Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 212) (1881 08 16)
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‘tt at $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyrighted in 1881 by BEADLE AND ADAMS. August 16, 1881. Vol. IX. sZingle PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, rice, No. 212. DASHING DAVE, THE DANDY DETECTIVE; “iy mE DILS WE WILL DIk TOGETHER!” SHE EXCLAUMED.
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2 a Dashing Dave, THE DANDY DETECTIVE; ; OR, The Lengue of the Secret Brotherhood. BY CHARLES MORRIS, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ BOB ROCKETT,” ‘FRED HALYARD,” “WILL WILDFIRE,” ‘‘SHADOWED,” “ DARK PAUL,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I, A DOUBLE CAPTURE. Tr was a handsome man anda beautiful wo- man who walked side by side in the dusk of a May evening, along a lonely street in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Hers was one of those soft, pearl and rose tinged faces, which one sees oftener in the work ef the artist than in real life. She was dressed in simple costume, but her robe hung about her delicate form with a grace which no costly at- tire could have emulated: It was of a soft, amber tint, which comported well with the tone of her complexion. The gentleman seemed to be somewhat of an exquisite in his dress, and in the curl of his long mustacho, and the dainty cane which he twirled lightly as he walked. Yet there was something resolute in his handsome face, and his springy forin indicated agility and strength, as he trod htly by the side of his beautiful companion. hey had been conversing in a tone of gossip lightness, laughing merrily now and then a some amusing remark. But, as the evening deepened, and the avenue became deserted, they fell into a more serious strain of talk. It is hardly correct, however, to speak of the avenue as deserted. ‘There were several persons on it, yet, whose attention seemed closely di- rected to this unconscious couple. One of these * was a stout, whiskered man, who lounged qui- etly along at no great distance behind them. On the other side of the street, in the shadow of u hedge which bordered the grounds of a fine mansion, was a group of men, who seemed as if anxious to conceal themselves from the notice of the others. Evidently there was some game afloat that would need time for its development. But the gentleman and lady seemed heedless or unaware of this surveillance. Their tones sunk lower as they continued to talk, but not trom any fear of being overheard. *‘T cannot,” she earnestly said, in reply to some remark of his, “IT hope you will not ask me again. There are reasons.” “ lbere are dozens of reasons why you should,” he answered; ‘*Ido not know what queer idea or have of keeping faith witha gang of vil- ins. But, think of the sorrow in that deso- late housshold; of the anguish of those poor parents; and of all the pain and trouble this bas caused. Will you put against all this some foolish notion of keeping faith with a set of cut-throats?”’ ‘“No, no!” she cried hastily. “It is not that! It is not that! I Gare not speak! And I could not if I would. I donot know what you want to discover.” “You know more then you are willing to ad- mit,” was his stern and cold rejoinder, “Very well, sir,” she angrily replied. “ Yet I did not expect, after all that bas passed, to be insulted by you in return.” Then, with a sud- den change of manner, she continued. ‘ Here, ’ ve! This is my only link with them! Take it! take it! Icut loose from all connection with ae You may have all the good you can find in She hastily removed a ring from her finger and thrust it nervously into his hand, with a frightened look around as she did so, “Tf I could only cut loose from all the past as easily,” she continued. “Guard if weil. I dare say nothing more, but it may aid you in y our search.” : He looked curiously at the small golJen cir- clet that lay in his paim. What there could be iy this ring, whose minute seal, as he could see by the dim light, bore a strange device, he oould not imagine. : **Conceal is!” she nervously cried. ‘ You are upon @ perilous path, where a thousand dangers may lurk. That signet may help you in some critical peril. You do not_ know whata rick Irun in giving it to you. Do not lose it, for your life!” . His eyes were fixed coldly upon the ring. ‘teere Was something incredulous in his expres- 20a, taken, with intent to place the mysterious ring on one of its slender fingers. “Well, if you will have it so,” he indifferent- ly replied, as he dropped the ring into his vest pocket, ‘‘ But @o not fancy that I am to be satisfied with a mystery hike this, Lucille. You must and shall say more.” . “Must and shall are stron;, words, sir.” She drew herself up to her full aight, and stood in the path beside him, her nostrils dilated with pride, a flash of defiance in hor eyes. “Must and shall, I repeat!” be angrily -re- sponded, seizing her wrist in his strong gripe, and looking into her face with a gaze of un- flinching resolution. ““Unhand me, sir!” She endeavored to wrench her wrist from his grasp, but she could as well have torn it loose from an iron fetter. His angry impulsé lasted but a second, however, and then he released her himself, with a sense of shame upon his well- cut features. A laugh of scorn broke from her ‘lips. ‘* Did you fora moment imagine that what I would not tell you freely 6 could foree from me by violence?” she bitterly asked. ‘I see you did not know me. Return my ring, sir. I prefer to keep it myself.” He made no answer, but drew a handkerchief from his pocket, with which he oo his lips. With the eane in bis right hand he slowly traced lines in the path on which they stood. At this moment the man who lurked behind them started quickly forward, almost as if he had taken the handkerchief as a signal. In a minute he was beside them. They turned at the crunching of his feet on the gravel of the walk, and saw through the gathering dusk the outlines of a portly, whiskered man, with a face of resolute force, “You are Mr. David Darnly?’ he said, in a questioning tone. “That is my name,” was the quiet answer. ** And this lady is Lucille Ernestine?” ‘Precisely, And what now?” “Simply that you are both my and he laid a firm hand on the each, Hal” cried Mr. Darnly, flinging off his grasp and starting angrily back. ‘How dare you, sirrah? What is your ‘authority for this out- rage? Unhand that lady, or by Heaven I will make you bitterly rue it!” ; ‘‘T arrest you as accessories in the abduction of Clarence Thorndike,” was the firm and cold response. ‘‘ My authority is that of a_ member of the Philadelphia detective force. You had best come guictly, my man, for I mean busi- ness. I have been shadowing the pair of you fora week on this ‘job.’” “The deuce you have!” answered Darnly, quickly. ‘The idea of pursuing me as an ac- complice in that business,” he continued, laugh- ingly, as be looked into the fare of the lady, who had grown very pale. ‘‘ What if 1 refuse to be arrested on such a charge?” ‘‘ We have means of persuasion,” returned the officer, as he drew a pe from kis pocket. “If you refuse a minute longer, my man, I will put the darbies on youand take you into town in that fashion.” A laugh of amusement broke from Darnly’s i seen —— risoners,” oulder of mt You are a true policeman,” be said. ‘* Come, we will go with you. You have tried the pistol onme, You will be trying the blackjack on the lady next. It is a ridiculous business all through, but I suppose you are only dcing your duty. Come, Miss Ernestine, we must accom- pary this honest gentleman, it‘seems.” Had the lady been looking toward them she might have detected 2 look of intelligence be- tween Mr. Daruly and the officer. Butit passed unobserved by her, and suo ucrvously took the arm he proffered her, with a trembling lip and a deep pallor upon her berutifiul face ‘““You will not need to walt far,” said the officer. “T have a carriage waiting in the next street. I knew your ways, you perceive, aad prepared for you.”" — A faint gasp came from Lucille’s lips. Darn- inclined to strike the burly officer. “We will go with him! We must!” A peculiar sense of pleasure shet through Daroly’s ereast. There was something jn ker Hee ee ee oe ee > gmc DUT Es hs CE OOS A EE EE A cE NEA ORE iE TE, Se a Te ie Bh ly turned, with a look in ‘lis face as if he was | ‘*No, no!” she cried, clinging to his arm. | | tone as if it was for him she feared, not for ber- | self. Had the woman’s heart then turned to him, as he half wished it might, half dreaded it would? But at this moment there was a sudden quick rush. The men who had been lyrking in the shadow of the hedge across the road bad broken loose from their covert, and ran quickly toward the group of the detective and his pwisoners. The sound of their feet had not been audible at first in the soft earth. They were nearly upon them before they were observed, Then the officer hastily turned and made an effort to draw his pistol. But before he could do so he was grasped Ly strong hands, and flung rough- ly to the ground, - He was not stunned, however, and the sound of a shrill whistle rung through the air, es he put a small instrument to his lips. “Ha! Burst that bound’s brain-pan!” cried a stern voice. ‘He will bring the cops down on us, A blow with the butt of a pistol answered this order, and left the unlucky officer insensiblo upon the path. Meanwhile Miss Ernestine had been rudely seized, a quick scream coming from her lips as she strove to escape from the hands which had grasped her. Another of the attacking group caught Darnly by the collar, But he, for one, rechoned without his host. For, with.a quick movement, Darnly grasped his gssailer by the breast and ixigped up his heels, dropping him with a heavy thud on the path beside him. At the same instant he leaped upon the man who held Lucille, and struck straight and strong at his face. No one would have looked for any great strength in the rather slender form of the young gentleman, yet the burly fellow went down before him as if he had been struck by a pile-driver. Villains!” he exclaimed, facing the other two. ‘‘How dare you attack this lady? I will protect her with my life!” The two men drew back a little. It was net safe to approach fists so prompt and pig as his had proved to be. ‘The heavy fall of their comrade made them cautious. But at this moment Lucille caught his arm with nervous dread. Ere he could release him- self the two men were upon him, and the one he had first tripped rose from the ground and seized bis free arm from behind. The odds were too great. In less than a min- ute after the first assault he was a prisoner m light handcuffs which had been quickly shipped upon them. * The ca !’ came in the quick tones of the leader of the assailing party. “‘There are footsteps. That fool’s whistle has given the athino. asi to thecarriage! It is just ronnd the corner, e must thank our friend, the officer, for being so kind as to provide it.” The two prisoners in these new and strange hands were forced rapidly forward. Mr. Darn- ly made a moment’s resistance, and was about to ery for help, when he felt the cold ring of a pistol-barrel pressed upon his temple. * A word, and you are a dead man!” creme in harsh accents. ‘Do you fancy that we are the sort of men to be played with? And you. my lady—you kuow us well enough to kuow the value of a still tongue just now.” Lucille looked ready to faint as she was bur- ried forward. She evidently feared some terri- ble resu't from this capture. The arrest by the officer had brought no such deathly pallor to her face as now gave her lips their ashy wiite- ness. But Daruly’s face was stern, cold and reso- lute. He was ore of those men whose hidden uajities are called forth by stress of peril. oppivh as he seemed in his dress abd orcmary bearing, there was no trece of fear mpon his countenance. He stepped into the carrisge when it was brought up as lightly as theugh he | was going out for an evening's plepsure. “ Quick!” cried the leader.. “ Here come the $$$ cor | cops! Drive like Jehu!” He and another had entered the carriage with their prisoners. The remaiving two leaped up- on.the box. The sbrill sound of.a policenan’s i rattle rung behind them as they grasped the | reins and plied the horses with the whip. “ Stop!” came in an authoritative tone, as the horses sprung into full speed. Aqucking langh was the,only response. A sharp crack, and a pistol bullet passed through | the rim of the driver’s bat. But he end.his | companion only stooped lower, and plied tho whip more keenly. The furious horsos sprung | forward, and the carriage disappeared in tka | gathering darkness of the night. their bands, his wrists firmly bound in a pair of |
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1 There were a half-dozen men in the group whic, had. hastily gathered. . ‘tore ties a chap,” cried one of them, ‘dead OV 3eRseless,” tie is not dead, at any rate,” replied an- other, as the discomfited officer moved uneasily and ave vent to a hollow groan, He was com- fmg back to his senses, o CHAPTER I. TOM PARSONS’S STORY. “By the seven saints but it was a narrow squeak! The fellow has a cast-iron hand, and if he’d struck with a heavier weapon it would have been all day with Tom Parsons.” The speaker was the burly officer who had been dropped by a pistol stock the night before, He gave a sony vrimace as he rubbed the sore spot on his head, “He struek hard, then?’ “Hard? You bet. A premium mule couldn’t have kicked harder. believe I was stone- dead for a good half-hour, for I certainly smelt brimstone. Maybe it was that skeered the life back into me again.” His companion laughed. ‘*T know you could never stand hot weather,” he said. ‘ f wouldn’t like to be in your boots when you dp come to kick the bucket. —But this is a devilish awkward 4ob about Dave. What does it mean, anyhow? Who were those chaps, and what was their object in capturing Dave and the girl?” ‘You've got me there,” answered Tom. “*There’s something confoundedly mysterious about the whole business. The villains must have smelt out our game, and played trump on us before we could call in our tricks. But if they don’t find that they’ve caught a hornet in bo Darnly, then I’m no judge of horse- flesh.” The two speakers were -in an office of the central police station of Philadelphia, Tom Par- sons’s companion being a good-looking, finely built fellow, who held the position of lieutenant of police, @ was known throughout the force = Lieutenant Hill, of the Reserves, > ‘* You think that they are the child-stealers?” he asked. **T am sure of it.” “Then Mr. Thorndike had better be posted at once. He knows of our Project. We must let bim know of its failure, Take your hat, and run out there at once, Tom. We must try and hunt up Dave, aud he may suggest something. Be is wide-awake, and has given some good suggestions before now.” Tom hastened to comply with this advice, and in a few minutes had left the office. The residence of Mr. Allen Thorndike, to which ua was making his way, was a very handsome mansion, situated out of the closely built up portion of the city, and surrounded by beautitully kept and ornamented grounds. On the morning in question its richly fur- ais.ed parlor was occupied by Mr. Thorndike, a gentleman of some forty years of age, his wite, a handsome middle-aged lady, and his daughier, a beautiful girl of about seventeen. But despite the cheerful aspect of the room, there seemed a dark cloud upon all present, Mrs. Thorndike looked as if some sorrow had added twenty years to her age, while an ex- pression of settled gloom dwelt upon her hus- band’s face. «4, tis now more than a year,” he sadly said. ‘I thought we would grow more resigned with time, yet every new day seems only to make our loss heavier.” “Bui he will—he must coms back, Allen!” answered his wife, ina plaintive acceut. * They could not have had the heart to injure him, our darting son!” Mr. Thorndike gravely shook his head, **Oh! do not do that, papal” cried the young lady, springing up and clasping his arm. ‘*Cierence must be found! He cannot be dead! Y.u have heard nothing more? No bad news?’ “* No, my dear,” he replied, drawing her to him, and kissing ner. ‘‘It is only the long wait- ing, and the hope deferred, that troubles me, In fact the >olico think they have found a clew, but I put no faith in it. “I have beon deceived too often to trust them any longer.” * Oh, papa! and you have not spoken of it!” eriéd the girl reproachfully. ‘Do tell us. You know we have so little hope.” © . But ere he could answer her a loud peal at the bell startlec them all. reey had grown nervous with baffled hope and repeated dread, until every unusual sound seemed to have some reference to the subject of their grief. Phe visitor proved to be the burly officer, Dashing Dave. Tom Parsons, who was ushered into the parlor. Mr. Thorndike asking his wife and daughter to remain when he found who it was. ‘*T am glad to see you,” he said, with a calm | politeness which poorly concealed his repressed eagerness, ‘* This is my wife and daughter, Mr. Parsons. If you have any news you may speak betore them.’ P | * But if it be bad news?” queried Tom. * Bad or good,” said Mrs, ‘Thorndike, ina tone | of nervous dread. ‘“‘We have borne so much | we can bear anything now.” “It is both bad and good,” answered Tom, as he took the comfortable seat offered bim, and laid his dusty hat on the elegantly bound books on the center-table. ‘‘ ve a strong notion*your son is still alive, Mrs. Thorndike,” “Thank Heaven for that!” exclaimed the sad- faced mother with clasped hands, ** But whether we are likely to recover him or not is another question. Shall I tell you the whole story, as far as it has gone?” “Yes, yes!” The three drew closer to him, their eyes fixed hopefully upon his face. ** Well then it comes to this,” began Tom, fix- ing himself comfortably in his chair. Mr, Thorndike knows part of the story, but I may as well begin at the beginning. One of ours, handsome Dave Darnly, or Dandy Dave, as the boys call him, struck a cew which he has been following like a hound after a deer. There is a girlin it, a dashed— Excuse me, I mean a ver pretty girl, She took a fancy to Dave’s hand- some face. I don’t know if it was just what folks call falling in love, but it bad a blinking that way. You know how it is with the girls, Mrs. Thorndike?” ‘Yes, Pray go on,” answered the anxious lady, while a faint blush came to her daughter's cheeks. “Anyhow, Dave cultivated her.—That’s what we call it at the office,” he added in an apolo- getic tone. ‘It wasn’t long before be found that there was a big cat in the bag. In short, he pumped it out of hor that.she was some way mixed in with this gang of child-stealers. You can bet—I mean Mr, Thorndike can bet—of course I don’t mean the ladies,” blundered Tom, “that Dave cultivated her worse than ever after he struck oflin this fashion. He’s kind of soft-hearted himself, and I’ve a notion he was a bit smitten, as well as the girl.” ‘* Pray, hurry on, - Mr. Parsons,” en impatiently. ‘‘We understand all that. e **T suppose so. It’s only human nature,” an- swered the imperturbable Tom. ‘‘ Anyhow Dave oe said the pum away at the girl, but she didn’t pan out wortha cent. So we made a little plan to ar- rest her and try to scare the truth out. .We were to arrest the pair of them, in fact, for be- tween us, she didn’t know the lay that Dave was on, She thinks he’s a young gentleman of leisure. So we thought, by playing on her fancy for him, she might shell out the whole story to get him out of prison, even if she wouldn’t blow a word to save herself.” ‘*Tt wasn’t a very creditable business for your friend, Mr. Darnly,” said Mrs. Thorndike, with a curl of the lip. **Do you know, Dave looked at it that same way,” answered Tom. ‘*We kad the con- foundedest trouble to get him into it, Looks to me like making a mighty fine point on the joke; but may be : ‘m no fair judge, being’s 1 was never in love. Anyhow, last night was the | time fixed for the fun. Dave wanted to give \ her another trial, and if that fell’ through he was to wave bis handkerchief, and [ was to step up and arrest them.” : “So far I know the story,” broke in Mr. Thorndike. ‘‘But what followed?” “Tt come out according to programme.: But there was another actin the play that wasn’t on the bills. I had no sooner gone through the little farce of making the arrest, before up come a party of men, drepped me with a knock on the brain-pan that came nigh to cracking my skull, and snatched and made off with Dave and the girl both. Dave is handy with his fists and he slathered them around promiscuously for ; @minute ortwo. So say some who were com- ing up to the rescue, But they were too strong for him, and they carried off the Bose! ot them in the exrrisge which J had provided, consarn their impudent pictures.” “Ts that all, nN r. Parsons?” “That’s all up to this present writing,” an- swered Tom, “and I’ve a notion it’s about enough for Dandy Dave. Ile’s in an outrageous tight scrape, and not 2 soul of us knows where he is, or whet step to take next.” | ““But what do you understand from all this?” asked Miss Thorndike, her young face aglow { ‘ pei ot A “Do you really with hope and excitement. Pt) think that my little brother is yet alive “T haven’t no doubt of it, miss,” rejoined Tom, confidently. ‘‘ ft stands to reason. This gang knew that Miss Hrnestine—thav’s the girl’s name —was posted in their doings. Whether they knew Dave's business I can’t say, but they neturally grew suspicious when they saw him getting so thick with the young lady. To give it all in a nut-shell it’s just this:—They’ve got the boy still in their clutches. they calculated that the girl had blowed on them; and they’re going to make it hot work for the young man before he gets out of their hands. I wouldn’t give a pint of peanuts for his life, that’s the long and short of it.” ‘But my son still lives!” cried Mrs. Thorn: dike, with joyful hope. ‘ My son still lives!” ‘Perhaps he does, ma’am,” answered Tom, rising with a scornful expression on his features, ‘If you’re going to put a six-year- old kid in competition with a diamond of the first water like Dave Darnly, ’ve got nothing more to say. However, I suppose it’s nature. You mustn’t mind me, ma’am; but I value Handsome Dave more than a streetfial of youngsters. That’s about all. You'll please ‘keep all this to yourselves. We will report pro- gress if there's anything new turns up.’ “You are not going already?’ asked Mr Thorndike: ‘*Yes. But I’d like to have a minute's pri- vate chat with you first, if the ladies don’t think it’s bad manners.” ** Of course,” answered the gentleman with a smile. ‘Come out front. We will take a stroll through the garden walk.” ' Tom clasped bis dusty hat awkwardly under his arm, made a low bow to the ladies, which he intended to be very graceful, and followed Mr. Thorndike out, The ladies looked significantly at each other. after he bad gone out, ‘He is decidedly a rough diamond,” said Mrs. Thorndike, with a smile. ‘But a valuable one, mamma. He has y din ahh hope when we were on the verge of espair, eanwhile Mr. Thorndike and the officer bad gained the garden that 4 between the house and the street. Théy walked tegether up and down ita ahs and busb-lined walks, inhaling the sweet fragrance which rose from its flowery expanse. : ‘Tt’s not always wast to tell everything be- fore the women, you know,” began Tom, with asignificant look. ‘‘ And particular when it concerns themselves.” “T fancy the whole affair concerns them,” replied Mr. Thorndike, ; ‘Yes. But not in this particular way. For instance, I don’t want to be impudent, but isn’t there a young fellow coming to see your daughter?” ‘* Suppose there is?’ answered the gentleman, half angrily. ‘ What kas that to do wiih your business?” “Tt might have a jugful,” answered Tom, mysteriously. ‘‘ 1’m talking from the card, Mr. Thorndike, so you mustn’t get on your ear for anything Jsay. It isn’t that I’ve got anything against Will Masters, which | believe is his name. But I’m told that bis foiks don’t just approve his coming to see Miss Kate.” ‘*His father and I are not friends,” replied Mr, Thorndike, coldly, ‘‘ But as I bave not ing aguinst the hoy I don’t meddle with bim. He isa fine young fellow, f believe.” ‘What's the trouble between you and his father?” asked Tom. ‘That 1 decline to tell,” was the cold and somewhat haughty answer. * You think I’m pumping, now, I suppose,” and Tom knowingly shrugged his shoulders. ‘“Bnt there’s no use to be asking questions so long as 7 know the whole business. He dom’t like you because be loved your wife, and you stepped in and cut him out from her. He bates you for that, Allen Thorndike,” continued Tem, impressively. ‘* He hates you, and when Bent- ly Masters hates a man, that mon 1s in danger.” “What do yon ean?” cried Mr, Thorndike, turning upon him suddenly, and with a keen light in his eyes. , “T mean that he has never forgiven you for marrying Alice Linton. I mean that ve is re- vengeful toward you. ThatisallI mean. Ido not mean to say that he had a hand in stealing your son, for I do not know that he bad. But certainly suspect him. He bas the stuff in) him for it.” Mr. Thorndike stood in deep silence, slowly the grass heneath his feet, while a kk came upon bis face. grindin strange
