Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 262) (1882 08 01)
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FOURTIM EDITION, <9 wT, * h : l AN \ Pr \ — ee WP NY fo . oh ON Spe = IN AN CA ae Copyrighted In 1882 by BEADLE AND ADAMS. August 1, 1882, $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mall Rates. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. XI. Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 262. BY CHARLES MORRIS, AUTHOR OF ‘“‘ BOB ROCKETT, THE BANK RUNNER,” “‘BOB ROCKETT, THE BOY DODGER,” ‘‘ WILL WILDFIRE,” ‘‘ DARK PAUL,” ETC., ETO. SSS — opal santa Chow Pp | ~SSSSSSS SSS a. ——— = OS ee es : —_— Tol MICKEY HELD UP HIS HAND IN WARNING; WHILE HE APPLIED HIS SHARP HAR TO A SLIGHT OPENING IN THE BOARDS.
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———— The Young Sleuths ; Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. BY CHARLES MORRIS, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DICK DASHAWAY,” “THE TWO BLOODS,” ‘‘ WILD WILL,” ‘BOB ROCKETT,” ‘wil & WILD- FIRE,” ETC., ‘TC. es CHAPTER L. PAPERS AND SHOE POLISH. ‘““Yerr’s yer Mornin’ Post! ‘Yere’s yer Ledger, News, Item! Bloody murder in Cali- fornia! Nobody killed, but a good many ’spect- ed to die! Roll up: Rattle up! Yere’s yer paper! Have one, mister? It’s jist b’ilin’ over with news this mornin’.” The boy who was making the air musical with his yells was a half-grown urchin dressed in a ragged suit of clothes which had been made for s man, and which hung like empty sacks upon ais slender limbs. On his head was crushed a thapeless cap, through whose well ventilated top tufts of brick-colored hair rose like plumes. His face was — but handsome, but it was overflowin th cunning and boyish wit. Young as he was, he had evidently been well sharpened against the rough grindstone of the world, and was quite able to make his way, without help, through the thorny paths of life. Under bis arm was a huge roll of mamuerert of which he was rapidly disposing, as he owled his way along down the densest squares of Chest- nut street. 1 ‘“*What’ll you have, mister? Times, News, Mornin’ Post? Got’em all. High old time on the Sandwich Islands! Big row in Chiny! Yere’s yer paper! Bu’stin’ full of news!” His roll of papers rapidly diminished as he \ made his way down the street, while the gath- in pennies rattled in his apology for a pocket. ‘‘Nary time!” be ejaculated, as he tried a * Ain’t takin’ coin viciously between his teeth. that sort. Jist take that home, mister, to mend er lead pipes. Can’t pass nothin’ buf silver in his shop.” ‘Do you want to say it is bad?” exclaimed the man, angrily. He wasa well-dressed but a sinister-looking individual. “That ’pends on what you pass it for. It’sa fust chop bit of lead; but I ain't swoppin’ off papers for that sort.—-Paper, siz? Times, Post, ews? What’ll ye have?’ While he was supplying some other customers the harsh-faced personage replaced the counter- feit coin in his pocket, and offered a silver dime instead. ‘“Yeu’re a sharp little coon,” he growled. ‘But you're a bit too tonguey.” ‘¢ That’s how I make my livin’,” answered the boy undauntedly. ‘‘ Was born with my eye- teeth cut, mister. Can’t play off that sort o’ sepoention on Mickey Malone, and ther’s no use n’, ‘Why, you impudent little rat, do you sup- pose I wanted to?” The man took his paper with an angry jerk, and turned quickly away, as if not caring to keep up the conversation. Mickey nud an admiring companion, who had been highly enjoying this conversation. The wink in the newsboy’s eye, and the cun- ning thrust of his tongue into his cheek were a picture to behold. ‘* That’s jist as thin as they spreads the butter at the Newsboys’ Home,” he remarked. ‘ That chap thought he’d got hold of a green ’un, who’d trade papers for brass buttons. Didn’t I take the starch out of ’im neat?—This way, mister! Want the News? Yere’s yer paper.” He continued his route until he reached the square in front of the State House, a favorite locality for newsboys and bootblacks. Quite a group of the latter were collected there, who were paying much more attention to skylark- ing than to business. “« Hey, Joe!” cried Mickey, a little sharply, to one of the latter. “That ain’t biz, nohow. If we're goin’ to be pards you’s got to do your share in the perfession.” The boy thus spoken to was a very different- looking person from Mickey. He was neatly though poorly dressed, and had an innocent, confiding face, with none of the sharpness of the other’s keen countenance. **T ain’t done so bad,” he said, in apology. ** And a fellow.can’t be always standing like a post, whistling for a job.” The Young Sleuths. ‘* Ye ain’t got no bigness enterprise, Joe, I's of’n told you that. You take the papers and give me the box. Bet you high I stir up some trade.” The transfer was quickly made, and Joe walked re" proclaiming his wares in a musi- cal voice, while Mickey rolled his eyes sharply around, on the lookout for a job. ‘* Black ’em, mister? Black’em? Give ye a rime old shine. Turn the wust cow-hide inter ookin’-glasses. Only got to look in yer boot toe to comb out yer mustache. Yere ye are! Double action blackin’! Fast colors! Now’s yer time!” At this moment a countryman came along, whose boots looked as if he bad lately been walking in a plowed field, There was a gen- oe for him, in which Mickey ‘was fore- mos ‘* What you pushin’ me for, Bill Prime? Ill bu’st yer nob if you don’t look out sharp!” he angrily exclaimed. ‘‘This way, mister. Them fellers is got the old style blackin’. The same kind as Noah used, ere’s the lookin’-glass article. Last invention. Patent applied for. mae till I polish you off.” ‘“What’s the plunder?” asked the country- ma n. ‘ Tt’s ten cents, for a wholesale job,” answered Mickey, with a queer look at the monstrous boots of his customer. ‘You git out!” was the angry reply. ‘ Here, boy, I’ll give you five cents for a shine,” and he set his heavy foot on Bill Prime’s box. ** All serene,” rejoined Mickey. ‘I don’t take no contracts to shine a whole side of leather for five cents. Ain’t goin’ to be nobody’s bankrupt, nary time.—This way, sir! Shine ’em up!” A passer-by had paused, and Mickey waited for no further invitation. Ina moment he had the man’s shoe on his box, and was on bis knees before him. ‘What are you at, you dirty rat?” cried the man sharply. ‘‘ Who asked you to black my shoes?” ‘‘Why, yer ain’t goin’ through the street with underpinning like that?” queried Mickey, as he looked up with upblushing impudence, ‘‘ A street that’s got ladies in it, too? Jist wait till I git done, and yer gran’mother wouldn’t recksrnize yer. Why, a chap ain’t half-dressed as ain’t got no polish on his boots.” _ Mickey had not waited for permission, but was rubbing away for dear life. “You impudenblittle vagabond!” growled the man, with an odd laugh, ‘‘ Well, go ahead, as long as you’ve taken me prisoner.” The boy stuck “his tongue comically into his cheek, as he rubbed and polished away with both bands. “ Know’d that’d fetch ’im,” hesaid to himself, ‘‘ Merchants has got to make bizness, if it don’t come on its own book.” Mickey worked away for dear life for a minute or two, until he had the man’s shoes shining like polished silver. A sharp rap on the box announced the completion of the task, while the boy held out a dirty paw for the money. The customer carelessly dropped a coin into the outstretched hand, “ Hillo!” exclaimed Mickey, with a sharp accent. ‘Seems to me I’ve seen that gentleman afore.” He sprung to his feet, and looked for the first time into the face of the customer. “I know’d it! It’s the same chap as tried to do me on the paper. And this is the identercal bit o’ lead. Pola e once afore this mornin’ I wasn’t takin’ that kind.” ~ , blast zou are you the newsboy turned bootblack : ; ‘Got more trades nor that,” grinned the boy. ‘Kin do’most anything. Now, see yere, if you don’t fork out a bit o’ solid cash quicker nor lightnin’, I'll have ye tuk up fer poet, counter- feits, and I ain’t lyin’ about it neither.” “Vamose, you young devil. I didn’t ask you to blacken my boots. You forced it on me, and you can whistle for your pay.” ; k He walked away with a swaggering gait, closely followed by the angry boy. “Best fork over, mister. Yer ain’t tryin’ it on no baby, like little Joe Joram. I’ve got the dead wood on you in this counterféit dime, aah you don’t pony up Ill call in the per- ice. “Git ont, now,.or T’ll kick your jaw off!” cried the man, furiously. ‘‘I owe you nothing, you little bound. But I'll give you somethin 2 remember if you bark around my heels muc onger. ‘*] want my pay!” persisted the angry boy. “¢ He’s a thief and a cheat,” he explained to the curious people, who had stop) to hear’ this ‘Mickey, w — ——EE altercation. ‘‘He’s got a shine of me, and paid me with this. Jist look at it, and then take a squint at that coon,” He held up the coin for inspection. e infuriated man turned and made a quick stroke at his tormentor. Mickey ducked, but the blow caught him on the hand, and knocked the counterfeit coin into the mud of the gutter. The angry fellow ran forward to follow up his blow with a kick. Several others started forward at the same time, with the pu e of protecting the lad from his reckless omeatingt: But Mickey was quité able to take care of himself, as he soon proved. For he darted like a cat past the uplifted leg of the brutal indi- vidual, and in a moment had sunk a set of teeth, as sharp as those of a rat, into the villain’s calf. The jatter yelled with pain, while Mickey shot rapidly beyond his reach, ‘I got yer money!” he cried, exultingly. “There's yer change! I guess we're quits!” Snatching up his box the boy twisted away through the crowd, sending back a defiant peal of laughter, which was echoed by some of the bystanders. Evidently they thought the cus- tomer served right. The latter gave vent toa Maen of curses, and stood for a moment as if in hesitation whether to pursue. But a glance showed him that pur- suit would be useless, and he started on with a parting oath, in which he vowed to get even with the boy. “Guess < won't, mister man!” exclaimed th his fingers at his nose. ‘‘Jist try it on, and I bet you a cow I git even with you fust. You woke up the wrong coon when you tried it on Rollicking Mickey Malone, now I tell you.— Shine ’em! Shine ’em! Yere’s yer prime blackin’. Fust chop, double X, slap-up polish! Have a shine, sir? Haveasbine?” And with his box slung over his shoulder, the boy swa — down the street, on a sharp lookout for jo ¥ For several hours more the two boys plied their avocations, innocent little Joe disposin of his papers, and wide-awake Mickey actively working up the polishing trade. It proved to be a good day for business, and before noon the roll of papers had completely disappeared, while Mickey’s pocket was growing heavy with its weight of small coins. The youthful partners in business met finally at their appointed rendezvous, on the broad steps of the Girard bank, where they counted out the proceeas of their morning’s business, and divided the profits, as was their daily cus- tom. “Lucky we went inter biz together,” re marked Mickey. ‘‘A chap don’t want to be polishin’ or to be newspaperin’ all day long. I allers go in for a bit of variety.” ‘¢- You are worth a dozen of me, Mickey,” an- swered Joe, looking up with a grateful expres- sion on his innocent face. ‘‘The boys would crow over me if it weren’t for you. And I couldn’t do half the business you do.” ‘Guess they won’t do much crowin’ over me,” laughed Mickey. ‘‘ As fer bizness, Joe, you don’t s’pose I’d be green enough to take you for a pard, if you weren’t slap up to the mark! When it’s biz with me, it’s biz; and friendship don’t count. It’s yer innercept little profile as takes with folks, Joe. And I‘guess it’s my im- pokes tongue, cause I ain’t. got no good looks waste. Anyhow, things has gone prime this mornin’, and ysters for dinner.” ‘‘Oysters!” exclaimed Joe, by he eyes wide with surprise anddelight. ‘‘Oh laws! you don’t say so?” °* ‘Do you like ’em?” asked Mickey. “You bet I do!” and the-boy licked his lips move we have a go of in jo ous anticipation. “Then we'll heve ’ysters,” answered Mickey decidedly. ‘‘ We’ve been carryin’ on bizness for jist a month to-day, and it’s "bout time we was havin’ a div‘dend. Guess I’ll take ‘mine out ina i i _»“ Tike .wem stewed,” said Joe, in a doubtful tone. “Bless yer eyes, you kin have ’em on the half shell, for all I keer! Pocket yer cash, ®ve. Blamed if the boy wouldn’t go way and leave it on the step, he’s got his eyes so full of ’ysters. Let’s strike for Tom Mill’s cellar. That’s the place to git the primes.” Joe’s eyes danced with delight as the two boys walked along toward the place where the hoped to have an epicurean feast. pleasure diminished by the comical way in which Mickey related his morning’s adventure and how he got even with the s who had twice tried him with a counterfeit coin. Nor was his - ms
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im A ~_—--- a a CHAPTER II. A “GO” OF OYSTERS, Tue youthful partners made their way slow- dy along Third street, chatting in a lively tone, though Mickey did the greater part of the ey: and Joe of the listening. ** Whereabouts is that oyster saloon?’ asked i ‘‘ Ain’t we a long time getting Why, I b’lieve an ’yster’s as big as a watermillion in your eyes, Joe Joram. Only wait till you’s had my ’sperience! When you git ’vited out to dinner with the mayor, and sich big nobs, like I's been, ye’ll be git in’ sick of sich luxuries.” “Now you're lying again, Mickey. And I don’t see no use in that.” ‘‘ That’s the way with you Sunday-schoolers. Yer never kin take a joke. I didn’t ’splain jist how it was I was ’vited out.” * And I don’t want to know,” broke in Joe, very decidedly. ickey laughed. He had got into a bad habit of lying by way of a joke, but that was one point on which he and his partner could not agree. ‘‘Ther’s no use wastin’ fun on you,” he re- marked, ‘Yer a good deal too fine spun. Guess we'd best let it slide. Tom Mill’s cellar’s jist anead here, and—” He stopped suddenly, caught his companion’s arm, and forced him into the opening of an alley near which they stood. ‘* Keep shady!” explained Mickey, in a stage whisper. ‘‘Ther’s fun afloat. on’t ye do mothin’ to spile it.” ‘*What’s up?” sputtered Joe, ‘‘Hold yer jaw!” and Mickey pressed his hand on his companion’s mouth. ‘‘ Cute’s the word. Mind I tell you that!” A moment afterward two gertlemen passed the boys’ biding-place. Mickey fixed his little eyes upon them with a fox-like glance, and then ap d his knee with satisfaction. “Got ’em spotted, sure as shootin’. Come ahead, Joe! We’ll see who’s the sharp ’un.” He pushed out to the pavement, and set him- self in pursuit of the two men, followed by Joe, who was full of wonder at this unexpected movement. Deep in the heart of the innocent lad was a suspicion that this was some trick to cheat him out of his oysters. He never could put full confidence in Mickey. ‘* What’s up?” heasked, querulously, ‘‘ You’re going away rom the oyster saloon.” ‘'Ysters be fiddled!’ exclaimed Mickey, con- tem empelys “TY sters arter bizness, that’s my motto! Tell you what, Joe, that’s the chap as tried to do me with the scaly dime.” ‘*-You don’t say so?” ‘*Tt’s the identical chap,” insisted Mickey. *‘ He swore he was goin’ to git even with me, but I bet I giteven with him fust. I know the feller that’s with him like a book.” “ Who is he?’ ‘He ain’t a Sunday-school teacher, you kin bet on thas,” answered Mickey. “Never you mind. Ther’s some > *tain’t best to speak abont fn the streets. ou kin dive in some- where and git yer 'ysters if you want, but ’m goin’ to foller them coons,” “Then I’m going with you,” asserted Joe. ‘All correck! There they streak up Market. meee shady now.” ithout a thought of this pursuit the two men continued their walk out Market street, conversing earnestly as they proceeded. ‘*I’m hungry as a fox,’ said one, as they reached the gorner of Fifth street. ‘‘ Let’s drop in here at Tim’s oyster cave, and try his Cove plants. “Tm agreeable,” replied the other. ‘‘We can get a private box there which will do to settle the points of that job as well as any- woere,” They turned down Fifth street and soon enter- ed an oyster cellar which opened upon that street. It wasa neatly fitted up saloon, with tables in front, and a row of curtained booths at the rear, for such customers as desired pri- age. two men entered one of these stalls, after giving their order. But they had not quite disappeared ere a pair of blinking eyes, and a cunning young face, red at them down the cellar steps. It was e countenance of Mickey Malone. No sooner had. the two men vanished behind the curtains than the youthful sp boldly entered the saloon, more timidly followed by his partner. ickey hitched up his very loose fitting suit get his cap more firmly on his red hea , and walked with a swaggering gait to the bar. The Young Sleuths. ‘**¥sters fer two,” he ordered, ‘ And lively! We're bizness folks, and ain’t got no time to re.” The attendant looked at him over the bar with a humorous ression on his face. He evidently thought he had got hold of a charac- ter, ‘* Haven’t you been shaving off your mustache since I saw you last?” he asked, in a very grave tone. The boy lifted his hand to his upper lip, with a well assumed expression of surprise. ‘*Sure’s you live somebody’s done that while I was asleep!” he ejaculated. ‘‘ Teer’ allers was a lot o’ fellers jealous of that mustache.” The man laughed. ‘*You’re a wide-awake young ceon,” he re- marked. ‘‘ How’ll you have them?” ‘Tl take a fry,” announced Mickey. ‘‘ And primes, mind you! Don’t try to play off none o’ yer cullens on thischap. I’ve been there afore.” “T want a stew,” said Joe, modestly. ‘All right, young gentlemen. Take a seat and we'll serve you out ina jiffy. Got your pockets well lined to-day, eh?” “You bet!” and Mickey rattled his money in proof. They had but a few minutes to wait, ere the fry and stew were served, piping hot. “Take a table, young gentlemen,” said the attendant, with the same air of deep respect to Mickey’s invisible mustache. ‘““A table?’ exclaimed Mickey, witb deep contempt. ‘* What sort o’ chaps do you take us for, hey? Weain’t that kind, now I tell you; and we’re goin’ for a private box, or nothin’.’ ‘“‘A private box?” laughed the good-natured attendant. ‘All right, my lord! Excuse me for not reco a. you sooner. Slide ahead then. Shall I send a waiter, with the proven- der?” “Oh no, we ain’ta bit sassy,” answered the boy, with a lofty air. ‘‘ We kin carry our own grub, Don’t want no waiters to count my mouthfuls.” The boys picked up their dishes, and retired to the stall adjoining that occupied by the two men. The attendant followed them, with a humorous glance, “That’s a shrewd !little rascal,” he said to himself. ‘‘ There’s no fear but he will meke his way in the world.” Some new customers entering diverted his at- tention from the boys, who bad now disappear- ed behind their curtain. Mickey laid his hand cautiously on Joe’sarm. ‘*Mum’s the word,” he whispered. ‘ Don’t make as much stir as a mouse.” The dishes were deposited noiselessly on the table, and the elder boy stealthily seated him- self on the side adjoining the stall occupied by the men. They could plainly hear the murmur of acautious conversation which was going’on beyond the partition. Mickey held up his hand in warning, while Ke applied his sharp ear to a slight opening in the boards. The men had apparently let their voices fall, in consequence of the conversation of the boys at the bar. But hearing no sound in the adjoining stall, and naturally concluding that no two boys could eat oysters in silence, | took it for granted that the lads had occu- pied some more distant stall. They continued their talk, in consequence, with less caution. It was impossible to keep Joe from his oysters. You might as well have tried to keep a miser from a gold mine. The little fellow had an re appetite, and oysters were to bim a luxury fit for the gods. But he managed to eat in silence, and to make up in joyful looks for tue words he was obliged to suppress. A look of knowing triumph came upon Mickey’s expressive countenance. He had caught some words from beyond the partition. “Pll have that box or split!” came to his ears, accompanied with an oath. ‘* Hush! You are too loud.” For some minutes their voices were inaudible. Then some low utterances came distinctly to the acute hearing of the Spy. ‘*On the ground at eleven to-night. It’s go- ing to be dark and rainy. And the fandango in front of the house will take everybody from the rear.” ** But about the dog?” “Leave him to Tim. The dog knows him, and he cu ‘ settle the brute’s hash. Again the voices sunk out of hearing. It was growing decidedly interesting. The quick- witted gamin shrewdly gue sed that a burglary was in contemplation, and was burningly eager to hear more. It seemed, however, as if he was te be disap- Sree 3 sameness _ seen ancwunnlipamnsns pointed. The men’s voices were now reduced almost to a whisper. In fact, he coukd have heard a whisper better than this confusing murmur of sound, A burglary, at eleven to-night, at a house where some sort of party was going on? The object of the burglars a box? So much he had gathered. But this was a very indefinite pico. of information. Now he heard the men shuffling their feet eee to rising. The boy despaired of earing anything more definite. Fortunately at the last moment, a name came to his ears: ‘I’ve sworn to be even with John Barton, and I will. I owe him more—” ‘* Hush!" came from the other, and the voices again subsided. The next moment the men noisily left the box, talking loudly on indifferent subjects. Mickey glanced over at Joe, in whose appear- ance there was something very odd. The had arrested his spoon half-way to his mouth, while a look of astonished inquiry marked his intelligent features. Something very striking seemed to have arrested his attention. ‘“What is the matter with you?” asked Mickey. ‘Did you hear that name? Didn’t those men say something about John Barton?” ‘Yes,” was the cautious answer. ‘And I'd give something to know who he is, for there's deviltry afloat, sure.” ‘*T know,” answered Joe. ‘You do? Hush!” He parted the curtains slightly and looked out, The men were paying for their oysters. The boy waited until they had done so, and until he had seen them on the stairs leading to the street, ere he spoke again. ‘* Now you kin slide on.” “ Aren’t you going to follow them?’ ‘“‘Foller’em? And leave this fry that I's got to pay for? You don’t s’pose I’m an idyot, do 6! Mickey plunged into the mysteries of his fry with the more-zest from his previous enforced caution. ‘*Who is John Barton?’ he asked, between his mcuthfuls. “ Why, haven’t I ever told you? It was him my dad used to work for. He’s got the nicest place away out over the Schuylkill. And he bas done ever so much for us since = dad died,” ‘You know where the place is?’ . ‘*<Tt’s queer if I don’t.” ‘* There’s a savage dog?” ‘* Yes; and a wall around it,” “Tl bet a blackin’-box and a roll of papers I’ve got ’em spotted!” ejaculated Mickey, as be continued to pay particular attention to his provender., Anything about Mr. ‘“Why, what's up? Barton?” ‘* Burglary !"—Mickey repeated this word in a deep, guttural tone that almost set the youn- er boy’s hair on end. ‘ There’s goin’ to be a Bn’stin -open time. Eleven o’clock to-night. They’re goin’ to bu’st inter Mr. Barton’s house and carry off a box of di’monds or somethit sich like.” “Ob, mercy!” exclaimed Joe, starting up. ‘*Rob Mr. Barton, that’s been so good to ust What shall we ever do, Mickey?” ‘* Hold yer whist! I’m cogitating,” answered Mickey, curtly. Any one else would have said that he was de- vouring. But perbaps Sa was able te think and eat at once. He finally down his knife and fork with a sigh of satisfaction, crowded into his mouth the last cracker on the plate, and then looked over to Joe. “What ail’s ye, — You ain’t finished yer ’ysters,” he remarked. “T ate all I could,” answered Joe. ‘You iled my appetite. What is to be done, ickey?”’ The latter swallowed his cracker with a gulp, stood op, and looked down upon Joe with an of infinite erin’ ‘You've got to dig over to Mr. Barton’s and him ‘bout this bizness. But mind Pw on’t tell nobody but him. ’Tain’t best for it to git out in the kitchen.” ** And what will you do?” : “Tl have an interview with the perlice,” answered Mickey, loftily. Joe looked up at his companion asa lap-dog might look at a Newfoundland, with an infinite sense of his superiority. ** Your a cute one, Mickey,” he declared, with deep admiration. “Why, Ido I’ve got my eye-teeth but,”
