Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 554) (1888 03 06)
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TI wes Yj Z) ; 7 h ad I = tn as : a as ee ee Y: DBAS 0 aN @>. ES tt a i tt en a la al Ja-rt\N Entered at the Pest Office at New York, N, ¥., at Second Class Mail Rates. / March 6, 1988, Copyright, 1893, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, $2.5C PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, 2 Year. uv 5 Cents. No. 554. . : : ae We é Th ese ee yh WW i f ——— 7 | & | hy a yy Y fit iin vl ta : VY Yy Nit WY (UNRAVELING ATWISTED SKEIN, age a fe Mg ‘ sth ht win het it mi bt a Z ! . BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, {auTHoR or “ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘ DwN- VER DOLL” NOVELS, ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK, JR.,” NOVELS, ETC., ETC., ETO, CHAPTER I, | ‘THE MEETING ON THE TRAIN, _ . A MipnicuT train was speeding on its way +0 ; jal Siege metropolis--New York City. A large 3 on of its passengers were from the far est or Southwest, but noticeably from the ‘former region. —— _ Among these were two of very striking ap- DIRECTLY, ONY END OF A ROPE WAS LOWERED INTO THE SEWER, AND, SEIZING ROME jpearance—one a young man of perhaps five- | HOLB OF IT, DICK WAS DRAWN UP. * w yy f ysl ous Shen oe ¥ i i! inst a ae mee Soest t
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2 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. ‘ and-twenty years, whose long hairand sombrero{ ‘Then I wish to employ you. indicated the denizen of the real wild West. Possessed of a wiry figure and a handsome, manly face, smoothly shaven, be commanded considerable attention. The other was aman of at least fifty years, rather corpulent, well dressed, but with hair and beard as white assnow. His was a kindly face, but his eyes were red with weeping, and every now and then he would shake with the emotion which, seemingly, he was unable to repress, These two.sat opposite each other across the aisle, the latter having boarded the train at a way station. This manifest grief of the elder party seemed to create a feeling of sympathy in the younger, for, reaching across the aisle and touching the elder upon the arm, he said: ‘* You appear to be in trouble, my friend.” The grief-stricken man closely surveyed his accoster for a moment, and then, arising from his own seat, took the vacant seat beside him. ‘Yours is a bright, honest face,” he said, in a husky tone of voice, ‘and I will tell you that I am in trouble—the worst troubie of my life.” ‘“ What may be the nature of your trouble, if I might inquire?” “T have lost my daughter, sir.” ** Ah, that is too bad! You have my sympa- thy, if a stranger’s sympathy is any source of condolence. Did she die suddenly?” ‘* Die? Well, I can hardly say. mysteriously disappeared.” “*Tndeed? An clopement, perhaps?” “No; Iam positive it was not. She had no suitors whatever, as I have been assured on good authority. She finished her education at Vassar College a trifle over a weck ago, and immediately telegraphed me of ber intention to start for home on the day following her zradu- ation. I waited patiently for her return, but when two days bad passed and she did not ap- pear, I grew anxious and telegraphed to Pough- Reapels to ascertain the cause of the delay. In answer, I was informed that she bad procured her ticket and started for home at the time she tad promised. Since then, nothing has been seen or heard of her, although I have employed the best detective talent in the search for her.” ‘‘Rather singular, I should say. Are you sure she left Poughkeepsie?” ‘* Positive. One of the professors saw her off!” ‘Hum! Where do you reside, Mr.—?” “My name is Vance—Roger Vance—and my esr ee is in New York City. Here is my card, He extended a card, which read as follows: ‘*Roger VANCE, “ Petroleum Broke, ** Residence—Lexington avenue, N. Y.” She very *“T bave been on another wild-goose chase to- day,” and am thoroughly disheartened,” he | added. “To New Brunswick?” “Yes, I read of a suicide there, of a girl that answered to my daughter’s description, and I hastened there. ut, 1t was not my child!” ** How old was your daughter, sir?” “* Just eighteen!” ‘* Her name?” “* Violet!” “ Well, I should think the New York detec- tives, with all their accredited shrewdness, would he able to get some clew to your daugh- ter’s whereabouts. I think if I were posted in your city, I could doit. I’ve done a little de- tective work, occasionally, myself, and never lost a case!” “You don’t_say sol! By Heaven! If you'll find my child, P11 make you a rich man!” the old gentleman cried, excitedly. ‘* What is your name, sir?” For answer, the young man handed hima card, which bore the inscriptiou: _ “Ricsgarp M. BrisTor, (* Deadwood Dick, Jr.), “U.S. Gov't Detective.” ‘¢ Indeed?” and the broker looked curious, ‘TI have seen the name, somewhere—in literature, I think.” “Very likely, sir.” ‘So you are a detective, eh? What brings you East—for I infer you are a Western man?” “So Llam. My business in the East is simply a pleasure trip—to see this new world to me. “ Just so. Then there would be nothing in ticular to deter you from undertaking the eb of hunting up my daughter?” “No, I believe not.” Possibly you might succeed where others have failed!” ‘Possibly, but hardly probable, inasmuch as I have no knowledge of New York City. How- ever, if you wish me to look into the matter, I | will, as doubtless it will give me a knowledge of the city that would otherwise escape me.” ‘‘T du certainly wish you would try and solve | the problem of my daughter’s disappearance, Whatever your charges may be I will cheerfully pay, as lana man of abundant means!” “Ob! vae pecuniary part of the business is a secondary consideration!” Dick replied, ‘“ What we want to get at, is your daughter’s whereabouts!” ‘“Bxactly! But I fear that will be a long and almost hopeless undertaking.” ‘‘Let us hope not. Fertune, though dilatory in dealing out her favors, often hands them in when least expected. A few questions, please, Mr. Vance. Is your wife living?” “No, She died years ago.” “Pave you any near relatives living?” “ Yes.” “ How many?” ** But two.” ‘““ What are their names?” ““Pshaw! Why these questions? My relatives, had I a hundred, could have nothing to do with the disappearance of my daughter,” Deadwood Dick immediately put up his pencil and note-book, and leisurely averted his face to the window, gazing out into the flying scenes of the night. Roger Vance watched him curiously for sev- | eral minutes in silence, then asked: * Thinking over the matter?” “Nol” Dick replied. ‘I have no occasion ” to. “ But—I don’t, understand.” “Tl make it plainer, then. If I am to take your case, I must have every one of my ques- tions unhesitatingly answered, If I am de- barred the entire confidence of an employer— and I am proud to say I have never betrayed a confidence—I have nothing to do professionally with that case. I consider it my duty, as a sleuth, to have the privilege of sifting the very | ashes of circumstances to get my clews. Nine times out of ten I may find nothing but clinkers, then something that leads to the ultimate success of my case.” ‘By Heaven, you're a good one!” Vance de- clared, taking off his hatand wiping the perspir- ation from his brow. ‘My entire confidence you shall freely have. Ask, and you shall be answered.” ‘*T want the names of your relatives.” “Mrs, Florence Fulton, my own cousin, and Virgie, her daughter.” ‘« Their residence?” ‘‘Number — Crosby street, New York.” ‘Rather an obscure quarter, or more to the point, rather a low-class quarter of the city, is it not?” ‘Well, yes, somewhat so!” ‘“-Your cousin and daughter are well off?” “On the contrary, no. It is my money that contributes mainly to their support.” ‘© What is your actual] wealth, Mr. Vence?” ** Well, I presume I could draw checks for half a million, besides which I have estate worth as much more. Then, again, I have a floating fund that I use in oil brokerage, of about ten thousand, Thisis something I have never made public before.” “ How many persons do you employ “Only one, and he is my secretary. I have always made it a practice to transact my busi- ness myself. Hence, my success.” ‘“Tsee, Whatis the name of your secretary?” * Felix Franks.” **A person of irreproachable character and habits, 1 presume?” “Yes. I'd stake my life on his reliability, and good habits!” “You would be foolish to do that, as the hest of us are but weak compositions of flesh and bone. However, if Mr. Franks has been for a time in your employ, you ought to know as to his true character, In eventof your death, and in case your daugbter is never found, I suppose your vast wealth would descend to your cousin and her daughter?” ‘Most assuredly.” “So I suppose, sy the way, have you a personal enemy?” The broker was silent a moment, in thought, but finally answered. ‘* No, I don’t think I have, unless, possibly, it is one man.” “Who is he?” : * His name is Bill Bruno but he is more com- monly known as Bum Boston, from the fact a 1 that he is an inveterate bummer, and hails from | the Hub, I employed him, sometime ago, as | stableman, but, owing to his bad habits was foreed to discharge him, and he left in a bad humor!” ‘Well, [don’t know asI have much more to ask, at present,” Dick said, “‘except that I would like the addresses of your secretary, and | this man, Bum Boston.” ‘Felix lives, or rather, boards, with my cousin, in Crosby street. My cousin keeps boarders, and then, too, I guess Felix has rather a weakness for Virgie, who is a charming girl. As for Bruno, he is, I believe, a habitue of the grog-shop known as the White Grill, Sixth avenue.” “Thanks, Assoon as we get in New York, and I am somewhat rested from my lon journey, I will look the matter up. sha. first visit Poughkeepsie and begin the search from there.” ‘Quite an advisoble idea, although I don’t imagine you will learn more than [ did, Use your own judgment, and_if you succeed I'll re- ward you bandsomely, In the mean time, bere is a hundred dollars, to defray your immediate expenses!” ick accepted the proffered note, then a silence ensued, the detective remaining in deep thought as the train dashed on through the star- less night, At last the train rolled into the station at Jersey City, and there Dick and Mr. Vance took the Desbrosses Ferry for the New York side. Arsiving in New York, the broker invited Dicx to bis residence in Lexington avenue, but as Dick expressed a preference for a hotel, he was recommended to the Bartholdi, whither, after bidding Mr. Vance good-night, he went in a cab. Thus was the Western Detective Prince prac- tically launched upon a new, and to him novel adventure, CHAPTER II. THE SHADOW OF A CLEW. WueEn Dick arrived at the hotel, he regis- tered, and went direct to his room, for he was very much fatigued, and in a short time was fast asleep, He was up betimes in the morning, however, and took a Jong walk through Broadway, sight- seeing. The huge, majestic buildings, and the daz- ling displays in the store windows, were a souree of great attractioa to him, and it was nearly noon, when he returned to the betel, During bis perambulations he had purchased a map of the city, and on his arrival at the hotel, he studied if over carefully, and succeeded in getting a good idea of the main avenues and localities of the metropolis. In the afternoon, he took another pilgrimage, the result of which was that he located the White Grill, on Sixth avenue, and also the resi- dence of Mrs, Fulton, on Crosby street. These were the first two important items in the case, he assumed. That night he took in the theater, and thus oe his first day in the great city of New ork. to 'go to work on the Vance case, as it would a true life than he would probably otherwise ave, The first important step was to visit Pough- keepsie, the seat of the celebrated Vassar Col- lege, and make inquiries there, concerning Miss Violet Vance, Accordingly, he took an early train, and was soon steaming along the banks of the romantic Hudson. Jn due time he arrived in the academic city and within a short time afterward, was engaged in interviewing the professor under whose charge Miss Vance was particularly placed. “Yes, I can positively affirm that Miss Vance left for New York, on the 7:50 train, A. M., December 6th!” the professor declared, after Dick had made known hiserrand. ‘I ac: companied her to the depot myself, as did several of her young Jady friends, for she was such a charming girl, so apt and ingenue, that we all loved her cones e saw her aboard the train, bade her good- “f and the train moved off. That is the last I ‘have seen or bh ot her, and I am sorely grieved that she bas not reached home in safety!” . ne she have any beaux, while here?” Dick “Positively no, She was not a bharum- scarum girl, and I don’t believe she had a male The following morning he made up his mind ; afford him a chance to see more of the city and -
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Ss Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. ee in the town, outside of the col- ege. ‘“‘ Did she have baggage, on her denarture?” { 1 | ! | “Oh! yes—a large Saratoga trunk, with her | initials on one end. I saw to the checking of it myself, and saw it aboard the train.” ‘She started December 6th, at 7:50, a. m7” ** Yes, sir.” “What sort of a looking girl was Miss Vance?” * A blonde, of medium hight and graceful, willowy figure, and very pretty. Indeed, many of our girls ‘were envious of her beauty. She had deep blue eyes, and sunny hair of golden hue, and a pretty mouth tempting enough to kiss—at least, I thought so, old as I am, and being surrounded by a regiment of fair maidens I ought to be somewhat a judge!” And the professor smiled, good-natured] *“ By the way,” he added, “I think prove to you that she was ; retty!” He touched a bell, and.a servant appeared. “Send Miss Leroy!” the professor directed, and the servant departed. Miss Leroy, herself a ravishing beauty, soon made her appearance. “Miss Leroy, this is Mr. Bristol a detective, who is in search of Violet. He would like to see your photograph of her,” the professor said. ‘ He can ses it, but I would not part with it for the world!” “Oh! certainly not!” Dick hastened to ob- serve. ‘That is not necessary. I simply wish to look at the picture.” Miss Leroy left the room, and soon returned with a cabinet photo, which she gave to Dick. It was the shadow of a remarkably pretty maiden, and Dick studied the face Sarat’ min- utes, in silence, ere he returned the photo to its owner. } can **T shall know that face, if I ever see it!” he | observed, returning the portrait, ‘Have you any tidings of Violet?” Miss Leroy asked, “None as yet,” Dick replied, ‘*There seems to be a great mystery about her disappearance, but Pll solve it, after awhile. Did the young lady have any gentlemen acquaintances, Miss Leroy?” ‘No, sir. I never saw her talk toa man but once, and I was her most intimate companion for over a year.” ‘* When was it you saw her in conversation with a man?” ‘* About a week before she left here?” “Hal! this may lead to a clew! Who was this men?” “T do not know. Violet didn’t tell me. I simply saw them together, just outside the col- lege grounds.” * Could you describe the individual?” “Well, not accurately. As I saw him, he was dressed and looked likeafop. He worea dark, waxed mustache, and I noticed a livid sear on his ueck, as if some one had been trying to cut his throat. He also wore a single eye- glass. That’s about all [ can tell you, except that he wore a high het.” “How long did Miss Vance converse with him, Miss Leroy?” “Some ten or fifteen minutes, and after he left, she looked as if she were worried about mace thingy but I didn’t venture to question er,’ “TIthink here is the beginning of a red-hot | trail, as we say out West!” Dick observed, his brows knitting. Then, turning abruptly to the professor, he continued: “How was Miss Vanco dressed, on her de- parture, sir?” ‘*She wore a handsome sealskin ulster, that reached nearly to her feet, and a peaked hat ornamented with white plumes, How she was attired beneath the ulster, of course I do not iInow, but presumably in a gray costume, that shade appearing to be a favorite with her!” ‘** Her sealskin ulster had her full name em- broidered on the inside lining,” added Miss Le- roy. . Dick had been making notes of the foregoing conversation, and next he asked: “Do you know the name of the conductor of the train, on which Miss Vance departed?” “Unfortunately I do not, As I reside so far up in this city as the college I am little ac- quainted with the railway people. Perhaps you could find out at the depot.” So, after thanking his informants, Dick took leave of the great college, where thousands of ‘our brightest girls have received their educa- tions, only to become shining lights in the best Union. | case I have in hand, At the depot Dick approached the statten- agent, and asked: “*Can you inform me who was the conductor on the 7:50 4. M. train for New York, on Decem- ber 6? ‘*-Yes, I can. It was Bob Callahan.” “Can youinform me where I will find him, sir?” ‘*He’s up in Albany, now. He’llbealong here at the usual time, to-morrow morning, barring sickness or accidents.” “ He runs through to New York, I suppose?” ** He does.” Thanking the agent, Dick waited in the sta- tion until the next train for New York came along, and then embarked, “T have made a beginning, at least,” he | mused, while being whirled along over the rails, but, how long the trail is,is a question not easily decided. It strikes me there is con- siderable significance in Violet Vance’s conver- sation with the eye-glassed stranger, and the matter may have some connection with the Anyhow, when to-morrow comes, I must interview Mr. Bob Callahan, From him I likely can learn if Miss Vance went through to New York, on his train. People don’t commonly wear sealskin ulsters and he may remember her, After interviewing Calla- han, I have another move in view. The prices of the Hotel Bartholdi are too rich for my blood, and I reckon V’ll take up accommodations with Mrs. Fulton, of Crosby street, It might prove profitable.” CHAPTER ITIL A VISIT TO THE GRILL, Wuewn Dick arrived back in the metropolis, it was well on toward night, as he spent his time strolling about town,as he had a desire to get better acquainted with the city, He paid a visit to the Bowery, with its many giddy attractions, and finally brought up at the post-office on Broadway, as