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.His wrists had been relieved from the hand- a Dashing Dave. “¥ eannot believe this,” he at length mutter- | lecky I don’t brag on brains, or I might not et. “ He could not be so base.” relish your neat comparison.” ‘‘We detectiges déal in theories,” answered “T tell you what it is, my man,” exclaimed the officer. ‘‘ But sometimes facte come out of | the other, angrily. ‘‘That is not what I am theories. ‘This is only a theory, sofar, Keep | here for. I believe you are more of a knave deathly silent on it. If it turns out a fact it will be time enough to take off the embargo from your tongue. It’s not exactly my idea. It’s one of Dandy Dave’s pets. But he don’t often go wrong in his notions.” “‘ Shall I interfere with the visits of the young man to my house?” ‘* No, on your life, no! Don’t interfere with anything. We wust not show our hand in any direction, till we are ready to strike, and then strike hard. That’s our rule, My. Thorndike. Good-day, sir.” The gentleman stood long in musin templation after his visitor had left. gained new food for thought. CHAPTER IT. THE PRICE OF LIBERTY, We left Dave Darnly in a carriage with the men who had just captured him. We next find him in a prison-like room to which these men had consigned him. Itwas a narrow apart- ment, with but a single window, and this high upin the wall. Thi: aperture was not grated, or otherwise secured, but he had already dis- eovered from it that he was at the top of a high house, and some thirty or forty feet from the ground. There was nothing in the room which could be made to serve as a rope by which to descend from the window, so that es- cape by that avenue was cut off. As for the door it was of thick oak, and firmly locked. He was a close prisoner. He grew more and more rn as he walked restlessly from end to end of the room. you tried to pump our secrets out of that light- headed girl. Did you fancy that our eyes were shut while you were trying your game with her?” ‘* What game?” asked Dave, innocently. “That is what I am bound to find out. See here, my shrewd chap, do you know that we would as lieve kiJl you as we would a rabbit? Dead men tell no iales, and you’ve wormed yourself something too deep into our secrets. As for the girl—” “Well, as for the girl?’ asked Dave, with sudden interest. ‘* She has turned traitor tous. We have but one punishment for traitors. Death !” ‘**You will not dare!” cried Dave, starting con- e had we will not dare,” an- ‘What can you do to up. “There is nothin swered the man, coldly. hinder it?” “This!” roared Dave. With a panther-like spring he darted across the room, and in an in- stant had his visitor by the throat. ‘‘T can throttle you, you hell-hound!” be cried. ‘Swear that you will not touch a hair of her head, or by Heaven! I will not leave a flutter of life in your black carcass!” The visitor, utterly taken by surprise, for a moment could do nothing to defend bimself. He then attempted to draw a pistol, but Dave wrenched it from his hand. He pressed him against the wall, and held the pistol to his head. ** Swear /” he cried, ‘‘or I will scatter your brains on the floor?” A gurgling sound came from the man’s lips. He was black in the face. But at this instant the door of the room was flung open and two men dashed in. It was but the work of a mo- ment for them to seize the infuriated young man, and to wrest the pistol from his grasp. lt was disc ed in the struggle, but the ball buried itself harmlessly in the floor. The next minute Dave was forced back into his chair, and held firmly, He breathed hard from his exertions, but there was no sigh of flinching in the fierce glare of his eyes, “ Tt is our turn now,” cried the released man, iugously, his face purple with congested blood. ‘‘Bind him fast. By the gods, but he shal smart for this!” cuffs, but in that room, bare of furniture except a single chair, bis free hands were useless to him. Something of the look of the caged lion came into Dave’s handsome face as he looked angrily around him. ** It’s their deal in the game now, I suppose,” he muttered. ‘ But they’d best stock the cards well while they’ve got them in hand. hele. hn got no fool to play with, I‘can promise them that. And if I’m not even with the whole gan before this business is ended, then you can ca me an empty-brained fop in earnest.” He paused in his restless walk and listened. His quick ear had caught some sound through ihe closed door. A minute afterward he beard toe rattle of a key, followed by the click of the oak. he door was pushed open by a strong mod, The prisoner stood with one hand resting upon the back of his chair, bis eyes keenly ‘tweeted toward the door. Its opening reveal- ed the form of a tall, thick set man, neatly dressed, but with his face hidden by a close musk, except the mouth and the firmly-round- ed whiskered chin, ‘Tam glad to see you,” said the prisoner sarcastically, ‘‘ what there is of you to see. I'd offer you a chair, only that furniture is rather scarce hereaway. But the floor is handy if you care for a seat.” He seated himself in bis single chair as he spoke, stretched out bis shapely limbs, and re- garded his visitor with as much easy assurance us if he had been receiving in his own drawing- 100ms, A harsh smile came upon the face of the new- comer, as he shut the door behind him. “You take things confoundedly cool,” he re- ** It is easy to insult a helpless man,” he bit- marked, ina deep voice. | terly answered. *‘Ii my hands were free you “Yes, I generally do,” answered Dave, as he / would pay for that word.” twirled the ends vi his long wustach. between ‘¢ How then Gid you know of ber connection his fingers. ‘* Bui I can’t say that I feel alto- | with us? Why did youseek to gain information getber at home here. The sleeping arrange-} from her?” ments are none of the best. And hcw do you ‘‘Not because she told any thivg,” expect a man to got along without a looking- | swered, “but because I surmised scmething. glass? I fancy my necktie is an inch out of | Asfor your last questidn I am a friend of that plumb.” | poor family whose child you have stolen. If An oath came from the man’s lips, | you had the soul of a man, and could see their “Why, you empty-headed jackanapes of a | distress, you would not need to be asked to re- dandy, is that all you’ve got to think of? You'll | turn their child.” ing us to provide you with a bootblack | A looked passed between the three men. next,” | Dave thought that be caught an expression of “Tt wouldn’t be a bad idea,” rejoined Dave, | surprise in the glances that shot through the brushing a speck of dust with his handkerchief | opening in their masks. What did this mean tvom his highly-polished shoes. | he asked himself? Was he mistaken in sup- He leaned lightly back in bis chair, and con- | posing that he was on the track of tbe child- ticued to twirl bis mustache, as he looked with | stealers? Was it for some other crime that supercilious assurance into his visitor’s face. these men were banded together? The latter gave a contemptuces sbrug. “Tdo not know what you mean,” auswered “Te was worth while to trouble ourselves | the man coldly, ‘ We are vot child stealers. ebeut this fool of a fop,” he muttered. ‘ The | As for Lucille if we find that she bas not really betrayed us she may live; but we shall cer- c! «has no more brains than a denkey.” ! 1 -'Paaoks,” returned Dave, eareleasiy. “It is! tainly take care to Keep her away from your too firmly to give him a chance tomoyve, His struggle lasted but for a minute, then he yield- ed to the superior force of his captors, while the old look of supercilious disdain returned to his face. “Death, I repeat!” cried the man, with a | harsh intonation. ‘‘ Death to the traitress, oat | death to you, unless you swear, by the deepest gained.” “If you knew as much as you profes.” an- swered the prisoner, “‘ you would know that Lucille has not betrayed you. If you kill her it will be for keeping faith with you. I have uo knowledge of your schemes, for she told me nothing.’ ‘¢'You lie!” was the harsh reply. The prisoner looked down on the cords which | bount‘him. 2 eee : — ————— than a fool, but you were playing with fire when he an- | oath, never to reveal the knowledge you have | | upon the critical tableau. { | t pretty fsee, and your woman-killing way. Are you prepared to take the oath wot te reveay what you heve learned. and to desist from any further interference with us?’ ‘* No!” answered Dave, boldly. “I bave learned nothing, so that is ensily settled. Bur, as for binding myself for the tuiure, I will make no hasty engagement.” ‘‘ Very well, if you will have it so,” was the cold response. ‘‘ Those who play with edged tools must look to be hurt. You will not swear not to see us in the future if we meet you face to face; not to hear us if we shout in your ears, not to speak of us though we break a dozen laws in your presence?” ‘* Never!” auswered Dave, resolutely. ‘*Then understand this: they who have no eyes cannot see. Those without ears cannot hear. He who has no tongue cannot speak. Py all that’s good, if you refuse the oath we give you, I will send you abroad the mere frame of a man, without eyes, ears or tongue! That is cur way of disarming our enemies.” The captive shuddered with horror as he heard that harsh, cold voice and gazed upon the firm et of those lips. It was only an invincible opposition to binding himself as to his future actions that moved him. But could men be so devilish as thist There was somethjng of man-~ liness in the aspect of the.speaker which looked as if he could not be so cruelly diabolical, The bound captive determined to brave them yet. ‘““What answer have you! Will you swear?’ ‘* No P” answered Dave, half fiercely. The three men conversed together for a min- ute, ‘‘ Bring the irons,” the leader sternly said. One of the others left the room, It was a moment of terrible suspense to the prisoner, Would they really ca out their horrible threat? He would take a dozen oaths rather than that. But it was bis disposition not to F si while a shadow of hope remained. be messenger returned in a few n inutes, car- rying with him a box, in which sounded theclank of iron:tools. The eyes of the prisoner followed their movements as if fascinated. The leader of the party bent over the box and took from it a long; sharp iron tool whose point he tried with his finger. He rose and approached the helpless captive. ‘* Will youswear? This is your last chance for safety.” ‘‘ No!” cried Dave, with a ring of indignation in his voice. The leader made a si to the others, who at | once grasped and firmly held the head of the The young man made a moments ineffectual | captive. The sharp, cruel point approached hi» resistance, but he was quickly tied to the chair, | cron. Te shut them with an impulse of terror. e was on the point of crying out that he woul take the oath, when a sudden noise caused hina to lift again his closed lids. The noise had been that of hasty footsteps and of the violent flinging open of a door, His reopened eyes caught the form of Lucille Ernes- tine, who, with a look of horror and indigue- tion upon ber beautiful countenance, stood just within the door, gazing with distended eyes * Wiends!” she eried. ‘* What would you dof Ah! ye shall not harm him! my love! my own!’ f She flew across the floor as these cries broke from her lips, and with the sirength of madness pushed away the micn, uid excircled his bead with her sheltering arme, “Tt he dies we will dis together! If he is barmed we will be harmed together!” she ex claimed, ‘I have kept your secrets, and .this is my reward. But you shall not harm him while I live!” A pulse of warm joy shot through Dave's heart at the touch of that encircling arm, ana of the warm cheek that Jay against, bis. The avowal of her love, which bad been wruny from her in the excitement of the moment, was like a touch of balm upon his soul. It aroused feelings Which he did not know bad dwelt there. The three nen stood back aghast for a mo- ment at this interruption. Then a look of anger shot across the face of the leader, and he } | cried in a harsh voice: “ What brings that meddlin~ gir] here? Div ¢ her away! Lock her up where she cannot ir- terfere with our work! We will make thi< sweetheart of hers something tbat ske will no» be proud of,” The two men approached to obey this order. She lifted ber head and looked around for a mo- ment with the frightened eyes of a caged bird. Then, as if with a sudden impulse, she stooped, while the open blade of a knife gleared in her hand. Three or four quiek strokes af the keen bladk, -
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* end the bonds fell from the limbs of the. pris- oner. Then turning like an enraged lioness she faced the men who threatened her, the knife glittering in her hand. ‘A step more,” she cried, ‘‘and one of you will feel the point of this bladé! Quick! The road is open! One bold stroke for liberty!” In an instant Dave obeyed. Springing from bis chair hs rushed upon the leader of the gang, and wrenched the iron from his band. The three meu avoiding the infuriated woman, rushed upon him, But backing himself against the wall, he brandished his dangerous weapon, ynd prepared to sell bis life and liberty as early as possible. CHAPTER IV. TWO DECISIVE MOMENTS. time to the residence of another character of our story, that of Bently Masters, of whom it will be remembered that Tom Parsons spoke to Mr. Thorndike. This gentleman dwelt in a fine North Broad street mansion, about which was every evidence of wealth and elegant leisure. On the morn- img of the events described in our last chap- ter, he was seated in a room overlooking this broad avenue. He held a newspaper in his hand, but, just now, was giving little attention to its contents. He was in form tall and rather slender, with an inclination to stoop. His face was one of those strange ones which it is not easy for a pig hap oes to read. Small, keen gry eyes, a large and somewhat hooked nose, thin lips, and over alla look of decision and a sarcastic expression, made up the general features of the face; though there was in it a hidden some- thing, not to be 80 easily solved. i Before him stoédd a young man of ingenuous eouaterance. His features were not unlike those of the older man, but they had a very different expression, while he was as good-looking as Mr. Masters was homely. He was Noro his son. ** You thiok I had an object in it, Will,” said Mr. Masters, in a harsh tone. : ‘‘Of course I had. 1 have an objectin everything Ido. But it happens now that my object has changed. You must cut loose from the girl. i“ A deep flush came into Will’s young face. “You should not have encouraged me to visit there, father,” he quietly replied. ‘‘I am made ef flesh and blood, like other people. Why do yeu wish to use me asif I was a machine, and with nomore feeling tham a thing made of wood and iron?” “‘ Nonsense, boy. None of that with me,” re- plied the father, harshly. ‘‘ What if you have taken a boy's fancy for the girl? You will take ps fancies as strong before you are five years older. * You do not know me,” answered the young man, in firm tones. ‘ { am not of that tickle na- ture. I love Kate Thorndike, and will never cease to love her.” : There was deep sarcasm in Mr. Masters’s laugh, as he leaned back in his chair and bent his keen eyes on Will’s face. “Never!” he cuttingly replied. ‘‘What a powerful word that is in a boy’s mouth. Never means till you see the next pretty face, and hear the next sweet tongue. Iam ashamed of A gr Ue I thougi.; you had moré experience ef the’world.” “ Never with me means never,” rejoined Will, in modest but firm accents. ‘* Deuce take you for an obstinate young ras- cal!” cried his father, with sudden anger. * You have got to cut loose from the girl, and there’s no use for us to bandy words about it. I did not know ha were such a susceptible little donkey, or I would not have let you go there. But that’s all over now. You must break it off.” *“Why must I?” asked the youth, his cheek flushing. “Because Isay so. That’s reason enough,” was the stern response. “Tam your son; but not your siave,” an- #wered Wiil indignantly. ‘‘ You bave encour- aged me to visit her until I have learned to love her with my whole soul. And now, for a mere whim, 1 must crush this love in my beart. I cannot, father.” “ By the gods, you shall!” ** By the g will nov!” With this indignant outburst the fiery youth now full of nis father’s spirit, turned on his hee and would have left the room. “Stop!” cried Mr,.Masters, springing to his feet, and hurling the pe tide Bi to the floor. “You defy my wishes, then?’ “In this, yes. **Do you Enow why I demand it? It is thaf Dashing Dave. Allen Thorndike is my bitterest foe. I hate him as I hate poison. [ could slay him as I could slay a serpent. Shall a son of mine wed with a daughter of his? No, not if I must kill them both!” His’ face was purple with passion as these words flowed in a torrent from his lips. Will looked at him with horror and surprise, ‘This is your real feeling?’ he asked, ” “Tt is.” “And yet you encouraged my visits to this man’s daughter?’ A ‘slight sense of shame showed itself in the older man’s face, “i had an object in it,” he said, in a lower tone. *“Ycur object, whatever it was, may be ac- | complished; but mine is not,” repiied “Will, as THE reader must accompany us for a short | | { | he paused on the threshold. ‘I have learned to love Kate Thorndike. The work that is done cannot be undone at a breath.” : * Come, come, Will,” in a tone of concilia- tion. ‘* What ails you, boy? I never knew you so ridiculously obstinate before.” ‘** Because my whole life’s happiness was never concerned before.” ** You shall give her up!” cried the father, again flaming forth, ‘‘or you are no longer son of mine. Am TI to be braved to my face by a beardiess boy? If you refuse to obey me I dis- own you! ou are no Jonger an inmate of my house! You are noson of mine!” Will hesitated, resting his hand on the side of the door, while the color came and went in his ingenuous face. His whole frame shook with the deep throbbing of his heart. “You are not yourself now,” he said at length, in a voice of enforced calmness. ‘‘T will wait until this storm of passion blows over. I hope that then justice will return to your heart.” With'a step that slightly reeled Will left the room, leaving bis father still hot with rage in the center of tho floor. : A harsh and bitter expression came into bis face as he clutched his hands till the nails entered the flesh. ; **So,” he hissed, ‘‘the worm has tnrned against me! I didn’t know there was so much of myself in that whit-elivered boy. But we shall see who is master here. He shall drop the girl or I will turn him like a cur into the streets!” Almost at the same moment that this event happened Dave Darnly had backed himself against the wall in his temporary prison and brandishing the sharp iron in his hand he defied the three men who were advancing upon him. The odds seemed fearful. Three to one, and each of them larger men than he. And to his tele weapon they could oppose pistols and | ives, But nothing daunted he firmly awaited their onset, his eyes blazing defiance. He had, be- sides, an ally in Lucille, in whose hands still leamed the knife with which she had released ‘‘Comeon!”"hecried. ‘ Villains and cowards! I do not fear you!” / The next minute they made a combined on- slaught upon him. But he had the wall at his back, and he struck out with his dangerous weapon at the leader of the party, causing that individual to bastily retreat. At the same instant the other two sprung upon him, one firmly aes eo left arm, while the other caught of his collar. It was a moment of danger, but Dave was equal the occasion, Quickly stooping he avoided the grasp of the second, Then, dropping his weapon he seized the long hair of this individual with his free hand, and gave him a sudden and vigorous swing around, His head came in contact with that of the other with a crack almost as loud as a pistol shot. he next moment the athletic young man tripped up the feet of this unlucky individual, and flung bim with stunning force to the floor. Then, wheeling round, he struck a fierce blow at the face of the man who held his arm, and who was dazed with the severe concussion which he had already received. Dave’s fist took him Sane in the forehead, and he dropped like a | ot. In much less time than it takes to tell it he | had disposed of two of his antagonists. But the | third had drawn a pistol, and hada deadly aim | upon him, his eyes glaring through the openings | in_his mask, Unarmed and helpless before that dead weapon, for the moment it seemed as if his ef- forts were to prove of no avail, ond asif he must | fall again into the bands of his foes. y But his ally now came to the reseue. Lucille 5 — sprung forware, brandishing ber knife, and ay a quick strcke at the pistol hand of the vil- ain. With a deep oath he started back, dropping the weapon to the floor. “Ply! Fly!’ cried Lucille, as she set her little foot on the weapon, and threatened her shrink- ing foe with the kniie ‘The path is free. Fly | while you have the opportunity.” Dave sprung forward. One of the prostrato men was endeevoring to rise, but he hurled him back to the floor with a fierce thrust of his foct The next instant he had possessed himselt of the yistol, art 1 will not fly without you,” he cried, taking her hand and drawing her swiftly towaid tho oor. Tt had all passed so quickly that they were out of the room before an effort could be made to hinder them. Then the infuriated leader of the villains rushed to one of the prostrate men, who was again endeavoring to rise, and snatched a re- volver from his belt. Arnied with this weapon he sprung to the door, and sent a bullet whiz- zing after the fugitives who had already reached the head of a flight of stairs. The crack of tht weapon was answered by a loud scream from Lucille. ‘* Great Heaven, I am shot!” she cried; as she tottered and fell. With mad fury Dave turned and fired wildly into the room into which bis assailant had re- treated after his fatal shot. Then picking Be the prostrate {crm of the moaning girl in arms, he dashed Ky ing 4 down the stairs, his burden feeling to bim of a feather’s weight in his excitement. He was quickly pursued, Another bullet fol- lowed him as he reached the bottom of the stairs, But heedless of all but the dear burden in his arms, Dave dashed onward, along pass- ages and down flight after flight, while the eet tread of pursuit sounded ever bebind im. ‘ Reaching the first floor a quick glance showed him that the door leading outward was closed, perhaps locked, But the door to a side room stood open, and through that he could perceive | an open window, with the sash thrust up to its fullest bight. Another shot from the stairs fcllowed him as he ran through this door. Wits a fierce im- pulse he turned and fired back. He bad no thought of aiming, the pistol was cirected by mere chance up the stairs, yet its ;eport was followed by a loud cry and the crash o1 a heavy ‘body on the stairs. Dave’s shot had brought down its game. : The next moment he was at the window. ‘It was impossible to leap through with the burden he held, and he had not an instant in which to decide. Laying the wounded or dead gir! on the sill, he sprung through with an alert leop, just as one of his pursuers appeared in the door. way. ‘4S third bullet followed him a» ineffectue!y as the others. He seemed to bear a charmed life, But in one he had misealew’ated. The window was full seven feet from the ground. He crushed down through a growth oe bushes and struck the earth at a point quite out of reach of the body of Lucille, whom he had in- tended to take with him im his fight. 1t was too late. He would have to lerve ber in the hands of his foes. An alert leap and he gained the corner of the house. @ back he caught a glimpse of his principal foe #t the window. ‘*Murderer!” cried the young man, paew\on- ately. ‘‘ You have killed her! But you will not find me so easy to kill! She shea, not die without being revenged!” He hurried on, his heart full of passionate despair. He knew that he was not yet safe from danger, and he ran at bis utmast across the open space that appeared bef*re him. It was the yard surrounding an old-fashioned mansion. On its oiher side were some out- buildings, whose shelter he was seeking. In a few minutes more he wes running at full speed across an open field, beyond which some houses were visible. His pursuers appeared around the stable which he hed just left behind him. They seemed hesitating whether or not to pursue, for the young athlete was dashing onward at a speed that no ordinary runner could hope to overtake. CHAPTER V. AN ASSAULT IN FORCE. Dave DARNLY'S neck-tie was awry and his hair tumbled in a way that was unprecedented, - /
