Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 400) (1885 03 24)
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CN Lal ——— as Depp eo pe alaliyZ — : ANY ii 26 ae it i ul | AIS Copyright, 1885, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, March 24, 1885. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 400. a» WHEELER CHAPTER L AN OFFICE MERTING, In one of the most elegant offices of Phila- delphia’s poy ular effice street (Walnut street), Trimbal Thackera was seated at his paper- strewn writing-table, ese ceemigg Be package of letters which the postman had just de- posited thereon. Those of a business character were cast aside, the wealthy lawyer and stock specula- tor evidently being in search of some par- ticular one more important than the rest. He was a man of some five-and-fifty years, this Thackera, well built and pre ssing of appearance. His face, full and florid, was raced by a pair of luxuriant side-whiskers; is eyes were keen, and rather unnaturally brilliant. Well attired, graceful of movement, he opened the letters with business-like precision and activity, and at last came to the one he was looking for—a letter directed in a full, manly hand, in which was exhibited both grace of style and perfection of composition, all of which evidently had no charms for ba eye Bs Trimbal Thackera. is brows were knitted in an ominous “NOW MOSEY AN’ GIVE THE ORDER OR LL PUT T ) scowl as he tere open the envelope, MOURNIN’!” THREATENED THE MOGHEOOYE Wi onthe aha
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_ . *®Yousee, m / Iam eeupy, Ratwlen 5 ove ; c, as as owe ae OO ae Fahy alt bo yi ea a ir oe Sars { SEPT ; at Ae : F ‘ bE nie ee rinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. —— a % was plain that he had been expecting the arrival of the letter; it was equally plain its re- gee gave him no pleasure. » contents, however, were somewhat of ’a ise. rst came a letter which would seem to have been: written by Mr. Thackera himself, and he flung it aside with a gesture of anger. The envelope contained one other missive, however, which had more attraction for him. It read: ‘PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 20, 18—. “TRIMBAL THACKERA, Esq. :— “Pear Sir:—Your epistle, requestin: interview at P rea office, just ree’d. say that it will about ten minutes after your receipt of this. “ Yours respectfully, “Lov Lawton.” This perused, Thackera picked up the letter he had previously cast aside, and glanced over it, with satisfaction gleaming from the brilliant eyes. This second letter was worded: Puruap’A, Jan'y 14th, 18—. “Louis Lawton, Esq:— ‘Deak Smr:—At your earliest convenience I de- sire a private interview with you at my office in re- gard to a maiter of the oe importance to me. ** Yours, ‘“T”, THACKERA.”’ “T think I detect a bit of sarcasm, in the wording of this Lawton’s letter,” Thackera solil- oquized, as he put both letters on file. ‘‘ How- ever, after my years of legal practice, if he can deceive me, I am willing to give up beaten. By way, it will not be long before he arrives, perchance, he is on time, which is doubt- & personal n reply, will The lawyer turned to his other mail matter, and had nearly finished its inspection, when the door opened, and an individual entered. Individual, we say, because, in appearance he seemed anything else than a gentleman ;—in fact the visitor was an ash-cartman! Qnly an ash-cartman, but, in truth, none the less a gentleman, and a man of honor. Broad-shouldered, and otherwise powerfully built, considering that he had not reached his twenty-first year, he was a young knight of labor, who, attired in comely habiliments, must be admired—a man, or youth, whichever he ight be most Eo, denominated, with a full, fresh, intelligent countenance, sparklin brown eyes, and a mouth habitually pleasant o expression, shaded as it was, with a powerful mustache. But in his dust-covered overalls, hat, and boots, he did not look exactly presentable to the superb surroundings which encompassed Trimbal Thaekera. ‘ His bearing, however, was just as calm and composed, as though he had entered tho stock- broker’s office a millionaire in broadcloth. Thackera looked up from his letters, with the usual business-like don’t-want-to-be-disturbed scowl, allowing his face to express no sign of recognition, ough he knew his visitor at a Ce. “‘ You're Mr. Thackera, I presume,” the young man said, in a prompt, business-like way. “ Thackera is my name,” wasthe reply. ‘“ Will you be seated?” ‘* My name is Lawton,” and the visitor helped himeel? to a chair. -“ Ah! Lawton!” and Mr. Thackera elevated pb hawking indicate his surprise. “Louis a Exactly. I received a note from you, re- questing that I should call.” A ‘“* Ah! certainly. I just received a communi- gation, bearing your signature, But, by-the-by, : Lawton, is there not some little mistake in this matter? It appears to me that you are not I am looking for. Have you not a er, ‘sir?” “T have not.” ‘No? Then I do not understand, I am sure. You surely are not the young man who rescued 0 ht ste from drowning several weeks ago since have been calling upon her?” “*T am that individual, wton responded, _ “Tt was my good fortune to be near at the time when your daughter’s sail-boat overturned, and I picked her up and helped her ashore. As she y eee to oa 4 her, and I wes favorably im wi er appearance _ have the Senor of being entertained by her veral different ons, OM tahaed—-teoph !—yes; so I have learned and it was in reference So these calls that I had you come here!” and Mr. Thackera looked his t over from head to foot, disapprovingly. daughter said you were a gentle- ‘a position in the city employ, be my pleasure to wait upon you, ‘| right, and infinitely superior to you in and failing to find your name, I naturally felt great anxiety lest my daughter should suffer in a social way, you see, through being acquainted |, with some adventurer. And, from your present appearance, I must naturally infer that my ap- prehensions were not without cause.” ‘*TIndeed! Please explain!” ‘Why, judging by your appearance, you are an ash-cartman—a geht, hia ector—while you that you are but a common day-laborer, wit little prospect of ever + Ae of the sphere in life you now occupy. My daughter, is a refined, intelligent and finely educated young lady, a leader of our society, an heiress in her own int of birth, station, and general qualifications. You must see, accordingly, that it was a grave error on your part to intrude yourself, on the simple strength of the fact that you chanced to do an unquestionably manly act, in saving her from drowning.” “You surprise me,” Lawton said, with con- tinued calmness, ‘‘Am I to understand that only wealthy, educated, and aristocratic peo- ple are ladies and gentlemen? that, because a man is supposedly poor, and an honest laborer, he has no right to social privileges—no right to consideration in any station in life except in that in which his daily lot is cast—no right to rise from poverty—no right to the respect of the world worldly, until, by some streak of luck or fortune—which, nine times out of ten is not open for public i tion—he flashes upon the pub- lic, a would-be brilliant monetary meteor—a being of the present, who would not like to confess that he ever had a past, for the reason that, although honest, he had been poor, and obliged to work, to honestly sustain himself? You would like to have every man believe himself beneath your notice until he should be able to present himself for your inspection, with a fat bank account. Am i not right, Trimbal Thackera?” With scathing sarcasm, young Lawton pro- pounded the query, his eyes flashing, his face flushed. ‘The stock-broker’s face had grown pale with passion, during this speech. ‘ “*T did not invite you 5 oe sir, that I might become an auditor to your, harangue,” he said, angrily, , f f “Nor did I come here to permit you to in- sult me!” Lawton promptly returned. “I chance to be able, sir, to estimate you for exact- ly what you are—overbearing because you may or may not be worth a few thousands—ungentle- manly because if you ever had any good-breed- ing you long since have forgotten it, in your mer- cenary experiences—peevish and irritable. be- cause truly good society is aware of your short- comings, and but for your daughter, would, no doubt, taboo you, utterly. ou invited me here—me, a common di i driver of an ash-cart—with the knowledge that I wasa suitor for your daughter’s hand, expecting to find me some rough, with more animal stamina than brains and education, and hoped, with a few cutting and severe remarks, to so Overawe me that I’d be only too eager to get out of your dig- nified presence; but contrary to your expecta- tions, came a healthy, big-hearted, honest, fairly well-educated and intelligent son of toil, not a bit ashamed of his vocation, not to be over- awed by any man, rich or poor—a youth, in years, but with the average sense of many an older man who has arisen to honor and renown by honest toil. I came to hear what you had to say, and think I have caught on to your mean- ing, which is that you have serious objections to a continuation of my acquaintance with your estimable daughter |’ “Not only serious objections, but I want it stopped — emphatically, stopped!” Trimbal Thackera replied. ‘‘ You are not a fit associate for my daughter, and I will have the acquaint- ance utterly and forever ended. You rescued her, and I am willing to reward you, but hence- forth I forbid you my house, and you con- sult your best interests by keeping as far out of the neighborhood as possible. Will a hundred dollars satisfy your demands?” Lawton laughed, dryly. “T am not aware of having made any de- mands, nor that I am particularly in need of a hundred dollars. And as for your daughter, Miss Theodora, I entertain for her the highest regard, and have not the slightest idea of with- drawing my attentions, as onan they may be. by her, favorably received. Therefore, it re mains for you to say whether or not our inter- view is at an end.” ; ‘*Tndeed!” and Thackera looked as if he coulda have killed his audacious visitor, with a good ill. ‘‘ You seem inclined to ca matters with a high hand, and suit yourself?” “IT do, you may rest assured, so far as my personal interests are concerned. Because you chance to be a lawyer and a reputedly wealthy man, it does not signify that I should do just as owsay. If your daughter cares for me, as I ve reason to believe she does, I shall not hesi- tate to say that I shall seek to win her, no mat- ter what your objections may be.” ‘You will, eh?” ‘*T will, most assuredly!” : “Ver well. We shall see how you will suc- ceed. Why, you must be mad, for an instant to suppose that I would tolerate an alliance be- tween my daughter and a dirty pauper like you!” “ Sir!” Lawton arose, quickly, his face stern, his eyes gleaming revengefully, as they g at the man, who had insulted him. ‘I demand that you retract that insult. I am no pauper, nor will I allow any man to call me one. If you do. not retract the insult I shall consider myself justified in calling you to account!” “Tl retract nothing!” Thackera declared, also arising. ‘Instead, I will repeat it, and order you to leave my office at once, or I'll cal] in an officer, and have you ejected!” ‘No! you will not!” Lou replied, sternly. “Tf you attempt to touch that electric alarm, Tll mount you, and mop the floor with you. Moreover, if you do not retract the insulting | word, in five minutes, by the clock, on yonder mantle, it will be the worse for you, irrespec- tive of what the resultsmay be tome. Ill show you that Iam a man!” And, to emphasize his purpose he intruded his stalwart figure between the stock-broker and the electric bell, which connected with the Cen- tral Police Station. , Thus cut off from the alarm, the broker stood glaring at his youthful enemy in intense anger not unmixed with fear, ‘Curse you! lay a hand on me, and I'll have you sent to prison!” he gritted. : Then, retract your words, and save the in-| evitable results!” Lawton responded, grimly. “It is your best policy.” oA ‘* Never, sir! never. word, and if you dare to lay @ Violent hand on me I will devote my life to securing your ruin. Pll spend every cent I own, but what you shall be ruined—scorned and derided, until you will be only too glad to hide your face from God and mankind!” : “‘ Three minutes!” Lawton called out, ‘You have but two left, in which to save yourself. No matter what you may threaten, my resolve is firm and unalterable!”, a ‘Curse you! curse you!” was all the response Trimbal Theckera made, while he stbot: thane, as rigid as a statue, white-faced, passionate, One would have formed the opinion, to look at him, that he was more eager to be struck by. this son of toil than otherwise, But, if eager, the eagerness was surely born of a desire for revenge, For ; . So he stood, unyielding, until the hands of the clock indicated that the five minutes grace had expired, when without a word the young knight of the ash-cart advanced, and with the celeri and certainty of an accomplished pugilist, ene Trimbal Thackera two blows, full in the face, which had the effect to carry the victim clean off his feet. eh Then, scarcely deigning the broker a second lance, Lawton strode from the office, having ackera lying where he had fallen, And it was unlucky for him, as after events will prove, that he departed as quickly as he did. Pina II. A GABBY GAMIN CALLED wRIn | AmongG the sons of toil with Sateen, Law- ton’s labors associated him he was universally and admired for his integrity and sterling pelo and that he had an enemy ix the world was the least of his concern. 1 Insult as gross as that which had been offered I will not retract a |
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ae eras bby the insolent Thackera was one of the few thi which he had no disposition to tolerate; yet he was not two blocks from the lawyer's dffice ere he rather regretted that he had been so ‘hasty and severe. ‘Maybe I’ve made myself trouble,” he mused. “but, even if I have, I believe the man deserved more thanI gave him. He is an insulting and overbearing swell-head, and thought to intimi- date me, simply because I was rand a work- ingman. I’ve no doubt about one thing, how- ever: he is just villainous and revengeful enough to try to injure me to the full extent of this power. But I doubt if he will succeed very well. e cannot more than procure my dis- wharge, and I’m solid for a new job ’most any- where that I am known.” And thus reflecting, he strode from the vicin- ity of the office, little mistrusting that more ill was destined to.come to him than his mere dis- charge from employment. ; For, in truth, it would not be easy to lose him his job, as he owned his horse and cart, and was chired by a contractor. | : é But while we are leaving him returning to his work, let us look back into Trimbal Thackera’s office. \ The blow struck by the young owner of the .ash-cart had been with greater force than he had intended, and, as a consequence, when the ‘broker struck the floor it was in an insensible condition. There he lay, outstretched upon his back, re- or pm one more of a dead man than of one ‘with a bit of breath in his body. The concussion of his head with the floor also caused a tiny thread of crimson to ooze out of one of his ears. Lawton had not been gone from the office five aninutes, when another person came along down ‘the street and entered. He was a young man, probably twenty-two or three years of age, built with -that fashiona- ‘ble evenness necessary to a society man; was fairly good-looking in face, and dressed with ‘faul elegance, even to being coated and cap- sped in sealskin. His face wasround and rosy, his eyes brown, his hair and mustache of a sandy hue, his gen- eral bearing easy and self- ssed. He entered the main office with the air of a vasual caller, and, not seeing any one about, stepped toward the door of the inner office, which was open. : Then he saw the broker lying outstretched mn the floor. ; ; “ Hello! what does this mean? Foul pay, I wonder?’ the visitor exclaimed, quic ad- vancing and kneeling beside the “* knocked out” aan. “ Humph! some one’s been slugging him, ‘should say, judging by this discoloration over ‘the eye—knocked him clit off his base. Won- «der who did it, and what the object was?” He arose, without any attempt to restore ‘Thackera to his senses, and glanced sharply vabout the office. “No one’s here, and it’s evident that, who- ever’s been exercising his muscle at uncle’s ex- pense, has taken leave. There are no indica- ‘tions, either, that a robbery has taken place, as J can see.” He took a pocket-book from the broker’s in- «side pocket, and saw that it contained money to the amount of several hundred dollars, to- gether with some papers. — ’ These the young man did not take time to ex- amine, but pot the wallet into his own pocket, with a quiet chuckle. “ The money will come in handy, to help me square my last night’s obligations, and the old gent will never yea his dutiful nephew, ose Van Vetchin, of having ‘ pinched’ it. Oh! no—not he! He thinks me a calendar saint, or ‘something of the kind, and I’m quite willing “that he should keep on thinking so. When he comes back to his senses, and misses his wallet, he will naturally put the theft on whoever as- -saulted him, and raise a smell that will rival the rfumes of the aromas of Stygia. I wonder if the has got any other money receptacles lying around fandy?* : : hae He was about to begin an investigation when the heard the door of the outer office open, and ‘so ‘ See Jass of water from a the broker, and began réd eye, with Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. He was about sixteen years old, and a typical specimen of the irrepressible gamin. Considering his age, he was pretty solidly | built, although not quite the average hight of boys of sixteen. n face he was not particularly handsome— yet his was a good-natured countenance, frank, open and rather ors with large mouth, shrewd eyes, and light-brown hair, which was worn clipped short, prize-fighter fashion. With a clean face, the boy would not have been count- ed homely; but then, his face and soap and water were evidently often on the ‘outs.’ His garments were also typical of his position in life. The pants were not only ragged, but were the cast-off raiment of some large-pro- ortioned man, and had to be rolled up at the Seton and drawn in at the waist, to keep them from falling off the wearer. His shoes were old, and likewise too large for him, while his shirt, coat and cap, were. much the worse for wear. Slung over his shoulder by a strap, was a bootblacking outfit, which indicated his voca- tion. Such was the person who stood in the door- way of the office, and with his hands thrust into his pockets, surveyed the scene within the inner office, with a speculative squint of the left eye. Pretending to be unaware of the bootblack’s presence, Van Vetchin continued his bathing ex- ercise, until, owing to the new arrival’s con- tinued silence, he felt constrained to look up. “Ah! hello! What are you doing here?” he demanded, impatiently. ‘‘ What is your busi- ness? ‘*Polishin’ promulgators!” was the retort. ‘* Want thet aire stiff’s shoes shined?” “Stiff!” Van Vetchin echoed. ‘‘ This man is not dead, you fool.” ** Ain’t, eh? Tho’t mebbe he was. See’d yer swabbin’ off. Who slugged him?” ‘*T don’t know. I only arrived here a mo- ment before you came, and found him lying as you see him, Some one must have struck him a powerful blow, and then fled. It’s too bad.” ‘It does look ruther rum,” the bootblack said. * Know him?’ “Certainly. He is my uncle.” ‘Oh! he is? What’s yer name?” ‘‘What’s that your business? You're too in- quisitive altogether. What brings you here, anyhow?” ‘These ere pair o’ sev’s!” and the boy indi- cated his shabbily-clad feet. ‘‘ Maybe you'll be askin’ fer my bizness card next. So I'll accom- modate you!” And fishing from his pocket a piece of white on board, which had once formed a part of a , he tossed it upon the floor near the young man. ‘““Thar! that’s me ’skutcheon, wi’ nary blot on’t,” he said, with a grin. ‘‘ Thet tells ye jest as much about me as hist’ry itself.” Van Vetchin glanced at the card, without deigning to pick it up, for he had a pious dis- gust for street gamins and their peculiarities from the fact that they frequently yelled rsh ig eps him. © words upon the card were a painful at- tempt at chiro, pales) pen-print, and the spell- ing correspon Y poor. WRINKLES, PERFESHOENIL LANDSKAPE ARTISTE In Soo Buackin’!!! KOARNS REMOOVED "THOUT PANE, Home, Ram-Kar Att'y. Van Vetchin desgned the card one glanre, and then gave vent to a snort of disgust. “You're a fool!” he growled. “¢ Thet’s twice you’ve called me that!” Wrin- kles retorted, ‘‘ an’ ef I hed a banannér, I'd give it to yer, fer the compliment. It takes a smart feller ter make a fool, ye know. But, say, you'n’ me won't scrap. Jest Me away on yer uncle, an’ fetch him tew erick, an’ while ye'r’ at it, let me hev the job ov puttin’ a nickel- plate finish, on them shoes.” “You get out—get out of this office, or Tl call a policeman!” Van Vetchin cried, angrily. “Dye hear?” “No! I’m as deaf as a dynamite factory, w’ot never heers ye comin’ elong, ’til ye run sla ag’in’ et. Hope ye don’t t the perlice is eerd o’ me! Phew! no! I’m a reg’lar walk- in’ plug 0’ terbacco, an’ they gives me the borry fer a bite, every time we crosses each other's meridian. But say, dog-goneit, ye’r’ m aire. Ye c’u’d steer me on to a ten cent e, message s _ “Ob! et ain't on paper,” the boy assured, jest as easy as chawin’ cheese, an’ make yer um- cle pay fer it. Tell ye what in do, ter encour- e bizness: You give me yer uncle’s feet fer a dime, an’ I'll add you in, and call the job fifteen cents. How’s that fill yer eye?” “Will you leave this office?’ the broker's nephew demanded, fiercely, as he sprung to his feet. ‘If you don’t—” Just at this juncture, Trimbal Thackera opened his eyes, and then sat up, abruptly. With his uninjured optic, he took in the situa- tion, at a glance. ‘What's the trouble, here?” he demanded, in er. “Why, you see, uncle, I found you lying on the floor, here!” Van Vetchin said, ‘‘and was endeavoring to restore you to consciousness, when this young vagabond came in, and began to harass me for permission to black your boots. I, of course refused him, and have or- dered him to clear out, but he stubbornly re- fuses to go.” Thackera turned his glaring gaze upon Wrin- kles, with an imprecation. 58 Why Phas not go, when you are told?’ he fiercely cried. “Because I hain’t got ready!” Wrinkles re- plied, good-naturedly, ‘‘I hain’t did me errand yet, an’ then, too, I didn’t allow this young feller hed any say “bout whether I had to go, or not! ““Confound your impudence—why, I never heard the like of it!” ‘*Ye didn’t?) Hain’t been around much, then, : eet I ain’t a flea-bite ‘long o’ some o’ ther ids. Ina passion, Trimbal Thackera regained his feet. ; “Well, ’Ucheckit!” hecried. ‘‘ Now, do you get out of this office, instanter, or by Heaven Pll slat bro brains out on the floor.” “But, say, boss, jest hold yer horses a bit. Ain’t ye goin’ ter give a feller a chance ter do his errand?” ‘‘Errand? What errand, confound you?” ‘Oh! an important one!” and the looked wise. ‘'Reckon you an’ I hed better have a private interview, ’ca’se my bizness is teetotally unintended for other ears than yers!” ‘* Bosh! nonsense! You're lying to gain time, so you can steal something. I am up to your pranks. Come! get /” ‘* All right for you, then; Tll go. "Tain’t any- thing as ‘ll make me rich or poor. Kinder hate ter start out on an errand, tho’, an’ hev ter go back ’thout doin’ things up brown. Tra-la-lee- lum! Hope next time we meet, you'll haye your other eye painted somber!” With this parting shot, Wrinkles made a grand scoot for the street, expecting that Thack- era’s boot might assist him, materially, in his 4) e broker made no more dangerous de-~ monstration, however, than to utter a cry of vexation. ‘*Hold up there!” he cried; ‘‘ come back, you whelp, if you have any errand or word for me. And mind you, state your business promptly, and briefly.’ “Oh! I kin spin it off at the rate of half a yard per second, only et hes ter be did in pri- vate. Ye don’t ketch this snooger tellin’ no! important secrets in ther presence of any dude thet bei’ cheat a seal out o’ its wig a art ie {" 7 out, you young vagabond, how you cast your remarks about me!” Van Vetchin cried, flushing florid, ‘‘ or ll have you thrashed . within an inch of your life, sir!” “ You will!” Wrinkles ejaculated, contemptu- ously. ‘‘ Why, me purty gilly, I ain’t ther least bit afeard of you. Every kid’ al ther street is onto you, an’ there’s a society of the ronghest ones organizin’ ter take yer up ter Point Breeze an’ throw ye in the tar-ditch. ‘No more of this nonsense!” Trimbal Thack- era cried, authoritatively. ‘‘ Vose, allow me to excuse you for a few minutes, until I see what this rat has to say.” ‘** All right, uncle; I'll drop in again after a bit then!” and without any show of demur, the broker’s nephew took his pe sabe As soon as the outer office door was clesed upon him, Thackera turned’ upon his shabbily~ attired, but self visitor, with a frown. ‘*Now, boy, state your errand and do it in as few words as possible. Have you a message a Yon kin be | | ‘You t your ‘ puts’ and ‘ calls’ I hev,” — Wrinkles rouitiedt, with an effulgent ‘on, at least, I hev a message fer Trimbal if you're him!” ‘I am Trimbal Thackera. If you have a , let me have it at once.”