he wished to procure some stamps, 4 After making his purchase, he was about to return up-town, when he espied a young lady in deadly peril. In attempting to cross Broadway, she had be- come hedged in between trucks, carriages and street-cars, and was in imminent danger of being trampled down beneath the horses’ feet. At cnce dashing forward, Dick pressed a span of coach-horses back upon their haunches, and snatched the young woman literally from the jaws of death, as a furiously-driven span of car- ae were almost upon her, ‘ Assisting the lady he had rescued to the side- walk, Dick there released hold of her. She was beautifully formed, and richly at- tirerl, and wore a costly sealskin ulster that reached nearly to her pnt Dick’s sharp eyes did not fail to make note of this fact, and he surveyed the womanly keenly, but did not make out mucb, as the upper part of her face was concealed, by a vail, that in the gloom of dusk obscured her features, * Oh, sir!” she said, in a tremulous voice, “ I am very much obliged to you. If I only knew how ever I could repay you, I~” “Don’t mention such a thing!” Dick hastened tosay. ‘fam very glad I happened to be able to rescue you from being trampled under foot, You had a narrow escape!” “TI did, indeed, and but for your act, I should have been hurt—perhaps killed. I was hedged in on all sides, and did not know what to do. Again, I wish to express my everlasting grati- tude. Here ismy card, If you will call, I am sure mamma will be pleased to extend to you her sincere thanks also.” : She thrust a card into Dick’s hand, and hur- ried away. As it was getting too dark to decipher what was on the card, Dick thrust it into his pocket, and continued on.up Broadway. Instead of going direct to the hotel, he con- cluded to pay a visit to the White Grill, on Sixth avenue, for the purpose of getting a look at Bum Boston, providing that worthy should chance to be around, Reaching the designated place, Dick found it i to be asaloon and cr bene combined; a gilded place, frequented by both sexes, the female ele- ment being fully of as questionable a character as the male. Both men and women were drinking freely, and there clung about the place an odor of onions, ose and beer, The place was well fitted up, brilliantly light- ed, and well calculated to attract the attention society or leading educators in all parts of the { of any out-of-town citizen with a fat pocket- Procuring a beverage at the bar, Dick seated himself at one of the tables, and ordered an oyster stew. He at once became an object of universal scrutiny; but, as he paid no particular atten- tion to any one, he was not molested. F It is one of the rules of the house that any, stranger who does not attempt to “mash” the' “lady” patrons, is to be let severely alone, | Among the considerable audience present, Dick saw but «ne person who he thought might answer to the name of Bill Bruno, other- wise Bum Boston, He was a large-proportioned man, with a bloated face and bloodshot eyes. He wore a dark mustache of the brigandish order, and the end of his nose looked decidedly as if “the town had been painting it red.” / In company with several others, he was drink-. ing, while the party discussed politics in a man- ner more forcible than polite, but Dick failed to catch the name of the big fellow.” So when he had finished his stew, he arose to depart. At this juncture the curtained front door opened, and a newsboy entered with a bundle of papers under his arm. He was probably about fourteen years old, but small of his age, and ragged and dirty. His face, however, was an intelligent one, the eyes being especially keen and brilliant. “News! Evening Sun!” he cried, ‘ All about the railroad accident!” The big man wheeled around from the bar, with an oath. “Get out of here, you young imp! Didn't I tell you not to show up in here any more?” he cried, and with that he gave the newsboy a brutal kick, that caused him to scream with pain, and retreat from the saloon. Deadwood Dick was “ riled” in a minute, and stepped quickly forward, * See tom sir, that wasn’t a fair deal!” he cried, facing the bummer. ‘‘ What kind of a man are you, to kick a mere child? You ought to be flogged within an inch of your life, you big brute!” This coming from an utter stranger, and one who was so much inferior in size, caused the big man to stare, Then, after a second, he broke forth into a torrent of imprecations, “Why, curse your picture, what's it your business what I do? I reckon I’m just the sort of a Jersey Lily as can do you, if you do wear long hair, and carry revolvers in your boots; and if you don’t clear out of the saloon in double-quick order, I'll smash you so your mother won’t know you!” “Yes, and I'll help you,” cried George Pote, the bouncer” of the establishment—a red- headed individual with a game leg, who looked as if he couldn’t bounce a baby. ‘Ob! I've heard men talk, but talk is cheap, and a drug on the market!” Dick replied calm- ly. ‘I don’t pose as a pugilist or a fighter, but, understand that, although I propose to leave this saloon as soon as it suits my convenience, I don’t fear one or the both of you!” ** Ye don’t, eh?” roared the big man, ‘Then I'll make you!” With that he lunged forward, and aimed a vicious blow at the sombrero-covered head, Dick, quite prepared for the onslaught, gave the bully a terrific blow in under the ear, that floored him, and rendered him insensible, Such a scientific knock-out in one round, the patrons of the Grill bad seldom if ever seen, and a murmur of astonishment went re Dick turned next to Pote, the *t bouncer.” “Now, sir, I can accommodate you, limpy,” he coolly announced, “Not much you don’t!” Pote declared, skulk- ing behind the bar. ‘I’m not looking for a scrape, just now, you bet!” “Oh! very well! I thought you was more bluster than bite!” Dick declared. ‘‘ When the big ruffian here comes to his senses, you’d better soak his head in a solution of strong lye. Good- night, gents!” nd turning, he left the saloon, probably leay- ing bebind him the impression that ‘‘ Western man muchee bad medicine!” Outside Dick found the newsboy who received the brutal kick. He was. still crying piteously, and shivering with the cold. “There, don’t cry, my boy!” Dick said, pat- ting him on the shoulder. ‘ Did the brute hurt you bad?” “You bet he did!” was the reply. got such a kick m my life!” “Well, 1 punished him for it, by knocking him senseless!” “Get out! There ain’t no ove in the ward “T never
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& Dea dwood Dick, Jr., in Gotha ean lick Bum Boston!” the boy cried, incredu- lously. “Well, I did, just the same. What’s your name, sonny?” * Everybody calls me Rats!” ‘Well, Rats, { see you are shivering with the eold. Here’s a half-dollar. Take it, and go and get yourself a good warm meal, and you will eel better.” “Thanks, sir,” the boy said, accepting the eoin, and bounding away like a shot. “So that was Bum Boston, eh?’ muttered Dick, as he trudged along toward the hotel. “Well, he’s certainly none too good for mis- CHAPTER IV. TRACED TO NEW YORK. Tae next morning Dick was up bright and early, and after a hearty breakfast repaired to the Grand Central Depot in Forty-second street, to await the train that should bring Conductor Bob Callahan to New York. During his wait Dick engaged in conversation with one of the station-men, who promised to point out: Callahan on his arrival. It was nearly half-past nine when the Alban Express pulled into the depot, and it was ful) fifteen minuteg-later ere Dick had the satisfac- tion of seeing be Callahan, The conte was a well-built, portly man, and possessi of a genial countenance, so that Dick felt no hesitation in approaching him. After introducing himself, the detective came direct to the point. “Mr, Callahan,” he said, ‘did you conduct tke train from Albany on the 6th instant?” “*T did, sir.” #h Do you, as a rule, remember the faces or peculiarities of your passengers?” , “Oh, if there is anything strikingly peculiar abour fheir appearance, I generally notice the fact.” ‘So I supposed. Do you remember of haying among your passengers on the 6th a beautiful young lady, who wore a Jong sealskin coat?” * Perfectly well, She got on at Poughkeep- 6le. “Exactly. That’s the very party I am look- ing for. Did she come straight through to. New York, or did she leave the train at some station along the route?” “ Shé caiiie through to New York. I assisted her to alight from the cars, She had been a frequent passenger on my train, either coming from or going to Vassar, and we were pretty well acquainted. I sometimes wished I had not married quite so early/in life,” And bere the conductor smiled broadly, add- “Ing! f If Mrs. Bob C—— were to hear that, there would be red-headed war in the camp.” P * Do you know anything about what became of Miss Vance, after she reached New York?” was Dick’s next interrogative. ** No more than that she said she was_ return- ing home after having gradvated. When we arrived in New York, I saw her into the wait- ing-room and left her there, and that’s the last T’ve seen of her. But why all these questions?” ‘Miss Vance is missing, and has not been home at all.” “The deuce you say! Why, that’s mighty strange.” “Right ried, and but it is evident I me are. Mr. Vance is terribly wor- am trying to set matters to rights, ave got a big job ahead of me.” “Yes, it rather looks like it. I’m mighty sorry to hear of the young lady’s disappearance, and if in my leisure moments, I can do anything toward helping to find her, I will do so.” “Thank you. Ill tell you what_you might do,” Dick said, thoughtfully. ‘You might make inquiries among the cabmen about the depot. Some one of them ought to remember, especially if she took a cab for home, which most likely she did. And you might also make some inquiries about her baggage. You would robably have more success in the matter than “By Jove! I'll look up the matter this very day,” Callahan assented. ‘‘ As you say, the ,cabmen ought to know something about her, and I know every mother’s son of them.” “Very well. If you find any news, drop me a note to the Hotel Bartholdi. I’m in hopes you may be able to gain some information from the cabmen.” **T shall try hard, you can bet,” the genial conductor declared, micbe “Tt strikes me the girl bas been abducted, and if such is the ease no efforts must be spared to find her.” “You are right. It is my idea, too, that she has been kidnapped, but by whom is yet a mys- tery which I hope to solve.” ; Dick then left the depot, and returned down- Own, On his arrival at the hotel, he found Mr, Vance waiting for him, The broker’s face was pale and haggard, and it was evident he had passed sleepless nights since Dick had seen him last, “Well, my boy, how goes it—what’s the news?” he cried, seizing Dick eagerly by the hand. ‘Is there any hope?” “Dead loads of it!” Dick replied. ‘* While there’s life there’s always hope, you know, as the old saying goes.” “Ah! then you have made no discoveries?” and an expression of bitter disappointment mantiled the broker’s face, ‘*On the contrary I have,” Dick replied. ‘TI have traced your daughter as far as the Grand Central Depot, in New York.” “Explain! explain!” Mr. Vance cried, ex- citedly: Dick did so, narrating in detail his experience, and what he had Jearned, from the time he had started for Poughkeepsie. Mr. Vance listened attentively. | ‘But, if she reached New York, why did she not return home?” he demanded, “In my opinion she was kidnapped.” ** What! in broad daylight?” ‘Cases of the sort have been known to occur in large cities,” “True. But who could have had an object in abducting my poor Violet?” “That remains to be seen, The trail at present ends at the depot, but I may be able to pick it up, nevertheless.” “God grant that you may!” Mr. Vance ex- claimed, fervently. He soon after took his de- parture, ‘* Now then, for a visit to Mrs. Fulton. I have a great curiosity to see that lady,” Dick decided in his own mind. And a very laudable curiosity it was! CHAPTER V. OVERHEARD THROUGH THE KEYHOLE. To Crosby street Dick accordingly went. The residence of Mrs, Fulton was the best- appearing of any of the tenements in the vicin- ity, the exterior having recently been repainted thereby giving it a freshened look that was hard in contrast with the other dingy tenements near by. A sign of: ‘* BOARDING AND LopGING,” ornamented the front door; clean lace curtains covered the windows, and, altogether, there was an air of refinement about the house, In answer to Dick’s ring, a matronly-looking woman of favorable appearance cume to the door, : ‘ T see you keep boarders,” Dick said. ‘‘ Have you a vacancy for ove more?” “Yes, providing you can give a recommend!” was the reply. ‘‘ We, asarule, want to know whom we are entertaining.” ‘Oh! certainly; but, being a Western man, I have very few acquaintances, I think the only person to whom I could conscientiously refer you, would be Mr. Roger Vance, of — Lexing- ton avenue, I have had some business connec- tion with him, and no doubt be would cheerfully recommend me.” “ Mr, Vance?” exclaimed the lady. ‘Why, that is my cousin, sir, Pray, walk right in, for I am sure youare welcome, if you know Roger!” And Dick found himself ushered into a cosey sitting-room, where a bright fire burned in the rate, ' Both he and Mrs. Fulton became seated, and the buxom little widow chatted away as freely as though she had known Dick all her life. The result was that Dick was not long in forming the conclusion that Mrs. Fulton was | about the last person in the world to enter into a conspiracy against her cousin or his daughter, for whom she seemed to entertain the strongest affection. Dick was assigned a nicely-furnished back room on the second floor, and there he spent the remainder of the day in deliberation. “T believe Mrs. Fulton bas nothing whatever to doin the matter of Miss Vance’s disappear- ance!” he decided, ‘‘She seems to be an open- hearted, good-natured woman, and I hardly feel like suspecting her. Who, then, ‘am I to look to? There’s the question. If the Fultons are not to be suspected, the trail is darker than ever!” / When the supper-bell rung, he went down- stairs to the dining-room, where he found Mrs, } Fulton and two other persons, whom she imtro-- duced respectively as her daughter, Virgie, and her other boarder, Mr. Felix Franks. Dick was much surprised when he saw Virgie,: for in face she was almost the very counterpart’ of Violet Vance’s photograph! ‘ Every feature, the eyes, the manner of wear- ing the hair, every facial expression was like that of Violet Vance! Miss Fulton seemed equally surprised at sight of Deadwood Dick, for she started violently, and looked confused, As for Mr. Felix Franks, he was hardly the sort of man the detective bad expected to en- counter, He was tall, exceedingly slim, with a sallow-pale face, features thin and of an unmis- takable Jewish cast, eyes small und ferret-like, and tow-colored hair, while, under his hooked nose grew a mustache that was waxed out to a nicety, at the ends. He also wore a single eyeglass, which, to-- gether with his flashy dress and lavish display of jewelry, gave him the decided appearance of a fop. He surveyed Dick with rather an insolent. stare, as they were introduced, and stiffly in- clined bis head. As for Virgie Fulton, she seemed greatly agi- tated, and turning to her mother, she said: “Mamma, I have met this gentleman be- fore!” *‘You have? Why, where was that dear! I am sure you must be mistaken,” “No, lam not. He is the gentleman who so heroically rescued me from beneath the horses’ feet, down by the Post-oftice.” ‘* Indeed? Is this true, sir?’ and the widow turned to Deadwood Dick. “ Really, I don’t know. The ladyI rescued was vailed, so that I could not make out her features. However, she gave me her card, which, until now, I have neglected to examine, No doubt that will tell the tale.” He took the card from his pocket and glanced at it. It bore the name and address of Miss . Virgie Fulton. “Yes, it must have been Miss Fulton whom I was fortunate enough to rescue!” Dick said, looking up. ‘I had not thought of the card, nor of the rescue, up to the present time, owing to a pressure of other business.” ‘Well, be that as it may, if you were the brave man who rescued my daughter you have my heartfelt gratitude, and are thrice welcome to our home.” They then sat down to tea, and Dick thor- oughly enjoyed the most tempting repast he had: had set before him for many a a During the meal he was cordially entertained by both the manele, and her daughter, and made to feel quite at home. Felix Franks, however, maintained an abso- lute silence, evidently not enjoying the atten-- tion that was bestowed upon the new boarder. After supper, having procured a night-key,.. Dick betook bimself out about town. “The Fvltons are all right, I guess, and I must turn my attention in some other direc-. tion. Fer a certainty, this girl Virgie is the- very counterpart of Vance’s daughter’s picture. I must mention the fact to the old man, when I see him. It’s mighty singular that the two should so positively resemble each other. “Then, there’s that fellow, Franks. I don't like the the cut of his jib, as the sailors say, and ; I don’t imagine he’s overly in love with me, He’s Vance’s private secretary, eh? Humph! I wouldn’t antp oy him to act as secretary for a. dump-cart. And it strikes mv that [ve heard of him before. In person he tallies almost ex- actly with that of the fellow seen at Vassar, en~ gaged in conversation with Miss Vance, and there is but little doubt in my mind but what he is the same chap, If so, it behooves me to look to him for some tidings of the young lady’s whereabouts, He may be running a mercenary lot, all on his own hook. ‘There’s a hang-dog ook about him, anyhow, that, despite his dud- ish appearance, argues unfavorable for him. He is my spot-man, for the present.” With nothing particular on his hands, to help: pass away time; Dick spent the evening at a neighboring theater, and it was after eleven o'clock when he returned to the Fulton residence. As the house was dark, and the occupants. evidently in bed, he admitted himself and stole up to his room, noiselessly. Ss i ‘As soon as he had entered bis own apart- ment, however, he became aware that there: were parties in the next room, who had not yet retired, for he heard a voice exclaim, angrily: “ Curse the fellow, I wish he had not come: here! He looks just like a man likely to pry’ into other people’s. business.”
