Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 382) (1884 11 18)
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fOURTH EDITION, A BOY DETECTIVE STORY BY THE AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK.” \ ; WEN TUNED, NOU RRR, Pal ¢ WOVWR= CoS MT eee NS mon ns Pr es Sa IAN 884. at the Post Office Copyright, 1884, by __ $2.50 a year. ; “Entered at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates, BEADLE AND ADAMS, November 18, 1884. ‘ Single PUBLISHED WEFKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. XV. Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 382. iN Ny HN tT} i| ee" | ns ih i | ‘\ UAH = ae Ulin aT A : CHAPTER I. Mn Ui TIMTNN Peta Gh a Attained isl Ae A NEWSBOY’'S NOTION. : ‘“VTERE'S yr papers—Cull, News, Star, and tH Item—uii dont the shockin’ suicide, ’Ere’s yer ltem—one cent!” SIN Such was the cry of a young urchin, who, AM with a bundle of papers under bis arm, was i I wendirg bis way along Chestnut street, Phila- i delpbia’s crowded thoroughfare, one sunny IMU A} i xh August afternoon,” Hit" | NRRL } is () Hi Aes i ‘OE re’s yer papers—all about the shockin’ | (| ti ) F A suicide!” it My PUSH tii 1 Aveda i = He was not the only Ove whose voice awoke * i Vi : the echoes of that particular afternoon, erying out for the sale of the press, for there were scores of youtbful venders of news, darting hither and thither, and endeavoring to work up business from the sale of their, favorite sheets, to the swarm of pedestrians that ever make Chestnut streeta gay and attractive prom- enade. The newsboy to whom we invite the reader’s == attention, was a typical representative of his iar craft—a veritable street Arab, with ms nothing to distinguish him from a dngen otuers ‘Som Cool Kit, the King of Kids, of Philamadelphia, Pa., and of his calling, unless it was his independent don’t you forget it !? bearing, and his sharp, intelligent brown eyes, 2 . 7 +, 4
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2 His face was just an ordinary boyish one, rather sharp of features; bis mouth was rather large, and his hair brown, and unkempt, His figure, however, was well developed, for his age, whict was about sixteen, His garments had seen long and rough service; but, rough though he appeared, he had no diffi- culty in cea fe of his papers, and his bundie was reduced, to but half a dozen copies, when he had reached the vicinity of the State House, where, in answer to bis call, a stranger inter- cepted him, a tall, well-built individual, with a full brown beard, a man about five and forty vears of age, well dressed, and rather aristo- cratic appearing, To the newsboy, he put this query: “Well, my lad. Who has suicide?” Cvol Kit, for that was the name by which the lad was known, along Chestnut street, regarded bis interrogator keenly. ‘* Suicide?” he echoed. ‘‘ Haven’t had time to look, been so biilin’ over full ©’ bizness. "Spect ef ye invest a cent inter an Item or News ye kin git onter the particulars.” Which answer did not appear to strike the stranger’s fancy, for, witb a grunt of displea- sure, be walked rapidly away. At which Kit gave vent to a whistle of sur- prise. ** Well, I should smile!” he commented. ‘I wonder what’s bitin’ him? He appeared sorter anxious to know who had committed suicids, but he warn’t willin’ to spend a cent to know. oy Jingo! it rather hits me as sort o’ crooked, ike Watching the stranger, he saw that he kept straight down Chestnut” street, toward the Delaware river, ‘*Reckon Ill investigate who this party is, who bas gone and settled hisself. ’Tain’t often I go yellin’ off papers without knowin’ jist what is in ’em,” Examination of one of bis papers resulted in his finding an account of the particular suicide, which, by Jarge head-lines, was made a feature of that afternoon’s news attraction, ‘* Aillot! Why ’tain’t a be who has kerflum- mixed, this time. Lo’mme see: ‘Saockin’ Sui- cide, A Beautifal Girl Found Dead. A Sup- pried Case of Self-Murder. Her Identity Un- nown|!’ “Weill! Dash me if there ain’t somethin’ sort o’ funny about this, after all,” be com- mented, ‘‘ Let’s see what she croaked about.” S> he read as follows; committed * A singular case of suicide has just been reported froin the —— Ward, full details of which have not as yt been received at this office. From what is known, however, it appears that a beautiful girl committed suicide by stabbing herself, this morn- ing, somewhere between tie hours of nine and ten o'clock, her body being yet warm when discovered by Officer ——, at a few minutes after ten. “The scene of the travedy was a vacant lot, at the corner of P—— and L— streets, which is not fenced in, and is principally oceupie1 for the stcr- age of carts belonging to the teamsters of the neighborhood. The locality is rather isolated, there being but one row of houses within a block of the scenes of the suicide, and they not commanding a ready view of the spot. * No one in the neighborhood admits having seen the girl prior to the finding of her corpse, and as there has been no weapon found, nor any clew dis- covered about her person leading to her identifica- tion, the case is surrounded with mystery. “She is described as about seventeen years of age, fairly well dressed, and very pretty. ere are two knife-wounds, one through and the other close to her heart." Such was the sensation of that afternoon's paper, and Cool Kit gave the article a careful perusal, He was not an illiterate boy, by any means, although he had attended school but a few weeks in his sixth year. He could read, write and spell, however, better than any newsboy on the street, was clever at arithmetic, and was a shrewd lad in more ways than one, So quick of perception was he—so ready-witted and wide awake—that be was known among the force as * Cool Kit” and the ‘‘ King Kid.” His name, so far as be knew, was Christopher Cool; hence the first-mentioned nickname. And now, standing there just after reading the item mentioned, it occurred to Cool Kit that the stranger who wouldn’t invest a cent really bad some knowledge of the affair. Why he associated the man with the affair he cou'd not say—it was only an impression— but so fixed did. it finally become in bis mind that the Kid resolved to gratify his curiosity by secing the suicide and learning all that he could about her. Being nothing but a street Arab, it did not Cool Kit, the King of Kids, seem an easy matter to obtain the desired view over this chieken yet, you bet yer bottom trade of the remains, but he was determined, neverthe- less, to try. Among other officers along the Chestnut street beat, he knew a big-hearted, ponderous Irish- man, by the name of Pat Pilgrim, who was very popular with the force, and the ebief. He admired Kit because the lad always seemed glad to meet bim and was a Jad of spirit—which a good policeman always likes. So thut evening he hunted up the Pilgrim, as he called him, who loomed up, a grim’ em- blem of official watchfulness, at his **‘ reserve” corner, He greeted Kit with a smile. “‘Arrnh, laddy buck! Phat for luck have ye bin havin’ the day?” ‘Luck!’ echoed Kit. ‘* Why, Pat, I’ve sold out, hours ago, and retired from bizness, to live on the interest of my appetite. But, ter sail right inter the harbor of bizness, Patsy—have ye heard of the susanside of the girl that shuf- fled off from a dirt-cart lot?” ‘“‘Indade I have, me boy. Phat of it? Phy is ye axin’ ’bout the gal? Shure an’isn’sit vigh lvery mornin’ that some one is found dead, an’ kilt, or suicided?”’ ‘Guess ye’r’ right. But this case is no suicide, or my name is Cupid. I wanter git an inter- dooce to the stiff, | do, an’ I want ve to give me a nod tew ther proper authorities.” “Git out! Phy go to tha corner, an’ tell bim what yez want, an’ that Pat Pilgrim sint yez. Then yez'll be all right.” **But bow’ll I find the coroner?” * Divil a bit do [ know. Go down to the Cin- tral, an’ ax for a bar'l av money, an’ they wull give it to yez, if yez only tell em Patsy Pilgrim sent yez.” “Oh! Dll bat they will! Anyhow, Ill go and investigate,” Kit declared, and hurried away. He bad no difficulty in findirg the coroner’s office, but the coroner was not in, nor was any- one else, Not discouraged, the Kid next sought the residence of Simon Yale, whom be knew to bea young detective, struggling hard to make a rise in the’world, and thus keep the wolf from the door. He found the man at home, and was received with a cuurtesy, which showed tbat Simon was a born and bred genileman. ‘*‘T reckon mebbe ye know me!” Kit remarked, by way of introducing himself. ‘* I’m Cool Kit, Loot black, newsboy, and King of Kids.” ‘It strikes me t have seen you before, my lad, What can I do fer you?” “Well, thet depends, S’pose you’re in the perfesh, yit?” ‘* Well, yes, after a fashion,” Yale replied, with asmile. ‘I’m not overrun with business, however, Have you a job you want me to un- dertake?” ‘** Well, yes—leastwise, I have a job I wanter undertake, myself, and want yer ter help me, Now, suppose a cadaver were found w’ot no one knew, or claimed—they’d morgueage it wouldn’t they?’ ‘*It would be held at the Morgue, a certain length of time, yes.” ‘* Well, mebbe you read about the suicide w’ot’s in to-day’s papers.” “Certainly. Rather an odd case, I take it?” “You bet. Now, then, I want to find thet girl and see ber corpse, at once.” “* What for?” ‘* Because, I do, that’s all. You're a detec- tive, an’ you can take me down to the morgue, and git me an interdooce.” “Very well, I will willingly do so if it will be of any benefit to you. But, I don’t think it will, as nothing to prove her identity has been discovered, that I «m aware of, as yet. The girl will be interred in the Potter’s Field, among the unknown.” ‘Jest hold up yer coupeigh, a minnit, ef yer please!” the boy returned; ‘* no Potter's Field for her jist yet. How do yer know but et’s a lost sister o’ mine, or some one else’s, hey? Now, I ain’t goin’ ter tell ye all [ know, or don’t know, but don’t mind admittin’ thet I think I hev struck a snap; 80 bard a-port, an’ let’s sail fer ther morgue,” Yale looked at his watch. ‘Well, 1 will accommodate you,” he finally said, ‘‘althougb, unless you have positive knowledge about this case it will be time and trouble for nothing, I am sure,” ‘Ye think I ain't smart, hey?” ** Well, not that, but your gents and inex- perience will work dead against you, if you | propose to go into this case as a detective.” ‘*Can’t help that. Inexpeer’nce never clumb ‘sunshine, dollar, Tuin’t the biggest or fattest chap w’ot gits inter Congress, un’ ef I don’t occupy a per- forated mayor’s chair one 0’ these Guys, why ye can shute me fer a red-beaded mud-ben from ther swamps of Jersey.” ‘All right. True grit is half the battle, and I hope you will suceeed. We will see what luck we have in getting into the morgue.” He was soon in readiness, and they set out. Cool Kit's eheeks and eyes glowed with an- ticipation; he was taking his first steps in a new career, for, in fact, he bad often and often dreamed of dropping his calling of newsboy to become a detective, and now that be was actually embarked in bis first case be seemed inspired with a new life. If he shculd succeed in unearthing the secret of that beautiful girl’s death a bright career was opened to him, And be resolved not to fail! CHAPTER II. COOL KIT MAKES A RESCUE AND A DISCOVERY, ARRIVING st the Morgue, after a long tramp, Detective Yale «experienced no trouble in gain- ing admission for bimself and bis young pard, There chanced to be but three bodies ‘ton shutter” at the time of their arrival, one of which was that of the beautiful suicide. The attendant accompanied the two visitors and uncovered the remains to tbe shoulders, upon which the weird lights of the dead-house shone with ghastly effect, Both Yale and Cool Kit gave alittle gasp of surprise, as they gezed upon the upturned fea- tures of tbe dead girl. She wes well-formed, probably tut a few months over seventeen. er face, even in its deathly repose, was one of rare bevuty. Her features were of a refined cast, and her wealth of disheveled hair, was like in color to golden The region of the wounds, which had caused ber death, was covered with an oil blanket, which the attendant did not remove, ‘* Has any one identified the corpse yet?” De- tective Yale a:ked. ‘No one knows anything about her.” ‘What was the report of the inquest?” ‘* Deceased came to ber death from the effects of two knife-thrusts administered by her own hand,” ‘‘ Was there a post-mortem examination?” ‘¢There was,” “What sort of a knife was used in inflicting the wound?” ‘* A thin dirk, or some instrument of a like pattern.” Yale turned to Cool Kit then. ‘Well, my friend, do you recognize the young lady?” he asked, ‘*T reekon not, boss; I’m nigh about sure I never saw her before, Still, thet ain’t sayin’ I can’t find out who she was. One thing's purty sure—she didn’t commit no suicide; ’tain’t in sech girls to commit suicide like that,” ‘*1t is hard to tell what a woman will not do when crossed in love or attacked by misfor- tune,” the attendant logically remarked, re-cov- ering the now marble-like hody—a signal for the visitors to depart—which they did at once. Little was said on their return, At Market street Kit announced his intention of going in another direction. “Well, then, good-night!” Yale said cheerily, “T suppose I shall run across you selling papers to-morrow?” ‘*Nary a paper for Christofer!” was the reply. “Henceforth, I’m Cool Kit, the Detective an’ the King o’ Kids, you bet! So look out fer de- velopments, fer ef ther morgue won’t give up ther dead gir)’s secret, the world will sooner or later, an’ I'll heva grip on the world, close at hand, Solong! Ill hire ye soon as the biz needs two heads tew the bar’l,” and Kit strode away with an air of importance, that brought a broad smile to Yale’s face. “The boy’s got it in him to succeed at some- thing, but I reckon he won’t make a meal out of that case.” After leaving the detective, Kit roamed up and down the streets mycsny eh for bis mind was busied in cogitating over his new case. To solicit advice from regular members of the detective craft could do him little good, as where one might ‘‘ nurse” his case for the sake of realizing benefit from it, ten others would tell him he was a fool or a junatic, which was an all-sufficient reason why he should go it alonr—at least for the present, It was eleven o'clock when he boarded a Ridge avenue car, en route for his lod which were not far from the car depot of that line, He made his home with a poor but kind
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— 2 > amen + - ‘widow woman and ber daughter, both of whom were forced to work in woolen-mills for their diving. It was partly to help them along that Kit ac- -cepted of their frugal accommodations, and partly because he cherished a boyish likivg for the daughter, plump and pretty little Dorrit Darling, whom he counted about the sweetest sprite of a girl between the Delaware and Man- ayunk. The car contained only two other passengers when Kit got aboard, one of whom was the conductor, a sour-looking individual, and the other a rough-dressed, rowdyish-looking man, who, judging by bis dirt-begrimed face, was a mechanic, belonging to some of the down-town manufactories. His appearance went to show, too, that he had been imbibing more “‘ rats” than were con- sistent wita sobriety. Hardly bad tbe Kid taken a seat, when the fellow staggered to his feet and plumped him- -self down beside the boy. “Tsay, young feller, give’s a chaw off o’ yer plug, will ye?” he cried, blowing his unsavory Rresth full in Kiv’s face. “«T haven’t any—I don’t chew!” Kit replied, disgusted with the man. * Ye don’t chew, hey? You rat, ye aire lyin’ ter me!” “No, ’m not lyin’ to ye!” Kit retorted, -coolly eying the rough. ‘‘ Ain’t once enough to tell you?” ma ‘No et ain’t! I’m Mike McGill, an’ yer bet T’masundowner. A feller w’ct sasses me, most allers gits a thump in the jaw!” and he glared at the Kid, ferociously. “T guess you won’t kill any dead people,” tthe boy returned, his cheeks blushing with sanger. ‘‘ You mind your business, and Ill mind mine!” The rough was upon his feet in an instant. “See heer, ye little son-of-a-gun, you've otter get out ov this or Vl fetch ye out!” he roared, “Go and set down!” Kit eried, at the same time giving the fellow a push that landed him aipon the opposite seat, while he sprung to his feet, himself, ‘t Now, you drunken snoozer, if you «don’t behave yourself, or the conductor don’t put you off the car, {11 do some of the thumpin’ you’ve talked about.” “Lat up on this fightin,” you young ruffian! cried the conductor, blustering into the car, “* None of it, or out ye goes!” “What, you ‘take this big loafer’s part? You'd better git back onto your platform, Mis- ter Macdoodle? .Cool Kit cried, bis eyes blazing with anger. “I don’t let no snoozer impose on meef Lama light weight, and I can lick a bet dozen like you, you Emerald of the sle! Evidently the knight of the bell-punch be- lieved it, for he beat a retreat, with a growl. So Kit sat down, still on his guard, however, lest the bully should.come lunging at him, Tbe car had crossed Girard avenue, by a dozen or more blocks, and was well up in the northwestern part.of the city, when it stopped, and a passenger got on. She was a trim -built, neatly attired girl, of about Cool Kit’s age, and was quite pretty of countenance, at once reminding the young de- tective of the dead girl at the morgue, for her hair, her complexion, the shape of her features, ‘all were singularly like those of the unknown a suicide. ' ere were traces of tears and a certain red- mess about her eyes, together with a worried expression, which indicated that she had been weeping, recently, She first gave a half-scared look, at the con- eductor,-on taking ber seat; then ber gazo wan- ered to the face of Mike McGill, and then to the countenance of the King of Kids, The face of both the conductor and McGill, sseemed to give hera chill of horror, but she appeared to be reassured, when she gave Kit a searching look. After giving her an opportunity to inventory ‘his appearance he did not hesitate to return the compliment, and the longer he gazed at her, the deeper became his conviction that she must fin some way be related to the dead beauty at the Morgue, After a wait of a couple of minutes, the un- civil-looking conductor re-entered the car, and before the fair passenger, Kit noticed that a sudden pallor flitted over ther face as she searched in the velvet portemon- mais she carried, for ber fare, then she fished out a coin, and banded it to the conductor. “There is five cents, sir—itis alll have. I thought I bad more but have not, Will that i Cool Kit, the King of Kids. not take me a few squares? I want to find my sister!” she said, in a plaintive voice. Ha! her sister! Cool Kit’s heart nearl throat. Could it be true? sister of the dead girl? * Five cents ain’t enuff to help ye find your sister!” the conductor snarled. ‘‘ Ye can’t work that racket on this car,” and be at once pulled the bell, ‘*Oh! but, sir, let me explain. Iam a stran- ger, sir—” “Dry up! off!” Cool Kit was upon his feet in an instant, and pushed the conductor fiercely ba: kward just is the cowardly wretch would bave laid hands upon the terrified passenger. ‘*Stand back, you loafer!” the King of Kids cried, fiercely. ‘‘I will pay this young lady’s fare—then, we'll get off and get another car, which, mebbe, a gentleman will run!” The conductor took the fare which Kit banded him and then stopped the car. Kit and his young charge got off, she making no hesitation to following his lead. When they were upon the curb, and the car had passed on, the poor gir! burst into tears, “Ont you are so good and kind, and I can never thank you enough for what you have done. Ob! dear, what shall I do? I am lost, and do rot know where I am, or what I am go- ing to do!” “Tt struck me thet way, when I first sot eyes on ye!” Kit agreed, ‘‘and I made up my mind to stand by ye, an’see you through, lize I al- lus do a boy when he’s gittin’ soaked—that is, onless be deserves it. Tl fix that cornductor, to-morrow, tho’. But, what's your name, an’ where d’ye wanter go?” ‘My name is Lily Rogers, but I do not really know where I am, or where wanttogo. Iam lost, and am bunting for my sister, Cassie, who left me Jast night.” Kit reflected a moment. It certainly would not be prudent to reveal to her bis suspicions, or to suddenly shock ber by declaring his belief that her sister was dead. jumped into his asshe indeed the Get out, or by me soul I’]] put ye He must take time to mature his plans, and find out all be conld, in the mean time. So, seeing another car approaching, he said: ‘* Well, ye can bet I’m sorry fer ye. But, thet don’t do much good. It’s gettin’ too late fer searchin’ to-night, an’ so if you'll come along home wi’ me, an’ let the old lady an’ Dorrit care for-ye, to-night, Vll give you my word we'll scare up your sister to-morrow. [| ain’t a newsboy an’ bootblack fer notin’, an’ ef I do say it, 1 know more about old Phila, in a minnit, than balf the perlice ever finds out, ef they lives ter git as gray asa freckled cen- tarian ben, So, here’s the car, an’ we’!l soon git hum, where you’ll be treated like a foreign actress in America.” . ‘‘Ob! you are so kind. How shall I ever be able to repay you?” ‘* Jest by sendin’ me a telefone dispatch, when any snoozer treats you mean, so that I can lick blazes out o’? him, But, here we are; this is Big Jimmy’s cair, an’ ye can bet he’s a gentle- man.” , . They boarded the car, and obtained seats, but it made no attempt to question his fair com- panion, until they had arrived as close to their destination as the cars would take them. Then, they left the car, and the girl took his arm. “We've got a bit to walk, yet,” Kit said, “but it won’t take long. You.do not belong in Philadelphia, eb?” ‘Oh! no, although we were born, and lived here, until six or seven years of age. Then, mother and father parted, and fatber went West and took us two children, and left mother and:an elder son, here,” ‘* Ab! How old would your brother be, if now living?” ‘* Let me see—twenty five years of age I