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a le. ‘* When you's seen as much of the world as [ have, you'll know a thing or two yourself. Come, let’s git.” CHAPTER III. GOOD CARDS BUT BAD PLAY. Ir was past two o’clock, and the mansion of John Barton lay four or five miles away from where the boys now were. In pursuance of Mickey’s plan Joe prepared to set out for the half rural -district in which was situated the andnsion in question. ‘* And jist keep yer wits about ye,” the elder boy cautioned. ‘“ Don’t sell the trick to nobody ’eept Mr. Barton hisself. ‘Cause why, he mought want to keep it mum, and not let it git léose in the kitchen. If they says as how he can’t be seen, jist you say that you want ter see him on wery pertik’ler bizness. That allers fetches ’em.” ‘* But suppose it don’t?” suggested Joe. ‘‘Ther’s no s’posing about it. You’s got to stand straight up, and cock _ bat a little o’ one side—this way,” and Mickey illustrated by giving his bat a ferocious tilt. ‘‘ And be sure you speak kinder solemn like. ‘On wery per- tikler bizness.’ Kin ye do that?’ Mickey’s voice seemed drawn from his boots. ‘‘On very particular business,” repeated Joe, with a slight quaver, as if the big words fright- ened him. “Oh lawsee, no!. Ye don’t git down half deep enough. Better practice it goin’ out there, til] ye git it solemn like.” aa at what am I to say to Mr. Barton?” asked Joe. ‘*Tell’bim to keep hiseye skinned for burglars. They’re arter a box of diamonds, or some sich lunder. They’re goin’ to p’izen the dog, and u’st in, while the fandango’s goin’ on front. And eleven o’clock sharp, P. M., is the hour. Don’t ye forgit that.” **T won’t,” Joa earnestly answered. “You kin tell him, likewise, not to trouble hisself ’bout the perlice. Your bizness pard, Mickey Malone, Esq., is a-goin’ to interview them coves, and put ’em on the track.” “ Ain’t you afeard, Mickey?” asked Joe, ina doubtful tone. ‘*Me afeard? What of?” “* Of the police.” Mickey laughed contemptuously. “Ever heered tell of a scarecrow, Joe?’ he asked. ‘‘ That’s a bunch of old clothes, planted on a stick, to skeer the crows out of a corn- field. But sometimes ther’ comes along an old coon of a crow, that’s got his wisdom teeth cut. What d’ye s’pose he does? He jist gives a comical wink at the scarecrow, and dives in for corn. That’s how it is. Them boys as is afeared of the perlice ts like them young crows that’s afeared of a pile of old rags on a stick.— Now you git, Joe. And mind yer eye, cause it ain’t no baby work.” Joe set out at this intimation, though he could not help looking back with admiring aes at his companion. ickey had just given his dilapidated haf a tilt to the other side, hitched up his loose clothes, and started away whistling as if there was not a care left in the world. Little he cared for the police. We must follow the youthful member of the firm of Malone and Joram, on the important mission with which he had been intrusted. There is no doubt but that Mickey will take care of himself, but his partner needs looking after. Joe's first Pupeies was to make his way home. He did not. like to undertake such an enter- rise without informing and consulting with is mother. But the humble domicile of the Jorams lay a considerable distance down-town and with the journey before him it was no quite agreeable to go several mikes out of his wry “I'll be home in time for eupper, anyhow,” he thought, ‘‘so it don’t matter. It did matter though, greeny cow ne A as he was destined to discover. ‘If he had followed his first impulse, and consulted bis mother, he might have saved himself a host of troubles, into which he was now plunging headlong. But it is bard to go against the fates. The walked cheerily over the Chestnut street bridge, and out into the district of West Philadelphia, feeling deeply the importance of his mission. He looked at the people whom he met on the way, and wondered if any of them dreamed of the errand on whic’ he was going. did not seem to be awaro of his existence, yet ne 7 there must be some signs of his in his face. Now and then a recollection of Mickey's ad- The Young + ae ee monition came to him, and he sepulchral tones the important words he was | rows. to use, trying to catch the deep roll with which his tutor had brought out the phrase, ‘*werry pertiklar bizness.” But Joe’s treble tones made sad work of it, and he despaired of attainmg the proper depth of solemnity. He would have been wiser to take a street car for his long journey, but six cents fare was as big as the full moon in the Jad’s eyes, and even the thought of such extravagance never came to him. An oysterdinner had been sufficient outlay of profits for one day. lt was nearly half-past four o’clock when he reached the vicinity of Mr. Barton’s house, It stood alone in the midst of a grass-grown level, though there were built up streets not far dis- tant. The house was a large stone mansion with wings and outhouses, so that it covered considerable space. Connected with it was quite a large lawn and garden plot, around which extended a brick wall, of some seven or eight feet in hight. It looked like the home of wealth, while the abundant growth of vines and flowers in the garden spoke of refinement as well as wealth. Joe made his way “— timidly to the front door of the munsion. ough well aware of the locality of the house he had never been there before, since he was a mere infant. His father had been gardener for Mr. Barton, but had died while he was quite young, and since then his mother had lived in the city. He had often seen Mr. Barton himself, but was quite unknown to the servants of the household, and his extravagant sense of the im- portance of his mission made him. tremble with apprehension as he timidly pulled the bell. he first peal was answered by a tall, im- portant-looking footman, who leoke:l down on the boy with the superciliovs surprise that the — giant might display toward Tom bum Joe felt his courage oozing out of his finger: ends, as this strait-laced individual glared stonily down upon him. ‘“ Well, hop-o’-my-thumb, what are you haf- ter?” was the aristocratic query. “Tg Mr. Barton in?’ faltered the boy. ‘“Mr. Barton hain’t in, and won’t be ’ome till height o’clock this hevening.”” The words came out as if ground out from’a talking machine.” ‘*But I must see him,” persi Joe. ‘“Tve fot to see him on—on very particular business,” e important phrase was a but Mickey would have been disgusted with his pupil if he had heard him. “ Height o’clock this hevening,” repeated the automaton. “ Tell hit to me,,. little chap, and hi’ll tell hit to Mr. Barton when’e comes ’ome.” Joe grew still more overawed by the impor- tance of this great dignitary. But he did not forget Mickey’s positive instructions, and an- swered: “Tam to tell it to nobody but Mr. Barton. It is very important, and the servants mustn’t know it.” This was spoken in sublime unconsciousness of the possibility that this aristocratic dignitary might bea servant. It was answered with a sniff of contemptuous anger. ‘*Come back when ’e’s ’ome then. And don’t you be’anging haround ’ere, or hi’ll ’ave you ducked in the ’orse-pond. Haway with you now, little himperdence.” The door was angrily slammed in Joe’s face, and he left alone and baffled on the outside. The boy could not belp a sensation of anger at the way he had been treated. Timid as he was, and awed as he had been by the impor- tance of the dignified footman, he could not but feel that he had been served shabbily. But there was no redress. There stood the closed door, and there the bell pull, which he dared not touch again. There was but one satisfac- tion left for him. This was to put his fingers disdainfully to his nose and to call out in a ve low tone, for fear he might be overbeard, ‘* You’re a Henglish hog, that’s what you are!” Eight o’clock? Away vanished the vision of supper, and there came in its place a fear of the fright of his mother when he failed to come home at tke usual hour. But it would never do to return to the city until he had seen Mr. Bar- ton. There were nearly four hours to kill, and Joe wandered off into the eet irre. fields. “ It was not often that he got a chance for a stroll in the country, and the trees, the greer 8S, even the rank weeds, were beautifai to his un- accustomed eyes. On and on he walked, fol- lowing the course of a pratthing stream that seemed to coax him onward with its song. There were birds here, too, birds with a strain ated in | very different from the twitter of the city spax And yonder was a clump of woodland, with rustling dry leaves under foot and waving green leaves overhead. Joe grew rather glad than otherwise that M1 Barton had not been home. He could see hin, after eight o’clock, and meanwhile there was all this toenjoy. The boy had a tinge of poetry in his soul, and there was poetry in all around bim. even in the tall plant with purple flowers, whici. he would have been 7 oth to call a weed. And then there was the sunset. It was no much of asunset, tobe sure. It had been cloud all day, and the clouds were gathering more thickly now. Only a narrow rift, tinged with red and yellow, told + Srecwr the sun had gone down. But it was so pleasant to watch it in the summer air, lying on the soft grass of a sloping hillside. Nature, indeed, threw such a charm over th: boy’s senses that a soothing sensation gradual crept over him. Dim shadowscovered the lan scape and closed in his vision. Ere he knew what it meant he found himself asleep and dreaming. What dreams Joe had on that grassy hillsid we shall not attempt to tell. No doubt th solemn croak of the frogs in a neighboring pon had something to do with them. At length atriarchal frog, with a wonderful base voice Joined in the chorus so vigorously that Jo awoke with a start. It was some minutes ere he could make out where he was. Thick dark- ness enveloped him—a darkness such as he ha never experienced in the city. And as he lay some cold drops pattered into his face. It wa* raining. He sprung quickly up and looked around him To his left all was darkness. Off to his right th sky had a red glare—the reflection of the light” of the eer early in front, at some distanc a vivid gleam of light met his eyes. It looke’ like an illuminated house. Toward these lights the boy walked. The thought came to him that it might Oe Mr. Bar- ton’s mansion, as a party was to be given there. He had but a vague idea of what a party was but he associated it with lights and music. Joe stumbled on through the darkness, won’ dering to himself how long he had slept, anc half-afraid that it might be too late to warn Mr. Barton of the ager burglary. He was not long in reaching the vicinity o the house, and gaining a point where the gleam of the gas lights made its progress more easy. It was Mr. Barton’s house, that was evident now; -and he was pushing forward with more confidence, when a hand fell on his shoulder, and an angry voice cried in his ear: “*l’ve a notion to shake ye right out of yer boots; hang me if I ain’t, Joe Joram. Where's you been, anyhow?” “‘ Mickey?” exclaimed Joe, with an odd mix- ture of dread and hope, ‘* Where’s you been, I say? I’s been bhuntin’ you for three good hours. I s’pose though, you’s got Mr. Barton posted.” ‘* No,” answered Joe, with a sinking heart. “‘No?—And it’s balf-past ten, if it’s a minitt And ther’s a high old shindig goin’ on inside. And it’s goin’ to rain like blazes. And—what do you mean anyhow?” e grabbed Joe, and violently shook him in his excitement. ‘‘He wasn’t home,” stammered Joe, ‘He was going to be out till eight o’clock. Sof went out in the flelds to wait. And—I guess must have got asleep.” ‘*T guess you must!” growled Mickey. “ But isn’t it all right? You was pew he to ir terview the police, you know.” Mickey, in his turn, grew somewhat con- fused. ‘I weren’t nobby enough, Joe,” he admitted. “‘T didn’t have no watch-chaios, nor diamond ring. And my rig weren’t the last Paris cut. Hang if they didn’t git on ther ears, and wouldn’t listen to me no more nor if it was a fly buzzin’ tothem. Guess maybe they thought it was a newsboy’s sell.” ‘““That’s about the way I got served, too,” said Joe, and proceeded to recite his experience with the foetman. The rain, which had been slowly descending during this conversation, now freshened. The two boys made their way toward the house, but there came a sudden fierce down-pour which made them run hastily to the shade of a neigh- boring tree for shelter. This tree stood near a corner of the wall, in a situation that was quite dark. The boys contiuned to talk, as they crouched against the trunk for shelter. “TL settle for the Englisher,” remarkec Mickey valiantly. ‘‘I bet you high Ill take
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ASST AP ET RE SEE TT some of the stareh out o’ him. You push in for ‘Mr, Barton, and tell hbim—” “What will I tell him?” asked Joe. ’ “You know: There’s to be a burglary at leven o'clock, They’re arter a box of somethin’, jamonds maybe. If he’s cute he kin nab ’em. They’re tryin’ it om cause the party’s in the house, and everybody’s front,” ““7"]) do it,” protested Joe. / # ‘Will you, you young devil?” | These words were spoken in a subdued, but savage tone, and at the same instant the boys were seized by two burly framed men, who : Seed suddenly out from the deep shadows of d the wall, f , ‘*Make a whimper, and we’ll brain the pair “ _of ye!” cried one ef them savagely. ‘‘ As > as you know so much about burglaries you’ ‘best come along with us. We'll teach you a bit ore. And, mind your eyes, If you speak as ud as a fly’s hum we’ll scatter your brains on ‘ the grass. Come along, now!” = They aragerd the two dismayed boys back a along the dark line of the wall. The prisoners made no effort to give the alarm. There was : shat in the tone of their captors which showed alain’ that they meant what they said, and “would be as good as their word. ‘ ; , ) CHAPTER IV. re ¢ A RAID IN THE DARK. : » Hare was a decided and most unlucky change “ in the state of affairs. Wide awake as the vs Soys imagined they had been they had not earned the useful lesson of holding their . tongues in strange places. It is never safe to - ‘alk about secrets in the. dark, as they had just 1" \iscovered, , Their captors dragged them along the wall, st eedless of the rain that continued to fall in 7 ‘orrents, until they had reached the corner most b distant from the house. The youthful prisoners nd kept silent, as they bad been so sternly com- ar manded, They were both very sure that it was pw saftest just now to obey orders, Be * At the point where they stopped a_ thick- ; ‘eaved treo threw its boughs over the wall, ot naking a sort of roof, which partly protected ir, them from the rain. One of the men cautious- : ly opened the slide of a dark-lantern, and let » ray of light fall upon the youthful captives. ws “Douse the glim!” cried the other, hastily. am “Tt aren’t safe.” . seid “Ay, ay ! was the reply, as the lantern was on closed. ‘I ouly wanted a squint at these hg youngsters. Regular street rats they are, too.” er, The other man grasped the two boys by their collars, and forced them to the ground, yer ‘‘ Now tell me the truth,” he harshly demand- res ed. ‘I want to know all about this burglar talk, And if ye try to spin yarns to me, Ill 1ix- split your skulls open. D’ye bear?” ° ‘**Dunno as we’s told you no lies yet,” an- tin awered Mickey, valiantly. ‘“S'pose you wait igh, till we kick afore you kick back.’ The boy had been doing a great deal of think- on : ing during the past few minutes, and had made up his mind how to act. Defiance came more side. natural to him than policy. vhat “Hold your jaw, or ti split it for you!” cried the bao gk merely. ‘You answer me.” nin He addressed Joe. “How came you to know “He anything about a burglary?” ¢ , The younger boy had none of Mickey’s defiant So spirit. He trembled with fear as he commenced ess ‘0 timidly answer. “We heard it talked about, Mickey and me,” i 2e began. ‘' We was going to get—” O ir “Stop yer clapper, you little fool!” cried Mickey, harshly. ‘‘If they want to know any- con- i let _ find be out a themselves.” can’t lie about it, Mickey,” Joe humbl itted. protested, 7 y y mond “ But you kin keep yer tongue in yer teeth, } cut. and ther’s no lie in that,” answered Mickey. ,and = = “’Canse ye don’t want to lie, that’s no reason vas & ye’r to answer every imperdent question. Why ought es you ax him if his gran’mother kept a monkey? too,” The angry burglar shifted his hand to fiencé = Mickey’s throat, and compressed it with a chok- ing clasp. nding *1'Nl veach you a lesson, you little viper!” he The hissed. ‘Mind your cue, or I'll choke the life @,but = outof you, for a dirty-faced, slippery-tongued, which young hound!” neigh- ~ “S%pose I is ugly, you needn’t be throwin’ it ar @ uptome. "Tain’t my fault,” answered the un- squite flinching boy. “‘ Nobody axed me afore I was ; they born what kind o’ nose and eyes I’d like to have. _ of badn’t no more say about it than a dead cat tee! has "bout bein’ skimned, If they’d only con- | make better use of them. ns sn. Senn. nnn Te a — + — — __ The Young Sleuths. — sulted me I s’pose ’'d’a’ come out a reg’lar little angel.” The man’s hand relaxed asa grim laugh came from his lips. Mickey had evidently gained a point with him. ‘*Knock the young puppies in the head, and be done with it,” advised the other savagely. “ They’re a bit too sharp.” ‘*No,” rejoined the other. ‘‘ Maybe we can You know we talked of bringing Tim’s boy. Where is he, anyhow? What keeps bim?” “ Here he comes now.” There was a slight scratching noise on the other side of the wall. Dark as it was, in a minute more a shadowy object revealed itself above the coping. Then came the thud of a heavy weight on the sodden ground, as if a man ha aig down. ‘‘Hey, Tim!” said one of the others cautiously. “Ts it you?’ ‘A bit of me,” was the reply. * And the dog?” ‘‘Done for I reckon. Lucky the brute knowed me, or it wouldn’t been so easy. I left him the meat, and I judge he’s gobbled it down by now. If he swallows that he won’t bark much after. —Hillo, Jerry, what the blazes have you got there?” ‘* No names, you fool!’ growled Jerry flerce- y- _ “Didn't you callmy name not two minutes ago?’ asked Tim. ‘But your right name isn’t Tim.” ‘*No more is yourn Jerry.” The burglars laughed as if they thought this a very good joke. But the laugh, though it may have deceived one of their prisoners, did not deceive the other. Mickey wasn’t to be taken in with such chaff. ‘*That’s too thin,” said the boy to himself. ‘It’s a slip of the tongue, and ye can’t play it off on this coon with a laugh. Jerry’s the name, lll go bigh on that.” eanwhile there wasa hasty explanation to Tim of the circumstance of the capture, and of the strange fact that the boys knew about the burglary. ; ‘‘There’s an old brick pond back here,” sug- gested Tim. ‘‘Tie'them up neck and heels, and toss them into it. Drowned boys tell no tales,” This suggestion was made as coolly as if he had been giving an invitation to supper. Little Joe trembled in his boots at the cold-blooded pospeeiien to murder them; but Mickey was made of sterner stuff. y it on and you'll see,” be deflantly an- swered. ‘‘ Ther’s more knows ’bout this bizness than you’veany notion of. If Joe and me don’t turn up all square, ther’ll be some otber fingers in your wool. Ye didn’t s’pose we was inner- cent babies, hey?” ‘* You lie, you rat!” answered Jerry, severely. “Hold your prate, blast you! If there’s another whimper from your lips you'll geta settler over the left ear.” ; ‘‘What’s the look-out, Tim? clear?” asked the other. ‘As awwhistle,” answered Tim. “Then let’s to work. ‘‘Now’s our time. We've bad a glint at the house, and there’s noise enough front to drown thunder at the back,” ‘*The ~ear rooms are empty,” replied Tim. “The ors are all fastened, though.” “We'll find a way in,” was the confident an- swer. ‘‘Come abead. And fetch those con- founded boys. They know so much about bur- glars that another lesson might do them good.” With a renewed assurance to the prisoners that a word, or noise of any kind on their part, would be paid by a fracture of their skulls, the burglars made their way to the spot in the wall from which Tim had descended. Here a brace of fence rails bad been laid ina slanting position, by whose aid the top of the wall was easily attained. Jerry lifted the two boys, whose collars he had continued to grasp, to his friends on top of the wall. . In a minu more the whole party bad reached the ground ou the inner side. The rain was falling less heavily now, but the darkness continued, unbroken by a ray of light from the house, whieh was brightly illuminated on its opposite side. A medley of sounds came to the ears of the burglars as they made their Is the coast and of laughing voices, were mingled with the softer sound of the rain-fall, that pattered on the roof and walls of the building. The garden was thickly grown with busbes, which narrow gravel walks wound to- ward the house. “Give us a glim,” dcmarded Jirry, as he way stealthily forward. The ringing music of | brass instruments, the sound of dancing feet | 5 stumbled in the darkness among the bushes. ‘* We'll never make our way througb this infer- nal thicket in the dark.” In response the side of the dark lantern was partly opened, letting a narrow line of light fall on the path in front. ‘*Good. I’ve got the chart now. Push on, Tim, Won't do to waste time here,” Tbe path which the light bad revealed te them quickly brought them to the rear of the house. Here matters were found as had reported. All was dark and silent, while every door and shutter seemed fastened. Evidently the servants had secured the rear entrances, and were probably crowded around the doors of the dancing rooms, gaining an outside en- joyment of the fun. The burglars consulted for a minute or two in low tones, while their youtbful prisoner re- mained silent, not daring to speak. Evon Mickey, reckless as he was, felt satisfied now that silence was golden. Their savage captors were not the men to trifle witb. “It’s thundering lucky we’ve fot the boys,” remarked Jerry. ‘‘There’s nothing but chat little window over the water tank, and only a boy can go through it. Drop one of the rats in, and let him slip the bolts of this door, and the game’s our own,” ° ‘Which one will we give the job to?’ asked the third burglar. ‘ “To the rabbit, not to the fox,” was the an- swer. ‘This little chap will do.” He laid his heavy hand on Joe’s shoulder. The trembling little fellow dropped to his knees on the wet ground. **Oh don’t send me! Don’t send me!” he begged. ‘It’s against Mr. Barton! Don't make me help rob bim! Oh! I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him for the world!” His piteous’ appeal was answered by a bard blow from the ae hand of the burglar, which stretched the boy prostrate on the soe Then the ruffian satay him by the collar, and lifted him as if he had been a dead leaf. ‘Will you shut up now? Ordo you want another settler?” he demanded, ‘I’m going to put you through that window, and I expect to open that door, Say whether you’! do it or not, before I mash your head into jelly.” ‘Yes, yes!” whispered Joe, A new idea had come to him. If once inside the house he might give the alarm! With this thought in his mind he yielded to the band of the burglar, who geen bim- through the narrow opening, hardly wide enough for the boy’s slender frame. Before letting Bo of bim, however, he destroyed the eee which bad been working in the lad’s busy rain, : , ‘Do you feel that?” he asked, pressing a cold puss against the boy’s forehead, ‘Can you tell me what that is?” “Is it a pistol?” asked Joe tremblingly. “It’s a six-shooter, boy. Now mind you, I’m going to drop you to the floor, but I’)1 Loot my eye on you, know what you're oe you rat, You're working it in your head that you’! run and yell’'when you get inside. But you won’t run far, for a bullet can run faster, If you try any trick I’)] shoct you like I’d shoot arabbit. Do you hear?” “Yes,” faltered the trigntened boy, who really supposed that bis mind must have beew ee some way transparent to this shrewd villain. “ All right, then, Slide the bolts of the door. If you take a vt anywhere else, or speak above a whisper, I’]] kill you.” : His savage, grating tone made Joe's very bones shiver. aching his arm within the window as far as possible, he released the boy, who met ge to the floor with a light thud. The lad crept hesitatingly to the door, still balf inclined to dere all consequences and give the alarm, Buta harsh grow! hots the burglar decided bim. ‘*Mind your eye, now. I’m watching you. Be quick and quiet about it.” The boy, in bis nervous alarm, was not aware that he was quite out of sight of his foe. felt his way in the darkness to tbe doar, and with a sinking heart withdrew the bolt, upon which his hand had fallen. Litting the latek be reluctan:ly opened the door. A low exclamation, full of triumphant sétie- faction, came from without. The door was pushed open, and Joe caught and lifted out- side. “A aice little fellow you are, to go polling your friends,” came in a mocking whisper. ** Now, Jerry. You know the ground. Sacond. floor, back. Third drawer from top, @ ick, and don’t fail, on your life.”
