Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 660) (1890 03 18)
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‘xm oe oe sy ghee . Cd . NS —— Lee ee es ‘. SRR= Se fi ¥ = ~ a a iv , > Mes, a a = ill eos = it a! ot a i nt! en! on a Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright 1590, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. _ March 18, 1800, : ' PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND’ ADAMS. Price, i No. 660 oxen : ee se Vol. XXVI, : a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. A Yh, ee bi BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “ ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, “SIERRA SAM” NOVELS, ETC., ETC., ETC, i CHAPTER I. THE STRANGE LETTER. THERE walked into the office of Inspector Byrnes, of New York, a man well known to our readers—no other than Richard Bristol, other- wise Deadwood Dick. “Hello!” cried the oo eat you back in New York again? Really, I never expected to see you again, What brings you here?” SED TO GAZE AT HER. ‘‘ MIGHTY FINE CRITTER, AIN'T / DICK AND JOSIAH PAU : SHE?!” QUESTIONED THE LATTER,
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eel “a * Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. ‘More detective work, I suspect. 1 have a letter from a young woman, which smacks of mystery, so I concluded to consult with your ge ‘Quite right. What is it you wish to know? Perbaps I will be able to supply the information you require at once.” “ No doubt of it. Do you know of a fam- ily named Lester?” ‘* Do they live in New York?” ‘That is more than I know.” ‘There may be a dozen families of that name.” ; ‘True. But read this letter,” and Dick handed Mr, Byrnes a delicately perfumed missive. It was in a woman’s chirography, and ran as follows: ““New York, April —. “Mr. RicHARD M, BristoL:— “Dear Str:—If you are not otherwise employed, on receipt of this, please come at once to New York. where most important and mysterious detective work awaits you, at a large compensation. ‘* The case is one that demandsthe attention of a man of cleverest skill as a detective, and such we have heard you are. Please do not fail to come, as a human life is in the balance. “ Yours truly, *Lourse Lester.” The inspector read this over twice, and then stroked his glossy mustache. ‘*Well, what do you make of it?” asked Deadwood Dick. ‘Nothing. If the writer had been so eager to obtain your services, why did she not send her address, instead of sending for you sim- ply to come to this city? It’s all a hoax, or else a scheme for some other villainous pur- pose.” : ‘* But the object?” : * I cannot say, as to that—revenge may- e.” Dick laughed. ‘* That’s out of the question,” he declared. | “T am not aware that I have an enemy in New York.” ‘*Perhaps not, but that does not signify that you iaven’t. Every detective or officer has enemies, I have plenty of them who would gladly cut my throat, if they dared, and I frequently receive threatening letters. Take my word for it, this Louise Lester is a humbug, or else, a rank skin.” : Dick did not quite like this asseveration; so, after a few more words, he took leave of the inspector, and returned to the Morton House, where he was registered. Here, securing a city Directory, he set about looking up the Lesters. There were but comparatively few of that name, and were of course scattered over all sections of the city, one in Harlem, two in Yorkville, one in Sixth avenue, one at the Murray Hill Hotel, and several on the East side; but, no Louise Lester was on the lists. What Dick considered a possible clew, was the woman at the Murray Hill Hotel, who was down in the Directory simply as ‘‘ Miss Lester.” ' If she could afford to live at a high-toned hostelry like the Murray Hill, she must have money—enough at least to employ a high- toned detective. Taking this into considera- tion, Dick resolved that she should be the first one he would interview; so, going to his room, he prepared his toilet as carefully as though he were going Snegtena§ then, ordering a cab, he wasdriven to the Murray Hill, where, finding by inquiry that the lady was in, he sent up his card. The servant soon returned, announcing that the lady would see him, and Dick was conducted to a parlor on the third floor. Here he found himself in the presence of a pretty but slender youn teen—a girl with an intellectual cast of coun- tenance and dark eyes and hair. She was dressed in plain black, which gave her a rather somber aspect. She arose on Dick’s entrance and ad- vanced, girl of about six- ‘‘Mr. Bristol, I believe?” she said. ‘*Yes, ma’m. Are you Louise Lester?” ee I am. » “You sent for me?” “Yes, sir.” *‘ Well, here Iam, at your service. I did not have your address, but, on consulting a Directory, I came to the conclusion that you must be the right party, so [ made it a point to come here first.” ‘*T am glad you did, for I have been quite anxiously waiting for you.” ‘* Well, now that I am here, what can I do for you?” ‘** In order to explain that it will be neces- sary to know something about us—me and my poor misguided brother.” ‘Exactly, if he is involved in the case.” ‘* Well, we are orphans, but western peo- ple, like yourself. ur parents died several years ago, leaving us a considerable sum of money. We were young and foolish, and possessed of a strong desire to see this city, so we set forth. e had always been ac- customed to living well, and so came to this house. I found the people very sociable, but, as Frank detested society, we gradually drifted apart, and did not see much of each other, I am ashamed to 4 “Poor Frank! I had always before pos- sessed a sort of controlling influence over him, though I was his junior, but now that he was in a measure cut loose from me, he rew wild. He fell in among a crowd of ast young men—sporting men they call them here—he drank and gambled, and, in one short year, his share of the fortune was gone. “Then he came to me and wanted a por- tion of mine, but, knowing to what use it would be put, I promptly and _ positively re- fused him. Was I not right?” ‘You were.” ; “Well, Frank went off in the sulks, and did not come near me for weeks. Finally he came onc night to bid me good-by, for a while, he said. He had had two paid-up in- surance policies upon his life, and these he sold at a sacrifice, in order to realize money to satisfy his pressing gambling debts. ‘‘ He then left, and has never been seen in New York since.” ‘‘ How much were these policies for?” Dick asked. ‘«Ten thousand each.” ‘« Payable after death?” me fle “To whom?” ‘To the heir named in his will,” ‘* Who was that heir to be?” ‘‘I do not know, excépt it would be my- self, as we have no other relatives,” ‘¢ Was Frank married?” “ee No!” “ Sure of that?” ‘‘Well, if he ever was, I never knew any- thing about it.” ‘Do you know what place be most fre- quented?” ‘I think some one of the clubs on Fifth avenue, and also the uptown hotels.” “Do you know who purchased or loaned money on these policies?” ‘*No, I do not!” ‘‘Do you think there has been foul play, Miss Lester?” “‘T am afraid so.” “And you want me to undertake to in- vestigate the matter?” ae I ao." ‘«Then, answer me this: Do you know of any young man with whom your brother i used to chum?” ce es. » ‘‘His name?” ‘‘Fred Ferris.” ‘Where does he live?” «* At the Morton House.” “Very well. I will Jet you know when I have any news. Good-day!” And Dick bowed himself out. CHAPTER II. MISS LOUISE LESTER. Ir will not be hard to guess at Deadwood Dick’s thoughts, as he betook himself back to the Morton House. Here was a case suggestive of foul play. Frank Lester, a spendthrift, and a rove, had run through with his fortune. In order to continue his career of dissipation, he had disposed of his policies, at a sacrifice; but to whom? This was the important question. If the party who had furnished the money to Frank, should be of an avaricious turn of mind he might wish to realize upon his in- vestment as soon as possible, as insurance companies are not always to be depended on. In this case, the sooner Frank Lester was out of the way, the quicker the investor would get his returns. There are firms who do a business in loan- ing money on policies, clerks’ salaries, and a handsome business they do, too, Maybe Lester had fallen clutches? Or, maybe he had committed suicide—who could tell? By the time Dick had reached the hotel, he had firmly settled his mind on one thing: He would sift this matter to the bottom, if it took him a year. He had already formed two of his plans. First, he would see Fred Ferris and ‘‘ size him up;” then he would find out, if possible, in what companies Frank Lester had been insured. Such information as he thus might be able to gain, possibly would lead to the solution of the whole. So, on his arrival at the Morton House, he made inquiries of the clerk. ‘Does Mr. Ferris live here?” into their day.” resent?” ‘In the bar, probably.” ‘‘Thank you!” and Dick adjourned to the bar, where he found a number of people— **ham-fatters,” would-be tragedians, and others of the dramatic ‘“‘perfesh,” with a lavish display of imaginary diamonds. But, of this crowd, Dick was at a loss to single out Fred Ferris. o he said to the bartender: ; re you point out to me Mr. Fred Fer- ris “Yes. “Yonder man with the big nose and black mustache.” indicated. His hair, eyes and mustache were jetty black, and his nose very large. He was short and corpulent. : It took but one glance at him to decide that he was a Jew, or, at least, of Jewish de- scent. ‘ ; He dressed quite “loud,” smoked cigar- ettes, and sported a gold-headed cane. ‘A chap that I do not fancy,” Dick mut- tered. However, he approached him. “ Are you Mr. Ferris?” he asked. **T am, sir.” ‘Did you ever know a man by the name of Frank Lester?” «c Yes.” : “You were quite intimate?” ce Yes.” “Can you tell me where I can find Mr, Lester?” ' “Well, no. I’d like to know what has be- come of him myself.” __ 4 ‘When did you see him last? “Well, I don’t know just how long—a good many days.” «‘ You have not heard from him since?” ae ° ” “ Think he has left town?” ‘** He does not, but he drops in about every Do you know where I can find him at © p Dick took a good look at the individual —
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Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 3 ‘No, I don’t think so.” ‘‘His associations were rather fast, were they not?” ‘Well, yes; he was one of the boys, you know, free and jolly.” “Do you know if he had any intrigues with women?” “IT think not. Never saw him with a wo- man in my life, except once or twice with his sister. ‘Did he gamble?” * Savagely!” ** And lost?” ‘* Yes, almost constantly.” ‘‘How much money do you think he had the last time you saw him?” “‘ Less than one hundred dollars.” ‘‘Have you heard of his selling his insur- ance policies?” se es ” a a you know to whom he sold them?” se Do you know his sister?” “*T do.” *« What kind of a girl is she?” ‘*T know nothing for or against her. But, see here. Do you take me fora bureau of in- formation?” ae, ‘On what grounds?” ‘Because I am an officer of the law and am entitled to the right of so doing.” ** Ah! you are a detective?” said Ferris. “7 am.” “Glad to meet you. I sometimes try my hand at that sort of thing myself, but never have yet achieved a success, I can detect bed-bugs at night and the ardent in day- time. That is about all. By the way, come and have a drink.” To this Dick did not object. If he could get this gent in an exhilarated state, he might learn more. He fancied that Ferris knew more than he . chose to disclose. In Dick’s mind was a queer suspicion; no, not really a suspicion, but, rather, a theory. When he first saw Louise Lester, his atten- tion was attracted to her eyes. ° There was a singular expression in them, which he did not mind at the time, but it now recurred to him. If Frank Lester was out of the way, and had made a will previously, in favor of his sister—? Well, here was a point to be looked up. Dick and Ferris had their drinks, and then, lighting their cigars, adjourned to the hotel office and sat down. “‘Now,” said Dick, ‘‘if you are of a de- tective turn of mind, why have you not in- vestigated this disappearance of Frank Les- ter? Twenty thousand dollars are involved in the case, and you being familiar with the habits and associations of Lester, ought to know something about the matter,” ‘Not having been reminded of the case before, my dear sir, I thought nothing about it.” “Where did you see Lester last?” ‘“‘Let me see. Oh! I remember—on Broadway, at the St. Denis. He wanted me to dine with him.” ‘You refused?” “e Yes.” ‘‘How was that?” “T had another engagement that pre- vented.” ‘“Was he incoxicated at the time?” ‘No! Not seeing him since, led me to believe that he had gone off on a protracted spree.” me What do you think about it, now, Mr. Ferris?” “I don’t know what to think. I begin w er that some harm has befallen m » “Nothing more likely. Now, look here: You are wealthy, I presume. Am I right?” ‘“‘You are not,” Ferris replied. ‘On the contrary, 1 amas poor asa church mouse, Even the drinks we just had were put on the slate.” ‘*Poor policy!” “Very true, but sometimes mighty ac- commodating.” “Well, now, you skirmish around this city, and find the last person who saw Frank Lester, Find when and where he was last seen.” “‘T’ll try it, with pleasure.” ‘You will need some money?” **T suppose so.” ‘Very well. Here are ten dollars, which I give you on my own account. I don’t know whether