be- ve.” “ What did yer mother an’ father split up, ‘“‘ J understand it was on account of property. They were very poor, hard-working people, un- til just before the separation, when my mother fell heir to a fortune of ten thousand dollars in cash, Papa wanted some of it to invest in busi- ness, so that he would not have to work so hard, in bis old age, but mother refused to let bim have a penny, and as the result a separation was arranged, went to California.” ‘6 Well?” * Papa was not prosperous for a number of years, in California, although he managed to and papa took sister and I, and | 3 eke outa livelihood, and after awhile, he went to Idaho, where, as they say, out West, he “struck it rich.” ‘Did he bear from his wife an’ son?” ‘*Not until two months ago, when a men came to the town where we were living—Bed Rock—and fetcbed the news that be bad been sent by mother, in search of us, and had, by good fortune, experienced no trouble in finding us, father being pretty well known, among prominent capitalists. The story he brought was to the effect that motber was dying of con- sumption, and being repentant and poverty- stricken, through my brother’s squandering all of her money, wanted tosee us all, before she died,” ‘*Ah! Goon.” “ Father being a stern man, refused to come East, but sent us, in his stead. The messenger was to remain West, but stated that mother’s attorney, would surely meet us on our arrival in’ Philadelphia, giving us his address and also a hotograph of bim. On our arrival at the ennsylvania cepot, sure enough, the gentleman did meet us, only to find me suffering from a severe sick headache. He took us to the Girard House, and registered me, suggesting that I rest at the hotel while he conducted Cassie to her mother’s house, returning for me, after I should have sougbt a couple of hours’ rest. I was only too glad to accept the proposition, as T was scarcely able to stand up. Since then, I have not been able to find or see either that man, or my sister. I shudder to imagine, what may have bappenéd!” CHAPTER Iil. BOY AND-GIRL LOVE. By this time they bad arrived at the little two story cottage, where the widow Darling resided, so it gave Cool Kit no chance to com- ment upon the revelation his pretty prot-gee had thus far made, They entered a p'ainly- furnished but cosey little sitting-room, ard here “the Kid intrcduced Miss Rogers to Mrs, Darling and Dorrit, who welcomed her as Kit’s friend; and after Kit had mace a brief narration of what he himself had Jearned, Lily was sur- prised to find that the Darlings could not do too much toward making her feel at home, All of which pleased the young detective hugely. . The widow set out a tempting lunch, and after it was over, Lily expressed a desire to retire, as she was feeling very much fatigued, She was shown tothe best room, and not lon after, the widow sought ber bed, which lef Kit and Dorrit alone. Although ‘ only a mill-girl ”—and how ay the term is. applied to many a noble-hearted, conscientious toiler among the fair sex—Dorrit was well-bred, pretty of face and figure, and at once refined, modest and charming, both in speech and demeanor. The Darlings had come over from England. Dorrit’s father was a lineal descendant of a ood family. Misfortunes, however, had beset tim, and he had died, leaving his wife and child in destitute circamstances, For several years Cool Kit had been an in- mate of the Darling home, and he and Dorrit had become such fast friends that, cbildlike, they had come to rather regard the one as made for the other, and to get a trifle jealous if their attentions were not paid strictly to each other. Hence it was, now, that he found bimself alone with her, that Kit was really not unpre- pared to get a straight out-and-out curtain-lec- ture for his temerity in daring to bring to the Darling cottage a girl as pretty as bis little sweetheart, ‘* Well, sweetness, how have you been to- day?” he queried, when the widow had vacated the sitting-room, ‘Oh! as well as usual, although I am tired and discouraged.” .“*Tired and discouraged, eh? And why dis- couraged?” ‘*‘Ob! because the branch of work Iam em- ployed at is overdone, and the company pro- ‘er to close that department indefinitely, So was notified that my services would not be required any more, at present. And you, Kit, are the cause of it.’ Kit looked astonished. “I the cause of it?” be echoed, ‘* Well, now, est eat me up fer a dozen o’ fried, ef I see how can be the cause of it!” ee 5 “* Well, you are, anyhow,” with a pout, - “ But bow? Don’t send a feller up fer month or six weeks without lettin’ him know just what’s the matter.” ‘ “Well, you see, you used to—oh! you know,
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you’ve escorted me as far as the mills, several times.” * And what of that?’ “What did you do, right in front of the office.” ‘*Why, I kissed you,and you didn’t object about it, at all.” ‘* All the same it caused my discharge. The proprietor’s son bas been rather sweet on me, you see, and without any encouragement on my part, has apparently grown to believe thnt Icared for hia, Therefore when he saw you kiss me, this morning, and made mention of tive faci to me, | must naturally suppose shat it was through bis instigation I got my discharge.” “On! p’raps you're right. If so, I am very sorry that I kissed you, an’ I'll leave the job alone, after tbis. If his lips aire better than mine, why ye’r’ welcome to’em. I think I will retire. Au revoir!’ And with the best feigned nonchalancs, Cool Kit arose, and took a step toward the stair- way. Dorrit was beside him, in a moment, how- ever, and prevented his departure, “ Don’t go, Kit!” she pleaded. ‘‘ You have no right to put any misconstruction on what I have said. If you take it that way it is I who have aright to be offended,” and she looked as if abcut tocry, ‘*Dorry, I know what you mean; but you needn’t get a eer You see, this girl is in trouble, and I’m goin’ to see her through if it takes a leg, or twoof ’em!” “ That’s all right, Kit; I admire you so much the more, for your noble spirit, But—but— seeing that you have referred to ber, you know how—bow bad I would feel if you were to fall in love with her, and forget all about poor me. Promises me this—that you won’t fall in love with ber. but will remain true and faithful to me. Piease promise me, Kit, and I will be con- tent, for what you promise that I know you wil) do.” She clung to him so that, in spite of himself, tears sprung into his eyes, and seating himself, he drew her to his knee, ‘Little Dorrit,” be said, ‘‘ your words tech me inasoftspot. They say a gal’s sense ma- tures suddiner than a boy’s, an’ ef that’s ther case, you orter not make me give myself away with a mere promise. We’re both too young ter think o’ gettin’ married fer a long time yet; but ef you'll wait fer me I'll wait fer you. Does that suit, sweetheart?” ‘*No, it doesn’t. If I have to wait forever, 1’ll find some one else.” ‘All right, sweetheart; do so. That will give me a chance ter scrape a fortune tergether, git run fer mayor or guv’nor, an’ then, ef some prettier feller than I basn’t been along ter gob- le on ter ye, why, I’ll take you, pervidin’ you will be mine, then.” “IT won’t! I wouldn’t have you, after such treatment.” “There, now, don’t Pe foxy. Remember all who travel with me will wear diamonds,” ‘*T wouldn't bave you then, Kit Cool, if you were ballasted down with diamonds weighing a pound apiece. So go to bed,” and she tried to break away from his detaining grasp. -** All rigbt, Miss Pouts! But you'll be sorry for my discharge when you are sober,” Kit laughed, snatching a kiss, and then burrying from the room, While Dorrit naturally found herself in a very unpleasant frame of mind. So much for boy and girl love! CHAPTER IV. DRAWING IT DOWN FINE. Wuen Cool Kit arose the next morning, it was with a brain full of ideas, as to the future. Going down-stairs, he found that Lily was already up, and assisting Dorrit at getting breakfast. There were traces on the faces of both which indicated that neither bad slept much, but both welcomed the Kid with a pleasant smile and. glad greeting. After breakfast Kit and his protegee had an- other chat. ‘*] have been thinking over yer case, Miss Rogers,” the boy said, ‘‘ an’ I don’t opine it will take me long ter figger it out, by yer givin’ me a few more p’inters, What sort of a lookin’ man was it who met you at the depot?” “He was rather a good-looking, pleasant- appearing person, who would not naturally im- press one that he was bad. By the way, bow- ever, | have one of the photo’s brought West, by. Mr. Schofield. Here it is.” “She produced a card photograph, and gave it to who needed but one glance at it to tell Cool Kit, the King of Kids. bim it was the very person who had accosted him on Chestnut street, and so aroused his curiosity. Kit had noted every feature of that man’s face well, and the photographed face was identical with it. Lily was watching him anxiously. ‘*You have seen that persoa before?” she asked, evidently judging that he had. “I have,” be replied, ‘‘and, Miss Rogers, I set thet aire feller down fera shark, you bet! Tae’r’ ain’t no more Blackstun about him than thar is about my blackin’-box. Now, see beer, don’t yer git scart, but be brave. Ef ye don’t, I won’t help yea bit, Ef you'll promise to be a man—that is, brave as a man—an’ give me full charge of the case, I’ll stand by you through thick an’ thin, till we sift ther hull bizness to ther bottom, Will you promise?” ‘Ob! yes, willingly. oung though you are, I believe you are brave and honest, and I have the greatest of reliance in you.” “Thank you! J’ll prove to you thet I’m what they call me—King of Kids!” ‘*You are so kind and good—I do not know what I should do but for you,” and with tear- ful eyes, and girlish impetuosity, she threw her arms about his neck and kissed him. Luckily, Dorrit was not in the room, for which Kit was very thankful! ‘*Ba calm now,” he said, ‘“‘and brave as a menagery tiger. Thbar’s nothin’ like grit and backbone, and I allow that I’ve got enuff of that for the two of us. Now, let me see: This professed lawyer’s name?” ** Samuel Sands.” ‘*Sands—Sands? There is a lawyer of that name; but, ’tain’t this snoozer.” ‘‘Oh! sir, do not keep me in suspense. Do you think my sister has met with foul play? Do not deceive me, for I believe you know something about ber, and I am prepared now to hear the worst.” Kit took a searching glance, and felt positive that she had not overrated her strength; so he answersd: ‘‘T am afraid something has gone wrong, Miss R-gers, but I cannot unnecessarily alarm you while there is a hope ter bang on ter. Tell me—d’ye remember where the lawyer said your mother lived?’ ‘*T believe he mentioned something about P—— or L—— streets, but I am not positive.” “You are right. Now, another thing. You got on the cars with but little money. Did your sister have much?” ““Oh! yes; she being the elder, she carried the money. That is what makes me fear that she bas met with foul play. I hada couple of dollars in change, but spent it in a vain attempt to reach P—— and street, for every one seemed to misdirect me.” ‘“‘How much money did your sister carry with ber?’ ‘She bad near twenty-three hundred dollars. Two thousand of that was to go to our mother, toward her doctor’s bills and funeral expenses in case of her death.” “You put up at the Girard House?” ‘‘The man said it was the Girard. I am sure 1 don’t know, being a stranger.” ‘Did you register your own name?” ‘““No, sir; I was talking with sister while he wrote it for me.” ** What room did ye have?” ‘*Number 5. It was up one flight of stairs.” “Do you think you would know the place again if you was to see it?” ‘*T hardly think so; yet I might.” ‘Do you know what fer lookin’ front it had?” : # Re brick—the same as most all the build- ngs. “Then ye weren’t at the Girard, that’s cer- tain, an’ et would most likely take a Dutch Italyun search-warrant ter find out where ye was, What about your baggage?” ‘““We only brought large sachels, which he took outside, stating that he would send them to mother’s, This was at the depot.” Kit remained silent, scratching away at his head in an amusing manner. ‘Well, Miss Rogers, 1 tell you just what I know about matters. The chances are very big thet this aire a snortin’ detective case thet | hev got hold of—leastwise thet’s the way it looks like to me. As you reckoned, there’s every rea- son ter believe thet yer sister has been foully dealt with.” ‘*Ob! dear! ob! dear—can it be true? Oh! only tell me that it is not so!” and Lily buried her face in her hands. “There, now, remember what ye promised. If it turns out that your sister is dead, there’s only one thing to do! ‘* What is that?” ae iy eS StS SS ‘“ Why, take ther trail of vengeance, and sift the case to the bottom, and bunt your sister’s murderer down to death. Tbat’s me, an’ l’m a Kit, King of Kids, frum Poilamydelphia, a! In a ringing tone the young detective uttered the words, as he sprung erect, avd held une band tragically aloft, while Lily, kneeling at his fert, gazed piteously up into his boyish, manly face. “And you will—” “T will stand by you, little lady, till the wrong bas been righted; through fire and wa- — we will go, if necessary, till justice has bin id! “Thank God! Bless you, Kit!” and at the words, faintly uttered, she sunk back upon tbe floor, in a dead swoon. Realizing only too keenly, from Kit’s words and manner that ber sister was indeed dead, she Lad borne up under the heavy blow, until no Jonger able to endure the agony that over- whelmed her, CHAPTER V. MCKELVEY S VERDICT. LirtinG the senseless girl to a lounge, Kit- summoned Dorrit, and briefly rblated what bad happened. Restoratives were applied, but- when Lily once more opened her eyes, her speech was wild and incoherent, and it became obvious that her mind was wandering. A doctor who resided in the neighborhood was immediutely called, and at once announced that the girl was in great danger from braim fever. ‘You can help her, can’t you?” Kit anxiously inquired, for never having had a day’s sickness in bis life, he had no idea of what the doctor’s. words implied, ‘Oh! yes, I can brivg her through all right, without doubt, but if brain fever really sets in, the case will take weeks of time.” ‘She has bad a shock caused by her sister’s death, an’ bein’ out o’ funds an’ friends, I took. her in, an’ will put up fer the doctor’s bill, ’cause she aire good an’ square.” * You will?’ the physician demanded, regard. ing Kit with some surprise. ; “Yes, I will!” promptly. “I ain’t nothin’ but a bootblack an’ newsboy, but I’ve get nigh eighty dollars saved up, ef I don’t wear broad- cloth; an’ when the young leddy suffers for medicine or grub, we won’t know anything about et—heigh, Dorrit?” . “T will do what I can for her, I am sure,” Dorrit replied, earnestly. : ‘Well, my dear boy, you have a big heart, Isee, and the best of my skill and medical at- tendance shall not cost you a cent. A boy of your principles deserves encouragement, and, as for Miss Dorrit, 1 see clearly that she wilh make a capital nurse. now, we will try and get the patient upon her feet again, within as few days as is consistent with her future good health.” : And after administering remedies, the kind bysician took his departure, Batons to re- urn as often as his professional services would be necessary. A gah “Oh, you bet thet feller’s a hyacinth!” Kit. admiringly declared, after the doctor’s depar~ ture. ‘I'll go my last red spot on him, every time. And now, Dotty, if you care anything for the Kid, you take good care of our oo while I skip fer town. I tell ye, I’ve got sum scrumptious detective work todo, what'll make me want a dry sbirt on every two days; but I’m goin’ thr’u’ with it, ef it takes aleg. If the rogues foller me, they'llall wear diamonds—- pinned to their minds!” “ But, Kit, what if—” “Tut, tut, now; she won’t die, while 'm one. You do just what the doe says, and — she'll be all right.” - And as Dorrit, whose tender little heart. earned and throbbed for Kit, promised to do her best to nurse the patient, the young sleuth took his departure. f “Golly! my cranium will bu’st, ef I don’t get shut 0’ some o’ these ideas what I’ve got ter foller up!” he muttered, as he rode away into town. ‘I’ve got more ideas condensed inter this ere skull, toan thar’s lager in a bar’l, ter say nothin’ erbout ther unsteady legs, and so forth, Now then, let me set my dynamo inter motion.” : After some deliberation, he resolved to visit Detective Yale again, and bave bim accom- pany him on a second visit to the morgue Just what he would do in the way of action after such a visit, he did not really know, but it. occurred to him that another view of the dead “<x A, ¢$; ~ 2 pt od = om tot 5 A — Wa ~~ = — ~ se 44 Leaf fa 7" eee ¥ * ie a ae I irs 4 So Ea ml 4 : joe oat “2Bties ne | “« 4 - x * Yb gt g wh 4 i ny - ay
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oe & es Cool Kit, the King of Kids. girl m‘ght be the means of suggesting some- thing new to him. He found Yale at home, who, after some coaxing, copseuted to again accompany the boy to the dead-house. -The trip was made without incident, but on their arrival at the rooms a surprise was await- ing them. “The body has been identified, and removed by relatives,” was the answer to their i inquiry. ‘‘Removed?” Kit echoed. ‘‘ When? By whom? Where?” ‘*Dunno nothin’ about it!” the keeper replied, crustily. ck received my orders to surrender it, an’ I did so.’ ** You surely must know who you surrender- ed it to?” Yale spoke up. “Well, what of it, itl do? I’ve no business to tell ye. Go to the coroner, Who are you, anyhow?’ “That will inform you who lam,” Yale re- torted, exhibiting his badge, ‘‘and I ‘might add, that by acoming change of City Government, & more courteous Morgue official could be se- cured,” “Indeed! Well, I run this Morgue, and Ill be courteous to who I like, So you can get out!” As there appeared to be nothing else to do, the two friends took their departure. * The only thing now is to visit the coroner,” Yale decided, ‘‘and there is no need even of that if the dead girl’s friends have removed her.” ‘*They hain’t removed—her friends hain’t!” Kit declared, emphatically. Yale, a murder, and a robbery has been done, an’ one 0’ ther biggest pieces 0’ rascality is afoot that ever you hear tell of—you just believe me, for I'm dead onto the trail. [can’t give ye any moreof it now, but ef ye wanter foller me, you'll wear diamonds, one °° these days.” ‘*T believe you're crazy, boy!” * All right. Skip out, now, or I might mur- der ye, wi’ a cleaver!” * Vell, Pll not skip. I’ve nothing else to do, and I'll stick by you!” “Then, tew ther coroner’s s, We go, Ye kin do ther talkin’, some 0’ the time, anyhow.” And to the coroner’s they did go. Yale had met the official before, and was re- cogrized by bim. * Well, sir, what can I do for you?” was the gentleman’ s query, ‘“We came to investigate, sir, in regard to the disposition of yesterday's case of suicide,” “Yale replied, “At! yes. No investigation is required. The remains were turned over to the relatives, this morning.” ‘* But, we bave reason to believe, that an in- vestiation is needed. Who were the parties who claimed to identify the girl?” ** William and Sarah Walker, of 68 State street, Chicago. The girl was the gentleman's sister, who had been missing, some days, while tem- porerily deranged. Believing her to be en route for the East, they gave chase, and arrived ip Philadelpbia, only to learn of the suicide, and to identify the remains.” “Indeed! Can you give me a description of the arties?” es. The man was about twenty-nine or thirty, and resembled the dead girl. He was well dressed. The woman was younger, and a brunette.” “Did you order a release of the remains, without investigating whether tbese people were from Sra'e street, Chicago?” “Tt is our custom ‘to do so when there is freasonab'e evidence that the parties are what they represent,” The coroner, like all officers, evidently did not feel like being questioned too closely, a fact which Kip noticed, and gave Yale a nudge to * come off.” * One more question,” Yale persisted: ‘* Who Temoved the body from the ‘the rink,’ to pre- prae it for burial—what undertaker I mean?” ““McKelvey, 1 believe.” , ** He obtained a perm t, I suppose, for the re- amoval of the body, from the city?” “ Without doubt.” With a bow, Yale thanked bim, and, accom- nied by Cool K't, left the office * By the bowlin’ mud-hens!” Kit remarked th they reached the street,” thet feller didn’t ‘keer a continental whether he worked his lips, or, not, did he?” are $® of course not; he isn’t paid to talk, What Ob! we've got to foller the trail.” - “Clear to Chicago?” “Yes, ef necessary, but it isn’t, don’t think— not yet, at least. D’ye know where McK: ark, orale ther stiff stowaway, bangs out!” ‘* | don’t know his address.” ‘* Well, we'll tackle a drug store fer a Di- nestor, then,” The Directory was found, and also the under- taker’s address—by which time it was well along toward noon. ‘Ef we hurry up we may get on track of the body, yet!” Kit said eagerly. “Now, see here!” Yale protested, decidedly, “T want to understand more than I do. Sup- pose you find the body—bow is that to benefit you? 1 tell you, you’ve got to let me into the whole business, if we are to work together. Make a clean breast of what you know and I pledge my honor that your confijence will not pe misplaced, but that I will see you through to the end of the game.” “Kit did not reply at once. He cogitated awhile then answered: ‘Pll open the sardine- box an’ let ye examin’ an’ pass yer opinion, as we ride along in the cars.” Accordingly, when they were aboard the street car, the Kid gave the elder detective a detailed account of the case, the same, sub- stantially asit has been given to the reader, Yale’s face manifested continued surprise as he listened. ‘Well, I’m blamed if you haven’t struck a peculiar case,” he declared, and one that must have careful handling. Our first move is plain. We must find the body, and thus possibly also get hold of the very man we want, There’s a deep game being played, and we will work