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The name had not yet been given. A growling response came from Jerry’s lips. He dtenippnert’ into the house, closing the door behind him. Heavy built as he was, not the sound of a footfall came from him. He was evidently well trained in the art of burglary. Phe other two waited silently and impatiently without. Plainly this was no ordinary effort at house-breaking. A particular object was desired by the burglars, and they had chosen their time very shrewdly for the carrying out of their scheme. Several minutes had elapsed. There were no indications of an alarm. It appeerec es if the robbery was going to be safely consummated. Joe crouched in trembling terror. As for Mickey— “ Look alive!” cried Tim, suddenly. ‘‘ Where’s that rascally boy?” The other man glanced hastily around. Mickey had disappeared. He had taken the advantage of a moment’s carelessness, and slipped away into the darkness, With a bitter oath the man started in pursuit. But at this instant there was a new diversion. A deep, hollow bay broke the stillness of the nigbt, It was the voice of the watch-dog,. ‘Blast the dog! be hasn’t took the meat after all!” ejaculated Tim. ‘‘Why don’t Jerr hurry? If he ain’é here in a jiffy the job’s all in the fire!” As he spoke the door was hastily flung open, and Jerry sprung out. “The job’s done,” he briefly said. ‘‘ Now for cover!” One quick leap took hin into the darkness of the garden. Tim followed, while a whistle of recall from his lips gave the warning to the third burglar. Little Joe hesitated for a moment, and then fearfully followed this rapid flight. At th same instant there broke out again the bay o the watch-dog, succeeded by the scudding of a heavy body through the bushes, ener, Sparcestetineaninesenissiaitelitedissiiniisinidiess CHAPTER V. AN ALARM AND ITS CONSEQUENCES, Insipg Mr. Barton’s residence quite different | events were tnking place than those that had occurred outside. he house, as we have said, was a large one, and a considerable distance in- tervened between the scene of fest. vity in frint and of darkness and crime in the rear. Two large rooms, separated by a wide hall, eccupied the front portion of the first floor. These, by the aid of foldiny-doors, were all thrown into one, and were filled just now with a gay and festive throng, full of the spirit of omormenk eavy chandeliers depended from_ the ceil- ings, throwing a flood of light over the richly furnished apapytments. ‘But tables, chairs and sofas bad been pushed aside to make room for the dancers, who whirled in the bewildering wages of the waltz over the broad floors. The musicians were seated in the wide hall, back of tha passage between the doors, making the who e house vibrate with the ringing strains of their instruments, as a wos | dancing tune gave animation to the feet and the hearts of the merry, guests. L dies in flowing silks and satins; gentlemen in glistening broadcloth; young and happy faces; the gleam of joyful smiles; the merry sounds of youthful laughter: the murmur of gay chat; all were there, and “all went merry as a marriage bell.” No wonder the servants surveyed the scene with eager eyes from the shadowed depth of ms beyond, and from the region of the hall yack of the musicians, and left the remainder ¥ the mansion to shift for itself. Mr. Barton, a tall, solidly-framed man, with yon and cheerful face and handsome features, | « alked fyom room to room, with a smile and a |} word for evary one he met, ** How igic you ar®aot dancing. Mr. Price?” | he asked. ‘J should fancy that you, of us all, | eould not withstand that music.” **T have beer,” answered the youthful person | rddressed, wita a sickly smile, ‘‘ But there’s so much dancing nowadays, you know. It is bard | 49 keep up to the pace.” ‘*Getting danced out, eh?’ auswered Mr. | Barton, with a look vf covert amusemmnt. | “That's early, for a brisk young blade like | “Perhaps it’s the dreadful weather ffects ye,” yawned the fop. ‘I’m so sensitive to rhanges. And it’s raining unmercifully out- ide, “Yes,” and Mr. Barton shrugged bis shoul | one. | captors, was seekin The Young Sleuths. speaker was the third burglar, whose | aos. “Tt isn’t the most agreeable night.—Well, Milton, boy, what is it?” This was addressed to a slender, handsome youth, who stood by as if be wished to speak. “Nothing much, uncle,” be replied, ‘Only I thought | saw something queerin the garden. I was up in my room just now, and saw a sudden flash of light in the bushes. But it was gone when I got to the window, and I could see noth- ing more.” ‘*A flash of lightning, I fancy,” smiled Mr. Barton. “It’s too wet for glow-worms to be abroad.” “No, sir, it wasn’t lightning,” persisted the boy; ‘or I don’t think it was, at least. It didn’t look like it.” ‘What else could it be, boy? It is no night for swacgiers. And if there were any about I fancy that our watch-dog, Wolf, would have had a say in the matter before now.” ‘*Yes, 1 guess he would,” rejoined the lad, still a little doubtfully. ‘It’s queer, though. I came right down to tell you.” ‘Suppose you run up again, Milton, and take another look out,” sugge Mr. Barton, in a kindly tone, ‘‘ you had best satisfy yourself.— The lad is a little nervous,” he continued, as Milton started quickly away, ‘‘and boys are apt to magnify trifles.” ‘That is true,” said the person addressed. ‘I eould easily find ‘you his match.” Meanwhile the lad ran quickly up-stairs to the third floor. Here he entered a room to the rear, and threw up the window, from which he took an earnest observation of the darkened scene below. From his position nothing was visible. The burglars were hid by a projection of a lower roof, and only vague spaces of darker shadow indicated the bushy clumps of the garden. Yet there was something that attracted his attention. A faint murmur, that sounded much like human voices, came to his ears. But it was so mingled with the patter of the rain and the sounds of festivity from the lower rooms, that nothing definite could be made out. ‘Maybe it’s only a fancy,” he Pa said. ‘'* We can ’most mer hear odd sounds if we listen forthem. And Wolf wouldn’t kee quiet if there were nets about. But, wonder if the dog is loose. They may have left hie chained up, and his kennel is away around ront, Full of this new idea he ran hastily down- stairs, determined to satisfy himself upon this point. Slipping through the line of dancers, he made his way to the porch in front, and trence to the side of the garden wall. The rain had considerably slackened, and was falling now in only a light drizzle. Wolf, the old watch-dog of the house, whim- ered uneasily as the lad approached bis kennel. He had indeed been forgotten by the servants and left chained up. The keen senses of the old dog had not failed to trace something suspicious in the air. But he had been approached, not long before, by an old acquaintance, Tim, the burglar. This had quieted his doubts, and though he had declined to eat the poisoned meat left him, he had given no alarm. Now, however, his canine suspicions were again aroused. New sounds and scents were abroad. Milton found him straining at his chain and eagerly sniffing the air. “ What is it, old fellow? What is it, Wolf?’ asked the youth, as he patted the dog’s shaggy bead, an tried to loose the chain from his collar. There came at this moment, from the garden to the right, a rushing sound, as if some one were forcing his way through the bushes. It was followed by the tones of a man’s voice in a fierce oath. Wolf lifted his long muzzle and emitted a bay that rung through bouse and gaiden. The next instant Milton succeeded in slipping the chain. ‘“‘Rind them, Wolf! Find them, old chap!” he commanded. The intelligent animal needed no second _order. A quick leap forward, another loud we from his powerful jaws, and he was off throug the garden without heed to bush or vine. It was an exciting moment for more than The burglars were dashing for the rear wall with their prize. Little Joe was iryeso- lutely following them, bardly knowing what he did. Mickey, who had slily escaped from his to gain the front of the house and give the alarm, when the savage peal from the dog caused him to crouch down for concealment. Milton, full of excitement, ran hastily to the porch and broke into the front dvor of the house, exclaiming, in loud tones: “There are robbers in the garden! I have just set Wolf loose, and he isafterthem! Come quick, uncle Barton; we may catch them!”’ ‘‘Hold your tongue, boy!” Mr. Barton an- grily exclaimed, running forward and the boy’s arm with a hard gripe. ‘‘ You are teo old to be scared by shadows.” But the mischief which he wished to avert was done. The dance broke up with a huddling to- gether of the dancers, like a flock of frightened birds that crowd together for safety. The music ceased withacrash. The cries of fright- ened women, the loud tones of men, little screams and nervous exclamations, succeeded the Bay scene of the moment before. The boy’s startling announcement had fallen like # thun- derbolt in their midst. ‘*Keep cool, ladies,” exclaimed Mr. Bartoa, in a masterful voice. ‘It is nothing of impor- tance. Milton is overly nervous. Go on with your dance. I will see what is the matter out- side, x The dog has scented a rabbit, I sup- ose. His words were interrupted by something more startling yet. This was the sound of a istol-shot, which rung sharply in from the - en. It wes followed by a more procaesA o from the dog. “ By Jupiter, there is something,” exclaimed Mr. Barton, as he sprung bastily to the porch and disappeared in the darkness without. Several of the guests followed him. But in the ball-rooms all was confusion. Many of the ladies were clinging to the gentlemen for pro- tection. Others stood with white faces and trembling lips, looking nervously toward the door. And some of the men displayed as little self-control as the most nervous of the ladies. ‘* We shall all be killed! I know we shall!” exclaimed one of the frightened fair ones. ‘‘ Oh, why did we come here? It is too dreadful for anything Sg ‘Keep cool, Mabel. I will protect you.” Mr. Price’s arm stole around the waist of the frightened beauty, while he attempted to throw an expression of ferocious courage into his face. It cannot be said that Mr. Price was alone in his courageous movement. Others of the gen- tlemen displayed their courage in the same dar- ing manner! And there was some reason to think that the ladies did not quite disapprove of being thus protected! The servants had rushed back at the first alarm, and now, armed with lanterns and wea- pons of various kinds, sallied out to explore the grounds, Meanwhile the burglars bad made a straight dash for the wall. They did not hesitate now to open their lantern to guide their steps through the darkness. “This way!” exclaimed Jerry. ‘‘ Where’s Mart?” ‘He struck out for the runaway boy. But the whistle will fetch him.” “The boy’s got away from you?” ae Yes.” ‘High chap you are! Curse that dog! I wish it was cbeked. Is this the wall?’ ‘*- Yes. And here comes Mart.” ‘* Up, then, like a flash!” The wall was Jower on this side, and some tones tools lay against it at the point they ad reached. A quick spring, and Jerry was seated astride the copings. Tim quickly followed him. As the first burglar leaped to the ground out- side, tightly compressing the stolen box beneath. his arm, the dog’s fierce bark sounded perilously near. He was rending bis way through the bushes to the left. “Tet him have it, Tim,” exclaimed Mart, ‘Drop the hound if he shows biniself.” He reached the wall as be spoke. Tim drew his pistol, and hastily fired at random into the bushes. His shot was answered by a savage bay, and the next instant the form of the dog broke into sight. Mart bad caugbt the top of the wall, and was on the point of swinging him- self up, when the fierce brute sprung at hig. There was another ineffectual pistol-sbot, a cry of fear or pain from the man, a sound like the rending of cloth, and then Mart succeeded in gaining the coping, and rolled, rather than a: to the ground outside. ut Wolf had a good square foot of panteloon stuff between bis teeth, and the dismantled burglar felt a sudden and uncomfortable access of cold air to his pefson. They bad not got off quite scot free. In fact the burglars were just in time. Voices now sounded in the garden. The back doors of the house were thrown open and lights emerged, which rapidly spread to right and left. ‘‘ Here is one of them!” cried one ef the ‘
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The Young Sleuths. 7 aden ernereieaperregne nmap ioneresanealontppnncnevantsoneenaystnqretahinnpenteaanpeeaaseeeapeansamneayea=seapransnanypsansyso-=aaas=ao=ssso=ns=onaygpeeenesto=nyaspaageoneenensnspsecesannaspngeeess=eeeupenencempemeroaenpsaseensreapeceamamnmeeenoneteye toeeae een nae eter tne ptr naan searchers. ‘‘ Up, you little villain! There’s no use hiding. I’ve got you sound!” It was flickey, who had crouched against an outhouse for fear of the dog. He attempted to explain something, but was silenced by his im- perious captor. ‘“‘ Hold your tongue, you young reprobate, or I'll knock you into the middle of next week! When we want any talk from you we’ll tell ou.” Mickey incontinently subsided. Meanwhile Joe had continued his flight toward the wall. He reached there only to find himself confronted with the savage dog. It was per- haps well for the frightened little fellow that the brute had got his prize fragment of cloth entangled in his teeth. He —— at the boy and knocked him down by his impetus, setting his foot on him asa cat does ona mouse. Joe expected nothing Jess than to be made a meal of, but luckily for him Wolf’s teeth were not, just then, in working order. ‘Hire’s one of:’em! 'Ere’s one of ’em!” ex- claimed a voice which the boy at once recog- nized. ‘‘’Ere’s one of the howdacious rascals! Take ’im from the dog, hafore ’e heats ’im hup!” A up of angry faces surrounded Joe, as he we 4 looked around, after his rescue from the dog. There was no sympathy in those counte- nan ces. ‘Bring the little villain sont cried one of these. ‘‘ He’sbeginningearly. They’ve caught another of the same stripe back there. Look at his hangdog face.” He flashed the light ofalantern into Joe’s badly scared countenance, “Hi know ’im. Hi know im!’ exclaimed the footman. ‘’E was’ere this wery hafternoon, spying haround, and hasking himperdent ques- tions. Hi knowed’e was a burglar then.” “Bring him along. Let Mr. Barton see the young villains.” Joe and Mickey were dragged toward the house, in which alarm was still rampant. They were pushed into a room, and locked up together, with the footman for a guard, while the search of the grounds still continued. CHAPTER VI. UNDER LOCK AND KEY. THE room in which the two young prisoners found themselves was dark and chilly. Joe crouched down and shivered in his wet clothes. But Mickey was not of that sort. His active young brain was already busy with schemes ge out of the scrape into which they had en. ““What will they do with us, Mickey?” whimpered Joe. ‘They can’t hang us for this, can they?” “Hang us, am little jack!” laughed the elder boy. ‘‘Mought poke us iu jail, may be, for a while.” “T don’t want to go to jail! What will mother think?” Joe was ready to cry. ‘** Now don’t you go pipin’ yer eye, and makin’ a baby of yerself. I ain’t a-goin’ to no jail, you bet. If they come round yere pumpin’ us, jast you shet yer tater-trap. Let me do the talkin’.” “But what will Mr. Barton think when he sees me?” a oe what he thinks. Guess we didn’t git inter this yere scrape a-purpose,” The guard at this moment opened the door, and peered into the:dark room. ‘Old your tongues, you howdacious ruf- fians!” he demanded. ‘‘ You'll be ’ung for this, hand we won’t ’ave no talk habout it.” “ We'll talk till we’re blind, and you kin dry up, for a bloody Englisher!” roared Mickey. ‘“Git out now, ’fore I shy a pitcher at your head!” The guard suddenly withdrew his caput, fear- ing that his ferocious prisoner might be as good as his word. ““Whohever ’eard hof the like?’ he declared, throwing = both hands in virtuous astonish- ment. “Was there hever such a country, where the wery babies, hin their cradles, “is cutthroats? Why did I hever leave hold Heng- land, for this blarsted Hamerica?” «To keep yer dirty corporation out of the or-house,” roared Mickey through the key- le. ‘I guess Hamerica could spare a few shiploads of sich aristocratic cusses as you.” hat might have followed this contemptuous insult’ it is impossible to say. But at this moment other steps approached, and the door was flung open again. The flash of lights broke into the room, and several persons entered. / ‘ Joe crouched down with a more frightened aspect than ever, as he saw that Mr. Barton — ————— aS Was among the number. But Mickey faced them boldly. ‘‘ Well,” exclaimed Mr. Barton harshly, as he pore} surveyed Mickey’s ill-fitting attire, and the bold assurance of his ill-favored face, ‘** you are a promising looking candidate for the State prison, I must say. Quite a youthful bud of promise.” ‘*‘ Dunno as I’m the only one inside these yere walls,” the boy sullenly replied, angry at the insinuation. ‘Search him and take the pistol from him.” Mr. Barton signed to two of his servants. “ He hasn’t any, sir,” they announced, after a search, to which Mickey quietly 2 hme a ‘Then it must be the other. There were two shots. And there is nobody about but these ae. Examine the other.” - oe, who bad been crouching low down, with his face concealed, was lifted rudely to his feet, and forced to stand upright. ‘*He has no pistol,” was the announcement, after a hasty search, ‘‘Then they must have thrown it away. I am sorry to see such-:mere boys as these at- tempting burglary, but I fear they must be made an example of. You are sure you found the kitchen door open, Thomas?” ‘Yes, sir,” answered oneof the men. ‘ And I had bolted it myself, ‘‘T’ll affirm to that.” ‘‘T am very sorry,” and the gentleman’s eyes wore a softer expression as he observed Joe’s evident fright. ‘‘ Take down the boy’s hands, Let me see his face.” The removed hands displayed a countenance very different from that of Mickey, a pallid, tearful face, whose eyes turned fearfully to right and left, like those of a rabbit that has been cornered. Mr. Barton gave a start of pained surprise, as his eyes fell upon his face. He looked again with a searching glance, into Joe’s terrifi countenance, “ Mercy on us!” he ejaculated. ‘Little Joe Joram, as I live! heavens, is it possible that he has begun a life of crime?’ “It wasn’t me!” faltered Joe. ‘It wasn’t me, indeed, sir! I never done nothing wrong, Mr. Barton, indeed I didn’t! It was them—the men!” ; “ Who?” asked Mr. Barton. ‘‘ There were no ‘‘ Hold your gab, Joe,” cried Mickey, harshly. “ Didn’t I. tell you I was going to be the active partner in this yere business, We ain’t stole nothin’, Mr. Barton. We only come yere for— “To try and steal, I suppose. that back door open?” “Oh my!” exclaimed a lady’s voice at the Or how came door. ‘‘ Did any one ever see such bloodthirsty faces?” “ They cried look like young bandits!” another, with uplifted hands. ‘Excuse me, ladies,” remarked Mr. Barton, shortly and décisively. ‘* They look like neither bandits nor murderers. I rmoust request you to return to the ball-room, or this investigation cannot go on.” : But a second glance satisfied him that the hall outside the room was filled with curious faces. The guests had learned what had taken place, and were crowding eagerly back, with very natural curiosity. ; “Take the prisoners upstairs, Thomas,” he ordered one of the servants. ‘‘ Lock them u in the back corner room on the third floor. will examine them further after a while.” Mickey had ceased his effort at an explanation when so sternly interrupted by his questioner. He stood with firmly compressed mouth; and a hard look upon his young face, during the sub- sequent conversation. “Take them away,” repeated Mr. Barton. Grasped firmly by the arms, the lads were led between two files of unsympathetic faces, Mickey marching boldly upright, and returning look for look; Joe with downcast features, and a iook of deep shame on his expressive counte- nance." Exclamations of surprise and horror came from many of the observers. Only one voice spoke in a different tone. ‘¢ Poor little drowned rats, I don’t believe they had anything to do with burglary. There’s some mistake here.” Joe lifted his eyes and fixed them gratefully on the face of the speaker. It was the yout Milton who had spoken. His countenance was full of pitying sympathy. A minute more, and they were out of the range of observant eyes. They were taken quickly upstairs and locked in the room indi- cated, Not content with locking them in, the English footman was again set in guard over the room door. The guests returned slowly to the ball-room, eagerly conversing over the incident. It wasa feature of the entertainment on which no one had counted, and which added a remarkable zest to the enjoyment of the evening. Two or three of theolder gentlemen remained with Mr. Barton, in the room in which the boys had been examined. “There is something mysterious about this affair,” remarked one of them, ‘ This is too , bold an enterprise for such mere boys to take in hand. There is something bebind this which we have not yet discovered,” “I fancy so, myself,” replied Mr. Barton. ‘“‘T was too harsh with the boys. I thought to frighten them into a confession.” “Frighten!” rejoined another, with -a dry laugh. ‘“‘There’s one of those boys, at least, you won’teasy frighten, I neversawa sturdier young vagrant.” ‘But the other was scared half out of ‘his wits.” “IT know him,” said Mr. Barton, s.owly. ‘* His father was an old servant of mine. I don’t believe there is any bad in the boy. He has been led astray by his villainous comrade. However, as there has been no barm done, and nothing stolen, it may be best to merely scare the boys a little, and then let them go,” ‘Was that your object in talking to them so harshly?” . ss vie T confess. Anda night’s imprison- ment will do them good.” ‘“Oh, uncle!” came a voice from without, in an excited tone. “What now? What is wrong, Milton?’ Mr. Barton strode hastily to the door. ‘““We were all mistaken. There has been a robbery committed after all,” ‘A robbery?” “Yes. @ secretary in your office is broken open, and the drawers pulled out. I do not know what has been taken, but I am sure something has been stolen!” With a harsh exclamation Mr. Barton ran excitedly to the stairs. The others followed him, eager to learn the result. But before they reached the room in question he had already finished his investigation and returned to the door, his face red with anger., 44 By Heaven, gentlemen, I have been robbed indeed! There bas been a box of valuables taken from my secretary. Of great value in fact! And the thief knew where to look for it, for nothing else is disturbed.” “The boys—” ‘* Hang it, no! There have been older heads and bolder hands here. We must resume the search. The police must be notified at once, ga thieves cannot have’ got far away yet. While a renewed excitement extended itself to the ball-room, servants were sent out in various directions, and the grounds, inside and outside the wall, were closely searched with lanterns, One significant discovery was quickly mad the rent fragment of cloth of which ‘Wolf ha made a prize. The gravel walks of the garden showed no em of footsteps, but in the rain- softened earth outside the wall marks of men’s feet were plainly discernible. And mingled with them were smaller traces, evidently the footprints of boys. Mr. Barton shook bis bead gravely. “Tt is plain the boys have been with them,” he said. ‘‘See, here is where they jumped down from the wall. And here go their steps outward. Three sets of them.” The rain had now ceased. The deeply-im- pressed footprints were easily followed. But they led toward a neighboring street in which their tracks would soon be lost. While this new search was in progress the captives remained closely locked in their prison. It was a room in a corner of the building, look- ing down with a sheer descent of twenty feet ae ground, as Mickey soon satisfied him- self. “Tell ye what it is, Joe,” be declared, turn- ing curtly to his fellow-prisoner, “ we’re a pair o’ monkeys in a box, we are. We’s got our- selves in a high old scrape, and ther’s no goin’ back on that,” “‘ Don’t I know it?” answered Joe. “See yere, boy. The rope ain’t round yer neck yit,as I see. What’s the use of gittin’ yerself in sich a ridicklns skeer?”’ “Tf Mr. Barton hadn’t known me,” returned Joe, in a trembling tone. ‘ ‘“We’s got to git outer this. That’s the whole long and short of it. I don’t like that there
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_ ttrike u & = man for nothin’. He’s jist the kind as won’t b’lieve a word we say, if we swear to it till the tky turns green. It’s a_bad show, Joe; but if we don’t want to go to Moya we’s got to slide outer this consarn,” ‘How?’ asked Joo, looking up more hope- fully. “How! Well, ther’s a good many hows. One way’s to jump out the winder. But I'ma little feared we'd fotch up too kinder suddent.”’ “We can’t do that,” declared Joe, “ Another how is—” He was interrupted by the opening of the door, and the appearance of the full-moon countenance of their jailer, the footman. ‘Silence hin there!” he exclaimed, authori- tatively. ‘“‘ You bowdacious young ruffians, _ Slap your jaws hif you don’t stop that clat- r Mickey, whose back was turned to the speak- er, winked knowingly to Joe. ‘Wide awake now,” he muttered. “Ill nab the Englisher.” But we must return once more to the search- ing purty outside. ‘By the aid of the lantern they traced the me in the rain-sodden und for a considerable distance. But not r off in this direction a street had nm cut through. It was not built on as yet, but the roadway was paved, and it soon proved impos- sible to follow the robbers by their footsteps turther in this direction, Sending the servants onward to make in- quiries, and to warn any policemen they might encounter, Mr. Barton and his friends returned to the house. They had been absent about half av hour. ‘“‘ We had best examine the boys at once,” he said. ‘‘We may gain some information neces- sary to us? immediately.” But they had first to pass through a running ' fire of inquiries, which detained them some ten minutes more, ere they could make their way to the stairs. - “‘T hope none of you ladies will be alarmed,” remarked Mr. Barton, cheerily. ‘ Pray, do not Jet this spoil your enjoyment, Let the music again. : The players promptly obeyed, and it was to the sound of musical strains that they ascended the stairs. ‘* What’s become of that stupid, consequential fool of a Joseph, who was left on guard here?” exclaimed Mr. Barton, on seeing that the door of the prison room remained unguarded. ‘‘ The has strayed away somewhere.” ' He was interrupted by an extraordinary noise from within the room; a sort of inarticu- late howl, followed by a furious pounding upon the door. ‘* Eh! what doesthis mean? Have the young vagrants gone mad?” . He unlocked and flung open the door as he spoke, expecting to see a pair of frantic bo But what was his surprise to find that the boys had disappeared, and in their stead he saw the person of their jailer, all his aristo- cratic dignity gone, his face red and swelled like a boiled t, while short howls of rageand dismay came in puffs from his lips. ‘To think has hi hever come from hold Heng- land for this!” he managed to ejaculate, in a sortoffranticroar. CHAPTER VIL. ° _ A DASH FOR LIBERTY. WE must go back a step in our stony to ex- plain how this strange metamorphosis had oc- curred, a transformation scene in which two undignified boys were changed into a dignified 1uan. When we last looked in upon the youthful prisoners, Joseph, the footman, had just done the same, and Mickey had quietly advised his fellow captive to be wide awake, and he would nab the Englisher. The next instant, to the surprise of the jailer, Miekey tumbled in a heap on the floor, and be- gan rolling and howling in a most distressing manner. “Oh Lawsee! Oh cricky! Oh yewled, as he doubled himself up **Oh, send for a doctor! I’m afire inside! afire! afire! afire!” This was plage in gradually rising howls, which only the busy conversation and other neises below prevented from alarming the house, Joe stood with staring eyes and upraised hands, not knowing what to make of this sud- den attack. But Mickey, in the midst of his peroeyem, managed to roll over to him, and give @ ebarp pinch on the leg. iminy!” he ike an eel, lm The Young Sleuths. ‘*Look alive, you beggar,” he warned in a low tone. ‘‘ Stand ready to run!” This was followed by another volley of ap- peals for aid. “Oh! oh! oh! The doctor! The doctor! Afore I burn up to a cinder!” The jailer would have been made of stone if he could have withstood this. He ran hastily into the room, on whose floor Mickey was twisting and writhing as if there was nota bone left in his ers ‘* What hails you?” he shouted. ‘’Ang me if hi ever ’eared such a clatter! ’ave you got the toothache, er the hinfluenza?” ‘It’s my insides that’s all a-turnin’ outside!” cried Mickey, as he gave Joe’s leg a sharp push toward the door. ‘Oh! I’m goin’ to die! I’m goin’ to die!” The thick-brained footman was quite dum- founded by this occurrence. He threw up his bands in horror, and exclaimed: ‘*Don’t you die ’ere! Hit’s haginst the law to die ’ere!—’Old there, boy! Where har’ you oin?” This was to Joe, who had made a start or the door. “T am going for the doctor,” replied Joe, with a happy thought. ‘Come back ’ere! Come back, hi say!” He started quickly to arrest his flying pris- oner, but he was not destined to reach him. For with a sudden squirm Mickey managed to throw himself between his long legs, around which he twisted like a snake around a tree. The natural consequence followed. Joseph was tripped up, and fell headlong to the floor, his prominent nose beizg the first point to touch bottom With a last volley of ‘‘Ohs” the shrewd little schemer disengaged himself, sprung to his feet as if impelled by a shen ae a yea disdain- ful kick to the prostrate y of his dupe. “Take that, you bloody Henglisher; and poe tae come foolin’ round Hamerican boys ag’in With a laugh of contempt he leaped to the door, through which he vanished just as Joseph was scrambling, in a dazed fashion to his feet. ‘¢Come back ’ere! Come back ’ere hinstantly, you howdacious—” He was interrupted by the slamming of the door, and the turning of the key in the lock. ‘‘ What's the matter hinside there?’ came in an impertinent demand through the keyhole. ‘Got the toothache, or the hinfluenzy, hey?” The next moment the involuntary prisoner heard the boys retiring with a triumphant laugh, from the door. He ran furiously against it, but it resisted bis efforts. The tables had been decidedly turned. Utterly heedless of the cries of their prisoner, whose sound was muffled by the cl door, the boys hastened down-stairs, But the final ee of stairs opened out into the. hall, in the full blaze of light, and in open view of the guests, who were moving about in an excited fashion. ‘¢ Won't do, Joe,” warned Mickey. ‘That'd be jist a jump from the fryin’-pan inter the — We 's got to investergate this yere shanty a bik. *There’s somebody coming up-stairs!” an- nounced Joe, with sudden alarm. Mickey caught him by the collar, and drew him quickly within a room, whose door stood open to their left. / “Whist’s the word,” he said, ‘‘ Don’t stir, no more nor a rabbit.” There was little danger of that. Joe was much too frightened to stir. t The step came steadily upward. Gazing slyly through the partly open door the boys recognized the face of Mr. Barton, who was ac- companied by several others. They made their way to the foot of the next flight of stairs. “Tf we ain’t got to cut stick now ther’s no fun,” whispered Mickey. ‘It’s gittin’ blazin’ hot. Won’t ther’ be a high old time when they find the sort of pig that’s in their bag? Come, Joe, it’s Cherry Hill prison if they nab us now.” He sprung out into the hall which ran back beside the stairs, Several rooms opened into it, but Mickey made his way rapidly to the rear, where a window opened out f ** Are you going to jump?” asked Joe timidly. ‘*T ain’t goin’ to git cotched, if I have to turn a handspring outer the winder. And I don’t b’lieve ther’s no elevators ’bout these dig- gin’s. ‘ “This way,” cried Joe gleefully. another stair.” ‘‘That’s hunky. D’ye bear the row up-stairs? Lawsee! wouldn’t I like to be there now, to see our rat walk out of the trap. But bizness won't permit.” A hearty laugh broke from the ‘“Hore’s re SS — reckless boy. ‘‘Come, Joe. ‘Tain’t no time te be*moonin’ now. Slide’s the word, and hey jolly diddle?” Down the back stairway he went, takin scarce three steps to the whole flight. Joe fol- lowed no less rapidly. They now found them- selves in a pitchy darkness. But after groping around for a minute a door was discovered, which opened easily, and let in a beam of light from the front of the house. ‘*Yere’s a winder!” cried Mickey. ‘ Mind yer eye, Joe. They’re arter us. Dig out behind me, you littlé beggar.” There was indeed no time to be lost. Excited voices were heard up-stairs, and sounds as of rapidly descending steps. A light flashed down the stairway which they had just descended. Evidently pursuit was to be sharp and decisive. Fortunately the shutters had been opened and the window raised during the recent search. Mickey went through it with the agility of a cat, in a quick leap that landed him in a bunch on the soft ground outside. Joe followed more carefully, Jetting himself down by his hands and dropping to the ground. ‘‘Not that way,” cried Mickey. ‘‘ Here, by the porch. You don’t hanker to run inter the dog’s jaws, hey?” ** But they’ll see us that way.” ‘¢Let ’em see! Who keers¢ Give Mickey Ma- lone a fair start, and I bet a persimmon, they don’t nab him,” The rain had now ceased falling. They had reached the ground at the side of the house, not far from its front. There was sufficient light here to enable them to make their way easily. Stealing quickly forward, in a second they had gained the outer corner of the wide porch, which fronted the mansion. A few steps more and they would be in full view of the guests, for a bright light illumined the shrubbery and walks in this direction. ‘* Pelt out, Joe,” cried Mickey. ‘Pm afeared,” responded Joe, a At this instant a loud bark came from their left. Wolf had evidently caught the scent. “There’s the dog! Ye'll be eat up alive if ou don’t pelt out like sealin’-wax! Slide, d’ye ear?” J agg the scared a Mickey set out at full speed. Joe followed. There was no help for it now. The gate to, the grounds luy but some twenty paces in front, and s wide open. If they could but reach and close it behind them? But they had not taken five steps ere they were discovered from the house and the alarm given. ‘“‘There they go! There they go! This way! This way! Stop thieves!” Steps were heard rushing hastily from the rooms tothe porch, The bay of the dog came nearer and nearer. The boysran as they had never run before, There were no seconds to waste now. They neared the open gate. A crushing sound in a bush just behind told of the approach of the dog. To the right was visible a slender, boyish*form, running hastily forward, as if to intercept their.escape through the gateway. It was an instant of thrilling interest. But the boys had slightly the advantage in the race, and their speed was winged by fright. They reached the gate and darted through just in ad- vance of their pursuer. But instead of his springing through after them, as had seemed his purpose, he bastily closed the open gate, just in time to shut in the dog, who came bounding fiercely up. The youth caught him by the collar and jerked him sternly back. ‘““What did you do that for, Milton?” came an angry voice at hiselbow. ‘‘Do you want them to escape?” ‘“‘T don’t want the sorry little vagrants to be eaten up alive by this brute,” the lad firmly re plied. ‘‘ Yonder they go. Catch them if you can. But Wolf shall not touch them.” The light from the house reached out fora considerable distance over the fields that lined the opposite side of the roadway. But to right and left, out of this line of light, the dense darkness of a moonless and stormy night reign- ed supreme. In this direction the boys were flying with the speed of fear. The momentary diversion had given them a start, and they were a hun- dred paces ahead when the gate was flung open, and several pursuers darted out efter them. It was now a question who could run the fastest, boys brought up in all the wildness of street life, or men who seldom took a step faster than a walk. Up the road and into the fields Mickey led the way, little Joe quickly following. Soor
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The Young Sleuths. 9 \ fms 5 “ERLANG eta OR ae ASR ACM a AN ARDC NR a nT RA cn NT Whe darkness swallowed them up, until they be- came but faint shadows to their pursuers. But now the latter fancied themselves to be gaining, The shadow ahead grew more distinct, It had certainly ceased moving. In a moment more they were close upon it, and—to their amazed eyes they saw it was nothing but a clump of bushes. “This way!” was thecry. ‘* They can’t keep up that pace long! We’ll soon run them down!” ‘““Where are they? We have lost sight of them,” spoke another voice, - “Spread, then. Take in the whole field. They can’t escape us.” The pursuers ran hastily onward, spreading eut like a fan, to right and left. They, too, soon disappeared in the darkness, only their voices hdehwee y 4 their position. Hardly had they,done so ere asmaller shadow emerged from the shadow of the bush. ‘‘We’s done fer'em, @s sure as you live!” came a youthful voice. ‘‘Sold ’em as chea as dishwater. Lawsee! wasn’t it gay that bus was yere?” * Bet it was!” answered Joe’s voice, “Strike this way, Joe. Cross the road ag’in. And back ’long the wall. They’re flung, sure as shootin’.” Two faint shadows dashed across the road and gained the shelter of the wall, just as some new pursuers, bearing lanterns, made their ap- pearance ihrough the gate. A half-hour afterward a weary and disap- pointed party slowly returned to the mansion, with only a story of failure to tell their eager questioning friends. * How they escaped us I don’t see. We didn’t leave an inch of ground unsearched. But — young rascals had the darkness in their vor. Among those who listened to these words. was the dazed, reddened, woe-be-gone face of Joseph the footman, hanging back on the very edge of the crowd as if too utterly ashamed of himself to show his face in honest company. Every ounce of dignity seemed to be washed | out of his composition. CHAPTER VIII, UNDER COVER, A Licut tapping sound fell on the window of @ house in a ‘narrow street in the southern region of the city. It was a window on the second floor, in the rear of the house, The sound had continued for some time, when a childish form quickly raised itself from the bed that occupied the room, and cast a half-scared lance toward the window. The sound con- inued, and the child sprung out of bed to the floor, and fearfully approached the point whence came the startling noise. The window was slightly raised, and the tones of a low voice now came through it: ** Don’t be scared, Mollie. It’s only me!” With a hasty impulse the child rushed for- ward, threw up the sash, and gazed eagerly t. ou “Oh, Joe, is it you?” she cried. ‘‘ Where are you, Joe?” : ‘Don’t make any noise,” warned the voice. **Don’t waken mother.” ** Where are you, Joe? And do tell me where you have been? You don’t know what a way we’ve been in about you.” She had now caught sight of a youthful figure and an upturned face. It was Joe Joram, who stood on the roof of a shed, from which he had been able to just reach the window, ¢ ‘*You can’é climb in there. Wait, Pll run Cown and open the door.” ‘No, no, dowt/” exclaimed Joe. ‘‘I mustn’t stay. Ive got to go away and hide. But I had vo tell you and mother first.” “Got to hide? Oh, Joe! have you been doing?” ‘The cops are after us, Mollie. nothing. But I’ve got to hide.” ‘*Oh, Josie Joram! Just to think!” ‘* You'll bear lies about me, Mollie. But don’t you believe them. I wouldn’t do nothing wrong for nobody. But I’m afraid they’ll take me to prison. Don’t you believe them, Mollie. And tell mother I ain’t done nothing wrong.” He was interrupted by an impatient voice from below: ** Bite off that taffy. It's gittin’ on to day- light, and we’s got to scoot.” *“*Who’s that