Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 291) (1883 02 20)
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ecrecereeerrrrrr ian Entered at ite mata N.Y. Ys at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyrighted ! In 1883 3 by BRADLE AND (ADAMB, ps me ntn toe 5 niall le PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, spingle, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, } NEW YOR YORK, ‘ 5 Cents. N 0. 291. TURK, THE BOY FERRET. BY EDWARD L. YARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘“ ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘“‘ GILT-EDGED DICK,” ‘‘ BONANZA BILL,” ETC., ETC, IT STOOD TAERE, BEFORE TURK’S EYES, FOR A FEW MOMENTS: THEN UNLOCKING THE PADLOCKED DOOR, GAZED BACKWARD AS IF IN SUSPICION OR FEAR.
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. TURK, THE BOY FERRET. BY E, L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSE- . BUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., ETC. Pe ta 2 CHAPTER I. AN ARTFUL DODGER. **Can you furnish me with a trusty messen- Ber boy for a couple of hours—one, mind you o is reliable in every sense of the word, an quick-strung, in the bargain?” - Th question was addressed to the clerk at the receiving window of a branch office of the Western Union Telegraph Co, in Philadelphia, one morning previous to the opening of the Bi- Centennial celebration in the Quaker city. The inquirer was a pay man of perhaps fifty are” ment a possessor of : short-cro ay beard, steely gray-eyes, o hawkish lheniiey. and hair to match his beard. He had the appearance of being a man who was well-to-do, and who had no cause to com- lain at the way the world used him, “¢ All our messengers are out, but if you will wait a moment, probably some of them .will be in, and I cansupply your wants,” the clerk said, gazing at the inquirer through a pair of green oa ie shall I send one to your resi- ence?” ‘¢No! I can as well wait here,” the man re- plied, taking a seat, and picking up a news- i n the course of ten minutes a messenger-boy entered. He was a strong, sturdy lad of fifteen, with an open, honest face, a shrewd peering pair of eyes, and wore an expression of good humor, _ ” He was attired in the neat regulation uniform of a W. U. messenger-boy, and was rather dash- \ ing looking, with bis cap cocke1 a little to one side of his curly bead. ‘+ Hillo! Billy!” be cried, tossing his book to the clerk, ‘‘ What’s the next racket? Madoa quarter out o’ last trip. Jest connect me wi’ another sech a = ef ye please.” ; The clerk loo waiting. ** Here’s a boy that will be likely to suit you, sir,” he said; whereupon the gentleman came forward, and gave the boy a criticising glance, ‘“What’s your name?” he asked, sharply. “Turk, sir,” was the prompt answer. “Turk?” the gentleman exclaimed, prise. “Turk what?” “Dunno. Reckon nothin’ but Turk, from en Alley. Never was called anything else. * “Strange name. Well,my boy. Iam about to engage your services for a little while, pro- viding you know where Jerome St. Clair lives, on North Seventeenth street.” “Dunno. Give’s the number, and I can root out the rest.” te rary well. What will be the charges, The clerk named the amount, which was promptly paid, after which Turk and his em- pl left the office, and proceeded to Walnut street, near Eighth. numerous rows of houses have for m converted into offices, which are oc- perhaps as many different trades and jas there are rooms. in gur- soend, stosy Fp ee bee - 9 neeaes, @ gentleman ushe ur him be sea’ f and ba , until he returned; after which he went down-stairs. ° : The t was meagerly farnished, the floor ‘covered with oilcloth, and a oe several office chairs, a few pictures on the wa ‘forming the remainder of the furniture. Having nothing else to do, Turk amused him- self with looking at the pictures, which were of pve! whose faces were anything but to their credit. : “ Sporters, or I’m a shad!” the boy muttered. “‘That feller wi’ the eyes cut bias, looks like Skin the Slugger, who got ninety in Moya, for liftin’ pocketbooks. onder what sort of a rooster keeps this ranch? Must be ‘quaint wi’ the rascals o’ Phila.” Jerome St. Clair, as he had introduced him- self to tife boy, soon returned. “‘Weli, ’m ready for you,” he said, handing a sealed letter to Turk. ‘“‘ You are to take that letter to my residence, and deliver it to my demghter. Ifshe is not in, you can give it to ed over at the man who. was” Turk, the Boy Ferret. some one of the servants, who will give you a package, which you are to hasten back with, and deliver to me at the Broad street depot. You will find me there in the waiting-room. Be spry, now, and I will make you a present on your return.” | “But give us yer directions,” demanded Turk. ‘‘Gota number, hain’t ye?’ “Certainly. Here is my card, which will en- able you to find my residence without trouble. Here is some money for street-car fare. Now, then, be off.” And Turk needed no second warning. Already gigantean air-castles were building before his mind’s eye in anticipation of the promised reward for alacrity. The card read: JEROME ST. CLAIR, . DIAMOND MERCHANT, No. — N’ra 1?ra Srrxet, (Private House,) Philad’a, Pa, And it is needless to say that the messenger boy was not long in Janding in front of the im- posing mansion which bore the diamond-dealer’s name upon the door-plate. Accustomed to ringing door-bells, he —_ the knob a tremendous Be which speedy rought a frowsy-headed [rish woman, with’ a red, freckled face, to the door. . | 2 ‘Phat the loikes of yez mane by pullin’ so hard av of the dure-bell?” she cried angrily. ‘‘Oh, go refrigerate yourself!” Turk retorted. **T want to see the boss’s darter.” ‘““-Yez can’t see her, ye omadhaun. It’snot in she is, at all.” “* Bab! ye can’t stuff me. for her.” ‘‘ Let me have it thin.” ‘Like blazes! The boss sent me, and said I was to wait until his gal came in.” “Thin come along wid ye an’ wait on the I’ve got a message cheer in the hall till the young miss returns; an’ mind, lad, I'll have an eye kept onto yez.” “ Rerect, Biddy. But ain’t you goin’ to ax me into the Beaert q “Not a bit of it. Sit yez right forninst the cheer in the hall, and if yez stir an inch I’llsend the nagur up to bounce yez.” Presuming that Miss St. Clair was in the house, Turk took possession of the proffered chair in the richly-furnished hall, and witha parting: nod of warning Biddy retired to the omestic quarters. Turk had not waited long when a youn ‘woman, or, more appropriately, a girl, o about ing stairs. : ; She was neatly, yet rather plainly attired, boy’s own age, came down the wind- ‘but this fact did not detract from her exquisite beauty. A perfect mold of face and petite fig- ure, with soft, dreamy, blue eyes, a tempting mouth, and rare health-tinted complexion made her at once an object for attraction and admiration. She uttered a little cry at sight of Turk, who was staring at her in wondering admiration. ‘“‘Great guns! ain’t she a stunner? Ef my bank account were a little larger I’d go fer her regular Cupid style,” were his unuttere thoughts as he paused at the foot of the stairs in evident astonishment. ‘“ What are you doing here?” she asked. “Sittin? down,” Turk replied, with a “‘ The Irish stew sed as how I should wait ; didn’t ax me into the parlor.” ‘Oh! you are a pomenach boy?” “Not much. I’m a telegraph young man, if you please,” Turk declared with self-conscious P 8. v “Oh, why yes! Pray excuse my mistake,” the voung lady said, amusedly. “Have you a message to deliver?” “Yes, I’ve got a letter here fer Miss Aurelia St. Clair, what her gov’nor sent, and sed I was to hurry back with a package what you would give.” ““T have not the fortune to be Miss St. Clair,” the girl replied. Caged and in a half scornful way, Turk fancied. “Iam Etta Eve- lyn, Mr. St. Clair’s niece. Miss St. Clair has gone riding in the park, and will not be back for a couple of hours. Turk scratched his head. ‘Dunno what a feller’s goin’ to do?” he asked. * The mood sed I could deliver the letter to one of the servants, who would give me the package to fetch to him.” “Tf that is so, I can perhaps act for my cousin,” Etta said, ‘‘though I know very little about uncle’s affairs. Come in here.” She led the way into the grand parlor, and bade Turk be seated, while she received from him the letter, and gave it a hasty pe ‘What kind of a looking man gave you this?” she asked, as she finished. Turk gave a rapid, minute description of the person in his off-hand way. “That’s uncle, to a dot,” Miss Evelyn de- clared. -‘‘I can’t imagine who is to purchase those costly diamonds, though?” ‘* Diamonds!” echoed the messenger lad. 45 bbe of course. Uncle has sent for the hundred thousand dollar set of diamonds, which he has tried so long to dispose of. I guess it will be all the same if I give them Spon. Wait.” She left the pee, and Turk heard her trip- Ping up the stairs for the jewels. ‘“Tv’s ashame,” he muttered, ‘‘ how sum folks can waste their cash on gew-gaws, while the rest o’ us have to dig like fun to get enuff ter eat! Wish I were rich as Jay Gould! I'd pop the question to Miss Etta, sure!” Wishing never had made Turk rich yet, and so he knew there was no use for him to consider such a a, Miss Evelyn wens returned, and banded Turk a ewel-case, Wrap) up’in paper. : “There! You are tS take that direct to Mr. St. Clair,” she enjoined, ‘‘and be very careful that you don’t lose it, or make a mistake whom ou give it to, for if a should, mercy only ows what they would do with us.” **Oh, never fear! He’ll get this box all bunkey, if I don’t get struck wi’ lightning,” was his confident assertion. ‘I s’pose ye’ll reckernise a feller, ef I should happen to meet ye, at the Bi-Centen?” “Of course I shall,” responded the As lady, as she ushered him out. ‘‘ Be careful o the diamonds.” , ‘But I will!” Turk replied, as he strode away down the street, whistling merrily, and wishing he was a willionaire, At the Broad street station of the Pennsyl- vania railroad, Turk found the man who had} ag he him for the errand, pacing to and fro in the waiting-room, as if in great impatience. His face lightened, however, when he saw Turk and the package. ' ‘© Well! you're, back at last, eh?” he said, seiz- ing the package. ‘‘You were unreasonably long. I have barely time to catch the train.” And with these reproving words he turned, and was about to move off, but Turk was not to be bluffed in this way, ) 4 ““T say! bold up!” _he cried, catching the man’s coat sleeve. ‘‘ You're kinder forgetful, ain’t ye?” . “ What do you want?” “ Why, ye was goin’ ter whack out a peer weren’t ye, if I beat Goldsmith Maid’s time?” ‘‘Oh! I forgot! Yes, here is a dime.” And tossing the coil to the astonished mes- senger-boy, the diamond merchant disappeared among the crowd. “Well, sell me out fer a huckster if that ain’s cheek,” Turk muttered, turning away in dis- gust, “Ten cents fer a hundred thousand dollar b. I wasn’t balf smart, or I’d’a’ collected be- fore delivery. Never mind. Vl see the old chap ag’in, sometime.” ~ And dismissing the matter from his mind, he went back to the office and resumed his mes- senger duties for the day. ey were not few He was considered one of the smartest and al importance vere aetna in- errands whi nm y took him out of his own district; so that when six There'll be a a row to-morrow,” Pat observed, as they trudged along. ‘“‘ What kind of ® row Turk asked, rather disinterestedly. “Och! sure it’s some one 0’ the: messenger boys will get bounced.” “ Humph! what for?” “Robbery, be jabers—an’ one of the cutest, too. Jest heard of it up on Seventeenth.” “Seventeenth?” Turk echoed, his heart sink- ing within him. ‘ Yes; it seems that some chap applied atone o’ the district offices, and hired a messenger to go an errand, an’ represinted hissilf to be erome St. Clair, the diamond merchant. He sent the messenger to the St. Clair residence, bearin’ a letter to Miss St. Clair, orderin’ her to
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ee deliver the messenger a box of diamonds, Miss St. Clair wasn’t in, but recognizin’ the writin’, she supposed, St. diamonds. Awhile arter old St. Clair came honie and the swindle was ’sploded. Jeminetta? but I bet there was fun!” Turk was white as a sheet, but managed to wm@aintain composure. } ‘* How did you drop onto this? Are the police onto it?” “No; et’s goin’ to be kept mum, and be worked a the quiet by Jack Grimes, the de- tective. He told me and paid me fat to learn ef any of the boys at our office went the errand.” bis was a stunner to Turk, and he at once made up his mind not to let Black-cat Alley know him that night. CHAPTER II. ‘ HOW A TRUE GIRL RESENTS AN INSULT. As soow as he could do so without arousing suspicion, Turk left the company of young Murphy, whom he had never liked any too well, and whom he must now necessarily con- sider an enemy. Full well the boy realized that he was in a desperate position, to say the least. A daring robbery had been committed, and he was the tool that had been used to secure the plunder, If it were diseovered that it was he who had went on the errand, he would be ar- rested, and like enough be sent up, charged with being in the plot. The thought was horrifying to him, for not only was he working himself up to a high stand- ard in the favor of the company, but he was also hoping that, by steady application, he would ere long be offered an office, as he was already a ane operator. Any such trouble as promised to result from his unfortunate errand that day would be a se- rious dampener to his prospects for promotion, even if it did not secure his summary discharge from the employ of the company. It is, therefore, little wonder that he felt de- a blue after what young Murphy had told im. “TI can’t go back to Black-cat Alley to-night —nor at all, for that matter,” he muttered ; “cause that hawk, Jack Grimes, would durned soon find me out, the hound! I know that fel- ler, Ido; and he knows I know of some of his smart games, It’s me an’ him fer it now, and the best one is goin’ to win.” Not knowing what else to do, he wandered down to the Delaware wharves, and watched tbe stream of people surging in the direction of the ferries. But, though his gaze rested upon them, his mind was upon the trouble which loomed up be- fore him like a grim giant. ‘*T reckon about the best thing I kin do is to and surrender,” he muttered—‘ but I’ll be ashed if I’ll do that, either! Every one fer hisself; an’ ef I don’t keep an eve peeled fer Turk, durned ef any one else will. Jeremity! T bet that niece of St. Clair’s got a tongue-lash- in’, when the old gent got home and found his diamonds gone!” . Mechanically, he turned and wended his wa toward his tenement lodgings in Black-cat A!l- ley, and succeeded in reaching his bleak,cheerless ird-stormy room without any one being the wiser for it, Old Mother McFadden ran the establishment, her tenants being bootblacks, newsboys, and the like, who had no other home, and’ who were lad to turn in the better share of their earn- gs for the shelter of the McFadden roof and a very meager allowance of provender. Such had been the case with Turk ever since he could first remember; but he realized that he must now bid adieu to the classic precinct of Black-cat Alley, and that without delay. Hastily divesting himself of his regulation messenger attire, he donned a neat new Sunday suit, which he had recently purchased, and a hat in place of his cap; then placing his few ef- fects in a sachel, he quietly took his departure, and made his way toward the southern part of the city, where he found a cheap bearding- house in a retired street, and paid his board two weeks in advance, explaining that he was look- ing a job. fter being assigned a room, and securing his supper, he started forth, and mechanically wan- dered toward the district office where he bad been employed—for he now no lomger consid- ered himself one of the employees of the com- re lance into the office through the glass door satisied him that there was nothing of excite- news about the place, which gave a deal of reel, as lair’s niece delivered up the | Turk, the Boy Ferret. Bill Jones, of the receiving-window, had been relieved by the night-clerk, and, knowing where his lodgings were, Turk at once turned his footsteps toward them. ‘‘There’s barely one chance,” he mused, as he hurried along. ‘ Bill ain’t always exactly hon- est with the company, and don’t always turn in an account when he sends us fellers out on er- rands, for which he knocks down the cash. Don’t like a feller to be dishonest; but 1 hope on gracious he’s made no account 0 my trip to- ay.’ Jones occupied a room in a block on Market street, third story back, and usually got his meals at-a restaurant, . Although he had been in the company’s em- ploy for a long time, he had not yet sown the ull measure of his wild oats, and knowing his failing, Turk was not surprised to find him Got “half the seas over” on reaching his room. “Fillo! Sultan! jest in time, old feller, some »rime stomach bitters here,” Jones cried, at siz" of the boy. “ Much obliged, Billy; I don’t drink. You'd be better off = wouldn’t.” ‘** Nonsense, hat’s the harm of a feller hav- ing a little cheer, after getting out of prison? I believe in work when you work and smile when aries fetched you up from Black- wrk ‘To be sure I did,” he flustered, appearing to feel highly indignant at the-question. “ t do you take me for, you young Arab?” ‘“Oh! I only wanted to see if you were pre- pared to prove your part of the transaction, in oe there’s trouble,” Turk returned, eying the clerk. Jones flushed and grew fidgety. - ‘* What the blazes are you ariving at?” he de- manded, sharply. ‘ Explain.” ‘*There isn’t much to explain, more than that you're liable to get tripp Ye didn’t turn the cash for that errand, to-day.” ‘* Curse it. Does the saree y know? Have you been squealin’ on me, Turk?” “The company knows nothing. I know of several bits of cash that the company never saw,’ ‘* You sharp-eyed rascal. I’ve always been sus- picious of you. Jack told me to look out for you once,” ** Jack Grimes?” “No, Jack Freitcher.” “Thats a lie,” Turk inwardly commented. “* But let it pass. I must work this wire for all it’s worth, since I hold the key.” Aloud, he said: “ Yes, Billy, if I choose, I can cause your dis- charge, but I don’t propose to do it if we can agree, Noone connected with the office, aside from ourselves, knew of that errand to-day, eh?” ‘Of course not, There was no one about, and so I made up my mind I might as well make an extra day’s wages as not, and no one would be the wiser forit.” - ‘Then I am safe so far, thank Heaven!” Turk exclaimed, ‘‘ You dare not now own up the er- rand, as it would show you up in a dishonest light, and will necessarily force me to expose ou.” ‘‘But what’s the matter? What danger are you in?” Turk proceeded to relate the circumstances at- a. and resulting from his trip for the bogus t. Clair. Jones listened with a interest, for he had by this time fully shaken off the effects of the liquor. “Well, by thunder, that’s a case, for a fact. But you can rest easy, so far as Iam concerned. I'll never give you away.” “Then I will also keep mum about your game; but you’d better drop on it, or some o’ the boys will jump onto you, and won’t mind their own biz like the Sultan o’ Turk-ey.” : an reckon yow’re right. What! ain’t a-goin’, ) “Yes. Do you know, I’m goin’ to nose into this case and recover themdiamonds? Goin’ ter turn sort 0’ detective, ye see; and see what fer luck I'll have at the biz.” _ Turk had not long left the operator’s room, when Bill Jones had another visitor—a tall, well-formed, and rather good looking young man of six or seven and twenty, dressed in the best of clothes, with the additions of a silk hat, kid gloves, and gold-headed cane. A not over-abundant mustache was waxed out at either end; and the babitual steely glitter in his black eyes indicated the existence of evil in his heart. ' This man was Jack Grimes, the detective, who was considered one of the most suce pri- vate experts in the Hye ‘‘ Hello! is it you?” Billy Jones exclaimed, as the sleuth entered. ‘‘ What the blazes are ye after? 1 was just preparing to sail off into a good sleep.” “So Isee!” Grimes smiled, taking a seat. ‘* New job?” “Yes, Mighty big one, too. Got it all to myself. Fortune in it, if 1 win.” ‘ What is it?” “Ob! it’s a secret. Don’t know but I can tell you, if you’re mum.” / ’ “ Humph! guess you know me?’ “Well, it’s true you never went back on me, so ’ll let youin, You see, old St. Clair the dia- mond dealer, has been skinned out of # valuable lot oe diamonds, and this is the way it hap- med,’ He then narrated preston the same story of _ robbery that k had done a short time ore ‘* And, now, what I’m after is to find out first of all, who this messenger was, I’ve visited several of the district offices, but obtained no satisfactory clew. How about your office?” ‘“No messenger sent on outside errands, to- day,” Jones declared, deliberately. * Are you sure?” The eyes of the detective were fixed on him, searchingly. “Of course I’m sure. Don’t you suppose I know what I’m about?” “Doubtful, when you’ve a bottle of liquor in the room. Seems strange that no messenger was sent from any of the offices, and yet one went on that errand!” ‘Does look rather quner, Pll admit, but. you ean search the cash list of my district, if you choose.” : ‘Perhaps you didn’t turn in the cash, nor make a™emorandum?” Jones flushed, angrily. 5s te ‘* Well, you’re welcome to your.own opinion a he said, stiffly. ‘‘ You can probably find by in- quiry, that my reputation is good for honesty with the company.” e: ‘¢ Pooh! honesty is but a convenience at best. There is not a person in the world, who wouldn’t look hungeringly at a hundred thousand do before passing it by. We detectives: are neces- sarily the most honest class of people living, but I’m blamed sure if I saw a clever chance to rake in a hundred thousand, and get away witb it, I'd do it.” “T don’t doubt it, I never quite set youdown as a saint.” : Asilence ensued, during which Grimes seemed to be in deep meditation. $ ‘‘ Well, ’'m bound to make a case out of this, somehow. You know, by the way, that l’ve been paying some considerable attention to St. Clair’s daugbter, lately, and the old gent fancies my suit. So he sends for me to take charge of this case, and slips a cool thousand dollars into ay hands, to start on, adding that he will give a bigger sum for the recovery of the diamonds, Oh! the old nut is really worked up about the affair, and it strikes me that there is more im- portance attached to the loss ef the diamonds than their simple pecuniary value. Now, Jonesy, if you and [ could put our heads to- gether and recover the diamonds, we would be able to command a competency for our efforts.” “Bah! I know nothing in regard to the mat- ter, and will have nothing todo with it—so that ends that!’ Jones declared emphatically. ‘‘Then, that also ends our interview,” and the detective arose and left the room. He also left Billy Jones in rather an unpleas.- ant frame of rer Jerome St. Clair, diamond merchant, had _re- turned home, about five o’clock that hice. from tewnm, and, fatigued with his day’s bus ness, had ht his warm, cosey Fen where beer seou after joined by bis daughter, Au- relia, Mr. St. Clair was a stout, ruddy Englishman, with short-cropped gray beard and hair, and an almost perfect counte t of the man who had so successfully used Turk the messenger boy as the tool of a stupendous robbery. He was ig to be wealthy, and did not. conduct his business like other jewelers, in the city, but at his residence. He was well known