like beavers to ferret it out, even if we don’t get a cent, for our treuble. It would materially aid us, if the girl Lily was able to go with us!” In due time they arrived at the undertaking establishment of Michael McKelvey, but found Mike out. In answer to an inguiry as to his where- abouts, the good Mrs. McK. made answer: “Shore, if ivs Moike yez want, tha divil’s own lusher, ye’ll find him over yobnder, for- ninst the street across, in Pat McGuigan's, sphendin’ ivery dollar he makes, playin’ skhin- ny poker, or some ither Satan’s own game av the like, Troth, an’ it’s poker hell get when he comes back again. Sorry’s tha day Ll iver mar- ried him, at all, at all!” So over to McGuigan’s, Cool Kit and pard went, and found Mr. McKelvey in the middle of tae room, singing and dancing, alternately, and holding a glass of gin above his head, in one hand, and a roll of bank notes in the other, ‘* Shure it’s dhrinkin’ to ould Tipperary, Tipperary! Tipperary—”’ Then Michae! paused long enough to put down his drink, He was a typical son of the Emerald isle, and looked as it he might be able to love it, with the same fervor that he loved the “ stom- ache bitters,” which was coloring bis nose. When he had gurgled down the gin, Cool Kit stepped up to him, and tapped him on the shoulder, “Say, hello, boss—wie ghats? Be you old Mike McKelvey, the stiff-planter?” ‘*Paat’s that ye say, ye miserable gutter snipe? Moike rae the stiff-planter, is it ye say? SBegorra, an’ it’s . mind to kick the stiffenin’ out the loikes av yez, sv I have. Stiff- planter, indade! Phy, any one in the town will tell yez that I'm a respictable undertaker. Sviff- planter indade! Shu:e yez have no respict for tha departed, and yez ought to be trounced wit»in the anches av yer loife!” ““Oal there, now; don’t swaller yourself, I was only firin’ a stiff at ye. A stiff isa joke, you know. But, come now, yon’re the Hon- orable, Michael "Me ‘Kelvey, M. P., the under- taker—‘ M. meanin’ money plenty an’ mighty polite in yer biz?” ** Arrah, boy, it’s strikin’ it ye be, now. It’s Mike McKelvey lam, and the next ‘delegate to the convintion, from this disthrizt, “*McKelvey! McKelvey, Big Mickey McKeivey, Oh! say did yez ever pit onto McKelvey." But, phat is it you want, bay?” ‘We want you!” Kit responded, with a seri- ous air. ‘This gent, here, is a detective, Mr. Yale, an’ you’re the man we want to see!” “Well. ve sees me, don’t yez!” the manipula- tor of enffins growled, a belligerent gleam in his eyes. ‘I’m all here, begorra!” Yale sp ke interposing: “We called to see you, on a little business, but hefore we come to that, imbibe a little Emerald dew.” ‘* Arrah! that’s tha name for it! But, my friend, if it’s biz:ess ye’d be transactiu’ ye’ll rivate eu’s all have to go across the way to the ould woman, Shure she’s waitin’ for me wid a six- -fut poker aa’ a coffin o’ my size right bandy.’' **Ob! it will not be necessary for you to leave here, Take your drink; then we’ll retire to the room yonder, fora bit of private conversa~ tion. The drinks were had, and paid for; then the trio became seated in the next rocm, the door closed, Yale, then, said: “Now, look here, McKelvey, we want you to give us a straight tip about what we are going to ask you, for if you don’t, up you go until the case is settled.” ‘* It’s about the girrul, thin?” ‘*Yes—the one you took from the Morgue, this mornin’.” ‘*Saure, | tho’t so, Oi’ ve bin ixspectin’ to see a copper along afther me,” ell, if you go straight, no one will be troubled. Where is the girl” * By the divil I don’t know. Tipperary for all 1] know.” ** Well, go on and tell what you do know.” $s Faith, an’ y will do that same. I was vishted by tha loikes av a mon, this mornin’, who had a permit, for fotchin’ a body from tha Morgue. He wanted me to be afther foteh- in’ it bere, puttin’ it in a coffin, an’ box afther how he'd be takin’ it away, into tha counthry to bury it. Thanekin’ it all right, 1 did tba job, an’a civil a better job ye ever saw, an’ aftber I hed it all ready, the feller driv’ up in a milk- -wagon — moind yez, vow, a milk- wagon—an’ we loaded in the corpus, and he driv’ off, not forgittin’ to give me two bundrid dollars, when I axed him only for one! That was pbat made me think strange, an’ be look- in’? for the loikes av an ossifer to be throttin’ around.” sf He had a milk-wagon,eb? What name was on it? ‘‘Be me soul, 1 didn’t moind, tho’ I did take notice av Coesther ¢ ounty.” ** What fer horse?” asked Kit, **Soure an’ it was a black horse, wid a big black spot on his tail—no, a big white spot it was.’ — What was the width of the wagon-tires?” ‘Git out! Poat for d’ye think I’d be measur- in’ the wagon-tires?” ‘* Well, describe ther feller,” ‘““He was five fut six, I guesses, slightly built, an’ hed hair the color av a well-wornt pair av corduroy breeches, an’ a _belindy mus- tache—it’s belindy ye call ’em. He had a scar up an’ down over wan pe per wore good clotues, a plug hat, an’ axed me good-mairnin’, an’ divil a bit I see’d any more av him.’ * Could it be seen that he had the coffin in the wagon?” * Divil a bit, He let the curth’in down be- hind, an’ there was a high-back seat in froant,” * Which way did he go?” ‘* Nort,’ ‘* Have you any of the money he paid you?” “Sbure I bave. Here’s a twintv on the Furst National Bank av Boise City, Idato, an’ divil a bit do I know av sich a bank,” Having his money witb him, Cool Kit made an exchange; then he and Yale took their ce- parture, “So far, so good!” Kit cecided, as they walk- ed along. ‘ Whst d’\e think ‘bout our progres- sion so fur, Yala Cotlege?” ** We've settled one point,” the detective an- swered. ‘‘ That Boise City note belonged to the girl, ard the man, or parties, who have the body, very likely bave the rest of the money. But the trail is deucedly faint yet, and it wall put us at our wits’ end to get on it again. ? **Mebbe; but fer all that, we won't throw up ther sponge yet, by a long shot. Ther fir st next move is ter strike a telegrapb-cflice an’ investi- gate ther case of William end Sarah Walker, of 68 State street, Chicago. Afier that we must try and find out about the mother aod brotber of these two Rogers sisters,” The trail, indeed, promised to be long and difficult to follow. CHAPTER VI. SUPPOSING THE CASE. THE telegraph office was visited and a tele- gram was sent to the Chief of Police, Chicago, viz: “Wind out if William or Sarah Walker, reside at: 68 State street, or have live 1 there, Answer quick, “YALE, D: lective.” “ We can now take time ter stow away some grub, in our reposertory,” Kit said, ‘for I feel as hungry as an Atlantic City muskeeter, in a dull season.” She might be in
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as When they returned to the telegraph office, an auswer awaited them, from Chicago: “False address. No such named parties ever there!” ** That settles that part of the question, any- how,” Kit said, ia disgust, ‘Now, does it oc- cur to you what them fellers an’ the woman are going to do with ther body?’ Yale remained in a brown study for several minutes, then shook his head: ‘“No. I'll be hanged if I can form any idea, at all. It is a puzzle to me.” “Tt’s a sockdolager, you bet! But, as I said, once before, there’s no give ’er up an’ you fol- ler me an’ you'll wear diamonds. Now, with nothin’ pertic’ to work on, let’s suppose. Til propose, an’ you kin toll the grist ’cordin’ ter yer compunkshuns,” “ All right, go ahead. Don’t waste breath uselessly, for we may need an unlimited supply, ere long.” ‘* Don't ye fear fer Christofer. I’ve got more wind than a cyclone what cavorts around, ail year. In the first place, s’posin’ the gal was murdered; an’ we’ve got it in our noddles thet she wer’. Now what fer was she killed? I opine, because she had money. “Yes; that is most probabl .” “Well, ef murdered for money, the fellers w’ot did et, an’ ther feller, Schofield, war in connivance, an’ et war a put-up job.” “Good reasoning for a green hand,” admit- ted Yale. ; Takin’ et as a plot, there ’peers to be three connivees, at this end o’ the route—the young feller. the woman, an’ the lawyer, Sands.” ‘Quite right, again.” ‘Tne other feller, Schofield, is supposedly at the other end o’ the line, eb?” ** Correct.” ‘Well, ef the job was put up, ter bleach old man Rogers out 0’ some 0’ his surplus, an’ these Eastern parties gobble it, et stands purty rea- sonable thet Schofield gets no plum out er the Sasa unless there’s a meetin’ atwixt the our.” “Rigbt you are. They will doubtless meet, somewhere, and divide the boodle,” “Not so fast. Now, that’s the end-up of round first. Time! Now, then, keepin’ on fig- gerin’ on the same slate, the mother of the gals might be dead.” “Very likely.” ** An’ the son bea durned rascal, such as Phila’ aire full of, who wouldn’t stop at no dirty crime to bleach some one out 0’ swag.” ‘Barely possible. Not many years ago a fel- low killed bis sister in cold blood to get posses- sion of ber cash; I remember the case.” * Jes’so. Well, s’pose some more:—The mo- ther bein’ dead, an’ the son bein’ linked in wi’ blacklegs, puts up tbe job to git the gals here, and rob ’em—mebbe to murder ’em bot», In that case an’ the job were did, when old man Rogers paddled off wi’out a will, the son would stan’ in fer the puddin’, eh?” ‘*Maybe. That would depend a good deal on circums*ances, you know ” * True, but a feller who would do all I’ve bin firin’ off, orter be smart enuff ter work the racket, Well, s’posin’ havin’ killed one gal, an’ got away wi’ her, an’ left a tool behind to finish up t?otber one, the Son and Co., would start fer Idaho: d’ye think they’d be apt to cart the dead gal along with ’em ’wey out there?” **Weavens no! That wonld te next to anim- ssibility; and, what possible object could they ve, in so doing?” ** Dunno, ‘less they were ter play brigand, and offer the body toold Rogers, f: rransom money.” * Boy! vou have some extraordinary ideas!” $l Weal, now, boss, ye can bet ther’s bin many a meal-time in my life when ideas was all TI had to chaw on; an’ I tho’t myself in luck, ef Tecould wrassle enuff ©’ ’em t» skeer up a sup- per. But, to s’posin’ the case, some more. Tie gang is either goin’ to teke the girl back West, or bury her, to-night, out in the country, some- *re’s, on the still. Which appears the most prob- able to you?” Why, that they will bury her, of course,” “Then, what did they take Ler from the Mor- gue for? The city would have buried her, free gratis.” “Well, as to that, they may have thougbt Lily would find her sister, and raise a hue and ery of murder, thus exploding the suicide theory, and setting the authorities into action!” “Well, mebbe ye'r’ right, but I’ve got a queer idea ve ain’t,. I know dashed well they wouldn’t try to cart t*e corpse ’way out there ef they tho’t they were sized up; but, ye see, gal committed suicide,” Cool Kit, p the general impression bas been left that the During this conversation, they bad left the telegraph office, and had walked a considerab'e distance, As they continued along, Yale be- came silent, and believing him to be in a study, Cool Kit did not urge bim to talk, but busied himself with his own thoughts, Further on, they entered a summer beer-gar- den, and when they were seated at the table, Yale leaned forward on the table, burying his face in his bands. He did not move for some time; so to arouse bim, Kit ordered up the beers, “Come, Yale,” he said, when the glasses were before them, ‘‘ there’s some Dutch disturbance, to keep your wits from getting dry.” The detective raised his head, and Kit per- ceived, for the first time, that his eyes were tear-filled. “ Why, you snoozer, what’s the matter with you? What ye cryin’ about?’ the Kid demand- ed, anxiously and wonderingly. “On! nothing much. I guess I don’t feel well, and you will have to excuse me from further duty to-day. Come around in the morning, and I will be prepared to work.” They drank the beer, end then Yale arose, “Tl g> bome now, I guess. Come around in the morning. Good-night!” And he was gone ere the King of Kids could express his astonishment. Kit did not go immediately, but sata long while, planning and studying; then he took bis departure, ane for two hours was busy, First he went toa place where he was able to secure the Directory of that year, and several years back. The names of the Rogers family were by no means wanting; but among the Jist he did n“t seem to find the ones that he calculaied were the wife and son of Lily’s father. He next went to the depots, leading out of the city, and telegraphed to all station-agents witbin a radius cof twenty miles, asking if a corpse, accompanied by two or three people, had left such station that day, witb orders to report if so; or if any such parties should ap- pear within five days—signing himself Cbris- topher Cool, detective, This done, be boarded a car, and was scon back orce more at the humble home of the Dar- lings. CHAPTER VII. YALE’S SECRET. ARRIVED at the cottage, Kit was delighted to find Lily sitting up in bed, and talking rational- ly enough to Dorrit and Doctor Dean. The sick girl’s face Jit up with p!easure and anticipation, as she saw the Kid, which Dorrit noticed with a quick heart. pang. ‘*Goon-evening, my boy.” the doctor said, rising and shaking bands with Kit. ‘‘Glad to see you bome safe and sound. What do you think of our patient?” ‘* Why, she looks as well as a spring-chicken in September,” Kit declared. ‘*So you’ve fetcbed her around sooner than you expected, hey?” ‘* Well, yes. Miss Rogers will be quite well and able to be out to-morrow. She persists, however, in telling me that she is going ona trailof vengeance, and you are to accompany her, So I bave about come to the conclusion that you two are going out West, to kill In- dians.” ‘*Nary an Injun on our plate! Thar ain’t no credit ia killin’ Injuns no more, They’re purty pear petered out, so fur as fun is concerned, you be’! The sort 0’? game we're goin’ a-gun- nin’ fer is white-faced and black-hearted scoun- drels.” ‘* Well, keep your guest quiet, and from con- versing on any subject that will tend to excite her in the least, and you will be surprised to see her up abead of you in the morning.” The physician then departed, refusing posi- tively to take any remuneration for bis ser- vices, and wishing the young people the best of success, Lily asked no qnestions about her sister, much to Kit’s relief, and afier a little chat with the girls, the youthful cetective retired to his bed, ferling pretty well tired ont. He awoke brigbt and early the next morning, however, feeiing much refreshed; but, early es he was up, the girls were ahead of him, and while Dorrit got breakfast Kit and Lily sat on the front door-step, ard engaged in conversa- tion. “You need not be afrnid to tell me the parti- culars now,” Lily said, ‘‘ for tie first shcck is over, and knowing my sister is dead, I am prepared to hear all, and to t rave everything!” Accordingly, in bis blunt but kindly way, the Kid related all that he deemed advisable, of tue case, including the mystery of the disap-- pesrance of the remzins of the ill-fated Cassie, Lily listened attentively, and although she- could but have been aeeply grieved, she main- - tained a sort of stolid composure, ‘‘Do you think we can recover the body?” she - asked, when he had finished. ‘“‘T do not know. I’!l work for that end, Miss Ialy, an’ work as I never worked before. If we never get the body, the murderer of your sister shall not escape. I’m but a kid yet, but the ruffian or ruffians will find mea King of Kids be- - fore I get through!” . “Your efforts, Kit, shall not go unrewarded, ; ’ My fatber is a mun of wealth and a man of © iy Ain generous impulses, and you do what you can toward solving this mystery and he wili make you rich,” ‘We'll wait till we earn ’em afore we count ~ Me on riches. Now, I want ycur father’s tele—- Ry. grapb adddress,” i ‘* A telegram would reach him at Boise Citv, Cage Idaho. Heis there on business every day. His: ~ name is Stephen Rogers.” ss ‘Good! Now, es you kin be of but little ait PS to me to-day, you j-st remain heer; but be hs ready for the kvers at any minnit. I’m } ot e onter the trail, and ther’s no tellin’ what dev«l- Bee ae opments may jump up an’ kick a feller ’twixt ; now an’ night, Dotty an’ ycu are gettin’ on Rob Pse nice, an’ you will be better here than tryin’ ter . Bs scoot heer an’ there wi’ me,” Bee “T will do just as you recommend. You aa ne have proven yourself my friend, and 1 ploce eed 3 implicit trust and confidence in you, You are ; more than a hero in my eves.” oe ** That's all squerect! Jest keep the hero pert es in yer eyes an’ don’t let et settle any further ah down, round yer heart, or Dotty might get. | a jealous.” ‘ i Breakfast was ready by this time and they ae. partock of a substantia) repast, after whiclx rk | ee Cool Kit took bis departure for down-town. On i.is way he gave his shabby attire a quiet 4 inspection, ; = ‘*'There’s no use 0’ talkin’, these ’ere togs ain’t ek PY te fit fer my biz no more, A feller orter dress: ’eordin’ ter bis persish. Dunno whether I kin afford ter sprace up or not. My bank account aire edgin’ down to a transparent thickness.” ns In telegraphing the night before he certainly oe had lowered bis little stock of funds to an Se alarming extent. But he resolved to fix tp & : little at all hazards; so he sougbt a cheap- ee? clotbing-house, and soon, at a moderate expense, \ Ta had so altered his personal appearance that he- was startled when be took a view of himself in. the glass, - Thus rehabilitated, he proceeded to lenrn con- é = cerning the telegram he bad sent the night be- fore, From the Philadelphia and Reading R. R., were no satisfactory reports, so he next tried the Pennsylvaria road, and his beart gave a : leap of exultation as he read: os 318 “Corpse and three persons, per description, ar— ie caf rived in milk-wagon to-day, ten-half. Left, next pay 4) 2s om train west, for Washington, Pe.” et): The dispatch was cated the previous day. It came from Vila Nova Station, on the maim line of the P. R. R. 2 So that after all, Kit hed not missed bis reck- ie oning, in believing that the body would be Baa taken westward. Rakes te Without delay, he started for the house im 1 which the detective had rooms, > ee 4 On his arrival, the landlady kerself answered bis summons. pi. “Is Mr. Yale in?” Kit asked. Si “Mr, Yale, is it? Faith an’ be wintintothe = cimetairy, over yonder, but a bit ago, and yell, © ae air’ Y loike is not find him there, now, sur.” \ es Bowing, Cool Kit made his way to the ceme-- tery indicated—a little-used burial-place—and _ entered. > ee After a short searcb, he found Yule, kneel- ing beside a grave, and arranging some g:ow-- ing plants, . ; r¢ Kit approached closa behind the kneeling 4 +a man, vithout being discovered, and read the / inscription upon the head-stone, ere Yale looked — Us around: Ted ype > SACRED ; TO THE MEMORY OF a MARGARET YALE ROGERS; : ; AGED 54 YEARS, Diep, IN JESUS, May 3, 188—., Tke perusal caused Kit to utter a little ery et of surprise, et which Yale looked up with a start. sean | =