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- ter that suit ag , wf the Percival man = “‘leastwise anyhow I ain’t got no paper. Yer see the paper blowed out o’ my hand, an’ took a quiet sneak inter a sewer inlet!” “Furies take you for your carelessness! How do you expect me to know what message was sent, then? Who sent it? Explain, or I'll brain you!” “Oh! git out! Don’t levy so much grudge ag’in’ my brains. They don’t take up so much room as me feet, nohow. But, ter goun. Ye see, I were prospectin’ along a cert’in up-town bowlinvarde this afternoon, fer shines, when a gal poked her head out o’ a’ristocratic three- story windy, an’ sings out, ‘ Hillo! bub!’ Now, ‘when any one calls me ‘ bub,’ it allus hurts me corns, an’ so, seein’ the gal were a Holstein, fer sae lucks, I sung back, ‘How ye was, sis? ’at’ll ye hev, wi’ vanilla in et? Then, she told me to wait, an’ she cum down to the door, an’ axed me would I like to bounce onter a Bland? I told her nix, but I had a two-ton hunger for mbanks. So we struck a bargain, by which was ter become a walkin’ Adams Express Company, an’ convey to you a note, written on a sheet uv es? that smelt uv love among the hot-beds, an’ hed little two-fer-a-penny fellers in ’ the corner, wi’ Injun bows an’ arrows in their hands, as ef they were on the shoot! Guess ye call em Cupids, don’t. yer?” “Go on!” Thackera said, impatient] ing plainly that it was little use to wry the yo irrepressible, “Well, anyhow,” Wrinkles proceeded, ‘‘ we hit the bargain. The letter was a conglomera- tion of crow-tracks, an’ hed no envelope, but the young lady didn’t Y pe) to care, an’ so as I cum along, I took a sniff o’ the perfumery, an’ read what them crow-tracks sed! “What! Age read phonetic hand!” the broker ejaculated, in unconcealed astonishment.. ** Bet yer bonds an’ mortgages I do!” was the reply. “I’ve bin takin’ a quiet sneak into the night schools, when I could, wi’ an idea o’ mak- in’a canvas ’mong my customers fer mayor. Well, arter I had r the note, an’ were goin’ » yet see- to stuff it into my pocket, along cum a forty-ton January gust, an’ tho’ I yel’d, ‘Whoa, Janu- ary!’ the didn’t heer me, fer it gobbled on- illy-ioo, an’ waltzed et inter the sewer, But, ye seo, I remember what it sed on that note!” **Oh! you bet! It sed: | “Then, out with it, without any more gab!” $- 6B) man TRImBEAL:—Do not fail ter come ter- “wight it's a mew goose, full o’ feathers, an’ needs plucking, Truly yours, “ *RosaMonp.’ “Oh! you bet, that’s what et sed!” And Wrinkles looked inquiringly at the broker! CHAPTER III. | WRINKLES DRIVES A BARGAIN. THERE was something so significant in the ga- min’s ¢ words, that in spite of an effort to appear ectly composed, “‘Primbal Thackera was ly startled. Did the y mean an ? arrive at a con- ‘ He was not just ay. an ) -elusion on this score. He saw that Wrinkles was ' shrewd, quick-witted, and observant—such a street-oducated waif as it would puzzle many an experienced man to deal with, except at the Dey’s own terms and happy-go-lucky way of do- . _“ Well,” he said, after a short silence, ‘‘ is that all? If so, you can go.” “Oh! I ain’t in no c’ler hurry,” and Wrinkles dropped com ntly into an arm- ehair. ‘‘ Bizness ain’t b’ilin’ this afternoon, and ' if there’s pds I like ter do, it’s to hev a gh-flyer like yerself, Then, too, I hevn’t got done yet.” Not done? Well, what else do you want?" And the broker seated himself, despairing‘of get- ting rid of his precocious visitor. ‘“* Well, you see, I’m in fer a little bizness my- self, an’ I want er, or some other big gun, ter give mea on how you'll kinder sour onter the idea at first, but it don’t make no dif- . ference—you'll sweeten up when yer cum ter know what I want.” | “Tf you want alms, go to those whose business it is to care for the r,” Thaekera growled, ‘picking up a . ‘*Pvo neither time nor incli- ~ ‘nation LS icther with ” “Hain’t? Well, now, mebbe ye ain’t rushin’ matters! I hain’t even hinted the desire ter bble ontera cent, What I want isa lift inter Teams You bet ther ain’t nothin’ shrim bout me / Beal short of a clean set-out will y. i §’pose mebbe ye’r’ 'quainted Brothers, general warchouse~ 3 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. —NaN0_0e3uaeaoaooowyouonan0O0na0o0SCmmeeeeeeee pee ns You see ?’'m ontes Thackera looked up from his writing, with an odd expression of countenance. ‘* Well, what of them?’ he demanded. ** Lots!” Wrinkles assured, fishing a cigar-butt from his pocket and lighting it. ‘* How'd it fill yer eye ter give me a letter o’ interduckshun an’ recommendation tothem? Yer got ood standin’ on ’Change, an’ aire a purty big ‘ bull,’ an’ they’d be apt ter smile on me wi’ favor.” “A letter of introduction? Why, I don’t un- derstand you. What do I know about a young vagabond like you, and why should I give you a letter?” “Fer charity’s sake—jest ter give me a boost toward ther aaa uv glitterin’ fortune. Why, sum day I might turn a flip-flap inter ther presi- dential chair, an’ could give ye a yank into the Senate.” “‘Nonsense! I'll listen to no more of this sort of trash!” ‘But, wait; I hain’t pr nin ti yet. Ye see, Percival Brothers hev advertised fer a good, honest, wide-awake night-watchman. Now, that fills my eye beautiful! I’m jest the ham ter fit that pertic’ler sandwich, I am. Gittin’ too big fer wrasslin’ mud off o’ brogans, ye see, an’ thet Pe 0’ night-watchin’ would hit me right where live. All yer got ter do is write me out a reckermend, on gilt-edge paper, an’ I'll hustle right up an’ levy onter the job. If I git ter be partner in the biz fore the year’s out, I'll send aA a gold gimlet when yer silver weddin’ comes ra) “*T can give no such a recommend or letter of introduction, as you require; so do not bother me, but take your departure!” Thackera re- turned, impatiently. ‘I’ve told you to go now for the last time!” “You have? Gosh! but I’m glad o’ that. I was wonderin’ if you hadn’t got tired of it. But rou see, boss, I’m goin’ to have thet letter before move a peg!” ‘“* Well! well! The like of your impudence I never heard. How do you expect to get the rower when I positively refuse to give it to ou **Oh, you'll give it to me. If you don’t, I'll squeal!” ** You'll squeal?” the broker echoed. “You be ueal like a stuck pig. Yer see, boss, I’m wantin’ the job bad, an’ you could help me ter git it wi’out any trouble. So, if you are sO mean as not ter give a feller a boost when it won't cost you a cent, I’m jest ther kid as will go fer ye like hot cakes—an’ my name is rinkles, perfeshional landseape-fresco fiddler in shoe-black!” The gamin’s manner was becoming mere im- pudent and independent. It was c that he thought he had the broker to some extent in his power, and meant to improve the advantage. “You infernal young whelp, what do you mean by addressing me in this manner?” k- era cried. tly angered as well as somewhat disturbed y the threat. ‘‘ Speak, or I'll fire this inkstand at you!” ; “If you do, I'll catch it,” Wrinkles replied, with a grin. ‘I heer ther’s talk o’ offerin’ me a posish as ketcher fer the Athletic team. As fer what I mean, boss, I'll give ye a straight pointer that I ain’t so green as you may take me to be. I know that I’ve got the dead-wood on you, an’ if you don’t help me ter git the job I want, why, I'm goin’ to show ye that even a boy sometimes has herald as big as a elerfant!”’ sy ! You can’t scare me by any of your threats. Why, I’ve a mind—” “* Now, see here, let up an’ I'll convince you that I ain’t gassin’. In the first place, I know that place on North Twelfth street, where I got the message, is crooked—thet is, it is one of the most pr rous and well-patronized gambling- houses in Philamedelph. No one goes there but ther finest, an’ ef I was to lead a raid on the roost, I reckon the mayor would captur’ enuff tools ter set up er ranch of his own.” : The boy’s declaration had caused Trimbal Thackera to look still more uneasy, but he re- frained from giving vent to his feelings, So Wrinkles went on, with the consciousness that he had gained a point. In ef he knew no more about the Twelfth street house than he did about the ancient city of Jerusa- lem. He had made a“ blind,” more intnitivel than otherwise; but he knew, after he had n tered the charge, that he had not hit wide of the truth. ‘“*In the second place,” he said, ‘I’m onter the fact thet Rosamond, who’s purtier than a ag thousand dollar ag gh been ee geese, an’ perposes ter havef a pickin’-bee, ter-night. In other words, a ‘sicker? hes bin posse g ng inter ‘the j’int,’ an’ she an’ you eal- eulate ter fleece him eat of his lucre, and then \ give him the G. B, Ha! ha! } 1 ye, heel an’ toe-nail, an’ ef I don’t git the job, wi’ Percival Brothers, look out fer a raid on the- Twelfth street shebang, when yer least expect: it! That ain’t all, neither. Awhile ago, there was a big up-town weddin’, an’ now you sport around in a gay barouche, wi’ a purty wife, be. side ye. Bet ten cents to a terrapin—if the new Missus Thack know’d about that Twelfth street—” “Stop!” Trimbal Thackera commanded, rap- ping upon his office table. ‘‘ Enough of this, oy—enough, I say. I don’t want to hear any more of it, You’re an insolent young black- mailer, and ought to be sent to the penitentiary. However, despite your rascality, I see you are shrewd, and might make a smart man if proper- ly trained; soI will not deal as harsh y with you, as I otherwise would do. Of course your charge about the Twelfth street residence is ab- surd and preposterous, as a highly respectable~ old Quaker family reside there. Nevertheless, were you to attempt to black-mail me, to my estimable wife, it might engender an unpleasant- ness not easy to dissipate. Therefore, I am in-. clined, for this reason alone, to yield to your in- fernal tongue, and mind your own business, and Ill give you the letter to Percival, and:a hun- dred dollars, besides.” “ ‘All right, old Blackstone! I’m yer Isaacs: on that bargain, tho’ I don’t want nothin’ but the letter. e got a few dollars salted away up in the Spring Garden Savings Bank, and am as Mederented as a billionaire. I promise—an: all I ax is the letter.” Without reply the broker wrote rapidly, u on a letter sheet, and in a few moments, hand- ed to Wrinkles, for inspection, this missive: “PrercivaL Bros. & Co:— ‘*GENTLEMEN:—I cheerfully recommend the bo who brings this to you, as being one who would fil your wants for a nicht watchanatl satisfactorily. re ““'T. THACKERA.” ‘Guess that will do,” Wrinkles said, with an appreciative nod. ‘‘ Much obleeged to you, an” ef y turn that flip-flop into the Presidentshek chair, cum aroun’ an’ waltz wi’ me at the in- augural hoe-down. Don’t want a first-class ee patent-leather shine, afore I go?’ o! “All right. Guess I'll meander, then. Give my grip ter Rosamond, an’ tell her ther next time she works me fer a Adams express car, I'll try not ter deliver ther consignment inter ther tewer. By-by!” And rising, he left the office, with a broad grin: upon his dirty eountenance. After his departs. Trimbal Thackera’s de- meanor underwent a change. hitherto held in check, and he smote the table: fiercely, with his fist. ‘Curses seize that boy!” he hissed, rancor- eusly—‘ curse him! curse him! He's as sharp: and smart as a veteran detective. I wonder- how he came to find out about Roea’s place? It’s a bad thing. He might make a deal of trou- ble, and bring me into deep disgrace, for he is: just as willful and ind dent as he is shrewd. e wasn’t a bit bashful about driving me to ac- cept of his own terms. However, perhaps, af- ter all, he'll not trouble me any more, if he gets the job at Percival’s. For the present, I’ve got something else to attend to.” He was reminded of this fact by a twinge of pain about his left eye, which was censiderabl swollen, and not a little discolored, from the ef- fect of Lou Lawton’s gia 3 right-hander, The sight of it, as the broker surveyed him- self in a glass, caused him to swear ip een “By the furies, the ruffian shall pay Th for this job!” he hissed, grating his teeth. “ I’ Jose every cent I cwn but what he shall suffer to m satisfaction, for this brutality!” ithout delay, he telephoned his family Physi P cian, who arrived soon, and set to work reduc- ing the discoloration and swelling. This process was so successfully accomplished, that, within a couple of hours’ time, no one would have known that the broker had been the victim of a “slug,” but for a faint red spot upon his cheek-bone. And it was not unti] the broker felt in his pocket for his wallet, to pay the doctor, that he discovered his loss. ‘Furies! I have been robbed! Net content with having knocked me down, the low-lived scoundrel has stolen my pocketbook !’’ He did not utter these words aloud; instead, he went calmly to his safe, as if nothing had oc- curred, procured other money, paid the doctor, and that worthy de " “Now, for my revenge!” Thackera gritted, his rage knowing no bounds. eh’ that whelp sleeps outside of prison to-night, it His face became: . strangely distorted with passion which he had —
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- ss 4 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. “ re c ——=——_—_———- nee. ee ; ; ‘be because there’s not enough officers in Philadel- phia to find him.” Putting on his overcoat, he locked his office, and hurried away toward the Central Police Sta- tion, at Fifth and Chestnut streets. The day was cold and bleak, with no snow upon the ground, and a piercing wind was blow- ing from the northwest. ‘hackera had no time to mind the cold, how- ever. He was burning with feverish anger— had but one all-absorbing thought. That was, te vent his spite upon the young knight of the cart, who had not only brought him so much personal discomfiture, but had also, as he had a a doubt in his mind, robbed him of his wal- et. On reaching the police station, he lost no time in applying to Magistrate South, and sweari_ » out a warrant for the arrest of Louis Lawtor, on the charge of felonious assault and battery. The magistrate looked a little surprised, as he heard the name of the accused. “Lawton?? he said—‘‘Lawton, ash-cart «driver? ‘Exactly. Do you know him? Has he been here before?’ Trimbal Thackera demanded, “eagerly. ‘*He has, but not under arrest. He has brought several evil-doers to our notice, and in lis division, has a great deal of political in- fluence,” ““T can’t help that. He is a low-lived puppy, and a thief, and if prompt measures are not taken for his arrest, I'll know the reason why!” . Thackera hotly declared. . **] will see that the case is properly attended sto,” the magistrate replied, briefly. “It is not likely to be a hard job to find the young man.” Somewhat pacified, Trimbal Thackera took his departure. In passing from the room, he did not deign to notice a ragged urchin, lurking about the doorway. It was, it is needless to say, Wrinkles. He was, it may be added, a privileged char- acter about the Central Station. Always alert, bright, observant and accom- modating, he had won the favor of nearly all the officials in State House Row, and his airy freedom about that judicial place was seldom if ever interfered with. Aod Wrinkles, seeing Thackera enter the magisterial apartment, was near at hand, and overheard the swearing out of the warrant, ac- using Lou Lawton not only of assault and bat- ‘tery, ut also theft. t “Tt’s a dog-goned shame,” the gamin mut- “tered. ‘* I know Lou, an’ mebbe he did slug his nibs, but he wouldn’t steal—less he war ter ‘pinch’ a pair uy old breeches from a billy goat:”—for, be it known, Lou, with the thrift of his class, usually looked sharp for old rags, in «making his rounds, and derived no little benefit from their sale. ‘‘So they’re goin’ ter haul Lou ‘up fer stealin’, aire they?) Now, I wonder ef ‘they aire?” And giving his head a reflective dig, the young “ Arab” skurried out upon the street, and away from the vicinity on a dog-trot. He was going in quest of Lou. . CHAPTER IV. AT SNYE’S EMPORIUM. For Lou Lawton our young gamin hero had ca keen woe 3 _ The two had been acquaintances ever since Vrinkles could remember, which was cat least nine years before, when the urchin, a miserable little waif, had first made his debut ‘upon the street as a newsboy. It was young Lawton, then but a bootbiack himself, who had given Wrinkles the few cents ‘to start into business, and the lad had never for- gotten the fact. The two often met, as the years rolled on, and exchanged confidences, and had, on more than one occasion, shared the same bed. _ Therefore, when Wrinkles heard of the danger that menaced the cartman, he at once resolved *0 give him timely warning, so that, should he wish to make any beforehand arrangements he could do so. : Lawton’s collection route was so irregular that Wrinkles had no hopes of finding him until he should turn in for the night, but as the after- noon was then far advanced, the gamin thought ‘to find Lawton at the stable by the time he reached it himself. The stable was located on South Broad below ‘Washington avenue, and from the Central Sta- ‘tion this was a long walk; but, used to being on this feet from morning until night, Wrinkles covered the distance in 4 short time. It was dusk when he reached the stable, in a aa ery anxious mood, for knowing the rapidity of An ihe , = r ‘ police telegraph service, he feared that the offi- cers had already preceded him, and secured their victim. To his great relief, however, when he arrived he found young Lawton just in the act of un- coupling his horse from the cart. : ‘Hello! is that you Wrinkles?” he sung out, with his accustomed cheeriness. ‘‘ What in the world brings you this far south, so late?” ‘* Bizness!” Wrinkles answered, sitting down upon his box, and putting considerable empha- sis to his speech. ‘* When you're thru’ I wanter interview you!” ‘* What about, Wrinkles?” ‘‘Oh! I want to make a date with you fora slugging match!” was the dry os ** Hurry jour shanks, for the air is malarious about yre. D’ye understand?” “ T think I do!” was the reply. 5 Lawton turned his horse over to a stable- hand, and rejoined Wrinkles within five minutes. ‘* Well, chubby, now go ahead!” he said. “Not till we git out into a new neighbor- hood,” the boy replied. And, seizing his box, he led the way from the stable. In a short time, by rapid walking, they were in a neighborhood that neither often frequented ; then Wrinkles slackened pace, and they walked eastward more leisurely. * The gamin maintained a grim silence, how- ever, and Lawton did not seem particularly in- clined to set the irrepressible talking-macbine into motion. Finally, the grim, cold walls of Moyamensin orison loomed up ahead; then Wrinkles turn is dirt-begrimed face directly upon his com- panion. ‘*See yonder?” he demanded, pointing toward the ‘‘ Bastille.” ‘‘ Waal, there’s where yowll spend a couple of months, mebbe, providin’ ye’r’ caught. D’ye know it?” Lawton laughed. ‘“ Well, no. I can’t say that I am aware of the fact. It takes a pretty big job to send a man there for more than a few hours.” ** Allee samee, if you allow yourself to be gobbled up, there’s where you'll go. There’s a warrant out for your arrest.” ‘‘T am not surprised to hear that,” Lou re- plied good-naturedly, as if the fact did not concern him much. “I’ve been expecting ar- rest. f ‘*Then, yer slugged old Thackera, hey?” ‘*He called me a pauper, and I knocked him down.” ‘Bully fer you! You did the job up brown, too. I drapped in, awhile afterward, to dis- pose of some Chicago and Nor’western five per cents—” ~ *“Whoa! let up! That will do for a starter!” Lou expostulated, laughingly. ** Well, anyhow,” Wrinkles went on, ‘‘I drap- ped inter Trimbal’s offis, about an hour after you hit him, an’ he war layin’ on the floor, clean knocked out, A young dude, who claim- ed ter be his nephew, was waterin’ his eye which looked as if a mule’s fist had kick him, But say, Lou, ye didn’t steal the money, did ye?” ‘Steal the money?’ young Lawton quickly echoed, in great astonishment. . ‘‘ Certainly not. What do you mean?” ‘*T mean that the warrant charges that you not only sat severely down onter Trimbles Thack’s eyebrow, but yer ‘ pinched’ his pocket- book.” Lawton uttered an ejaculation of indigna- tion, at once concluding that the extra charge preferred against him was a scheme on the part of the broker to get even with him. ‘* This is infamous!” he cried, his face flush- ing. ‘I did not touch the old rascal’s money, and he has put up this job on me in order to get square. The moment after I hit him I turned and left the office. But I did not touch his pocketbook, money, nor anything else.” ““T believe ye, there!” Wrinkles agreed, heart- ily; ‘‘fer I allus found ye square an’ honest. But whether ye did, or whether ye didn’t, the charge is ag’in’ you, an’ the officers is on the lookout for ye. Ef ye’r’ arrested, it’ be hard fer ye ter proove ye didn’ttake the pocketbook, an’ I'm bettin’ ten cents ter a terrapin ye git sent up fer six months, if not longer.” “They haven’t got me yet,” Lawton said, slowly. ‘I’m not guilty of this alleged theft, and am not inclined to go to prison for it.” _ ‘*Bully for you! That’s why I come in search of you, and waltzed you away from yer haunts.” . Wrinkles then went on, and recounted his ex- periences of that day, to which narration Law- ton listened attentively. “You're a sharp’un, Wrinkles,” hesaid. ‘ It looks very much as though you had egg frac bled onto a gambling-den. As for imbatt Thackera, I am of the belief that there are man points about his life that would not bear investi- ation. Did you apply for the job, at Percival. rothers?” ‘“Yes. I begin work to-morrow night. To night is the only night I shall be at liberty.” ** What do you propose to do about the Twelftle street matter—keep mum?” ‘‘Dunno. Hain’t made any calkylations, yit,* and the gamin scratched his head, reflective- ly. ‘‘ Fu’st of all, I wanter see you out o’ trou- ble.” ‘*Don’t worry about me. out of it, somehow.” ‘** But, how? Will you surrender?” ‘““T think not, unless I have to. As you say, if I am brought before the magistrate, the pros- cts are I'd geta tough sentence. I can’t prove didn’t steal the pocketbook, and then, toe, Thackera is rich pe influential, and he'll work hard to secure my conviction.” ‘* And, if you don’t git arrested you’ll have to keep shady.” ‘**T suppose so!” ‘** An’ that would be about ther same as *know]- agin’ ye tuk the money.” ‘“‘T have thought of that!” Lawton assented, gravely. ‘‘I’m in a bad box, either way. Out of jail I shall be a hunted man, sure enough. On the other hand, it may be said that when a man goes to prison tor robbery, his prospects are forever after blighted.” ‘“Et luks a good deal that way, sure enuff,” Wrinkles assented, soberly. ‘‘ Et it was me, an’ I was ter take my choice of the two evils, I “nec Pd ruther rusticate outside uy Moya, than inside. ‘*T am of the same opinion. One thing is cer- tain—I shall avoid arrest, as long as possible. But, where shall I hide?” ‘* Nowheres. Betwixt you an’ me, I can fix that all right, ef we can reach South street, *thout gettin’ nabbed.” ‘* How do you mean?” ‘* Why, ye see, I know a chap there, who fixes up ‘ crooks’ so their own mothers wouldn’t know ’em. He’s a fly rooster—runs a sort 0’ pawn- broker junk-shop, keeps a poker-room up-stairs, on the quiet, an’ ef a ‘crook’ wants shelter, he can git it there. This man, Jim Snye, knows I’m onter his racket, an’ stands in holy terror of mé, lest I give him away. When I go by, he always calls me in, gives me a handful 0” fifteen cent cigars—they’re corkers, too!—and tells me as how I'm a good boy. So, I reckon it’s on ac- count o’ them cheap smokes thet I’ve allus kept mum. We'll amble around there, on the quiet, an’ Snye will fix ‘ up soye can walk right into the Central Station, without being recko’nized.” ‘* Are you sure?” ‘“You bet! He dassn’t refuse for fear Td ull him in. Oh! cully, ye kin talk about yer ig guns, wo’t live in big style, an’ ride in their indervidjule cars, but we young~uns knows a thing or two, once in awhile, ef we be no bigger Tll manage to get nor a shrimp.” ‘You've got a great head, Wrinkles!” ‘*Mebbe I hev, but ’tain’t fist-proof, so don’t yer go firin’ away at et, like ye did Trimbles’s. ev ye got any money?” ‘*None with me—and, what I have got, is where I can’t get at it witheut running the risk of being nabbed.” ‘© How much?” ‘ Five hundred; but it’s safe, however.” “Then let ’er slide, till ther polish wears off yer boots. D’ve a penny or two, an’ half’s yourn. We'll slide fer South street now.” Lawton did not object. He trusted largely in his gamin friend’s sagacity, and Bl have yielded to his keen judgment in preference te . that of many an older person. So they shaped their course toward South street, but over such a zig-zag route that it would have puzzled a bloodhound to have fol- lowed them. Their way lay principally through narrow streets and alleys, and Wrinkles d the policeman so well that they encountered but one burly blue-coat, en route to Snye’s, and he appears in no humor to exert himself to arrest anybody. At Snye’s South street emporium they finally arrived and gered entrance by passing up @ dark alley and entering at a rear door. The first apartment entered contained a ta- ble, a number of chairs, and a few cheap pictures on the walls. This was, as Wfmkles informed his friend, the - ‘* private parlor.” a seated themselves and in a moment more a loudly-dressed, hook-nosed, ferret-eyed man, JNA _
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bowed himself into their presenee—an individual who was evidently a cross between a Jew and a Frenchman. “‘Good-evening, gentlemen,” he said, rubbing his hands together, patronizingly. ‘“* What can I do for you?” ; ‘Wrinkles turned the full light of his beaming countenance upon Mr. Snye. “Why hello! is that you, Wrinkles?” was the ejaculation. ‘*‘ Why, how you was?” And Snye ut forth his hand, which, to keep peace in the amily, Wrinkles accepted. “Pm purty good ; how’s yerself? In workin’ trim to-night? ‘‘T am always here for business,” Snye replied, with an inquiring glance at Lawton. “ Allright. I’ve got a job for you,” Wrinkles wenton. ‘If I were to ask you to do mea fa- vor, Snye, how’d et fill yer eye?” ‘I’m not blind,” was the reply. ‘* Your friend is in trouble?” “Yes, but he’s a rover, free. The lyin’-in- hospital act don’t work with him. He wants ter circumnavigate, ye know.” -“T understand! I understand!” “Of course you do. He don’t want to know his nearest relative.” *‘ Oh! I can fix him up all right!” the “ artist” declared, rubbing his ds. ‘* You know my reputation y? _**Waal' I should bounce a banana!” and Wrinkles literally grinned all over his face. ‘‘ What nation does the gentleman most natu- rally represent?” Snye inquired. “C’lumjy!” the boy responded. ‘‘ What’ll the one be, monsignor?” “ Bifty dollare, sare?” “ All right. Send the bill to my office. Un- derstand. “Perfectly, sare!” Snye answered, with an ebsequious bow, that would have done credit to a count. “ Kerect! An’ now, Lord Cavanaugh!” the —_ said, turning to Lawton, “ this feller will ye, an’ when ye want yer brogans fixed up, I hang out around Ninth and Chestnut, after nine,” and evidently considering further instruc- tions unnecessary, the gamin vanished from Snye’s place with astonishing celerity, while Lawton was left to the tender mercies of a man, for whom, to say the least, he had a positive re- ce, But, it ofttimes happens that a man in a tight fix cannot be a chooser of the circum- stances that order his associates or govern his 1 ways. CHAPTER V. A DARING EXPERIMENT. WRINKLES was well aware that Lawton was safe in the hands of Professor Snye, who cared too much for the welfare of himself and his “joint,” to run the risk of exposure, which would surely ep did he attempt to use the _ young gamin s ily. Knowing that the fixing-u operation would eecupy at least a couple of hours, Wrinkles ‘fad already hit upon a plan of action during - that time He knew of Theodora Thackera’s infatuation _ for young Lawton, and made up his mind to no- tify her, at once, i pg 9 of the true state of affairs, in order, as he reflected, to make Law- | ton’s case “ solid.” ' The Thackera home was located on the north _ side of the city, though not far distant from the business center; so, Jumping on a car, Wrinkles ' reached the residence in a short time. | Jt was one of a row of ordinary three-story _ dwellings; a silver plate upon the door bore the | mame ‘ kera.” | “Wonder how the racket will work?” Wrin- ‘ kles muttered, as he paused at the curbstone, and took a squint ey the house. “If his ‘royal slithers should be to hum, how’m I goin’ ter ’scuse myself for callin’? Oh! Iknow! Pll ali him the fiz that I jest called ter let him I got the job, an’ were much obleeged tew Bo, ascending the steps, he rung the a ee his Experi ong ago developed one thing to the boy’s mind—that the slam-the-door ser- vants of aristocratic households observe more civility, when they see an urchin standing at the door with a letter or package in hand, than - when the urchin ‘‘ shows up” nothing, to indi gate the nature of his errand. _ Wrinkles had been kicked from doorsteps too many times not to know this fact, ' 7 The door of the Thackera residence was opened by a half-grown colored boy, in livery. Hi Hillo! Is the boss in, cully?: Mister Thack- era?” * ‘“‘ No, sah—gone out for the evenin’, sah.” ‘‘Oh! he hes, hes he? Reckon his daughter is in, hey?” ** Yes, sah!” ne Well, jest you trot along in and tell her there’s a gentleman here who wants to see her on the most important bizness. Don’t let no Pershin mats grow under yer feet, neither!” | The servant regarded the caller with haughty disdain. “Tf you hab a message, sah, give it to me, an’ I'll deliver it!” he said, rather severely. ‘Oh! no yer don’t, me young buddy! This hyer’s a clear case o’ ninety per cent. private bizness an’ I must see ther young lady pusson’ly an’ inderviduously. D’ye understand me, hia ten-cent terrapin? Now mosey an’ give the order or I’ll put the whites o’ yer eyes in mourn- in’!” threatened the og Pecans Wrinkles. But the colored boy didn’t scare. ** Can’t see de young missus, sah!” he said, importantly. ‘‘ She’s sick in bed, an’ de master ive strict orders dat no one was to see her. tood-ebenin’, sah!” and without further parley, the door was shut and locked. While Wrinkles gave vent to a grunt of in- dignation. ‘Oh! just wait till I catch that nigger out, some o’ these days! I'll knock his two eyebrows into one. An’ so, Miss Thack is shut up, is she? an’ the old gent ain’t goin’ ter "low no Romeos ter see her? Hum! that is some news, anyhow. Wonder what Lawty will say when I tell him about it? Bet he'll git cardinal mad!” Realizing that there was no use of his hang- ing around that neighborhood, any longer, Wrinkles set out for Eighth and Chestnut streets, and arrived there within an hour after his leav- ing South street. He had to ‘“‘ shine” around, for pretty near an- other hour, ere Lawton tapped him on the shoul- der, and asked to have his boots blacked. The ea 4 cartman had surely undergone a reat change. His disguise was that of an elder- y gentleman, whose dress indicated that he was a well-to-do citizen. He wore a full beard, and connecting wig, of so clever arrangement, that a person would never have suspected but what the hirsute growth was his own. “Nice mornin’, this evenin’!? Wrinkles re- marked, looking up from his bex, with a grin. “ Travelin’, or goin’ somewheres?” “You're entirely too impertinent, boy. Attend to your job, and don’t let it trouble you about my business!” was the rebuke, in a tone that in no wise resembled Lawton’s, But Wrinkles was not deceived. ‘Oh! cheese it! That won’t work wi’ me /” he declared. ‘‘I know yer, Lawton!” “Tow?” was the inquiry. “Why, by yer feet, of course!” with a wry lance at the man’s ‘‘understandings.” ‘‘ Can’t ‘ool me on feet, no more’n ye can a nigger in a hen-roost. I kin tell yer the State a foot first kicked in the minnit I lays eyes on’t. Sech is ther observation o’ ther perfesh.” “Well, sir, in what State was I born?” “Why, that’s a New York foot—broad an’ monopolistic, yit graceful an’ inclined to ca with it the earth. The Penn’a feet aire a leetle off, in grace, an’ ye seldom find one thet’s *thout corns. TheJersey fut— But, Lordy, sir, there’s no use ’spatiatin’ on a Jersey! ‘No, sir-ee! There ain’t a gilly in our board 0’ Trade, even down ter the two-fer-five dago, who can’t size up a Jersey foot in a second. Hard ter b’leeve et, mebbe, but the foot of every State has its peculiarity, an’ et ain’t often we risin’ senators makes a mistake in callin’ the turn correct.” “You young rats are certainly gabby enough to call the turn upon anything,” was the re- sponse, this time in Lawton’s natural tone. ‘And, now, what is your programme for the evening?” “Why, we’re going to take a walk. Hev ye got any sugar?” “Thanks to your friend Snye, yes. He gave me fifty dollars, and assured me it was all right rfectly right!” ‘The snoozer! He knows his brown bread, you bet! It happens lucky he does, too. Now, ou waltz over yonder to Castor’s, an’ buy a undle of cloth—nuff fer a suit, if you like—an’ then, come back an’ hire me to_tote it fer you. Tumble? Then we schottische along, till we git in the vicinity o’ the Twelfth street ‘brace’ I was tellin’ ye about.” ‘* Why do you wish to go there?” ‘ ‘Oh! there may be somethin’ we can ick up. Any pointer ye can score ag’in’ Trimbles, ye Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. kag 5 a TROT t know, may come in handy. Besides, ’ve some- thin’ to tell ye, as we go along.” Comprehending that the gamin was really better to lead than himself, Lawton gave hie assent, and as soon as his boots were blackened, he crossed to the merchant tailoring establish~ ment Wrinkles had mentioned. In a short time he returned, carrying a bundle of considerable size, and at once struck up a@ ge with the the bootblack, to carry it for mn. Thus, side by side, and owing to the bundle coats 9 no particular notice, they journeyed westward. Wrinkles then narrated the particulars of his. visit to the Thackera house. ‘““Why did you go there, at all?’ Lawton de- manded, when the ay had finished, ‘¢Oh! I tho’t mebbe the old man would try ter ‘queer’ you, afore ye got a chance ter see yer doxy-Ann, an’ so I tho’t it wouldn’t hurt a bit fer me to give the gal a pointer, myself.” ‘‘ And, so you are of the opinion that she is locked up?” “Yes, The coon said as how it was the boss’s. orders that she should receive no wisitors, an’ ef the thing was investigated I'll bet ten cents to a. terrapin she’s locked up in her bedure.” ‘‘No doubt you are right. I’m of the opinion that Trimbal Thackera is nene too good to do a mean act like that. Poor Theo! I must some- how contrive to communicate with her.” “Not to-night, She'll keep all right, for the present, an’ no doubt a watch will be kept, from. s’posin’ you'll try to steal an interview with her. er sugar-coated biz is to steer clear o’ there, fer the present an’ I'll fix it, after awhile, so you two doves kin meet. Au’, now, as we near the Twelth street place, ef anything peculiar happens you be jest as fly as the flooest fly thet: ever crawled over the end o’ yer nose, in sum- mer time.” ‘¢T don’t understand you.” Pil: ez plain. Ye knowI told you abouta ‘cose goin’ to be plucked, there, to-night? Well, first of all, let me tell ye thet ther Directory don’t allow thet any ‘Rosamond’ lives there, but instead one Priscilla Peg, spinster.” “ Well, what of that?” “ An’ an oldish woman was buried from the place, *bout six months ago, whe, no doubt, was. the identical Peps pegged out. Well, now, I’ve hearn hinted as how blences men hed been de- coyed inter some place nigh here an’ came out, short. Anyhow, when we git there, I’m goin” to try a’speriment. There's a street lamp in front o’ the place, an’ I’m goin’ to stop, there, and give yer boots another shine. Meantime, er ter be lookin’ up to the houses, an’ tellin’ as ow you wonder which is which. You hadn’t, been there, in a year, and had jest fergot which one was the one ye’r’ lookin’ fer. “Then, I ax ye if ye remember the name, an” ou will allow it was ‘Peg,’ en’ Pll say I never eard of sech a person. About this time, mebbe: i be ’vited in. Ef you are, play yer game e, see the ‘ elefant,’ an’ so forth, not fergittin” to keep an eye on the ‘goose’. I'll be in the neighborhood when you come out. Ef anything: happens, an’ they try to & fer you, smash a. windy, an’ yell ‘ Cully!’ an’ Pll come to ther res- ue. “Wrinkles, you're a trump!” “ But one lone trump ain’t much. Hev ye got the nerve to try it?” ; ‘Tf anything of the nature you have outlined occurs, you bet I’m in for it!” Lawton declared, heartily, ‘* But, boy, do you think my disguise perfect?” ? “Yer biggest creditor wouldn’t know ye 4 In a short time they reached their destina- tion, and halted beneath the light of the street- lamp. Wrinkles was of his knees in front of Law ton in an instant, and polishing away for dear e. “Yes, it is close in this vicinity,” Lawton re- marked, scanning the houses. “It has been about a year since I was here, but I am pretty sure that it is in one of these houses,” ‘Private house?’ Wrinkles queried, rubbing: away without looking up. |. : ‘Well, yes,” Lawton replied, pesiterney eT presume I'll have no difficulty in finding it, if I make a few inquiries.” .“ What's ther name?” . Peg. She is an elderly maid- en lady.” ‘Dent know her. Don’t know none but. blushin’ be damséls who gits stuck on my style buy me candy.” A momen silence followed; then, sure enough, a second-story window was raised, and a feminine voice called out: “ Peg—Priscilla gr og a my ‘ ; . 3 ra 4 as oy f ' i ih ¥ lA Lp t ps ih es } ; Jan fics. >| by i 2 \ “ le 5} or aes : \ Tt : Ne 4 ¢ rae ine i: | ye Tae eis 7 i n ai r ae ts fr 4 ‘a ¢
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citg pee Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. : or OOo cee ope Ek SEY STI : ‘« Was the gentleman in search of the residence | “‘ goose ” Wrinkles had referred to, and the pro- ‘Tm agreeable.” of Miss Peg?” was the query propounded. cess of plucking was now in operation. “T am, madam,” Lawton responded, looking He was a large, broad-shouldered, fleshy man, hundred limit!” up, and at the same time doffing ishat. ‘‘Can you direct me to her residence?’ “ Wait,” was the brief answer, and the window ey a farmer, as his garb was mainly of Rosamond said. Sunday best, and he wore the general air of, book was fat with money, and Fo was shut down. Ber, “Thank fortune I have found the place!” | one not accustomed to city ways. stay in the game as long as he had any show. eM oe Lawton said, in a loud tone. “And now, my In face, he reminded Lawton of one now Something seemed to tell him that it was his a boy, can I get you to deliver this package for | passed away—the late Horace Greeley. His face | lucky night! me?” “9 was full and inclined to be florid; ‘i had the And so far as cards were concerned it ; “ ‘¢ Where to, mister?” Greeley bald spot, the Greeley fringe of white | that way. 4 44 “ Leave it at the Bingham House, awd tell the | whiskers, and wore his glasses as only the great | Five games did he win in rapid succession. clerk it is for Mr. Brackett.” politician could wear them. — : Seen together, the two might readily have CHAPTER VII. { “ Allright, boss. Cost ye half a dollar.” 3) x “Very good, Here’s the money.” f The perc the house opened just then, and a Ny servant in livery appeared. vile iam * Step ‘nals sah!” he said, with an obsequi- epi | ak) ous bow. Lawton paid Wrinkles; then, mounting the i! steps, he entered the gaming “brace,” and the deor was closed. been taken for brothers. men, this is Mr. Brackett, of Chicago, who was moved back from the table. Gentlemen, I presume you have room for one “Oh! I don’t know!” Lawton re more at the table?” as he raked in the stakes, and E * “That settles that!’ Wrinkles mused, as he “Certainly!” Trimbal Thackera, alias Mr, | exchanging what chips he had for cash. ‘“‘ It’s arose, shouldered the bundle, and trudged away. | Sherry assented, with an ey glance at | the way cards | epee yr for me, sometimes ia “The enjine hes got up steam, an’ the masheen | Rosamond and her new guest. ‘* Weare glad for another, re you all done?” foil *e is beginnin’ ter move. Thet aire place aire on | to know you and welcome you to our midst.” An affirmative nod was the answer. oe the ‘ queer,’ an’ Lawty’s in fer the next quadrille. Not without some feelings of nervousness, ‘Very well; then I guess I will be going, as r. Gollys be-gosh! I wish it was me!” Lawton seated himself at the table, and soon | I am rather fatigued,” ope said, rising. iy had an opportunity of dipping into a game that Trimbal Thackera and Nobles also arose. BE CHAPTER VI. was just starting “You will of course leave old Wiggins’s pock- AT ROSAMOND’S. ris Ae Lov Lawton followed the liveried servant aoe Neo inte the spacious hall of the house, which, sup- y, was a haven for aristocratic gamblers. From the elegant hall he was ushered into a The game was poker, ten dollars limit, and ter-of-fact way. Lawton invested an X in chips without ado. ani & magnificently furnished parlor, where the light | tear from the end of his nose. “‘ Hyer I’ve bin received it from. I am responsible for it, sir ih, was quite dim. losin’ an’ losin’ till ’'m out about two hundred “Do not disturb the old gentleman, Mr. ; As he entered, a magnificently-formed and | dollars. Then, there's them two car-lodd o’ | Brackett!” Rosamond spoke up. | Cg richly attired young lady, of rare personal | calves up at the stock-yard, an’ not a one on | ing nicely, and I will give him the wallet, when ; beauty, advanced toward him, with outstretched | em sold, Jest my consarned luck. I’m allus | he awakens.” ¥ jeweled hands. ? gittin’ mixed up in suthin’I hadn’t ort to. I “You will have to excuse me,” Lawton re- rie “Why, Mr. Brackett, this is a most unex | say, thar, miss; ye hain’t see’d anythin’ o’ my | plied, “but I prefer to deliver it, m he pected pleasure, to see you here!” she said, with | gal yit?” then all responsibility is off my hands, oy gushing cordiality. ‘‘I presume you remem- ‘* Not yet,” Rosamond responded, ‘I doubt if Without further words, he advanced to the ¥ ber—" .