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6 in his mind for even a looking-glass to have any ‘eharms for him. In an hour from the time in which he had made his hasty flight from his tempo prison he was on his way back, armed with authority, and with three or four resolute men to back him. Phere was the strongest reason for his anx- iety. On the front of the light-colored vest he wore was a dark red stain, on which his eyes gazed with horror. It was her blood—the blood of Lucille! He had beara her to his heart and this was her life-blood, which had flowed from that perhaps fatal wound. be horror in his mind was mingled with anger, and a passionate thirst for revenge, as his eyes became riveted upon this dread sign. He swore in his soul that if she had been mur- dered her death should be amply atoned for. He would pursue her murderers though his life should be given to the task. It was scarcely two hours from the time of his hasty flight when he again reached the vicinity of the house from which he had fled. It was situated in the sparsely settled region to the north of the city, and stood almost alone, the nearest houses being a quarter of a mile dis- tant, When Dave and his party approached they were surprised at its utter quietness and look of desertion, Windows and doors were closed, and there was no siga of life about the whole establishment. * Are they in ambush?’ asked one of the y, peering curiously at the house. ‘*May- they are going to give us a hot welcome.” “J hope so,” answered Dave gloomily. ‘ But Ifear not, I imagine they are gone.” They cautiously approached the closed door. There seemed an unnatural quiet about the es- tablishment. One or two of the men drew nervously back, half fearing a volley of bullets from those closed windows. But Dave advanced boldly to the door, ahd tried the latch. It opened easily to his band. All within was silent and deserted. No sign of life appeared. ; “By all that’s good, they have given us the slip!” cried the young leader, dashing furiously forward. ‘‘ Follow me, lads. They may be in hiding somewhere about the house. Search the whole establishment from garret tocellar. It will be a sorry day for the man of them I find.” “Tt may be a sorrier day for you when you find him,” came in a harsh voice from the head of the stairs, very eye was turned upward, and beheld a dark figure half concealed in the gloom that lurked in the closed passage. But the next. in- stunt they crouched and shrunk as a bright flash was followed by the thud of a pistol bullet which buried itself in the thick door, . Two more ineffectual shots fouowed, the men erouching to the floor to escape them. Then witha fierce oath, the man flung his emptied pistol down among them. One of the assailin ty had, unluckily for him, just lifted his ead to gaze at the dark figure who was making a tofthem. The hurled weapon took him in the forehead immediately between the eyes, “ tumbled him over like a dead log to the oor, ' But Dave Darnly had not shown the crouch- ing cowardice of his companions, Heedless of the flying bullets he dashed for the stairs, his eyes keenly fixed on the dark form of his foe, It was at him that the pistol had been flung, buta Sot movement avoided the flying mis- sile, which shot onward to meet the unfortunate fellow below. A harsb oath of disappointment broke from the man’s lips. He turned and dashed back in- to the house, followed rapidly by his infuriated pursuer. ‘* Follow me, men!” cried Dave, as he dashed onward, ‘They are here! We will have them et.” t From the head of the stairs a wide passage led backward, It opened into rooms ou each side, | into one of which the flying man had vanished ere the pursuer could reach the head of the Pairs, Dave ran quickly forward. He tried the door of one of these rooms. It opened to his touch and revealed an empty apartment. He had less success with the other door. It was locked, and failed to yield to his utmost effort. ‘““A hammer! an ax! Bring something!” he yelied. “ He is inhere! We will have bim out if ‘we tear down the house to reach him.” ‘*Let me at the door!” exclaimed one of the ‘others, who had just run “] willshow you ete open jocks Si x / Dashing Dave. He was a brawny, big-fisted man, with a leg | and foot of elephantine proportions. Pushing Dave aside with little ceremony, he braced bim- self Sy nw the opposite side of the passage, lifted his ponderous foot, and dashed it with # ringing thud against the closed door. No light strength could stand that powerful shock. ‘There was a sound of rending wood and cracking iron. The door flew open asif it had been strnck by a pile-driver. With the leap of a panther Dave sprung through the opening, his eyes blazing, his frame nerved to an expected struggle. But to his utter surprise he found the room empty. The | game which he had fancied caged was flown, | ‘**The window! The window!” cried his burly aid. “Itis raised! He must have gone by that way!” A glance revealed the truth of this idea. The | window, which was of no great hight from the | ground, overlooked a lawn-like portion of the grounds, on the opposite side of the house to that by which the pursuers had approached. Beyond the low fence which bounded it rana country road. _At the moment in which they reached the window they ig sight of the fugitive, mounted ona strong black horse, and just topping this low fence into the road. A shout of derision came from him as his horse struck the road, He waved his hand in the air. ‘* Follow me, who can!” he shouted, The next moment. the powerful horse was thundering rapidly down the road, carrying the fugitive awa yi rom his baffled pursuers. Dave followed him with a look of blank dis- Then he turned quickly to his ; appointment. followers. “He has left us in the lurch,” he exclaimed, “but there were others. Search the house. Some of them may be here. They could not have taken Lucille away.” | Inspired by this, thought he himself dashed through the house, searching room after room with feverish haste. The others seconded him in this endeavor, but all in vain, there was not a living soul in the house, Even the furniture was removed, if there had been any there, for the rooms were bare, and | ac ef ut there was one thing found that was dis- tressingly significant to the young lover, This was a red patch of blood on the. floor, scarcely dry as yet, and near by it the encrimsoned frag- ment of a bandage, asif an effort had been made to bind up the wound. He laid his right hand on the crimson spot as on a shrine. : “By the great Gods!” he swore, ‘‘if she has been murdered she shall be fully revenged! If the earth holds her murderers 1 wil] find them, and avenge this bloody deed!” There was evidently nothing more to be done there. On leaving the house they were met by an old man, who gazed curiously at them. “Do .you know who lived in this house?” asked Dave. . , “There hasn’t a blessed soul lived in it for the last three months,” was the answer. “‘ lt belongs to the Lemoine estate, and has been empty ever since the old man died.” 3 ‘*- You are mistaken,” cried Dave arbitrarily. ‘‘ There were people in it yesterday and to-day, as 1 happen to know.” ce t’s the queer thing,” the old fellow re- plie ‘*T saw them drive away from here in a carriage, an hour ago. Afterward a man came back on horseback, and went into the house. I suppose he must-have forgot something, for he’s just away again.” ‘s What sort of a looking man was he?” “T’m not much on faces, and I did not take any particular notice of this one,” was the cau- tious answer. ‘‘ He was a tall, stoutish chap, with a black beard and a kind of captainish lovk about him. One of the kind that lays down | the law for everybody else to follow.” | Satisfied that they could get no further in- formation from this source, the searching party proceeded along the road which the horseman had taken, closely questioning as they dane gs The road led toward the city, and though the fugitives were easily traced through the rural districts, they were lost when they entered the region of built-up streets, It was quite im- possible to tell what route they had taken through this labyrinth of avenues, and the chase was soon given up in despair. Information given the police proved equally ineffectivé. The whole force was set on_ the look-out -by ag warning, but nothing from it. The fugitives had covered up their tracks. P was but one other suggestion that *Neett Semen ons ~ OA Oo BS NE SELES Same ANE SR - came to the despairing lover. Lf Lucille was not dead then it was possible that some doc-~ tor or surgeon would be called in to her aid. If dead some information might be obtained from the undertakers. lt was a mode of in- quiry that was, at least, worth making. He satin his room, as these thoughts came to him, his eyes gloomily fixed upon the opposite wall, and thoughtlessly turning in his pocket the mysterious ring which she had given him, with such strange bints as to its character, , It was no Aladdin’s ring. No powerful ge- nius arose as he rubbed it between his fingers. Not even a thought came to bim of what he should do in his emergency. He drew the ring from his pocket, forgetful of what it was or whence he had received it. A slight start affected him as his eyes fell upon it. There came back the recollection of her words on banding it to him, and of her insistence that he should keep it. He looked at it with awak- ened curiosity. ’ It was a slender golden circlet, with a narrow but rather thick plate, on which was engraved a strange device, This was the minute figure of an animal of the form of a lizard, though its head had asnake-like aspect. It seemed as if intended for a seal, for there was a slight frag- ment of wax yet in one of its fine lines. Dave sat looking curiously at it, as if he would extract some meaning from this peculiar figure. Finally, taking his hat, he left the room, carrying the mysterious ring witb him. Not many minutes alterward he entered the store of a jeweler friend of his in the vicinity. “ Here is a ring that I came by ina strange fashion,” he announced. ‘I wish you would examine it. It strikes me as a very curious thing, and I have reason to. understand that there is some mystery connected with it,” The Jeweler examined it ploey ‘““A very strange . device,” remarked, ‘“Somebody’s whim, I suppose. There is noth- ing in the ring, though, except—” He became silent, as he turned the ring on its side, and examined the plate more particularly. “Rather thicker than there is. any occasion for,” he muttered. ‘‘ It looks solid, but 1 should not wonder if there was a hollow place in the thickness of that plate.” He put his ae to his eye and intently looked at the edge of the plate. Dave’s eyes were fixed upon him with impatient interest. He seemed unnecessarily deliberate, ** A very fine piece of work,” he continued, “but there is a joint. Waita moment. There must be a spring somewhere about it.” Taking up a fine instrument, he touched the ring at every promising point, ‘*T must have been mistaken,” he said, shak- ing his head. “That crack may have been.a more scratch. Unless this—” He had inserted the point of the instrument ina slighé depression as he spoke. There was a faint click, and the top of the plate flew up like a binged cover. neath. ; ‘‘Good for our side!” cried Dave, eagerly. “It is hollow! And there is something in the opening!” : “Just so,” answered the jeweler, inserting the fine point of his instrument into the con- cealed cavity, and lifting trom it what seemed a minute ‘apa of folded paper. Carefully unfolding this by the aid of his fine tools, it nbs to be a piece of excessively thin paper, about an inch square in its spread-out condition, “Tt does not seem much cf a prize after all,” remarked Dave, with some disappointment of tone. ‘*“Wait a moment,” replied the jeweler, as he examined it with his glass. ‘There is writing upon it,” he remarked. “Or perhaps it may be a photographed inscrip- tion. I can barely make tt out with my glass. It is not powerfni enough to read it with. You will have to examine it under a more powerful microscope, Mr, Darnly.” _ . Thank. you,” replied Dave. “TI shall cer- tainly do that. I have a notion that it may prose a very interesting document, though I ay not the most up ha idea wie it is.” lacing it within the ring for safe keeping, Dave left the store, anxious to froceed Pei A small opening appeared be- his investigation. CHAPTER VI. PICKING UP THREADS. “A HIGH old hit_of fun up the street last night,” exclaimed Tom Parsons, a little excit edly, ashe entered the room where -sat Liev- tenant Hill, of the Reserve Police.
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ee —_——- owen The latter leoked up in some surprise. Tom wae net casily excited. “ What has broken lnose?” he asked. ‘*A neat job of crib-cracking, that’s all,” answered Tom, flinging his hat on the table. ‘(The owls have struck oil. Knight & Rogers’s jewelry establishment has been bu’sted and eleaned out to a mighty neat tune. Diamonds, old watches, rings— Oh! it’s a sweet bit of fight fingered art.” : ieutenant Hill dropped the pen with which he bad been writing, and leaned back in his thatr, bis eyes fixed on Tom. * Just found out?” he asked. ““Yes. Those are highly respectable folks, | know, and don’t open out early. When a in this morning, they found that some 4; dear friends had opened up for them. back door was on the slip, and the safe neatly cracked. A Sunday’s job, I fancy. It’s an awkward Monday morning’s surprise, anyhow.” “ Any estimate of the amount of loss?” oh ess, so far. Some thirty to fifty thousand is the cérvet talk; but you must always take street talk with a pinch of salt. It’s just as likely to be thrze thousand.” ‘‘Were youin the store?’ “Me? Not much. That isn’t my notion of business. This is our head-quarters. "Tain’t hard to find us. I’m no volunteer detective.” The lieutenant langhed at Tom’s idea of pro- fessional dignity, and still more at the tone in avigien this was said. P ‘ had “‘T suppose you are ready to go when calle for,” yt asa clicking sound came from e corner of the room, ‘‘ And there’s a call for some of us now.” He rose and went to the telegraphic instru- ment that was rattling Poa away. ‘*T thought so,” he at length announced, ‘‘There’s a detective wanted at Knight & Rogers’s. You’d best step up, Tom. They need somebody that’s posted in the tricks of the trade, and you’re just the man.” “Pd give an even dollar if Dandy Dave was here,” replied Tom, as he took his hat. ‘‘He’s the keenest man in the service on a scent of this kind. I believe that ehap can see further through a milestone than the best ten of his fel- low-sinners.” ‘Where is he, Tom? ‘He got safe away from those fellows that captured him?” “You bet he did. I told you they’d find they were fooling with a hornet’s nest when they nabbed Dave. . I don’t know what in the sun ho is after, since, He’s got some foolery afoot.” Tom left the room with a look of superior wisdom on his face. The lieutenant resumed his writing, with the remark: “Tf you only had a little of Dave’s foolery your stock of brains would be a good deal in- creased,” What was this foolery of Dandy Dave’s, We must go and find out. Since the time we last saw him he had been busily engaged, but to no nsefulend. There was no evidence that either doctor, surgeon, or undertaker had been called in to the aid of Lucille Ernestine. If any out- side aid bad been rendered, it had been secretly done, and had left no discoverable indications. ' During this search he had paid no attention to the mystery of the ring, but now a strong desire arose in his mind to trace its hidden se- cret: Who could tell what important revela- tion a traced on that mysterious scrap of peper _ Dave, taking the advice of his friend, the jeweler, sonal a microscopist, and submitted tbe strange document to his inspection. He stood by in curious interest while the lat- ter adjusted his instrument, spread the thin scrap on its object table, put in a lens of mode- rate power, and applied his eye to the eye-piece. All this was done with professional delibera- tion, and Dave waited with growing impatience on the slow movements of the scientist. ** Well,” he asked, in a quick tone, ‘Is there anything init? Or is it only a sell?” “ Decidedly like a sell, I fancy,” returned the other, “It’s a sort of diagram, dotted up ina e#urions fashion. Take a look atitfor yourself.” Dave applied his eye to the instrument, and kaw a network Of lines, some straight, others bent or curved. At the intersections of some ef these lines were minute colored dots, some being black, some red, and others white. Be- side each of these dots was a word, but from these no information could be gained, as they were entirely disconnected. At the top of the paper the dots reappeared, in the three colors, and opposite each color was a drawing of clasped hands, each color being paired with a separate mode of hand clasping. Dashing Dave. evigmatical visitor. We caught the steely glit- ter in the young man’s oyes, and at once changed his opinion. ‘*Certainly,” he answered, with a quick change of tone, ‘ There was an oflicer here an hour ago, but I should like to havo your deci- sion upon the matter.” : “Yes,” replied Dave. ‘* My. Parsons. I doubt if I can better bim much, but I will at least taken look, These chaps may have left their signatures.” “Their signatures?” | “Precisely: Pen and ink marks are not the | only or the best way of writing a person's i/name, Ihave known it to be written with a chisel on an iron lock more surely than the best en could do it. A person’s handwriting may e counterfeited, but his bandiwork is a harder | thing toimitate. This is the safe, then? Aha! they wero expert workmen who went through | that bit of ivon, Loss beavy, sir?” asked Dave, as ho carefully spread bis handkerchief, and sunk on one knee to examine the safe door more closely. | “Rather,” answered, the proprietbr, with a | shryg, “Twenty thousand would not replace it, nd ib may be double that amount, We | have not gone over our books yet,” Dave made no answer, He was minutely ex- | amining the door, which seemed to have been | Cut with steel chisels and forced open with pow- , “there’s | erful wrenches, There was: not a chisel mark don’t see | on the hard iron that escaped inis keen vision. “A pood job,” ‘he said, rising. © ‘Those are no amateurs. And they entered by this door?” ‘* We found it open this morning. But there are no marks of violence on it,” “ Very true,” answered Dave, after'a minute's inspection, ‘* False keys did the work there, That is all? They left nothing bebind them?” | ** Nothing.” “What is this? He picked up a serap of steel from the floor. “Of very little account, I should say,” ** Perhaps so,” answered Dave, ‘li is only a bit of the edge of a broken chisel. A mere trifle, of course. And yet, as I said before, a man may write his signature with a chisel as well as with a pen.” **- You don’t see anything in that?” ‘Tt is the best bit of evidence I have found yet,” answered par “IT won’t say that Ican | put my hands on the burglars; but I can safely say this much: they are the same gang that tried the Farmers’ Bank two weeks ago, and **Pve a notion there’s something in it,” said Dave, rubbing his chin reflectively, ‘‘ But just what it is I can’t get through my cranium yet. All these lines and dots, these words and clasped hands, mean something very interesting if a fellow could only get at the bottom of it. tI am too thick-headed to see through it yet.” ‘Let me try, the instrument again,” remarked the scientist. ‘“tOnly a part of the paper has been in the field of view yet. By looking over the whole surface something else of interesb may brought every portion of the paper under his so. Here is something written. Wait a minute ward. eit to be pure nonsense.” The professor read as follows: “That is the ridiculous farrago,” he re- more in it then you imagine, thoug’ be found.” one “T fancied till T get a look at it all.” ‘*Pshaw!” he cried. “It’s as great a mys- ‘Read it. Perhapsit may have some mean- ‘The seal of the grand chief of the Lizards. ‘‘Tt sounds like some sort of child’s play.” through it yet.” Moving the field to and fro he gradually “Ha!” he at length exclaimed. He shifted the field again backward and for- tery as the Megan. What in the world does it all mean? I ta ing to me.” Let it be obeyed, ee of death.” ic marked. “No,” answered Dave thoughtfull my way e dropped into a moment’s reverie, while the professor continued to examine the mys- terious document. “That isall,” he announced. ‘Isee nothing more on it.” “Could you make mea magnified copy of it?” asked Dave. “Ob yes! Without difficulty.” ‘Then I will leave it in your hands. I want | an pi Ba hy A to study it thoroughly. There is far more in that than appears on the surface, and more than one life may rest on my success in unfolding the riddle.” He left the room, the strange document re- | maining in the keeping of the scientist. An hour afterward, at the request of Lieu- tenant Hill, whom he had met, Dave entered | the jewelry storo of Knight and Rogers, The } persou in charge, a stout gentleman, with a | very disturbed countenance, looked up with an inquiring glarice at his visitor, who was dressed as usual, in the He of the mode. : that lifted « heavy plunder in New York last ‘‘ What can I do for you, sir? he asked, as | January.” Dave stood by the counter, indolently twirling | ‘How do you make that out? Mr, Parsons found nothing of that sort.” his well waxed mustache, “Nothin hn anor just now,” replied our | “Two pairs of ayes are better than one,” an- friend, while his eyes took a keen survey of the | swered Dave, with a shrug. ‘These fellows store. ‘‘ Let me see—iti was at that door they might have left a bag full of tools and*I not . entered?” found as much in it as in this sliver of stee). It ‘* Who entered?” is the ground edge of a chisel, you perceive, “Your professional visitors; the burglars.” “Oh! in a tone of weariness, ‘‘ Excuse me. but I’ve been talked to death on that subject this morning. You will find the whole story in the afternoon pa pers,” “Oh! thanks,” replied Dave, still playing with his mustache, and darting his keen glances around, ‘‘In the afternoon papers, yousay. I shall be happy to read it. A little hard on you, sir, but it’s matter of public interest. Is that the safe your professional friends interviewed?” “Yes.” The proprietor turned on his heel, with a gesture of impatience. “*T should like to examine it.” ‘Perhaps you would,” angrily, ‘Bat it does not contain any new style neckties, so [ hardly think you will find anything there to in- terest you.” ; A laugh of amusement came from Dave’s lips. ‘“Eixcuse me,” he remarked. ‘‘ Perhaps I might find something there of interest. Here is my card.” : He handed the proprietor a daintly scented and neatly bes, pein card, which he took from an Set card-case The latter glanced his eyes testily over it, and then looked up with a start of surprise. Dave was idly switching hig slender, gold-headed cane, “Ts there not some mistake here?” ** Not much, [ fancy.” “You, a detective officer?’ “Tt is an honorable business.” “Yes, but—” and he looked at the aprarent- ly ye young gentleman before him. _ is not gold that glitters,” answered Dave laughingly, “T bave my fancies abouc and all that sort of thing. But—you have heard of the hand of steel under the glove of silk. Can I see that safe, sir?” The astonished proprietor looked again at his Now there is an art in everything, even in the grinding of a chisel. If you examine it with your glass you will see that the lines of the grinding run in a peculiar slant,” * Yes, I perecive, ' _ * There were some tools left in the two other jobs [ spoke of. The grinding was done in the same way. A detective can let nothing escape him, you see. I cannot say that, wé are on their trail, but we bave here something that’ may ead to something more, Good-day, sir.” *“Good-day,” and the proprieter followed Dave’s graceful form with astonished eyes. CHAPTER VII. SON DISOWNED. “TI LovED Alice Linton, boy. 1 fancied that she loved me. But men are fools and women tare false, you know.—Sit still, you must hear me through,” and Bently Masters arbitraril waved his son back into the chair from which he bad risen. “She taught me a lesson in love,” he bitterly continued. ‘Allen Thorndike came along’, with a smoother face, a softer tongue, and a longer purse than I could boast. It was the latter, I fancy, that turned the tables. At a) events I was incontinently pitched overboard, and her heert—hber Aeart, mind you. boy— turned to this new-comer. | will not gothrough the whole story. It was treachery throughout, Me came to hate her as much as I had ever loved er. Will sat silent, listening to this revelation of his father’s early life, but without a sign ot sympathy or hie young face. The breach be- tween them was not yet healed. “I hated her, I say,” repeated his father, with harsh emphasis, ‘And I bated and despised him, the man who robbed me of her. I a. ove A