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rs et he . ale Pe i F Sw : pan ? P) a a y a"; fa", Pa: Sam & Ae ts ae We f a aw ee. a ie ae kt) fi, . a 4 "LE: i ere ih pees + ty i cS rae, At | ‘ borg Be aA i ut Cool Kit, the King of Kids. “ Kit!” be ejaculated, ‘““Io’s me, old feller. But, dash me, if I ex- pected to tumble onto a surprise like tnis!” “Tt is just as well you came, for I should have told you to-day. it Cool, you are one of the best boys ever born, and you can bet you have a friend, forever, in me. Until you told me about the circumstances of your case yes- terday, I had no idea it was my dead sister's face I looked upon at the Morgue, and while I did what I could yesterday, it finally broke me ail up, to find I could do so little, while you, a disinterested stranger, were working so faith- fully. May God ever bless and prosper you!” “Ther , now, don’t git broke np again. Ther trail is hotter than ever, an’ well make Rome howl afore we're done. But, now, tel us about yourself and your mother.” ‘She died two years ago, in May—may God receive her soul into heaven! I’ve been a bad boy, in the past, Kit; the report Schofield took West about me, was right, though I do not know the man from Adam. I had a kind, over- indulgent mother, and I ‘spent ber mouey on dissipation, until all but a few buodred dollars ‘was gone, and she died, brokeu-hearted. Her dying request was that I should be a man, and I have braced up since then, and lived without reproach, Tbhevname of Yale—mother’s maiden name—we adopted, after the separation.” “It kioder struck me, thet somethin’ was queer, when you hed tears in yer eyes, last night. But, now, look here; we hain’t got vo time to spare. Bizness is bizness; ef ye don’t take in a cent, an’ ye foller me, you'll wear diamonds. After I left you, last night, I tele- graphed ter find out where the gang boarded the ears with the bedy.” Yale brightened up. His despondency and sorrow seemed to vanish, and eagerness to fol- low the trail was manifested in bis eyes, ac We 1”? ‘‘This mornin’ I bit the bull’s-eye!” “What!” ‘¢ Surer than hair perdooces electric light, on acnt’s bick. Heer, read this, will ye?” Yale glaneed over the message. “Hey? Ain’t thet persimmons an’ lime~juice salad, fer ye? We've struck the trail, fer fact; an’ now, tiiar’s only one thing thet gripes me, in the gripsack: Where’s the collat ter come from, to boost us along after the game?” Yale was silent a moment, “Don’t let that worry you,” he finally said. ‘T’ve got no money to speak of, but I can raise some, IL havea pair of diamond -earrings that cost three thousand dollars, I can realize a thousand on them, at any time; they were to have been a bridal present to a girl [ was to be married to, but sbe jilted me because I made a sot of myself!” “Then, go leave ’em in care of Uncle Three- Balls, immediately. Time is money, now.” “True. But, let me see: these parties are going to Wasbington, Pa, If they intend going on West, from there, they wil] most likel atrike for the Baltimore and Ojbio Railroad, take a southwestern course, and then aim for Idaho, direct, thus calculating to throw any possible pursuers off the trail,” ‘‘Mebbe, An’ they’ll embalm the corpse, and take it with them?” : ‘That would be their only plan if it is their intention to make it the price of a ransom, as now seems to be the only reasonable theory.” ‘Well, now, I’m purty sky blue cabbage,” Kit declared, with a grin, “but Ill diet on buckshot puddin’, ef you ain’t ten per cent greever than I am.” “T don’t understand you,” Yale replied, seri- ously. ‘ You’re sort of an enigma to me, any- bow!” “Oh! you bet! 1m a fifteen-puzzle, an’ can’t be worked, onless you steal me a couple o’ times, Now, you’re purty five-cent sbop razor sharp, but didn’t it ever occur to you, that there were a creamery at Washington, Pa!” ** A creamery?” ek: “That's the place! All good peopie git fired there—rveryboiy!” “Ah, Isee! You mean the Le Moyne cre- matory!” anda shudder passed over the detec- tive as he mentioned it. “The very place. Ef the body were crema- ted there, and the ashes taken West, your fa- ther would be apt to redeem them, at almost any price.” / Yale’s teeth went together. ‘What human wretches, be they ever so vile and depraved, could plan such a_ heinous erime!” he gasped, “Lots on’em! Oh! I tells yer, ye ain’t onter the rackets 0’ this world yit.” “Then, fer Heaven’s sake, lJet’s telegraph to Washington, and have the incineration stopped!” *Wecantry. But most likely ther job’s did afore this, an’ the parties skipped for the West.” Without delay, they sought the main office of the Western Union line, and sent a telegram of inquiry. he answer came promptly back: * Incineration took place tast evening. Parties gone. “* Dr, Le Moyne.” Consequently, our detectives but too keenly realized that the end was-not yet. CHAPTER VIII. A BOLD GAME BAFFLED, THE morning’s papers contained the first no- tice of thé identification and removal of the body from the Morgue, but as in the majority of such cases, the notice was confined to two or three lines—the impression being given that it was an everyday cass of suicide, for causes un- known, and that was the end of it, Kit questioned Yale on the matter, and the brother expressed his desire that public opinion should not be further enlightened—at least, un- tll the case had been more fully developed, The next move was to begin a series of com- munications by telegraph with Stephen Rogers, at Boise City, in order to obtain needed infor- mation from him before venturing to leave Philadelphia in followiug the criminal fugi- tives, The first message sent was as follows: “Srepotn Roaers, Boise Ci/y, 1dihos—~ “Your daughters have been robbed. What partic- ular enemy have you, who would do you a great and unpardonable injury, barring son and wife? * Answer quick. Sraon Yate, Detcctive.” That evening, at six o'clock, they received the reply. ‘* A former enemy, in a love matter, and again, in a@ business speculation. If anything more serious than robbery has occurred, inform me at once “SrEPHEN Rogers.” ‘‘ He does not say who this enemy is,” Yale said, ‘‘and, for my part, I have no idea who it can be I, hardly know how to act, now.” “This is my notion!” Kit said, writing out a message, and submitting is to his partner. It read: “*STEPHEN Rogers, etc:—Cassie murdered. Corpse stolen, and now «nm rou/e West. Pay no ransom to anyone. Hold Schofield. We follow! “S. Yate, Delective.” ‘*T guess that is about the most sensible thing we can do!” Yale said. ‘‘By Heaven! We'll hunt the devils down, or dicin the attempt. Come, now; we will not let the grass grow un- der our feet. I'll get rid of these diamonds, and we will be heeled,” and he tapped his left breast significantly. They made their way to the extensive prwn- broking establishment, at Ninth and Race streets, where Yale seemed to be pretty well acquainted, ‘See here—you've seen these before,” he said, to the head clerk, exhibitinga magnificent pair of diamond earrings. “T tink s:, Mr. Yale. You vant to sell ’em?”’ “ Oh! no. They belong to my wife, when I’m lucky enough to get one. I’m red-hot after a case that will pay a fortune, and must bave money. Joan me all you can.” “ Dat ish it? Vel, I gifs you eighteen hun- dred, three months, an’ hope you not come back so soon,” ‘On! Ill be back, if I have to burst a bank, But, give us the mioney. I’ve no time to loiter,” The money and ticket were soon dealt out, and Yale and Cool Kit took their departure, “Pm in luck!” the former said, ‘‘ for, to tell the truth, I didn’t expect to realize more than a thousand on’em. Here’s the eight hundred, an’ now we're fixed, We'll get us some extra revolvers, und ammunition, and then for a sturt.” “Take Lily with us?’ ‘Of course, but she must not even suspect that I am her brother. I will remain simply Yale, the detective, until I think proper to re- veal myself.” ; And thus it was arranged, Each one procured a hand-bag, and some changes of needed clothing, and also. each a serviceable pair of revolvers, avd plenty of ammunition. Then they repaired to the Dorling cottage where Yale was introduced to Lily and Dorrit. It was evidently a pretty tovgh struggle to meet his own sister with the simple eourtesy of a mere stranger, but he did it so gracefully that Vost ish der matter? } sar, no thougbt entered her brain that he was in the least related to ber. ; After the introduction, Yale engaged in con- versation with Dorrit, while Kit called Lily out of the room, supplied ber witb money, and directed ber to a neighboring store where she might make any needed purchases preparatory® for their approaching trip. Thanking him, she sought the store, while Kit proceeded to pack up his old street snit and a boot-blacking outfit; seeing which, Yale laughed, “Why, Kit, what in the name of the Apos- tles are you bundling up that mess of stuff for?” he demanded. , ‘Ob, theyll come in handy,” the Kirg of Kids replied, chucking in half a dozen boxes of Bixby’s Best. ‘‘Mebhe I may bave o’easion to play up bootblack in the game, or, ef we should git broke, why, et’s a cold friz-up dey when I can’t earn us one squar’ fifteen-cent meal apiece wi’ the box.” And with this sally the young sleuth absented himself from the room, for it occurred to him that Yale was makin» himself agreeable to Dorrit—of which the Kid wes in no wise jeal- ous, since his meeting with Lily Rogers, Time flew fast, and it was nearly dark ere they took their deperture for down-tovn to start for the West, by the nigbt train for Pitts- burg, where they must change cars to visit Washington, Pa, The trip was devoid of incident, more than that Kit and Lily kept awake pretty much all ae and cha(ted away the time, while Yale slept. e| They arrived in Pittsburg the next morning, and after a short delay, went on to Washing- ton, Pa., wher> Lily was left at the botel, and Kit and Yule set out to work up such ipforma- tion as might be available, A visit to the crematory developed but little additional evidence to that already collected, A!l] they could leern was thet a full-bearded man, a sandy-complexioned man, aud a young woman, evidently French, bad brought the body of a girl, called Alice Clare, there for in- cineration, which took place. when the parties left with the dead girl’s ashes in a silver vase, They took all the clotbing with them except a gold breast-pin, inlaid witb pearls, which bad been accidentally overlooked. This Dr, La Moyne surrendered on seeing Yale’s badge. When shown the pin, Lily at once identified it as having belonged to ber sister, The next thing to be done, was to make in- quiries at the station, as to the route taken by the three, and had vo difficulty in finding ont. They had houghbt tickets for C.lumbus, Obio, and had asked for tickets througa to Cairo, Illinois, **Thet settles it!” Cool Kit cried, jubilantly. “They ar’ as fly sharps as ever ‘was born, with wings, an’ don’t you fergit it. They're making fer Boise City, sure’s guns shute mud- hens.” “You areright. It must be they’ve got wind they are followed, or I bardly think they would take so much precaution in their movements, From Cairo, they will take the steamer up the Mississippi, to some point north, where they will again resume the trip by rail. Our point, is to aim direct through to Davenport, wl ere all the river steamers stop, and go from there to Burlington by water. leaving orders to have all bosts spotted at Davenport, so we can nail. ’em at Burlington.” “Good! Big herd! Let's git!” So they took the next train back to Pitts- burg. Here Yale secured disguises for the party. and then they took the Pittsburg and Fort Wayne route for Chicago, from whence to go to Devenport, Towa, As they b:d sents in a parlor car, the trip was very pleasant, until if came night, when one by «ne dropped cff into sound repre. Cool Kit was the first to awaken, bob vhot cause? Lim to do so was more than Le could sav. His first thought, naturally, was of a? 2 and Yale, but they were sleeping soundly i their respective chairs, “Tl be blowed ef I know what ever woke me!” Kit muttered. ‘‘’Twasn’t no small thing, or ’'m a fool.” He took a glance at the passengers in the car, In the seats across the aisle, were two poorly- dressed, countryfied-looking old people, bo! h of whom were gray, and carried canes They, eppegred to ba enjoying the favors of King Morpheus in the most approved style, for the old man gave vent to snores that seemed to make the lamps rattle, so Kit rhought at least. In order to see the rest ot the people, he mast } 7 P34 # <: aa a a. oS < r “a a4 vate. ry » & * . q 2, 4 si “ r : NG, iat Ao dean Ny | é Gp weil dese ‘ ——% ‘met 0 J " a wre a Re Oi ‘ oh, fins y . oe if te A. Se . re 4 Dis OAR SR ES es seo as Se pee es eS SS ee eee
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_—* get to the front of the car, and view them as he returned to his seat; so he made for the water- cooler, under pretense of getting a drink. Taking a drink, be turned and took a light- ning glauce, up and down the car, not missing a seat. Nota person there but whet was apparently asleep. Tbe only individual, upon whom Cool Kit’s gaze fell with any particular scrutiny, was a great lumbering fellow who oecupied a seat, midway up the car. He was a massive indi- vidual, and lay sprawled back in bis chair in an attitude that did not favor comfortable rest. He was attired in a loud checkered suit, which fitted bim skin-tigbt, wore no collar nor sbirt- front ornaments, and bad his roughed-up plug hat crammed back on bis bead. Over bis face was spread a bandana handkerchief, concealing his countenance from view. This man Kit ‘‘ spotted ” at once. ** All right, me bucko! I’ve got my eye on ou!” the youth muttered, as he made his way ck to the other end of the car, and flopped himself down iv bis chair. ‘‘ Just you try any fuuny biz an’ see ef I won’t nail ye. It strikes me right under ther first rib, north, thet I’ve got onter yer style, somewheres.” He desisted from awakening Yale and Lily, as he reasoned that there could not possibly be any danger on the train; so settling bimself back in an easy position, in his chair, he drew a long breath, closed bis eyes, and to ajl appear- ances, want to sleep again. His face was so turned that he could watch the movements of three persons, without turn- ing his bead. They were the two old country people, and the big man behind the bandana. And why the old couple? To the sharp eyes of the ferret they were sus- piciously old. The fact that the end of the old lady’s nose, was powered white, as was the tip of the chin, and the throat, at once arrested his attention and excited his suspicion. “That aire don’t jibe well,” he mused, ‘‘and durn me ef they look humped-up an’ shaky enuff, fer old people. Mebbe I’m s’posin’ an’ imaginin’ too much, but Pll watch mighty close.” Later, when the conductor went through the ayne. All out, for Fort Wayne,” Cool Kit was just as wide-awake as ever, but neither Yale nor Lily aroused. When the train stopped at the station, Kit left the ear for an instant, more to see what the suspected parties would do than anything else. While out, be saw that there werg several sleeping cars and one parlor car ahead, ‘and that the car they were traveling in was the last one on the train—‘*‘ the tail end o’ the biz,” as he re- marked to himself. Woen be returned to his seat, he made a dis- covery that struck him rather singularly, whether there was any cccasion for it, or not. Every parlor pomenge, with the exception of himself, Yale, Lily, the old couple, and the checkered-suited man, had left the train! There were only six passengers to go on in the car, to Chicago. After the train had pulled out of Fort Wayne, the conductors soon came in and secured the tickets, after which they ard the brakeman, and porter, went back in the forward car. ‘*1f there’s any music in the air, the band’s goin’ to toot, twixt bere and Chicago,” Kit muttered. ‘ We’re all alone, now, an’ ther’s a ripe chance fer a muss!” ut the old couple and the big “‘snoozer,” were in league, as Kis suspected, then no doubt they would make their presence manifest, in the same isolated section between Fort Wayne, and Chicago. How to awaken Yale without attracting at- tention was a puzzle to Kit, but he finally hit upon a plan. Going into the closet, he was able to write on a piece of paper, with pencil, the words: ; *“Danger. Keep awake, and ready!” Returning to bis seat, he peered out of the window awhile, as if trying to see the lay of the country. Finally he reached over, seized Yale’s hand, and shook it, at the same time cramming tie note into it, dextrously, and closing the fingers over it, “Hurra, boss, wake-up!” Kit cried. ‘‘I guess we're purty near ter Chickigo!” Yale sat up. robbed his eyes, sleepily, with the hand that did not contain the note. “Git out! We ain’t nowher’s near Chicago,” Cool Kit, the King of Kids. Bi FE Ea = — he growled. ‘‘ Blame it, can’t you le} a feller sleep?” After awhile he rose and lurched toward the water-cooler, got a drink, and in doing so read Kit’s note, without any one being the wiser for it.” W hen be returned to his seat, he growled: “Tts all rignt. We ain’t near Cuicago. Got plenty o’ time ter snooze yet. Waka me ag’in ’fore it’s time, an’ 11l break your jaw!” and he settled himself back, apparently for a renewal of his nap. Kit also settled bimself back and closed his eyes, but bad his weapons ready for instant use in case of emergency. The train tore swiftly along through the star- less night—a night as dark as Kit had ever seen, he thought—and still ‘‘tve band did not begin to toot.” Perbaps, after all, it was a false alarm. The three people might easily be the most innocent in the world of any wrong intention. Kit was about half-ready to believe this when he saw an uneasy movement on the part of the man with the checkered suit, who began cougn- ing in a consumptive manner, and finally, ap- parently unable to compose himself, arose and staggered toward the front of the car, the state- rooms soon hiding him from view. “‘ Now, then, the band will soon toot!” Kit muttered, nerving himself. ‘I’m onter thet bloke’s racket, tho’ I couldn’t git a peep at his phiz. We're roundin’ a curve, now, an’ he’s goiw ter cut off this car!” He saw by an uneasy movement of Yale that he was awake and doubtless thoroughly alive to the situation. Kit’s prophecy soon assumed definite shape, There was an agitation of the bell-cora, and then it slackened asit loosened; a moment more and the speed of the car began to lessen, The King of Kids was on his feet, bis two revolvers leveled upon the old couple from the country. “Quick, Yale!” he cried. ‘“ Git to the front, and capture the big fellow!” The elder detective glided to the front of the ear, and as the big sport re-entered, der!t hima blow with a revolver that knocked him sense- less. In the mean time, the ‘ old’ couple had sprung to their feet, with snarls of surprise and stood glaring at their youthful captor, in speechless rage. ‘Ob! you daisies, but we’ve got ye tho’,” Kit cried, coolly. ‘Move a pes an’ I’]] make more air-holes thru’ ye than there is in a sieve. Hi! there, Yale! Secure the big bloke, so he can’t git away, an’then come an’ help this aged pair. I’ve got em! where they durst not haul in their cold deck!” Yale bad not come unprepared, for he hand- cuffed the sport, and bound his feet in a mo- meut and then came beck to help Kit, “‘ This is an outrage!” the old man blustered, Pll not stand it!” “Oh! yes yer will!” Kit declared. ‘Ef ye don’t, ye’ll go on ter Chercawgo as dead freight. Jest put out yer paws on’ let ther capting fit on the metallic cuffs which are warranted ter cure inflamatory conditions. See, ther car is stop- pin’, but kidnappin’ ain’t no good, sech nights as these.” In less time than it takes to tell it, they, too, had been made prisoners, and moved up to the forward end of the car, so that the trio could be better guarded, together. Tben it was that Cool Kit made a startling discovery. Tbe big fellow in the striped suit, was none otber than Mike McGill, the fellow with whom he had the trouble on the Ridge Avenue car! ‘“*Hello! I’ve seen that chap before,” he said, to Yale, and followed by explaining the street- ear difficulty. ‘It’s all clear as Christmas, now, These ’ere gay people were left behind ter kill or capture the gal!” ‘‘Evidently, you are right. It’s lucky we captured even them. I wonder how far the train will go without discovering we are left bebind?”’ “Not fur, you bet! The train were goin’ up grade a leetle, I reckon; anybow, she war goin’ fast enough, so that when this car dropped off, the engine must ’a’ felt it. You watch! Tll go flae’em!” Getting a lantern, from the rear end of the ear, Conl Kit went to the front platform, and signaled for the return of the train. He had not long to wait, He soon saw ’a’ signal light sere, 8 slowly around the curve, and answered with his own lantern, vigorously, and a couple of shrieks of the locomotive whistle toid him that the train was bacxing. ‘ -_— SPST RT, The train soon reachea the detached car, when the conductor yelled out: ‘*What the devil’s the matter, here? Who uncoupled this car, and cut the beli-rope?”’ “Ohta tray ov bright buggers, inside, » ho. were playin’ a bigger game then they c'u’d handle!” Kit replied, ‘There happened to be a pair o’ us, tho’, who were on to their little racket an’ we tuk ’em in out of the fog. Gut ’em all ready fer the hearin’!’’ Considerable excitement ensued, when the true state of affairs became known, and Cool Kit and Yale received great praise for their bravery. By a private consultation with the conductor, to whom was made known some of the facts of the case, it was decided to hold the trio in Chicago simply on the charge of attempted train-robbery. ‘You see,” Yale explained to Kit, “it will be difficult to establish tbe fact before a police court, that they bad designs of kidnapping Lily without we give the whole case to the pub- lic, and thereby incur considerable delay. The simple charge of attempted train-robbery will bind them over to court, and give us a chance to go on with our case, and to work out further eee ee It is my opinion that these peo- ple are merely stay-behinds, left to secure Lily, or, failing in that, to join the main party at some given point. It is now evident that, un- known to us, we have been shadowed, and in- stead of bcing the trailers, we have been the trailed, 1t was evidently the duty of these scoundrels to watch, which they did with a cun- ning peculiar to the sbarpest of their craft. But for you, Kit, we two would have had an awak- ening in some other climate, and Miss Lily, here, would have been in the power of the originators of this infernal plot. Again, I have to extend to you my heartiest gratitude, and cer‘ainly agree with you that you are the King of Kids!” “Oh! now, ssy—give’s a rest, I’d ruther wrassle a fifteen-cent beefsteak, any time, than swaller flattery. But, you don’t think this is the party w’ot’s got the ashes?’ No!’ And Yale's eyes sparkled venomous- ly. ‘‘IfI did Pd kill them all the next minute, it I had to bang forit. No! The other parties are on the other route, and, although they have a good start of us, we will intercept them yet, if pluck and Philadelpbia street-Arab craft can o it. So it was agreed to settle the trio in Chicago, on the charge before mentioned, and then go on to Davenport. The conductor was a sensible sort of fellow, in good standing on the road, and promised to use what influence he could to have the trio bound over to court, without bail, so as to en- able Yale and Kit to pursue their case to its end, The “old” couple preserved a strict silence, and seemed nerved for some desperate action, should a chance be afforded them, Mike McGill recovered, after awhile, and cx. pressed bimself in language more forcible than polite, when he found that he was ‘ locked,” After he had been left to ‘‘ blow off a good head of steam,” he cooled down for awhile, and then beckoned to the conductor, ‘““Where’s the boy?’ he demanded. ‘Sind me the hoy—I want to see him,” Hearing the request, Cool Kit glided forward, and the Irishman took a good look at him fro. top to toe, *“Well, by me sowl, it’s a cute kid ye are, now ain’t ye?” he finally demanied, an expres- sion of erim bumor upon his rather unprepos- sessing visage. ‘“* Waal, I should elucidate!” Kit replied, put ting his thumbs to his arm-pits. ‘Tuer ain’ta town meetin’ bull that’s livelier on the ‘ mash,’ bet yer checkered suit cn that, Mike. Yer done up an’ done fer now. Who put up the togs fer ye?” “Never ye moind now, boy, Ax me no quis- tions. Where ye goin’ to take us?’ “Ob! first, to Chicago, You'll hev a nice trip: ye kin take in all the jokes—a cell, now an’ then—an’ they have a daisy steady lodgin’- house. out around the margin o’ the city, some- where’s, so, don’t be the least bit worried, Mike, You'll be han’somely pervided fer, an’ tho’ they can’t give ye Philadelphia Ninth-and- Sansom-street suits, out bere, they kin give ye stripes in place o’ the checkers, an’ that’s the | prevailin’ fashion.” MeGill groaned aloud, “Say, ’pon me honor, ’twa’n’t me fault I got into this divil’s own schrape!” be whined. ‘* Be dacent and aisy wid me, an’ I’ll be a friend to yez, all me life!”