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a he dealt with almost exclusively. His daughter, Aurelia, was a tall, slender brunette, with dark eves, and a coldly pretty face, and was, because of her fine dress and educational accomplishments, a favorite in the best society. Anything money could procure,.that would enhance her chances of winning a desirable *‘ catch,’ wasalways placed at her command by her indulgent parent. Petted and humored, from infancy, it was little wonder she had grown up a spoiled child, with a petulant tyrannical temperament, and a vain conceit that there was no one quite as good as herself. And it might be added that she had also, ina measure, inherited some of these qualities from her father, who was not without an excellent and unbiased opinion of himself. Miss St. Clair seemed much surprised to see her parent in the parlor—so much s0, that she back with a cry. ‘ Hello! what ails you?” St. Clair ejaculated, looking around. ‘‘Am I a bear, that you are frightened at me?” “Oh! no! no! no! but I didn’t expect to see é ae here,” she said, coming forward and eet Bn his side. “ thought you were in New “New York? What nonsense, child! How came — a thought ever to enter your mind?” ‘Why, because you sent the messenger boy for the diamonds"’ ‘*The what? I’ve sent for no diamonds! Which ones! Speak, explain!” “The magnificent ones you have always: treasured so highly, in the green satin case. A messenger boy came with a note from you, say- ing 1 was to deliver them to him to fetch to you.” ‘And you did this!” “No, for I was out riding. Your dear sister’s child, ‘Henriette, performed the work!” The banker was white with passion as he arose and paced to and fro across the carpet. “Send for the girl,” he finally hissed, and Miss St. Clair seemed coger to ring for a servant to digpateb on the errand. Miss Evelyn soon made her appearance, but an apprehensive expression came over her face as she saw the merchant, “Young woman, who gave = authority to deliver my diamonds up to other people, open my daughter’s letters and the like of that?” ‘There was no one at home, except the ser- vants, sir, and seeing it was your writing, and the or saying he was ordered to come —_? back, I didn’t suppose but what I would be do- ing you a favor, sir—” ‘I never sent the letter nor the boy. You are implicated ina conspiracy to defraud me and you shall suffer the consequences! Han over the letter to me.” **No, sir, I cannot!” the girl said, bravely. “If you are disposed to think me so wicked that I could wish to cheat you, or abuse your confidence in me as your sister's child, I shall keep the letter to defend myself with, before the courts.” CHAPTER IIL. THE NEW HOME, Tue St. Clairs were surprised. Such a sudden outburst of courage from Etta, was something entirely new of her, who was ¢éver quiet and unobtrusive, often bearing many slights at the hands of her relatives without re- sentment, She was now old enough to keenl feel the fact she was a dependent upon her uncle for support, and to know that she must grace- fully uequiesce to the wishes of her uncle and ' cousin; but of late, Miss St. Clair nad appeared to grow constantly jealous of her pretty cousin, and. did all in her power to make Btta’s life mis- erable. The early life of the latter was shrouded in mystery, and all that she knew was that she was Jerome St. Clair’s niece, and that she was dependent on him for her livelihood. But to be suspected of intentional complicity in a robbery, was more than her sense of honor ' would bear, and she resolved to stand up for her rights, cost what it might. was able to work, and could not well find a more cheerless abode. : ** What!” Jerome St. Clair cried, angrily, af- ter recovering from bis astonishment at her wor's. **Do you mean to defy me, you saucy chit?’ ‘*] mean just what I said, and nothing more!” Etta answered. ‘‘ Because I have been depend- ent upon you for my living, it does not follow / | | | | | If she lost her home with the St. Clairs, she Turk, the Boy Ferret. among the leading families of the city, whom that I will allow any one to make me out a thief, nor do I care to stand your daughter’s insulting conduct much longer.” “Indeed! Perhaps it would cure you of some of your lofty importance to turn you out on the | got fellers. world fora time? That I shall certainly do if you do not deliver me up that paper!” ‘Then, I will consider myseif dismissed!” the girl retorted, with flashing eyes. ‘‘If I can see aptain Clyde I am sure he will help me to find a situation!” ‘If you dare to to Captain Clyde, I will have you arr ! Jerome St. Clair cried, while his daughter looked the jealous,anger she | felt. ‘*Oh! you are afraid, Mr. St. Clair, that the captain will hear of how you have treated me, and will not then realize so much pleasure in your daughbter’s company. Perhaps you ‘are. right!” And with a defiant laugh Etta swept from the room, and set about preparing to leave the house. She had a little money which she had saved from her monthly allotment, but it did not ex- ceed ten dollars, all told, and she knew she could not exist long on that amount without work. It was yet early in the evening, and she was resolved to set forth that very night, but at the same time bad no idea where she should go. Packing her not extravagant wardrobe into her sachel, and wrapping herself up, she left the St. Clair residence, a feeling of freedom thrilling her with ee and ambition, As quickly as possible she got out of the neigh- borhood, for she really believed that Jerome St. Clair would send the officers after her. After an hour’s wandering, she found herself at the Broad street railway depot of the Penn- sylvania railroad, and feeling fatigued, she con- cluded to rest in the spacious waiting room, un- til she read an evening paper she bad purchased hoping to see a situation advertised that would suit her fancy. There were plenty of calls for girls to do house- work, but having a good education Etta felt that she was capable of filling some higher posi- tion than being & common servant. Asif to gra ify her desire, her gaze direct] fell upon the following advertisement, whic was one of a number of others in the same col- umn: “Wantrep—A well educated, respectable young lady as secretary and reader, for an old gentleman. Good sal to the right party. Apply at No, — North Tenth street.” Poor Etta’s heart bounded with joy as she read this, and she made up her mind to put in her application at once, It could do no harm, at least, to try. To think, with her, was to act, and leaving her sachel, at a near-by store, for safe keep- ing, she went in search of the residence of the wine tant 4 length—a large, imposi he foun , at length—a ge, imposing edifice, with a marble-trimmed front, and as- tending the steps she rung the bell, somewhat midly, — A aaron servant in livery answered the sum- mons “‘T called in answer to an advertisement, sir,” Etta explained, eagerly. The ‘‘sir” seemed to banish the servant’s chilliness of demeanor, for he opened the door still further, with a gracious bow. “ Walk right in, miss—walkrightin. De boss is in de parlor *xaminin’ alot ob gals dis berry minute.” And before she was scarcely aware of it Etta found herself ushered into a grand reception- room, where an old gentlman and several young ladies were seated. All of the latter were dressed much more ex- pensively and stylishly than Etta, and she felt ratker uncomfortable, as she became aware that their eyes were bent upon ber, but a spirit of resolution caused her to show no trace of agitation or confusion, The old gentleman was a fat, round-faced srsonage of sixty years, who had a very bald eli and a pair of pleasant eyes which’rather agreeably lit up his ruddy, clean-shaven face. He was seated in a comfortable chair, with one foot upon a cushioned stool, wrapped up with a plenitude of blankets and flannels, which was plain enough evidence that he was a sufferer from the gout. He nodded to Etta, as she entered, and mo- tioning her to a seat, turned to a haughty-a pearing lady, who had previously been speak- ing. % go ye think you'd fill the bill, do ye?” he queried, surveying her critically. “Ido,” was the mply. ‘I am proficient in eee erence ee SeenON EO, ee —_—— all branches of stady, and would like you to give me a trial.” ‘* Yas, I suppose so,” was the reply. ‘‘ That's what these other girls want, too, but they’ve ath I can’t have no gals about my place what has got feller on the brain, S’pose you're like the rest, eh?” $ Gecainly: Bat I don’t think you are do- ing right to interfere ina young lady’s privat« 9 affairs.” “Then we don’t agree. I pay a girl goo, wages to be ready for biz, when 1 want her. If 1 should want to hear the news read at two in the morning, I expect her to be ready to read it. If I see fitto give my amanuensis ten hours vacation out of twelve, that’s my busi- ness, too. Don’t think any of you girls will suit me, unless it is the last one. Whatis your name, miss?” “Etta Evelyn, sir.” ‘Dye know how to read and write and fig- , sir. “Got any relations—poor ones?” ** No, sir.” “ anon how to play the peanner?” < sir, “No, sir.” . “That’ll do. Ye kin take off yer things, get yer supper in the dining-room, send Pomp for our luggage, and then come in and write four etters, tw now and bedtime. You other gals can go.” Etta obeyed, wondering if this could all be true, that she was so lucky. She wasa keen reader of human character, and saw from the start that there was no way to get ploem with her employer, except to hu- mor his whims, In the dining-rooms, she met the house- keeper, a motherly spinster, and the two be- came friends, from the start, but Molly (as she gave her name,) was not one of the communi- cative sort, and said very little in regard to es master of the house, whose name was Jason itus, After a bounteous muPer, Etta dispatched the colored servant for her luggage, and then sought the parlor. Jason Titus was balf asleep, but aroused, when she entered. ‘“* This blasted gout has nigh about worn me out, of late,” he growled, ‘' Never had it, did ye ‘No, sir,” Etta admitted, amusedly. “S’pose not. Might ’a’ know’d better. Get the paper, yonder, and see what stocks are do- ing, in New York,” tta complied with his request, and read for an hour, to him, on different subjects. During the evening, a collector came for a sum of money, and it remained for Etta to wait upon him, she procuring the money from a safe, in the library. Titus then bad her bring forth bis books, and in an bour she knew about all his ness affairs, how much he was worth, and every- thing that concerned his plans. His money he kept in his safe, at home, not: having any faith in banks. * Et’s all in yer charge, now, an’ ye can go on an’ do bizness same as tho’ I was able,” the old man announced, ‘I know you're bonest, or I wouldn’t trust ye. Your salary will be five dollars a day, an’ you are to take it out o’ the cash drawer every day. That’s all. You're ati liberty for the rest of the evening. Help your- self to the pianner, if you want. Molly will show you your room, when you want to retire. Get up early to-morrow, for a morning drive with me.” ; When Etta retired that night, she was won. dering if it could all be true. , Seemingly. it had been a lucky happening {or her which had been such a heavy loss to the St. Clairs. Turk, the messenger boy, felt greatly relieved, on returning to bis lodgings, that night, for he had cause to believe that he could depend upon Billy Jones’s silence, which would insure him against immediate danger. So he resolved to return to work, the next morning. On his arrival at the office, the superintend- ent informed him that he could take charge of an instrument, during the Bi-Centennial week, during each forenoon, to ‘spell ” the different operators, and in the afternoons resume his messenger duties, There being more money for him by the change, Turk went to work. He was pretty well versed in telegraphy, and
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rene ere reer his first forenoon’s work went off satisfactorily, and he continued in the capacity of an operator the balance of the week. The next week was Bi-Centennial week, and there was an extra amount of messages to be received and transmitted. Tuesday noon, just before he was about to yield his instrument to another operator, two messages came, which somewhat surprised him, q-s he transferred them to paper, The longest one was directed to Jerome St. Clair and was as follows: “Tam coming to you for protection. There is no room for me, on the sea, any longer. Besides, I have had grave apprehensions about my child. Ex- pect me at any time. I have no regular schedule. * UrtaAn EVELYY.” ‘‘Must be the purty gal’s dad comin’ back,” Turk muttered. ‘‘ Thar’s sumthin’ secret ’bout that gal, an’ I wouldn’t mind knowin’ it. Reckon 1 don’t want to take no messages up there, though,” The other message came a few minutes later, and was addressed to ‘Fred St, Clair, No. — Market street, up-stairs.”’ It was dated trom New York, and ran as fol- lows: “Frep:—Cannot do anything with them here. Will bring them back. To-night, at the Social.” There was no signature, but the fact that both messages were for St. Clair, rather aroused the ‘young messenger’s curiosity. ‘*One is to the old hoss, and t/other is to a young St. Clair,” he muttered. ‘‘Wonder ef Vhe young and the old is related? and what it is the New York chap can’t do anything with, over there? Mebbe the diamonds!’ The idea struck him with foree enough to geave a lasting impression on his mind. There was just a possibility, he thought, that he had struck a clew to the robbery, and there could be no harm in making a quiet investiga- tion, clew or noclew. As it was noon, be surrendered the instru- ment to Finch, the other operator, and took . the Market street message to the delivery-clerk himself. “Put that in an envelope, Chris,” he said; ‘‘T want to deliver that myself.” eh?’ Chris “Got a sweetheart up there, smiled, ree with his reques’. “Oh, no! They don’t trouble me yet,” Turk veplied. ‘‘ Time enough for that hersafter.” e took possession of the message and depart- ed, wondering if he would be able to make a discovery. 5 At last he arrived at the number, and ascended ‘@ narrow staircase to the second floor of an old building, the lower floor of which was used as a harness shop. There were several doors opening off from the hall, on one of which was a tin plate bearing ‘the inscription: “THE SocraL or SEVEN.” As none of the other doors had door-plates, ‘Turk concluded to trv the door of the “ Social” én quest of Mr. Fred St. Clair. is rap was unanswered; and after waiting a moment, he turned the knob of the door, and entered the room, which was handsomely furnished. There was no one in it, however, with whom ‘to leave the message, s0 he concluded to ‘wait a few minutes, The room was fitted up as a parlor, witha fine carpet, sofa, furniture, and costly pic- tures, and other ornaments of an expensive nature. A door opened from this into another room in “he rear, but this was closed, After about balf an hour’s wait, the rear door ypened and a man entered the parlor. He was about thirty years of age, well built, richly dressed, and bore marks of dissipation upon his otherwise rather attractive face. He seemed much surprised at sight of Turk, and not over-pleased. ‘What a’ye want here?” he growled, looking at Turk sharply. “Got a message fer Fred St. Clair. Know such a chap around here?’ Turk replied care- dessly, producing his book. ‘ Yes; that’s my name. Let’s have the mes- sage, and then you skin ont of here. We don’t allow boys here,” At *‘Don’t,eh? What kind of a ranch is itjye’re 80 ’fraid?” “None of your business, you rascal. Give me the message.” ‘Jest affix your handle to this book first, Frederick,” the ferret said, coolly, ‘‘and pan out a quarter—then the message is yourn.” St. Clair growlingly obeyed. | Turk, the Boy Ferret, i ‘“Wait—see if there's an answer!” he said, tearing open the envelope. ‘‘No; you can go. Turk left the room and descended into the busy street, with its swarms of sight-seers. Passing around the new Public Buildings, past the Pennsylvania depot, from which hundreds of people were pouring as fast as they were ushered into the city by buge train-loads, he suddenly felt a hand placed upon his shoulder, and faced about to find. himself in the presence of a tall, lank individual, with thin, sharp feat- ures, a hook nose, bead-like black eyes, and a decidedly Frenchy mustache of a like color, waxed out at the ends. His dress, however, was of the shabby-genteel order, and among almost any crowd he would have been classed a bummer, ‘*Hello! what d’ye want?’ Turk demanded, as he critically surveyed the man. ‘‘ Don’t try some your confidence dodges on me—I’m too Salibv. The hawkish man laughed. ‘*T just reckoned so,” he said, with a strange ehuckle. ‘‘ And you’re just the very chap I want.” And as he spoke, he turned aside his vest- te and exhibited a glittering gold detective ge. : CHAPTER IV. TURK ON THE BEAT, SURPRISED and alarmed, Turk instantly con- cluded that this detective had discovered him to be the same person who had procured the dia- monds from the St. Clair mansion. ‘* Don't be scared,” the officer said, reading the boy’s thoughts. ‘It isn’t you I’m after, by a long shot. I’m wanting a wide awake lad as an apprentice, and, judging by your pbysiog, you're the boy I want. So come along with me.” — He did not say it invitingly, but authoritative- ly, and Turk hardly knew what to say or do. H2 had always longed to become a detective by profession, and here was a chance when he least expected it. Yet he knew that he would be losing his position in the office, and might not be able to do as well, should he not prove an expert in the detective line. ‘I guess you'll have to strike some other fel- ler,” he demurred, shaking his head. ‘ Dve got a pretty good snap with the Western Union.” ‘** Pshaw! you can’t make your living at that. I'll pay you good wages, and guarantee you a badge after a short trial. Socomealong. You 48 band in your resignation to the company ater.” “ What’ll the mare go. “Ten dollars a week, and more when you earn it. Hurry along now. I’ve got some work ahead.” - ‘Guess ['ll try you a whack, anyhow,” Turk muttered, ‘‘Ten's six bigger than totin’ mes- sages around, Sail ahead.’ he detective was evidently no stranger in the city, for he led the way up Thirteenth until they came to a quiet two-story brick dwelling, the door of which he unlocked, and they entered a plainly furnished front room which bore unmis- takahle indications of being a bachelor’s head- uarters, 7 “This is my abode when I’m honie,” the de- tective announced, motioning Turk to a seat. ‘“My name is Buck Hawk. What’s yours?” “Turk !” “Turk? Is that all?’ Hawk asked, with a rin, F ‘All I know of,” was the answer. ‘“‘ Guess it’s »ll required fer natural p ses.” ‘Funny name. Know any of the city detec- tives?’ ‘‘Oncein a while one, Know Hulfish, Gray, Grimes and Mack.” , ‘“‘Humph! Know any of the suspects? i Bem, you mean—hard cases?” es.” “You bet! I’ve got a hep of them chaps down fine, and know some of their hang-outs and fence-posts like a book.” ‘Glad to hear it. It will help usalovg. I’m from New York, and not known to the profes- sionals over bere generally. But, as it happens, I’m looking for a chap—in fact several chaps— but one in particular. A visit tosome of these dens may put me afloat. T’ll fix you up asa countryman, and we’ll take a turn in at Joe Burns’s.” “The blazes! Ketch mein there. It’s a reg- ular cut-throat den.” “Don’t tell me what itis. But as long as ’m with you, you're all right. All you’ve got to do is to:put on ‘country jist come tew town to see the sights,’ and I'll fence you about. [I’m a you give? Money is what makes 5 — thoroughbred, you understand, who is showing you the re eet It Turk had any misgivings Buck Hawk soon talked them away. Out of a large stock of disguises which he hauled from a trunk he soon had Turk charac- teristically arrayed as aclumsy, loutish country boy from the back woods, and no one could have suspected that he was other than what he represented. he detective then giving some slight chan to bis own make-up, the pair set out. 0e Burns’s notorious ‘‘Club House” was soon reached and entered. A known resort for criminals of every class, it was not the most alluring place imaginable for two strangers toenter. [And yet, despite the infamous record of this place, it is still per- mitted to exist in the heart of the city, an eye- sore and a terror to all honestly disposed people, where deeds of violence are of everyday occur: rence, and to which the police seemingly turn a deaf ear and a blind eye.) Although Hawk knew of a dozen thieves’ dens in the immediate neighborhood, he preferred visiting this Club House, and for a purpose, as we shall see. ‘ The low, ill-smelling bar-room, with its dingy light, contained only four persons at the time Hawk and the country lad entered. One of these men was a low-browed customer, who presided behind the bar. The other three were seated at a table, en- gaged in a game of cards, but looked up with inquiring stares as the two entered. either Hawk nor Turk paid any attention to them, but advanced to the bar, and called for beer, the latter appearing as ‘gawky’ as a ver- itable boy of the back-woods, nds What’s yours?” the bartender demanded of im. “T reckon I'll take lager,” was the innocent reply. ‘‘We don’t git no lager up at hum— nothin’ only hard cider, Dad put up six bar’ls fer the deacon this year.” “Give him beer—a little verd, you see,” Hawk remarked to the bartender, in a signifi- cant undertone, ‘Just dropped onto it awhile ago. Burns gave a grunt, and shot the detective a er ee glance, evidently not satisfied that he belonged to the class of ‘ professionals’ who frequented his place. awk made no other remark until he had drank his beer, when he set down his glass and glanced about the apurtment. ‘Polly been about town lately?” he finally asked, meaning one of the gang who had long been one of the expert pickpockets of the city. “Not lately,” Burns replied, appearing a trifle less suspicious. ‘He's been very busy of late.” ““S'pose so. I'd like tosee him. Don’t seem to meet any faces I know. Saw Scrogger up the street, tho’.” “No? Didn’t. know he was out. Got ninety awhile ago, Who're you?” : = a al ecw! is a ice ‘Humph! Hear rogger speak of you. baer Mi e Kerrig, don’t you?” ‘‘ He’s doing well over on Market, fencin’ for a ‘social’! Rather hurting me—still I like to see the boy prosper.” ‘“What’s the number?” “No. — Market street—up-stairs. Social fof Seven. Nice place to play a game of cards—no one about.” “Have to look it up. Think I’ve struck a ‘liner,’ but ain’t sure. How’s peelers ‘long here.” “Solid. Per cent.—ten. No trouble.” “All right. I'll call again. Let’s all have another drink.” The drink was had and paid for; then Hawk and his seprentits left, and returned to the house on Thirteenth street. ‘‘T’ve struck one desirable point,” the detect- ive declared, ‘I’ve found out where this ‘So- cial of Seven’ is, and my man is a member of “ So do I know where it is,” Turk added. “T took a message tothe room just before I met ou. “Who to?” ‘*Fred St. Clair.” With a low exclamation the detective became suddenly reflective and silent. He was something of a conundrum to Turk who had taken to watching him keenly. When they arrived at the detective’s abode they entered, and Hawk produced some dried tates cheese, and a boitle of wine, as he re- marked:
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“We'll have some better ‘grub at the hotel after a while. ‘I’m going to leave you to do as you please for a while, while I skylark about for points. By all means retain your rural dis- fruise, and look to it you don’t get trapped by sharks. In my desk yonder you'll find a roll of dirty, greasy money, which ten out of a thou- sand;would not take as being counterfeit; yet it is. You can take some of that witb you, and if any sharks try to fleece you load ’em up with that stuff. Kin ye play cards?” **Bet I can; kin beat the feller what put the spots on ’em!” “All right. meet.” And with this injunction the lean man took his departure, “‘Durn me if I don’t ruther wish I was back a-totin’ messages,” Turk muttered, after Hawk’s de ure. ‘* Dunno how he expects to make a detective outen me, ’thout he tells me what the racket is he’s on. S’pose I might tackle the dia- mond case. Might stir up some sort of a sensa- tion, and git in jail in the bargain.” Toward night he tired of staying in the house, 80 arming himself with a pair of Hawk’s revoly- ers which he found in the desk, and pocketing the roll of the counterfeit money, he set forth and made his way to the depot of the P.R. R at Broad and Filbert streets, where he lounge about the waiting-room for several hours, watching the crowds of people who were flock- nets by every train. bout dark he saw Fred St. Clair in the de- pot, strolling about, and occasionally accosting some of the strangers. ‘* Bet that chap’s a shark, tryin’ to pick up some greenhorn for a snap. ish he’d tackle me,” was Turk’s observation. ‘‘I’d kinder like to find out that feller’s antecedents, anyhow; I'm interested in him, I am,” His wish was to be gratified, for Clair soon approached him, with his elegant array of attire, and his rather dashing figure and face, Turk was seated in one corner of the apart- ment. starin aginable at the surroundings. ‘** Good-evening, Johnny!” St. Clair accosted, familiarly. ‘‘Come down to take in the glorious Bi-Centennial?” ‘* Lreckon, ef I don’t got tuk in myself,” Turk replied. ‘Kinder tired travelin’ around, an’ You’re not to know me if we oung St. thort I'd take a rest.” $ Right. Excess of sight-seeing makes it tire- some pleasure just now. Let me see, your face seems familiar. You’re from Perryville, are you notf’ “ Lordy Jerusha! how’d ye ever guess that ?” Turk ejaculated, with a grin of surprise, “Oh! Pve been through there, traveling for pleasure, and it somehow struck me I'd seen your face somewheres,”’ ‘* Yas, me an’ dad runs the Schoonover cheese factory there, an’ turns out the best cheese in the State. Dad he kicked like thunder when I set sail fer heer} but, durn it, | cum on my own hook. I couldn’t borry no stamps from hi, re) I jest sold my interest in the last makin’ o’ cheese, an’ heer I am. Since dad j’ined the church, ’'m gol-darned ef he don’t git tighter an’ tighter every day.” ‘‘Come down to see the sights, I suppose?” “Waal, I judge. Don’t know much about the city, but I guess I kin git my money’s wuth. Didn't costa heap tocum, Got in wi’ a feller as was fetchin’ over a car-load o’ sheep.” ‘Well, you want to take care of yourself. There’s a great abundance of rogues in the city laying for fat et-books, and any one’s liable to get robbed.’ ‘Bet they won’t soap me! Carry all my spondulics in my shirt pocket, ’cept’bout a hun- dred dollars pin-money. The old woman posted me, “ What a comfort it is to have some one to. advise one!” St. Clair said. *‘ Well, [ must dro around to the club. Hope you'll enjoy yourself. By the way, perhaps you wouldn’t mind going a , across the street, and taking a nip.” “Well, I don’t know butI might. Never drink, at hum, ’cause dad’s a deacon, but Phila- delfy ain’t hum, by a long shot!” And Turk gave a grin that would have con- vulsed an anchorite. They left the depot, and turned over on to Market street, where they entered a saloon, and St. Clair called for drinks—Turk taking beer, while the sharp poured out a liberal allowance of a! hay 2 gal it down. saloon, ru nner up to the club,” St. Clair said. ‘‘Go sound youre nothing more im- portant on tap, and introduce you to some in the most gawky manner im- ‘Turk; the Boy Ferret of the first young fellows about town, and we'll have « quiet game of eucher.” **Waal, I might go’long, sence we’ve met, but 1 don’t play mucb at keerds, ’cept now an’ then a game o’ eucher.” “They then set out, and in due time arrived in the hallway outside the room ocenpied by the Social Seven. Here the handsome sharp paused and said: *[Pjl just explain to you what otherwise might seem strange. This social of ours was gotten up for mutual enjoyment, and we adopt- ed several rules and regulations, among which was one that no one should enter the council- chamber, except in mask. No one of us knows the other. Membership is obtained, thus. A person wane to join, visits the room, during eaves a note stating that under gler, The Ghoul, The Blackmailer, The a oe The Kidnapper, and The Pick- ocket! ; ‘Lord! Jerusha! I’m goin’ hum!” Turk gasped, in pretended alarm. “No! no! you don’t understand. This is all fun, you know. Each member is of the best families, and perfectly honest and honorable. Just put on this mask, and I'll introduce you as The Firebug.” Fearing that he would arouse suspicion, if he disobeyed, Turk put on the half mask, St Clair also masking himself, and then giving five pecu- liar taps on the door. cough was heard, whereupon St. Clair opened the door and they entered. The place was lit by a chandelier, and had undergone no little change, since Turk’s visit, earlier in the day, for in the center of the room, was an elegant faro table, about which were grouped six men, engaged at the game, while others were lounging about the room, smoking, chat- ting, and drinking, the refreshments being pass- ed around by a negro, St. Clair and Turk became seated, and main- tained a silence. About half an bour passed, when the six men at the faro table arose, and left the room. The door was then locked by the negro, who retired to an adjoining apartment. St. Clair then arose. “Gents, in my heart rankles aspiritof re- venge, since you cleaned me out of so much cash, last night. 1 propose to get even with you, by opening a little game of faro. Will you make it interesting?” The others agreed, and all hands gathered around the table. Turk stood near at hand, and looked on. The negro came from the adjoining room, and took the position of banker, and sold the checks to his ma ked confederates, as Turk knew they were. Too old a lad he was, in the ways and wiles of city life, not to know that the faro game was only started in the hopes of attracting his money, of which he had purposely hinted to St. Clair that he had a considerable. ‘“‘ A fine gang of sharks, and Ill bet — rep- resent the different professions that my friend claimed—in truth, instead of in fun. If they catch me, I’m destined to be sleepier than I am now. The game proceeded, and the betting ran high, in consequence of which St. Clair lost about fifty dollars. “That b’eaks my bank,” he growled. ‘* Curse me, if I only had an even fifty more, ’'d sccop the crowd.’ A thought flashed across Turk’s mind. “Tell ye what, boss. Give me sum’thin’ fer security, an’ ’ll put up fifty fer ye,” he said, stepping forward. ‘‘ Like to see every hog hev a smell at the swill, I do.” St. Clair caught readily at the bait. “Thank you. Here’s my gold watch. Will that dof” ‘“Of course. Here’s your sponds.” And he took the roll of money from his pocket, and counted out three of the time-worn bills—two twenties and a ten. The Social Seven exchanged glances, and the darky shoved the notes into the cash drawer, giving St. Clair checks in return, The others also invested, and the game was run. Of course St. Clair won heavily, as Turk had expected, and redeemed his watch by pay- ing fifty dollars from the gold which the banker shoved over to him, and which Turk pock- eted with quiet satisfaction. “I believe P'll try my luck on the consarned thing,” he said, giviog the darky Atty dollars ace RANDLE rc er to a A NI SEES AE ETE NS in greenbacks. ‘Never did hev much Inck, tho’. ” He played and scooped in the checks. Again he ventured, and again he was suc- cessful. Twice more, and the result was the same. Thé men about the table growled, and the ne- gro swore. ~ Turk was cool and loquacious. ‘ He had kept \vatch of one thing, which lent him not a little satisfaction. As fast as he paid in money for checks, he noticed that the bills were worked into the other players’ possessioa, in exchange for gold. Why this was, the boy could not imagine, but he knew that he was getting rid of his spurious money. At the end of the fifth game, all of which he had been permitted to win, he had four hun- dred and fifty dollars’ worth of checks. ‘* Cash them!” he said, laying them down. ‘¢ What! you’re not going to leave us losers in the lurch?’ St. Clair protested, angrily. “That ain’t fair.” “‘ Ain’t it? Well, after I get them checks cashed, an’ we all have a drink, mebbe I'll try ye another whack.” Believing best to humor him, the negro cashed. the checks in gold, and then went for the drinks, which he soon brought in, on a server. k raised his glass at the same time the others did, but allowed the liquor to run down his neck on the outside instead of on the in; then quekiy wiped his chin and throat, none of the even noticing the cheat. “Now, come on; let’s play again. You're two hundred ahead, stranger.’ “ Waal, Pll go ye one more, an’ make that the last. Heer’s the last 0’ the cheese money— three hundred dollars, Vl bet the hull pile ag’in’ the backin’ of it.” The men divided their moneys, and the stakes. were put up and won—by St. Clair. Turk was not disappointed, but pretended to be, boisterously, ‘‘You’re a gol-durned set o’ skinners!” he rowled. ‘I won’t play nomore. I feel sick. t me out o’ here,” Atasignal from one of the men, the negro opened the door, Turk staggered toward it, acting as though. he were somewhat intoxicated. 5% Pm goin’ up to uncle’s, Come ’long, pard- ner. “‘ Better go with him!” one of the gamblers said to St. Clair, and that individual nodded, and followed Turk down-stairs, both taking off their masks in the hall. To the sharper’s offer to accompany him to. his stopping place, Turk made no resistance and feigned to be half stupid until they reached. the bouse in Thirteenth street. ‘Ef ye don’t mind, come in. No one’s up, I ess, an’ [ know whar uncle keeps his bottle,” rk declared. He opened the door and entered, St. Clair fal- lowing him. Turk then lit a lamp, and at the same instant, Buck Hawk stepped into the room from the street. A startled cry escaped bim as he saw St, Clair, who started back with an oath. — Turk seeing a crisis instantly drew his revol- vers, and covered the gambler. “ Bo , what is the meaning of this?” Hawk deenatiibed: “* How comes this rascal here of all places in the world?” ‘*Oh! him and his set were trying to tap me, but I war too foxy for ’em, an’ Jured this feller here, so you could hev a look at him?’ Hawk whistled. “Tm mighty glad. This is Slippery Fred. one of Murrell’s gang—a nabob sort of rasc+.' you know—big relations, you know—allus cei off Scot free.” . St. Clair was white with passion, and kept bis eyes roving about, watching for an opportunity to escape, but the gleaming six-shooters in Turk’s hands, sufficed to keep him quiet. Hawk walked up and down the room, in deep reflection; then turned to the gambler: ‘‘T have not made up my mind jnst what to do with you,” he said. ‘*I ought to settle the business right here, but I think I can make more use of you after awhile. Or shall I turn you over? Which do you prefer: Shall Ibe your jailer, or the authorities?” ‘‘T demand to be released,” St. Clair hissed, savagely. “Ob! no: I guess not. When you get free again, it will be when a live case i cleared up, and a band of outlaws broken up. If you pre- — fer to be in police custody, I tan hand you over, but you can bet high Jerome St. Clair won't /
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: bay the jury again, as he has so frequently nD one, St. Clair did not reply. He seemed to deem it the wisest course not to let his temper get the better of him. Hawk taking a pair of handcuffs from his big coat pocket, put them on the gambler’s wrists, without resistance. He next bound his feet together, and then gagged him so system- atically, that he could utter no sound above a roan. This done he dragged him into a small Ps apartment off the front room. “There! You stay there for the present, and if you make any noise, I'll break your head. You know the sort of a hairpin I am, and I reckon you’ve got sense enough to behave yourself.” He then locked the door and turned to Turk. “So far so good!” he said, triumphantly. ‘That catch is worth five thousand dollars, if you want to know it.” ust then there came a rap at the door. Hawk looked at Turk to enjoin silence. The rap came again. Hawk crept toward the door. For the third time the rap came! Turk was wondering what was next on the srogramme for the evening’s entertainment. he show was becoming very interesting. es CHAPTER V. TURK CUTS LOOSE. Erra EvELYN was well pleased with her new home, the longer she remained in it. Her duties were light, and she had much of the time to her- self, as old Jason Titus snored away the better part of each day, in the easy-chair. Her liberal salary soon enabled Etta to clothe herself appropriately, and the servants were as polite to her, as though she had really been the nabob’s daughter. Titus had a large daily income from a down- town manufacturing place, which it was one of her duties to collect, every afternoon, at tkree, rain or shine, and she always had a coupe at her command, How much money the old man had stored awcy in his capacious safe, she never attempted to mow, for there were hoards of it, and it was doubtful if Titus, himself, had any exact idea of its amount. Then, there was the early morning drive whenever it was pleasant, in the park, and all taken into consideration, Etta was rather doubt- ful if she could have ever found a more desirable situation. The Titus turn-out was one of the nobhbiest uipages seen in the park, and Etta could not help feeling a little proud, when one mornin they met Aurelia St. Clair, who was ou for a gallop. The start and stare, when she saw her cousin in the barouche with old Jason, plainly ex- pressed her astonishment. After one of these morning drives, as Titus was examining his mail, he looked up at Etta rather queerly. “Better put on some extra frizaes to your hair, to-day, gal,” he observed, “for I’m going break my usual rule, and have a friend to dinner. Smart young fellow too—about thirty, and got brilliant prospects, since he quit the ocean. If I do say it, Carl Clyde is a man, every inch of him,’ Poor Etta’s heart sunk within her. Captain Clyde coming here to dinner! What in the world should she do—how could she face him, Aurelia St. Clair’s lover? She had met him frequently at the St. Clair mansion, and he had treated her with full as much cordiality as he had Aurelia, whom Dame Rumor said was to become his bride, somewhere along about the holidays. If he came here, and saw and recognized her, he would likely inform Jason Titus of her former surroundings, and there was no telling how things would turn. “T am sure you will kindly excuse me, Mr. Titus,” she said, blushing. ‘‘I had rather not mee* your company, if you can spare me. I had rather not make any acquaintances.” “Pooh! Nonsense! 1 say yes, and that set- tlesit. So, now, ron down to town, and inquire at Drexels if the Panama is in port yet, and then return.” ; Seeing there was no way to get out of the di- lemma, without offendin yim Etta determined to “face the music,” and make the best of the sites ne ; the hack, and driven down P was e town, where she made inquiries concerning the Turk, the Boy Ferret. ship, Panama, and then stopped at Strawbridge and Clothiers to do some rss gg While there, a man entered the store, and tapped her on the shoulder. t was Jack Grimes, the detective! Etta had seen him occasionally, at her uncle’s house, but further than knowing bis professional calling, knew nothing about him. She turned and gazed at him, haughtily. ‘* Sir!” she said, inquiring)ly. “Excuse me,” he said, * May I speak to you, privately, a moment?” ‘No, sir,” Etta replied. “I do not know you!” And she turned to the counter. ‘‘But I insist!” he said. ‘I do not want to make you trouble, here!” She understood, then. His words implied a threat. He was a detective. Had he come to arrest her, at the instance of Jerome St. Clair? ‘*My carriage is at the door. I shall be out, directly,” she said. ; He bowed, lifted his hat, politely, and made his way out of the store, by the Market street entrance, Etta’s mind had been suddenly made up, on one thing. She must dodge this man, no mat- ter what the results might be! She quickly made a purchase, and left the store by the rear entrance, and hurried up Fil- bert street as far as Tenth street, thence down Tenth to Walnut. She knew that the carriage would go home in case she did not return within a reasonable length of time; but what was she to do? She took a Chestnut street car, and rode into West Philadelphia and back, her mind in a state of great anxiety. What was she to do? She had no place to go to. Should she return to the Titus home, and run the risk of the results that might follow? Yes. They could not prove anything of a criminal nature against her, and she might as well meet any charges brought against her as well at fir t as at last. So a | returned to Eighth and Market, and found the hack still waiting for her, but Jack Grimes was not to be seen. Getting into the conveyance, she gave the order to drive home, which she soon reached, and she made her way to her room to take off her wraps. hs going down-stairs she met Molly, who said: “Tf you please, miss, the master wishes to see you in the parlor.” Presuming that he desired to hear from the Panama, Etta accordingly hastened to the par- lor, and entered. She gave a faint gasp of surprise as she did so, for she beheld Jack Grimes seated there, in company with Mr, Titus, her employer. The latter looked up with a nod, but the de- tective gave her only a passing glance, appear- ing not to recognize her. **Gal,” old Jason said, in his bluff but hearty manner, ‘‘ thisis Carl Clyde, whom I was speak- in’ about. Haven't seen him before in three years, and he’s changed somewhat in that time. Etta acknowledged the introduction as best she could, and then escaped to another portion of the parlor, in order that Titus might not notice the astonishment that was expressed upon her ace, What was Jack Grimes doing here, masque- rading in the nom de pene of Carl Clyde? What villainous scheme had he on foot? Poor Etta trembled. She was well satisfied that he had some plot to further, and calculated to use her as the tool, depending upon his knowledge of ber former circumstances to keep her quiet. The very thought of such a thing made her so nervous, that she was heartily glad when Jason asked her to play something upon the piano. She played several pieces, and then excused herself on the plea of a beadache, and went to her room, where she threw herself upon the bed, and lay there, wondering what the result of Jack Grimes’s interview with Jason Titus would When dinner-hour came she did not go down, but told Molly to take down the excuse of a headache. ; The idea of facing Grimes, with the knowl- ledge of the lie he was palming off on Jason Titus, was too repugnant to bear, and so she made up her mind to run the risk of meriting ber employer's ciepeorare Toward dusk, Molly brought her up a sealed letter, which she opened and read when the servant was gone. : *me,” Hawk replied. 7 {t was from Grimes, and read: “Dear Miss EveLtyn:—Your generous employer has granted me the permission to escort you to the performance of Lotta as ‘Bob,’ this evening, if you will kindly honor me with the pleasure of your company. It will also afford me an cppontubiky to explain much to you which may be puzzling you, Trusting you.will believe I mean for your own wel- fare, lam, Yours truly, Cari Crypr.” ‘The base impostor!” Etta murmured, tear- ing the missive into shreds. ‘‘ He indeed means to use me as the stumbling-block to others. What sball I do? If 1 refuse to hear his ex- planation, he may influence my immediate dis- charge, if he does not work me greater harm, If I hear what he has to say, 1 may be better able to defend myself.” Further deliberation strengthened her belief that she had better humor his request, and so rocuring a slip of paper, she addressed it to im, and added: “*T will be ready at half-past seven.” _ Let us return to Buck Hawk and his appren- tice. The third rap upon the door of their quarters in Thirteenth street was given loud and per- emptory. “The devil!” escaped from Hawk’s lips, and cocking his revolver, he flung open the door, and there entered a woman some sixty years of age, who hobbled along with a cane, and was dressed in old and ragged attire. Her hair was unkempt and white and her face wrinkled and withered, but her eyes, black as jet, had the fire and sparkle of youth. She helped herself to a seat while Hawk was closing the door, and took a keen survey of Turk, who was standing in the center of the room. ‘Who have you got here, Buck?’ she queried in a pleasant voice, which was bard at contrast with her appearance, and betrayed the fact that mc nas not always been in her present pesition in life. . ‘*Oh, he’s a young rat I’ve picked up to help “Turk, this is my mother.” Turk looked in surprise, and acknowledged the introduction with a bob of his head. Hawk then lit a pipe, and seated himself, and gazed through the clouds of smoke at his mother. asked. ney reason. There is ncthing we want there,” was the answer. ‘I’ve learned more since I came back than we’ve both found out in a year,” ‘Humph! What? ‘‘T met Jerome Bt. Clair to-day.” Hawk whistled. ** Did he know you!” : “Not be. I was watching him unknown to him. When he walked on he dropped this, and I picked it up.” She handed a telégraph message to Buck, who read it aloud. It was the one from Uriah Evelyn to Jerome St. Clair, which Turk had received from the wire prior to his meeting with Hawk. Buck scowled when he read it. “Tt will be a question who wins the game now,” be said. “St, Clair has no longer pos- session of the girl. I learned to-night that she had skinned out, and her whereabouts are not known.” The old woman groaned. ‘“More likely she’s been foully dealt with,” she said, anxiously. ‘Not by St, Clair,” Buck cried fiercely. ‘He has too much value for bis own safety to do anything like that, although I dare say be would not care if she were to die from natural causes.” ‘“Who’s that yer talkin’ bout?” Turk asked, curiously. ‘‘Not Etta Evelyn!” “Certainly. What do you know "bout her?” “Oh, not much. Met her up at St. Clair’s an’ made a mash wi’ her. ‘Spect to bitch on to her when I git promoted.” Buck and bis mother exchanged amused glances. : ““So the gal ain’t at St. Clair’s, eh?” Turk went on, eagerly. “No. Why do you ask? Do you know any- thing about ber whereabouts?” Turk scratched his head. “No, I can’t say as Ido, but you jest bet ef St. Clair has hurt that gal Pll fix bim, sure’s I’m elected Governor in1 Bet I know what’s the reason the is gone.” “ You do? en explain, for it isa matter of great importance to us.” \ ‘“What brought you back from Boston?” he /