| she gets home from the ball until near morning.” | sofa, and shook the farmer, rou, hly. Allis ‘“ Miss Rosamond?” Lawton ventured, putting | ‘‘ Well, then, I reckon I might as well play “Come, Wiggins, wake up!” he cried. ‘Pm ° out his hand. keards till she comes. Yer know, sir,” turning | going to leave you now e > in “Thesame. Isee you have not forgotten me, | to Lawton, “ ’tain’t often old Bill Wiggins gits| But, Wiggins, did not awaken, or We although I am sure I don’t exactly recall your | ter town, or out wi’ ther boys; but Tied ee show of doing so, alfhough Lawton shook him ee le face. @ name comes to me, however, and—I | car-load o’ fat yearlin’s, and so I fetched | thoroughly, and called to him, several times. am delighted to see you. Be seated, pray. Will ‘em to Philadelphia—cl’ar from Herkimer “Tet him alone! You can’t awaken him!” you have a glass of wine?” county, York State. They’re the slashin’est Trimbal Thackera growled. Poe b No, thanks; I have become a total abstainer steers you ever see’d. An’ then, ye see, I killtwo “So I see!” Lawton retorted. ‘The man has sar Hi since my previous Visit. It was owing to a trifle | birds wi’ one stun. I’ve bin hankerin’ fer a year | been drugged !” too much champy, no doubt, that I lost so much | past ter see my niece, who’s heer in Philadelph ‘““Drugged?” cried Rosamond, ay then.” an’ take’r hum wi’ us. Ye see, me an’ the old angrily. ‘“‘ How dare you malign the repu—” AA yf ‘*-You did lose heavily then?” : woman aire gittin’ long in years, an’ Winifred “Stop!” Lawton replied, coolly, command- ee “Oh! yes—that is for me, as I am not as rich | she'd be a power 0’ company fer us. An’ the ingly. ‘I did not say the man was 7 | as I’d like to be.” funniest thing, when I got in the city I met the | here, madam. Drugged he is, neverthe. ‘Pooh! for riches! They are but a mockery, young, lady yonder, an’ et struck me she might | and not likely to awaken, soon. Consequently, ate at best. Did you wish to try your luck to-night, | know somethin’ bout where Winifred hung out | I shall retain possession of his money, and you ait Mr. Brackett?” —so I up an’ axed her. An’ would you believe | may direct him to call for it at the Bingham | “Well, yes; I had a notion that way. I have | et, she told’ me my niece boarded right to her | House.” a few dollars I can e—that is, of course, if | house, an’ so come along wi’ her. ‘Spect the “Oh! no! That little game won’t werk!” as “, there is a moderate limit.” gal’s growed up powerful big an’ pert, miss?”— Thackera declared, grimly. ‘‘ You cannot take ait “Certainly. Ten is the limit to-night. Come | this to Rosamond, his money away from here. You must surren- Bi. up-stairs, please. We have quite a jolly little} “She is a very pretty and amiable girl,” was | der it to us!” » 4 Py ‘ ‘ the brief reply. “T do not recognize such a word as must, sir!” iu Lawton accompanied her, his confidence some-| Lawton had listened without failing to watch | Lawton replied. “The money is saf what reassured. Although he had never played to gamble, he was pretty well versed in games of cards, and flattered himself that few could beat him. They ascended the winding staircase to the next floor, and entered what Lawton calculated was a front ct But on earinage ey saw that he was in one long apartment, W ich occupied all of the second foe, except what was taken up 3) as hall. aa Ls aid he room was ric gine , and its furni- and Nobles and Wiggins dropped out, after con: tributing six chips each to the pot. and a pistol appeared in her grasp. up t chip. ‘* Indeed! ‘Ts that all?” Sherry said, with a smile, and | as not, eh?” he went one better. ‘* Are you done?’ chip. Sherey put all his stack on the table. have it, Mr. Bra Ge ‘What you got?” him, and secure Mr. Wiggins’s pro pa en ture, of aoe gf was of late design. The pictures “Four Jacks!” and Lawton displayed the | offers resistance, I'll ring for the polic ail upon the wall, in partieular, were masterpieces | cards. “You'd better be sensible now!” Thackera Veet Eee of art.’ ; The stock-broker uttered an oath. said, advancing. ‘* You'll only get yourself into Fey Pea At the further end of the room, which was lit} ‘* The pot’s yours!” he growled. trouble if you don’t.” ie i by two crystal chandeliers, was a bar containing “Gud boy!” chuckled Wiggins, gleefully. “ And, if I mistake not, Trimbal Thackera, Ve liquors and glasses; and presided over by a| ‘ Yeow kin t’em ef Ican’t. That's proper. | you'll get yourself into trouble,” Lawto F sid spruce young negro. | Here’s my ketbook—I want yer ter keep it | as he took the wallet from his pocket, and MG |b The only other furniture consisted of a couple | for me while I take a leetle nap. Ef ye git | it upon the table. “Now, madam,” turning to a hee of tables, a dozen chairs, a sofa, and a magnifi- short don’t, be afeard ter borry what ye want | Rosamond, * will you have the kindness to show cent pier glass. out 0” et, fer there’s plenty more when I sell the | me som of roo place ” rs. “Certainly, sir.” t * \ i 4 At one of the tables, beneath the effulgent Hes light of the chandelier, three men were seated, in a game of cards. e of the trio was Trimble Thackera, attir- ed with scrupulous neatness, and looking con- siderably flushed and excited. th At his right sat a well-dressed, full-bearded a’ gentleman, who appeared to be one of the class Hi whose daily business pursuits were of a more eave elevating character than gambling. , The d m ont eo looked out of = in those brilliant surroundings, and Law- at once concluded that he must be the fled over to t upon it. front door. for it, now, [ll bet!” face betraying considerable anxiety. ou play more?” of 4 * Certainly, What you say to playing for Oboaoed explained ‘Then all right—we'll make it fifty, considerably past the middle age, and was “And Pll join in making it four-handed!” omespun, his hat had seen years of service, for Lawton had seen that old Wigetnes oa e resolved to FARMER THACKERA’S STORY. “Gentlemen!” the fair Rosamond said, ad-| IT was at the conclusion of the fifth game that vancing, her arm locked in Lawton’s—“ gentle- Trimbal Thackera uttered a savage oath, and formerly one of our patrons. Mr. Brackett, this “'There’s no use of wasting money on you!” is Mr. Sherry, Mr. Nobles and Mr. Wiggins. | he growled, “for the devil's luck is with you.” Mr. Wiggins had lost the other to Mr. Nobles, | etbook in our charge?” the broker said, in a mat- “J of course will do nothing of the sort,” ‘Gosh all fish-hooks! It looks as if you in- | Lawton replied, calmly, and yet with assurin tended to win,” old Wiggins declared, wiping a | firmness. ‘Tl deliver the wallet to the one his game. The stake was two dollars a corner, | care, as yours, and I will not surrender it!” = but, you will!” Rosamond cried, fiereely, ‘ t+ was Lawton’s ‘‘ say,” and he put down one he money, or go out of here, crippled!” | Then, you had as lief have enemies ‘“Pooh! for them! They can prove no “No!” and Lawton put down all but one | and, then, too, I move from here, next we So you see we’ve B ded you anyway you want to ett. Gentlemen, move upon And ogage ee the table, the farmer shuf- And she led the way downstairs, and im a e sofa, and stretched himself out | moment more, had bowed Lawton from the po " i “ Drugged!” Lawton reflected, ‘‘and I’m in; She then returned to the gaming-room, her ‘« Queer old duffer that!” Sherry, or Thackera'| ‘‘ This is a bad deal!” she said, soberly. prowiene “to leave his money in a stranger’s | you think that man will make us trouble?” ands.” “Curse him—like enough so!” Thackera grit- | “It will be safe!” Lawton observed. ‘* Will | ted. Phi! theught you said he came from Chi- | fifty dollars a corner?” ‘“He’s nothing but a spy, and I think I kn es
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‘4s i“) he en ry ‘ter which I was enticed. I fe -as ever and I know’d what was goin’ on. who sent him!” Thackera growled. ‘‘He knew ) Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective, | — OOOO eee ee “‘ About three hundred. But I'll git it back. me, at any rate, and that makes matters bad. bier got it.” ! I must get out of here without delay.” ‘“* And I, too,” Nobles declared, anxiously. “But what are you going to do with old Wig- s?’ Rosamond cried quickly. ‘‘ He must not left here on my hands!” ‘Oh! that’s easy enough. Have your ser- vants lug him up the alley to Thirteenth street, and drop him. When he wakes up he won’t be able to give an account of himself.’ ‘*The idea is good. But the pocketbook?” “Tl take charge of that for now, and hold it until we see how matters turn out. If no ter- rible time is made Ill divide up at our next meeting.” Thackera and Nobles then took their depar- ture by the front way, and were highly elated when they perceived that, so far as appearances were concerned, the coast was clear. This was because they did not see either Wrinkles, Lawton, or a policeman. Within the dark shadows of an alley across the street, however, the first two named were lurking and on the watch, and saw the two men leave the house. “I’m blamed if I know hardly what to do,” Lawton said. ‘‘ There’s no telling what will happen to old Wiggins, if he remains in that place.” Wrinkles reflected a moment. “°Twon’t do much good to,pull the place,” he said. ‘* You bet his royal slithers, Thackera, has collared on to thet pocketbook. An’ Wig- gins won’t remain long over there neither.” “ee Wh ro” “‘Humph! The goose aire picked, an’ ain’t 0’ so much account. He'll git chucked inter the street, to be gobbled up by a policeman.” ‘*Wisat do you propose to do?” “Waal, keep a peeled eye, I reckon. I’ve been explorin’, an’ there’s an alley thet runs from the back o’ Rosamond’s house, through ter Thirteenth. So, if old Wig is chucked, it'll be up there. I move we mosey in thet direction an’ if I find the old man, Pl) git a hack an’ we’ load him in.” “What then? Where in the world will you take him to?” ; “To the Reese House, till he wakes up. It’s a good place, an’ I can fix things up for the two of you. Frank aire a good feller. I shines him up ’casionally, for nothin’, an’ he thinks I’m just old hes, wi’ Chester county cream. Vhen they arrived at the Thirteenth street entrance to the alley, sure enough they found old Wiggins lying upon his back, a few yards up ll alley. ba Tou. watch him. I'll soon fetcha kerridge,” and Wrinkles darted away. It was but a short drive to the Reese House, and when they got there, Wrinkles entered, to interview the landlord. He soon came out, announcing that it was all right, and was accompanied by a porter, who assisted to carry the farmer into the hotel. He was conveyed toacomfortable apartment, and Lawton and Wrinkles set to work, trying to restore him to consciousness. It was.not an easy job, for the drug that had been administered to him plainly must have been a powerful one. ‘It would be rather a dark job if he should die on our hands,” Lawton said, anxiously, as they worked away. ‘Pooh! He won’t kick the bucket,” Wrinkles asserted Por ggare ** He’s got too much back- bone for that, you bet!” After an hour’s time, they succeeded in arous- ing old Wiggins from his stupor, and he seem- ingly, awoke to a full sense of what had hap- Pe Tve bin drugged—an’ robbed!” was his first exclamation, as he sat up, and gazed at our two friends. near right,” Lawton said. “You are pre “You have heen drugged. Where were you, ’ the last you can recollect?” “Oh! I know. Iwas ina Cppnpenn pe in- t the spell comin’ on, an’ I give me pocketbook to you, an’ went an’ laid down.” “ Are you sure * gue gave it to me, sir?” “Dead sure. remember your face. But, you ain’t got it, now.” “How do you know?” “*Canse I know,” was the grim reply. ‘‘ Al- though I was powerless to open my mouth or eyes, or move a limb, my hearing was an 's how I know you ain’t got ther pocketbook.” _ “Tt lifts a great | from my mind, for you know the circumstances that caused me t) leave Was there much money in it?” Lae: I presumed he would take it. Did you pig him before?” Lawton was silent a moment; then he said: ‘*' You'll excuse me, Mr. Wiggins, “but, some- how you're a sort of enigma to me.” The farmer laughed. ** Am I?” he chuckled. ‘“ Well, I s’pose you are anxious to hear more about me.” ‘* Well, yes.” mie ag ee likely. An’ since ye hev took care of me, I'll tell ye. That story I told at the poker room can be told diff’rent, In the first place, my name ain’t Wiggins.” ** Tt isn’t?” “Not a bit of it. I came from Herkimer county, New York, fetched two car-load o’ steers down here, an’ all that sort o’ thing, but my name ain't Wiggins—it’s Thackera!” ‘Thackera!” both Wrinkles and Lawton echoed in surprise. ‘* Kerect—Thackera; old Thede Thackera. The feller who called hisself Sherry—that, sir, is my son!” **’Your son!” **'You bet. He’s a precious rascal, Trim is, an’ I see he ain’t no better nor he uster‘be.” ‘* This is surprising news to us!” Lawton said. ** Did your son not recognize you?” ‘* Guess not, or you’d never ketched him play- in’ cards with his old dad.” ‘* How did you come to get into that den?” **Somewhat as I told ye. I arriv’ in Phila- delphia a perfect stranger, an’ I axed the young woman, Rosamond, whom I met at the depot, if she could direct me to No. — Coates street— that’s where Trim lives. She said, to be sure she could—that she boarded at the identical place. So I went with her. She tuk me ter where I met you, treated me in big style with cake an’ wine, an’ said my niece wouldn’t be home till night. I was playin’ Wiggins, an’ I knowed there was suthin’ crooked ’bout her, an’ finally come to the conclusion I wasn’t in Trim’s house atall. I’m the darn’dest old cuss ye ever see’d, anyhow—don’t keer fer a few hundred, when I’m out on a bender, as long as the geese cackle. An’ findin’ ’'d put my fut in it, I made up my mind to see the thing thr’u’, ef I got strapped. Et kinder knocked me when Trim come in, but I see’d he didn’t ’pear to know me, an’so I didn’t keer. I wasn’t long sizin’ ’em up fer a pong © sharps, but when you came in, sez I, ‘There’s an honest feller, I'l bet a cheese;’ I kinder instinctively smelt honesty in yer clothes. An’ that’s why I give ye my pocket- 00k.’ “The compliment is appreciated,” Lawton said, smiling. ‘It was through my young de- tective friend here, Wrinkles, that I entered there to see and hear what I could, as Wrinkles had previously got wind that a ‘ goose was to be plucked.’ So you were really in search of a niece, eh?” ‘“‘ A granddaughter, rather. But I'll tell you ther story, fer it’ll make matters plainer to ye. I’m a farmer—own a dozen farms, too—and hev lived on the old homestead ever since I was mar- ried, We never hed but one child, an’ we named him Trimbal. He grow’d up pert enough, but turned out to be a bad egg—a lazy, reckless, good-fer-nothing cuss—an’ [ often prophesied he’d come to the gallows, The way he treated us was scand’lous, ** Well, when Trim grow’d up, he got married to a nice gal, an’ I settled him on one o’ my farms hopin’ he’d do better; but he didn’t. It wasn’t more’n a couple year when he got into an ugly scrape an’ had to clear out, which he did, leavin’ his wife an’ child behind. The offi- cers searched high an’ low fer him, but never found him, Soon after, his wife died, pretty much thr’w grief, and I was made the sole an’ legal guardian of my grandchild—a purty leetle girl. Years passed on wi’out no tidings o’ Trim, an’ the gal got to be six year. Then her gran’- father, on her mother’s side, died, and left her ten thousan’ in clean money, which was to be ut out on interest fer her till she was of age. in’ able tew give bonds, I got hold o’ the money, socked it inter bonds, an’ she’s got a big fortin’ now.” Wrinkles and Lawton exchanged glances, but did not speak, The farmer went on: ‘oT wa'n’t long after this when the child cum up missin’, an’a note left behind told me that her father had kidnap her and was going to take her with him. I set detectives to work in rivate—the public was given to understand Phat little Theo had simply gone to live wi’ her father. I’ve kept detectives at work ever since, =] 4S) an’ et was only a short time ago that I found out that Trim and Theo were living here in Phil- adelphia.” “So they are,” Lawton said; ‘and the strange coincidence of our meeting is, that I am personally acquainted with your grand- daughter.” “Ye don’t say | Glad to hear it. Yer name is: let me see—” -““Lawton, sir— Louis Lawton. The name Brackett is fictitious. I am but a poor, honest laboring man—in fact, I drive an ash-cart for the city. Yet, Iam proud to say, I know Miss ge 4 you great, blundering gunky!” thought Wrinkles, who had kept wonderfally mhuch. “* You’ve gone an’ put yer fut in it, fer sure! I'd jest like ter have the privelege 0’ bootin’ yer from heer clean to Manyunk!” ** Tt don’t make a ’tarnal bit o’ diffrence how *umble a feller’s callin’ is as long’s he’s square, honorable an’ r stable!” old Thackera said, with emphasis. “I uster drive as teamster, years ago, but wasn’t ashamed o’ it. I’m right ee ag know the gal. Bin sparkin’ her, I ex- pect? Lawton colored. “Well, yes; I have been paying her my ad- dresses occasionally,” he acknowledged. ‘* Yes- terday, however, Mr. Thackera forbid my seeing her any more, and I understand he has her lock- ed in her room,” **Thunderation! Ye don’t tell me! Got her shet up, eh? Oh! that’s like him. He’s mean enough ter steal a played-out hoss’s dyin’ breath, Trim is. But don’t let et sweat ye any "bout the gal, boyee. Trim’s old dad is purty near as smart as he uster be, an’ ef you wanter spark the gal, ye can do it. I’m boss over her. An’ I cinder like you too, But fer you two fellers, I reckon I'd be layin’ in a gutter, or else in a sta- tion-house.” i “Do you intend to claim your granddaughter, sir¢ **On course I do, fer sart’in!” Paes supposing your son refuses to give her “* He refuse? Why, darn it all, he dassn’t! I've got the pinchers on him, an’ he dassn’t go ag’in’me. What time is it?” “Past midnight,” “* Well, I guess I'll take a nap till mornin’, an’ then us three will discuss bizness.” *““Very well. We have detaiaed you too long already. You will find us down-stairs in the morning, ready and willing to assist you, sir,” And then Wrinkles and Lawton departed. CHAPTER VIII. . BARGAINING FOR A BRIDE. THE following morning saw Trimbal Thackera once more sea at the writing table in his broker’s office, looking haggard, hollow-eyed, and as if he had passed a restless night. Upon the table in front of him was a tele- graph instrument, to whose rapid ticking he gave his attention. From the instrument a wire ran upward, across the ceiling, and out of doors, where it was lost among a network of other wires The broker's face was a study. It’s expression was of eagerness, combined with dread and doubt—an expression that did not brighten as the instrument ticked on, _At length, however, the instrument stopped, and as it did so, Trimbal Thackera leaned back in his chair, with whitened face, and glaring eyes. _ “My God! I am ruined!” he cried, aloud, and in tones of bitter anguish—*‘ ruined! ruined! ruined!” _ “Ruined!” echoed a man, who had entered just in time to hear the words—a tall, stylish, handsome fellow, with a blonde mustache, Why, how is that, Mr. Thackera?” The broker looked up with a scowl, which, however, vanished instantly. “Ah! is that you, Percival!” he said, cordia)- ly. “Be seated, pray. You come in time te f ap? in a deuced unpleasant fix this morn- Ing ‘So I should infer by your exclamation as I entered,” was the reply, as the young man drew a chair near the table. ‘‘ What appears to be the difficulty?” “ Difficulty! Why, sir, and irretrievably ruined.” ‘Indeed! That is bad news, sir, Pray, ex- plain. I always supposed you quite weait ; sir! ‘‘T have been; but, unfortunately, my wealth has always been kept in ready cash, with which I speculated. I have been unusually successful until now, when I suddenly find myself bereft 4 I am ruined—totally 4