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Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. 5 “That's Felix Franks’s voice!” Dick mused, **and I reckon he refers to me, So, it behooves me to overhear what transpires. Felix, m your man!” There was a door that led from Dick’s room into the adjoining one, but it was now closed, Quietly seating himself by the door, Dick as- sumed an easy position, with his ear near the keyhole, and proceeded to listen to the conver- sation carried on in the next apartment, The remark made by the man, was answered by a feminine voice, which the detective was surprised to recognize as belongmg to Virgie Fulton. “Oh, pshaw, Felix, you’re fretting without ‘ause. There’s nothing to be feared from Mr, Bristol. He is very quiet and gentlemanly, I am sure,” “Still waters run deep, and there’s no telling what the fellow is. These Western devils are just as apt to cut a man’s throat when he sleeps asnot. So I want you to tell your mother to fire him.” “Oh! she wouldn’t do that, I know. She thinks he is both a gentleman and a hero, and if I were to ask her to send him away she would be very indignant—for didn’t he nobly come to my rescue?” **Nobly come to your rescue be hanged! See here, Virgie, do you mean to play me false?” and the mau’s tones were angry and menaciug. “Play you false, Felix? Why, certainly not. What ever put such an idea into your head? Den’é you know I love you?” “Humph! so you say! But I fancy you share ‘the old woman’s gratitude, as you choose to term it, toward this stranger of the big hat.” ‘*T do feel grateful to him for saving my life. But that does not change my feelings toward you!” ‘*Maybe not, but you need not feel quite so grateful, or Pll shake you!” * You dare not!” ™ What, do you threaten me?” “¥f you wish to take it so. You know you dare not throw me aside at this stage of the game, and I know it full as well as you. So act sensibly.” **So Iam doing, but I insist that you have no more to do with that Western cuss!” **Very well. Your wishes shall be respected, so dismiss the matter from your mind, How near have you got things in readiness?” “Very near. Are you ready?” “Yes, I have already notified mother of our approaching marriage, and our immediate de- parture for a three years’ stay on the continent, and she seems delighted that I should have drawn such a nice ticket in the lottery !” And here the young woman burst into a peal of laughter—rather cynical laughter, too, it curred to the listener in the next room. “Hush your noise!” Franks growled. ‘ You don’t know who may be listening, and if you don’t look out you'll give the whole business away, yet. I must be going. now, as I havea plenty to do, to-morrow. Be on your guard, and in a few days, everything will be in ready for our—our departure, Above all fight shy of this Westerner, and have nothing to do with him. He is at best but an ignorant Tout, and no associate for you; and then, too, I’ve an idea he didn’t stumble on your mother’s residence for the sole purpose of obtaining board. It is quite ossible he may bave had a more potent object in coming here. Be on your guard, to-mor- row, Then, there was an exchange of kisses, and ‘the twain left the room, and went down-stairs. Soon after, the slamming of a door, announc- -ed that Franks had left the house, CHAPTER VI, THE INTERVIEW. DEapwoop Dick then retired to his bed, but mot to sleep. His miud was too busy for that. “It’s lucky [ overheard that conversation,” he mused, ‘ for I have got hold of some interest- ing points, even though they may not apply to the case, Ostensibly, this worthy couple is to get married, and go abroad on an extended bridal tour; at least, so the Widow Fulton is to be led to understand. In reality, the afore- ‘said worthy couple are going to do nothing of the kind—that is, so far as the bridal trip is concerned, although it may be their intention to get married. “The girl, Virgie, said she was not going to back out at this stage of the game, which makes it patent that she and Franks are concerned in ‘some conspiracy of more or less magnitude, ‘Then, too, Franks’s uneasiness in regard to my ‘self seems to prove that he fears discovery, whatever his little game may be.. Now, what is the game? That’s something I am desirous of knowing, ‘Can it be that Franks and his affianced have conspired against Violet Vance, and ber father? Knowing as much as I do already, nothing seems more natural, Franks is Vance's a secretary, and knows’ all his business, fe could easily work up a conspiracy against his employer, and, through an aide, force the old man to dip deep down into his coffers, and produce the shekels. ‘But why should he choose Virgie Fulton as his copartner? The plot may be even deeper than I suspect; but, anyhow, I am satisfied of one thing, and that is that the widow is in no- wise associated in the scheme, whatever it may be. ‘““At all events, it behooves me to keep a watch on this precious scheming pair, so as to beable to frustrate their plans, if I find them villamou;,” The next morning Dick concluded to pay a visit to Roger Vance’s Lexington avenue resi- dence, which was but a comparatively short ride, by taking the Third Avenue Elevated Road. Arrived at the Thirty-fourth street station, he left the cars, and a short walk brought him to the Vance residence, which was one cf the pre- tentious structures of the wealthy thorough- fare. As he mounted the steps, a lad came out of the house, hurried down to the street, and has- tened away—a ragged, dirty-faced urchin, whom Dick instantly recognized as Rats, the newsboy, whose cause Dick had espoused at the White Grill on Sixth avenue. The boy was out of sight, around the corner, in a jiffy, or the detective would have hailea, “T wonder what brought the young raga- muffin to the broker’s house?” Dick muttered, as he rung the bell, ‘‘Some prime object must have brought him here, Pll agree,” When the servant appeared he presented his card, and was directly ushered into a magnifi- cently furnished parlor, where Mr. Vance was pacing the floor excitedly, his face flushed, and his manner excited. ‘“By heaven! detective, I am glad to see you!” he cried, rushing forward, and grasping Dick by the hand, ‘‘I was just about to send for ou. ‘* Why, what is the matter, Mr. Vance? You appear excited.” “Tam excited, my life.” “But why? Has anything happened?” ‘* Yes, there has. Read this for an explana- tion!” ) And he handed Dick a sheet of note-paper, which bad been crumpled in his grasp, The letter was written in a coarse, unbusiness- like band, and ran as follows: I never was more excited in “New York, December 14, 18—. ‘*RocEer VANCE, Esq. :— “A young lady, said to be insane, has been placed in my hands, for shipment to the island of formosa, Ihave learned her name, and also your name—hence I write you. * Now, as a matter of course, I have been paid a good sum co spirit this girl away, but I am a man of few scruples. and if I can make more by leaving the girl at home I shall doso, Money’s what makes the mare go, and my equine has been a mighty poor traveler for some time past. Soif you don’t want your daughter to go to China and fall in love with a pig-tail, you will no doubt hasten to come to terms. **My terms are not harsh, as you will observe. All I require is ten thousand dollars in greenbacks. Now, as you are ab least a millionaire, yu will ad- mit this is a very small sum for the repossession of your offspring. “My terms are emphatic and unchangeable. and you will be benefited by bearing that in mind. It will be the hight of folly for you to seek to find me out by police or detective aid, ss I am prepared for ap such measures, and shall promptly thwart hem. “ “My ship leaves the harbor for Ri» during the nivht, but is billed for entirely another port. so you couldn’t pick her out, if you tried. Among the hun- dreds of craft in New York Harbor at present. it would take you a week, backed by the police force, to cetermine the right vessel. By that time the right ship will be far out at sea. “So you see I have you any way you want to look at it. Your only way is tocome to my terms, or ; have your danghter spirited away to a foreign land, | from whicn she will not be likély soon to return, | If you wish to deal with me», come. alone, to the pier directly at the foot of Twenty-eighth street, orth River, to-night, at twelve o’clock sharp, and | bring ten thousand dollars ia bank bills with you. On receipt of that sum I will land your daughter on shore within an hour's time. Bring no police, de- tectives or other aid with you, for it will be perfect- ly useless. Thave spies out. and any such action on your part will be frustrated, as I shall remain ac and my ship will sail at the appointed our, * Tt’s ten thousand dollars, or no daughter; so you will consult your own judgment how to act in the matter. Remember, to-night at twelve o’clock sharp. First and last call. “Very truly yours, “ Capt, MARLINSPIKE,”” There was no change in the expression of Deadwood Dick’s features, as he perused the let- ter and handed it back to the broker. ‘““T am not particularly surprised,” he said, taking a seat, Mrs, Vance following his ex- ample. " You are not surprised?’ echoed the broker. ‘““No, I have been rather expecting some- thing of the sort, D’ve had an idea all along that your daugher was kidnapped for the sake of extorting money from you, and this letter proves it.” “But this letter states, or rather intimates, that the seaman received my daughter from other parties, who wanted her carried away to sea,” “The writer of the letter may or may not tell the truth.” ‘‘Well, something must be done, and I sup- pose there is nothing left for me but to submit to the demand.” “Nothing of the sort!” Dick replied. ‘But, sir, you see what the letter says, If I do not pay the sum, my poor child will be car- ried off to China.” Dick smiled vaguely. “ Don’t you believe it,” he enjoined, “If your daughter was captured for the sole purpose of exacting a ransom, her captors will never take her away as far as that. Neither will they yield her up for any such sum as this letter states, Their idea will be to bleed you for the first payment, and still hold the girl in order to bleed you still further. Itsa deep game, and there’s more than one hand in it, I’ve a notion, too, that there’s more back of it than just the ' kidnapping for money.” i ‘*T don’t understand you, sir.” \ “Maybe not, and it is bardly necessary that , you should until I get my plans matured, Iam of the opinion that Iam digging at the roots of a plot without parallel, and if 1 am right, Pll treat you to one of the biggest surprises of your life, shortly, But you must not pay any atten- tion to this letter.” “Man, this is madness! Do you suppose I can sit idly here and allow my daughter to be carried off toa foreign land?” the broker cried, indignantly. ‘‘ Never, sir! not if it cost ten times the amount demanded to ransom her!” “Nonsense!” Dick retorted, coolly, ‘ Your daughter will not be carried out of New York Harbor, even if sbe is on shipboard, which I seriously doubt. The letter is but a preliminary bluff to extort money from you, and if you pay no attention to it more will follow, and in this way I shall be able, no doubt, to get more posi- tively on the trail. If you persist in paying , over your money to some mercenary scoundre vont lose your money without receiving any return for it, and will also lose my services.” Roger Vance looked sullen and uncomfort- able. He was not accustomed to being talked to in this peremptory manner, and it irritated him, ‘““Well, have your own way!” be retorted. “Tf my daughter is carried off, you will be to blame, and | shall hold you responsible!” ““} will accept the responsibility,” Dick re- plied, promptly. ‘‘ Although I have engaged with you in the capacity of a detective, Mr. Vance, Iam by no means a beggar, On very short notice I can command a much larger sum of money than you may suppose, and in case your daughter is carried away, I will charter a vessel and search the world over, if neces- sary, but what I will find her. Is not that sat- isfactory?” “Yes!” the broker said, rather reluctantly. “J will let you go your lengths, but I have lit hopes of your success.” “Oh! I have!” Dick replied am pretty positive I have struck the key-note of the tune that is being played on you. Have you a late photo of your daughter, s Se “ Yes, and an excellent one, too!” and rising, and going to a what-not, the broker brought @ cabinet photo and gave it to Dick. : The young detective uttered an exclamation of simulated surprise, as he gazed at it. “Why; this is not your daughter!” he ejacu- lated. “ Pd like to know whose else’s daughter it is,” was the curt response. 4 “But, sir, it is the perfect image of my new landlady’s daughter—of Miss Virgie Fulton!” JS INTA confidently. “TI
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6 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. Vance’s face expressed his surprise. ‘* You boarding there?” he exclaimed. ‘© Well, yes. The prices of a first-class hotel were a little above what I cared to pay, and, as you mentioned that your cousin kept boarders, I , conciuded to give her establishment a trial.” ‘““You’re a deep one!” the broker allowed, “You had a two-fold object in going there!” ‘‘ Perhaps—perhaps not,” Dick replied, non- chalantly. ‘* At any rate, if I had when I went, I have found your cousin to be an amiable and | entertaining lady.” “Yes, Maria is a good-hearted soul, and no one can say aught ill of her, by the resemblance between her daughter and mine!” ‘Truly, lam. I cannot detect a particle of difference between thera, and my eyes are pretty keen where studying faces is concerned. Could you tell them apart, sir!” “« Well, of late years, as I have grown older, I will confess that 1 have often been somewhat puzzled, for they re alike astwo peas. Parental instinct would come to my aid, however, and in- tuitively I coud pick out my own offspring.” ““T don’t think I could distinguish the differ- ence between them. They are ahke as two peas. By the way, Mr. Vance, how did you come into possession of this note, referring to the yansop 7” ‘“* J+ was delivered by a ragged street urchin, vwbom I never saw before. 1 asked him if thero a3 to be an answer, and he said no, and hast- med away. After I read the letter, [ was sorry { did not detain bim!” ‘‘] know him!” Dick replied. ‘I visited the White Grill, on Sixth avenue, and while there the lad entered, selling papers, and was brutally kicked by your former employee, Bum Boston, I knocked the loafer down, and dared the crowd M4 tackle me, but they hadn’t the sand to do it! ‘“‘T marvel at that. It’s a tough crowd that hangs out there, numbering among others, Pete, the horse tout; Bart Clancy, the confidence- man; ’Frisco Bill, the gambler, and ‘‘ Colonel” Rider, the coacher. They all travel band in hand, and you were lucky to escape a thrashing or worse.” ‘Oh! I can most generally take care of num- ber one!” Dick assured. ‘ As for this urchin, whose pseudonym is Rats, I shall make it a point to hunt him up, He may be able to put me onto the trail of the party who sent’ the letter.” “Very true. The ideais a good one. Make haste, detective, for I cannot rest while my poor child remains in captivity.” ‘*T shall not let the grass grow under my feet, rest assured!” Just then the door-bell rung. *“ Ah! that is my secretary, Mr. Franks,” the broker said. ‘I will introduce you.” “No need of that, as I have already met him at your cousin’s,” Dick said, briefly. t the juncture, Franks entered the parlor. He stared, at sight of Deadwood Dick, and nodded, stiffly ; then, bowed graciously to the broker, ‘Did you wish to see me, sir?” he asked? ‘Yes, Felix, I want you to set to work, at once, and gi ve the books a thorough overhauling, in as quick time as possible. I am about to take ina rtner, and want everything shipshape. Or, if he work will be too much for you, I will em- ploy an expert to assist you.” “Oh! no, there’s not the slightest necessity of that!” Franks hastened to assure. ‘I can easi- ly do the work, as there is in fact but very little to do, I recentl * having given the books a thor- ough overhauling. Who is your proposed part- ner, Mr. Vance, may I ask?” ‘Steele Standish!” “Ab! I believe I have met the gentleman!” Franks replied; and there was a touch of sar- casm in his voice, it struck Dick, ‘Very well, Mr. Vance, I will see to the books at once. Good-day, sir!” And bowing, the secretary left the room. ** A splendid fellow is Felix!” the broker com- mented, ‘‘ Always punctual and reliable.” Dick did not reply, for at heart he could not , agree with Vance in regard to Franks’s ‘‘splen- did” qualities, The secretary had barely left the house, when | the door-bell rung again, and directly a second visitor was ushered into the parlor. He was a well-built young man of about Dick’s own age, with a fair, handsome face, blue eyes, )} and blonde hair and mustache, He was well dressed, and cltogether, an attractive-looking fellow, *‘Ah! is it you, Standish!” the broker said, arising, shaking hands with him. ‘ Allow me So you are struck | to make you acquainted with my friend, Mr. Bristol, from the West. Mr. Bristol, Mr. Steele Standish, my future business partner.” The two young men exchanged greetings, and then all became seated. ‘* Any news of your daughter, Mr. Vance?” Standish asked. “Well, yes, but not very op pawn news, though. My daughter has been kidnapped, and is now in the hands of a mercenary, who de- mands a ransom of ten thousand dollars for her!” ‘* Will you give it?” ‘Yes, But for one thing, I think Ishould. Mr. Bristol insists that I shall not, and as he has taken charge of the case, I feel in duty bound to act in accordance with his wishes. ere is the letter. Read it, and let’s hear what you think of it!” : Steele Standish took the letter, and perused it carefully. “I think it is a diabolical outrage!” he said, when he had finished—‘ta cleverly-concocted scheme to extort money from you. If I’m any judge, this Captain Marlinspike, whoever he may be, is but a tool in the hands of other par- ties, used to carry out the dirty work of their gume,” ‘What would you advise me to do?” ‘Nothing at all. I agree with Mr, Bristol, that it would not be advisable for you to pay any attention to the letter!” “But, my daughter! She will be carried off to sea!” ‘Don't you believe it, sir. If your daughter was kidnapped to make money, she won't be taken far away. As long as the scoundrels have a hope of extorting money from you, they will have their captive handy for delivery. ‘‘No, sir! don’t you go near this Marlinspike, nor give up a penny of ransom money. What with your detective’s efforts, and my own, pro- viding I can be of any service to_him, we will find your daughter yet, and baffle the parties of the rascally scheme.” ‘“Your head is level there, Mr. Standish!” Dick heartily declared, ‘‘and J shall be glad to have your co-operation. I think { have just the position in which to place you. - But of that, more anon. must now be going, as I have some big figuring todo, I will keep this photo of your daughter for a few days, but will return it to you later. It may be of use to me.” ‘“Wery well, sir. I have a couple besides it.” Bidding them good-day, Deadwood Dick with- rew. CHAPTER VII. DICK BEGINS TO GET THINGS DOWN FINE. “Wr!” Dick mused, when he was once on the street, ‘‘ it seems that a little light is be- ginning to peep through the clouds, although it Pare exceeding small, I have found out but ittie yet, but I have certainly well opened the case, “*T am convinced that Felix Franks isa crook, and is being abetted by Virgie Fulton. This Franks fears me, and dislikes the idea of Steele Standish becoming Mr. Vance’s partner. Why should he? Will Standish bein his way? Is the ferret-eyed secretary secretly swindling his part- ner? It looks so, by Jove! Then, too, I cannot shake off the impression that Felix and Virgie are concerned in the kidnapping of Violet. At any rate, as soon as I can see Steele Standish, I shall set him to watching Franks’s movements. Even though the fellow may not be at all con- cerned in Virgie’s disappearance, he will bear watching, judging by the conversation I over- heard last night! “As for myself, I must find Rats, and pump him. { may beable to get a good deal of in- formation out of him.” To find Rats, and think of finding him, were two different things, as the young detective soon found out. He visited the vicinity of the White Grill saloon, and watched about the neighborhood for full two hours, but without seeing anything of the gamin. Dick then approached a policeman, and intro- duced himself, at the same time exhibiting his badge. The officer at once became all attention. “T am looking for a newsboy, who goes by the nickname of Rats!” Dick explained. ‘‘ Can you tell me where Ill be apt to find him?” ‘*Dunno where he lives. He’s generally around here selling papers nights and mornin’s,” was the reply. ‘Then ’d be apt to catch him to-night?” ‘‘Reckon you would—betwixt four and six. What's the young skunk been doing?” “Oh, nothing. He has some news for me, that’s all. By the way, do you know of a man named William Bruno, also known as Bum Boston?” ‘Dol? Well, I guess I do! customer on my beat!” “Tough nut, eb?’ “Tough ain’t no name for it. He’s been over to the Island three times, to my knowledge, and he’s given me plenty of trouble,” ‘‘ Where does he generally hang out?” ‘Guess he spends most of his time over there at the Grill.” ‘“T mean, where does he board?” “‘Can’t say as to that. He used to live with Old Mag the Fright, in Hester street, when I was on that beat.” “Do you remember the number?” “Yes; No. ——.” “Thank you!” and Dick turned away. There was nothing now to co particular] until the approach of night when it was Dick’s intention to have ar. interview with Rats. Night was still a good distance away, how- ever, and so Dick took a stroll through Third avenue and the Bowery, It was passing through this latter illustrious: thoroughfare that he espied two persons con- versing together in front of a saloon, He recognized them at once as Bum Boston, the tough, and Roger Vance’s secretary, Mr. Felix Franks, The discovery gave Dick a start, and caused. him to conceal himself where he could see with- out being easily seen himself, ‘‘ Here’s a go!” he muttered. ‘‘So those two worthies are acquaintances, eh? Well, welll That settles it positively in my mind as to who are Violet Vance’s captors! At last I have stumbled onto the right trail, as sure as my name is Dick Bristoi. Oh! you're busy posting: books, ain’t you, Felix Franks? You're the prompt, reliable man your employer thinks you? By Jinks! ’twas a lucky star that guided my footsteps down this way. Now, to watch you, my precious pair!” The conversation between Franks and Bruno appeared to be of an exciting nature, for it was. freely interpolated with gestures, some of whicly savored of the belligerent. Finally the two men turned and entered the corner saloon, in front of which they had been. standing. ‘* Gone oe a wet, I suppose!” Dick mused. “Pll wait tiJl they come out, and then follow his baked-beans-ship, the Bum! I can find Franks whenever I want him; but, what I want first is to get onto the haunts of the bummer. A patient study of his movements, may result in my eer the object of my search much sooner than 1 have expected.” For full an hour Dick waited, and watched the door of the saloon, but without success, as. neither of the two men came forth. He’s the worst His patience by this time exhausted, the hl tective then crossed the street, and opening the door, looked into the saloon. There were only half a dozen men on the in-- side, but Franks and Bruno were not among em, Dick then discovered that there was a door opening into a side street; through this the birds. had doubtless taken their flight. ‘© Well, I’m baffled, for sure!” Dick muttered, “ but I mustn’t expect to have everything work to my hiking. I’m near Hester street, and as T have plenty of time on my hands, I reckon VIP pay a visit to that noble boulevard, and_ get a view of Old Mag’s palatial residence. I may want to pay Margaret’s domicile a visit after a. while.” In due time he reached his new destination, and viewed the premises from across the street. The number the policeman had given him was: that of an old dilapidated brick tenement, lo- cated in one of the worst neighborhoods, It was four stories in hight, and evidently a regular beehive, fora motley swarm of dirty children played about the door of the hallway leading to. the upper floors, and there old faces and young- were at many of the windows, The occupants of the tenement were evidently a mixture of: Irish, Italians and Pclanders, with: a sprinkling of Russian Jews, The place was an uninviting one, to say the best of it, and there was an odor of evil clinging about it. While Dick was viewing the premises, a strap— ping urchin approached him and solicited a. penny. ‘“Took here, my Jad!” Dick replied. ‘‘ An— swer me a few questions, and Pll give you a. quarter.” The boy’s eyes bulged out in wonderment. /
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Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. ‘obably he had never possessed so much money at one time in his life! * All right!” he eagerly replied. ‘* W’ot d’yer want to know?” “Does Old Mag live over yonder?” ** Yas.” ** Whereabouts?” ** She’s got der fu’st floor an’ suller,” * Who lives with her?” ** No one, ’cept her man.” * What’s his name?’ Bill Bruno. Better luk out fer him. tough!” * How does Old Mag get her living?” “Oh! she gits it. She rents out the tenements an’ then, she makes medicine out o’ roots an’ yarbs, an’ hawks it to the neighbors.” ‘“Have you seen anything of a pretty young lady there, lately?” “Gosh, no! No young leddy would go in thar, The Old Fright would skeer her into fits, she’s so ugly!” Having gained all the information he was likely to in that direction, Dick passed on through Hester street up to Broadway, after giving the urchin the quarter, On his way up Broadway, he luckily encoun- tered Steele Standish, “Well, what's the news?” the latter young gentleman eagerly demanded, “Nothing much. The trail is still dark. The clouds are gradually lifting, however. Did I understand that you were willing to assist me in this case?” ** Most assuredly! I shall not enter into busi- ness with Mr, Vance for some days to come yet, and until then my time is my own. Besides, having known Violet from childhood up to the time she went to Vassar, two years ago, I naturally feel deeply concerned about her dis- appearance.” “Very likely. Do you know Mr. Vance’s secretary, Felix Franks?” Standish nodded, “T know of him,” was the reply. ‘‘ We are not intimate acquaintances, from the fact that we have seemed to cherish a dislike for each other from our first meeting.” “Well, I want you to play detective. you to watch him.” “ So? ? ‘* Exactly. I want you to shadow his every movement, when he is outside of Vance’s office but you must take care you are not suspected of watching him, Do you think you can work the racket?” “Yes, Ihave always had a hankering to be a detective, but my people objected. Neverthe- less, I have from time to time provided myself with disguises, and have a good stock. I’ve an idea) I-can shadow your man to the queen’s taste.” “Good! That will take that much work off my hands, When you have anything to report, leave a note for me at the Bartholdi Hotel. I rust be going now. Good-by!” ‘*Good-by, Success to you!” Then Dick hurried on up Broadway, for it was near time to look up Rats, the newsboy, By the time he reached the vicinity of the Grill, the newsboys were abroad with bundles of evening papers under their arms, each vying with the other in seeing who could yell the loud- est, and the air was resonant with the cries of News, Telegram, Sun, etc., and if either paper boasted of an inch of news under a glaring head- line, the precocious juvenile vender was ‘‘ onto = and made it a feature to accelerate his sales. If an inoffensive smaller *‘ kid ” meandered on- to the favorite beat of his elder brother, be was immediately admonished, in no Sunday-school language, to “git,” or take a thrashing, and more than one blow or kick was used to protect the forbidden ground, Dick watched the bustling activity of these juvenile merchants for some time with arause- ment ere he espied the object of his search— Mr, Rats. ae then proceeded to collar the lad forth- with, ‘“* Look here, boy,” he said; ‘‘ what do you ask for what papers you have got?” ‘*Fer all on ’em?” exclaimed Rats, in aston- ishment. ‘* Yes, for all of them—every one.” The urchin counted over his considerable bun- dle, meditatively. ** Dollar ten,” he said, finally. “Very well. Give them to this boy, and I'll give you your price,” and the detective pointed t He’s I want a weak, pale-faced little shaver, who was rying to drive a business among his elder brothers of the ‘‘ perfesh.” “Ye don’t mean it?’ Rats ejaculated, his amazement increasing. “To be sure Ido, GodoasI bid you, imme- diately !” Rats obeyed, and then returned for his money. “Here’s a dollar-fifty. Never mind the change,” Dick said. ‘* Now, come with me.” ‘What fer?” “You shall know, directly. Come along! Ill make it worth your while, I want to talk with you.” z Wonderiugly did the young street Arab fol- low the detective, to the office of an adjacent hotel, where both became seated. In the eyes of Rats, Deadwood Dick, with his long hair and broad-brim sombrero, was a great man, such as the newsboy had often read about in novels, where Indians were slaughtered by the hundreds. After Dick had lit a cigar he turned to his ragged acquaintance, ‘** Rats,” he said, ‘* where were you to-day?” “Oh! ‘round about town.” * You were at the residence of Roger Vance, on Lexington avenue?” ‘Huh! hub!” ‘*Vou took a letter there?” *¢ Yep!” ‘“ Who sent you there?” “Dunno, boss.” ‘* You don’t know, you young rascal? Why, of course you do, None of your lying! Who sent you?” ; “*T tell yer I don’t know. He didn’t tell me his name, an’ I never see’d him afore.” “Tt was a man who gave you the letter.” “ Yas.” ‘* Where were you when he gave it to you?” ‘* Down at Broadway and Broome street.” “ How did this man look?” “ He had a big black pair o’ whiskers an’ black hair, Couldn't see much of his face.” ‘* Was he dressed as a seaman?” ‘Not much! Looked more like a minister, Had on a suit o’ black broadcloth, and a shiny plug hat.” **Tell me about how you came to carry the message?” ‘ Well, I had borried Teddy O’Neill’s kit, an’ was shinin’ the chap’s shoes when he axed me would I like to make a dollar. I told him I allus made it a point to rake in all the case-notes I could get hold of. Then be wanted to know if I know’d where Roger Vance lived, and I told him no, Then, he axed me if I could find Lex- ington avenue, Number . I told himT could. Then, he offered me a dollar to carry a letter to that point. I considered the distance, the cost of car-fare, an’ the wear an’ tear on the hosses, and hit him for a dollar ’n a balf!” “Well?” ‘* He forked over like a little man, and I took the letter.” “You never saw this man before?” ‘* Never as I knows on.” “Do you think you would recognize him if you ever saw him again?” ‘Kinder reckon so, if I ever sot my eyes on to his feet.” “Why, bow would you recognize him by his feet?” Dick demanded, in surprise. ‘Cause they was so small, They wa’n’t no bigger’n a woman’s, Why,I made four cents and ninety-seven one-hundredths on that shine. Some men’s brogans we don't clear more’n two cents on, not countin’ the tax on elbow-grease an’ wear on Lrushes!” Dick reflected a few moments, ** Rats,” be said, ‘‘how would you like to be- come a great detective, and give up selling papers?” “How would I? Why, that would just hit me right where I live, Any money in it? I’m in ic Bama hrgy Nae fetches along the franchises, ee the Broadway boodle road, and the ike “ Oh! there’s money in it—enough sight more than you can make selling papers. Iam a de- tective, and, as you appear to be a pretty shrewd sort of lad, Pll take you as my appren- tice, if you like!” ‘“That’s settled! Consider me a member of the force. Give me a pair of handcuffs, and I'll blamed quick put ’em on Mickey Monahan, over yonder, what steals apples off’m old Pizarro the fruit man!” ‘*Hold your horses, sir! If I employ you, you must do as I say, not as you think. Be- ave yourself, and do away with pranks, and I will make a man of you.” *“ All right, boss. Steer ahead, and I won’t be fur behind on ketchin’ on.” ** Do you know where Bum Boston lives?” ““Yes; down in Hester street, at Old Mag’s.” “ Are they married?” “So the folks say. Dunno, I’m sure.” ‘* Have you ever been in Mag’s place?” ‘“‘Not much! Ketch me goin’in thar, Old Mag’s a reg’lar old tearer, and even the perlice is afraid of her.” ‘“ Well, be that as it may, boy, if I take you into my confidence, can you keep a close mouth on you, aud not blab what you hear?” ‘Closer than an oyster out o’ water!” Rats assured. ‘‘I never was much fer givin’ away what,I know’d, to others. But,.l kinder liked you for lickin’ old Bum Boston!” ‘Well, now. I'll tell you what I want you to do. It is my belief that Old Mag and Bruno hold a young lady a prisoner, in the Hester st: eet den. If not there, on board some vessel in New York Harbor. Now, I want you to bunt up Bruno, and shadow his every movement, from the time he rises in the morning until he goes to bed at night. Can you do it?” ‘Well, boss, if I can’t no other kid in New York can, I know that loafer, and his hang- outs, like a book, and I’ve dogged him many’s the time, when he didn’t know it, to see if L couldn't get the bulge on him, for ’busin’ me!” “Very well. Now, you understand what you are to do?” ‘You bet!” “Well, to carry out my plans, you may need some money. Here are five dollars. You will be careful, and do not spend it foolishly.” “Trust me for that, boss. I ain’t no fool if I am only a newsboy. ““ You are no longer a newsboy, but are a de- tective, now, and must conduct yourself with the caution, shrewdness, and judgment of one!” “Tf I don’t, boss, 1 hope you may kick me clear from New York to Hoboken, You've give mea chance, and I'm goin’ to hump my- seif to make the best of it, you bet.” ‘‘Bravely spoken. Now, another thing, and IT want you to pay particular attention to what 1 say, so as to act according to directions: ‘*T propose to visit the Hester street den _to- night, and endeavor to find out if the girl is there or not, Of course, I know not what barm may befall me—I may get into a bad scrape. However, if I come out safe and sound, I will be at this hotel at exactly four o’clock to-mor- row morning, at which time you are to meet me here. Understand?” ** Correct!” “Very good. If I am not here exactly on the hour, you will know I’ve got into trouble at the Hester street den and need help, You are then to hasten to Mr. Roger Vance, of Lexington avenue, and tell him all about it, and he will bring the police to my assistance. See?” “You bet, boss! I’m on to it all. But, say, you better be careful! Old Mag’s crib have got a tough repertation!” ‘“T’ve no doubt of that, but I shall be on the alert. You can go now. Do your work right, my boy, and you shall be well paid for it.” ** You bet P'll do et up brown. Hello! I’m off, boss. Yonder goes Bum Boston, now! Good- b y Tid away darted Deadwood Dick’s young ap- prentice, like a fox-hound on the scent. While, after lighting a cigar, Dick left the hotel and betook bimself by street car toward Crosby street. ‘*T wonder what adventures this night has in store for me?’ he mused. ‘‘I must go pre- pared!” CHAPTER VIII. A CLEAN ‘‘ KNOCK-OUT.” WHEN Dick arrived at the Fulton residence. he found supper ready and waiting for him, and he, Mrs. Fulton, and Felix Franks sat down to the repast. Virgie was not present. ‘““Where is Virgie this evening?’ Franks in- quired, as he buttered his toast. ‘‘Oh! she’s gone to Philadelphia, to order her wedding trousseau,” the widow hastened to ex- jain. “She insisted that she could do much etter in bargains there than here. Virgie is a good one, when it comes to driving a bar- ain.” en Is she acquainted in Philadelphia?” Franks inquired, with evident anxiety. “Oh, yes. We used to live there, you know.” “Ah! yes. I believe I have heard you men- tion the fact before. How long does Miss Fulton propose to be absent?” 4 ‘“ A week, or possibly longer,” The conversation then lagecd, until Franks turned abruptly to Deadwood Dick. ““T believe [saw you at Vance’s to-day?” he observed.
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8 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. “ Yes, I allow you did.” “Doing some business with the old gent?” * Well, not particularly as yet. e’ve been doing a little figuring, but as yet nothing has come of it,” ‘*Some land scheme, I presume. Vance better keep out of it, and confine his operations to oil, where he has made all his boodle. [ve no faith in these mushroom Western land speculations and city booms,” “1 presume Mr, Vance is the best judge of what be wants to invest in!” Dick replied, curtly. “Tm not so certain of that. As he grows older, Mr. Vance is susceptible to biting at bad bait, and I have several times saved him from dismal investments. Of course it is to my in: terest to save him from being swindled.” “Very naturally,” Dick retorted, coolly, ‘‘ but if your remarks are an insinuation that it is my intention to swindle your master, you go very far wide of the mark, and had better con- fine your opinion strictly to yourself!” The. word ‘‘master” did not appear to touch Mr. Franks in a very pleasant spot, for he flushed angrily. “TI did not say you were trying to swindle him, in so many words,” he replied, ‘t but of course you are a perfect stranger to us, and so not above suspicion. As to the ‘master’ part of it, no man is my master, nor ever will be, and if you presume to use the term in address- ing me again, I shall take it upon myself to chastise you severely.” Dick smiled serenely, but made no reply; while Mrs, Fulton looked worried. ‘*T hope you won’t quarrel, gentlemen,” she said. ‘' [see no occasion for it.” ‘“ Nobody’s quarreling!” Franks retorted, “‘but, just the same, I won’t allow any wild Westerner to insult me, you know!” “You had better be more choice in your re- marks, Mr. Franks!” Dick continued, *‘ or the wil Westerner may become rabid and attack rou!” “Bah! No one is afraid of you!” Franks re- turned, contemptuously. ‘‘I’ve kicked better mongrels than you into the gutter! You think you Western cut-throats can come here and trighten decent people? Well, I gness not!” Dick laid aside his knife and fork, and imme- diately arose from the table, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. “Wranks!” he said, “‘ you are a blackguard and a coward to utter those words, and you know it, and I demand that you retract them, or I shall punish youfor your insolence, I’m no cut-throat, nor will I allow any man to call me such. Call back the insult, or it will be the worse for you!" Franks also arose to his feet, with an air of importance. “J retract nothing!” he said. “I am not afraid of you, nor do I fear the consequences of calling you a low-bred ruffian, For what I know, you may be some e-caped jail-bird!” Just time had he to utter this, but no more, for the iron fist caught him an unexpected blow on the jaw, under the left ear, and stretched him senseless upon the floor, It was a clean knock-out, and no professional pugilist could have done better. Seeing that Franks was too stunned to at- tempt to rise, Deadwood Dick then turned to Mrs. Fulton, who was anxiously wringing her hands, and apparently very much frightened. “Madam,” the detective said, ‘I am very sorry I have been forced to make a scene in your house, but the provocation was tod great to resist. f£ am naturally cool-headed, and have pretty good judgment in trying times, but, knowing this man Franks to be a consum- mate villain, I found it impossible to tolerate deliberate insult from him. ‘“‘ Within a few days I shall be in position to prove to you that he is not only a scoundrel of the first water, but has also grossly wronged ou! *“ Wronged me, sir?” “Exacily. Icannot fully explain, now, but will do so, lateron, I will tell you, however, that my object in taking board here was for the purpose of getting at the truth of a grave sus- | picion, When I tell you that Franks and your daughter are connected in an unparalleled swind- ! ling scheme, ve no doubt you will be amazed, angry, incredulous, I don’t blame you if you are, But, as sure asmy name is Bristol, you are being completely hoodwinked. You are being led to understand that your daughter and Franks are to marry, and take a protracted foreign tour. The fact is, they are going to do nothing of the kind. They may wed, but the foreign trip will not be taken, and has not been seriously contem- 1 \ plated. This has been proven to me by over- hearing a conversation between them, when you had retired for the night. “Now, Mrs, Fulton, you need not believe this, if you don’t want to, but I shall shortly prove every word of ittrue, I shall also prove that your daughter bas not gone to Philadelphia, at all, but is still in New York, and you will not see her again, until I unmask this glaring fraud. **Tn substantiation of what I have told you, I need only to add that Tama United States de- tective, and know whereof Ispeak. I have been the participant in an unfortunate row in your house, and, as a gentleman, shall feel it my duty to seek other accommodations—at least, so long as Franks remains here, which I dare say will not be long, as within a week's time the State will furnish him board and room. “In the meantime, I have but one thing to ask of you, and that is this: ‘“* Keep what I have told you strictly to your- self, for if you do, [ may be able to save your daughter from public disgrace, which otherwise, I cannot do!” Mrs. Fulton, deathly pale, had sunk back upon a chair.” ‘‘Wor God’s sake, what do you mean?” she gasped. ‘‘ Explain! tell me all, J beg of you!” ‘“ Impossible, at present,” Dick declared. ‘I have told you all I can, to-night. You will know more, ere long, however, By all means, if you wish to save your daugbter, mention not a word of what I have told you, toany one, Donot give Franks the slightest intimation that I am a de- tective. By doing this, lam pretty sure I can avert disgrace. As evidence, however, corrob- orative of what I have told you, I think I can in a measure satisfy any doubts that may exist in your mind, I presume you know where your daughter would stop, in case she did go to Phila- delphia?” ‘Oh! yes. My late husband's brother's family lives there, on Fairmount avenue, near Sixteenth street, and it was Virgie’s intention to stop there with her cousin. She told me so, before her de- parture,” ‘“Exactly. Did she take any amount of bag- gage with her?” “Only a sachel, containing ‘her jewelry, and a few personal effects,” ‘“ Well, to-morrow, you can telegraph to the place you have mentioned, and you will find that your daughter has not been there.” ‘*Very well, sir,I will doso; and furthermore, T will keep a close songee in my head, until I hear from you again, Of course what you have told me has shocked me beyond expression, but, you have spoken in such a straightforward man- ner that I am notso incredulousas you may sup- pose, In fact, I have noticed that there was something rather peculiar in Virgie's actions, of late, but attributed it to the influences of thought over her approaching marriage. God forbid that she should ever disgrace me, who has ever watched over her so devotedly!” ‘*T will, as far as possible, try to avert such disgrace, Mrs. Fulton,” Dick said earnestly. “ As for Franks, make it a point to treat him as usual, so that his suspicions may not be aroused, I see he is beginning to show signs of returning consciousness now, so I will go. Assoonas I have anything of importance to report, you will hear from me.” ‘“Very well; I shall await in anxiety, hoping , all may not be as bad as you as an a Dick then bade her good-night, and took his departure. He had left his baggage at the Bartholdi, presuming he would not remain lone at the boarding-house; so back to the Bartholdi he went, and was lucky enough to secure his former room, to which he had his baggage re- moved, Here he made a few changes in his toilet, and then set forth en route for Old Mag’s den on Hester street. He had taken care to properly arm himself, and saw no reason why he might not carry out his venture without particular peril. At least, his spirit did not quail. when he en- tered the opal U3 neighborhood and rapped at the door of the Fright’s domicile, where police and roundsmen were chary about intruding, CHAPTER IX. THE FRIGHT. Ir was still quite early in the evening, but Dick was by no means sure that he would find the old beldam up. He did, however, for his rap upon the door was answered after a few seconds, The door was partly opened, and the head and shoulders of a woman appeared in the aperture, The neighbors, in christening her the Fright, had not gone wide of the mark, for, in face,s was positively the ugliest-looking creature Dick had ever set eyes npon, Her features were sharp, wrinkled, and of a yellowish complexion; her glaring eyes were not unlike balls of fire; her nose was hooked, and her large mouth exposed to view two rows of snaggy teeth. Her upper lip wore an incip-! ient mustache that many a gallant young swain’ would have been proud to possess, while the disheveled, matted mass of hair upon her head was of an iron-gray color. She was tall and [ elert of figure, and slouchily attired, and walked with the aid of a heavy cae, She glared at Dick angrily as she thrust her head through the aperture of the partly-opened door, ‘““What d’ye want?” she demanded angrily. ‘Why do you pound on my door?” j ‘My dear madam,” replied Deadwood Dick. “T come to you in the interest of medicine, t have learned that you manufacture some excel- lent remedies from roots and herbs, and I wish to strike a bargain with you for some of the same. My name is Doctor Redpath, and Iam the White Medicine Chief of the Crow Indians.” Old Mag surveyed him a minute doubtfully, and then opened the door wider, “Come in!” she said, and Dick obeyed the order, only to find himself in a dark and narrow hall, “ The old bag then closed and locked the door, | after which she brushed past Deadwood Dick. | ‘« Hollow me!” she ordered, They groped their way along through the hall and then entered a room of large size, it taking , up all of the first floor, except what had been 4 set apart for the hallway. This room was lit by a large lantern that evi- dently had once been the headlight of a locomo- ; tive. By its light Dick was able to make out that the room was fairly-well furnished, con- i taining, among other things, a bed, bureau, dresser, wardrobe, table and cook-stove, and a fine Wilton carpet! The walls of the apartment, however, presented a strange contrast to the yy furnishings, being covered with bunches of J roots and herbs of various kinds suspended from My nails and hooks. These were strung up in great ; profusion all around the room, and gave forth a ie pungent odor that was not at all pleasant. 5 i “You can take a seat there!” Old Mag said, hl ointing to a chair, “‘and make known your ‘ Pretnenes What ails you? What do you want to get cured of?” : “Personally I have nothing to be cured of!” ly Dick replied. ‘‘ As I told you, I was formerly tt a medicine man among the Indians. Of late, “ih however, I have been faking.” ; ii “Waking?” y “ Yes—that is, traveling from town to town 4 and selling medicine on the street, you see. Oh! there’s big money in it if one only has the right article. Folks are getting kind of chary of us aed i fakirs, and it is getting so one must needs have i an article of merit to command ready sale, “T heard of you, and that you made herb i medicines, and sol thought I would come and see if we couldn’t strike a bargain. I es ii have no time to manufacture medicines mysel and want to get some one, to manufacture and bottle them for me. Now, you have a great i many medicinal plants, roots and herbs in stock. I see; why can’t you and I strike a dicker? i will pay you a fair price per bottle, and take the stuff as fast as you can manufacture it.” My The old crone’s eyes gleamed greedily, ¢ “You pay cash for the medicine?” she inter- rogated. : ea “ Of course,” Dick replied. ‘You get me up { a good selling thing, and I’ll make you rich ina few months. I’ve sold as high as two hundred bottles of an evening, for which I’ve paid fifty 4 cents per bottle, Of course the gross cost of i manufacturing and putting up the medicine did not exceed ten dollars, leaving for the manu- facturer a clean profit of ninety dollars!” fi The greedy gleam in Old Mag’s eyes seemed to i intensify. EY ‘“‘T will make up medicine for you for fifty } cents a bottle, if you will take a hundred or | more bottles a day,” she agreed, eagerly. “Old - | Mag has a great reputation as a chemist and a t4 doctress, ane her medicines always cure.” ; “So I have heard, else I should not have sought you out. 1 shall be glad to deal with you, as I am going to work the outlying suburbs of New York, and your place of business will be : handy. How soon can you have me a hundred i bottles ready?” > “That depends on what kind of stuff you ; want. What diseases do you want to cure?” f “A good blood medicine sells best, If I
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anxiously ask. -came, | -detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotha m, 9 Fuarantee it to cure a thousand and one ail- ments, of course that’s my own business.” The old hag chuckled. “T ses! I see!” she said. ‘* You understand ‘our business, my friend, you understand your A lg and we will make money. I bave one sample bottle of a very fine blood medicine left, which I willshow you. You wait here and I will get it for you.” Dick signified assent. Then the woman arose, and drew aside a large Brussels rug in the cen- ter of the room, revealing a trap-door in the bared floor. Lighting a hand-lamp, she disap- peared down though the opening, which was seen on lifting the trap. Stealthily leaving the chair he had occupied, Dick crept to the opening, and obtained a good view of the place below. It was a small cellar, principally notable for the boxes, barrels and other rubbish it con- tained. A shelf ran along the rough, shaky wall, and contained an array of bottles of various sizes, and the old beldam was rummaging among these. One good look was all Dick wanted, and he then returned to his seat, “That settles one thing,” hemuttered. ‘* Vio- let Vance is not held a prisoner here, unless she is confined on some of the upper floors, and that is not probable, as they are occupied by other tenants. I shall have to look elsewhere. When I see Rats, perhaps he may have some informa- tion for me that will put me on a new trail.” He was barely seated when Old Mag returned from the cellar, closed down the trap, and re- arranged the rug. Then, she banded Dick a half-pint bottle, containing a dark-colored liquid.” x This is the stuff,” she said, ‘‘ and is composed of six different properties. 1 warrant it to be the best blood-purifyer in existence, and as blood is life; you can safely warrant it to cure many ailments.” Dick tasted of the decoction, and found it to be very bitter. ‘‘ Very well,” be said. ‘‘ Have as many bot- tles as you can prepare, in readiness to-morrow afternoon, when I will take them and pay you the cash. I must 0e going, now, as I have some other business matters to attend to, yet, to- night!” As he arose to depart, there came a violent knocking on the outside hall door, Old Mag instantly turned pale wit appre- hension. “Good heaven! It’s my husband, Bill! You must not be seen here, or he will killme! Quick! I will hide you. until h» goes away. He will not remain long!” She seized Dick by the arm, and half-dragged him toward the tall wardrobe, into which she shoved him, and closed and locked the door. She then went and admitted Bill Bruno, and in bis close place of confinement, Dick soon heard the pair enter the room he had just vacated, The bully was swearing in round terms, and it was evident he was in no pleasant frame of mind, Eagerly did Dick listen to catch the conversation he had no doubt would follow. CHAPTER X, UNDERNEATH A GREAT CITY. THE wardrobe into which Dick had been so gneeremoniously thrust was pretty near, if not quite, air tight, and the prisoner then found that he would not be able to stand it long, with- out a fresh supply of oxygen, Thus it was that he could’ but naturally hope that Bill Bruno would make his visit to Old Mag extremely short, “Why, William, what puts you in such an ugly mood, to-night?” Dick heard the beldam **T guess you’ve been drinking more than is good for you?” “No I haven't, either, Where’s that feller that come iv here, awhile ago?” ““ What feller, William?” ‘Oh! ye needn’t play innocent on me!” yelled Bruno. ‘You can’t shet my eye, you old wench. A long-haired galoot was seen to come in bere awhile ago, an’ you know it!” “Oh! that was a quack doctor, that sells medicine on the street. He came to buy herbs of me!” Mag hastened to explain, ‘Doctor be hanged!” Bruno roared. ‘‘ He was no more of a doctor than lam, He wasan infernal detective, sent here to spy upon us, Where is he, now? You've got him hid, some- where!” “Nonsense. He left ten minutes before you I don’t b’lieve no such thing that he’s a I'm a good reader of character, and I know he’s a street fakir, who swindles the peo- ple out 0’ their shekels, by sellin’’em a lot o’ trumped-up medicine. He's ordered a hundred bottles o’ stuff from me, and is to come for it to-morrow night!” Bruno uttered another oath, ‘* Tf he does, I’ll bet I’m here, when be comes, What high-soundin’ title did he give you, Mag, you old fool!” ‘‘ Be a little more choice in your remarks, Bill Bruno!” Mag cried, fiercely. ‘‘ l’m not afraid of your bluster, and you know it. The man gave his name as Doctor Redpath.” Bruno burst into an uproarious guffaw. ‘Redpath in my eye!” be declared, ‘The fellow’s name is Bristol, and he is a detective, and has got us under surveillance. If we don’t land in jail before many hours, we may consider ourselves mighty lucky. Felix gave me a tip, not balf an hour ago, to be on my guard, _I, for one, shall keep away from this den for awhile.” ‘**Oh, you will, hey, and leave me to face the music?” the virago cried, angrily. ‘ Very well, Bill Bruno, you can go and never come back, for ail I care. But mind you this: If trouble comes to me, I will be the death-blow to your plans, and don’t you forget it!” ‘Bah! I don’t fret over what you can do, If you try any monkey business, we'll not be long in finding a way of disposing of you, rest assured of that. The reason I shall. keep away from here for awhile is because this accursed detective is looking more for me than you. If you stand loyal to us, you will get your pay; if you don’t, you are likely to get something less satisfac- tory!” Old Mag’s eyes glittered wickedly. “Til fix him when he comes again!” she de- elared, ‘It he is really a detective, he’s come nosing around the wrong roost!” ‘* Well, you can depend on it he’s a detective. Felix has sized him up to the queen’s taste, and if we catch him we'll make an example of him, same as we did of Wilson the hotel dark.” “111 do my share if he comes back here,” Mag. hissed. ‘‘How are matters working so far?’ ‘‘Very good, Felix says. for popping right away.” ‘*Good! but how about the money?” ‘*T tackled Felix to-day, but he hadn’t any, to speak of.” “Dye think he will try to play us false?” ‘“Pshaw! no, He dare not. It would be a dear job for him to try that. Oh! no; I guess he intends to deal on the square with us, If he didn’t, he’d be less confidential.” ‘‘ What do you think to-vight’s result will be?” 1 don’t know. . I have my doubts about win- ning. I allow the game is’most too big. How- ever, time will prove. I must be going now. Don’t neglect to bag that detective, if he comes nosing around here again!” idee you bet Pll fix him!” was the emphatic reply. Then Deadwood Dick heard them leave the room, and presently the slam of a door an- nounced Bill Bruno’s departure. Directly afterward the old Jezebel returned to her room, whereupon Dick rapped upon the door of the wardrobe, “Tet me out!” cried he, smothered!” The answer was a mocking laugh, followed The corn is allready “T am. nearly Vy: “Oh, ye want to get out, do you, my fine de- tective?’ Well, I guess not! You thought you’d play a cunning game on Old Mag, did ye? But you didn’t quite make the thing work, You didn’t know the old gal you was playin’ with. You ain’t the first detective that’s fallen into my spider’s web, So say your prayers, for I’m going to send you the way the rest went!” The next instant Deadwood uttered a startled ery, for he felt the bottom of the wardrobe drop from beneath his feet, and down, down, down he went in a mepbitic air that took away his breath, and then his senses, after which all be- came a blank. ‘*Soon, however, consciousness returned. He found himself in impenetrable darkness, and lying on the soft, muddy earth. Arising toa sitting posture, he proceeded to feel himself over, to see if he had broken any bones, An investigation satisfied him that he was all right so far as the bones were concerned, but his flesh was bruised and sore in many places, Where was he? To whatsubterranean region had he been precipitated? With an effort he gained his feet, and steadied himself; then, remembering that be had matches with him, he soon had a light which dimly re- vealed his surroundings, He found that he was ina deep pit, or what had once, no doubt, been a well or water reser- voir. The place was square in build, and ran up from the dank bottom, to a hight of over twenty feet, where it met the floor through | which the detective had fallen. To scale the slimy walls was an utter impos- sibility, as a coating of cement covered the ma- sonry. There was mud on the bottom of the cistern to the depth of an inch, and at one side of the place lay the fleshless skeleton of a man. Very probably rats had eaten away the flesh, At one side of the wall there was a break no bigger than a cigar-box, where a couple of bricks had fallen out. Beyond was blank darkness, But yet, in the desperation resulting from his disagreeable situation, the sight of this hole in the wall gave the young detective hope. Tt had already cost him four matches to make these discoveries, and it now occurred to him that it would be advisable for him to find out just how many matches he possessed. He carried them in a metal pocket-safe, and a count of them resulted in a credit of a hundrea and ten matches, Lighting one of the matches, he ignited a newspaper, which he chanced to have in his pocket, and thrust this through the aperture in the hei then peered through into the space be- ond, vi Heavens! what was this he saw? He was within a few feet of, a large sewer or tunnel, It was from this the dreadful stench came, But, what of that? This sewer was so large that a man could nearly stand erect in it, anda flood of water was rapidly hurrying the refuse toward the sea. By walking straddle-legged, a person could pick his way through the sewer, without par- ticularly contaminating himself with the filth, But here another question arose. Where would the sewer lead him to, and would not the nauseous gases overcome him ere he could reach an outlet? His mind now fully made up, be at once be- gan enlarging the aperture in the wall. It did not prove to be a very hard job. The bricks were loose, and it occurred to the detec- tive that some one had removed and replaced them at some previous period. Had that person succeeded in making his es- cape? That was a question. surrounded by gravest doubt, but Dick’s hope for the best did not waver. With eager hands he tore away the bricks and soon had the aperture sufficiently enlarged to admit him to the sewer. Then be stepped into the sewer, and proceeded on his journey in a balf-crouching position, CHAPTER XI. OUT OF THE DEPTHS—RATS’S STORY, Worps are inadequate to express the peculiar sensation that affected the detective as he groped his way, straddle-legged, along through the Stygian gloom, Je soon became, in 2 measure, accustomed to the sickening stench, so that he did not mind it so much, but the thought that he was under- neath the great metropolis, unknown to any one, and striving to hunt bis way to the outer world, was not one calculated to inspire a per- son of even Dick’s courageous spirit with enthu- slasm, Nevertheless, he went struggling bravely on, wondering if he ever would escape from this liv- ing tomb, Te was very sparing about lighting matches and only once in a considerable while would ignite one, in order to investigate his surround- ings. Every few minutes he would come toa smaller transverse sewer, which emptied into the one he was following, but in no instance did he find a larger one, until it seemed to him he bad trayel- ed at least a mile. The way he was forced te walk was very tire- some, and he was compelled to pause for rest every now and then. After what seemed to him many hours, his nostrils scented a refreshing current of air! Eagerly he pushed forward, the way gradual- ly grew lighter, until, finally, he saw a tiny speck of daylight far in front of him. Ah! bow welcome was the sight—so welcome, in fact, that he felt like shouting with joy. ' Increasing his speed, he rapidly brought the light nearer to him. As he did so, he saw that the light did not come from the terminus of the sewer. Instead, it came from overhead.
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10 Dea Tn five minutes, he stood beneath a man-hole | “Very well,” Deadwood Dick replied. ‘‘Can | terms, all of the sewer, and looked up into the outer world. What did he see? The blue sky, far above, and a couple of men busily engaged in repairing the masonry about the mouth of the man-hole. For a moment Dick was too overjoyed for speech, over the prospect of rescue; but, quick- ly recovering himself, he raised his voice, and yelled: ** Halloa! up there!” Coming as it did, literally from the bowels of the earth, the shout sounded weird and sepul- chral, and the two Hiberniaus above were nat- urally startled, and really excusable if they were frightened. They gave one terrified glance down into the gloomy tunnel, and then, the way they scram- bled out of sight was a caution! The next minute the beavy iron lid was clap- ped over the mouth of the man-hole, and the tenant of the sewer below, was left in utter darkness. Poor Dick! His heart sunk within him, and he was forced, through faintness, to lean against the side of the sewer for support. But, directly his indomitable will power as- serted itself, and then he made the tunnel ring with his stentorian yells. Nor did he stop yelling, until he once more saw the light above, the man-hole covering having been removed by a burly policeman, whose head appeared in view—a sight most welcome to the eager eyes of Deadwood Dick, ‘Hello! What the devil is the matter down there?” the officer cried. ‘Help! help!” Dick shouted hack. ‘I am a prisoner in the sewer, For God’s sake throw me down a rope, and help me out!” “Allright. Wait a bit!” Directly, one end of a rope was lowered into the sewer, and, seizing firm hold of it, Dick was drawn upward, and soon found himself on terra jirma, and in the light of the outer world! A crowd had already collected, and they sur- veyed Dick, who was pretty well daubed with sewer slime both with curiosity and amuse- ment. “ Well, sir!” the policeman said, eying Dick disapprovingly, ‘“‘how happens it you came down in the sewer!” “Until 1 get washed up, and a change of clothing, I cannot tell you fully,” Dick replied. ‘*T will, however, inform you that I am a U. S. detective, and was cast intoa pit, or cis- tern, by my enemies, and there left to perish. Fortunately, I escaped into the sewer from which I have just been rescued, and after hours’ toiling, reached this point. Is there a clothing store near at hand, and also a bath-house?” “Yes. Come with me. Yonder is a clothing store, and my house is just around the corner, where you can clean up.” Dick heartily thanked the officer, who, after j dispersing the crowd led the way. After procuring a full outfit of attire at the store in question, Dick went to the house of the liceman, and there proceeded to put himself n presentable condition, his he was not long in doing, thanks to the assistance of the officer, and Richard was him- self again. During the “cleaning up” process, at the of- ficer’s solicitation, Dick gave a brief outline of his adventure at Old Mag’s, without touching upon the real object of his visit there, merely in- timating that the old beldam and Brnro were suspected of complicity in a certain crime, and he, Dick, had been detailed to ferret the matter out, _ The officer “‘cottoned” to the story at once, and said: ‘Well, you can consider yourself in luck, sir, for you have had a mighty narrow escape. As for this woman, Old Mag, the police have had their eyes on her for years, but she is a cunning old hen, and no charge h s ever been actually found Lari her sufficient to warrant her ar- rest. What do you propose to du?—swear out a warrant against her, I suppose?” “On the contrary, no—at least not just at present. Before I pull the old wretch, I want to also nab her copartner, Bill Bruno, and pull the pair together. Iam confident of being able to place a serious charge against both of them, and until then, I prefer they should think me at the bottom of the old well. Understand?” “ I do.” “Does your beat take in any part of the pre- einct where Old Mag resides?” “Well, no. But I expect to be transferred to-morrow so that my beat will take in that par- ticular part of Hester street.” I trust you to keep this matter quiet regarding **{ will be as close as possible. But, in this year of our age, it is almost impossile, dogged as we are by an army of reporters, to entirely suppress all the facts of a case. However, [ rather like your grit, and I will do what I can for you.” “Thank you. Here is a V, as recompense for what trouble I have put you to, and in a few days I hope to be able to band you a warrant for the arrest of both Old Mag and Bill Bruno.” * All right. I shall be glad to snake in the latter cuss, for he’s given the force a lot of trouble in days gone by. Let him once get before Judge Duffy, at Jefferson Market, and he goes up for a term that will make his teeth chatter!” After a little further conversation, Deadwood Dick bade the officer good-by, and took his de- parture, His first action was to hasten to the Bartholdi Hotel, where he had previously held the inter- view with his young apprentice, Rats. Inquiry revealed that Rats had not been seen about the place early that morning, and while Dick was anxious as to what had become of the boy, he was rather glad that be bad ncs put in an appearance, Leaving the hotel, he mechanically turned his footsteps toward Broadway, his brain busied in aon thought. He had not gone far when hs unexpectedly came across Rats, “Hi! hello, boss!” the urchin saluted. ‘Dye git tired of waitin’ for me?” **No, for I have only just been to the hotel myself, Have you any news, Rats”? ‘“ Well, yes, some, but not a cart-load,” the urchin replied. ‘‘ You remember when I left ‘ou? * Sure!” ‘‘ Well, I follered Bum Boston like a hungry calf follers a pail of buttermilk, and he led me a good long chase. He visited a lot o’ j’ints where he sometimes hangs out, but stayed only a few minutes in each place. Finally, after dark a purty considerable while, he met a dudish- dressed chap on Broadway, and they held a confab, but [ couldn’t get near enough to hear what they were talking about. “ After awhile they separated, and Bum Bos- ton went ter Old Mag’s house in Hester street. He did not stay there long, but went up-town, and again met the dude at 28th street and Eighth avenue.” Ah! Go on!” Dick exclaimed, eagerly. ‘Well, they held another confab there, an’ I heard the words, ‘Cown to the pier,’ and then both started toward the North River. I made a mighty quick circuit of a block, and got ahead | my escape from the sewer?” ) of em a good bit, and when I reacbed the wharf I hid myself on top of a high pile of baled hay, which had been unloaded from a schooner near at hand. “Purty soon the two chappies came along, and then they began a search of the’r s’roundin’s ter see if any spies was in the vicinity. Both on ‘em was now masked and muffled up in high- collared rubber coats, “ After they had searched a while, I reckon they concluded there wasn’t any spies around; then the big bugger, which of course was Bum Boston, suddenly disappeared, but I could not tell where to, it was so dark, “Mother feller kept pacin’ to and fro on ther wharf, and as [ had lost Boston’s trail, I made up my mind to learn what his pal was up to.” “Quite right,” Dick assented. ‘‘I perceive that you have already developed good detective qualities, and I shall not be surprised if you have a brilliant future. But, go on!” ‘‘ Well, ther feller continued bis walkin’ till I reckon it was about midnight, when a close cab was driven hot foot up to the wharf and stop- ped. The driver was in livery, and remained on his seat, but a man, carrying a lantern, got out of the cab and approached ther bloke on ther wharf. ‘“Well, you kin bet about this time my hull anatomy wus transformed inter ears! ““* Are you the person who calls himself Cap- tain Marlinspike? the man from the cab now asked, “*T am,’ was the reply. ‘Who are you? “¢T am Roger Vance, whose daughter you hold in captivity, sir,’ was the answer. ‘1 have come to redeem her. Where is she? ‘¢On board my ship, some miles from here, Td be a fool to bring her ashore until [ get my price for her. If you propose to come to my ad dwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. | | ou’ve got to do is fork over the cass and your daughter shall be placed on shore, bag and baggage, by early daybreak,’ “* At what point? ***f don’t choose to say,’ the capt’in said, ‘“ Well, ter make a long story short, ther cap- tin an’ Mr. Vance held a hot confab that lasted for several minutes. Vance argied he wouldn’t give up a cent till his daughter was handed over to him personally, while the capt’in swore by all the spars and spankers on the ships in New York Harbor thet ten thousan’ dolar must be forthcoming first, before the gal would be landed! ‘‘Then Vance tried to pull a pop: but the pirut was too quick fer him, and got the drop on him first. If { had had a gun, I should have taken a hand in the game immejetly, but I didn’t have one. ‘The capt’in then tuk out his watch, an’ told Vance he’d give him just five minnits to come to ak If he didn’t produce, he’d never see his al. ‘* After sum deliberation, the old gent forked over the spondulics, an’ received the promise that his daughter should be landed in New York by daybreak. Then Vance jumped into bis cab and was driven away, while Marlinspike was almost immegetly fined by Bum Boston, an’ they had a big laugh together. *** We worked the old sucker nice!’ the captin said, ‘ We've got his money, but he aain’t got his gal yet, by a long shot.’ ‘** Nor he ain’t liable to get her,’ Bum replied. ‘The ship sails day after to-morrow, and Violet Vance will presently find herself at the furthest corner of the world, and sold into captivity.’ ‘**The ship must not sail so soon,’ the capt’m said, * not until we’ve made another stake out of Vance. We'll work him for fifty thousand, next rip, an’ he'll give it, too!’ “Then, boss, both men jumped into a row- boat what lay alongside the wharf, and quick pulled out into the stream. I tried to find an- other boat to foller’em in, but couldn’t, and so had to give up the chase. I doubt ef I could have follered *em, anyhow, fer the fog on the river was so thick ye could cut it with a knife!” CHAPTER XII, FEELING FAST TOWARD A FOCUS, Dreapwoop Dick had listened to the recital of his young apprentice with a clouded brow, “The ifennel idiot!” he muttered. ‘‘So he disregarded my wishes, eh, and went and gave up his cool ten thousand dollars—for nothing? Of course these villains have no intention of giv- ing up the girl while a, cent can be made by keeping her, and from your story I judge they don't propose that she shall ever be returned to her father at all, **Old Vance has made a consummate ass of himself, and henceforth I shall work upon the case on my own hook, independent of him, You have done your work well, Rats, and I’m glad [ took you on. But there’s work before us yet, and don’t you forget that. Come! we will take a walk and get some grub.” They sauntered leisurely down Broadway, and as they went, Dick related his singular experi- ence since last he had met his young aide at the Bartholdi. This narration caused Rats’s eyes to bulge out in genuine astonishment. *“Jeminy! but you had a close call!” he de- clared, ‘If it hadn’t been fer that man-hole, I reckon you'd have had a nasty grave.” “Very likely.” Dick replied. ‘And now, Rats, I’ve more work for you. I want you to haunt the immediate vicinity of the Twenty- eighth street wharf, until you get a chance to follow Bruno again.” ‘*Reckon youre off there, boss!” Rats ob- served, “So? How do you mean?” ‘‘Simple enough. Ef these girl piruts don’t intend to return the girl to her dad, they won't be apt to tackle the Twenty-eighth street route ag'in, fer fear old Vance will set a watch on em. “True enough! You're a trump, Rats, I had not thought of that!” Dick said, grasping his apprentice by the band. ‘‘ Nevertheless, we must find out where Bruno goes, when he takes his boat rides. That he goes to some vessel] in the sarbor is now beyond doubt, That vessel must be spotted, as soon as possible, You say you know most of Bruno’s New York haunts?” “ You bet I do.” “Very well. I will leave it for you to pick up his trail again, and if you succeed in striking: it, take care and don’t lose it. Here are ten, dollars more, to defray any expenses incurred,”
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Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. 11 ** All right, boss; I'll do the best I can, and I’ve a sweet-scented idea I can place the chump to-night. He’s a great Jay for playin’ policy, an’ there’s a shop in the rear of a cigar store on Sixth avenue, above 27th street, where he plays the most. Til spot that, first.” * Allright. Well, get some grub, now! But hold! First, you must have some better cloth- ing. Come with me!” hey visited a shoe store, then a gents’ fur- nishing store, and lastly, a clothing emporium, and within an hour, Rats was so changed in ap- pearance that his furmer associates would not have known him. The boy, by this time, was fairly bubbling over with enthusiasm. They had now reached Fourteenth street, and at the Dairy Kitchen procured a repast, such as Rats had never before enjoyed, and it is un- necessary to add that both did full justice to it. After breaktast—for it was yet early in the forenoon—Dick bade his apprentice start forth ona skirmishing tour, while he betook himself leisurely down-town. His mind was,busied in thought, and the frown upon his forehead betokened that he was not in the best of humor. *“Confound the luck!” he growled. ‘t Why couldn’t Vance have staid at home, and minded his own business? -He has not only knocked my plins out, but has made a blamed fool of him- self, More's the pity he didn’t lose more than he did” The old saying that the devil’s always around when one’s talking about him, had an exempli- fication, in this instance. Dick had walked but a little ways further, when, feeling a tap upon his shoulder, he wheeled around, to find himself face toface with Roger Vance, **My dear Bristol,” the broker said, extend- ing his hand, ‘‘ 1 am glad to see you!” “I am sorry tosay I can buardly return the compliment!” Dick replied, coldly, not offering to shake hands, ‘*Indeed?” and Mr. Vance flushed with sur- prise. ‘‘Why, what is the matter, sir? Why this singular change in you, may I ask?” “T hardly think you have need to ask!” Dick retorted. ‘* You broke your promise to me, and when a man ain’t as good as his word, bar- ring unavoidable accidents, I would rather not deai with him, any further!” “Ah! I see. You refer to what I did, last night. Now, look here, my dear Bristol, you must not feel offended about that. I thought the matter carefully over, and despite the fact that I had promised to let you have your way, a father’s instinct told me that it was my duty to redeem my daughter from those wretches, even if it did cost me a smail fortune!” ““You redeemed her, I suppose—that is, she was returned to you?” Dick said, sarcastically. “She was, Sheis nowat my homeon Lex- ington avenue, and Iam the happiest man in Gotham, I don’t begrudge a farthing I paid to secure her liberty.” Deadwood Dicl’s face had grown stern and dogged in its expression, “Mr. Vance,” he said, slowly and deliberately, eT sas believe your daughter has returned to ou - Vance flushed angrily. ** What's that, sir?’ he cried. to challenge my veracity?” “By no means, sir, believe—am well satis- fied, in fact—that you are being made the vic- tim of one of the most diabolical plots on record, The young woman who came to you is not your daughter, as i will prove to you within a week’s time!” ‘Bosh! utter nonsense! Don’t you suppose I know my own child, sir? Why, I gave you credit for more common sense than this!” “Tt is common sense I am giving you. Now, I introduced myeait to you as a detective, and as a detective have worked for you, Even last night I came near losing my life in endeay- oring to work up your case. x Row listen. Last night two men went to Twenty-eighth street wharf, North River, be- fore your arrival, One of these men was Bill Bruno, alias Bum Boston, The other was the sbark to whom you paid your money. J know who he is, but propose to hold back his name until I am ready to expose this really clever con- PW hi “When these two worthies reached the wharf Bum Boston secreted himself.” \ * How do you know this? Were you there?” “That matters not. I know whereof I speak. There was a spy there who was witness to the hoe conversation between you and Mar- pike, You attempted to draw a gun, but “Do you dare the captain was too quick for you, and got the drop first. Am I not correct?” ‘*'You are,” Vance said, the look of surprise deepening in his face, ““Very good. Well, after you bad paid over ‘ata boodle and departed, Bum Boston rejoined is comrade, and they had a good laugh at your expense. Said the captain: ‘We worked the old sucker nice. We've got his money, but be hain’t got his gal yet, by a long shot.’ * Nor he ain’t liable to get her,’ Bum replied. ‘The ship sails day after to-morrow, and Violet Vance will presently find herself at the furthest corner of the world, and sold into captivity.’ ‘The ship must not sail so soon—not until we’ve made another stake out of Vance. We'll work him for fifty thousand dullars next rip, and he'll pay it, too. ‘“Those are the words they used,” pursued Deadwood Dick, ‘‘and then they got into a boat, and rowed out into the river. Now, Mr. Vance, you will see that it is clearly proven that the rascals have no intention of surrender- ing your daughter. Their objectis, asI believe, to take her off to some foreign country and sell her into erdless captivity, at the same time sub- stituting another woman in her place as your daughter and future heiress.” The broker looked nonplused, astounded. * Oh, this is all utter madness,” he cried, ‘* Do you for a moment suppose I'd not know my own daughter, sir? Why, she was home every three months during the time she was at Vassar,” ‘*- Yet you told me, very recently, that it was a difficult matter to distinguish your daughter from Virgie Fulton, sir!” The broker started. “Good God!” he ejaculated. ‘‘You don’t mean to say that you believe the young woman at my house, to be Virgie Fulton,’ “That’s just what I do believe,” Dick re- plied. ‘Virgie has left her home, telling her mother that she was going to Philadelphia, to order her wedding trousseau, but, by conversa- tion J overheard between her and ber lover, whose name I will not give, I have learned that the young lady had not tho slightest intention of going to Philadelphia, but that, on the contrary, her lover and herself were engaged in concoct- ing some scheme by which they expected to pro- fit, all this being without the knowledge of bah unsuspecting mother, “T informed Mrs, Fulton, and she promised to telegraph to Philadelphia to learn if her daughter bad arrived there. Of the result of the telegrnm, I have not yet learned, but I am well satisfied that Virgie Fulton is installed in your home, in your caughter’s stead, and that your daughter is still a captive on board a ship, in New York Harbor, ; ‘“‘ Now, Mr. Vance, all this may seem _ incredi- ble and even preposterous to you. So [ will not ask you to believe it until 1 can clearly prove it to you, and expose a most glaring piece of vil- lainy. I will not further consider myself in your employ, but shall go on witi the case, just the same as if it was one of individual interest tome. There is, however, one favor I would like to ask of you?” “You have but to name it, sir!” replied Mr. Vance, who had grown pale and nervous. “I will never eee doubt your superior sagacity. If this should turn out as you have depicted, you will never need to do another day’s work. will make you independent for life!” “T am not working to that end!” Dick re- plied, briefly. ‘‘ What I want to ask of you is that you will not betray to any one, what [ have told you, nor let out a word that can pos- sibly cause a suspicion that you are doubtful of the girl’s identity.” “You have my word of honor as a gentleman that it shall be as you wish, sir!” the broker said, extending his hand, which the detective shook heartily. “Lam glad to bear it,” Dick said. “ Keep your word this time, and within a few days, at the most, I will conclusively prove to you that Thaye not been leading you over a false trail. Treat this pseudo Violeb Vance the same as though she was your own daughter, and leave the rest tome!” “T will do so, my boy—I will doso! You have more power over me than ever man had before, and while I am prone to believe that the girl at my house is an impostor, I am inclined to give you a generous amount of time to prove that such is the case?” “Thank you. That is all I require.” ‘** Perhaps.” added the broker, “it might be a good idea for you to visit my house, and receive an introduction to my daughter. It might he the means of dissuading you from your theory!” “T shall call, but not now—not before to-mor- row. Let the young woman get fairly settled at her new home before we rush things, as, in the mean time, I wish to rescue your real daugh- ter, and have everything in readiness for a grand climax!” “Very well! Make it to-morrow, at ten o'clock. I want to be present and use my eyes. Ali this alleged conspiracy, is a great mystery to me, I cannot see how it all can be, Indeed, I cannot, Why, she even brought ber trunk with her—the very one I bought her before she went to Vassar,” “Oh! [presume so, If Violet was kidnapped,, as we have no longer reason to doubt, it would not have been a hard matter to kidnap her trunk, also, By the way, what was the young lady’s explanation of her liberation from cap- tivity?” “She stated that she was taken from the ship: in a small boat, and after a long row up the river, was landed, with her trunk, on the Jer- sey side, at Hoboken. From there she took the Christopher Street Ferry to New York, and thence, a cab to my residence.” “Did she not know the name of the ship on board which she bad been held a prisoner?” “She did not.” “What had she to say in regard to her cap- ture?” ‘She says that on her arrival in New York, on December 6th, she was met at the depot by a plainly-dressed man who claimed to be my law- yer, and who claimed that I had met with a ee accident, and he had been sent to meet: er—a very plausible story, as you really must admit. Not long after the cab had left the de- pot the man sprung upon her, and, forcing the contents of a small bottle down her throat, stifled her screams with a blanket. The drug administered produced immediate insensibility. Then she knew no more until she found herself’ a prisoner in the hold of the vessel.” ‘One more qnestion, Mr. Vance, and then I must be going. Your daughter had a valuable sealskin ulster, did she not?” ‘*She did, and a very fine one, too, It cost me upward of five hundred dollars.” “Did the young lady who claims to be your daughter bring this with her?” “She did. She even took particular pains to call my attention to how nice she had kept it.” ‘Just so. Miss Virgie Fulton possesses one like it, I suppose?” Be Certain: not. Their circumstances, unfor- tunately, are such that they cannot indulge, im expensive clothing. As I may have mentioned, heretofore, I have frequently been called upon to assist them out of financial straits.” “Yet, since my arrival in New York I have had oceasiov to rescue Miss Fulton from being trampled under horse’s feet, near the post-office, on Broadway. At that time she wore an ele- ganv sealskin ulster!” ‘** Are you sure?” “* Positive, as I took particular notice that it was an exceptionally handsome garment,” ‘* But you are sure it was Virgie Fulton?” “T am, She gave me her card, and after- ward, at her mother’s house, she recognized me as the party who had rescned her. Up to this time I had neglected to examine ber card, but, upon consulting it, I found that it bore her name and address,” The broker’s face hardened in expression. “This strengthens my suspicions that you are right more than all else,” he said, ‘for there were few garments in New York lke Violet's. Go ahead, detective, and run the matter out and you'll never have cause to regret it, ri swear.” ‘*You’ll maintain the silence I requested?” “¢T will.” “Then I will go at the case with renewed vigor, and in a few days, at the furthest, look out for an explosion.” & Very well. I shall anxiously await the re- sult, The twoshook hands and departed in separate directions. “ve sized the game down to the stickin point,” Dick reflected, as he strode along, “ an now for the grand wind-up! Bold as bas been this conspiracy, and cunving as has been the scheme, it bas fallen to my lot, and I a stranger: in « strange city, to beat the race!” Then to the nearest telegraph office he went, and sent the following message: “ To Miss Leroy, Vassar College: “ Poughkeepsie, N. Y.:— “‘Come to New York bv early train to-morrow, and put up at the Gilsey House. Don’t fail. Matter of gravest importance to Miss Vance. ‘*R. Briston, Detective.”
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12 ———— ee CHAPTER XIII. RATS AGAIN SCORES A HIT. WHEN Rats left Deadwood Dick he was in ex~ eellent humor. What with a good suit of clothes upon his back and a good square meal within him, why shouldn’t he be? Brought up in the streets of the great me- tropolis, and forced to earn his own living, he had never known what it was to wear good clothes or partake of a sumptuous repast. But, now that he had struck a streak of good luck, he felt literally like a fighting-cock, ‘That Deadwood Dick is jest the gallusest cove I ever run across,” be muttered, as he be- took himself up-town, ‘‘and ef I don’t do the best I can for him, may I never smell beefsteak and onions again! Lordy gracious! When I’ve been sittin’ on a sunny door-step, tryin’ to keep it warm, while I read ‘bout the chap, how little did I ever think I’d ever See him heer in New York! .But I bev, an’ he’s jest as white as he’s pictered. “Well, now, I s’pose I must bunt up Bum Boston, and if I ever get my lookers on him ag’in he won’’’scape me so easy as he did be- fore. Don't think Tll go nosin’ around Old Mag’s, till I’ve reconnoitered 1m other localities. Strikes me thet Twenty-eighth and Sixth avenue is about the place for me visit.” And to that locality be wandered, and as he meandered up the avenue, he saw Pote, the game-legged ‘ bouncer,’ and several other horse touts, standing on the corner. “ Hillo, Georgie!” Rats saluted. the races at Guttenburg, to day?” “No. Haven't got any money,” the impecu- nious would-be sperting gent replied. ‘‘Say, Johuny, just run across the street and buy me a cigar. “Git out! That won't be’tl tee fowers bloom ag’in, I know you, Potey!” “You're a young vagabond!” Pote zrowled. ‘Where'd you get all your good clothes? I haven't read of a fire!” “Them ain’t fire clothes!” Rats proudly de- elared. ‘I picked a winner. That’s how I got ’em. Say, but I'll tell ye where ye kin wake a haul by ‘ toutin’,’ Potey.” ‘Where?’ and the bow-legged bouncer was on the qui vive in an instant, for “ steering” greenhorns onto bad snaps, iu horse-races, was a part of bis profession. “Why, there's a feller down the avenue, with a barrel of money, aud he’s neck-chuck on the bet. I picked him up, or rather he picked me, ‘Playin’ and you see the results, don’t you?” and Rats | looked at his clothes complacently, ‘Who is he? What does he look Jike? Bring him up here, boy!” Pote cried, all in a breath. “Oh! he’s a purty fly chap,” Rats allowed, ‘‘and he wears his hair long, like Beefalo Bull. You’ve seen him. He’s the chap what laid Bum Boston out!” “Then, you needn’t bring him!” Pote hastily declared, ‘‘ We've got enough of him around here.” And Rats laughed heartily, as the “‘ bouncer” hobbled away in disgust, All day long the juvenile detective haunted the vicinity, and it was not until night was clos- ing in that his vigilance was rewarded by see- ing a man get oft a street-car and enter the policy-shop, once before mentioned. The man was Bill Bruno. Not Bill Bruno roughly dressed and fiercely bewhiskered, but Bill Bruno dandily attired and smoothly shaven. In appearance, he was a cross between a suc- cessful turf sport and a priest—for truly, bis smoothly-shaven mug had a ministerial aspect, were it not for the blooming blossom upon the end of his nose, Nevertheless, Rats recognized him in an in- stant. ‘Oh, jiminny! but ain’t he a swell, tho’?” the boy commented, ‘ Ther events of last night hev made a powerful big change in us! Guess Bum an’ the capt?in must hev made a divide of the boodle, Jast evenin’, by the looks o’ things. Now, then, Mr. Bum Boston Billyus Bruno, Eskwire, ye wanter look out fer yourself! I’m hotter onter yer trail than a bulldorg after a -sky-poodle, or a deestrict attorney after a boodle alderman, who p.in’t rich, hke Jacob the Sharp. Bet a bannanner ag’in, an April kite I don’t lose yer ag’in!” Imbued with genuine admiration of his new- found friend, Deadwood Dick, Rats was all en- thusiasm, and, backed by a superiority of grit acquired from gutter associations, he meant to give the “tough” a hard chase before losing sight of him. Like a shadow he hung around the immediate neighborhood of the policy-shop. Ll make it right (o'you, next winner!” | | Night came on, but the sky was clear and star- lit, and when the round globe of Luna soared up into the heavens, its brilliant rays bathed the metropolis in a swathe of mellow radiance, that seemed to put even the electric lights to sbame. Still, Rats haunted the vicinity of the policy- shop, the very impersonation of tireless vigilance. {t was. after seven o’clock, and consequently after the last drawing had come in, when Bum Boston emerged from the policy-shop. His face betokened that he was in good spirits. Mayhap he had struck a lucky pick of num- bers? At any rate, he did not linger in the vicinity, but struck through Twenty-ninth street to Broad- way, and thence down the great thoroughfare, with Rats close at his heels. At 24th street he turned over into Madison Square, where he walked along very leisurely. The night was so pleasant, and the weather so mild, that many of the seats along the winding walks were occupied. Especially were thoso perennial people numer- ous, who, through lack of the price of a night’s lodging, are wont to ** carry the banner” through the long weary hours of the night. In due time Bruno reached a settee, somewhat isolated from the others, This settee was occu- vied by a vailed lady, who wore asealskin ulster. Vithout hesitation, Bruno sat down beside her. At almost the same instant, Rats was lying on | the grass, immediately behind tae settee, ap- parently sound asleep, and so well was he envel- oped in the shadow cast by a tree, that there was little danger of his being discovered, With ears on tie alert, he prepared to listen. ‘““ Well, Virgie, what’s the news? How’s things going?” Bruno demanded. “Very smoothly. Ihave succeeded beyond my most sanguine expectations. He was mighty glad to welcome me, even at so big a cost, and [ am now monarchessof all survey. You would be surprised to see how well I played my role, from the start, and how aptly I fill the vacancy. IT am elaied at my success. How is Violet?” “Oh! so faras health is concerned, she’s all right, but she seems to be sort of pining away. If she outlives the trip to Algiers I shall be great- ly surprised.” ** Well; 1f she don’t live it out, I shall be so much the safer!” was the heartless reply. ‘‘ Now that I have won my way into a magnificent home and prospective fortune, I wouldnt be dis- possessed for worlds, Where is Felix?” “Give it up. It’s a conundrum to me. Haven't seen him since last night.” “ How about the money? You received it?” “Oh! yes, Felix and I squared accounts on shipboard.” “ But, where’s my divy to come in?” ‘* You'll have to go to Felix for that. [ve got my whack out of it, and that’s all I know about it.’ ‘But, why hasn’t Felix come to me?” persisted the woman. ‘‘ You don’t suppose he would play up crooked, do you?” ““No, though but for the forgery he is prepar- ing, | wouldn’t trust him far. eis too fiy a aay to jeopardize himself at this stage of the game **T should think so, If he ever goes back on me, it were better he had never been born!” Virgie hissed. ‘* He if was who brought me into this daring scheme, and must see me through. When does the ship sail?” ‘‘It was to have sailed to-morrow, but, by Felix’s orders, it may not sail for some days, yet. He’s hatching up some new scheme, I reckon!” ** He should have come at once to me, with my share of the money!” Virgie declared, passion- ately. ‘Itis not using me at all right, to thus neglect me. Does he visit the ship often?” “Twice a day. In the morning, and at night —seven and seven o’clock, as a rule!” * Aud sees Violet?” “Certainly. I hope you’re not jealous?” “T don’t know but I’ve cause to be. Perhaps he is planning to leave us in the lurch after all.” “How do you mean?” and Bill Bruno’s voice took on a ring of menace. ‘‘T mean that Felix has admittance to Vance’s safe, and has charge of much of his business. He may already bave perpetrated the forgery, realized on it, and the amount tkus realized, added to what money my uncle usually carries in his safe, would make him well heeled.” * That’s a fact!” Bruno growled. “ After making this haul,” continued Virgie, “what would be easier than for him to skip aboard the vessel and order it off to sea? Once in a foreign land he could negotiate for the re- turn of Vance’s daughter on his own hook, and place us both in the clutches of the law. See?” Bruno uttered an oath. “Tm not blind!” he growled, “‘ and I'll be tee- totally cussed if there ain’t some pretty good horse sense in what you have said, Curse it, if I really believed he'd play us such a shabby trick [’d strangle him!” ‘‘ Well, it won’t do any harm to keep a close watch on him. \ Do you think he will board the ship to-morrow morning at seven?” ‘** Most likely.” “Where is it anchored?” “Tn mid-stream, almost in a direct line with Rector street,” “Let me see. What’s her name? I have really forgotten it.” ‘The Rienzi. You hadn’t better attempt to board her, however. I'll be on the alert, and if an attempt is made to beat us, Felix Franks will find himself in hot water.” “Very well, I will leave it all to you, then. But, on first confirmation of a suspicion that Felix intends to leave us in the lurch, you must notify me, for I'll kill him before be shall desert me,” ‘All right! Ill be on the watch and report when anything happens, You’d better go back to Vance’s now, lest your absence create sus- picion.” ‘Yes, I’ll'go. When shall I see you again?” ‘Pll pass this point to-morrow night at about this time.” ‘“Then [ll be here. But, in case I should want to communicate with you, where will a telegram reach you?—at the Hester street place?” “No, I’m putting up at Taylor’s Hotel, in Jersey City, under the name of Robert Robert- | son.” “Very well. By the way, what has become of that: long-haired fellow, Bristol?” Bill Bruno smiled knowingly. “You'll never see him again!” he observed. “He went prying around Mag’s castle for pointers and got pinched, There will never be anvthing more to be feared from him, you bet!” Virgie, debased as she was, could not repress a shudder. ‘She did not kill him I hope?” she said. “ Dunno as to that!” Bruno replied, ‘‘ but she told me he wouldn't do any more spying.” The two then arose and left the Park, each going in a different direction. Rats followed Bruno, for it was clear to him that Virgie was going to the Vance residence. Clear to Taylor’s Hotel, in Jersey City, did the young sleuth shadow his game; and then, as there seemed nothing more to do in this direction, he returned to New York, and began a search for D2adwood Dick. He encountered that individual in front of the Bartholdi, reading a message he bad just ob- tained from the hotel office. The message was from the conductor of the train that had brought Violet Vance to New York, and read as follows: “Have made thorough inquiries, and elicited no facts. The young ey was met by e gentleman, and went away in a hack. Same hack took bag- gage, The hack was none of the ‘stand’ hacks, in the neighborhood of the depot.” Dick had just finished reading this Ware when he felt a tap on his shoulder, and bebeld Rats at bis side. * Ah! is it you, Rats?) Well, what luck?” “ Bully luck. Dick! Come over inte Madison vare, and I'll tell yer!” hey crossed 28d street, into the Square, and found an isolated seat, Then, briefly, tersely, but without missing an important bit of information, Rats related his recent experiences, When he had finished, Dick patted bis appren- tice affectionately upon the head. “Rats,” he said, ‘ you’re sharper than I gave you credit for being, and sharper even than the rodent that bears your singular name, Hence- forth, you and 1 travel together, inseparable, until the Great Reaper comes to cut one or both of us down, You have done better than I could have done myself, and the value J place upon your services you shall know shortly. “You say the ship, whereon Violet Vance isa prisoner, is located pretty near opposite Rector street?” ‘That's w’at Bum said.” ‘‘Do you know where Rector street is?” oe Guess I orter. Sixth Avenue Elevated stops ar.” “Very well. It isn’t far from the river I judge?” ‘Only a few blocks.” ‘Well, we must set out, now. The moonlight is very bright, and we ought to be able to locate the ship, eh?” :
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Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotha “Sure.” “Rats, we must board the Rienzi to-night, and rescue Violet Vance!” “Kerect, boss! I’m right ‘long side o’ yer, and don’t yer ferget it!” “But, Rats, we may not find it an easy job. ‘We may have to fight. Have you got any grit? “Have I? Well, a little! If I hadn't, I couldn’t ’a’ been a gutter-snipe from infancy up to date. without gettin’many a thrashin’, oat never got did up yet, by any kid of my size, though some of the bigger ’uns havo give me some purty hard raps, you can bet!” “Well, as long as you’ve got spunk you're solid. Here isone of myrevoivers. Put it im your pocket, but use it only when I tell you to. Come, now! It’s getting late! We must away te the river front|” CHAPTER XIV, TO THE RESCUE. Wurst half an hour Dick and Rats were at the North River front, on a line with Rector street. The night was a beautiful one for the last month cf the year. Lune sent down her most brilliant rays upon the triplet of cities and the majestic Huta was @ glittering panorama. of white ripples. The shrieks of the tug-boat whistles were, in the main, all that disturbed the peace of the tranquilly glorious scene. Over across the river, the lights of Jersey City were like twinkling stars; out at anchor, a* considerable number of craft floated gracefully. The waters lashed th. abutments of the wharve: with a musical ripple, and the stiff west hreeze sent the colors of an English merchant- man flying in a homeward direction, There were ‘several “longshoremen, a police- man, and a night-watch, lounging about the wharf when Dick and Rats arrived, and after the twe sleuths had viewed the scene for some minutes, Dick called the officer aside and showed him his shield, The “cop” immediately became all atten- tion. “There's a ship out there,” Dick said, “‘ that 1 desire to visit. Thers’s a mystery connected with it that I am to investigate. ill you tell me which one is the Rienzi?” “Well. I can’t tell you exactly, but I can find out. lL reckon it’s the Italian bark.” The officer then went and consulted one of the *longshoremen. “*Tt’s the devil’s own vessel, as I thought,” he saia ou hisreturn. ‘ Shure it’s me eye I’ve had on it, for a week now.” ‘“‘ But,” persisted Dick, “‘ what kind of a vessel is she—what’s her name?” “Me boy, she’s what’s called what the dogs do—a bark, wid a ‘q,’ to it, She’s the one you’re afther, shure.” “ But, which one?” The officer indicated the vessel he meant, add- ing: “You'd better not be afther goin’ aboard her alone, Thim Italians.are worse than a Chinee fer carryin’ a knife.” ‘“‘ Perhaps you are right, and it is not my in- tention to go alone, if [ can quietly get assist- ance, without creating an alarm. The case is this: A young lady is held a prisoner on that boat. and is about to be carried to foreign lands against her will. The conspirators are not on the boat, and that is why I don’t want any alarm. The rescue must be conducted quietly, and an officer stationed to see that no communi- cation is exchanged with the Rienzi for at least twenty-four hours, I want two officers, and a half-dozen hardy fellows to accompany me, The pay will be ten dollars per man, and the work ut a matter of a few minutes. Can you fix it for me?” The officer glanced at his watch, “Tecan!” hesaid. ‘“ Wait a bit. Aud he burried away. He soon returned, however, accompanied by another cop of huge proportions. “ We'll see yez through, me boy!” the smaller officer said, ‘an’ the boys here, will go along.” | A three-oared boat was soon procured and ‘manned and the party then set out for the Italian barque, which rode silently at anchor, half a mile away. The vessel was soon reached and immediately boarded, without trouble, the watch chancing to be asleep at his post, The big :policeman, whose name was Harry was not long in arousing the watch, reflectively, | and authoritatively ordered him to go and fetch the ship’s captain on deck, } The «aptam soon appeared, accompanied by the first-mate. Both proved to be Americans, and not bad- looking fellows, at that, ‘*What’s the matter here?” the captain de- maaded. ‘‘ How is it you come aboard my ship without leave?” “We come invested with the power of United States officers!” Deadwood Dick said, stepping forward, and displaying his badge. ‘*‘ We have caught you in a very unpleasant business pro- ceeding, but if you act sensibly, you will be allowed to set sail at once and get-out of port. Otherwise, in the name of the law, we sball have to take possession of the craft and put you under arrest!” ‘““ What do you mean?” the captain demanded, changing color, “T° mean!” replied Deadwood Dick, ‘ that you have been hired to transport a young lady to Algiers, against her own wishes—to kid- nap her.” * But, sir, the young lady is weak-minded and her father is to accompany her.” ‘* Nothing of the sort. The young lady is of one of the best families in New York, and has been kidnapped for money-making purposes, I demand, sir, that you surrender her to my custody!” The captain looked astounded, Certainly!” he said. “If what you say be true, you shall have her, She was teat to me by a man who represented himself to be her father. He said she wus weak-minded and, at times, subject to fits of insanity, and ordered her kept confined until we were out of port. As he paid me for the trip in advance, I had no idea but what all was right. Douglass” —turning to the mate— go fetch up the young lady, pre- pared to leave the ship.” Douglass disappeared, and in five minutes re- turned, leading Violet Vance by the band. The girl was very pale, but Deadwood Dick had no difficulty in recognizing her, : She was pluinly attired, yet as beautiful as an ouri, “This is Miss Violet Vance, I believe?’ Dick said, stepping forward. ‘Yes, sir,” was the eager reply. “Oh, sir, is it true you have come to rescue me?” ‘*That’s what we’re here for,” Dick declared. **So cheer up, for I’ll soon restore you to your father.” ‘*May God bless you if you do!” was the fer- vent reply. Dick then turned to the captain. “Ts there anything to prevent your leaving port at once?” he asked, ‘*No,” was the reply. “Then I'd advise you to git up and git! Al- though I do not propose to press a case against you, I don’t know what the New York authori- ties may do when this affair leaks out.” “T reckon [I won’t run any chances,” the captain replied, ‘Although I’m innocent of any complicity in this business, I reckon I'd better sail.” The rescuing party then returned to New York, the number in the boat being reinforced by Violet. Naturally, both Dick and Rats were jubilant over their success, When the New York side was reached, Dick paid off the officers and ‘longshoremen, and cautioning the former to temporary silence, se- cured a cab, and he, Rats, and Violet, started for the Gilsey House, where Dick proposed to have the rescued girl temporarily remain. En route, Dick tersely but clearly explained to the young lady the circumstances with which our readers are familiar, and what he pro- posed to do, on the morrow, Very naturally Violet was astounded, but her gratitude toward the detective was so sincere, that she readily consented to become his partner in the plans for the denouement. In turn, she gave him an account of her cap- ture, and her story corresponded with the one Virgie Fulten had told Roger Vance, with the single exception that, instead of Mr. Vancve’s lawyer meeting her at the depot, it was Felix Franks who had performed the mission: and it was Felix Franks who had held the conversation with Violet, outside the gates of Vassar College, as mentioned by Miss Leroy, in a previous chap- r When Miss Vance was comfortably installed at the Gilsey, Dick and Rats bade her good- night, and took their departure. Early the next day, Deadwood Dick held a confidential interview with Roger Vance, at bis office, in Bond street, mM. 1? CHAPTER XV. CONCLUSION, DEAR reader, the closing scene of our little: drama of real life gathers practically, in the handsomely-furnished parlor of Roger Vance’s residence on, Lexington avenue. it was high noon of the day following Violet’s rescue from the Italian barque Rienzi. Four persons were seated in the parlor—Roger Vance, Deadwood Dick, Rats, and Miss Lena Leroy, of Vassar. Mr. Vance bad been busy writing for some minutes, at an escritoire, but finally looked up, after Jaying aside his pen and glancing at his watch. “ Well, I guess everything is in readiness,” he said. ‘* You are ready, I suppose, detective?” “T am,” Dick rephed. ‘The sooner we get through with this business the better, I’ve pre- pared everything, so there’s no danger of any kinks,” ‘** Very well,” and the broker’s face assumed a stern expression, ‘I will summon Miss Ful- ton.” He touched a bell, and a servant immediately appeared, ; “Scott, please inform Miss Vance that a lady wishes to see her here,” the broker ordered. ‘Yes, sir,” replied the servant, and he de- parted. : It was fully five minutes ere the door again opened, and Virgie Fulton, elegantly attired, entered the parlor. She gave a bewildered glance abont the room, and then turned pale, as ber gaze rested upon the handsome face of Deadwoou Dick, She quickly averted her face, however, and turned to Mr. Vance, é ‘*Did you send for me, papa?” she interro-~ gated. “Yes, Violet,” the broker replied. ‘* Pray be seated.” The pseudo-Violet suuk into an easy-chair and fixed her startled eyes upon Lena Leroy, “You do not seem to recognize your old friend, my dear,” the broker went on. “My old friend!” ejaculated Virgie, in as sumed astonishment. ‘To whom do you; refer?” “To the young lady here. Surely you have not forgotten her so soon?” “Forgot her? Why, papa, I never saw the young woman before in my life. Why, what do you mean? Who is she? 1 don’t understand: what you mean,” “Tam surprised, I thought you Vassar girls: all knew one another, daughter?” “So wedid. But this girl was not in Vassar, Iam positive. She is an impostor,” “On the contrary, she is not,” the broker said, calmly. ‘She brings mea letter of intro- duction from the professor.” Virgie turned deathly pale at this, “T—I’'m sure I can’t understand this,” she faintly articulated. ‘I am sure I never saw this girl before,” “Tf you are whom you claim to be, you cer- tainly must know me,” Miss Leroy spoke up, rather severely. ‘“‘f was Miss Violet Vance's bosom companion all the time she was at Vas- sar. I was not only her class-mate, but her room-mate, and we were fast friends. If you have forgotten Lena Leroy in the very short time we have been separated, you are not the daughter of Mr. Roger Vance.” The face of a corpse could not have been more deathly than that of Virgie Fulton as she heard these words, But the color quickly mounted to her temples, and she arose with assumed indignation—or per- haps it was rage born of guilt, “T will not listen to another word of this libelous slander!” she cried, passionately, back- ing toward the door. ‘This thing ”—pointing to Lena—‘‘is a vile impostor, and with some mercenary motive is endeavoring to poison your minds against me. If you choose to listeh to the viper you can do so;—J, for one, choose more eligible company !” 5 She turned, then, to depart, but found Dead- wood Dick at the door, with his back planted firmly against it. “Pray be seated, Miss Virgie Fulton,” he said, calmly. ‘There is no use of your being in a bu The game is blocked, as you must b: this time realize, and the only thing sensible for you to do is to give in beaten at all points, “T have the honor of saying that I have ex- posed the whole fraud, in all its villainy, and I am surprised that you, a girl of refinement and respectability, should have ever entered into such a diabolical conspiracy, witb such a con- despite. temptible scoundrel as Franks, Still,
Page 14