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| ‘in kind. & | Dashing Dave. to be revenged on them both. I am‘a Masters, | hers. ‘‘ What reasons can there be? Are there lam of a race that was never yet trod- hoy. I wish you had more } den on without turning. of that spirit.” | ‘*'Thank Heaven that I have not® replied | ‘Wil fervently. ‘“‘I am sorry you have told me ‘this story. And I cannot see what it has to do ‘with the subject of our dispute.” ‘“* Tt has this to do,” was the stern reply. “If , I could not reach her through herself, I could | reach her through her children, I like to repay 1 loved her and she jilted me. er | daughter loves you. You shall jilt her. I have let you goon until the girl’s heart was utterly w upin you. It will be like snapping a life-string for you to break loose. That is what I want. I want to snap their life-strings.” There was a bitter malignity in his tone that | made Will shudder. The glitter in his father’s | eyes seemed almost that of the maniac. ‘«'You have done more,” replied Will respect- fully but firmly. ‘‘ Your sword has cut with both edges. e has not only learned to love me, but Iehave learned to love her. I cannot | give her u not reasors why you should not go West?’ ‘*Yes, indeed,” he answered, kissing the warm lips that were turned to him in such loving solicitude. It rends my heart to part from you, dearest. It seems barbarous that those who love should be torn apart by bitter | circumstances. But there have things happened, Kate, that make it necessary for me to take | some decided step.” “Things? What things?’ ‘*T cannot tell you that.” There was something in his tone that struck her ear painfully. She fixed her eyes eagerly upon his expressive face. * Ah! I know,” she cried. ceal it from me. with your father. Forgive me for speaking of it, dear Will; but I have a right to know all that concerns you. You would go West be- cause— * Beca *You cannot con- use I have no longer a home or a | father!” he broke out, with sudden energy. “Ah! I feared as much!” “T must live, Kate. I am penniless, I am It is a renewal of that quarrel | And so the days passed on, neither party showing its hand, yet both keenty alive to every | indication. Meanwhile Dave received from the micro- | scopic professor the promised traciug of tha | ring diagram. He had greatly expanded it in | size, so that it now occupied a large sheet, and | its features were plainly evident. Yet it con- | tinued as great an enigma as before. He could | make nothing of that network of black lines, | with their occasional colored dots. | The lines crossed each other usually at right angles, though in some cases they were oblique to each other, And the dots seemed te eeccur in | no special order, being occasionally found at the intersection of lines, ard in other cases oc- cupying intermediate positions. 6 gazed at it in a complete puzzl6. “Tho words adjoining tho dots, the clasped hands, what could it ail mean? A vague idea was | working into his brain, but it took no definite | shape as yet. He continued to study it in a Cea Gp BNIAEY, | “By Jupiter! they needn’t have heen afraid | of anybody smelling out their secret,” he ex- ” ? Love!” a sneering la.gh accompanied this | utterly unfit to make my living in this great | claimed. ‘‘ There was no need ot reducing it to word. ‘‘Why, you unpruned sapling, you | don’t know the meaning of the word yet. You |} will love a dozen as strongly before you are five years older. Come, Wilk don’t be acting the — with me. You must break with this “I hoped, after our dispute the other day, that you would not raise this question again,” answered the young man decisively, drawin up his form to its full hight. “I cannot an will not give her up, father, even at your com- va and, “Then, by the God above me, you are no longer son of mine!’ The son’s face grew deathly pale as he turned toward the door of the room. He staggered, and grasped the door frame for meee Yet his wef irmly set, hiseyes full of a reso- lute spirit , He lool. around as he leaned against the supporting frame. His father’s eyes were fixed upon him with a gaze of impotent fury. ‘This is the second time that I have heard those words,” came in low but clear tones from the youth. ‘‘ You shall not need to at them agai. ou have just tted that I have not t' irit of a Masters. 1 have at least the spirit not want to be kicked from my father’s house,” He turned to go again. Mr. Masters grew white about the lips. , “Stop, you idiot!” he screamed. ‘Come back here!’ Will paused and looked back. ’ “When I feel that I can respect you again I will return,” he remarked, “‘I fear that you have not told meall. In your hatred against the wife of Allen Thorydike have ro contented yourself with breaking her daughter's heart?” ‘* What do you mean?” “Who was it that stole away her son?” The low quiet voice was intense in its earnest- ness. The eyes of the youth were fixed upon his father like those of an accusing fate. A shudder ran, through Bently Masters’s frame. Taen he burst out again in a paroxysm of nay “‘Impudent varlet!” he hissed, clutching the chair beside him as if he would use it asa wea- pon, ‘Do you dare to impute that to moe?” “‘T make no accusation,” answered Will calm- ly. “But Ieannot cease to love Kate Thorn- dice, and I shall use every effort in my power to aid in the recovery of ber stolen brother, no matter who is guilty of the crime.” The sound of his departing footsteps were audible along the gallery. Then there camothe noise of a shutting door, and all was still. For full five minutes the father stood in the attitude in which Will had last’seen him, his clutch on the chair, his eyes fixed on the spot from which his son bad disappeared. Then with a sound that seemed made up of asigh and a curse he fell back into the easy-chair behind him, and rested his bowed head upon his hand. Was it remorse or revenge that moved him now? Two hours aftcrward, on a grassy knoll in the beech grove back of Mr, Thorndike’s resi- dence, Wilt Masters’ was seated beside Kate ‘Thorndike, her hand in his and her eyes fixed with a startled look upon his face. | ined erica. she exclaimed, in a tone of ined rise, ‘‘ Yes,” he replied. ‘‘ There are reasons which it is best not to mention now. I must leave this city for awhile. But not for long, I hope.” i Gxed with a look of deep affec- tpon bers. “Tossona!” she cried, pressing his hand in ee a elite hippie doeasteengeime tied ooetoema ns tirememeerenersarattisee teint ee \ city. But 1 am young, Aigo | and enterpris- ing. I will go where these qualities tell.” ‘ And leave me?” her voice had in it an ago- nized entreaty. ‘*Only for a time, love.” ** You shall not go!” she cried, clasping him with her arm, as if she could thus prevent him. ‘*My father is wealthy. I have money of my own. Youshall not go. Do you suppose we will let you suffer?” Will, with a resclute movement, put aside her arm and rose to his feet, his eyes fixed up- on her with a strange look. “Do not repeat that, Kate,” he said, quietly. “IT thought you knew me better. I must go West.” ““Why should I not repeat it?” she cried, with reckless energy. ‘‘Ilove you! I am part of yourself! You are too proud to owe anything to me, then? Why do you not say at once that ou despise me and my offer?’ “T do not want to despise myself,” he quietly replied. ‘But, Will But—” she rose to her feet, her hands clas in an agony of trouble. She could not find words to express herself. “T understand you, dear,” he rejoined, clasp- ing her slender waist and pressing his lips to hers. ‘ But how would it sound for the world to say that Will Masters had been disowned by his father, and had settled down upon the bounty of his betrothed?’ “TI do not care for the world!” she hotly re- plied. “But I do. And for my own self-respect. There, there, Kate. It will not do. Say no more about it. Something may turn up, who knows? I may not have to leave you. And if I do, it will only be my body, not my heart. There will be a link between us that will surely draw me back again. The whole world could not ae, Sm long apart.” Clasp g ber band in his, they walked on through the grove, their tones falling as their voices fell upon softer themes. ~~ CHAPTER VIII. THE MYSTERIOUS DIAGRAM. Tur detective service was vigorousiy at work in search of the gang of burglars who had made the big haul at Knight & Rogers’s. Yet it was not likely to pore an easy task to discover these birds of the darkness. The same gang, as Dave Darnly affirmed, had made two or three successful hauls within the previous year, yet notrace of them had been discovered. eir Of course the usual programme was gone through. ~The principal thieves’ head-quarters in the city were put under surveillance; the ‘‘ fences,” were visited or shadowed; a list of all the traceable stolen articles was distributed to, the police authorities of the various cities; and an effort was made to reach the burglars by that ‘more modern method, of putiing out feelers for a return of the stolen property, ‘for a consideration.” So much done, the authorities had nothin further to do than to lay on their oars and await developments, The thieves were as silent as the grave. They had been swallowed up by the great city, and sunk out of sight as utterly as though they had never lived. The service was, so far. rae set astray. But there is a virtue in wate ing and waiting which no one knows better than the members of the deteetive ser- vice. They went to sleep with their eyes open in the s.yle of ths tine scout, track was toc well hidden to be easily revealed. | | microscopic size, und biding it in the’ seeret I don’t want Lucille’s word to show me that there is something in it. But | what is it? That's the question. 1 will have to show it to Harry Hill. Maybe his sharp eyes | may make more out of it than I can,” | It was not many minutes afterward ere hoe had the mysterious diagram spread before the | eyes of Lieutenant Hill, and of bis friend Tom 'arsons, who happened to be present. “I wish you’d tell me what it means,” said | Dave, folding his arms and sinking resiynedly into a chair. ‘‘I have puzzled over the con- founded thing till I am doubtful if I have any brains left.” The two officers looked at it with surprise and interest. ‘naire | ‘Oh! it’s some confoundd sell,” cried Tom, | half angrily, after a minute’s inspection. | **Come, ve, that’s played out. You can’t | get that off on us.” “N sell,” answered Dave. “It’s a solid document. A little like one of those riddles we used to maké on our slates at school; vet to get in, but mighty bard to get out. What do you make of it, Harry?” The lieutenant, who had continued to closely observe the strange diagram, now looked up and asked Dave whence he had procured it. This involved an explanation of the kee of the ring, in which only the mode in whieh it | was obtained was concealed. He preferred not cbamber of a ring. to bring Lucille’s name into the matter. ‘* You have it there, in short meter,” he con- clud ‘Tell me what it means, and I have a notion I can promise you two things. The first is the recovery of Knight & Rogers's stolen oods. The second is the finding of Clarence orndike, the lost child. I may mistaken, but l have a shrewd notion that all our fish may be caught in that net, The thing is, how is the net to be taken up?” ‘“May be there are some big. het in it,” an- swered Tom, as he rubbed the bald spot on his head, *‘ but hang me if I can see them! I never guessed a riddle in my life. What do you make now, of this stuff at the bottom, about the ‘sea of the grand chief of the Lizards? It’s all Greek to me.” “This,” answered Dave, showing the lizard engraved upon the ring. ‘‘ This is to be obeyed, on peril of death. Wouldn’t I give something neat if I only knew how to use it and whom to use it on?” Lieutenant Hill examined it closely. He then laid it down and returned to the diagram, which seemed to have a peculiar fascination for bim. “Very good, my boy,” remarked Tom. ‘‘ But what is there in these scattered words? [ bet you can’t put them together. What do you make out of ‘Moonstone,’ ‘ sachem,’ ‘duplex,’ and this one, ‘skim milk? It all looks like skim milkto me. And theclasped hands at the top. Is that some secret society grip?” “Hallo!” cried Dave, springing to his feet with such animation as to send his chair rolling | over upon the floor. “Ill beta big epple the i boy has blundered into it! Fora pint of beer | that’s just what it means! And the wors aro | pass-words. Stupid ninny I was not to see thn | at sight! That lets a flood of light upon the whole business. Give me your hand, Tom.” He took Tom’s fat hand between his slender and sinewy fingers, and practiced on him suc- | cessively the three grips, as designed upon the bas tp | “Flore it is, my lad. Slip your thumb around i this way. You'ro an awkward hand at @ grip,
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‘ Tom. I thought you were a full-fledged Here, this is it. Now the others.” After a little practice he was able to make the three grips with ease. , «*Itis as well to know them. One cannot tell how soon they may come into service. And the pass-words too, for that matter. Have you got any deeper into it yet, Harry?” “No,” answered Harry, as he drew his chair closer, and bent more latently over the dia- Mason. ram. “Work it out, if only for love of me. Iam sick of it. Get Tom to help you.” ‘Not much,” roared Tom in reply. “I ain’t taking in jobs of that kind. TI suppose you’ll be bringing in the ‘ Boy’s Own Riddle Book’ next, and wanting me to sit down toit. Thank you bat I don’t bite. I couldn’t guess a riddle if 1 saw the answer staring me in the face.” “ All right,” cried Dave laughing. “Tl for- give you. Excuse me, Harry, I'll leave you to et your brains, while I go out to take a walk.” Harry said nothing, but continued his close study of the diagram. After several minutes thus engaged he slapped his knee with a sudden movement of satisfaction, and turned partly around, ‘“‘Hand me that map of Philadelphia, Tom, will you?” There was no answer. He looked around, Tom and Dave were both gone, leaving him alone in the room. e “Tl. have to help myself,” he remarked, rising. ‘* Maybe I’m mistaken, but I’ve got an idea, at any rate.” * He walked across the room and picked up a large book, containing a set of ward maps of the city of Philadelphia. Meanwhile Dave Darnly strolled up Chestnut street, through the tide of sight-seers who were lounging up and down that fashionable thor- oughfare, More than one eye was turned to observe him as he moved lazily along, some with a sneer, some with a glance of admiration. With his well-fitting, dove-colored ts; bis white vest, with the heavy gold chain trailed acreés it; his ompronen f cut coat; the light kids that adorned his shapely hands; his well waxed mustache; and the slender cane which he twirled foppishly in his hand; the name of Dandy Dave seemed to exactly apply, and it was this that drew sneering remarks from some of the passers. But there were others, especially among the ladies, to whom Dave's handsome face was a passport to admiration, to which his shapely and neatly attired form added. But he walked on oblivious of both sneers and smiles, The fact was that his mind was far from being at ease. The fate of Lucille Ernestine bore more heavily upon his mind than he was awaro of bi . She had been wounded in seeking to shelter bim from danger. He would have been no man if he could have viewed the un- certainty of her fate with indifference. But there was more than that, Dave was warm hearted and susceptible. He bad not es- caped from the influence of Lucille’s beauty. The mystery surrounding her, the fact that she was in some way connected with that lawless gang of whose haunts he was in search, did not deter him. It rather, indeed, added to his in- terest in Lucille, and he found himself thinking more of her than he had ever thought of a wo- man before. Her impulsive exclamation, in which she acknowledged her love for him, yet rung in his ears, and met an answering response in his heart. Dave was decidedly falling a vic- tim to the blind God of Love. He walked on irresolutely, so wrapped up in his own thoughts as to pay little attention to what was going on around him, “Its going to be life or death between me and those hounds,” he said, shutting his teeth firmly. ** So far they have hidden their track, but they will find it not so easy to throw a sleuth-hound from the scent. And then, if anvthing has hap- ened to Lucille, let them beware! They will ave Dave Darnly to deal with.” . His gloomy thread of thought was broken by a light touch on his arm. In an instant he was alert. He turned with the quickness of one al- ways on guard, and gazed into the face of the person who had touched him, It proved to be a woman, neatly but not fashionably attired, and af pre ing countenance. A look of recognition passed between their eyes, but nota word was spoken. She walked on as if the touch had been a mere accident, while Dave twiried bis light cane in his foppish _manner as he moved belind her, seemingly tak- ing no notice of her movements. But they both oe Dashing Dave. turned down the first side street, and proceeded onward until they reached a locality in which few persons were present. Now Dave walked more rapid] the person whom he had, followed. ‘How d’ye do, Sue?” he. familiarly greeted her. ‘* You hava struck oi] somewhere, eh? I could see that much in your eyes.” “JT don’t know that there is anything in it,” she quietly rejoined, turning ber intelligent face toward him. ‘‘ Butit’s a point, and every point counts in our line of business.” ‘* Some move at the Masters mansion, eh?” ‘© A most decided one. There has been a bit- ter flare-up between the young and the old Mas- ters. The upshot of it all is that Bently Masters has turned his son out of doors. Completely disowned him. Cut him off without a shilling,” “The deuce!” ejaculated Dave. ‘That isa movement, in earnest! There is no mistake about it?” ‘No. You know thatIam hand and glove with the servants. One of them overheard part of the quarrel. It is kept quiet in the parlor, but it is kitchen gossip.” ‘* Add is the reason known? What has the young fellow done to be set adrift in this fash- ion “‘T have my idea,” she replied. “T bet you have, Sue. There’s not many can beat you seeing through things,” was bis com- plimentary answer. *‘' But, what is it?” “Tt has something to do with the young fel- low’s courting of Kate Thorndike. Oid Masters may have wanted to-+reak it up., But Willis a boy of mettle, and is not one to be turned from the track at a moment’s notice,” “That is it, for a thousand!” cried Dave. ** Come, something may be made of this, You must get on the boy’s track, Sue. Or no, that’s not quite in your line, Leave him to me, and do you keep up your watch on old Bently. Do you need eash?” ‘*T have enough for the present.” “Very well. The thing is ripening. We will get to the bottom of it yet.” He paused as some persons came near. It was two men, who were busily conversing, and who passed by without heed to Dave and his my friend. ut Dave lifted his head with a quick move- He seemed in- and overtook ment, and gazed after them. tently listening. “By Jove, Sue,” he exclaimed after an in- stant. ‘‘I’ve struck oil again! I would know that voice among a thousand.” ‘Who is it?” “It is the masked man I told you of, who shot Miss Ernestine, and rattled bullets around me. Inever forgeta voice. Can I trust you to trail him, Sue? I am not dressed for duty of that kind.” She made no answer; but in an jnstant she was on the track of the man in question, CHAPTER IX. DANDY DAVE’S ADVENTURK, Tut keenest scout and the smartest detective are always liable to an error of calculation, aud such was just now the case with Dave Darnly. He had miscalculated the intelligence of his foe, which is always a dangerous error. The two men who had passed him and Sue Dart in the street had apparently not noticed them. Yet Dandy Dave, when in full Cress, was a firure very likely to attract men’s eyes, and the passer'had really seen and recognized him at a glance, although pretending not to do so. It may well be imagined, then, that he was keen- ly alive to the consequences, He had not failed to perceive that Dave’s attention bad been attracted to him, and the pursuit hy Suo Dart had not continued for ten minutes ere the fox was well aware that thcre was a sleuth- hound upon his track. , Keen as the lady trailer was she was no match for her shrewd opponent. Rightly con- jecturing that she did not know which cf the two was the important one, he instructed his companion to glance nervously behind him at intervals, and act as if in dread of pursuit. After this had continued for some time the two men separated, The pursuer hesitated for a mo- ment at this unexpected movement. She was, as they shrewdly conjectured, at a loss which ' of the twoto follow. Her indecision ended in a pursuit of the one who had shown pEpenness sion, while the other man walked quietly away, chuckling to himself to think bow neatly he had cheated his foes. - i He was well aware of the existence of the lady detective, and was very well satisfied to shift from bis track this quict-looking woman, who g qo followed him along the street with such an a¥ of innocent attention to the shop windows, ** Hang their cunning!” he muttered. ‘‘ Who'd have thought of being trailed by a woman? | fancy my lady won’t make much by following the man she is after. It is like losing the scent of the fox and taking up tbat of the mouse, But that contounded steel-lined fop of a detective knows too much. He is the only man on the whole force that has smelt out our path. Hy» made a fool of that ninny of a girl, and new be has got me spotted so that I'm not safe while he’s above ground. There’s no use wasting time. There’s only cone thing for it, He must go under, Confounded fool I was not to slit his weasa: d when I had him in limbo before. lt’scome dow in to a question of life or death now. The heund little fancies he is digging his own grave by |is sharpness. Let mesee. How shall | bring bim into my bands again?” He walked on deeply thinking. Evidently the murder of a man or a dozen men was of slight importance to him as compared with the ques- tion of his safety. Meanwhile’ Dave Darnly bad continved his walk, Turning the corner of Broad and Sprace streets, he came unexpectedly face to face with a young gentleman whom he recognized at a lance. . ‘Will Masters, by all that’s lucky!’ he ex- claimed. ‘' Just the man I was thinking of.” Will, who like the most of Dandy Dave's acquaintances, was quite unaware of Lis busi- ness, and Jooked upon bim asa fashionable young exquisite, wholly given to a butterfi existence, was not altogether pleated by this meeting. He was in no mood, just then, for any of the lively trifling of society. ** Come, my a ” cried Dave, ‘ Why, you look as blue as double-distilled indigo This will never do. You want a set-to at 8 to waken you up. Or suppore we stroll to the club and sample that new sherry. I’m teld it is prime. r ‘Excuse me,” replied Wil!, distantly. “J have no time at present.” “Engaged in Lusiness, eh?” a Yes. ” “Well, that’s a new role for you. Stop there now; [ want to talk with you,”and Dave plant- ed himself before the gloomy youth. ‘‘ What's up? Are you going to desert the scenes of your trium pst Bodked through for China, eh?” “No; but for Colorado, or California,” an- swered Wiil, firmly, “I have had enough of city life and want a taste of the free air ef the West.” Dave looked at him curiously, ‘‘ And what, in the mean time, is to become of—you know who? I will not mention names?" Will's eye kindled wih anger. ‘What do you mean, sir?’ He turned shart ly on his questioner. “ How dare you meca:s in my private affairs?” “Oh, none of that, Will,” and Dave carelgess ly switched kis beot with his slender cane. Was Lever the man to meddle with my fricn.’s business? Iam only talking out of pure friend- ship for you, my lad, I know a little more of the world and of women than Will Masters, ‘You fancy that you can meander at your plea- sure through the West, and the girl will ¥ait like atrusting little ninyy till you chocse te come back. Beware, my boy. You den’t know them,” ‘I would trust hor at. the world’s end!” an- swered Will indignantly. ‘‘ Not that I reecg- nize your right to meddle with my private ai- fairs. Let this conversation end, sir.” “Oh, well! if you will have it so,” with a shrug. ‘It’s none of my business, of course, No doubt you koth mean to be as. true as steel to each other. Only— But no matter, Advice is wasted on trusting lovers. Good-day, aud good luck in the wide West.” Wiil stood silent with flushed face as Dave turned indolently away. The ycuth could have struck his nonchalant friend, and the more so asthe insinuations of the latter had not been without effect upon him. He was still more annoyed to see Dave turn before he had taken a dozen steps. , ‘“Excuse me, Will,” he said, “but there is another little matter. How gbout the child | that wes stolen? Mr, Thorndiké’s son and heir? Has any trace of him been found yet?” ‘‘ No,” answered Will, with a hesitation which the quick eyes of the detective did not fail to observe, ‘ “‘ And yet you love this lost boy’s sister, and are going to walk off West without an effort to aid the distressed family in its search? I c.. ashamed of you, Will Masters.” There was a ring of contempt in Dave's s«°_.