I will ever get ared out of this job or not, but we'll pash it through, anyhow.” ** [ll help you to the best of my ability.” “Very well. Do your best, and you will be paid, if it has to come out of my own pocket.” “Then to business at once. Good-by!” ** Good-by!” And Ferris took his leave. CHAPTER III. MARKS, THE PAWNBROKER. Arter the departure of Ferris, Dick sat a while in the hotel office, in deep meditation. The impression that Louise Lester knew more about her brother’s disappearance than any one else was still rife .n his mind. But, if she was guilty, why had she sent for him? Was it an offset to disguise her complicity in acrime? Such things had happened before, one case being in Dick’s cwn detective expe- rience. ‘*T'll call on Miss Lester again,” he decid- ed. ‘‘The more I see of her, the better I shall be able to judge whether she is to be suspected or not.” So he left the hotel, hired a hack, and was driven to the Murray Hill Hotel. Miss Lester was in, and received him gra- ciously. ‘“‘] am glad to see you, Mr. Bristol. I hope you bring me good news.” “‘On the contrary, I bring you none. I come for information.” ¢ ** Of what sort?” ‘**In what companies was your brother in- sured?” “In the Prudential and in the Manhat- n ” “Did he receive the policies through an agency in this city, or direct from the home offices?” ‘In this city, I believe.” “Still, for all you know so much about this insurance business, you don’t know where he placed or disposed of his policies?” “No, I do not.” Dick eyed her fora moment doubtfully, and then said: “‘T will find out.” ‘*Then you will receive your reward,” was the calm response. “‘Have you any near relatives?” Dick asked. “None at all.” ‘Quite sure?” “lam. But, why do you question me so rigidly?” ‘‘ That is my business. To be successful a detective ofttimes has to put his client in a humiliating position.” Miss Lester looked serious, “‘For God’s sake, you don’t suspect me?” she gasped. “““ Thave not yet formed any settled opinion. That is what I want to do, however, in order to get at my work. I have put an assistant on the track to find out some points, and hope to rhake a success out of this job, as I have out of many others.” Miss Lester smiled. ; ad It was the first time since he had seen her that Dick had noticed that kind of a smile upon her face, and it unconsciously increased suspicion of her. < ‘“*T willtry the insurance companies,” he mused, ‘‘and maybe they will be able to give me some information.” So he bade Miss Lester good-day, and took his departure. He now more than ever was impressed with the idea that Louise Lester was account- able for her brother’s disappearance—or, at least, knew all about that disappearance. If so, it was for the sake, very likely, of getting the insurance on his life. But could it be that a sister would cause the murder of her own brother for the sake of becoming heir to his property? Such cases have happened—so why not in this instance? Dick went first to the New York office of the Prudential Company. Asking to see the president, he was told that he was not in, but that the superinten- dent would see him. So he was shown into the latter’s office, where he introduced him self and his business. ‘* Have you on your list a man insured as Frank Lester?” ** We have.” ‘* He has a paid-up policy?” “es Yes. ” “For how much?” ** Ten thousand dollars.” ‘*Has he been here lately?” “* Not that I am aware of.” ‘*Has any attemht been made to collect the amount of his policy?” _ “No, I am sure not,” ‘*Do you know what now is Mr. Lester’s address?” ‘**I] do not—haven’t the slightest idea. I have heard that he has been leading a pretty fast life lately.” As this was about all the information to be gleaned at this point, Dick sought the office of the Manhattan, to receive no better an- swers to his inquiries. Lester had not been seen lately, nor had any demand been made upon his policy; nor did the officials know of his whereabouts. Evidently nothing was to be found out from this source, s0 the detective returned to the hotel, yet now more than ever determined to sift the maiter to the bottom. At the hotel he encountered Ferris. *- Well, what’s the news?” Dick asked. ‘*Not much, The last man, or rather the last person Frank was seen with was a wo- man?” ‘* His sister?” “Yes. So far as I can find out, Miss Louise was the last one he was seen with.” ** At what particular place?” “* At the Casino.” ““ Who gave you this information?” “‘ An acquaintance of mine, who was like- wise an acquaintance of Frank’s. He hap- pened to see them there.” ‘*Did they leave together?” oe Yes. ” ‘Did you find out anything else?” “Yes. This same night, before the show, Lester was seen in company with a man named Marks.” ** Marks, the lawyer?” “Oh! no! Not even as reputable a man as that Marks. This man is a Baxter street sheeney, who dabbles in any thing there isa profit in.” ““Well, what do you suppose Frank Les-~ ter was doing in his company?” ““Dunno.’ “Do you know where this Mark’s plaee is?’ <1 any “‘Then, I will see you here to-morrow morning. We will pay Mr. Marks w visit. Perhaps he may be able to enlighten us.” CHAPTER IV. THE INSURANCE CASE. THAT ended that day’s work, so far as tramping around was concerned. Dick retired early, and the next morning,
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4 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. as he was going down to breakfast, he found Ferris awaiting him in the office. ** Any news?” Dick asked. “None. Are you ready to visit Marks?” ‘« After breakfast.” “Allright. I will wait for you.” So Dick went into the dining-room, and while eating the waiter brought him a news- paper, by mistake one of an old date. Dick idly glanced it over, even to the advertising columns, where he was electrified to come across the following: “Wantep: A loan upon two insurance policies aid up), the loan to be not less than five thousand ollars. Value of pojicies, $20,000. “* Apply by letter, F. L., 12, World.” Here was a ray of light. Not much ofa one to be sure, but there might be in it the very clew he wanted. So Dick took the paper out to Ferris. , ‘« What do you think of this?” he asked. Ferris read the advertisement and shrugged his shoulders. “‘That is correct, I believe. Frank was hard up, and I guess he had pawned all he had, except the policies.” ‘Would this Marks advance money on such papers?” ; ‘*T don’t think so, but he would buy any- thing from a diamond to a bull-dog.” ‘* He is an old miser, then?” **You can bet! He has got three: fine residences, and no end to money.” ‘“‘ Does he do a regular pawnbroker’s busi- ness?” se No.” “ Simply buys and sells,” ‘Yes, His place is more like a junk-shop than anything else.” **Is he married?” “* No.” ‘‘Has he any employees?” ‘‘No. He transacts all his business him- self.” ‘Well, come. We will go and see him. If he knows anything about Frank Lester, I will soon find it out,” ‘*T doubt it.” se Why *? ‘**Marks is very sharp. He keeps his se- crets close.” Baxter street contains a motley assemblage of foreigners—not of recent importation, but. of those who have lived and thrived there for years. The population consists largely of He- brews, Poles and Italians, with a mixture of Germans. The two detectives, ere long, were at Marks’s junk-shop, and a hard-looking build- ing it was without, while, within, it was a veritable museum, Ferris had told the truth; except coffins and gravestones, nearly everything else was there to be found. Mr. Marks was in. He was an old man, and to Dick’s surprise unlike the average of the Jews of Baxter street. “Well, gentlemen, what can I do for you?” he asked. ~ trust " You can give us some information, I ” Dick answered. Yes? Well, what?” - “T understand you buy all kinds of stuff upon which you can make on your invest- ment?” “* Yes, that is my business.” **Do you ever buy bonds?” ag Yes | I deal largely in all kinds of *« And insurance policies?” ‘ “Yes, of course, if they are paid up.” “Do | you know a young man named r , “Frank Lester?” “Yes,” ‘Ido. We have had some good times to- gether.” ’ ‘** When did you see him last?” “Not fora month. I think he must have forgotten poor old Marks. He used to come around and talk with me two or three times a week, and sometimes he was short and I would lend him a few dollars.” ‘Did you ever buy any insurance policies from him?” | ae 0.” ‘“« Now, look out, Marks! Tell the truth, for if you don’t, you are liable to arrest, Mr. Frank Lester had twenty thousand dollars on his life, and sold his policies, in order to realize money to continue a pro- tracted spree. Since then he has not been seen. If you know anything about those policies, you will find it to your interest to own ‘up to it, and save yourself a lot of trouble.” Marks shrugged his shoulders. ‘‘Trouble don’t bother me, any more,” he said. ‘‘I have been in trouble all my life. As to buying any insurance policies from Frank Lester, I did not. If he had offered them for sale, 1 doubt if I would have taken them.” “* Why not?” ‘* For two reasons: money has been scarce with me, of late, and I re~”ze but little out of my purchases. Then, too, Frank was liable to live a great number of years, if he shut off drinking, as he said he should!” Nothing more was to be gained of Mr. Marks, so the two returned to the hotel. “Now, what?” Ferris inquired. ‘Is there anything more | cen do for you?” “Yes. Have you any idea of how you could shadow the movements of Louise Les- “* Well, yes; I think I might be able to manage it.” ‘Then, that will be 7 part of the job, See where she goes, and whom she meets. If she meets any disreputable characters, report to me at once.” ‘*Then you suspect her?’ ‘* Yes; may confess I do.” ‘‘Pshaw! She would not be guilty of a conspiracy against Frank.” ‘‘Don’t be too sure about that. There’s the devil-lurking in those black eyes of hers, if I’m any ina e.”’ ** Well, I'll do your meting but you can bet your life you’re on a false trail, my friend.” ‘*Maybe so. But there’s no harm in being sure.” So Ferris again took his departure, leaving Dick alone to plot and plan. CHAPTER V. THE MAN FROM PERKINSVILLE. TERE walked into the Morton House a raw-boned, six-foot countryman from ‘‘ way back.” That he was a countryman there could be no dispute, for, although the pro- verbial hay-seed was not in his hair or faded whiskers, his dress proved that he was far a being acquainted with a fashionable tailor. - Dick was talking with the clerk when this gentleman came up. _ i ‘“‘ How d’ye do?” said the man from “‘’way back,” addressing the clerk, ‘‘Reckon ye don’t remember me.” *o,/aies ss ‘* Well, I’m Josiah Lester, from Perkins- ville, New York, and the town clerk up thar. Last time I was in New York I stopped at this tavern, and that’s my intention now, ef you’ve got a spare bedroom.” ‘I guess we can accommodate you, sir. If you will register—” “Oh! no hurry fer that. Ill look around a bit. Got any good hard cider?” ‘* You will have to go to the bar for your drinks. Josiah turned to Dick. “Say, young feller, will ye come and j’ine | me? I never like to drink alone.” ‘“‘ With pleasure,” Dick replied. ‘Come right this way.” So they adjourned to the bar, where Mr, ester ‘‘set ’em up.” Dick took beer, and Josiah something stronger. He first asked for hard cider, but was told that they did not keep it. ‘Don’t keep hard cider! Well, darn my skin ef you orten’t be shot! Why, there ain’t another town in the State what don't keep hard cider, and at the tavern up in Perkinsville, they’ve laid by fifty bar'ls, that would make yer hair curl. However, ef you hain’t got no cider give me a swal- ler o’ rye whisky.” When they had disposed of the drinks, Dick opened up on the question uppermost in his mind. ‘‘“Your name is Lester, I believe?” he said. ‘* Yes, sir-ee—Josiah Lester, town clerk of Perkinsville.” ‘* Have you any relatives?” ‘Well, yes, I guess so, if they hain’t all gone under.” _ 5 Have you a relative named Frank Les- ter?” s “Lord, yes! He’smy nephew. He gits all my fortune, when I’m under tbe sod. *Tain’t much—a hundred acres of land, ninety head o’ sheep, twelve cattle, four suckin’ calves, twenty hens, forty chickens, ten geese, ten ducks, two rabbits, ten _tur- keys, four guinea hens, and a bull-dog. Yas, I come down heer, on purpose to see Frank, Forgot to tell ye—l’ve ot six horses, too, | and any ore of ‘em is able to pull two ton,” * ‘““Where did he expect to meet Frank Lester?” Dick asked ; “Why, here, at this’ere tavern. He writ me ef I’d come and see him, we'd have q _ thunderin’ good time, I couldn’t git away til I got my ’taters planted, and set the hired hand to work on the cornfield. Ther™ I jest put on my suspenders, and skipped, tho’ Samantha didn’t like et fer shucks’” . “May be Samantha thought you were off to see the elephant?” eo * Well, mebbe. She’s gittin’ darned sus- picious in her old age. So you know Frank, do you?” .. “‘T do not, but I am searching for him.” “Sho! What for?” rae PY arate he has mysteriously disappear- e » a “‘Thunder! How d’ye mean?” “Well, it seems that he had been leading a fast life, and bad run through with his for- tune. When that was gone, having two in- surance policies on his life he sold them, Since then he has not been seen!” Josiah Lester groaned. ‘“‘He’s been murdered!” he gasped. «‘T would not be surprised!” “Who employed you on this case, for] reckon you're a detective?” Old man Lester turned to the bartender. ‘« When was Frank Lester here last?” he Pert. ” . *§ “T have not seen him. weir.” “*Do ye know where heath “‘Haven’t the slightest idea, sir. He used to hang out here occasionally, but for. some days past has not been around.” Dick touched the farmer on the arm. ‘‘Nothing to be learned here,” he said. “Come with me. I want to question you.” They adjourned to the reading-room and sat down. ‘ ‘ ‘Now, Mr. Lester,” said Dick, “ what influence over Frank did his sister have?” “What do ye mean?” “You heard what I said?” “Yes, 1 did; but, by the great horned spoon, 1 don’t know what ye’r drivin’ at. he gal you mean ain’t the boy’s sister, for he never had one, My brother, Uriah, adopted her from the poor-house, at Bath, when she was a baby, and fetched her up.” “Your brother went West?” “Yas, he went as fur as Pittsburg once.” — ‘‘ Never any further?” > » 5.4 pF | ,* w ih ee