14 Dea dwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. your sinfulness, Mr. Vance is not disposed, as understand, to push the case against you, hop- ing that this bitter failure may teach you a Jesson you will never forget. “The innocent girl whom you, for sordid gain, were willing to consign to a horrible cap- tivity among the savages of a foreign clime, has, thanks to my young detective apprentice, been released from tbe vessel, Rienzi, and is now in this house. Would you like to see her? *“No! no! No!” almost screamed the baffled girl, bursting into tears, and covering her face with her hands. *‘tOh! for the love of God, let me go—let me go away from here!” ‘Not yet, Miss Fulton. We want you here, yet awhile!” Dick replied, with decision. ‘Your lover will be here, soon, and we want you to confront him, and shame him for draw- ing an innocent fly into his spider’s network of villainy. Do you think you can do it?” ‘““T wish he were dead!” was the bitter re- ply, ‘‘for, but for his oily tongue I’d not be the wretched being 1 am, now!” ‘* Well, if you behave yourself, in the future, Vll have a chance to reform!” Mr. Vance ke up. ‘* By rights, you deserve to go to tate’s Prison. But for Detective Bristol, I might never have known but what you were really my daughter, when, my own darling child was languishing in captivity in a foreign jJand. Were I[ to turn this case over to the authorities I do not know what they would do to you. Certain it is you would have a long term in State’s Prison. I am of a forgiving dis- position however, and out of respect for my cousin, your good mother, whom you have so basely deceived and disgraced, I do not propose to deal harshly with you. My new partner, Mr. Steele Standish, however, has found that ¥Velix Franks has attempted to pass a forged check on my credit, and he will be summarily dealt with. After he has served his term for forgery, I shall perhaps take up the other case. You, after confronting him with his villainy, ean return to your mother!” “No! no! I never can face her again!” Virgio sobbed. ‘Iam ruined for life. It was not all ny fault, Mr. Vance. I own that I was a little vain, and my position would not warrant me in catering to my ambition for being a fine society lady. The tempter, knowing my weakness, eame, and I fell. I donot ask you to forgive me, Since you have been so kind as to not arrest me, I do hope, though, for the love of God, that you will keep this from my dear mother, lest it break her poor heart, for [ will never sin again!” **Your mother knows all, my child!” replied a gentle voice, as Mrs. Fulton emerged from the back parlor, and placed her hand upon her off- ‘spring’s head, ‘‘ As muchas your wicked act has grieved me, the heart of your mother, who has ever tenderly cared for you, goes out to you in pity, and I freely forgive you. In saying this, I think I speak the sentiment of every one in the room!” There was an instant of silence; then a chorus of voices responded: “ Amen |” “And I forgive you, too, Virgie,” said a soft voice, as gentle Violet glided from the rear par- lor, and clasped her sinful cousin’s hands in her own. ‘*Come with me, dear, and cheer up. The world will be bright for you yet, if you in- deed, henceforth, shall be worthy of your name,” Virgie utterly broke down at this, and sob- hing hysterically, was led from the room by Violet and Mrs. Fulton. Just then Steele Standish entered the parlor. ‘franks will be here in a couple of minutes!” he said, ‘‘Is all in readiness?” * Aj O, K.!” Deadwood Dick replied. you got the warrant?” ‘“* Have “Yes. Here it is.” ‘“Very well! Ishall have the honor of put- ting Mr. Felix Franks under arrest. All be seated, please.” The detective then arose and took a position near the'hall door, Inside of five minutes the door-bell rung and ec opened it, keeping himself, however, out of sight. Felix Franks stepped boldly into the hall, then into the parlor, wxereupon Dick closed the door, and locked it, putting the key in his pocket. “Did you send for me, Mr. Vance?” Felix asked, staring at the people present. ‘*No, sir,” the broker replied. ‘‘ Mr, Bristol, the detective, sent for you!” Franks wheeled around, with an oath, and an instant later found himself handcuffed. ‘What is the meaning of this?” be demanded. “Why am I thus insulted in my employer's house?” : “It means!” coolly replied’ Deadwood Dick, “that you are my prisoner—that you are put under arrest, for forging Mr. Vance’s name on a five thousand dollar check, There are more serious charges against you, but forgery, owing to Mr. Vance’s leniency, is the first you will be charged with. After that, you will very likely do time for abducting Mr, Vance’s daughter!” ‘Ts false! false as hell!” Franks cried, furi- ously, ‘! Tbis is utter blackmail. I know noth- ing of Vance’s daughter!” “Tt is true!” Violet cried, emerging from the back parlor, ‘‘and I am here to prove it!” ‘Yes, and I am here to back her assertion!” cried Virgie, also springing out of the back parlor, Franks turned deathly pale, and reeled as though he had been struck a heavy blow. “This is infamous!” he gasped. ‘‘I owe it at to you!” he added, fiercely facing Deadwood Jick, ‘““Well, to some extent, you do owe your defeat to me, Franks,” Dick replied. “I am happy to say that I have been the means of frustrating your diabolical scheme, When Mr. Vance placed the case in my hands, I went at it with a determination to win. I may say, that, after my first glimpse of you, I was satisfied that you were a scoundrel of the first water, and I had you watched. As a result, I have found you out in the fullest particular, and you are my prisoner—as mean a rogue—as detesta- ble a man—as I ever put shackles on. But, your jig is up; you'll never again disgrace your father’s name with your infamous rascality, for Sing Sing will protect the world from your presence,” Dear reader, little more needs to be added. Through the agency of Deadwood Dick, the whole plot had been exploded and exposed, and the chief offender in thirty days’ time was in Sing Sing. But Bum Boston was not to be found when called for. He had evidently got wind of forthcoming events and left New York at once, Virgie returned to her mother; Violent mar- ried Steele Standish, and Deadwood Dick and Rats, after receiving a princely recompense, be- came pards in more ways than one, as we shall see. THE END. Beadle’s Dime Library. 1A Harp Crown. By Philip S. Warne...,....... 10¢ 2 Tue Darr-Devin, By Col. P. Ingraham..... . 10¢ 8 Krr Carson, Jk. 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BY OLL COOMES. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Gulde. 31 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, th ng Mustanger. 58 The Border jecret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, Young ger Spy. 74 Hawk-eye Har y the Young Trapper Ranger, 88 Rollo, the Boy Kanger. $4 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 48 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 46 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 58 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 68 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 78 Old Solitary, the Hermit ‘Trapper. 182 Little Hurrica the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, fhe Young Outlaw Hunters. 208 The Boy Here #3 or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. R28 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. RTZ Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. $00 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; vr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedtoot Fred 3 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. 662 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 680 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia, BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Old Rocky # ** Boyeess or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’l of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George's Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. G07 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben's Death Hunt. 818 Rak Waa ey Ker-whoo3 or, The Tarantula of Taos, 827 Oreeping Oat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards. £82 Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust, 844 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Sloge of Fort Pargatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. 875 Chiota, the Creek}; or, The Three Thunderbolts. BS1 Bandera Hill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Dalay from Denver. 427 The Three Trallers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampag 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Glant BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Waptaim Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Gane, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Dueliat; cr, The Mountain Vompires. B38 A noene Boy ; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcaste of the Glen, B78 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. 888 Little Oh-my $ or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly i or, A Race fora Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’sC A381 Little Ah Sin3 or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the alines. 480 Three Jolly Pards, 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue, S47 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Doga, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, T keleton’s Legacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout. 648 Mappy Harry’s Big Find. 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherwelght_ the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws, 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Olip the Contortionist; or, Tha Montana Vigilantes, BY JO PIERCE, 897 Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, A452 TE apis Bob, the Street-Boy Detective, 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Lake's Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horae-King, 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Points Phil. 509 Jack Jagwera, the Butcher Boy Detective, 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Pointe Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective, 558 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, 541 Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective. 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 559 Warlem Jacks the Gflea Boy Detective, a n Ben, the On-His-Own-Hool letectiv: 577 Pave t Pete the Secret Sifter. ™ 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, KOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, eo rip nrise Saul, the eal se pita Lie ‘ Famin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. m . pate 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator, 694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detective. 717 Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin, 726 Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, 587 Old Buckeye, the Slorra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. Soe eae foe the oe Detective. ie ning’s or, The Mystery of the Islan G8 Plucky Pauly the Boy Proonecret * BEADLE'’S«H ALF- PIME* LIBRARY, Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY JOSEPH FE. BADGER, JR, 2 Vellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent, or, Hive Ontlaw’s Retreat 65 Murrles Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains, 186 Night-tinwk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Resene, 160 The Black Glant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting F ith Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path 208 The Boy Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmaska, 211 Crooked Cale, the Callban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or Daniel Boone’s Last Trall, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. 677 Ch apin Dan's Second Trall, 688 Chincapin Dan's Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head, TOS Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. 718 Light-Heart Lute’s Last Trall. 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone, BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood ; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life, 72 Mad Tom Weatern, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop, BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. Il. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Traller; or, A Vow Well Kept, 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. he Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. 8 BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detéictives; 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 Buy 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 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective, 515 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROW 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Handy; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hanted to Death, 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The !iaunted Maid of Taos BY GEORGE ©, JENKS. 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 598 Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Fol; or, Dan’s Double Play, 616 The Ocean Detectives or. The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussel. BY J. ©. COWDRIOK. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Sha » the Gold King or, For Seven Years Dead, ve’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, ny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, andy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 506 Redlight ae the Prince of the Road. 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Ditikilty.” 648 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. ees ey sake, the Young Engineer. 79 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. B92 The Boy Pinkerton.” sett wis ; 605 Willlam © Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, ‘ 628 Broady ay Tilly's Dead Act. 640 Barebsek Beth, the ( 647 ‘Typewriter Tilly, th 659 Moonlight Morgun, the 669 Broadway Billy Abro: 675 Broadway Billy’s Beasts or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in T. 708 Broadway Billy's B 711 Brondway Billy at 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand, BY FREDERICK DEWEY 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shota. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective, Fat 542 The Or~yon Pards. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Parda, 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecopliar” Man, BY MAJOR E. L. 8T. VRAIN. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit, 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport, 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince, 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand,” 859 Durango Dave, the Young Channion Wrestler, 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. B80 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS, 6 BULL Biddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of tne Frontier, 7 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Inland. 7 The Helpless Handy or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide? or, The Loat Mountain. BY WILLIAY R EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank ; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY ©, DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains, 280 The Yankee Kajahj or, The Fate of the Black Shereef, BY OAPT, ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8, A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo BUls Bet; or, ‘The Gambler Guide. BY LIEUT. A. SIMS. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge, 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With « Shadow 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City, 601 Happy Wana, the Datel Vidoeg. G11 Bildad Barnuele, the Detective Hercules. 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Trind 681 Tom Cat's Terrible Task, 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or. Bleck Dan’s Great Combine, 646 Cowboy Gid, the Ca ange wetective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective, 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout, 689 Billy. the Gypsy Spy. 699 Shaple Sim, tho Broncho Buster. 712 The Mesmerist Sport; or, The Myatified Detective. ntaur of the Cirele, chant’s Ward. * Pizeneat ’’ Man of Ante Bas, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-lMorse Wunters, By Capt. Mayne Reta and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels, By Dean Swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Satlor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan 36 Nat Todd or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. Lewis. 2 ‘rne Frontier Angel. 88 The Ocean Bloodhoundy or, The Red Pirates of the 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, Carribees, By 8, W. Pierce. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 86 The Boy Clowns or, The Arena Queen. By F 8, Finn. 254 The Half-Blood ; or, The Panther of the Plains, 84 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man. 61 The Boy Rites; or, The Underground Camp. By A. C. Irons, 96 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Missiuaippy, By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Out)awed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gilderaleeve, or, The Crow Captive. By Captain BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The T).ree Trappers; or, The Mountain Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, Ts White Spirit of the Hills, BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasao. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACERRIDGE NEMYN@G, tf pete oe ie pow a of the Family. ‘he Oaptain of the Club The Riva) Athletes, 101 Jack Markaway inNew York. BY MAJOR IENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout. 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards. 846 Rapier Raphael} or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, 891 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. rte cay ao ee Pard: or, The Gold King, ¢ Mad Man-Iunter: or, The Golden Gule 505 Powell’« Pard; or, The One Acad Giant. Trea 9 BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Deughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Ele hant Riders, ea] 70 Fost Captain: or, Situper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise. © Boy Bedoutna; or, The Brothers of the Plume: 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. rary fecha 249 Milo Romer the Animal King; or, Round the World. 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black N&eck, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe’s War Trail. BY COL. A, F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckskin: or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Littie Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, B28 The Dandy sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator. 678 Ralph Renwood. the Lightning Express Detective. 691 Headlight Warry’« Mant. 727 Headlight Marry’s Stren. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, 'hoCave of Denth. By Burton Saxe, 124 Tiovys the Texans or, The Young Champion, By George Glerson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate's Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish, 148 Sharp Samy; or, The Adventures of a Friendleas Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yol- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Y srk Boy. ByG,. L, Alken, 266 Kilib’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett's Crooked Trath By Ensign C. D. Warren, 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Clif, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Lifeand Honor, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother's Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris. 874 Gold-Duat Toms or, Ben’s Rouhla Match. By@ H. Morse, 876 Cailfornin Joe’s First Vrail. By Colonel) Thomae Hover Monstery. 418 Billy Bombshell, tho Cliff Climber. By F.8. Winthrop, 475 The Black pip. By John S_ Warner. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinetblea, By Henry J. Thomas. 582 The Cowboy Duke, By Edwin Brooke Forrest. 552 Artel_the Athlete. By David Drald. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dond Petective’a Double. By Gerald Carlton. %21 Maverick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard ot Urkos Pass. By Will Lisenbee. A New issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by ati newsdenlers, five cents por copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME« LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. — BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels, Dick, the Prince of the Road. Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. Dick in Disguise; or, Buffaly Ben Dick in His Castle. Dick’s Bonanza; o-, The santom Miner. Dick in Danger; o’, Omaha Oll. Dick’s Eagle wr, he Pards of Flood Bar. Dick on Deck ; me, the Heroine, Dick’s Last Ac Corduroy Charlie. Dick in Leadvil Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood 129 Deadwood 138 Deadwood 149 Deadwood Deadwood 5 Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Gold-Duat Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Dead wood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwooa Deadwood 5 Deadwood Di Deadwood Dick’s Double; or Dick’s Home Ba i ike; or, A Gan wood: or, Th 3 or, The Rivals of the Road. Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel Dick’s Do 3 or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. Dick’s Bead Deal. Dick’s Death-Plant, Pick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, Dick’s Divides or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. Dick’s Death Trail. Dick’s Deal; or, e Gold Brick of Oregon. Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flate Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. Dick Sentenced; or, ‘the Terrible Vendetta. Dick’s Claim. Dick in Dead City. Pick’s Diamonds, Dick In New York; or, A “Cute Case,” Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, Dick of D Dick’s Drenr icked Party, Dick, Jr’s, Bis Rou Up. Dick, Jr. € Me Racket at Claim 10, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dox Detective. r., In Deadwood, %«, Compact. «, Inheritance, a, Diggings. 4, Deliverance, k, dr.s, Protegee. Jris, Three, Deadwood » Jr.'s, Danger Ducka, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s,» Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog Deadwood Dick, Jr., on iis Mettle, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia, 572 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 678 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Aflont. HS4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr,, in Beeizebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’%, Leadville Lay, 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuatt. 624 Deadwood Dick in Nevada, 680 Deadwood D 686 Deadwood Di 642 Deadwood 648 Deadwood 654 Deadwood 660 Deadwood 666 Deadwood 672 Deadwood 678 Deadwood 684 Deadwood 690 Deadwood Jr., Atter the Queer. n Buffalo. Chase Acrona the Continent Jr., Back in the Mines, Jr., In Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” eee, Discovery} or, Found a Fortune. Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San _ Francisco. 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diagulse, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 18 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 22 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 26 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, BO Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 42 Wandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 47 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, 52 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 57 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 62 Will Wildfire in the Woods. oe Billy Baggage, the Railroad Be z a A Trump Card} or, Will Wildfire Wine and Loses, 4 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. ra fk fk ak a fp a > 79 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 188 The Hidden Hand ox Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 2285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two ** Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago, 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’« Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. B24 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. B41 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, B67 Wide-Awake 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 Vagapond. 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, 666 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkanaast or, The Wolf in the Fold. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Detectives or, Harry Hale’s Big Boat. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 89 Death-Fac tective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalane or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe 1¢ Boy Phen 61 Buckhorn Bil The am 69 Gold Rifle, t » Koy Detective, 80 Roscbhud Rob; t Ned, ths Knight. 84 Idyi, the Girl Mi 3 or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 3 or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. } Old Anacor n Sitti ili’s Camp, and / of a Great City. Speculator. Sport Detective rirl Sport, mG b-Edged Dick, th Cinnamon Chip, the Bonanze tll, Miner. 3 King of Bootblacka, he Boy Road ont. aptain Perret, the York Detective. New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. Nobty Nick of Nevad or, The Sierras Scamps, W tia ’vank, the Buckskin Bravo. » Ericzy the Bound-Boy Detectiy Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective. Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 5 Slerra San.’a Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. Jumbo Joey, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 7 Denver Doll, tho Detective Queen. nk ck pak CT deeled = ee phe Ie Gem Sepomen ce RD Pat dk ft Sar . The Road Queen. o, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. Liza Jane, the Sirl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. the Middy ¢ or, The 50 dshipman 264 The Floating F eath 260 The Gold Ship; or, Me Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; The Gold Ship ” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sen Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. R87 Villy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Siot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. $08 ikeno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail, 877 Bonodél, the Boy Rover; or, The Flygless Schooner, B88 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search fer Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom. B98 Seawall, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isvdor, the Young Consptrator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy fnsurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta, 412 The Wild Yachtaman 3 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 Vhe Ocenn Firefly ¢ or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Maphazard Harry 3 or, Tne Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WII. or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 » the Boy Coaster. ‘ard Will’s Vagabond Pard, Brandt, the Buccaneer, Monte’s Treasure. man, 511 The Outlawed Middy .520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Bue: skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, 5645 Licutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’« Legacy: or. The Avenging Son, 555 The Creole Corsair. Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. Kent Kingdon, the Card King. Camille, the Card Queen. The Surgeon-Scout Detective. The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, The Buckskin Avenger, Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of'the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders, 6414 The Hercules Highwaymun, 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadowery ot, Tho Freebroter’s Legacy. €86 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name, 692 The Rival Sharps or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout, C97 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas, 02 Blue Jacket BIL]; or, The Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racket 07 The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail. 18 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen. 19 Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper. 25 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raids BY BUFFALO BILL (fon. Wm. F, Cody). 8 Kansans King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy? or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Sceut. 68 Border Robin Hood or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 729 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 780 Violet Vane’s Verdlet; or, The Crooked Game at Coffix City. By Wm. G. Patten. 781 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower; or, The Rivals in Buckskin. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 782 Daisy Dell, Gre Sea Detective; or, Trapping Big Game. By T. C. Harbaugh. 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector; or, Unearthing the Cavern Lengue, By Lieut. A. K. Sims, 484 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal: -or, The All- ‘Around Surprise. By Edward L, Wheeler. 285 Broadway Billy’s Business; or, Waking Up Wind Cav- yon Camp. By_!. C, Cowdrick. 786 Larry, the Thoroughbreds or, Beaten on Every Side.. y George C. Jenks. 87 Ruck Taylor, the Comancke’s Captive; or, Buckekin Sam to the Rescue. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 288 Broadway Billy’s Curious Case; or, The Mysterious Disappearance at Manitou Springs. By J. C. Cowdrick. 789 Silverblade, the Hostile, or, The Border Beagle’s Ghost Trail, By Jos. E. Bader, Jr. 740 Deadwood. Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch; or, The Moving Mystery ut Mexican Mustang. By Edward L, Wheeler. TA1 Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidocq; or, Sport against Sport. By Wm. G, Patten, . 742 Bully Winks, the Bell Boy Detective; or, Breaking the Meshes of the Golden Coil. By T. C. Harbauzh. ni 748 Buck Taylor’a Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande. By pels Prenties Ingraham. Ready October 20, 744 Night-Watch Dick, the Life Saver of the Docks. By Jo: Pierce. Ready October 27. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library Is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 ‘William Street, New York.