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a P s A ber a co = ‘Fa Tr > ‘7 ST Sapte, ay . , = ‘eed HE See OE es PT 2 oe _ Davenport, where they arrived, that evening, but too late for the transaction of any busi- * ib _ main the day out in Davenport, the following, ae the start, there was a bare _ $bey might already have passed. * All right, Mike. Out here in Chicago, they dish friendship out on'a big brass key, for free lunch. Soalong, now! Take care of yourseif! an yer eye don’t pain you, for ye ain’t much gud at eye-shuttin’, anyhow!” and with a tan- talizing laugh Kis retired to where Yale was seated, ‘*There’s a case of turn-coat evidence, eh?’ the latter said, ‘Not much!” Kit declared, emphatically. “He might want to play that mazurky, but ye won't ketch me dancin’ to et, nary a time. _ That feller has got more snake in bis eyes than ever St, Patrick kicked out of Ireland!” And through the dark, gloomy night, with now and then a drop of rain splashing against the. window, the train rolled on toward the City of the Lakes, CHAPTER IX. STILL EN ROUTE. WHEN Chicago was reached, Yale handed over the prisoners to the proper authorities, while Kit escorted Lily to a hotel, and secured accommodations for the three. Lily was considerably elated, as well as ex- cited, over the capture of the people, who, with- out a doubt, meant her harm, and she thanked Cool Kit warmly for bis bravery. By tender glances and sweet smiles, she betrayed the fact that he was to hera hero, and the idol of her impulsive girlish heart. 3 for Kit, he bad to resort to his old-time ‘fashion of scratching his head, when in per- ‘plexity. “Golly!” he thought, “it’s nice to have a ‘young gal sweet on you, but, hang it, what is a feller goin’ to do? It takes money to run a kitcben an’ sittin’-room, however humble; an’ then—bang it! I wonder if I hain’t older than I calcylate, an’ ef sum rich miserly uncle won’t die, an’ leave me bis boots—full of money?” Her wiles and witchery finally proved too much for Kit, and he turned upon her, witha grimace: **Now, see here, Lily; s’posen’ we eat some eyesters, jest fer a change. I’ve heard Jersey- men say thet eyesters were the best thing fer palpitation of the heart, an’ ef mine ain’t thumpin’ like a base drum on a St, Patrick’s day’s parade, I’ll eat beeswax all my life!” ‘Obl my! I am so sorry. Have you heart disease, Kit?” Lily asked, with well simulated anxiety, although there was a roguish twinkle in her eyes, **No, by jingo, no! It’s the eyester disease. Til ring the bell for five dozen extras, fried, ~wish Yale would return. Dash meef he ain’t the pokiest feller I ever see’d. I—I—” He was getting a good red color, and Lily ‘burst into a merry laugh, as she threw her arms about bis neck. “ Why, Kit, you are the most bashful goose IT ever saw. But, there, now,” with a charm- ing little bug. “I’m ready for the oysters, only for mercy’s sake, don’t order five dozen!” Kit felt relieved, when she released him. “Why, can’t you eat six?” queried he, “€Oh! yes, but—” “Ob! Dll attend to the other four dozen and six, I’m the champion eyester eater of Manayunk.” So Kit ordered ‘‘two fries” and about the _ time they were served, Yale sauntered into the parlor, and another order was given, “‘The hearing will take place at two, this afternoon,” the detective announced and every- thing is ai so that we can take a four o’clock train, West.” “How erbout ther old couple?” “Oh! they bave been stripped of their dis- guises, and turn out to be a pair of old offenders on the criminal list, known both here and in Philadelphia,” ; The case was called on,/at the appointed ces and Kit, and Yale were present, to tes- tify. ‘ The facts of the case were quickly taken, and McGill and the other pair, known as Frank and Jane Shie, were bound over to court, and locked up, in default of bail. : As their business had now terminated, so far as Chicago was concerned, the trio took cars for ess. The next morning, as they were likely to re- was wired, to Stephen Rogers; _ _ “We are here, lying in wait. Have you nailed _&chofield? Smion YAue, Det.” Considering the advance the fugitives had in ssibility that avenport. * ul on hes % Ss ra eh is of? a “i mn mee RS 3 pa he toe ———————————— ele eS — De ‘*T understand that but for our young friend I should not even now know of my daughter’s tragic fate, and also that hut for bis timely in- tervention, Lily would likely bave shared a like fate,” Mr, Rogers said, gratefully; ‘‘ and bence- forth I will afford him, as part compensation, every facility for rising to the position of ove of the foremost men of the day.” “Oh, tuat’s all right—let that take keer of itself for the present,” Kit said. ‘*There’s more of ’portance scrapin’ my mind than tbat. I'm anxious now to git atter them snoozers w’ot think they’re so sharp.” ‘*-Yes; we must work up the case as fast as possible,” Yale said; ‘‘and any data you can furnish, that will be of use to us, wil] hasten the consummation of the vengeance I know you must crave.” ‘Vengeance I do crave,” Stephen Rogers cried, ‘‘and vengeance I will have! I tele- graphed you that there was but one man whom I believed could be guilty of doing me an un- pardonable injury. I will now endeavor to make clear to you all about the matter. ‘*T do not reside here, in Boise City, but ten miles to the nortb, at a little settlement we call Bed Rock, where I have some mining interests —in fact, one of the best gold and silver lodesin the locality. “Three years ago, when the mine was dis- covered, I took in with me as half-partner a man named Samuel Sleughter, and whom, from what you have said, I believe to be the so-called Samuel Sands who met my children in Phila- delphia. He was rather a prepossessing indi- vidual, with the bearing and general appear- ance of a gentleman, and as be came from Helena well recommended, and claimed tu be an expert accountant, I concluded 1 could not do better than avail myself of bis services, as I was in need of just such.a man. So J gave him a half-interest in the revenue of the mine, for so long a time as he should prove trustwor- thy and attentive to our business interests, ‘* Time passed along, and things ran smooth- ly. He gained my confidence, and little by little drew from me the history of my past life in detail, and pretty nearly all about my affairs in general. However, as my daugh- t-rs were away at school, it chanced that they never saw him, which accounts for their not recognizing bim, if that was he, in Ppila- delphia. ‘* When the mine was opened and began to pay pretty well, I suddenly awoke to the discov: ry that | was being robbed, and was not lorg in tracing the crime directly to Slaugbter, and forcing bim at the point of a pistol, into a con- fession. I then gave him an hour to get out of the reach of the law, and he was not slow to accept the terms—although he took an oath that be would be revenged upon me. “T beard nothing more about bim, votil about a year ago, when a miner died, and left me guardian over bis daughter and estate, A few months after bis death, I learned tbat this daughter, a young, giddy-headed gir), had a Jover, who was in the habit of meeting Ler, clandestinely, From what I could learn, the man was Samue] Slaughter, “T at once visited the girl, and gave her fatherly counsel and advice, but she was natur- ally headstrong, and without directly opposing my will, she seemed to make light of my ad- vice. So with my mind fully made up, I set spies to work, and was not long in developing the fact that they were to elope. ‘“T made the fact known to the miners, and getting all arranged we intercepted tbe turtle- doves, and gave Slaughter the worst dose of tar and feathers there was in the camp, and we had a half-barrel of tar and a couple of feather- beds at that. “We then tied him toa buckin’ burro, with a cactus bur under its tail, and sent him a-fly- ing. The girl I sent away to her relations. I did not hear of Slaughter again, until three months afterward, when he sent me a letter, with askull and cross-bones on it, the simple wording of which was: “* Tam not dead, yet. S. SLAUGHTER,’ *T paid no particular attention to it, however, until [ received your Philadelpbia telegrams, — when the terrible truth dawned upon me, that it was he who had struck for vengeance! May the eternal curses of an injured parent consume kim!” “‘ He is undoubtedly the man!” Yale decided, ‘and now that) we know the particulars I do not think it will be very hard for us to run bim down, as soon as the party arrives in this vi- cinity.” ‘Tar not so sure of that. The fate of my poor child is known, here, in Boise City, and the
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oy ae a oe ‘ a ey 10 en — ll che ss od i. ee A I ae Ra ee me mee pee J Cool Kit, the King of Kids. a fact of your arrival, is also known. It don’t take long for news to spread out here, you can bet. Tbis man Schofield hung about towna few days after bringing the news which took my daughters East, under pretense of Jooking for an opportunity for investment; then he dis- appeared. I have, since receiving your tele- grams, learned that he bas been seen lurking in the vicinity. So, you see, be may bein town, now, in disguise, and, hearing of your arrival, will warn the other parties to lie low, for awhile!” This was reasonable. “That’s so,” Yale admitted, ‘‘and we’re not in Philadelphia, where we know the ropes, either.” Cool Kit was silent a few minutes, his fingers creating a disturbance in bis hair. “D' ye intend ter stay byer in Boy’s City?” he finally asked, of the speculator, “Not unless it is necessary. Ihave business duties both here and at Bed Rock, but I gener- ally run up bere onceaday. My real home is there.” “‘ Well, now, ve got kinder of an idea, ef ye wanter bear it.” - “Judging by. what you have already done, we canall take advice from you,” Mr Rogers said, with a smile. . ** Well, here goes! We'll all pack off fer yer home at once, an’ we won’t be no ways shy about leftin’ folks know we’re goin’, See?” “ Well?” **Wuen we get to Bed Rock, I'll fix up, and come back. But, wait. Wil be back in a mo- ment.” He skurried away, and soon returned with his old newsboy-bootblack suit, and blacking para- phernalia. ‘“Now, Mister Yale, ef ye belonged heer in Boise, an’ you war to meet me as IL look in this rig-out, dirt an’ etsettery included, d’ye think ye’d reckernize me as the same feller lam now?” ae. hardiy think I should,” Yale replied can- idly. “Then, thet settles et!” Kit said. ‘I come back heer, an’ go ter shinin’ boots, while you take things cooland easy. Ef I can’t pick up some points no one can ” be or Rogers looked inquiringly at Kit, then at ale, ‘*Let him try it,” the latter advised; * Il guarantee he’ll take care of himself, where we couldn’t,” “ You bet on me bein’ all bunk!” Kit cried. ‘Wait till I s’prise some o’ these Western fel- lers wi’ my patent. leather, duplex-action shine.” “Very well, my boy; you shall have your way,” Mr. Rogers assented. ‘‘I will go out and order a conveyance to take us to Bed Rock,” “And, by the way, I think I'll accompany ou,” Yale remarked, with a peculiar twinkle In his eye, for be had already noticed that bis sister was very partial to Kit. ‘*Ou! you snoozer!” thought Kit, who ‘‘ tum- bled” to his partner’s game. ‘*‘I’m onto you with both feet. You want me to setup the oys- ters again. Well, | might as well prepare for another siege of heart aisease. Gosh! 1 begin to feel giddy, already.” And well be might. for Mr. Rogers and Yale were little more than out of the parlor, ere Lily was beside the King of Kids, and her pretty eyes looking appealing!y down into bis. CHAPTER XI. CAUGHT FOUL! “Kir, ’m so afraid you wiil get harmed,” Lily suid, passing ber fair band over his fore- head and pushing back tbe mass of matted curls, that would grow down there, “You might be all right, in Philadelphia where they have policemen to protect you boys, but out here, it is different. The men are so wild an’ xen it leughed at the idea, “ Perlicemen pertect us kids!” he ejaculated. ‘* Well! I should go giggle! Why, you’ve got !be barouche before tre geldings, Lil. It’s us kids w’ot pertects ther perlicemen, out in Phila! Ef a couple sluggers gits ter maulin’ each other, we allers gives the ecpper a friend- ly tip ter amble ’round ter ther furtherest part o’ bis beat, ’ca’se how, ef he was ter interfere, he'd get sot down on, in about two holy seckints. Ob! no; don’t you git skeered about me gittin’ burt. I tell yer, when I get ter shinin’ ’em up, fer the fellers, Pll elervate society round here, an’ every feller will think he’s a billionaire.” “ But, Kit, lam so afraid. You know if any harm were tocome to you, bow badly I would feel. I love you, Kit, from the bottom of my heart—” : “There! by the mud-hens 0’ Jersey, I know’d it. ee gone and did it, just w’ot I «xpect- ed : ““Done what, Kit?” “ Exploded—popped! Oh! Jerusalem! S’po- sin’ Dorrit was heer, tho’—wouldn’t thar be bair-pullin’? Well! well!” ‘‘No, I don’t think there would be, Kit. I guess Dorrit transferred her affection from you to Mr, Yale, before we left the East.” “Dye really think so!” ‘*Yes. Anybow, it looked to me as if they were pretty well pleased with each other. So, uow, Kit, there isn’t any excuse in the world, why—why—” but she could uot finish the sen- tence, Kit rubbed the end of his nose, and grinned, comically. . ‘““Say, seo here, you're after another mess of eyesters, ain’t ye?” he quericd ‘*No, I’m not. How provoking you are!” “‘T'll be gosh-hanged if I am. But, say, is this the way the gals do, up here—‘ pop,’ on their own book?’ **Well—yes. This is Jeap year, you know. But come, now, Kit, don’t you like me?” ‘‘Like you!” Kit echoed, gathering ber in his embrace. ‘* Wael, I should smile! I ’d like nothin’ better than ter eat ther grass your angelical feet trampled on. But—hbist! here comes Yale, and the guv’nor.” Which put an end to that little love-making episode. Yale avd Mr. Rogers entered the parlor, to find both Kit and Lily with very rosy eheeks, at which the detective secretly smiled. ‘Well, children, we bave dremmed up a ‘hearse’ to convey us to Bed Reck,” Mr. Rog- ers announced, ‘‘and it is in waiting. So get ready, and we'll be off” “A hearse?” Kit echoed. ‘‘Say, now, look here, Mr. Rogers, what you giving us? Yeu don’t ketch me ridin’ in no bearse afore my time comes, I'd rather fut it.” ‘*Ob! that’s all right, Kit,” Yale explained. ‘Out bere they call a stage a ‘ hearse.’ ” “Ob! I see. That must be why the papers call a theater a Morgue. Waal, I sbould re- hearse!” Kit puoned, ‘** Here! here! No more such jokes as that!” Yale protested, ‘‘Tbhey hang a man out here for font ae ‘No. Ill be hanged if they do, skip.” They were soon aboard the coach, and rolling away, acrowd having collected in front of the hotel to see’*them off. Four spirited horses hauled the stage, and the trip to Bed Rock was made iu good time, Here, too, Mr. Rogers and Lily were warmly and sympatbizingly greeted by the few miners and their families who made the town their abode. It was but a small gathering of shanties and buildings, belonging to the mine-proprietor— that of Mr. Rogers being the most conspicuous dwelling of the lot. Here the parties remained quartered for t!o day, as Kit had decided not to return to Boise City until under the cover of darkness. He made his preparations, however, with the coolness and sangfroid characteristic of the matter-of-fact street Arab, Yale and Mr. Rogers quizzed him repeatedly, to find out if be bad any far as regards what peril be might e. counter, but he only laugbed at them good-naturedly, and replied in the negative, **Oh! let him go,” Yale said, ‘‘ and if he don’t pick up the trail I’ll lose my reckoning. To- morrow, in disguise, I too will go to the city, so as to ba near at hand should he get into any trouble.” As soon as it became dark, Kit bade Yale and Mr. Rogers good-by, and arrayed in bis old-time regalia, with blacking outfit slung to his back. he took his departure, Lily insisting on accompanying bim a short distance. At their parting, she clung to him, affection- ately, until, with a kiss, be bade her good-by, and trudged away on his journey. But let’s “Hyer Lam, now, ’Frisco Frank! A fu’st-class feiler, an’ nary a crank, Kin lick a lion or big bull-pup, An’ fer ha’f.a dime, I'll shine ’em up.” * Reckerlect, feller-citizers, I’m the pgold- medal shiner from ther city o’ San Francisco, I'm sixteen years old, hey msde sixteen voy- ages around the earth, jumped over the Rockies, an’ landed dewn byer in Boise City, ter show ye thet ye’r’ sixteen centnries behind ther times, fer not hevin’ ver boots shined brieht enuff ter reflect all ther beautics o’ Jupiter, Siturn and aS ——————————————————————————————_——————eeeeeeee eee OO OOO Venus, I hev shined ther diamonded-studded brogans uv every king, emperor an’ prince in ther world, polished ther bare feet o’ ther man- eatin’ king o’ ther bam-Sandwich Islands, an’ heer I am, gents, fresh over frum ’Frisco, ter puta complexion onter yer dirty number H’s! So walk right up an’ pit dumfounded fer only a nickle—five cents only—ther twentieth part 0’ a dollar. Who’s ther first magnate who wants ter represent this mighty nation?” Jt was Cool Kit who uttered this harangue, as he took his stand on the sidewalk in front of oe of the foremost hotels of the Queen City of daho, Rigged, mud-splashed, bare-footed and bare- headed, and with a face so black-streaked and dirty es t» effectually destroy bis identity,. the King of Kids thus addressed the considerable crowd of men lounging about the veranda— men of many costumes and many characters, from the border bully to the refined gentleman of leisure. ‘*Come, now, roll up, tumble up, any way ter git vp. IT’ll shine ’m fer ye till they'll dazzle yer eyes so you'll hey ter war green goggles ter keep from gittin’ sea-sick, Why, durn my skin, ther ain’t. a pair o’ boots in the crowd fit to wear ter see a widder arter her ole man’s funer-. al, Who’s ther fu’st chap who']l be an bonor ter the name o’ Idaho, by hevin’ his boots shined ?” A big, burly individual, chock-full of ‘‘ ben- zine,” came staggering out of the hotel and de- scended the steps to where K.t bad taken his — stand. ‘‘ Hillo!” he cried, hoarsely. ‘‘ Look at ther monkey! Whar’s ther organ-grinder?” ‘Hurtin’ fer a baboon. Want er job?’ re- torted Kit, “Say, luck a-heer, yonker, w’ot d’ye’r say? Cuss ry butes, but I’ve a mindtersmack ye. I want ye ter know |’ma terror, 1 am—Howlin’ Jake, the slugger, w’ot kin lick Sullivan or any other man!” In an instart Kit was upon his feet, dancing about, with kisarms thrown out in true pugi- listic style. “Tl jest bet ye don’t, cully, when I am about,” be declared, with a grin and wink. ‘Yo never hearn tell o’ Paddy Ryan’s brother, did ye? Say—tell_ye what I'll do, boss; I'll bet ye two ter one I kin knock ye out in one round!” The crowd Jaughed at the boast, and that was precisely whot Kit wonted, The sooner he worked himself into popularity as a bootblack, or rousta bout, the less liability there was of his identity being discovered. : The bully seemed to regard Kit’s antics with a sort of grim humor, ‘* Waal, I'll be cussed!” he snorted. ‘‘ Ye put mein mind o’ a little banty, spurrin’ up to a big game-cock,” ; ‘An’ snmtimes the big game-cock gits combed,” Kit replied, still dancing about, ‘“On! jest cum an’ see-me, Moriarity, an’ let me soak ye one in the second flat.” The crowd on the veranda roared again, ard bystanders began to collect to see the sport. The ‘‘terror” was evidently not a gross-dis- positioned fellow, for he took things good- naturedly, covsidering the amount of ‘* booze” he bad on board, ‘‘See heer,” he said, steadying himself upon his feet, ‘l'm an old beart-breakin’ bard-bead from Horror Guleh, an’ I kin clean cut ther town ef I’m er mind to. Now, ye’r’ a spunky rabbit, an’ I'll tell ye what Judo. I)] put my left band behin’ me back, an’ sper ye wi’ me — per y right, pervidin’ you'll agree net to squeal, if you git. a crusber in ther nose,. Ef you git im a tapou my mug, nuff sed, Tilgive yeadollar — apiere ter shine up ther bull crowd,” “A bargain!” Kit quickly accepted, “Square off, and look out fer yerself!” The crowd now became wildly enthusiastic, as Western crowds always do when there is any fun brewing, Howlin’ Jake put bis left hand hebind lis - back, and wi,h his right fist.on guard, struck a pugilistic attitude, For a few minutes there was some fair spar- — ring, and Jake struck out three terrific blows, any one of which, had it hit the Areb, would bave settled the contrst. But the King of Kids wasn’t getting hit. He was as ligbt on bis feet as a chipmunk, and bis dancing and ducking movements, evidently an-~ noyed his adversary, who appeared to bave a fair knowledge of the manly art. Bets were freely made among the spectators, =) as to how the contest would end. They wero destined to be quickly d«cided, for ee ' jumping b re, then there, with agility, and a ¢ Pe: on tee hy ‘sa ‘ee home K \ « “fe a ae bak hy, san oF, 5 fy ag 32 PY x ie hey é eg te é K zs rie rw) ; a? . tae os $ “oe 4 tw