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Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. : 5 “ec No. ” ‘Did he leave a fortune to Frank and Louise?” “é Yes.” “* Where did he make this fortune?” ‘‘In the oil regions of Pennsylvania— part in Titusville, and the balance at Mc- Clintic farm, where he struck a spouter, a , Teg’lar whooper! Thousand bar’ls a day. Et tuk twenty men and ten hosses to cart et away, to prevent spoilin’ the grass, And you’d hardly believe et, the darned stuff puked out of the ground so fast that they actually had, to scoop et up in tin pails, buckets and tomato cans.” **Wonderful,” said Dick. mind. ***The matter for us to consider just now is, will we be able to find Frank Lester or not?” — ‘‘Thunderation! he must be found, ef I have to sell my farm, Hev you seen the gal?” ‘* Yes, and questioned her rigidly, but she denies any knowledge of his whereabouts.” ‘*Humph!” And Josiah took off his aged hat, and scratched his head. ‘“‘Darned queer!” he said. ‘‘I never liked that girl, from the time my brother adopted her.” “ Why not?” ***Cause, when she was goin’ ter school she uster hev the repertation of tellin’ more lies than any other scholar. She’d steal, too!” . ** What is her real name?” » “Louise Breck. Her father, Bill, was gent to prison fer burglary, and after he ogi his term and got out, he disappeared.” “But, never ‘e* ‘Did you ever see this Breck?” ‘Well, I guess. I’veseen him more times than I’ve got fingers and toes. Et war along ‘time “ago, tho’, for he got sent up for ten ears.” “He must be an old man now?” Ty Yas; about fifty.” ) ‘* Would you know him if you were to see him?” *‘T reckon I would. He's got a numberof personal defects by which I should recognize him. Why, darn it! man, part of his nose is gone!. He and ’Rast Higgins, of Bath, got into a ser d ’Rast chawed off the end of his nose,” This was information that Dick decided ‘meant business,” so, leaving the loquacious Josiah free to gé out and hunt up his coveted hard cider, Dick cogitated over his plans, more resolved than ever not to be thwarted in his purpose to run down his game and solve the mystery of young Frank’s disappearance. CHAPTER VI. FERRIS REPORTS. Wuen, at length, Ferris put in an ap- pearance, he found Dick awaiting his report, so he proceeded to relate his story. “I got a room at the hotel opposite Louise's, and left my door ajar, so that if she went out, I could see her.” “Did she go out?” **No; but she had a caller.” ** Who was he?” “One of the worst crooks in New York. He hain’t been out of Sing Sing more than two months.” ~ ‘‘But, his name?” ‘* Bill Breck.” “The blazes father of Louise ‘You don’t mean it?” ** But I do, though!” _ “Why, Bill Breck is a tough. Surely Louise don’t take after him?” “‘T’m not sosure. It wouldn’t surprise me much to have to arrest her.” “On suspicion?” hi Yes ” “T don’t believe that she is the guilty one. It seems so unnatural.” you say! Why, that is the ** All the same, I believe now that she has had all to do in Frank’s cisappearance.” ‘Well, I'll not attempt to gainsay it; but take a tip from me before you go too far.” **What kind of one?” *‘Be sure you are right before you go ahead, Louise Lester has got money.” ** What of that?” ‘Why, if she is as wicked as you seem to think, she certainly will have you knocked on the head if you attempt to criminate her.” Dick laughed. “No danger of that,” he assured. take all such risks.” ‘*You may take them once too often.” ‘‘Oh, never mind that. How long did this Breck stay with Louise?” ** An hour. ‘* Did you ever hear any of their conversa- tion?” **No; couldn’t possibly do that.” ‘* Well, I want you to go back and resume your vigil. I will give you the money to meet your needs. To find out the true state of affairs between her and Breck must now be our first effort.” ** All right;.1’1l do my best and report as soon as I find out anything of value to you.” So Dick gave him a sum of money suf- ficient for the present. “You can go, now,” he said. ‘‘First, however, do you know where Breck hangs out?” ‘“T think so. It is down on the Bowery, Joe Ricketts’s saloon.” “Is he a slugger?” oe i “So vee’ | say. He is an all-round tough, and his place is a resort for that class of men.” Ferris took his departure, to resume sur- veillance over Louise Lester. As for Deadwood Dick, he set about ar- ranging to visit the Ricketts saloon. He overhauled his trunk and soon had selected a rig that when donned would make him look as tough as the toughest. He then armed himself, and set off for the Bowery. CHAPTER VII. BILL BRECK, THE CROOK. JOE RIcKETTS’s saloon on the Bowery, be- low H— street, to all goodly disposed nee is regarded as a fit place to stay away rom. It is a resort for second-rate prize-fighters, and fakirs of all sorts, and is one of the sev- eral very ‘‘ hard” dens on the Bowery. When Dick arrived at the saloon, he found } a few persons drinking at the bar and discuss- ing the relative merits of various prize-fighters is atrival did not attract any notice, for his make-up as one gf the toughs seemed to avert all suspicion, ‘Give me some booze,” he said, swagger- ing up to the bar. ‘‘I’m drier than a smoked herring.” But one man was present who he thought ee be Breck, and the gang called him ill. He was past middle age—was tall and gaunt, but evidently possessed of great strength, His face was a repulsive one, being dis- figured by a number of livid scars, and a persion of his nose was wanting, as Josiah ad stated. As Dick swallowed his beverage, this per- sonage advanced to the counter, ...‘ Hello, Blinker!” he exclaimed, sla Dick familiarly on the shoulder. “ d’ye git out?” , “Get out of where?” . “* Why, out of State’s Prison, to be sure!” “I never was in State’s Prison,” replied Dick; “and, more than that, my name ain’t Blinker,” : ‘Git out! Ain’t you Jack Blinker, what was in Sing Sing when I was there?” ‘ “Not a bit of it, Never heard of Blin- er. “ ing en “Well, you look like him. If you ain’t him, who are you?” “Punch Peters is my name.” ** Oh, ye’r’ a puncher, hey?” “Yes, somewhat.” “‘ Well, this is the home fer sluggers, and these are all good fellers, who have licked their man. Goin’ to treat?” ‘‘Dunno. ‘Bout as much as I can do to treat myself,” ‘Better treat. doing it.” “Who are you?” ‘* My name is Bill Breck, andI am a cor- ker with my dukes!” “Never killed any dead men, did you, Mr. Breck?” **But, Iam liable to break your head if you don’t treat!” ‘In that case, I reckon I'll be under the necessity of setting "em up,” Dick replied; so he ordered the bartender to set forth the bottle, and invited all hands up. By thus doing he gained the approval of the crowd, and avoided any trouble. He did not remain long at the saloon, but, leaving it, took up his position on the oppo- site side of the street where he could see Breck, when he came out. Here he watched and waited, resolving to follow him when he came forth. But no Breck appeared for a full hour, ‘“’Tain’t likely he will come ’til he gets full,” thought Dick. . He was right, for when the ex-convict did issue from the saloon, he was so much under the influence of drink, that he could scarcely stand up. He was accompanied by another tough nearly as boozy as himself, and locking arms, the two reeled off, together. ‘‘ Now to find out where they go,” mut- tered Dick, as he shadowed ‘hem, From the Bowery, they turned off into Hester street, and thence into Mott, the metropolitan paradise’ of the heathen | Chinese ; Along this narrow, overcrowded thorough- fare they reeled, at last bringing up before a dirty-looking dwelling, the blinds of which were tightly closed. To all appearances, no one lived there. ; Breck took time to throw up what he had drank, and then, mounting the steps, rang the bell. The door opened as if by mechanism, and Breck and his companion entered. Then the door closed. ‘* Well, that ends th?s trail for the present,” Dick mused. ‘‘I’ve trailed the ex-convict te his lair, I reckon. Now to find out the character of this house. It has a mysterious appearance,” There was a grocery store on the next corner, whose owner was a German, and, withal, an intelligent fellow. ; Mr. Snider was in, but was not particu- larly busy. ‘Mr. Snider?” inquired Dick. “Yah. Dot vas me.” **T wish to ask you a few questions.” “Vel, why don’t you ask ’em?” ‘Have you lived long in this street?” “* Apoud two years.” ' ; “There is a house a few doors from here, with a pighareiceed blinds.” oe a ‘© Who owns it?” “‘T don’d vas know dot. ** Who keeps it?” ‘I don’d know dot, neider. yoomans.” ‘What is the character of the house?” ‘* Bad—bad as you makes ’em.” “Tn what respect?” Dick asked. © “Vel, you know dem t’ings v’ot dey put around door-yards—fences?” , e es ” You'll save trouble by She vas & “Vel, dot vas v’ot dey call dot house, I see no fence there. I guess how dey must have it on der inside, hey?” wr RAD toe JNA ~ je ; P
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6 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. “‘That’s not the idea. for the reception of stolen goods. ia oo for your information.” “Not at all. gout gee wants some gro- ceries, come around and see me, eh?” “*[ will.” ** Don’d you deal mit dot Italian across der way; he skin you oud of all your money.” ‘All right. Good-by.” “Good-by. V’en you want any good limburger, you come tome. I haf got some dot vill make your hair got curly.” ‘‘Thank you. The next time I want to go to a fancy ball I will call on you.” Repassing the shuttered house, Dick made a discovery—one of the cellar windows, fronting on the street, was wide open, proba- bly for ventilation. “By Jove! that is a chance,” Dick mut- tered. ‘‘ Most likely a servant has left it open. I'll call around again after a while, when it’s dark. If that window is still open, I’ll know what is going on in that house.” Then he passed on, but he had got only a block away, when he felt a slap on the shoulder. Turning he beheld Josiah Lester! “Why, darn my skin!” ejaculated the man from Perkinsviile, ‘‘ what on ’arth ye doin’ in this make-up?” ‘*Oh! a little skirmishing.” ** After Frank?” ** Yes,” “But you won't find him. I reckon he’s gone up the spout. But, come along; I’ve ot something to show you what ain’t to be at.” “« What?” **A game they call fan-tan.” “* Where?” ‘* Did ye notice a closed house back here, afew doors?” “T did.” “‘Well, it’s there. I won fifty dollars there, in ten minutes.” : ** And lost a hundred?” “Not much!” **Chinamen run it?” Dick ‘‘ bit at the bait,” with avidity—not that he suspected Josiah of any complicity in the disappearance of Frank, but his offer opened up an opportunity for the detective to get into this Mott street house, without exciting undue suspicion. ‘* No,” the place ain’t run by Chinamen,” - said Josiah, ‘‘though there is some that go there, to gamble. There’s a beautiful wo- man runs it. They say she comes from Chicago. I tell ye what ef Samantha war not livin’, I’d pop the question to her!” ‘** And get ‘ popped ’!” ‘*No, She’s kinder stuck on me.” Dick could not refrain from laughing. ‘Stuck on your boodle, more likely!” **No she ain’t. Are ye comin’ along?” ** Well, to accommodate you, yes.” So they journeyed back toward the closed house—Josiah taking the lead. He evident- ly well knew the way. ‘‘Now, if all works well, [ll know if Frank Lester is in this house, or is not, thought the wide-awake detective. On their arrival at the door, Josiah rung the bell three times. The door cpened, but no one appeared. Ph walked in, and the door slammed shut, A fence is a place Much CHAPTER VIII. CIRCE. Tue hall they entered, was, after the door was closed, dark, so_ they could not see. But, Josiah grasped Dick by the arm, and led him to the second floor, where they entered a large room, or rather, two connect- a, stig with big folding doors between, here were card-tables and easy-chairs scattered about. Several Chinamen were playing at fan- tan. A red-and-black game was in pro- gress, and the woman who ran the place, presided at a faro-table. Several others were engaged in various games of chance. The proprietress was a beauty. She reminded Dick of a Gypsy. She was quite dark, with perfect features, and black eyes and hair which she wore abandon. She had a graceful, willowy figure, and she dressed magnificently. Her diamonds were simply elegant. Dick and Josiah paused to gaze at her. ‘*Mighty fine critter, ain't she?” question- ed Josiah, “Very good-looking.” “Kin ye beat it, out West?” “Yes,” «Bet yer!” ‘““Why, man, we grow’em out there like you peuple never saw. You come West and see.” ‘“Yas, ef Samantha were to peg out, I would go inter a raffle fer this here gal. Deacon Leeds of Perkinsville would tear his hair to see