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- ~2£ = “ 4 + 2 * ot bbe SBE é At of my wings. You seo, C., B. & Q. stock has been selling very low lately, and many brokers have been discharging wake blocks of it. Fore- seeing a rise, I have been quietly Le it in— that is, such was my swpposition. authorized my Chicago correspondents, Flynn & Co., to buy in all the C., B. & Q. they could, and have advanced them, from day to day, until a week ago I exhausted my finances, and to make up a required demand, used money intrusted to me and raised money on my paper. “All this, and previous advances, is gone to the de’il. A tele- gram, just received, announces that Flynn drop- ped dead yesterday, and that his partner has fled into Canada, with all the firm’s resources, which must have been large, as investigation proves that the firm has lately received large sums of money, while no proof can be found of its having been invested. So you see, Per- cival, all my money’s gone, and I am ruined.” “It is bad, sure enough!” Percival said, grave- ly. ‘*Places you in a bad fix, with your local creditors?” ‘Of course. Unless something is done, and that right quick, Pll be posted up as a ‘ goner.’ I must have money to meet my obligations, as promptly as they may be tendered, or I can never recover from this blow—will be announced in Bradstreet’s as having failed.. By Heaven! I’m nearly crazy.” ‘* Be n, sir. Nothing is gained by worry- ing, in matters like this. ave you no hopes of oe at least a portion of what you have ost? ‘* None whatever. Canada is a haven for de- faulters, and were I to follow Flynn’s partner up, he could snap his fingers at me, and laugh in my face,” ‘Perhaps. Do youanticipate that your credi- tors will make a run on you?” ‘Nothing is more probable. It is known on *Change that I had large dealings with Flynn & Co., and you know it don’t take long for news to Fen in the money market,” i e e. How much do you owe your creditors, sir *“* Twenty thousand would square everything, and leave me penniless.” Young Percival lit a cigar, and glanced at his watch. : ‘*Mr. Thackera!” he said, “‘ you will remem- ber that, some months ago, i paid my addresses to your daughter, and that I suddenly ceased to call upon her?” ““Tdo. It was a great surprise to us both!” **Without doubt. And I have called now to tender you an explanation, sir. Several years ago, and prior tomy acquaintance with Miss Theo, I was entrapped into a marriage with an adventuress, who, however, left me, and I heard she was dead. It was while paying my atten- tion to your daughter that I learned she Was not ead, and, accordingly, like an honorable man, I ceased my visits to your house. A week ago, the woman died, in one of the hospitals, here, and z am now se and called, to-day, to sound you in re to my prospects of getting back into Ricochet ates. oe see, I ai about to take a trip to Europe, and cn m return, seriously contemplate marrying tes settling down,” ‘Your reception will be most cordial, with- out a doubt,” Thackera declared, eagerly. “Theo hasn’t acted like the same girl since your visits ceased, and has refused to go into society. I for you, a warm welcome.” “This 18 good news, indeed. And, now Thackera, since you’re in such hard luck, I'll tell you what I'll do. Promise me to coach up the matter in such a shape that Theo mar- ries me, before I start for urope, next week Friday, and Pll draw you upa check for five thousand more than enough to satisfy your creditors, and place itin your hands as a loan.” “It’s a bargain! Percival, you are a royal fellow, and I shall have no trouble in arranging matters, as far as Theo is concerned; so you can ' consider it settled that she will be your bride, on demand.” } Without ado, Percival drew his check-book from his pocket, and wrote out the check for the amount, with as little apparent concern as though it were for but a somal sum. He was the junior partner of the firm to whom Trimbal Thackera had recommended Wrinkles, and aside from this, was rich, in his ewn right, from the fact of having inherited a large for- tune. ‘“‘There!” he said, tossing the check upon the table, ‘you will ie no trouble in getting the money upon it. You may broach the sub- ¢ to your daughter, at noon, and I will call Todeed le san Sis ted onto ane” “Oh! they'll be bright, I assure you!” the ae ie bhai + aa iee / Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective, g broker said, with his blandest smile, as he fol- lowed Percival to the door. ‘You will be perfectly safe in making all necessary prepara- tions, as everything will be arranged to your wish. “TI trust so,” Percival replied, briefly, and then departed. When he was gone, Trimbal Thackera return- ed to his seat at the table, his face expressing great satisfaction. “Ha! ha! luck has not all deserted me, yet!” he chuckled. ‘Tye got Percival on the string and Ill work him well. Theo must marry him! There’s noifs nor ands about that. She must marry him, and I don’t think I shall have much trouble in gaining her consent. As the police have failed to capture the fellow, Lawton, it is probable he has fled from the city, unless—” Here something occurred to the broker. ‘* By Heaven!” he ejaculated, a moment later, ‘*T believe the fellow who was at the room, last night was Lawton! If so, he has got me about as much in his power, as I have got him in mine. And the pocketbook of old Wiggins! er been so busy that I’ve forgotten to examine i He drew the wallet from his pocket, and leis- urely examined its contents. As he did so he made a, to him, startling discovery. He found several business letters addressed to “Theodore Thackera” at the farmer’s home post-oflice; also, the same name was printed in- side the wallet, in red ink. A fearful oath escaped the broker; the wallet dropped into his lap, and he leaned back in his chair, with a pale, affrighted face. ‘Theodore Thackera!” he gasped, huskily. ‘That is the old man’s name, and that, then, was he, last night. Great Heaven! I wonder if he recognized me? Probably not, or there would have been a row, on the spot. Curse my infer- nal luck. I need not ask what brings him here, He has come for Theo. He has found me out, and may even now have spies upon my move- ments.” The discovery seemed to have an unnerving effect Lee him, for he trembled in spite of him- self and there wasa wild, hunted look in his eyes. “Yes, there can be no doubt but what it is the old man, and his coming means trouble for me. He hasn’t a spark of pity or mercy for me, and—I’ll be a consummate idiot, if I have any forhim. We are enemies, to the death. I won- der what became of him, last night?” He reflected, grimly, for some time, ‘*T’ve a notion there’s more deep water, here, than I at first supposed. Lawton, Wrinkles, and the old man may all be working in concert, against me. But, curse ’em, I defy ‘em! and more than ‘that, I will baffle them! The olc man shall not have the girl! She must marry Percival, and that, too, at once—this very night. Once she is married, the old man’s power over her, is virtually at an end. I may by sharp work, be able to get her started off for Europe, before there is any serious row !” With white and resolute face, he put on his coat and hat, and left the office. First of all, he went to a neighboring bank and drew the money on Percival’s check, an stored it away about his person. “If things work right, and I don’t have any trouble with the old man, I'll pay my creditors what I owe them. Otherwise, [ll reserve this snug little sum, for future emergencies!” he muttered. From the bank, he made his way to his own residence, to which he gained admittance by a latch-key. “Theo must yield!” he hissed, or ‘she shall have cause to repent her stubbornness, all the days of her life!” CHAPTER IX. TACKLING A TRADE, WRINKLES and Lou Lawton were about the office of the Reese House in the morning, when old Theodore Thackera came down-stairs, look- ing considerably the better for his rest, short though it had been. “% -mornin’, boys! How d’ye do?” he sa- luted pleasantly. ‘‘I see ye didn’t go back on the old man, r all.” “Certainly not. You can depend upon us, at all times,” Lawton said. ‘‘ How are you feeling is morning?” _ Spry as a young hoss turned out to pasture, sir, ell hev a smile, together, and then we will talk business.” - 4 xe yak have no, epense us—we do not in- n replied, respectfully. x pen heer! who told you to chi in fer me?” cried Wrinkles. “I ain't temp’ri drink soda water, whenever I kin git it.” Mri aka right, boy! Allus speak out yer in Accordingly, the farmer and Wrinkles par- took of their respective faverite beverages, and then the trio became seated in the office for a consultation. “I took it from what you said last night, that you desired the assistance of my young friend and myself,” Lawton remarked, after y had conversed a few minutes. “If so, we are at your service.” ‘* Of course I want ye,” the farmer declared. “T am fair-ter-middling ’cute, but bein’ a stran- ger, heer, I'd as like as not get tuck in an’ done fer, more’n once. I kinder want you fellers to help me find the gal, an’ I'll pay ye well fer it.” ‘“‘D’yer purpose ter make a open demand fer her?” Wrinkles asked. “No. Thet wouldn’t do, It would give Trim a chance ter try an’ git rid o’ the girl, an’ out- wit his old dad. It’s likely he’s found out, by my pocketbook, who I am, an’ he won't be idle. We must contrive somehow to get the girl in our possession .” ‘““Thet won’t_ be no small job!” Wrinkles de- clared. ‘‘ Old Trimbles will be as fly as a Jersey muskeeter, an’ I'll bet ten cents to a abs "p thet the gal can’t be got at, ‘less I get my fig- gerin’ masheen ter workin’ right. I’m sum on connivin’, ef I do say et, an’ ther boys allow I orter be ‘p’inted ter inspect ther crooks an’ quirly-ques of the Gover’ment.” ** Then, set your machine in motion,” Lawton said, with asmile. ‘If I can get an interview with Theo, I haxe no doubt but she will willing- ly leave her father’s house, as we are already about as good as engaged.” ‘Well, Dll let you two young heads figger om it!” the farmer assented, ‘‘In the mean time while you’re formin’ your plans, I'll go an’ se my steers, an’ come back. Then we'll git down to bizness. Ef ye hit on any plan during my absence, go right ahead with it, an’ I’ll be wait- in’ fer ye heer, when you come back.” It was so arranged. And Mr, Thackera set out for the stock-yards in West Philadelphia, to dispose of his steers, Wrinkles and Lawton then held a consulta- tion, but failed to decide upon any definite plan of action. ‘One thing’s sure—we’ve got to have a change of appearance!” the gamin said— you as wellasI. It won’t do for us to be skylark- in’ around, as we look now; fer Trimbles may puta spy onter our movements, We'll take an- other trip to South street. They dia so, to the emporium where Lawton got his first disguise. In an hour they were on the street again, their appearance greatly altered. Lawton was dressed as a mechanic, and wore a straggling full beard, while Wrinkles’s ap- pearance was so changed, by a clean face, new outfit of clothing, and dandy little blonde mus- tache, that even his most intimate associates would never have suspected his identity. ‘*My! but ain’t I a dude!” he chuckled. “ Ef I mash a millionairess afore we get thr’u’ wi’ this job, don’t kick.” ““T won't; only don’t you try to cut me out,” ™ Lawton replied. ‘‘What are you going to now?” ‘Dunno. Hain’t no hefty ideas struck me yit. We'll go around and drop in on Newbold, an’ mebbe I'll think o’ some plan in the mean time.” ‘Who is Newbold?” : ‘Oh! he’s the feller I lives wi’, over in Ram Cat Alley, when I lives wi’ any one. ‘Spect he’ll skeercely know me.” “Ts it safe?” ““Oh, you bet! Newbold is solid. He's a plumber, an’ does work fer lots of the aristoe, ye know.” They arrived at the plnmber’s shop, in due time, and found a middle-aged man, hard at work, fitting up some gas-pipe. ‘Hello! Newbold!” Wrinkles saluted. ‘Guess ye don’t know a feller.” The plumber eyed the genzin, ir astonishment, having recogni him by his voice. “Waal, I'll be blowed!” he ejaculated. “* What in thunder’s come over you, boy?” ‘** A new suit of togs, to be sure. Got a new job, an’ had to spruce up. This is a friend of mine—Pete Pancoast. How’s bizness?” ‘““Good—too good. I’m overrun with work, an’ to make matters worse, I’ve got two big jobs on hand, an’ my hired man’s left. I'm here, an’ there’s an outside job that must be at- tended to. Wish you’d get on your old togs, an’ do the job for me. It isn’t hard.” . ** What is it?” “Why, there’s a new set of gas-burners to ge
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rinkl ear SS russ OPS L =a Ss we Se into a house. The old ones to be taken off, an’ the new ones put on, you know.” ‘*Whereabouts?” — ‘““Why, it’s up on Coates street—Thackera’s house,” and here the plumber bent closer over his work, and did not notice the expressions of surprise and eagerness on the faces of his two visitors. ‘‘Orter been "tended to before, but I’ve been too confoundedly busy.” . Wrinkles nodded to Lawton, and then lit a cigar, to gain time to compose himself, P ess we can help you out of it, Newbold,” he said. ‘My friend here is idle, and will be lad of the job, and Pll go along and oversee it. ow’s that fill your eye?” ‘‘ First-class. It will be a great accommo- dation to me. Are you ready to go to work now, sir?” “ Any time that suits you,” Lawton replied. ‘“ All right. I'll fix you out. Here’s a box, with all the tools you'll need, and here’s the package of burners. Wrinkles, you can carry this light step-ladder. And, now, you can be off as soon as you like!” “All right. We'll do the job up brown!” Wrinkles assured. ‘My pard has did a turn at this kind o’ work before.” They left the shop to enter into their hazard- ous experiment If their disguise remained un- penetrated they might succeed in their errand, and get an interview with Theo. If to the con- trary, the results would hardly be as pleasant. “Pm not sure but what we’ve undertaken a risky proceeding!” Lawton said, as they neared their destination. ‘‘ Perhaps we won't get a glimpse of Theo.” “Pl bet we will!” Wrinkles declared. ‘‘ Trim- bal he’s down at the office bout this time, an’ jong’s we're plumbers, the servants won’t be so *tie’ler. We'll commence in the parlor, eh?” ‘““Nary. That’ll give °em more chance to scoot the girl. We goes in the third story, and works down.” At x they reached the Thackera resi- dence. verything wore a quiet appearance on the outside. After an exchange of glances our two detec- ao mounted the steps, and Lawton pulled the The summons was answered by the same spruce darky lad who had previously waited upon Wrinkles. ‘Does Mr. Thackera live here?’ Lawton asked. “Yas,sah. Be you de plumbers what’s to fix de gas jets?” ‘We are.” ‘Den walk in, sah. De boss’s been frettin’, ‘ea’se you didn’t come before.” _ And s0, Pe ae with the tools of their whilom trade, Wrinkles and Lawton entered, _ literally, the lion’s den, in quest of the lamb. CHAPTER X. THE JOB OF PLUMBING. “ Wonper if we're puttin’ our fut inter the pie?” Wrinkles reflected, as they entered. ‘‘If we're found out we're likely ter get to Cherry Hill a-hummin’. No fear o’ my givin’ anything away, ef Lawton keeps his mug shut,” “We will begin work in the third story, and work down, if it don’t make any difference to you!” Lawton said, addressing the negro. “ All right, sah! Come dis way, an’ I'll show you all de rooms first.” He took them to the third story, and unlocked the various apartments, and then down to the second story. _ * When you gits to dis room,” the darky said, indicating a front apartment, “you unlock de door wid dis key, an’ go in, an’ den lock de door after you. Dar’s a young leddy in dar whose mind ain’t exactly lebbel, you know, an’ we has to keep her locked up.” ‘‘ Not dangerous, is she?” **Oh! no, sah!” “ Allright! We will take the precaution you - have named. Come, Jimmy; we'll do the third ny, sory first.” || They took their tools to the third story, ac- cordingly, and set to work. The negro, to their chagrin, dogged them from room to room, and watched them work. “Durn him! I’ve a notion to bounce him . down the stairs!” Wrinkles muttered under his breath. At last, however, at the tinkle of a bell, the colored young gent ed down the stairs, - mucb to the two detectives’ relief. _ They hastily finished their work in the third bart and then moved down to the second. _ * We will try Theo’s room first!” Lawton said, first rapping and then unlocking the door. Aso ey entered the apartment, which was _ sarge and handsomely furnished, they beheld a Ha ea young woman seated near the window—a beau- teous young creature, with starry eyes and golden hair, and a face of marvelous sweetness, while in form she was graceful and :ylph-like, and attired in a tasteful morning robe, with a bunch of hot-house flowers at her throat. She partly arose as the two detectives entered. “Pray, do not be alarmed!” Lawton hastened to say as he locked the door. ‘ We wish to fix the chandelier.” She resumed her seat, and once more looked out of the window with a sigh. ‘‘ Wrinkles, I'll leave you to attend to the gas fixings,” Lawton announced. He then advanced toward the object of his adoration. . “Sh! not a word aloud! Theo, do you not know me?” he asked. She turned, and gave him a quick, startled lance. “Sir! J—I~—” Then she uttered a low, glad cry, as Lawton, for a moment, partly removed his disguise. “Oh! Lou! Lou! Is it really you? Oh! I am so glad you have come! Papa to’d me you had fled from the city to avoid arrest, but I didn’t believe it.” ‘And I suppose he told you I stole his pocketbook, too!” ‘, LOS, he did, but I didn’t believe a word of it. “ You were right for not doing so. Although I am charged with the theft, I am as guiltless as you are. However, I did knock your father down, because he insulted me, and if I were ar- rested, I'd no doubt get sent up. Therefore, ou now see me masquerading in this disguise. t was through my young detective friend, nett Meg I learned you were under lock and rey. ‘Yes, papa is very stern and cruel. We had a quarre shout you. Because he couldn't set me against you, Lou, and because I wouldn’t romise never to recognize you again, he has ept me locked up.” ixplanations rapidly followed, and Theodore Thackera’s object in coming to Philadelphia, and full particulars, were made known to Theo, ‘*Oh! I should so like to go away, with my grandpa!” the girl said, ‘‘ Papa does not seem like a papa to me, and often curses and abuses me. h! yes, if Ican get out of here, ll go with him, willingly.” “We will arrange it, somehow. Wrinkles, you are to secrete yourself here, in this room, and watch your chance to get Miss Theo clear of thehouse. Ifany questionsare asked, about you, I'll tell °em I sent you back to the shop.” Just then, a door was heard to open and shut, down-stairs, and some one was heard ascending the steps, who wore creaky shoes. Theo turned as pale as death. ‘‘Tt’s papa!” she gasped. ** Quick! hide, Fenkles!” Lawton ordered. In an instant, a transformation had taken place. Wrinkles was crowded into a wardrobe, among a lot of female attire; Lawton was mounted upon the step-ladder, working indus- triously away at the chandelier, and looking tice 3 inch a mechanic; Theo was sitting at the window, apparently very much interested in a book she pretended to be reading. A minute later, a key was inserted in the lock of the hall door, and the door opened, admitting Trimbal Thackera, He looked considerably surprised, at what he saw, and sharply scrutinized Theo; but no ex- pression of her fair face betrayed excitement, or that she had spoken a word to the plumber. “Humph! so you've got around to attend to the job, at last, have you?” Thackera growled. ¥ , hy don’t youattend to orders, more prompt- ‘« Orders have to wait their turn!” Lawton re- plied, in a rough voice. ‘‘Good many erders in ahead of yours!” “Bah! that’s always the cry. Most through, in this room?” ” Ped near, sir. Be done, in a few min- utes. And, fearing his disguise might be detected, Lawton hastened the completion of his work in that room, and moved outof it, leaving Wrinkles a temporary prisoner, in the wardrobe. | When Lawton had left the room, Trimbal Thackera secured the door, from the inside, and then, taking a chair, sat down near his daugh- te ‘v Theo did not raise her eyes from the book she was reading, and the broker uttered a harsh, laugh. aXe Not over your sulks yet?” he said. : “No! not over my sulks yet, sir!” Theo re- Pantie othe es, the Night-Watch Detective. we torted, coldly. noy and vex me? “Indeed! Annoy and vex you, eh? You ap- pear to be haa bad high-minded, it seems to me. As your father, I presume I have the right to approach you, whenever I please.” “Tf you conduct yourself like a parent, you have. But I will not listen to any more of your attacks upon Louis Lawton.” ‘*Humph! So you've not got that puppy off your mind yet, eh? Well, it matters not. never see the scoundrel again, that’s certain. It turns out that he has lately been committing numerous forgeries, and, as near asvthe detec- tives can find out, he has struck out for Canada. So you might as well settle yourself down, and be sensible. I’ve trouble enough without wor- rying about you.” ‘** What trouble?” “ Why, my Chicago correspondents have gone up, and I lose every: cent I have in the world!” Theo looked incredulous. ‘You are joking?” she said. ‘‘Not by any means, Iam ruined, my child, and deep in debt besides, Everything will be swept away, and nothing left us but the clothes we wear, unless—” ‘Unless what?” 0 “Unless I can rasp the single ray of hope that remains, and avert the disgrace.” ‘*T do not understand you?” ; “Then, I will explain. Paul Percival hap- ened inmy office, when I got news of my great oss. He came to ask permission to call upon me again, and when he heard of my misfortune, he offered to start me in business again, on con- ditions.” “On conditions?” ‘Exactly. He is about to start for Europe,. and wants ber for his wife. He promised me financial aid, if I would gain your consent to an immediate marriage. Just think of it—before you lies the chance of a lifetime. Percival is rich, handsome and indulgent, and, as his wife, you could have every luxury that the human heart could desire—fine clothes, elegant equi- pages, servants, jewels, travel—everything. And at the same time, you would be lifting me from a sad financial wreck.” “Why did Mr. Percival cease to call, so sud- denly?” The broker explained, as he had been advised. ‘“The woman is dead, now, however, and he is only too eager to claim you as his wife.” Theo remained silent, a moment. “Tf I enter into this marriage contract,” she said, “it will be only as a matter of business to secure you the money you covet, for I do not love him. When is this marriage to take place?” ‘ * To-night, as Percival starts for Europe, to- morrow.’ ‘Very well. It must be at the church, and I shall send out a few informal invitations, for some of my intimate acquaintances.” ‘© Of course! of course! as many as you like, only you must not seek to obtain communication with that scamp, Lou Lawton!” : “Tt is not likely I shall go to Canada, in search of him!” Theo retorted. ‘* Of course not! of course not! That’s a good irl. Iam glad to see you so sensible, and will- ing to aid your father. I will go, now, and make the arrangements. I suppose nine o’clock Pre about the ri ht oe ‘iin Suppose so eo repli riefly. Overflowing with delight, Trimbal ‘Thackera left the room, and, soon after, the house, going direct to the Percival Brothers’ office, where he found the junior member, alone. “Ah! glad to see ro my boy. I’ve perfect- ed arrangements, I think, providing there is nothing to hinder an immediate marriage!” i y the haste?” Percival asked. if “Well, you see, a lady friend of Theo's is to sail from New York, to-morrow afternoon, on the Bothnia, and Theo will only consent to mar- ry. you on conditions that the wedding takes : pce, quietly, to-night, and you hasten to New / ork, and sail on the Bothnia, to-morrow !” : ‘Indeed! Well, I guess we can arrangeit. I had not thought of leaving A apg so soon, but a few days cannot matter much. Where are we to be married? I'll leave you to engineer it all.” “Very well. The ceremony will take place at the —— church, to-night, at nine o'clock.” vod I will make preparations, then.” And so, Trimbal Thackera went back to his own office, feeling more exultant than he had ever felt before in all his life. ‘* So, I will baffle my royal dad, after all!” he muttered, ‘‘and he can go back to Herkimer, without his prize. Maybe he will try to make ‘‘ Why do you come here, to an- b] rn ow'll » lt