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= Hy ; “Oh, itis. 'Sposin’ you explain the whyfore to me first?” “Indeed. pl Ag om, ae youf But I i ar ou might as well know, as you are likely to 8 of use.” — Hawk gave the old woman an inquiring nce. ‘‘No! no!” she cried angrily; ‘‘ tell the young monkey nothing. Boys can’t be depended on. If you'll please me, you'll send that fellow away, Buck; I don’t like him!” ** But, mother—” ‘‘Send him away I say! Have nothing to do with him. Do you hear? Am I boss, or you?” “You are unquestionably boss,” Buck said, meekly. ‘ As my mother wills that I shall not keep you, I suppose you'll have to go.” ‘*Kerect! I ain’t wanted, you bet I won’t stay,” Turk declared, independently. ‘‘ Kinder suspicioned I’d lose my job, through doublin’ up rt but it don’t matter. Reckon Vl hang to the detective biz—set up an opposition shop like. Ef you want any p’ints, jest call aroun and Pll seil out fer ten dollars per p’int.” z And with this, the boy moved toward the oor, ‘Hold on!” Hawk cried. ‘‘ Before you go you had better turn over the counterfeit money gave you.” * Oh, I guess not!” with a cool laugh. ‘If ‘you want that, apply to the Social Seven. They were s0 accommodating as to ey me gold for the better part of it. The gold 1 shall keep fer luck. Ta! ta! Tra*la-loo! The next time you employ a monkey, beware of the chimpanzee order, which know how to skin out of ordinary games. Good-by, Granny. Hi! bi! Buck!” And with this mocking salute, Turk darted from the house and down the street. It was quite late at night, and so he made his ‘way to a cheap lodging-house on Market street, near the Schuylkill, and secured accommoda- tions for the night. Bright and early the next morning he re- paired to a down-town clothing-house, and by expending fifty dollars, soon had himself ar- ew in attire that was nobby, to say the east. Knowing the balance of the money would keep him for a long time, he made no effort to secure work, but spent his time about town, yyy Som and out the various resorts of crimi- nals in hopes of meeting the diamond thief. ; He also made it a point to saunter past the St. *Clair dwelling, on Seventeenth street, each day; but the place was invariably closed, and there were no signs of life about it—a peculiarity con- nected with numerous Quaker City residences, On the same Tuesday evening that Jack Grimes was to escort Etta Evelyn to the theater, ‘Turk chanced to be passing the Titus residence at about half-past seven o’clock. ‘A close carriage had Pape drawn up at the door, a man leaped out, almost against Turk, as he was passing. Hastily excusing himself, be ascended the steps and rung the bell, and’ then it was that Turk saw for the first time that it was Jack Grimes. “‘Humph! I wonder what racket that son-of- a-gun is up to?’ he mused. ‘‘ Bet a cent he’s up to some mischief!” Curiosity impelled him to stop at the corner, a few steps furcher on, and wait to see what turned up. In the course of ten minutes the door opened, and Grimes and Etta came out of the use. : As they did so, Turk made it bis business to pass them ; and his astonishment knew no bounds when he perceived who the young lady was. Old Jason Titus stood in the doorway, and called out, as Jack was about helping her into the carriage: “Take good care o’ ber, Captain Clyde, or ’'ll never trust her in your care ag’in!” ‘* All right!” Grimes responded. Then he sprung in, and the carriage was driven eae f Turk had. paused again, a short distance away, a decidedly puzzled expression upon his ‘ace. “Well, here’s a go!” he muttered, ‘‘ Wonder what the girl is doing here? And Jack Grimes is known as Captain Clyde, eh? Phew! there’s a bit of mystery all around. I'd jest like to know where he’s goin’ with Etta Evelyn. There’s an important secret about that which more than one is concerned in, and there’s mischief brewin’ a Tl her jest as sure as that was Jaek Grimes. That feller ain’t no more tobe trusted with an honest job than a Thomas cat is with a teak, Sumthin’ tells me all ain’t sight about this carriage ride.” don’t look right. __ Turk, the Boy Ferret: He took a turn about the block, and came back to the Titus mansion. His brain had not been idle, during bis walk. “Tm jest goin’ to find out where they’re bound fer. Vl ax fer the captain, and likely they’ll tell where he is gone to,” e ascended the steps, and rung the bell, and the summons was answered by the negro ser- vant, Pompey. ‘*1s Captain Clyde in?” Turk asked. ‘‘No, sah! De capting done jest gone away, wid de young leddy.” ‘*Can you tell me where he went? [I desire to see him, at once?” **Dunno, Ax de boss, sah!” And closing the vestibule door, the darky was gone for several minutes, Turk was beginning to grow impatient, when he pearpeared. ‘** De boss say de capting gone to de Ches’nut street Opera House, sah, to see Lotta,” he said. * Jes’ gone, sah.” Thanking bim, Turk departed. “Struck the trail, have I?’ he muttered, “and now I'll foller it like an’ Injun_ after seal 25. Reckon as how I’ll go and see Lotta, too, Taking a southward bound car, be was not long in reaching the Opera House, on Chestnut street, where be purchased a balcony ticket, not wishing to go below, lest Grimes should dis- cover, and recognize him, J Being early, he succeeded in getting a seat on the front row, side, from which be commanded a good view of the house, below, His sharp he were not long in discovering Grimes and Miss Evelyn, wbo had seats in the orchestra circle, nearly on a line opposite him. Twice during the evening, be saw Grimes get up and go out, and during one of these eriods of absence, Turk caught the eye of tta, and made a motion of caution, with his hand. She evidently neither understood it, or recog- nized him, for she turned her head and gaze haughtily away. ‘*Guess she ain’t masbin’ gallery kids,” Turk mused, grimly. ‘‘ Reckon she ain’t much struck on Jacky, neither.” This conclusion was drawn from the fact that she paid very little attention to the persistent conversation.of her escort, and scarcely smiled, during the evening. At last Lotta bad romped and amused the audience to the time for closing, and the cur- tain went down, while the orchestra struck up a@ march, At the first tap of the curtain bell, Turk made a step for the door, and was among the first out of the theater. The carriage Grimes had come in, was amon the long line in front of the theater, and Tur saw him and Miss Evelyn get in, and watched them drive off, down-town. ‘*Goin’ the wrong way,” he mused. ‘“ That ebbe goin’ arter a ont el tho’, in true nabob style. I’ve a notion that I'll see what time they retura bum.” He accordingly burried to the vicinity of the Titus residence, where he secreted himself in a dark alley between two houses across the street. One hour passed away. No carriage returned. Two hours passed. No carriage had yet come, ape ky 3 ad door of the Titus dwelling, was opened, and some person ste out and locked. domn the street. we meet This convinced Turk that Grimes and Miss Evelyn bad not returned. ‘‘Durn my cats if I a‘n’t afeard that shark has run the gal off whar she won’t be found soon,” the boy muttered, dubiously. ‘‘Some- thin’ seemed to tell me that all wasn’t right.” The minutes dragged by. After a neighboring clock had chimed three, the door across the way opened again. Turk’s mind was made up. He glided from the alley, and across the street. Jason Titus, in his dressing-gown, stood upon the steps. ‘* Are you the gentleman of the house?” Turk asked, tipping his hat. “Yas, I am. What d’ye want?” Jason growled, gruffly. : “‘T just wanted to ask if your gal had got home safe, sir?’ : ‘No, she hasn’t. What do you know about ber, and what are you bangin’ around for, at this — o’ night?” a if ml rn g pardon, sir, but if you'll hear m ain. Iam afraid you let Miss Etta eo out with the wrong customer. Shall I come in, sir?” ee ee TT, *Thunderation, yes, and mighty quick, if you know sutuing about this ateented business. I’ve been in a sweat these four hours(” Turk followed the old gent into the cosey par- lor, acd he bade him be seated. Then taking his own big chair, he said: ‘* Now go ahead, boy, and tell what ye know. Where’s Clyde and the girl?” CHAPTER VI. TURK TOUCHES BOTTOM. THE young ferret scratched his bead a mo- ment, and then answered: ‘* Well, 1 don’t know asI orter give it away, because ye see I’m in the detective bizness, and my tellin’ you might upset some of my plans. But I reckon you can be depended on.” ‘* Most assuredly. Go on,” ‘‘ Well, yer gal went out to the theater with Capt’in Clyde, not?” ** Exactly !” ‘* An’ hasn’t returned?” ‘*No! that’s what’s worrying me.” “Well. I reckon you might as well drop on the worriment, and take it easy. The gal is a goner, for the present, but jest leave it to me and I’Jl ferret out her whereabouts. "Spect ye know this Captain Clyde?” ‘Indeed, yes. His*father used to be in part- nership with me, but died, and Carl went to sea. Used to get letters from him: Finally, three years ago, he left the sea and set up in New York, and this is bis first visit to me.” Turk whistled, and then screwed his face into a comical grin. ‘* Well, that’s the way it goes. We've all got to come to it!’ he said. ‘* The longand short of it is, boss, you’ve sold out cheap!” “ What do you mean?” ““T mean that Carl Clyde didn’t come to see you at all. The feller what’s been closin’ yer eye up, is a’ regular thoroughbred rip- scallion, named Jack Grimes, an’ ye can bet yer botrle on it. I know that chap like a cross- eyed herring.” “Ye don’t tell me. Curse my ignorance. I thought be didn’t look just like Carl.” “You thought right. The girl—what was she to you, boss?” . ‘“My amanuensis. I advertised, and she come. Mighty! I wouldn’t lose the girl for her weight in gold. She’s as honest and punc- tual as ever a gal could be.” ‘Yas, she’s a squar’ gal, me, boss, there’s a mystery abou’ the gal’s life, and out of pure interest in her, I’ve undertaken to ferret it out, There’s several persons that’s interested in the case, and several of the lot, if not all, mean the girl evil.” Jason arose and looked furious, ‘‘ Why curse it, boy, ef they dare to harm a hair of that girl’s bead, I'll fetch the law on ’em in full strength!” ‘*- Yes, but you've got to work ig? the case, first, an’ strike afterward. Jack Grimes has run that girl off. Jack Grimes is also a detec- tive. Go tell the authorities that Grimes was concerned in such a scrape, and they'd laugh at ye, and a couldn’t prove notbin’.’ Jason Titus looked at his visitor baiperipy VS ‘‘You’ve got a smart head on ya, boy. What’s your name?” Only got one that I know of, and that is Turk. “Spose that answers all purpoa , how- ever.” “Strange name—probably not you, own. Have you parents or relatives living?” ‘‘Nary a one that I knowof. Beeu a mes- senger boy till lately, when I concluded [ could live by my wits. Goin’ to find out thy abduc- tion case, if | bu’st.” ‘* How do you propose to do it?” “Oh! I'll root around till I strike a crail.” _ “T admire your grit, my boy, and (11 back it up with any thing you need. I bave taken a great liking to the girl, ana you shajl be richly rewarded if you rescue her. ‘*Well, you can bet bigh I’m goin’ to try fer it. S’posé you don’t know nothin’ about the girl’s antecedents?” ‘No; I never saw her before she applie., in answer to my card in the paper. What do you know of her past?” ‘‘Not much. Saw her first at the house of Jerome St. Clair—” “What!” the old man interrupted, excttedly- “ Where did you say?” ‘*‘ At the house of Jerome St. Clair, where I took a message.” ‘ “Great God! That is the first that I ever knew that man was in the city. What is his business?” Turk explained, so far as he knew, and they also narrated the facts of the diamond robbery: But, twixt you an’
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Turk, the Boy Ferret. 9 ae Jason Titus listened with a peculiar up- on his countenance, & nervous demeanor that denoted an extraordinary interest in what Turk was saying. When he had concluded, Turk blowed hisnose vigorously, and took to watching the old specu- lator, who now sat with his head bent forward, and his eyes riveted upon the floor. He did not speak for several minutes, and then is voice was ag f if Where does this St. Clair live?’ he finally ed. ‘On Seventeenth street, No, —,” Turk re- plied. ‘*You are sure this girl lived there?” ‘‘Reckon so. Stayin’ there, anyhow. Reckon she left, cause they kicked up the diamond biz- ness into a fuss.” ‘* Does this man Grimes know them?’ “Yes, He’s the feller they’ve employed to hunt up the diamond thief.” “Then perbaps it is on some such an account that he has abducted the girl?” “Paps. I'd quicker think some other way, though I don’t take no stock in Grimes. at do you know about the St. Clairs and Etta Eve- jyn, now?” ‘*T prefer to keep my own counsel yet, not be- ing prepared to give an explicit answer. You go to work and find the girl, and fetch her safely back to me, and I'll make you rich. You can go now. Call when necessary. Iam tired and sleepy.” ; The invitation to go was decidedly pointed, and so Turk took his departure, if anything more mystified than before. ‘‘There’s a queer old secret hangin’ onto this case, and ef I don’t nose it out I'll eat my shirt. The worst of it is, Ican’t git no p’inters to work on.” The following morning he made a round of the various livery stables in the heart: of the city, and instituted some cautious inquiries among the hands in regard to whether any of the rigs had taken parties to and from the Opera House the previous night. One stable had furnished a hack, but the parties had been obtained on South Broad street. In none of the stables neither could he see a man resembling the driver of Grimes’s convey- ance, who had red whiskers. He was, therefore, finally compelled to give up hopes of finding a clew to Etta’s whereabouts in that direction, and spent the remainder of the day along the line of the Trades-Day procession, oward evening he dropped iato a saloon near the building where the quarters of the Social Seven was located, and ad es a cigar. Several well-dressed, but otherwise rowdy- appearing fellows were lounging about the room and another was about leaving the saloon, as Turk entered. “Did you say there was no one up in the room, Jim?” he asked of one of the others. “No; nothing going on,” the other grunted. * Well, then, I guess ll jump into town,” ‘* Be back in time. Important business,” ** Allright. I may run across Fred,” Then he took his departure. Turk’s ears bad been wide open. To make an excuse for a longer tarry in the saloon, he ordered a lemonade. “*Cussed ygeer why Fred fails to show up,” pe of the loungers growled. ‘‘Can’t be he’s sick. ‘‘ Likely,” another responded, in a tone that seemed to have the instant effect of silencing conversation—which Turk judged was owing to his presence. : So, as soon as he got his lemonade, he took his departure. f _ “There's a part of the Social Seven—thorough- bred rascals, every one of them,” he mused, ‘and they’re going to have an important meet- ing, to-night. Wonder if I couldn’t attend?” fie crossed the street. and gazed back over at the windows of the club-room. The curtains were down, and no sign of life visible about the upper part of the building. ji ate the negro came down-stairs, and boarded an eastern bound car. “ Reckon the coast is clear, now,” Turk mut- tered, ‘‘an’ I’m goin’ to visit them rooms, and see if I can’t find a nest where I can hide, and overhear the important business, to night.” Re-crossing the street, he dodged up the stair- way, into the hall, above. Then he stened at the first door, only to find that silence reigned within. Turning the knob, he cautiously opened the door and after entering the ciaptocns, closed it behind him. All was dark, owing tc the curtains being down. , : ‘‘ Wonder if there’s any skeletons, bn Fas or other dangerous things a layin’ round loose, sech as lodges have?’ Turk queried, groping t I better strike a light, and finda about. ‘ place to make myself look small in.” He lit the gas, and began his explorations. The council room presen the same a r- ance as at the last time he had visited it, ex- cept that the faro table was missing. t took but a glance to assure him that there was no place that he could conceal himself in the front room, so he proceeded to find out what show there was for him in the apartment adjoining. t proved to be a much larger room, and was literally choked up with stored goods, including furniture, and packing-boxes. The fato table was also there, anda shelf contained a number of bottles of liquor and glasses. He discovered also, in one corner, a full kit of burglar’s tools—bars, jimmies, picks, and other articles necessary to a rascal’s profession, including various suits of clothes, all of which were pretty well worn. There were several places, behind boxes, where Turk perceived that he could hide, with- out much fear of discovery, one place in particu- lar, where was a hole through the wainscoting from which a knot had fallen out. application of his ear to this hole, he could bear pretty plainly what was said in the next room. So he turned off the gas, and settled himself into a watching position behind the huge pack- ing box. ‘Reckon these boxes are filled with the stolen goods,” he muttered. ‘‘Purty nice haul the perlice will make, when I squeal on this hyer social.” He had full two hours to wait, ere any one en- tered the club-room, and then it was the darky, who immediately entered the rear room, and began sampling the drinks on the shelf. Half an hour later six masked men entered the front room, became seated and called for drinks, which the negro served, afterward re- turning to the rear room, and closing the door. The men in the front room then lit cigars, and were ready for business, Turk, through the knot-hole, had an unob- structed view of them, and could hear as well. _His only fear was that the negro might de- sire to utilize the knot-hole, too, in which case, there was likely to be a row. But ran pf evidently had too bright an eye for the row of bottles on the shelf, to care for what was said in the next room. “Well, let’s get to business,” one of the masked men said. ‘It’s some days since we compared notes, I believe. Have you learned nothing concerning The Blackmailer, Kidnap- ry’ ‘‘Nothing!” Kidnapper replied. “It’s my opinion ke’s been nabbed, and they’re holdin him on account of expectation that he'll squeal. Sey quicker think you’d squeal, Murderer, than e. “Think what you like; it cannot injure my reputation,” Murderer retorted. ‘My opinion is the same as yours, however, in regard to our missing member. Something’s up, and I reckon the sooner we wind up our meetings here the better we will be off.” : The others gave a grunt of approval, showing unanimity of sentiment. “T was about to suggest the same thing my- self,” Kidnapper remarked. ‘“ But, where will we go, and what will we do with the goods?” And he gave a glance toward the back room. ‘I can arrange with a young Jew to take them off our hands,” Murderer declared, ‘‘ and work them off in the country. I’ve struck a new meeting-place, too, more safe than this,” ** At Mile. Stael’s?” “Yes, She is a warm friend of mine, and an adroit ‘fence,’ in the bargain. None but well- recommended professionals can hide under her protection.” “She'll give us cover, then?” “Ob! yes. I made arrangemegts all right to- day. So that, after to-night, we'll adjourn to meet next at Stael’s, using letters instead of our present titles. For instance, I, the captain, will use the letter Z, you, Kidnapper, the letter Y, and the others in rotation backward, We will then be as a new organization. Now let’s hear what news there is before we adjourn, Is there anything new in your line, Kidnapper?”’ “Yes. I made a contre S the girl I was a ae ou there was a mystery ut, and shall hold her till I can get a good ransom.” Blackmailer knows ething about what somethi the mystery is about the girl, does he not?” “T guess he don’t know anything for a cer- tainty. Anyhow the girl is one who gave up the St. Clair diamonds, and she’s better out of the way, until we get them disposed of.” “You are right. She may be a mint to us yet. Found anything of that messenger boy?” ‘*No—not for certain, although I have heard of him, and t that be is both watcbing and dodging me. He’s left the telegraph offices and is said to be in the street every day.” “How does St. Clair take it about the dia- monds?” “Ob! be raves, as usual, but still puts impli- cit trust in me. I give him several degrees of fresh hope each time I see him, and as soon as I can get a reasonable reward out of him, I guess we'd better be wise.” “You are right. They’re not safe articles to bave around, How has the Bi Centennial served you, Pickpocket?”’ “Very fairly. I’ve jerked a dozen valuable watches .2 the crowds, and as many different boodles of money, By next meeting, I reckon I can declare a very fair dividend,” ** And you, Mr. Ghoul?” “Not much doing now,” that worthy grunt- ed. ‘Students idle and no demand for stiffs, Got an eye on a young bride whois going to be laid out in her best style, diamonds and all. Will try and see if there’s a raise to be made in that direction.” The other members were likewise questioned, and gave reports of dull business. ‘Well, if there’s nothing of special import- ance, we'd better adjourn. I'll turn the goods over to the Jew pawnbroker to-morrow, and our next meeting will be at Stael’s,.” The following instant there were sounds of a scuffle and angry words. The captain sprung to the door of the inner older sleuths, and we've got to put him out of the way this very night. ‘Of course!” the others assented, ‘‘ The best way - to sink him in the bottom of the Dela- ware And the rascals gathered around the prisoner threateningly. tt looked as if it were all up with bim just en. CHAPTER VII. TURK INVESTIGATES A NEW LEAD. GaME to tbe last, however, was Turk, when threatened by danger, and although his present situation was arc apmens 4 dubious, his grit was ample to cope with great odds, ‘* What d’ye mean by sneakin’ into our rooma and playin’ eavesdropper?” the captain demand- ed, sternly, giving the young ferret a shake by the ies ea vs ire one of yer bizness! urk responded promptly. ‘‘Reckon I know what I am about,” “Oh! you do? Well, maybe you won’t know quite so much about it directly. Did you pur- posely come here to overbear our interview?” “ Bet your faro chips I did! Didn’tget left on it, neither.” ‘That remains to be told! Do you know what — we're going to do with you?” ‘ “Nix. Haven’t any idea more’n the dog that couldn’t ketch bis tail.” “Well, Pll try to impress it on your mind, then, that we’re going to kill you.” ““You don’t say! Didn’t suppose you'd let me off that easy. What route are you going to send me off by?” “The Delaware river route. Drowned kids never bleat!”’ _ “Don’t fool yourself. They sometimes change inter mermaids, and cum back to life. Bet a’ jack-knife ag’in’ seven cents there ain’t a stunin hila’ w’ot kin keep me under water.” “We'll see about that. I’m a pretty good hand at doin’ jobs of the kind,” the captain chuckled, ‘Dead men tell no tales arter | get puroams with ’em,” and at that instant Turk re- ceived a stunning blow beside the head, and all consciousness left him. When he recoverad his senses the scene had entirely ey Instead of being in the rooms of the Social Seven he found himself lying upon