down there?” cried Mollie, in alarm, her pretty, childish face peering down toward the ground. “It’s only Mickey Malone. It’s him and me that’s in the scrape.” What, forever, I ain’t done **Tt’s ali because you will keep going with that bad boy,’’ declared Mollie. + a ther’s wuss nor Mickey Malone,” came from that youthful hero, in a tone of indignation. ‘‘I ain’t learned Joe nothin’ he didn’t know, you bet on that. I’m goin’ to slide, and if he don’t want to be gobbled up by the cops he’d best foller.” “There. Good-by, Mollie. and don’t believe no lies, wouldn’t do sen wrong.” He lifted himself from the shed by his two hands, kissed the pretty, beseeching lips that leaned imploringly from the window, and the next. moment sprung from the shed to the ground. ““Good-by, Mollie, It'll be all right soon.” ‘““What’s that?” came in a quick, startled voice from behind. ‘‘ Who are you talking to, Mollie?” He’s been here! You tell mother; for you know I “Ob, mamma! It’s Joe! But he’s gone again!” “Joe!” The distressed mother hastily ran down-stairs, and flung open the back door of house. But she was too late. The boys had disappeared. _ here the two boys spent the remainder of that night we do not know. Mickey was well posted in the sleeping places of newsboys and bootblacks, and they managed somewhere to get their wet clothes dried and to snatch a morsel of sleep. It was a sleep, on Joe’s side, well sprinkled with ugly dreams, but no log could bave slumbered more soundly than his experi- enced companion. About nine o’clock the next morning the youthful partners made their appearance in a very uninviting down-town locality, a dirt and narrow street occupied by crazy and well- soiled residences, the abodes of abject poverty, to all appearance. “Now see yere, Joe,” explained Mickey. ‘They don’t know me from a bunch 0’ beets, but they’s got you down fine, You's got to kee shady till it blows over. ButI ain’ta bit afeare on ’em,” “Oh, Mickey, hadn’t you best hide, too? Maybe they'll know you.” “* How’s we goin’ to live without work, hey? I’s got to do double duty now, for I’s got to pay board for both on us. You don’t s’ no- body’s goin’ to give you yer grub for notbin’? That kind don’t grow ’round these yvre dig- in’s.” | “‘ But how long will we have to hide?” ‘*See yere, Joe,” Mickey’s voice fell as he gazed cautiously around him. ‘‘I’ve got them burglars spotted. S'’pose I ‘don’t know that Jerry? You bet I do, then! and I’m bound to find where he bangs out, too. Now I'll tell you what itis, We're down for stealin’ that box of diamonds, How’s we goin’ to make the thin square? Ill tell you how. We've got to stea it back ag’in from the burglars! If we kin step up to Mr, Barton and say, ‘ Yere’s yer box,’ d’ye spose that won’t make itall hunky? Why Joe, they'll be makin’ statoos of us next, an settin’ ’em up in the Park.” Joe laughed gleefully at the extravagant fancy of his friend. Micksy’s scheme did not appear to him as wild as it was in reality. It was very much as if he had proposed to go to a hornet’s nest in search of honey. ‘‘“Yere we are, Joe. Now don’t you git skeered. I s’pect old granny ’ll guv me Yankee Doodle.” He opened the door of one of the houses and went in with his bold swagger, followed more timidly by Joe. The room in which they found themselves was a narrow ‘apartment, well filled with battered furniture, and with a cook stove at its rear end, over which bent an old woman in a cap. She looked quickly around at the entrance of the boys, and revealed a wrinkled and soured face, with a strongly Irish cast of features. The look which she cast upon Mickey was not reas- suring. “So it’s yerself, is it, ye spalpeen?” she harsh- ly demanded, griping the poker as if ready to use it on the boy’s back. ‘‘ Faix, and it’s a nate time to be showin’ y’ur purty face, arter I’ve been worritin’ my soul-case out about ye the blessed night long. An’ it ain’t much’d be stop- pin’ me from layin’ the poker on your dirty skull.” ‘* Bless you, granny, ther’ ain’t no use in yer worryin’ bout me,” answered Mickey, easily. *¢ Ain’t I often told ye that we merchants some- times have all-night business?” ** Hold yous jy you omadhoun, or it’s me- self will be givin’ you bigness for all day, too. Isn’t it as much as I can do to keep my ten fin- gers off your ugly hide, and you a-standin there as if you jist want to aggravate me, And bringin’ your low company wi@ you, too, in a dacent woman’s house!” Joe was ei to fly in affright béfore this termagant assault. But Mickey winked to bim to keep still. ‘Sure, granny, the City of Coley came in last night, with news from Londonderry. And they got out extrees, which we kept sellin’ till we couldn’t stand on our two feet. And we jist dropped down and went to sleep any- where,” ‘“News from Londonderry!” cried the old woman, with sparkling eyes, ‘ own old home, bless it! hat is it, Mickey boy? Tell it till the old woman, you little rogue.” “Not a word "ll 1 tell to nobody, till I’ve bad some breakfast,” declares the unblushing boy. “Tm half starved, granny; and so is Joe. Ain’t you got a sly bite, stuck away in a corner of the oven for us?” ** Tell me first about Londonderry.” ‘‘ Not a word till we’ve had our grub.” The debate ended in a victory for Mickey. He had shrewdly guessed at the fact. The woman had not forgotten her errant grandson, and soon a smoking pletter was placed before the boys, that was much more appetizing in smell than in looks. . “Dive in, Joe!” warned Mickey, ‘‘ and make time; for I’m hungry enough to make a dinner on dry bones.” The meal over he took pe Fas Blbene to CME the old lady of his intentions in regard to oe “‘He’s a poor orphan, granny; and his uncle’s. arter him, as has taints of money. So Joe's got to hide his mug till the s’arch is over,” “Sure an’ be needn’t be hidin’ if bis uncle's so rich. Maybe ye’ll be after tellin’ me what. he’d want to be hidin’ for.” “Now don’t ax so many questions, or you'll have me lyin’next. Look at the boy’s innocent face, granny; and his sweet blue eyes. What more do ye want?” The old woman looked in Joe’s face, and her Sed heart was at once taken by his pleading ook. “Yl pay his board, granny,” announced Mickey. ‘‘I’m going to run both lines of biz- ness, if I bu’sts a blood-vessel. I ain’t never goin’ back on Joe.” Mickey set his hat well aslant upon bis auburn hair, gave a hoist upward to his baggy panta- loons, and prepared to set off on day’s labors, after a parting injunction to Joe to keep shady, and make himself at bome, “Sure you’re not goin’ widout tellin’ me the news from Londonderry?” cried the old w inalarm. ‘And arter I’ve kept sich a break- Sanh eaten tee ye.” "laughed th * “It’s old news, granny,” lau ® grace- L oky ; BeBe ae ee Ls hay ay oad ing Jamie’s sojers is off full tilt for the Boyne water. Maybe ye've heered it afore.” ; “I’ve heered you before, you dirty s yy roared the old Jady, as she ran furio’ y or the poker. ‘And Pll tache ye how to poke fun at yer old , who's a-worki nails off for ye, and no thanks for it.” ent, But Mickey knew that trick too well, Hoe was off out the door like a flash, while a tri- umphant laugh did not aid in softening the old lady's outbreak of temper, *‘The omadhoun!” she cried, ‘‘ And you're a-helpin’ him in it!” She turned angrily upon Joe, who had shrunk into a corner of the room, in dread of the threatening weapon, But the lad’s soft eyes, which had in them the appealing look of a cornered rabbit, di ed the angry dame, whose stormy outside con- cealed a tender heart. She flung the poker away, and caught him in her arms. “Poor little orphan!” she cried, “as is flung out on the cold world. Sure and ye’ll never want a bit or a sup while Biddy one’s got a crust left in the cupboard.” e cannot follow all Mickey’s movements for the day or two pneceeenne He certainly did his duty in the line of business, actin alternately as newsvender and bootdlack, an wae , Lgl. good run oe = ‘I told you, granny, I’d pay our boards,” he remarked, as he passed over the proceeds of his labors. ‘“‘Ima yas hoss when I git start- ed, But I’m afeard I’d guy out if I kept up that pace for many days at a stretch.” *“You ain’t been tracked, Mickey?” whispered Joe. ‘“‘Nary time. And I’m keepin' a s eye open fur sprouts. Can’t jist hit on Jerry’s © caboose; but I’m a-workin’ up to it.” Late the next afternoon just as ho was nearly at the end of his bundle of extras, he waa
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10 —s stapes by a customer, who demanded a Tele- gra Mikey needed all his power of self-control to suppress a violent start, as he caught a glimpse of this man’s face. His hand shook in an un- wonted manner while he made change, and the customer might have seen a queer look in the boy’s eyes if he had paid any attention to him. A smile of tification came upon Mickey’s ace as he followed the man with a significant “Knowed I’d spot him if I’d only wait,” he declared. “If it ain’t Jerry, the burglar, then acat don’t like milk. And he’s buyin’ rs to see if ther’s anything ’bout t’other night’s jub. I’m a-goin’ to foller that there coon to his caboose or split.” He was on Jerry’s track ere the latter had gained twenty ste advance. The few nano he had left he quickly bundled up and st into bis pocket. It would not pay now to be detained by customers. Quite unaware of pursuit, Jerry walked on, reading the paper as he went. The boy was not far behind, though on the opposite side of the street, and he saw the movement of gratifi- cation with which the burglar read an item in e “ boy managed to avert suspicion of his purpose, though more than once dorry cast a keen look around. Finally he tracked him to a house in a aes able neighborhood in the lower part of the Treed!” cried Micke , slapping bis knee. “That's the fu’st step. Now for the second.” CHAPTER IX. HOW DUTY AND PLEASURE WERE UNITED. MEANWHILE Mr. Barton bad not rested quite easily under his loss. Full accounts of the rob- —e had been published in all the daily papers, and the capture and escape of the boys care- fully detailed. As to their connection with the bery various opinions were expressed, but the majority looked upon them as shrewd young Js and apprentices of the burglars, Mr. Barton, out of respect for the widow, had kept back Joe’s name, but his loss was a very serious one, and it was necessary for the fullest investigation to go on, no matter who suffered. Mrs. Joram was in the greatest distress, when Mr. Barton called on her, in company with an officer of the police. ‘ "Ob, sir, I can’t believe it of my Joe! You don’t know what a boy he bas always been! And you might kill him before he will tell a lie, or take any thing that isn’t his ewn! There must be some terrible mistake!” “He has been keeping bad company, Mrs. Joram,” was the reply. ‘‘ Where is he?” “T would givean ythlug to know. Iam ’most distracted about him. He bas not been home since that night; only—only he came to the -window, in the middle of night, and told Mollie that he had got to hide, but’ he hadn’t done anythi ie * Ah!” broke in the police officer, much in- terested in this information. “Go on, Mrs. Joram. I should like to hear all about that.” The widow ka ype to give the details of Joe’s nocturval visit. “Tf I had only been awake I would never have let him go,” she declared. ‘‘ But Molke is a mere child, and didn’t know what to do. The poor “3 has got in trouble, and has been badly scared, but he would never do anything wroag, I know that.” “There, there, Mrs. Joram,” broke in Mr. Bar‘on’s kindly voice. ‘‘No harm shall come to the boy. something about this robbery and has got to © tell it.” * What do you think of it?” he asked the offi- cer, after they had left Mrs, Joram’s house. “T hardly know yet,” replied the latter. “Tt is a story that has itstwosides. You know what mothers are. Their geese are all white swans. Yet it looks well for the boy that he had so much feeling for his mother and sister.” “So it seems tome. The lad may have’ been led astray by bad company, and accompanied the burglars without hardiy knowing what he was' doing.” . “You tell me you have met with a heavy But I must find him. He knows | ! ——$—$—$—$—$—$— ee The Yeung Sleuths. loss, Mr. Barton,” said the officer. ‘‘ Were the contents of the stolen box so very valuable?” “Yes,” answered Mr. Barton, in a distracted fashion. “Jewelry or money? We must be on the lookout for these contents.” ‘‘It wasn’t that,” answered the gentleman. ‘‘There was money in the box. But I care not for that.. It contains papers which are more important to me than a box full of money.” ‘‘Ha! That may be important to us also. What was the character of these papers?’ “They involve my claim to my estate. If they should be destroyed I might find it impossi- ble to prove my ownership. There is another person who would have a stronger claim, Un- fortunately the most importants document is not recorded.” “That is certainly very careless,” responded the officer, with a dubious shake of the head. ‘*But the loss of these papers will be for the benefit of one party, you say. Is.there only one?” 4a Yes.” ‘* Man or woman?” ‘‘ A man, and one who does not bear the best of records.” : ‘‘Good, The mystery is opening. It is that man we want, by, you have nailed the whole affair in a dozen words. Where is he to be found?’ “In England.” ‘‘Whew!” came ina whistling sound from the officer. ‘‘ England is a good ways off. But then it is not many days’ distant. e may be here now.” “No. Ihave a telegram from him only two nye old.” he officer hesitated and seemed lost flection, ‘“‘He may be doing his work by an agent,” was the next remark. ‘‘ This man is .in some way at the bottom of it. I am sure of that. Come with me to the office, Mr. Barton. I want the complete story about this person, and a full description of him and his associates as far as possible. We may hit on some useful clew.” ‘*] doubt it,” answered Mr. Barton, dubious- ly. ‘I have not seen him for years, and know nothing about bis associates.” ‘“‘If we could only nab. thdse boys,” mused the officer. ‘*‘ We must have them. I am sat- in re- : isfled they can put us on the track. This little Joe, you say, is a bootblack?”’ ‘* | believe that is bis profession.” ‘* And the other is an ill-dressed, dirty-faced, im pudent young reprobate?” ‘Thai fits him exactly.” “Very woll. I will have the bootblacks worked up. It won’t be hard to find out who this second boy is. Ho» is evidently the ring- leader. Come to the office, Mr. Barton. I want all the particulars,” During the succeeding days the newspapers continued to give particulars about the bur- glary. But they were much of a pattern with those about other robberies. Now the police were on the track. Now they were off it. Now they bad a certain clew. Now they hadn’t. It was the old see-saw that follows half the rob- beries that take place. The police have the thing down fine in the beginning; but it gets so dreadfully fine in the end that nobody can see it It was one of these newspaper squibs which showed plainly that there was no: trace of the robbers, that Jerry had read with so much sat- isfaction. Mickey, after tracing him to cover, seated himself complacently upon a fire-plug at the corner of the street, took the bunch of pa- pe from his pocket, and carefully straightened hem out. ‘“*T ain’t much of a reader,” he soliloquized, “but [ve a notion I kin make out that there Jerrymiab. Ther’s somethin’ favorable ‘bout the house-crackin’ job; for Mr. Jerry wouldn’t sna likera locomotive head-ligbt *bout noth- ny Mickey’s education was not of the highest grade, It took a hard wrestle with the alpha- bet for him to get the meaning out of the para- graph in question, but at last he accomplished sf I wish Joe was here,” he growled. ‘‘ He’d slide over it like as if it was so much ice, but it’s like so many Sen-EnDy nails, with their pints upward, to me, t I think I’ve got the hang of it, if Idid ha © « skip some of the big words as these fellers s:i:k in. to show their Parnin’.” t The shrewd boy sat and cogitated wisely for some minutes, ** All the papers makes out as them two boys isin the ring,” he muttered. ‘But they aist ot the hang of who the boys is, so they kin blow ahead if they want.” ‘‘Got the Telegraph?” asked a person who was ssing. ‘“*Yere you are, mister. Fifth edition, Ali the news.—Guess I’d best sell out. ’Tain’t biz- ness to take home yer stock in yer pocket.” Springing from perth he commenced again to cry his wares. ca Sone ! Bulletin! Star! Chronicle! Yere’s all the news! Bilin’ hot! Yere’s bout the Chinese in sarang !~Want a —_, mis- ter? Got all ’bout the burgl in West Phila- delfy. The perlice on the track. Full descrip- tions of the boys as stole the swag. Have a pa- per? Telegraph! Star! Bulletin!” The few papers which Mickey had lefts went off his hands, as he continued to rattle out a record of news, real andimaginary. He took particular delight in giving details of the bur- glary, chuckling the while to bimself hoW neat- he was throwing all suspicion from his own shoulders by this shrewd course. ‘There, that settles it,” he ejaculated as his last paper went off, and the last penny slid into his et. ‘* Wonder if I'd best strike out fur grub, or keep an eye open for wnat” the cracks man(—Hillo! Yere’sfun! Guess I'll lay low, and see what’s in the wind.” This exclamation was called out by the ap- pearance, a’ distance, of a face and form which he at once rec . It was the man who had given bim the counterfeit coin, which had led to all the after events of this story. Here was another point of which he was not so sure, as he had failed to get a fair look at his face on the night of the robbery, but he was in- clined to think that it was the ringleader of the burglars, the one they had called Mart. aa ickey slipped he into a a doorway, which partly concealed him, while he kept his sharp eyes fastened on the form of the person in question. , e latter turned into the street in which stood the house that held Jerry. He had not the slightest thought that the ragamuffin whom he saw lurking ina doorway had any connec- tion with himself. Mickey followed him with his eyes. The bo had now slipped behind the corner of a build- ing, beyond which only the upper part of his head protruded. ‘IT knowed it! I knowed it!” he ejaculated, with a wild laugh. ‘* He’s stopped afore Jerry’s caboose. And now he’s spyin’ round fur | snacks. Bet he don’t nail me The young spy withdrew his head under cover, and did not venture to look out again until a couple of minutes had elapsed. He was just in time to catch a vanishing glimpse of the object of his quest, as the latter entered the open door of the house into which Jerry had al- ready disappeared. If anybody interested in the antics of boys had been at hand just then, they would have seen a very peculiar dance, and heard a very odd song, coming from a ragged reprobate, with clothes three sizes too big for him. ‘* Lawsee!” he shouted in glee, ‘ Ain’t the thing a-workin’! Now if t’other one, that they call Tim, ’€ only put in, we’d have all the ‘snakes in one bag. Don’t I wish I was inside that shanty? I bet I'd finda keyhole as’d tell me sometbin.” He continued to dance and sing, with a glee which he could not contain. For full ten minutes this mood lasted, ere the boy became sobered down sufficiently for reasonable thought. It was one thing to discover the haunts of the burglars. It was another thing to recover the stolen property, which Mickey fancied was necessary to clear himself of suspicion. ‘If 1 was to put the cops on the track, they’d snatch me too. I know jist what they is. That there box is got to be nailed,” Such were his reflections after bis spell of glee bad passed over. But there was a ques- tion of probabilities to be worked out in the shrewd young brain. The robbery had been performed for the sake of the box alone. But who was it knew so well the position of that box? Who had a special reason for wanting it?) Not the common burglars; but this well- dressed person who was the leader in the job. ‘*Does anybody s’pose a» how he’s goin’ to guv that there box to Jerry or Tim to freeze onto?’ continued Mickey. ‘‘Not much, I’m mighty sure he ain’t that kind of a hairpin. The box ain’t in Jerry’s caboose, and ther’ ain’t no use in me ’vestigatin’ it. DPve got to find out where t’otber one hangs out, and then ther’ll be some sense in workin’.”