me fetch sech a gal home, darn me ef he wouldn’t, We shined up Samantha, when I was young, but I was the -purtiest of the two, so I got her. Then, he hed ter marry an old maid.” ‘** Just what would do you good. If you hang out around New York long and go bumming about like this you will have neither money, nor your wife.” ** Why not?” ‘Because some one will rob you of your money, and you will lose your wife in the bargain.” ‘*Not much. The old woman is home tending to the stock, and don’t ye fergit it. When ye fool her, you've got to get up afore daylight.” ms Better stick to her, then.” ‘* Because I’ll guarantee the woman at the table don't arise ’fore noon. ** Lazy?” ** Yes, and crooked too,” ** How crooked?” ‘** A thief maybe.” ‘No, sir-ee. She’s a born and bred lady. Bet you!” ** Perhaps.” Just then there was a commotion. One of the men at the faro table had lost heavily. ‘Curse you!” he said, arising and address- ing the lady who was dealing. ‘‘ Your false dealing has ruined me. None like you shall live to do that.” With that he would have fired, had not Dick sprung forward and grappled with him, bearing him to the floor. Then ensued a struggle. Both men were well matched. If anything, Dick was the lighter of the ww 0. They rolled over and over in a death-grip. It took all precaution for Dick to keep from losing his di: guise. The crowd looked on with interest. Even Josiah did not attempt to interfere. Finally Dick got his right hand free. With one crushing blow, he put his man to sleep; then he arose, and was greeted with applause. ~ ‘* Bravo!” cried the crowd. ‘*Hurray!” yelled old Josiah. The fair proprietress now advanced. “have my life to thank you for,” she id. ‘*Oh! don't mention it. I'd not see any person harm one so fair as you.” Mademoiselle Circe, as she was generally known, blushed prettily. ‘‘Thank you,” was expressed in her eyes, although she did not utter the words. ‘You are a stranger?” she said, interroga- tively. $ Well, yes, rather. I have been in New York before, however, for a short time.” r me ery " Oh) HOS ee se eres Nees e./ ee “You are not what you seem,” said Circe, “You are disguised. Why so?” ‘‘Oh! a gentleman who is out ora little racket does not always like to be recognized. But how did you know I was disguised?” ‘“*Oh! I’ve got eyes, Will you come and try your hand at faro?” “Yes, let’s go in fer et,” urged Josiah. *T'll be blarsted ef I don’t believe I kin clean the board. Ef I kin, why I'll buy Deacon Grimes’s steers when I get home, and my ould woman shall have a span new caliker dress, be gosh!” “Well, if Samantha has to wait for the dress until you clean the board, I'm afraid she wil! have rather a long wait,” said Dick, ‘* for I don’t allow it’s a very easy job. How Ate we can try a few dollars on it, if you ike.” “All right. But hadn’t we better hey su’thin’ to take, first. They hain’t got no hard cider here, but they hev got some mighty good whisky, I tell ye. And I’m 4 purty good judge, ‘specially about hayin’ time,” . ‘‘Then we give the hired man buttermilk, and I take hard cider and whisky. They do say that for a reg’lar chureh-goin’ citizen, who hires his own pew, and pays five dollarg a year fur it, and furnishes the preacher with hams, chickens, eggs, and all sorts of farm produce, that I kin knock the socks off all of em on drinkin’ hard cider.” Here Josiah was forced to stop for want of breath. : ! So they adjourned to the faro-table. Josiah was quite exuberant over his firs winning, which was fifty dollars. “Tl have them steers, by thunder!” h ejaculated. ‘‘I kin buy ’em for fifty dollarsg and a bar’! of hard cider.” om But Josiah’s fifty soon melted. Dick began to place his money to effect, and within a few minutes had won over « thousand dollars, 4 By this. last bet of Dick’s all the player ‘retired from the table. iW “The bank is broke!” cried Circe. more faro now.” “ You have come here to pull my house,” ‘‘I’m hardly strong enough for that, would require a big power to do a thin that.” ' ‘Oh! none of brought you here? a: ‘e y legs.” Fe ‘Did the Central send you?” aah Sat ‘*Then why are you here?” ‘* My friend invited me ” “But you were in the neighborhood before that.” “ How do you know?” “‘That’s none of your business. I know, and that is enough.” ; ‘Well, if I was in the neighborhood, what of that? It does not signify that I came here to pull your place.” : ‘Do you aver that you did not?” + «Except on the witness-stand, ma’m’selle, Laver nothing. But, Ill tell you onet m if k you know anything of the whereabou - ad rs) “Nae your sarcasm. Whatever t ,
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ae, Se, Dick. _..derey sh “head.” Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. Frank Lester, you had better tell me, for I shall arrest the first man that knows anythin about him, and I'll bet my hat, coat | shirt, that you do.” ‘Frank Lester? person.” ‘Do you happen to be acquainted with a person by the name of Bill Breck?” Mademoiselle started, and glared at the detective, in evident astonishment. ‘Who is Bill Breck?” she demanded. ‘You ought to know, since he is an in- mate of your house,” ‘* He is not!” «Well, I saw him come here, just the and that, too, not half an hour I don’t know such a ago.” ‘‘T know nothing about him, nor this Lester, for whom ue inquire. If I did, I would tell you. Although I keep a ogy place, Iam not in any waysacrook. If ose, I pay. If you lose, you pay. That is my motto, and a pretty good one, too, as you will acknowledge.” “ Yes, if adhered to, But, I hardly think that is the case. Mottoes are for the home circle, not for places of this sort.” Mam’selle did not appreciate this. She turned away in a huff. While Dick returned to Josiah, who was at the bar, loading up with apple-jack, the a approuch to hard cider he could nd. “T guess we had better adjourn to some other salubrious climate, eh, general?’ sug- gested Dick. ‘* Waal, yes. Whar shall we go? I was jest consultin’ with the jack bottle, in regard to goin’ back to Perk. Strikes me I'd like to see Sarrantha, and Samantha would like to see me. What d’ye think?” “Tl give you a tip on one thing,” said amantha was ever to “tS " = Well, I dunno but you are about right. She is a reg’lar old whooper, when she gits _ her tantrums on, and I’ll tell ye what, I once had to climb the straw-stack, to save gittin’ hit over the cocoanut with a flail, and all be- cause I went down to a neighbor’s to get some early berries, and had a dozen or so glasses of hard cider. Et was scented with Wintergreen essence and Samantha detected it She had been there herself.” By this time Josiah had become pretty well winded, and he and Dick left the place and returned up-town. The old man was pretty full, but he was still able to walk pretty straight. “That aire Circe are a purty gal,” he kept muttering. ‘At first, 1 war tempted tew marry her, and shake Samantha. But that won't do. A pecooliur feelin’ it come over me that I can’t account for. Ye see, I once had a gal myself, but she run away from home ’cause I horsewhipped her.” ‘© What for?” ‘‘ Stealin’ my harvest apples.” ‘Serves you right. She ought to have turned around aad shot you.” ** How so?” ‘Ts not your own child entitled to what she wants to eat?” ** Not off of my harvest tree. «Them aire apples is fer me an’ the hi-ed man, an’ even my old woman darsen’t tech one,” ick turned away in disgust. ‘You'd better go home,” he said. “Why sor” ‘Because you’re of no use. You may be good enough to hoe potatoes, or weed onions, ut you're no use here. What little money you have got you had better use to convey you back to your home at Perkinsville!” Dick then left him. The detective expected that he had seen the last of Circe for a time, but on his arrival at the hotel later in the day, he was surprised to receive a notice from the clerk that a lady Was awaiting him in the parlor you ** Louise Lester?” ‘She did not give her name, sir.” ** What kind of a looking woman!” ‘‘Medium height, and mighty pretty.” Dick went up to the parlor. He had already removed his disguise, and resumed his usual appearance. There was only one person in the parlor when he entered. It was a woman. She sat by a window, looking out upon Union Square. As Dick approached her, she turned about and faced him. It was Circe! She was beautifully attired, and the dia- monds she wore were some of Tiffany’s choicest. . TI believe you wished to see me,” said Dick, bowing with a salute. “é Yes, ” ‘‘ What might your pleasure be?” ‘‘T want to know what your pleasure is, myself, Are you hunting for Frank Lester —honest and true?” “66 I am.” * Who employs you?” Dick hesitated a moment, before he re- plied. d “Does it concern you particularly?” he inquired. “Yes. It does!” ‘*In what sense?” ‘‘Common sense. We were betrothed, but he disappeared during the arrangements for our nuptials.” ‘« And he did not materialize again?” ‘‘No. That was why I was_so curious about that devil at the Murray Hill. After your conversation at my house, I could not rest 'til I saw you. So I came towarn you.” ‘* You know Louise, then?” _ ‘*T know of her.” 6 YW gt ead AS | Ly : On Well, no, not when there is a man ia the case.” ** You were engaged to Frank?” Yes.” “Did you know anything about the in- surance on his life?” ‘Yes. He wanted to bet it away one night, but I would not let him. I’d sooner have lost the amount myself,” ‘* You are rich, then.” ** Well off!” “‘Then you would not have married Frank Lester for his money?” “Well, I guess not, Mr, Detective. Ij] have got money enough of my own to carry me through.” ‘Tf Frank Lester is found, what then?” « It will be a rich feathar in your cap.” This ended the conversation, and Dick re- tired to his own room. It was two days before he saw Ferris, again, and he was beginning to get dubious of him, when the gentleman turned up. “Ah! I-was wondering whether you had taken up eterna lodgings at the Murray Hill!” said Dick. ‘Well, hardly! It is too swell forme. I shall have to wait until 1 am somewhat richer than Iam now.” “Well, what news have you got?” ‘“‘T have none, as regards Louise. She ‘re- mains at the hotel, the most of the time in | her room.” “But you have other news.” ~“ Yes. Breck comes to see her every day, but his calls are brief. To-day, as he left ae somal saw her give him day money. I judge it was a pretty good sum, too. whee he left the hotel, I followed him,” — ‘* Where to?” wilh _ The darned toughest place in New York, I reckon—Andy oie me ’s place in Mulberry street, There’s no less than four mur- ders been committed there, in the past few rs. ‘What is it, asaloon?” . } man they call Circe?” : f ‘“‘- Yes—a resort for the Italian element of the neighborhood.” ‘Well, what did Breck do there?” ‘« He treated the crowd, and after that he held a long consultation with an Italian by the name of Larrezo, an ex-convict, who served a term for killing his own mother.” ‘‘Did you overhear the conversation, or any part of it?” “No; but I saw Breck give the Italian some money. This caused me to think that the Italian might have Frank Lester in his power, as 4 prisoner.” “Tt may be. Where does this Larrezo ive?” ‘‘T don’t know exactly, but somewhere in Mulberry street, I presume. A large per- centage of the Italian population reside in that street.” ‘Do you know of a woman who runs & mye in Mott street, called Circe?” ae ves.” ‘* What sort of a woman is she?” «Oh, she’s all O. K. To be sure she runs a game, but otherwise I don’t believe there is anything against her.” ‘‘T hear her place is a ‘ fence. “IT don’t believe it. I’ve known her for several years. There may be some crooks that visit the place, but that’s nothing. They hang out around most every gaming lace.” pe I tracked Bill Breck to this place, and even entered it myself, but after I got inside I saw nothing of him.” ‘It may be that he has got a room in the house.” “True, yet 1 hardly think so.” ‘If he ain’t, you’d most likely have seen him in the gambling-room.” ‘* Yes, I should think so. Do you know if Frank Lester was acquainted with this wo 99? “Yes, Ibélieveso.” . = *« She says she was betrothed to him.” “Don’t you believe it. Frank Lester was not betrothed to any one. He liked his free- dom too much to tie himself toa woman. He was not in any sense a lady’s man. He thought more of a good trotting horse than he did of all the women extant.’ “I wonder what Circe’s object could have been in lying to me, then?” **T’ll give it up.” ‘* She offered to reward me if I would find Lester. It looks as if there must have been something more than common between them.” ‘* Well, there possibly may have been, but I seriously doubt it. Frank was too prou to get into an intrigue with a woman like Circe, although she is no doubt respectable enough.” rezo, and see what kind of a place it is, and report as soon as you get any news,” *“* All right.” They had a drink together, and then Ferris once more set out to assist in this peculiar case. CHAPTER IX. LOUISE’S TARA T, y Deapwoop Dick was puzzled in his we & nd. iad found «at aS ie with ail i Frank Lester h ae with all his money, Fra vester had gon and jumped in the vee. Py ae Still there was nothing to back this belief. If Frank Lester had committed suicide, most likely bis body would. have bee nd, ere this. . dail gs "No, he didn't commit suicide,” Dick finally decided, ‘‘ Young men. of his gay protityities rarely do. I must yet believe ouise and Bill Breck have put him out of ‘the way. I'll pay Miss Louise another visit, ‘Well, you hunt up the abode of this Lar-.
