Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 324) (1883 10 09)
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ON ne eee 2 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. Ralph Ready, The Hotel Boy Detective; OR, Tracking the Foxes to Earth. BY CHARLES MORRIS, AUTHOR OF ‘‘JOLLY JIM’sS JOB,” “THE YOUNG SLEUTHS,” ‘DICK DASHAWAY,” ‘' DETEC- TIVE DICK,” ‘‘ WILL WILDFIRE,” ETC,, ETC. CHAPTER I. WEW GUESTS AT THE GRAND CENTRAL. ‘‘ Hey there, Mike! where are you going with that trunk? You are taking it to. the wrong room.” ‘Sure, an’ the number was 294,” sturdily answered the Irish porter. “ Isit meself as iver made a mistake? Ye'll be after tellin’ me next that I’m not up to my business.” “ If blundering is your business you are up to it, that’s sure,” answered the first speaker. “ I'll beti a Tm going to see.” “ Paix, and it’s little I care,” was the stolid reply. ‘‘ Mike O'Flaherty carried trunl:s afore ye was born, and h ’s& bit too old to be l’arnt is trade by a ah A The porter walked on with the heavy trunk, without further heed to the comments of his vouthful questioner. “If anybody can get moro blunders into a uare five minutes, I'd like to see him, that’s all,” declared the latter. ‘ There’ll bo fun yet ,about those trunks, if I don’t get the thing straightened.” : ' The speaker was a well-built, good-looking youth of some eighteen or nineteen years of age. The hair fell'in dark clusters over his brow, his eyes were black and keen, his mouth firm yet marked by lines of humor, He was pare aed well calculated to make his way in the world, The place in which he stood was a corridor of the Grand Central Hotel—a huge pile of brick and stone, with rooms enough to accommodatea regiment, and celebrated far and wide for the richness of its bill-of-fare, and—the magnitude of its charges! The youth had a somewhat undefined position in this establishment, He wasa sort of aide-de- camp to the Lotel clerk, and was expected to keep a general sparp eye on the comings and goings inside the extensive caravansary. He was not exactly a private detective, though his duties tended in that direction. . He sharply turned and made his way toward the stairs, determined to straighten up_ this “mnatter of the trunks, which he was sure Mike had got mixed, ; , .. Before reaching this location, however, he was accosted by an old gentleman, who was wandeting distractedly through the corridor. This. personage was dressed in a dusty brown suit of ancient pattern, and wore a_ wide- briraemed slouch hat driven down over his eyes. 8 was waving bis arms with energetic ges- es. _ ‘Bless my eyes!” he exclaimed, “but Td sooner be cut adrift in a. wildcat jungle, and ‘left to scratch my way out, than in such a » topsy-turvy prairie-dog town as this. get me the loan of a batchet, boy?” “What do you want with a hatchet?” “To blaze my way out of this rat-hole. Here “I left my room five minutes ago, and I might as well hunt a jack rabbit in a ten-mile - prairie as try to find it again, I’ve walked up and down stairs and tunnels enough to make a good coal-mine, till my legs feel as if they were tied in a bow-knot. See here, young man, what's to become of the guests if a fire was to get started in this concern?” ‘“Tbad’s all provided for,” answered the youth ravely. .‘‘ There are stairs and elevators and re-escapes.” ‘Very neat! But what good is that to a : chap in the seventeenth story, within half a mile of haaven, I'd like to ear rome be easier here to step-onto the clouds than to the solid ground. And as for your stairs, they can beat Bannager at twisting around, and landing nowhere.” “There’s a balloon-corps attached to the upper floors,” replied the sedate youth, without ‘moving a muscle of bis countenance. ‘ Every- thing is fixed. If a fire was to break out down below the news would be telegraphed up here my you've got the trunks mixed, and |" Can you without delay. Then we’ve only got to ste out of a window into a balloon, cut loose, an float away. The proprietors of this hotel look out for the safety of their guests, sir.” “So it seems. Soitseems. How much, now, do they pay you a week for lying?” * This question was asked in such a uliar tone that the youth felt disconcer for a moment, He then burst out into a laugh. “Excuse me, judge. What did you say was the number of your room?’ “How do you know I’m a judge?”-and the old fellow turned his harsh face on the boy with a suspicious look. “T saw you register,” answered the youth. ‘Judge Bluebottle, of Duluth, That’s why you were put up here. We keep the upper floors for distinguished people.” The judge looked moro suspicious than ever, ** Distinguished people ougbt to feel highly flattered,” he growled. ‘‘That’s not the way we do things in Duluth. See here, little one, can you pilot this caravan to 204? That’s the settlement I’m bound for, if I don’t leave my bones on the emigrant-trai! before I get there.” ‘* Certainly,” answered the youth. ‘‘Come this way. We'll be there in a fraction of a minute.” ‘And just look after my trunk, will you? Here Pve been am hour, and not a show of it yet. Confound tho baggage-smasbers! That’s what brought me from my room. Look it up, young man, and I'll be in your debt for a quar- ter, Solid leather, iron corners, name in big lotters. Can’t miss it if you shut your eyes.” * Room 294, did you say?” ‘*That’s about the heft of the figures.” **'You’ll find the trunk there. This way, pt 3 @ led the way down the long corridor, re- membering his late encounter with Mike, and enjoying in prospect a posible bi..nder, by which the irate judge would get the wrong trunk. There might be an opening for a neat bit of sport out of this affair. A short distance down the broad passage, and a turn into another that ran at right angles to it, soon brought them to their destination. The conductor threw open the door of the room, be- fore which he had stopped. ‘Here it is, sir. Follow up the numbers on the doors, and you can easily find it. And there sits the trunk. Is there anything more you would like to have?” The judge rested his broad shoulders against the doorway, and bent bis small, wrinkled eyes upon the speaker. ‘* Why the blazes couldn’t I you. mie! see here, when the dinner-bell rings una fetch, ro one of t balloons to my room,” He turned into the room and closed the door witha ec The sound of the turning key ht trunks I’ll owe | Stepping into the elevator, he landed in a few | safer ou the i of porno 8 across its sounding floor, The sounds of b chat and laughter filled the room. ames. =, erae osure sb ‘beckoned bim over to the’desk. “Come fuside ive said, with an air of se- crecy, ‘‘and wait a minute.” a Ralph entered the inclosureand seated him- self to wait until the clerk was through with registering the guests. : As he sat waiting, his eyes listlessly aramined these persons. From them he fell to observin two others, who had just entered, and s aside with sometbing of a hesitating air. 4 blinded young ninnies. - _the lady as if he had founda ¢ trust her in the ladies’ room long enough to Tegister.” eee e sinailest of p owned. bis bey Step eman -got his eye om) ‘Ralph, and. ; —- These were a young gentleman and lady, dressed in traveling costume, and dusty enough to have come from a vonsiderable distance. They were both quite young, and the lady was very pretty. She had thrown back her vail, and rested her band on her companion’s arm, looking up into bis face with a loving trust that particularly took Ralpb’s eyes. The gentleman seemed vory ill at ease, He gazed around him witb 4 nervous distraction of manner. Looking at the lady’s faco, ho gave a start, and bent to whisper in her ear. She im- mediately dropped ber vail. “*Hore’s a story,.” Ralph thought. “Green and loving. That’s partofit. And runaways; tuat’s another part, I'll bet high thero’s a rag- ing father trachaiar these innocents, and ready to cowhide the boy, and lock up the girl in the garret. I’ve read it all before,” In a minute or two more this couple had registered, and were on their way to the eleva- tor, under the care of a waiter. The young man seemed relieved, and hurried his lady companion from tho desk, as if anxious to escape from observation as quickly as possi- ble. “I’m going to follow that up,” Ralph decid- ed, ‘*Shouldn’t wonder if thero was some fun back of it. This green love is always rich.” He rose and read the namesand room number just registered. Tho clerk touched bim on the shoulder, and led back wut of hearing of the guesis. “TI have something for you, Ralph,” he said, in.a mysterious tone. ‘I have just bad a warn- ig from the police department to be on the lookout for some Western thieves, who are sup- posed to be traveling this way. There's been some big job done out at Illinois, and the ras- cals have got off with the plunder.” i Ralph sat silent, tuking in this interesting in- formation. ‘‘T may be mistaken,” continued the clerk, still more mysteriously. ‘But from the de- scription I have a fancy that one of them is here now. Itis hardly safe to warn the police about a man who may prove a higb-toned gen- tleman. The Grand Central has its reputation to sustain, and we must make no mistake, on either side. You are a sharp fellow, Ralph. We'll have to put you'on the watch. Make you our private detective. Do you think you can manage the job?” é sae. “I can try,” answered Ralph. ‘‘ What is his number?” “Here it is on the register. The fellow swings a big title, and we'll have to feel our way givgerly.” : e led the way to the book, and laid bis fin- ger on aline. To bis surprise Ralph read the name of * Judge Bluebottle, Daluth, Minnesota, Room 294.” Ds: “I bave seen him already,” exclaimed the amateur detective. ‘‘ Hada chat witb him not ten minutes ago. He was roaming around the fourth floor, growling at being put too near heaven, and swearing that he bad lost his ” , : ‘oom. 4 *¢ Aha!” cried the clerk. ‘That looks sus- icious, Likely enough he may have been look- vs up the chances for plunder, How did bis imself, “ But : pb behavior strike you?” to b ce % 6 ughs esa area = bj} “JT thought he was a mee old idiot, who wasn’t safe to run loose,” rejoined Ralph. “More and more suspicious,” replied the clerk. ‘Depend on it, that’s all put o Watch him like a hawk, boy. If there’s\anything questionable we'll bring the police down on our estern gentleman.” ae yA “Did you notice this éo ” asked Ralph, laying bis finger on the last names ‘registere ny Yes.” Intell the clerk. bax: pair of love- 1 youth hangs on to aemobd. uldn’t It’s a runaway, I'll \bet high on that,” de- | clared Ralph. | “See if the indignant parent “| isn’t here attet them before two days.” The clerk laughed, and turned to the desk, be- fore which another guest had now appeared. This was & ae a gentleman, whose ‘manner at ge nc 8 pes Ralph’s meee on. --He was wrapped in a coarse-grained over- coat, whose collar stood Uprights this ears, He had a full, red face, though it was haif con- cealed by his pulled-down hat, long bair, and bushy beard. There were dissatisfied wrinkles about the mouth and eyes, and a genera! look of haste and anxiety. , ] He looked intently at the register before sign- ‘ing. The last two names particularly appeared to take his attention. He pursed up his lips as he seemed examining the handwriting.
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oS mm Be Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 8 EST TI RS STN y ‘Roger Sherman and lady,” he muttered. ‘‘Hovw long have these persons been here?” ‘“ About ten minutes,” answered the clerk, “ Do you want a room?” “Yes Yes, of course.” This was hastily given, as if it were a new idea to him. * Then write your name and address,” He did so in a scrawling, scrambling fashion. ‘John H. Benson, Chicago,” read the clerk : ' Judge Bluebottle, of Duluth, I’d have you know, Look at me. Isn’t this a sweet specimen of a dinner rig?” He turned round on his heel, to give Ralph a chance to inspect him, ‘* What do you think of that now?” He gave the hat an angry jam on his head. ‘‘ What de you think of that?” “Tf I were you I would discharge my tailor,” answered Ralph. ““My tailor? Why, hang your stupidity, do You suppose them clothes were made for me? Where’s my trunk? That is what I demand to know. I demand it, sir, and I'll make things lively for this hotel if it don’t turn up. There's my name on it, Bluebottle. In letters as bi }asacow’s horn, And what do you bring me What but the trunk of some confounded dude? And this is all the change of rig I have for dinner.’ He turned round on his heel again, holding out the scanty skirts of the coat, while a look of supreme scorn filled his important countenance, ‘Inspect it, sir! Investigate it! And then go sell your moldy hotel to somebody who nows how to run it. Don’t I look like a re- spectable father of a family now? Wouldn’t I cut a sweet figure on the judge’s bench?” Ralph had hard work to repress his laughter and put on a look of proper compassion for the irate judge. Ere he could answer the last question there came another sudden diversion. The door of a room further up the passage burst open as suddenly as the judge’s had done, and another strange figure burst out into the corridor, It was the red, wrinkled face of Mr, Benson, of Chicago, but bis costume was even more sur- prising than that of Judge Bluebottle, He had got his arms into something not unlike a gentle- man’s sack-coat in shape, but with a suspicious red bow at the throat, and as thickly covered with pearl buttons as if they had been sprinkled over it from a pepper-box, Beneath this coat, which was five sizes too small for his Peny. figure, he wore something white, which was significantly frilled and ruffled. On bis head was a queer-shaped straw bat, with a buwch of pie al on one side and a sunflower on the other. ‘Lord bless you!” he ejaculated. .‘‘ Look at that! There’s a get-up for a gentleman and a Christian! Where’s my trunk, will anybody tell me that? You sent mea trunk, Oh, yes, you kindly sent. me a trunk, And that’s the sort of drygoods I found in it.” Ralph could contain bimself no longer. He laughed more uproariously than he had at the irate judge, at this second, apparition, Even the disgusted Bluebottle could not help joining in with a broad grin at bis companion in mis- fortune, *¢ You'll laugh, will you!” roared Mr, Benson. ‘Bless your eyes, if l’d put onal) the queer rigging there was in that trun!: you might have seen a figure worth laughing at! The fur- belows and the overskirts! You pevor saw such an odd gear. The Lord knows where they put it all! But ’m going to make this hotel sweat. They’ve confiscated my trunk and I won't stand it,” yi ‘Oh, that will be all right,” assumed. Ralph. ‘‘So many trunks coming, you know. The can’t help getting mixed up, We'll have thi 12 straightened out in two or three days.” “Two or three days! Am I to go Aarol «2 like a.mermaid, half woman and half fish, ier two or three days? I demand my trunk instan- ter!” : He stopped, His eyes had just caught the extraordinary figure of Judge Mluebottle, whe was surveying bim with a broad grin on his ex- pansive face. : Mr. Benson broke involuntarily into a return laugh. For several minutes the disguised men stood shaking their sides with merriment, as they surveyed each other, while Ralph Jeaned against jhe wall in a paroxysm of laughter. e could hardly keep from rolling on the floor in enjoyment of the ridiculous seene before m. **Ob, mercy! If I could only get them down- stairs! It would be just killing! It’s a shame to waste all this fun.” Suddenly Benson stopped his laughter, while a look of surprised recognition came upon his face, “Tt can’t be! Yes it is! , Judge Bluebottle, as I live! Why, hallo! Bluebottle, old hoy, give us your hand! Who'd ever expected to see you here?” ‘* Somehow you've got the advantage of me,” said the judge, yielding his band doybtfully te the warm grasp of the other.