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Just now, in fact, there were two prominent ‘uoughbts in Mickey s corporation. The question of grub was troubling his stomach; that of spy- ing the robbers was troubling his brain. “If 1 could only slip into granny’s fur five minits and swaller a plateful of wmixin’s, wouldn’t I feel hunky? But it’s toe far eff, and I might sp’ile the whole bisness by diggin’ arter b. Duty afore pleasure, folks say. I won- con if eatin’ ain’t a duty fur a hungry boy?” Here was a question in philosophy not easily settled. Fortunately Mickey remembered that there was a cook shop around the corner, and that there was a beat Mbp of pennies in his pocket. It might possible to combine luty and pleasure. at least was a question very easily settled. In a moment he had slipped off bis perch and was away around the corner. In very few minutes more he reappeared in the street with a huge hunk of gingerbread in one hand and a quarter of pie in the other, to which he was al- ternately paying devoted attention. Short as was the period of his absence it had made an important change in the state of affairs. Just as he was on the point of turning into the street two men turned out of it. He recognized them ata glance. It was Mart and Jerry. Mickey manage to cover his countenance to such an extent with pie and Snaertrent that no mask could have concealed him better. He was not longin putting bimself on the trail of the two men, though to all appearance he was only a lubberly boy intent on filling a very large sweet tooth. lt was duty and pleasure now in earnest. Mickey continued to gnaw industriously away at his provende:, but he took good care not to lose sight of his game. For half an hour the pursuit continued. The two men seemed to feel no suspicions of being followed, for they did not once look behind them. ickey’s provender had long disap- peared ere they came toa halt, It was in front of a house of considerable pretensions, on one of the uptown avenues. | They looked keenly around before entering, but there was nothing that seemed suspicious. Only some rapidly walking men and a ragged boy crouched upon a doorstep, and apparently engaged in tying his shoe-string. Without fur- ther hesitation Mart opened the door of the residence and entered, closefy followed by Jerry. Then the bay quickly finished his shoe- string operation, and rolled upon the step in a paroxysm of laughter. “Done’em ag’in!” he cried. ‘‘ Done ’em the wust way! There’s where the box is, you bet! And there’s where I’s goin’ fur it!” CHAPTER X. TRACKED TO THEIR DEN. Tux detective officers whom Mr. Barton had put on the trail of the burglars did not lose much time in going to work. In spite of the fact that a telegram only a few days old had been received from England, signed by Martin Stew- art, the party under suspicion, they were not sure but that this was a trick, and that person really in America. The job was too important to intrust to an agent, they argued, and the sending of the tele- gram could be easily managed, This Martin Stewart was a cousin of Mr. Barton, and next heir to the paepenty which that gentleman had inherited. Only a certain important document stood between bim and the property. That document should have been recorded, But Mr. Barton was very careless in business matters, and he had utterly neglected this important affair. In consequence be was in serious trouble. If that paper sbould be de- stroyed Martin Stewart could safely lay claim to the property; and from what was known about him, be was not one to hesitate about stealing the document and claiming the estate. Thus the matter stood. Suspicion naturally attached to this English cousin, and an exact description of him was given the police, with orders to keep a sharp lookout for any man answering that description. Another matter of importance was the dis- covery and arrest of the two fugitive boys. They must be able to give some description of the baralars, and it might be coaxed or fright- ened out of them. To discover who Joe Joram’s companion was proved a matter of very little difficulty. All the newsboys were aware of the queer partner- ship existing betweer, Joe and Mickey, and the kauns and habits of the latter were soon in session of the police. There was no doubt t that he was the party needed. The de- The Young Sleuths, scription of him given by the boys was at once recognized by Mr. Barton. Mickey bad Oi 3 not been as cunning as he fancied himself. © wasso wrapped up in the pursuit of the robbers that he had thought very little of his own ition, or he might have known that he was hiding Joe in the very place where he would be sure to be looked for. But a boy cannot be expected to have the wisdom of a man, and one idea was as much as our sharp young friend usually had room for at a time. He had returned home after his adventures in trailing burglars, and taken a night’s sound sleep in preparation for the next day’s work. ‘Ther’s fun afoot, Joe,” he announced the next morning, ‘‘ and jist how it’s to be man- aged I don’t see, but I want you.” “Want me!” queried Joe, “ Jist so. We's burglars now, don’t ye see? We’s been learnt the trade. Now ain’t it our duty to let these fellers see that we ’preciate what they arnt us? You bet itis. I’m goin’ to take a scoot through this chap’s house, Joe, arter that there box. And I waut you along, *Cause one feller moughtn’t be enough.” ‘‘ But won’t the police snatch me?” questioned Joe, in a great flurry. ““T guess you and me kin be wide awake enough to fling them roosters. A _cunnin’ little rat like you, and an old blizzard like me. Jist wait a minute, Joe, and I'll disguise you,” We cannot say that Joe quite approved of Mickey’s idea of a disguise, which consisted artly of ink and partly of dirt. Yet with the grimed face which he now presented and his bat drawn down over bis eyes his’ mother would hardly have recognized him. ‘* All you’s got to do now is to take a roll in the gutter,” declared Mickey. ‘‘ Them clothes is altogether too clean fur a dirty little buffer, like you're to be.” To this proposal Joe positively objected. It was bad enough to havea dirty face. Mickey said nothing. But they had not gone far along the street ere he managed to adroitly trip his unsuspecting companion into a very unsightly tter. ‘‘Lawsee, Joe!” cried Mickey, with great concern, ‘‘ What’s you tumblin’ over my foot for? Didn’t know you was so awkward, Let me help you up.” Help him up he did; but he first gave him a roll in the loud smelling mud; and his efforts to brush the dirt from his clothes only succeeded in spreading it from head to foot. ‘“Guess it’ll come off when it’s dry,” de- clared Mickey. ‘‘Anyhow it was a lucky tumble. Nobody’d know you now for clean hittle Josie Joram. But, lawsee! sich an awk- ward buffer as you are!” ‘ Joe cast a look of suspicion upon his com- panion, but said nothing. He felt that Mickey was master of the situation. It was lucky for the boys that they left the house when they did. They had not got ten squares away ere a brace of officers approached the house, with intent to take them into cus- tody. One of those stationed himself so as to revent escape by the rear. The other rapped oudly at the front door. It was not long ere it was opened by old Mrs. Malone, who started on seeing the blue coat of the policeman. ‘‘What’s the like o’ yez want in here?’ she shrewishly demanded. ‘‘ There’s a lashin’ 0’ folks lives "bout this house; but they’re all honest people. There’s little call for yez "bout here, at all, at aH.” ‘“« Are you Mrs, Malone?” ‘Sure, and it ain’t that boy you're arter?” cried the old lady in sudden alarm, ‘‘ Och, and ye don’t mane to say as he’s been doin’ somethin’ he oughtn’t? I allers told him as he’d come to the gallows, the spalpeen!” ‘‘] want them both, Mrs. Malone,” declared the officer, as he pushed rudely past the old lady, who blocked upthe doorway, ‘‘ Wkere are they?” “Take ’em both, then. Sure and I’m doin’ nothin’ to hinder ye.” There was a cunning glitter in ber eye as she watched the movements of the officer. “Ts this your room?” “ Paix an’ itis, then. It’s the only room I’ve got in the wide world, ohone!”’ ‘‘ But where are the boys?” ‘‘Why didn’t ye ax thata bit ago: afore ye pushed yer dirty nose in to smell ’em out for yerself? Breakin’ intil an old woman’s house, widout warrant, ye ugly-faced peeler! Go ahead now, and do yer own findin’! And don’t be sayin’ much to me, or mayhe yell be after feelin’ the length of my ten nails!” The presumptuous officer had certainly got o it LY Ca himself into a hornet’s nest, and stirred up the hornets, He did not think it advisable, , rt then, to enter into a conversation with k's. Malone. abe sample of her eloquence he had just received was quite satisfactory. He did not hanker after more of it. He Somtinnea the search throughout the house, 3% was connanes by several families, yet some of these might be giving shelter to the fugitives, A close investigation, however, convinced him that they were not there, and he retired somewhat discomfited. “You rust excuse me, Mrs. Malone,” he apologised. “It’s not me, It is the law you know,” ‘“* An’ do you mane to say a& you're the ripre- sentative of the law? All I’s got to say, thin, is. that it’s a scrawny old Jaw that has sich ripre- sentatives as the likes of ye. It ought to be re-- p’aled, by Act o’ Parliament.” : ‘* Hold your tongue, you impudent old terma- ant!” cried the policeman, in a rage. ‘PIL ave your boys, for your impertinence, if I have te stand on guard for them for the next ten days.” As Mrs. Malone retired from the battle o smile of triumph lif up her withered features. The anger of ber antagonist was manna to her soul. It showed her that she had touched him to the quiek. The officer was as good as his word. He and his companion stationed themselves so as to command svary approach to the house. It was: a trap set for the two boys on their return, But we must follow these young sleuths, on the somewhat doubtful and dangerous task which they had set themselves. ‘To commit. burglary on burglars is a mode of turning the tables not often practiced. It might be easier to get into the house, as it would not probably be strictly guarded. But to get out of the house: might be the problem, It is not hard for the chicken to get into the fox’s den; but the get- ba out is the difficulty. ickey was wise enough, in making h’s way up-town, to give a wide berth to their usual place of business. It might not be safe fcr Joe to be recognized by bis ordinary companions, He was in no hurry, either. Midday was not. the best bour for burglarious operations. : It was not far from noon when thoy reached the locality to which the burglars had been tracked the day before. It was, as we have said, a respectable street. The houses were three stories in hight, with wide fronts, and with a neatness and cleanness of aspect remark- ably different from the locality which the boys had recently left. “That's the shanty, Joe. That’s the hole as our fox puts up ‘a. We's got eben | in there, somehow. Only things looks kinder livel round yere now fur burglarism. Mebbe we have to wait fur night time.” - P ‘Do you think they are at home?” asked Joe, a little aa peg f ‘‘ How’s I to know that? ‘You don't s’pose as I’ve got eyes that kin bore through a brick wall, and tell what’s goin’ on inside “ But if they were there, and were to catch an queried Joe. ‘ Won’t they just murder us “Why, I spect they'll chaw us up,” ans Mickey indifferently. ‘'But I don’t b’lieve we'll agree with ’em. Bet they’ll find me tough *HOh Mickey! H ’ ckey! How can you talk sof” ask Joe. with a hwiiiae. ¢ i “They’s got to cotch us fust, Joe,” replied Mickey. ‘‘And I bet I'll be wuss nor a weasel to nab. Jist keep up yer sperits, boy. Don’t yee be climbin’ over fénces till you come to em. “But what are we going to do, then? You don’t think we can get into that house unbe- knowns, do you?” ‘“ We've sot to lay low and spot. Don’t see my way clear now. But _somethin’ mought turn up if we only waits, You take that cor- ner, Joe, and J'lltake this. We’s got to keep our eyes skinned fur snacks. Mebbe the burg: lars theirselves will turn up. And somethin’ else mought happen. Things do keep happenin* you knows if folks only wait.” The thing that happened on this occasion was the turning up of the burglars, and this not un- ti the boys had been on guard duty for several ours, They did not come in a body however. Their approach to the house was more cunning] rformed, and in a way that gave Mickey the idea that this gathering had an important object. irst came the sturdily-built, harsh-faced. personage called Mart,so well known to the
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12 = = newsboy from his several encounters with him. | They never find nothin’. He walked up to the house with the air of a master, opened the door with a latch-key, and stalked boldly in. Abont a half-hour afterward Jerry made his | appearance from a different direction, his short, thick-set figure, and savage expression betoken- ing both great strength and great brutality. tly came Tim, whose hang-dog counte- nance and slouching gait were equally familiar to the boys. He was the most suspicious of the three, and his little, sharp eyes roved from right ‘to left, as if he was constantly on the look-out for danger. But the boys had other business just then, and the cautious villain failed to perceive any eause for suspicion as he made his way to the house, and rung for admission. Leaving the boys to their devices, we will enter with the burglars, as matters of some interest are trangpiring within. The room in which we find them is the rear apartment on the seoond floor of the mansion. is room is fitted up as an office, with desk, office chairs, etc. In an open grate by the wall a fire of bituminous coal is burning, though the room isso warm that the windows have to be opened for the admission of fresh air. On the table around which the three men are seated stands a square, flat walnut box, of about two feet square, and several inches in thickness, “There’s not a shadow of suspicion,” remarks Mart. ‘‘The police seem utterly at sea. The only odd thing is that about those two boys. Of course they can tell little about us, and they didn’t see enough of our faces to be able to deseribe us. But I wish the police would take them, and squeeze all they can out of them, I aay noet to see what kind of a story they will “Vm ecur’us about nothin’ but the swag,” answered Jerry, harshly. ‘‘ You've been puttin’ us off now long enough. Just make the split and be done with it, That’s my say.” ** And mine too,” remarked Tim. * All right, lads, a short horse is soon curried.” He threw back the lid of the box. Inside it was visible the yellow flash of gold. ‘*Tnere’s not as much as I expected,” he con- tinued, as he commenced to count out the money. ‘Five bundred dollars will cover. it. But you can have it between you, according to our bargain. I want the papers for my e. “ That’s not the bargain,” said Jerry, sharply. ‘‘ We were to have 1 thousand apiece if we gave you the papers. I know you, Mart S ewart. on’t try none of your old tricks on me,”’ ‘* Have I tried any trick? I was never the man to go back on my bargain.” ‘* What are 708 going to do with the docu- ments?” asked Tim, curiously. That is none of your affairs. However I don’t mind telling you. ‘You see that fire. Do you suppose that I keep up such a blaze on a warm day for amusement? I will show you what I intend to do,” He emptied the box on the table with a quick movement, Outrolled the gold, and a quantity of folded papers which lay beneath them. Pick- ing up the box he laid it carefully on the blazing a It don’t pay to keep suspicious things about,” he declared. ‘‘ As for the papers—” he seized a hepatnl of them. ‘ We’ve got to keep the fire going. He was about to dash them into the blaze, when Jerry caught bis arm with a fierce gripe. “We'll have that thousand first, my sharp cove. D’yes’pose I'd trust ye arter them docky- years has been burnt? Not muel:!” ‘Allright, Jerry! Come this way, and we'll settle that trifle of business,” He rose and led the way to the door. CHAPTER XI. MICKEY IN A NEW LINE OF TRADE, Hap the shrewd villains had the slightest inkling ef certain events that were just then taking place outside, the than leave the room at that minute. To trace these events we must go back to the youthful spies whom we left on guard duty in the street outside, It looked like a hopeless thought to get into that | house unsuspected, yet Mickey’s busy brain was fer- tile in expedients, and he was not the boy to give up the enterprise without an effort at success. i» put his plan in operation. “It's jist this yi he explained to his ad- miring partner, ‘‘Ther’s fun goin’ on inside that there shanty, I'm kinder fond of fun, and I’d like to take a squint atit. I s’pose we mought put the on the track, but they wouldn't find nothin’. | wind out of his sails. If t would have cut off their hands rather | | The Young Sleuths. I's got to do it myself, or else guv it up.”’ iG. Ye how,’’ answered Joe, as he looked de- spairingly at. the frowning red front of the house. ‘*Don’t_ bother yerself "bout the outside. It’s the inside we’'s got to look arter. Did ye notice that gal “ Jerry in?” ‘ oO ” ““T don’t see “IT did then, and she looks stupider nor a monkey. She's jist the gal to play a trick on. Jist keep quiet now till | study it up a bit.” At that moment a boy appeared further down the street with a tin pan on top of his head, while the cry of **marble-sand ” rung loudly out from his lips. ickey gave a sharp glance at the clean white marble steps of the house under surveillance, and another at the itinerant street vender, and an idea shot like an inspiration into his active brain. “Stay here, Joe,’’ he ordered. ‘I'll be back in a jiffy.”’ He darted off like an arrow down the street, and Joe, who curiously followed him with his eyes, saw him soon in earnest conversation with the marble- sand merchant, What passed was, of course, out of Joe’s hearing, but he saw the pan of sand transferred, after a few minutes, to Mickey’s head, and the former salesman go off empty-handed. Mickey took to his new vocation like a fish to wa- ter, and came along the street yelling ‘* marble- sand!” in stentorian tenes. ‘Bought the feller out, pan and all,” he declared to Joe. “Got it cheap, too. Wholesale rates.— Meshig mad sand! sand! Who wants marble- sand!” The street rung with his mu ical yells. ‘*T don’t see what you're after,” cried Joe. ‘“What's that got to do with getting into that house?” ** Dunno if ther’s anything in it, but it’s wuth try- in’. See yere, Joe, don’t you sp’ile nothin’ by dum ness. Jist you foller my lead, square through,” He led the way, as he spoke, to the opposite side of the street, and boldly rung the bell of the house in question, **Come up here,” he cried to Joe. “ Andif I lets out a lie or two, don't you git on yer ear ‘bout it. ’Tain’t right, I s’pose, but you ain’t ‘sponsible.”’ The ring was ES pct answered by the girl, who had indeed, as Mickey had declared, an expression of stupid good nature. But an angry look came into her face on seeing who had rung. ‘“ What do you mean by bringing me to the door?”’ sheexclaimed. ‘I heard you yelling, and I'd have come if I wanted any. Don't you ever ring that bell again.”’ She was on the point of slamming the door in the boys’ faces, but Mickey hastened to get in a word “It's yer pretty clean white steps as made me ring,” he declared. ‘I ain't seen the like along the whole street, and I said ‘that’s the house. where there's the gal that I’m arter.’. Hope you'll 'ccuse mare ringin’, but I wanted to see you, that's a ac Y 4d “Hold your tongue, you blarneying young Irish- man,”’ said the fir, considerably mollified, ‘I don’t want no sand, so you can save your trouble.” “But I'll sell it as cheap as dirt,’ persisted Mickey. **We's a pair of poor orphans, we is. And ther's not a bite to eat in the bouse, And the baby ain’t even got @ bit o’ gum to chew, And—and when I see’d yer purty face I said: ‘There’s a charitable ae $4 Won't you buy some sand from a poor boy, as’ll sell it dog cheap?” ‘* What's the use of buying what I don’t want?" “You kin have it all fur a quarter.”’ **No,’’ she shook her bead, ** You kin have it for ten cents, if ye’ll guv me and my little brother a crust of bread in the bargain.”’ 1e girl looked again. It was certainly dog cheap, as Mickey had declared. “Here, I knowed you'd take it.” He pushed into the house without further invitation. ‘“ I wants that ten cents to buy bread for mammy and the baby, and ye’re goin’ 10 guy, Joe and me something to eat. And yer a good lady.”” “ sop, stop!” cried the girl. ‘ I don’t want your sand. Butif you’re so hungry I won't mind gdving you a piece of bread, You're not lying, are you?’ “Do I look as if Iwas lying?” asked Mickey in- dignantly, as he continued to push forward toward the kitchen. ‘‘ Come, Joe, we’s got to show this kind lady that we’re hungry.” As neither of the boys had had any dinner they were in good trim to prove the truth of Mickey’s assertion. The girl made no further objection, but ermitted the boys to make their way to the kitchen, ickey’s compliments had touched her stupid soul. The kitchen gained his voluble tongue soon won her over, not only to a good meal fcr him and Joe, but also to the purchase of his stock in trade, ‘: It’s the best sand in the market,’ he declared. “°Tain’t only good toclean steps, but you kin polish yer knives and clean yer purty teeth withit. And some folks mixes it with the flour, to make their bread come out white.” The girl opened her eyes. She had not known how useful marble sand might be. Mickey saw that | he bad made an impression, and he ran on witha n fact, | le had not waited for the advent of all the burglars | dozen other impossible uses. Joe opened his eyes in surprise and alarm at the unblushing venality of his companion, ** Now, Mickey,’’ he began, in strong deprecation, you know—”’ ‘Hold yer tongue, Joe,’’ commanded Mickey. “ Don’t you bé tellin’ the lady no lies ‘bout marbie sand, Jist you stick to the truth, like me. If you can’t stick to the truth, hold yer tongue!” Joe was silenced. Mickey had quite taken the Istter had declared * now that cream cheese could be made of marble sand, Joe would have ke eis. Mickey’s impu- dence had utterly demoralized him. “I'm going to run right home and buy somethin’ to eat for mammy and the baby with this ten cents,’ . declared Mickey. ‘ Yeu stay yere, Joe, and a the pan, ‘cause we ain’t givin’ that in. Good-by, ma’am. Guess you'll ’scuse me.” ; Without waiting for a reply he was off like a flash, and the next nMnute the front door was heard to slam by the tenants of the kitchen, Joe listened in surprise. What had Mickey left the house for? He was slightly mistaken. Mickey had not left the house. and had not the least intention of doing so. The slam given the door was a mere dodge in-9* tended to throw suspicion off the track. 4 Instead of leaving the house he was now crouched upon the stairs, which he was cautfously ascending in a bent and half-creeping attitude. Just what was before him was as yet entirely in the dark. He was satisfied that the burglars were | in consultation In some of the upper rooms of thea house, and to locate them was the first step in hiss difficult task. ait Mickey's hearing was very acute, and he now,, heard voices which seemed to come from the rear, room at the head of the stairs. T ey seemed, in-? deed, to be approaching, and he heard-the door-? handle sharply turn, as if some one was about to Jeave the room. 4 Discovery seemed imminent. It was too late to retreat. I? the burglars should come down-stairs he, would inevitably be caught. But ‘‘ never despair "', isa good motto. The stairs were dark, and Mickey) crouched: down close to the wall and took the’ chances. At the same instant the door opened, and severa 4 men stepped out upon the landing. / “This way, Jerry, we’ll soon fix that. I fancy. you have ways found me sharp up to my bar { “‘T know I'm allers slap up to mine,” came to the” boy’s ears. ‘“ Hand over the swag and IJ’ll never ax’ ye for it twice; that’s me.” Mickey's heart had sunk for a moment, as these! voices sounded almost in his ears. It leaped agairj when he found that, instead of descending the stairs, they were moving along the passage to the foot o the next flight. J Not an eye had been cast down to the shadowy’, t in which he was crouching. In a moment more” the feet of the men sounded on the stairs leading to! the third floor. { For the present all was well. But there ht be; not a minute to lose. He was on his feet with the, agility of a cat, and speeding noicelessly upward tc the room which the men had just left. There are occasions in which minutes count like hours, ano’ this was one of them. - . ? ‘ The door had been left on the crack. Mickey: pushed it boldly open, satisfled that the room way omany 2; He had not failed to observe that thre, men left it, and three was the limit which h , carried in bis mind. : A quick glance of the eye took in all the particu: lars of the apartment, the desk, the chairs around the table, the heap upon it, the grate fire, and the | hard-wood box new freely b upon its red coals. He sprung nimbly in and hastened to the table. « The hea pci it took form as he approached. A, bundle of closely folded, and severe leoking docu- ments, and beside it a loose heap of gold that held the boy’s eyes as if by fascination. He had never seen so much money in his life before. He would hardly have believed that so much money existed, so monstrous seemed the heap to his unaccustomed, eyes. ; Yet in the midst of his fascination, and even while he was bathing his feverish hands in the gold, as one might bathe them in the coo) waters of Eden, thought through the mystery. | was busy in his brain» His mind was feeling its wayiid $ ‘ t “It's the stelen swag,” he told himself. “ Andod lawsee! ain’t there lashin’s of it? That’s the box as*id it was in, burnin’ on the fire. I wonder if these pa‘un pers ain’t goin’ there next? The newspapers said‘ that the dockyments was a good deal more vallyble nor the cash. Wonder what's in’em? 'Phat’s a fat one, anyhow. It oughter be boss of the pile." He removed his hands, somewhat reluctantly, from the gold, and took up the document which : attracted his attention. It rustled with S recy sound in his hands. It was parchment, in fact, though Mickey was quite unaware of the existence’ of any such materal. He opened a fold of it, and azed with wondering eyes upon the closély written nes within. The boy might well have been pardoned for slight-. ly forgetting himseif in the rush of new sensations which had come upon him. He had lingered longer in the room than he was aware of, and was debating in his mind whether he had not best snatch up the whole bundle of documents and beat a hasty retreat, when sudden alarming sounds came to his ears. The burglars were returning! They were descend- ing the stairs! It was too late to fly! He looked around him like a cornered cat. were the windows of the room. Should heriska leap from that dangerous elevation? There was a closet in the opposite corner. Not asecond could; be spared in doubt. The closet offered the only: eee of concealment. He darted for it with a light ut hasty step. had been examining was still in his hands. The closet proved to be a deep and roomy cne, oc- cupying the space under a back stairway, and cffer- ing a low corner into which he could crouch. fre was none too soon. Hardly bad be diserpea>- ed, ere the door opened and the three Lurglars re-entered the rcom, There: 4 4 The parchment document which he: * ~ Tr iy