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~*~ ‘ watching his man like a hawk, Cool Kit finally struck out. Thwack! The-sound of the blow was audible, for yards around, and Kit landed lightly back upon his feet. Fairly had he planted his fist over Howlin’ J:ke’s left eye, and with no boyish force either. The bully,,.at the instant, had his back toward the street, in which, just off the sidewalk, was a large puddle of muddy water, ‘ So quick and hard was Kit’s right-hander, that ic knocked Howlin’ Jake clean off his pins, and landed him upon his back, in the water, Without awaiting further developments, Kit seized his box, and begun to yell: “Here ye go, now—who wants er shine. Only a nickel—half a dime—reg’lar down-E ist prices, same asthey hevin New Yorick. Whar’s the man, willin’ to squander ther twentieth part of a dollar?” ‘* Heigh! hello!” roared Jake, gaining a sitting osture, ‘‘Every durned galoot gits bis boots blacked, at my expense, I tell yer. I ain’t no ne ef I do waller!” e got up, shook himself, and reaching into his pocket, drew out five twerty-dollar gold- pieces, threw them down upon the sidewalk, in front «f Kit; then turning upon his heel, en- tered the hotel, crying, as be went: “That’s ther style of cattle they raise over in Horror Gulch. Mine’s bug-juice. Hev’ sum- thin’, gentlemen!” This was the first specimen Cool Kit had ever seen of a veritable fur West rn tough and to him it was a sight good for sore eyes. But the way the men of Boise City did file in- to the hotel bar-room, in response to Howlin’ Jake’s invitation, was an astonisher to the Kid, for but one man was left on the veranda, or in the vicinity. “These chaps don’t know what a shine is, I don’t believe,” he muttered, as be picked up the gold-pieces. ‘‘ Et don’t matter tho’, Think Vi start out as a prize-figbter ef I can pullina hundred dollars every whack,” Tho man who did not join, in accepting Howl- in’ Jike’s offer, sat tipped back in a chair on the veranda, with his beels elevated against one of the posts that supported the wooden awning. He was fairly well attired, was of good figure, and en observer, at a glance, would have put him down as a man engaged in some legitimate business. He wore an immense sweeping beard, which evidently received excellent attention, for there was not a tangle in it. His eyes, like his hair, were of a brown color, but his skin was unnaturally white. Cool Kit had paid no attention to the indi- vidual, urti! he was accosted, as he finished picking up te coins. ‘* Well, sonuy, you made quite a haul, didn’t you?” taking the cigar out of bis mouth. ‘ Kinder,” Kit returned, with a grin, and a criticising look at the ioquisitor. ‘*Thet feller must bave more tin than he knows what to do with!” ‘He has, He is a cattle rancher, off on a spree. Chances are large, be’ll go home broke. By the way, since you haven’t struck a job, yet, Ill give you one!’ And lowering his feet to the veranda, he waited for Kit to go to work, “You don’t cali them aire feet, do ye?” Kit demanded, for their size was extraordinarily large. ‘* Why, them’s mud scows, like they use in the marshes,” “Tt don’t matter as to their size, sir, Go ahead, and shine them!” and the man’s tone, was not particularly gentle. ‘*Say, lookee here!” Kit retorted, ‘‘d’ye ex- pect me ter expend a day’s work; all fer a nickel? Ohno! Give me a dollar, an’ a foter- graff o’ the feet ter sell ter a museum, an’ it’s a ” “ Here’sa dollar. You'll bave to bunt up a photograph machine, yourself!” Without further ceremony, Kit set to work, and soon had a patent-leather shine on the boots that reminded him of old Philadelpbia times. ‘* Yer wears purty decent leather,” Kit re- marked, pocketing his dollar, and surveying bis joo, with pride, ‘If you'll jest keep them feet o’ yourn posted up thar, fer advertisement, I'll ketch lots o’ jobs.” ‘‘Not many, ont here, I'll swear. If you ex- pect to get rich you'll have to go into some more profitable business,” **What biziness?” Kit asked, thinking he had a * bite,” from the first, * On! most anything else, than blacking Cool Kit, the King of Kids, ‘boots. No one ever has their bocts blacked out here. Running errands, for instance, now— good pay in it—little odd jobs, where a boy ain’t particular what he does,” “Thet hits me right in my dormitory,” Kit declared, enthusiastically. ‘' 1m bandy at any- thing, an’ don’t care a continental what it is as long as ther wealth flows inter my treasury.” ‘““That’s a good motto, boy. Weill, trot around, after awhile, and maybe I'll have a job for you,” and with this, the man arose and entered the hotel. ; ‘* Bet a cent toa b’iled owl thet I’ve hit the bull’s eye, ther first clip!” Kit muttered. ‘“ It’s worth lookin’ up, anyhow. Guess I’d better not be too loose around heer, at present, fer fear Howlin’ Jake’s eye will swell on him, an’ he'll git mad.” So he trudged away, creating a sensation wherever be went, being quite a novelty, But he found one thing out, The old Philadelphia five-cent racket ‘‘ didn’t work worth a cent,” so tospeak. Every cus- tomer he got didn’t think anything of payin fifty cents to a dollar for a shine, and as be ha a goodly number of customers, bis stock of wealth increased very perceptibly. ‘‘This Boise City ain’t so slow a town, after all!” be muttered, ‘an’ [Pll be jiggered ef I don’t think et would be a purty good place ter tie to. Guess I’ll mazurky back, an’ see ef my first customer is about.” When be arrived at the hotel, the individual was once more seated on the veranda, He immediately arose, however, descended to the street, and said: “Come along with me, boy, if you want to earn some money. I'l) put you on the way of doing it,” ‘‘Kerect, guv’nor. I'm yer mud-pie, every minute in an hour, Steer abead, an’ I’m with ye, cVar up to the chin,” Without reply, the man led on, Standing erect, be was about six feet in hight, and of powerful build, From the description Kit had received of the man Schofield, he at once formed the opinion that this was the same party, in disguise. *T wonder what job he bes got fer me ter do?” Kit muttered, as he burried along, for he was forced to doso, to keep up with the stran- ger. ‘*I don’t know but I'd better investigate ’fore I go too fur,” ‘Though be had a pair of revolvers upon his person, he was none too anxious to get into any new trouble, “Say, Cap, what sort. o’ job is this ye want me ter tackle?’ he finally demanded, “‘‘ Seems ter me ye’t’ goin’ a long ways ter find it.” “Only to my residence,” was the reply. “Tve a letter to write that I want you todeliver at a litrle mining-settlement ten miles from here, You can catch the next stage for the place, and return by the stage that leaves soon after you get there,” Kiw’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Here he was. right on to the trail, and the develop- ment of his case had reached a point where the denouement must soon come in, gloriously. He felt like executing a flip-fl p. But, todo so, just now, when the game seemed ripe for plucking, was out of the question. The walk continued until they reached the Western outskirts of the town, when the man paused before a small slab shanty, and knocked at the door, There was no answer, “*] guess the old woman is out,” he said, ‘* However, it don’t matter. I bavea key.” This he was not long in producing, and open- ine the door, they entered. No sooner had they done so, than Coel Kit was seiz-d, from behind, and his arms pinioned to bis side; then be was thrown to the floor, and his feet pinioned, after which a grim voice said: ‘Now, younker, ye ain’t quite so fly as you have been for some time past, 1 reckon. ‘An’ what’s more, you won’s be!” CHAPTER XTI. OUT OF BONDAGE—*’ DEAD ON” THE TRAIL. Jr was for Kit to reahz-, now, that he was in a trap, and that, for once, his shrewdness had been overmatched. Lying upon the floor, on bis back, he allowed his gaze to wander about the apartment which contained but a few chairs and a table, and he saw who were his captors. ; ‘ The tall, large footed man, of course, was one. Then, there was a woman, a young man, and the third was the identical fellow who ac- aed the Kid, on Chestnut street, in Philadel- phia, The young woman was petite, yet well-form- ed, with a pretty countenance, which was pure- ly French in its features, She was tastily at- tired... The young man was rather a dandyish look--: ing individual, with blonde bair and mustache, and looked hardly like a heavy villain, but more like a person who would be a tool, in a heavy Villain’s power, The mau who had uttered the taunt evident- ly was the one whom Kit had met in the Quaker City, so to bim the undaunted boy cried: ‘*Hillo! is that you, old eggs? hy darn my socks, ef you ain’t the same crank I met out in Philamydelpby. How do ye do, Mister Sam Slaughter?” “You'll find out soon enough how I am!” the man retorted, fiercely. ‘‘ Talk to the accursed rat, Schofield,” te said, impatiently. ‘He is too tonguey for me. IJ’d kill bim for a cent.” ‘*Guess you've cone ’bout ernuff killin’ fer @ while, ain’t yer?’ Kit flushed back, ‘Don’t you be so lippy, my bird, or you'll stop talking very suddenly,” Schofield admon- ished, quietly. *‘‘ We want to know what you know about the case.” “What case?” **No back talk, or pretended ignorance now. What do you know about the suicide in Phila- delphia?” ‘Nothin’, It wasn’t no suicide,” Kit replied, coolly—‘‘it was a deliberate murcer, an’ Slaughter, yender, did the job,” “What impelled you to turn detective?” “ Dunno, more’n I smelt a rat, an’ it curred ter me horter trap fer it.” “No one suggested the thing to you?” ‘“Nary a.one.” ; “O.1. vour way here, an attempt was made to kidnap Rogers’s other daughter?’ “Yes, but we was too much for the dodgers.” ‘* Where are the parties?” ‘In Chicago, locked up, where they won’t burt themselves a-dodgin’ the law.” “ Who is this man Yale?” ‘A feller who took a fancy to me, an’ vol- unteered to see me through to the end.” “*Ts he poor?” ‘‘Dunno. S’pect ke ain’t as rich as old Gould!” ; ““f presume old Rogers thinks wel) of you, for tringing his girl back, and for informing him of the details of the plot against him.” ‘Oh! you bet! He’s goin’ ter send me ter ther Legislatur’, next year, soon’s I git a mus- tache started.” ‘He might better be getting estimates on a tombstone fcr you, boy. Now, look here: We- are all friends of Mr. S'sughter bere, and em- ployed by him in various branches of the busi- ness he carries on. I suppose you have learned that Mr. Slaughter has had ample cause for seeking revenge on cld Rogers, and that tke first step toward its consummation bas been taken,” ‘* Kerect.” “Well, it was, end yet is intended by Mr, Slaughter, to ruin Re gers, both financially and mentally. As yeu have proven yourself to be a shrewd young bound, ard as we intend to use you, I stste all this to prepare you for the work you are to do.” “You don’t say! How sensible ye are!” “You'd bave becn knecked in the head an hour after your srrival in Beise City, but for: the fact that we concluded to work you in to good advantage; so now it is a matter cf death, or obedience to our orders—we are not particu- Jar which.” : ““D'ye mean ye’d kill me ef I didn’t egree ter do as you orde: ?” ‘* Most assuredly.” “Then thet settles it, Old Rogers an’ the case can go to blazes fer all me; f ain’t tekin® any kill in mine jest at present, ef you plesse, But go abead wi’ yer proposish.” “It was our intention to offer Rogers the ashes of his Caug! ters at a big price, bur sirce we succeeded or ly in pert of the plot, through your smartness, we shall bave to give up that plan, unless you think Rogers would give a lig price for Cassie’s cust.” Kit shuddered at the man’s heartless vil- lainy. ‘*T dunno, I’m sure!” he declared. ‘' S’pose- ye c’u’d tell best by tryin’, Don’t think, tho’, he’d shell out very port.” “Oh, we'll make him do thst, fast encugt, — when we get things all arranged, Now, in or- der to work the game as we propose, we want the otber girl. It is all-important we should bave her in our possession, Only in that wa can we work Rogers for every cent be worth.” '
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ee a ee Fr a er ~ 12 * Shouldn’t wonder but what you are right,” , Kit agreed, resolved to see the thing through to sno end if be died for it. ' “* How are you going to get possession of the girl, tho’?” ‘* We are not going to do it, to do for us!” ' ** Me?” Kit ejaculated, both anxious and elated at the prospect. “Yes, you! We shall make you worth every cent of tne value of your life tous. Tbe cap- tain does not expect to operate around here for any great length of time, and while we are here, we do not intend to let any scruples inter- fere with our little game. We purpose to get possession of the girl through you, and, that as ‘soon as possible.” *Reckon you'll have to wait awhile, before I get ber for you,” Kitdeclared. ‘‘ Dunno how T could work the racket.” “On! we'll put you onto that, easy enough. You indits an:.ffectionate epistle to your girl sweetheart, requesting her to meet vou at the point where she left you, last night. See?” ‘*So you was there, hey?” Ob! certuinly, Your every movement was snedorey from the time you arrived in Boise ity! ‘““Will you promise to write what we dic- tate?” ‘I s’pose I'll have to, tho’ it goes ag’in’ my grain.” ‘“‘T dare say it won’t afflict your grain so much as a knife would, if drawn across your jugular!” The shanty boasted of a rude deal-table, and Kis was lifted to a chair, beside it. Before him was placed a pencil and sheet of paper, and also a letter. ‘* You're to copy from that!” Slaughter or- dered, ‘‘and mind you do it right, or Til slit your throat!” And Slaughter evidently meant what be said. The letter which Kit was to copy was as fol- lows: “Dean Lity:—I send you this in great haste. Meet me to-night, at eight o’clock, at the_point where youleft me. Say nothing toany one. Ihave made a great discovery, and you must be the first one to know of it, ours, Krr,"’ That is for you “Go ahead and copy it!” Slaughter com- manded, ‘‘and don’t ye change a word. LIl soon show Steve Rogers how he miscalculated when he tarred and feathered me.” Kit proceeded to obey, for well be knew it would be useless to parl-y, or refuse, A faint ray of bope entered his mind, as he duplicated the decoying note—would not Lily’s suspicion be aroused? If so, she would show tbe letter to Yale aud her father, and they would make an attempt to capture her would-be captors! So be copied the letter, in as good a style of echirograpby as he could command, and shoved it away from him. ‘There, That's ther best I kin do,” he said. **It’s a dirty mean trick to make me do il, too,” Sleughbter laughed, maliciously. ** | guess it won’t change your fortunes much, Tie him up again, boys.” Accordingly, K.t’s hands were again bound, and he was dragged into one corner of the room, and left lying there, **Do you suppose he’ll be safe, there?” Slaugh- ter demanded, of Schofield, who was evidently his right-hand man, **Of course bell be safe,” was the reply. “We'll lock the door, and I’il guarantee we'll find him here, if we ever have occasion to come back, again. Nobody is likely to come within bearing of this place, once a week.” So they were going off, to leave him! This was better news, to Kit, than though they had remained, ‘““Les’em slide,” he mused. ‘Ef I can’t git eae 0” this fix, somehow, I ain't King of the iqg-— / Then aloud: “S.y, see hera, this ain’t fair,” he whined. *Ye ain’t goin’ ter clear out and leave me locked up ter starve, be ye? I think that’s meaner’n stealin’ the gal,” ** Get out, you whelp., You ought to be thank- ful you’re alive,” Slaughter growled. ‘If you get hungry, bite off your tongue and eat that, ou won’t have so much then.” The quartette soon took their departure, not forgetting to lock the door after them, here was but the one room to the shanty, and the only furniture consisted of the table aud a few stools. There were two windows, one on either side of the door, which, in itself, was not a very substantial affair. | Kit turned bis attentigu to biuself. a Taking in his surroundings, point for point, His ankles were securely bound with strips of bide, and his hands were tied bebind his back, presujably with the same kind of thong. Brealving them, of course, was out of the question; so what was to be done? After some maneuvering, he rolled over to the table, and gained a standing position, walking, of course, being out of the question. Once at the table he pusbed it before him, and jumped | after it, dragging a stool along behind him. When the tible was near the window, Kit gradually edged around, so asto bring himself between the table and window, with the stool in his grasp. Poising himself, he crushed the stool against the window with all his might. The result was exactly what he most desired. Away went glass and sash, and an opening to the outer air was effected. It was by this time getting dark, but he was able to see that the nearest habitation was not over a quarter of a mils away. ‘*Tll get there somehow, an’ then I'll be all right. Then, Mister Slaughter, ef I don’t block yer little game, my name’s not Cool Kit. Ye can git Lily in spire o' me, but I’m a Jersey mud-hen ef I don’t put yein the hoel yet.” To get out of the window was not a difficult feat for one so active as the Arab, so he was soon on terra firma. As noo‘her plan was left him, be at once be- gan to roll over and over toward the nearest dwelling, from the window of which now gleamed a light, It wasa slow and tiresome task, but he final- ly got near enough to make bis calls for assist- ance heard, and to bis great delighta man and a woman with a lantern soon came running up. In less time than it takes to tell it, he was set at liberty, and invited to the near-by habita- tion, where he was given a warm supper, wh:le he briefly narrated the particulars of his eap- ture, without revealing any of the other facts of the case, After supper, and rewarding his rescuers with a five-dollar gold-piece, he set out for the heart of the town. Wi-bin an bour’s time he had secured a fleet horse, and was flying over the road toward Bed Rock. ‘Now, Mr. Slaughter-house,” he muttered, ‘look out fer me! I’m comin’, an’ there’s mu- sic in the air. The band is beginnin’ ter toot the ‘Dead March in Saui!’” CHAPTER XIII. SLAUGHTER'S LETTER ALTHOUGH he had some litle experience at horseback-riding, never in .all bis life did Kis pare een a ride as that from Boise City to Bed oe . Tbe horse he had secured was a “ goer,” and seemed perfectly familiar wiih tbe route, and it sometimes dashed along with a speed that fairly made Ki.’s bair stand erect, although he experienced no difficulty in keeping bis seat in the saddle, so easy was the gait. In less than an hour’s time, be reined his f am-flecked steed in at the door of the Rogers cottage. The old man and Yale instantly rushed from the cabin, both visibly excited, and the de- tective looking as if he were just in from » jour- ney. “Lily! Lily! Do you know anything of her?” the old man demanded, eagerly. ‘‘She bas dis- appeared and we cannot find ber.” ** How long have you missed her?” Kit cried. ** What time is it?” “It is after nine c’clock. She has been gone over an bour but I thonght nothing of it, as she often runs out, calling on the neighbors. But, when Yale re'urned from Boise a few minutes ago and report-d that vou could not be found, I began a search and cannot find my child.” ‘*Then ye can ca'culate that she’s in the pow- er ov yerenemy. Samuel Slavgbterhouse,” Kit declared, ‘I thought mebbe | c’u’d git heer in time ter pervent et, but it seems that I can’t git onter ther nack o’ makin’ a hoss go a mile a minvit.” He proreeded then to narrate his adventures, and the probable fate of Lily. ‘But don’t git down in ther mouth, nunk,” he said, as Mr. Rogers groaned aloud in anguish of spirit. “ It’s bound to turn out all right. Jest ick yer teeth and be ready for the pig, as the rishman said. an’ I'll fetch matters around all bunkv, or my name aix’t Christofer Cool.” “T’'m afraid Slaughter has got the best of the game,” Yale said, dubivusly, Eee te ee ee eee “Ob! youre afeard ets goin’ ter rain every tim- ye see a coon on the street!” Kit retorted, “Cause a feller steals a base on yei, 'bat don’t hurt; slug him at ther next. Now, as ther ser- mon is over, ef you'll git a lantern I'll take ye ter wher the gal was scooped in.” The camp bad not been aroused, as Mr, Rogers had pursued his inquiries for Lily very quietly ; so, procurizg a lantern, the trio went alone to the point where Lily and Kit had parted, the previous night, and ufter a sbort search, evidence was found of a struggle baving taken place. There were, also. hoof-marks, which proved | conclusively enough that Lily bad veen carried | off, on horseback. **She’s a goner, sure enuff.” Kit admitted. as they made their way-b»ck to the cottiuge. ‘* Old Sam has got ber, an’ now, the next tbing aire ter find where bis new bang-out is.” ‘* That will be next to impossible,” Mr. Rogers said, sadly. ‘‘Tbe mounteins abound with places of concealment, urd it would ke only time lost to attempt to find theinfernal wretch.” ‘You are rigbt!” Yale agreed. ‘‘I see but one way to settle this matter, father!” “ Father!” echoed Mr, Rogers, starting back, in in: xpressible astonisbment—* father |” ‘Yes, father,” the detective replied, putting out bis hand, ‘‘ Have you not suspected that IL am your son, Simon Yale Rogers?” For a moment, the specula‘or stared at bim, as if he could not com preben’—then, he sprung forward, with a glad cry, and was Iccked in bis boy’s embrace, ? “My son! my son! can this be true? Yes, I realize, now, that it is true, fer | can see that you look as she did, years ago. And the name tor—L see iv all, now. My box grown up, so handsome and noble! Mey God be praised!” ** Yes, father, lam your son, «nd our meet- ing isno more of a pleasure to you than to me; and but for this roble-bearted King «f Kids, . Co] Kit. it 1s likely we sbould never bave met, in this world!” They had reached the cottage by tbis time, and here the reunion gained a weimer aspect, and explantations and congratulations were +x- changed, until, all at once, the fatber snd son made the discovery that Cool Kit was among the missing. Uuseen he had slipped from the cabin, and gone— where? That was a the night pass: not return, Nor did the dawn of day bring him beck to the cabin, although Yale and Mr. Rogers sat up the night through, awaiting bis return, When morning came, Mr. Rogers looked bis anxiety, ‘Do vou think they have captured him too?” he queried, pscing to and fro, serors the room; “tor if they nave, I fear we shall miss his ser- vices, sadly. JI have great confidence in bis genins and shrewdness,” ‘*No more than IJ,” Yele replied; ‘but I do not calculate on bis being captured, He bas gouve to find Lily, and be will not give up, till he get’s starved out. He was caught once, and be will be wary enough not to be caught a sec- ond time.” ‘““Then, must we remain inactive, while he is searcbing?¢” ‘By no means, Indeed, I do not think we will be given a chance. Before many hours, vou will te called upon to pay a ransom, for Lily, and poor Cassie’s remains,” ‘* What, then?” “T see but one thing to do: Slaughter isa man, I judge, who, once he has the upper hands, will stand no trifling. He will make a demand on you for ransom mvney, aad if you do not come to time—” & Well—?” “He will kill Lily. out of spite, befure your eyes, and depend upon you bring only too glad then to ransom the body and Cassie’s ashes!” ‘Great God! Do you be ieve that such a thing could be possible?” ‘*T do. An act such as Cassie’s murder and inciveration proves the man a humen fiend and a human fiend might safely he counted capable of any further horrible deed!” ‘*Then what must T do?” ‘“*How much money have you, at your com- mani?” “T presume I can raise sixty thousand dol- lars.” ‘Do you suppose Slaughter has an idea that you can raise so much?” “Yes, I haven't a doubt but what he knows, om not easv to answer, for away and tbe King ot Kids did tu a cent, what my bank account is,” eos —/ 3 Pi GOOLE EIS PUG
