« Double, 947 The Bowery W restler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer, Bee ners Teme Ceres rewire Papi's Cleat Cases ronaway port; or, Fiyir Fred's ear s DT #1000 Reward; or, The Rival Reposters’ Sleek Scoop. 9T& Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret, 978 Plucky Pat. the Street-Rey Detective. 989 Bicyele Bob’s Hot Scorch, 997 Bcorcrer Sam, the Detective on Wheels Brondway Broadway Til Broadway Brondway Broadway Broadway Brondway Rrondway Broadway 75 Broadway 788 Broadway 786 Broadway Brondway roadway roadway 5 Broadway Broadway Brondway Broadway Brondway roadway Broadway Rroadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Broadway Jersey Thugs. 1 Seorcher Fam’s Sweep-Stake #. 1009 fue Girl Cyell. ’s Winning Hand. BY ARIZONA CY. 1048 Vou Pet Rob fram Cross Crick, 108S You Bet ob’s Cireu * BUFFALO BILE BY COL. PRENTISS ING 1052 Ruffalo Bilin Disguise. 1046 Goid Plame, the boy Bandit, or, Buffalo b Express Rider, 1042 a ittle Grit, the Pony Exprees Rider, .040 Huffalo >is Pony Putrol. 1018 Buffalo BIL?.s Ti. xas Team, 1007 Buffalo Bill’s Sure-Shota, 1006 Buffalo lsill’s Decoy Boys. 995 Buffalo Bill’s Drop; or, Dend-SLot Ned , the Kansan Kid. 988 Buffalo BUPs Lasso Throwera, 9831 Buffalo Hill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill's Rifle Shots. 968 Buffalo Bills Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer. 964 Buffalo Bill's Deeoy ; or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 958 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bila Snap-Shot ¢ or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Ruffalo Bill's Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo BUVs Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvie’ Hold-up. 929 Buffalo BIIl’s Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo BIUI's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Kisen Bill, the Prince ot the Reina. 222 Bison BIUN's Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport. BY BUFFALO BILL, 65 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout, or, The Banded Broth« ood 68% Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 258 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trost. 1029 The Phantem Spy. 1088 Kansas hings or, The Red Right Hand. BY CAPT, ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bil’s Bet: or, Tho Gambler Guide, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1087 The Artiat Detective. 1084 The Gold Witch’s Shadower. 1081 The Texan Hustlers in Cuba. 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Guba 1025 The Flying \ aukee or, The Ocean Outcast. 1628 The Cowboy Clan In Cu’ a. 1016 The Ko ugler in Cuba. 982 New York Nat’s Preps or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. 3 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’s Double. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado. 896 New York Nat In Gold Nugget Camp. 889 New York Nat’* Deadly Deal. 8s New York Nat’s Crook-Chase. S77 New York Nat’a Trump Card. 87l New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New Work Nat’a Masked Mascot. R59 New York Nat. the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s ‘Ten Sirihe. 842 Dick Doaom’s 37 %7 7 >t Pony Dick Doom’s $i Dick Poom In Chicago, 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep} or, 808 Dick Doow’s Death Clue. S18 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dicks Doom’s Girl Mnacot, 829 Dick Doom’sa Shadow Hunt. 885 Diek Doom’s Big Haul. > 749 Dashing Charlier or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot's First Trai. 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Churliie’« Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashine Charlic, the Re :uer, 497 Buck Taylor, King of thy Cowboys 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’sy Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’* Hoys or. The Kea Riders of the Rio Grande, Ana Titty Others. BY LIEUT. A. . SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard, or, The DeadiSet at Silve, “tv, 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair.at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Tash; ory The Cowbo Detectly » 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph} or, Black Dan's Great Combine 5646 Captain Cactus, the haparral Cock; or, Joah’s Ten f crikt, y 568 The Dandy of Dodges or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport: or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. B88 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Wana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Timesat Reand-Oy 611 Bi °y Barnacle, the Detective Hercules, 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plaina Detective, 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Rilly, the Gypa Bpys_or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Sirapt roncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes. a The Myatified Detective, rr Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot. } NEW ISSUES, 0 D Pick Deeoyed. By Robert R. Inman. ieee Hes” Abby esa the Boy Riflemon, By ou Coomea. 1066 Co boy Chris, the ay rt Contents if age W. Wilder. 1067 You Bet Rob’s Fangle. By Arizona \y- 1068 The Cruise of the Sen Wo't. By. Col. Ingraham. 1069 On Land and Sea, By Bracebildge Hemyng | 1070 Nat Todd; or. The Fate of tue Sionx Captive. By Elis. By Oli Coomes. 1071 Dandy Dick’s Decoy, Py Robt. R, Inman, 10728 Keen Enite,, Prince of the Prairies. JUST ISSUED. 055 Red Rayen’s Redskin Ruse, By Col P. {narabam 1oRe Cowboy Chris in Oimnabar, By Wm, W. Wilder, 1057 Gold Eific, the 3harpshooter. By Ed, L, Wheeler. 1068 Roderick, the Rover. By-T. J Flanogan 1059 Ned Wylie, the Soy Scout. By Texas Jack. 1060 Marlo, the Renegade. By Col. Prenties Ingraham, 1061 Ailver Star, the [oy Knight. By Ol) Coomes 1062 Tho Left-Wand:Athlete. Fy Bracebridge Hemyng- 1068 Wild Bill’« Weird Foe. By Wm. G Patten. A New Issue Every Tuesday: The ; Library {6 for sale dy all newedenlers, five eants daphad fren by mail 20 recerpt 01 ix cents ench, ‘BEA/DLE AND ADAMS, Publishers 82 William Street, New York, were com \