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—t narble impu- lethin’ ents,’ — . flash, ard to med in ? ot left doing lge in-9° a uched _—_-- . Mart looked around him suspiciously. “T thought I heard a noise in here,’’ he remarked. “It must have been next door. You can hear so ‘ainly through these walls. Well, whatsay you now srry? Have I kept my bargain? Are you satisfied 9 have me burn the pa a “This is what I think.” Jerry snatched up two of the documents and hurled them into the fire. He was about doing the same for the others when Mart laid a hasty hand on his arm. **Not so quick,’’ he said ‘mine them first. * The fugitive in the closet crouched lower. ‘might have a long stay. “Give me time to ex- He CHAPTER XI. A STORY AND A LISTENER. Waitx Mickey was thus getting himself into a 4) -ap up-stairs Joe was getting out of his trap below. Ww ‘It was time, too. The girl had begun to ask some mwkward questiong about Mickey’s new-invented h'mammy and the baby.” But Joe had been taught gq he important lesson that it is both wicked and dis- p onora le to lig, aud would sooner have had a tooth ulled out than tell an untruth. ‘There was nothing for it, then, bub to get out of ™ at place as soon as possible, ¥ he didn’t want to efrouse suspicions. He emptied the pan of sand as inlickey bad directed, and hastily took his departure, re Tiving to balance the empty pan on his head. yj, tt's a good tin pan; and it was bought and paid or. There's no use throwing it away,” he solilo- uizad, as he looked around for Mickey, whom he Sililly expected to see. 1 But no Mickey was visible, and the thought began w% dawn in Joe’s brain that maybe his wide-awake t)@rdner had not left the house after all. It might ¢ ave been all a trick, « But if he hadn't left the house where was he? “in Intense dread an to arise in Joe’s mind. The eatate were all there. Suppose Mickey should Mall into their hands? He could hardly think of the atossible result without a shudder. That they would loop the me nine. Hes into mince-meat was the least » the hurrors t passed through the lad's fright- t aed fancy. , ¥ Something must be done. It would never do to fuave Micke exposed to such a fate. While thus togitating had been, almost without knowing pvhat he intended, moving through the streets to- ovard the locality of Mrs. Malone’s humble resi- ence, bs ‘He had a half-idea of confiding the whole story to 1% old lady, and asking her adviee, as he was quite ta loss to know himself how to act. ‘The police (night be informed, but Joe was terribly afraid of he police. Was he not himself a fugitive from jus- eice? And would not their first movement be to lock thm up in Moyamensing prison? yoThus inwardly debating he approached the street ys Malone honored with her abode, But what vas that? A stout policeman lurking at the corner *)f the street. Joe involuntarily drew back. The lvery sight of a blue coat and a brass star was too much for his nerves, y a detour he approached the street from ts other extremity. But here, to his horror, stood another policeman, still burlier than the former. The frightened little fellow fancied that the eyes of this rdian of the law were fixed suspiciously pon bis face. He hastened nervously away. ‘They're after me, I know they are,” he fear- pilly declared. ‘“They’re watching Mother Malone's “,ouse and I daresen’t go there any more. And I daresen’t go home. And I’m afeared Mickey will be murdered. And whatever am I to do?”’ 4 He wrung his hands in dismay, The situation wvas too dificult a one for his yo brain. If he ad only Mickey's ready wit now! t Joe was a ery erent pattern of a boy. He had not had his grits by being kicked around the world. y _afard times forms a good grindstone sor sharpening numan wits upon. Ina deep quandary Joe had made his way for ee squares, when he was suddenly brought to a t. _.. ‘this was caused by a hand catchjng his coat, and “9° ten Souls of young aims being flung around his 1ePCK, by “Oh, Joe! Joe! If you only knew how glad I am to see you!” ‘Mollie!’ exclaimed Joe, with a gush of gladness. ** Whatever are you doing away up here?” ‘* Pye been on an errand for mamma. Ain't you coming home, Joe? You don't know what a dread- fv! way we've been in,” _ ‘I’m afeared, Mollie,’’ he replied. ** You needn’t be, Joe. Mr. Barton was there, and he was ever so kind. Mamma is sure he won't have you hurt.” » “I'd like to gohomeeverso much. But I daresen’t. « You don’t know, Mollie.” 1. “Don't know what? You don’t mean to say that w you've really been stealing? Oh, Joe, I couldn't never, never, believe that!’ “T wouldn’t steal—no, not if I'd starve first!’ as- serted Joe, ¢*But it looks ever so like it, And I know I can't make them believe anything else.”’ \S -“Talways said you wouldn’t, Sit down and tell some all about it, aybe I can think of something. You know mamma says I'm very quick.” Mollie had a the air cf a young lady of wide pine mene and tried judgment. Her pretty, earn- young face was ful’ of lines of decision as she ulled Joe down beside her on a door-step. Evident- 'y, although she was the younger, she was of a more deeided character than her brother. i Joe was rather glad of the occurrence. He was burning to confide his heavy secret to somebody and who better than his sympathetic sister? And then she might advise him what to do about Mickey. He had great confidence in her judgment. ‘He accordingly did so, going over the whole story from the beginning. As may be imagined, there was many a Jong-drawn breath and many an excla- mation from the listener. Mollie became worked up to a high pitcb of nervous excitement as Joe told of how they had been caught by the burglars ahd forced to aid in the robbery. She griped his hand with both her own, while her hazel eyes seemed dis- tended to double their size as they gazed with awe- struck interest into his face. The story of the pursuit by the watch-dog, of the imprisonment in Mr. Barton’s house, and of the final escape, excited no less of a nervous strain in the listener. ‘Mercy! Just to think!” she kept exclaiming. ‘Why, you're a regular hero, Joe. It’s amercy you weren't scared out of your ten senses.”’ “IT was scared enough, Mollie. I tell you that. And I’m worse scared than ever now. I don’t know what Lever am to do, ’ ‘*Why what else is the matter, Joe?” He proceeded with the story, finishing with the account of that afternoon’s adventure, and the fact _ he had left Mickey in the house of the bur- ars. But Mollie was not nearly as much scared by this as he had expected. In the first place, she had not a very exalted opinion of Mickey as a companion for her brother. In the second place, the story she had just heard gave her great confidence in his ability to take care of himself. ‘He will come out all right,’’ she declared. ‘' He's too sige to get caught.” “But think what kind of men these are, Mollie. They are cunninger than Mickey. And they’d kill him just as quick as our tarrier would kill a rat. I wish I could ony think of something to do.”' ‘Tell the police, Joe,’ advised his wise young sister. ‘I’m afraid to go near them.” “Then let me tell them.’’ no, Mollie. Can’t you tell me something else The children, as we have said, were seated during this conversation upon the step of a house, There was no one behind them to listen to Joe's revelation, and only an occasional rin front. He had there- fore spoken more loudly than he would otherwise have ventured to do, quite oblivious of the fact that the shutters of the window close beside them were rtly open, and the sash raised. Had he known hat a person was seated beside this window, in full hearing of every word he had said, he might have chosen some safer place for his story. The person in question had been reading, and paid no attention to the conversation of the cnildren on the doorstep nearly below him, until certain names attracted his notice. He then listened for a mo- ment to Joe’s narrative. Soon it became _consider- ably more interesting than bis book. The latter was closed and laid aside, while the reader devoted himself to a close interest in Joe's story. And this was raore than idle curiosity. His face changed at different parts of the story. Here it lighted up. There it grew shadowed. Finall , a8 the tracking of the burg to their den was told, a triumphant ex- a came upon the listener's face. ere was he light of hope and pleasure in his aren as he lis- ten for a moment more, and then rose and quickly walked to the front door of the house, which he quietly opened. : chall” I do, Mollie?" repeated Joe, in “What ever a tone of despair. “*T will tell you,” came in another voice from be- hind them, * Joe sprung up in deep alarm and hastily turned to see who had spoken. His eyes with frightened ickness traced the outlines of the figure who on the step. He recognized that slender form and youthful face. He had seen them in Mr. Bar- ton’s house on the night of the burglary. It was Milton, Mr. Barton's nephew. Joe's first sapaiee was to fly. But the alert pou sprung quickly from the step and caught him y the ; “Come, come, my lad, none of that!"’ he cried, “ You are not going to get off so easily n, “Don't hurt him! It is my brother!” cried Mollie, with mingled capes and defiance. “Don't be frightened, little one. I won’t harm him. Keep still, Joe, Ihave just heard your whole story, and I am satisfied you are innocent.” ‘*T had nothing to do with the robbery,” whim- .pered Joe. ‘‘i came to the house to tell about it, and they wouldn't let me see Mr. Barton.” “IT know all that,’ answered Milton, ‘That stupid fellow who turned you away has confessed. Mr, Barton knows you are innocent,” “Oh! you don’t say so?” cried Joe, with clasped hands and joyful face. ‘““And he needn't keep away from home any longer?” asked Mollie, ‘No; he can go home safely.” “Oh! won't mamma be glad!" The child danced in excited joy. **But you must come with me now to police head- quarters." ‘* What for?’’ asked Joe, with new alarm. “Because I want you to put the officers on the track of the burglars. And Mickey is to be saved, “ ha ewe You can lead us to the house where you eft him?” “Yes, yes,"’ cried Joe, joyfully. “Come ht pints B Y tell you all about it! I’m se afraid they might kill poor Mickey.” “be three set off at a quick pace. Mollie was ee ey bound not to lose sight of Joe again until she had safely landed him home, While these events were ie lace, Mr. Barton had been closeted with one o e most expert officers in the detective service. As days went by without any clew to the robbers he had grown more and more anxious. That Martin Stewart was at the bottom of the robbery he had now no doubt, The telegram received from him was undoubtedly a fraud. Mr. Barton had telegraphed to England for information, and learned that Stewart had not been at his ordinary home for over a month, ‘“He must be in this city,” he declared. ‘‘ Who else would want my papers, or know just where to look for that box?” “Tt seems to me that you were rather confiding, to trust such an important box in such an unsafe place,” answered the detective, severely. ; “Tt was only there temporarily,” replied Mr, Barton. “I had made it up with my papers and some loose funds which I happened to have on hand, to deposit in the Safe Deposit building. I do so every spring before going to the country. Stewart must have known this.” ‘i The detective mused a moment over this informa- jon. “T wish we could find those boys,” remarked Mr, Barton, “We are on the look-out for them, But I doubt if they will be of much use to us when found,” “T am sure they will then,” declared Mr, Barton. ‘Tam sure they know a great deal,”’ Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden and excited entrance of three persons, one of whom Mr. Barton recognized as his neppew Milton. The others were a boy and a girl, ey all presented flushed faces and dilated eyes, and seemed boiling over with excitement, “What in the world is the matter?” exclaimed the detective, a little angrily. ‘ You have come in as if you had been shot out of a cannon.” “T have the most glorious news,” exclaimed Milton, in a tone of deep enthusiasm, ‘‘ This is little Joe Joram, whom we have been looking for. He has told me the whole story. He knows where the burglars are, and can lead us right to the house, And Mickey, the other boy, is there, trying to get the stolen box away.” Mr, Barton was on his feet, as much excited as the speaker, The officer kept his coolness. “Come, come, sit down,” he said. ‘Tell us the = 1 story, and then we will know better what to Oo , “And while we're telling it ap / might catch Mickey and kill him,’ declared Joe. “Oh, Mr. Barton, make them come right away! It would be dreadful if they’d kill poor ey! Ili tell you all about it afterward.” “ The boy is right,”’ rejoined Mr, Barton, decidedly. ‘*We had best strike while the iron is hot.” “Very well,’ answered the officer, coolly. ‘We can test the lad's story, at any rate, Wait. I will get a force together for the expedition immedi- a ly.” r arene mn nee ere CHAPTER XIII, MICKEY GOES FOR THE PLUNDER, “Count that gold, Jerry,” said Mart, waving his hand rather contemptuously toward the heap of yellow metal on the table, ‘I have something here He anata brant lalasrala t -chair, dr © 5ea 8c. eisure. nan arm ‘ow toward him the hcap of folded papers, and began to quietly unfold and examine them. ; Jerry lost no time in obeying orders, He was, as we might say, not much of a scholar, and le ing proceeded but slowly under his unaccustomed fingers, while Tim stood by looking on with the gloating eyes of a miscr. , * Not much in that, any way," apd the pa Mart had been examining went dashing into the fire, where now the remnants of the box were - ing into a heap of white ashes. “Five hundred and fifty,” announced Jerry, after some time spent in the task of counting. “Very well. Split it between you. That's the bargain, You have the balance in your pocket."’ “Yes, on a bit of paver, that may not be worth ce of the ink on it,” was the contemptuous reply. “You're a big gun now, Mart Stewart, but, I can remember when you were no r nor us; and in them days you played some queer tricks. Meghe your check's sound, but I'd sooner finger the cash,” 1 “You can easily get the cash forit. You have only to present it at bank.” “All right. Here’s for you, Tim, f'll freeze on- to the yaller boys for mine.”’ “Not much,” answered Tim, sternly rejecting the proffered check. : “Take it to the bank now, and find out for your- selves if itis a fraud,” remarked Mart. “You take it, Tim,” answered Jerry. “ Pllsta¥ here. Don't you burn no more of them papers, Mart, till we know if the money is sound,” “Why, you tried to burn them yourself a few minutes ago,” “That's when Iwas a bit of a consarned foel, I’ve come round to my senges since. Peg out, Tim, ~ I'll watch the swag here till you come back.” Tim lost no time in obeying orders, While he wae gone Mart settled himself comfortably in his arm- chair, and went on with the perusal of his prize documents. Jerry, for his part, stationefl himself with his elbows on the table, his chin in bis and his small eyes fixed alternately with on the gold, and with suspicion on his co He plainly had but little faithsin Mart Ste
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14 SASS AAT tte PS SRE ES The latter went slowly over the papers, laying them one by one aside when examined. His brows contraeted as he unfolded the last. “By Heaven, the most important of the whole lot + ds eg Yet I know it was inthe box. Where is ty’ His eyes turned inquiringly toward Jerry. “Maybe it was one of them I flung in the fire,” answered Jerry. “That's so. Iforgot them, It is all right if it is my turned to ashes. ey were interrupted by the return of Tim. & “Nary swag,” announced the latter. ‘The check’s ‘0 big, and they don't like the cut of my phiz, so Sey won’t pan out. Here's yer paper. Hand us over the solid stuff.’ “They wouldn’t pay it?" “That's about the shape of vhat I'm a-saying.” “Come with me, Tl sce thatitis paid. You can stay here, Jerry, and keepancye on the proceeds. We'll be back in half an hour.” “Ay, ay!" growled Jerry. ‘Peg out.” 6 next minute he remained alone in the room, guardian over the precious heap upon the table, ou i his eyes were riveted with the avidity of a miser. While this conversation was taking place It may be imagined that the position of the youthful spy in the closet was anything but comfortable. He was doubled up in a painful attitude, yet he was afraid to move a limb for fear of making a noise. And the worst of it all was that his shrewd trick seemed likely to prove unprofitable. The — were being burnt. The money was being divided. He began to feel that he might as well be in the street selling Mewspapers, as in ambush on the robbers. ‘‘T allers was a blamed little fool,’ he said to him- welf. ‘“‘There was them dokyments right under ay own fingers. - I only had tosnatch ‘em and skedad- dle. But I must go moonin’ over ’em like a thunder- in’ jackass till I got cotched. And sarves me right fur asnub-nosed numskull,"” He had ho that the robbers ee soon get through with their conference and depart. ut when Mart and Tim set out for the bank, leaving eg td ae a half-hour’s wait, the impatient spy was espafr. “I’m as stiffasif I'd been swallerin’ ten-penn nails,” he declared. “And what’s I got fur it all? Only this.” He took the document which he had secured from the heap and hid it under a pile of books on the floor of the closet. “*Mought as well make sure of it. If they cotch me they won't cotch the dokyment.” Everything in the room was now so quiet that Mickey began to surmise that Je might have zone to sleep over his charge. If so there would be chance to escape. It did not take him long to work upon this idea. He carefully straightened himself out, and crept noiselessly toward the closet door. It stood open a crack, and by pushing it slightly further open he was able to see out. It Jerry had just then looked in that direction he would have seen first a shaggy head of red hair, and then a pair of small but sparkling eyes emerge from the opening of the closet door. But Jerry had only eyes for the eg gold. His arms were c upen the table, his head resting upon them, and his eyes fixed on the glittering mass. He had, indeed, every a “serge of being asleep. Mickey, in his hasty fashion, took it at once for nted that he was, and a wild hope rose in the ‘s mind that he might not only escape, but might e with him the valuable documents, which lay n the opposite end of the table to the gold. The closet door was a little out of Jerry's line of vision, and he failed to perceive a youthful figure slowly emerge from that refuge, and noiselessly creep across the carpet toward the opposite side of the room. Fortunately the floor was sound, and no creaking boards announced Mickey’s progress. He was now directly behind the robber, and might safely have counted on gaining the outer door during Jerry's abstraction. But to retreat empty-handed and all those valu- able papers asking for an owner? Mickey could not bear the thought. It was worth while to risk pear ie, He the sake of gaining some valuable result to enterprise. Jerry’s breathimg was slow and steady. He was certainly asleep. ithout a moment’s hesitation Mickey left the wall and dragged himself across the floor toward the table. progress was noiseless. Nota board creaked nor a joint cracked. In a minute he was behind Werry’s chair. In another minute he had gained the end of the table, which cancealed him from view wy the heedless guard. Then there came an interval of breathless rest. AH the boy’s senses were alert. He was listenin for any tokens of alarm. Yot Jerry had not moved. His breath still came at steaiy intervals. There my othing te show that he had heard a sound. 6 table was a long and wide one, and was eevered with a green cloth that hung on reer side half-way to the floor. Mickey retreated backward until half under the table. He then reached up- ward, advanced his fingers slowly over the edge, and slyly closed them upon one of the coveted docu- ments. It came out of the pile without a rustle. He drew ft over the table e and down to his lurking- place. A sense of triumph came into the bby’s mind as he made a second effort. But his first task had been the easiest. The remaining papers lay farther away. He had to grope before one of them goed within reach of his And in seeking lay hold of it he gave itas ht push. ted, The papers | This push ca them | floor. The boy's fingers were hastily withdrawn. He drew back under the table like a turtle into its shell. and breathlessly awaited results. They were not long in coming. Jerry had been very far from pedi ow though he had been lost in a sort of day-dream, bu iding palaces with the pm d before him. But ina moment now he was on feet, and looking sharply to right and left. ‘* What the deuce was that?” he ejaculated. Mickey trembled in his covert under the table. He was none too well hidden. The thought rushed through his brain that he had been just smart enough to get himself into trouble. He was inwardly debating if he should leap up and make a break for the door, when Jerry’s next remark somewhat quieted his apprehensions. “Té’s only them papers. I s’pose I must have pushed them, for here’s one on the floor.”’ He | stoo and picked it up, without discovering the lurking boy. “ Ain’t it bout time them coves was back? I want togit out of these diggin’s.” His query was answered by the sound of openin and closing of the house door, and of steps an voices on the stairs. In a minute after Mart and Tim entered the room. ‘*What’s the luck?” asked Jerry, eagerly. ‘Did they pony down?” “‘Square on the nail,’’ answered Tim. “I got the Coun salted. Let’s make a split and git out of Ss. They advanced to the table without perceiving the crouching figure beneath it, which was but partly hidden by the cloth. Thé division of the money proceeded, occupying several minutes. Then Tim and Jerry, with great satisfaction, disposed of their shares about their ersons. ‘**Don't keer a fig now how soon you make ashes of the papers,” remarked the latter. “It’s all uare, Mart, and you’re sound on the goose." “You might have known that from old times,” declared Mart, as he seated himself at the table, and began to gather up the scattered documents. “What are you sticking your leg under the table for?” he asked Jerry, as foot encountered some- thing soft. “ain't me,” answered Jerry. ‘‘ Must be Tim.” ‘“‘Nary Tim,” rejoined the latter, advancing his pedal extremity. *‘ Guess it’s the cat.” art gave a quick shove with his foot, and out rolled neither a man’s leg nor a cat, but a very rag- ged and highly demoralized boy. If ever three men were dumfounded the three burglars were at that moment. They stood looking in stupefied amazement on the boy beneath them. Who he was, and where he had come from, it was impossible to imagine; and it became a question in their minds whether he had tumbled from the ceiling or risen through the floor. Mickey lay crouched upon the floor, looking up at them with his sharp eyes, and barge pe 4 with light ning speed how he should get out of the awkward Scrape into which he had fallen. There. was only one hopeful course, and he was not long in taking it. Ere the men could get over their first amazement, they saw the discovered spy leap like an india-rubber ball to his feet, and make a dash for the door. It was ashrewd movement, but it did not prove long arm reached out and grasped him by the c as he passed. Miekey ound himself brought up all of a sudden. ‘* Not so fast, my nice little cove,” cried Jerry, as he held out his p at arm’s length. ‘Stand level and let’s have a glint at ye. Who the deuce are you, anyhow; where did you come from, and what are you arter?”’ “Hang me for a monkeyif it ain't the sharp young rat as we nabbed at the wall that night!’’ ex- ioe Tim. ‘‘What in the blazes is he after ere ” Mart advanced and caught the boy by the ear, which he gave an angry pinch. “Speak out, you muffin, or it will be worse for you. Weare not the kind of men to play the spy on. How did you get under that table, and what brings you here? If you lie to me I'll pull your ears out by the roots.” Mickey had trembled at first on finding himself in such desperate hands. But he had now screwed u his courage again. He felt instinctively that t was no time for lying, and that he had best own up the truth. ad > (ao it on that gal down- knowledged. ‘“ And I slicked under the this coon was asleep.” “Asleep? Hey, Jerry?” “Tt’s a lie,” growled Jerry. * Mought as well been, anyhow, fur I played it on successful. For Jerry’ :. ” 6 ac- table while ‘* And what brought you here?” “Cause you guv me wlesson in burglary, and I wanted to finish my eddication,” continued the un- daunted boy. ‘The papers is layin’ it onto me and ! | Joe Joram for stea af that box of gold, and I thought if I could steal it back ag’in, that’d make it square.”’ ‘Burn my eyes, if he ain't a sharp little coon!’’ exclaimed Jerry, with admiration. ‘‘ Hang if I wouldn't like to have that boy for a ’prentice. ere’s the makin’ of a first class cracksman in him.” “Tt isthe papers he -is after,’’ cried Mart, as he eked up the ope which Mickey had abstracted rom the table. “See here, Jerry. Yon’re a nice one to leave on guard. Search the little rascal see if there’s more of them on him. As for these, I'll soon make an end of them.” The boy’s eyes dilated as he saw the villain g the bundle of papers and fling them on the red coz of the fire, where they instantly broke into a‘strong blaze. He began to fear that daring enterprise was useless. t scorching flame was rapidly con- verting to ashes all evidence of the robbery. **There’s nothing about him,” announced Jerry, — a quick investigation of Mickey’s loose-fitting garb. The boy chuckled quietly to himself. He remem- bered that one document at least remained, safely concealed in the closet. It was lucky that he had not hidden it in his clothes, as he had at first in- tended. ““What will we do with the young hound?” queried Mart, after stirring up the ashes of the burnt pa- pers with the poker. ‘Knock him in the head and fling him in the coal- hole,” s ested Tim. “Give him to me for a *prentice,” said Jerry. ‘I'l make a geod cracksman of him." ‘*Hand him over to me,” remarked a third voica “Tl make an honest man of him." Had a thunderbolt fallen in their midst they could ot have sprung around more quickly. There, by the door, stood @ square-built, stern-faced man, who was surveying them with a look of cynical enjoy- ment of the situation. CHAPTER XIV. THE TABLES TURNED. ‘* Wao in Satan’s name are you, and what brings you here?” cried Mart, as he sprung forward with a scowl toward the intruder. “Solid wood, my friend,’ and the stranger ad- vanced further into the room, ‘‘ Drop that boy, you ruffian, or—”’ ‘*Or what?” asked Jerry savagely. “Or U'l drop ae ‘a pistol gleamed in his hand. Jerry took the hint and quickly loosed his hold of Mickey’s collar. As at brings you here, I say?’ Mart again flerce- ly demanded. “You will know soon enough. Come in, Mr. Bar- ton.” In response to this ee Mr. Barton entered the room, followed closely by the diminutive form of Joe Joram. The latter looked eargerly around for Mickey, and rushed forward on perceiving him. ‘* All right, Mickey?’’ he eagerly asked. * All square, Joe,’’ was the answer. “I've brung the cops,” whispered Joe. “ Jist you stand by and there will be fun.” ; Meanwhile Mr. Barton had fixed his eyes severely upon Mart’s form, who shrunk involuntarily ,on seeing who confronted him. : ** Martin Stewart!’ exclaimed the gentleman in a severe tone. ‘‘So my suspicions are correct! It was really you who committed this burglary?” “What the deuce are you talking about, John Barton?” exclaimed Mart in a blustering tone. ‘**How dare you accuse me of burglary? Have I not as much right in this country as you have? ~ “Sy ce such a charge on me again, or by the ord—’ “Drop all chat now,”’ broke in Mr. Barton's com- panion. ‘*We’ve got the dead wood on you sure, and bluster will do no goods How is it, boys? Are not these the three men who broke into Mr. Bar- ton’s house?” ** Jistas sure as sheotin’,”’ answered Mickey sen- tentiously. ‘I'd know them if I saw them dug out of a pile of lumber.” * And they made us help them in it,” said Joe. FA inn Ab or me through a window, and made me open the door for them." “Shoot me if I stand any more of this!" ex- elaimed Mart. ‘This is my house, and the law w aid me in defending it. Come, lads, baek me, a we'll hustle these fellows out." He advanced with a threatening t, follow: by Jerry and Tim, without regard to the pistol hed by the stranger. The latter, however, showed n° intention of using it. On the contrary, he merely ave a shrill whistle, that rung throughout the ouse. The villains paused at this unexpected signal. The next instant, in answer to it, quick a were heard on the stairs, and three or four stout police- men marched into the room. er “You might as well give up, my men,” remarked the stranger, coolly. ‘‘We have come for you, and have no intention of going away without you.” Mart looked at his two companions. For the mo- ment it seemed as if a rush was intended, and as if a fight for freedom was imminent. But the policemen had drawn their clubs and stood grouped around the door, and even Jerry ac- knowled by his expression, that he felt the odds ~ great. Mart quickly assumed another line of action. **T am obliged to you, John Barton,” he sarcas- tically remarked, “for this visit, although it is a little abrupt. As for the burglary at your house, f know nothing of it. If you ean find the stolen goodt' here you are welcome,’ Mr. Barton looked at the detective. “Shall a search be made?’ he asked. “Yes,”’ repliec the latter. ; “Mought as wc!’ save yer powder,” exclaimed pte “* Eive ie ’s gone up in smoke, Didn« I see the hull job?”” He voin to the grate fire. ** You don’t mean to sx” that he has burned the papers?” cried Mr. Barton. “That's "bout what’s th. matter,’’ answered Mickey. ‘‘Them’s their ashes.’ i ip this colloquy Mart stood with a suile ef ad | insulting pore his face. >
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ye = SS Ss — ‘A very pretty game of yours, John Barton,” he remarked. ‘You are holding a property to which you have noclaim. I came over here to establish my legal rights, and you trump up a pretty story of stolen papers, and hire these boys to lie for you. Go ahead. Show your hand if you will. But when ou are done I intend to show mine. I will chal- lenge ou to produce the document which euts me out of that property. And if you fail to uce it, by all that’s good you shall hand over the estate. We shall see who holds the winning cards.” “You have burned the paper!" ‘*Have ly Suppose you prove it?” Mr. Barton stood confused and irresolute, clasping his hands in dismay. He felt his estate slipping from under his feet. The detective turned to the officers. * Arrest those men,’’ he briefly ordered. *Do not resist,” Mart advised his companions. * They cannot prove this ridiculous charge. Let shem go on to the end of their rope. It will be my surn then, They shall pay well for this outrage.” The officers, heedless of this bluster, laid their hande on the shoulders of the prisoners, who yielded uietly. ar ake them away,’’ commanded the detective. “Very well,” said Mart, scornfully. ‘‘ But you had best hunt up that missing document, cousin John. Iexpect to call on you before long for a set- tlement.”’ **You have burned it, villain!’ exclaimed Mr. Barton, in angry dismay. ‘‘Ican prove you have burned it.” A mocking laugh was the only answer. ‘Hola hard there!’ cried Mickey, with a sudden thought. ‘ Maybe we'll git a ring in Mr. Mart’s nose it. I've got a notion all them papers wasn’t urnt.’’ He darted to the closet, while all eyes were fixed in wonder on his movements: In a moment he oun; flourishing a folded parchment in his nd ‘Look at that, Mr. Barton!’ he exclaimed. “I slicked that out of the pile unbeknownst to them.”’ With trembling hands and flushed face Mr. Barton seized the parchment, which he could scarcely open for nervous eagerness. A single look was enough, A gleam of joy and triumph shot across his face. ** By heaven, boy!”’ he cried, ‘‘ you are a jewel! It is the paper I want! I don’t care a fig for the bal- ance, So, Martin Stewart, you are checkmated at last!’ “Maybe not!’’ came in a furious reply. A quick spring tore the villain loose from the offi- eer who held him. In an instant he had crossed the floor and made a fierce grasp for the important document. His effort would probably have been successful"had not Mickey, who stood beside the gentleman, seized the paper which he loosely held and sprung behind him with it. The néxt moment the detective and the policeman leaped together upon the baffled villain and drew him back. A pair of handcuffs, deftly slipped on his wrists, took from him the power of further mis- chief. His game was played, and he had Jost. “Take them away !’’ commanded Mr. Barton. “ It is our turn now.” ° The scowling villains were removed from the room muttering low threats of future vengeance. “T have you, e to thank for the safety of my estate,’’ continue Mr. Barton, turning gratefully to she lads who stood behind him. “ Do not think that I will soon forget it. You shall be well paid for your courage and honesty.”’ ‘Dunno as I want no pay,” asserted Mickey. “It’s pay enough to git the best of them smart coons.”’ “ And I don't want to be paid, either,"”’ broke in Joe. ‘I hope I will “eo be honest without pay.” And here it is best to let the curtain fall on our drama of real life, We have attempted to give but one chapter in the life of a wide-awake newsboy, ony chapter has reached its end. As on the atage the c n drops upon a tableau at thé end of the play, so we let it fall upon the scene of the de- tectior of crime and the reward of honesty. But as on the stage the curtain is often raised for a moment again, to give the audience a last glimpse of the stage, so we shall lift it for a moment for a final glance. Ve have passed since the date of the scene just ven, The criminals have been condemned to a c term of imprisonment, have served out their sentences, and have vanished into that great world, which swallows up man as the ocean swallows up rivers. As for our two boys, they are now two men, but partners still, Rducated by the aid of Mr. re St | and set up in business together, they have prospere with them, and no one would recognize timid little Joe, in the self-possessed Mr, Joram, or rollicking Mickey in the business-like Mr. Malone, who now compose the thriving firm of Malone and Joram. THE END. Se ee The Sunnyside Library. 1 Lazua Rooxn. By Thomas Moore.... .....--: 10¢ 2 Don JUAN oo a yr. oO haat 20ec ARADIS st. By John Milton...... 4 i ae OF THE tome. By Sir Walter Scott.. 10c 5 Lvétrz. By @wen Meredith ........... ...... 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Deadwood Dick, Tap Prince or THE Roap BY Edward L. Wheeler. ellowstone Jack, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Kansas King. By Buffalo Bill. The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain frederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, THE YounG WANDERING JEW. ey Oll Coomes,. Double Number, 10cts.. BKeill Biddon, Trapper. By E. S$. Ellis. The Flying Yankee. By Col, P. Ingraham. Seth Jones, By Edward 5. Ellis. Adventures of Baron Muuchausen, Nat Todd. By E. §. Elus. The Two Detectives. By A.W. Aiken, Gulliver’s Travel«, By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. Aladdin; or,*’THe WonprerrcL Lamp, The Sea-Cat.. By Captain Fred, Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe, (27 Llustrations.) abt Roy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. | The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. The Frontier Angel. By Edward S. Elis, Whe Sea Serpent. Py Juan Lewis. Nick o? the Night. by T. C, Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingraham, The gh eos yxtaim. By Roger Starbuck. Cloven Hoof, By Edward L. Wheeler. Antelope Abe, Tur Boy Guipg, Oll Coomes. Buffalo Ben, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Roaring Ralph Rockwood, THE R«cx- Less RANGER. By Harry St. og, A Keen-Knife, Prince or THE inies, By Oll Coomes, Bob Woolf, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Ocean Bloodhound. 8. W. Pierce. Oregon Sol. By Capt. J. F. O. Adams. Wild Ivan. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Boy Clown. By Frank §. Finn. Whe Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh. Ned Wylde, TH Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. Death-Face, THe Detective. By Wheeler. Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. Lasso Jack. By O!l Coomes. The Phantom Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. Dick ty — t. Fréd. Whittaker. Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. Old Avalanche, By Edward L. Wheeler. Glass Eye, Tar Great SHor oF THE WEST. = Capt. J. F.C, Adams. i By T. C. Harbat ghtingale Nat. = Black John, THe.Rosp-Acent. By Badger. Omaha Olli, By Edward L. Wheeler. Burt Bunker, THe Trapper. C. FE. Lasalle. The Boy Ritles. By Archie C. Irons, The White Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle. Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L, Wheeler. Ned Hazel. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Deadly - Eye, THe UnkNown Scour; or, Toe BRANDED BROTHERHOOD, Rig Bill. Nick Whifiies’ Pet. t. J. F. C. Adams, Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler. ee A en el ee ee et st ws et pe es at pee et ete eet es eee eee kee ee | Ve GORD RO RO MOORS BE BS ROIS wet re et ree et ee ee et Be i 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 | 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 | 2 3 te 5 6 7 8 9 0 j 2 CO SRST ST CT eee he hese GG CG GG Ce CORK OS Ss Dok BS 68 The Border King. By Oll Coomes, 9 Old eenore. By Harry St. George, n 3 Buckhorn Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 The Shadow Ship. Col. P. Ingraham. The White dian. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 63 The Red Brotherhood. W. J. Hamilton. 64 Qandy Jack. By T,C. Harbaugh. 65 Wurricane Bill, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 66 gle Hand, B . J, Hamilton, 67 Pa*ent-leather Joe. B ak 8. Warne, 68 Border Robin Hood, By Buffalo Bill 69 Gol Rifle. By Edward L. eeler. 70 Old Vip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 71 Delaware Dick. 72 Mad Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton, 3 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Wheeler. wes Warry. By Ol] Coomes, The ty Duelist. By Col. P. Ingraham. Abe Co}y, THe Crow-Kriter. By A. W. Aiken, Corduray Charlie. By E. L. Wheeler. Blue Dk, By Captain Mayne Reid. Sol Ginger, GIANT eens. By A.W. Aiken, Rosebud ob. By Edward L. Wheeler. Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F.C. Adams, Kit Haretoot. By T. C. Harbaugh. Rollo, the Noy Ranger. ¥ | Oll Coomes, Idyl, the GAsi Miner. By E. L, Wheeler. Buck Buckram. YA Capt, J. F. C. Adams, Daudy Rock. By G. Waldo Browne, The Land meneeee By cepts Mayne Reid. Photograph . Ail, By Wheeler. Island Jim. Ty Bracebrid 0 The Pread Ridon. By G. Waldo Browne, Club; or, Tae Youre 91 The Captain oft\\e Rival ATHLETES. Bi Prmoetriaee Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet. By Wiward L. eeler. 923 The Boy Miners. Edward 8. Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 95 The RivalRovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, Taz SHan‘vy. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brotheix. By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood. By Prof Aildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos. By G. Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A STRANGE STROKE FoR Limertx. By Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway in Now York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Col. In am. 103 The Lion of the Sea, By Col. Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dicks Device. Wheeler. 105 Old Rube, Taz re . Holmes, 106 Old Frosty, raz Gomez. By T. 0. Harbaugh. 107 One-Ryed Sim. By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy. By Harry &t. George. 109 peadwess Diek as Detective. By Edward L, By Oll Coomes. Hem 4 SRSSMBMSW GS HHesafakakaFafak SHIA OHOHKSSOUISHh 0 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Thrillin poorest Texan Adventure, By Bowen. 1 The Sea-Devil. By Col. P. Ingraham. 2 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 8 Jack Hoyle. By Edward L. Wheeler, 4 The Black Schooner, 5 The Miad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. Gilt-Edged Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. Will Somers, Tus Boy Detective, 9 Mustang Sam. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. The Branded Mand, By Frank Dumont. Cinnamon Chip. Py fdward L. Wheeler. Phil Mardy, tHe Boss Boy. By C. Morris, Kiowa Charley... By T. C. Harbaugh. 4 Tippy, THE Texan. By George Hiaasen. § Bonanza Bill, Mriver. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 26 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris, 27 Wild+Fire, Boss orTue Roap. By Dumont. 8 The Voung Privateer, By H. Cavendish, 9 Deadwood Dick’s Double, By Wheeler. 0 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 1 The Golden Hand, By: Geo. W. Browne. 2 The Hunted Hunter, By Ed. §. Ellis. Boss Bob, tHE KING of THE BooTBLACKS: or, Tot PAWNBROKER’sS Plot. Ed. L. Wheeler. Sure Shot Seth. By Oll Coomes, Captain Paul, By C, Dunning Clark. Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos. FE. Badger, Jr. The Helpless Hand, Capt. Mayne Reid. Blonde Bill. yy. Edward L. Wheeler, Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. Blue Blazes, By Frank Dumont, Solid Sam, B ward L Wheeler. Handsome Harry. By Charles Morris, Scar-Face Saul, Zo Coomes. Dainty Lance, THE Boy Sport. By Badger. Captain Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. Silver Star, THE Boy Knicut. By Coomes. Will Wildfire. By Charles Morris, Sharp Sam, By J. Alexander Patten. A Game of Gold, By Ed. L. Wheeler. Lance and Lasso, ge t. F. Whittaker. Panther Paul, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Black Bess, Wa. Wooprirt’s Racer; or, Winnino AGarnst Opps. By Charles Morris. Cems tL ek) ww wore ‘ ~ é w ‘ wre ww eR BHM OSM WONHOOSaaok w Eagle Kit, Tax Boy Demon. By Oil Coomes, The Swerd Hunters, By F. Whittaker, . C. Harbaugh. 5 Gold Trigger, THe Sport. 6 Deadwoo Dick of Deadwood; or, Tue Picken Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 7 Mike Merry. By Charles Morris. 8 Fancy Frank of Colorado. Buffalo Bill, 9 The Lost Captain, By Whittaker. 0 The Black Giant. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 1 New York Nell, By E. L. Wheeler. 2 Will Wildfire in the Woods, Morris. 3 Little Texas. By Oll Coomes. 4 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By G.W. Browne, 5 Se Baggage. By Charies Morris. 6 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George. 7 Asa Scott, Tur Steamuoat Boy. By Willett, 8 Deadly Dash. By Jos, E. Badger, Ir. 9 Tornado Tom. T. C. Harbaugh. 0 A Trump Card, By Charles Morris. Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St.George. mandy. Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. Bob Rockett, THz Boy Doncer, By Morris. -Captain Arizona, By te 8.Warne. The | Runaway. By Lieut. Perry. Nobb ick of Nevada, E. L, Wheeler. Old Solitary. By Ol! Coomes. 9 Rob Rockett, THe Bank Runner. Morris. The Sea Traller. ny, Lieut. H. D. Perry. Wild Frank. By Edward L. Wheeler, Little Wurricane. By Oll Coomes. The Hidden Hand, By Chas. Morris. The Boy Trailers. By Badger, Jr. Evil Eye, Kixe or CatrLe THIEVES; or, VULTURES OF THE Rio Granpe. By F. Dumont. Cool Desmond, By Col. Delle Sara. Fred Halyard. By Charles Morris. Ned es ae THE BorpER Boy. Harbaugh. Bob Rockett, rue Cracksman. By Morris. Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster. Buffalo Billy. ° Kony = Taylor, U. 8. A. Captain Kit. By Lieut. H. D, Perry,U.8.N. Captain Mask. Philip.S. Warne, Buffalo Bills Bet. By Captain Taylor. Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Wheeler. Shadowed, By Charles Morris. Little Grit, rae Wry River. By Ingraham, Arkansaw. By T. C. Harbaugh. 99 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Whittaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Wheeler, Prospect Pete, By Oll Coomes. The Boy Pards._ By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Gold Plume, THE Boy Banprr._ Ingraham, Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Wheeler Dark Paul), Tae Ticer Kine. By C. Morris Navajo Nick, ByT. C. Harbaugh. The Boy Hercules, By Oll Coomes. Fritz, THe Bounp-Boy Derective. Wheeler. Faro Frank of High Pine. By Eyster. Crooked Cale. Ry 40. E. Badger, Jr. Dashing Dave. By Charles Morris. Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler, Wolfgang, THe Rosser oF THE RHINE. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. Captain Bullet. By T. C. Harbaugh. Bison Lewes + oe PRINCE OF THE REINS. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ri ptain Crack-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler, Tiger Tom, THe Texan Terror. Coomes, Despard, the Duelist. Bre Bs Warne, 0 Tom Tanner. By Charles Morris. 21 Sugar Coated Sam. By E. L. Wheeler. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport, By Ingraham. SOOCOCVSOCCSCeTSSOe aes ae pm ree a ER Ed Rt oe habe GrSrSuSy Gr Gr Cr ibe abe she ie ee ie er CORO GOGO tO GD «tO tote ~ DIAM WMH SODAIA TeWNW KOO Ce AN ROWKOL BwKKBH BW KWwwwwrs ee ee le) Roger Starbuck. | 6 The Hussar Captain. .Col. P. Ingraham. | Morris, | | 238 | 239 223 Ozark Alf, Edward Willett. Dashing Dick. Sam Charcoal, > Smoozer Kine or THE Mountam. hy By Oll Coomes, 3y Charles Morris, THE Boy SHarpP. By E. L.Wheel r Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerso. Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes. Crimson Kate, By Col. P. Ingraham. The Yankee Rajah, By C. D. Clark. Plucky Phil. ByT. C. Harbaugh. Gold-Dust Dick, By E. L. Wheeler. Joe Buck, of Angels, By. A W. Aiken Old Rocky’s * Boyees,’ Buckskin Sam Shadow Sam. _ By Charles Morris. ApoHlo Bill, By Edward L, Wheeler. Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain 3 or, Tse Mysterious Rancnero, By P. Ingraham The Parson Detectivs, By Oll Coomes, The Gold-seeker Guide 3\or, Tae Losr Movuntarin. By Captain Mayne Reid. Cyclone Kit, By Edward L. Wheeler. Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Two *‘ Bloods, By Charles Morris. The Disguised Guide. By Oll Coomes. Sierra Sam. .By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Col. P. Ingraham 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Captain “ Bruin’? Adams. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret, By E. L. Wheeler, 249 Milo Romer, By Capt. Fred, Whittaker, 250 Midshipman Mutineer. By Ingraham. 251 Light-house Lige. By J. F. C. Adams, 252 Dick Dashaway. By Chas. Morris. 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By E. L. Wheeler. 254 The Half Blood. By Edward 8, Ellis. 255 Captain Apollo. By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. Adams. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven, By E. L. Wheeler. 259 The Golden Harpoon. ByR. Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Oll Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaught, By Geo. L, Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths. By Charles Morris. 263 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Wheeler. 264 The Floating Feather. By Ingraham. 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker. 266 Kilib’ar, the Guide. By Ensign Charles Dudley Warren, (of the Engineer’s Corps.) 240 241 242 243 244 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. ©. Harbaugh. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail, By Edward L. Wheeler. 269 The Gold ee DEMNED. By Colone p 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton, 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward §. Ellis. 272 Minkskin Miike. By Oll Coomes. 273 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam, (Major Sam 8. Hall.) or, MERLE, THE Con rentiss Ingraham. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise. By Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three fle or, THe Mountan Monster. By Major L. W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, THe Ririz Kina, By T. C. By Col. Ingraham, Harbaugh, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. By Wheeler, 282 The Typo Detective. By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe; or, THe Warre Sprrit or THE Hus, By Major L. W, Carson. 284 The Sea Warauder; or, Mzerix Monts's Pieper. By Colonel Pren Ingraham. 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy. By EK. L. Wheelers 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot; or Witp Men or Buzzarp Ban. By Mark Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, By Col. P. Ingraham. 288 The Scalp King. By Capt. J. F. C*adama. :289 Jolly Jim ’s Job. By Charles Morris, ‘290 Little Foxfire, raz Boy Spy; or, OLD Caen ARBUCELE, Mountain Detective. By OD Coomes, 291 Kurk, the Ferret, By E. L. Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro, THz Boy Banpit. By Captain Mark Wilton. 293 Red Claw, THE Onz-Eyep TRAPPER. By Captain Comstock. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, THe Bowre Biapp or Cocueropa. By T. 0, Harbaugh. A nét’ 4seue every week, The Half-Dime Library is for sale by al Newsdealers, five vents per cory or sent by mail op receipt of siz cents each, BRADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.