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a ~- _——— ‘“Why, I’m Benson. Benson, of Chicago. Don’t you know me?” “No. Tl be hanged if I do!” “‘That’s the way with you politicians, And I belped to send you to the Legislature. And thav’s all the thanks I get for it.” ‘*'You must excuse me, Mr. Benson,” apolo- gized the judge. “There were so many of _ them. And I’ve got such a treacherous memory. Glad to see you. On my soul 1 am.” “That’s all right. I accept the apology. You’re a gentleman, every inch, judge.” r. Benson kept on shaking bis hand. ‘ But this is arum go. What are we to do about our trunks?” “ Complain at the clerk’s office,” suggested Ralph, ‘ That’s the only way to settle it. It’s a confounded shame. Comewithme, T’ll pilot you down. Just you give that clerk to kuow that you mean business.” He hurried them rapidly along the hall to where the elevator yawned, without giving them a moment’s time to think. The car stood waiting for passengers. Ralph pushed them in, though they resisted a little. “But,” protested the judge, “look at us, Will there be anybody there?” ‘*Ob! nobody of any account,” answered the sly rogue. It was too late for further remonstrance,’ The door was closed. Tbe car was rapidly de- scending. In a minute it reach the main floor, and the door flew open. “Come,” said Ralph, hurrying his victims out into the hall. They paused in dismay. The room was thronged with peozle. One look was enough. There burst out a roar of laughter that shook the very roof of the hotel. Peal after peal came from the assembled crowd, while the two odd figures stood, shoul- der to shoulder, in sheepish amazement before them. Men laughed until the tears ran down their cheeks. The effort to look dignified in the two ‘victims was as ludicrous as their attire. People are from every side to see the source of the un, “Blame your dirty young picture, this is all your doings!” cried the irate judge, shaking his fist at Ralph, ‘‘ Barst my sides, if I don’t get even with youforit! Back up-stairs with this thundering concern, boy, quick as greased light- ning, before that crowd of jackasses split them- selves into kindling wood.” He rushed back into the elevator, followed by Benson, and by renewed peals of laughter. * T owe = a » eres! judge. Don’t forget,” cried Ralph, as the sliding-door sh ly closed. “* Come to my office in Duluth, and bring a re- ceipt, and I will hand over the cash,” i: CHAPTER III. } §TRAIGHTENING OUT MIKE’S BLUNDER. ‘Sem here, Mike, There’s the very Old Nick to pay up-stairs, and all through your blunder- ing. You’ve gone and mixed up the trunks the worst way. nd now there’s hoary old rogues parading around in women’s fixings; and the next th ng we will have some young lady marching down to dinner in a pair of Chicago breeches, Lawsaep, won’t you catch it!” “Be jabers, and it’s a whoppin’ big loi. I’ve done nothin’ o’ the kind, at all, at all,” exclaimed ‘ Mike, inarage, “ It’s much too fond of your jokes you are, Mr. Ralph, Ye’re allers gettin’ up some swate ep} 0 the kind, widout an ounee o’ truth in it. Faix yell be afther tellin’ me next I don’t know the differ betwixt 294 and 249; as you was hintin’ at this blessed mornin’.” “ That’s all very fine, Mike,” answered Ralph. ** But if you know which side your bread’s but- tered you'll emigrate to Canada, and set up a shebang inthe woods. There’s a couple of wild ‘Westerners rampaging for you up-stairs, like bulls in a clover field.” ** To Canady, is it? And me an O'Flaherty, of the ould blood? Indade, thin, an not a step will I stir, It’s moighty little meself cares for your Westerners, And you naden’t be pokin’ your fun at me. Shure there’s not a man in the botel can bate me at trunk deliverin’, as is well known.” “ All right, Mike,” laughed his youthful tor- mentor. ‘‘ But bless us, won’t you be sliced and pickled! There’s the clerk calling for you now. Walk up to the counter and get your rations,” “ Mike! Mike O’Flaherty!” came in com- manding tones from across the hall. “ Ay, ay!” answered the irate porter. ‘ I’m comin’. Jist go sell yerself, Mr. Ralph, I didn’t Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. cross the salt says to be made sport of by no mince nd Yankee. And that’s ivery word the truth. Mike lumbered away to the clerk’s desk, fol- lowed at a distance by the laughing youth, who was bound to see the fun out. At the desk stood two men, Judge Bluebottle and Mr. Benson. They had got back to their traveling-suits, and were raising Cain about their trunks. ‘* Hang it, sir, the trunk looked like mine,” cried the judge, “‘ and my key opened it. But bless your blue eyes if you’d only seen tae stuff that was inside! Id give a solid quarter to see the chap that was to wear them, shoot me if [ wouldn’t! He must be a cross between a dandy and a baboon.” *‘ Thad the same luck as the judge,” broke in Mr. Benson. “Only I found a trunk full of women’s fixings. The queerest-looking concerns. Where they put them all gets me. ou never saw such twistified bits of dry-goods,” “‘T am very sorry, gentlemen,” answered the suave clerk, twirling his mustache with an easy air. ‘‘ Mistakes will happen, you know. But we'll make tbat all right in a jiffy. See here, Mike, What confounded blundering have you been at now?” ‘“* Sorra the bit of a blunder,” replied Mike, sturdily. ‘‘ Excuse me, Misther Jones, if that sames a short answer. But I’ve got me char- acter to sustain, and well you know the loike o’ me you haven’t got in the hotel.” “ That’s true, Mike,” assented the clerk, with a faint smile. ‘‘It would be hard to find your like at getting a straight thing crooked. You’ve made a ridiculous mess with these gentlemen’s trunks, and if you don’t straighten it out with- in ten minutes Vl dock you a week’s wages,” “Shure, Misther Jones—” began Mike. “There, That will do! I don’t want an hour’s blather. . Off with you now.” “Off wid me, is it? And where to, will ye pl’ase say? I know no more where the gentle- men’s trunks is nor the man in the moon.” Mike stood scratching his head in stupid per- plexity. . Ralph stepped forth at this juncture from the pillar against which he had been leaning. ““Maybe I can straighten up this affair, Who is in 249, Mr. Jones? ‘*A pair of newly married goslin’s,” answered Mr. Jones, looking at ‘the register. ‘‘ Roger Sherman and lady. You recollect them. Green as meadow-grass. Here they are, registered between these two gentlemen.” “They’ve got the missing trunks. I told Mike he was making a blunder. They asked me an hour ago for their trunks, There were only two left in the baggage-room and I sent tbem up.” “‘That’s how it is,” declared the clerk, as easily as if blunders were part of the regular course of life, “Off with you, Mike. Get those trunks from 249 and take them to 260 and weve Aud take care you don’t mix them again. ‘‘Faix an’ I’m no prophet,” rejoined Mike. ‘* Will you pl’ase tell me how I’m to know the which one from the t’other?”, **Can you read?” asked the judge. ‘Can I rade? And me from ould Ireland? Maybe re don’t know that we drown iverybody there that can’t rade, for the honor of the counthry.” You do eh? Then Dve seen some* that swam ashore, that’s all. You'll find ‘ Bluebot- tle’ on my trunk and you won’t want any spy- glass to see it.” . “Here are the keys of these gentlemen’s rooms, Mike,” said the clerk. ‘‘Off with you now, and let me hear of no more blunders.” = shot away, rather glad to escape so easily. The two guests stood by the desk talking and questioning the elerk and Ralph. “A pretty little spark of a city you have here,” remarked the judge, ‘Near as lively as Duluth. And brimful of rogues, I calculate.” “‘T fancy we could gather up a hatful with- out shaking the tree,” answ the clerk. ‘*T will have to go out and take a look at it,” announced the judge, ‘‘Hope I won’t get lost. Lend me a piece of chalk so I can blaze my way. “T will show you around if you wish,” re- marked — modestly. “You ; will you?’ cried the edge, sar- castically. ‘‘ You'll show me around, eh? I’m ever so much mare, T am sure. But Bon oe shown me around once already, and I fancy that will do. I baven’t for, - my young sprout. I owe you one, and I’ve got a rod in for you.” Ralph slipped back behind the irate judge to indulge in a quiet laugh. “Oh, come, judge. Boys will be boys, you know,” broke in the clerk. ‘t You liked a bit of fun yourself in your young days, IJ’ll be bound.” ‘You bet I did!” cried the judee, heartily. ‘“‘We will have to let upon the boy, I guess. But if he tries another game on me, shoot me for a jack-rabbit if I don’t yank him out the window. What time do you sling out supper in this here caravansary?’ ‘* Any time after six.” ** Then look for me on hend. And just cook me a buffalo whole, will you? And hunt me up a sapling for a tooth-pick. I’m from the far North, gentlemen; and I’ve come here to eat out my hotel bill.” He turned away with a free swing, as if he felt he had done bis full duty by Duluth. ‘“One moment, judge,” called Mr, Benson. ‘‘]’ve been around this city a trifle; if you don’t object to company, I wouldn’t mind a walk rouud with you.” “Certainly —of course,” cried the judge, heartily. ‘‘ You’re Benson, of Chicago, | think you said. Hang me, if I remember you! But you know me—that’s enough. I flatter myself [I’m well-known out West, if they haven’t got my peowoerert in these diggings. Come ahead, Benson. ou’re a brick,” , The solid figure of the judge rolled away, fol- lowed by his Chicago acquaintance, Mr. Jones looked at Iph, with a smile of amusement on his very correct face. Ralph broke into a laugh. 2 ‘* What do you think?” asked the clerk, with a significant wink. ‘ He’s either very shallow, or very deep—I can’t make out which, Have you seen anything suspicious?” ‘“‘Nothing, except a fancy for prowling around.” “That's doubtful—very doubtful. And this bluff way may be all put on. I bet he rings in that fellow Benson. Best keep an eye on them, Ralph, See where they go, and what they’re up to. ‘‘I will,” answered Ralph, darting to the door of the hotel, in order to put himself on the track of the two guests. They were still in full view, and in a moment he was on their trail. About the same instant, Mike sig gtd was knocking at the door of room No, 249, sort of fluttering sound came from inside in answer to his knock, but the door remained closed. He knocked again, after waiting for a minute, _ ‘ Faix, I should have axed fur the kay. May- be they’re out.” He waited for some seconds longer, and was about to repeat his summons, when the door opened a crack, and Mr. Sherman made bis ap- pearance. He was without his coat, and was rubbing his eyes, and yawning, as if just awakened from a sleep. «Bra , excuse me; I was asleep,” he apolo- zed, in his abashed manner. “Did you nock? ‘‘T battered me knuckles a bit, anyway,” re- joined Mike. ‘*‘ And what can I do for you?” ‘‘There’s some thrunks here as belongs else- where, and some thrunks beyant as Caicias here, And it’s to distribute them I am.” **But we have no trunks here but cur own. a were brought in just before I lay down.” “Tm doubtful if ye’ve examined ’em,” said Mike. ‘a e hy no. I thought of course they were all %e It’s all wrong they are, thin. And I’m sent here to make’em right. Let me in, and I’!! fotch ye your own thrunks in a jiffy.” The conversation, so far, had been carried on through a crack. Mr. Sherman holding the door but slightly open. “You must wait. You must really wait,” he hastily declared, with a blush. ‘‘ Mrs, Sherman isn’t dressed for company. We'll be ready in five minutes, sir. In five minutes,” ‘* Shure and she needn’t moind me,” protested Mike. ‘It’s not company I am. But faix if the lady’s young and bashful I won’t inthrude on her. Only pl’ase ax her to be spry about it, for ye niver seen sich a pother as the other folks is in. The blushing young husband enceney sat and locked the door. Mike remained outside, rest- ing his shoulders against the wall, and mutter- to himself. Maybe whin the young crayther has lived in a hotel she'll not be so nice about put- her ribbons and laces to resave a porter. ing aha
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Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 5 It’s ’asy to persave that’s she’s niver been an ould traveler.” Mrs. Sherman, however, did not seem inclined to hurry. Mike was kept waiting fo more than five minutes. During this time some faint but odd sounds came from the room that held the young travelers, but Mike paid little attention tothem, Just then his soul was in old Ireland, roaming over the green valley of Ballymacflani- gan, and he had no ears for sublunary things. He roused himself with a start on hearing the voice of Mr. Sherman. ‘“You can come in'now. You must excuse my keeping you waiting. But—you know—” *“*T know this,” said Mike gallantly, as he looked into the peetey face of the young wife. ‘*T know that Mrs. Sherman didn’t nade tbe ribbons and laces as she’s been puttin’ on. Sich a purty bird as her don’t nade fine feathers, An’ ther’s no complimint in a word of it.” ‘*Oh, now, you stop your blarney,” exclaimed Mrs. Sherman, with a laugh of conscious pleas- ure. ‘*Here are the trunks, We've just had time to look at them. Just to think of a man with thatname! Bluebottle! Take themaway, for mercy’s sake, and bring us our own. Blue- bottle! To think of aman with such a name as that! What is he like?” The young lady had certainly found her pane. She rattled on as Mike pulled out the trunks, “Tf ye’ve iver seen a big, fat bluebottle tly swelled out to the bigness of a calf _ye’ll know widout axin’,” rejoined Mike. ‘‘He’s a jolly old blade, from the West. There. Ye'll have your thrunks now, in the twinkle of a banshee’s _ wing.” Away he trundled the trunks on his hall barrow. The husband and wife looked at each other, ‘“‘[’d like to mash that Irishman’s head,” cried Mr. Sherman, in tones loud enough for Mike to bear. ‘* What for?” “For ogling you. I won’t have you ogled and complimented,” ‘‘Mercy, Roger! Then you had best put me in a bandbox, with sealing-wax on the lid. I can't belp being pretty and people of taste can- not help seeing it.” Mike heard all this as he went away. He did not see, however, the looks that passed between the young couple, or he might have guessed that they did not mean all they said. In a few minutes he returned with the correct trunks, and deposited them in grim silence in their room. “There’s your thrunks,” he said. ‘And now, ma’am, yell excuse me fur one word, If he locks up that purty face, as he talks of, just pass me the word. On the honor of an Irish- man I’ll have ye out, if Ishave to bu’st through iron birs. And my name it’s Mike O'Flaherty,” Mike walked grandly away, with a look of stur.y defiance at the busband. He failed to see the look of amusement that passed behind his back. . CHAPTER IV. ANOTHER RAGING PARENT TURNS UP, In a gambling-saloon not far from the Grand Central Hotel sat two men, busily engaged in a game of poker. So Sa at interested were they, indeed, that they failed to notice a youn man who had stationed bimself behind, an gentlemen were the late guests of the Grand Central, Judge Bluebottle and Mr, Ben- son, and the young man who was observing their game was Ralph Ready, the amateur letective of the hotel. “So that’s what Mr. Benson calls showing the judge around?’ said Ralph to bimseif, ‘‘ Wonder if he’s a regular card-sharp, and if he’s playing it on old Bluebottle? Don’t look like it, though. Looks like a solid pork mer- chant, or maybe a chap that goes in on margins, He’s got the regular speculator’s twitch about his eyes.” He drew a chair up behind the gamblers, who were growing deeply absorbed in their game. “‘See here, Benson, where in the blazes did you get that hand?” exclaimed the judge, ex- citedly. ‘‘ You’ve swept me out of a ten, ina whiff. Never mind, I'll have my revenge.” | * Fortune favors the brave,” replied Benson, as he dealt the cards. He was as cool as a cucumber, while his an- ' tagonist grew more heated at every moment. They gave the ee of a practiced gambler and an excitable innocent. At first Benson won, but after a short time the luck turned in the judge’s favor, and he be- : | | P. gan to baul in the stakes. His angry excite- ment now became a jubilant manner. ** Aha! old boy. You thougbt you had me, Ireckon. Didn’t know we had any card-slingers out in Duluth, did you? Look out, Benson, now, I’m going to warp you.” ‘* Chicago never backs down before Duluth,” answered Benson, coolly. ‘*Then here’s a solid ten on this hand. See it if you've got the heart.” Hes ‘See it it is,” retorted Benson, covering the t ** An ace full.” “Take it down,” cried Benson, flinging up his cards. ‘** Waked up the wrong ’possum this time, my boy,” and the judge shook his sides with a hearty Jaugb. ‘Thought you had a softy, didn’t you, that you'd clean right out? It’s your deal, Benson.” The judge swung round in his seat and en- countered the young face of Ralph behind him. At once a look of anger came into his counte- nance, ‘‘Blame your impudence!” he roared, ‘f what are you spying around here, for? Is that what the hotel keeps you for, to spy on their guests? Now get, before I kick you into the middle of next. week,” “Do you own this establishment?’ asked Ralph, composedly. ‘* What the blazes is that your affair?’ ‘Only I wouldn’t begin to run it before I owned it, that’s all.” ‘Did you ever hear the like of that, Benson?” cried the judge, with a hoarse laugh. ‘“‘ That’s the way they bring up boys nowadays. Lord, I’m half-afraid to take off my boots at night for fear some of the boys will be stepping into them. Vamose now, my young rooster! I[ don’t want no half-featbered chicken blinking over my shoulder.” “(All right, judge,” returned Ralph, rising with an easy air. *‘* Peaches ripen early here- aways; and boys are as smart as your men out West. Do you want me to tell Mr. Benson the reason you don’t like a looker-on?” ‘*T want you to mind your own business, and be ‘hanged to you!” roared the angry judge. “Slide now, while your skin’s warm,” ** When are you going to pay me that quarter, judge?” asked Ralph, with a tantalizing air. ** [ve a notion that quarter is about square,” remarked Mr. Benson, with asly smile. ‘‘ Let’s a another table, judge, if this youngster wants this. ‘“‘Nary time,” answered Ralph, rising aud walking away, with a gay whistle. The gamblers turned again to their work, the judge still growling about ‘‘ the infernal im- pertinence of boys nowadays,” while Benson reserved his coolness of demeanor. “ What did he want to tell me, judge?” asked the latter. “Oh, some of his babyish_ fancies,” was the hi and nervous reply. ‘* Don’t ask me for all the nonsense that through a boy’s nod- dle. Deal the cards, Benson, and don’t addle your brains about the young, sprovk. an A faint smile came to Benson’s lips as he obeyed. He evidently “smelt a rat.” Ralph walked whistling away with his hands in his pocksts. After looking around the room in which there were other guests of the Grand Central, he left the establishment, and made his way back to the hotel. * What luck? asked Mr. Jones, on perceivin his deputy. ‘“‘ Anything in the wind?” : ‘* A gudgeon piloting a shark,” answered Ralph, with a knowing wink. ‘‘ Benson led straight to Larry’s eard den.. I caught them in a game of poker. And, bless you, you should have seen the neat way in which the judge put up the cards! He’s a sharp, from the word go. I bet be picks the Chicago greeny as clean as a drv echicken-bone.” “ Didn’t I say so?’ exclaimed the clerk, “Keep an eye on him, Ralph. He’s our man.” ‘‘He plays the bluff as neat as wax-works. Just rants and roars like a big bull calf; and all the time he’s handling the deck like a Mississip- pi gambler.” “Look out he don’t play the same game on the hotel. That's what he’s here for.” ) “He can’t stack that band on me,” replied Ralph confidently. ‘Pll watch him like a hawk after a bluebird. Bet you high I checkmate his little game,” . * _The youthful detective walked igre with an air of shrewdness. He had full confidence in his own ability, and he only wanted a chance to Rohs ‘the judge for his late contumely. Ralph took the elevator and went up to the upper floors of the bo.el. It was part wr his duty to keep an eye upon the halls and corri- dors while the guests were at meals. He had not gone far before be came upon the young runaway wife, Mrs. Sherman, who was moving along in rather a suspicious manner, at some distance from her room. On seeing Ralph her face put on an expression of innocent relief. “Oh, dear sir!” she exclaimed, laying her bands on bis arm aon **T am ever so glad to meet you. I was down to the parlor, and was dreadfully afraid of meeting my—of meeting Mr. Benson. ‘‘She hastily corrected herself, ‘‘ Will you not kindly go abead, and warn me of danger? Oh, if Ican only get back to my room without his seeing me!” ‘* You needn’t be afraid,” said Ralph ina tone of assurance, ‘‘ Your father is not in the estab- lishment.” ‘*My father! Why, I never said he was my father! What ever gave you that fancy?’ She burst into a peal of ringing but somewhat strained laughter. “It won’t do, Mrs. Sberman,” answered Ralph with asly look. ‘ We hotel folks, you know, get our eye teeth cut early, Don’t I know that you’re a precious pair of runawev turtle-doves, and that your daddy is after you?’ “Oh, dear me,. what a fancy!” and she sgain —— merrily. ‘‘Why, we are an old mar- ried couple!” : ; ‘‘ How old?” asked Ralph, looking knowingly into her eyes. ; * You cunning dog!” She tapped bim play- fully on the arm. ‘I really thought we could fool you.” ‘Not so easy,” Jaughed Ralph. ‘‘I know how itis. It is Roger. He is so dreadfully shy. I tell bim he is just lating everybody know. But it’s no use. But, won’ you be my friend, Mr.—Mr.—” “Ready,” suggested Ralph. ‘Mr. Ready, | do so need a friend! Roger is so backward. But you know all the ways of the hotel. You can keep my—Mr. Benson, I mean, away from me,” “ All right,” laughed Ralph. “It is a bar- in. I’m a regular angel in a romance, Mrs. herman. Just leave it all to me,” ‘ “Do you think it safe for us to go down to the supper-table, while be is out? Iam so hun- Bry nd I know the waiter won’t bring moe alf enough to eat, if he brings up my supper,” “Tt is perfectly safe,” answered Ralph. ‘‘Mr. Benson is in good hands, He won’t be beck these two hours.” oo began to see plenty of fun ahead, He iloted the young couple to the elevator. Mr. herman seemed more sby than ever, and startled nervously at the least sound, ‘*Don’t be scared,” Ralph remarked. ‘ No- Oy is going to eat you alive.” “Tam not used to traveling,” acknowledged the bashful spouse. ‘‘ And—and des—” “Oh, put on a stiff upper lip. Folks will be looking at you. This is the way to the supper- room,’ Ralph stationed them at a retired table, called a waiter, and then fixed bimself at a distant table to eat bis own supper, while keeping an eye on the amusing pair. as Mrs, Sher- They were certain] ‘bun man bad declared, if one could. judge by the™ ® pretty bavoc they made in the provisions, young wife, who looked as if she bad been just weaned on rose leaves, made a frightful assault on beefsteak, while her bashful spouse did not seem a bit shy in the presence of a veal cutlet. Ralph continued to watch them, a quiet smile upon his face, as he deliberately made his own supper. “That’s what one might call a wild Western © appetite,” he thought. “That delicate little angel makes no more of a boiled potato than I would of a chestnut. And ber sweet-faced boy © husband ha: got the appetite of a hippopotamus. _ They'll make a famine, sure, if they keep on.” His eyes were fixed on Mr, Sherman, who bad just raised a morsel of cutlet to bis lips. He let it suddenly drop, while a pallor came upon his face. In an instant he had caught up bis napkin and was wiping bis mouth in such a way as to half conceal his face. Ralph followed the direction of Mr. Sber- » man’s eyes. They seemed fixed upon a person who had just entered the room—a tall, thin- faced, beardless personage, with a peculiar set in bis lips, and a keen look in his gray eyes. He stood beside a table, and moved his eyes serply around the room before taking his seat. Mr. Sherman continued to hold the napkin to his face, while be said something in a low tone | to bis wife. “« Another spoke in the wheel,” Ralph said to