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8 ‘Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. anyhow, and see what she has to say about Breck.” A cab soon let him out in front of the Murray Hill Hotel. Entering, he sent up his card. The bell-boy soon came back, and an- nounced that Miss Lester would see Mr. Bristol, in her private parlor. So Dick went up. Miss Lester was seated by a window, en- gaged in some fancy crochet work, but arose and greeted Dick with less cordiality tnan before. ‘Well, Mr. Bristol, be seated,” she said, «‘] suppose you bring news of Frank?” **No; quite the contrary. I am sorry to say that 1 am of the impression you know more about his whereabouts than any one - else, Miss Louise, ‘*What gives you this idea?” ‘Well, several things. In the first place, Frank Lester is not your brother at all, if he be living or dead.” ‘*Sir! How dare you make such an asser- tion? Frank Lester 7s my brother.” “He is not. Your name is not Lester, any more than mine is Vanderbilt.” ‘Pray, what is it, then, if you know so much?” ‘*Your name is Breck. Bill Breck, the ex-convict, is your father!” “Tt is false.” ‘Tt is true. I have had you shadowed, and Breck has been seen to cali upon you repeatedly.” ** You lie!” ‘* What was he doing here—he, a scoundrel of the worst type? Can you explain that?” demanded Dick, not at all disconcerted by her insult. ‘**T never saw such a man, nor do I know anything about him. Tl swear to that!” “T hardly think I would like to take even your, oath, for a person who will deliberately falsify, would not be ‘a credible witness in a court of justice. In my first interview, you stated that you were from the Far West, whereas I am assured by Josiah Lester, of Perkinsville, this State, that you were never west of Pittsburg.” ‘« Josiah Lester?” pis a “*Who is he?” demanded Louise. ‘* The brother of the man who adopted you from the poor-house.” Louise arose with haughty mien. ‘*This is heaping insult upon insult!” she cried. ‘‘I did not hire you to come here and insult me, sir. You can go, and don’t you dare to come here again. Do you under- stand?” And she stamped her foot imperiously. **T am not deaf!” Dick replied, rising, ‘‘and when I find him, I shall most likely be ‘able to find you a home where it won’t cost you a cent to live. The State Hotel would e glad to accommodate one so young and charming. It yearly accommodates hun- dreds. = ood-day, Miss Breck!” And Dick turned and left the room and the hotel, now more than ever satisfied as to. the guilt of Louise, After leaving the hotel, he steered for Ricketts’s saloon on the Bowery, hoping to - get.pn the track of Bill Breck there again. Breck was not there, however, but in his plitee Dick found a substitute, in the person who had accompanied Breck to Circe’s. He was about “ half seas over,” and spout- ay the battles he had won in Old Eng- and. $ By the crowd he was addressed as English ack, Dick ordered a drink, and asked the gang if they would have a “smile,” and, unneces- sary to add, all ‘‘ smiled.” ‘hen Dick called English one side. ‘Say, my friend,” he said, “are you working at anything?” ce No. oJ “Do you want to make a stake?” ‘‘No one needs to worse than me. Ef I don’t raise the wind by to-morrow, I'll have no place to eat or sleep.” ‘Then come With me, and maybe we can make a bargain.” Dick led the way to the Atlantic Garden, where they became seated. The orchestra was playing, but not many were present, Ordering some beer, Dick begxn: ‘‘Now, my friend, will xu be kind enough to tell me your name?” ‘It is Jack Moore, otherwise English Jack.” ‘You come from London, eh?” ** No, from Liverpool.” **Do you know Bill Breck, the tough?” **] reckon I do, and I don’t know any good of kim, either. I’m a purty bloody tough, myself, but I can’t hold a patch to him.” ‘Yet I saw you in his company, a couple of days ago.” ‘* Yes, know. He got so full he couldn’t go home, himself, so 1 went with him.” “Tf I’m any judge, you were about as full as he was.” ‘Not quite. I knew engugh to navigate, and so took him home.” ‘*Does Breck live at Circe’s?” ‘* He’s got a room on the top floor.” “Dues he rent it from Circe?” ‘* No—from the landlord.” ia ate you know Frank Lester?” “é Or” ‘Have you heard Breck mention him?” ‘*T believe Ihave. But, what the bloody ne aire ye askin’ all these questions or?” ‘‘Because I want you to find Frank Les- ter. Breck knows where he is, and you are topump him. There is money in it for you, if you succeed,” ** How much?” **A hundred dollars—maybe more.’ * That ain’t enough.” | ‘*Tt is all 1 can promise, at present, and that, even, comes out of my own pocket, with no prospects of getting a cent of it back.” English Jack regarded Dick with some curiosity. ‘*You are a detective, then?” : ‘¢ Yes,” “You want to find Frank Lester?” Pde.” ‘*Tsn’t it worth more than a hundred?” ‘* You find him, first. | You will be fairly dealt with.” ‘“You want me to shadow Breck?” “Yes.” “Weil, I’ll tell you what I'll do: Give me ten dollars down, and I’m your man.” ‘*T don’t know about that.” “Suit yourself. Ican’t go around Breck’s haunts without money, as you must know.” “True. J will give it to you.” * And he did. ‘Now go, and don’t leave Breck’s trail for a moment, until you can bring me some news.” _ “Neither I will. what place?” ‘‘The Morton House. Inquire for Rich- ard M. aanl . And English Jack departed on his mission, Tl let you know at CHAPTER X. JOSIAH IN HARD LUCK. Havine disposed of English Jack for the time being, Dick had nothing to do but wait. He could make no arrest on the little in- formation thus far acquired, and there was no present prospect of his getting any more, except through Jack or Fred Ferris. Thus, in idleness and waiting, several days Dick had visited Ricketts’s a number of times, but without any definite result; neither Jack nor Bill Breck was there. ‘* Fire me, if this ain’t provoking! Ireck- on the likeliest thing I can do is to pack up and go back West.” This was the conclusion Dick had arrived at when Josiah hove to on the horizon of the Morton House. Josiah evidently had forgotten his Sunday School class at Perkinsville. He was all ‘‘ broke up,” evidently, for, ap- proaching Dick, he whispered: —- ‘I’m bu’sted. Can you stand a shout?” : ‘**Certainly!” and they proceeded to the ar. ‘*Been to see Circe, eh?” queried Dick, when they bad returned to the office. ‘‘No. l’ve been knockin’ around town, seein’ the sights, till the last cent is gone. How in thunder I’m goin’ to git back to Per- kinsville I don’t know.” ‘Why don’t you send for money?” ‘*D’ye suppose Samantha would send me any money? She’d see me in Halifax, first,” ‘Why don’t you go to Circe, then?” ‘*Hang her! She’s got all my money al- ready. Ef I hadn’t been a consarned idiot I’a hev stayed at home in Perkinsville, where honest folks live.” Josiah was in a bad fix. ... ‘If 1 go home broke,” he went on, ‘‘my old woman will pull every hair out of my head, and I ain’t got none to spare.” “Well, you can buy a wig. That will an- swer as a substitute.” ‘‘Not much. But the beauty of the ques- tion is, how am I to get home?” “Well, walking is good.” ‘“‘Not good enough for a man like me.. I’m too old for that, I thought maybe you would help me out.” ‘‘ Well, I’ll think it over.” ‘But what am I going to do while you are thinking it over?” ‘‘Give it up. Maybe you can find somé work, if you hustle.” ** At what?” “Cleaning the streets.” Josiah groaned. “Never!” he said. ‘‘ D’ye think I’d stoop so low as that—me, Josiah Lester, of Per- kinsville?” ‘I don’t know as there is any disgrace in honest work. But Ill see that you don’t starve. When you really want to go back home I will pay your way. Bnt you had better remain here until we find your nephew.” ‘“The Lord only knows— when that will be,” replied Josiah, despondingly. ‘« Well, of course we can’t tell, but I amin hopes it won’t be long before we get some news of him.” “«T reckon he’s dead!” “‘It may be. But if he sold his policies, no one has yet turned them in to the insur- ance companies,” ‘‘ Which they would be likely to, wouldn’t they?” 3 Yes, if they were sure he was dead.” *“Do you still suspect Louise?” ‘Yes, more than ever.” — ‘Hey ye found out anything more conelu- sive against her?” es] hae found out that Bil Breck visits her nearly évery day.” ““You don’t say!” ‘Yes, I visited her and told her of it, but she indignantly denied it. She dis- claimed all knowledge of any such a person, and ordered me out of ber room,” “The deuce she did! You can just settle your mind on one thing.” ‘< What is that?” “Tf Breck goes to see Louise, she knows he is her father.” “No doubt of it.” “ And, knowing that, it does begin to look as if there was some sort of conspiracy, for Bill Breck is about as mean a rascal as you kin find.”