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er ne ee EO SM Sg ae SS @ ent that he had no mercy to expec ‘ruffian. Must he then submit to the fate the 10 his back in the bottom of a small row-boat, which was being propelled upon the water by a roughly-dressed, grim-looking man, some forty- five years of age. Turk instantly comprehended the situation. He was bound hand and foot and being rowed out upon the Delaware river, the bottom of which was designed by tke Seven to be his grave, With a slight effort he gained a sitting posi- tion and took in his surroundings. The night was dark and the river was com- panes ort free from shipping, except along the ocks, and from their location Turk judged that the skiff had started out from the vicinity of Federal street docks, He had time only to make these observations when his captor growled out: ** Lie down, there, you young monkey, before I club you over the head.” ** Guess you can let a feller look around, ean’t you?” Turk grunted, not offering to obey the order. ‘‘Jest s’posin’ you tell us where we're goin’!” “You're goin’ to visit Davy Jones,” the cap- tor, returned, with a rattling sort of a chuckle. ‘Ye see, Seth Jones, the big fish feller, he's got a contract wi’ old Davy, an’ Davy furnishes him fishes, while he furnishes Davy wi’ meat fer his locker.” “You don’t say! So you're goin’ to spill me, are you?” “You bet! Don’t much like sech jobs, but the devilish world’s ag'in’me, an’ when a fel- ler’s broke, he can’t be choicey. Git fifty dol- for makin’ fish fodder of you !” rk shuddered, The man was apparently a hardened wretch, who made no hesitation of committing any crime that would line his kets with lucre. Yet there might be achord of humane feeling in his being, and the boy knew it was decidedly +o, ie interest to stir it up, before it was too ate. ‘Say, now, lookee here, Cap,” he said, lean- ing forward, and peering into the man’s beard- , ‘surely you ain’t mean enough to take a young feiler’s life, like me, what never did you any harm?” “*Git out! O’ course Iam. What the deuce do I keer, so long as the shekels come in? The world kicks me, an’ hain't I a right to kick ‘But, if you can make more money doin’ a turn, why not doit? It will‘pay you just as much to let me live, as it will to kill me.” Bah! you’ve no money!” “But I can get it—lots of it!” 4 ou 2 “Not a bit of it. Now, you just put me ashore, and come along with me, an’ I'll give you two bundred dollars!” “ Show up ver cash, or shet up!” “Can’t scow a red, now, ’cause its all im my room, at the hotel. It’s solid fer you, tho’!” man sneered, evilly. ‘‘ So is the police court, when I git on shore!” he growled. ‘‘ Ye can’t ketch me, ye devilish little rat.” “JT don’t want to. I’ve got to see the day, yet, that I ever went back on a chap as did me asquare turn. If you’ve any notion to be hon- est, I can work you in asa sort o’ side pardner, an youcan bet it means money to hang along ? me. Heerd of Turk the boy shadow, ain’t ye “ No!” contemptuously. “Oh! you're a stranger, then. My name is as notorious as Mayor King’s. Gota ripe old ease on hand, too. Girl abducted. Savy? Stolen by same gang as hired you to spill me. Big reward, when I find the gal. Sev’ril par- ties want her. Sort o’ mystery about her. Fetch a fat price, you bet!” ~ “The man only gave vent to a grunt of indiffer- ence, and rowed on. Turk’s heart sunk within him. It was appar- t from the Social Seven had prepared for him? The thought was horrible! A moment of silence ensued—then the man suddenly asked: “* What's this gal’s name, boy!” “Etta pohacs igg & Turk replied, a faint hope budding afresh, in his heart. And his words resulted in causing him no little astonishment, for the man at the oars ab- rupee. ceased rowing, and uttered an oath! ‘What !” he gasped, leaning forward, his om glowing like coals of fire—‘‘ Etta Evelyn, did you say: ** Jest exactly what I said!” Turk declared, exci . ‘And I bet a cent you are Uriah Evelyn! ‘ Turk, the Boy Ferret. _*Cuss my skin! how in blazes do you know that?” The man’s surprise was t. “Waal I jestsurmised,” Turk replied. ‘‘ See’d yer message, when it cum fer Jerome St. Clair!” ‘« And you tell me the girl has been stolen from St. Clair!” ‘ That’s the ticket, Is she your darter?” ‘That don’t matier. Do you know anything whar she kin be found?” “Ruther reckon not jest now, cause it’s a fresh cas . Got onter the trail tho’ an’ et won’t take long for me to nose her out.” ** And you will attempt to find her, and de- liver her up to me, if 1 spare your life?—you will swear tu do this, and, more—to not cause my arrest!” “Well, I reckon, I hain’t at all particular about passin’ under tbe river, so I'll agree to de- liver up the girl to whoever she belongs to, providin’ it’s you.” “Then T’ll spare you.” He drew a knife, severed the cords that bound Turk, and then changed the course of the boat back toward Federal street wharf. Very little was said, during the passage back, as Turk busied himself in rubbing his limbs, to get the blood into circulation, for he was satisfied it was not best to be off his guard in the sailor’s presence, even though he had been released, It was his purpose, if ible, to find Etta Evelyn, but he was resolved not to hand her over to this man, until be fully understood all eheat the mystery which enshrouded her young ife, As they neared the wharf, Evelyn said: ‘‘Let’s understand each other, now, so we'll know where to meet. I might as well tell you that I have to keep rather shady, as I am an old ocean pirate, and there’s a man here who is af- ter me, with a warrant for iny arrest. Of course I don’t expect you to take advantage of this confession, after sparing your life, as that would be the hight of ingratitude, All Inow desire, is to get possession of my child, and seek some quiet place to pass the rest of my days in ace. Mind! you are to tell no one that Iam ere, but when you want me, you'll find me hanging around the vicinity of Tenth and Cal- lowhill streets.” “Correct. ll set to work at once, in my at- tempts to find the girl,” Turk said, ‘‘and report to you, any time I have news, Tell me one thing—do you consider the St. Clairs enemies or friends?” ‘* Enemies!” “ And a woman—a Mrs. Hawk!’ Evelyn shuddered. ‘The same,” he gasped. Turk was tempted to question him concerning Mr. Titus, but something seemed to tell bim not to do so, They ianded at the wharf, and Evelyn left the boat to drift whither it would. Evidently he had previously stolen it from some other dock. They then walked up Federal to Fifth and north on Fifth to Market street, where they sep- arated, Turk going to the American Hotel and a ay for the night. The boy’s brain had little rest, however, for he lay awake nearly the balance of the night in perplexed thought. A mere beginner in an arduous and critical profession, he was from the start entangled in the meshes of what bid fair to be a remarkable and intricate case, and having begun its solu- tion, nothing remained but to go ahead with it. ‘«There’s a heap 0’ somethin’ somewhere that hain’t leaked out,” was his decision, ‘and Dll work myself as skinny as an undressed umbrel- la but what I spring the leak. There’s several persons connected with the case, certain. There’s the St. Clairs, Uncle Titus, this Uriah Evelyn, and them Hawks, aside from the girl herself. That rascal, Jack Grimes, who's the feller the meetin’ called Kidnapper—I don’t reckon he’s ot anything to do with the case, ’cept he’s try- in’ to make a stake out of it. 1 must find bim, but the ‘Social’ I’ll let slide until I get through with this case; then I can rope in all the sin- ners together. What a bonanza of a haul that would be, though! It would be the makin’ of ecomelite: tasacie t d fE omparing the pretty face and ways of Htta Evelyn with the rude man who bargained to commit murder, Turk could not fetch him- self to believe that they were in the least re. much less that was the ruffian’s daughter, _Further consideration brought on the realiza- tion bee the Social Beven might suspect that he had been drowned, and that their various members, having seen him once, might Le an eyeoutforhim. He would therefore have to keep well on his guard and be prepared for any emer- gency that might arise. At length morning came, and he was not sor- ry, for he felt wide awake and eager to get to work, rather than sleepy. After a hearty breakfast he dropped over on Walnut street to a certain detective office, which he knew Jack Grimes occasionally fre- quented, and made inquiry for that worthy, but his whereabouts were not known. He did not belong to the regulars of the city, and therefore little track was kept of his movements. A visit to the city agency brought the same result, and thus far Turk found himself baffled. He was resolved, however, to let no amount of failure discourage him, and accordingly did not feel disappointed. During the forenoon he met Pat Murphy, the messenger boy who had first apprised him of the diamond robbery. ‘‘ Hello!” Pat saluted, ‘ phat the divil is the ailin’ av yez, Tuurk? Why yez |’ave the offis so suddint?” ‘© Oh, I met an old pard, who took a fancy to my mug,” Turk replied; ‘‘ and so I don’t have 4 work any more, Everything lovely with the oys? a Be jabers, it is! An’ it’s a foine feller that detective is I was tellin’ yez of.” ‘**Indéed!” ““Yis. lvery time I giv him a whist 0’ news he slips a dollar into me band.” f “That’s good. How you getting on with that case about the diamonds?” “Divil a bit at all; but I manage to invint a bit av a sthory to make his nibs thenk it’s on tha trail I am.” ‘‘Humph! Better look out or he'll nab P atit. He’s a snoozer, is Grimes, Where does he hang out?” ‘‘No, — Walnut street, up stairs.” Turk started, but did not betray it. The number Pat had mentioned was the num- ber of the building in which the young shadow had waited for the pseudo Jerome St. Clair be- fore making the trip for the diamonds! Could this diamond-procuring gent and Jack Grimes be one and the same? - Ry looked to Turk as if it were more than pos- sible. As soon as possible, Turk left the young Hi- bernian, while he, himself, sauntered about town, finally bringing up at the front of the building on Walnut street, which Jack Grimes frequented, according to Pat’s testimony. Remembering that the room he had once visited had a glass door, through which one could look, from the hall, he went up-stairs. A glance satisfied him that Grimes was not in the office, and so he entered, and found a young man seated at a table, engaged in counting over a number of packnins of wey He was rather a blear-eyed, disagreeable look- ing person, and Turk at once judged that he belonged to the class which was composed of Grimes and his pals. ‘‘ Hillo!” he saluted, as the young ferret en- tered. “Anything I can do for you!” ‘‘ Perhaps,” Turk replied, with a good-natured smile, ‘ Piast called to see if Y was in.” The clerk, for such he evidently was, looked at the ferret, suspiciously. ‘“‘T do not know who you mean,” he said. ‘“'There’s no such a party here,” ‘“So I perceive, but he was here, not long ago, and you know who I mean,” ‘Well, he’s not in, if 1 do,” was the answer. “ Started out something like an hour ago!” ““To the den?” *Reckon not—to Stael’s, most likely.” “Humph! Guess P’ll wait in the neighbor- hood until he returns.” And with this declaration, Turk took his de- parture. 7: He did not remain in the vicinity, however, but wandered about, wondering where Stael’s could be. Tf the Seven were to use Stael’s place as a “fence,” might not Etta Evelyn be confined there, too?” Later by a couple of hours he chanced to drop into the Devil’s Den, on South 17th street,—a tumble-down rookery, for the sale of vile rum, which bas in years past gained a notoriety as 4 place of curiosity, from the fact that in one corner of the small pen used as a bagwoom stands a full-sized and grotesque statue to resemble Satan. Turk knew that the proprietor, who is known as Old Mummy, was well posted on the various known and unknown resorts about town, for he had often carried cipher messages to him, from
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different parties who had a pretty tough crimi- nal record. Therefore, he resolved to try and pump out of the old fellow the secret of Stael’s lace. r Entering, he called for a glass of whiskey which he made a feint of drinking, but instead tossed upon the floor. Taking out his former message book, he turned over several blank envelopes. In the operation he managed to direct one, with a pencil, to ‘‘ Mademoiselle Stael,” after which he handed it to the old man, saying: ‘Know of such a crook, Mum? D sh meif I can find her, and it’s important, too.” The old man adjusted his glasses, and looked at the name. ‘*Where’s your uniform?” he asked, next, re- garding Turk and his attire, keenly. ‘‘ Hum, gettin’ sewed an’ washed,” Turk fib- bed, well knowing that the old sinner was sus- picious of him. ‘‘ Why do you ask?” ‘* Best to be sure,” was the reply. ‘* Stael’s is No. —, Lombard St.” i ‘‘Thanks, Might have searched an age if I hadn’t thought of you.” And with this bit of praise, the boy took his departure. A trip to Lombard street acquainted him with ihe location of Stael’s place, which looked like a private house; but as it bore the appear- ance of being closed, he concluded not to pay a visit, until be had time to arrange careful plans. On his return down-town, he passed the house of one of his former message mates, and saw a funeral just entering the carriages, which, on inquiry, he found was of his former companion. here being one vacant carriage, he accepted an invitation to ride to the cemetery. The place of burial was West Laurel Hill, and the coftege reached that beautiful city of oe dead in due time, and the interment took place. Turk was about re-entering the conveyance that had brought him, when he caught a glimpse of Hawk, the detective, in another part of the cemetery. The sleuth’s movements were so sly and dodg- ing, that it instantly struck Turk that he was trailing some one, or something, and the boy re- solved to try and jearn what it was, knowing he could return to town by street cars, or Schuyl- kill steamers, So he sauntered away in pursuit of Hawk, keeping monuments aud bushes as much before him as possible, to avoid being discovered. So sleuth-like and irregular were the detec- tive’s movements, that Turk found it difficult to keep him in sight; but at last the chase came to an end, Ahead of him he saw Hawk standing in the concealment afforded by a large monument, around which he was peering. Still further ahead Turk saw the door of a vault, which a young lady was either trying to lock, of unlock—the latter, evidently, for the door soon opened, and she entered, and closed it behind her. She was richly attired, and it was she that Hawk was shadowing. ‘*Wonder what kind of a racket this is?’ Turk muttered. ‘Somethin’ in it, or Hawky wouldn’t be after it. She must be fond o’ roam- in’ about in the dark, among a lot o’ stiffs, sence she has shet herself in. Mebbe she’s a snatcher. Jinks! jest strikes me she’s mebbe connected wi’ the Seven!” The thought aroused in him a greater in- terest in the case, and he watched the door of the vault, which was built in the side of the hill overlooking the river, full as eagerly as Hawk did. An hour passed by, but no one came from the vault, ae Hawk maintained his vigil rather uneasily. Turk had more patience. , Still another hour passed, but without bring- ing forth the visitor to the tomb. awk then manifested his disgust by sneak- ing away as cautiously as be had come, Not so with the young shadow. He was bent on seeing the thing through before he left. What the woman could be doing in the vault so long, with the door shut, was a puzzler to him. ‘‘T wouldn’t be afeard to bet my name ag’in’ Mayor King’s, that there’s a gum game on fut, about that aire cadaver pen,” he mused. ‘No gal would stand the smell an’ grins o’ a lot 0’ stiffs, ef thar wasn’t some peculiar inducement ferit, Ah! thar she is!” king the young woman left the As he was 8 vault, closed ind locked the door, and came to- ward where he was crouching, rendering some quick dodging necessary. | | © ol = — ae a As she passed near him he looked at her keen- ly, and studied her features shrewdly. ‘Bet a stew that’s Jerome St. Clair’s daugh- ter,” the cae mused when she was gone.” She luks suthin’ like the feller as hired me. Durned if I wouldn’t like to know what’s the rumble in- side of that vault.” When he considered it was safe for him to do so, he approached the door of the vault, but it was securely fastened with a padlock. ‘*No use of hangin’ around here, I guess,” Turk concluded, as he noted that the day was well advanced. ‘Maybe I might make a fur- ther discovery by night, but I ain’t werr partial to wras’lin’ wi’ spooks. Think I'll call again.” Remembering the location of the vault, he caught a car on leaving the cemetery, and reached Sixth and Arch before dusk, where he left the car, and hurried away to the hotel for supper, for he meant to investigate Mile. Stael’s place during the evening, if possible. CHAPTER VIII. A BAFFLED WOMAN. In his parlor sat Jerome St. Clair, a little later that evening, in an easy-chair, drawn up to the grate, wherein crackled a cheery hickory fire. His chin rested in the palms of his hands, and his eyes watched the flames with a stony sort of stare. His brows were also contracted, aud it was apparent by his general aspect that his thoughts were not of a pleasant nature. They were presently interrupted, however, by the entrance of his stately daughter, Miss Au- relia, who was attired for the street. An expression of displeasure came over the diamond merchant’s face, as be saw her. ‘‘ Where now, pray?” he said, snarlingly. “TI am not in favor of these frequent nocturnal ex- cursions of yours, girl.” , ““Oh! you're not?’ Aurelia retorted, rather haughtily. ‘‘ And why? Am I not capable of taking care of myself? ‘¢‘T am not sure about it. Tell me, why does not Captain Clyde call, for the last few days?” ‘*Oh! we had a lover’s spat. He will come to time, after a bit.” “ Curse it, did I not command you not to let him escape your net?” “ Did you? Ob! well, I don’t know as I am obliged to be commanded. I don’t think he cares for me, and am not sure I care enough for him to tie myself to him.” ‘Nonsense! You must—you shall! It is all important you should.” *T fail to see why!” ‘** Because you do not understand prs ‘“‘Then, it’s a good reason why I should know all, before I join in yourschemes, In fact, lam not so sure but what I may be ousted out of a home at any minute, and it is well to be prepared. Bah! don’t look horror-struck, You know there’s a secret between the lives of Henrietta Evelyn and myself, and a deep secret, too, that might not be pleasant for you, were it revealed. I half believe that you and Jack Grimes know where the girl is!” f ‘‘Nonsense. Youare wild, There is a secret, but it can never concern you, if you go back on me. Ta ve down that infernal temper of yours, or it may be the worse for you.” Aurelia laughed, mockingly, and swept from the room. Jerome St. Clair gritted his teeth as he heard her leave the house. j ‘A terrible change has come over her, ina few days!” he muttered. ‘‘I’ve half a notion Jack Grimes is at the bottom of it—the infernal scamp! I don’t balf trust him, even though he works well forme. Egad! if—” |. He stopped abruptly, as Jack Grimes saun- tered into the room. Grimes laughed! “If what?” he interrogated. ‘““Tf you have been successful, you’re a thou- sand dollars in!” St. Clair answered. - “a. I’m out, for I bave not been success- ul. ** No clew?” “None. I'll wager the diamonds are not in America.” : ‘You are not sanguine enough. Something tells me they are still in America—in—this very city. How’s the girl?” “* Gritty as a restive ghost.” Brad signs that she knows where the jewels are _. “No. Take my word, she’s as innocent as a lamb.” ‘Well, keep her comfortable, awhile longer, as I may want to use her. ae way, have you seen Titus, since the abduction?” ‘“‘No. He keeps close indoors, and it wouldn’t Turk, the Boy Ferret. 1k do for me to call. It keeps me pretty busy” dodges the detectives he sent after me.’ ‘Have you seen Clyde?” ‘*No. I wrote him, under an assumed name, to lie low, as he was suspicioned of a crime. Was that right?” “Yes, I don’t want the fellow troubled. He's a catch, only he don’t know it,” ‘© Well, I reckon he'll keep shady. Miss Au- relia’s betrothed?” ‘“‘No! Not yet, but I desire to see them muar- ried. By the way, Grimes, where does my daughter go, every evening? She goes outearly, and comes in late, and I can’t find out from her, where she has been.” “‘T don’t see how I should know, if you don’t, as I have not been keeping track of her,” Grimes returned, dryly. “Humph! Well, I ‘had a notion you might have an idea of where she went. Did you find out anything about Fred?” “No, There’s no two ways about it, he is locked up somewhere for some caper, but not in Philadelphia, I take it.” “T fancy not myself, unless the Hawks know something about him. Have you learned any- “; about them? I am positive they know me of old.” ““They are both ‘shadows,’ I take it, and, so far as I can learn, are not long over from Scot- land Yard, London. I should judge by their movements that they are hunting for some one,” ‘‘For me, perhaps,” and the diamond mer- chant ieeved': a reckless laugh, “I hardly guess, though, I’m exactly the kind of game doe- tectives hunt after.” ‘‘Big-bugs sometimes come in for a grated dungeon,” Grimes suggested, arising. ‘1’ll bid he good-evening now, as I have some pressing usiness on hand.” “Well, call again. eye out.’ ‘*Of course,” Grimes assented, and then bowed himself out. He made his way direct to Lombard street, and to the house occupied by Stael. Admitting himself by a latch-key, he as- cended a flight of stairs and entered a front ch 9-7. which was furnished magnificently as a parlor. The gas was turned low, leaving the room but dimly lighted; yet Grimes perceived that a young woman was seated in a luxurious easy~ chair, while a guitar lay in her lap. Turning on the gas, Grimes approached her, and seated bimself on an ottoman at her feet. ‘‘ All alone, eh?” he said. ‘‘Why thus?” ‘Because wearied with my work,” she re- plied in good English, her voice sweet and pleasing to the ear. ‘‘ Monsieur’s friends have gone to the council-room.” “Thanks. I will join them later, nothing much todo, Where is Pierre?” ‘Out, I guess. Pierre is very nervous. He is afraid, and says we shall go back to Paris.” ““Pshaw. He must be crazy, You are in no danger here.” ‘OTwould be hard to make him believe it. The last job has taken him a month, and is toe imperfect to put forth, and he has reason te In the meantime keep an believe that he is being watched on account of . the others. If we go back to Paris he will work at morer ise pee: eh ae *But you will not go im, ma’meellef You will not go with him?" “ He spoke with intense rness, His gaze was fastened anxiously upon her beauteous face, the equal of which it weuld have been hard to find. She laughed lightly, amd she shrugged her pretty shoulders, “Do you think I could forsake my brother? Pierre would go entirely to the bad without me, you know.” “But your lovers—must they give you up? Must they lose you, after passing other womeay by for the sake of a smile from your pretty eyes? I fancy not. What will the gallant Cap- tain Clyde say?’ “Ha, ha! I fear the a of the captain’s in- fatuation is broken. e brings me no mere princely presents.” j “Then you value one’s affection according to the presents they make?’ ‘*No—that is—well, I like presents, too, fair woman’s favor can be nursed into a flame of love often by generosity. That’s a coquet- tish view, not?” ‘Decidedly. Would that I were a Roths- child if it would better my chances of winning you. I expect to be rich one of these days Stael—will you not wed me and remain here?” “No; you are too poor. I like you, but I have youth and beauty, and eannds. afford $0 There is.