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himself. ‘‘ Wonder if this is the boy’s duddy? Looks like it the way the young rogue quails. I must slip them up-stairs quiet y. Pve given as, werd, and am in for it.’ he stranger had now seated himself and was giving his order, but his eyes continued their watchful glances. Ralph got up and strolled over to the young couple. 5 “Pye seen it all,” hesaid. ‘It’s your pater- nal ancestor this time, Mr. Sherman. . There’s no use denying. I can see through it. If he young guests. They rose hastily, partly hidin their faces with therr tiatwhkereh ote Shelte by Ralph they managed to slip unseen from the room, A few minutes sufficed them to reach their apartment. Ralph was turning away, with a strict injunetion to them to keep mum, But the pair rushed forward, Mr. Sherman seizing ene hand and shaking it fervently, while Mrs, Sherman caught and kissed the other. ‘* How ean we ever repay you?” ‘Oh, that’s nothing,” protested Ralpb, break- ing away. ‘‘ Just wait till it’s all through, and see if I don’t circumvent the raging parents,” He hurried briskly away, failing to perceive the peculiar smile that passed between husband and wife. Were they secretly making merry at his expense? A half-hour afterward be noticed the new- comer closely investigating the hotel register and questioning the clerk. ‘*T knew it,” said Ralph triumphantly. “Tv’s the boy’s daddy, or I don’t know peas from persimmons!” CHAPTER V. A MYSTERY AT THE GRAND CENTRAL, RawtpH READY sat in the clerk’s office, with his eyes fixed upon a note-book which he held in his hand. He read its contents carefully, oc- casionally making a fresh note, Mr, Jones turned to him, after getting rid of some inquisitive guests, of that sort'who think a hor clerk is born with a knowledge of every- thing. hg a wonder they don’t ask me next how many square inches goes to an acre in the moon,” he declared, in a vexed tone. “If they’d use their own brains a little they might give mine a rest. How goes it, Ralph? Are you seeing through your milestone?” “1 don’t know just what to make of old Blue- bottle,” answered Ralph, shaking his head doubtfully. “ He’s across between a bluster- ing church deacon and a full-blown rogue.” ‘He looks honest enough, but actions speak Jonder than looks. Have you noticed anything suspicious? ‘* Yes,” replied Ralph, referring to his note- book. “ It’s all down bere,” . hall ter I yo him ale SIO ee on r 6 & stra, oose 1In a over for enack Let on é was lost; but that’s all B me eye.’ , "i Item: He plays the innocent on Benson, works him into a game of poker, ahd stacks the cards on ping . Never saw more barefaced rob- ry ” _ Cheated, did he?” asked the clerk, ‘* Cheated isn’t no word for it. He plucked Benson; that’s the truth.” fA doubtful character and a practiced gam- Bless? considered the clerk. ‘‘ Anything else, ph? _ Ralph referred again to his note-book, “Ttem: Caught him coming out of the room of ene of our guests; This time he was hunting for Benson's room. . Said that Benson had cleaned him out, and he wanted to have his revenge. Got into that room by mistake. Found the door unlocked,” “‘That’s too thin,” said, the clerk. ‘‘ Watch ‘him close, Ralph. He. is after no good. It is odd that people will not keep their doors Jocked. But there ere always some careless fools. If ‘we hear of an epee Bluebottle’s our game.” He gave ph a. significant wink, who answered it by another, te ‘IT caleulate we know a thing or two,” said the youthful detective. ‘‘ Your Western sharps are digging in the wrong field. I’m only a boy, Mr, Jones; but I don’t fancy old Bluebottle can sell me cheap.” “Do you see the tall, sharp-faced fellow over there the paper stand?” asked toe clerk, pointing to the man meant. looked, It was the same man who had given the ronaway couple the start in the supper- room, - : '* Fle is on a scout of some kind,” continued -arat- hole ins Mr, Jones, “Investigated the register, and asked me all sorts of questions about our guests. He is tracking some parties, I know. But he was-so rascally sly that I got on my mettle, and ave him no satisfaction. Folks that want to now every thing and tell nothing, don’t always win their game.” ‘“‘T know what he is after.” ‘You do, eh?” exclaimed Mr, Johes, in sur- prise. ‘‘ What is it, then? Hang me if I could guess,” ‘¢-You know our pair of runaway goslin’s?” “ Yes.” ‘Well, this is the boy’s daddy. Benson of Chicago is the girl’s daddy, Why, they’re scared half out of their skins, They’ve froze onto me as their best friend.” ‘‘By Jupiter, Ralph, I believe you're right,” exclaimed Mr. Jones, energetically. ‘It was a young couple he was spying after. But he was so confounded sly that I threw him off the track, What's to.be done?) Shall we pass them over to their daddies?” ‘‘Nary time,” cried Ralph. ‘‘They’re mar- ried, and that can’t be.undone, I’ve passed my word to screen them from their raging daddies, and I’m going to doit, It’s a neat bit ef sport, Mr. Jones, and that just suits me. And besides they’re so sweetly tender and bashful an idiotic, A nice pair of babes in the woods. It would be a royal shame to go back on them,” ‘* Look out they don’t stack the cards on you, as the judge didon Benson, They might be a pair of Western sharps.” “Do i u see anything green there!” respond- ed Ralph, touching his eye. ‘All right, my boy. But smartness is one thing and experience is another.” “Just you trust me for that. I might be sold by a goose, but I can’t be by a gosling.” This conversation was suddenl Tatewmestod. Judge Bluebottle had just leaped from the ele- vator with a flaming face, and eyes flashing fury. He ran fiercely across to the clerk’s desk, shouldering every y in his way rudely aside. His hat was flung back on his forehead, and his long hair stood out.around, like a loose fringe. ‘** By the rantankerous Rocky Mountain goat!” he shouted, ‘if this isn’t thinner than skim-milk, then sell me for a played-out old jackass! I’ve been robbed, sir!, Robbed! Someot your hotel thieves have gone through my trunk, I tell you! Five bundred in. hard cash, and a package of papers that are worth thousands! Thousand sir! Do you bear me? I’ve been robbed! An if the stuff don’t come back quicker than light- ning I’! make this hotel howl, Take that down, sir! I'll make it howl, worse than a speckled rooster with the gripes!” ; Mr. Jones looked at him in surprise. He was fairly foaming with rage. It didnot look like a trick, “Will yon please’ simmer down, Mr, Blue- bottle?’ advised the clerk in his cool manner, ‘‘T am not a bit bard of hearing, Just come down to quiet logic, and let me know what has. happen R Quiet logic! It’s mighty nice talking! Do ou think my blood’sall buttermilk?’ The irate esterner fairly danced in his excitement, ‘Pye been robbed, I say! Do you hear that?” “‘ We haveasafe here for valuables,” answered the clerk coldly. ‘‘If guests choose to keep their money in their rooms the hotel is not re- sponsible. You will find.the rules of the hotel on — hee door.” ¥ ‘ fs ‘Hang it, sir, my trunk was gone throug before I got it! Y ae blundering porter stuck it in somebody else’s roem, and they went, through it.” tc ‘* Was it locked when you got it?” 4“ Yes.” “ t “Then bow do you know they opened it? It. was in the room of 4 ,young married couple, who are not the kind hat indulge in trunk- robbing. It was not there an bour, and when the porter; went after it he found them both asleep, They didn’t know that they bad the wrong trunks till he. told them. .Sounds likely, don’t it? How do we know but your trunk was robbed on-the train? Or maybe. you forgot to put your money in it.” As Likely I did” roared the, judge... ‘I look like that kind, don’t,1? You'll tell me next that lye forgot my ears. Here’s Benson, .He’s been robbed, too, Ask him if he dropped his cash in of in his trunk.” Mr. Benson bad been standing behind the judge during this tirade, with an anxious face, ut not able to get a word in edgeways. He now stepped forward. — . “I am not sure,” he replied doubtfully, » ‘‘ I had a hundred in greenbacks in my trunk, and there are only fifty there now.” Coe (SAE OSS VE eee. Sere nee nee Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. ‘* How much did the judge win at that little game of poker?” asked Ralph innocently, from his corner. ‘‘ Win? Blazes!: He cleaned me out,” cried | the judge. ‘‘ Went through me like a rat through a biscuit,” “JT thought you were holding the winning hands,” remark Ralph slyly. “Luck turned. Luck turned,” was the hasty reply, ‘*Confound the cards, they always kick up their heels at me. But what’s that got todo with the robbery?” ‘* Maybe you’ve been having some other little games, one, that’s what has gone with your ae ‘“‘Hang your impudent young picture, do you want me to flatten your prying proboscis?’ The furious Westerner seemed on the point of springing over the barrier, and punishing the inquisitive youth. “Come, come, Bluebottle,” said Mr, Benson soothingly, catching him by the sleeve. ‘ There is no use talking here. Let us go lay our com- plaint before the authorities. That’s the place to get justice.” ‘Blast me if your head isn’t level, Benson!” roared the judge. ‘‘Come ahead, old chap. You bet I’m not going to stand this, I'll have my money, or I’]l mortgage this hotel. I’m no slouch, nary time.” ‘ He followed Mr, Benson, still muttering threats of revenge, 7 As may be imagined, this explosion had made a marked sensation in the main hall of the ho- tel. A considerable number of persons were present, guests and visitors, and they crowded curiously around the angry judge. Some fol- lowed him and bis companion from tbe hotel; others pushed up to question the clerk, Some, with anxious faces, made for the stairs and the elevator. These were probably guests who had left valuables in their room, and who had grown ag on hearing the judge’s startling asser- tion, ‘‘T know nothing whatever about it,” Mr. Jones testily answered his questioners, ‘ The trunks got mixed, and were for an hour in the room.of a young married couple, But they were all right when they left there, and I don’t believe a word of this cock-and-bull story. The man has not been robbed in this hotel,” “A young married couple, did you say?” asked the share inend guest whom Iph had conjectured to. be the bridegroom’s fatber. ‘¢ What sort of looking people are these?” **Genuine country folks,” answered the clerk. ‘‘ The lady bas red hair, and the youth a carrotiy nose, and dressed like a guy. Do you know them, sir?” ‘* No,” answered the other. ‘“‘ They are stran- gers to me.” ; pas turned away with an air of disappoint- ment, Mr. Jones winked at Ralpb, as much as to say, ‘1 didn’t pump worth a cent. The cat’s in the bag yet.” Silence and calm fell upon the hotel after this exciting episode. Mr. Jones leaned his arms on his desk, and looked vacantiy off into space. Ralph made a new entry in his note book, The sharp stranger stood leaning against a pillar, following with his a every person that passed through the ball. There was something very keenin his gaze. But this calm was only the pause before the storm. Clouds were gathering, that would soon break out in new thunders, Down came the elevator, and landed a dozen of excited individuals, gentlemen avd Indies, some of them pale, some very red in the face. They were the guests who bad burried up- stairs on hearing of the robbery. | Tr a moment, a redoubled confusion followed the reign of calm. They hurried across to the clerk’s desk, each in eager excitement. “It is true! We bave been robbed. The ho- tel has been robbed!” they cried, in wild anxie- ty. ‘Our rooms bave been entered—we have beer robbed!” f ‘““What is that? cried the clerk, new thor- ougbly aroused. ‘‘ Robbed! Who says he bas been robbed?” “T do,” sturdily answered a stout English- man. “I do, I’ve lost.a dozen. ’andkerebiefs and a bottle of brandy; and J’jl ave it back, sirrah, I’ll ’ave it back. “J have Jost a pair of diamond earrings,” broke in a showily-dressed lady. ‘* Valuable solitaire brilliants. And I know my room door was locked.” ‘Tt is a confounded pity that a man can’t be safe in bis own rooms,” exclaimed a higbly- dresse’ young gentleman. ‘‘! laid bg Nr on the bureau potan hour ago. Forgot it, in fact.
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It is not there now, What do you think of that, sir?’ ‘How miuch money was in it?’ ‘More than three hundred dollars.” The clerk made an effort to reply; but his voice was drowned in those of the other guests, who eagerly recounted their various losses. According to them the thieves bad made a rich haul, ' ‘*T am sorry to hear all this, ladies and gen- tlemen,” remarked the clerk, as soon as he could get an opportunity to speak. ‘It is your own carelessness; I must say. The hotel accepts no responsibility for money or jewels left in the rooms of guests. We provide a place for the safe-keeping of valuables, But, of course, the proprietors of tbe Grand Contra) eannot rest under this imputation. This robbery shall be looked strictly into. I will send for detectives at once and have every suspicious party ex- umined.” As he spoke Judge Bluebo:tle and Mr. Ben- son re-entered the hotel, accompanied by a party who looked like a detective. They were in- phages surrounded by the other victims, who eagerly recounted their losses to the judge. ‘What do you think, Ralph? Is old Duluth our game?” asked Mr, Jones, turning to his subordinate, But Ralph bad gone. eral minutes -before. He had vanished sev- CHAPTER VI. RALPH LEADS A SCOUTING PARTY, THAT there was a bigh state of excitement in the Grand Central need not be told. Ths charge of robbery had fallen like a bombshell in the midst of the guests. Nothing of the kind had ever been known there before. The botel had led,a very quiet, respectable life, and for its calf existence to be broken in this way seemed dreadful to contemplate. The proprietors were quickly notified on the circumstance, and were severely indignant at the base idea. “‘T cannot. believe’ it,” cried one of them, angrily. ‘* Nothing of tbe kind was ever heard of here, These good folks are dreaming. It is a sort of epidemic: a kind of catching disease,” ‘Then you think that a charge of robbery is like cholera or the small-pox?” asked a guest, sarcastically. ‘‘See here, Mr. Mulford, ’m a few steps short of being a fool. I know that I left a valuable ring lying on my bureau, and I know it is gone, aybe you will say that is Pit fancy. I am ready to swear that it is all act, Mr, Jones drew his employer aside, and en- gaged him in an eager, whispered conversa- tion. “There is no doubt of it,” he declared. ‘““There has béen a robbery committed. It is our duty to order an investigation at once, It will not do for it to be said that we shirked in- quiry.” = Certainly not! Of course not! The thing must be looked into immediately. But Iam in a quandary, Jones, Our people are honest. They pet oo been. tried. Who has done this rob- ery “ That is what we want to find out,” smiled Mr. Jones. ‘‘ Officers are on hand now, We must leave it to them to investigate.” In addition to the detective brought by Judge Bluebottle, there was another present, who bad been sent for by the clerk: These men bad been for some minutes busily engaged in questioning the victimized guests. While they did 80; the quiet; sharp-faced man, of whom we have’ al- ready spoken, and who had registered ‘himself as Jobn Ransome, of Toledo, stood leaning in- dolently against 4 pillar, his keen eyes fixed on the faces of the various parties interested, While this was goiug on down-stairs some events of importance were taking place in the upper region of the hotel.’ Ralph, with the in- stinet of a detective, had yer get thither im- mediately on bearing of the robberv, with the intention of examining the indieations. Some- thing of importance might be visible now, which would disappear if not at once looked into. ; That the blustering oli judge was the thief, ha felt sure, the more so as ia had examined the register, and found that the room from which he bad seen him emerging was that of one of the victims of the robbery. “There is no mistake about it,” Ralph con- sidered. ‘“ Old Duluth is our game. A pre- cious rascal he is; too: Robbed himself, eh? That’s an old trick. I bet he finds that he is laying it on the wrong customers this time. ow he roars and rants. It is a very shrewd ‘but it’s dreadful sometimes. | Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Dete game, and might work if played on green country-hotel folks. . But I don’t fancy it will go down in the Grand Central.” This conjecture of Ralpb was certainly a very reasonable one. \ It was the same as was adopted by the detectives down-stairs, when Mr, Jones tcok them aside, and explained his suspicions, In fact it seemed evident on theface of it. It appeared so plain to Ralph that he thought it, on the whole, rather stupid. ‘‘ A keen thief would have covered his tracks up better,” he told himself, And yet it does not always do to accept what seems evident on the face of it. “In this world of tricks and wiles the clear side is not always the true side, as the young detective was likely to find out before he was much older. His investigations were interrupted, ere they had made much progress, by the appear- ance of Mrs. Sherman, who wore on her pretty face a look of eager determination. “Excuse me, Mr. Ready,” she cried, ‘You have been so kind that I hardly dare venture to ask any more favors of you. But—but we are all young folks together, you know. Roger and I have been very hasty and foolish. ut what could wedo?’ She shrugged her pretty shoulders belplessly. ‘We were so much in love, You ought to appreciate our position, for you will be doing the same thing yourself next.” **T will?’ exclaimed Ralph. ‘‘ Well, I guess not, Not if the court knows herself.” ‘** Don’t tell me,” she petulantly replied. ‘tA spry young fellow like you. And you are not much younger than Roger. And ever so much older than me, You would not imagine what a mere baby I am.” “You have lived long enough to know a thing or two,” he answered, looking critically in her face. There were lines there that told that the young lady was quite old enough to take care of erself, “You are a cunning rogue,” she declared, tapping his arm knowingly with her fan. “I have to be wide-awake, Mr. Ready, that is a fact. Roger issuch a ebild. He is no more fit to deal with the world than a caterpillar,” “T fancy so, The young gentleman is sby, that’s certain,” answered Ralph laughingly. ‘‘ But you have wit enough for the pair, Mrs. Sherman.” ‘*T don’t know,” she replied, a look of helpless trouble coming-upon her young face. ‘1 am just appalled when 1 think of all that’s before us. Ido sometimes wish that I was only home again with my dear mother. A runaway match is very sweet and romantic, of course, What will: ever become of us if our fathers overtake us, Mr. Ready? They are both so angry and violent, Lkvow. TI tremble atthe very thougbt of it.” ** They look mild enough,” “They? Whodo you mean? Oh, that notion of yours that they are Whatever gave you such an idea?” ‘*You! do not say that. it is not a true one,” remarked’ Ralph, with @’sly look into her inno- cent blue eyes. “‘Oh,tionsense! You're to sharp. But, Mr. Reaay, do you know ‘that we are perfect pris- oners here? Afraid to move a step for fear we will be seen? And I can’t bear the idea. It makes me just wild to get out, Can’t you slip us out of the hotel somehow without—without anybody seeing us? I must have a)ace around the city, or Pll do something desperate, I know I will) Ralph considered a moment, while her bright eyes‘eagerly read his face, “Tt can be done easily enough, Mrs. Sherman. There is the back stairway. If we ouly meet nobody that knows you in the passages.’ ‘You are ever so kind,” she impulsively cried. “ Just go and see that the way is clear, won't you now, my dear, kind friend? I shall be so grateful, 1 will be dressed for the street by the time you come back.” “TI bardly think you will be waylaid,” he answered. ‘‘ The trouble down-stairs will keep everybody out of the way.” ‘The trouble? What trouble?” ‘“Why, have you not heard? [thought every- paced the house knew, The hotel has been robbed. Several rooms bave beén entered, and valuables stolen, this morning.” _“‘Oh my!” Her eyes dilated to double their size. Sbe laid both bands impulsively on his ou mean ere now.. arm, and looked with a frightened air into his. face. ‘ Robbed? Oh mercy! Why, it’s too dreadfu) for anything! But you are only jok- ing." You are trying to scare me.” ‘**No indeed. 1+ is solid fact.” “To think of it! And Roger and I are ever so careless, Wausn’t ita mercy we stayed in our ctive, Kk rooms} We'd be sure to leave something about, And do you know somebody: did try our door?” “Ts that so? he asked. ‘‘ When was that, Mrs. Sherman?” **Ob, two bours ago. Only suppose, the. door had come open, and I had been there alone, and some dreadful man come in! I would have been scared. out of every inch of my life. And I don’t believe Roger would be much good, in such a case.” ‘*T hardly think he would frighten off a big party,” laughed Ralph, . ‘But get ready, Mrs. | herman. 4 will go see if the coast is clear.” ‘Tam half afraid to let you go, You won’t be long?” ‘You may look for me in five minutes.” Ralph walked briskly away. The frightened young creature stood vabhon after him, with a look upon ber face that meant anything but fright. “Isn't he nice, and good-natured, and soft?’ she said to herself. ‘‘I declare it is a shame to play on tim, But—” She pasmaed her shoulders meaningly as she turned back to her room. Ralph proceeded on his tour of investigation. There were but two persons whom it was neces- sary to avoid, and he fancied he knew where they were to be found. He hastened, accord- ingly, to the main floor of the hotel, where he bed recently Jeft these personages. He found. things very different there from their condition a short time before. The officers and the victims of the robbery bad disappeared. Mr. Jones was not in his accustomed place. Neither of the persons for whom he was seeking were iv sight. : ‘‘ What bas become of them all?’ asked Ralph of one of the hotel employees. ‘They were raising Cain here a few minutes ago.” ‘Mr. Mulford has invited them to a private room, so that the detectives may have a chance to investigate the parties. I believe the rooms are to be examined next.” Ralph turned away after a few words more, ‘* Now is the time to get out my goslings,” be believed. ‘‘If I leave them till the officers get up here they will be scared out of a week’s feathers. Iam not much afraid for Mrs, Sber- man. But poor, little, bashful Roger; what a dear doll-baby of a man he is.” A very few minutes brought Ralph back to the door of the young married couple, Mrs. Sherman was waiting for him rather anxiously. “T am not often nervous,” she declared. “But you have just upset me by your burglar story. We are all ready. We are going to have ever so good a run. I suppose we can come back the same way we go?” ‘*Oh, yes.’ It will not be till after dark,” ‘‘Why don’t you go to another hotel, Mrs, Sherman?” ‘Tam afraid todo anything. You see we've got to creep out only fora walk. I'll, think it all over to-night, though, Come, Roger, we must burry now.’ ’ She was dressed for the street, and held in her hand a large leather bag. Hoge now appeared, also ready for a walk, .He held a bag still larger than that of his wife... » . “We are going shopping,” she explained, “Roger didn’t wavt to carry that bag, but I made him do it, I expect to buy considerable,” Ralph led the way, bis proteges followed in a retreating, sly way that made him laugh. One might have imagined that they had some deep conspiracy in view, or were really escaping from the cells of a prison, 3 fal Their youthful conductor was in his element. This was spice to him, He was fond of adven- ture of any kind, and the kittenish ways of the oung wife bad quite won him over. He was loaned to keep on the side of the runaways, and counter-march on their fathers. It was a re- mance exactly to his fancy. ‘‘Ob, hush! Whatis that?’ exclaimed Mrs. Sherman, in alarm. ‘Somebody is coming. What will we do?” “It is only some of the chambermaids,” sug- gested Ralph. *‘No,” exclaimed Mr. Sherman, with un- wonted energy for him. “It is men’s steps. They are coming up the stairs. Do you not hear them?’ He clutched Ralph’s arm ner-. igre r ‘‘ Mercy on us, boy, don’t be so scary!” was Ralph’s ‘scornful answer. ‘They are. not sharks, and you are not minnows, Come this i yl e led into a side passage, _ The steps of heay feet were now plainly audible, and he taxiel that the committee of investigation was coming to examine the rooms, "
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| | 5 i PR penn emcee: 8 — He led on through a medley of passages. Finally they reached the private stairway of which he had spoken. This they descended, his followers manifesiing an anxious haste which brought @ smile of disdain to Ralph’s face. ‘What children they are,” he said to himself. ‘‘Ttis natural, though, I: suppose. They know no more about lifé than a monkey knows about horse-chestnuts.” Ere long they gained the ground floor of the hotel. They were in’ the servant.’ quarters, several of whom they met, who looked with surprise to see well-dressed guests in this region of the house. Ralph winked knowingly to these persons, and led the way to a door that opened on a rear street. “You aré safe for a run now,” be announced. **You can come back this same way. I pre- sume you can find your way about.” ‘Oh, yes! Do not let us trouble you any longer. ou have been ever so kind. Good- by, Mr. Ready.” 4 **Good-day, you'mean. It is hardly good by yet.” He laughed as he turned back into the hotel The husband and wife looked knowingly at each other. **T hope our darling young goose won’t be too sure of that,” remarked Mr. Sherman, in a tone of vous very different from that he had hitherto ned, CHAPTER VII. ‘ INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY. Taw investigation of the robbery was going on ia the private room of the Grand Central, to whieh Mr) Mulford had led the interested par- ties, The detectives had made a closesearch into the stibject, sharply questioning all the parties econeerned. “They had apparently failed to arrive at any satisfactory conclusions. All the josing parties were sure they bad locked Aheir room doors. Yet the rooms had been entered. By whom and how was the question. The thief must have possessed a master key to the hotel locks. Was it one of the employees? ‘©Who went through my trunk, that is what J want to find out?’ demanded Judge Bluebottle angrily. ‘“‘ What the blazes is the use of your detectives if they can’t answer a plain question like that?” ‘*Maybe we might answer it,” replied one of the officers significantly, ‘‘ but we are not yet repared to answer ope; Where was your trunk at the time you think it was robbed? ** Bless you, do you think I know all the ways and means of the hotel? Ask the clerk there, He's responsible.” és Abe trunks got slightly mixed up,” replied Mr. Jones: *‘ The ‘trunks of these two gentle- men went to the rooms of a young married couple, named Sherman, where they remained for an hour,” “Ab!” said the detective. ‘‘ That is an inter- esting fact. What became of the trunks of thése married folks?” * They got into the rooms of our two friends here, who opened them, and came down stairs in foney dresses.” Mr. Jonés laughed at the recollection. ‘Opened them, did they? How was this, gentlemen? Where did you get keys?” ‘““My key fit the trunk,” cried the judge hastily. ‘*And it was the copy of mine. I never thought of a blunder till I had it open.” ** And did your key fit the trunk you re- ceived?’ asked the officer of Mr. Benson. “No. The trunk was not locked. I knew it was not mine, but I thought I might borrow a change of clothing.” A new laugh arose, Some of those present: had seen him in his change of clothing. “Ig this mixing of trunks a usual thing?” asked the officer of Mr. Mulford. * Not usual. I fancy some of our guests have made a mistake in selecting their baggage.” “What do you mean, sir? Is that an in- sinuation againss me?’ demanded the judge hotly. ‘Do you know who I am, sir?” “Not yet, but I hope to know before long,” was the cold and disdainful reply. “IT am Judge Bluebottle, of Duluth, sir. I can prove my words, sir. And I will chastise the man who dares say I ain’t, sir.” The judge was on his feet, with a very red face and swelling like’a turkey cock 7 Keep cool, my dear sir. You will find that bluster is thrown away here. This investiga- tion must go on, no matter where it bits.” “Who is hindering it, sirrah? I repel your insinuations. Do you dare call my honesty iat question?” Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. — = ——$$$$$_—— —— “Not.at all. I would only say that I want to understand how those trunks got mixed. Next I want to know how your key proved so good for opening strange baggage. Perhaps you have one that is equally good at opening strange doors, If not, how came you in room 407, last evening?” This was a knock-down blow. The judge red- dened and hesitated, Theeyes of the detectives were fixed searchingly on his face. He stam- mered in replying. ‘*T—I was eae Ropar! he declared. ‘I mistook the room. The door was unlocked.” ‘*Is that so; Mrs. Mason? Yow are in 407, I believe.” “*T always lock my room door,” replied the person addressed, a good-looking, showily- dressed lady, of an uncertain-age. ‘*Ideny the allegation. I know it was locked this morning. And yet I lost.a box of costly laces.” ‘If your room is the one spoken of, it was open last night,” answered the judge, more calmly. ‘* You will be claiming next that I am the thief. I, that am the greatest victim of the party.” ‘* We have only your word for that,” replied Mr. Mulford, with cold suspicion, “And I'd have you know that my word jis never called in question. By the great Rocky Mountain goat V’ll knock the next man that calls me\a thief into the middle of next week! I can prove who I am, sir, I am no base ad- veriturer, .I have been robbed in your hotel, and I am bound to beredressed, or somebody shall bowl! You can’t quiet me by calling me a thief. Now you hear that?’ **Come, come, judge,” cautioned, Mr. Benson laying a hand on his arm. ‘‘‘There’s no good in losing your temper. Keep cool. is nothing without proof.” % Losing m temper?” roared the irate Wes- terner, ‘ Who says I’m losing my temper? I Hang it, sir, I tell you I am cool! Accusation am cool, sir. I'd like to see the man that dares say, I can’t | keep my temper.” He glanced around the room with the fury of a caged hyena. During this conversation the detectives had continued silent, closely watching the faces of the parties concerned. Doubted parties will often weave the repe to hang, themselves, if given a free opportunity. Just what conclu- sion the officers had’ come to did not appear. Their countenances were impassive. A. marble statue would have shown as much emotion. One of the detectives now spoke, ‘“‘This recrimination is utterly useless,” he said, ‘* We cannot arrive at the truth by wild charges like these. It is best to get the evidence first ere we form conclusions. There are. two parties whose testimony we absolutely need, ere any decision can be reached.. Will you please send for Mr. a-d Mrs. Sherman?” ‘‘ Certainly,” answered Mr, Mulford, turning to give an order, ‘““One moment,” came a new voice. |‘ Ex- cuse me for interfering.. But I would like to hear what is known about these people’ before they are brought here.” e person speaking was Mr, Ransome, the sharp-eyed individual whom Ralph believed to be the young bridegroom’s father, So far dur- ing the investigation he had remained quietly leaning against a post, intently listening and observing. He now stepped forward. “(]T have already told you all about them,” cried’ Mr, Jones hastily and angrily. ‘It seems to me that you are very inquisitive about persons.” ‘*T have my reasons, sir. You probably had your reasons for seeking to deceive me.” There was a very sb&rp ring in his voice. Mr. Jones colored and grew confused. “You annoyed me by your questions,” he declared. “And you humbugged me with your an- swers. Or tried to doso.” “Come, come, gentlemen,” exclaimed Mr. Mulford. ‘All this is useless, As for these persons we know nothing about them. They are new guests. A very young couple. Seems to be a runaway match.” ‘“‘ The lady small, pretty, with blue eyes, and flaxen hair?” ‘Precisely. And the gentleman a good-look- ing youth. But painfully shy. Do you know them. sir?” “That I. cannot say. But I should advise that, instead of sending for these persons, we P to their room. If they are concerned n this business a moment’s warning may give them an opportunity to dispose of important PT chmectllent sugusetiou,” replied. oxie of the ‘ An exce ,”” replied, one o' detectives. ‘It is necessary also to examine the rooms which were entered. The thieves may have left their tracks.” “Tf Mr. Sharp bas no. objections, I will go with him to the room of the Shermans,” re- marked Mr. Ransome. ‘‘ If I know them, asis possible, my knowledge may be useful,” ‘“‘ Certainly,” replied Mr. Sharp, a little, wiry man. ‘ It is best not to go in a body.” In a few minutes afterward the committee of investigation had entered the elevator, and were ascending to the upper floors. It was at the exact time that Ralph was prepared to set out with bis seemiagly verdant proteges. They left the elevator op the third floor, upon which some of. the thefts had been committed. While one detective Prapared to examine the rooms upon this floor, Mr. Sharp, in company with Mr. Ransome, ascended the stairs to the floor above, on their special mission. They were accompanied by the hotel-clerk, who had taken a severe dislike to the sharp-eyed and inquisitive stranger. t was their steps upon the stairs that had caused the rapid retreat of the Shermans and their guide. In a few moments the detectives’ party reach- ed their goal, ‘¢ This is the room. . No, 249,” remarked Mr, Jones. ‘I presume they are within, They are a pair of sadly-scared runaways, who have been afraid to step outside their room door, The seem to be in mortal terror of pursuit by their parents. Have had their meals sent to their room.” An odd look came upon Mr. Ransome’s face, as he listened to this information. The detective knocked. No answer came, He repeated it sharply. Stillall was silent withiv. “They are asleep, or any are out,” he de- clared, with a rat-tat on the door loud enough to awaken the dead. A pause followed. All continued in utter silence. ‘‘Hvidently the,room is empty,” he con- sidered, ‘‘ Your guests have got over their fright and have gone out.” ‘It would seem so,” remarked Mr. Jones, “Can you open the door? It is important that the room be examined,” “Certainly, I will obtain a key.” Mr, Jones departed, leaving his companions to await his return. They waited in silence, few words passing between them. In a few minutes the remainder of the party ascended to the upper floor. They had finished their search below. The. process was rapidly completed. _Room after room was opened and examined, but nothing in the way of evidence appeared. The thief or thieves had left none of those tell-tale tracks which the sharpest criminals so often leave behind them, ‘‘These have been no common rogues,” mut- tered the detectives. ‘‘ A. practi hand has ‘been at work here.” “Mighty well up in bad practices,‘ growled the judge. ‘‘Here is my room.” . He threw open the room door as he spoke. ‘‘ And yonder is my trunk. I wish you. would tell me who went through it. It isn’t the eash, sir, though five hundred is a pretty sum. But they’ve robbed me of papers that are worth. thousands. Thousands, sir.” : The detective had entered, and was.castin his eyés around the room with. professiona sharpness. ; *T should like to see the inside of your trunk,” be coldly said to the prise, ;, ‘Certainly. Certainly. want you to ex- amine everything. Hang me if it.isn’ta pretty go, to be robbed first, and then accused of steal- ing afterward. When this business is over I’m going to have my turn.” He glared angrily at Mr. Mulford as he spoke. The detective, with little attention to this angry bluster, kneeled before the open trunk, an n @ minute examination of its con- tents. ; ) He rose to his feet after a few minutes, bold- ing in his hand a narrow piece of ribbon, of a peculiar shade of red. , poneee anybody recognize this article?” he asked. Mrs. Mason oprung forward and snatched it from his band, looking at it with eager eyes. ‘It is mine!” she declared. ‘‘I.can swear to it. I left it in my room this morning, It was tied in a bow, but bas been o ou can sen the creases, and the pin-holes.” She beld it up triumphantly, and fixed her eyes with an accusing glance.on the disturbed face of Judge Bluebottle. ‘‘-Yours!”’ he cried excitedly. ‘“‘I’ll swear, then, it never went into that trunk by my
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' shrewd expertness of a professional, yet noth- hands. There is some confounded rascality and mystery behind this,” “No mystery at all,” answered the detective coldly. “It is only one of those blind errors that thieves are constantly making. You are my prisoner, sir.” His hand fell heavily on the judge’s shoulder. ““Me? By the eternal—” “There. Save your breath. You will need it elsewhere. I eg hehh be. on the charge of rob- bing the rooms of the Grand Central Hotel.” CHAPTER VITI. THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG. Mr. SHARP looked keenly about the room of the Shermans, to which he had just been ad- mitted. Mr, Ransome stood, with folded arms, leaning iu his usual easy attitude against the door-post quietly looking on. **Your shy birds have flown from their nest, at any rate,” remarked the detective. ‘‘We must wait for their return before we can ex- amine them. The room looks all right, It has been only temporarily deserted.” He was closely examining the apartment as he spoke. Several articles of clothing bung on the wall hooks, or were thrown over chair- backs. The bed was rumpled, as if it bad been recently used. Some hair-pins and a bit of rib- bon lay on the bureau. ‘There was nothing of a suspicious character. “Just as I told you,” remarked the hotel clerk, with a triumphant glance at Mr. Ran- some. ‘It is ridiculous to suppose thet this boy and girl had enything to do with the rob- bery.” ‘Perhaps not,” was the quiet reply. ‘ Yet you will please bear in mind that they had the trunks of your two Wes'‘ern guests for an hour in theirroom, Both the parties claim to have been robbed. In a question of this kind, my dear sir, the improbable often Ly be the true. What do you tink, Mr. Sharp?” ‘© You are quite correct, sir,” replied the offi- cer, a must say that you have the proper idea. He continued ais investigation with the ing appeared to give warrant for the slightest suspicion, ‘* There only remain the trunks,” he at length said. ‘‘We must await the return of their owners before we can open them.” ‘‘Why not open them yourself?” inquired Mr. Ransome. ‘Because we have no key, and nothing has appeared to warrant our forcing them open. *I faney not,” came another voice. ‘‘The business is ended. The thief has been found,” The speaker was one of the other section of the party. Wee “The deuce you say! Who is this thief then?’ “The blustering old Western sharp that christens himself Judge Bluebottle. Some of the stolen goods were found in his trunk. The job is nailed on the heavy rascal.” At this moment the remainder of the party camé by; the officer with a hand on thé arm o the prisoner, who was fiercely protesting. “Hang your ugly picture, if I don’t make you, sweat for this, the saints help me!” he ejac- ulated. ‘* I’m well known, sir. Ican prove my character. I'm a member of the Legislature. Vm a Minnesota judge. Do you hear mé, sir? I can bring @ cart-load of testimonies as to who Tam. ‘‘ We have one testimony that will not quite fill a cart, but it will answer,” the officer uietly replied. ‘* When you explain how Mrs. Mason 's ribbon got into your trunk your case will look clearer than it does now.’ “Explain it, sir? I don’t pretend to explain it. I know nothing about it. fernal conspiracy to ruin me. But you're bark- ing up the wrong tree. If you know when you're well off you won’t wake up old Blue- bottle.” 