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hers, _. _ “Then please give me a copy of this letter. _ I wish to try an experiment.” . Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 9 pe SS SS ES “‘T’ve no doubt of that, either. The very looks of him is enough to send him up to Sing Sing.” i ‘‘He’s a tough customer, no mistake, Where did you run across him?” ‘* Down on the Bowery.” ‘Did you speak to him?” “Yes. I treated him. I’ve gota man on his track; and if anything conclusive can be found owt against him, why, I'll nail him.” ‘ Bully, for you!” Dick ‘nade arrangements for Josiah to re- main at the hotel for a few days longer, which pleased the old man hugely. CHAPTER XI. THAT LETTER. THR next day, Dick called around at the office of the two companies where Frank Lester had got insured. ag the Prudential nothing was to be learn- e ‘‘We will seize and hold the policy, as soon asit is presented,” said the vice-presi- dent, ‘‘ We heartily commend your efforts to find Lester, and hope you will succeed in ascertaining whether or not he has met with foul play. _We shall not honor the policy, until we find out what has become of him,” ‘Do not, and immediately the policy is presented, detain the party who presents it, until you can send for me.” «We will.” At the Manhattan office nothing was to be learned, except that an anonymous letter had been received, announcing the death of Frank Lester, at Laredo, Texas.” The letter bore no postal marks, and was unsigned. ‘ “Do you take any stock in it?” asked our ero. ‘*No, not the least. truth vin it, why should there not be a signa- ture?’ “True, “Can Ivsee the letter?” ** Certainly.” And the clerk produced it. If there was any It was in a feminine style of handwriting, and without place of sending, although dated two days before, and read as follows: “Frank Lester lies dead, in Laredo Texas, of ty- hoid fever. The policies will be apace by his in bu attorney, for collection, af a reasonable period. ‘“‘This would seem to indicate that they will not be presented direct, by Louise,” Dick remarked. ' “No. If there has been any foul play, she will disguise her hand in it as much as possible. The policy, when it arrives, will most likely be presented by a confederate of ho will endeavor to establish the fact that he bought the policy from Lester, and that Lester is really dead, as reported.” ‘Suppose this is proven?” “Then we have thirty days in which to hold the matter under consideration.” “And then—?” ‘* We shall have to honor the claim.” ‘Will you write to Laredo?” “ Certainly. We have an agent at San Antonio, and he will be instructed to visit Laredo, and find out the full particulars. As there are ten thousand dollars at stake, we shall leave no stone unturned to investigate this.” ‘*@lad to hear that,” Dick declared, “and Iwill aid you all I can, you can rest assured ” “Do so, Mr. Bristol. We shall certain] be glad of your assistance, and I can vouc! that the company will see you well paid for your services. We will notify you by mes- senger as soon as there are any new develop- ments in the case.” “Very well. press?” ‘* We have.” Have you a copying- “ Certainly, with pleasure. Here!”—and the gentleman called to his clerk. copy made of this at once.” n a few minutes Dick was in possession of the desired copy. He then left the insurance office, and went back to the hotel, and to his room. “Now, Miss Louise, I'll put you to the test,” he muttered. ‘He produced some writing materials from his trunk, and indited the following, in a rude, scrawling hand: **LovuisE:—Where can I see ye at once, without coming to the hotel? I’m watched. Send written answer by messenger. “ Bru Brecr.” Dick then called a messenger, and sent him with the note, with directions to bring back an answer. ‘‘Maybe it won’t_ work,” Dick muttered, “but I think it will.” The messenger was gone about an hour; when he returned to the hotel he handed Dick a sealed envelope. . . Before opening it, Dick questioned the oy. x Did you see the lady?” ‘You, air,” ‘‘What did she say when she opened the envelope and read the message?” ‘«She didn’t say nothin’, but set down at a table and wrote a reply. Then she gave me a quarter, and I came away.” Dick opened the envelope and spread the note out on the table. It was written on scented paper, and couched in the following language: “Mr. R. M. Bristot:—Your decoy letter received. If you expect to entrap meinto any scheme, you will get left. I am no fool, nor will I pay any further attention to any of your actions, And if you annoy me any morel will have you placed under arrest. Bear this in mind, and save yourself trouble. : “Louise Lester.” Dick was not greatly surprised. He had expected some such an answer as this. He had not calculated upon | meeting Louise when he wrote to her; it was only to get-a specimen of her chirography, and now he had got it! _ He compared the two letters. The chirography identically corresponded with that of the note to the insurance com- pany. Y. There was now no longer any doubt, in Dick’s active mind, as to the guilt of Louise. This letter alone was enough to convict her in his estimation. It now remained for him to hear from En- glish Jack and Fred Ferris before making an arrest, or more than one, as the case might be. The prospect of receiving any pay for his outlay and his services, from Louise, were of course now too distant to admit of any consideration. The same might be said of Frank Lester, in case he was found, for, if he had run through with his fortune, he-was not now likely to have any money to reward any one. The only hope, therefore, that Dick had for getting his money out of this venture, was from the insurance companies. If Frank Lester was found alive, ‘they probably would not have to disburse ten thousand each for years to come, and the in- terest that would accumulate on these amounts, in the mean time, would be so “Have a|a strict and vigilant watch, but there has been no more meetings between Larrezo and Bill Breck, nor has the Italian been away from his store since I saw you last. He has a pretty fair Italian reputation among his countrymen,.and if either of the men are guilty, you can depend upon it that it ain’t Larrezo,” ‘Well, we can tell better about that when my other emissary comes in,” “* Who is he?” **English Jack.” “That cut-throat? Why, he is the right hand pal of Bill Breck!” ‘‘He evidently don’t think much of his al.” “Don’t you believe it! Breck can twlst him around his thumb.” ‘‘All the same I think that English Jack will bring a good report!” ‘‘If you depend upon him, you can ex- cuse me, sir, I have served you well, but I can not serve a man who will employ a ruf- fian like this chap.” ‘‘You are at perfect liberty to suit your own convenience. If you are tired of your job after the money I have paid you, you will know what to do. I am not the man to dilly-dally with any one. When I say a thing, I mean it.” “Very well. I will thank you for noth- ing, as | have earned all I have received.” ‘“You’ may receive less than yeu think, and again, you may receive more. However, your resignation is accepted, in preference to that of English Jack.” Although Ferris did not like this, he arose from the table with his meal half finished, and left the room. He had hardly disappeared wher English Jack entered, evidently searching for his employer. Sighting Deadwood Dick he at once ad- vanced to him. ‘‘Say,” he said. ‘‘ Wasn't that Frank Lester a sort of a sport?” * Yea,” “‘Did he know a man named Ferris?” ‘Yes, I think so.” ‘**Have you seen Ferris?” **Oh, yes; he’s looking after another por- tion of this insurance case forme.” ** Well, you can bet your boots on one thing!” “« What is that?” ‘Ferris is playing you fora sucker. He has not been looking up any clews, at all. I spose you don’t know that he and Louise are pretty thick together, and that he has been spending the most of his time in her company?” ‘*No, I was not aware of any such thing.” ** Such is the fact,” averred Jack. “T even saw them out carriage-riding to- gether to-day.” ‘* Are you suré?” hs ‘‘Yes. They had a barouche, with liveried driver and footman!” ‘ Dick uttered a whistle of surprise. “Well, here is a go!” he said. ‘‘It looks as if he too was inthis conspiracy.” ‘You are right. If Fred Ferris is en- gaged to Louise, as I reckon he is, you can bet he has got a hand in the plot.” **No doubt of it, now, I think, TI shall, enormous that they could well afford to re- | therefore, take to watching him myself, and ward Dick handsomely. So, at least, he reasoned. Fred Ferris was the first to putin an ap- pearance, from the ‘‘ trail,” and that was not until two days later. He looked pretty well famished, and all his polish and flashiness seemed to have vanished. : So they adjourned to thé dining-room, where, over a sumptuous repast and a bottle of wine, they discussed the situation. “* Well, I suppose you have lots of news?” Dick observed. k _ ‘Not much, I found out where Larrezo lives, No, — Mulberry street, little one-horse grocery store. I have kep | schemes, He: runs a| believe in Ferris’s will give you Bill Breck to look up. And when you do find him, keep him under your constant surveillance, until you report again to me!” ‘*Very good. I will do so. I know all his resorts and it won’t take me long to find So English Jack Once more took his de- parture, Early the next day Dick set out on his mis- sion to shadow his shadow—Ferris. . Dick having formed a lasting impression against Louise, it was not so hard for him to guilty complicity in her
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oe = f f ' t = 1 Se en 10 If the trio were in the conspiracy, then it ‘*I’d swear to it, before a justice of the ought not to be difficult to get tidings of | peace.” Frank Lester through one of them, CHAPTER XII. SUSPICIONS. WueEn he reached the Murray Hill Hotel Dick sought the head clerk, with whom he had conversed on his first call. He was a pleasant, accommodating man, and Dick did not hesitate to approach him. ‘Are you well acquainted with Mr. Fred Ferris, sir?” Dick inquired. ‘‘No, not well acquainted, although I have seen the gentleman frequently.” “‘ Have you seen him around the hotel very recently, do you remember?” ‘**No, not since yesterday.” “Does he call here often?” “Yes, almost every day.” *‘Do you happen to know whom ke comes to call upon?” “Miss Lester, I presume, as they occasion- ar go out riding.” his was evidence enough to satisfy Dick that English Jack was right: Fred Ferris was a traitor, and a colleague of Louise! Dick did not attempt to call upon the lat- ter. He wanted to see Ferris, first. But, whether purposely or not, Ferris dic not show himself, so Dick waited all day, till dark, and then, disgusted, he went back to the Morton House. Here, contrary to his expectations, he found Ferris engaged in a game of billiards. ““Why, hello!” he exclaimed, as he ran the game out on his opponent. ‘‘ Where have ede been? I’ve been waiting for you, all ay.” ** ’ve been searching or rather waiting to meet a traitor,” replied Dick, with sarcasm— “a traitor, by the name Ferris.” “What do you.mean?” _ «* Just what I say. Have you found Bill Breck, yet?” “No; he’s not to be found anywhere in the city.” «‘T presume it would be hard for you to find him whep you have not been looking for him, Mr. Ferris.” “IT do not.know what you mean, Of course I have been looking for him.” ** Of course you have not. Serving Louise, and taking her carriage riding is not what I supplied you with money for. You have not been looking for Breck, at all, for it is more than likely that you know where he is, and what has become of Frank Lester.” *¢ This is infamously false.” “Tt is true.” ‘‘ Who has been stuffing you up with such a pack of lies?” ‘My informant, sir, was the hotel clerk.” “Then, he is a liar, too.” “Do you deny having been to the hotel?” ‘“‘No. Ihave been there several times in hope of running across Breck.” : **Do you deny calling upon Louise?” “Ido. Haven’t even caught a glimpse of er.” , **You deny, also, then, that any of these charges are true?” ‘Ay! ay! But listen: I swear upon m word of honor, as a gentleman, that the fol- lowing charges are not true: First, that I have not been searching for Bill Breck; second, that 1 know where he is; third, that I ever had anything to do with him or Louise; fourth, that I saw, or had anything to do with Louise during my visit to the hotel; and fifth, that I have been in a convey- ance of any kind, with Louise, I swear that these charges are unjust and infamous lies, who ever uttered them, Some one evidently has been trying to blackcap me.” ** Are you willing to go before the clerk of - Murray Hill, and swear that you had not called upon Louise?” “Yes, Iam!” _“* And that you never had her out carriage- riding?” ‘*Then we will start at once.” ** You are foolish!” “* How so?” ‘* Because day-clerks in all the big hotels go off duty at six o’clock. It is now eight. You would not stand one chance out of ten of finding your interesting informant.” ‘**T have more than one.” ** What’s the name of the other?” ‘*T refuse to disclose his name.” ‘‘Well, it is my right to demand to know!” “* Why so?” “‘ Because you have preferred grave charges against me, which would ruin my social standing and good name.” ‘Cannot help that. You have been seen in the company of one who is to be arrested by me, on a serious charge, and it is my duty to arrest you as her confederate on the charge of abduction, with possible murder. This, as a United States criminal detective, Iam enabled todo. Are you aware of this fact?” “T know nothing about it. If I am arrested, it will be a dear job for you, let me tell you.” ‘Ban! Now, see here! On conditions, I can save you from immediate arrest and incarceration.” ‘* What are those conditions?” ‘Promise me that you will remain on the inside of this hotel—not venturing outside— until you are wanted by me, and you will not be molested, and nv one will be the wiser for what has passed between us. Do this, and you may pass some time yet without ex- posure or arraignment!” ‘‘T promise, faithfully!” «Remember! the hotel detective, and an aide will watch you, and any attempt on your part to escape, will result in your arrest. ‘In