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10 a as he agai1 turned and walked away, leaving the youth deeply stung by his words. He had walked newly a square before he looked back. Will was sill standing on the spot at which he had left birn. “He will not go West,” said Dave to himself, ‘that is settled. I have put a bee in the young man’s bonnet that will sting him to some de- cided action. He knows something sepa upon this abduction. I am sure of that. must set myself to worm it out of him.” Yet keen and wide-awake @s Dave was, he was likely vo need all his shrewdness before many hours. He was playing his cards before old gamesters, and it was a question which would yet win. . Things were already in train which would try his coolness and his resources to the utterm At a later hour that day Sue Dart made a re- port of the result of her mission. She had tracked her man tothe Alleghany Hotel, and had left the house shadowed. But on her de- weriaing the separation of the two men, and the behavior and appearance of the one she had fol- lewed, Dave was convinced that she had pur- ued the wrong party. “ But he is one of them, that is sure, from his actions,” said he. ‘‘We must keep him under oar eyes. ‘The finest thread may lead to the rope, if it is only followed.” reaching home that evening, he was handed a letter, which bad just arrived by mail. We opened and read it, noticing that it was in a siwange and somewhat cramped hand. Its con- tents were as follows: “Tf Mr. David Darnly will call at No. 79 Hilton street, at an early howr to-morrow, he may hear of something to his advantage, and may be aided in a matter which he has at heart, Let be silent, and burn this after reading it, for the life of the writer will be in danger if this communication be known. Unless he come alone, and act in all re- Nery as herein desired, he will find no one there. ' he act with good faith he will profit by it.” There was no signature, and some effort had been made to disguise the hand. Dave looked at this curious document for some time, while a busy flow of thought passed through his active brain, Was this the act of a toe*or a friend? There was evidently danger in such a mission, yet the writer might be in earn- est; it was no uncommon event for a rogue to betray his associates. It was very plain that it referred to some of .the several criminal jobs which Dave had in hand, and he was not at all inclined to give up the chance of gaining the important informa- tion hinted at. Onthe other-hand, there might be deadly peril in the enterprise. He had many enemies, and some of them might be seeking this means to revenge themselves upon him. “But I hardly think I am the man to step back from a shadow of danger,” he said, as he balanced the letter on his finger. ‘‘ [have been in more than one Lad scrape in my time, yet tere Lam alive and well. I calculate 1 can pull t Uys gc If I take a force with me 1 shall be very likely to find the house empty. Poh! there’s an adventure in it, and adventures are my meat. Here itis, right or left. If it drops te b I will try it on.” up his finger with the letter balanced vpon & It rested steady Sor a moment, and tuen ghewky toppled over, and fell to the right, The % has it. Chance has got me into it, les chumeo get me out of it. I will take on the adveuture.” A nigh#’s sleep did not change bis resolution. In one particular, however, he did not obey the aireotions of his correspondent. He was not Dendy oa srite, to burn the letter, On the con- trary, he replaced it within the envelope, and redirected it to “Tom Parsons, Central Police tation.” ‘‘1f Iam not here by twelve o’clock,” he re- marked, *‘take this letter instantly to its direc- tion, and tell Mr. Parsons that I left home at nine o'clock this morning. He will know what todo. If he is not there, ask some of the other officers to open it.” Thais arrangement made Dave dress himself more suitably for the enterprise in hand, don- ning a suit of strong, dark cloth, and leaving all bis foppish airs bebind him with his dandy- ish costume, ‘‘Tam not going to play the fool to-day,” he remarked with a smile. ‘‘1t is men I have to deal with now, not women; aud I fancy this will do my work better than a soft tongue.” As he spoke he placed a small, silver-mounted revolver in his pocket, first trying the chambers to see ibat they were all charesc. “When a lamb goes among the wolves the Dashing Dave. lamb should have the claws of a wolf,” he laughed. ‘ Here goes for my adventure.” No one would have thought from Dave’s aspect that there was such a thing as peril in the universe. He nodded or chatted lightly with the friends be encountered, on his way to the desired regionup-town, |, Hilton street was in the thinly built-up por- tion of the city, and consisted of a few houses, separated by a considerable spread of open lots. No. 79s alone, with an open space of some width on each side of it, He looked at it with some curiosity. It was of three stories high, a narrow, plein, respectable brick building, of the medium class. There was certainly nothing suspicious about it, particularly in full day, with the sua shining uponit and through its open windows. ‘Deuce take it, I doubt if there’s to be much of an adventure after a'l,” thought Dave, as he walked to the door and boldly rung the bell, An ill-favored woman, with a masculine face, answered Lis ring. “She looked at him questioningly. “‘T have an appointment here this morning,” explained Dave. ‘Am | not expected?’ * “You're the gentleman then as was to call?” answered the woman, in a hoarse Voice. “You're to come right in, please.” Dave followed her As she led the way into the house, his eyes taking a critical survey of her appearance, * A strapping woman that,” was his mental comment. ‘‘And ugly enough to turn sweet milk sour. What under heaven are such crea- tures ever made for?” “Will ye please walk to the sitting-room, sir?’ she asked with a decided Milesian accent. He followed up the narrow flight of stairs. At the top they passed a door, apparently of a bath-room. The room to which the woman led was in the rear,portion of the house. The door was shut, and she stopped to open.it. In doing so sumething suspicious in her appearance caught Dave’s keen eye. With his usual alert- ness of action he grasped her shoulder and laid his hand upon his pistol. “So, my pretty friend, you are masquerad- ing, eh? t’s well done, my chap, but I’m not the sort for you to play the woman dodge on, It won’t go down.” With an oath the disguised fellow turned and made a quick grab at Dave’s arm, But he had the wrong metal to deal with. That arm shot out like a bolt from a catapult, took him in the right temple, and sent him sprawling half across the floor of the room whose door he had just opened, :: ‘You can’t play that on me, my friend,” said ave. He had no time for other words, for, at the same moment, a flerce blow fell apon his head, the room before him swam for an instant in his eyes, and then he fell like a log to the floor, ut- terly insensible. The blow had come from a hand armed with a slung-shot, that suddenly emerged through the half-open door of the bath-room, CHAPTER X. THE READING OF THE RIDDLE, ‘*By all that’s blue, Tom, I have it!” and Harry Hill started up with a look of immense satisfaction. ‘Talk about your riddles; I never saw one yet that I couldn’t guess if I gave it the time. . ** And I never saw one yet I could guess, if I ve it a century,” answered Tom Parsons, as @ nioved up, curious to learn the solution of the mys x “Tt is all a question of brains,” answered Harry, as he cast a quizzical look at Tom. “Na doubt. I’ve got enough of the kind, but mine ain’t that kind. But what is it? I’m all alive to know.” The curious ring diagram was spread out be- fore them... Tom gazed at it in hopeless uncer- eke it” rds, and d all ‘*T suppose it’s pass-words, and grips, and a that, ren TD axe says,” he averred. ‘‘I see through all that. But Ican make no more of your spider web than a cow could make of a persimmon. It’s Choctaw of the worst kind.” “See here,” answered Harry, pointing to a page of the city map which lay open. “ Lock at the run of the streets here. This broad line is Diamond street. Here’s Germantown avenue. Here’s Poplar street, Girard avenue, and so on. Have you got tha hang of them?” ‘Suppose I have, what then?” ‘* Just get the run of the streets in your eye, and then take a look at this diagram,” ' Tom did so, but stood scratching his bead in hopeless bewilderment, — —— ——_ a eee epee “T am looking at them,” he blurted out. ‘But VU be shot if I can see anything in them.” ‘Ts there not a resemblance?” Tom’s eyes opened with a sudden light. He bi Ae his head vigorously. “ Hang my stupidity! I ought to knock my- self down, for want of some other fool to prac- tice on. Why they are the same thisg. The confounded mystery is nothing more than a map of the twentieth ward of Philadelphia; and I was a jackass not to see it at a glance, for I know that region considerably better than { know the catechism.” ‘It’s the twentieth and the wards above. It’s nearly the whole northern side of the city, in fact.’ ‘*But what,in the name of Moses, does any fool mean by drawing out a map of the city in short hand, covering it up with grips and pass- words, and hiding it inside a finger ring? The clearer it gets the more ridiculous it grows. And these dots, red, white and black?” “ Are houses.” “ As sure as you live they are!” eried Tom, as enthusiastically as if he had made the dis- covery himself. ‘‘ This big spot is at the corner of Tenth and Milton. It’s the Blue Blade Hotel And here's Jack Sprout’s, at Mervine and Park. Both shady quarters. I’ve had my eye on them for many a day. There is something in it, after all, Have you made it all out, Marry?” “ You bet I have,” ‘‘ Then shell out.” I’m dying to know,” ‘It’s just the biggest thing that’s been dug up these ten year's. e fancied we were well up in thieves’ bead-quarters, Tom, but here’sa_ guide. to twenty new places that we never dreamed of. That confounded gang that bas been mak- ing Rome how] for the last year or two has nothing to do ae our Philadelphia pean ats I was sure of that before. But if | ain’t mis- taken we are on their track now, and have all their haunts spotted.” " ‘“Why, yes,” said Tom doubtfully, still look- ing at the diagram. ‘‘There’s a good deal that’s queer about it yet, though. What do you make of the grips and_pass-words, and the different colors?” , ‘‘There’s a word opposite every house,” an- swered Harry. ‘‘ That shows that each house bas its own pass-word. And at the top you see there’s three different grips, each opposite xu differentcolor. You see the use of the diagram now, with its different words and colors. If you'd try the white color grip at one of the black or red spots you'd stand a chance of being spotted with a knife-blade tor your pains, It's a very neat contrivance, Tom. These dens are, no doubt, marvels of innocence outside. But. every one of them has its thieves’ chamber, that nobody can enter without the grip and pars- word,” *“ And what’s in your eye, Harry! A raid in orce?” ‘‘T hardly know. We must first consult with Dandy Dave. It’s his mutton,” ‘But where in the world is he?, He was to le here by ten o’clock this morning.” _. “ And he is generally prompt to time.” “Except when he gets his eye on a pretty woman,” answered Tom, laughing, ‘‘ What is it, my boy?’ asked , turning to an intelligent-looking little fellow who had just entered, and was gazing around inquiring- a I'm wanting Mr. Parsons,” he said. ‘‘!s there a Mr. Parsons about here{” “ That's me,” answered Tom. ‘¢Then I was to give you this,’’ aud he hana- ed Tom a letter in an open envelope, Tom, seeing that it was addressed to Limself. took it out and read it, a queer expression cou- ing upon his face. He mused a littie,over its contents, . ‘I'll bet high that Dave has got into trouble,” he at length remarked, “He was always too venturesome, and this looks confoundedly like atrap. Read it, Harry.” _. Harry did so, knitting his brows over the strange epistle. ; ‘‘Tt looks blue,” he said. _ “ How came you to bring it here?” asked Tom of the boy. Wes ‘*My uncle Dave said if he wasn’t home by twelve. o’clock, | was to bring the letter to Mr. Tom Parsons, and he’d know what to do.” ‘“« What time did he go out?” asked Harry. *¢ About. nine o’clock,” Harry looked at Tom, and gave a low whis- « Squally weather,” remarked Tom, with u grimace, ; . “Thunder and lightwing im the offing,” r.-
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The lad left the room with a look of satisfac- lion. IRfthese two big meu promised to attend to it, it must be all right. ‘No, 79 Hilton street,” Harry fixed his eyes on the diagram. ‘‘Look here, Tom. This line should be Hilton street. And 79 should be about here.” ‘A red dot, sure as shooting,’ “Ti’s one of the dens of the been roped in, my hearty. And the password is ‘ Death!’ like that!” y “No more doI. We must move like light- ving. Every minute tells. You take it in Land, Tom. It’s just the job for you. Take half a dozen men and strike for No. 79.” “Trust me for that,” answered Tom, as he tossed on bis hat, and thrust a pistol into his pocket. ‘‘Dandy Dave, alive or cead, that’s iny motto, Andif they’ve done him a harm let them look out!” He left the room with a quick step, and a stern look upon his face. But we must return to Dave whose absence had created this sudden movement in his friends. Was he yet in the land of the living? At the moment in which we left him he had ust fallen stunned and helpless to the floor, paqgeed prostrate by a terrible blow upon the ad, How long he remained in this insensible con- d‘yion he never knew, but when he recovered h. found himself seated in a strong arm-chair, % which dis hands and feet were firmly bound. Meer him were two men, one of whom he guckly recognized as the person who had been manyuerading as a woman, The other was a savuge-faced, ill-favored chap, upon whose countenance was a continual scowl. Tt took several miuutes for Dave’s senses to fully return, during which he was in a dazed way taking in bis ‘surroundings. He found himsvlf in a very sparsely furnished room, with a sinyle window before his eyes, through which other houses were visible at no great distance, * After a few minutes’ inspection he turned to his ct. ptors, who were curiously regarding him. All bis native coolness had returned. He was one who always rose to the level of danger. “bis is very neatly done. my good friends,” he remarked, with the utmost ease of manner. **2ut there was no need to truss up a fellow gt. so tight. You might have left me room $2 juwn,” “You're a bit too handy with your fists,” re- plied the chap who had felt the weight of Dave’s vigk t hand, ** Poh! that was only a little love tap. Just to get acquainted, you know. If I’d hit hard thee wouldn’t have been a greuse-spot left of OV. The man addressed looked silly for the mo- ment. Then he broke into a laugh, “ Well, you’re a jolly one, I swear! Do you know, my funny fellow, that you’ve brought year pigs to the wrong market?” “Hardly, my lad. 1’m only an invited guest here, This is a ridiculously’ warm way of gree'ing a guest. 1 suppose you were afraid I right not wait for the company. You needn't have troubled yourself. I'l wait.” ‘ve a notion you will,” grinned the man. Dave looked around him irresolutely. It was important to gain time. Every minute might wount with him. exclaimed Tom. gang!” Dave's Hiere’s the grip. Whew! I don’t “We might as well spend the time pleasant- | fy.” he next remarked, with a smiling face. **Do you smoke?” ‘* Sometimes,” “hen just put your hand in my left band pocket. You'll find some cigars; Or if you don’t like to pvt your hand in another man’s pocket just untic my hand and Pl get them for you.” " “ Tain’t got no objections that way,” grinned the man, as he ihrust his hand into Dave’s pocket: und drew out the cigars. * That's clever. ‘There’s nothing like making yourself at home. Help yourstives, gentle- men. Give me one of the cigars. I don’t mind smoking with you, being as you are such jolly couipany.” The two men looked at each. other, and their faces broke into a broad grin. They hardly knew what tomake of this queer chap. In a few minutes more they were all three smoking, Dave puffing away at his cigar with as much apparent unconcern asif he was really with a party of his best friends. He was too wide-awake to ask these fellows about their ob- ject in capturing him. In fact he preferred to stave off business till the last minute possible, If he could only amuse his keepers for an hour or two more he would have tho game in bis own hands. By that time Tom Parsons would have his cue, ‘How do you like them?” asked Dave. “Blamed good cigars,” replied the man. The other had not yet spoken. They puffed away in silence for several min- utes, ‘If we only hada pack of cards,” remarked Dave easily, “we might have a neat game of euchre, I suppose ycu play?’ “You bet. But I guess you couldn’t do much without your nands,” : “You could untie oue of them, you know. You'd never find me running away froma social game,” The fel’ow laughed, “A neat coon, you are,” he said. we get our coons we Keep them.” ‘What’s the use of all this blasted chin music?’ growled the other men, now speaking for the first time. ‘‘ We ain’t got time to stay here all day palavering,” “That's so,” returned the first, rising from his seat, and coolly knocking the ashes from his cigar. ‘*Fan’s fun, and business is business, You're jolly good company, you are, and Vin kind of sorry to break up our galk, but we've got to look after business.” “Business, eh? Deuce take business!” ejacu- lated Dave. ‘Sit down and smoke, my lads, To tho dogs with business.” P an Maybe you don’t surmise what our business Ist ‘T don’t care a fig what it is.” “T thought you migut be interested in it,” said the cool viilain. ‘It’s only to knock you in the head, to be sure, and to put you under the ground,” ‘**And cs quick as thunder,” broke in the other, with a coarse oath. Ke rose from his chair and walked to a closet at the end of the room, from which he took a heavy bludgeon. , Dave's eyes opened wide. Affairs were cer- tainly approaching a perilous point. Ho re- solved to put into practice an idea which ho had been turning over ia his mind for the last ten minutes. It might work. ‘Well, this is a decidedly rough way for breaking up a social chat,” he said, ‘We ain’t got time to parley,” answered the man in an apologetic tone, ‘You'll let a fellow write a letter to his friends, at any rate?” asked Dave. “It mightn’t get to them,” said the man. “Oh, Vl trust you for that,” The two villains winked at each other. ‘TI guess we’il let you write it,” remarked the spokesman, ‘‘’Tain’¢ much ofa favor.” At Dave’s further request he was supplied with paper and ge, pencil, and one hand was re- leased in order that be might write, The two men stood by keenly watching his every move- ment. He wrote with apparent difficully a half dozen lines, “And now, my dear sir,” continued Dave, taking a small pices of sealing-wax from his vest pocket, ‘‘ will you be kind enough to soften this wax and drop it here? ITalways put my seal to my letters.” The fellow willingly did so, lighting a match and softening the wax in its flame. ‘* Just here, please.” Tue melted wax fell in ared spot on the paper, Dave pressed down upon it something which he had taken from his poc)zei. “T faney_ that will answer,” ho quietly re- marked. ‘You may read the paper to see that it. is all right.” He hended the document to the man, and leaned bac’: easily in his chair, though Lis eyes remained fixed keenly upon his villainous cap- Lors, A strong doubt was in his mind asto the effect of hisscheme. But it was quickly dissipated as he saw their eyes open to their fuil width, while an ashy whiteness came over their faces. ‘The seal of the grand lizard!” gasped the first, “* Death to him who disobeys its orders!” fal- tered the second. : **So, hounds!” eried Dave, ina voice of stern authority. “You would kill me, then? Re- lease me on the instant, if you would escape the fate you have merited!” With nervous haste ono of the men Crew a sharp knife across the prisorer’s bonds. He sprung to his feet, a free man Once more, CHAPTER XI. THE NEXT MOVE IN THE GAME. WILL Masters had not gone West. He had even given up his intention to go West—uat least, ‘* But when -~ it for the present, The skillful hints of Dave Darnly bad had that much effect upon him. **[ have more reasons than ove, dear Kate,” he said, in an interview with his lady love. ‘ OF course you are one, and not tle least of those reasons. But [I know you would wuit for me, no matter how Jong [ was gone. There is an- other matter that will not wait,” ‘“* What is that?” she asked, looking up with a stile, “Jt is the question of your lost brother,” he replied. “I deen it my duty to stay here and aid in the search.” **Oh, thanks! thanks!” she cried, with warm enthusiasm. ‘“*We have taken every means, end allin vain, It seems as if we shall never find him. I fear you will have no more success,” Her voice suddenly sunk into deep sadness, “TI may,” he rejoined, with gloomy resolu- tion. “Ihave some reason to foar—” he paused for a moment, asif he could notgoon. ‘TI fear —that my own father had something to do with this robbery.” ‘Your father?” she heard him with open lips and distended eyes, ‘““My father,” he replied, with more firmness. ‘* Tt is only a vague suspicion, Kute. Yet I tee! T havo duties even greater than those to a father. You know his hatred to your family. You know he discarded me because 1 would not give you up,” She pressed his hand in silent acknowledg- ment, ° P ‘He spoke of hatred and revenge. { fear he may bave sought to strike your parents other- wise than through you.” Oh, Will! this is terrible!” she eried,. “Tt is terrible to me,” he responded, in a low tone. ‘It is not that he has turned me out of doors, I wonld have taken the same steps if T had been fifty times an inmate of bis house, with my present suspicious.” “But; whet do you know, Will?) What hive you pores *” Ifer voice was full of cager en- reaty. “It may be nothing. You will keep it secret!” ‘*'Yes, yes!” “It is simply this, then, One year ago, at the time of your brother’s abduction, my father was absent from home for several days. “On business at Pittsburg, as we were given to un- derstand, I natiomibar: now, that. Jacob, ihe saturnine coachman we had then, was absent. at- the same time. And J have just learned teat our carriage was taken out after dusk on the day of my father’s departure, and did not re- turn until late in the vext day, On that same evening your brother was stolen.” She listened to him with clasped hands. Fer long-lost and deeply-mourned brother; was a. clew to him to be found at last? ‘“But do you know nothing more? How ¢h-)\ we discover what has been done with him?’ “The coachman left us shortly afterward. But I have lately learned where he now is, He may be induced to tell the truth about that mysterious expedition?” Ob Will! if you do find our poor Clarence, T will—f will love you ten times more thon } ever thought 1 could! My oor father avi mother! you cannot tell how Soaps they have mourned!” i “TI shall co all I can,” be resolutely replica, “no matter wl.o suffers, I would be a helper in the crime if I did less,” She pressed his band, and looked up into his face with eves that swam wilh warm tlaul..a!- nexs and love. But we must return to the others of eur characters. We left Tom Parsons just ,ctiiiy out to (he rescue of bis endangered triend, 5. was destined to be disappomted. On renebiny the house to which Dave Darnly had been in veigled, he stationed part of the small force os men who acconip, nied* him around it, so as Lo watch every avenue pf escape, With the xe- tmainder he made his way into the house, Thes< was vo difficulty in this entrance. The doc wns unlocked, and readily yielded to bis touch Drawing their pistols the searching party made their way slowly through the silent mansion, No sign of lite appeared. -The house seemed deserted. It was but sparsely furnished, cn gave the appearance of having bcen temporarily orcupied tor some special purpose, A few minutes sufficed to search it from to to bottom without the discovery of a living bring. “Confoun’ it alll” cried Tom, in a rage. “This is a complete sell. Have they knocked Davein the head and buried him in the cellar¢ Or have the hounds suspected this movement and carried bim off to soine other gent We must look closer, :ads,”