4 Mr. Seatg ipo in a Jow tone with his asso- ciate. He then turned to Mr. Jones. “You may lock this room again,” he re- marked. ‘“‘We seem to have found the tree that bore the apple. However, you will please advise me when the Sheraians return. They may give some useful evidence.” : The officers walked on with their prisoner. There remained bebind Mr. Ransome and the clerk. Mr. Benson also left the party and joined them, His face was Marked by an expression of anxiety. py an ably for old Bluebottle,” he said. *: He seems such a bluff, hearty sort of a chap. Bat I am afraid he is any rascal, and that this bluster is all play. I trie There’s some in- him and he fingered the cards on me shamefully, This young man can tell you'that,” He referred to Ralph, who had just walked up with a very much surprised face, “That is so,” he admitted. ‘You were cheated badly. But I did not know you per- ceived it.” ‘You. opened my eyes,” was the answer. ‘But the old rat was a bungler after all. When I saw his game [ played a little counter of my own on him, and cleaned him square out, Taught bim a lesson, I fancy.” A laugh followed this admission, ‘What is the trouble?” asked Ralph. ““We have hit on the robber,” replied Mr. Jones. ‘It isthe man we suspected, old Blue- bottle. A precious rogue he is, He is good for a five years’ visit to the penitentiary. But where are the Shermans, Ralph? I did not think those mice would stir from their holes,” ‘They have gone out for a run,” answered Ralph. ‘I piloted them out by the back stair- way. You never saw such a pair of scared sparrows in your life.” Mr. Ransome stood in his usual lounging posi- tion, twisting a piece of paper between his fin- gers. It wasacurl-paper which he had picked up from the floor near the bureau, His shar eyes, which had been fixed on Mr, Benson’s face, were now transferred to Ralph’s. ° “ What are they scared about?” he asked. Ralph looked hastily up, with ill-concealed alarm, **Oh, only that they are not used to city life, and imagine all sorts of ridiculous notions. They fancy everybody is going to victimize them.” He spoke ina tone of assumed careless- ness, ‘Come, come, Ralph, that won’t do,” ex- claimed Mr, Jones. ‘ There is no use trying to conceal what everybody knows. It is a run- away match, gentlemen. They area couple of young geese, from somewhere West, and are in mortal dread of being overtaken and spanked by their daddies.’ Ralph started in alarm and indignation. He had laid out a neat scheme to humbug the fathers of the runaways, and keep his promise, and here was bis plan utterly destroyed. He cast a look of fury at Mr. Jones, and then one of sarprige at the two others, who displayed none of the emotion he had expected. The only expression on Mr. Benson’s face was one of slight chagrin. He had withdrawn a step, and stood looking with covert uneasiness at Mr, Ransome, **T hope their parents will overtake them,” said the latter carelessly. “‘I don’t like these baby marriages.” Ralph looked at him with wide-open eyes. ‘*What,” he cried, ‘* you don’t mean—” ‘* Nothing more than | said.” “Then you are not the father of the young gentleman?” “f his father?’ It was Mr. Ransome’s turn to look surprised. ‘‘What do you mean by such nonsense? I am nobody’s father.” “ And you are not the father of the bride?” He addressed Mr. Benson. “Not if I know myself,” ry iy Mr. Ben- son, with a somewhat strained laugh. “Then all I’ve got to say is that they are a pair of blooming young liars,” cried Ralph en- ergetically. ‘*They didn’t just say you were their fathers; but they acted it all out. Why, they saw you in the supper-room last night, and were scared out of a week’s growth.” This was addressed to Mr, Ransome. “T saw them,” he quietly replied, ‘“‘ and thought they acted ergy I cannot imagine what ails them. Mistook me for somebody else, probably. Folks with guilty consciences start from a shadow.” His tone was very calm and even, his face destitute of expression, ‘‘ There is no use to examine their rooms any further,” he continued. ‘‘If the detective found nothing, we are not likely to, I hardly fancy that babes in the woods like these are burglars.” The speaker turned on his heel and walked away, asif wees of the whole business, Mr. Benson followed him, with an undecided expres- sion of face. Ralph looked at Mr. Jones with curious inquiry. ‘** There is some mighty queer dodge here,” he exclaimed. ‘What did they mean by lettin on that these two men were their fathers, an that they were afraid of being captured by them?” ‘They meant to play a trick on you, Ralph,” laughed Mr. Jones, as he closed and locked the room door. ‘They are practical jokers, and have got one in on you.” ‘Tt looks like it,” he rejoined, with a thought- a game of poker with ' ful expression, ‘I thought all along that that ’ girl was anything buta baby. All right for them, but it’s my turn next.” “ Look out, Ralpb,” answered Mr. Jones, still laughing. ‘* You’ll get in a worse pickle. They are too sharp for you.” ‘*Very well, then. But if they fool me with my eyes open wed can eat me, that’s all.” ‘Go down to the Central station,” continued the clerk. ‘‘ Bring me word of the Bluebottle hearing.” “Ay, ay,” answered Ralph, walking away with a downcast expression. Mr. Ransome had by this time left the hotel. He walked steadily on to the corner of the next street. Here he turned shortly on his heel and looked back, like one that dreads pursuig, A quick, searching glance satisfied bim, and he continued his walk, A few minutes brought him to the vicinity of the municipal buildings of the city. Here he again paused, and stood a few minutes in a lounging attitude on the steps of the mayor’s office. Nothing seemed to escape the glances of his very keen eyes. He suddenly turned and disappeared within the building. Here he sought the office of the chief of police, and was fortunate enough to find that functionary alone and disengaged. A long and apparently interesting conversa- tion followed. It had not proceeded far ere the judge left his office and sent private messages by the police telegraph to every station in the city. He also dispatched en cfficer, in citizen's dress, to the Grand Central Hotel, with special instructions, te a This done, he returned and resumed his con- ference with Mr. Ransome. Their conversation continue for some time longer, At length Mr, Ransome rose. “Then you agree with me that the prisone had best not have a bearing to-night?” “Yes, If he is discharged it might ruin our plans. And to hold bim as convicted does not seem desirable.” ‘*T would be sorry to have bim Jocked up in one of your horrible police-cells over night. He is really an estimable character. Could nos bail be managed?” “Certainly,” answered the cbief, with a knowing wink. ‘I will see that itisdone, A political friend of the judge, you know,” “Very good. The chance that our birds will fly back to this nest is a frightfully slim one, of course. But human nature is a queer affair. We must take every precaution, If they should be blind enough to return we must do nothing to scare them off. If not”—he shrugged bis shoulders significantly—‘‘we have a difficult game to Le Nhe A balf-hour afterward Judge Bluebottle was brought up before a police-magistrate. He was still boiling over with indignation, and com- menced a haves tirade, which the magistrate with some difficulty cut short, **Please save your ammunition until you see your bird,” he cuttingly remarked. ‘I cannot give you a hearing to-night,’ Your case must lay over until morning. Officer, please remove the prisoner.” ‘ “ Excuse me,” said a red-faced man standing near. “It is an outrage to Jock up ® ventieman in your station-cells. know Judge Biucbottle. I will go his bail.” ’ “Very well, Mr. Blondin. The bail is fixed at two thousand dollars, Shall I draw up a bail bond? “ Certainly. I don’t care a fig for the amount. . I fancy I am good fer it.” The’ prisoner stood gazing at his friend with open-mouthed surprise, as he signed the neces- sary papers. , “You are free for tonight,” remarked the magistrate coldly. office at ten o’clock to-morrow for a hearing.” The released prisoner turned impulsively to his friend, and warmly seized his hand. ‘‘T don’t know who the blazes -you are,” he exclaimed, ‘“‘but Pll be shot if you ain’t a straight man.” **T know who you are, then,” was the reply. “Come, judge, let’s have something warm on this. It’s my treat.” Mr. Ransome rose from a shadowy corner and followed them from the room. CHAPTER IX. s RALPH GETS AN EYE-OPENER. Tue hearing of Judge Bluebottle on a charge of robbery of the rooms of the Grand Central — Hotel, was concluded. The evidence against him was not great, yet it seemed decisive. Ralph Ready had testified to two circum- stances, One of these was the transparent cheat- ing at cards by the prisoner. This was ruled *You will appear at this © { { : (
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2 RE, ee ee .me down fora half-primed blower. “most of those present. kO out, as having no bearing on the case. The other was, that he had seen the prisoner coming out of the open door of 407, Mrs, Mason’s room. “ Tt is all a mistake,” roared the prisoner.. “‘ I was looking for Benson. Why don’t people lock their doors?” Cay ¥ ‘‘ Who is Benson?” asked the magistrate. ‘‘T don’t know who the blazes he is! Some jack-a daisy. .He says be knows me, but I never saw the chap before—I’ll swear that!” ‘‘ What did you want with him, then?” “ He salted me out of a fifty at poker, and I wanted revenge, that’s all.” “Did you look in the bureau-drawers for Benson?” asked the magistrate. ‘‘ And did you take this asa memento?’ He held up the piece of ribBon. ‘Tf I ever saw the confounded strip of dry- goods before, I’ll be shot!” ** Mrs, Mason.” The lady witness stepped forward. Her testimony was to the effect that nothing had been taken from her room at the time in question. Sbe had worn the bow on the eyen- ing of that day, The robbery had taken place on the succeeding day. As to her room-door, she was sure that.she always locked it. Her evidence that the ribbon was undoubted- ly hers, avd the testimony of the officer that he had found it in the prisoner’s trunk, closed the examination, . ‘‘The prisoner stands committed for trial,” coldly remarked the magistrate, as be drew some blanks from a drawer, and commenced writing. ‘It’s a blamed. sweet country,” cried the judge, “‘ where they hang a man for a bit of ribbon as long as a. baby’s finger. If I plundered the hotel, where is the rest of the stuff? Tell me that.” There was no answer. A man had entered the room from behind, and was whispering to the magistrate, The latter nodded Deere gf ‘Has the prisoner bail to offer for his ap- pearance at court?” he asked. The red-faced man who had gone bail before, sapgee briskly forward. ‘*T will continue on the bail bond,” he re- marked. ; ‘‘Excuse me, Mr, Blondin. The bail is in- creased, Five thousand is the smallest sum I can aecept.on so serious a charge,” “Very well, sir, I will be surety for that amount.” be aceused man rushed forward and grasped Blondin’s band. with effusive emotion, ‘‘-You’re a. boss, sir! You’re a high-toned boss! Blame me if I knew they grew that sort around here, . Just you come out to Duluth, and if 1 don’t give you a lively sbake out, then set The idea of a man of my standing stealing a bit of woman’s finery! What would I do with it? Won’t somebody tell me? Wouldn’t I make a - sweet dude witha red silk bow on my coat col- lar? Pish on such nonsense!” A laugh followed at the utter disgust of the old fellow’s tone. He touched his bailsman on the shoulder. ‘Come, Blondin, we'll have a whisky smash on this, owre a man, you are. Shoot me if I could Bay that for everybody I’ve got my e ! oPhey. left ths room together, followed by There was a uliar expression on Ralph Ready’s face as he left the magistrate’s office. He seemed dreadfully de- pressed and downcast, Something had _hap- pened to deprive him of his usual confident en- thusiasm. y He had reached the pavement.outside when his gwress was arrested by a touch on his should:r. He turned quickly. There stood a wan in the uniform of a police officer, “One moment, young man,’ said the latter iefly. ‘‘ You are wanted inside.” Tam? Who wants me?” “That you will soon learn.. Follow me.” ‘Not much,” answered Ralph, shortly. ‘I ain’t no wooden man, to move when you turn a peg. If you’re arresting me show your war- rant. If not, say what you want. That’s my ss, epee The officer laughed heartily. “You sre a prime young one,” he admitted. “T am not arresting you, my lad, But the chief of police wants to see you in relation to this robbery.” ; ‘‘That’s a horse of another color. Wh didn’t you say so half an hour ago? Go ahead, I'm after you.” | : ; The chief’s office was a retired.room in the in- terior of the building. It was so dim and shady that Ralp was not able at first to clearly see the faces of the persons. present. He could merely make out two individuals, one a stout person, the other tall and spare. ‘* What is your name?” asked the stout per- son, who sat at a desk, pen in hand. ‘Ralph Ready.” “You are employed at the Grand Central Hotel?” * Yes, sir.” **T wish to know something about two of the guests of that hotel; a young married couple, registered under the name of Sherman. They left the hotel stealthily yesterday afternoon. Have they yet returned?” Ralph did not answer. His eyes had now grown accustomed to the dim light of the room, and he recognized, with a start of surprise, the tall man as Mr. Ransome. ** You here!” he ejaculated. ‘¢ Yes,’ was the smiling response, terested in this business. “You have not answered my question,” said the chief, ** And I don’t intend to,” rejoined Ralph, with a sudden freezing up. “I am not under oath. I want to know what sort of a trap this is be- fore I walk into it,” He stolidly seated himself, and laid his hat on a table. He had no notion of being used asa blind tool, The chief turned and fixed his eyeson the young man with the look of one, who was not used to refusals. It was a glance. that had made many a criminal quail, but it had no effect on Ralph. He was wide awake enough to know that he could laugh at police threats. At this moment the office door opened and an officer entered, He banded the chief several papers. The latter read them crrefully, and then passed them with a smile to Mr. Ransome, Ralph opened his eyes with surprise, Who was this stranger? How had he come into the confidence of the chief of police? What did it all mean?” “Very satisfactory,” remarked Mr. Ran- some, on quickly reading the papers. “‘ They are in the city yet.” ‘ And have not returned to the hotel. You need not answer, Mr. Ready.” 7 *T don’t intend to,” replied Ra ph sturdily. ‘‘You can wake a witness of me, if you want. But you can’t make a tool of me,” ‘* See here, ay sharp bors: remarked the chief severely, wheeling his chair around to face Ralph. ‘‘Do you know that you have been assisting criminals to-escape from. the law?” If he thought to frighten Ralph by this asser- tion he was somewhat mistaken, The boy was utterly ata loss to know what all this meant, but he did not scare easily. ‘J don’t see, what yeu are driving at,” he de- clared. ‘‘If you mean that pair of spooney lovers they haven’t come back yet. mney have got lost somewhere about the city I judge, for they are green as geese, You ain’t intending to hint that those babies bad anything to do with the robbery? Why, the detective searched their room as sharp as a cat after a mouse, and he didn’t find a sign.” ‘‘ Did they take nothing with them when they went out?” ‘* They both had good-sized leather hand-bags, They were going shopping, they said.” ‘Did you notice whether those bags appeared to be full or empty?’ asked Mr, Ransome, ““They had a sort of fat swell in them,” A smile passed between the twomen, ‘See here, my boy," remarked Mr, Ran- some, suddenly. ‘‘We have no wish to keep you in the dark. The hotel was robbed by the Shermans, and you have been bumbugged by them, This isa matter which it is necessary to keep secret, but I have u reason for telling it to vou.” ; ‘You will have to prove it to me,” answered Ralph, with sturdy doubt. ‘‘For I don’t believe a word of it.” | The two men conversed in a low tone for a minute, while the obdurate witness fixed bis “Tam in- |. eyes obstinately on the ceiling. He declared to himself that this was all fudge. It was out of the question that that pair of stray babies could be the hotel robbers. ** Why, old Bluebottle has been convicted of the robbery,”:he suddenly broke out. “ Mason’s ribbon was found in his trunk.” “ Don’t be too sure of that,” replied Mr. Ran- some. | ‘It is not so safe to swear to a strip of ribbon... The color is peculiar, it is true; but we can’t bang men on the color of ribbons. Here is the article. Have you ever seen any- thing like it before?” Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. coming out of the bright sunshine, | Ralph took the strip of silken tissue, and look- ed at it closely. A growing suspicion came into his eyes as he did so, ‘*T have,” he answered, in a low tone, ‘‘ Mrs. Sherman wore a ribbon in her hair of that ex- act color, when she came to the hotel.” His hearers gave a slight start at this iaforma- tion. ‘*No. It was open, as it is now.” ‘* When did you last see her wearing it.” ‘* Not after the first time. She wore blue af- terward,” “This is. important evidence,” remarked Mr. Ransome. “The Irish porter was sent for the trunks which had been taken by mistake to their room. He was kept waiting, on tbe plea that they were notdressed. May they noi have been examining the judge’s trunk at that mo- ment? In their baste to complete their work the ribbon may have been dislodged from the woman’s head, and dropped unnoticed into the trunk.” *“Ttis an important fact,” replied the chief. ‘‘This ribbon has never formeda bow. The creases are not in the correct position. These have been made by an irregular crumpling.” Ralph listened with open mouth and eyes. To what was all this to lead? And why had he been taken into the confidence of the authori- ties? ‘One word more,” said Mr. Ransome, ‘‘ You have told me that the detective made a thorough search of the room of the Shermans. Permit me to say that he overlooked one im- portant piece of evidence. Will you please read what is written on this scrap of paper?” He handed Ralph a scrap of writing paper. It was very much creased and crumpled, but had been smoothed out. It seemed a portion of a letter, and contained some torn lines of writing, to the following effect: “* * * * at Philadelphia, the 16th Sep- * * .* *.- chance .of jsuccess if we * ?. ¥ ©. the old game, ‘Yours truly, Norax B.” ‘That served your young lady friend as a curl paper,” remarked Mr. Ransome, ‘* But I don’t understand it,” declared Ralph. “There is nothing bere but a name.” ‘Excuse me. Thereis considerably more. I happen to know what sort of a game ‘the old’ ame’is. And Norah B. means. more to me than Eliza Sherman. Dolt that I was to let them escape me again, when I had them under my thumb!” Ralph started up in excitement. The mean- ing of all this was beginning to get into his brain. And be began to see, that he bad been frightfully humbugged by his innocent-seeming pro i : ‘‘ Who are they then?” he demanded, ‘‘ They were scared when they saw you, and got out of the room with handkerchiefs to their faces, [ helped to cover them?” ‘*1 know you did,” answered Mr. Ransome, “ And you did it so well that lL could not fairly seethem, Your ass of a clerk also. threw me off the track. He was'too confounded smart.” “ But the young fellow made believe you whs his father,” faltered selnhs “Don’t mind that, Mr. Ready,” said Mr. Ransome, in a kindly tone. ‘They have fooled older per-ons than you. Even smart detectives bave been deceived by this innocent pair.” ‘* Who are they then?’ “The most dangerous hotel thieves in the United States. They have just made ® round of the West, where they made a rich haul, They bave come bere to ply their trade in the East. The Grand Central escaped better than it would have done but that they saw me.” ‘Ah! But they-are so young.” “Not so young as they look,” answered Mr. Ransome, with a laugh. “They are good at masquerading. They may be quiet, old: folks from the country at their next. hotel,” “ And to think that I was sold so cheap!” eried Ralph. ‘I hid them from their daddies! I led them out the back way! I played watch- dog for a pair of sharps! Oh, won’t somebody kick me? You needn’t try to knock my brains out, for I haven’t got any.” ; ‘Are you going to take this sell quietly?” asked Mr, Ransome,,with a smile. . ‘‘ Not much. am I!” ejaculated Ralph, “I bet I get even with those shy ducks yet. The sweet spoons! I’m going for them flat-footed.” “That is why I sent for you,” remarked Mr. Ransome. ‘‘ You have seen them. You should know their faces even under a disguise.”