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Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. ee eee eee me trouble, but, pooh! Once Theo is Percival’s wife, and en route tor Europe, I'll up, and clear out, myself, for more congenial climes, where, with the twenty-five thousand, I can lay the base of awether fortune. Ha! ha! even if the law fails to get hold of young Lawton, it will be asweet triumph, to place Theo beyond his reach." ut the broker, literally, was counting his chick- ens before they were hatched! CHAPTER XI. PAUL PERCIVAL’S WIFE. As soon as he heard Trimbal Thackera descend the stairs, Wrinkles lost no time in leaving the ward- robe, for he had nearly smothered among the dresses and feminine fixings. **Lordy! I’m glad the guvy'ner sloped quick as he did, or I should have hed to hev a coroner set onter me!” he declared, to Theo. ‘* Wonder if my pard is through yet?” “Yes; I think I heard him leave the house while my father was here.” **Spect the old gent back soon?” “T presume he will not bein again until noon.” “All right! He needn’t hurry hisself!’ and the amin helped himself to a seat. ‘So ye’r’ goin’ ter itch up in weddin’-harness with Paul Percival?” “Certainly not. You overheard eur conversation then?” “You bet! Nature provided me wi’ ears to hear with an’ | allus gives 'em the full length o’ the rope. So ye ain't going to marry Percival?” “Tamnot. I only pretended to accept of him in Pore to gain time to escape.” * Ye’r’ goin’ wi’ your gran’dad, hey?” “T certainly shall. ifIcan.” ° , “That'll tickle the old feller nigh inter fits, an’ I'll bet you'll like the change. Lou Lawton will feel bad. however.” **Do you think so?” “Oh! yes. Lordy; ye orter know how much thet feller is in luv wi’ yer, Miss Thack. He jest anty- dotes on yer, an’ does nothin’ but talk about you, an’ study luv-poetry. He’s a goner—-sure case! If ye go way from Philamydelph, an’ he don’t get ter see ye any more, he'll tear all the hair out 0’ his head an’ go suicide hisself.”’ “Oh! I hope he would do nothing as rash as that,’’ Theo said, with a smile. “You bet he would! Tell'ye what, Lawty is a bu’stin’ good feller, an’ all the gals is crazy over him, but he don’t keer fer none 0’ ’em ’cept you. I should think you'd do the fair thing an’ marry him. I guess yer like him, don’t ye?” To gts i erg soe ‘I don’t know as you have any right to ask, sir.”’ “What! me? Jerusalem! that’s nothin’! I'm all right. Lawty an’ me’s pards. I’d jest jnmp up, knock my heels together, an’ holler ter see you an’ him git spliced. Say, now, you like him, don’t yer— an’ you'll marry him, won't yer, an’ take him out on the farm, where he kin ’tend ter the chickens, an’ ride the cows to the cheese factory, an do lots o’ sich chores?” Theo laughed merrily. ‘*You have a funny idea of farm life,’’ she said. ** And as for marrying Mr. Lawton, if he wants me,, I have do doubt but what he will make the proposal personally.” “What! ain’t he ‘ popped’ yet?” “ No, he hasn't * popped!’ ”” Wrinkles gave vent to a prolonged whistle. “Well, I'll be durned!’’ he exclaimed. ‘He's a slow poke not to have ‘ popped,’ doug afore this. Jest you wait till 1 see him, an’ I'll stir him up. An’ now, how ‘bout yer weddin’ wi’ Percival? I wanter ers Libs urticulars ators I go. : Il you my plan. I shall make prepara- tious to marry Mr. Percival. I shall send oak : few fnvitations, and shall even proceed to the church. Among the invitations will be one to my grand- father and one each to yourself and Mr. Lawton. On showing the invitations at the door you will be admitted to the church. As soon as the ceremony begins my grandfather is to step forward and forbid the banns, as he has the right to do, being my legal guardian, and I wil refuse to marry Percival, and eall upon my Peace ther for protection. Won't that be @ capital plan?—and so romantic, too!” “*Kerect! That'll knock yer dad’s plans all silly!” Wrinkles agreed, “T care not. Father has been a very cruel and un- natural parent to me, and if I can find a pleasant home with my grandfather, I shall be only too glad to accept of it. Wrinkles conversed with her for some time, and rere watching his opportunity, slipped from the couse, “Terrapins an’ tom-cats!” he muttered, excited- ly, as he wended his way toward the Reese House, where he expected to wton and old Mr. Thackera. ‘‘ Won't there be a hich old time at the ghurch to-night! ‘Spect I orter be doin’ my first won at night watch, but I can't miss the circus, no- w. Instead of going direct to the Reese House, he first en a telegraph office, and sent a message to the ercivals that he would be unable to report for duty that night. He then went to the hotel and found Lawton and the farmer, who welcomed him warm- ly, and at once began to ply him with questions, Accordingly, Wrinkles related what he had over- heard, and what was Theo Thaekera’s singular “ “Mighty! but she’s a cute one!” the farmer chuckled. “It’s just a capital idea! Trim, the scam » won't dare to raise no fuss, lest I hev him "The ‘plan may work all right,” Lawton said, ~ thoughtfully, ‘but it will be necessary that Wrin- kles and I be more carefully disguised, and our movements in no wise connected with yours lest I be suspected and arrested. We must enter separ- oe and, if possible, obtain seats distant from each other.’ : They conversed for some time; then Wrinkles called Lawton to one side. “See heer, d’ye know what I think o’ you?” the gamin demanded, putting his arms akimbo and look- ing serious. “No, I can’t say as I do,’’ Lawton replied, some- what puzzled. ‘* What do you think of me?” ‘Why, I think ye’r’ a big numbskull, a nigner- ps hogy an’-a softy!’ Wrinkles declared, emphatic- ally. “Why, what in the world have I done to merit this sudden attack?’ Lawton demanded, in great surprise. “Ye hain’t done nothin’—that’s just what’s the matter. Ye orter be ashamed o’ yerself! Why, ef I was you, I’d go take a jump inter a sewer!” “I do not understand you, Wrinkles. What in the world isthe matter? What do you meap, any- ow?’ ‘““Mean? Waal, I should think you wouldn’t have the gall to ask that. Say. s’posin’ you was a gal an’ a feller comed to see ye, an’ the feller hedn't the rumption ter pop the question—wouldn’t you feel ike givin’ him the G. B. from the house?” “TI don’t know. Do you mean to insinuate that I’ve not got the gumption to pop the question? Is that what you're driving at?” ** You bet!” “ And what causes such a funny thought tc enter your mind?” ““ Why, yer see, I ax d yer galif she was goin’ ter marry ye, an’ she aliowed you hadn't gree up the courage to pop yet, but presumed that if you got around to ax her, in the course of the next hun- dred years, it would be all right.” ‘Get out! You're kidding me, you young rascal.” * Not a bit of it! I axed the gal if you’d * popped,’ and she said no, you hadn’t; so, how d’yer ’spect a gal is goin’ ter marry yer ’thout ye ax her? Lor’ golly! if it had been mie, I'd a-popped afore I’d seen her half a dozen times.” Lawton hardly knew what to say. ** Maybe I have been too backwvrd,” he admitted. ‘“*But, don’t fear; I'll make up for lost time when I do see her.” As there was nothing in particular to do but wait the coming of the night, Wrinkles left Lawton and the farmer at the hotel, and went forth upon the street—his natural home, as it were. In the course of his wanderings he passed the Thackera office, just m the nick of time to witness an incident quite interesting to him—viz., the kick- ing of a man from the office into the street, and the kicker none other than Trimbal Thackera, whose feet, in his younger days, had been permitted to grow without restraint. The final kick, a powerful one of its kind, had lift- ed the victim clear from the office step and landed him tlat upon his face on the sidewalk. Without further ceremony, Thackera re-entered his office as if nothing had happened. The man who had come forth under such unfavor- able circumstances was none other than Vose Van Vetchin, the broker's nephew. Wrinkles saw the kicking affair, and this idea in- stantly occurred to him. ‘Old Trimbles an’ the dude hes hed a quarrel. Wonder ef I can’t pump his dudeship, if I go and make up with him?’ He quickly crossed the street and assisted Van Vetchin to arise. “Yer got h’isted, in earnest, didn’t yout” the gamin said, brushing him off. oy “Did you see him kick me?” the young man de- manded, quickly. “You bet I did!” “] am glad of it. Iam badly injured, I fear. Will you assist me to the Pennsylvania Hospital?” “Of course I will. What’s the matter *twixt you and Trimbles?” * Oh! that will be made clear, by and by,” Van Vetchin replied. ‘‘ Don’t press me to talk, for I do not feel like it.” Taking him by the arm, Wrinkles helped him along, and led the way toward the hospital. Van Vetchin appeared to be in great pain, and ~ f the time they reached the hospital walls, he fainted, and Wrinkles was obliged to summon assistance to have him carried into the institution. ' “Not knowing what account Van Vetchin might want to give, as to the origin of his injuries, Wrin- kles made only the simple statement that he had found the young man lying on the pavement, and had assisted him to walk to the hospital. He was then dismissed, and took his departure, first having obtained permission to call again, He was returning toward the Reese House, when he met a woman, poorly clad, and carrying an in- fant in her arms—a woman with a pale, wan face, that had once been very pretty, and eyes that were unnaturally bright, She paused, as he was about to pass her, and put out her hand, * Please. sir—I will detain you but a moment,” she said,in a distressed voice. “I do not wish to beg alms of you—only information. Iama stranger in this city, and cannot find my way.” “Where do you want to go?’ Wrinkles asked. with interest, for he saw that she was a lady who had known both refinement, and better days. ‘“*T don’t really know, sir. I am in search of ed husband, who deserted me, and when I tried to fol- low him, had me put in an insane asylum. They re- leased me, however, on finding that I was not in- sane, andI have come in search of my cruel hus~- band, who, I have learned, is a rich man.” “Where did you come from?” “Richmond, Virginia, sir.”’ “And so you expect to find your husband in a big city, like Phila., eb? Reckon you've tackled a purty big job. Who is your husband?’ *His name is Percival, sir—Paul Percival. My name is Anna Percival.” Wrinkles’s face betrayed his astonishment and he- gave vent to a prolonged whistle. ** Paul Percival, eh? An’ you’re his wife, are you?” “Yes, sir. Ob! do you know him, sir?” p * H Well, l should snort up a snake! Aire that his i ec “This is our child, sir.” : An’ hey you got the dockyments ter prove thet. you’re Paul Percival’s wife?” Pb sir; I have our marriage-certificate in my ocket.”’ Ac Then you come along with me. There's goin’ to be a circus ter-night, an’ yer got to be one o’ the performers.” “T ao not understand you!” and the woman look~ ed frightened. ‘ What do you mean?” “ Just what I said!” and Wrinkles put his thumbs: under his armpits, and struck an aldermanic pus- ture. “I, madam, am a detective, aad fortunate in meetin’ yer. Yer truant_hubby aire goin’ ter git married to another gal, an’I want yer to be present,. to hev a say in the matter.” ‘“My husband to be married, sir—and that, too, knowing that I am alive?” “ That's just what's the matter. You come along wi’ me, an’ I'll find you a place to stay till to-night,, when yer can confront yer hub o, at the altar.” Satisfied, at length, that Wrinkles was not mis-. representing matters, Mrs. Percival accom him, very glad, indeed, to have found such a friend. Wrinkles took her to Ram Cat Alley. and installed: her, temporarily, in the home of the plumber. He then returned to the heart of the city. Hunting up Lawton, the two spent a good part of the remainder of the day in perfecting new dis- guises, preparatory to attending the church in the evening. Lawton made up as a fashionable young man of the period, and what with luxuriant blonde side- whiskers, and gold-rimmed eye-glasses, he had no» resemblance whatever to Lou Lawton, the ash-cart: driver. Wrinkles’s disguise was none the less tony and perfect, and there secmed hardly a possibilit that. the two would be recognized, unless, indeed, sus- pecting their presence, Trimbal Thackera might set a@ watch for them. This, they argued, was not probable; and yet, it was the very thing the wily broker bad done. ' Anticipating that all might not go right, he had employed a detective to be near the church, in case he was wanted. CHAPTER XII. TWO ARRESTS. THe church in which the wedding of Paul Percival: and Theo Thackera was to have taken place, was: located but a short distance from Theo's home, and was the place where she and her father had been in so apa of attending divine worship, every Sab- ath. That evening by a quarter of nine, a number of richly-dressed couples could be seen entc1 ng the church, some of whom came in carriages. 1t was thus evident that there was to be quite a turnout, despite the haste of the arrangements. Inside the church was brilliantly lighted, and al nee guests who came, were seated by the regular’ ers. ; At five minutes of nine, Paul Percival entered, im. company with his brother, and_a moment later, Simp Thackera followed, with Theo leaning upon is arm. She was attired in an elegant traveling costume, and looked exquisitely orn Silenee reigned throughcut the church, as Theo. and Percival stood before the mimister, and the words that were to make them one, were uttered, in a deep, sonorous tene. / Fin came the query—was there any person present who had aueht to say, why the marriage ney ago, bec’ase ay son, there, wasn’t fit to take eer of her. He stole lets old enough to choose a guardian to her own suiting.” “ani I choose my grandpa!” Fheo cried, in a ser decisive tone, x cival!”’ “Cannet marry me! Why not? I demand 1 I cannot marry you, Mr. Per- o :
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| i" i i “spring!” : “ITpness we s vi ah va d > Ty od 12 Pv ta x ' Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. watisfactory explanation. This interruption is high- ay dis ful, and an insult to me!” “Tl tell ye why the gal can’t m you!”’ the old ‘man from Herkimer declared, grimly. ‘One rea- son is, because she don’t want to, an’ I don't want herto! But a better reason is, because you’ve got a wife and child already, an’ thur they are.”’ ‘ He pointed toward a vestibule door of the church, through which Mrs. Percival and her babe were just enterin,s, accompanied by a burly policeman. Paul Percival grew deathly white, and speaking a few hasty words to his brother in an undertone, he marched up the aisle, antil he encountered his wife and the officer, when a short conversation was held, and thei they all left ‘he church together, Then Tribal Thackera arose. “As there will be no marriage ceremony, the in vited guests will confer a favor by gnicely dispers- fing!” he said, with great dignity, and the surprised company loat no time in following his request. Theodore kera, his son, and granddaughter, remained stating near the altar until the audience should have departed. Among the t of the iatter to leave the audi- ‘torium of the church was Lou Lawton, in disguise, As he stepped out into the auditorium of the church, a man, whom he recognized as a city detec- ‘tive, touched him on the shoulder and said, in a quick, low tone: ‘Lawton, I havea warrant for your arrest. Will you accompany me quietly, or will I be forced to summon assistance?” Lawton well knew that it would only attract attention, and that, too. without it availing him anything to offer resistance, and so he signified his willingness to accompany the detective. The arrest, therefore, was unsuspected by the other guests. When the church was cleared by all but the Thackeras, and the minister, Trimbal Thackera, addressing his father, said: “Come! Itis no use tostay. My carriage awaits voutside, and we will go to my house, a short distance away, and come to an understanding.” “Very well, Trim; I'm ready. But don’t ye try ‘to play no trick on yer old dad, or there'll be trouble in the camp.”’ Trimbal Thackera made no reply, but led the “way toward the door, the farmer and Theo follow- ng. The Thackera coupe was drawn up before the «church, and the broker assisted Theo in, and then got in himself. Quickly rig ated the window, however, he thrust cng out, hailing a policeman who chanced to be ng. “* Arrest this man!” he cried, pointing to his father, *““and hold him at the Central until I have time te aotify his keepers, He is a lunatic relative of mine, escaped from a New York State asylum, and has found his way here, I will call at the Central in the mext hour!’’ and signaling the driver, the coupe wolled off. All this had been done se quickly that it dum- founded Mr. Thackera, senior, and before he could utter a word of remonstrance, he found himself in ‘the iron grasp of the policeman. “Come!” that worthy ordered, in true metropol- ‘itan style. ‘‘ You've got to go with me, old gent.” *T hev, hev I?” the farmer grunted. ‘' What have 4 got to go with you, for?” *’Cause I was told toarrest you, Ye'r’ erazy.”’ *Ye’r’ a darned liar!’ the old man cried, indig- mantly. ‘‘lain’t no more crazy ner you aire, ner “half so much.” ‘Can't help that. My orders is to pull ye in, so gam along, an’ no palaver about it,’’ * D’ye know that man as told ye to arrest me?”’ **Oourse [do. That’s Mr. Thackera."’ ‘“*Humph! Waal, he was lyin’ to ye, so he could get off with that gal. He’s my son, the infernal ‘scalawag.” “Oh! eome off! That's too thin. You come along wi’ me, or I'll give you a taste of this dub.” “Oh! Vl go wi’ ye! An’I kin prove who I am, ‘thet I ain’t crazy, ner never was inside a crazy house. It’s all thet boy’s doin’s. He’s a reg’lar ‘blackleg, an’ was even mean enough to rob his own dad. ye wanter know ‘bout me, jest telergraff up ter Herkimer, York State, an’ inquire ef they know old Thede Thackera. Ax’em ef he ain't sane, au’ ax ’em ef he didn’t start fer Philerdelfy, a few days ago, wi’ two car-load o’ the best yearlin’ steers ms was ever raised, in thatcounty. Mighty! but et’s enuff ter make a preacher swear, cussed ef it ain’t, ser be treated in this way.” The noble officer of the law, however, maintained agrim silence, and at last the Central Station was ceached. Here the officer reported the charge against the prisoner who was closely questioned by the police clerk, a shrewd, far-seeing individual, who could usually tell a rogue at a glance. I! have to lock you up, till morn- ing, grandpap!”’ hesaid. ‘In the meantime, as you don’t appear to be very crazy, I’litelegraph to Her- kimer, and inquire about you.” *“ Thankee! thankee! If you'll jest do that, I'll be darned if I don’t make ye a present uv the purtiest Holstein bull an’ heifer, ye ever sot eyes on next And so the farmer was locked up, for the night. As might be supposed, Trimbal Thackera did not Nae in an appearance at the station that night. Such ndeed, had been the furthest from his intention. As the old farmer had surmised, the arrest wag but a “drive’’ by which to gain time, and as his aged parent layin the cheerless cell, the rascally broker and his daughter were speeding away be- “yond Philadelphia's city limits. CIR ATE, NS BONEN Fe Cae TT CHAPTER XIII. WRINKLES AND THE CHIEF. In the mean time, what has become of Wrinkles? Tn his dude disguise he had obtained admission to the church, after arranging to have Mrs. Percival enter with a policeman, about the time her appear- ance would be most effective, Wrinkles was one of .the first to leave the church, ond on his stand on the opposite side of the street, From here he saw Lawton’s arrest, and also that of old Thede Thackera. When the Thackera carriage rolled away, Wrin- kles hastened after it, walking as fast as he could without attracting attention, The vehicle soon distanced him, however, and | when he arrived in the vicinity of the broker's resi- dence, he found no coupe in sight, as he Lad half expected to. ** Guess there ain’t no use spendin’ any more time | skirmishin’ in this direction!’ he muttered, ‘‘ And as Lou and old Thack are locked up for the night, I allow I better git fer Ram Cat, and collar onto a chunk of snooze. Ther’s no tellin’ what ’ll be goin’ on ter-morrer; an’ ’sides that, I want ter git me old togs on. These ’ere high-tone goods don’t suit me fer nothin’, nohow. ‘The old togs ain’t so purty, but they’re more nattera.; somehow, I don’t take to bein’ a dude.” The succession of events that had recently tran. spired had thoroughly fatigued the boy, and he was not sorry to get a chance to obtain much-needed rest. He knew that he could do neither Lawton nor the elder Thackera any good until morning, and so there could be but little use of his going to the police station. , He was ¢n roufe for his humble home, and was passing the entrance to the Pennsylvania Hospital, when his thoughts recurred to Vose Van Vetchin. “IT wonder how the feller’s gittin’ on?’’ he mut- tered. ‘Guess I’ll have to inquire in the mornin’.” Just then a man came out of the hospital grounds vpon the street, and Wrinkles at once recognized him as one of the attendant surgeons. ’ Instantly it occurred to the boy to make an in- quiry concerniag Van Vetechin. “Say, mister,’ he hailed, ‘did you just come out of the hospital, sir?’’ “T did!’ was the brief reply. * An’ can you tell me how the young feller is who got kicked?’ ‘Ah! what do you know about him?” the surgeon demanded, eagerly. “*T helped him get to the hospital, sir.” ‘*Then you’re the very one we want, The patient is dying, and being about to make an ante-mortem statement, wishes particularly to see you.” ‘He really ain’t a-goin’ to die, is he?” “Yes. There is no hope for him. me ” Wonderingly Wrinkles obeyed, removing his false mustache as he did so, ‘‘ Here's a go!’ he muttered to himself. “If the pung feller dies, that'll be a clincher on Trimbles ack, They eutered the bowpital. and soon reached the ward where Vose Van Vetchin lay upon a bed, look- ing white and haggard. He recognized Wrinkles, despite the boy detec- tive’s dudish dress. ‘*Ah! I am glad you have come!” he said, in a faint voice. “I was afraid I would not see you again.’ a You look bad!” Wrinkles observed. ‘‘ What can I do for you?” “ Nothing, more than that 1 want you to tell the truth about the kicking affair, when you are called upon todoso. You saw me kicked?’ “ ” J Come with ** And saw who kicked me?” “You bet!” ‘Very well, I want you to give your testimony, against my uncle. Wiil you do it?” ‘Thank you. I am not long for this world, but want the wrong righted. The kick that landed me in the street, so injured me, internally, that there is no hope for my recovery, As soon as the lawyer ar- Ir however, Iwill make my ante-mortem state- ment.’ A lawyer soon arrived, and in his presence and that of Wrinkles and the two surgeons, young Van Vet- chin made his statement, “My name is Vose Van Vetchin,"’ he said. ‘‘ and by his second marriage to my aunt, Trimbal Thack- era, the broker, became my uncle. From my father’s estate, Linherited an annual dowry of five thousand dollars, my aunt being my guardian, After her marriage, Trimbal got the matter into his hands, and sometimes when f wanted money, I got it, and sometimes I didn't, depending on what sort of a mood he was in.” Here he was forced to pause, his voice growing weak, Stimulants were administered, however, and in a few minutes Van Vetchin went on. ‘A short time before | was brought here, I went to Thackera’s office, to make a raise of some money with the intention of going over to New York. if found my uncle ina bad humor, and when I asked for money he grew violent, and ordered me out of the office, Itold him I would not leave until my de mand was satisfied. Then, he threw 1 the door, and kicked me into the street. He kicked me three times. The last and hardest kick, was witnessed by this boy, who assisted me to reach the hospital.” Fy Is this s0?”” the lawyer asked, turning to Wrin- es. eet ee When Trimbal Thackera dismissed the guests, “Tt aire.” “Do you know this young man?” * See’d him, several times.”’ ‘*Do you know Trimba! Thackera?"” ‘**'You bet. I does!” ‘Did you recognize him as the man who kicked | Van Vetchin!" “T did, dead sure!”’ “Would you take your oath it was Trimbal Thackera?” * Every time, you bet!” ‘“*There’s something else I must say!” Van Vetehin spoke up. ‘I feel that Iam failing fast. and won't last long, and before I die, 1 want my censcience cleared. A short time since, 1 entered my uncle's office, and found my uncle lying upon the floor, in- sensible. It opens that, during a quarrel he had been knocked down, by a fellow named Lawton. As | was greatly in need of money, I extracted my uncle’s wallet from his pocket, and thus the sus- cion of the theft fell upon Lawton. Trimbal hackera swore out a warrant for his arrest on the charge of assault and robbery, but I have not heard of Lawton’s being arrested. Should he be ar- rested, I want him cleared of the theft, as the wallet is in my pocket, intact, I not having the courage te spend any of the money.” With this explanation Van Vetchin sunk back among the pillows, and closed his eyes. “Lawton has been arrested,” Wrinkles said, to the lawyer, “‘and this will help to clear him.” Van Vetchin was again-revived, and made oath as to the correctness of his statement. Then, bidding him good-by, Wrinkles, and the lawyer, whose name was John Smythe, left the hospital. “Do you think Van Vetchin will live until morn- ing?’ Wrinkles asked. *Nol!’’ was the reply. ‘‘He may not survive, an hour. I want you to accompany me to police head- quarters!” a suse terg it a warrant out fer Trimbles Thackera, eh?” “Yes. He must be arrested.” “S"posin’ ye don’t git bim?”’ “Oh! that will be no trouble; the chief of polee knows where he resides.” ‘But, mebbe he ain’t there?” > “Oh! I dare say he is.” Wrinkles, however, in his own private opinion, was not so sure about it. It had occurred to him, that, maybe, the broker would take advantage of the night to get out of the city, taking Theo with him. If such a thing should be, it would doubtless be a job of considerable mag- nitude to effect a capture, On their arrival at the Central Station, they found the chief of police stil] in his ¢ffice, late as it was, and Smythe was accorded an interview. in which he delivercd the ante mortem statement, Wrinkles also being present, The chief surveyed the gamin, keenly, as he came across his name, in the document. *‘Are you the boy whom I've seen blacking boots, frequently, in this vicinity?” was tbe interrogation. ‘*Bet lam!’ Wrinklesreplied. ‘I’ve even shined them quoits o’ yourn. Reckon ye hardly know’d me, in these togs.” “You are a different-looking lad, altogether. Did you witness this kicking affair?” “Yes, sir.’’ “Why did you not report it, here?” “Humph! Yer don't s’pose I’m goin’ ter wear | taps off, till I git a detective badge, do yery” be chief smiled. “* You keep yourself straight and you may get one one of these days,’ he said. ‘‘ We shall have to sift this matter, Thackers may not be in town, as I heard on the street to-night that he had failed.” A warrant was issued for the broker's arrest, and an officer detailed to serve it at once. Bound to keep posted on what was going on, Wrinkles accompanied the officer, In due time they reached the Thackera residence, which was dark, the inmates, if there were any, probably being abed.* The bell had to be pulled several times before “we =e opened and the colored servant-boy ap- eared, ‘*T want to see Mr. Thackera,” the officer said. * He’s not at home, sah,” the boy announced. ‘‘Not at home? Where is he?” ** Dunno, sah,” “Ts his daughter at home?’ Wrinkles asked. 0, sah, “Ts his wife in?” the officer demanded. “Yes, sah” : ‘*'Tell her I wish to see her at once, then.’ The darky skurried away, leaving She door ajar, In a few minutes a lady came to the door; she was young and pretty, but very fragile, and attired in a wrapper. “Do you wish to see me—I am Mrs. Thackera,* she said, seeming anxious*and nervous. ; ‘Yes, ma’am,” and both men doffed their hate. “Tam in search of Mr. Thackera,ma’am. I havea warrant for his arrest.” “Then step inside, sir, and I will give you such in- formation as lies in my power. They followed her into the grand parlor and re seated, while Mrs. Thackera remained standin *~ What is this warrant for—what has Mr, Thackera been doing?”’ she ask bee “TI believe the charge is kicking a fellow into street, ma’am, and the victim is dying.” Mrs, Thackera uttered a gasp of alarm. “Who was the person who was kicked?” “It was yer nephew, ma’am,"’ Wrinkles ke | —* Vose Van Vetchin. He went to your hoshand’s a ; he 4 { hie t iw 154 my be p 4 ‘Ay fs 4 Pi i A iv¢ s a 4 ae 7 4 : a ie! d+ t - iy , ' 4 6 | | |
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{ woe Las htt t 4 ‘ ARE yo he Pie es wht y | ae a ry \ ‘1 4 ; > 4 : oe a 7 4 ti -¢€ : ah ¢ i f ’ said. office and wanted money, and got kicked out. He’s dying at the hospital from his injuries.” Mrs. Thackera covered her tace with her hands for a eyes ee seemed deeply affected. At length she looked up, and said: ‘*T cannot say where you will find Mr, Thackera, as Ihave seen neither him nor his daughter since they went to the church. I was ill and did not go. AS Pate just heard, however, that my busband is insolvent, it may be possible that he has fled from the city. I hope te goodness he is apprehended, for, | although I have been his wife but a short time, he has made my life very miserable.” a. ‘*Has he got a place in the country?’’ Wrinkles ed ‘He has a country seat, somewhere about fifty miles from the city, I have heard, but as he never gave me any information regarding it, I Biv ou none. t do not even know in what direction it is, nor whether it is in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware.” * Doubtless we can find out. Do you expect that | | ‘*We cannot go to work practically, until we have | something to go to work on. hear. he will not be likely to come back and face his | he will come back here?” “T think it hardly probable. If he has failed, as I creditors.” . ‘* How about this house?” Wrinkles inquired. “Itismine. Heassigned it to me, some time ago, in payment for money he had borrowed of me,” 2 If this is all the information you can give us we will zo!” the officer said. “Itis ' is <3 ah *
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ee —— — _ train at “yt ' gtudying the detective for some we ae RE pr eRe ae lige lh *B % Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. oe) Net 3 at The Firs, and hired me to guide the party, “ And you’ll do it?” “That depends altogether on circumstances. If you don’t want to submit to arrest, perhaps we can arrange it. How much money have you got?” “Five thousand dollars is all I have left in the wide world, out of a once large fortune!” Thackera deliberately lied. “Five, eh? Well, now, I'll tell you what is what: I’ve got the buige on you, fair an'square, and can do just as I please. If I want to let you escape, I .can manage it. Ef I don’t want ter let yer 'scape, “ye can’t. D’ye see?”’ **T comprehend!”’ was the grim reply. -you well you will allow me to escape?” ‘Exactly. You give me my price, and I'll fix ‘things so. Here’s my plan. A train goes through here, before daybreak. for Baltimoré. Take the mext train back for Harrisburg. and then go to Buffalo, and skip over into the Canadas—say Mon- treal, for instance. To give you time, I'll take the arty to The Firs, in the morning. In fact, I'll kee em off track till you get safe into Canada, Then, “Tf I pay _ *you look out, you’re all right.” * Will you swear to do this?” ries! 7 Mg ‘Then, what is your price?” ‘* Four thousan’!”’ **Good Heaven! @and|””. ** That’s your lookout, not mine!”’ The broker was silent, a moment; then, he arose, his eyes gleaming. “T have no chaice but to accept fae terms!’’ he said, grimly. ‘Wait here, and I'll get you the money!” He went up-stairs, but soon returned, and laid a voll of bank notes in ‘Mulligan’s eager clutches, “There is the money. I depend upon your honor mow to help me out!” “You can trust me. o'clock, I think.” ‘Very well. I will take it!’ After a short conversation, the two men shook thands and separated, Mulligan returning to the other hotel, richer by far than he deserved. But his scheming for feo was not ended. By the earliest morning train, Trimbal Thackera and Theo eft York. The girl was very pale, and seemed to stand in mortal fear of the cruel parent she accom- jpanied. Wrinkles and the others of the pursuing part ‘were up by daybreak, but, = as they were, Mul- igan was ahead of them, and had a conveyance in waiting to take them to The Firs. We will pass over the trip to the isolated country meat, as it was attended by no incident worthy of mention. : Of course they failed to find the Thackeras, and wothing was left for them but to return to York. “Tf a ain’t here, they may come yet!’ Mulligan suggested. Hardly probable,” Detective “* However, such a thing is possible.’ He had very little to say on the return trip to "York, and when they arrived there he announced that the party had better remain until the night rate. During the afternoon he and Wrinkles took a stroll about the town. “What d’ver think about the case, anyhow, Mis- ter Gray?” Wrinkles asked, py a been quietly me. . “Not much,” was thereply. “‘ We're about like ia ship becalmed at sea. I see no likelihood that our trip ere will gain us anything.” S’pose you'll go back to Phila, eh?” “No. Old man Thackera has made me an offer, and I'l! bag the game if it takes ten years, provid- ing the old gent’s money holds out, and I guess he’s got tog P cs reckom so, Ye don’t think the game will here?” “T do not!” “Neither do I!” There was something in the boy’s tone decidedly nificant, and Gray gazed at him inquiringly. “Why?” he inte y idea they've bin here al- ‘Because I’ve got an ready, and lit out.” “Hal What makes you think that?” “7 dunno, ‘less it’s because I'm gittin’ kinder “spishus uv. het feller Mulligan.” “Why, what’s the matter with Mulligan?” ‘* Why, I takes kim fer bein’ kinder crooked. Now yer know, in ther first neage we hain’t eee at the other hotels. Trimbles might’a’ easy bin here, an’ slipped away without our kno it.” **Maybe you are right. It won’t do any harm to make some inq' , at any rate.” * But, wait. t+ me tell you what makes me sus- picious. Last night, at Harrisburg, Mulligan give me the borrow for a dime to get a cigar with. A bit ago, Iseed him in a barroom, treatin’ sum fel- ders, and he had a big wad of bills!” ‘ Bie bet! Now, where'd he git all this wealth, so “That's a question. By Jove, boy, I believe you’ve That willleave me but a thou- The train leaves at four Gray replied. hit a clew again “So dol Now, et aire possible that Trimbles an’ ‘the gal were when we arrived, an’ Mulligan found it out, an’ got paid to let’em ¢ away.” * Your suggestion e will visit the f bag reason, other hotels and inqufre.” * Nix 1 Let the hotels alone. Go buzz the station- PISANI per ioe Lo da *“Can you tell me what time Trimbal Thackera and daughter left here?’ Gray demanded. ‘** Don’t know any such parties!’ was the reply. “Have you noticed a young lady, and a man, say of forty, take a train, since midnight?’ ‘*Yes. There have been several such couples.”’ “ Strangers?” ** No—all residents here, except one eouple, which took the early Baltimore train.” ‘* Ah! will you kindly describe them? We are de- tectives, and trying to trail a Y seere of fugitives.” The station-master was evidently a keen observer, for re described Trimbal Thackera and Theo accu- rately. “On track!’’ Wrinkles said, when it was ascer- tained that the fugitive broker had purchased tickets for Baltimore. It’s ‘bout as I figgered, in Mulligan’s case, too!"’ “Without a doubt!” Gray acknowledged. ‘‘ We will hold a council, and corner the cuss down. I judge he won’t be hard to scare,” So once more on the trail, they went hack to the hotel, and apprised Theodore Thackera and Lawton. Then, after a short consultation, Mulligan was sent for, to be treated to a cross-examination. CHAPTER XVI. CORNERING MULLIGAN. Wuen Mulligan entered the parlor, Detective Gray arose, closed and locked the door, and put the key in his pocket. The young Irishman instantly noticed the move, and wheeled around fiercely. “What d’ye mean by that?’ he demanded. “You sit down and never mind!”’ Gray ordered sternly. ‘“* We've = a few words to say to you, an want the door locked.” Mulligan dropped upon a chair, his face assuming a sort ef bulldog expression. ** Well,” he grunted, ‘‘ what do you want?” “We want to inform you that we have found out about the dirty trick you have played us in allowing be Thackera to escape when he was within our reach.” “Get out! Who's let him escape, I'd like to know?" ‘* You have, to be sure—you, and no one else. You knew he was in this city, and you've money in your pocket now that he paid you to aid him to elude us.” ‘*Tt’s a lie!” : “Bah! There is no use—no earthly use—of your denying it. We are all satisfied of your guilt, and the most sensible thing you can do is to own upto ” “Tl own up to nothing!” Mulligan growled, ‘l've did square by yous, an’ if ye don’t like it, all yer got to do is say so, an’ Pll go.’ “You will do nothing of the kind. Unless you confess, I'll arrest you for abetting a criminal to escape, and you'll get your rations in jail hereafter. So neither your denial nor your stubbornness will —_ you. ou’ll fare better to make a clean breast of it.’ “Well, s’posin’ I do—what you going to do "bout it? Ef ye know I did it, why know it—1 don’t care. I didn’t know Thackera was here, but I run aeross him an’ he offered me some money to let him es- re : didn’t promise him I wouldn’t foller him, ough."’ “How much money did he give you?” ‘*Four thousand dollars. Ill start a fine saloon when I get back to Phila.” ‘* Where did Trimbal Thackera go from here?” “To Baltimore.” \ ‘From there, where?” “That's for me to know an’ you to find out, I know where he’s gone, an’ 7 might hunt a year, without findin’him. But, I ain’t goin’ ter tell, so ready. If you want him bad enough to pay me ter ide you to where you'll find him, allright. If not, ‘m as mum as @ clam.” “Hither you tell us where Thackera’s objective destination is, or you get a term in the penitenti- ? ta A until wé have as good as got the game bagged. Otherwise I'll drop out.” . 1’ asserted the other, Accordingly, Mulligan was brought out of the closet, and the proposition made to him, thet he be oe his price, and given his liberty, as soon as he a guided the party to Trimbal Thackera’s destina- on. Detective Gray put the terms and conditions, in a clear and P inanner, leaving not the slightest pessibility fora misunderstanding. Mulligan listened, attentively, none of the stolid ex- pression leaving his face. “You've got the thing cut purty fime!”’ he said, finally, ‘‘ but I don’t know as it matters. lagree to your proposition, what assurance have I that you will act square?” “The word of four honorable men]”’ Gray said, sternly. “You perform your part and you can de- pend upon it that we will perform ours,’ ihdng 4 well. Thackera has gone to Montreal, If you hasten the pursuit, * tie may get him. there. I presume he will not stay there long. but git a place _ the country where he will be less likely & be ound. Larsen CHAPTER XVII. Tue eveni Grain took the pat to Harrisburg, e n in time to eave the northward-boand Buffalo Ex- ress. Pirhe hamdeuffs were removed from Mulligan's bands, but a watch was kept upon him during the +, ES scpikies to have no disposition to escape,
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"s ihe 3 ‘ we rs ¥ uy) v 4 4 Ms * | & ; , | , k ri * os : 4 4 t oh “ ike > i 2) : be \ Fits * ¥ ’ ‘Asa ‘eluded that the broker had not yet retired however, for he settled himself comfortably down in one of the seats, and his snores, all night long, at- tested that he was sleeping the sleep not usually credited to evil-doers. ; Buffalo was reached early in the morning, and here the party tarried but a couple of hours, await- ing a Canadian train, which would take them through to connect with the Montreal Express. During the wait, Wrinkles wandered away from the depot, along Exchange and up Main street, and Bo ng ee 4 paused to watch some bootblack working at his trade. If the “shine” met his approval, he nodded and walked off. Otherwise, he gave the “shiner” a Jecture, there and then, and advised him to come to Philadelphia and learn his trade. At last, it was train time, and the party set out once more. Farmer Thackera was @ lively old man, and was never more in his element than to-day, when he cracked jokes and told tales, right merrily. Hamilton was reached, in due time, and a change -of cars was made, for Montreal. The day had begun to wane, and the patney ahead, was not, prospectively, bright, for miles upon miles were yet to be traveled, and that, too, through a furious, blinding snow-storm, Of course the passengers were comfortably pro- vided for, but, at the same time, it is an odd disposi- tioned person who likes to travel by rail, through a snow-storm. : Wrinkles put in a couple of hours of the after- ‘noon, in sleep, and when he awoke, he found that all the rest of his party were enjoying thesame boon. After reading awhile, the gamin, seeing that all were yet asleep, arose, and sauntered back through the train. In passing through the next-to-the-last car, he made a discovery that, for the instant, nearly took his breath away. Cocupysas, & seat by himself, and dressed in the hight of fashion, was the identical colored lad whom Wrinkles had twice seen at the Thackera mansion, in Philadelphia! He was reading a novel, and did not see the boot- black detective, who as soon as he had recovered from his surprise, hastened back to the car be had started from. Arousingall but Mulligan, he made known the dis- covery, and Lawton was sent to take a peep through the door at the broker’s servant. baer Lou returned ke corroborated Wrinkles’s re- CO; on, i * The coon is on his way to join his master, then!" Detective Gray said, ‘‘ and our trail is now clear, as } the Indian would say. When we arrive at Montreal, ' all but myself and Wrinkles go to a hotel, there to remain until wanted. We wiil shadow the coon!” Having no fear that he would be recognized Gray secured a seat in the car occupied by the colored boy, and thus the journey was continued, until the train finally arrived at Montreal. Gray was slightly acquainted with the city, and directed Lawtor and ‘the farmer what hotel to seek; then he and Wrinkles *‘ went for the coon,” When the lad got off the cars, valise in hand, it appeared he knew where he was going, for he aim- rs for one of the Colossal hostelries near the depot. The detectives, as a matter of course, followed, and when the colored lad registered his name as * Adolphus Clay, Philadelphia,” they were close be- hind him, awaiting their turn, Clay was assigned to Room 126, and disappeared, in company with a porter. The detectives then examined the register, and to their surprise and delight, found that Trimbal Thackera and daughter had been assigned to rooms Nos. 8 and 9 some time earlier in the day. * The game is ours!” Gray decided, after they had registered, and