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i q \ { 12 They went over tie house again, examining tt with professional acumen. “See here!” cried one of the men, as he pointed to @ spot just outside the door of the room to which Dave had been taken. “It is blood, assure as you live!” Meantime Tom had picked up a strip of linen from the floor at ihe other end of the room. He examined it critically. “These two are tied together, and by no fool of a knot,” he remarked, ‘‘ And it has been cut in two through the middle with a sharp blade, Look around, Joe. See if you can find nore of the same kind.” The man addressed looked into the closet ad- joining, and there on a beap of rubbish, found twe similar cut strips, and a third one which seemed to have been knotted and afterward un- tied. fom surveyed these significant bandages with the keen eyes of a detective. “ It has a rascally suspicious look,” he consi’- ered. “I should imagine that somebody has beon bound hand and foot, and thei suddenly released. They have untied one of the bonds, and then got tired of that, and taken the knife to the others.” * And here’s a half-burnt candle and a bit of sealing-wax,” remarked another, taking these acts from the mantle, ‘and the match by which the candle was lit.” Tom seated bimsel!’, with these objects in his hand, and looked at them long and earnestly. His brows knitted curiously as he sought to ex- ace some meaning from these vague indica- ‘ons. After a few minutes thus employed he started quickly to bis fees. **Come, lads,” he said, ¢ecisively. ‘Our man isn’t here, that’s flat. The hounds have carried him off, and I am afraid it will puzzle us to tell how and where. But we must try to get on his track.” They left the house tcgether. At the same time a man, who had been carelessly standing by the fence a short distance down the street, moved from bis station and quietly strolled on to toe next corner. This point reached, he con- ceuled himself behind the fence, from which shelter he was able to observe the movements of the party of officers. It was evident that the villains had their scouts out. What, meanwhile, had become of dashing Dave nly? We left iim, in tie last chapter, just treed from his*bouds, through the influence of the lizard sea! upon his keepers. Vhe two nren looked upon thew late prisoner with affrighted eyes. **How could we know that you_were the chief?’ asked one, Ladeesogs pF **We got our orders from the sub-vhief of this district, We did not dare disobey them.” “Tf you had, I should bave ordered you to execution,” he replied, in a tone of authority. ‘The orders of the brotherhood must be obeyed. I am bere on a secret rnission,”’ ke continued, “and must not be known. Do not, on peril ct death, reveal my presence, even to the brother- You may invent some story of rescue to account for tmy escape.” The faces @f the two ruffians lighted up. The secret brotherhood was certainly stern and se- vere in its punishments, to put these hardened men in such mortal terror, “ Will we be protected?” asked one of them humbly. ‘+ Yes, I will answer for your oct Ee He coolly lit a match and rekindled his ex- tinguished cigar. A glass hung against one side of the room. At this he careiuily adjusted bis necktie, and ran his fingers torough his hair, which had been disarranged. “You had better get away trom these prem- ises,” he said tothe men, ‘They might prove dangerous. But don’t follow me toosoon. [ preter not to beseen in badcompany. Wo law- abiding citizens have to look out tor the char- acter of our associates.” # With a light laugh he proceeded toward the door of the room, the two villains following him with scared and Vin toed eyes. _ But escape was not to be made £0 easily as he ima For at this moinent heavy steps sounded on the stairs, and before our nonchalant friend could reach the door it was flung open {from ovtside, and four men walked into the room, At their head was cne whom Dave recognized at a glance as the leader of bis former captors. The tableau was an interesting one. The new- comers gazed with bewilderment on the freed r, who was walking away so coolly from bis "two keepers. A look of iury cv: » into leader’s face as he looked at these 1... ooo ‘‘' Traitors!” he hissed. ‘Is it thus you obey | well knew, and she was wise en "th toseck informa- orders? Have you forgotten the penalty of | tion by the back door in regaré 1 the secrets of the treason?” : es poeeee yo the oe pepe Be Oe de . . geht | Snout Dis Creanmiing o1 ib Cr OL BUSPICIONS Cit Dave, after a slight start on beholding this cumstances was scete pattie wuwin around Bently new danger, had relapsed into his previous non- | Masters. There was something very secret and chalance. He continued to smoke, regarding | mysterious in many of his mover.Mts. It mint lx the new-comers with easy assurance. important to have him watched in bis expeditious “Do you want me?” he quietly asked. At Sue’s suggestion a police scout Was put upen his **T faucy so,” was the grim response. track, and his every movement shadvwed, ‘ “All right, ' never object to good company.” | punting up Jacob, the man who had 1::ted ug coach: He took the opportunity, as his face was partly | man for his fath« ¥ at the time of the vvduction. turned to his previous captors, to make thema| ‘There wasno great difficulty in fin'vy him. Ha warning gesturo. ‘ As for these good fellows,” | was now driving for a Mr, ompkivw, of Logan he continued, “‘ you needu’t be angry with | Square. But untortunately for his quevt Jacob had them. They are not the keenest witted chaps | hed oh teeth cut, and did uot respo".d to purmp- in the world, as I had just convinced them that | ington aie forthing, Be was Fite gle jgpnrent they had got hold of the wrong man. If you | 0b SHY fits attention Yea ho’ ihitehs im? + it ye rae Mad | songht to call his atiention. Yes, he inight have hadn't been so awkwardly out of order in your | driven out at night, and on a eertair occasion, visit I would have walked out with a wholé | Couldn’t say that he had or hedn’t. Hid avery skin. Wiuy weren't you kind enough to have treacherous memory, and could not, for tie life of business elsewhere for ten minutes more?” pn gel a gg aoe sort, ‘with the feel | lil, &© last, te In despair, and with vune leei- iad Retour Ex “A = Foe Soin wie Anh cee ing that the silent Jacob had been paid to have a bad ha binds ened grating Sabah & 5 J? po penne! Evidently, if avy thing Was Lo be gah out b , : a f him, it naust be hy some other means, * Hang me, if you don’t take things. coolly!” With this brief pe ae at what is going on else- he ‘ejaculated. ** Snatch him, men! He is as | where we must return to the adventures of Deady sharp as a steel-trap, und cunning as ‘a fox. | Dave, whom we leit ina somewhat unpleasant pre- Snatch bim!” dicament, Dave’s quietness, in fact, was that of the vol- But Dave had been in many a predicament in hig : ; life, and bad always proved equal to the occasion. cano. He wa on the very point of leaping | He had, in fact, escaped from very serious. peril on his foes, and opening a pussage to the stairs | within the last two hours, and therefore, when he with his sledge-hammer fists, when they leaped | now found himself locked up in a close »oom, ho upon him in response to this order. felt very little dread of the possib] 3 result be. He did strike a brace of blows, sending one | yout? he aitmiised, Poor Font hei bern dis fellow headlong to the floor, while a second >. 2 TN ee S reeled back against the wall, ’ But the others Paar gare ee i trobing me te Wun don were too quick to permit him to use his fists | At any rate I will find some way tw get out; and again. Hisarms were caught and hampered, and | meanwhile I think I will take a nap to pass the struggie as he would he could not esca from | time. It’s confounded tiresome waiting to be hun these strong foes, The two who had Melt the | orshot. Heigh-ho! I'd like to be out of this, an weight of his fisis were on him in a moment, eee td ple tome tay Be or But atl 9 J = a " and despite the athletic young man’s utmost | Qacting himself on a lounge that. eccupied one efforts, tis arms were drawn back and bound | corner of his room the reckless fellow was soon bebind him, 4 sound asleep. Nor was there any vision of gibbets His two former captors had stood irresolute | or pistols to disturb his slumbers. On the contrary during this movement. But for the gesture of | he dreamed that he was out with @ party of jolly warning ke had made them they would have Shem, reed Delaware perch as fast as he could : Ne Ni : raw up his line, Seal ha “5 * the aan it was they fancied that | “He was roused from his slumber by a sound at e chief of the lizard fraternity must have | the door. Opening his eyes lazily, he saw that a strong reasons for wishing to preserve his in- men had just eaered, the ponte, bewing with hina cogpito, the requisites to a good meal, ° At this moment the bell of a neighboring He arranged the dishes leisurely upon the table, clock struck the hour of twelve. The leader of | fing his eyes curiously upon the recumbent pris- oner the whiie, ; This steady gaze at lengih aroused Dave's attene tion, He opened his slecpy eyes and returned the |} man’s look. It was with a slight start that he re- the villains started. Time was rapidly passing. Their pelamer might have loft orders for pur- suit. It would not do to dispose of him here. He must be removed to a safer place before a rescue could be attempted. , A hasty conference took place between the — rose on his elbow, and looked toward this pere villains, It was followed by the dispatch of | °". ere ‘ “ one of them down-stairs, or parently $0 see if | a ORS Hi mespenmareder "Hae iney. eee the coast was clear, The prisoner continued to “Fist!” cautioned the man, with bis finger to his smoke as ecolly as if he were at liberty. Evi- | lips. “There are others on guard. Bvt they are dently no immediate viclonce was intcnded,:| friends of mine, and IJ got the privilege cf bringing and he was not one to worry over distant | ae tegey age fo he ae te fining’ sir? aves my trouble, ; : ee Arcee = sy * In a few minutes more he was conducted | > Go aes panne a Psp me own the stairs by two of his captors, ‘The | “What is in the windy” he asked. “ Any more leader turned to-the two men who stood with | skull-cracking plans, eh?” pale faces awaiting the conclusion of this scene. “Not just now,” answered the man ies ‘Follow me,” he harshly commanded. ‘ You | “But there may be to-morrow, We con't i.now may have been deceived by this keen-witted | Counsels of the chiefs.’ fellow. Weshallsee. I will give you an op- ccgnized one of the two men from whom he had se shrewdly delivered hiroseif that morning. I will tell you when to act. Yeu had bel.ucr go now, They might, suspect you if you linger bcre.” ‘The man had reached tke ccorcn kis ceparture when alow round frcm the pritoncr’s lips caused re turn. A new thought had come to Dave's min “Is there not,” he asked, “with this civision of pe brotherhood, a young lacy mamcd Lucille Lrnes- ine?” The man slightly started. ; “Thave seen such a lady,” he answered, “I did not know—"’ ** Yes,” interrupted Dave. “Ihave let you into a secret, which you must carefully keep. The aay was badly hurt, pereps Lied, a week Cr eo ago, have no late advices of her corditicn, I wich you te find out, secretly, and report to me.” The man hesitated an.cmecnt. “Can I show the scal cf tho chicf, if necessary?" ¥ “Yes. If necessary. Not otherwise.” 4 Again makingya sign cf sil.nce the man left thei room. f) “Good, co far,’’ ond Dave turned to his supper é with an appetite. “You can lock your doors to | same purp with the gullible public. In fact, | your heart's ccntent, so long as I hevea fiiend on however, the matter yet remained a complete mys- | the outside. The tellow verily believes me the chict tery. of this brotherhood cf scoundrels, If I can only in other quarters events were in moiion. Sue | keep him quiet now, and work my game well, lmcy Dart, Dayo’s lady associate, was graduelly progress- | get to the bottom of the kiggesi thing thet bs ing in her objeci. She had made herself so agreea- | turned up for the last twenty years, Lut the fr ble to the female members of Mr, Masters’s house- | of Lucille is the first thing to learn, Iwail rise il hold that her visits there were gladly welcomed, | the rest for that.” and she was gradually getting bits of useful infor- Imprisonment did not spoil Deve’s erpctite, 1 a mation from these loquacious ladies. The kitchen Svas not long in making wey wiih the picritiri ci usually has a shrewd idea of what is going on in the | per which had been provided. parlor, andthe kitchen is ready to talk where the But sleep did rot come as soonas usual thet pip? parlor would prefer to keep silent, This Sue very ‘ The long nap which he had takenin the eiternocn, “That is all right,’ replied Dave. ‘‘Kcepathand, ae to prove your faith to the brother- h A dark cloth was thrown over Dave’s head, and he was rapidly hurried from the dcor of the house. In a mcment he was fcreed into a earriage, which evidently stood just before the door, It was ariven rapidly away. This journey lasted ior half an hour, when the carriage again stopped. He was taken from it with the same precaution, and folt that he was being Ied into another house. The door closed with a clang behind him. He was again a prisoner. CHAPTER XM. A FRIEND ON THE OUTSIDE. Meanwmiie, in ovher directions, things were mov- ing on, The effort to discover the robbers of Knight & Rogers’s store was yet without any visible results. The authorities, of course, had clews; they always have clews, or profess to have, which answers the
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wash Ty) ame a arm the auxiety Which he felt about Lucille, kept him long awake. here was a hope in his mind that bia emissary might return with some tidings, and he waited with all« lover’s suspense while the slow howrs glided by. Stumber at lengeh ended his long vigil. It was full morning when he wakened. Dave's sleep was a lit- tle like that of the cat. The least unusual noise awakened bim. It was now the opening of the door that called him to consciousness. He looked up eagerly. - 1t was the man he hoped to see. He brought with him the prisoner’s break- fash. “{ could not como before,” was his ca:twous re- mark. ‘I had to have some pretext.” Dave restrained his impatience while the man ar- ranged the table. It would not do to display too mueh eagerness. He leaned back in his easiest at- titude, and quietly watched the movements of his visitor, The latter quickly accomplished his task, and then approached. “T have found her," he said, cautiously. sia heart leaped, but he forced himself to be caim, “ Alive or dead?’ he asked, in a tone of uncon- cern that told little of the feeling at his h@vrt. “‘ Alive, and well. She was only slightly hurt. She has recovered, “'Thank God!” was the mental a a of the hearer, though no sound passed his lips. He re- mained silent for a full minute, his heart throbbing with joy. His emissary waited insilence for his next orders. “It is necessary that I should see her,” Dave at length remarked. ‘‘ There is important business of the brotherhood which requires that we should have an immediate interview. Can you bring her here?” “Doubtful,” the man responded. “I will try. But suppose she refuses to follow me? What shail I tell her?”’ “Here,” answered Dave. ‘Give her this. You will need ay home He took the d ring from his pocket, and wrapped it carefully up, without letting the man see what it was. ** But if the guards refuse to pass her?”’ “Don't fear. She will bear a token of authority which they dare not refuse. Hasten now. Every minute is important." The man left, w.th a look of satisfaction upon his face. It was no light thing for him, one of the hwmblest members of the great brotherhood in crue, to become the trusted emissary of their dreaded chief. Again the slow minutes passed by.. Breakfast was soon dispatched, though not without some appre- uension of poisou inthe food, Yet he had sufficient trust in the good faith of the man who had brought it to take a certain amount of risk, particularly as he had a marvelously fresh appetite just then, “T trust my man will not fail,” he remarked, as he uneasily paced the room. “But there may be a dozen things to hinder. Why didn’t I have him bring me a pistol or knife, or some weapon? I may have to fight: my way out yet.” The minutes lengthened into hours, and still he kept up his uneasy walk, At length the sound of voices came to him from beyond the locked door. tie listened eagerly. Was that a woman's soft ves? For several minutes, the conversation continued. ‘Then he heard the slow opening of the door, He stood with eager eyes, In a moment more if was thrown open, A silken shhamer cane from the shadowy space beyond; the gleam of a remembered face, 7 With difficulty he ee ea oes gure advance into the roo th a face c 4 fro pale to red. He heard the closing of the door, and the sullen click of the lock, nd then he started forward.’ Lucille!’ “ David had . In a moment they were in each other's arms, his cyes on that dearly-loved face, his lips on that rweet mouth, “Though I “Mine! Mine again!” ke exclaimed. j2ourned you as dead!” Jéne said nothing, but yielded in happy content to lis warm embrace, CHAPTER XIil. THE THIEVES’ TALISMAN, Tem Parsons’s efforts to track the abductors of his friend proved futile. The marks of carriage- wheels were found just outside the door, but they were quickly lost. Inquiry proved useless. No one liad observed any special carriage. The passing of carriages in that locality was too common to excite any attention, Tom was utterly bafiled, and return- ed to the city quite erestfallen, after leaving a man te watch the suspected house. ‘ Dave hasn’t been here?’ he questioned Lieu- tenant Hill, on reaching the police head-quarters, No, Has he escg ? “Lam afraid not, Only he’s such a slippery coon that I thought maybe he might have sid through their hands. They'll be wide awake if they get the Lest of Dave Darnly, now I tell you.” * But wh die pee discover?’ It looks as if they had countermarched on cute Tom Parsons.” a ee, confound them, But I'll tell you all about st,”* Iie proceeded to describe the result of his in- vestigation, Horry listened with deep interes:, and remained silent for some time after the story had concluded, “Well, that’s the whale of it,” said Tom, im- Dashing Dave. 13- patiently. ‘What's to come next?’ I thought | had long since been ready, moved vp, and quickly you’d be ready with some good idea,” “It isthis party that Dave has been trailing that has carried him off,” suggested Lae g “Tt don’t need a prophet to tell that.” “Very well. We have the whole thing here ina nut-shell,” and he laid his hand on the diagram. ‘*No doubt he has been taken to one of their dens. What follows? Wemust make a raid on them.” “ By thunder, yes!” cried Tom, springing up and cracking his heels. ‘“‘A good thought. I knew you'd hit the bull’s-eye.” “ A vaid in force,” continued Harry. ajready one of their dens under guard. just twelve more, according to this diagram. e will strike them altogether, and in force, Say a half-dozen good men to each, with a widea-wake leader,”’ “Good,” answered Tom, ‘I'll take one. only knew how to use the pass-word and gripe we might walk into their affections before they knew what was up. I'll take thisred spot for mine. I think I know the se, It’s a lonely sort of old mansion, on Meeting Hcuse Lane, well ont of the city. Just the place they would be likely to take a prisoner to,” ‘Red. That means war, Tom, Ill take this white spot for mine. Igo for peace, you see.” “AndTI for war to the knife,” answered Tom hot- * You have There are If we ly. “These coons have got tolook outfor them- selves when I go for their mutton.” ‘You bloodthirsty wretch)” laughed Harry. ‘* But [leave it to you to work it up, as I have other affairs on hand just now. It will take all afternoon to organize the parties. We can make our descent in the morning,’ “T doubt if they'll relish a yery early call,” turned Tom, “But leave it tome. I will get the thing in shape before night.” He turned to leave the room, but was hindered by the opening of the door, and the entrance of a per- son well known to him, ** Good-afternoon, Sue,” he said, as that trim little womanentered. “ Glad to see you. On business, I vat on ‘Yes,’ she briefly answered. “Where's Mr. Darnlyr” “Gone up,” returned Tom, Philistines. If you've got an “Fallen among the fish that wants qv ick ave. Is it somet ing b? frying you can’t wait for about t trail he per 70 on? The Masters jo “Yes,” she responded. “‘ But I don’t understand. Where is Mr, Darnly?”’ Harry, who had just stepped up and greeted their lady visitor, explained. Sue’s face 2b long as she listened, for Dave Darnly was one of her special ad- miratious. “We've got them nailed, though,” Batty conchae. ed. ‘Don’t fear but that Dave will be free again before noon to-morrow. But what have you learned about that other business? You can safely let it out. Tom and I know the whole affair.” Sue proceeded to tell that Bently Masters had been followed on one of his raea ons, and had been traced to a camp of Gipsies, which had recently come into that neighborhood. “]T doubt if it was to have his fortune told,” she continued. “I have learned that a party very sim- ilar to this was in the same ese a year ago, abou the time that young Thorndike was stolen, have not been seen siuce until now.” “That looks suspicious,” remarked Harry. “ But if it was they that stole the child they would hardly have brought him back with therm.” “T have looked through thar camp, as farasT could without creating suspicion,” continued Sue. But Iean no young folks there but a lot of copper colored little vagrants. There is none that could possibly answer to young Thorndike, “That is not so sure,” answered Tom, “These rascals can easily make black white, * They would not be long in changing a fair skin into the deepest coffee color. Where is this camp, Sue? Here isa city map. Point out the spot on it,” After some minutes’ careful examination Sue her finger upon a poiot near the right border of map. “This must be about the place.” Harry looked at Tom significantly, hand on the diagram. : ‘They 99 and laid his placed sentinels around the suspected mansions, The remainder moved toward the doors. Tom Parsons, on account of the isolation of the mansion he had chosen, led a somewhat larger party than the others. At the stroke of ten a number of these were placed on guard around the house, ‘This proceeding was unobserved from within, for no per- son was visible at door or window of the raansion. It was a large, old tashioned, stone house, sur- rounded by various out-houses, and might bave been a residence of some of the nabobs of the period of the revolution. If so, time and neglect had sadly reduced its ancient dignity. . Tom Parsons, with the remainder of his party, drew up to the open front door of this mansion, While these efforts for the recovery of Dave Darn- ly weré in train, that worthy was not resting ecsy under the strain of imprisonment. The discovery that the lady of his love was still living, and her en- trance to bis prison, had for the time driven al other thoughts from his mind. But, the first trans- port of joy over, the question of escape became again a prominent idea. “*Something must be done, Lucille,” he said. “1 do not care for ey but your entrance here may endanger you if these ruffians learn of it, Can we not devise some plan of escape?” A smile came upon her face. “Tyust me for that,’’ she replied. “The et ring will be our ‘open sesame.’ Nota man here will dare to disobey Have you used *it, as I ad- vised you?” “ Yes, and saved my life by its use.” “J would not have credited that fellow you sent to me but for the , she replied, as she showed it to him upon her fi er. “We will try its effect upon his associates, ‘A significant knock which she gave upon the door ca it to be opened from outside. stern-laced fellow held it open, while he gazed within, 3 ‘ou wish to come out?" he asked. ““T wish for myself and Mr. Darnly to go free,” she answered in a hau derisiv: The jailer laugh ay. * Hardly,” he replied. “There is no objection to © papers your going, But he has not got his discharg et. She made a gesture, which caused a look ef su rise to come upon his face, “ By whose orders!’’ he asked. ° “ By the orders of the Lizard Chief.” “No, no, my lady. That willnotdo. I am under orders now of the sub-chief,”’ “This cancels all minor orders.” 7 She lifted her hand and held before his eyes ring Oe glistened upon ber finger. The man fell back as if he had been struck, His eyes distended in astonishment, The ring acted like a talisman, Ata sigual from Lucille’s hand Dave followed her through the open door, They found themselves in a gort of ante-room, which was oceupied by four per- sons. The prisoner instan Y two of them as his saat ee of the previous pe. The was the man who had just started k from door, The fourth now rose and came forward. “What in the fiend’s name does this mean?" he exclaimed, ' ‘Back! on your life!" ordered Lucille, confront- tne bisn. “Do you dare question the signet of the The ring flashed before his eyes. It had the game effect upon him as upon the others. He fell back with a like gesture of astonishment. There seemcd to be a wonderful potency in this mysterious ring. The captive walked through his keepers with as much impunity as though they had been smitten by a lightning stroke, He deigned not to |} at then as they moved with respect from his But he was not destined to escape so easily. For at thisinstant the outer door suddenly opened and two men entered the room. One of them was the man who seemed to act as leader of this division of the gang. The other was a strauger,a man of small frame, but with the eye of a hawk, and a louk of stern resolution about his mouth. Lucille fell back, with suddenly paling face, as her” eyes beheld this visage. ‘“ What does this mean?’’ asked the leader sternly. ‘flere it is,” he remarked in a low tone. “A black | “ Are you all bewitched? poenceayt found two of spot, Are these Gipsies in the gang?” you setting this stranger free st my express “Tooks confoundedly like it,” muttered Tom. ofders. ‘o-day two of my most trusty men are “You had best strike out then.—All ieee,” he continued, turning to Sue. “I wid see that our Gipsy friends are myvestigated. Butit had better be left fill to-morrow, Then we will likely have Dave Darnly to help us. 10 is his job, and I would rather not take it out of his hands.” This idea suited Sue toa fraction, for she had a most exalted idea of Dave's abilities. She left with an intention of rag oa 3 a close watch on the roving fortune-tellers in the hope of some possible dis- covery. a By hight Tom Parsons had everyting: prepared for the intended raid. There were twelve places to be visited and searched, and for this twelve parties were organized, consisting of six men each, a deteo- tive officer being at the head of each party. Ten o’clock of the next morning was the time fixed for the raid, a simultaneous descent being in- tended, so there could be no p ble warning given, There was good reason to, believe that a part or the whole of Knight and Rogers’s lost, goods might turn wp, asa resulcoftheenterprise. The two organizers of the party felt quite sure that something would be found to justify their descent, if it were nothing more than a kit of burglar’s tools. Ten o'clock sounded from a hundred clocks throughout the great city. The raiding parties who turning traitor. What am 1 to understand by this?" ‘* We dare not disobey. We have been ordered to release him on the authority of the lizard seal.” * Ha!” cried the leader, with a start ‘*Hold!” came in @ calm, stern vdlee from, the stranger. “So, Lucille Ernestine,” he continued, turning with a sneer to the pale woman, “this is your handiwork. 1 is to this use you bave put my ring? Have you forgotten the penalty?” . a have not!” cried Dave, snatching @ revolver from the pistol-pocket of a man near “ Protect me, men! Down with these traitora! On the authorit y of ihering I command it!” The four men, somewhat irresolutely, ranged theraselves at his back. For a moment it looked as if the two intruders would be overborne, But the , or change a line in his countenance. He sim w open his coat aml revealed a peculiar! “T am your chief” he said, in a loud, commend- was stolen. ‘Seize them both. to the brotherhood.” stranger did not move a s' te shag
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—— - Se She had! just grasped it, when there came a sound of steps without, and a quick knock upon the door. A significant look passed between the two leaders. The chief signed with his hand to the door. The oehey tarde and put his lips to the key-hole of the portal “Who comes?” he asked. “A friend,” came in deep tones from without. ** No friend can enter without a name.” ** Milton,” came back cna vog the door It was the correct pass-word. The speaker rose and opened the door a slight in- terval. He extended his hand through the open- ing. It was grasped from without in a peculiar gripe. “Our friend can enter,’’ he said, loosening the strong chain which yet held the door, and which he had adjusted before opening it. “Ha! what treachery is this?” he exclaimed, as he saw the face of the man without, “ Help, here! We are betrayed!” He pushed the door to with all his strength, and sought to fasten it. But at that instant there came a quick, sharp report, and his arm fell helpless to his side, pierced by a bullet. It was Lucille who had fired. She had revenged herself for the wound which this man had given her on a former occasion. The chief sprung to take the place of his helpless confederate at the door, but he was too late. For there came a surge upon jt from without, whieh flung it wide open, and a half-dozen of resolute-looking men, pistol in hand, rushed into the room, Tom Parsonsat their head. “Down, ye hounds!” he cried. “The man that draws a weapon is nailed! Ha! Dave! Are you there?—Surremder, ye light-fingered rogues, or we'll make mince-meat of you all!” Some of the men looked asif inclined to fight, but the gleam of that, array of pistols, and the stern faces behind them, was too. perilous a fact to dis- pute. The chief recognized the uselessness of re- sistance, Fie was standing by an open. window, ee bgt ype 1 gran ran to the ening, but he ready lea again from a ehed on which he had landed. - “Let him go, The boys, below will nab him,” he gaid, philosophically. ‘*We've got you out of the w Dave, and that’s our main object.” ,CHAPTER XIV. A point the raid had’ been T every poin e d been successfull made. Some of the houses, however, were em 4 Others contained only innocent seeming families, with no trace of any contraband materi But in several instances eval found that persons were captured, and material found that, apparent] been stolen. Here and there, alseythe iniplements of burglary were discovered. But the most essential find was made at the den which Tom Parsons had raided. Although the chief: ef the gang escaped, his subordinate, and four others had been captured. Anda close search of tie house revealed the. strongest, evidence of their galt. For ina cunniip! concealed closet which was discovered in one of the u mine of stolen goofs appeared, was a rich disple We have said that the raid was comyletely suc- cessful. This is a slight error. As we already know, one of the suspected poiats was occupied by the Gipsies’ camp. It had been simply intended to put this under surveillance, until a force could be gathered strong enough to safely search ft. But when the party chosen for this dnty reached the round it was to find that tlio G!nsios had decamped, andthet only the de?risof the camp remained to attest their occupation. It was not long before Dave was put in possession of all the facts which had transpired since he had been made prigoner, "These comprised the decipher- ing of the diagram, fierai? upon the dens of the bur¢lars, the new facts which hed been discovered in relation to the abduction of Clarence ,Thorndike, and Sue Dart’s suspicion of the Gipeics, “Then I'm your man for that,” cried. Dave earn- ectly. “Trust me to interview our distinguished visllorg from Esypt. V’ve a notionTean outgipsy them, keen witted as. they are.”’ Taltnug Lucille to the ey and leaving her with soins friends, Dave proceeded to put this important o ject tn train. He soon learned of the removal cf tie Gipsy camp, & fact which, in connection wi’) Bonily Masters’s late visit. to it, Increased his suspi- cions, -Asfor Bue Dart she toohad disappearod. Tom's idea was that she was in pursuit, of The Gip- cs. . “Sue will watch them I’ke a cat watching a mouse," he affirmed, “There is no danger of their Sr ecing her, for she is just brimfulof Cioeratics, in ga Know whatafox they’ve got on their rack “T Gon't: caspecs f) whl t> roy hand fo tires ‘ Dave. Dashing them,” remarked Dave. footed. But I want to get my eyes on Will Masters first. He may have learned something.” He was wide awake enough to make his first in- uiries for Will at the house of Mr. Thorndike, shrewdly conceiving that his lady-love would be best aware of his place of residence, As it proved, however, Miss Kate wasnotat home. She had gone out for a walk on Schcol Lane, a beautiful rural street adjoining Mr. Thorndike’s residence. Dave quickly took the same direction, with a strong suspicion that he would be most likely to find Will Masters in this manner. Nor was he wrong. He had not gone far ere he perceived the object of his quest, in company with Kate Thorn- dike. They were strolling along with all the inti- mate confidence of two young lovers. They started slightly, and drew a little apart, on hearing a voice accost them. “Tixcuse meé,’’ said Dave. ‘But I wish to speak with you on a subject of importance. Ihave heard something, Miss Thorndike, which may possibly lead to the finding of your lost brothe:*” **Oh! have you?” she cried, with clasped hands, “Heaven grant that you may succeed! Will you not tell me what you have discovered?” “Not at present,” he quietly replied. ‘It is too indefinite. But Mr, Masters was on the same quest. I wish to know if he has learned cs thing.” “Thave not,” rejoined Will. “There is a person from whom I expected to gain some information; but Ihave failed to do so.” ‘*1t may not be necessary,” answered Dave. ‘And there are reasons why it would be best for you to take no further step inthe matter. I fear it comes too nearly home to you. Can you, Miss Thorndike, give me auy points. by which I can re- cognize your brother? Or is there any household word or song which will arouse recollection in him?’ ‘Yes, yes!’’ she eagerly replied. “There is a lullaby which we used to sing Lim. It goes in this way.’ ' She sung a few lines inher fresh young voice, . Dave bumming after ber in order to catch the tune. ‘That will do,’ he ssid. “I think I haveit. He- was a little, blue-eyed fellow, was he not?” Kate gave him a minute description of her lost brother, an account.colored perhaps by Jove, but from which Dave managed to extract a clear con: ception of the child's appearance. “Thanks,” he rejoined. “‘That is allT will need. I hope I may be suceessful.”’ “Heaven send you may!’’ she fervently replied. The further quest in search of the Gipsy band did not prove so easy 48 Dave had imagined. He traced them with no great difficulty for some twelve miles from the city, but at this point he lost the trail. They had probably made a night flitting, since no one appeared to have observed them. A little ere he continued his inquiries, through the villages and at the farm-houses, until he had gained a point about twenty-five miles out. He was passing, ina vexed frame of mind, through a bamlet called Merton, with a strong incli tion to preetly widen his circle of inquiry, when he — y encountered what seemed a familiar ace, It was & young, lady, dressed in a light summer silk, who played her parasol very coquettishly as she passed him, while a pair of laughing eyes were fixed upon his countenance. He passed her, however, but he had not gone far before he turned back, with that indefinite sense of recognition which one so often feels. The lady had turned back at the same instant. A puzzled look from Dave; a slight smile upon her face; and then he burst out with hasty energy, “Sue Dart, on my life! And I'll be shot if she didn’t shut. up my eyes with her masquerading! Well done, Sus. I didn't think you could do it.” “You don’t mow what I am equal to you see,” she saucily replied. “But whet brings you here, girl? You were trac'<ing the (insies. You have not lot them give you the slip?” “I fancy not,” she laughingly replied. *‘1 thought you knew me Letter than that.” “They are neer here, then?” “Not three miles ort. They are encamped in the woods there to the Ieft.” “Good. But what are the developments? Has anyth'ng turned un’”’ “Nothing sure,” she respondel, ‘I begin to fancy thet I am suspected, and have come to this town to change my character, Would you like to have your fortune teldy” “Yoq Dve a wea':noss that war.” “Wait for ma, then, I will be with you in ten min- | iS. : | two or three of the frolicsome children. utes.” He waited with paticacs, curtously surveying the country folks who passed, ond as cnriously sw- veyed by thera in furn. ways, seen in that rural region. The country folk were at loast stalwart heelihy, and the sa tryixom and rosy. and He stood easily ‘resting upon his cane, and surveying the | ssers, “Now thero’s on2 with the walx of a Juno,” he said to himself. “There's nothinge ike country air end conrtry livins to bring beenty {0 3 woman’s frase, and the gicw of health to her cheek. ones now—” : He paused in his solflocjuy, for there was an ur- doubted smile upon the giri’s lips. “Hang mefor a ninny if if isn't Sue Dart again!” **Meb ¢"d like to have your fortune told, gond sir?” asked she, with en aykwprd shake of her colico élirts, aad in a most rustic'dialect. Dave ghd merry. ° wil his tasty attire * and foppish airs, W25 a spectucls of a Kind not often | | | | | | him as ee nevy a 1 | the dusky wanderers. ee — — — - —S -— — ‘The girlis a real genius,” he affirmed. “Wo had best not be seen together, Sue. You go on, | will foll6w you at a distance.” “I’m not at all afeard of a good jooking gentlo- — company,’ answerd Sue, with a laughing Smirk, She turned and walked with the free step of a country lass out of the village. Dave let her reta considerable distange in advance before he hk ‘surely followed. . Three miles of a country road on a warm spring day is no trifle, and our city friend was a little re- lieved when be saw, close at hand to his left, the strip of woodland to which Sue had pointed. Just then a light carriage came whirling rapidly up the road, The single occupant gazed curiously out upon Dave returned the gaze. There was something familiar in the man’s face, but he could not tell what it was. He had now reached the skirt of the wood, and saw Sue apparently waiting for him, There was an earnest look upon her face. “Did you see him?” she asked, in a low, eager tone, “Sea whom?” “Bently Masters.” “Ha!” cried Dave. Hein the carriage?" “ Yes. ” “By Jove, the play is thickening! IT have never seen him before, but I know him now by his resem- blance to his son Will. Things are working, Sue. Where is this camp?” ** Just off here in the woods.” “All right. We had better stroll in separately.” In a few minutes they found themselves in the midst of a strange scene. A half-dozen Jong, low wagons, near which their well-fed beasts industri- ously cropped the grass, One or two long, oyal tents ‘ante of a dirty brown canvas. In their midst some dark-skinned, tramp-like men stretched lazily upon the ground. In the foreground were several favored women, who sought to induce a group of curious rusties to have their fortunes tok. As the two new-comers strolled in from opposite directions these Sibyls sought them as more proniis ing metal for their skill. « ‘My fortune, eh?’’ said Dave to one of the young- est of these dusky-skinned women, ‘ Very woll, wouldn't mind knowing what's to happen to me, if you can only promise me any good luck.” He held out bis hand, over which the woman bent, intently observing its lines. But with little heed to what she was saying or doing, his eyes roamed the precincts of the camp, particularly observing the children, of whom there wer a full dozen, of various ages. But there was not a face or form among them that bore any resemblance to that which Kate Thorndike had described. are the woman for her profuse promises of gz luck and pag A life, 4o which Dave had paid not the slightest heed, he edged over toward Sue, whe was playing the part of a country girl to perfee- on, The group of rustics, encouraged by the good for- tune pon sed him, were now, with many a laugh: and blush, investing their loose shillings in the for- Pine mongers of the dusky ae maidens, “T don't make out the child,” Dave cautiously whispered. ‘“‘1f here he must be kept in conceal- ment.” ‘* Hist!” cautioned Sue. ‘ Bently Masters is here. I just caught a glimpse of his carriage through the trees, and one of the Gipsies has gone down in thot direction.” Ina few moments the man returned. He whispered something to the other men, who were in an instant upon their feet. Dave judged from their movements that there was an immediate intention to break up the camp. ; CHAPTER XV. THE CAMP OF THE GIPSIES. Tum women of the Gipsy camp were still engaged in telling the fo. tunes of their rustic visitors, while the mén lazily employed themselves in preparations for departure. Evidently enough the visit of Bent- ly Masters was at the bottom of this movement Dave rap the affair throu;zh bis mind as he strolled about the camp. Was. it the raid on the burglar. which had caused this alarm? If so thera could be little doubt but that the stolen child must be in the hands of these strollers. He bummed lightly as he walled leisurely abou | taking great apparent intercst in the movements © His Jow-bummed tune be- eame louder as he moved around to the rear cf the tents and the wagons. There was no one here but H6é was sineing the lwilahy which Kate, Thornd?he had taught kim. As he did so his keen eyes moved froin poimt-to point, heedfally watching every inci- cation Were the curtains of the wagon nearest him moving? It seemed to him so, as he swig move loudly a verse of his song. The cxrvas covering was indeed moving. Jt was partly prened eside by a slender arm. A swall dusky face appeared at the opening. Dave cou- tinued to sing, but his hand was raised with # gs | tura of warning. He had recognized the blue cres | and regular features of Clarence Thorndike. Tie That } | | lost clild wes found! The childish face drew back at his warning rs ture, His song ceased as he worked beck tows the group of Gipsies. The men were engaged 1: slowly harnessing their horses. Dave spoke a few words in low tones to Sue Dart. She started and her face grew deeply flushed at his words. They drew aside, and held a sbort, earnest conference, aftcr which they separated, Dave again a
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approaching the group of men, while Sue edged carelessly around toward the rear of the camp. Vive quiet minutes passed, The women were still weupied with their deeply-interested audience. Whistling lightly, and with his hands thrust deeply into kis pockets, Dave stood watching the lazily- moving men. At this moment, aecry of alarm, ina childish voice, arose from behind the wagons. The men started. Oneof them ran hastily back, unheed- ing the gentlemanly-aressed visitor, who managed to stand directly in his way. The consequence was that he stumbled ove, Dave’s foot, and fell head- long and sprawling to vhe ground, He immediately scrambled to bis feet again, a fierce curse breaking from his lips. “You stupid donkey,” he began. | | } | | | | Before he could got any further, Dave’s hand | came with a ringing slap across his face, “TI don’t allow any road tramp to talk to me that way,” he said. The man’s eyes glared. Hehalf drewa wicked- lookin, knife. The other men ran forward ag if in- clined to take pari in the fight. Instantly a pistol gleamed in Dave’s hand. “Tf it’s to be six to one, Ul balance the odds with a few bullets,”” he remarked. But the childish cries continued, and a couple of dirty faced little-vagabonds came hastily running | in. ‘*She’s nabbed the Kid! She’s nabbed the Kid!” they cried. A look of fear and anger passed over the faces of the Gipsies. Several of them sprung forward, and ran hastily around the wagons. Dave’s eyes fol- Yowed thera, There was no sign of Sue. He had been simply seeking to gain time. But now, Park no further heed to the ag he moved off through the woods in the opposite direc- tion. In a minute or two he had left the camp be- hind him, and was in close proximity to Bently Masters’s carriage, which stood justewithin the edge of the woods. Its occupant was not visible. He had apparently gone deeper into the woods, with his psy associate. From the direction of the camp came loud cries, mingled with curses. Dave looked anxiously through the trees. But his eyes lightened up when he saw a woman’s form ap- roaching him with the speed of the fabled Atalan- It was Sue Dart, who had made a rapid detour in the forest, and was hastening to gain the carriage. Through the folds of her shaw] was partly visible the head of the rescued child. “Quick!” cried Dave, hastily cutting the strap that confined the horse. ‘‘ Gloriously well done, Sue. In with you like lightning, for the wolves are on your heels.’ e led the horse into the road as he spoke. The sound of shouting and cursing voices grew nearer. He sprung into the carriage himself and seized the reins, “Bond low,” he cautioned. desperate. There may be bullets flying.” A sharp touch with the whip and the horse leaped forward, just as the noisy pursuers broke into the read a few yards above. “Stop, or we’ll check you with a bullet!’ came a loud, threatening voice. A mocking laugh was all Dave's answer. A bullet came whistling past, while the swift- footed > 2 igen leaped forward like hounds on the track of the rapidly trotting horse. “ Halt!’ came in yet sterner tones, * That is Bently Masters’s voice,” said Sue. Dave drew his own weapon as a bullet passed through the rim of his hat. He set his teeth firmly, snd touched the horse more keenly with the whip. The animal sprung suddenly forward, by good for- tune perhaps, for the sound of a volley of pistol- shots was heard behind them at the same moment. “You will have it then!” he angrily exclaimed, as me turned and fired back at the noisy pursuers, There was a loud cry; a man threw his arms up wildly into the air; and then they saw no more. ‘The horse had dashed around a curve in the road, and the infuriated pursuers were no longer visible, “Good for our side, Sue!’’ cried Dave joyously. ‘* We have distanced the rascals. And one of them, I fancy, has got his rations. You have struck the right child?” i me for that,” , he threw off the enveloping shawl, and revealed the pretty face of a boy of some six years of age, who was clinging Geaperately to her, while his eyes were full of fright. is face had.been stained of a dirty yellow by his captors, but the likeness to Kate Thorndike was evident at a glance, “You won’t let them have me again?” asked the child plaintively. “No, indeed, my boy. They sh. ILnever have you again. That shot told, Sue. They have given up the pursuit.” We must hasten over the remaindeér of our story. We have carried our characters forward tothe eul- niination of their purposes. The dens of the bur- glars have been discovered, their gang dispersed arid partly captured, and the proceeds of several large robberies regained; among them the whole of the stolen goods of Knight and Rogers. And now, througn the aid of Dave Darnly and his shrewd associate, Sue Dart, the lost child of the ‘Thorndikes has been happily rescued. We can seareely deseribe the joy that reigned in ‘‘These fellows are. | jn their favor. ] | that household when their recovered darling was | placed in their arms, or the heartfelt thanks which | were showered on the heads of the keen-witted and. fortunate rescuers. , Bui there are othcr events of importance to be yet described. Dave DVarnly lost no time, after reaching the nearest down, in leading out a party fir {ha ceepture of the Gipsies, on the charge of “Dashing Dave. ~ child-stealing. He was too late, however. They had decamped, and were already miles away. But they had left behind them a dread record of the late fight. This was the body of a man, stretched cold and dead on the fallen leaves of the forest, his face cov- ered with a dark cloth. On the removal of this, Dave recognized, with a start of surprise, the, face of Bently.Masters. His return bullet had struck home, and brought down the ringleader of the des- perate gang of kidnappers, Further efforts were made to arrest the remainder, but in vain. It was found that they had abandoned their camp equipage and disappeared, and no trace of their after movements could be discovered. As for the arrested burglars, the evidence of their rruilt was too’abundant to leave ashadow of defense They were, in the modern and ex- pressive phrase, railroaded into the penitentiary, each of them for a long term of imprisonment, The | chief, however, had escaped. After his alert leap through the window he had overturned the police- man who sought to stay his flight, and darted away into regions unknown, perhaps to reorganize the remaining branches of his wide-spread brother- hood of crime. There was one mystery yeb to be cleared up. Greatly as Dave Darnly had learned to love, Lucille Krnestine he could not reconcile this feeling with his knowledge of her mysterious connection with the | burglars. He lost nota moment in earnestly ques- | tioning her in regard to this matter. Her answer was a long one, though we will only trouble the reader with its main points. She was a native of New Orleans, an orphan, having lived there with some distant relatives. They had intro- duced her to a gentleman calling himself Russell Smith, who had paid earnest court to her, But there was something repellent to her in his | manner, and a mystery about him which made her | still more disinclined to accept his suit, He had seemed infatuated with her, and finally on the strong persuasion of her relatives, she had | accepted his suit, and had received from him as | engagement ring the nrysterious circlet which she had subsequently given to Dave, Before the time fixed for the marriage, he had | come to her in great haste, with the story that he | had to leave New Orleans at a moment’s notice. He | requested her to meet him in Philadelphia at a fixed date. She had, consequently, come North, and, by his directions, had culled at a certain house and shown the ring to a party described to her. She was. astonished at its effect, and at the obse- quious manner in which all the persons in this es- tablishment treated her. They, however, trusted | too much to her previous acquaintance with their character, and were Jacking in caution. It was not | long, therefore, ere she discovered that she had | been thrown among a gang of burglars and that the | ring she hore was the all-powerful signet ring of their chief. It was about this time that Dave Darnly made her | acquaintance, and that she inadvertently let fall | some hints which hls quick wit caught up, and which led to all the stirring subsequent events described in | the foregoing pages. She had never loved Russel Smith however. It was her own sense of loneliness, and the persuasion | of her relatives, which had induced her to accept | | | And now she would never have him; now, since— ‘Since you have met me, and found one whom ou can love for himself,’’ cried Dave, clas m3 he nhisarms. ‘I should advise Mr. Russell Smith, he wants to have a healthy time, to keep away from here.” There were two other lovers who nad become equall happy. Every obstacle had now been re- move Roae the path of Will Mastersand Kate Thorn- dike, and there was nvthing in the way of their hap- py marriage. It is true thatthe joy of Kate in her recovered brother was somewhat clouded by Will’sgrief at the terrible death of his father, But such a feeling, under | such circumstances, could not long survive. He was nolonger analien to the home in which he had been born and in which he had passed his childhood's years, while the large estate of bis father wes sow all his own. ‘ And so our story ends with two happy marriaces, that of Will Masters with Kate Thorndike, and that of Dave Darnly with Lucille Ernestine. We will not venture to say which of these was . likely to prove the happiest, for both pairs lived in a continual honeymoon. Dandy Dave however. still continued in the service, and is always on duty when a piece of work of peculiar delicacy or intri- cacy is to be handled, while his friend, Tom Par- | sons, is still always ready to lend a hand when any sort of rough work turns up. THE END. / we ee ee Serres | . The Sunnyside Library. | 1 Latia Rooxn. By Thonias Moore.... ........ 10¢c | 2 Don Juan By Lord Byron..........-..++-4... 20c 3 Parapisx Lost. By John Milton...... stor sl 4 Tee Lapy or tur Like. By Sir Walter Scott.. 10c 5 Lucie. By Owen Meredith,.... ... and otherwise.) The Dime Speakers for the seast ' of 1831—as far as now issued —embrace twenty-thit ' volumes, viz.: 1, American Speaker. | 13, School Speaker, 2. National Speaker. l4, Tudicrous Speaker. 3. Patriotic Speaker, 15, Komikal Speaker, 4. Comic Speaker. 16. Youth's Speaker. 5. Elocutionist. 17. Eloquent Speaker, 6, Humorous Speaker. 18. Hail Columbia Speak 7. Standard Speaker, er. 8, Stump Speaker, 19, Serio-Comic Speaker, 9. Juvenile Speaker, 20. Select Speaker. 10. Spread-Eagle Speaker | 21. Funny Speaker, 11. Dime Debater. 22. Jolly Speaker, 12, Exhibition Speaker, 23. Dialect ker, These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ete, They are drawn from FRESH sources, and contain some oft the choicest oratory of the times. 75 to 100 Declama. tions and Recitations in each book, Dialogues, The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, om brace twenty-eight books, viz.: Dialogues No. One, Dialogues No. Wifteen. Dialogues No. Two. Dialogues No, Sixteen. Dialogues No, Three. ‘DiaJogues No. Seventeen. Dialogues No, Four Dialogues No, Kighteen Dialogues No. Five. ‘Dialogues No. Nineteen. Dialogues No. Six. |\Dialogues No. Twenty. Dialogues No, Seven Dialogues No, Twenty-one. Dialogues No. Bight Dialogues No. nty-two. Dialogues No, Nine. i Dialogues No, Ten. Dialogues No, Twenty-four. Dialogues No, Eleven. ‘Dialogues No. Twenty-five. Dialogues No. Twelve. Dialogues No. Twenty-six, Dialogues No. Thirteen, Dialogues No.'Twenty-seven Dialogues No, Fourteen Dialogues No. Twenty-eight. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book. These volumes have been gs: 4 with especia) thy all school-rooms, ters suited to scholars of every grade, both male and female, It is fair to assume. that no volumes yet offered to schools, at any price, contain s0 many available and useful dialogues and dramas, serious and comic. Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents, ; For Schools, Par!o:s, Entertainments and the Am- ateur Stage, wee grey! Original Minor Dramas. Comedy, Farce, D ess Pieces, Hurhorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by 1 oted writers; and Recitations new :nd standard, of the gremost interest. Editéd by Prof, A. M. Russe], DIME HAND-BOOKS. ' Young People’s Series. Brapie’s Dun. OKS FOR Youre Provur cover a wide range of subjects, and are ospecty te adapted to their end. They constitute at once ifs cheapest and most useful works, yet put into the market for popular circulation. s Ladies’ Letter- Writer. Book of Games, Gents' Letter-Writer. Fortune-Teller, Book of Ktiquette, Lovers’ Casket, Boo} of Verses. Bali-room Companion, Book of Dreams, Book of Beauty. Kand-Books of Games. Beanur's Drie Hanv-Boors or Games AND Poputar RAND-Booxs cover a variety of subjects, and are es- pecially sag to their end. andbook of Summer Sports. Book of Croquet, Yachtity and Rowin Chess Instructor. ; Riding and Driving, Rook of Pedestrianism. Guide to Swimming. Base-Ball Player for 1481. Handbook of Winter Sorts, : Manuals for Housewives. Bravir's Die Fasriy Srrams aims to supply 1 ' class of text-books and manuals fitted for every pv s0n’s use—the old and the young, the learn the unlearned. They are of conceded value, 1, Cook Book. . 4, Family Physician, 2. Recipe Book. 5. Dressm ‘and \"}. 3, Housekeeper’s Guide. linery. Lives of Great Americans Are presented complete and authentic biorraphies of many of the men who have added luster to the er by their lives and deeds. The series em=, TACes: L—George Washington. | V1T.—David Crocket, - T.—John Paul Jones. .~ Israel Putnam. and 30.—MadAnthonyWayne|] IX.—Kit Carson, TV,—Ethan Allen. X.—Tecumseh, V.—Marquis. de Lafay-| X1.—Abraham Tiincoin. ette. _XTI.—Pontiae. VJ.—Daniel Boone. | S1L..—Ulysses 8. Grant. | The above publicstiong for cale hy all newsilestore or wil] be som post-paid. on raceint of price, ty BEADLE & ADAMS, 9S WiuwsaMm £7, 8. ¥
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—— Deadwood Dick, tHe Prince or roe Roap J Edward L. Wheeler. ellowstone Jack, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Kansas King; or, Taz Rep Ricut Hann. By Buffalo Bill (Hon, Wm. F. Cody). The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, THe Youna WANDERING JEW. By Ol! Coomes. Double Number, 10cts. Bill Biddon, ‘Trapper. By E. 8. Ellis. The Flying Yankee; or, THe OcEAN OvrT- cast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 8 Seth Jones. By Edward 5. Ellis. 9 Adveutures of Baron Munchausen, | 10 Nat Todd, By E.S. Ellis. 41 The Two Detectives. By A.W. Aiken, 12*°Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 13 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. 14 Aladdin; or, THe Wonperrot Lamp, 15 The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Illustrations.) 17 Ralph Roy, Tue Boy Buccanesr; or, THE Fuaitive YacutT. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 18 Sindbad the Sailor, His Seven Voyages. 19 The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. 21 Whe Frontier Angel, By Edward S. Ellis. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, THz Boy Rozsinson Crusor. By Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o’ the Night. By T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham. 25 The seg | Captain. By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoof, tar Burralo Demon; or, Tar Borprer Vouuitures. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, Tux Boy Guipz. Oll Coomes 28 Buflalo Ben, THE Prince or THE Pisrou; or, Deapwoop Dick oy Disauisr.. EB. L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, rst Recx- Less Ranger. By Harry St. George. 31 Keen-Knife, Princze or THE PRAinIES. By Oll Coomes. mona 32 Bob Woolf, tsx Borprer Rurrtan; or, THe Girt Deap-Snor. By Edward L. Wheeler. 383 The Ocean Bloodhound, 5. W. Pierce. 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Wwuirrizs’ Boy Spy 4 Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 35 Wild Ivan, tHe Boy Ciaupg DovaLjor, THE By Ed, L. Wheeler. 1 2 3 A 5 6 7 BROTHERHOOD oF DxEATH. 36 The Boy Clown. By Frank S. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde, Tue Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face, tHe Detective. By Wheeler. 40 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes, 42 The Phantom Winer. By E. L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Darling, tux Pony Express Rimpe. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 44 Ratt ing Rube. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, THE GREAT ANNIBILATOR; or, WiLD Epna, THE Girt Bricanp. FE. L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, THe Great SHor oF Tax West. By Capt, J. F. C. Adams. 47 Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh. 48 Black John, THe Roap-Acrenr. By Badger. 49 Omaha Oll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, THe Trapper. C. E. Lasalle. 51 The Boy RBifies. By Archie C. Irons. 52 The White Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle. 63 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., THe Boy PHenrx; or, THRroveH To DearH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 54 Ned Hazel. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 55 Deadly = Eye, tue Unknown Scovr; or, THe BRANDED BrorHerHoop. By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whifiies’? Pet. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 567 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler. 58 The Border a By Oll Coomes. 59 Old Hickory. By Ha St. George. 60 The White Indian. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship. By Col. P. Ingraham. 63 The Red Brotherhood, W. J. Hamilton. 64 aan Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill, By Jos. B. Badger, Jr 66 Single. Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 68 Border Robin Wood, By Buffalo Bill 69 Gold Rifle. By Edward L. eeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 71 Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. ’ 72 Mad Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Cauamrry JANE, ‘THE HEROINE OF WHOOP-UP. By Wheeler. 4 Hawk-eye Harry. By Oll Coomes, The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. Ingraham. Abe Colt, THe Crow-Kruter. By A. W. Aiken. Segehnwns aad | Charlie, Taz Boy Bravo; or, Deapwoop Dick’s Lasr Act. By E. L. Wheeler. Blue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid. Sol Ginger, Giant Traperr. By A.W. Aiken. Rosebud Rob; or, Nuacer Nep, THe KNIGHT oF THE GuLcH. By Edward L. Wheeler. Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. Kit Haretoot. By T. C. Harbaugh. 83 Rollo, the Boy Ranger, By Oli Voomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Rock. By G. Waldo Browne. and Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 ynotograph Phil, THe Boy Suevrs; or, RosEsuD Ron's REAPPEARANCE. By E. L. Wheeler. 89 Island Jim. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 90 The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club; or, THe Youne Rivau ATuurres. By Bracebridge Hemyng. | 92 Canada Chet. By Edward L. Wheeler. 93 ‘The Boy Miners. By Edward &. Ellis. 94 Miduight Jack, tHe Roap-AGENT; THe Boy Trapper, By T. C, Harbaugh, w= SOOM BOO TL LN or, BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME | 102 95 Whe Rival Rovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE SHApow. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers. By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, THE OUTLAWED EARL; or, THE Merry Men or GreENwoopD. Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos. By G. Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A STRANGE STROKE FoR LiBpeRty. By Wheeler. 101 Jack HMarkaway in New York, By Bracebridge Hemyng. Dick Dead-Eye. The Lion of the Sea. By Col. Ingraham. 103 By Col."Delle Sara. 104 105 106 107 Old Rube, THE Hunter. Capt. H. Holmes. Old Frosty, THe Guive. By T. C. Harbaugh. One-Eyed Sim, ‘By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A T'\rilling Story of Texan Adventure, By Bowen. 1 #iie Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham. Whe Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. Jack Hoyle, tHe Youna SPEecuLATOR; or, Tue Roap To Fortune. By Ed. L. Wheeler. The Black Schooner. Roger Starbuck. The Wad Miner, By G. Waldo Browne. The Hussar Captain. Col. P. Ingraham. Gilt-Edged Dick, Tae Sport DETECTIVE; or, THz Roap-Agent’s Daveuter. Wheeler. Will Somers, THe Boy Derectrve. Morris. Mustang Sam, By Jos. BE. Badger, Jr. The Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. Cinnamon Chip, THe GIRL Sport; or, THE. GOLDEN Ipon or Mv. Rosa. Kd. L. Wheeler. Phil Hardy, tux Boss Boy. By C. Morris. Kiowa Charley, Tax Wurre MusTanGer. By T. C. Harbaugh. Wippy, THE Texan. By George Gleason. Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler, Picayune Pete,’ By Charles Morris. Wild-¥ire, Boss or tHe Roap. By Dumont. The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. Deadwood Dick’s Double, By Wheeler, Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. The Golden Hand, By Geo. W. Browne, The Hunted Hunter, By Ed. §. Ellis. Boss Bob, THe Kine or THe Boorsuacks: or, Tak PAWNBROKER’S PLor. Ed. L. Wheeler. Sure Shot Seth, THe Boy Rirteman; or Tur Youne Patriots oF THE NortH. By Oll Coomes. Captain Paul, Tae Kenrucky Moonssiner; or, Tue Boy Spy or THE Mountarms, By Clark. Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. The Helpless Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid. Blonde ilis or, Drapwoov DicK’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. Blue Blazes; or, Tae Break o’ Day Bows or Rooxy Bar. By Frank Dumont. Solid Sam, THE Boy RoAp-AGENT; or, THE BranDEp Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. Mandsome WHarry, THe Boorsiack Dr- TECTIVE. By Charles Morris, Scar-Face Saul, By Olli Coomes, Dainty Lance, TERE Boy Sport. By Badger. Captain Ferret, tae New Yor Dersc- TIVE; or, Boss Boxs’s Boss Jos. By Wheeler. Silver Star, THE Boy Knianr. By Coomes. Will Wildfire, THe THokovassrep; or, THe Wrnnina Hanp. By Charles Morris, Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. A Game of Goldy or, Deapwoop Dicx’s Bia Srrixe. By Edward L. Wheeler. Lance and Lasso. By Capt. F.Whittaker. Panther Paul, Tae Prarrr Pmare; or, Dainty LANCE TO THE Rescur. J. E. Badger. Black Bess, Wr. Wiprimer’s Racer; or, Winnine AGarnst Opps. By Charles Morris. rl Vane) lo ott) a to WWW wmdeict -—- SCF S252 A & WSHWHKSUEP4AVkS CHW KSCOVDM MOU KH hae ee S -> £O WAN ue Fo C2? 8H okw w] 8 Eagle Kit, ra Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes, 4 The Swerd Hunters. aj ", Whittaker, 55 THE Sport. T. C. Harbaugh. od me -_ wee see ie — os oe se _ ee ee ee ee ee oe ee w AorarSr Ot OST Gold Trigger 6 Deadwood Dick of Dead woods or, THe PickeD Parry. > Edward L. Wheeler. 157 Wike Merry, THe HArsor Po.ice boy; or, Tre Niaut-Hawks oF PariapeLpata. Morris, 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado. Buffalo Bill. 159 The Lost Captain, By Whittaker. 160 The Black Giant, By J. E. Badger, Jr. 161 New Work Nell, tare Boy-Girv Derectrive: or, OLD BLAKESLY’s Money. By E. L. Wheeler. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. Morris. 163 Little Texas, THz Youna MusTANGErR. A Tale of Texan Prairies. By Oll Coomes. 64 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By G.W. Browne. 5 Billy Baggage, THe RamroaDd Boy; or, Run To EartTH. By Charles Morris. 36 Wiickory Harry. By Harry St. George. 7 Asa Scott, THE SteameBoat Boy. By Willett. 8 Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 9 Tornado Tom. ByT. C. Harbaugh. 0 A Trump Cardy or, Witt Witprime Wins anp Losses. By Charles Morris. Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. Bob Rockett, Ture Boy DopeGrr. By Morris. Captain Arizona, By Philip S. Warne. The Boy Runaway; or, THE Buccanrer oF THE Bay. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S.N. Nobby Nick of Nevada, k. L. Wheeler. Old Solitary. By Oli Coomes, Bob Rockett, THE Bank Runner, Morris. 0 The Sea. Trailer; or, A Vow Wet Kept. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S. N. 81 Wild Frank, tHe Buckskin Bravo; or, Lapy Liy’s Love. By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane, THE Boy Capraln. By Ol] Coomes. a & Wee = Ot HakaFe oEabaFebedse FOSS CMak — eee ss oa at i | — Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Wheeler. | RARY. | 183 | Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. The Hidden Hand, By Chas. Morris. The Boy Trailers. By Badger, Jr. Evil Eye, Kine or Carriz Tuirves; or, THE VULTURES OF THE Rio GRANDE. By F. Dumont. Cool Desmond. By Col. Delle Sara. Fred Halyard, tux Lire Boar Boy: or, Tur SMUGGLERS OF THE INLET. By C. Morris. Ned Temple, tHe Borver Boy. Harbaugh. Bob Rockett, trae Cricksman. By Morris. Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster. Buffalo ae THE Boy, BULLWHACKER. By Capt. A. B. Taylor, U. 8. A. Captain Kit. By Lieut. H. D. Perry,U.8.N. Captain Mask, Tue Lapy Roap-AGEnT; or, PATENT-LEATHER JOE’s DEFrEaT. By Warne. Buffalo Bill’s Bet. By Captain Taylor. Deadwood Dick’s Dream, By Wheeler. Shadowed}; or, Bos Rockert’s FIGHT ror 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 Lirr. By Charles Morris. 197 Little Grit, raz WitD River, By Ingraham. 198 Arkansaw, THE MAN WITH THE KNIFE By T. C. Harbaugh. 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins. By Whittaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Deap- woop Dick’s WarD. By Edward L, Wheeler. Prospect Pete, or THe Boy BRIGADE; or, THE YounG OuTLAW Hunters. By Oll Coomes. TWhe Boy Pards. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Gold Plume, THE Boy Banovir. Ingraham. Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Wheeler Dark Payl, THe Tiger Kina. By C. Morris. Navajo Nick, THE Boy Gotp Hunter, A Tale of Arizona. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. Fritz, tHe Bounp-Boy Detective. Wheeler. Faro Frank of High Pine, By Eyster. Crooked Cale, THE CALIBAN OF CELESTIAL City. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Dashing Dave, THe Danny Derecrive. By Charles Morris. Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler. Wolfgang, THE RoppeR oF THE RHINE, By Captain Frederick Whittaker, Coptein Bullet, tHe Ramer Kina. By T. C, Harbaugh. Bison Bill, rae, Prince or THe Revs. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 Captain Crack-Shot, By E, L. Wheeler. 218 Tiger Tom, THE Trxsn Trrror. By Oll Coomes. Despard, the Duelist, By P. 5. Warne, Tom Tanner, SCALAWAG AND SCAPEGRACE, By Charles Morris. Sugar Coated Sam, By E. L. Wheeler. Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Ingraham, Ozark Alf, Kine oF THE MovuntTarn. By Edward Willett. Dashing Dicks; or, Trapper Tom’s Castuxr. By Oll Coomes. Sam Charcoal, the Premium Dar- 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 ky. By Charles Morris. 226 Snoozer, THe Boy SxHarp.’ By Edward 'L. Wheeler. Dusky Darrell, Trarrer. By E. Emerson. Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes. Crimson Kate, THE Grrt TRAILER. Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 227 228 229 By 230 The Wankee Rajah. By C. D. Clark. 231 Plucky Phil, or rue Mountain Tran. By T. C, Harbaugh. 232 Gold-Dust Dick. By E. L Wheeler. 233 Joe Ruck, of Angels, anv His Boy Parp PAvuL POWDERHORN; or, THE TorRex WILD MrEx oF EaGie Bar. By Albert W. Aiken, Old Rocky's “ Boyees3” of, Brnrro, THE YouNG HorsE-BrREAKER. By Buckskin Sam. . Shadow Sam, THe Mrssencer Boy; or, TURNING THE TaBLEs, By Charles Morris. Apollo Bill, raz Tram Tornapo. By Ed- ward L. Wheeler. Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain ; or, THE Mysterious Rancwero, By Colonel Pren tiss Ingraham. The Parson Detective; or, Lirrix SHooky, THE RANGER OF RAVEN Roost. By Oli Coomes. The Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tae Lovr Movuntatn. By Captain Mayne Reid. Ready February 2ist. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready February 28th. A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by al} Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 Cyclome Kit.