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‘* T couldn’t be foole? easy.” “Then [ want your help. I have come East in pursuit of these sharpers. But they will not be easily captured, and we must move very carefully. Can 1 trust you to keep silent?” “TI bet you can! I’m your boy square out. They've had their sell on me. It’s my innings now.’ CHAPTER X. OCKS AND LOCKETS. ‘“¢'THeRE’s a confoundedly smart party of them!” said Ralph to himself, as he balanced himself on two legs of a chair, ‘‘ There area pair of smart detectives. There’s a smart Ben- son, and-a mighty smart Ransome, There’s a smart chief of police, and a howling smart pair of Shermans. There’s only one blazing fool in the company, and that’s me. To think of the neat way I was taken in and done for! I’ve half a mind to have a prize-fight of my own, hang me if I haven’t! To stand up beforea loge ine aun and punch my own head.” He laughed to himself at this neat way of punishing bimself for his folly. “Tt ain’t all a fool,” he continued. ‘ But if I set. my smartness to fight with my foolishness, I don’t know whieh would whip. Anybow I’m not going to be discounted by all these smart folks, . I’m appointed amateur detective, and I bet [ don’t disgrace the office.” He held his note-book open in his hand, at a well-filled page, on which his eyes were fixed, ‘“‘ The wise traveler lays out his road before he starts on bis journey,” he muttered. ‘ Now if I'm going to act detective, I’m not going it blind. They want to use me for a cat’s-paw to ull their chestnuts from the fire. Not much, I ancy. T'lllet this Ransom see that a boy ‘has some brains. First question, who is Ransome anl who is Benson, and what are they after? They ain’t the Shermans’ daddies. That point’s setiied. But the Shermans know them. Itake it that Ransome is a Western detective, whu is on their track. He is too ridiculously wide- awake to be anything else. But whois Benson, and what is his litthe game? That’s the first matter on the programme,” He made seme fresh{ notes in his book, then thrust it into his pocket, and sprung to his feet. There was one thing to be done immediately; in sending the trunks to the wrong rooms. Pos- sibly that might put him on the trail of the Ralph was impulsively proceeding toward the baggage-room of the hotel, when he was ac- pany with Mr, Ransome and Mr, Benson, whom 6 left standing in the hall, while he hurried “Stop there, you will-of-the-wisp,” laughed the clerk. ‘ You must be in a terrible hurry, where to find the nearest. Tell bim to come at ‘and bring his keys. Toere are some trunks to be opened.” “All right,” cried Ralph. He instantly divined that the object was to examine the trunks of the Shermans. He sion, ‘Little they will find there,” he said to him- leave any clew behind them. They are too wide awake to be snapped up easily, 4 can tell Mr. A few minutes sufficed to complete his errand. He fortunately found the locksmith in and at midable bunch of keys, and accompanied the young messenger back to the hotel, : returo in room 249, “We wish these trunks opened,” said Mr. ‘I fancy not,” replied the locksmith, after a glance at the locks. began. operations with his keys. The others waited. Mr. Ransome bad taken bis usual easy jamb,*with an expression as if he had no con- cern in the result. Mr, Benson stood resting undisguised eagerness on the smith. Ralph rested on the bed, covertly watching Benson, to find out who was responsible for the mistake thieves. costed by Mr. Jones, The latter was in com- after the rapid-moving lad. I want you to go after a locksmith, You know once here in a twinkle,” eee laugbed in his sleeve as he proceeded on his mis- self. “These cute coens are not the sort to Ransome that much,” leisure. The latter armed himself with a for- The commi of investigation awaited their Jones. ‘Will there be any difficulty about it?” He kneeled before Mrs. Sherman’s trunk, and attitude, leaning negligently against the door- one hand on the table, with his eyes fixed with whom for some reason be mistrusted. “Told you so,” remarked the locksmith, as a sharp click told of success, ‘These are only common locks. No difficulty about them.” He threw open the lid of the trunk and pro- Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. ceeded to the other. A glance showed that the trunk was nearly empty. Its contents did not quarter fill it, Mr. Jones at once burried forward and began lifting out the articles of female apparel, which he closely examined and then handed to Mr, Benson. The third member of the party did not move from his position by the door. He took part in the investigation only. with. his eyes. The cunning jade has cleared out her dry- goods amazingly,” remarked Mr.. Jones. * There’s nothing left but some well-worn bits of women’s rigging.” ‘*And nothing suspicious,” added Mr. Ben- son, as he let fall the last garment handed_him, ‘‘T hardly expected anything,” declared Mr. Ransome, ‘‘These are old birds. They have been in the hands of the law before now, but they never leave a scrap of evidence behind them. It is not easy to convict such shrewd thieves.” Ralph kept his eyes fixed on Benson’s face. t may have been pure foncy, but he conjec- tured that he saw there a concealed uneasiness. Ere the search of the trunk was finished the locksmith had succeeded in opening the other. Mr. Benson at once knelt beside it and hastened to examine its contents. It was even more sparsely filled than the former. “These folks travel with very few clothes,” he laughed, as he stirred up the scattered con- tents, ‘‘or else they must have managed to carry. all their valuable effects with them,” “They took only band-bags,” remarked b ‘““Not much could have gone that way. ‘‘Did you notice their appearance?” asked Mr. Ransome, easily. ‘‘ Any difference of size, for instance?” ¢ ‘“Why, now you speak of it, they did seem to be stouter.” ‘*T thought so,” he smiled. “It is surprising what a trunkful of clothes an old hand can wear. Quite likely, too, they were light in baggage to begin with. Folks in their line don’t care to ba overloaded.” Ralph gave a slight start. He had kept his eyes fixed on Mr, Benson, who was searching the pockets of Mr, Sherman’s clothing, He was sure the searcher had found something, which he held skillfully concealed in the palm of his hand. He rose easily to his feet, holding a garment dangling in the air, ‘*Like husband, like wife,” he remarked, “They are not such fools as to leave any evi- dence behind them. Here is a pair of neat drab breeches, Mr, Jones.” He held out the garment with his right hand, while be slipped bis left carelessly in his pocket. “ Weare on the wrong track if we expect to find any hanging matier here,” he continued. “Tam tired of the fruitless task.” He seated himself easily in a rocking-chair. ‘You can finish the search, I give up all hopes of my missing fifty. At any rate 1 am . I won that much from Judge Blue- 4 Mr. Ransome bad not stirred from his lonng- ing attitude. A faint, disdainful smile marked his beardless mouth. . ‘*That will do,” he said. ‘You may as well return the goods, and lock the trunks. Mark to be called for. Ifancy you will have them to sell for unclaimed baggage. And now, gentlemen all that are present know my object. I must request that it be kept secret,” “ Cértainly,” answered Jones and Benson to- gether. ‘‘ We will not breathe a word,” “Tf Tecan be of any assistance, command my services,” continued Mr. Benson. ‘‘I do not enjoy being victimized by these young sharks,” “Thanks,” replied Mr. Ransome, ‘‘I shall not forget your offer.” By this time the articles were carelessly re- placed in the trunks, and the latter locked. The party left the room together. They walked along the ball, conversing on the subject of their late search, Ralph man- aged to station himself on the left side of Mr. Benson, but that gentleman persistently kept his hand in his pocket. Whatever object was con- cealed there was not to be come at easily. Some stratagem must be used to make him take his hand from his pocket, The busy brain of the boy thought of a hundred, but he could hit on nothing that seemed feasible. : “Excuse me, Mr. Jones,” he suddenly cried, 11 “You have dropped your handkerchief. Here it is.” He thrust out his hand with a handkerchief witb such awkward haste as to nearly knock Mr, Benson’s hat from his head. ‘Mercy on us, boy, look out how you go,” cried the latter angrily, as he hastily caught with his left hand at his falling tile. ‘Pardon me,” cried Ralph humbly, ‘it was an accident.” “You are always so ridiculously hasty, Ralph,” remarked Mr. Jones severely, “TY wish you would show me bow to break myself of it,” answered Ralph, with increased humility, Mr, Jones looked sharply around at him, This humble tone was a ew one, He saw that the boy’s eyes were sparkling, as if with mis- chief. He knew Ralph well enough to know that there was some joke afoot, though what it was he could not imagine. Ralph lagged behind the others as they walked on, continuing their conversation. At length he quickly stepped into the open door- way of anempty room, His bright eyes were full of malicious triumph. ‘** Done it, by the hokey!” he ejaculated, slap- ping bis knee with satisfaction, ‘* Went througle old Benson’s pocket the neatest way out. Now let’s see what my prize comes to.” He held in his band a neatly-folded slip of aper, which he had managed to extract from Air, Benson’s coat pocket while that gentleman was hastily striving to hiuder bis bat from fall- ing. Ralph opened this missive with an air of hopeful expectancy. But a puzzled look came upon his face on reading the document, ‘What in the world does it mean, anyhow?” he asked himself. ‘It looks all like tomfoolery. Wonder if it isn’t a set of copy-book extracts?” The document was certainly a very mys- terious, or a very silly one. It ran as follows: *In handsome actions lie good deeds. At five miles you cannot bring down your bird. Broad chestnuts are the best for roasting. Saturday after- noon is everybody's holiday.” That was all. Ralph scratched his head in perplexity. “Why, hang it all, there’s no sense in the confounded th ng! The chap must be an idiot, Maybe I’m one,” be continued, with a sudden thought. ‘ Likely there’s a secret meaning in that document. I’ve got it in my head ony. how, and I must manage to get this back in Benson’s pocket, Won't do to let him think he is suspected.” He burried after the others, revolving various schemes in his mind, They had i's y an open window at the end of the hall, Mr. Jones had just paid the locksmith for bis trouble, and dismissed him, “Will you smoke, gentlemen?” he asked, drawing some cigars from bis pocket, They both answered in the affirmative. He struck a match, but a pus of air through the upon window extinguis ed it. — , “Here is a light,” said Ralph, who had again joined them, He presented a blazing match to Mr. Benson who took it in his right band, but was obliged to shield it with bis left from the wind. The alert lad took instant advantage of the opportunitg to drop the folded paper in the un- guarded pocket. ’ They stood there a few minutes, smoking and talking. Mr. Benson was very lively, yet Ralph fancied that his vivacity was not quite natural. “*T hope you will succeed, Mr, Ransome,” he remarked, in a hearty manner. ‘I am sure I will lend you all my aid.’ . His hand dro again into his pocket. Ralph. who was covertly watchtig him, no- ticed a slight change of expression, and a look of satisfaction, \ “Thought he had dropped something,” was Ralph’s sarcastic thought. ‘Finds that he hasn’t, It’s all lovely now. But I would give something costly to know what the confounded nonsense on that document means,” They walked on, Mr. Ransome conversing flu- ently about his intentions, and his plans for discovering the thieves. “T doubt if they are in the city,” he re- marked. ‘ But I have their description, and will immediately telegraph to the authorities in_all the neighboring places.” Ralph looked at him, The thought came to his mind that all this innocent confidence might be assumed. Was Mr. Ransome seeking to pull wool over Benson’s eves? ' “See here, Ralph,” exclaimed Mr, Jones, a half-hour afterward. ‘ This is your own bhand- :
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12 kerchief. Whatdid you mean by giving it to me as mine?” ‘* You don’t say so! Well, I declare, so it is! How came I to make such a blunder?” Ralph’s tone was the perfection of innocent surprise. CHAPTER XI. RALPH SHOWS HIS HAND. ‘“FWarx an’ I niver know what ye mane, at ull, at all.” / It was Mike O'Flaherty who spoke. He was seated on a trunk in the baggage-room, face to face with Ralph Ready. ‘That cat won’t jump, Mike. Do you calcu- late I didn’t see through your little game from the start? Don’t see anything green here, do you?” He touched his eye, and gave Mike a significant wink. ‘Sure, an’ I’ve a notion ye see double, now and thin, It’s aisy fur some folks to see what niver happened,” ‘* You may as well own up the corn, old chap. You can’t fool this chicken. Iam not going to use it against you, and I don’t care how much he gave you. But I want to know which of them it was.” “Which of ’em, is it?” “* Just so.” “As long as ye know so much, maybe ye’d best guess the balance. It’s not I as will stand in your way.” : “ All right, Mike.” Ralph rose from his s°at with a resolute expression of countenance. ‘If you won't tell me there are those you will, I didn’t intend to report this business, but it seems I'll have to.” ‘*W hat in the world is the use o’ bein’ so dis- agrayable about it?’ ejaculated Mike, in alarm at this threat. ‘I’m obleged to be sacret. But if yell not spake of it—” *N.ver a word, Mike. On my honor.” “Thin it was the red-faced one, with the wrinkled up eyes. I know his name no more nor the man in the moon.” ‘He engaged you to take the trunks to the wrong rooms? And paid you for doing it?” “Wohist, ye spalpeen! It’ll be the ruination ‘of meif ye talk so loud. Faix, an’ it was on] a beggarly dollar he gave me; and ye’re wel- coine to the half o’ it, this minute.” ‘‘Nary time, Mike,” laughed Ralph. ‘‘ You’re not going to get me into your scrapes. Ill let up on you this time, but if there’s any more of this thing you'll get your walking-papers, sure ‘It was only a bit of a joke, as he told me,” protested Mike. *“*A sorry joke, Mike. See here, I want you to keep mum. Don’t breathe this to a soul,’ ‘‘ Me br’athe it, is it? Is it a fool ye take me fur, thin? Ye'll be sayin’ next that Mike ‘O'Flaherty was brought up on butthermilk and Mum’s the word,” nA ri ht, Mik Iph rig 8. laughed, as he left the room, Bel ve ,” he cried gayly, as soon as he was out of hearing, “It pays sometimes to work on a guess. I just carromed the truth out of the ras- eal. Bensonis the chap that bad the trunks mixed. There’s no mistake about it. He’s a partner of the thieves.” Ralph walked slowly on, thinking over the job he bad in hand.‘ There was one thing he was specially troubled about, the nfysterious document he had extracted from Mr. Benson’s ket, He had already spent two hours try- ing to make out the meaning of that strange - communication, but was as far from it as ever. “Tt is a warning of some kind, I’m sure of that,” he told himself. “ Anybody could see ‘hat Benson was on the lookout for something, Vina that he was satisfied the minute he got that paper. There’s some confounded secret in it,” is reverie was interrupted by Mr. Ransome, who came Pe at that moment, His sharp eyes were fixed keenly on the face of his young assistant, “ og ret id in the wind, my boy?” “T thought so. Where can we have a private chat?’ ‘* Here,” fn Ralph opened the door of an empty room, and closed it after they had entered. ‘*Now,” said Mr. Ransome, ‘‘ let us see if the young head can teach the old head. What have you discovered?’ : “The first thing,” answered Ralph, “is that you are a detective, and are playing the inno- cent dodge.” : “There is no sharpness in that, my lad. mouch as told you that.” ; **The next thing is that you’re working some I as game on this man Benson. Why, you're as open as a baby with him, letting him into all your plans. It’s a queer dodge for a detective to tell. all his game to an outsider.” Ralph shook his head doubtfully. Mr. Ransome laughed. “You think I am working a traverse on him, then?” **T know it.” “Very good, I'll let you into one point of our trade. Where you fiud a man too sharp to be cheated by cunning, you can sometimes fool him by innocence. There is no hetter way to set a rogue on the wrong track than by seeming to take him into the confidence of the Jaw.” **] knew it.” declared Ralph. ‘* You suspect him, and don’t want him to know it?’ “T want the little fish to show me the way to the big fish.” ‘*T see it all. What’s more, Mr. Ransome, I know you're on the right road.” ‘You do, eh?” “T can tell you this much. It was Benson that got the trunks mixed up, and sent the old judge's trunk astray, to be plundered.” “Very good. Isuspected as much. You're a sharp fellow, Ralph. What was on that paper which you slipped from Benson’s pocket?” Ralph looked up in utter astonishment. He suddenly gained a new respect for Mr, Ran- some’s ability. ‘** You didn’t see that?’ he faltered. The detective laughed. “That is part of my business, Ralph. You didn’t fancy I had my eyes shut? I had de- signs on that document myself, but you got ahead of me,” ‘Well, if you ain’t wide awake there’s no use talking!. Maybe you can tell me what it means, lve been puzzling over it for two hours, and I cau’t make head or tail of it.” ‘* Written in some secret language, eh?” “You bet it is! He'll be a smart coon that can see through it.” “Let me see it. I know you were wise enough to return the original to Benson’s pocket, But you have a copy.” Ralph looked up in new surprise. Did noth- ing escape the glance of those sharp eyes? He extracted a copy of the document from his pocket, and spread it out on the table. “There it is,” he said. ‘There isn’t much of e. ane shoot me if I can see a scrap of sense n it. “Tt is writing,” remarked the detective, drawin paper toward him. “Let me see what make of it.” He cast his eyes on the document, which Ralph had copied from memory. “In handsome actions lie good deeds, At five miles you cannot bring down your bird. Broad chestnuts are the best for roasting. Saturday after- noon is everybody’s holiday.” Mr. Ransome’s bushy brows contracted as he bent over the strange communication. Ralph watched him eagerly. He was anxious to know what:it meant. Yet he did not care to have bis puzzle quickly solved by another, The detective’s observation continued scarcely a minute, Then a quick flash of intelligence spread over his features. He hastily drew out his watch, and looked at the time, ‘*Half-past four, and after,” be exclaimed. ‘There is not a minute to lose! There is work for you, my boy. I must not be seen in it, and you must be very sly.” “What!” exclaimed Ralph. ‘You don’t want to say that vou have read that already?” ‘That? Ob yes! That is mere child’s play.” ‘* What does it mean, then?” ‘It is only a school-boy’s cipher. You have merely to take the first. two words from each sentence, and join them together. See here.” He hastily wrote on the bottom of the paper: “In handsome. At five. Broad chestnuts. Saturday afternoon.” ‘*T can’t see that it’s much better than it was before,” declared Ralph, still puzzled, ‘‘Suppose we change that a little, and make itread this way: ‘In hansom. At five. Broad and Chestnut. On Saturday afternoon,’ Is it any clearer now?” he boy sprung up, and struck his hand vigor- ously on his knee. “Well, you are smart! Why couldn’t I see that? It’s as plain as the ndse on a man’s face!” ‘*You haven’t learned the art, my good fel- low,” answered the detective. ‘* This is part of our profession. I will tell you the true inward- part of our trade to read eae the can | ness of it. This paper was left as a guide to Benson to put bim on the track of his associates. One or the other of them isto be waiting ina Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. bansom, at Broad and Chestnut streets, at five o’clock this afternoon, for to-day is Saturday. Benson is to meet them there. It is fifteen minutes to five now. Thereis not a second to lse. Hurry up there, Ralph. Use your eyes as I know you can. But take care you are not suspected.’ ** Shall I—” ‘““Nota word. There is no time for instruc- tions, You must trust to your own judgment, Off with you.” His tone was imperative. But the occasion required it. Ralph seized his hat from the table, and left the room like a shot, Mr. Ransome followed, tearing the paper into minute fragments as he did so. “That boy is anything but a fool,” he re- marked. ‘* He hasin bim the making of a sharp detective. I fancy I will find hima useful as- sistant.” Ralph hurried up Chestnut street as rapidly as the crowd which obstructed the street would permit. He reached Broad street a minute or two after the bour of five. He looked eagerly around. There, on the corner opposite him stood a hansom cab, the driver perched on an ele- vated seat in the rear, Tbe carriage was occupied by a single per- son, At this distance Ralph could not make him out very well. He saw that be wore a high-crowned white hat, that he had a long, drooping mustache, and that he sported eye- lasses, “That is not my man,” he said, to himself. ‘ But it is after five, and there is no other ban- som,” At this instant a person stopped and spoke to the stranger. Ralph’s fece lighted up with sat- isfaction. He recognized the well-known fea- tures of Benson, e started diagonally rcross the street, with the hope that he might conceal himself behind the carriage and overhear the conversation, He was mistaken. After a word or two, Benson sprung into the cab beside its occupant gave the word to the driver, and they were off at full speed. Ralph, startled and annoyed, ran for a few steps after them, But he quickly saw that pur- suit was useless, There was no other cab at band ion which to follow. He could have punched his own head for vexation. To have the bird in his very grasp, and let it fy him in this fashion! It was certainly proyORIGS. Yet there was nothing more to be done, The game was ended, so far as this part of it went. Depressed and crestfallen, Ralph turned on his heel, and retraced his steps down Chestnut street, He had not gone far before he met Mr. Ran- some, who was coming up the street. A look at the boy’s face told the shrewd detective of the failure of the enterprise. He drew Ralph aside from the crowd, ‘*Didn’t work. 1 see that,” be said, with some vexation of tone. ‘‘ Were you too late?” Ralph replied by telling just what happened. “There was a stranger in the cab,” he declared. ‘‘ Don’t be too sure of that,” smiled Mr. Ran- some. ‘The fellow we are after has more faces than there are days in the week. But you have not been so unsuccessful as you imagine. We know his present disguise. That is some- thing. And they went in a hansom,. Would you know the vehicle again?” “J think I would know the driver.” “Very well. Their stand is just around the corner here. There is nothing but to wait for the return of this particular hansom, and ques- tion the driver as to where he left his fare.’ This suggestion was at once acted upon, The confederates proceeded to the open space under the depot of the Pennsy!vania Railroad, which serves as a stand for the bansom cabs, They waited here in patience for more than an hour, narrowly observing the faces of every driver who returned from a trip. ‘There he is. That’s our man,” cried Ralph, at length, as another cab wheeled in. Mr. Ransume stepped quietly up to the driver, and opened a conversation with him. After five minutes he returned to Ralph. ‘*Very dubious,” he said, ‘ They got out in the open street, at Franklin and Girard, fear we have lost our clew.” CHAPTER XII. PICKING UP LOOSE THREADS. ‘Ip is a forlorn hope, Ralph,” said the de- tective, ‘‘ but we cannot afford to leave astone unturned. So far these keen scoundrels have ot the best of us. They have broken the trail. | We must try and take it up agaiv.”