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—————————— 12 throw it away ona pee man. be my fortune, ere Ca wealt y I should think tw My face must n Clyde more before refusing A fiush of jealousy came over Grimes’s face. ‘“‘ I'd like to see you attempt to marry that fellow!” be growled. ‘ I’d make you a widow the moment you were a bride.” ‘Ha! ha! You would? Then I should out Nof desperation, turn around and marry you, and devote my life to making you miser- jable,” she said, with a brilliant and sarcastic smile. ‘Grimes arose and paced the ftoor. ‘Did you hear ever of the St. Clair diamonds, worth half a million francs nearly?” he sudden- ly asked, turning upon her. ‘*No,” she said, her eyes betraying eagerness in their expression. “ Well, these diamonds were stolen recently, and are held in the anticipation of a fat re- ward. How would you like to have them?” He took a large envelope from his pocket, and emptied its contents into ber lap, There was a m mt diamond necklace and brooch, a diamond-set bracelet, and four diamond rings, the settings of all of which were large and of great value, Stael was a connoisseur of diamonds, and she attered a cry of admiration.at sight of the Deautiful treasure. ‘Oh, monsieur! what a prize!” she uttered, handling them nervously. ‘‘They are for me, are they not, my lover?” A keen grimace from Grimes. “Oh, yes; they are yours—but not until you are mine, my beauty. Go array yourself, and be waiting here within half an hour, when I will return with a priest, and we will be mar- ried. When we are one, I will have the pleasura of presenting you with the diamonds, and you, I, and Pierre will start at once for la France.” “Tis a bargain, then!” Stael assented, as this villainous agent of the Jaw gathered up the jewels. ‘‘I shall be ready here when you re- turn—in half an hour, monsieur.” She then arose and gee from the parlor with the grace of a sy|ph, while Grimes donned his overcoat and hat and left the house. As he hurried past an alleyway adjoining S‘ael’s house, a bead popped out and a pair of eyes, as sharp as lynx’s, peered after him. ‘* Wonder what’s the rip,” the owner of the ‘nead muttered, who was none other than Turk, the Ferret. ‘‘ Bet there’s sum’thin’ high goin’ on in the emg | to-night, and I’m goin’ to take in the soiree, if I get my head bu’sted. Mys- serious place, an’ needs inwestigatin’.” oe ror back terough the alley, which opened into a little yard in the rear of Stael’s ace, The gate was open, and he gained en- trance without difficulty. Much to bis satisfac- tion, he perceived that the rear portion of the house was darkened, but the shutters were not closed. It was ible he might get into the house. He stood in the pr dand or some minutes, - making calculations as to how he could best ef- fect an entrance, and what risk he would run of coe discovered, captured, and handed over to w. A sort of summer kitchen was built against the rear portion of the ae and from the roof of this the second-story windows could be reached, the curtains of which were up, showing that there was no light in the rear rooms. The curtains of the third-story windows were down clo-ely. “ Reckon a feller might get in, ef the win- dows ain’t locked,” Turk muttered, ‘‘and I might as well sailin and try, as to be cogitatin’. Jerimity! wouldn’t I ketch it ef them gallus coves should catch me!” He was thoroughly set upon exploring the place, come what by pa so it was not many minutes ere he succeeded in gaining the roof. There were three windows that looked out upon it, and after pausing to judge whether he ~ had been discovered or no, he crept toward the ‘windows and cautiously peered through them. The first opened into a room which was ‘wholly unfurnished, the second into a hall, and the third into a bedroom, which at the time, _ apparently, bad no occupant. In each instance darkness reigned supreme. The windows of the hall and bedroom were fastened on the inside, but that of the unfur- nished room yielded to Turk’s attempt to raise it, and he gained access without trouble. Here he paused to listen once more, and still the found no reason to suspect that he had been discovered. Groping about, ba found a door that opened a a en Ee Turk, the Boy Ferret. —— readily into the hall. Along this he stole cau- tiously to the front ef the house, until he came to the parlor, which a glance convinced him was not come Hearing a door open down-stairs, he dodged into the parlor, and hastily took refuge behind a large book-case that stood across one corner of the room. Here he was in no present danger of being discovered, and might be able to play the eaves- dropper to some interesting conversation. e was hardly ensconced in a comfortable po- sition, when he heard two persons enter the room, and the voice of Jack Grimes said: “Be seated, sir. My lady will be ready for the ceremony directly.” Then silence reigned. Turk puckered bis mouth, and almost whis- ed. ‘* Hello!” be mused, ‘‘ Pll eat my shirt ef ther ain’t goin’ to be a splicin’ set-to! Lucky I come, by jingo! Wonderif it’s Etta Evelyn goin’ to marry Grimesy? I’ll just yelp out and inter- rupt the banns. I'll spile Grimesy’s little game, ef he tries to force the gal to marry him.” Unfortunately, the book-case was so high that Turk could not see over the top of it; so he had to content himself with his acute sense of hear- ing. Wish they’d go ahead with the lark,” he muttered; ‘‘ fer ef it’s Etta, Pll make a r_cket, if I bu’st?” Soon the rustling of a woman’s dress was heard by him, and then Grimes’s voice spoke up: Pi Ah, at last, my dear! Brother Haley, this is my betrothed—Mademoiselle Stael—and_ we will be married at once. Are you ready, ma’m’- selle?” There was a low murmur of assent, and the pair took their position. Turk’s curiosity was now at fever beat, and he could no longer stand the agony of being able to hear without seeing. So off came his shoes in a jiffy, and catching hold of the broad edge of the top of the book- oe he drew himself up noiselessly to a seat on p. A high molding ornamented the front of the case, and the younz ferret was able to make this screen him from view when necessary. Grimes and Stael had taken their positions, and the minister was reading the ceremony— a seedy-looking minister he was, too! ‘* Bat that feller ain’t no morea minister than old Maginniss’s dorg,” was Turk’s instant con- clusion. ‘‘ Looks like a put-up job to trick the gal. 2m a notion to squeal out, and warn er— What he might have done is not certain, for just at that juncture, when the ceremony was near concluded, a man, in a sweeping beard, step into the parlor, and leveled a revolver at the bridal couple. “ Hold!” he cried. “I forbid this union!” “Furies! What do you mean?’ Grimes cried, taking a step forward. *Tli—” “Hold!” the other ordered, sternly. ‘‘I for- bid the banns. That woman is only marrying be for the diamonds, which are not yours. and them over to me, or I'll shoot you down in your tracks!” “Ze diamonds! They are mine—they are mine!” Stael cried, frantically, clinging to Grimes. ‘Hand them over to me!” the stranger roared, menacing with bis pistol. ‘* Hesitate at the ex- pense of your life!” Grines was white as a sheet. He drew the envelops from an inner pocket, and cast it at the stranger’s feet, that personage picking it up with a quiet laugh. ““You can have Madam Pierre Stael, now, if you want her, and thank me you have not made a fool of yourself ” He then backed from the room, and a mo- ment later was heard descending the stairs, two at a time. Grimes turned to Stael, but she hurled him away! “Go! coward, go!” she hissed. ‘‘ Leave the house. instantly, before I drive this into your heart!” And she drew a dagger. “‘ Stop!” he cried. ‘‘ Explain one thing—have you been deceiving me?” ‘* Of course, you fool! Pierre ismy husband. Go! take your priest along!” Giving her a terrible look, the baffled detec- tive seizad his hat, and left the room, followed by the man he had brought, to perform the m : In his concealment Turk was literally tearing his hair, because he could not break loose to fol- low either Grimes or the long-whiskered robber. ————————— ee ee He was not armed, or he would have made the attempt, as it was; for he was well satisfled that these diamonds, to-night, were the same that he had furnished the pseudo-Jerome St. Clair, at the Penn’a depot. Furthermore, there could now be no doubt that Grimes it was who had personated the diamond merchant. After Grimes was gone, Stael trod the floor with impatient step, for some moments, ber manner extremely nervous, and her face flush- ed with passion, “T will have revenge on him, now—I will strike him a blow, for offering meso magnificent a prize, and then daring to hand it over to an- other!” She touched a bell, in the wall, and directly afterward a dapper little man of French phy- sique and flashy attire, made his appearance, ** Well?” he said, surveying her. “Tt is not well!” she hissed. ‘‘ Ze devil is to pay. Is any of ze Seven in ze house?” “\ No!” he replied, anxiously. ‘‘'Then we must fly, at once, and find another place.” as Why 9” ‘‘I have quarreled with ze detective. Ze jig is up. We sball have to lie low, until [ have revenge, and.then go back to Paris.” ‘* But ze Seven!” ‘‘ Bah! they are all treacherous, and ze tools of Grimes. Heis furious. Soaml, We fly— now!” : *‘ As you will, I willed it long ago!” A few moments later, they left the parior, and Turk heard them ascend to the third floor. ‘‘Reckon this is a furnished house, kept by these rogues, and they’re going to skip. Won- der if I hadn’t better follow ’em?” To escape to the street, now, by the front way, required no special effort, and he waited in the alley, for them to come out. CHAPTER IX. A BRACE OF VULTURES. SuorT xy after the visit of Jack Grimes, that evening, Jerome St. Clair had still another caller, who rather unceremoniously made his appearance in the diamond merchant’s parlor, and took a seat near the latter, who was en- gaged in writing. d This person was the rough-looking customer, who had given his name to Turk the Ferret, as Uriah Evelyn, and be looked even more rough = a dilapidated, now, than when Turk had seen m. Jerome St. Clair looked up from his writing, with an exclamation of estonishment, and sur- veyed his visitor, angrily. “What the devil—” he began; but Uriah in- terrupted him. ‘‘Ob! nothing about the devil, Jerome,” he protested, blandly. ‘‘ We'll leave him out of the question altogether. The question is, do you know me?” , ‘‘ How should I know you? My acquaintance does not extend far, among such characters as u. “Oh! it don’t! \Getting mighty bi h-toned, I suppose, livin’ in a big mansion, and slingin on airs, Couldn't make a gentleman out of you, tho’, ef ye bad a million dollars.” . ‘* Whot do you mean, man, by your insulting resence. ai bave you know I am master ere, Leave my premises, sir, at once, or I will make it the worse for you of “Oh, T guess not! I ain’t much on the skeer myself, and besides, I allow that you won't go back on an old parc, Ha! ha! I’m rather salu- brious thet ye wouldn’t dare go back on Uriah Evelyn!” St. Clair leaped to bis feet. ‘ You!” he gasped, whitening. . “You bet!" the other laconically replied. “ S'prised ye didn’t reckegnize me at furst, ‘‘You have changed greatly. What in the name of furies brings you back to America?” “Oh, pecooliar inducements, over which I have no control. A bull fleet o’ men-o’-war got after me, and it behooved me to shake off the ocean dust an’ seek more congenial climes. Queen Vic has sent me several pressin’ inverta- tions to visit ber, but I’d no hinclination, you see. Another thing—I wanted ter pay you a visit.” “IT can’t imagine why. I thought we settled up, vears ago. “Ye did, eb? Oh. no! I was not so extreme- ly green as that. Ifa feller don’t Jook out fora rainy day, he’s likely to get a sonkin’; anyhow, that’s my logic. Where's the gals?’ “The deuce only knows where yw urs is: she ran away the other day, and basn’t turned up since.
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“The deuce you say! So you was abusin’ her, eh?” He spoke angrily ‘By no-means!” St. Clair bastily assured. “She has had ‘some sulky spells of late, because I could not afford to dress her as well as Au- relia, and she probably concluded to try to get a living on her own hook,” ‘“‘Humph! If I knew for sure that you ever spoke a cross word to her, I’d mop the floor with ou. Where is the other gal?” “My daughter is at the opera,” “Indeed! You are bringing her up in style, Isee. Nothin’ like that when one’s rich, with the prospect of being richer. Glad you are well heeled too, for I'm dead broke.” 1 ‘* And calculate you can make me your bank, su a ‘Well, to a certain extent, yes. I know what a liberal heart you’ve got, so l’ve no fears but what you'll come down, should I call upon you.” ‘‘ You are quite liable to be deceived in that respect. I have no intentions of aiding you a cent’s worth!” ‘Oh, well, time will show! By the way, lease to hand over the diamonds. I can live ike a prince oh the worth of them.” ‘You'll not get them. They <n Aure- and I shall keep them for her. ou may hold a secret of mine, Uriab Evelyn, but I do not fear you. Old Sir Page is near to death’s door, and the estate comes into my hands, d’ye hear—mine/ You never had any wit, Evelyn, or you would not have sold the lost heir to me for a song!” ‘* Wouldn't I?” the pirate sneered, his peering eyes glowing greenishly. ‘‘ You think [aman idiot then?” , “ Nothing more nor less.” “ Well, I admire a frankness, but let me tell ou You'll find this out sooner or later. monds will never do Aurelia any good.” “* Why not?” “‘ Because they are not in your possession, nor are you likely ever to recover them,” ** How know you this?” “Tt matters not. Leave a Gypsy fool to find out such things. Another thing, your European correspondent has been literally sucking your blood—very naturally, through my instigation. He has kept you informed about Sir Page, who has not been in Europe for the last five years, but has been residing in this self-same city,” ‘You lie!” “Say so, if you like; I know the truth. I suppose you are aware that I am not your only acquaintance in this country?” * You refer to the Hawks!” “Yes, to be sure. They came over from Scotland Yard, London, in search of a notorious murderer named— well, no need to mention Gerald Hawk as being the man. St. Clair, I su , sounds more protective to you!” e diamond merchant gnashed his teeth. “Curse you, man, begone! Your presence is hateful to me!” he cried, “ Lightly—lightly, Jerome! Don’t let yer angry passions rise. I don’t care a durn how mad ye git, ’cause I know I’ve got the clutch on the helm and can put a reef in yer canvas when- ever I like, All I’ve got to do isto go whisper in the ear of Nancy Hawk that you are here, and she and Buckingham will make it interesting for you, and don’t forget it!” ‘If you dare, I will murder you!” ‘Hal ba! ha! Ill take my chances, I don’t propose to be hard on you, providin’ you don’t git too penurious, It’s this way—I’m goin’ to leave off hard work and speckilate like a gentle- man. Ef you have got more sand to heave into my bank than Sir Page, why you’re my man. If not, vice versa. Plain as Scripter, thetacts 0’ that, not?’ : Jerome St. Clair, as we shall still continue to call him, }ooked as though he could have mur- dered his enemy with good heart just then, His fece was white aud red by turns, and his eyes hed a snakish glitter that spoke of the bit- ter venom which rankled in his beart, “May the furies seize you!” he hissed. ‘If you think to bleed me, you will reck without your host. Iam not worth a cent, and, besides, Sir Page is where you will never find him, if, in- deed, he is not in England.” “You are wrong. I have not been a fool all this time, even though a wild Gypsy and you’re a scheming bailiff. If you are particular to know it, Sir Page resides in this very city, and I know where to lay my hands on bim at an in- stant’s notice. He will pay a round sam fer the real heir, if you will not!” *¢ But possession is three points of any law!” St. Clair sneered. , ‘* And you have not even that!” It was Eve- lyn’s turn to chuckle. ‘ You have not the real cbild you stole from Sir Page!” ‘*What? are you mad, man?” ‘Not a bit. Just consider. Do you suppose I would have given you my child to abuse and knock about? Ha! ha! no! Knowing of the immense wealth eo Eat kinsman, Sir Page, you one night attempted to burglarize his residence, using me as a sort of tool. You were unsuccess- ful— were recognised—and in escaping took refuge in our Gyps camp, where you were nome in hiding for weeks, Mind, in escaping from the mansion, you murdered Lady Page, and this set the country wild. Finally, through our queen, Stael, and myself, you escaped to Liverpool, and thence to America, leaving behind your wife and son. Later ye wrote me, an’ pro that I rob Sir Page of bis diamonds and his child and bring them to * ee when you would set.me up in business and make me rich. I obeyed. I brought the diamonds and two children—one Sir Page’s and the other mine—and put them in your charge. The two at the time were very much alike in appearance, and so, looking out for the interest of my own child, I gave her to oo as being Sir Page’s, while you knew Sir age’s as mine!” ‘You lie, you rascal; you lie like ——,” the dia- mond merchant cried, savagely, making a move as though he would strike the pirate. ‘““No, I don’t, While you have made a lad daughter, Sir Page’s child you have al- lowed to escape!” An evil glitter entered the merchant's eyes at this, which Evelyn did not notice. “Bo you see,’ the latter went on, “if you don’t whack up, I'll set the dogs at you, and eventually win Sir Page’s favor by restoring to him his long-lost daughter!” “And I defy you to do your worst!” Bt. Clair cried, furiously. CHAPTER X. A TRIANGULAR CONFAB. Our young ferret, Turk, could not really have explained his motive for dodging the movements of the Staels, but follow them he did, neverthe- less, to a boarding-house in Barker street. They were admitted by the landlady, and as they did not reappear within half an hour, he concluded that they had taken up quarters there, and be might as well seek his own. ‘* I’m shot ef I wouldn’t like to know who the galoot was who roped in the jewels,” he mutter- ed. ‘Looks like there’ll bea rye old time re- coverin’ ’em, now. Jebosephat! Didn’t Grimesy nigh git took in, eh? Bet he won’t go fishin’ fer beauties again! I must get after bim now, fer he hain’t got the gal, Etta, shet up in the Lom- bard street den, which ’pears like to me, was a counterfeiter’s crib, Several things I’ve got to investigate ter-morrer.” The next morning be paid a visit to the Titus dwelling, and found the old speculator in the parlor, in company with another gentleman, at the sight of whom Turk started. He was a handsome person, who in many re- spects strikingly resembled Jack Grimes, the de- tective, Mr. Titus was greatly pleased to see our young ferret, and at once introduced bis visitor as Captain Clyde, “ Glad ter meet you.” Turk said, “ You're the feller as looks like Grimesy?” “ Ah! yes. My friend, Uncle Titus, has been telling me of bow be was taken in by an impostor, and the serious results that bave attended the matter. Think I look like this fellow, Grimes, . eh?” And the captain laughed good-naturedly. ‘* Yes—’bout as much as an oyster Juks like a clam!” Turk declared, ‘Shook the fair Aurelia, eh?” “What do you mean? I do not understand ” “No! Ob! well, T was jist surmisin’, that’s all, Been up past Saint’s, but couldn’t get an eye on you.” ““You mustn’t be so inquisitive, hoy,” Uncle Titus said, a little severely. ‘‘ It’s not becoming in one so young.” , ‘‘Humph! how d’ye’spect a feller’s goin’ to be a detective ef be don’t ax questions?’ Turk re- torted. ‘‘That’s a part o’ the perfesh.” ‘The bov is right,” Clyde observed, approv- ingly. ‘That is one strong point in the trade.” ““Yas, mebbe,” Mr. Titus allowed. ‘‘ WhenI was a boy, I never was allowed to speak except at proper times,” ; “ Guess that’s why you’re no detective,” Turk said so dryly that the others laughed, “Perhaps you are right, lad—perhaps you are right. Anyhow, let us hear what success you have had. Captain Clyde, here, is deeply inter- ested in the case of my late amanuensis, too.” ‘““What! not cultivatin’ another mash?” de- manded Turk, quizzically. “Well, yes. If you refer to any knowledge of my visits to the St. Clair mansion, I'll ex- 0m that the prime attraction was Miss Evelyn. aturally I had to play the agreeable to the fair Aurelia, in order to get a chance to see Miss et So “Oh! I savy. Well, I haven’t found out where she’s concealed yet, but I’m thinkin’ I ain’t fur off. Got onto a racket last night. Found out that Grimes and his pals had got a new hang-out at a place kept by a woman named Stael. Know her?” And the boy’s keen gaze sought Clyde’s face in time to see bim flush rather confusedly, ‘*Yes—that is, 1 have met her once,” he re- plied, evasively. “Well, I wormed around till I spotted her residence, and last night I took a notion to pay a quiet visit. So, it bein’ the servant gal’s night off, I helped myself in by a rear entrance, and ensconced myself bebind a book-case in the parlor. Byme-by, in cums Jack Grimes and a reacher, and the bossess, Stael. is'trotted out to be j’'ined to Grimes, The minister had got, the knot most yanked tight when in waltzes a big- bearded, swell-head of a chap, an’ forbids the banns, and invites Grimes to pony over the diamonds.” ‘ ‘The diamonds!” Jason Titus cried, ; “ The diamonds!” echoed Capt. Clyde, “The diamonds, you bet!” Turk r an’ as the bewhiskered cbap flushed bis ban wi’ a Joaded club containin’ severial bullets, you can bet Grimesy ‘ passed’ over the spark- ers, an’ the stranger ‘ went it alone down the stairs,’ two steps ata time. ’Fore goin’ he told Grimesy as how the ga) Stael was married, which made his jiblets mad, and be sailed out. Pears be was goin’ to give Stael the diamonds, After Grimes skipped, Stael called in another feller named Pierre, and they voted things were too numerous, and coneluded to skip, also, which they did.” ‘ ** Did you follow them?” “Yas. Run ’em inter a boardin’-bouse an’ left ’em, Allow they'll stay there till they get ‘even wi’ Grimes, when they’re goin’ to scoot for Paris!” ‘*You say you bave seen this woman, Stael; how old is she?” Mr. Titus asked, addressing yde. **Sbe claims to be thirty, but Jooks even ycunger. There is Jarge inces that she is older than she claims, as women rarely g their real ages.” ‘Bet on it she’s geen fer thirty. There's Maggie McGilligan, down in Black-cat Alley. | She’s forty, luks like a Maryland free-stone a an’ allows sbe can mash any feller in hila, at the tender age of sixteen—soft gloves, Queensbury rules!” ‘This Stael must be the same I once saw!” Mr, Titus averred. ‘She was then the child-. queen of a roving band of Gypsies that camped upon he be moor. Jack Evelyn was one of these same “Hello! d’ye know Jack?” Turk asked, prick- ing np his ears, “To my sorrow, I know of him!” was the | sad xeny’ ‘Do you know him?’ “T should cough upa cat, if I don’t! Why he tuk me out in a boat, the other night, an’ was goin’ to send me down tew carry a message to Neptune. Social o’ Seven hired bim to git rid o’ me, ye see, but afore he got ready to chuck me over, I got tellin’ him about the in- consistency of the thing. ’ca’se how I had a job o’ rescuin’ a gal named Evelyn, which must be done, an’ co forth, an’ co forth. Well, the re- sult was be pricked up his ears, sed the gal was bis’n, an’ consented to let me breathe for an in- definite period, if I would find gnd deliver the galto him. SoJ promised, and got free!” “You promised that?’ Clyde cried, “You bet—but sech promises don’t count, no more’n when an old maid promises to give her billy goat oats, and he turns around and butts her for her kindness.” “You're a young rascal, ‘pon my word,” Clyde said, laugbing, ‘‘By the way, this Evelyn is a sea pirate, and 1 have a warrant for him. Do you know where he can be found?’ “T might, but ’'m a sea cook ef I do,” Turk declared. ‘Don’t s’pose I’m goin’ to waste brains in workin’ up a case, an’ payin’ big fish bills, do ye, only to give everythingaway? The boss, heer, engaged my perfeshional services an’ I never tackles two employers at once, cept one is myself.” “Perhaps,” Mr. Titus suggested, turning to \ \
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' | i 1¢ en ‘Clyde, “it will be nothing to my detriment to et the boy into the story, as he seems to bea worthy young fellow, and has both energy and shrewdness beyond his years.” ‘““You are right. I would reconimend that you lay the matter before bim, and his gamin wit may enable him to make more out of it, than we could.” layed two she didn’t—” “Well, never mind the hen,” Mr. Titus in- ter ““T will tell you about my case, of which you have not yet hada full outline. In the first place, Iam not Jason Titus, in truth, but Sir Donald Page, an English gentleman!” Turk puckered up his mouth into whistling shape, and looked his surprise, *Y used to reside in Surry, England,” Sir Page went on, “with my wife and child, upon = gee which was large and valuable, and which I still own. I had a princely income, and also had an enemy—a kinsman, whom I re- tained be a oe He =e jealous of my prosperity an ppiness, and in an woguar moment, attempted to rob me, but was discov- ered and fled, first, however, murdering my young wife, Lady Page! “You me ase end Is rgd mons nor pains ve apprehen: ut ug the of a band of Gypsies, he evaded every attempt to capture bim, and escaped to this coun Later, by a couple of months, my only child was stolen from me, together bh a most valuable collection of diamonds. Through the agency of detectives, I learned that the perpetrator of the deed was the same Gypsy Evelyn who assisted Hawk, my bailiff, to escape, but again was an attempt to capture frustrated by Evelyn’s escape to this country, where, I am now well-satisfied, he placed my child in the charge of Hawk, as I have since learned, through my friend, here, and also that he had been an ocean pirate, for a number of years Turk’s eyes were literally as big as saucers, when the narrator paused. ‘‘Jehosephat John Rodgers!” he ejaculated. * That’s a meller-drama—ef it ain’t ’m a shad! Didn’t lose another kid, did yo, what might look like me?” “Well, no!” Sir Page smiled. ‘‘ Fortune mever favored me with more than one child, which, until recently, I have given up all hopes of finding, Shortly after the kidnapping, I came to America, and through the aid of private detectives nage a thorough search—as I abhor pub ven more than anything else. Failure gree every attempt, and I at last gave up in despair. But for the accidental coming of Etta Evelyn to my_ house, and the developments that have since followed, I should probably never have expected or hoped to have my child restored to me.” ‘Then you think Etta is yer gal, eh?” “My heart seems to tell me so. While she remained a member of my household, I studied her narrowly, and the more I did so, the more my heart yearned toward her. Then, the very fact that she was a member of St, Clair’s house- hold, is evidence in itself.” “Dunno. ve bin tryin’ to git some o’ these pints thru my noddle, an’ I can’t jest ’spress my opinion as clear as I may be able todo, hereafter. Are ye sure St. Clair an’ Hawk are one an’ the same?” ‘‘T am well satisfied on that point. My friend Clyde has given me a description of St. Clair that so corresponds with Gerald Hawk, I have vo doubt he is the same.” “Descriptions don’t go very fur. Feller once hired me to carry a note to a certain number, while I was on the messenger force. Said she was tall, slim, wore good togs, and had a bright angelic smile. I tuk the message, an’ the one that answered the bell corresponded to the de- scription—so I guy it to her. Met the feller, after, and he threatened to give me six 30’s at Moya. Sed I’d given the message to the cham- ber-maid instead of the young lady he had mashed in the Walnut street cars. Then, there’s, another pint. There’s an extra gal. This Evelyn is a smart Aleck—mebbe nobody don’t know which is which ’twixt them gals. Did St. Clair or Hawk have a gal when he left .”’ “No! He left a wife and son in London— the same that are in this city now!” “savy! Must look after ’em to-day. Well, Turk, the Boy Ferret. ef he beget no gal, did Hvelyn the Gyp. have one “Tam of the impression that he did have a child, butam not certain.” ° ‘Bad. That rooster’s got a head as long as a Jersey watermelon. He could have easily ar a hia up in leavin’ the kids with St. alr. Sir Page looked somewhat startled. ‘* How do hes mean? Doyou think he would give my child to St. Clair and claim that the other one was his, then afterward try to extort money from me by claiming that he had changed the children, and that Etta was his own child?” “Well, a feller can’t tell how fur a frog can jump, you know. There’s blamed few things there ain’t a bare sibility of to-day, when rascals has got the tiller-rope.” **However that may be, there is one way I can prove my own child, unless—” ‘Unless the birth-mark has been counter- feited?’ Captain Clyde interrogated. “Exactly! She had a birth-mark, which I remember ey and I will not be convinced that Etta Evelyn is not my daughter until it is proven to me that she does not the mark, which it would be next to impossible to copy.” ‘* What is this mark?” Turk asked. ‘*] prefer to keep that a secret until I see the girl and find out the truth.” ‘*Well, boss, I’ll go ye a hundred eyesters fer news when I ig tel ag’in. Got a kind o’ salu- brious idea, ye w, that I kin find out where the gal is, ye know, an’ ef any electric light conclusions hit me, Tu run into this dock and transfer ther c , as the sailors say. There’s one thing to consider, though.” ‘¢ And what is that?” “This, If I should happen to scoop in ther affections of the gal you'll not let the captain here interfere?” , “Consider that part of it settled,” Sir Page said, with a smile, After a little further conversation, Turk took his departure and went back to the hotel, where he sat down at a table, lit a cigar, and gave himself away to pan gh There were several things that must needs be aerirst “he ard te ing A , the grave-yard mys' concerning Au- relia St. Clair and the ol vault: Z Then Turk desired to get on track of what game the Hawks were after, also to get an in-. terview with Jack Grimes, and most of all, to find out where Etta Evelyn was concealed. All that he had heard at the Titus place had not served to throw any more light upon the whereabouts of Etta’s place of concealment, and just how he was to go to work to find it out was a sorry puzzle to him. e cemetery matter, he was aware, must needs be investigated at night, as during day it was visited by large numbers of people. What was the attraction within the vault for Miss Aurelia St. Clair was also a mystery, the tale of which might bring a sudden reve- ation. After dinner he donned a disguise, and carry- ing another one in a bundle, wrapped in a news- paper, he set out on a visit to the numerous thieves’ dens in hopes of finding some tidings of Jack Grimes, He was disappointed, however, and next sougbt the establishment of the noted pugilist, Arthur Chambers, on Ridge Avenue, but could find nothing of Uriah Evelyn, nor did inquiries elicit news concerning him. Satisfied that he might as well strike some other tack, the young ferret then roamed around town, waiting for night to approach, when it was his intention to visit the cemetery. Soon after the last words of St. Clair, Uriah Evelyn took leave of the diamond merchant, leaving that pesca in no enviable frame of mind, as may pe dyin The following afternoon, as St. Clair was going to the Park in his open barouche, he saw a woman upon the street coming toward him, and his face expressed t astonishment. “ Stael, as I live!” he ejaculated, under his breath. ‘The very one I wanted to see.” The next minute he ordered the driver to stop, and when the barouche was halted he sprung to the pavement, just as the ex-Gypsy queen was passing. ‘Mademoiselle Stael!” he exclaimed, step- ping toward her. She gave him a startled look at first, then an expression of recognition beamed upon her countenance, ‘Monsieur Hawk—can it be possible!” ‘Most assuredly, and of all persons I want to see, you are the one!” = 2 <a ated consiieematalD ‘What for, monsieur?” “On important business, for which, to both of us, there is a fortune.” The mademoiselle’s eyes glittered, **Ze monsieur is not laying ze-snare!” ‘*By no means, You should judge better of me than that, for you know I was once your ardent admirer!” ‘* Well?” ‘* Where can I see you?” ‘Tf you wish, I will come to your place.” “Good! Get into my barouche and I will drive you there!” ‘‘Many thanks, I will come around this eve- or ‘*Very well. Here is my present name and address;” and he gave her his card, * Do not fail-me.” **T will not!” And with a winning smile, which made her look years younger than she was, she swept on, while St. Clair entered his barouche and drove on his way. “The key to victory isnow within my grasp!” he chuckled, and he returned to his residence, to eagerly await the coming of Stael. It was nearly nine o’clock ere she was ushered into the parlor, where the diamomd merchant was waiting for her. He hel ber to a seat, in a luxurious arm- chair, and then seated himself opposite her. ‘Well, mademoiselle, at last we have met,” he said. ‘You, of all women, did I ever ex- pect to meet in America!” “Indeed?” ‘Yes. I often thought of you as the bonny Gypsy queen, who aided me to escape from England. How has the world been g you, mademoiselle?” “Oh! very hard, sir. I have drifted about eee there for several years, literally home- ess, ‘“* Married?” “‘Ah! no! I never yet met the man that could appreciate my talents or my beauty.” “Except me, Stael. Yiou know you had an ardent admirer in me. Times have changed, though, now. I am rica, where I once was r. “ec ‘‘Oh! certainly. But ‘tis said a man is never satisfied with wealth until he wins love and re- venge. Icravefor both now. Oncel get the revenge I believe I can win the love. I have a bitter enemy, and I shall never rest easy until he is out of the way. Then, with my great wealth and a fair wife, methinks I would be content. I want one for 3 wife, Stael—I likewise want you to do the job!” She looked at him angrily. “What! I—commit murder, sir?’ Well, not exactly, you sew; you would only have to put a little poison in a cup of tea!” ‘““You do me a terrible wrong, sir. I could never think of such a thing!” “Not if I would marry you?” **No! no!” ‘What would bire you?” “Five bundred thousand dollars would not!” The merchant uttered a curse, “You can go, then. You must have changed greatly. The woman who would not become the lady of Page Priory must be, indeed, mad!” ‘*Would you have me kill old Sir Donald Page?” ‘ Yes!” ‘Then marry me first, and I will do the work you are too much of a coward to do!” CHAPTER XI. THE BOY FERRET'S GRAVE-YARD SCENE. WHEN night had fallen over the city, Turk the Ferret jumped aboard a Ridge Avenue car, and in due time was landed at Laurel Hill cemetery to which he was not long in gaining an entrance, without discovery. It was certainly a spectral place to enter, with the dim moonlight gleaming over its thousands of marble slabs and monuments; but Turk had made up bis mind not to allow an silly superstition to dissuade him from investi- gating the vault mystery. ‘Never heerd o’ enny one gittin’ hurt by spooks, yet,” he sp em as he kept a w eye around him. ‘“’ t et would make a fel- ler’s hair rise, tho’, ef he was to git hugged by one of them.” He was not long in reaching the vicinity of the vault, but found it locked, as usual, and no one in the vicinity. This did not discourage Turk, for he was re- solved to make a nicht of it, believing it would bring something of importance to light. : Concealing himself within easy range of vis
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ion from the vault, yet in a place where he was not likely to be discovered, be lit a cigar, and waited. . Hours dragged by, and barring the mournful rustle of thedeavyes and shrubs, a sepulchral si- lence reigned throughout the city of the dead, So intense and lonely was this silence that it could but have had a weird effect upon any one seated within the cemetery, and Turk’s hair be- gan to feel more light at the ends as the min- utes relled by. ‘‘ Jeminetty!” he finally muttered. ‘‘f wish to blazes something would happen to stir up the monotony. Anuordinary ghost would be wel- come, during this blasted silence.” His wish was destined to be gratified. Soon after, away ahead, he saw a white ob- ject in flowing robes, moving toward him, with majestic mien, he nearer it came, the ferret perceived that it was marvelously tall, and that the flowing robe enveloped both head and body, providing it had any. ‘Jerimity! Reckon that’s a bonny fied ghost, fer sure,” the ferret mused, hugging closer to his concealment. ‘‘ Hanged ef I don’t tickle its ribs with a bullet, ef it comes fer me!” The spectral looking re however, did not approach him, but turned its course toward the vault, at the door of which it paused. Like a spectral sentinel it stood there, before Turk’s eyes, for a few moments; then unlock- ing the padlocked door the ghastly visitor pushed open the heavy door, and gazed back- ward as if in suspicion or fear. A moment thus it stood, then abruptly disappeared within the vault and the door was closed behind it. After waiting several minutes, to see if there was to be any ‘more ghostly visitants, Turk stole 74- tee toward the arched receptacle of the ead, ‘Jest bu’st me, ef I believe that was a ghost, at all,” he muttered, “‘an’ I’m goin’ to sift the matter through, if there’s sech a thing in the almanac. ‘Spect mebbe I’ll have to use my re- volver, but I’m goin’ to investigate, hit or miss.” As he neared the vault, he drew and cocked his revolver, and held it ready for use, not knowing what emergency a moment might bring forth. The door was not fastened on the inside, and stood a trifle open, and so Turk applied first his eye and then his ear to the crack, tolearnif any one was moving about, within. But all was silence, and darkness. Not a sound was heard. ‘* Jest like to know ef a fellers’s liable to git bis census taken, ef he should poke his head in there. Strikes me that there’s two rooms to the vault,” His nerves drawn to their firmest tension, he put forth his hand and carefully pulled the door open, keeping out of sight himself. If any one was within the vault proper, he felt sure he or she would come forward and shut the door. But no such a move was made. Satisfied on that point, the young ferret step- ed stealthily into the vault, and gazed around him, his eyes bulging out in anticipation of see- ing some startling sight. he saw was, on either side, brackets that supported a poopie of tiers of coffins and caskets, in which probably reposed the bones of some of Noor w e weet soomenty owned the becom 0 grinning skeletons, or spectral apparitions were Visible, much to the Lous sellel In the rear part of the vault, however, he saw a door, which evidently opened into some near underground apartment. With cat-like tread, Turk approached this door, and examined it, and was satisfied that there were no fastenings to it, unless they were on the other side. ; Holding his revolver ready for instant use, he laid his hand on the latch of the door, cau- tiously raised it, and flung the portal open. The sight that met his gaze was something entirely unexpected. The inner vault was like the first, except that it was larger, and furnished with a couple of iron ornamental chairs, a rough table, and a Centennial cot bed. A lighted candle burned upon the table, and upon one of the chairs sat Jack Grimes, partly wrapped in the robe of white, Upon the other chair, bound, hand and foot, sat no one less than lost Etta Evelyn! There were tears upon her cheek, and she looked the picture of misery. . , The moment the door flew open, Jack Grimes sprung to his feet, with an oath, but Turk stood triumphantly on the threshold, his gleaming ‘weapon full upon the detective, ‘* Stand where you are, Jack Grimes, or I'll put a bullet through you, Turk’s ringing voice cried out sternly. ‘‘I’ve got the drop on you, and I’d rather shoot you than not!” won a moment Grimes was too enraged to speak. “What do you mean?” he finally gasped, hoarsely. ‘Put away that pistol, or it will be the worse for you!” ‘‘Nary a time, Grimes"! I’ve got you just where I want you, and if ) ou attempt to escape, Pll bore a hole in your noddle, what'll take away what few brains you have got. Mind, I’m not fooling. You had no mercy on me, did ye, Mister Kidnapper; nor I won’t have any on ou. I jest want ye to understand that I’m ss of this hyar situation, an’ am goin’ to be obeyed. Take yer knife and cut Miss Evelyn’s bonds. Dare to disobey, or hurt her, and I will perforate ye!” ‘Shoot and !” Grimes cursed, furiously. fet