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— “Then, I see nothing else for you to do but draw out your money, and stand ready to meet x his demands, Of course, it is bard to lose so 7 much, but scarcely barder, I think, than to see Lily’s life sacrificed, and Cassie’s ashes scattered } to the winds!” 5 te ‘True! true! my boy; such a thing cannot : be permitted, even though we have to wee up , the lJast stitch of clothing on our backs, shall, of course, have to go to Boise City, to obtain the money.” ‘ **T will accompany you, and, to all intents, will remain there, leaving you to return here alone; but I will return, secretly, and be near at band, all the while,” It was so arranged, Stages ran frequently, between Bed Rock and the city; so father and son made ready, and caught the next one that started. On their arrival in Boise City, Mr. Rogers proceeded to the bank, and withdrew his de- posit, and took the next stage for Bed Rock; i ‘ while Yale remained in Boise City, and saun- PO aa age about town, idly, as if having nothing to 0. i Instead of following his-movements, we will ak return with Mr. Rogers to Bed Rock. The old gentleman was well-armed, but, ‘ nevertheless, was very nervous, all the way, } lest the stage should be stopped, and he robbed c » of all his cash. Mi Such an event did not occur, however, and cf he reached his cottage in safety, shortly after £ noon, On bis arrival there, he found a letter thrust in under the door, which he read with feelings that can better be imagined than described. ) It was from Samuel Slaughter, and ran as 4; follows, the most careful pains evidently having ; been taken to make it a model of communica- Bb tions of its kind: is ‘*Near Bep Rock, Ino. ey “August 19th, 188-, “SrepHen Roaers, Sir:— = “TI presume it will not surprise you to receive 5 an afew fines from me, your former partner and confi- ay dant, inasmuch as [ know that you are aware l’‘have 7% inaugurated my campaign under the most favorable auspices. And when I come to deliberate over the ae circumstances that caused me to opeu this cam- Wi paign, I feel confident that you cannot reasonably ’ regret the success I shaJl surely attain, considerin the expense and trouble I have been forced to shoul- der, in order to perfect all necessary arrangements iy We for a triumphant victory. , “for months—ay, years, now—I have been plan- ning and scheming toward the end that now draw- eth nigh, : : vy “Tt was the poets. passion of my life—this ae he Ge object, revenge. It was the haunting visitant of my “ae dreams, at night; it haunted my every thought by : ae day; so much so that it became the ruling passion a ag of my life—to wreak revenge on you, who spoiled i era my love’s young dream, and instigated the applica- y > jee tion to my skin of a coat of tar and feathers. on “Ah! that was fon wasn’t it—fun for all except . ee me; but, after all, I did not regret it so much, as it KY increased my hatred for you a hundred-fold, and set me to work to devise methods to strike you the " ae most malignant, soul-torturing blow man could de- ee vise. I shadowed you, when you little dreamed of edt ¢ it, and took note of your devotion to to your chil- 7S , dren, resolved through them to consummate my \ scheme. fod vto% “ Although Fg may not be aware of the fact, I ihe now have, and long have had in my employ a num- ~ xa: k ber of people, who, so long as they are paid well a are not afraid of work so long as it is strictly honest en and honorable, Of course they would not stoop to aa. do any other kind of work. Well, by working t : things nicely, I enticed your daughters to Philadel- ie. ee hia, and one of them, by some nexplicable acci- YY a fent! came to her death. Knowing how bitterly \P as you would be opposed to having her remains pus Sv. under the sod so far from you, 1 was thoughtful x and considerate enough to have them cremated, in nah. order that they could b> more easily transported Pa, hither. I have them with me now, securely put up 4 in a silver jar, bearing a label, $25,000. a “ Your youngest daughter. unfortunately, escaped my guardianship, and was returned to you bya boy, who has, ere now, passed beyond his sphere of usefulness in this world. And, at the same time, 4 > pe daughter is my captive. Andthus my revenge Rey accomplished, Steve Rogers, and iti very sweet. \ ae ** \t is my desire to close up business in these parts ae; with all tch possible. as I have interests de- ¥; manding my attention elsewhere. atles have ‘. already gone in advanve of me, and I shall fol- % bel as soon as we conckude ovr monetary transac- ae ons. ee eee “Your daughter Lillian I do not propose to kil, ae unless it becomes necessary, as my appetite for re- _ —”—« ene: Cann be satiated without murder. She is yours a: eS again—for a price. : __ “* You have in bank, at Boise City, fifty-eight thou- _ sand dollars, For that sum you can have back * oes — your daughter, and the silver jar—and not for one . = eent Jess, , a, “It will be useless to parley. The money, or the _ -——=—isésashe’s of the dead shall be scattered to the winds, ed. ____ and the living daughter shall be lost to you forever, i-< Sage These are the only terms, | ' Cool Kit, the King: of Kids. 13 “Follow the appended directions if you wish to receive your treasures back. Leave your place at five o’clock to-night, and walk to the Big Bear ledge overlooking the falls of Little Painter cataract, You know where it is. for you have been there. Bring no one with you, under penalty of not only your own life but that of your daughter. “When you reach the ledge, and I am perfect] satisfied that you are aloue and no one near, I wi appear to you, receive the ransom money, deliver up your daughter and the jar, and keeping you cov- ered, retire forever from your sight and this region. If not satisfied that you are alone, I will not appear, aud you will be shot dead, and robbed and your pall Ba and the jar cast over the precipice. hat will be the end ‘ ‘ “So take your choice. The moon will shine on Big Bear ledge at nine o’clock, and I shall look for you at that hour. * Triumphantly yours, “ Sam’ SLAUGHTER,” What must the all-wise Ruler think of a man with soul so scarred with sin? CHAPTER XIV. CONCLUSION. Poor old Steven Rogers! He perused the terrible letter, ina dazed sort of way, and yet only too clearly comprehended it all—that Slaughter, indeed, had triumphed in his revenge und was now the master, Five o’clock soon came, and Yale had not yet put in an appearance, at the cottage; so, know- ing of nothing better to do, Rogers mounted his horse, and set off into the mountains, on his journey to the little Painter cataract, a turbu- lent creek that leaped down the mountain-side, and, flowing out upon a wide shelving rock, fell, in a silvery sheet, into a basin, fifty feet below, r. Rogers had been there before, prospect- M ing, and knew just how to reach it, t was a tedious journey through labyrin- thine mountain-passages, and it was full nine o'clock, ere be set foot upon the ledge, which Slaughter had named, in his etter. The moon sent a dim flood of light down upon the rugged scene; the water flowed swiftly over the precipice, and went roaring down, into the depths, below. As Rogers stepped upon the ledge, from the tortuous path, which led to it, a deep com- manding voice cried out: *‘Stepben Rogers, fold your arms »nd halt!” The specul \tor obeyed, and the next moment Slaughter stepped from behind a projecting spur of rock and confronted him. _ “* Ab! tae are punctual,” the villain said, cv- ing the old man, venomously, ‘ Who did you bring with you, sir?” “If you have kept track of my movements, you monster, Ro Ravw that I came alone,” “* Correct, will give you credit for telling the truth, if nothing more, Did you bring the money?” ** did.” “So I am aware. You went to Boise in ad- vance of my letter, anticipating what my de- mand would be. That was kind of you, as I am in somewhat of a hurry to get out of this part of the country, so deliver,” ‘I must first see my daughter, and the vase!” Rogers replied, sternly, Without reply, Slaughter backed behind the spur, keeping the revolver in his grasp, ready for instant use. In a moment he returned, leading Lily, and carrying the jar, which he placed at ber feet, as he brought her to a standstill. “‘There, sir, is your daughter and the jar. Now, the money!” Rogers drew a large bundle of bills from his pocket, and tossed them to the scoundrel, who caught them with one hand, still maintaining revolver guard with his other, “Now, then, Stephen, my revenge being complete, I will bid you adieu forever,” he said, as he began backing behind the ledge. Scarcely were the words out of bis mouth, however, when a boyish figure sprung frem be- bind the spur, and with a hlow from a club knocked the revolver from Slaugbter’s Sp, at the same time making a dash to Dicasreitoe Quick as a flash, and with a snarl not unlike an infuriated panther, Slaughter seized his new adversary, and endeavored to bur! him into the falls; but with the tenacity of a twenty horse- power leech, the boy clung to him—for it was Cool Kit—and a desperate struggle ensued, Mr, Rogers s*eming suddenly powerless to interfere bile, as for Lily, ber hands were tied bebind er back. Nearer and nearer to + edge of the preci- yi-se the two foes writ ben—hark! A rifle report! Slaughter staggers. falls—goes ovr the preci- ice, carrying Cool Kit with him, just as Yale gers leaps upon the ledge. Slaughter’s body and that of Cool Kit were recovered in the basin, many feet below. The ruffian was dead, and his body was at once cast into the torrent by the detective, who soon reached the spot. In Kit Cool’s body a spark of life was found to remain, and this was slowly nursed into a flame, until the boy was able to be conveyed back to Bed Rock, where of course he receive & the best care that money or kindness could pro- duce, It was weeks, however, before he was able to. sit up, or understand what bad happened— weeks of mental and pbysical suffering, such as: many a constitution less rugged than bis could not have endured, At last, he ‘“‘came around all right,” and was. tben first told of all that had bappened, after: bis terrible plunge over the precipice. Slaughter’s three companions had been found’ dead, in a cabin in the mountains, and their bloated condition prociaised that they bad. come to their death by poison, which, no doubt, had been administered by the prince of fiends incarnate—Slangbter, Cassie’s ashes bad been buried. News from Chicago had been received to the effect that McGill and bis confederates had been! let out on bail, but had “skipped” and were then at la ree, And Yale? Ob! Yale had’ returned East, weeks before, and a letter had been received from him. pononpog his good health, inquir- ing after Kit, and sending word that he was to be married inside of a twelvemonth to a Miss Dorrit, Darling. _ And Lily? Kit brightened perceptibly, as he inquired ahout her, ily? Why she bad accompanied Yale as far’ East as a certain young Jadies’ seminar , where she would remain two years, to finish her edu- cation, She also had written, and sent her kindest regards to Kit. ‘And, now, my dear boy,” Mr. Rogers said, when, a few days later, the young hero was able to be up and about, once more in good health—*‘ now, Kit, I want to know how much Iam indebted to you for the noble work you have done, for myself and family. The money Slaughter would have got, but a you, I have already placed in the bank to your credit, and anything else you name I will. endeavor to do for you!” “‘Mr. Rogers!” Kit returned, “I want neither money nor other compensation for the service I have been able to do, nor will X accept it. Some day, when I-have made my mark in the world and stand on an equal footing, both socially and financially, with her whom you have sent be- yond my reach—then, I will claim my re- ward!” No argument could change bis mind. His resolution was fixed and as firm as adamant; and the very next day, with his blacking-box slung to his back, and a feeling of {ojured pride gnawing at his heart, he boarded the train, and i ee City, are 9 forever. ut in © world to go, to prove himself the King of Kids! aha " THE END. eee DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS, Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 31 inclusive, 15 to 25 popu- lar dialogues and dramas in each book. Each vol- ye 100 pages Wee's peakers, Nos, 1 to % inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12md, containing from 50 to 75 pieces. YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERIES, Dime Book of Winter Sports, Dime Book of Summer Athletic Sports, Dime Gents’ Letter Writer. 24 Dime Book of Be: iS » above books are sold by ne meh pald, to each everywhere, or will be sent, post- ! b tiot f on receipt of price, ten cents ‘Biase AND Apams, Pu ers, 98 William st., N. ¥, -
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; — oe em + we —_——> + 4 - ; : ar] Sr lay { ( \ { ) \ | \ \ ee sh gee Meron a ee ____ Fm | ——— ES ESSE POE AT TEEPE PE SE CS SP PIT aC ICI AE DEI GIS ES SCE EA OE SE S/D'GiO! SeO Gi Gy Oii94 971i 0.95019 0-0-2 S O9°0 Of 9"°0 OS C'S 0 9 9S. 0 Oo OFS 7 The Best Weekly — s Ye et | ] | Sm 7 ways Pure! ' | : Al s Brigh | eee | Pint — Published in America!) = —— o : = Its Corps of Contributors Unrivaled! ==. ie : | Almost all of whom write exclusively for its publishers—embrace the following popular authors: of Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Col. E. Z. C. Judson (Ned Buatline), Olf Coomes,, Albert W. Aiken, Hon. Wm. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), Charles Morris, ee Joseph E, Badger, Jr., Major Dangerfield Burr, Philip 8S. Warne, ro Capt. Fred Whittaker, Major Sam 8S. Hall (Buckskin Sam). Edward L, Wheeler, J. C. Cowdrick, Edward Willett. Wm. R. Eyster, T. ©. Harbaugh, Eben E, Rexford, Wm, H. Manning, ¥rank Triplett, A. F. Holt, H. H. Johnson, Wm. S. Gidley, K. F. Hill, Henri Montcalm, Al, W. Crowell, Jo Pierce, Ii. S. Keller, 4 Weldon J. Cokb, a0 to J "y a 7 ee oS etec., etc,, a ‘s a " < ae Q 9 XN a. 7 AM goat. Prog ae ss Yo a qe 2) i INTERESTING AND ATTRACTIVE FIELDS or Border, Interior, and Wild West Romance— Adventare, Exploration, and Sport— vt S : es The Z ' . ie ag Ce fe seen eae anes ta Ie ees STO ee ee ee eee Life on the Great Plains— ‘ a m os vey Life on the Ranches— ” . xs Bo. Life in the Mines— | - idf le the Wilderness-~ ae City Life Character, Gourts and Ways— oe ss Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations— eee : v i e “& Stories of the Great Deep, etc. tS a oe. = Published a the Following Rates ie = Hence, each and every number overflows with the most 3 a - q interesting and exciting matter, while in its several SPECIAL -F For Four Mofths, - = - - - - - $1.00 DEPARTMENTS answering all the needs, and adding to tue (3 a i Fon Oue Meats mone 9 others OD general interest and usefulness of, the strictly popular Mi a ‘; i. Face pai og ee Ella tees En P 5.00 journal, Tas BaNNER WEEKLY is the paper of all tH Ay me eg hy ae RO Re tage AAS cues. others for good reading and entertainment. Mie ont a SOLD BY ALL NEWSDEALERS, “gp ay, ,, . ae eecnces eo ES ERE ERENT RELATE TE AEE AE AE DEAS EERE AAO EEE SREP EE IED pais
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+21 (taaamon Chip, the Girl oe or, The Golden Idol of Mt. Rosa. By E. L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy; or, The Mys- tery of the Strongbow. By Charles Morris 123 iowa Charley, the White Mustanzer. By T. C. Harbaugh. 124 Wippy, the Texan; or, The Young Cham- pion. By George Gleason. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miners or, Madam Mys- tery, the Female Forger. By E, L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete; or. Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morris. 127 Wild-¥Fire, the Boss of the Road; or, The Wolves of Satan’s Gap. By Frank Dumont. 428 The Young Privziteer 3 or, Tho Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 129 Peadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gost of Gorgon’s Gulch. By E, L. Wheeler, 130 } eteetive Dicks or, The Hero in Rags, By Charles Morris. 131 ‘Ble Golden Hand} or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue. By George Waldo Browne. 132 Phe Hunted WHunter; or, The Strange Iforseman of te Prairie. By Edward §. Ullis. 133 Boss Sob, the King of Bootblacks; or, The Pawnbroker’s Plot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 134 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman; cr, The Young Patriots of the North. By Oll Coomes, 135 Captain Paul, the Kentucky Moonshiner; or, The Poy Spy of the Mountains. By C. Dunning Clark, 136 Night-HMawk_ Kits; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. Py Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 137 The Helpless MMands cr, Backwoods Retribution. By Captain Mayne Reid. 138 tlonde Bills; or, Deadwood Dick's Home Base. By Edward L. Whee'er. : 139 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. By T. C. Harbaugh. 149 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The BranZted Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Wan<some Harry, the Bootblack Detec- tive. By Charles Morris. 143 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter; or, The Mystery of Fort Rane.. By Oil Coomes. 144 Mainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph Kk. Badger, Jr. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job. By E. L, Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By Oll Coomes. 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred; or, The Winning Hand. By Charles Morris, 148 Sharp Sams _or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Golds; or, Deadwood Dick's Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso3 or, The Children of the Chaco. By Captain Fred, Whittaker. 151] Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. ’ 152 Black Besa, Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Win- ning Against O'ds. By Charles Morris. 15% Eagle Kit, the Pcy Demon; or, The Out- laws of the Gold Hills. By Oll Coomes. 154 The Sword Hunters 3; or. The Land of the Elephant Riders. By Capt. F. Whittaker 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. By T C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris. 158 Faney Frank, of Colorado; or, The Trap- sr’s Trust. By Buffalo Bill. 159 The Lost Captain: or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea, By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 166 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Jos. KE. Badger Jr, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective; or, Old Blakesly’s Money. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 162 Will Wildfire in the aa or, Camp Life in the Alleghanies. By Chas. Morris. 163 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. 164 Dandy Rock’s wlegees or, Hunted to Death. Ry George Waldo browne. {65 Billy Bagg gc, the Railroad Boy; or, Run to Earth. By Charles Morris. , i166 Hickory arry3 or, The Trapper-Bri- gade’s Spy. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scc tt, the Steamboat Boy; or, The Land Pirates of the Mississippi. ly Ea, Willett. 168 Deadly Dash ; or. Fighting Fire With Fire. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core. By T. C. Harbaurh. 170 °°A Tromp Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. By Charles Morris. 171 Ebony Dany or, The Rival Leagues of Silver Circle. By Frank Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, The Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry st. George. 173 Dandy BRock’s Rivals or, The Hunted Maid of Taos. By George Waldo Browne. 174 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger; or, Mys- teries of New York. By Charles Morris. 3175 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road- Agents; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Big Game. By Philip S. Warne. i76 The Boy Runaway ioe The Buccaneer of the Bay, By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S. N. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras. By Edward IL. Wheeler. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper; or, The D m of Silver Lake, By Oll 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner; or, The Road to Ruin. By Charlies Morris, 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S. N. 181 Wild Wrank, the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 .ittle Hlarricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes, 183 The Hidden Wand3; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. Ly Charles Morris. 184 Whe Boy ‘Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Puth. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 185 Evil Eye, King of Cattle Thieves; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. By F. Dumont. 186 Cool Desmond; cr, The Gambler’s Big Game. By Col. Delle Sara. 187 Fred Halyerd, the Life Boat Poy; or, The Smugglers of the Inlet. By Charles Morris. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Poy; or, The Mad Hunter of Powder River. By T. C. Harbaugh, 189 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman; or, Driven to the Wall. By Charles Morris. 190 Dandy Darke; or, Tle Tigers of High Pine. By Wm. R. Eyster. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen. By Capt A. B, Taylor. 192 Captain Kit, the Will-o’ the-Wisp; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. By Lieut. H. D, Perry, U.S. N. 193 ‘ aptain Mask, the Lady Road-Agent; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. By P. S. Warne, 194 Kuffalo Bill’s Bets or, The Gambler Guide. By Capt. Alfred B. Taylor, U.S. A, 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Ri- vols of the Road. By Edward L. Wheeler. 196 Shadoweds or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles Morris. 197 Wittle Grit, the Wild Rider; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. By Col. Ingraham. 198 Arkansavyv, the Man with the Knife; or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. By Harbaugh, 199 Featherweight, the Boy Champion of the Muskingum 3 or, On his Muscle, Wits and Honor. By Edward Willett. 