the mean time you will have a chance of meditating on the advisability of turning State’s evidence!” ‘Do not fear!” replied Ferris. ‘If lam under the ban of unjust suspicion, I shall not attempt to escape, and thus confirm the suspicion. Iam much obliged to you for your leniency, under existing circumstances. As for turning States evidence. I cannot very well turn, when I have nothing to divulge!” «*Oh, you can’t foolme. Youknow more of this case than you care to acknowledge. I'll give a winning horse on that. If you want to save your bacon, you will expose the whole fraud, for the whole three of you will be convicted on what evidence I have already secured.” ‘* What evidence is that?” ‘Time enough to learn that when you stand before the bar of justice. Good-night. Keep your promise to remain here and you will not be molested.” “I will remain here. When gone deeper into the matter, you will be pre- pared to exonerate me.” “IT hope so. Good-night!” ** Good-night.” Then they separated, Dick going in quest of the hotel detective, whom he soon found wandering about the building, apparently aimlessly but with an eye to everything and on everybody. Dick had already formed his acquaintance, so there was no need of introduction. ‘‘ Hello, Fleming,” saluted Dick, as, pro- fessionally they shook hands. ‘‘ What’s the news? Anything doing?” “Nothing unusual. In fact things are very quiet.” ‘Well, I’ve something to keep one’s blood from stagnating. You know Fred Ferris?” “‘T reckon Ido.” . ‘« Well, I want you to get an assistant, and either you or he watch Ferris constant- ly, and arrest him if he tries to leave this hotel.” \ ou have’ a eee ey Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. ‘« What for?” ‘‘T have him under surveillance for par- ticipation in a crime, which, at present, looks like a murder, I did not lock him up be- cause he promised not to leave the hotel un- til he was wanted. If he attempts to escape, nail him, and send for me.” ‘* All right; (ll do so. He knows better than to try and escape from me.” « So Dick left his prize to Flemitig’s care, and went into the office. “Ale 63 He could practically do nothing more un- til he heard from English Jack. : He intended to leave Louise for the last arrest, and wished to give Ferris time to turn States evidence. If Ferris did turn State’s evidence, and gave away all the information he possessed, Dick felt sure he could close up the case. The only thing that annoyed him was the uncertainty hanging over the fate of Frank Lester. Was he dead, or was he living? He might not be fifty miles away, and alive and hearty. . In that case he might defend the prison- ers, and Dick would be placed in an uncer- tain light, and unpleasant position. On the other hand, if he should not be found, and no actual criminal proof could be established against the prisoners, they would go free, and Louise, if she held the policies, would get the fortune. What would Dick get? Nothing but trouble and the satisfaction of having made his first real detective fail- ure. This was the way the matter now seemed to stand. But, only over one_night. Bright and early the next morning, Eng- lish Jack put in an appearance and his very aspect betokened good news even before he had spoken. ee CHAPTER XIII. DEADWOOD DICK’S DROP. Dick immediately seized him by the arm, and led him to the smoking-room, where, with good cigars he sat down for a con- ference..- ‘* Now, then, fire away,” said Dick, ‘‘ and let me know what news you’ve got, for I’m anxious to know.” ‘“‘ Well,” said Jack, taking a long puff at his weed, ‘“‘I found Breck—caught him in the act of leaving the city, by railroad; so 1 left, also, but I didn’t go in the same car. ‘‘T watched him, however, through an end window. ‘« When he got off I got off, also. An old horse and buggy was waiting for him, driven bya lank countryman. Breck got in and was driven off into the country, ‘«'The old horse could not go very fast, so T foliered. : ‘A few miles away we sighted a piece of woodland. . ‘‘ We left the main road there and crossed the plowed field, and entered a sort of wood road ‘* We went to the center of the woods, ‘Here is a cleared pt of ground, only meagerly cultivated, and an old stone house of the rambling sort, that may bave been built during Revolutionary times, for it looks more like a fort than a dwelling, and is so well built that it would resist a strong , attack. “Into this building Breck went, while the countryman went in, too. “ Directly, four long-legged, raw-boned countrymen came out, and began to prowl around to see if there were any spies in the neighborhood. oT ‘“Finding none—for I had skinned up a tree—they went back into the house. « There’s more windows than anything else about the house, and I did not dare ven- ture out into the clearing, for fear of dis- covery; so I waited and watched. © ~ Pe ee
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~*~ ae Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 11 ‘**By-and-by the old nag was hitched up again, Breck got into the buggy, and was driven back tothe station. I never lost sight of him, detective.” “Good for you! What else?” ‘Well, he went straight to Murray Hill Hotel, and was shown upstairs. Directly the porter brought down a bouncing big trunk, and ‘‘ Louise Lester” was painted up- on it. I didn’t find out where it was going to, but I’ve got my opinion.” ** To the old house?” Jack nodded, **You’ve hit it.” “ You feel satisfied that Frank Lester is a prisoner in that house?” ‘** Am as good as positive of it.” “Then no time must be lost. start immediately to the rescue.” “You forget. We are not strong enough. There are six able-bodied men in that old house, if not more. What could we do in an open field against a fortified half-dozen? Not a darned thing! They’d mow us down in no time,” “Oh! we should have to use strategy. But, even then we must have more men. I shall start at once for the vicinity of this old house!” : it * Sg for?” “To arrange my campaign.” ‘ “‘Tsee. And hae about me?” “You? Well, listen! I judge you are ac- quainted with some of the gamest fighting men on the east side of New York—men, who, though not Sullivans, would fight with any Kind of weapons, upon an offer of fifty dollars per head.” “I’m just the boy as kin de it—boys who are stayers on a case like this and will obey a leader.” _‘“The very ones I want. I want no police aid in this business. Pick out ten of the We must flowers of the flock, guarantee’em fifty each, | and follow meas soon as youcan. When you get to the edge of the clearing, keep close under cover, and be sure not to be sur- rised. These men from the old house are iable, more now than ever, to be on duty, for I doubt not some spy has been put upon us.” ‘*Perhaps. But I know the boys you will command, and they know me. From what I’ve read and heard of you, I’ll bet we'll scoop in the hull caboodle. We'll be at the appointed place at one in the morning. Right?” “Yes, that will do. Mind you don’t at- tract any attention in passing through the station village, as | want no undue excite- "ment, even after the arrest.” Dick at once began his preparations to de- art for the old stone house, where Frank Loner was supposed to be confined. He ascended to his room, put on a rough suit, and equipped himself with his revol- vers, ‘a bull’s-eye lantern, a knife, matches, and whatever occurred to him would be essential in a campaign against the enemy. He inferred from what English Jack had said, that the job ahead would not be an cay one, and it was best to go well ‘‘ heeled.” 0 when the preparations were complete, and after re-cautioning Fleming not to let Ferris escape from the hotel, he set out for cae depot, and took the train for C. sta- ion. Of course he did not know exactly where the old stone house was situated, bat he could find out. © when he arrived at O, he struck for the nearest saloon, and propounded his inquiries, T patronizing the bar and treating the proprietor, ff y friend,” said Dick, ‘‘do you know of such a place as the old stone house, a few miles from here?” “ Yas.” sige you direct me how to find the “Guess so.” “‘ Well, I'll be much obliged if you would.” ** You foller this street until it turns into a country road, Foller the road until you see a patch of oak, chestnut and pine forest to your right, but off from the main road some distance. It is a wood-path. Foller this, and it will take you tothe old stone house, whose history none of our present generation seems to know. But, why do you want to go there?” . ‘*For,reasons of my own.” ‘* You’d better look well ous!” ‘© Why so?” “Because old Trum Mugee and his boys, who live there, are a tough gang, and so tough that they won’t be tolerated anywheres else.” ‘What are they—cut-throats?” ‘* Well, I wouldn’t like to have m at their command, if they knew I iy d about me!” ‘‘How many is there of them?” ‘Six boys and the old man.” ‘* Are they fighters?” ““You bet! People as don’t want to get broke up keep out of them woods. Are you really going to the stone house?” ‘«That is just what I propose, my friend.” **- You won’t come back alive.” ‘* Never fear.” Dick then sought a livery-stable, hired a saddle-horse, and mounting, took the route given by the saloon-keeper, and dashed away at a lively gallop. It savored of old times to be in the saddle once more. It seemed like old days in the West, when he spurred his steed over prairie and mountain, free as a bird from the re- straintof “refined” civilization. Leaving his horse in the woods, in a spot where he was not likely to be discovered, Dick stole forward and soon reached the edge of the clearing. i wee now dusk, but he was able to get a good view of the antiquated stone mansion. It looked more like a small-sized citadel than anything else. All the masonry was massive. The windows were massive and the doors were ponderous. “That place would withstand a siege,” Dick mused. ‘ Only strategy can ever get us in there, without official aid.” Not a light was visible from where Dick was stationed, and therefore he concluded that the dwelling portion of the place must be on the other or opposite side of the man- sion. So, having plenty of.time before the ar- rival of English Jack and his crowd, Dick made an entire circuit of the premises, to dis- cover that there were no lights in any of the windows. To all intents, the place was closed, as against a siege. ‘‘They’re there, just the same, and big are the odds they are on guard, ready to riddle the first man who appears.” Nevertheless, it took a Western man to discount these villains, for, within ten min- utes, Dick’s back rested against the east wail of this old gray stone house. He had crept, snake-like, through the weeds, and, for the time being he was safe. The windows were so placed, that, from his ppatent position, he could not be reached by a bullet, This position he held for an hour or more; then, satisfied that he had not been discovered, he made acircuit of the entire building, ona tour-of thorough reconnoissance near the building and along the edge of the clearing. When he reached the east point of the woods he met with a surprise. Seated on a stump was no less a man than Josiah Lester, whom he had last seen at the Morton House. inte Josiah seemed as much surprised as Dick. Dick’s mind was made up in a moment; he did not bet on the man from Perkinsville. “You have been playing detective,, too, I guzzle ad any presume?” he said. ‘* Rather!” ‘* What have you found out?” ‘*Breck, Louise, Larrezo, and them thiey- in’ country Jakes are in that house.” ‘‘Let ’em stay there, too, until my em- | issary comes with the toughest part of New York. They will make short work of get- ting into that house.” ‘| shouldn’t wonder.” Just then a peculiar whistle was heard, Dick listened. There was a moment’s silence, and, then, Josiah burst forth, “Oh! What will Samantha say? Oh! all my money’s gone, and them steers ain’t . bought yet! She'll give me particular thun- der when I get back to Perkinsville.” ‘*Look here, Josiah!” said Dick, ‘‘do you know what I think I’d better do with ‘Put the handcuffs on you!” “Oh! Lord!” Before Josiah could realize it, the brace- lets encircled his wrists. Dick then tied his feet together, and propped him up against a tree. ‘‘Now you stay there for awhile, Josiah, until more light is thrown on this matter. It rather hits me you know more about it than most people.” ‘**Q.o-oh! no! Lord knows I’m as in’cent as a suckin’ calf,” ‘* That's to be found out.” There was a tramp of many feet, and English Jack and his gang approached. And such a gang! Had not Dick implicit faith in the ex- sailor he would have been tempted to turn. They were about the toughest party he had ever seen. ‘‘Well, we're here!” answered Jack. ‘‘ What do you think of my dandies?” “T reckon they will do,” replied Dick, | **Do they understand the terms?” ** Just as well as I do.” ** And are willing to fight?” ‘Fight is their meat and grog.” ‘*Very well, for, from what I have heard, we have got a lot of desperate men to tackle.” “* No doubt of it.” “« Are you all armed?” ‘* Yes—with revolvers.” “They are of but little use, in a battle against a stone wall.” ‘* How do you propose to attack the she- bang?” ' ‘“Invest all sides, at once. That is the only way we can gain entrance, It will re- quire one of the smallest men in the party to gain entrance through one of those win- dows.” ‘‘T kin do ’em!” spoke up Bleecker-street Bob, just over from Blackwell's Island. **T’ve squeezed through tighter holes than them.” - “Very well. Scatter, now, and the first one to get into the house, is to open the front door and admit the others. Nota shot is to be fired unless necessary !” The night was nearly as light as day, the moon being at full, which of course made it all the more difficult to get near the old stone house; but all, at length, stood close in its shadow. All the windows were tried, but they were not to be lifted. are The front door was next inspected, but — that, too, was as firm as adamant, and would not have yielded to the persuasion of a bat- tering-ram. “Guess we’re dished,” said Jack. **Tt looks so,” replied Dick. a How about the roof?” suggested one of the ae rty. Well. there is no harm in inspecting that. Who is a good climber?” “‘Tam,” replied English Jack. ‘It takes a sailor to do that, don’t ye know.” A mass of climbing vines clung tenacious-