been conducted to R-om 30, just across the hall from Nos. 8 and 9. “The game is ours, and all we've got to do is to bag it,” ‘How do you propose to go at it?” Wrinkles de- manded—*‘ gail in an’ arrest Trimbles, at once?” * Yes. The sooner the better. As soon as he is under arrest Thackersa, wants to take the girl and start for Herkimer, Then, if I cangeta requisition, ru are Trimbles, as you call him, back to: the ‘ht burned in one of the rooms, they con- 5, 8O leay- ing their own room, they softly crossed the hall, and rapped at No. 9 the room where the light showed over the transom, The door was immediately opened by Trimbal Thackera, Who evidentiy had been expecting some one—Clay, the colored boy, maybe. No sooner did he see the detectives, however, than he tried to shut the door. It was no use, however; for Gray and Wrinkles pushed it forcibly open and entered. Thackera then leaped away to a further side of the apartment, drawing & revolver as he did s0. ‘Back, there!” he orde Sternly, ‘* You sb never take me alive. YOu have hounded me down, but Pll never hang for murder!” ‘As the words fell from his lips, he placed the muz- zie to his temple and fired. \ Then he tottered and fell, heavily. A ; JInamoment Theo flew in from the next room, and the crowd that quickly gathered about the door of the room were treated to 4 tragic Detective Gray explained that while they were at- Srengeing to arrest the man, the fatal act had been one. " The hotel proprietor then dismissed the erowd and " notified the proper authorities, WhO took charge of ‘Trhnbal Thackera’s remains. Theo was very much grieved Over her father’s its Dandy Roeck’s Riv; re oe a tec " q ‘Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. death, but her grief was somewhat lessened because of her restoration to her grandfather, aud—Lawton. A few words will suffice to tell what remains to be told. A few days later the party returned to Philadel- phia, where Trimbal Thackera was buried. Then, accompanied by Theo, Farmer Thackera set out for his home, a happy man, as was Lou Lawton who went with him, to accept the overseership of the old man’s numerous farms. And, *‘ When the robins nest again,” it is more than probable that there will be a grand wedding in Herkimer, with Lou: nd Theo the happy couple. Mulligan was released, and, true to his remark, started a big saloon as a result of his strategic finan- ciering. Vose Van Vetchin did not die, as was expected, but recovered, and, be it said to his credit, after- ward led a correct life. As for Wrinkles, he and Gray were so well pleased with each other that they formed a partnership, and stand to-day unrivaled in their profession. They received a handsome sum of money from Theodore Thackera for their services, ard Wrinkles bought a snug house, which he intends to occupy as soon as he finds a bird to put in it. Only recently he and Gray led a raid upon Rosa- mond’s resort, and the fair gambler was arrested and sentenced to sixty days’ imprisonment. Paul Percival received his wife back, and they are now living happily together. And thus we come to the end of a strange life- record, so far as this romance is concerned—a record that, furnished with correct names, would be recognized by many a Philadelphian as ‘‘an ower true tale.” THE END, Beadle's Half-Dime Library. BY JOHN J. MARSHALL. 40 Roving Ben. A Story of s Young American. 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes, BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG, 89 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rotky Bar 171 Ebony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 ah he Rim; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas, BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe: or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Captain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game. 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duellat; or, The Mountain Vempires. B88 A Lh pag Boy 3 or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. 878 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. 888 Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 49} pane amt lys or, > for a Ranch. 8% Little Leather-Breeches; or, Old Jumbo’s Cu 481 Little Ah Sin; or, The Curse of Blood. 4 451 Colerado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 480 Three Jolly Pards. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly roa to the Rescue. BY*EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Aaa Scott, the Steamboat Bey. 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Aimong the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. 811 The gin Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Clip, the Contortionist; or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY J, ©. COWDRIOK. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man\of Mystery. B6Y Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without Name. 424 Cibuta John: or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 490 Broadway Billy. the Bootblack Bravo. 5 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road, =. ‘ penewey Bill i. Basti y ingineer Detective 586 Broadway Billy's * DiMikilty.” BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentuck} or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’s 498 Cactus Burr, tj from Hard Luck. 587 Old Buckey®, the Siere Shadow. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE. 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 Tiger of Taon; er, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 64 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. or, The Haunted Maid of Taos. 509 Jack J 15 BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Tom; or, The Demon’s Trail. 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw. BY WILLIAM i. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards, BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler’s Big Game. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamend Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rocks 519 Papas Mystery ; or, Five in One. 581 Daisy iare, the Sport from Denver. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shets. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 642 The Canyon Pards. BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer: or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY GEORGE ©. JENKS. 485 Git Thar Owney, the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 5618 The Demon Doctor, BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhaeker; oz, The Doomed Thirteen. 194 Buffalo BIll’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taow Ted, toe Arizona bts 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective. 518 Cool Colorado in New York. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life, 2 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. " 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes, 848 Fire-Heels; or, Old Skinfliet, the Death-Shadow, 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Light-houne, 870 Breaker Len, the Reef-Runner, BY HARRY 8T. GEORGE. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the pose: 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, 5Y Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s cae 108 During Davy ; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. 166 Hickory Harry ; or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder. BY JO PIERCE, 897 Rob o’ the Bowery; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom. 452 Hotspur Bob, the Street Boy Detective. 0 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy, 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. Five Points Phil. gers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 588 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward. 541 Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 Bill Biddon, big say 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. 10 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive, 21 The Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman. 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Huge Hunter}; or, The Steam Prairie Man. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Old Rocky’s ‘*Boyees 3” or, Benito, the Young Horse Breaker. 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge, 807 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop. Ker-whoo: or, The Tarantula of Taos, 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards. 882 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaway’s Trost. $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch Ralders: or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 875 Chiota, the Creek} or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. ; 92 Romeo and the Reda; or, The Beleaguered Raneh. bre y Jittlo Lariat 5 pra eaan Pete’s Big Rampage. rhe om Denver. f 427 The Three Trailers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, ; 442 Bluff Bill; or The Lynx of the Leona. 1 455 Little Lone Star; or, The Belle of the Cibolo. A New Issne Every Tuesday. y, The Half-Dime Library 1s for sale by sil newsdealers, five eents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. i BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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BEADLE’S*H ALF-PIME*]_ IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road, 20 Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 49 Omaha O11; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 57 Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. @8 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity Jane, the Heroine, @ Corduroy Charlie; or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Peeaword Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s suicn. Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 5 Deadwood Dick’« Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture. Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. Sugar-Coated Sam j or, The Black Gown. Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. Deadwood Diek’s Death Trail. B09 Daeaw oud Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of regon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ings. B51 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonda, Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case.” Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Nickel-Plate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance. Saanewer Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full and, 459 Fiush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- De 465 Philo Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at aim . 471 Bozeman Bill} or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Humboldt Harry the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Dog Detective. 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr, in Deadwood, 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick’s Diepings 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. 508 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Dacka, 554 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt, 539 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr. the Wild West Vidooq, 549 Deadwood Dick on Ifis Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston. Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Philadelphia, Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. 4 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Decree. + Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin, Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. Dendwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in No Man’s Land. 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr. After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Buffalo. 6458 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Chase Across the Continent. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. " 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team, 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Kobi | r, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye}; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City. 18 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 7 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detectivo 1 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 5% Bonanza Bill, Miner. 8 Boss Bob: the King of Bootblacksa, 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 5 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 77 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, 181 Wild Frank, the Backskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter. 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Ghadiator, 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret, 248 Sierra Sam’s Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Paris or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’a Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Koy Patrol; or. The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’« Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 880 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miuer. 889 Kangaroo Kit’ Racket, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 eared Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Lottery of t BIZ Yreka Jim’s Prize. BTS Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bieyele Ren; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective, 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 458 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler. Powwow Peledrelred-edededeterd ae BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. ? The Flying Vankee} or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship's or, The Rival Lieutenants. 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea- Wolf, 02 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smugzgier. 11 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 16 The Mussar Captain ; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, 9% Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 04 Gold Plume}; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 216 Bison BALL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer ; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. 264 fine Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure sland. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned, 276 mere Monte’s Orulse; or, The Chase of “The Gold Pap. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate}; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 2ST Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 ae Mysterious Marauder}; orjThe Boy Bugler’s Long rail. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom. $98 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Iaodor, the Young Consptirator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtamany or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Ralder. 441 The Ocean Firefly; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Maphazard plarry 3 or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouta, 462 The Born Gulde; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. ‘474 Flora; or, Wizard Wilil’s Vagabond Pard. AS8 Ferrets Afloats or, Wizard WiI!’s Last Case. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman. 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BUI, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The BRuc skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rie, 545 Licutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BUI, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective, 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea- Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, 617 Ralps, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Raiders and the Red Riders of the Rio. 644 The Hercules Highwayman. BY BUFFALO BILL (Mon. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY CHARLES MORRIS. 1x8 WIII Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Black Reaa, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the Wooda, 5 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. A Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 88 The Hidden Handy or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 9 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. Dark Paul, the Tiger King. Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. Tom Tanner}; or, The Biack Sheep of the Flock, 5 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. The Two “* Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway; of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker vity. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, B67 Wide-Awanke Joe}; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vaganond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket, 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolfin the Fold, BY OLL COOMES, 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knitfe, the Prince of the Prairies. 4l Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. t4 Hawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, Sear-F ace Saul, the Silent Hunter 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Murricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Codie Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps, 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little V /ldfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger, 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranges 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon 3 or, Rafnbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Herenles3 or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fred} or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. BY T. ©. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night}; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge}; or The Litth Hunter. Ag Nightingale Nut; or) Tne Forest Captains, . 64 Dandy Jack; or, he Outlaws of the regon Trails. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper. 06 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 8 Kiowa Charley the Woite Mustanger. 9 Judge Lynch, Jr.: or, The Boy Vigihante, 5 Gold Tr gger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 69 Tornado Fos or, Injan Jack From Red Core, 88 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 98 Arkansaw 3; or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. OT Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet 3 or, Little Tonknot’s Crusade, $1 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 41 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apolin, tne King-Pin of Bowle. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 Piaeeite Dany or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona. 826 The Ten Parday; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. B56 Cool Sam und Pars; or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, 886 Captain Cutlass; or, The Brceeaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob: or. The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, All The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flaeh, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Againat Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar. 470 The ee Shadow ; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Ringle Sight, the One-Eved Sport, 502 Branded Ben, the Night ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox ona) oar the Bowery Shadows. { 588 Dodger ck, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’« Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectiven, 558 Dodeer Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. 626 The Champion Parda. 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp- LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. ll the Pony Rider Detective; or, Buffi) 650 La teg whey Mg By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, : 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective. Wm. G. Patten. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, By Ol! Coomes. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. By T. C. Harbaugh. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. Edward L, Wheeler , ' 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. By Charles Morr), 656 Rutterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. By Col. P. Ingraham. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. B Lieut. A. K. Sims. : 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver; or, The Storm-Waif ¢ Giant’s Boot, By Jo Pierce. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the “ Pizenest ” Man of Ante Bar; 0) Cibuta John’s Champion Chase. By J. C. ga ai 660 Deed wood Dick, Jr’s., Insurance Case. By Kawar L y heeler, 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; Banner Ben, th Wildfire of the Prairies, By Oll Coomes. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza; or, The Spectre Soldier « the Overland. By Col. P. Ingraham. 668 Violet Vane’s Vietorys or, The Jaspar City Clean Ou By Wm. G. Patten. 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special; ot, The Life Recket af Rattlesnake Ridge. By P. S. i arp. f n the Plains Detective; or, Warbling Wil ia Jolly Jeremiah, 2 Lieut. A. K. Sims. Ready April 22. ‘ . -k, Jr.» Back in the Mines; or, Th” 666 Deadwood Dicks ZhisGame. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready April 29. A New Iasue Every Tuesday. Tia The Half. Dime Library |» for sale by all newsdenlers, five tents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, _ 98 William Street, New York, — Ce dededadaedededl gae Be i ; € a ‘ P Ul { My or a le