200 Th: Boy BRedouins; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt F. Whittaker. 201 The Black Wills Jezebels or, Dead wood Dick’s Ward. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. By Oll Coomes. 203 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Un- masks. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Piume, the Roy Bandit; or, The Kid- Glove Sport. Py Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 206 Wark Paul, the Tiger King; or, Caught in His Own Trap. Ey Charles Morris. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C, Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules; Tramps. By Oll Coomes. 209 Fritz, the Round-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game Mit Rebecca: By E, L. Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards. By Wm. R, Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, By Joseph E. Badger. Jr. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, By Charles Morris, 213 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Scamp-Hunter. By Edward L. Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Fred, Whittaker, 215 Captain Bullet, the Raider King; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. By T. C, Harbaugh. 216 Bison Bill. the Prince of the Reins, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. By Edward L, Wheeler. 218 Wiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll Coomes. 219 Despa d, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vampires. By Philip 8. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. By Philip 8. Warne. 221 Sugar-Coated Sam 3 or. The Black Gowns of Grim Gulch, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman or, The Prairie Trailer By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 223 Ozark Alf, King of the Mountain; or, Featherweight Among the Outlavs, By Ed- ward Willett. 224 Washing Dick 3 or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. By Oll Coomes, 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky; o avi How the Boy Got, ven. By Chas. Morris. ~ Snoozer e Boy Sharp; or, e Ara tective. By Baward L. Wheeler. Neigs 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yellowstone. By Edwir Emer- son, 228 Little Wi!dfire, the Yourg Prasrie Nomad; or, The Idyl of Echo Canyon, . Br Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate, the Gir) Trailer; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph. By Col. P, Ingraham. 230 The Yankee Rajah, or, The Fate of the Black Shereef, By C. Dunning Clark. 231 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trail; or, Rosa, the Red Jezebel. By T. C. Harbaugh. 232% Gold-Dust Dick. By Ed, L. Wheeler. 233 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard Paul Powderhorn. By Albert W, Aiken. 234 Old Rocky’s« ** Boyees3 or, Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. By Maj Sam S. Hall, ‘‘ Buckskin Sam, : 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy; or, Turning the Tables. By Charles Morris. 236 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate from Right Bower. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 237 Lone Star, the Cowhev Captain; or, The Wysterious Ranchers: By Col, P. Ingrahsin. 258 The Parson Detective; ©: Littic Shocky, the Ranger of Raven Roost. By O}! Coomes. 239 Whe Gold-seeker Guide; or, The Lost Mountain. By werd ey Mayne Reid 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. “By Edward L. Wheeler, Bill Bravo, and His Bear Pards; or, The Rouglis of the Rockies. By T. C. Harbaugh. 242 The Two * Bloods; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. By Charles Morris. 243 The Disguised Guides; or. Wild Raven, the Ranger of the North. By Ol] Coomes, 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontirr Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. By Fdwnye LL. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Widdys o.. ‘ihe Heir of an Ocean Freelance. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’) of the Range, By Major Sam 8. Hall— Buckskin Sam, 247 Ola Grizzly and His Pets. By Capt. ‘Bruin ’’ Adams, 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. By Edward L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King; or. The Round the World Wanderer. By Capt, Fred, Whittaker. £250 The Midshipman Mutineer3 or. Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. P. Ingraham. 251 Light-House Lige}; or, Osceola, the Fire- brand of the Everglades, By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway;3 or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago, By Charles Morris. 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard3 or, The Angel of Big Vista. By Edward L. Wheeler. 254 The Half-Blood 3 or, The Panther of the Plains. By Edward S. Ellis. 255 Captain Apollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. By T, C. Harbaugh. 256 Woung Kentueks or, The Red Lasso, By Captain Mark Wilton, 257 Khe Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. By Captain J. Fr. C. Adams, 258 Sierra Sam’s Sevens or, The Bride. By Edward L. Wheeler. 259 Khe Golden Harpoon: or, Lost Among the Floes. By Roger Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ran- ger. By Oll Coomes. 261 Fergus Fearnaught, the New York Boy. 262 The By George L. Aiken. Young Sleuths; _ or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. By Charles Morris, 263 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Stolen 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 265 Whe Tiger Tamer; or, "he League of the Jungle, By Captain Fred. Whittaker. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett's Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren, 267 Whe Buckskin Detective; or, Claude Crecy, King of American Road-Agents. By T. C. Harbaugh. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail; or, From Ocean to Ocean. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Con demned. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 270 Blizzard Ben, the Arizona Cyclone; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. By Capt. M. Wilton. 71 Whe Huge Hunter}; or, The Steam Man of the Prairies. By Edward §. Ellis. 272 WMinkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. By Oll Coomes. 273 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs. By Edward L Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective pein or, Harry Keen's Big “ Lay.” By Charies Morris. 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George's Tender- foot Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 276 Merle Woute’s Craise; or, The Chase of “The Gold Ship.” By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three Tra Sgt nd Eu Mountain Monster. By Meee Ww. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle iags oes The Buck- skin Desveradoes. By T. C. Harbaugh. 280 Merje Wonte’s Fate; or, Pearl, The Pr rate’s Pride. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skull and CGross-bones. By Edward L. Wheeler. 24% The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe}; or, The White Spirit of the Hills. By Major Lewis W. Carson, 284 Whe Sea pagoda or, Merle Monte‘'s Pledge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 285 Denver Doll's Decoy 3 or, Little Bill's Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 286 Josh The Boy Tendertoot; or, The Wild Men of BuzzardBar. By -— Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-Kyes, the ver of the Rio Grande. B 288 The Scalp Col. Prenthaotn ing; or, The Human Thun. derbolt. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 289 hae mt Seni ca Jo”; or. The Young Detec- tive’s Triumph. By Charles Morris. 290 Lit‘le Foxtire, the Boy Spy. By On Coomes. 291 Wurk, the Boy Ferret. By EK. L. Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. A New Issue Every Tuesday. Whe Half-Dime Ltbrary is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PustisHens, 98 William Street, New York.
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293 Maid cf the Cliff. By Captain Comstock. 294 Dy marmite Muu 3 or, The Bowie Blade of | Cochetopa. By T. C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartz- ville. By Edward Willett, 296 Denver Dolls Drift; or, The Road Queen’s Big Campaign. By E. L. Wheeler. 297 The Tarantula of ‘Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam. 298 Whe Woeter-Hounas; or, The Young Thoroughbred. By Charles Morris. 299 A Nw, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker; or, The Schoolmarm o’ Sassafras. By HE, L. Wheeler. 300 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ran- ger. By Oll Coomss, 301 Leadviile Nick, the Boy Sport By Major. E, L, St, Vrain, 302 ‘the Mountain Detective; or The Bul- ly of Trigger Bar. By T C, Harbaugh. 303 °Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, The Iron- Nerved Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 304 ‘The Dead Shot Dandy; or. Benito, the Boy Bugler. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 305 Dashaway ot Dakotay or, A_ Western Lad in the Quaker City. By Chas. Morris. 306 Neck-Tie Ned, the Lariat-Thrower; or, The Dug-Out Pards By Maj. Henry B. Stoddard. 307 The Strange Pardj; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. By Buckskin Sam. 308 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Pard; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. By Col. P. Ingraham, 309 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 310 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 311 Whe Roving Sports or, The Pride of Cbuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett. 312 Medtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Major E L. St. Vrain. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King Pin of Rifle- Shots. By Frederick Dewey. 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 The Mysterious Marauders; or, The Boy Bugler's Long Trail. By Col. P. Ingraham, Ned, the Cabin Boy; or, The Witch of the Haunted Fort, By Jack Farragut. Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, By T. C Harbaugh, weacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Lead- ville. By Lieut. Alfred Therne. Ker-Whoop, Ker-Whoo! By Buckskin Sam, The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. The Sea Sorceress; or, Licutenant Ned, the Boy Skipper. By Jack Farragut. Deadwoo Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Nemo, the Detective. By Ed. Willett. Arkansaw Jack, of the Man Hunters; or, The Scourge of the Mines. By Harry Hazard. HKalph Ready, the Flotel Boy Detective; or, Tracking the Foxesto Earth. By Chas. Morris. Kelley, Hickey & (€o., the Sleuths of Piladelphia. By Edward L. Wheeler. 326 The Ten Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh. 327 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards. By Buckskin Sam. 828 The Sky Detective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor. By Major Mickey Free. Hed-Skin Tom, By Harry Hazard. Little Quick-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler. Black Nick, the Demon Rider. By Capt. F, Whittaker. Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway's Trust. By Buckskin Sam, } Wrimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse uartette. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. angaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. Old Double Fist3_or, The Strange Guide. Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Big Benson, the Brazos Bombshell; or, The Queen of the Lasso. By T. C. Harbaugh. Ren Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete's Scoop. By wW. J. Hamilton. 3 338 A Tough Boy. BE biip 8. Warne. 339 Kangaroo Kits Rackct; or, Tne Pride of Played-Out. Vv Edward L. Whe ler. 340 Clip, the Contortionist; or, The Vigilantes of Montana. By Edward Willett. ; 341 Tony Thorn, the Vagabond Detective; or, Running Down a Rogue. By Charles Morris. 342 The fountain Devi'; or. Yellow Jack, the Outlaw Captain. By Harry Hazard. 343 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood, By Edwari L. Wheeler. 344 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. By Buckskie Sam. 345 Pitiless Mat, the White Slayer; or. Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. By T. C. Harbaugh. 346 Rapier Raphael}; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, By Maj. 1. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. 347 Desdwood Dick’« Ducats; or. Rainy Days in the Diggings. By Edward L. Wheeler. 348 Fireheels; or, Old Skinflint, the Death- Shadow. By Roger Starbuck. 349 Wild Wolf, the Waco; or, Big-Foot Wal- lace to the Front. By Buckskin Sam. 350 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Revenge. By Ned Buntline. 351 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. By Edward L. Wheeler. 352 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand”. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 853 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Fly- er'’s Blizzard. Ry Charies Morris. 337 3 Biz Horn tke, the Hill Tramp; or, The a Bit paris By Roger Starbuck, 255 The King of the Boone’s Last / Woods} or, Daniel By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ‘BEADLE'S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. : Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The | 356 Cool Sam and Pard3 or, The Terrible | 424 Six From Texas, By T. C. Harbaugh. ‘Mhe Ianca Raider~3; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. By Buckskin Sam. Wirsi-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. By Edward L. Wheeler. Durango Dave, the Young Champion Wrestler. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. Silver-ask, the Man of Mystery; or. The Cross of the Golden Keys. By J. C. Cowdrick. The Phantom Light =ifouse, By Roger Starbuck, Deadwood Dick's Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro Flats. By Edward L. Wheeler. Little Tornado 3 or, The Outcasts of the Glen. By Philip S. Warne. Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger; or The Snake and the Dove. By Buckskin Sam. Baltimore Ben, the Bootblack Detective. By Anthony P. Morris. Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective; or, The Taos Tiger. By T. C. Harbaugh. Wide-Awake Joe, By Charles Morris, Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or The Lottery of Life’ By Edward L. Wheeler. Sthwsta, the Gold King. By J. C. Cowdrick. Breaker Wen, the Reef-Runner; or, The Telltale Hand. By Roger Starbuck. Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detectiv. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. Yreka Jim’s Prize. By E. L. Wheeler. Little Jingos or, The Queer Pard. By Philip S. Warne. Gold Dust Toms or, Ambergris Ben’s Double Match. By George Henry Morse. Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thun- derbolts. By Buckskin Sam. California Joe’s First Trail. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. Bonodel, the Boy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Nabob Ned3 or, The Secret of Slab City. By Edwerd L. Wheeler. Larry, the Leveler3 or. The Bloods of the 379 Boulevard. By Charles Morris. i Major E. L. St. Vrain. sf 381 By Buckskin Sam. Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. By Edward L. Wheeler, ae The Indian Pilot. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Border Schoolmaster, By Oll Coomes. 885 Wreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose. By E. L. Wheeler. 386 Captain hak pierey | the Ocean Spider; or, 387 Warpath Will, the Roy Phantom; or, The Traitor Guide. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 3883 Little Oh-my3 or, Caught in His Own Trap. By Philip S. Warne. 390 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. By Maj. E. L. St, Vrain. 391 Kid-G!-ve Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies, By Maj. H. B, Stoddard, Ex-Scout. 380 Avalanche A'f, the Foothills Guide. Bandera Bills or, Frio Frank to the Front. 382 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero; or, The Buccaneer’s Gir] Foe. By T. C. Harbaugh. 389 Bicycle Ben. By Edward L. Wheeler. 392 Romeo andthe Keds. By BuckskinSam. 393 Seawalif, the Boy Lieutenant. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 394 VWreka Jim ot Yuba Dam. By Edward L Wheeler. 395 California Joe’s War Trail, By Capt. F,. Whittaker. 396 Rough Rob, of Dynamite; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes. By TC. Harbaugh. 397 Rob o° the Bowery. By Jo Pierce. 398 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King of Weird Canyon. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, 399 Black Buckskin. By Col. A. F. Holt. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. By Edward L. eeler. 401 Little Shoo-Fly. By Philip 8S. Warne, 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator; or The Fatal League. By Col. P. Ingraha'y. 403 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective, By Charles Morris. 404 Little Lariat. By Buckskin Sam. 405 D adwoed Dick in Dead City. By Edward L. Wheeler. 406 The Mad fan-Hunter. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. 407 The Boy tnsurgent,. By Col, Ingrcham. 408 Little Leather-Breeches, By P.S.Warne. 409 Herenles, the Dumb Destroyer; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. By O'l Coomes. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, By Ed- ward L. Wheeler. 411 The Silken Lasso, By T. C. Harbaugh. 412 The Wild Yachtsman; or, The Cruise of the War-Cioud, Rv Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 413 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By Frank 8. Winthrop. 414 The Daisy from Denver. By Buckskin Sam, 415 TheVazabond Detective. By Jo Pierce. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detec- tive. By E. L. Wheeler. > 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. By Oll Coomes. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. By T. C. Har- baugh. 419 Kenneth, the Knife King. By A. F. Holt. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Withouta Name. Bv J. C. Cowdrick. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York. By E. L. Wheeler. 422 Raby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellow- stone. By Ol] Coomes. 423 The Lost Finger. By Charles Morris. 3v J. C. Cowdrick By T. C. Harbaugh, Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. hy E, L. Wheeler. The Three frailers. By Buckskin Sam, red Flyer, the Reporter Detective. By Charles Morris, Cibuta John. | 425 Texas Trump. 426 427 428 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 430 Deadwood Dict*s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. By Edward L. Wheeler. Little Ah Sin. By Philip S Warne. Invincible Logan, tiie Pinkerton Ferret. By Charles Morris. A Cabin Boy’s Luck. By Col. Ingraham. Jim Weak and Pal, Private Deiectives. By E. L. Wheeler. 435 Biitie + ightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. By A. F. Holt. 436 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. By T.C. Harbaugh. 437 Whe sea Raider. By Col, P. Ingraham. 438 Santa Fe Sal, By E. L. Wheeler, 439 Sandy Sama, the Street Scout. By J. C. Cowdrick. Litt e Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. By Arthur C, Grissom. She Ocean Firefly. By Col. P. Ingraham. Blut Bills; or, The Lynx uf the Leona, By Buckskin Sam. Deadwood Dick, Jr. By E L. Wheeler. Little Buckskin. By Oll Coomes. The ¢ity Sleuths, By T. C. Harbaugh. Waphazard Harry. By Col. Ingraham. New York hat. By Albert W. Aiken. Nickel-Plate Ned3 cr. Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance. By Edwerd L, Wheeler. Kit Fox, the Porder Boy Detective; or, The Brand Burner’s Daughter, By J. E Badger, Jr. Wizard Wili, the Wonder-\ orter; or. The Boy Ferret of New York. By Col. P. Ingraham. Colorado Kate. Hy P. 8. Warne. Hotspur Hob, the Street Boy Detective. By Jo Pierce, Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand. By Edward L. Wheeler. Wizard Will's Street Scouts, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Little Lone Star. By Buckskin Sam. Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. By Chas. Morris, Wingedfoot Fred. By Oll Coomes. New England Ntck. By A. W. Aiken. Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Round-up. By Edward L. Wheeler. Whe Lawyer’s Shadow. By Jo Pierce, One Against Fifty. _ By T. C. Harbaugh. The Born Guide. By Col. P. ngrabam. Wamarac Tom, the big Trapper Boy. By Oll Coomes. Nimble Nick. By Albert W. Aiken. Philo Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim No. 10, By Edward L,. Wheeler. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, En- tombed Alive. By C. Morris. 467 ha Man, the Daisy Dude. By J.C. Oow- drick. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’, By J. W. Osbon; 470 The Boy Shadow ; or. Felix Fox's Hunt for the Nabob. By T. C. Harbaugh. 471 Bozeman ‘‘ill of Big Brace ; or, Dead- wood Dick Jr’s Corral. B at Lae eeler. 472 chy: ed Joe, the Young Horse-King. By o Pierce. 473 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. By Oll Coomes. . 474 Flora, the Flower Girl; or, Wizard Will's Vagabond Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 475 The Black Ship. By JobnS. Warner. 476 Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick. Jr’s Dog Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler. r 477 The Excelsior Sper; or, the Washington Spotter. By T C. Harbaugh. ; AIS Tangemund, the Desert Detective. By Frederick Dewey. 479 Detective Dedge; or. The Mystery of Frank Hearty. By Charles Morris. 480 Three Jotly Pards; or, The Pets of Paddy’s Flat. By P. 8. Warne. ; ¥ Mystery; or. Deadwood Dick Jr. im: Deadwood. Py E. L. Wheeler. Ready Oct. 12. 482 Stonewall Boh, the Boy Trojan of the Great Range. By Ou Coomes, Ready Oct. 19. | 483 Ferrets Affoats or, Wizard Will's Last we We ihe ae ie in eH Dh Hin dam a ie He i DE he OO Case. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. AS4 Comanche Dick an¢ His Three In- : vineibles. By Henry J. Thomas, 485 Git Thar Owney, the Unknown... By George OC, Jenks. Ready Nov. 9, 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler, By Edward L. Wheeler, Ready Nov. 16. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger; or, The- Wait of the Gold Mines, By Col. P. Ready Nov. 25. 488 Wild Dick Racket; or, How He rouse for Honor. By Chas. Morris. Ready Nov. A New Issue Hoory Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by alt newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mafl op receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusLIsHERs, _ 98 William Street, New York,