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—— ly to the side of the house, and reached to the roof. §So old and strong were they that they could bear a man’s weight, and, ina jiffy English Jack was upon the roof, and out of sight. Dick and the crowd below waited in suspense for Jack’s reappearance, but they waited in vain, for Jack came not. A quarter of an hour passed—a half an hour passed, but still he came not. ‘‘Something’s wrong,” decided Deadwood Dick to the crowd. ‘‘ You fellows remain here, and if you do not see me inside of ten minutes, the whole lot of you come up to the roof, and investigate the matter.” ‘We will: that,” replied the gang, in a chorus. ‘‘ We'll make it bloody warm for them as does yez any harm.,”’ So Dick pulled off his coat and climbed to the roof. The old mansion, although only two stories high, covered a good deal of ground; but, the roofs of the wings, although flat, were not on a level with the main portion of the building. When Dick reached the roof, he gazed around him. There appeared to be no skylights. Evidently the house had been built before skylights came into fashion. Totnes, on any of the roofs, was English Jack to be seen. The roof was of cemented stone slabs, ‘‘Well, this beats the deck,” Dick mut- tered. ‘‘ What in blazes can have become of Jack? I see no way he could have got into the house from here, and the only way he could have got off the roof would be by the vines.” Suddenly an idea occurred to him. The chimneys were of the old-time sort— big enough to admit of the passage of a man’s body. Had Jack descended one of these? lf so, why had he not opened the door? Perhaps he was caged. Perhaps there was an old-fashioned fire- place, by which he could escape. t The idea was plausible that he was a chim- ney prisoner. Dick could imagine no other mishap. After a careful inspection of the various chimneys, however, Dick came to the con- clusion that if Jack had dropped down one of them, he was cither instantly killed or had escaped into the house, and been made a prisoner, Ten minutes had already expired, and the men from below began to mount to the roof, one by one. ‘‘ Well, what’s der news?” asked Pat Mc- } Coy, one of the gang. ‘1 can’t find Jack, nor any trace of him,” Dick replied. ‘‘ Neither can I find how he disappeared unless he slid down one of these chimneys.” “Tl bet he did! He used to be a chim- ney-sweep in London years ago. I used to work wid him,” y “Well, if he’s gone down—” ‘ll go after him,” said McCoy. ‘‘ Jack is a good boy, and I can lick the man as says he ain’t.” ‘* I'd advise you not to try it,” said Dick. ‘“‘In case you don’t find an open fireplace, what aid can we give you? We have no tackle with which to fish you out again.” ‘* Well, l’ll take the chances. There must be a fireplace to the big chimney of the main building.” So, ia 3, Be his coat, McCoy mounted to the top of the big flue, and soon disappeared in its sooty depths, : —_—_— CHAPTER XIV. A QUEER EXPLORATION. Wirn great anxiety the party waited for some report from below—from the lower wagon, as it were. But they waited in vain. he first gray streaks of dawn appeared in the East, and with them came a sudden and drenching rain. 12 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. There was no sign of life below. If any one was in the house they took good care not to make any noise. ‘*I guess the only way,” said one of the party, “‘is to git a big battering-ram, and hammer down one of the doors.” ‘“‘T’ve a better idea than that,” said Bleecker-street Bob. ** Well, what is it?” © ‘* Has any one got any powder?” ‘*T have,” said Carmine-street Jerry, who was equipped with an old-fashioned shot- gun. ‘* How much have you got?” ‘* Half a pound,” . “* Give it to me.” | What do you want with it?” ‘‘ Nevermind. Every man to the ground!” The order was obeyed. When the ground was reached, Jerry, who had recently finished a term for safe-blow- ing, advanced to the front door, accompanied by Bob, who was of the same noble frater- nity and had ‘‘done time” repeatedly. fter a careful inspection of the front door, Bob turned to the gang. ‘‘Tt’s no use,” he said, ‘* When that door was put up, it was.cyut there to, stay and don’t you ferget it.” ‘* Well, we can try,” said Jerry. ‘‘If the yg kin be blowed up, hyer’s the boy as can oO it.’ Thus far Deadwood Dick had made no ob- jections to their movements but now he came to the front. ‘‘This explosive racket will do, after a fashion,” he said, ‘‘but other tactics must also be pursued. I will go back to the roof, and also drop down the chimney at the in- stant you are prepared to fire the blast. In this way we will be attacking them from two quarters at once. See the idea?” ‘* Yes, and it’s a good one,” said Bleecker- street Bob. ‘*‘ How shall we communicate with you, when we get ready to touch off the blast?” **Oh! simply whistle.” ‘‘All right. Sail ahead. We'll be ready for you in five minutes.” So Dick ascended to the roof again, Day had now fully dawned but the rain still came down in torrents. Dick applied his ear to the mouth of the chimney, and listened, but there was nosound of any stir below. This made it more than probable that Jack and McCoy were prisoners. With considerable impatience Dick await- ed the signal for the drop. Estimating the distance, he presumed he would have a slide of about eighteen feet, as the house was an old-fashioned one, with high ceilings. At last the signal came. It was a long, low whistle, but distinctly heard from Dick’s position, ‘ So he at once took a drop down the big ue. : Simultaneously there was a loud report. " Dick had only partly anticipated his fall, for, instead of stopping in an open fire- place,, as he had expected, he continued to go down, and eventually brought up ina place of inky blackness, which he calculated must be the cellar. It was fortunate that he had taken his dark-lantern with him, for it now came in handy. He had plenty of matches, and, lighting the lantern, he gave the cellar an inspec- tion. There was nothing to be discovered, how- ever, except that an old ladder led to a trap- door above. This ladder he at once as- cended, but only to discover that the door was fastened above. With all his might Dick tried to lift the — but his efforts were fruitless, he trap was fastened so securely that it would have taken a derrick to lift it. An- other inspection of the cellar followed, in hopes of finding some tool with which to force the trap; but nothing of the kind was discovered. And he was in a dangerous position, too, for there was no window to the cellar, and the air was disgustingly musty and stifling. A person could not long survive there. There was no sound above, to indicate that the outside attacking-party had yet gained entrance. ‘Well, this looks like I had got myself into a bad fix,” Dick muttered. ‘‘ But, consare. my boy! You wouldn’t’ be your- self if you didn’t manage to get out of it somehow.” ' And he was right. If any one could get out of a tight corner, it was Dick. And after rummaging around the cellar for some time, he at last found the way. The discovery was somewhat unique. The walls of the cellar were built of stone, quarried out on blocks about a foot long by half a foot broad and thick—something like one of those used for city pavements of to- day. dne of these blocks attracted Dick’s atten- tion. Instead of being on a uniform sur- face with the other blocks, this particular one protruded into the rooms several inches. Toa less keen-eyed man than Deadwood Dick this fact would not have become im- mediately apparent, but it struck him as being rather odd, to say the least. So he grabbed hold of the stone, and gave ita jerk, when, sure enough, out came the block. ‘Aha! I’mon the right track now,” he muttered, ‘‘There’s tio cellars under this house.” This proved to be the case. In olden times the old Dutchmen used to have a special cellar for their wines and liquors. hag This was evidently one of “the eld farm- houses of the Rip Van Winkle period. The stone removed, Dick peered through the aperture. All was blank darkness; not a ray of light to be seen. Dick flashed his lantern inside, but the light did not penetrate far enough to disclose anythirg. As far as was to be distinguished, one cellar was about the same as the other, But, Dick was not satisfied. ‘‘Loose stones have a significance,” he argued, ‘‘and that stone was not loose with- out a reason. I am going to know that reason.” , With that he set to work. ; The stones really were put together with red clay mortar. With his good knife, Dick was able to dig this out of the crevices and thus to remove the stones one by one. In ten minutes’ time, he had made an open- ing sufficient to admit of his ingress into the next cellar. iiaea, Fd So in he went. “ From this cellar, a staircase ascended, in- stead of a ladder, as in the other one, Otherwise, there was nothing to be dis- covered. M% Dick mounted this staircase, and tried the door. \ Good luck, this time! It was unlocked. With caution he opened it, CHAPTER XY. me. CONCLUSION, . SIMULTANEOUSLY with Dick’s opening of the door there came another cra outside of the building. 7 _ ‘TY reckon that the Moai is about as ae as the powder,” thought Dick, as he stepped upon the first floor of the house. ’ . The room he entered was unfurnished and dusty, with counts clinging to the ceiling. It had but one door, and this opened into & on the ) | | ta Suk, Ke
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Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 13 hallway, from whence a staircase ascended to the next floor. Judging that there would be no use of searching for Frank Lester on the first floor, Dick concluded to try the second, and there- fore stole out into the hall. A glance down the hall disclosed a half- dozen people on the inside of the front door, which had not yet yielded to the persuasion of the powder. Each man was armed with a revolver, and stood in readiness to give the attacking party a warm reception immediately they gained entrance. : There was no earthly use of Dick’s trying to attack them single-handed, so, watching his opportunity, he stole up the stairs. If Frank Lester was a prisoner in this house, it was more than probable that he was on the top floor, since he was not in the cellar, The first room he entered was the same as the one below—dusty and unfurnished. From this a door opened into another apartment, but in this case the door was locked. Dick tried it several times, but it did not yield. He was about throwing himself against it for the purpose of bursting it open, when he De seized from behind and thrown to the oor. ° ; He was on his feet in a moment, however, to be clinched in a bear’s embrace, with no ' Jess a personage than Bill Breck! Neither man uttered a word. It was a struggle for the mastery, the best man to win. Each knew what was to be expected of him, and what he might expect if he failed. There could be no gainsaying the fact that Dick was overmatched, for Breck was phy- sically his superior in every respect. a cconmans nh daeialeenan ae) prise on his side. It did him no good, however, for Dick broke from his grasp, re-clinched with him, and, a second later, had him upon, the floor on his back. ' To snap the self-locking handcuffs around his wrists was but the work of a second, and, before Breck could give utterance to asound, his mouth was filled with a good-sized hand- _ kerchief. Dick then dragged him into another room where any possible outcries of his could not be heard. Then, removing the gag from the ruffian’s mouth, he began his inquisition. - “ Breck,” he said, ‘‘ how do you feel?” ‘* Curse you!” was the grim response. ‘*Oh! there is no need of that. along without it. How would you like to go back to Sing Sing?” “Not very much.” ‘** But, that is where you’re bound, unless you come to terms.” ‘* What sort of terms?” ““Where is Frank Lester, where is your daughter, where is English Jack and Pete McCoy, and where are those insurance olicies? Out with itnow! You know what mean!” Bill Breck knew. Sing had any charms for him. agreeable as a net cat, Y “If I ans\ 2r your questions, do I go free?” he dem aded, ‘“Well, for all |] know. Answer truth- Sing no longer e became as fully, and I will not press any charge against doing an act of “What do “Is Frank Lester in this house?” Tate: i6," “Held as a prisoner, I presume?” or" Ves.”?- ** Where is Louise?” you, unless 1 find you are treachery.” “T'll do it,” asserted Breck. you want to know?” _ Breck laughed. iy, I can get |. “Out of your power. By this time she is on her way to New Orleans.” ‘‘ Who made up this plot?” ‘“‘Old Lester and my daughter. I am ashamed to say it, but, although I am a jail- bird, I guess my girl can beat me.” “‘ Who bought those policies?” ‘‘You don’t expect me to know?” “*T do.” ““Well, J didn’t buy them but I got them all the same.” ‘*And sold them?” “‘T did; turned the mover to old Josh,for a consideration.” ‘‘T thought as much. Has he got them now?” ‘*T don’t know.” ‘*-You do know!” *“My word of honor, I do not. If old Lester has not got them, I rather think Ferris has them to negotiate, after proofs of Frank’s death. It was he and Louise, and the old man who planned the whole scheme My only direct connection with the case, was to assist in the abduction, for which I was to-receive a portion of the boodle when it was secured. Iwas drawn into the plot by the persuasions of Louise, and forced into it by Fred Ferris who had me in his power to that extent that he could have me sent back to prison.” “Where is Frank Lester imprisoned?” ‘Release me, and I will show you.” ‘‘Promise to make no attempt to escape, and I will.” ‘*1 promise.” ‘* Upon your honor?” ‘*On my honor.” . So Dick at once released him. ‘*Now come this way,” said Breck, ‘‘and come carefnl, for if the gang at the front door discovers us, the jig is up for sure. The old man and his sons have been paid to hold Frank a prisoner... He and his boys a tough gang, and would not hesitate to kill aman for a very small monetary considera- tion.” ‘All right. Lead on.” