Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 559) (1888 04 10)
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TesaRD BRILL IOw. = ame | (RY | |p a WZ N \ N \ NAY =n IM SO WW, ai = it a a a a a aa ia Batered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1888, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, = April 10, 1888, $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. XXII, a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 559. THE COUSIN'S CRIME. BY JO. PIERCE, (Of the New York Detective Force.) AUTHOR OF “BoB 0’ THE BOWERY,” “ IVE POINTS PHIL,” “TARTAR TIM,” “ JEFF FLICKER,” ‘‘ NORTH RIVER NAT,” " WRESTLING REX,” ETC. CHAPTER I. JACK’S ADVENTURE. «You little wretch! I’ve got youl” It ain’t no great of a ketch,” * What's that?” “‘T mean that I don’t amount ter much.” —V— SSS. Re ———. . ..~ You don’t, iu one way; in another way, yea THE *OLIOBMAN SHOOK HIS PRISONER ROUGHLY. “IT ain’T ME!” EXCLAMMED SA\K. ‘4, Wow boys have worried the life out of me. “THAT CHAP IS RUNNIN’ AWAY. sror BIMd” i Py
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q " Harlem Jack the Office Boy Detective.: and I’m going to make an example of you. take you into my dissecting room, and use you as a ‘subject.’” “ 'd rather you wouldn’t, but I like ter oblige my feller-men, Ef itll do ye any great amount 0’ good, zo ahead. People must be amoosed, an’ you don’t look as though you ever had much fun, anyway. Ill help you out—let’s be jolly. IT don’t like the idee o’ bein’ dissected, but I reckon [ kin stand it. Never say die!” The scene was in Harlem. Several boys had been playing ball in a vacant lot when the *¢ delusive sphere ” was batted over a high board fence into the back yard of a neighboring house. The boys’ first impression was that the ball was irrevocably lost. The fence was so high that it was hard to scale, and they knew some- thing about the owner of-the house, He was known as Doctor Otis Harbison, but was not a racticing physician, Little was known about Bim except that he was engaged in chemical ex- periments for some reason unknown. He was not a popular man. He associated but little with those of his own age, and then only when they met casually, and none of his neighbors had ever been invited to his house. He had visitors, now and then, but nobody on the block knew who they were, nor whence they came, And toward allboys the chemist-doctor had the strongest aversion, if not positive hatred. . Having had unpleasant experience with Har- bison, none of the boys were willing to go after the lost ball, but one of their number finally volunteered. He wasa boy of fourteen years, who was generally known as Happy Jack. After considerable effort he managed to climb the fence. Harbison’s house had a rather spa- cious yard, in which grew fruit-trees, roses and other flowers, and the whole served to make a kind of ambuscade, Haver Jack saw the ball on an open walk, but, though he looked care- oa did not see any human being. e dropped inside the yard, and was about to pick up the ball when he found himself in the grasp of the doctor, Then followed the conversation before re- corded. ty Jack had been a little startled at first, for he not only knew that Harbison was a man of vio- lent temper, but there was a vague notion among the boys that he was possessed of super- natural powers which he was inclined to use for evil. The boy would not have credited such a theory in his calmer moments,’but the doctor did startle him for a moment, When be recov- ered his coolness, and expressed himself so ligbt- ly, he made matters all the worse. He was with a man who could not appreciate good humor. The old chemist raised his heavy stick threat- eningly. ry Bye a good mind to flog you!” he declared, mngeey. : y should you?” Jack asked, “‘Have I done any harm ter your place?” ‘What business had you to come in here?” The stick was shaken menacingly over the boy’s head, ; “ All I want is that ball,” explained Happy Jack, pointing to the cause of the who trouble, “Ts it your ball?” p ‘* Yes, sir.” ‘What business bas your ball in my yard?” “It was batted in here by accident, We want it, bad, an’ I thought [ wouldn’t do no harm by comin’ quietly in after it. I ain’t touched nothin’ elge, an’ I won’t. Don’t think Td damage yer fruit-trees, nor nothin’ else, fur I wouldn’t, You see it’s a straight bill, doctor, an’ all that we boys want is the ball. We want ter be poly Ke. “Til make you ‘jolly’ in a way you won't like, you Young rascal!” sharply retorted Harbi- son, ‘‘ You and your gang have been worrying @ the life out of me, You get into that vacant * Jot, and you play ball and howl like maniacs. lve complained to the police, but not an ar- rest; I believe they are in league with you.” ‘They do drive us away—” ‘And you come back. I know boys as well as any man, You play over there, defying law, order aud decency, but when a patrolman ap- pears, your ball is hidden and you are as mute as mice until he is gone. Then you again, Ob! I know you and your ways; I know just what creatures boys are. Dve been thinking for some time that I must take the law into my own hands, and now I’! do it. You had no business to come into my yard.” “ We only wauted the ball.” ‘‘Don’t interrupt me, I don’t care a picayune TH for you or your ball; I only know that you have come in here like a thief. It is one of a series of inflictions put upon me by your gang—” ‘What have we done?” ‘* Played ball over there.” “Ts that your lot?” ‘* No, but the noise of your yelling and hoot- ing comes into my rooms and drives me crazy when I work,” The old man paused for a moment, and then a cunning gleam came into his-eyes, “Come up into my room, and see how plainly I can hear,” he added. “Don’t think 1 want ter go,” Jack quickly answered, remembering the reputation borne by Harbison, and not at all reassured by the tall, lank, unprepossessing figure, and shrunken, crafty face of the man, himself. “Why not?” “Time is money, mister, you know.” ‘Nonsense! Come, why do you hesitate? Let me appeal to your better nature. Come to my room, and see for yourself how plainly every sound rises to my hearing.” The old man had lowered his stick, and he had assumed a manner intended to be mild and_per- suasive, but this change did rot reassure Jack, nor did he admire the smile which had appear- ed on the chemist’s face. That smile, too, was intended to be friendly, but Harbison’s face did not seem intended for smiling. The attempt only wade him look hideous, “Thank you,” the boy answered, “but I reckon I'll be excused. You tol’ me only a bit ago that you'd take me ter your dissectin’-room, an’ use we fur a “tg | og ‘All empty talk; [was angry, then. Besides, I have no dissecting-room, and have not seen a ‘subject’ for twenty years. Don’t be foolish, I want to appeal to your better nature, and you need not stay five minutes, See! the windows are open. Will you go?” Happy Jack had_ not gained a good opinion of Doctor Harbison, but he bad got over his first startled sensation, and the doctor’s proposal re- minded him that a chance was now offered to seo the inside of the house. He had but a vague idea what was inside, but, as Harbison was said to be a chemist engaged in experiments, instead of a regular doctor, he had an idea that his quarters must be strange and marvelous. > With his curiosity aroused, he made answer: “ Allright; heave ahead, I like ter be jolly.” “Good! Come on!” The old man walked stiffly down the walk toward the house and Jack followed. Ifthe latter had been ten years older he might have seen. something very strange and suspicious in the chemist’s sudden change from unreasoning anger to plausible and would-be pleasant words, but Jack did not think of it then, He had oceasion to think of it afterward, for the memory of the terrors of the chemist’s house would never leave him while life lasted. The yard of the house, with its fruit-trees and flowers, was a pleasant place, but Jack thought that all this vanished when he entered the house. It was furnished scantily and gloomily. Not an unnecessary thing was Visible where they went, and the same rule would apply to the whole house, except the doctor’s experimental rooms, Cheap, dull-colored carpets were on the floor and the furniture, what there was of it, was stiff, grim and plain. On the whole, the house was about as cheerful as an empty dry-goods case, Harbison led the way to the rear roomof the third, and upper floor. This was a large room, and there was no scarcity of articles. Happy Jack saw more than he could ever remember afterward. He saw as many bottles and jars as a druggist’s shop could boast of, and all were of the same ap ance as those in a drug store, Besides these, there were dozens of instruments new and strange to tke boy. They nearly cov- ered a long table; they stood upon shelves and on the floor; they seemed to be everywhere, Taken in connection with Harbison’s repvta- tion, and his peculiar appearance, all these peculiar things made a strong impression on Jack’s mind, He was awed—almost frightened —but when he saw & dog and cat lying close to- gether on the floor, and apparently asleep, he took courage, The old chemist could not be a very bad man if he was so fond of household pets. The boy had hesitated at the door, but be now walked in boldly. Harbison sat down near the window and pointed to another chair, which the visitor readily occupied, There was a moment’s silence, during which the two looked curiously at each other. The oe ye a strong contrast. Jack had a fresh, boyish, frank and manly _—_HFOFTOHEEO OOO face, and a plump, healthy figure. Not being rich, his clothes were very plain, but they were whole and clean, and he presented a pleasant ap- pearance, Harbison was well along in years; his figut was bent, emaciated, and shrunken; his bearc less face was thin, pale, and extremely writ kled; bis garments were ill-fitting and slovenly and his expression was cold, crafty and cruel. It was not a pleasant picture, and the visitor’: gaze wandered away. “Boy, what is your name?” the chemist sud- denly asked. ‘** Happy Jack,” was the absent reply. “e How ? “Oh! my name is Jchn Brandrege, but they sometimes call me Happy Jack ’round here, or. Harlem Jack, ef they take a notion.” ‘Where do you live?” “Dye see the wooden house ’way over thar, by the new flats goin’ up?” **T live thar.” ‘With your parents?” ‘With my mother. Father is dead.” **Do you like chemical experiments?” “Don’t know anything about them, Can’t say I think I should, though; can’t see anything jolly about them.” ‘“There is fascination. Just fancy a man in- venting new mixtures—studying them out, day by day. Look in the smallest case! Those are all compounds of my own; things to which I, and I alone, have the secret,, I use no technical terms, for you would not understand.” ‘* Should think you would git blowed up, by gracious,” ‘*T am an expert chemist. What man can do T can do. Obgerve the jar with the yellow label. Put one drop of that on this table, and strike it with a hammer, and it would make a sound as loud as the report of a revolver.” ‘* Julius Caesar!” “‘ Now then?” ‘¢T could throw it a hundred feet, I reckon.” “¢ As far as yonder group of boys?” “ Yes. ” “Were you to do so now it would kill pxor one of them. It is a deadly explosive, whic does its work by concussion, The lives of those boys are in your grasp at this moment, but of course, ro will not throw it. They have done you no injury.” CHAPTER IL. A SINGULAR EXPERIENCE, THERE was a peculiarity of Harbison’s voice as he spoke these words which, taken in connec- tion with the words, themselves, gave Happy Jack a startling thougek. Pek gies of boys to which the chemist referred st upon the va- cant lot used for wall playing. and. in Harbi- son’s opinion, the boys had done him injury. Was not every word of his last few sentences a bint that he could at any time kill all of the boys if he wisbed? The cold, gray eyes were bent upon Jack’s face for a few seconds; then the doctor put the black ball away and pointed to another ob- lect. ; ‘‘ Yonder,” he resumed, ‘‘ you see a species of gun, You probably think that it looks odd, and it is owe did weapon, It is an improvement upon the air-gun—a very, very great improve- be With that, a pt marksman could bita button on the clothes of one of those boys. Or, if the bullet killed the boy, there would be no report, and no one would ever know from whence came the bullet.” ‘ Another suggestive statement, and again the cold eyes looked into Jack's, as though to drive every word into bis mind, and make sure that sgh were understood. arbison arose and went to the case which, he had said, contained the compounds of his own invention, As his back was toward Jack, the latter used his eyes upon other objects, He made a general, swift survey of the room, and then his gaze became fixed upon the cat and dog. They had not moved their position in the least. d It occurred to the boy that there was some- thing uliar about the animals. He could discover absolutely no signs of life; he could neither hear them breathe, nor see their sides move with respiration, There were no nervous contractions of their limbs, such as are so often Ne ee ~ * ¥ a, ee ee ee es =P we ’ ss ara ’ - « A = ~
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Nee ee Ce Ee Se a + ek ee ers Harlem Jac k, the Office Boy Detective. ae ge 3 seen in their species when asleep, nor did their position seem’ easy and natural. If they had been carved animals they could not have lain there more rigidly and silently. Happy Jack shivered, and wae happy no longer. He remembered baving been told that men who experiment with drugs use cats, dogs and other animals as subjects upon which to try their ‘‘experiments.” He tried not to remember all that he had been told on this subject, but he could not help staring blankly at the two ani- mals aud wondering what condition they were in, Were they sleeping naturally? Or was life suspended for the time? Or were they really dead? If the latter was the true explanation life could not long have been gone, for only by their rigid- ity ena utter lack of motion did they appear lifeless. With an effort he turned his gaze away; turned it toward the window, as the only place in the room free from the doctor’s contamina- tion. As he did so something else caught and held his attention for a moment—a card which lay upon the table close to his elbow. ** Yes; I’ve got business.” Harbison laughed. Plainly it was a laugh caused by real mirth, but the sound was strange and unpleasant, ** Don’t you like my room?” No!” was the prompt confession. **l’ve a good many other wonders here,” ‘**T don’t want ter see ’em.” ‘* I thought all boys were full of curiosity?” **They may be; I dunno,” Jack’s reply was as curt as it was non-com- mittal. Harbison’s eyes twinkled with satis- faction, ‘* I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit?” “Hugely. How could I help it?” *“* The only trouble here is that one of my com- pounds may at any moment explode and blow us all up.” ; ‘““T s'pose so. Fine place ter live in. Sing Sing, ef a man likes it. I shouldn't.” “I hope you won’t get arrested for any evil act and sent there. So you’re ready to go. All right; go out, get your ball and go away. I hope the ball will not fall in my yard again, and that when you boys come near, you will not screech like demons, I don’t want my life made So is Jack and the old chemist had not by any means met for the last time, and the future had that in store for one of thern which was as | Strange as it was weird, startling and dangerous. A series of painful events bad begun, CHAPTER III. A PROPOSAL TO JACK. AFTER supper Jack left the bouse and went two biocks away to make a call. The dwelling he sought was as humble as any to be found in New York, being no more than a shanty which stood upon a rocky elevation—a species of habi- tation common in the metropolis a few years ago, but now fast giving place to improved edifices. This shanty had never known the touch of ase and time had not only given the rough oards a desolate appearance, but they were giving away in places, suffering for want of the aid ot hammer and nails; and the once-direct lines of the building, as a whole, had given place to curves and abrupt angles, as it ““ sagged ” here and there. The chimney was a stove-pipe, and the only window not over two feet square, A name was printed upon it. and he read it | hideous. Bear this in mind, and let me alone in Desolate as it looked, the shanty was the home mechanically: future. If you don’t, it may be the worse for | of a man as happy as he was poor, and as honest ou!’ as he washappy. All three qualities he possessed “ROLAND ANDERSON.” It was a name new to him then, and the card interested him but a moment; but he was des- tined to remember it at no distant period with increased interest, Harbison was still busy at the case. He had taken down a small jar which was filled with some article which seemed to require great care in the way of protection, for it was so tightly secured that he found it difficult to open it. He had moved a little to one side, so that Jack had a better view of the case, ahd his attention at once became fixed. At the end of the shelf stood*a bottle which would hold at least a pint of whatever was in it, while beside it were half a dozen very small bottles of the same color. They were blue, and the only blue bottles in the case. And such a blue! Jack was never able to describe it after- ward, except to say that it was the most brilliant color he had ever seen, It had a depth, a dark radiance, a parkle which was simply wonderful. And al, ube bot- tles mentioned, large and small, were of the same peculiar blue. . But there was something more. A label was pasted on the largest bottle, and the boy read the single word: ‘* Porson!” Harbison turned around with the jar which he had at last succeeded in opening, and ap- proached Jack. The latter’s nostrils were greet- ed with a strong odor which was something like that of vinegar. ** Another of my mixtures,” the doctor pro- ceeded. “It is very powerful, but requires to be kept away from air as much as possible. Observe its effects!” He had placed a thick piece of cotton cloth on the table, and he now allowed a few drops of the liquid in the jar to fall upon it. The effect was at once apparent. Wherever a drop of the liquid had fallen the cloth began to change, to lose its firmness, and then it slowly disappeared until every drop was marked by’a hole eaten cleanly through. But the end was not yet: the drug continued to eat, the holes enlarging ‘and drawing nearer each other, until it was plain that all the cloth would be consumed. __. ‘A favorite preparation of mine,” observed Harbison, ‘ Vitriol is nearest like it. My com- und will eat up more than cloth; it will eat uman flesh, Were you to dip your hand in this jar, your hand would be ruined. Were you to go into the yard and throw any of this liquid upon the group of boys, what do you think would become of them?* Again the sly suggestion! Jack looked up and met Harbison’s gaze. The chemist was looking at him with glittering eyes, and his parted lips revealed long, white teeth which somehow reminded Jack of a shark’s. But the man’s expression was even worse; it was angry, threatening and sinister, and the boy felt sure that he had been taken there to be frightened, to be shown the old chemist’s power, and shown how easily he could wreak vive his companion’s courage, his anger drew Jack’s mind from the unknown dangers of the room, and he faced Harbison as DOE as it was his nature to face all open cdangers, ‘* We won’t argue the pint,” he coolly replied. *T told you out in the yard that I wouldn’t hurt yer things, nohow, an’ it’s the same with all the boys. As fur the noise we make, ’tain’t done worrlel, ‘Muateall Pregetior yee orried. a ve got ter say. Harbison seemed upon the point of speaking, but suddenly changed his mind and pointed silently to the door, Jack was more than willing to go. He went a tie inek ook aan ate names cat, stirred a foot. ere they dead or alive? Or were they dead in life? Once more Jack shivered, and he went out with quick Fok g ee Chena Saowon reg ing _ oe: the was secu ; and the y, declining Harbison’s aid, climbed ever the fence once Pre, As be reached the top his late host broke e silence: “Go!” he fevely ordered, ‘‘and never dare come near my yard again!” *““Ef_1 never go visitin’ until I call on you ag’in, I sha’n’t visit any more this week,” coolly replied Jack, ‘I'd sooner visit the Morgue.” And then he dropped into the vacant lot. nade gene ened. be had bess playing ball away, and he was not sorry; he no was drawing near set hansen mestime., Night wa s his mind dwelling upon his late sdiventures . Hie unhesitatingly set Doctor Otis Harbison down as o oat be al eee ere aoa eg the man wou o injure the wit one of the means at his disposal which he had down. Whether he would really do so was another question. There is, fortunately, a power which puts restraint upon the dangerous passions vf men disposed to evil, and its name is—the aw! Whether this would keep Harbison in check, or whether he would commit — eae gratify his spite, was not to be known; but Jack Baarty ay that he was dangerous, With his facilities for doing harm, he might af ‘8 in s secret way, perhaps, and never be ou Jack's mind wandered back to the motionless on and dog, and he could not avoid a shiver, aby S lively sympathy for such animals, he oe Ha help dwelling upon the unfortunate pane = eauoetor s room. Dead or alive? Again , © question, and again he felt sure t at they cs been living. But why had they Mee ned Out there like two statues? What villainous €Xperiments was Harbison trying ————— to the extreme, His name was G. W. Grimm. Whether the ; initials stood for George Washington, or some- thing else, he allowed nobody to know. He was ready to announce a part of bis name frequent- ly, but never to tell the whole, Ceremony was not practiced at the shanty, | and when Jack arrived, he promptly swung His threats and | | only. | as his table, and on which now set the kerosene- | lamp. back the battered door which hung on one hinge A man sat by an old box which served He looked up, saw Jack, and then his face | brightened and a medley of words and strange sounds passed his lips, at ‘*Hullo, Happy Jack! Come in—come in! Glad ter see ye. Bow-wow-wow! Bow-wow- wuft-wuff !” ; He finished his salutation with a most surpris- ing imitation of the barking of a dog. lt was not accurate to an extreme, but it was vehe- ment, and the ** barks” followed each other from his lips with surprising rapidity. ‘*Good-evenin’,” replied Jack, neither sur- prised nor excited. ‘‘ How be ye ter-night?” “Bad! I tell ye,me boy, you don’t know what it is ter hev chronic hydrophoby sarculat- in’ in yer veins. Of all santanoieals cases, mine isthe melancooliest, Bit by a ravin’, howlin’, devourin’ mad-dog twenty year ago, I’ve had the chronic hydropboby ever sence. Bow-wow- wow! The fever in my veins is awful, an’ my flesh is burnin’ up. Feel, an’ see how hot ’tis!” Jack had sat down on a dilapidated chair near his host, and he now gravely obeyed the latter’s request. He found Grimm’s band of normal temperature, just as be had expected he should, but made answer: ‘It’s pooty hard, by Cesar! I’m sorry for ‘*Thank—bow-wow—thank ye. S thy is sweet ter one "flicted as 1 howaaianeat " And he shook his head very solemnly, There was not a more healtbhy-looking man in New York, and appearances did not belie him. He was healthy, and he knew it, but he was a man of many oddities. He never allowed a friend to rap at his door, and always reproved a stranger for doing so; be allowed no one to call him “Mr, Grimm,” and told no more of his name than has been mentioned, and it was bis fancy to insist that he was a victim to hydro- phobia, contracted years before, and now be- come ‘ chronic.” Of course this ars pth was believed by noone. Prebably G, W. Grimm did not expect any one to believe it, but he did require bis friends to keep up the pretense he had started, and the person who expressed want of belief, or laughed at him, straightway ceased to be his friend. They must treat him asa victim to ‘chronic hydrophobia,” or keep away from him. Few, however, ever lost his friendship when they had once gained it. He was slow to admit any one to his confidence, and when he did, his honesty, kindness, and good humor _prnerniy held them as fast friends. He liv in. the ‘hay. pag upon the boys who annoyed bin, if oye i eng ied shanty all alone, doing all his work, but he e saw fit. : e ried to forget all about them, but | seemed as well satisfied as though be was a mil- A shiver passed over Jack's frame; if Harbi- | what he had seen not on eal at sine for | lionaire with pn ponies at his back. = son wished to frighten him, be had succeeded ink I'll go!” muttered Jack, ‘““ What! so soon?” the time, but future events were destined to brand them more indelibly upon. his mind, and recall circumstances which he had thought of no importance at the time. Having paid due attention to his “* infirmities,” he turned to another subject. dat I expeck Harvey Stannard here this even-
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ai, , tad 4 “De ye?’ asked Jack. “I ain’t seen him fur a week. How’s he comin’ on?” ** All right, [ reckon.” ‘Still likes his place?” “cc Yes,” Jack remained thoughtfully silent, and Grimm added: ‘‘ T guess you'll have ter give up your idee.” ‘* What idee?” “¢ About Harv an’ his new place.” “ Wal, I hope ’'m wrong.” ‘‘T don’t see why you suspect anything.” ‘Ive tol’ ye al about it once, Grimm, but Tll go over the groundag’in. I hope I’m wrong, an’ that Harvey has a good job. He come here a mighty green country chap, an’ when he see the advertisement fur a secretary he was so skeered he dassent go ter ’ply for it alone, so I went as fur as the door an’ waited fur him. ‘When he come out his face was all lit up with joy, an’ he said he’d got the place; an’ he felt so good he took me in an’ we had ice-cream at his expense, He tol’ me his story while we sat, but he was #e excited he jumbled it up dre’fful, an’ I thought %wa’n’t much matter’s long as he’d got the job. “We got through, an’ while he’s payin’ the bilJB stepped out to the door. Next door was a Cc place, an’ as I come out two men met in front on’t, one havin’ jest left the store with a fresh cigar. Says he ter t’other feller: ..'* Hullo, Dickerman!’ says he, * what luck?’ “+ Good!’ says t’other one; ‘the feller is en- gaged, an’ he’s big enough fool ter suit even our pu . Walk ter the club with me, an’ I'll tell ye all about it.’ “They went off, an’ jest then Harvey come out, “* Why,’ says he, ‘ that’s one o’ the men who hired me.’ ‘““* Who is? says I, {“‘ ‘ Him in the tall hat—Dickerman,’ says he. “1 sorter grinnec then, fur all I thought on was what I’d heerd Dickerman say, and Harvey was a big, green chap, though not exactly a fool, as the feller had said. Thenit struck me as odd that Dickerman sbould hire anybody willin’ly, and then call him a fool. ‘ He’s bi enough fool ter suit even owr purpose,’ he ha said. What had be’n their gt ong ‘You've often tol’ me I am too s’pishous, Grimm, an’ too ready ter see crooked thin whar none ree’ly be. Wal, I did suspeck right away that Harvey had been hired by somebody who wanted him’ter do ugly work fur them— by sharpers, So I axed more on him, and he went over the story ag’in.” “Yes, yes; I know,” Grimm answered. ‘He seen the advertisement fur a secretary, an’ got od job, au’ found his bosses rich an’ fine as silk. “Maybe, maybe!” coolly replied Jack, “ But when Dickerman called Harvey a fool—” ‘*Mebbe you mistook his words,” “ Harvey said thar was over twenty arter the barr besi es him, didn’t he?” “« An’ one fine-lookin’ chap agreed ter work fur his board an’ clothes?” ‘Yes, but—-” “ Wait, Grimm! It’s likely nigh about all 0’ them twent¥ was New Yorkers, an’ all was busimess chaps, Harvey said. Now, why was they all dismissed, an’ Harvey took, when he’s so green, an’ never had no experience?” Hels honest, Harvey is, an’ his face shows “A face isa pooty fair guide as ter honesty, though you can’t bet on’t always: but one thing you kin bet on when you see Harvey. He's green an’ he’s innocent, confidin’ an’ simple minded, Now, Cordova, the man he was to work fur, didn’t want him, but Dickerman, Cordova’s cousin, stuck to it Harvey was just what was wanted, an’ he carried the day. Now, I say there was somethin’ mighty queer about the way Harvey was hired.” It is a peculiarity of all of us that as we argue our opinions grow stronger and mere obstinate. Opposition stirs them up, and often we go into an argument with only languid interest, and come out zealous, stubborn supporters of the cause we have championed. So it was with Happy Jack, If Grimm had not opposed him his vague theory might have been forgotten long before, but they had argued it long enough to a the boy up and make him determined in bis ews, Grimm scratched his head doubtfully, and then there was brief silence. It was broken by the sound of footsteps outside the shagty, and then the door was again opened and a young moan appeared, ' “Hallo! bullo!” quoth Grimm, “ Here's Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. ee —eeeeeeeeeooaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaooaoaoESEEaaaaaaaeaoEEESESESE~EyEE——eeee==s Harv. Lad, you’re welcome, Tumble in, but Jook out fur the dog. Bow-wow-wow! Just so, by gracious! Bow-wow-wow!” ‘*T see you've got them again,” answered the new-conier, ‘“‘T have, an’ I’ve always got them. I’m a vic- tim o’ chronic hydrophoby; I’m a mad-dog with a man’s body onter me. I’m a victim, an’ my temperature—bow-wow !—is high. Set down, Harv; setdown. Use that box.” The latest visitor obeyed, but Grimm’s sharp eyes were not long in noticing one thing. “You ain’t in yer usual speerits. What’sup?” he asked. “What do you mean?” “Come ter the p’int, Mr. Harvey Stannard. No beatim’ around the bush, Come ter the int, “T will. you.” “* A which for me?” “ A job, if you want it.” e Where?” ‘With my employer, Edward Cordova.” Happy Jack whistled softly. Dropping his chin upon his hands, and his elbows upon bis knees, he stared steadfastly at young Stannard. “T say, be they goin’ ter start a Brazilian colony?” “No; but Mr. Cordova wants another em- ployee. He was used to them in Brazil, and be wants them—I mean, enough to help him along all right.” “He’s got you an’ that swarthy Pedro, al- Is he sech a helpless critter he needs three men ter take care on him?” ‘“« Mr, Cordova is not in good health now, and this accounts for the call for another servant. He has asked me to bring a smart, capable boy, and I know of nobody but you. I feel sure you will suit him, and it would be a good place. Will you go and let him see you? I know he'll - you, and offer you the place. Will you take it Harlem Jack, I’ve got a job for CHAPTER IV. AN EVENTFUL STEP. Happy Jack looked at Stannard with a twinkle in his eyes which that gentieman did not understand. He had been surprised, and, also, he was somewhat excited at seeing the chance offered to enter a house which b r- plexed him; but a new thought had entered bis mind and was responsible for the twinkle in his eyes. 7 Remembering Dickerman’s uncomplimenta reference to Harvey, this thought was in his mind: ‘ Be they lookin’ fur another fool?’ He had had delicacy enough never to tell Harvey of this s h of Diekerman’s, and he would not break the reserve then. Harvey was too _ a fellow to have his feelings injured malic- iously. A big, phe hayes. man of twenty-two was Stannard, and his round face was frank, goil- humored and honest. That was about all that could be said for him. Harlem Jack had told the truth when he pronounced their friend “green.” He had been brought up in the coun- try, without any advantages, and a year in New York had not rubbed off the roa edges of his nature. This might never be done, for he was more honest and confiding than sharp. “So Cordova wants a boy?” muttered Jack, after a pause. **T told you so, didn’t I?” “Certain, certain, What does he want of him?” “ To run errands, aud make himself generally useful; but the work will be light.” ‘¢ Pedro is still there?” A peculiar expression passed over Harvey’s ce. ‘* Yes,” be replied, ‘© An’ Neil Dickerman?” “He don’t live there, and never did, but he drops in about every day.” «Omph! He had a good ’eal ter say, Dick did, when you was engaged, Is he goin’ ter be referee now?” “TI don’t think he knows anything about it. It was a sudden thought,iof Mr. Cardova’s; he wanted a boy for_an errand, and had to get a messenger-boy. Then it occurred to him all at once to have a boy regular, and he spoke to me.” Happy Jack nodded sharply. “Tl see Cordova to-morrow.” “That's good. I’d like to have you there.” “ You still like Cordova?” ** He’s a splendid fellow.” fa ‘“* An’ Dickerman?” “He's the same. He’s a rich New Yorker, but I must say I never have seen a more pleas- ant gentleman. Cordova has always lived in Brazil, aud he is less likely to put on airs than @ city man, I suppose.” * An’ Pedro? Hope he don’t feel above ye.” Stannard’s face lengthened. “ Pedro is a queer chap,” he answered. Tn what way?” “I’ve told you before, you know, that he can’t speak a word of English. Well, he is funny to an extreme. I never understood it fully, but it seems that he didn’t like Dicker- man from the first, I’ve seen him stand and watch his master and Dickerman when they talked, and you never saw such a dark, Ae? ing, suspicious face, Then when Dickerman was gone, he’d question Cordova, for he couldn’t: understand a word they had said. Cordova is as gentle as a woman, and attached to Pedro, and he is always as patient as man can be, but I know the servant tried him a good deal when they talked in Spanish.” ‘© How did he ‘try’ him?” “T never could make out, but I think I got the idea to-day.” Good!” Jack exclaimed. ‘ What is it?” ‘“* When I was coming away this afternoon Pedro met me outside the house. He had an- other Spaniard with him who could talk a little English—wretched English it was, too. ell, the other man said that Pedro wanted to ask me some questions, and he was to be interpreter. And then, good gracious! how they did fire questions at me!” “What about?” eagerly asked Jack. “‘Allabout business. You see, Cordova has been speculating under Dickerman’s advice—” ‘* Ah!” muttered Jack. “What?” ‘Nothin’. Go on!” “Speculating in Western mining stock and other things, and Dickerman says See is lots of money in it, but it seems that Pedro is sus- pew. I was asked a thousand questions ip arbarous English, but, to be brief, it amounted to this: Pedro wanted to knowif the ventures were safe; if there was no danger of losing the money.” “What did ye tell him?” “T had to tell him the truth—that I didn’t know.” “ How did they take it?” “Pedro was very much pen gb pe The amount of it is, he’s terribly afraid his master is going to lose the money he has inyested, and— and | guess he hasn’t any faith in Neil Dicker- man,” Harlem Jack looked over at G. W. Grimm and nodded again knowingly * But you b’lieve in Dickerman?” ** He’s a very pleasant, polite man.” “ Umph! ow is Cordoyva’s money put ut?’ ‘He's in various speculations, but the bulk of his money has gone into the Royal Bonanza Gold Mine,” ‘What's that?” ‘* A mine out in northern Idaho, **Ts it solid?” “Dickerman says 80.” ‘‘T didn’t ask what Dickerman said. What do you say?” “TI don't know. I’m secretary, and I write all the letters, but I must say it’s all Greek to me. Ibaven’t mastered the—the technicalities of business, yet, and it’s just like writing se much Choctaw,” Stannard conf: . “¢ But Pedro is suspicious?” «Yes, but he’s an ignorant man, anyhow.” “Folks who ain't eddicated sometimes hev brains,” sagaciously observed Jack, ‘“What do you keer about it?” interrupted Grimm. ‘This ere conversation is too, heavy fur us; le’s drop it; it raises my temperature, an’ sets the chronic hydrophoby ter work. Bow- wow-wow! Le’s change the subjick.” “ Allright,” Jack cheerfully agreed; “ we’l] do it. We'll be jolly. Never say die! We ain’t goin’ ter let no outside matters break up our sociables here, be we, Grimm?” “ Not ef we knowit. Bow-wow!” “Never say die!” quoth Jack, with enthu- siasm, “ Who's got new ’sperience ter relate?” asked Grimm. ‘Had any adventur’s, Jacky” The boy erg Se of Doctor Harbison,’ but something kept him from telling the events of the afternoon, remarkable as he considered them. “ Nothin _thrillin’,” he replied. ‘Tell us @ sto’ ’ G. . “Bow-wow! Don’t keer ef I do, ef you kin stand it. The chronic hydropboby is pooty bad an’ my temperature is high, but—bow-wow a kin still talk.” fle told the story, and as they found it of in~
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| terest, the evening passed pleasantly. Stannard and Jack went home early. The latter did not forget Edward Cordova, and at the appointed time he presented himself at the house. Cordova’s father had been a Spaniard; his mother bad been Annie Dickerman, aunt of Neil. They had married in New York, but had soon gone to Brazil. There their my 3 child, Edward, was born, At twenty one Edward found a fortune of half a million unreservedly at his disposal, both his parents being dead. Accepting an invitation by letter from his cousin, Neil, he came to New York, bringing with him the man Pedro, who had been in the service of the family ever since their Brazilian career was begun, Thanks to his mother, Cor- @ova spoke English as well as he did Spanish, but Pedro did not know ten words of the former language. Cordova had hired a fine house, and to this Happy Jack bad gone to see him. shered into the Brazilian’s “office,” so- called—it was the back parlor—this is what the boy saw: A well-furnished room, with two black-walnut desks, At one of these Harvey Stannard sat writing. By the other, Edward Cordova was reading a paper. He was a slender young man, with black hair and eyes; a small, dark mustache; a dark face; and every outward indication which goes to mark the refined, sincere, unassuming gentle- man, Near him stood aman darker and stronger than he; a short, muscular man, with a coarse, strong and sensible face, Swarthy to an ex- treme, there was no softening of his Spanish characteristics with American blood, as in the case of Cordova. Such was Pedro, ay Stannard looked up quickly, and then said: ‘*Mr, Cordova, this is young Jack Brand- rege.” * Ah! I am glad to see you, young man. Pedro, place a chair for him near me, Mr, Stannard, pray resume your seat. We will all talk at our ease,” Mr, Cordova smiled and waved his hand, The smile was pleasant; the gesture was gentle; and his voice was as kind and courteous as though he had been addressing one of his own station. Happy Jack leaped to a conclusion and decided that the Spanish-American was a very fine man, and that he liked him, ‘Well, my boy,” he resumed, **do you think you would like a place here?” * As errand-boy, sir?” “c Yes ” **T think so.” “T am told that you areanative of New York.” **So 1 be.” ‘Also, I dare say you are well acquainted about town?” ‘* T know ey’ry crook an’ corner.” ‘* Have you ever had a similar place?” ‘+ No, ¢in. ‘* T suppose you can read and write?” “4 The best proof o’ that is ter let me try it. ‘“ An excellent idea,” answered Cordova, smiling. ‘* Write my name on yonder piece of paper, and then read aloud some letter Mr. Stanvard will show you,” Both tests were made, and Jack acquitted himself well. His eyes were not idle in the ‘* Nonsense!” somewhat hurriedly answered Dickerman, ‘‘ Doubt is the enemy on success, ay letters?—By the way, who is this boy?” e broke off suddenly and looked at Harlem Jack, Was there suspicion in his gaze? Right- fully or not, the boy thought so, ‘*Anerrand-boy I have just engaged,” care- lessly replied Cordova. ‘** How’s that?’ and Dickerman’s face grew troubled, ‘**T needed an errand-boy; I engaged this lad not ten minutes ago.” Neil Dickerman leaned back in bis chair. His manner expressed disagreeable surprise and an- ger, and a determination to “‘ have it out” on the subject at once. His gaze traveled from Jack’s face to his shoes, and then back again, in a slow, contemptuous way. ““Did you fish him out of the sewer?” he asked, Jack smiled good-humoredly; Cordova frown- ed slightly, and replied: a | f that you will not speak in such a way. Young Brandrege comes recommended by Mr. Stannard,” ; # Not another importation from the coun- ** No; a New York boy.” “A Bowery tough, I should say.” ‘“*'You don’t approve of my choice, then?” _ ‘No, I don’t, Why didn’t you consult me? I've never heard a word about your wanting a boy. Had [ known you desired one, I could have got you a dozen—respectable boys, too,” H Py. ack smiled again. ae at are you grinning at, you a e- Mein eee ‘** At you!” was the cool response. ‘* What do you see to grin about?” ‘Your compliments,” Jack serenely answer- Dickerman turned to Cordova with a look of disgust. *“See bere, Edward, do for Heaven's sake send this beggar tramping! I know New York boys, and you don’t; and I can read them like a book, This fellow is a candidate for Black- well’s Island and Sing Sing, and he'll steal the sein off your back if you don’t send him ying. Jack’s smile broadened. Where most persons would have been justly indignant, he was saved by his good-humor; he was proving his right to be called ‘* Happy” Jack. He felt, too, that he was beginning a struggle with Mr. Neil Dicker- man which might end in important results, and was inwardly hoping devoutly that Cordova would stand by him, His good-natured smile irritated Neil afresh, and tkat person sharply added: ‘“* A fit face for-the Rogues’ Gallery, by Jupi- ter! I wonder at your taste, Edward. Send the young knave flying, and I'll get you a boy that will suit you in every way—a faithful, hon- est, industrious boy.” Cordova had been anxiously waiting for a eben to speak, ‘I cannot send him if I would.” “Why not? away, if I d ‘ He is formally engaged.” + Ten minutes ago, I think you said,” es.” ‘* But has not entered upon his duties?” “Wrong. His duties began at once. I have so informed him, and all arrangements are com- meanwhile, and he noticed that though Cordova | pleted. He has received a week's pay—a trifling betrayed only polite interest, and promised to be easily satisfied, Pedro watched him constant- ly, and with an appearance of intense interest, Some further questions were asked and an- swered, and then the Brazilian expressed him- self satisfied and formally engaged the boy, his service to begin immediately. Mr. Cordova in- sisted upon paying a week’s wages in advance, and did so. Just then ahother man entered the room, It was Neil Dickerman, CHAPTER V. DICKERMAN OBJECTS. THE Brazilian looked up with his usual pleas- ant cP 0 ‘‘ Good-morning, Neil!” he said, genially. & Good-morning’ old boy! Hard at work, I see. How foes it, old fellow? Any new signs of riches? I expect to see this room stored with solid gold, yet” And Mr. Neil Dickerman, a tall, slender, wiry man of twenty-eight years, bustled up to the desk and shook Cordova effusively by the hand, ‘*Don’t build your hopes too high; you know I told you at the start that I was never intended for a financier.” item, except that it proves that I have gone too far to retreat honorably, I have no desire te retreat. The boy suits me, and though 1 thank you for your—your friendly interest, I shall give bim a trial, rin mind that I have not engaged a cashier or a bank president, but an errand-boy., I think that Jack and I will get on well together.” The speaker had looked annoyed and hurt. These expressions now vanished, and he smiled at Jack. Neil Dickerman did not smile; his face bore a scowl. Jack eyed him curiously, What would he do? Cordova, usually mild and Yielding, had shown sudden, though polite firm- ness. For once, Neil could not prevail. How would he take his defeat? The scow] suddenly left his face, and he as- sumed & light, careless manner, “ All right, old boy. It is your affair, not mine, and I hope you have gota jewel. Thelad looks strong, willing and intelligent, and I dare say you'll like him well. Sharp fellows, our New York boys are; quick-witted, keen and Se ka an tac vers muscular fcr his size; down him.” would take a good one to ] this while he had been looking approving- ly at Jack. Turning to Cordova, he entied: Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 5 ‘** And now to business,” Jack had been asked for no reply, but he had given a mental verdict. It was in one bri word: “‘Gammon!” He already understood Dickerman Well in some ways, if not in others, He had begun by calling Jack an “‘ape” and a ** Bowery tough;” had declared that he was a candidate for *‘ Blackwell’s” and would ‘steal the shirt ” off Cordova’s back, if given a chance and now he had turned around and poured hypocritical flattery upon him, hoping to win his good will. He had lamentably failed. Happy Jeck set him down as a knave, and it would require good proof to the contrary to change that opinion. Cordova and Dickerman plunged into busi- ness; Harvey Stannard resumed writing; and only Jack and Pedro were idle. The former had for a time forgotten the latter, but_as he sud- denly looked around he found the Spaniard re- vec fe him with the same strong, steady, in- tense gaze before noticed—an anxious gaze, Jack thought. The boy smiled and nodded, and Pedro’s face abruptly cleared. It changed his whole appearance. Plain and heavy as his fea- tures were, he had an attractive face when that smile moved it. ‘A pooty good sort o’ a feller, I guess,” thought Jack. ‘‘ Pity he can’t talk English.” Cordova and Dickerman passed the next hour in business conversation, arlem Jack, while assuming a careless manner, listened epee A good eat that he heard was wholly unintelli- gible to him, because it was so loaded down with terms to be understood only by those who under- stand the mysteries of ‘‘ stocks,” One thing he did make out, however: Cordova was disappointed because his previous invest- ments bad brought him in no proper returns, and, though a glittering bait was held before his eyes, he declined to make further investments at present. Dickerman did not urge him, and Jack saw fresh cunning there. Cordova had the specula- tion fever, but he was not so badly afflicted that he was willing to risk all his fortune in a mad race to the gambler’s goal. His American cousin had him on the hook, and was shrewd enough Wi give him ample line before trying to land im. Such was Jack’s theory. Possibly he was wholly wrong, and Dickerman was as honest as any man living, but it would take a good deal to quiet the suspicions aroused the day when Harvey Stannard was engaged, Dickerman had said. to his unknown frierd, “The fellow is engaged, and he is big enough fool to suit even our pi .” These words referred to Harvey. Now, why did Dickerman want Cordova to have a “‘ fool ”—in other words, a stupid person—in his office? And what was the ‘‘ purpose ” to which he referred? ‘Cordova is in the hands o’ sharpers!” thought Harlem Jack, for the twentieth time. Just then the servant announced a name at the door—only Dickerman having the privilege of free entrance. * Roland Anderson!” Jack was dimly conscious that he heard Cor- dova reply, but bis attention had been attracted by something familiar in the name. ‘ Roland Anderson!” Where had he heard it before? The manentered. Young, rather good-looking, expensively dressed—evidently a specimen of New York’s ‘young men about town.” More than this, he was no stranger to Jack, The latter at once recognized him as the man to whom Dickerman had exultantly confided the opinion that Harvey was a fool. He was cordially received, and Jack keenly noted the manner of each of the trio. Cordova was hospitable; Dickerman was rather indiffer- ent; while Anderson, merely nodding to Neil, was evidently moved to treat Edward with a mixture of affability, warmth and deference, “An old friend o’ Dickerman’s; a new friend 0’ t?other chap’s,” thought Jack. ‘I’m more’n ever fixed in my idee o’ why an innocent, unex perienced, green country chap was wanted as secretary. Cordova is a pigeon, an’ the hawks hev got him by the scruff 0’ his neck.” He shook his head gravely, and, turning once more met Pedro’s gaze. And that gaze was as painfully eager and searching as ever. This time it rather startled Jack, e did not like to be looked at quite so sharply. True, Pedro’s face was kindness itself, but his close attention was growing uncomfortable. The boy looked .back to the men by the desk, * Roland Anderson!” Where had he heard the name before? It was a puzzle, and he went back through the past, searching this event and that, but it was some time before he could place the name, JNA
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4 x Pr: tae ee aOR A ah eit OE wel gar (ALOE R ios ae * See Pe Aa ad i TARE A + 6 Then it flashed upon him suddenly. He remembered Doctor Harbison’s room, and the card he had seen upon the table, That card had borne the name, ‘* Roland Anderson,” Jack’s eyes brigktened. The discovery pleased him, though it brought serious thoughts in its train. He had a horror of all things connected with the old chemist’s room, and he would have doubted his best friend had he known that he was also the friend of Otis Harbison. How, then, could he form any opigjon of Anderson except a very unfavorable opifiion? Mr. Anderson became from that moment a marked man with Jack, and he was more than ever impressed with the idea that Edward Cor- dova, coming from the wilds of Brazil to New York, had fallen into evil company, and, what was worse, he was meeting his unknown dangers blindfolded. Plainly, ke placed -confidence in his cousin, and was wholly unsuspicious. Would anything short of his own ruin open his eyes? CHAPTER VI. THE ROYAL BONANZA MINING COMPANY. THE day in the office reached its. end at four o'clock. Dickerman and Anderson went away atone. The last hour would not have been de- voted to the office had not Cordova expected a certain letter, It did not come, so Harvey was finally dismissed for the day. Their hours were very irregular, On some occasicns the secretary worked less than one hour during the day; at other times he had five hours of writing and fig- uring. When he went away on this particular day, Harlem Jack was out on au errand, When the boy came in, Pedro met him in the hall and handed him a card. On it were the following lines in Harvey’s writing: “*All through for to-day, Jack. Go where you like. I would wait fur you, but Ihave an engage- ment.”’ Jack read, and then, seeing Pedro’s gaze fixed inquiringly on him, nodded to show that he un- derstood. Then Pedro dida peculiar thing. From under his coat he took a book. Opening it at random he pointed to the printed lines, and then tapped his fingers on J ack’s shoulder, His brows were raised questioningly. ‘“*Do you want to know ef I kin read?” asked Jack, ‘ Ef that’s what you’re drivin’ at, I kin.” Pedro whipped out a second book, opened it, and revealed words strange to the boy. The latter suspected that they were in the Spanish language, and he was right. This time Pedro touched his own person, and then read several lines rapidly. “Beautiful!” quoth Jack. ‘‘ Smooth as ile, but I don’t understand it no more’n I would Hottentot.” Pedro laughed, nodded abruptly, whisked the book under his arm, again opened the Eng- jish book and shook his head mournfully. ** Jes’ so,” continued Jack. ‘‘ You kin read Spanish, but not English, an’ you’re sorry you can’t.” Pedro pointed to the book, pointed to Jack, then pointed to himself. Then his brows went up again, **By Cesar! I b’lieve he wants me ter l’arn him ter read. Is that it, pard? Want ter git onter the intricacies o’ the Yankee tongue, an’ improve yer mind, eh? Good idee! You must feel lonesome—” He stopped short. “*T'll bet a ham sandwich,” he thought, ‘‘ the chap wants ter learn so he kin understand what's goin’ on in his master’s office.” Pedro still maintained his questioning manner, and Jack nodded and smiled. Touching the book, he made answer: ‘* Ves, siree; Pll doit, I never sposed I had any pertic’lar call ter be a schoolma’am, but when [see a foreign gent thirstin’ fur inflama- tion—I mean infermation—it ain’t in me ter re- fuse. Tl teach ye the A BC, an’ Flea-biter- kapper, as they say in college, o’ the United States language. We'll begin with the roodi- ments, Pedro, an’ work up ter the highecstatics. pf will, sure pop, an’ we'll be jolly. Never say ie!” Not a word of this could Pedro understand, but he comprehended that his request was granted, and shook Jack’s hand with grateful zeal. After a few more gestures he put the book away, and the boy knew that he was free to go. He left the house at once, “Poor old Pedro! He wants ter Varn Eng- lish so he kin understand what’s goin’ on in his master’s office, but he might as wal spare hisself the pains. Before he kin understand respectable Duited States his master will be robbed o’ all | his inheritance an’ bric-a-brac, while as fur the lingo o’ the speckerlation business, a college pro- | fessor couldn’t understand it unless he had been | gamblin’,” Walking on mechanically, Jack meditated upon the situation at Cordova’s, What he had seen there had added to the suspicions aroused jd Harvey Stannard’s peculiar engagement. e had had several competitors for the place, several of whom Cordova preferred to him, Dickerman, however, had insisted upon Stan- nard, and he had been engaged, Why was he so anxious to have an inexperi- enced country youth? And why did he object to Happy Jack so strongly? “Simply ’cause ’m a New Yorker, an’ he was afeerd I would be fly enough ter ketch onter his tricks. He an’ that Roland Anderson are bad ones. By the way, I wonder who An- derson is? I'd like ter know. Ef he’s a friend 0’ Doc Harbison, he’s liable ter be a bad one in dead earnest. Wonder who he is?” Jack determined to satisfy this curiosity if he could, Entering a drug-store, he looked at a city directory. He gained no hght, failing to find the name, so he went on toward home. The desire to gain the information increased after this failure, however, and it haunted his mind while he ate supper to such an extent that he determined to call upon Harvey Stannard and have the matter settled, if possible, He carried out this idea at once, but Harvey could give him no points, Anderson was Dick- erman’s friend, but where he lived the secre- tary did not know. The latter’s opinion of Anderson was favorable. True, he suspected him of being rather a fast young man, but that was nothing strangein New York. Anderson was ‘a pleasant young man,” as Harvey ex- pressed it, and that was enough to gain Harvey’s good opinion. Harlem Jack left the house and walked away. He was on the point of deciding to go to G, W. Grimm, and seek the lightness of spirits which that gentleman’s good-humor usually brought about, when—lo! a familiar figure suddenly ap- peared near him. It was Roland Anderson. That gentleman, resplendent in a costly suit of clothes of the most approved pattern, a tall hat and an elaborate cane, was walking along with a light, brisk step. Happy Jack whistled softly and fell in behind him, Anderson might be going to or away from home, but he was worth following. The pursuit led to the Third Avenue Elevated Road. Anderson mounted the steps; Jack did the same. Both took the down-train, the boy taking care not to get too near hisman, The latter, how- ever, took no notice of those around him. He rode to Fourteenth street, and there left the train. Jack did the same. Descending to the street they walked west until Fourth avenue was reached; then south to one of the cross- streets which led to Broadway. Anderson reached a building devoted to business purposes, though at that late hour business seemed to be wholly suspended, and the outer door was closed; but he laid his hand confidently upon the knob, opened the door and went in, It closed behind him. Jack hesitated. He had a profound respect for law, and would not willingly have done a dishonorable thing, but he was anxious to know what had called Anderson there. Dared he follow further? “I may git interabad mess,” he muttered, ** but the idea is strong in my mind that I kin help unravel the mystery by follerin’ Roland. Dl try it!” Cautiously he opened the door. The hall was deserted and nearly dark. A light on the floor above served to break the gloom just enough to show that the way was clear. Jack ascended the stairs slowly. They led toa deserted cor- ridor. Several doors, plainly those of offices, opened. from it, but in only one case was there sign of life. From under one door, and from the transom above it, a Hight shone faintly. Jack went to the door. A bright new sign was fastened to» it, and he read as follows; “THE ROYAL BONANZA MINING CO., “Gold Pocket, Idaho. “STEPHEN HECKLEY, New York AGENT.” Near this was posted a written notice which stated that the ‘ entrance” was ‘‘ next door,” Jack went to the next door. All was dark there, but another sign certified that it was the ‘* visitors’ room” of the mining grange f Jack meditated, remembered that the light Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, was in the other room, gained an idea, deter mined to investigate, fia so, and found his theory confirmed. Carefully opening the door he found the room dark and still, while from the lighted room he could hear the murmur of voices. He advanced to the connecting door. He could hear quite plainly, and he listened eagerly. A heavy-vciced man was speaking: “We are not gettin’ on as fast as we ought ter. Thar is still a good ’eal o’ stock ter be took.” “We can’t expect to dispose of all in a few days,” replied a familiar voice—clearly, /\ nder- son’s, “No; nor we can’t expect ter keep this up fur years,” ‘*T think we are doing well, old man.” ‘* No sale in a week,” ** But you have as good as sold much more,” “They’re nibblin’—nibblin’ jest like fish; an? ef you ever did anything in that line, you know thar is nothin’ more aggravatin’ than a nibblin’ fish. Let ’em bite, or keep away.” *¢ When any man risks his cash, he is likely to nibble before he bites. Don’t be impatient; the Royal Bonanza is booming.” The man with the heavy voice laughed a heavy laugh. ‘*Tt’s the greatest thing on earth!” he asserted, ** Located in ther finest part o’ Idaho—a wide valley, all o’ promise, an’ all ours. Nuggets by the quart; golden grains by ther car-load, Prospectors say it’s ther’ daddy of them all at present bein’? worked. One hundred acres under our full control, an’ ev’ry foot liable ter be pay- dirt. All we want is a leetle more money ter work it, an’ New York influence, an’ stock in good New York hands. Buy, but don’t sell: stick ter yer grip, sir; you can’t help doublin’ your money, an’ it may increase tenfold on yer hands. That’s the way I give it to ’um!” This time Anderson laughed, and Heckley joined in, his deep base ringing out heartily. ‘“‘No words of yours can over-portray the rich realities of the Royal Bonanza,” added An- derson, ** Pact, sure as you live, young feller.” Jack had by this time become very curious to see the “New York agent” of the mining company, and he carefully opened the door a little. The desired view was gained. Heckley sat by a desk—a big, rough, cross- looking man, with plain, rough, ill-fitang gar- ments, and a most prodigious beard. It coy- ered bis lower face, his neck and a part of his breast, and had apparently not been trimmed in the last twenty years. A gray, wide-rim- med hat of true Western pattern lay near his elbow. Jack had never been further west than New Jersey, but, in his opinion, Heckley looked like a typical Western miner. Rough as he was, be did not look like a villain, either. He seemed to be bluff, frank and honest, and 1f Jack had seen him in other company, he would never have had unfavorable ideas concerning him, Such thoughts were in Jack’s mind when the corridor door suddevly opened. The boy looked around quickly. Another man had appeared, and the spy was caught between two fires. CHAPTER VII. CAPTIVE JACK, HARLEM JACK experienced a momentary feel. ing of alarm. The bold entrance of the un- known at that hour indicated that he was no stranger there, and, in all probajlity, he was a friend of the men in the other ré6m. Standing where he did he cut off Jack’s chance of escape, and discovery seemed almost certain, One moment of dismay, and then the boy's mind cleared. He was not one to be over. whelmed by ordinary troubles, and he saw the one chance open to him. Quickly but carefully he retreated to a corner of the réom. Tope unknown rapped sharply on the wall with is cane, “ Hullo! hullo!” he called. “ Anybody here?” There was a Stir in the further room, and Heckley ap xd at the door. *‘ Who's thar?” he asked. ‘“‘Tt’g me, Is Roland Anderson here?” “ He is that—” Anderson appeared at the door, ‘Oh! is it you, Sam?” “Yes; I thought I’d find you here. Are you busy? I want to talk with you. Suppose we © in somewhere and have a stew while we talk? *d like to have you and your friend along—the invitation is for both. What do you say?” ‘Tt will suit me well. Whatof you, Heckley$ This is Sam Underwood—you remember him.
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‘ § i" » zs pea ie = peeks cing = Wor pe ¥. ae eye RE A+ a= ae 5 har “<4 ora », as! sf 3 , iN “Right wal, pard. Glad ter see ye, youn feller. Go out? I don’t keer ef I do; ’ma ready as soon as I git my hat. Wait a second!” He bustled into the other room, secured his hat, turned off the gas and was ready to go. Jack, crouching unobserved in the corner began to breathe freer. There wasnow no light except that in the corridor, and discovery did not seem likely to follow. When they were gone, he could go too—at least, so he thought. They passed out of the room; the door was closed behind them. Then Jack suddenly sprun to his feet, A well-known rattling had followec the closing of the door; a key had been intro- duced to the lock. Click! The bolt shot for- ward, and the investigating young man from Harlem was locked into the room. He stood in dismay while their steps sounded more and more faintly, and then ceased to be heard. ; “Locked in, by J. Cesar!” Jack exclaimed, “Caught in a trap, an’ I set it myself. I say, this is a mighty bad go!” ; He tried the door; as he had expected, it was securely locked. Heentered the inner room and found the other corridor door in like condition, Then he boldly lit the gas, hoping to find still another door. There was none, and the only windows opened into the back yard. Sitting down in Heckley’s chair, the boy stretched out his legs, plunged his hands into his pockets and looked at the blank wall with an expression half-mournful, half-humorous. ‘I approve o’ bein’ jolly!” he announced, “but Pll be hugged by a b’ar ef I see how it’s goin’ ter be did now. The hooman mind is so pecooliarly constitooted that it can’t stand onl about so much pressure ’thout bu’stin’. I think thar is danger of a bu’st now. I'd give my week's wages ef I was in G. W. Grimm’s pala- tial edifice, an’ consolin’ him fur his chronic hy- drophoby—I would, sure as ever yon live! Locked in! Great Scott! I think I see a dim, mournful vision 0’ a chap about my size bein’ hauled off ter the station-house ter-morrer, with an onfeelin’ mob follerin’ at my back.” - The thought banished all his humorous ten- dencies. The disgrace of such a thing would be more than he could bear, and his good old mother would be broken-hearted. Jack leaped to his feet. ‘* She sha’n’t have any cause ter blush fur me, ef I hev ter tunnel under all New York, I ain’t had no unlawful idees, an’ I won’t be disgraced; Tllescape somehow. Never say die.” Bravely resolved, but he was not yet out of the dilemma—nor out of the room, He raised one of the windows, A long row of back yards lay before him, and the ground was not so far below that a leap would alarm him, but he must be sure that: he would make a gain before he went down. Suppose he reached the yas, could he then escape? It would he easy pass from one yard to another, but what wero his chances of getting to the street? Slowly and carefully he looked all around the inclosed “square,” Not a break could he see, On four sides stood the connecting buildings, No house in process of erection, no alley, nceth- ing whatever, as far as he could see, vouchsafed chance of escape, If he descended tothe ground he would only become a prisoner on a larger scale, and those who lived near would not willingly let bim pass through their houses to the sireet. Possibly he could go through secretly, by means of a base- ment hall, but that meant another secret en- trance, and he had had quite enough of it. He next thought of the transom, but it was made of asize to correspond with the propor- tions of the low, old-fashioned house, and, small as Jack was, he found it impossible to pass through. : Next be experimented on the lock of the door; but only to fuil. Another discovery followed. There was in the inner, or private room, an article of fur- niture which Jack did not at first understand, but when he investigated, he found it to bea folding-hed, This gave him an idea, and he in- vestigated further. The final result convinced him that some one slept in the room. Who was it, if not Heckley? Jack e encouraged, He promptly turned off the gas, and then se- creted himself in the outer room. All his hopes were now bent upon the possibility that some one would come in. and use the office as 4 sleep- ing-room. If this was done the key 1ust come, too, and a chance would be given the young ad- venturer to pea 2 With a much lighter heart be crouched in his hiding-place and awaited the result of his new _ plan. es | +h ., BFE t) pm ai { rallied. The x ‘Harlem J ack, the Office Boy Detective Two hours passed. Jack, beset with alternate hope and fear, had grown weary of waiting, but he would not ven- ture upon any indiscretion. He kept his place, and waited with all the patience he could sum- mon, He felt sure that it must be near midnight when he heard a stir outside the room. Then followed the clang of a door—beyond doubt, that at the foot of the stairs had_been closed. This suggested two questions. Would it be locked? If so, would the key be left in the lock? No doubt, yes would be the proper reply to both questions. Heavy steps ascended the stairs and approach- ed the door. It was unlocked with a steady hand; some one entered; a ‘ click” announced that it had again been fastened; and then some one lumbered into the private room. The door was not immediately closed, and when the new- comer lit the gas, Jack plainly saw Heckley. He yawned and tossed his hat carelessly away. ‘*Late hours!” he muttered. ‘This don’t agree with me. Lord bless ye, ’'d rutber be in ther West, wieldin’ ther pick, an’ smokin’ my pipe among the wild gulches, an’ goin’ ter bed at eight or nine o’clock, than havin’ ther run o’ all New York. Durn New York! It’s Dead Sea fruit—all rotten at ther core. mountains o’ ther West, an’ no city life in mine,” He kicked off the heavy boots he wore, and then proceeded to ** let down” the folding-bed. ‘* Another great idee!” he growled. ‘‘ When I’s a boy a bed was a bed; now they double up mr Se Give me ther | | maybe I won’t fil - the key was not there, With a sinking heart he paused, and then a new idea occurred to him; he had not looked in the “‘ hip-pocket” of the trowsers, He turned to it; he thrust in his hand with nervous haste; at last—at last his fingers closed upon the coveted key. Just then Heckley started up in bed. ** Who in thunder is thar?” he cried. CHAPTER VIII. SOMEBODY GETS HURT. THE interruption came with startling force to - Harlem Jack. He shrunk back, held his breath and waited with painful anxiety. ‘*T say, who's thar?” demanded Heckley. Still no reply, ** You can’t deceive me,” persisted the Westerg man. ‘I’ve gotears trained by many a wild scene, Speak out!” Jack did not speak out, nor did he stir. ‘* Odd!” muttered Heckley. ‘‘I could almost have sworn that somebody was hyar—an’ yit, I may hev dreamed it. I’ve dreamed in ther mountains o’ bein’ skulped by Injuns, afore now, but my ha’r is still on my head. We imagine things that ain’t so, an’ git inter a heap o’ trouble over nothin’. Hold hard, old man! I never imagined. this; somethin’ was stirrin’ in this room, Isay, pard, we'll hev it out; I’m an old | miner, an’ Pve got a six-shooter in my hand, Ef you try ter do me up, it’s a lead pill fur you, Pll git up an’ see ye, an’ ef we kin hit it right, fae up with lead.” He bounded out of bed. Thus far Jack had waited in the vain hope like a jack-knife, an’ in course o’ time, I s’pose | that the mau would quiet down and let the mat- folks *ll carry tbem in their vest-pockets. They may, but givemea blanket in a gulch; that’s bed enough fur me !” Muttering thus, he proceeded to undress, and was soou between the sheets of the insulted bed. And Happy Jack? He was still in the outer room, There was a “hitch” in the progress of af- fairs, and it all arose from the fact that when Heckley locked the corridor door he had re- moved the key. Jack had seen this plainly while the gaslight fell upon the door, though he did not know what had become of the key, Heckley having entered in the dark, The way of escape was still blocked. If the Western man had also locked the door which connected the two rooms, Jack’s last chance would have vanished. The door had not heen locked; free access to the other room was open—and the key was there. But wheref In all probability, in Heckley’s pocket. “Thar is jest one thing about it,” thought Jack; ‘‘ I’ve got ter wait until he’s asleep, an’ then creep in an’ get the key. That’s the only way, an’, unless he’s a mighty light sleeper, I euess I'll get out yit. T'll be as jolly as I kin.” It was a dismal attempt, but he did his best. Half an beur passed, and then the prospect Setehtened—Heokley. began to snore loudly. “Keep it up, my hearty!” muttered Jack, “Tyo always thought it the most hideous sound out, but yowr snore is full o’ sweet music, by gracious!” few minutes more he waited, and then the venture began. Te knew right where Heckley had put his clothes; he had only to crawl to the spot and search the pockets, He started, Not an unnatural sound betrayed him; he struck against no furniture, and no boards creaked under his feet; yet it seemed to him that the rustling of his clothes was dangerously loud. He reached the connecting door, and with the Never say die! utmost caution turned the knob and pushed thie | He entered the | door back. All well, thus far. room. It was a new and painful situation, and he wished himself well out of it. only one way to get out, and that was to per- severe, Slowly, very slowly, he crept forward. The Snore was no longer musical to his ears; it was the, threatening voice of a demon waiting to seize him. What if Heckley should awake? he boy’s hands touched the cast-off garments. He selected the trowsers, and ran his hand quickly into a pocket. Empty! He tried a second. Tt contained a huge piece of tobacco, and an equally large knife--but no key, Was he doomed to disappointment? He turned to the coat. One pocket—empty ! A second pocket—no sign of the key. (How loudly the tnan snored!) Two pockets left—and . both proved to be empty. For a moment Jack was dismayed, but he vest remained. He searched it; r There was | ter pass as a Gream, but the last hope now van- ished. Heckley would light the gas, and then all would be lost. The intruder started for the door with more speed than caution. Heckley uttered a roar and sprung after him; his hand closed around Jack’s arm and arr his progress, ‘* Hold up!” cried the miner. ‘‘ I’ve got ther drop—my revolver is at yer head!” ree hard and cold touched Jack’s tem- e. . ' The danger gave him the courage of despera~ tion; he flung up his clinched hand. It was chance, but the blow fell just right and the re-’ volver went flying from Heckley’s hand, ‘‘One fur you!” admitted the cool Westerner; “ bus I’ve got ye still. Try my muskles, ef ye wish. Dance on my toes, ef ye car’ to; [ma war-eagle from ’way back.” He was holding fast to Jack, while his pris- oner was in a panic. What could he do to save himself? He had been pulling with all his strength, but it availed him nothing. He deter- mined to try a different course, and with the force of despair he flung his whole weight against Heckley. This course was just what the miner did not expect; he staggered back; his legs struck the bed, and then he went over upon it with a crash. His hold upon Jack was broken, The latter fled toward the door. He heard Heckley behivd him, but this only hastened his own movements. He had instinct- ively clung to the key, and it was in his hand, If only be could gain time to insert it in the door and turn back the bolt! The chances were against him, but capricious fate often plays tricks which place the weakest of persons upon a level with the strong. The door which connected the two rooms had been left ajar, not wholly open. Both ran toward it in the dark. Jack passed out safely, but fate ordained that Heckley should run full against - the door. He did so, and was flung down, flat upon his back, with a force which made the building shake. — At the same time Jack reached the corridor door. Excitedly he sought in the dark for the keyhole. Chance, still in his favor, aided him, and he flung back the bolt, tore open the door and dashed out. Across the hall he sped, and down the stairs, The outer door—was it locked? Hetried it. It was locked, but the key was in place. A mo- ment more and he was on the sidewalk, with the stars above his head and miles of pavement ready for his eager feet, He did not hear Heckley in pursuit, but ho was not anxious to wait for him. He started away on a run, At the same moment the miner was sitting = the floor of his room, feeling of a bruised ead. “Hit hard!” he philosophically muttered., “ That fellow was no slouch. I've never seen a reg’lar, first-class pugilist, but I reckon I’ve felt
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one ter-night. Whata fist! Lord bless us, he'd knock down a beef-critter an’ never turn a hair. He’sa dandy! Reminds me o’ ther time I was kicked by a mule at Leadville, only ther mule | i | and have a long, pleasant conversation. laid back his ears afore he kicked. Ef I’d b’en wise ther mule would hev seen only vacancy ter | kick at. But my pugilist never laid bick an ear—I sw’ar he didn’t. I couldn’t see, but my hearin’ is goud, an’ I could ’a’ heerd ’em flop, No warnin’, an’ he hit me like a pile-driver |!” Mr. Heckley shook his head with grave re- roof. He caressed that head, too, gingerly— e had a vague idea that it might be broken open—aud then added: “See hyar, no human fist did that, Hither I was struck by lightnin’, or the world has come to an end, The air seems heavy; I may be buried alive by a landslide.’ Or a tidal wave may hev drownded out all New York. I'll git a glim an’ see!” Laboriously he gained: his feet, struck a match and lit the gas. He was no fool, and at the ex- piration of a few seconds he had arrived at a correct explanation of how he was knocked | down. fm the meanwhile Jack had gone on rapidly, only abating his speed when he remembered that it would not do to let a patrolman see him run- sg rg et ee eee a me os er Se et 4 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. ignorant of the business he was engaged in, with its dangers and chances, as a child. He had become a trifle anxious; hence, his unusually strong desire to meet some old friend Happy Jack approached him. “TL say, sir!” “ Well, Jack?” ‘‘Did the paper say the Governor 0’ Idaho was at a hotel?” ‘*T think so,” ‘¢ Wouldn’t this be a good chance fur you ter | find out how the Royal Bonanza Mine is looked at, at home?” Cordova suddenly straightened in his. chair while Harvey looked deeply shocked. He would not have thought of making such a suggestion to an employer, and in this case 1t seemed to suggest a doubt of Neil Dickerman. The latter had investigated the Royal Bonanza Mine, and found it sound, and that was enough. Dicker- man was a shrewd business man and a gentle- man—so Harvey thought. But Cordova seemed quite taken with the sug- gestion. ‘‘By St. Catherine! there is something in that!” he exclaimed. ‘* Bein’ he holds the office he does, he ought ter ning. He moderated bis pace and walked to the | know ef the Bonanza is safe ter invest in,” con- Fourteenth street station of the Luird Avenue Elevated Road. In due time he reached home, That night he did not fall asleep as quickly as usual, for bis thoughts dwelt persistently upon his late adventure. He had had an experience which he was not likely to forget right away, and felt sure that if Heckley had caught him, it would have gone hard with him. Whether the miner was a rascal or not, he was a rough man who would deal with an enemyin New York very much as he would in the Western gold- diggings. Jack could not see that he had gained much by his visit to the Royal Bonanza Office, True, the conversation between Heckley and Ander- son indicated that the whole thing was a fraud, but it had been conducted in such a peculiar way that even he was not sure, and be could prove nothing to others, « Despite this, there was no doubt in his mind that the Royal Bonanza was a mere swindle, and that Heckley, Anderson, Dickerman and, perhaps, others, were working the stock off upon the unsuspecting public, with Edward Cordova as the chief victim. How could he prove all this? How could he save Cordova from the trap laid to ruin him? The boy did not believe that any such place as Gold Pocket existed in [daho, or, if it did, that Heckley had any mine there. But how prove all this? It is not so easy to prove that a certain place, or thing, does not exist in a West- ern Territory as it would be in an Eastern State. He went to sleep without any clear idea; he arose the next morning in the same mood. Although there was a remote possibility that he might in some way have betrayed himself to Anderson, he went to Cordova’s office at the usual hour. He was kindly greeted by Edwarc, while Pedro smiled broadly and, watching his chance, slyly showed a book which he carried under his coat, Clearly, he was still determined to learn the English language, and, perbaps, he hoped to become inoculated with it by carrying the book. Cordova had only just come in, dull, and hé handed Harvey Stannard one of his two daily papers. The young Brazilian had a habit of looking for the botel arrivals first of all; he was not yet a thorough New Yorker, and if he saw that any one from Brazil was ata hotel, he usually went to call on him. He went through his paper in vain this time, “Here is a list of hotel arrivals, sir,” said Harvey. “Ah! Any Brazilians?” ** No, sir.” ‘“ Strange how few come here.” ‘‘ Yesterday did not seem to be a good day for noted men. Here’s a well-known Congress- man at the Fifth Avenue, but this Judge Lock- strong I don’t know. The Governor of Idaho is at the Hoffman, and Colonel Trenchard, of Kentucky, at the Astor House, No celebrities,” ‘*T should really like to meet some old friend from Brazil.” said Cordova, frowning a little, He was not in the best of spirits, Sanguine as his American cousin appeared to be, Cordova was not at ease as to his financial investments, He was rich, and was not inclined to worship money, but it was dawning upon him that, yielding to Dickerman’s persuasicns, and the glittering promise of success, be had put out a Business was | tinued Jack. ‘‘ He is the chief officer of the Territory, eh?” +6 Ves, air.” ‘¢ Mr, Cordova,” put in Harvey, ‘‘I hope you will excuse Jack, for he is young—” ‘*Aixcuse him for what, Mr. Stannard?” ‘* His peculiar—that is—his interference.” “Bless you, sir,” the Brazilian answered, ‘‘ I owe him thanks, instead of reproof. My boy, ep have a good head on your shoulders, and it vids fair to put you in some position of influence sooner or later. Now, it never occurred to me that the Governor of Idaho was just the man I ought to see.” “Bf the Bonanza is a swindle, he kin tell ye, I guess,” Harvey held up both hands in horror, but Cordova briskly arose, What followed was in Spanish, but is here translated. ** Pedro!” “Yes, sir?” ‘*Get my hat. I am going to the Hoffman House, and you may accompany me.” CHAPTER IX. JACK STIRS UP TROUBLE, Tue last few words were not intelligible to Jack and Harvey, but Cordova turned to them and repeated, in English, that he was going to the hotel. Then he went out, accompanied by Pedro, A frown was on Harvey’s face, and he looked severely at his companion. ** Jack!” ‘Yes?’ “Do you know what you’ve done?” ‘* Aint done much o’ anything yet.” NF 9 is running this business, Cordova or you?’ ‘t He’s running it, an’ I’m helpin’ him,” coolly replied the Harlem boy. ‘I should say you were trying to do it all.” ‘* Now, see here, Harv, what's wigglin’ in your mind?” “ Just this: Iam not an old head at business, but I guess that a secretary and an office boy ain’t hired to manage the business of their boss, This is on general principles, as I may say. Now, as to this present case, Cordova’s money, not ours, is in the Royal Bonanza Mine. More than that, he put it in under good advice. Neil Dickerman is a New Yorker and a gentleman. He’s up in the ways of the wor!d, and has specu- lated a good deg]. He’s looked into the Royal Bonanza and found itsound, Now, I'd like to know what cali you and I have to interfere? You spoke of the mine as though it might be a swindle, Iam shocked, Jack—shocked!” Harvey spoke in a tone of irritation, but Jack was not disturbed in the least degree. ‘*You ought ter be a lawyer, Harv. You hev a good ’eal of eloquence, an’ could carry any jury with ye—ef you could only make ‘em see as you see,” 3 Donte be sarcastic; I only speak for your Zoot ° “‘ You think the Bonanza is somed, eh?” ** T know it is.” ‘How dye know?” “Mr. Dickerman says so.” ‘Do you b'lieve all he says?” ‘Why not?” **My question come fu’st.” “Tf you mean to cast donbt upon Mr, Dicker- man it is not only very unjust, but may cost you large amount of money, and that he was as! your place. He is an honorable gentlenian—” , : ap eee As ats Fry i eros Biel Re Sle Nha TR e ‘*‘T remember it was him got ye the job.” “What do you mean? “Only fur him you wouldn’t had this place an’ it’s nat’ral you should stick by him. All right; you’ve a right ter your opinion, an’ I hev ter mine. We won't quarrel, vey, an’ all I ask 0’ you is that you won’t tell on me,” **You have told on yourself, by speaking as you did to Mr. Cordova. However, I bear you no ill; Iam only sorry to see you make such a mistake; and Cstnil not do anything to hurt you. That’s all!” Stannard turned somewhat irritably to his work, while Happy Jack looked at the gas- fixture and winked solemnly. ** All right,” he replied. We'll be happy, somehow.” But to the gas fixture he addressed, in imagi- nation, these words: “We'll see who’s right. Harvey is ag’in’ me, an’ G. W. Grimm says I’m too ready ter see a nigger in the wood-pile, but I stick ter my opinion. Harvey never’ll see a scheme where there ain’t no scheme, fur he was brought up where folks was honest. We'll see!” Half an hour later the office-door opened and Neil Dickerman and Stephen Heckley entered. Harlem Jack was a little startled. Had the Western man discovered who his night vi-itor was, and come to make trouble for Jack? The latter noticed an abrasion of thc skin on Heck- ley’s forehead, but that person did not favor bim with more than a casual glance, ‘‘Good morning, Mr. Stannard,” said Neil, very politely. ‘‘ Where is Cordova?” ‘“Gone out for a few morents, Mr. Dicker- man, He will come back soon.” ‘Very well; we'll wait. Sit down, my dear Mr, Heckley. How’s the Royal Bonanza stock going?” ‘“‘ Right wal, pard,” the New York agent re- plied. ‘“‘I sold ten thousand dollars’ worth o’ stock yesterday.” Harvey cast a reprvachful glance at Jack. He did not know that ata late hour the pre- vious night, Jack had heard Heckley tell Ander- son that he had not made a sale for a week! Jack remembered this, and knew that he bad caught Heckley ina lie. Here was one item of proof, . ‘*T hope you are getting good men?” proceed- ed Neil. “TJ be. Icould sell out all ther stock in no time, but we are bound ter bev only Al, men inter it, an’ I take keer that they are honor’ble, high-toned gents afore I sell.” “Bait fur Harvey an’ me!” thought Jack, contemptuously, but he held his peace and kept a composed face. In a short. time Edward Cordova returned. Jack’s gaze flashed to him at once; he studied the Brazilian’s face keenly. Wheat had been the result of his visit to the Governor of Idaho? Cordova’s expression was grave, and he frowned slightly as he saw who was present. but he came forward calmly. Heckley was making ready to arise and give his usual grizzly-bear-like band- shake, but Cordova, whether intentionally or not, evaded it. swt He sat down quietly. | The man from the Wild West and Mr. Dicker- man were in high spirits; they took the lead in conversation, and for several minutes every- thing went briskly. Then it suddenly dawned upon Dickerman that Cordova was very Silent and grave. «« Aren’t you well, Edward?” he asked. ‘¢ No,” was the brief reply. ‘¢ What is the trouble?” “‘T hardly know, but I’m not in an active mood.” “Pve felt that thar way myself.” affirmed Heckley. ‘‘B’en obliged ter Jay down my pick when I’s baulin’ out nuggets by ther bushel. It’s all along o’ a man’s liver, MY dear sir, Ther symptoms are dullness, headache, slight fever, no appetite, I’ve b’en so myself, an’ b’en se miser’ble ye wished ther mountain peaks would tumble down on me. Fack, vy thunder! Buta bit 0’ medicine will make ye all right. Wal, gents, I’m off, fur I s’pect ter sell some stock ter a Murray Hill gent, an’ business is business, Til see ye later. So-loug, pards!” e waved his band with bluff good humor and went out. Dickerman had been studying Cordova’s face closely, ‘You do look out of condition, Edward,” he said. ‘‘Perhaps you had better see a doctor—” “Thank you, no.” coldly answered the Bra- zilian, ‘‘ Instead, let us talk business.” ‘Have you opened your morning letters?” “No; I will do so directly. I see my railr stock is doing well just now.” ‘‘ Never say die! ee
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‘* A very favorable rise, indeed.” “Yes, “How about the Royal Bonanza?” Evidently he tried to speak carelessly, but the effort was a failure, and Dickerman knew there was something back, “The stock is nearly all sold,” he guardedly answered, “To good parties?” ac Yes.” ** Do they believe in it fully?” “Why, certainly. All speculators are crazy after it, for they think there is a fortune in it.” Cordova had passed a cigar to his cousin, He now lit one himself, again making a failure of an attempt to act at ease. ‘**Neil,” he observed, ‘‘they say a fever to make money is pernicious. If you desire, I will sell you my Royal Bonanza stock at just what it cost me,” Dickerman looked a little startled. “Pd take it if I had the money, my dear fel- low, most assuredly, but I haven’t. But why in the world do you wish to sell?” “Because,” steadily replied the Brazilian, showing new firmness, “I doubt if there is such a thing in existence as the Royal Bonanza Gold Mine!” The words were spoken, Jack waited with intense interest; Pedro, unable to understand a sentence, watched the two men’s faces with pain- ful eagerness; and Harvey suspended work and looked very much shocked. And Dickerman? He was alarmed, He stared at the Brazilian in blank dismay, and no words passed his lips, Cordova was looking at him sharply, but it was not a suspicious gaze. What- ever he thought of the affair, he had not arrived at the point of suspecting his cousin of deliber- ately trying to ruin him. ‘* Bless my soul!” Neil finally ejaculated. ** What in the world do you mean?” _ “Tt is said that the Royal Bonanza is situated in the town of Gold Pocket, in the Rolling-Pin Valley, Idaho, Well, I am informed that there is no such valley, and no such town, and that nobody knows of such a mine—except on paper.” “Who says so? demanded Neil, his face strangely flushed. “The Governor of Idaho,” ** Have you been to Idaho?” ‘*No, The governor is here—at the Hoffman House, I have consulted him, and he says he never heard of the mine. As for Gold Pocket and Rolling-Pin Valiey, he is sure there are no Agel roe in Idaho.” ‘ote! “* Furthermore, he gives the opinion that the whole thing is a swindle.” “Why, I have investigated—” Dickerman paused abruptly. “Yes,” Cordova coolly continued, * you have investigated, and you assured me that the whole thing was genuine and safe. How came you to make such a blunder?” There was sternness in his manner now, and it was plain that the delicate, pleasant gentile- man had resolution enough when once it was aroused, Dark-faced Pedro thrust his bead for~ ward and watched with an expression which was almost startling, What would not the man have given then to understand English! He knew some trouble was under way, but not a sentence could he comprehend. _ “By heavens! it don’t seem possible!” declared Neil, smiting his knee. “I never saw a more Erccahsing ibing on the surface, and I believe here isa terrible blunder. This governor—is he an intelligent man? Is he—» “ Very intelligent.” _ “But how is he to know what new mines are just started in Idaho?” *“But he says there is n0.town named Gold Pocket, and no valley—” «, They are all new names; Heckley said so,” ell, as your faith is so strong, Pl sell you my stock at a discount of—” er But I’ve said 1 haven't the ready money,” So be it, but one thing must be done. Heek- ley has got a good-sized block of my Money, and I propose to know whether he represents a sub- stantial mine or an imaginary one.” Right, quite right, Edward, Pll go with you to Heckley’s Office, and we will look into this matter thoreughly,” CHAPTER X. THE BLUE ‘* Your letters, sir!” a heen Happy Jack had been uneasy dela and anxious to get a word to hoe Meee without Dickerman’s knowl He sought for a way—and found it. Three unopened let- ters lay upon the desk, He had pi them up Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Dete a ———————————————————————— — — ———— eae t ctive. 9 with a capital pretense of carelessness, and, get- ting out of the range of Neil’s observation, bad written a few words upon one envelope. If the Brazilian only used prudence, his plan bade fair to succeed. He advanced and presented the letters to his employer. Cordova looked at bim in momentary irrita- tion, and was about to direct nim to lay the let- ters down, when he remembered that it was this boy who bad given him his first real warning. The recollection appealed to his kindness. He took the letters. Glancing carelessly at the superscription of the first he saw other writing beside it, and read these words: ‘* Better callon the police. If I’s you, I'd have | Heckley watched every minute, He may skip. Keep mum!”’ . Cordova was surprised, and not a little star- tled. Here was a plain, sensible warning. Despite the last two words he was about to spea —still unsuspicious that Neil had been worse than careless—when it occurred to him that this warning must have been intentionally made secret, Plainly, Jack wished to hide it from some one. Once more he remembered that the office-boy had shown good sense in the past; would it not be a good idea to give his latest plan a fair | chance? ih te to appear at his ease, he looked at the other Jetters and then put all three in his pocket. His attempt at acting had not succeeded. Dickerman knew there was something unusual afoot, and he bent a' glance upon Jack which was both searching and threatening, He read nothing there; the boy’s face was the very pic- ture of calm innocence. “Are you ready to go to Heckley’s office?” Cordova asked. “i Yes. ”» Dickerman arose promptly. ‘* Then we will be off.” Cordova took his hat, and them turned to Stannard. “* How is your work?” “‘T am just finishing what is on hand, sir.” “When through, you and Jack can go; you are both at liberty, except that I desire you to report at four o’clock. There may be some | more business by that time.” | Turning to Pedro, he added a few words in Spanish, and then went out with Dickerman. Stannard gave Jack one angry look, and then resumed his writing. He completed it inside of five minutes, and then he avd Jack were ready | to go. They left the house, and again Harvey | bent an angry gaze upon his companion. ** Well, you’ve done it, haven’t you?” ** Done what?” “Stirred up a pretty row. By gracious! I am ashamed of you. Is it for this I got you the place? The place! You won’t keep it a week!” ' ‘Soft an’ easy, my wise friend!” coolly re- | plied the Harlem boy. ‘I ain’t lost my place yit, an’ ef I do, I won’t blame you.” ** That ain’t it—you have disgraced me.” “* How?? ““Trecommended you for the place, and now you reward me by stirring up a trouble which points the finger of suspicion directly to Mr, Neil, Dickerman—as honest, upright, noble gentleman as New York can boast of.” ** Then I pity New York.” ‘‘ Jack, you aggravate me terribly.” “ Sorry !? ‘] can’t see why you have acted so, Neil is Cordova’s Own cousin, which is proof enough that he is anxious to look out for his interests, and as for deceiving him—why, no rascal can | take him in. Is it strange that the Governor | | of Idaho don’t know about the mine? It would be strange if he did. How can he know all the mines in bis Territory? Or the towns, when new towns are springing up every day?” “§*pose we drop the subjict, Harvey. We don’t want ter quarrel; drop it, an’ wait. Lets | be jolly! You an’ me ain’t got money up, any- how, an’ we needn’t worry. Never say die!” ‘It was somewhat later when Cordova and Dickerman returned. They had been to Stephen Heckley’s office—the result may be stated in few words. He had received them with bluff | cordiality, and announced that he could prove | m the solidity of the Royal Bonanza. And then | le brought out a large package of letters, all | signed by men—so he said—who could certify that the mine was all right. The letters did so | certify, and there were the names signed to | then. Two or three Cordova remembered :| having seen in the newspa i , pers, and Dickerman claimed that he knew nearly all by reputation. | | replied ; There were a banker, a lawyer and a minister of Denver; a judge, of Leadville; a bank presi- dent and three lawyers, of St. Louis; and var- ious parties who lived in Boise City, Idaho City, a Placerville, Challis and other places of aho. And when he had shown them, bluff Mr. Heckiey leaned back in his chair and asked if he had not proved the Royal Bonanza “solid.” Dickerman shook bis hand and said that he had, and Cordova—gave % the battle. The proof seemed complete, and he had no more to say. The cousins went homeward together, but the Brazilian was not himself, What proof had he that one of these letters was genuine? Might they not be forged? Mixed with thoughts of this kind was the recollection of Jack’s advice that he report to the police authorities and have Heckley **sbadowed.” He was not yet ready to do this; he determined to take a little time for meditation, and then decide whether to test the genuineness of the letters. Dickerman left him at the house, The American cousin walked away with a thoughtful frown upon his face, When he had gone two blocks he hired a cab and drove to Roland Anderson’s quarters, Some business kept him with that young man an hour anda half. They came out together, look~ ing unusually grave, and parted at the doors Neil went toward home; Anderson went in the opposite direction. He made a long journey, walking in a very roundabout course, but finally paused before a certain house, rung the bell and was admitted. The house was some- what of a novelty and a mystery to those who lived near. It was the residence of Otis Harbison, the chemist. Happy Jack did not forget that Cordova had asked him to call at the house at four o’clock, He kept the appointment. Harvey Stannard had already been there, and, there being no business, had yar away. Cordova was in the parlor, instead of the office,and to that room the boy was sent. The young Brazilian was seated in an bas chair, with Pedro only a few steps away. t first glance Jack noticed a change in Cordova’s appearance. His cheeks were flusbed, one hand was pressed upon his forehead, as though there was — there, and his general expression in- dicated fatigue if not illness. ‘<) have an errand for you, my boy,” Cordova abruptly said. ‘‘ Take the slip of paper you see on the table, go to the nearest drug-store, and have the order filled.” ‘*Be you sick, sir?’ asked straightforward Jack, ‘* A little. Don’t waste any time.” The Brazilian’s manner was more peremptory than Jack had ever seen it before. e decided that it was a time when he would be wise not to make unnecessary talk. He took the paper and a sum of money and went out. ‘* Pedro,” said Cordova in Spanish, ‘‘ bring me my overcoat from the hall.” The servant went out with his usual quick, quiet a and returned with a coat in his hand. e passed it to his master, who thrust his band into the inside breast pocket. A look of surprise passed over his face, and he drew out —a small bottle. He gazed at itin wonder, He had never seen it before. It was in some ways a peculiar bot- tle. In size it was but little more than a vial, yet the glass was thick and heavy. Moreover, the color of the glass was blue, and such a pecu- liar, bright blue that it held Cordova’s atten- tion fixed, Bright, brilliant and_ sparkling was the bottle, as though infinitesimal diamonds were flashing there. The bottle held his attention, as has been said, and it did the same to Pedro. Both gazed won- deringly, admiringly at the remarkable object for several moments, Then Cordova turned his gaze upon the coat. “What have you there? coat.” ‘‘ Pardon me, senor; you are right,” Pedro “ but it is the only coat in the hall.” “That is remarkable— Wait! I think Dick- erman must have accidentally changed with e. ‘No doubt, senor.” The Brazilian looked back at the bottle and raised one hand to the cork. Then he suddenly lowered it again. E “Jt is Neil’s property, pot mine, Put the coat hack to where you found it.” He slipped the bottle into the pocket and Pedro returned the coat to its place. He had That is not my
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a en ome a 10 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. Ee 1 just re-entered the parlor when the door-bell aware that Idaho was nearly eighty-five thou- | tion, and he went about it at once. He walked Tung, and in a moment more Neil was again in | sand square miles in area, and that it was con- | boldly in. Just then there was nobody in tbe the room, Cordova had again raised his hand | stantly undergoing changes; but he did havea | corridor. The doors of the two rooms occupied to his forehead with a weary gesture, and this | great respect for governors, and he took it for | by Heckley were closed. How was he to learn prevented him from seeing that his esteemed granted that if there was 4 Royal Bonanza | if the Western man was inside? cousin looked excited, | Mine, the chief magistrate of the Territory must He went near the door of the office. The key- “ Hello!” he exclaimed, ‘‘Have you seen a | be aware of the fact. hole, as he had noticed the previous night, had robber here?” Reasoning from this point of view, he at last | a cap on both sides. He looked at the transom. ‘‘ No,” Cordova replied. thought as Jack did. There was a means of observation, provided he had a chair to stand upon. He lacked this article, and, besides, it would bave been very reckless to employ such means. Some one might “Look at him now. By some mischance I “‘Suspicious, very!” he declared, when the took the wrong coat when I went away—took neath 3 was told. yours and left mine, I’ve come to swap back. ‘*T think so.” Had you noticed the change?” “Good many knaves in New York, blessed | at any moment enter the corridor and detect “Yes, L wanted something from my coat, | city though it is.” him. but we found it gone. I suspected the truth, *¢-You are right.” While he was hesitating a voice sounded in and there is no harm done.” ‘‘ We've dropped on some on ‘em.” the room, singing in a deep base voice. No fur- He rubbed his hand acfoss his forehead heavily. ‘‘ Pity Cordova didn’t see ther perlice.” ther proof was needed; Heckley was there. His Neil opened his lips to speak, but closed them “ Right you be, lad.” musical effort was a song of the mines, and was without a word. “ Heckley ought ter be shaddered.” very brief. No conversation followed, and Jack “PI rectify the mistake.” “ True as ye live.” decided that the Westerner was alone. ‘‘ Pedro will bring your own—” ‘‘ He’s got Cordova’s money, an’ now he’s got He returned to the street. ‘No, no; never mind, [ll get it.” warnin’ that Cordova is s’pishqus. What’ll It was not a good place to ‘kill time” in a Dickerman hurried into the hall. The first | Heckley do? Why, he'll skip.” natural way, and he felt that his ingenuit thing he did when he reached his own coat was “Too bad, by sixty!” would be tried, but he was not discouraged. e to run his hand into the inside breast-pocket. ‘There is one way ter prevent it.” sauntered to and fro with an assumption of His fingers closed upon the blue bottle, and a ‘6 How?” careless ease. look of relief passed over hisface. He took off ‘‘ Fur you an’ me ter take the job.” An hour passed. one coat and put on the other, and then moved “Us” Then there was a sudden change in the situa- toward the front of the hall. A thoughtful look ‘That's what I said.” tion. was on his face, and when be reached the par- ‘¢ What kin we do?” Heckley emerged from the building. lor be paused atthe door. Once more he seemed “What I tol Cordova ter hev the perlice do Jack at once became on the alert, but allowed ou the point of saying something important, or | —‘shadder’ Heckley. Tbar is a possibility | no sign to betray him, Heckley paused, looked both ways, set his broad-rimmed hat a little fur- asking a question, but instead, he hesitated, | that they think the Brazilian is so talked over ther back on his head, thrust his hands into his and then made an insipid remark about the | that he won't say nothin’, an’ that danger is weather. blowed over, but I’m afeerd it’s tother way, | pockets and sauntered away toward Fourth This done, he left the house. Heckley is grumblin’ ’cause business is so poor, | avenue, his manner indicating that he was out His face bore an expression curiously made up an’ with a chance o’ gittin’ pulled inter court, | for an idle ramble. of relief and anxiety—strange combination !— | what'll he be likely ter do? Tl tell ye in one Was this appearance genuine, or was he play- and as he went away he presse ! his hand against | word—skip! That’s why I say you an’ me | ing a deep game to deceive possible watchers? his coat over the blue bottle. ought ter shadder bim, takin’ turns, an’ makin’ Jack mentally asked this question, but was sure he don’t leave the city.” wholly at a loss for the correct answer. He CHAPTER XI. ‘¢ S pose he tries ter leave?” was, however, there for business, and he did not DETECTIVE WORK, “Then whichever on us is watchin’ will hev | allow himself to be left behind. He sauntered Jack returned just too late to see Dickerman bim arrested right away.” after the man from Idaho, taking care to keep at all, and as no explanations were made to him ‘* By Jinks! you've got a head on ye, my boy. | well back Heckley bad seen him at Cordova’s office, and though e might not recognize him if he saw him again, it was highly desirable to avoid his notice. Heckley wandered on slowly. He went up Fourth avenue, turned into Union Square, and then paused before the theater andidly read the big-lettered bill of the play. Then be crossed to the square proper and paused in front of the statue of Lafayette. Evidently it was new to him, for he viewed it carefully on all four sides before he was satisfied. Next the electric-light tower claimed his notice, and he stopped a park a ggom and asked several questions in regard 0 this. Jack was growing more suspicious, This idle he did not bear about the blue bottle or the | an’ I begin ter feel a glow in my blood I accidental exchange of coats, He completed the | ain’t had sence I raised my fu’st mustache, I LS errand which had been given him to do, and } ain’t sure but I was born fur a detective, an’ ef then left the house. I go inter it I may git upa reputation ekul ter ‘* Mr, Cordova has been all shook up by what’s Inspector Byrnes, or some o’ them other notable happened,” he thought. “He looks bad. Of | characters. It would look right wal ter see the course I couldn’t question him while he was that | name o’ G. W. Grimm, detective, in all the way, but I do wish I knowed jest how he made | papers, an’ hailed by his admirin’ feller-citizens out at Heckley’s, an’ whether he’s been ter | as the peer o’ the great French detective—a— the perlice. Hullo! p’r’aps Harvey knows. Tll | what was his name? Lemme see! Graylock?”’ \ call on him, though he'll no doubt give me an- ‘‘ Vidocq, d’ye mean?” other blowin’ up.’ ‘Jes’ so. Bow-wow! But see hyar: Could He called upon the secretary, who justified his | we hev bim arrested ef he tried ter leave the expectations, and gave him’ the “ blowin’ up” | city? Is the proof so strong that a perliceman in due order. Stannard still disapproved of would take him in, ef we said so?” Jack’s course, and told him so plainly. Jack’s face lengthened somewhat, curiosity seemed too innocent to be genuine. The visit was not a failure, however. Stan- “ Do ye think it ain’t?” he anxiously asked. | From the square Heckley sauntered east and nard knew the result of the Brazilian’s investi- “That’s whar you hev me. Is it, or ain’t it? | walked throug Seventeenth street, and for the "i ations; at least, he told Jack that Cordova had | 1 never studied law, though I’m pooty wal posted | next half-hour the pursuit was continued with- Fae shown documentary evidence that proved | on medicine, owin’ ter my battle with chronic | out incident of importance. The miner made unexpected turns at times, taking a course de- cidedly zigzag. but, despite this, he steadily ap- proached the East River, Reaching it, he paused and looked idly out over its broad surface, The scene appeared to interest him. To him it was new and novel. He watched with almost childlike curiosity. After a while he looked at his watch, and then started away at a brisker pace, his course NOW being beyond question that the Royal Bonanza was hydropboby. Bow-wow! I’ve always thought sound, When asked if their employer bad been | I’d let. the law be, ef the law would let me be, to the police, Stannard answered in a tone of | But nowI feel a fever ter be a detective. An’ y horror that he had not— the fu’st question is, as matters stand now, “ Certainly not!” would they arrest Heckley ef we tol’ ’em to?” Jack had heard enough. Good-humoredly They proceeded to argue this question at some refusing to quarrel with Harvey, he Jeft him length. A more experienced person would have and made another call. This time it was upon told them that they had no direct evidence G. W. Grimm. He wanted an ally, and had | whatever against Heckley,. There were several determined to enlist the eccentric shanty- suspicious points—points which a wide-awake | north. dweller, True, Grimm was against him in his | detective would readily have taken hold of and “ Tt’s comin’,” muttered Jack. ‘* He ain’t out theories, and might refuse to be convinced; but investigated, bat, as the case then stood, noth- without an objeck, an’ I'll soon see what it is.” if he refused, he would have one virtue left— | ing which would have justified an arrest. _Heckley did not look around. Turning to the there. was no danger that he would betray any Jack and his friend, being eager to see every- right after walking a few blocks, he went confidence reposed in him. thing ina certain light, were naturally guided | straight to the river again. The slope of the He found Grimm alone, and as jolly as ever. by their wishes, and they decided that 1b was bark for a moment hid bim from Jack’s view. “Drop down som’ers,” be genially said, | the duty of any patrolman to arrest the man | The latter hurried forward. He again saw the “Py'aps you'd better keep nigh the door, fur 1 | from Idahe whenever they said the word. Westerner, and then stopped short in dismay. may heva malignant attact 0 hydrophoby, an’ This point decided, Grimm readily agreed to Heckley was in @ boat, and was stonaily you'd want ter run. Bow-wow-wow! Tell ye | assist Jack and take turns with him in dogging | receding from shore. what, Jack, it’s a sorrerful thing ter be in my | Heckley. Of course they were to do this secret- way. Bit by a mad-dog, I’ve had chronic hy- | ly, and avoid being seen if possible, but if their CHAPTER XII. drophoby—bow-wow !—goin’ on thirty year, an’ | man tried to leave New York, they would at DRAWING NEAR. it tries my personal system mortally. Offer me | once demand his arrest. For a moment Jack was incapable of_action. water an’ I'd howl like p'ison, but whisky gin- With this understanding they separated, and | He had felt @ vague impression that Heckley i erally quiets me. Odd, ain’t it! Bow-wow!” Jack went down-town as fast as the Elevated | might have come to the place to meet some Jack let bis friend have his say, and then | Road could carry him. other person, and the celerity with which the came to business, He soon reached the vicinity of the building | man from Idaho got away from land startled ? In as few words as possible he told his reasons in which were located the offices of the Royal | him, and raised new suspicions in his mind. for believing that Cordova was in the bands of | Bonanza Company. “« He’s seen me follerin’ him, an’ now he’s give sharpers, giving a full account of his acven- | All was #& quiet there as could be expected. | me the slip!” thought the boy: ‘‘ He’s goin’ ter tures at Heckley’s rooms, It was an hour when the other offices in the skip away from New York!” The latter part shocked Grimm, who held up | building were open, and there was a general stir ecovering power of action, he hastened B his hands in shocked surprise when he heard of | about the place. Nobody seemed to do a rush- | nearer to the river, and swung up one hand to the boy’s narrow escape, but to the rest he gave | ing business, however, and the scene was nothing Heckley’s boatman. close and serious attention. ‘The fact that the | like what one might see on a larger street. * Hold up!” he cried. _“* Hold on, thar; you're ' Governor of Idaho knew nothing about the | Jack had one question to solve before his espion- takin’ a criminal away!” be vid mine impressed him as being mesetantts. Not e began. as Heckley in the building? Both the boatman and Beckley looked back, ae being well informed in geograp oer y he was not here was only one way to settle this ques- but the former did not cease using the oars. wo es aoe pe a woot pe eae . ee — any So £ he? 2. ie " rag OE PASH ot AA yf, Che Nadas a ea omen ; fart ean 2) OM EN
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that he might have been mistaken, intended to leave the city hy would, Jac ly in the boat with Crowley, do is ter go back,” develo _ Headquarters, lay th - them take action as = “ Relig 3 “Stop! stop!” added Jack, without any clear idea of what be would do if the order was obeyed. A heavy hand fell upon the boy’s arm, and he turned to find himself in the grasp of a police- man. “ What's all this racket about?” sternly de- manded the officer, ‘**Be you crazy, or what be you yellin’ about?” * Stop him!” Jack cried. Stop who?” “The man in the boat.” * Rubbish!” The policeman shook his prisoner roughly. “Tt hain’t me!” exclaimed Jack. ‘That chap isrunnin’ away. Stop him !” Heckley and the boatman were still looking at the scene on shore, and the boy pointed directly toward them, but the patrolman’s heart proved obdurate. ‘*Come, now!” he replied, ‘‘none o’ your sky- larkin’. I’ve seen the likes of ye afore. Want ter git me into a scrape, don’t ye? Want me sent up in the goat deestrick, eh?” The boat was still receding, and Jack became a trifle sullen. He thrust his hands into his pockets, and curtly answered; “T thought "twas your place ter arrest scamps?”’ ‘So ’tis, an’ I guess ll take you in.” *“You was mighty careful not ter take him!” ‘See here—none o’ yer impudence!” and the blue-coat gave him another shake, ‘‘I know boys, an’ I know that man—” **’You do know him?” ** Certain, I do.” ** What d’ye know about him?” “T know he goes out with Phelim Crowley nigh about ivery day in his boat—Phelim was waitin’ for him to-day. I don’t know the man’s name, but he’s a Western miner, an’ he’s taken a fancy to the water, so he goes boatin’ now an’ then. A perfick gentleman, an’ free wid his money. Don’t tell me heisascamp! I know who the scamp is!” x He gave Jack another shake—lighter, this time, for Jack’s aggressive mood was past, So was the chance to do anything in the cause of justice. The boat had left a wide gap behind it, and Jack settled down stoically; no use to say anything more. “Ef he’s sech a high-toned gent [ ain’t got no more ter say. Lemme go, will ye?” *‘{ don’t know whether I ought ter or not,” quoth the officer, twirling his club, ‘* You boys are up ter all kinds 0’ tricks, an’ I think ‘twould be a good idee ter run some of 8 in,” ‘; ow me ter observe that boys hey ter ex- ist, Mister Officer, an’ you can’t keep ’em in a bat-box nor a show-case. We must hey room ter sling out our arms an’legs. We need plent 0’ oxygen an’ hide-yer-gin, or whatever you ca ’em; but a boy who is a boy will never cut up rough. _Fack, sure’s you live, an’ I hope ye b’lieve me. Let’s be jolly, Never say die!” The patrolman smiled. He was not a hard man, and this whimsical address amused him, He released Jack’s arm, hit him a playful blow with his club, and exclaimed: ** Be off, wid yez!” And then he walked serenely away with the martial step peculiar to the guardians of the With this decision he started up-town. He was nearing Grimm’s residence when he suddenly heard some one call behind him. He turned around, and saw two men hurrying af- ter him, He recognized one at once—it was Pedro, The second man was as dark as he, and looked to be a Spaniard, also. Pedro came up hurriedly and shook bis hand, and then turned to his companion, said a few unintelligible words, and made several gestures nearly as obscure. 1t was intended as an intro- duction, however, and was duly acknowledged. Then the second man spoke, He was a friend of Pedro before mentioned, and could make him- self understood in English by a quick-witted person, but his English was so bad that no at- tempt is made here to produce it exactly. Onl one peculiarity—bis short sentences—is retained. ‘*f am named Lopez. Iam a, Spaniard, and the friend of Pedro. Pedro no speak the Eng- lish language; I speak for him.” ‘¢ What does Pedro want?’ asked Jack. ‘*Pedro is afraid for his master. He fears his master will be robbed, Whatdo you think of Neil Dickerman?” “You tell Pedro that I wouldn’t bet a second- hand postage-stamp on Dick.” ‘How?’ asked Lopez, with a puzzled look. **T don’t like him.” This reply was translated to Pedro, who first rubbed his bands together with satisfacticn, and then looked very grave, ‘*Ts he honest?” continued Lopez. ‘* Is he deal- ing right with Edward Cordova? Is the Royal Bonanza Mine safe?” ‘Now you stump me,” ““Eh?” questioned Lopez, more puzzled than ever. ‘*T don’t know how it is, nor what kind 0’ a chap Neil Dick is, nor whether the Royal Bonan- za is safe; but I admit I don’t like the looks,” ‘* You think it is a swindle?” “Yes, but bear in mind that I’m only a boy. T don’t want ter be too previous. I hope it is all right.” ‘Pedro is in despair. He thinks his master will be ruined. Cordova has been warned, but he will not hear. When he saw the Governor of {daho he was worried, but now he is ill and says he will wait. He has paid Heckley much gee Will Heckley run away with it?” Pedro could not understand the speakers, but his gaze never wandered from their faces. First one and then the other was regarded, and his anxiety was striking and painful. His devotion to his master’s interests was something pleasant to see. If Cordova had been as alert, careful and energetic as Pedro, he would never have put out so much money without knowing posi- tively that it was safe. “You're askin? me more’n I can tell,” Jack answered. ‘‘ Ef I was Cordova, though, I’d see the perleece right away an’ find out ef the man is solid, an’ ef he ain’t, ’'d make moves to get my money back.” his was translated to Pedro, and his reply conveyed through the same channel. It was in the form of an ejaculation. “* How can I make my master see as I do?” “ That’s a conundrum,” Jack declared, “Pedro doubts Dickerman,” pursued Lopez, ‘*and he thinks Anderson as bad as the others, ao me to watch Anderson. I have done it. “What luck?” **No luck.” * He’s a high-flyer.” “TI dogged him,” continued Lopez. ‘ He went to a house on —— street, where, a boy told me, a doctor lived. He stayed half anhour. When he came out I followed him again. He went many blocks, and then met Dickerman. He vave Dickerman a small, blue bottle. Then they separated, and Anderson went home. I had found out nothing,” * Wal, the long an’ short on’t is, Cordova’s only safe way is ter see either the perleece mag- nates or a g lawyer, an’ hev this matter looked inter. Let him go alone, not on Neil Dickerman’s advice.” And there the interview ended. Pedro had obtained no consolation, and the matter seemed narrowed down to one point. If he could per- suade the Brazilian to take the advice Jack had last given the truth would soon be known; but if Cordova persisted in believing in Diekerman Simply because he was his cousin, he would have to take whatever consequences followed. Leaving the Spaniards, Jack went to 'G. W. Timm and informed him that he need not watch Heckley, What would be the good of it, ~~ they could not stop him, if he tried to es- e boy went to the office as usual the next ce. duck looked meditatively at the boat. It was now well out on the river, and moving up- stream, Strong as hisimpressions had been a short time before, be was now inclined to think If Heckle thought, be more likely to go south than north. M@reover, the patrolman had said that Heck- ley had been in the habit of going out frequent- in th and the quickness with which they got away indicated that the itter had actually been waiting for the miner. “It may be all right,” thought Jack, « Any- way, he’s out o’ my reach fur now, an’ all 1 kin le went back. Night wasnot far away, and he determined to return to the vicinity of Heck- ley’s office and wait to see if there were further ents, This time his patience was re. war |; he had waited an hour and a balf when the miner returned and went quietly to his office. Jack had come to a wise decision while wait- ing. He had decided that no officer would ar- rest Heckley until he had more proof to offer. Eituer he must get such proof, or go to Police ase before them, and let saw fit. to do, . Gr that he needn’t on watch, ter-night, an’ T'll see how things work ter-morrer.” a ee = Sey ee e ft oe anne Fs: PY, 5 pe kai BN SS Fil Pap a as tan ae iene * Waa oc da Iarlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. Re od = Seeing etwas : ae day. Cordova seemed to have got the better of his illness, and, except that he was paler than usual, was in fair health and spirits, Every- thing moved on as usual. Dickerman came in at twelve o’clock, and he and Cordova took lunch outside, Barring a slight restraint, they seemed to have renewed their old confidence, Harlem Jack was disgusted. When the day’s work was closed, however, Pedro conducted him into the parlor, and to the large “cuckoo” clock. Pointing to the charac- ters “‘ IX,” he made a series of gestures and wound up by placing one finger upon bis lips, “D’ye mean,” asked Jack, after a pause, ‘that you want me ter come hyar on the sly, at nine o’clock this evenin’?” Pedro nodded violently. CHAPTER XIII. ANOTHER FINANCIER, JACK was puzzled. He knew, of course, that the Spaniard could not have understood his question, despite the ready and emphatic an- swer, but he was quite sure that he had inter- preted the signs rightly. Assuming that Pedro wanted him to come secretly to the house at nine o'clock, what did he want? There were but two ways to answer this ques- tion. Either Lopez must be pruduced as an in- terpreter, or the Harlem boy must come accord- ing to invitation and settle the question by ex- perience, * All right,” he agreed; ‘‘ I'll be here,” Again Pedro nodded emphatically. Then he jer ee to the clock once more and touched the ac wee ‘‘ Nine, sharp. Jes’ so,” Jack agreed, Pedro laid his finger on his cf ‘Keep mum, you mean. All right, Pedro.” The Spaniard nodded and smiled, and as the matter seemed settled, Jack went bis way. His first idea was to call and see if Heckley was at the office, but he settled this point with a ges~ ture of disgust, and went home, instead. That evening he did not go out until the time drew near to see Pedro again. : During the intervening time he bad done some careful meditating, but without result. Pedro wanted him at the house at nine o’clock. It was to be a secret visit. What did this indicate? Clearly, if he bad anything to tell he would have called in Lopez as interpreter. That was not it, yet—what else could it be? That was what Jack wanted to know, but he had ar- rived at no conclusion when he left home, He went directly to Cordova’s house. He did not know how he was to be admitted, and was wondering how Pedro would keep the secret, when Pedro, himself, settled the first act in the train of circumstances. The Spaniard appeared at the basement-door, bis finger upon his lips, and motioned Jack to enter. The latter tg bea y The gas was burning dimly in the ball, but no third person was visible. Pedro did some more motioning, and indicated that Jack was to re- move his sboes. This began to look es though something serious was ahead, and the boy hesi- tated. He did not like the idea of any such stealthy work, A moment later he remembered Pedro's posi- tion in the house; remembered bow completely he was trusted by Cordova; and determined to- see the matter out. Accordingly, he removed his shoes, Pedro then conducted bim up-stairs, Both stepped softly, and there was no noise and no oe gaa The Spaniard led the way to the parlor. It will be remembered that Cordova’s office. was what iscommonly called the ‘‘ beck parlor.” ~ These rooms were arranged so that they could be made into one if desired; in other words, were connected by folding-doors. On the par- lor side, these doors were now concealed by a heavy curtain of brown cloth, ornamented with gold-work in intricate pattern. With another gesture to call for caution, Pedro moved the curtain and motioned Jack to follow him to the recess it left behind it. This: done, Jack made a discovery, The oe doors were a trifle ajar, and a view of Cordova’s. office was voucbsafed, i He saw the Brazilian sitting by his desk. Then he turned to Pedro. wid The Spaniard dropped the curtain again and went through a series of motions. Every motion was earnestly made, and his face was expressive of great anxiety. What he intended to convey was uncertain: Jack understood only apart. He did understand that Pedro wished him to hide bebind- the curtain, and see ang sak ; ’ if a } ; §
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hear whatever occurred or was said in the office. But what did Pedro expect to occur? This was a profound nes but Jack had gone too far to retreat. e began to be inter- ested. Mystery adds to all events, and there was enough of it then. The Spaniard, with bis sign-lunguage, his terribly earnest face and his . strange proceeding, was enough to draw any So one into the scheme, ‘ Jack nodded—Pedro looked relieved—the door-bell ruang—Pedro dropped the curtain, and a i the boy from Harlem was “in” for the adven- ‘ieee <' ture, whatever it was to be. if He stood in silence and alone. The Spaniard entered the office through the hall-door, Jack heard some one admitted by the other servant, ‘ and in a moment more Neil Diekerman appear- ed in the office. A second person followed him, and Jack stood dumfounded with wonder. It was Otis Harbison, the chemist-doctor! Of all men Jack had least expected to see him. What did it mean? Then a terrible sus- picion rushed upon the boy. He remembered the rs room in Harbison’s house which he had found i so terrible; he remembered the strange articles which he had but partially understood; he yemembered the motionless dog and cat; he re- membered the various bottles labeled *‘ Poison!” and the various things with which the old ebemist had declared he could take life so easily —as well as his own impression that Harbison would not hesitate to do so. Why was this dangerous man in Cordova’s office? Dickerman introduced them, ‘‘Doctor Harbison, let me make quainted with my cousin, Mr, Cordova. The two men moved to greet each other, and a smile wrinkled the chemist’s face. It was not a pleasant smile, yet it was better than his ex- pression in bis own room. No doubt he was now trying wo make it inviting. He failed, but only because Nature had given him the face of a rascal, Jack shivered. Why was the man of poisons in that house? Cordova did not seem to feel any such misgiv- ings. He shook hands cordially with tke vis- itor. and the three men sat down. Pedro, still auxious-faced, glanced from the folding-doors to the visitor alternately. The old chemist, in i his rusty black suit, rusty black silk hat, rusty ; ‘ shoes and dilapidated collar, was not a pleasant es person to contemplate. **} am glad to have you two meet,” said Dick- erman, airily, ‘Doctor Harbison is a {very learned man, Edward. Not being in need of money, he retired years ago from active prac- tice, though he could give many of our best doc- tors valuable points, He is now engaged in chemical experiments—” Harbison coughed. S “ At times—when his advice is wanted,” awk- wardly finished Dickerman, j ‘Tn plain words, I am an idle man,” amended Harbison. ‘I did not like practicing medicine, for I found my sympathies too strong to enable ; ame to.carry on the work without injuring my ; health.” His audacious assertion dumfounded Jack. That man possess sympathy? Jack remembered ‘the cat and dog. ‘*T bear that Royal Bonanza ‘ “Yes, sir.” ‘* Are you in it deeply?” dy ‘‘ Forty shares,” “7 have fifty.” “T wish I had as many.” ** Then you believe in it?” ‘* Do 1?” echoed Harbison, prise. **T see that you do,” ‘Most certainly. I put ten thousand doJlars into railroad stock only a week before I heard . ‘of the Royal Bonanza. If Ihadit out, I'd be m Jad. The railroad stock pays a fat dividend, oy ut I expect to see the Royal Bonana stock worth three times what we pay for it, inside of ix months,” : ** Indeed |!” mess \ * Yes, sir.” Bh re ** Do you epeomate much?” “- “ Not I. Do you know what speculation in is stocks is? It’s gambling with fate with your own muney up on both sides, you bave no chance to win, The Wall street speculators are «in it to a desperate degree; they risk their last + dotiar, lose it, put an end to their lives, go to i, their graves in disgrace, and to—let us not say Fin eae RP IES + ‘ P foe ac- ou are a stockholder in the ine, doctor,” said Cordova. with an air of sur- ete where afterward. I have fifty thousand dollars outside what I own in real estate, and with this { buy absolutely safe stocks. No wild speculation; no mad risks. I won’t put outa dollar except where 1 know it’s safe!” floor it was to still further deceive Cordova in regar to the mine, as to that?” the Royal Bonanza,” man there, an quest.” these golden allurements. knows of no Rolling-Pin Valley, and no Gold Pocket, in his Territory.” up like Jack’s bean-stalk, you know, and when they start they must be named, Twenty-four hours hence there may be a_ town call Gulch, and a valley called Treasure Bowl—or any other names—where now there is only a wild, barren ridge and hollow.” the cour: Cordova abruptly replied. lieve in this mine, but have not been able to do so since I first had my doubts raised. times my doubts have wavered, and my faith every share you own None of that for me; not | upon his mind, and he stood in a thoughtful, one dollar for wildcat speculations, Not one! | perplexed mood. % oO ffice Boy a Detective. That was what Dickerman had said to the servant, Give whom ‘‘the medicine?” And what medicine was it? What bad Dickerman to do with the giving of medicine in that house? and why had the servant come out so slyly to receive such an extraordinary message? Troublesome suspicions were aroused in Jack’s mind, and he stood unconscious of all around him, Then he suddenly started back as though he had received a blow. So he had, figurative- ly, and it startled him. He recollected what opez said had been the result of dogging Anderson, It was as follows: ““T dogged him, He went to a house on —— street, where, a boy told_me, a doctor lived. He stayed half an hour, When he came out I followed him again. He went many blocks, and then met Dickerman, He gave Dickerman a small, blue bottle,” No wonder Jack was startled. The street mentioned by Lopez was that where Harbison lived, and the ‘e:' had not forgotten the bottles, one large and the others small, which he had seen in Harbison’s case—the bottles of bright, vivid blue. | “By gracious!” muttered Jack, ‘‘ Dickerman is worse than I thought him!” A hand was laid upon his shoulder, and he made a start worthy of a nervous woman, He turned and saw Pedro beside him. The Span- iard smiled faintly, and then held up his hat, pointed to Jack’s ry ay motioned that they would go out of the house. ‘Not yet!” Jack exclaimed. ‘‘ There is work ter = bere fu’st. Who gives Cordova his medi- cine Pedro shook his head,and Jack peevishly added: ‘Oh! Great Scott, I forgot; you can’t un- And Harbison thumped his cane upon the Jack had a new idea as to why he was enna! “ Allow me to ask how you satisfied yourself ‘* By personal examination of specimens from ** Furnished by paca A ‘Oh! no; right from Idaho City. I know a he sent the specimens at my re- “ And you find it ‘ pay-dirt?” ‘* The very best.” Cordova did not seem wholly satisfied, despite «‘The Governor of Idaho tells me that he ‘Not at all strange. Western towns spring Gold Happy Jack saw Dickerman anxiously study razilian’s face, There was nothing en- aging to be seen there, “7 must confess that I lack your faith,” “Tye tried to be- True, at increased, but the general verdict is not favor- | derstand. But somebody must. That black- able. You say you do believe init, Very well, | leg down in the basement ain’t goin’ ter give I will sell you my stock.” Cordova any ‘medicine.’ It’s got ter be stop- ped, but how sball I do it? I don’t like ter tell the Brazilian what I think—but what else can I do? Who is ter be trusted ’round here? It’s got ter be done!” Pedro stared in wonder to hear the usually light-spirited boy muttering to himself with an expression of doubt, fear and bewilderment on his face, and began to think that Jack was out of his head. At that moment a fvotstep sounded in the hall, Jack burriedly opened the door a trifle and looked out. Todd bad just come up from the basement with a bottle of wine in his hand, He knocked at Cordova’s door. Jes’ go, by sixty!” muttered the boy. ‘‘The work is goin’ on, an’ I’ve got tergo right in boldly an’ put a stop to it,” The Brazilian appeared and took the bottle. Then Todd retreated to the basement. Cordova closed the office door, but Jack made an em- phatic gesture to Pedro and started forward, The latter did not know what was about to he done, but he made no objection to the venture, He opened the door for Jack without knock- ing, and then entered. One hasty glance on Jack’s part showed the bottle sitting on the table, the wine still untasted. ‘‘ Good-evenin’, Mr. Cordova,” he said, easily. ‘* T was passin’, an’ I thought I’d drop in an’ see how ye felt.” “Thank you, my boy,” was the kind reply. ‘¢T am feeling quite well at present.” “You've got yer color back.” ow Yes,” “How d'ye git along Swith Royal Bonanza stock?” Cordova looked closely at the questioner, He was evidently inclined to make some inquiries himself, but probably remembered that Jac was a boy and changed his mind, His arswer was trivial. “There is nothing new.” ; “T don’t bevy much faitb in that concern,” boldly announced Jack. “Nor I.” : “You remember the advice I give ye on the envelope?” “My. dear sir,” cried Harbison, “Td buy if I had the money.” ‘Perhaps you can find a customer for me—” “My dear Edward,” interrupted Dickerman, “have you duly reflected—” ‘“‘T have. My shares are to sell!” There was momentary silence. Dickerman’s face flushei deeply. He had brought Harbison to “convince” the Brazilian that the Royal Bonanza was sound, and the ‘‘ proof ” seemed to have made him more determined to look upon it as a swindle. The plotter was disconcerted, but he recovered his self-possession in a few seconds and answered quietly. Neither he nor Harbison made any further effort to convince Cordova. Conversation con- tinued on the same subject for several minutes, and the doctor practically repeated all that he had said in favor of it, but it was done in a way which made Jack believe that he was only talk- ing to kill time. Fifteen minutes passed, and then Harbison looked at his watch and announced that he must go, Dickerman arose and said that he would accompany him, but the interesting part of their visit was by no means past. CHAPTBR XIV. FROM BAD TO WORSE, DICKERMAN and Cordova parted somewhat coldly. Twice the Brazilian seemed upon the oar of ie sg something that was in his mind, ut contented himself with pressing his cousin’s hand and asking him to come at an early hour the following day. Neil and Harbison prepared for the street. Cordova accompanied them to the front door. It closed behind them, and they went slowly down the steps. {n the meanwhile Jack had glided across the arlor to one of the windows. He had grasped bis cap and was half-determined to pass out of the window, which he knew to be raised, and follow them to see if he could overhear conver- sation of importance, but as they reached the sidewalk he saw some one appear i the area, coming from the basement door. He recognized one of the house-servants, “You advised me to notify the police, and Dickerman had paused and_ was looking back, | have Stephen Heckley watched,” “Ts that you, Todd?” he asked. “Yes, sir.” f ‘*-Yes, sir.” “Why did you do it?” ‘Give him the medicine.” ‘To save yer Money, I don’t want ter put “ All right, sir.” myself forru whar | ain't got no proof, an’ I know Lain’t & growed-vp man; but I tell ye New York is jest swarmin’ with rascals who git a livin’ by deceivin’ an’ robbin’ their feller-men. Look out!” “Thank you, Jack. I won't forget your friendly caution.” “To remember won't save ye. You want ter on Me an’ go at the inemy, ef I may speak so Dickayman turned and walked away with Harbison by his side. Harlem Jack did not fol- low. The servant had disappeared uvder the stoop, but Jack had not heard the door close; he would not have ventured to go then, for dis- covery might reach him. But there was more ‘* Give him the medicine !” ReNmeD aas tay, Sie Pan? ah a: elise a) rw 4 * 4 3 , plat Lap ey Pht
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Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, Cordova laughed. “Pll bear it in mind, Jack.” By this time the Harlem lad knew that he was talking to no purpose. Doubtful as the Brazil- ian was, he was not inclined to meet Jack half- way. Asfor telling al] that he knew, the lat- ter would not; the time bad not come, Neither would it do to give Cordova more advice. He was very pleasant, so far, but a little more talk would get him out of patience, ** Pedro, you may pour me some wine,” added Cordova, in Spanish. The words were not intelli ‘> to Jack, but Pedro’s movements speedily thtened him. His resolution was taken in a moment. He, too, moved toward the wine, as though to assist, but as he neared it, he struck his foot intention- ally against the rocker of a cbair, lunged for- ward and struck the bottle, and in a moment more it went whirling down upon the marble hearth, where it was broken into a dozen pieces, — Jack gazed at the flowing wine in pretended may. “Great Scott! I’ve done it now!” he ejacu- lated. ‘I’m as awkward as a mule, by gracious! Mr. Cordova, don’t say a word, if you please, an’ you kin vake it out o’ my wa Bat fur now, jest send Pedro arter fresh wine, an’ don’t blame me too much.” ‘*Don’t say any more, Jack, I don’t care for the wine, but, hereafter, let Pedro do his work, Then Cordova turned to the Spaniard and told him to go for a fresh bottle of wine. Thus far Pedro was wholly in the dark as to what Jack had heard when behind the folding- doors, but, as to the wine, the boy had given him a few sly hints which were not lost upon the shrewd Spaniard. He suspected that the wine had been purpose- Bn poor and knew there must have been some good reason for it. Jack made another excuse, and followed Pedro into the hall. Then followed a most earnest con- versation by means of signs, The boy was very anxious to get Pedro outside as soon as possible, and take him to their interpreter, while the Spaniard was equally anxious to know the re- sult of the late interview, By means of signs it was agreed that they ee meet outside at the end of half an ur, ‘This appointment was kept, and then they hurried away to see Lopez. They found that rson just preparing for bed, but he accepted his fate cheerfully and made no objection to act as mutual friend again. ane at once poured a volley of questions in upon him, ts os you say you followed Anderson ter —— t “ Yes.” ‘* An’ that he stopped at a doctor’s house?” “ A boy told me a doctor lived there.” “ What was the doctor’s name?” ** Harbison.” ‘When Anderson came away he met Dicker- +s Yes. ” ** An? give him a blue bottle?” et “What sort 0’ a blue bottle was it?” “ Small—like that,” explained Lopez, illus- trating. ‘‘The color was blue—oh! very blue. When the sun struck it, it shine like diamonds. Grand! Superb!” and the Spaniard lifted both hands in admiration. _ Jes’ so. Now I want you ter tell Pedro somethin’. Sa : who called on Cordova this evenin’ is an experi- menter in p’izens an’ pther drugs, an’ keeps a certain kind o’ p’izen in blue bottles, Then tell him that when Dickerman left the house this evenin’, Todd skulked out 0’ the area an’ Dick tel’ him ter give somebody some * medicine,’ an’ that was why I spilled the wine. This was translated to Pedro, who at once be- _ came very much agitated. He required further particulars, and Jack went into details, When Pedro understood fully, he told the story of the blue bottt: found in Dickerman’s overcoat, when the latter accidentally changed with Cordova. By this time wee was trembling like a leaf, He unders an m e ‘that the latter believed thei) Sabplower's life to be menaced. The matter was going from to worse, and the faithful servant was filled with _ horror. He was for the time as weak asa child, ter Pedro that the Harbison the blue bottle plot to makea — case. More- over, affairs had reached a point where it would not do to remain silent any longer. Happy Jack determined to call at Police Headquarters that very night, but there was one thing to do first, CHAPTER XV. SETTING THE SNARE. REOPENING the conversation, Jack asked sev- eral questions of Pedro, through the interpreter, ‘* Who is Todd?” ‘* The man-of-all-work at Cordova’s.” “Where does he sleep?” ** Tn the basement bedroom.” “Where do you sleep?” ‘*Tn a room on the third floor.”, ““Wal, now see hyar, Pedro, I hev an idee that ef Todd is tryin’ ter p’ison Cordova by Dickerman’s orders, the blue bottle is now in his hands, Kin you git it? Put yer wits ter work, fur this is right-down important.” Pedro did “‘ put his wits ter work.” He saw the importance of getting the bottle, if it could be done, and he replied that he would watch for a chance and do his best. ** T see now that I’ve made one blunder,” add- ed Jack, ‘I hadn’t ought ter broke that bottle 0’ wine, but saved it, an’ had it analyzed. I’m right sorry I did it, but it may not be too late. See hyar, Pedro, you go home at once an’ tell your master what’s up, an’ then bev Todd bring more wine, tellin’ bim the fu’st bottle was broke afore Cordova could drink any. Or did Todd see you bring the fresh bottle, yerself?” Through the interpreter, Pedro said no. “Then go right home an’ git him ter bring another bottle. Make him understand that the first one was broke afore any 0’ the wine was drinked. When you git the new bottle, make sure that-ye save it. Ef Todd puts pison in it, we'll catch the miser’ble critter.” Pedro pronounced the idea a good one, and hurried away to put it into execution. Harlem Jack went in the opposite direction. Straight to the shanty of G. W. Grimm he made his way, and burst in suddenly. Grimm was reparing to retire, and one suspender bung oosely over his hip. He had been just ready to cast off the other, but paused in amuzement at sight of Jack. ‘Grimm, I want yer help!” cried the boy. “as Eh ? ‘* I want you ter go ter Perleece Headquarters with me!” ‘*?Way down ter Mulberry street?” ** Yes,” “Bow-wow! It’s pretty tough on a man with chronic hydrophoby ter git him out at this time o night—” Nig The business won’t wait. Come! will you go? I kin go alone, but they won’t pay due at- tention ter me, I’m afeerd. [ want aman with me, an’ you are the only one I kin ask.” ~ ** Bow-wow! I ain’t goin’ ter refuse—not ef I know myself. I 8’pose it’s about Cordova's case, an’ I know you hev hoss-sense enough ter do the proper thing. Chuck me my shoes; I'll be ready _| Ina jiffy.” He made due haste, and was soon ready for the street. They took the Elevated Road and rode to Houston street, and then walked to the Central Station. An officer was on guard at the door, but a few words with him enabled them to pass on. Jack saw a corridor which seemed to cut the building through from west to east. They en- tered a room at the left, and were in an office where Jack saw several men at work, Grimm did not pause, but Passed through another door nearly opposite to the first, They were then in another corridor, smaller and more ancient- looking than the first. Passing along this for several yards they entered still another room. At the further side a space was itioned off by a bar, and therea stern-faced man was on duty. Sica walked up to him and asked for In- spector Byrnes. 5 - Not in.” Then he asked for Mr. Adams, knowing that he was the chief’s right-hand man. He was in- formed that Mr. Adams was not in. Jack’s face lengthened. “‘What do you want, anyway?” demanded the Man on guard, somewhat peremptorily, “We've got a case ag’in’ some p’igon rascals, an’ we want ter tell about it,” promptly an- g # y a, 4, The questioner looked at him hard, but at. that "moment another man appeered from the “ iced is | 8wWered the bo a detective, Mr. Bobson. He will Bonanza matter, they had learned enough about ' look out for you,” the guard announced. | Mr. Bobson was a tall, dignified man, with e benevolent face, but a pair of keen, steady eyes. ‘If you haveanything to say, I will hear you,” he announced, coming to business at once. By the time the story was told he decided that: oe had something to say. hen all was told he sat for several moments in silence, ““T hope you kin see a case in it,” said Jack, breaking the silence. “Tecan, and [ shall take hold of it at once, Stephen Heckley and the Royal Bonanza shall be looked to.” “Tm afraid he'll run away, sir.” ** He won’t, unless he does it right quick.” ** An’ what about the blue bottle?” “That is what puzzles me. I wish that £ knew how your friend Pedro will come out im his venture. I hope he will succeed.” His manner showed that he attached due im- portance to this part of the case. “ Anyway, you can go home now, both of you, but I want you, Jack, to be at Cordova’s house at eight o'clock, sharp. I dare say the hour will be early for him, but he must give us audience. Be careful not to give anything away, and remember that I am Mr. Briggs, a man with stocks to sell. See?” Jack said that he did, and then they were duly dismissed. He and Grimm walked toward the Houston street station of the Elevated Road. ‘*Them perleece fellers ain’t a bad lot,” ob- served Mr. Grimm. “‘ They’re sociable, an’ ef a man ain’t afflicted with chronic hydrophoby, as T be, he might enj’y himself with ‘em. But. when a man’s temperature is one hundred and four; his pulse up ter a hundred an’ thirty; an” hydrophobic peins rend him almost limb from limb, - ain’t got that keen love o’ society some: men hev.” By this time they reached the Bowery. Cross- ing that wide thoroughfare, they ascended the “LL” steps and were soon whirling up-town. bas left the cars together and walked home- ward. Neither one had a a of danger. They had been over the ground at that hour before, and always safely, and it did not occur to them that their late efforts—especially, those of Jack —might have drawn down upon their heads danger that wonld otherwise have passed them b They were soon shown that danger was abroad. They bad nearly reached Jack's home when they came to where a hack stood by the curb- stone. an old shed. It was a gloomy-looking place, but neither heeded it; they were on familiar ground. Jack noticed that a man stood talking with Drs driver of the vebicle, but thought noth- ing of it. ing mahesitntingsy ahead, they reached the hack, Then the scene Pea changed. One of the men seized Jack, and before the aston- ished buy could make a move in the way of de- fense he was thrust into the back. At the same moment, a man darted out of the cover of the shed and grappled with Grimm. The latter had been a strong man, but he was no longer young, and his joints were stiff with rheumatism. He bad two men against him, and was thrown into the hack about as easily as Jack had been. Then the two men entered after them, A whistle was sounded, and the vehicle rolled away. When Grimm had been thrown in he fel? against Jack, and both dropped to the bottom of the hack, Jack squirmed and twisted, and finally managed to gain his knees. The hack was bowling along rapidly, A hand was laid upon the boy’s arm with a painfully-tight Tasp. “: «Be silent!” said a stern voice. ‘“* Dare to utter, a cry, and I will make crow’s meat of ou! hs Great Caesar!” ejaculated Jack, ° “You are a prisoner. Keep quiet, and all will be well,” “Who in thunder are you?” indignantly de- manded the boy, @s he squirmed in vain, “¢- Your master!” ‘* What do ye want 0’ me?” ‘‘ Never mind,” _ “See byar! I reckon thar’s a mistake—” a ee is not,” ” ‘© Dye know who I be ‘eee A ae Brandrege,” “Fack, sure’s you live, but I don’t see why Tm sot upon in this way—” “Tt is not rr ga | that you should—” “T think it is. I ain’t interested, who is? hyar, let me go, will ye?” On the other side of the sidewalk was .
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34 *‘No, I won’t! Keep still, you young rascal! If ycu use common sense, and don’t kick up any row, you won’t he hurt: but we are not men to stand any nonsense. We have certain plans, and they are going to be carried out.” ‘I guess we're in for it, Jack,” said the voice of G. W. Grimm, mournfully. ‘* Of course you are, old man,” ‘It’s pretty tough on us, ’specially on me. D’ye know I’m the victim o’ chronic bydrophoby? D’ye know I’m a mere human wreck?” ** We'll talk of that later. No more talk now. 1 warn you not to try and give any alarm, for it will go hard with you if you do,” Grimm did not answer. Neither did Harlem Jack, but his mind was busy. A startling sus- picion was at work therein. Did he owe all this to Neil Dickerman and his .gang? And what fate was in store for the captives? CHAPTER XVIL JACK’S DISCOVERY. HALF an hour passed; then the hack again stopped. The driver threw open the door, and the prisoners were roughly pulled out. They were marched directly forward, and then led in through a passage and a door—plainly, into the basement of a house. Next they entered a room, and the journey was over. The utter darkness around Jack’s blindfolded eyes suddenly disappeared, and he knew that the gas had been turned up. Then the silence was broken, ‘You are in a place where you -will stay to- night. You are prisoners, but nobody will hurt youif you behave yourselves. Don’t try to es- cape, for it would be useless, Moreover, if we hear any disturbance here, to show that you are trying to get away, we will visit you again |” There was strong emphasis on the last words. * And give you what you won’t like!” added the second man, warningly. “Just so. Bear this in mind and be wise!” The door slammed behind them; there was the click of a lock; and then Jack threw up his hands and cast off the bandage which covered his eyes. and Grimm were the only occupants of the room, The latter hastened to free his own eyes, and then they looked around curiously, They were in a basementroom of the ordinary kind, ex- cept that both windows had been covered over with heavy boards. The only furniture was two chairs, while a mattress in one corner with a couple blankets thrown loosely upon it. There were two doors, but it did not need the subsequent experiment to convince them that they were locked. i _ _ ‘Wal, I guess we’re in for it,” muttered Grimm. ** Looks like it.” “‘Reg’lar Bastile, this is,” ae Yes.” “‘Them winders hey got planks on 'em, an’ the planks are spiked down. No way out thar.” Jack did not answer. in a thoughtful way. “Tsay, lad, what does all this mean, any- way?’ resumed Mr. Grimm, ** Now you have me,” **Can’t be we’re abducted fur our money.” ** Scarcely.” ‘I couldn’t raise fifteen cents fur ransom, ef the Moors an’ Goths o’ Barbary was goin’ ter chop my head off, The only worldly possession I hev is the chronic hydrophoby, an’I can’t turn that inter cash.” All this was for the benefit of a possible list- ener. Really, they were in a very aggressive mood, and were resolved to get out if such a thing was possible, Half an hour passed, During that time they had heard nothing in the hall, and they decided that they were free from observation, They then discussed the situation seriously, They had looked the room over carefully, and had found no weak point, “Pm afeard we’ve got ter stay here,” Jack confessed. “ Think so?” “Yes. Don’t you?” ‘*No, sir!” Grimm spoke with stubborn determination, “What can we do?” asked Jack, Ef them chaps ain’t on the watch, we'll dig out. “In what way?” Grimm touched the wall, * Only plaster an’ laths here.” ie est we ain't got nothin’ ter dig through With, He was looking about e Office Boy Detective, The elder prisoner took up one of the dilapi- dated old chairs and coolly wrenched off a leg. Without a word he advanced to the wall and began to dig into the plastering. ack suddenly remembered that he had a stout pocket-kmife, This would certainly be better to dig into the plastering. He advanced with it, but Grimm shook his head. ‘* No,” he said, ‘ Wait! we'll need later ter cut the laths, an’ itll come in right handy, Keep quiet, an’ let me try this plan.” He worked steadily, sounds as much as possible, and made some pro- gress. Men can afford to be patient when they work for a large stake, and in the present case | it was liberty, if not life. He ground away at the plastering, and soon laid bare a small sec- tion of a lath. After that it was easier, and he steadier enlarged the opening. At the. proper time Jack’s knife was again produced, and Grimm cut away one lath after another, The progress then was slower than ever, but Grimm showed a good deal of ingenu- ity, and every minute saw more or less advance. The time came at last when a hole was made entirely through the wall. The dropping of plaster on the other side did not seem to have at- tracted attention, and the prisoners began to feel new hope. A light burned in the hall, and when the aperture had been sufficiently enlarged, Jack thrust out his head and took an observation. No one was visible in the hall, and he was about to draw back when he heard a peculiar sound on the basement stairs. He paused and looked wonderingly. A moment more, and a cat literally flashed into view, coming down the stairs as though very much frightened, and a dog followed after as fast as a lame leg would let him go. Jack started and looked keenly at them as they skurried to ‘the further end of the hall, as though to escape some great danger. There was a striking familiarity about the pair. Where had he seen them before? He was still in doubt when human footsteps sounded on the stairs. He did not remember then that it would be more prudent to withdraw his head; he was too much interested to think of anything but the fascination which the occa- sion held for him, Then the man came down the stairs and ap- peared to view. Harlem Jack stared at him with dilated eyes. He saw Doctor Otis Harbison. A more completa surprise he could not have had, for thoughts of the old chemist had. not once entered his mind; but there Harbison was, dressed exactly as when Jack saw him in his room of experiments, Discovery seemed at hand, but it was soon shown that Harbison’s mind was on something else, * He carried his cane, and at once made for the dog and cat. Then those animals manifested great terror, both crouching back at the ex- tremity of the hall, and the dog whined pite- ously. The doctor had no pity for them. He descended upon them violently, and aimed a blow at the dog, but both escaped his wrath and fled back along the hall, dashing up-stairs once more. Harbison followed fast after. His pre- occupation, and the dim light, had providen- tially prevented his seeing the hole in the wall or the scattered plastering. Happy Jack turned toG, W. Grimm with a face that had lost some of its ruddy color, ‘* We're in the house 0’ the Evil One’s right- hand man!” he gasped. “All is now clear. This is Otis Harbison’s den, an’ ef we git out alive we shall be lucky. He may torture us as he does the cat an’ dog!” CHAPTER XVII, THE ACCUSATION, DETECTIVE BOBSON was duly mindful of his appointment with Jack, and was near Cordova’s house at eight o'clock the next morning, He looked at everybody visible on the block, but the bam was not there. He waited half an hour, and stili Jack did not come, He determined to wait no longer. He was anxious to see Cordova before other visitors arrived, and further delay might deprive him of the coveted private interview. He rung the bell, and a servant girl opened the door. ‘I want to see Mr, Cordova,” he explained. “Mr. Cordova is not up yet, sir—at least, he is not yet in his office.” ** What about Pedro?” ** He is in the office, sir,” **T will see bim.” * But he can’t speak English,” “ Then I will speak Spanish,” That is just wat | avoiding betraying | — See tc But—” ** Say no more,” Bobson replied, peremptorily, “Iam a dealer in stocks, like your master, and my business can’t be put off, Show me to Pedro, and I will arrange with bim,” The girl demurred no longer. She did aot have the least suspicion that she was talking to an Officer, and she conducted him to the oftice. Pedro, who jealously refused to let any of the women take care of that sacred room, bad just finished putting it to rights. He greeted the visitor wifh a smile and a bow, and pointed courteously to a chair, ** Good-morning, Pedro,” said the detective, in Spanish, Pedro started and looked surprised. ‘“*T understand that you do not speak English,” Bobson added, siill in Spanish, ‘St. Catherine!” Pedro ejaculated, ‘‘do you speak my own language?” ‘* In a fashion—poorly, as you see.” “Senor, 1 am delighted, Few, here, know a word of Spanish, and I am almost siut out from the sound of my own tongue.” ** Well, I speak it imperfectly, and\have come to talk with you. I come from Jack Bran- drege.” ** St. Catherine!” Pedro exclaimed, sudden ex- citement visible in his face, ‘‘ Ts your master well this morning?” ‘* He is, senor—praise the holy Virgin!” ** Did he drink wine last night?” Pedro started violently. Bobson laid a hand gently upon his arm, ‘“* Pedro, I think you are a discreet man, and attached to Edward Cordova?” ‘*T would die for him!” the Spaniard exe claimed, “Then let me tell you something. See this badge? Do you know whatit means?” ** No, senor,” “It is that of a detective, and such is my bus- iness, I am here as your friend, sent by young Jack. Iam a detective, and I want to aid your master, Let me ask if you got the blue bottle from Todd, last night? Pedro’s hands were trembling with excite- ment, ‘*T will call my master,” he said, ** Let me ask you first—” ‘* Nothing,” was the firm reply. ‘The ways of this country are strange to me, and I know not how to act. Pardon me, senor, if I say that it is with my master you must talk; I have uo secrets from bim; he knows all that I know.” Bobson understood that Pedro had madea clean breast of his sccrets to Cordova, and he re- monstrated no furtber. He allowed the man to go to his master, and Cordova appeared inside of five minutes. He looked earnestly at the de- beg but the latter managed to soon convince im, Keeping the conversation in Spanish, he sub- mitted the proofs of his position as a detective, pee then stated that he had seen Harlem ack, ‘“‘ Acting on information received from him,” Bobson added, * I visited Stephen Heckley this morning at an early hour, tried to get bim to confess, but he would not. Then I arrested him, I will not pause to tell you what proof I have against him, but this I will say: I should not have arrested him had J not felt sure of m case. The Royal Bonanza isa swindle, and am going to prove it. Let us leave the subject for now, though. Tell me what occurred here last night. Did you secure the blue bottle?” ‘* Pedro did,” Cordova answ *¢ Have you it now?” Cordova touched his coat. “Tt is here,” ‘Good! Hang to it carefully.” Cordova had been thinking rapidly, and he came to the conclusion that the best’ thing he could do was to make a full statement to this keen-eyed detective. He had had a full explanation with Pedro, and knew that when Jack upset and broke the bottle of wine it had been purposely done, be- cause the boy believed that the wine was poi- soned, He told this, and then added an ac- count of what followed Pedro’s return to the 10use, Coming in, he went directly to Cordova and poured out the whole story rapidly. The Brazil- lan was dumfounded; more than that, be could not believe it. He had had doubts of Dicker- man’s good faith in the Royal Bonanza matter, but that bis own cousin would try to poison him wus altogether too much. Still, he agreed to let Jack’s plan, as explained by Pedro, be tried, Todd was informed that the wine he had brought had been wholly spidled, and was di-
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Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 15 rected to bring a fresh bottle. When he went, Pedro watched him with remarkable cunning. Todd first flitted to his room When he came out he carried the blue bottle in hishand. Next he went to the refrigerator and took out a bottle of wine. He drew the cork, and then, looking secretly around, poured into it a portion of the contents of the blue bottle. Quickly returning to his room he hid the blue bottle under a loose art-of the carpet, and partially behind the yureau, and then carried the wine to Cordova. At the moment he stood at Cordova’s door Pedro was retreating from Todd's room, bear- ing the blue bottle in triumph, Bobson examined the wine and, also, the blue bottle. The last was about half-full of an am- ber-bued liquid, but what it was the detective could not tell. He consulted with Cordova, and the latter agreed to bring matters to a crisis by summoning Todd. This was done. The man came in unsuspiciously, but a trou- bled expression appeared on his face as he saw Bobson, Something about the detective probably roused a suspicion in his guilty mind. Pedro, according to orders, lingered near the door, Bobson quietly set upon the table the wine and the unknown mixture in the blue bottle. Todd stared at that in a startled way. “Caught!” observed Bobson, tersely. ‘ You see now why you were wanted here, Todd. Your game is found out!” **[ don’t know what you mean,” replied the villain, but his teeth rattled as he spoke, ‘**False!—you know very well, ou tried to poison Cordova!” ‘No, no!” cried the wretch, “I did not; I swear it!” ‘* Nonsense! You were seen to pour the poi- son from a blue bottle into the wine. Why do you persist in useless denials? You are in the tvils, and may as well confess,” ‘*T swear to you—” “Don’t! It will be useless, The whole story is known, and the best thing you can do is to ownup. You don’t want to shoulder all the blame, yourself, do you?) Then own up frankly, and put the matter right. Where did you get the blue bottle?” Todd wiped the perspiration from his fo:c- head. He was not a coward, but there set the blue bottle as a mute accuser, “* If that stuff is dangerous, I didn’t know it,” he protested. * Why did you put it in Cordova’s wine?” **T was told to,” he muttered. % ot whom?” ** Neil Dickerman!” Cordova grew pale. The most important step was taken, and Bobson soon secured a full confession. Todd had once served a brief term in prison, and he had worked for Dickerman and become hope- lessly tangled in the Jatter’s nets. He went to Cordova’s as a servant because Dickerman told him to, and when’he was ordered to put a part of the contents of the blue bottle in Cordova’s wine, he obeyed Dickerman without knowing what the drug was, Bobson had watched the clock closely during this interview. He knew that the chief plotter was expected, and liable to appear at any time. Having “ worked” Todd fully, he put handcuffs upon his wrists and sent him to the basement in c of Pedro. They then waited for Dickerman, but he did not keep them long. The bell sounded, and Cordova his Cousin’s ring, He was in such a state of dismay and trepidation that the detective resolved not to delay matters, but bring the plotter at once to the bar, as it were. Neil came in airily. He did not notice the bottles on the table, but shook. hands cordially with Cordova, and acknowledged the introduc- tion to “ Mr, Briggs” in a friendly way, Evi- —_ “ Briggs” was not disposed to ‘a back- w ‘Tam sincerely glad to see you, Mr, Dicker- er Paps — coolly, ‘' Pray sn an some of is wine, ‘oO Ss and fi i vith thin i ur yourself a g avor it He held up the blue bottle. : Dickerman stood like one turned to stone, The color had receded from his face in a swift ace and he stared at tho dumb accuser in rror. ‘‘ Murderer!” exclaimed Bot in a thrilli voice, “‘your sin has found ee out. ‘All 13 meow nT va ee The arch-p: r to speak, but his voice tailor st the bottle of poison #64 ere is the e of po from Doctor Harbison and gave to ode Your every step has been traced. We have confessions tron; Harbison, Todd and Anderson, All known.” Still Dickerman did not answer. *“You have run the length of your rope,” Bobson went on, ‘* The Royal Bonanza swindle is known, and Heckley is a prisoner. Now comes the last act in the drama of crime. I arrest you for the attempted murder of Edward Cordova!” CHAPTER XVIIL THE FINAL VENTURE. Bors Jack and Grimm were for a few mo- ments dismayed to find that they were in Harbi- son’s house, but they quickly rallied. They attacked the wall with more zeal than caution, and in a short time the opening was sufficiently enlarged to admit of their passing through, This they hastened to do at ence, Neither had any clear idea of how they were to proceed after that, but they were resolved to get out of the house in some way. They gained the passage, and then looked further, There was a rear door which was both locked and nailed up, and a front door which was merely locked, but no keys were to be found, They ascended to the * first floor,” so called. This was familiar ground to Jack, who had been escorted along that very hall by Harbison upon a well-remembered occasion, The gas burned dimly, and the key was in the door. Grimm hastened to experiment. He turned first the key and then the knob, and the door opened; the way of escape lay before them, He turned and shook Jack’s hanc. **Come on!” he directed. * Wait,” Jack directed, ‘*'W hat for?” ‘* Tve got an idee.” ** This ain’t no place fur idees,.” “T think it’s jest the place fur them, an’T mean ter try one, See here! It would strengthen our case immense ef, when we per- dooce the blue bottle in court, we could show another jest like it got here. I’m goin’ up ter Harbison’s laboratory, an’ see ef I kin git one.” Grimm held up his hands in horror, ‘Don’t think on’t. See! day is breakin’—” Jack paid no attention to him. With quick, light steps he ascended the stairs, keeping sharp watch for danger. The second-floor hall was dark and silent, and he went on once more. The next flight was climbed; he was on the third and upper floor, The hall, like that below, wus dark, but from under vne door shone a bar of light. at was that of Harbison’s room, Jack wasin a thoroughly venturesome mood by that time, and he carefully opened the door a little. At the further end of the room he saw two men bending over one of the tables One he at once ai owt as being Harbison. But who was the other? Jack looked sharply and came to a conclusion, It was Anderson. They were wholly absorbed in some occupation, and as Jack saw a grayish vapor rising, he readil ou mam that it was some chemical experi- ment. As he watched, there was a sudden stir close at hand. He started back in alarm, but there was no danger, Ovt rushed the mysterious dog and cat, and down-stairs they went with what seemed to Jack to be a terrible clatter. He was tempted to flee himself, but did not forget his errand. He looked at the men; they did not seem to have heard the noise at all. ““['m goin’ ter hev one o’ them blue bottles,” thought Jack, stubbornly. He had already noticed that the door of the case was open. He now entered the room, creeping along with all the care possible. Soft, indeed, were his footfalls, and the men watched their unknown compound and suspected nothing. Inch by inch he drew near the case, and still there was no alarm, He reached it: he grasped one of the small blue bottles. He saw that it was filled with a liquid, and waited for no more. Cautiously he retreated. Jack reached the threshold and turned fora last look. Harbison was holding up a bottle. “J warn you,” he said, in an audible voice, ‘‘that whatever I may add from this out will be risky in the sense that no man knows what will be the result. Chemical experiments are al- ways dangerous. You can retire, if you wish,” _* No,” Anderson replied, ‘‘ I will stay.” ** Jest like me--I won't!” thought Jack, and he softly closed the door and glided down the olding fast to the blue bottle. W. Grimm awaited bim at the front door. (, Great land! be you alive?” the man asked. ei The, inch on me.” ike mee , bit ago, kee ee ero { | “Good fur them—we’ll do the same. on!’ They left the house and hurried away, Day was breaking, and there was more stir on the streets, but they left the house undetected and started for home. They were within a few yards of Jack’s house when they heard a sound like the distant boom of acannon. They thought nothing of it, and continued to talk for several minutes. Then a fire-engine rattled past them, They looked in the direction it had taken, and saw smoke and flame rising above a certain house. **Somebody’s burnin’ out,” observed Grimm, Jack grasped his arm, ‘Great Cesar!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ that is Har- bison’s house, ‘‘ D’ye remember the explosion? Their chemicals hev blowed up an’ set the house on fire! Come on—let’s go back!” They retraced their steps as fast as Grimm’s legs would carry him. When they arrived the firemen were at work, but with a hopeless task ahead of them; the whole upper part of the house was,one sheet of flame, and it was clear that it must burn itself out, Harbison’s only servants—an old man and woman—had escaped, but nothing was seen of the doctor. The explosion had taken place in his laboratory, and it was thought he had perished there, but it was a long time before even the daring firemen could penetrate there, When they did succeed in doing so, they found only the blackened bodies of Harbison and Anderson. Probably the explosion bad killed them. It was already past the hour when he was to meet the detective at Cordova’s, He went that way as quickly as possible, and, as chance would have it, met Bobson just leav- ing the house. ‘*T see I’m too late!” regretfully exclaimed the boy. “I’m sorry, but—” ‘““Never mind; you have come in time to hear the news, Neil Dickerman lies inside, des- perately wounded.” Who by?” ** Wounded! How? **His own hand. I charged him with the crime and summoned him to surrender to the law. Cordova interfered to save him, asking that the affair be kept secret, but I would not, and could not, agree to hush up crimes like his. I declared that he must surrender, and advanced to put ou the irons. He drew a revolver and shot himself, The doctor who has seen him will not yet say whether he will live or not. In any case, my boy, thanks are due you for your shrewd, heroic work in this case. Only for you the den of vipers would never have n un- earthed!” And the detective shook Jack cordially by the hand. Pedro appeared at the door, eagerly beckoning and Jack went in. Thedemonstrative Spaniard actually took the boy in his arms and gave him a hug which reminded Jack of a grizzly bear. Then came Edward Cordova, pale and sad, but full of gratitude to him who saved his life, and he grasped Jack’s hand, thanked him Come warmly, and declared that while he lived the Harlem boy should not want for a friend, The promise was kept. Jack had made a true friend. The Royal Bonanza was found to be a complete swindle, operated hy Heckley, Dickerman and Anderson. The man from Idaho confessed, .ad the money paid to him was recovered, Cordova lost nothing. Heckley went to Sing Sing, but, as he proved an exemplary prisoner, was par- doned Setors his time was out. He then went West again, and it is to be hoped he is leading an honest life. i Neil Dickerman died of his wound. Jack chanced upon the dog and cat upon which Harbison had once experimented, and gave them a good home at his mother’s house, Harvey Stannard was so chagrined at the re- sult of affairs at the office that he resigned his position and went back to the country. All of Cordova’s investments except the Royal Bonanza were found to be safe, and he settled down in New York, but wisely gave up specu- lating. For three years he kept Jack Brandrege with him, and under the boy’s care, honest Pedro learned to speak fair English. Cordova watched for a chance, and when it came he placed Jack ina law-office. The pros- pects are good famous. G. W. Grimm still lives in his_shanty-home, and though he complains. as usual, of ‘* ch hydrophobia,” is as jovial as ever, THE END, that Jack will some day become
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0 STR pene 7 STORE Fae ges ; ; rants m SUCk ers ber ote j GS a Oe MAES ope Fi ie BEADLE’S+ H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. x Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY COLONEL PRENTISS ING RAHAM, % The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Raiph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or. The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond. Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship: or, The Rival Lieutenants, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. | BY CHARLES MORRIS. 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ken; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. 2% The Boy Duellat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 147 Will Wilditire, the Thoroughbred. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuxgter, 49 Omaha Oll; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 111 The Sen-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. Bi Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 116 The Hussar Captain 3 or, ‘Ihe Hermit of Hell Gate, 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck} or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 2? Corduroy Charlies.or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act. 165 Billy Bagrage, the Railroad Boy. 204 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. B: 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 170 A Tromp Card 3 or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. 216 Bison Bll, the Prince of the Reins. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 134 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport ; or, The Woman Trailer, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 17% Bob Rockett the Bank Runner. 229 Crimson muses or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s 188 The Hidden Wand or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. « Gulch. aa Ge 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers. 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, The Freelance Heir, 188 Blonde Bills or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wail. 250 The Mid«hipman Mutineer ; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 206° Dark Paul, the Tiger King. : Island. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Rond. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 269 The Gold Ship + or, Merle, the Condemned. 220 Tom Tanner}; or, The Black Sheep ot the Flock. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold 201 The Black Milla Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 35 Bam Charcoal the Premium Darky Ship.” ~ 4 1e remium ‘at oO ’ hip. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride. 205 Deadwood Dick’s D ; Calamity Jane’ \- & Deadwood Dick's Doom; or, Calamity “une® Last “Aa 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. venture. 7 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandosh Bill and His Gang. 284 The Sea Marauder} or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. $21 Sugar-Coated Sam} or, The Black Gown. 252 Dick Dashaway ;¢ or, A Dakota Boy 1 Chicago. R87 Billy Blue-Kyex, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. 804 The Dead Siot Dandy ¢ or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. B08 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 882 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Rough» and Tough, . i I 268 Deadwood Dick's Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 268 Deadwood Dick’« Death Tratl. 289 Jolly Jim’sx Jobs or, The Young Detective. B09 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. Oregon. 805 Dashaway, of Dakotas or, A Western Lad in the Quaker 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. sity. B47 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. rings. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. B51 tae EY Dick Sentenced ; or, The Terrible Vendetta. 855 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, B62 Deadwood Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro | 867 Wide-Awake Joe} or, A Boy ot the Times. Flats. 87) Larry. the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 408 Firelly Sack, the River-Rat Detective. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds; or, The Mystery of Joan | 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. Porter. . 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Care.” A482 Invinelble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. 448 Dead wood Dick, Jr. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 448 Nickel-Plate Neds or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Defiance. 479 Detective Dodge ; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full 488 Wild Dick Racket. Hand. 501 Koot a, the Boy Fireman. or, ‘Too Sharp for the Sharper. 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- 566 The Secret service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. BY OLL COOMES. b Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. Bi Keen-Kuife, the Prince of the Prairies. Al Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. BS The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 4 Hawk-e7e Marry the Young Trapper Rnger. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. 148 Sear-Face Saul, tle Silent Hunter 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, thy Boy Captain. 202 Prospect Pete ¢ or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’a Castle. 228 Little W ildfire, 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. 272 Minkekin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ¢ or, Ruinbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. A17 Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, Ast Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or. Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. BY T. ©. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, Th» Boy Spy of °76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter, AZ Nightingale Naty or, Tne Forest et aaa 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trail. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper, 106 Old Froaty, the Guides or, The White Queen. 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr.3 or, The Boy Vigilante, 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tomy or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkananw ¢ or, 7 he Queen ot Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 231 Plucky Phils or, Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravos or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli », we King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch? or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Cochetopa. | R02 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Buily. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror ot ‘Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. BSH Cool sam und Pardg om The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. BXG Captain Cutinass ; or, The B cecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken L.asao: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox; the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York. Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon, 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar. 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 427 The Excelsior Sports or, The Washington Spotter. 814 The Mysterious Marauders; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long Trail. 877 Bonodel, the Bey Rover}; or, The Flagless Schooner, BR8 The Indian Pilot; er, The Search for Pirate Island. B87 Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom. B98 Seawulf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Inodor, the Young C spireters or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent , The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtsman 3; or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy's Luck; or, Tie Corsair, 487 The Bea Rulder. ey 441 ‘The Ocean Firefly 3 or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Haphazard Harry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard Will: or. Tie Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Wills Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afleats or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. AS? Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger, 49% Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy 4 or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman. 5611 The Outlawed Middy. 620 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 526 Brothers in Buckskin. 680 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Bue .skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio. 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Latitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 6555S The Creole Corsair. 6 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. . 665 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 67S The Surgeon-Scout Detective. bSO The Ontenst Cadet; or, The False Detective. BS6 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. BY? The Young Texan Detective, 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. te 607 The Rover Detectives; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. Up. 465 Phitto Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at ‘Naim 10. A71 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 hea ee Harry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Jog Detective. 481 Moll Mysterys or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood. 491 May in Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick r’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. ; 404 posdweed ere mM ings 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. endwooe ck’s Deliverance, “ Bid Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. B22 Deadwood Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick's Danger Ducka. BS4 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. 689 Deadwood Dick Jr. tn Texas. ae penawess peaks Jr. ie way Test Vidocq. 5 endwoot ck on ItMis Mettle. b5S4 Deadwood Dick, dr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston. Bes Doadwees Dicks ha - Ppleseipaia, > endwooc ek r. in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. BS4 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Decree. a3 Beeawos Ber fat dasa aes as eadw ood ek Jr. at Coney Island. 606 > econ Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay; or, Bristol and ncket’s boom. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wa. F, Cody) 8B Kaneas King; cr, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy! or, The Pilot of the Prairie. BS Deadly-Eye, the Paxnown Scout, 68 Rorder Robin Hoods or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado ¢ or, The Trapper’a Trust, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; or, Double Curve Dan’s Double Play. By Geo, C. Jenks. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veternn Detective; or, Little Lightning’s Invinel*les. By John W. Osbon. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. By T Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. | 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Briygand. 15S Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team, ' 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. | 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 188 Plietograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canale Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye 3 or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 18 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules; or, The Tussle at 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit; or, Turning the Tables on Satan. By Edward L, Wheeler. 618 Billy Blazer; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy: By P.S. Warne. 614 W histling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid; oF, The Queer Com- bination. By Jo Pierce, 615 Fighting Harry, the Chief of Chained Cyclone; or, The Heathen Chinee’s Mission, By J.C. Cowdrick. 616 Re Coonan Detectives cr. The Last Cruise of the Black ar v Geo, C. Jenks. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scouts oF, The Raiders and the Red Riders of the Kio. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnatl; or, The Clineher Campaign. By Ed. L. W heeler- 619 The Boy Tramp Detectives or, The Double Grip Witness. vy Wm. G, Patten 4 620 Little Lightning's League; or, The Mystery of the Island~ By John W. Osbon. : 621 Truthful James, the “Pecooliar” Man; or, ‘The Spoiler Dispoiled. By A. C. Grissom. 622 Texas Tom-Cat'e Triads or, The Quesmaaalr at Tomb- atone. Bv Lieut. 4- ™** 1 628 Buck Bumblebee: the Harlem Wummer; or, The Old Captain's Moving Miracle. By Jo Pierces 624 Deadwood Dick, ers = Nevada; or, The Preacher of ¥ vy E. Lb. eeler, Pokerville. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer; or, The Hero of the Crater. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 626 The Champion Pards; or, The Lucifer of Silver Bar. By T. C, Harbaugh. Ready July 2%. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkanaany or, The Wolf in the Fold. By Charles Mortis, Ready July 30. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Acts or The League of the Sworn Seven. By J. C, Cowdrick. Ready August 6. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown, 21 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Bossa Bob the king of Bootblacka, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada} or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo BAH, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator. 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 24% Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Parad; or, The Angel o! Big Vista. 258 Slerra Sam's Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy 5 oF Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. 209 A No. I, the Dashing Toll-Taker. BOB *Liza Jane, the Girl) Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. RBH Kelleys Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. BS0 Little Qui ck-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. $4 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 89 Kancaroo Kit’s Racket. $48 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. BHS First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-«Gatherer$ or, The Lottery of ate BI2 Yreka Jim's Prize. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Spo Viele ee Patten, Bendy, Augurt 1 BZS Nahob Neds or, The Secret of Sind City. 502 Branded Beng the Night Ferret, endwood Dick, Jr, we Lands or, Golcond B12 Dodger Dick, the Whare-Spy Detective, bata ri} ty ta Le ta Ne Man's Te ecole de, 82 Cool Kit, the King of Kidspor, A Villain’s Vengeance, Sm Yreka Jim's Joker} of The Rivals of Red Nose, 8° Bicycle Beng or, The Lion of Lightning Lode, 94 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Wateb Detective. 521 Dodger Dick's Bes 528 Fox and Falcon, ans Bowery Shadows. Ki 548 dger Dick’s Doubles The Rival Detectives, Podser Dick's Deaperate Case, bie A New Iasue Every Tuesday. " ?he Half: Dime Library 's for ssle by all newsdealers, five conte per Copy, or sent by matl on receipt of six cents each. 416 Wigh Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 558 426 Sam Siabsldes, th r-Boy Detective. 568 Dodger Dick, the Roy Vidor. # 578 The Two Shadows. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 5A Dodger Dicks Prop. 98 William Street New York. a 4 Jim Beak Pal, Private Detectives, 88 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 6 B94 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detertive. n Sam, the Sparkler.