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Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 13 | “They left the cab at the corner of Franklin and Girard, Isn’t that the spot to scout for them?” Mr. Ransome shook his head. “*T am afraid you were seen,” he answered. ‘Tf so they may have driven there as a blind.” ‘Tt is worth looking after, anyhow. | Sorne- body may have seen them and noticed their movements.” ‘Go ahead, then. If you can discover any trace, so much the better.” ; Ralph darted off eagerly. He felt something of the instinct of the bloodbound in his desire to run the fugitives to earth. The detective smiled to himself as he saw the eagerness of his ussist- ant. “Tt is utterly useless,” heremarked, ‘‘ These are not the sort to leave an open trail. Butitis good experience for the boy and will keep him warm in the chase. So let him try it.” He walked back to the hotel. There was an idea in his head which he wished to put into ractice. Benson was gone, Would he return? hat depended on what he had left behind him. It was desirable to examine his trunk. Ralph meanwhile proceeded rapidly to the point indicated. It wasabusy corner. Market sheds occupied the center of the streets in which a Saturday nigbt market was in active play. Rows of stores ran along each side. A busy throng of people moved up and down the avenue, Ralph whistled as be looked around him, It was like hunting the traditional needle in the hay- stack. On one corner was a grocery-store. The grocer’s boy sat on an empty box on the pave- ment, drumming with bis heels while waiting for a job. Ralph accosted him at a venture. ‘** Been here long?” he asked. ‘Bout five foot six,” answered the boy with a deer. “ Ain’t goin’ round measurin’ folks, are you! _ Ralph laughed as if this were a very good oke. He seated himself on the box beside the oy and assumed a very confidential manner. us ‘I’m looking for my uncle,” he announced. Come up this way about an hour ago ina hansom, See anything of it?” “A hansom? hat’s a hansom?” “ Tt’s one of those new style, one-horse cabs, with the driver stuck up on a French roof of a seat behind. The que rest jiggers out. Guess you must have seen them.” ‘“ Well, I should smile if I hadn’t. One of ’em stopped jest here ’bout an hour ago, and let out two men,” Ralph’s heart throbbed with expectation, but he forced himself to appear calm. * Like enough that’s the one 1 was looking for. Did you notice which way they went?” “I went out on an arrand. When I come back they were standin’ on the curb yet, chaff- ing away.” ‘One of them was an oldish man, with a red face. The: other had on a white hat, and a regular Frenchy mustache.” ‘Sure as shootin’,” answered the grocer’s boy “That's them.’ Did gee hear what they had to say?” ell, l’vea notion I’ve got other business than s yin’ round folks, What do you take me for? emanded the offended boy. It’s only my uncle,” declared Ralph. ‘See ere. You heard something. It’s worth a quarter to me to know what.’ He balanced a shining silver coin on his fin- ger. The boy’s eyes opened in surprise and cupidity. ‘*T only heard a few words,” he faltered. PE op them out then. I’m good for the quar- r. : “I heard the old fellow say: ‘They don’t ve 2 They’re showing me their whole hand.’ And he laughed as if it was a high-up joke.” ‘* What did the young one say to that?” *** Look out,’ he says. ‘You're playin’ with fire.’ Then the old chap answered, “‘I must get my trunk away.’ He said something too about ‘best to have a friend on the ground.’ That was about all I beard.” vs Are you sure? Thivk again.” There wasn’t another word. Except I heard the young chap say something about Barclay street, in a kind of whisper.” “Barclay street!” exclaimed Ralph. ‘‘ Are you sure of the name?” “ Bet I am.” “Good. Here’s the quarter. What became of them afterwards?” “ The old fellow got intoa Franklin street car, and rode down-town,. The young chap walked up Girard avenue, with as spruce an air as if he owned the street.” “Hey, Tom!” came acry from the store. ‘Guess I’m wanted,” cried the boy. ‘ That’s all. anyhow. Good-by.” Raiph walked slowly away, inwardly de- bating on what He had learned. The boy had not overheard much, but. what he had heard was significant. Barclay street. What» did that mean? Ralph knew the street well. It was a short street, of no very good reputation. It ran but one or two squares in length. It was half-past seven in the evening when he regained the hotel. He was hungry after bis active service, and repaired at once to the sup- per room. He was not balf-through his meal when Mr, Ransome strolled in and took a seat av the same table, ‘* What luck?” he asked, first looking around to see that there was no one within hearing. ‘The trail’s broken; but we can take it up again,” answered Ralph. ** Ah! How?” *¢ Benson will be back here,” ‘* T know he will.” . It was Ralph’s turn to be surprised, ‘‘ How do you know that?” he asked, “ Simply because I have examined his trunk. I did not find in it any stolen goods, but its con- tents were too valuable to be abandoned, ex- cept in case of necessity. He will be back after it, since he does not know that be is suspected.” “‘ Just what be said,” remarked Ralph. ‘What he said? You don’t mean to say that you have seen him, and overheard him talking? Come, come, you smart young rogue. Let me have your story.” Ralph laughed, as he continued to eat his supper. ‘© You thought I was on a wild-goose chase. Anyhow, I haven’t come ‘back without some feathers from my goose.” He very deliberately sipped his tea, quietly enjoying the impatience of the detective. “You are a ridiculously slow young villain,” growled the latter. ‘‘ Quick, before we are in- terrupted.” Ralph began to laugh. ‘““Tt isnot a very long story,” he remarked, ‘ Guess Lli let you have it.” He proceeded to tell the result of his explora tion. Mr. Ransome listened intently. e sat in silence for a minute or two after Ralph had ended. “Well,” asked the youth, impatient in his turn. ‘Is there anything in it?” “Not much of importance. It has turned out just as I expected. What they said told us nothing more tian we already know. Yes, there was one thing. Thatstreet name. That may give usa useful clew. Do you know the street?” ‘Yes. It is a short one, not more than @ square or two long. J bave heard say it is a resort of doubtful characters.” “Good. Very good. . That is our next start- ing-point. We may pick up the broken end of our thread— Hush! Here comes Benson!” Ralph fancied that the detective must have eyes in the back of his head. Otherwise how could he have seen a man who had entered the room exactly behind him. Hecould not repress bis curiosity. F ‘‘How did you see him?’ he asked. “He is behind you.” ‘“‘Itis a way I have of looking around cor- ners,” laughed the detective. ‘* Don’t you see there is a looking-glass in front of me?” He aere an order to a waiter who was pass- ing. Mr. Benson, who had indeed made bis - pearance, looked for a minute undecidedly about the room. He then walked over to the table occupied by Ralph and the detective. ‘* Room for a third?” he asked, “Yes. Will be glad to have you joinus. I have just ordered a snack.” The new-comer gave bis order, and then turned to his companions. “« How goes the search?’ he asked pleasantly. “ Any clew yet?’ Mr. Ransome shook his head doubtfully. “It is just.as I told you yesterday,” he an- swered. ‘‘ We have to deal with a pee of the riest rogues in this country. hat girl, orah Bouncer, would make her mark in any country ; and her husband isn’t much behind her. “Sherman isn’t their right name, then?” queried Ralph. “No,no. Itis only oneout of adozen. They know me well, and that I am after them. [ fancy they bave left the city. I have ordered the hotels to be watched, however. It is por sible they may have dropped down somewhere else, under a disguise.” “ How would your spies know them, in tha case?” questioned Mr. Benson. : ‘He would be a poor detective that couldn’t tell at first sight that a man was sporting a dis- guise. We area little sharper-than you give us credit for.” Mr. Benson smiled as he addressed himself to his supper. He seemed to have some doubts as to the ability of the detective service. ‘“ They all know how to blow their own trumpets,” he said to himself, ‘* Of course, we bave more than one string to our bow,” continued Mr, Ransome, as he looked cautiously around him. ‘I can place confi-,. dence in you?” “Certainly. I am with you in this business, straight through,” replied Benson, ‘* Here too,” added Ralph, “Then the fact is, | am strongly inclined to | believe that old Bluebottle isa confederate of the thieves.” : ** You don’t tell me that?” ‘*T thought he had been victimized at first,’ continued the detective with a very confidential manner. ‘But the evidence was very direct against him, That ribbon in particular, which rs. Mason swore to. He’s a confounded old rogue, that’s my opinion.” *T see; I see,” declared Mr. Benson. ‘ Very well judged. And by watching him you may strike the track of the others.” ‘Just so. That’s my idea exactly.” “But hardly while he’s under suspicion,” ‘Let me alone for that,” and Mr. Ransome laughed cunningly. ‘‘I have set him right on that point. The magistrate has already dis- charged the case against him as lacking proof. ~ I am going to be very innocent and confiding with the old scoundrel.” “To seem to shut your eyes when you have them widest open, eh?” ‘Just so, just so. That’s a mighty sweet cut of steak. You had better try some of it, Ben- ‘Thank you; but chops are my favorite.” Ralph walked away, in some doubt whether the detective was not rubbing it in too thickly. There was something in Benson’s manner that made the lad fancy that be was playing a part. ‘‘Don’t do to take a man for a fool,” he growled, ‘Mr, Ransome’s smart, and his plan . isa good one, But he’s too sweetly confiden- til with Benson. He unloads too easily.” We must leap over the events of the succeed- ing days, in which nothing of importance oc- curred. Ransome attached himself to the old judge, as he bad declared was bis intention, and belped bim to swear against the confounded laws of the Quaker City. Yet despite all this Ralph noticed traces of uneasiness about Ben- son. He was evidently suspicious, It was late Tuesday afternoon when the lad came excitedly to his confederate, ‘* Benson smells a rat,” be declared, ‘‘He bas just paid his bill and ordered bis trunk to be sent to the Pennsylvania Railroad.” ‘*T know it,” answered Mr. Ransome coolly. “The game is growing ripe. Are you at leisure, Ralph? 1 want your aid,” ‘All right. I’m in on this job.” “Then hurry out to the railroad station. See the officer stationed there and give him this warrant, Point out Benson to if he enteye the station, but keep out of sight your- self. “ And what is to be done?” “Tell him, if Benson attempts to take a train, to arrest him on the spot.” “Very well. And if he doesn’t?” “Watch him like a hawk. If he leaves the station follow bim. Take care he doesnot throw you off the track, as be did before.” **T will do my best,” answered Ralph. An hour after he was watching Mr, Benson from a retired corner of the extensive station. The latter rested, with his head on his hand, ' for some time, until the station attendants an- nounced the Pittsburg Express. He then rose and wn lked out as if to take the cars. Ralph quickly signaled to the ofticer. Benson walked toward the gate with the watch- dog of the law at his heels, ready, if he should take a step through, to drop a ere hand up- on his shoulder, At a distance Ralph looked on, with eager eyes, CHAPTER XIiI. RUNNING THE FOX TO EARTH. Two men were seated in the smoking-room of the Grand Central Hotel, engaged in the plea- sure of a chat and the joy of a cigar. They consisted of Mr. Ransome, the detective and Judge Bluebottle. The latter had not yet got over bis indignation at bis arrest, “By the jumping eeePeas, there’s no use trying soft sawder on me!” he declared, “/’m ae 4
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14 going to make things lively, now you bet. uess folks round here don’t know what kind of a catamount the this ’coon, If I no use talking.” ; ‘‘Oh, come, come, judge,” said the officer soothingly. ‘ Y It’s wake up when they seratch on’t make them see stars there’s ou must not bear malice, not according to Scripture.” “Scripture be— Excuse me. I’ve got noth- ing ag’in’ Scripture. But there’s no use tryin to shove the Bible down my throat. Don’t tel me! There ain’t a case like this one iu it.” “Tt says when a man strikes you on one cheek you must turn him the other.” ‘““Turn bim the other? Me? Ifa man slaps me on one ear I’m to turn him the other? The blessed stars! Just you get somebody to try it ev, and you'll see a lively time. Why, if I wouldn’t kick the rooster into the middle of next week, hang me for a blowing old ’possum!”’ “T thought you were a better Christian than that, judge,” So lL am. I’m a sound Christian. There ain’t a sweeter temper this side of Jericho if folks only let me alone. But I won’t stand no nonsense, No, siree. I want— Oh, the deuce!” He suddenly sprung up and danced in a lively manner around the room. In his excitement he had put the wrong end of the cigar to his lips, with very unpleasant consequences, Ere he got over tbe excitement at the unlucky accident a telegraph messenger boy entered, and approach r. Ransome, handing him a dispatch. he latter quickly read it, with a marked change of expression. He had been stretched eut in a very easy and comfortable attitude, quietly enjoying the old fellow’s blustering ways, but he now brought his chair down with a crash, flung his half-smoked cigar in the spit- toon, and sprung to his feet. ‘* Come, judge,” heexclaimed. ‘‘ I have told you who are the thieves, and where your stolen goods are prs to be found, Our apple is dead ripe and ready to tumble. Are you with me foraride?t I’m going for tvem.” “ Jolly boy! I’m your hoss straight through.” ‘* How soon can you be ready? Within five minutes?” “Tm ready now. Achap that sleeps on the prairie bas got to be ready at the flash,” “* Good. ait for me then.” He hurried out of the room, stopped for a mo- ment at the clerk’s desk to speak to Mr. Jones, and then hastened to hisroom. He was back inside the time mentioned. Meanwhile a car- riage had been drawn up at the door of the hotel, and Mr. Jones and the judge were pre- pared to accompany him on his mysterious journey. The telegram he had received was from Ralph Ready. It was to the following effect: “Our bird has flown back. Slid the train and took a carriage. Gettinghis trunkon, I’m going to follow him. hot in a hansom.” : What there was in this that gave warrant for such a hasty excursion, did not appear. But the detective had been busy during the last few a and had learned a thing or two, He now felt sure of caging bis birds, We must, however, return to Ralph, whom we left at a somewhat critical moment. Benson continued to advance toward the station-gate. officer followed, with upraised hand, A step more, and it would have fallen on the shoulder of the unsuspecting victim. But just at this moment Benson stopped, a cautiously around him, and then has- ened to the elevator, which was about to de- scend.to the lower floor of the station. Ralph and the officer ran for the stairs, shouldering their way rudely throngh the crowded room. When. they reached the lower floor Benson had already disappeared. Butina minute after they recovered him, He had hailed a carriage, which was drawn.up to the outer door of the baggage-room, and was engaged in having his trunk extracted from the heap of baggage. ‘*Good!” exclaimed Ralph. “I have my man now. Let me have that. warrant, please. I'll run bim down if I have to chase him for a week. Will yousend a telegraph message for me? I can’t, lose sight of my. bird.” “Certainly,” answered the officer. aking a scrap of paper from his pocket Ralph hastily scrawled off a message for Mr. Ransome, at the Grand Central. Handing this to the office som, which stood close by. : here, my friend. Do you notice that iage at the baggage-room?” ‘* Yes,” was the answer. “Do you think you can keep it im vr sight?” ; Ralph Ready, the Ho r, be accosted the driver of a han-' ** Well, I should judge. There ain’t the blood in them horses to get away from this pony of mine.” ‘Keep it in sight, then, But don’t let them see they are followed. Iwill make it worth your while.” Ralph got into the low-bodied carriage, drew the lap curtain up so as nearly to conceal him, and jerked his bat down low over his eyes. He was hardly comfortably seated when Mr. Benson, having succeeded in recovering his trunk, took a keen observation of the street be- fore entering his carriage. He evidently saw nothing suspicious. Ralph was concealed be- hind the corner of the station building. The fugitive stepped into his carriage. The door closed with a sharp clang. It drove rapidly off. The next instant the bansom drew out from its stand, and turned into the street. The chase was in full play. It was a sharp morning in late September. The wind cut severely as they drove rapidly onward. But this went for nothing. They had no time now to think of the weather. Some hundred yards separated the two carriages. This distance the driver of the bansom main- tained. He stirred up when the chase turned a corner, but lagged behind again when it kept a straight course, Thus they proceeded for a mile or two, in a northerly direction. “Straight as a die. No winding, and no tricks. He thinks the coast is clear, or he would be trying some game. Had bis eyes shut up, after all.” So soliloquized Ralph as the pursuit continued. They were now in an up-town biisiness-street. The carriage wheeled in to the curb and came toa _ ** Shall I draw up?” asked Ralph’s coachman. “Thunder, no! it will look suspicious. "Keep right on. But use your eyes.” hey drove past the halted carriage. Its late occupant stood on the pavement. The coach- man had thrown his reins on the horses, and was handling the trunk, as if with the intention to land it. The hansom drove on, Ralph crouch- ing so as to conceal his face and form. They proceeded at a jog-trot onward for some distance. Ralph looked heedfully back. The coachman had landed the trunk, and was carry- ing it into the store before which the carriage stood. Mr, Benson bad disappeared. ** Draw up here,” cried Ralph. He sprung briskly to the pavement as the hansom stopped. He looked back. The driver of the other carriage wes again on his box, and was drawing out from the curb, He seemed intending to turn his» horses and drive back to his stand. Mr. Benson was not in sight. “That’s plain sailing,” cried Ralph. “A chap needs no chart to follow that craft. My man has landed in that store. Wait a minute, I will be back and pay you.” He hurried back. The other carriage had now turned, and was moving back over its late course. The next minnte Iph was keenly gazing into the store which he was satisfied held the object of his pursuit. ; He was right in one re t. There sat the trunk on the store floor. But Mr. Benson was not in sight. The youthful scout bustled in. Nobody was present but a well-grown girl, who seemed the only attendant upon the establishment. ‘Where is the owner of this trunk?” he cried, in a sharp tone. ‘What do you mean? He is not here,” answered the girl. ** Not bere?” *“No.' He left the trunk, and went away again in the carriage.” ““That’s all stuff,” cried the boy angrily. ‘Do you know that you are receiving stolen goods? You will get into trouble if you don’t out with the truth instanter.” : **Stolen goods?” The girl’s eyes opened wide in fear and surprise. ‘‘ y; sir, he only left it here on storage. I don’t know him, indeed L don’t. ‘He went right away again.” The confounded boy looked in her face, It was evident that sbe was telling the truth, He rushed back to the store door. The carriage had disappeared. ‘His: own cab was slowly coming down the street, the cabman a trifle anxious about his fare. Ralph sprung out hastily. . ‘** Fooled!” he cried. ‘‘ Fooled the worst way! He’s in the carriage still!” ‘The deuce! And it’s given us the slip.” * Pull up.” Ralph leaped alertly into the hansom. ‘* Now listen to me. Do you know where Barclay street is?” “Pa be agay driver if I didn’t.” “Then drive straight there. And keep an up again, Off once more they wens, the driver using his whip freely. His sorry-looking but active ani- mal made lively time, darting onward at an unusual pace for a cab-horse. Ten minutes’ sharp driving brought them to the desired part of the city. “No signs of the chase?” asked Ralph. ‘‘ Nothing sure. Just saw a carriage away _off ahead,” “ Weare nigh Barclay street?” ** We'll be there in a minute,” “ Allright. Don’t drive intoit. Pullup and move slowly past. And don’t forget that you’ve got a pair of eyes,” “cc Ay, ay id The street in question ran at right angles te the one in which they were. It was a rather narrow street, bordered on each side with dwel- ling-houses, Both used their eyes sharply as they drove at a slow pace past its opening. Ralph’s idea had not been in vain, There stood a carriage, drawn up before a house mid- way of the square. In.a moment more they had passed the street-opening, and the view was lost. ** How is it?” cried Ralph. carriage?” ‘‘ You bet itis. I know it like a book, It’s Paddy Lynch’s team.” ‘You know it,eh? That’s good. Hold up, I hear it coming. Just you vail Paddy, and make him say at what house he left bis fare.” ‘‘ Pl do just that, . He’)l tell me, never fear,” They went onata walk. In a minute more the carriage. turned into the street in which they were and came slowly on, Ralph’s driver hailed the coachman, with a cheery call. “The top of the morning to you, Paddy. Where’s your fare?” ‘* Billo, Tom! I jist unloaded up Barclay street,” ‘“ What number!” ‘* What’s that your business?” ‘‘ Only I want to know.” “Then guess. You’re allers too ready with your questions, Tom.” Ralph thrust his head from the carriage. He held a silver dollar between his fingers, * Tell me the number then,” be demanded. ‘This for you if you answer square,” ‘* [t’s a bargain,” cried the celighted coach- man; “‘ 1036 is the number. Hand over the needful,” **Done. And here’s for you.” He thrust some money into the band of his driver. ‘‘ That will do. ou needn't wait,” He sprung out and hurried back, leaving the two coachmen to talk over the strangeness ef the whole affair, CHAPTER XIV. DIGGING INTO THE FOXES’ COVER. WirHin a room of 1036 Barclay street sat three persons. Two of them were engeary the rsons who hud so adroitly humbugged Ralph eady, but greatly changed in appearance. The shy, simpering boy who had s0 neatly played the part of a bashful young busband was now a wide-awake man, He had discarded the spectacles and mustache of his late disguise, but was dressed in the rig of a young sport, and seemed fit to hold his own in any situation, His wife, Mrs, Sherman, or Norah Bouncer, as the detective had called her, also seemed to have grown ten years older, and had quite thrown, off that helpless, girlish expression which had worked so on Ralph’s sympathies. The third person of the party was, Mr. Benson. They sat around. a table on which were spread out several articles, including. par- cels of bank-notes and of official-looking papers, They were. just now. laughing as at some amusing joke. ‘You never saw anybody so sweetly confi- dential as Ransome was,” said, Mr. Benson. ‘“Why the man swallo me_right. in, He told me all his plans, and, did not, take a step without consulting me. It was like the hound consulting the fox,” ‘ ‘The oid fellow. must be losing bis wits,” answered Sherman... ‘‘ He is counted out West one of the sharpest. men going.” ‘So he is,” cried the lady. ‘‘ There’s no steel- trap that is sharper. I’m afraid of that man,” She shook her head doubtfully. ‘‘ He bas fol- lowed us up like a cat follows a mouse, It wouldn’t surprise me if he walked in here on us within the next hour.” Pll. go a picayune he didn’t. follow us,” re- joined her husband, ‘If he didn’t track Ben- son. “Ts it the same
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15 “Track me? Not much! I’m too old a bird for that. I kept my eyes open, I promise you. Hai my trunk sent to the station, and went for the train. Played that as a blind, but didn’t twig any spotters. Anyhow, I ala away, took a carriage, and got out my trunk,” ** Aud drove straight here?” ‘** Well, I should judge not. Not quite that green, thank you. There was a hansom that seemed to be going the same way as I was. didn’t quite like that, so I played a little tra- verse, I jumped off and had my trunk carried into a store. Just as I expected, the hansom drove past and stopped just ahead. I slipped quietly into the carriage, again telling the coachman to turn and drive back homeward.” ‘* Did you see who was in the hansom?” “You bet I did. I kept my eyes open, I romise you. Hang me, if it was anybody mut that smart young chap from the hotell! The little rat shot back for the store, while I drove away.” “The young idiot. He’s sharper than I fan- cied,” said Mrs. Sherman. “He’s no fool. But he was playing with an old fox. At any rate that was the last Isaw of the hansom. I got safe away while he was following up the blind trail of the trunk.” Y They all broke again into a laugh at this, = young detective had apparently been neat- y fooled. ‘Business is the next thing in the pro- gramme,” continued Benson. ‘t We’ve worked the game, so far, very ‘neatly. There’s nothing now but a square divide and a scattering for safer quarters.” ‘* Old Bluebottle bled well,” cried Mrs. Sher- man, with a laugh, as she laid her hand on the bundle of papers. ‘‘ You worked the cards neatly, in sending us his trunk.” ‘Did you have any trouble in opening it?” ‘“‘T would like to see the lock’ I couldn’t open. We came near being caught, though. The por- ter Pg for the trunk just as were investigat- ing it. ‘I know, I know,” laughed Benson, ‘*I have heard the whole story. But you never saw a madder coon than the old judge when he was arrested. He’s done nothing but swear ven- geance since.” ‘*Poor old devil!”? They laughed merrily at the good joke of having the chief victim held for the thief.” “Now,” said Mr, Sherman, putting on a busi- ness air, “let us get down to work. Itis not best to waste time on this part of the job, Here is an inventory of our plunder. You will find everything down there to the least fraction.” He passed to Benson a long strip of paper covered ‘with close writing. The latter exam- ined it with an es eee eye. ‘‘That seems all right,” he remarked, ‘‘We can maké an easy divide of the smaller plunder. I suppose Norah will go for those laces. **T don’t think you would care to wear them,” she answered, “Hardly, But I want their equivalent in cash. We must fix a selling price on them. However, this is the heavy weight of the busi- ness,” He laid his hand on the bundle of pa- pers. ““ They are dangerous stuff to handle. ‘‘ Nonsense,” we can get rid of them in New York,” answered Sherman, ‘I know the fence that will buy thém. At a big discount, of course.” “Bless us, didn’t old Bluebottle rave about them!” laughed Benson—‘ and I don’t wonder. They are all securities that can ba managed. by a careful hand. By the way, Norah, that. was a shrewd trick of yours to drop that piece of red ribbon in his trunk, It was that nailed the business on him, 1t was sworn to by one of the victims.” , “A rss ‘Red ribbon!” cried Norah, in surprise, .“ I did nothing of the kind,. By the way, I missed a piece of ribbon from my hair, Oh mercy! could it be—” She burst into a loud laugh at the thought that the old man had. been conyicted of. theft by the lost ribbon of the thief. ‘“You don’t tell me that? Why; one of the lady_witnesses swore to it positively.” ‘“Good! I wonder if they will convict old Bluebottle on the strength of it! That would _ be a shame, I hope the old fellow will be let. ”? " ‘‘That is a very proper sentiment in you, Mrs. Sherman.” These words came from a new voice. The door, which had stood partly ajar, was now ' wide open, and their startled eyes beheld on the threshold no less a rson than Ralph Ready, a very knowing look upon his face. Roger. assail the venturesome youth. But he stopped suddenly, on facing the muzzle of a pistol in tbat young man’s hand. ‘Just hold your level,” remarked Ralph, pleasantly; ‘‘ and let me give you a bit of ad- vice. The next time you’ve got plunder to di- vide, lock your door, Guess [ll take a hand in this split, if you don’t mind.” He stepped up to the table and seized the in- ventory of the stolen goods, The villains were utterly taken aback, They retired_ before Ralph’s pistol, cowed but cursing. Even the pretty lips of Mrs. Sherman gave vent to some very strong exclamations. ‘That trunk trick didn’t work, Benson,” con- tinued Ralph. . ‘‘ ’m a young hand, but [’'m not quite a fool. Back with you, now! Drop your hand! If you show a weapon I'll bore you!” The villains had got over their first alarm, and showed signs of belligerent inten ions, Sherman and Benson advanced together. ‘* One step more, and down goes your house,” warned Ralph, with his finger on the trigger. He had too many to cover. Norah had taken advantage of the opportunity to slip nimbly be- hind bim. In an instant ber arms were flung around him with a strength which she did not seem to possess. In the surprise of the moment the pistol was discharged, the ball going through the ceiling. Ere he could aim it again it was dashed from his hand, and he was a captive in the grasp of his foes. ‘“Tie him to the chair! Gag him! Knock the spy in the head!” Such were the various exclamations which came from Ralph’s captors. He was held too firmly to resist, though he showed no intention of doing so. He was, on the contrary, alarm- ingly cool, ‘ He has confederates,” cried Norah in alarm. * That pistol-shot was unlucky. We must run with the plunder, Tie him and leave him.” ‘* And bow about dear, sly little Roger?’ asked Ralph sarcastically. ‘‘ Won't you leave me the tootsy-wootsy for company?’ ‘“*Take care Roger don’t punch your head, “Ah young ape,” cried that gentleman, an- grily. He began to sweep together the spoil-that lay spread out on the table. A slight noise was audible below. Footsteps sounded on the stairs. ‘* T forgot to tell you,” said Ralph, “ that I advised the good lady of the house what sort of folks her boarders were. I sent her for help. Likely that’s the help coming.” The alarmed thieves, startled by this informa- tion, released their prisoner, and rushed hastily for the door which the footsteps were approach- ing. They were too late. The door was suddenly filled with a group of men, before whom they retired in dismay. For foremost of these men came Mr. Ransome, the detective, while be- hind him Mr. Jones and Judge Bluebottle pushed into the room, ‘‘ Tt won’t work,” said the detective, in his cool manner, his fingers toying with a pistol. “ve had a long chase, but I’ve run you to earth at last, You may as well fling up the SpOne®, for I’ve come here to take you.” “And may [ be keelbauled for’a blow-hard, if you haven’t hit the mark square center!” roared Judge Bluebottle, 1ushing forward. ‘* For if there ain’t my certificates then you can kick me into a pancake for a blazing old liar!” He sprung to the table as he spoke, and grasped his lost treasures with outspread har’s. The discomfited thieves hud retired into a corner of the room, utterly cowed by their dis- comfiture. p : “Step out here now, lively,” commanded the detective, in a brisk tone. . ‘' You know me, and | that I won’t stand any foolishness. I haven’t | tracked you fora thousand miles for nothing. Just drop that little rib-tickler, friend Roger, , or you may get hurt, And step. this way, | Norah. ,1 hate to put such rough bracelets on a | lady’s wrists; but. 1 happen to know your old tricks.” No resistance. was made. In a moment, the | chopfallen thieves were all handcuffed. There | was that in the eye of the detective that, took | from them all idea of resistance. ‘* As for you, friend Benson,” he remarked “Tam sorry to have fooled youa little. . But i three, : ‘* How in the world did you get here, Ralph?” asked Mr. Jones, in surprise. “T trailed the fox to his home,” answered “But I don’t see how you nosed out the court em ln h in a rage. even with you yet for this! See if I don't! With the whole of you! With every one of you!” ‘ All right, Norah,” answered the detective coolly. think over it first. Come, this part of the play is over.” He left the room, followed Gorey by his prisoners. Mr. Jones and Ralph gathered up the stolen goods and followed. The old jage brought up the rear, vowing what he would do if he only bad them all out in Duluth; We need not dwell on the sequel., The facts of the robbery were too patent for any defense to.be made by the prisoners. Every article was recognized by the various victims of the theft, and a sentence of six years each to the State's Prison followed a short trial and a rapid con- demnation. ‘“‘ And after that term is over they are wanted in the West,” announced Mr, some, ‘*There’s a neat litile charge banging over them in Illinois, and anotber in Ohio, fancy the traveling public will be safe from their depre- dations for some long years te come.” “Hang me if you ain’t a sharp one, Ran- some!” cried old Bluebottle. ‘‘And I vever saw a cooler duck. Why don’t you emigrate to Duluth? There’s a pretty field out that way. And you, too, boys. I like you. Come out there and I'll make your fortune,” ‘*How about the quarter you owe me, judge?” laughed cd ‘*“You shall have it, By blazes you shall! Just come out to my office in Duluth.” ** Better come with me to Toledo,” remarked Mr. Ransome. ‘You have the making of a detective, my lad. I would like to take you un- der instruction in the business,” ° ‘““You can’t bave bim,” answered Mr. Jones. “ The Grand Central is not ready te spare im, ‘Let the boy speak for himself,” responded the detective. asen “Guess I'll stick where I am,” answered Ralph. ‘“ Don’t know what I'll do when I get a few more years on my shoulders. May take in Toledo and Duluth both. But just now the Grand Central is big enough to hold me,” And so ends our story. Ralpb, now a man is still in the Grand Central. He has not. yes started on that trip West, which he fully in- tends to take some day, Saab wat THE END. THE Sunnyside Library 1, Latua Rooks. By Thomas Moore.::’.: .°:.. 10e 2 Don Juan, By Lord Byron .. .... pian io 3 Parabise Lost, By John Milton ...:..... ».... 10¢ 4 Tae Lapy or THE Lake. ‘Sir Walter Scott... 10¢e 5 Lucrnx, By Owen Meredith...’ .« £x.621.° 108 6 UnpINt; or, THE ~Warer-Spreit. “From. thé German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque,... 10¢ For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage paid, wasn’t quite the jolly green yon took me for,” |,on receipt of twelve cents for single numbers, The only reply of the secured thief vm wth double numbers twenty-four cents. at volley of curses. in which he was ec i by As for Norah, she crouched backin a The three thieves sprung to their feet, with ' chair, with a fierce, tigerish glare in her blue ADAMS, VICTOR & CO., Publishers, 98 William street, Ny Y, ‘*But you will bave a little time te .
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1 Deadwood Dick, the roe of the Road. By E. L, Wheeler. 2 Vellowstone Jack By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Kanaas King, By Buff ) Bill, (Hon. W. F. Cody.) 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mama Reld and Captain Frederick Whittaker, & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. By Oll Coomes. Double number, 10 cents. 4 Bill Biddon, Trapper. Edward 8. Ellis, 7 The Flying VY ankee, By ‘olonel Prentiss Ingraham. 8 Seth Jones; or, ‘Ube Captives of the Frontier. By E. S. Ellis, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 10 Nat Todd; or, The late of the Sioux Captives, By E. 8. Ellis, 11 The Two Detectives. By Albert W. Aiken. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to Brobdinguag. By Pee Swift. 18 The Dumb Sp y Ol] Coomes, 14 Aladdin ; or, Te Wonderful Lamp. 15 ‘the Sen-Cat, By oon Frederick Whittaker. 16 pebiase Orusoe. 7 Illustrations.) By Defoe. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Nebdisiben By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 4S Sindbad the Sailor. From the Arabian Nights, 9 The Phantom Spy. By Buffilo Bill. 20 The Deuble Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler, 21 The Frostier Angel. By Edward §, Ellis. 22 ‘The Sea erpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By J. Lewis. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76, By T. C, Harbaugh. 24 a Dirk ysColonel Prentiss Ingraham, 233 ont Boy Cap tain, By Roger Starbuck. Cloven htoot, the Buffalo Demon. By Edward L, Wheeler, + Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Ol! poe 28 Buffalo Ben, the P is of the Platol.. By E. L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb he e. Captain Frederick Ww Bittner. e oT Roaring Ral Rtockw yood. By Harry St. George, 1 Keen-ixnite, Prince of the Prairies.” By Ol! Coomes. Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L. Wheeles 88 The Ocean Bloodhound, By S. W. Pierce. $4 Oregon Sol. by Captain J. F, C. Adame prone the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L, Wheelea Clown, By Frank S. Finn. $3 The ii den Lodge, By T. C. Harbaugh, 8% Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 9 Death- Fad: the Detective. By Edwasd L. Wheeler, rt Roving Ben. By Jobu J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. By O11 Coomes, 42 The Phantom Miner. By Edward L, Wheeler. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider, By Capt, Whittaker. Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, the Great Annibilator, By Ry je Wheeler, 46 Glass Eye, tie Great Shot of the West. By J. . Adams, at ightingale Naty; or, The Forest Captains: By Horbeugh: Black Jolin, the Road-Agent. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, $3 Gals OLL, the Masked Terror, By Edward L. Wheeler, Burt Banke , the Trapper. By C. E. Lasalle. ot 1 Ake Re Lifies sor, The Underground Camp. By A,C.Iron, hite Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle. BB im Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. By FE. 1. Wheeler, 54 Ned Mazel, the Boy Trapper, By Capt, J. F.C. Adama. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill. + Nick Whifties’ Pet, By Captain JF. C, Adama. 7 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles, By Edward L. Wheeler. +4 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. By Oll Coomes, 59 OL! Mickory; or, Vandy Ellis’s Scalp, By Harry St. George. +4 The White Indian. By C Japtain J, F.C, Adarrs. 1 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. ‘By E. L. Wheeler. $2 The Shadow Ship, By Colone) Prentiss Ingraham, 68 The Red ssretucrnded, By W. J. Hamilton, 4 epee Jack. By T. C, Harbaugh. 65 Murricane Bill, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hands or, A Life fora Life. By W. J. Hamilton, P44 Patent-Leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. the Border Robin Hood, By Buffalo Bill. $0 Gold Rifle the Shar; pencote By Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’ Cabin, By Captain J. FOC. Adams. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes, 72 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W.J. Hamflton. 783 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edward L. Wheeler, 74 Hawk-eye Harry. By 1) Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist. By Colone) Prentisa Ingraham. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. 77 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler, 78 [sue Dick, | By Captain Mayne Reid. \ ‘ol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By Albert W, Alken, 80 [Lleschud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler, 81 ightning Jo, By Captain J. F.C, Adams. 82 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk. By T. C, Harbaugh, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Ol! Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner, By Edwerd L, Wheeler, 85 Buck Buckram, By Captain J, F. C. Adams. U6 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas, . By G, Waldo Brown, 87 The Land Pirates, By Captain Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By E. L. Wheeler, 89 Island Jim. By the author of “Jack Harkaway.” 90 The Dread Rider, By George Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club, By Bracebridge Homyng. 92 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, By E. L. Wheeler. 98 The Boy Miners. By Edward §, Ellis. 94 Midnight Jack, the Rosd-Agent. By T.C. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine 96 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L, Wheeler 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By John J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Karl. By Prof. Gildersleeve, 99 The Tiger of Tuos. By George Waldo browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. By E. L. Wheeler. 101 Jack [’arkaway in New York. Bracebridge Hemyng. 102' Dick Dead-Eye,. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 108 The Lion of the Sea. By Colonel Delle Sara 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Captain'H. Holmes, | 106 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C, Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim, By James L. Bowen, 108 During Davy, the Young Bear-Killer.” By H. St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E, L. Wheeler. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. By J. L, Bowen, 111 The Sea-Devil. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 112 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe, 118 Jaek Hoyle, the Young Speculator. By E. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuek. 115 The Mad Miner. By George Waldo Browne, 116 The Hussar Captain. By Col. Prentiss Iagraham. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 118 Will Somers, the Boy Drtective By Charles Morris. 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains. By J, E, Badger. 120 The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. By E. L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, the B x By. By Charlee Morris. 128 Kiowa Charley, By 'T. C. Harbaugh. iJ the White Moustanger, . 161 New York Nell. '166 Hickory Harry. ‘228 Little Wildfire. 124 Tippy, the Texan. By George Gleason. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick's Double. By Edward L. Wheeler 180 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 181 The Golden Hand, By George Waldo Browne. 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward 5. Ellis. 188 Boss Bob, the King of the Bootblacka. By EyL, Wheeler. 184 Sure Shot Seth. By Ol] Comes. 185 Captain Paul. By C. Dunning Clark. 186 Night-Mawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Helpless Hand, By Captain Mayne Reid 188 Blonde Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh, 140 Blue Blazes, By Frnk Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Rond-Agent. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry. By Charles Morris. 148 Sear-Face Saul, By Ol) Coomes. 144 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. By Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By O11] Coomes, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Charles Morris. 148 Sharp 8am _ By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Gold, By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso. By Cuptain Frederick Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 152 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris, 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Ol] Coomes, 154 The Sword Hunters, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick o Deadwood, By E. L. Wheeler, 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill. 159 The Lost Captain. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 160 The Black Giant. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, By Edward L. Wheeler, 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods, By Charles Morris, 168 Little Texaa, the Young Mustanger. By O]l. Coomesa, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George Waldo Browne. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morris, By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. By Edward Willett 168 Deadly Dash. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 169 Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Card. By Charles Morris 171 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont, 172 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival, By George Waldo Browne. 174 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morris. 175 Captain Arizona, By Philip S. Warne, 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Ol] Coomes. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runser, By Charles Morris, 180 The Sea Trailer. By Lieutenant H, D. Perry, U.S.N. 181 Wild Frank of Montana, By Edward L. Wheeler, 182 Little Hurricane, th» Boy Captain. By Ol! Coomes, 188 The Hidden Hand, By Charles Morris. 184 The Boy Trailers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 185 Evil Eye, King of the Cattle Thieves. By Frank Dumont, 186 Cool Desmond. By Colone! Dele Sara. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy. By Charlea Morris. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C., Harbaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman. By Charles Morris, 190 Dandy Darke. By William R. Eyster, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, By Capt, A. B. Taylor. 192 Captain Kit, the Wi l-0’-the-Wisp. By Lieut. Perry. 198 The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip S. Warne. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet. By Captain Tayler 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Edward L, Wheeler. 196 Shadowed, By Charles Morris. 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 198 Arkansaw, thx Man with the Knife. By T. C, Harbaugh, 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins., By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. | 202 Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade. By Ol) Coomes. 208 The Boy Pards. By Joseph FE. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Edward L, Wheeler. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris. 20% Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbaugh, 208 The Boy Hercules. By Ol] Coomes. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler. 21@ Puro Frank of High Pine. By William R. Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 212 Washing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris, 218 Fritz to the Front. By Edward L, Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Whittaker. "nee Captain Bullet, the Raider King. By T, C. Harbaugh. 246 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. -By Col. P. Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, By Edward L. Wheeler. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Ol Coomes. 219 Desapard, the Duelist. By Philip 8. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace. By Chas. Morris, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 228 Ozark Alf, King of the Mountain. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By Oll Coomes. 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky. By Charles Morris. Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler. % Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. By Ol! “oomes. ‘818 Cimarron Jack. 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 280 The Yankee Rajah. By C. Dunning Clark. 281 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh, 282 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler, 288 Joe Buck of Angels, By Albert W. Aiken. 284 Old Rocky’s “‘ Boyees,.” By Buckskin Sam, 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Morris, 286 Apollo Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, 288 The Parson Detective. By Ol] Coomes. 289 The Gold-seeker Gulde, By Captain Mayne Rela, 240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler, 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C. Harbaugn. 242 The Two “ Bloods.” By Charles Morris. 248 The Disguised Guide, By'O1! Coomés, 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Capt.“ Bruin” Adame, 248 Sierra Sain’s Secret. By Edward L. Wheeler, 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer, By Col. P. Ingraham 251 Light-house Lige. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard, By Edward L. Wheeler, 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward §, Ellis. 255 Captain Apollo. By T. C, Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Captain Mark Wilton. 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama, 258 Sierra Saim’s Seven. By Edward L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon, By Roger Starbuck, 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Ol! Coomes. 261 Fergus Fearnaught. By George L. Aiken, 262 The Young Sleuths, By Charles Morris. 26% Deadwood Dick’s Divide, By Edward L. Wheeler, 264 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Captain Fred, Whittaker, 266 Killb’ar, the Guide, By Ensign Warren. 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harbauga, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall, By E. L. Wheeler 269 The Gold Ship. By Col. Prentiss,ingraham. 270 Biizzard Ben.. By Captain Mark Wilton, 271 The Huge Hunter. By Edward S. Enis, 272 Minkskin Mike. By Oll Coomes, 278 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris, 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise. By Colonel Prontiss Ingraham, 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three Trappers. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King. “By T. C. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam, 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. By Edward L. Wheeler 282 The Typo Detective. By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe. By Major Lewis W Carson. 284 The Sen Marauder, By Colone) Prentiss Ingraham, 285 Denver Doll's Decoy. By Edward L. Wheeler. 286 Joeh, the Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt. Mark Wilton, 287 Billy Blue-Eyes. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 288 The Sealp King. By Captain J. F. C. Adama. 289 Jolly Jim’« Job. By Charles Morris, 290 Little Foxfire, By Oll Coomes, 291 Turk, the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro. By Major E, L. St. Vrain. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper. By Captain Comateck. 294 Dynamite Dan. By T. C. Hatiaugh, 295 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift. By Edward L. Wheele., 297 The Tarantula of Taos, By Bockakin Sam, 298 The Water-Hound, By Charles Morria, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Tal-Taker. By Edward L. Wheslew 800 The Sky Demon, By Ol] Coomes, 801 Li adville Nick, By Major E. L. St. Vrain, 802 The Mountain Detective. By T. C, Harbaugh, 808 *Liza Jane, the Girl Miner. By E. L, Wheeler. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy. By,Colone] Prentiss Ingraham 805 Dashaway, of Dakota. By Charles Morria 806 Neck-Tie Ned. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 807 The Strange Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Pard; By Col. P. Ingraham, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. By E. L. Wheeler. 810 The Barranca Wolf. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 811 The Roving Sport. By Edward Willett, 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prinee. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain By Frederick Dewey. — 814 The Mysterious Marauder. By Cel. P. Ingraham. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. By Jack Farragat 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Curd of Arizona, By T. C. Harbaugh, 817 Peacock Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne, 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Buckskin Sam, 81° Yhe Biack Rider. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 820 The Sea Sorceress. By Jack Farragut. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen, By Edward L. Wheeler 822 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett, 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Hazard. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. By Chas. Morrts, 825 Kelley, Hicke é © f mene y; fokey & © ompany, the Sleuths of Philadelmhia, 826 Bill Blake, tne Slayer. By T. C, Harbaugh A New Issue Every Week. The Half-Dime Library Is for sale by all newsdealers, Ses cents per *opy, or sent by mai’. on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Btreet, New York. By Col. Ingraham, —_