never yet was known to take water from a y ! ‘“You’ll find it’s the law as talks, now!” Turk cried, firmly, a determined glitter in his eyes. ‘I shall count one, two, three. One / An expression of bulldog defiance was upon the detective’s face. He evidently did not be- lieve Turk would be courageous enough to put his threat into effect. “Two !” Turk’s voice had a steely ring. Grimes looked less confident. ‘* Three |” Perhaps a couple of seconds elapsed, then crack went Turk’s weapon, and Grimes clutched at his breast, and fell back upon the ground floor in a faint. ; Turk quickly sprung forward, and examined the nature of the wound, and found that it was as he had meant it to be, merely a flesh wound the bullet having passed nowhere near a vital t. ac He'll be all right directly,” Turk said, look- ing at Etta, who appeared terrified at what she had seen. ‘I’ll release you, and then find him!” This he was not slow in doing, and Miss Evelyn was soon free, while Jack Grimes lay bound hand and foot. “Now Pll lock him up in here, and hurry you to a safe place, while I return with a cop, and have him taken to the station-house,” Turk said, and the poor girl was glad enough to let him be her director. Securing the key from Grimes’s pocket, they left the vault, and Turk locked the door behind them. They then made their escape from the ceme- tery. Putting her aboard a car, he directed her to go tothe Titus mansion, and he would follow her as soon as he had secured the arrest of Jack Grimes. He next sought a policeman, and made known to him the necessary particulars of Grimes’s offense, and of his capture, whereupon the two entered the cemetery, and proceeded to the vault. On arrival there, what was their astonish- ment to find the door open, and the rascally detective gone! : It was at once evident that he had received relief from some of his outside confederates, and the escape had been made by the Schuylkill. Turk was much disappointed, and arranging with the officer to keep an eye upon the ceme- tery, he boarded a car, and rode into town. In due time he arrived at the Titus mansion, and rung the bell. It was answered by the servant, and without entering, Turk asked: ‘‘Has Miss Etta arrived safely?” ‘Yes, sah; just done come, a few minutes !” , “An right. I will call around in the morn- ng. He then sought his hotel lodgings, and rest for the night, pretty well satisfied that he had been in luck in dnding and releasing Miss Evelyn. But the end was not yet. Shortly after Turk and Etta escaped from the cemetery vault, Aurelia St. Clair stood within the vault and before Jack Grimes, who had re- covered consciousness, and narrated what had just happened. ; “Can it be possible that it has been discovered that I have beon connected with you in this se- cret?” Miss St. Clair said, cutting his bonds. “Of course!” Grimes lied. ‘I learned from the boy that everything has been exploded, and both yourself and your fatber will be arrested. It remains for us to Jet the old man look out for himself, while we make a break for cover until the wind blows over, We must, however, if possible, secure the girl.” eas eon See. 165 _ ———<» ed “No! no! let us escape from the city by the midnight train.” Being scarcely able to walk, Grimes saw the necessity of obeying ber ef hare and ere an hour more, they were aboard the train, speeding for New York, That was the last ever seen of them in the Quaker City. CHAPTER XII. ' THE HAWK’S SWOOP. A MAN bad been prowling about the Titus residence, at the time Etta Evelyn had arrived aud entered, and this man was none other than the old sea pirate, Evelyn, who had previously learned that Sir Page dwelt there. When finally the house became quiet, and time enough had elasped for its occupants to get asleep, he gained access to the rear yard, and producing a slender bar of iron, was not long in prying open a shutter. It was nearly two in the morning, and he had little fear of being discovered. et he had hardly got the shutter open, when be felt some- thing cold touch bis cheek, and wheeling around, saw that the cold article was a revolver, held io the hands of Jerome St.Clair, who was also ac- companied by Stael. Evelyn recognized them both, and uttered an oath. ‘“What the devil do you want?” he grow- ‘“What do you want, in there!” Jerome St. Clair demanded, sternly. “Money!” Evelyn growled, again. *T believe you lie! Has the earl returned?” “‘No—not as I knows on.” “Don’t lie to me. Now, lookee here, Evelyn ou go in that house, chloroform the girl, an ring her to me, and I will give you a thousand dollars!” ** Let’s see yer swag.” “Bring the girl, and help me to take her to my house, and I will give you the money?” ‘D’ye swear to this?” ‘**T swear to it!” “Give us yer chloroform.” The diamond merchant produced a bottle and & sponge and handed them to the old pirate. * Be lively, now, for I want to get out of the city, before morning.” “Out of the city?’ “Yes, Imetan old friend, to-night, and have hired him to take us down the bay in his steam tug. Once beyond the breakwater, we will land at some southern port, and I willsend an envoy to collect a ransom from Sir Page. If he pays a big price, he can have her. “D’ye ’spect me to go along?” oe es ” ** An’ ye’ll whack up the ransom?” ; ‘Yes, I’ve been preparing for this, and If you're lively, we'll leave South street, Schuyi- ill river, before daybreak!” “All right. You'll find me an ugly customer to deal with, if you don’t keep yer promises.” This conversation was not conducted in an undertone, for owing to the lateness of the hour, it was not deemed necessary. Just outside the | back yard fence, in the alley, a roughly dressed a ig had been crouching, in a listening atti- tude, Dressed in overalls, slouch hat, shaggy beard and hair, no one would vver have suspected that this cleverly disguised eavesdropper was Turk the Ferret. To explain his presence here, he had been in the hotel an hour, when something seemed to tell him that danger was menacing Etta Evelyn. So strong did the matter press upon his mind, that he arose and disguised himself, and left the hotel, with the resolve to spend the night in the vicinity of the mansion. He had arrived in the alley about the same in- stant that St. Clair and Stael had arrested Eve- lyn, in bis burglarious act. Consequently, he had overheard the conver- sation between the conspirators. ** Here’s a go,” he muttered. ‘‘ Now it is for me to play my cards, and take the game. Ef I call the perlice, they'll get the credit, an’ I none. I'll just get passage on this ship, and rescue Etta in true style. Re kon old Sir Donald will come down handsome.” His mind was made up. Gliding from the alley by its rear course, he set out rapidly for South street, Schuylkill river —for rapidity was now essential. ° Several times he passed policemen who eyed him suspiciously, but none of them offered to stop him. In due time he reached the docks ‘along the river, and found a steamér, such is is general used for towing purposes, alongside the aart,
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16 below the South street: bridge. Eee eT a) en ee craft, how- ever. had an upper cabin, and was rigged for sailing, in casa of the engine giving out, The steam was already up, and a man sat upon the rail smoking a pipe—a bewhiskered individual, dressed in sailor’s attire. Turk passed along, paying no particular at- tention to the boat, rather expecting that he would be accosted—and he was not wrong. ‘Hello, there!” the sailor sung out, ‘* Where bound ¢” ‘* What of it?’ Turk demanded, stopping and | looking back. ‘Oh, nothing much! Don’t.want a fat job fora couple of weeks, eh?” ‘* What doin’?” ‘Oh, belpin’ on board. Gwine to take a party on a trip, and want some one as knows ow to mind their business and keep their mouth shet.” “Struck the right man then. What’s the per” wo dollars aday. Come on board, and I’ll explain,” k obeyed, and the two descended into the engine-room, and took a seat on the tool-boxes. Turk took a good look at the sailor then, and that worthy took a good look at Turk. “TI reckon you're to be trusted,” he said; a your mug says so. D’ye know who I am?” *No,” Turk replied. s Well, I’m nesk Hawk, detective. Directly a od ogi will come on board, who desires to es- from the city. He is an old English crimi- moreover, my father. He— “Expects to bring a prisoner SPORES: ‘* How do you know?” “T overheard the plot!” “The deuce! Well, to make a long story short, I’m poing to put this man aboard an En- glis': vessel, and take him back to England to expiate his crime.” ‘* And what of me?” “You are to = this tug back to this wharf. I ebartered it onl ** And the girl “You are also to bring her back. She is a stolen child, and my father has hoped to reap a fortune out of her possession, but mother and I vc devoted years to the thwarting of his ans. ‘ Then, followed an explanation that Jerome St. Clair, alias Gerald Hawk, was Mrs. Hawk’s husband, and so forth, and so ‘forth; and also the eapture of gambler Fred St. Clair, ‘who, having ‘given away ” all that it was necessary for Buck to know about the whole conspiracy, had beeu permitted to leave for parts unknown, About half an hour later, three persons ap- proached the dock, and carried a bundled- -up a between them, which Turk knew wus tt They were assisted aboard, and took sion of the cabin, where Mother Hawk, in “dis. guise, arranged for their comfort and conve- nience, As soon as possible, the tug was got under way, and steamed down the Schuylkill, the disguised Turk acting as fireman, and Buck Hawk as engineer, he instructing Turk how to manage the craft on returning. Toward daybreak Mother Hawk appeared in the engine-room, “Did you get the wine he ordered?” she asked. “Yes; open the bottle lying on top of the case—it’s fixed,” Buck said. About half an hour later he left the engine- room for a few minutes, and directed Turk how also to work the pilot-wheel. When be returned, he chuckled. “Tye got three jail- birds in one bunch,” he said. ‘Uriah Evelyn, the pirate, the Gypsy, and the scoundrel; Gerald Hawk, the murderer of Lady Page; and. Stael, the once-famous queen of English forgers, All bound and gagged, and Soda to ship aboard the English vessel!” During the remainder of the. trip very little was said. Buck Hawk had released Etta Evelyn, who directly came and threw her arms affectionately around Turk, and thanked him heartily for what he had done. Turk was surprised that she knew him, for he still wore his disguise. es What ye mean?” he ejaculated. you're mistaken.” “Not a bit of it!” Buck Hawk exclaimed. “‘T recognized you, Master Turk, the moment you came aboard, and from what I ean hear, you will get the rich reward you deserve, when ou restore this cotinable le young lady to her ** Guess ather. My yveward, I trust, will come from the Rngl ih paver prnens when I deliver up my inhuman PR ini anina De, the Boy Ferret. In due time daylight came, and shortly after- ward they were alongside the English home- ward-bound vetsel, which was anchored in the Delaware, near the outlet of the Schu ylkili, Buck Hawk boarded her and pier after he bad his prisoners transferred to the English vessel, The manner in whic’ he had made the czp- ture made extraditior papers unnecessary, and thus was the law of tae United States baffled, for once, As soon as the trausfer was made, Turk and his fair charge set out on their trip back to Philadelphia, which was made in good time, and without incident, What remains to be told can be told in a very few minutes, and equally few words, Turk, our youthful ferret, gained: all the honor of restoring Etta to her father, and a glad restoration it was, in which Sir Page, Etta, Captain Clyde and Turk figured. urk received a goodly sum of money for his brave deeds; but that was not all. Sir Page a couple of weeks later received a cablegram from England charging him to ap- ar against one Gerald Hawk, and Turk was offered a happy home if he would accompany the party. So be naturally consented. Before departure from America there was a grand wedding, and Captain Clyde and Lady Henrietta Page were the happy couple, Turk, in a handsome suit, acting as first groomsman. After the ceremony Captain Clyde produced and adorned his bride with the magnificent Page diamonds, much to the surprise of all, for it was he who had demanded them from Jack Grimes that night in Stael’s residence, “ Kinder ’curred to me it might be them dia- monds would turn up,” Turk said, with a grip. ‘Tell ye what. As fur as my 'sperience goes villainy will allus get left, sooner or later, and right will pe pobre like skippers on a yaller @. ef ye want everything to come out WE thar ain’t no antidote so gool as to employ a young feller about the diagram 0’ the Sultan o’ Turk—eh?” THE END. BEADLE’S Half-Dime Library. 136 Nicut-Hawk Krr. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr..... 137 Toe Heuptess Hanp. By Capt. ne Reid. 188 BronpE Buu. By Edward L. Wheeler....... 139 Jupex Lyncn, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh Frank Dumont... ........ ward L. Wheeler 140 Bive Buazes. B 141 Sori Sam. By 142 Hanpsomz Harry. By Charles Morris 148 Scan-Face Sact. By Oll Coomes, 144 Darmvry Lance, Ture Boy Sport. By Badaer. 145 Capramy Ferrer. By Edward L, Wheeler. 146 Si.ver Star. By Oll Coomes... ae od 147 WiLL WiLpFIRE, By Charles Morris........... 148 SuHarp Sam. By J. a Lemme Patten. 2°35" 149 A Game or GoLp. 5 Edward L. Wheeler... 150 LANCE AND LAsso. By Capt. F. Lr ame: Sep 151 PanruerR Pavut. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.. 152 Buack Bess. By Charles Morris .... 153 Eaaue Kit, rot Boy Demon. By Ol Coomes. THe Sworpd-Hounters, By Capt. F. Whittaker By T, C. Harbaugh.. 156 DeApwoop Dick or Drapwoop. By Wheeler. 157 Mrxe Merry. By Charles Morris 158 Fancy Frank or CoLtorapo, By Buffalo Bill.. By Fred. Whittaker .. By Jos. E. Bagger JT sé. 155 GoLp TRIGGER. 159 THe Lost CAPrarn, 160 THe BLACK GIANT, Sage ESTEE SSESSSESESSSSERERES 161 New York Nenu. By Edward L. Wheeler .. 162 WiLL WILDFIRE IN THE Woops. By C., Morris. 163 Litre Texas. By OllCoomes . 164 Danpy Rock’s Pieper. By Geo. W. Browne... 5c 165 Bruty BaGGAGr, THE RamRoap Boy. wer fe 5c 166 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George.. . 5c 167 AsA Scorr. By Edward Willett. —__.....- 5c 168 Deapty DaAsH. By Joseph FE. Badger, se . 5c 169 Tornapo Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. ye. OC 170 A Tromp Carp. By Charles Morris........... 5¢ 171 Esony Day. By Frank Dumont... ..-..--- 5c 172 Tuunpersour Tom. By Harry St. George.... 5c 173 Danpy Rocx’s Rivat. By Geo. W. Browne.. 5c 174 Bon Rockxerr. By Charles Morris 5e 75 CapTaIn Arizona, By Philip 8. Warne ‘us, OC 176 Tom Boy Runaway. By Lieut. 1. D. Perry... 5¢ 177 Nossy Nick or Nrevaps. By E. L. Wheeler... 5¢ 178 Oup Sorrrany. By Oll Coomes. Be 179 Bos Rockett, THE BANK RUNNER. By Morris. 5 180 Tue Sea TRAILER. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S. N. 181 Wiip FRANK or Montana. By FE. L. Wheeler. 5c 182 Lirrte Hurricane. By Oll Coomes.......... 5e 183 Tue HippeN Hanp. By Chas. Morris........ 5e 184 Tae Boy TraILters. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ... 5¢ 185 Evi. Eve. By Frank Dumont ............ Be 186 Coot DesmMonD. By Col. Dele Sara .. ....... Be 187 Frep Haryarp. By Chas. Morris .. . 5c 188 Nep Tempie. By T. C. Harbaugh 5e 189 Bos Rockurt, THE CRACKSMAN. By C. Morris 5¢ 190 Danpy Darke. By Wm. R. Exster . ae. OS 191 Burraro Buy. By Capt. A. B. Taylor. U.S.A. be gress se Sts nomen SS ET pe dp ne ep bing Geementgc oe ee fe 193 Tae Lavy Roap-AGENT. Philip 8. W. tae 194 BurraLo Brw’s Ber. Capt AB yior,U.BA Be 195 Deapwoop Dick's DREAM. Pre L. Wheeler. fe 196 SHADOWED. By Charles Mo . be 197 Litre Grrr. By Col. Prentiss Thgrabam . de 198 Rarimhre. By T. C. Hartandgs Reso.\ be 199 FEATHERWEIGHT. By Edward Wifett | |... 5e 200 Tar Boy Bepovurns. By Capt. F. Whittaker . 5e 201 Tar BLAcKk 6 JezeBEL, E, L, Wheeler... 5c 202 Prosprcr Prete. Oll Coomes.... . ts 203 Tur Boy Parps. wy EK. Badger, Jr..... .... 5e 204 Gop Piume. By Col. Prentiss I raham ... Be 205 Deapwoop Dick's Doom. By E. L. Wheeler. 5e 206 Dark PauL, THE TiGeER Kina. B Cc. — ie 207 Navaso Nick. By T. C. Harbaug rivets, Be 208 Tax Boy Hercutes. By Oll Coomes.. be 209 Frrrz, THE Bounp-Boy wren Ty. Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank or HiaH Pn 4 ty ter... 211 Crookep Cate. By Jos. ne 212 DASHING Dave. By Charles Morris Ae 213 Frivz ‘ro THe Fronr, By EK. L. Wheeler..... 214 Wo.iraana. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. . 215 CapTain BuLuet. yin & pag. seen, 216 Bison Bru. By Col. Prentiss In 217 Caprain Crack-Snor, By E. L. 218 Tiazr Tom. By Oll Coomes 219 Desparp, THE Durst. By Philip 8. Warne. 220 Tom TANNER. By Charies Morris..... 221 SvceaRr-CoatreD Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 222 Grit, THE BRAvVo Sport. By Col. poqpenee: 223 OZARK ALF. By Edward Willett . 224 Dasnine Dick. By Oll Coomes. .. .. 225 SAM CHAROOAL, THE PREMIUM Darky. By Charles Morris 226 SNoozeR, THE Boy SHARP. ‘By ¥.B. Wheeler. 227 Dusky DARREL, TRAPPER. By KE. Emerson... 228 Lirrne WrpFIRE. By Oll Coomes, . 229 Crimson Katr. By Col. hk wee 230 Tax YANKEF RaJAH, BES D. Clar 231 Puocky Pum. By T. C {arbaugh 282 Gotp-Dust Dick. By E. L. Wheeler.. .. . 233 Joe Buck or Anarrs, By Albert W. Aiken.. 234 Benito, rae Youra Horsk-BREAKER, ~~ Buckskin Sam. 235 SHapow Sam, Charles Morris... .. 236 Apotto Brut. By Edward L. Wheeler... .. 237 Lone Srar, THE Cowpoy CAPTAIN. By Col. Prentiss. Ingraham 238 THe PARSON Dereon: By Oll Coomes 239 Tar GoLD-sEKKER Guipk. By Mayne Reid. 240 Cyctonge Kir. By Edward L. Wheeler.. Ki 241 Brnu Bravo anp His Bear Parps. By T. C. Marheuee oth ‘ad. .slines whl pertivicewad'p & 2 THe Two ‘ Brioops.’ By Charles Morris.’ 243 Tax Disauisep Guipz. By Oll Coomes 244 SIERRA on THE FRONTIER FERRET. By Ed- ward L, Wheeler i, 245 Merue, THE Mippy. B Prentiss Ingraham. 246 Grant GrorGr, By Buckskin Sam... 247 Oup GRIZZLY AND Fits Pers. By Captain “ Bruin’* Adams . . : 248 Srerra Sam's SECRET. By E. L. Wheeler 249 Mito Romer. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. . 250 MipsHIPMAN Mutinrer. By Col. P. Ingraham. 251 Lient-HovusE Lice. By J. F.C. Adams....... 252 Dick DasHaway. By Charles Morris. ....... 253 SrerRA Sam's Parb. By E. L. Wheeler — Tue Hautr Bioop. By Edward 8. Ellis. 55 CapraIn Apotto. By T. C. Harbaugh... .. 2568 Youne Kentuck. By Captain Mark Wilton. 257 Tur Lost Hunters. By J. F.C. Adams.. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven. By E. L. Wheeler. .... 259 Tue GoLpEN Harpoon. by Roger Starbuck. 260 Dare-DEviL Dax. By Oll Coomes 261 Ferous Frarnaveut. By George L, Aiken... 262 Tax Youna Sievrus. By Charles Morris... 268 Drapwoop Dick's Drvir. By FE. L. Wheeler. 264 Toe Fuoatina Fraruer. By Col. Ingraham, 265 Tux Tiger Tamer. By Capt. F. Whittaker.. 266 KitLB’aR, THR Gurpg. By Ensign Charles Dudley Warren, (of the Engineer's Corps.). 267 Tue Buckskin Detective. By Harbaugh... 268 DEADwoop Dick's DxaTH Tram. By Ed- A Vie EOD ne seo te) dans 269 Tar Goin Sup, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 2970 BrizzaARD BEN. By Captain Mark Wilton.... 271 Toe Huet Hunter. Edward 8, Ellis ... 972 MinkskKIN Mike. By Ol] Coomes... .... .-. 2738 Jumpo Jor. By Edward L. Wheeler 274 Jotty Jm. By Charles Morris 275 Arizona JACK, By Buckskin Sam 276 Merte Monrer’s Cruise. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam 277 Denver Dowu. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 Tur THREE TRAPPERS. By Maj. L. W. Carson. 279 Oup Wincu, THE Rirte Kine. By T. C. Har- baugh 280 Merie Monrr’s FATE. "By Prentiss In 281 Denver DoLu’s VICTORY, Ad heeler. 282 Tue Tyro Detective. By ee ait Willett. . 283 InpIAN JOE. By Major L. W. Cargon.. } 984 THe Sea MARavpeR. By Prentiss In am.. 285 Denver Dow's Decoy. By Ed, L. Wheeler. 286 Josu, THE Boy TENDERFOOT. By Capt. Mark Wilton : 287 Buty Biur-Eves, 288 Tae ScALP Kina. By Cast. J. F, Adams. 989 Jotity Jut’s Jos. By Chases Mo woah 200 LirrLe Foxrire. By Ol! Coomes.. 291 TurK, THE een, By Edward L. Wheeler. 292 SancHo Pepro. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.... 203 Rep Craw. By fe Comstock ery 204 Dynamirz Dan. By T. C. Harbaugh.. ---. A now issue every week. The Half-D m- Library: is for sak: by ab THE MxEssENGER Boy. PITT Py g geseexess e eee ESESSSSSERSS Lae eeseesessseees eeEeESSS eraham eESEeEs a By Cel. P. Ingraham SITs SSTTE Newsdealers, five cents per cg , or sent vy mul on receipt of six cents each. MDLE & ADANS, Publishers, 98 William street, i vc nt York.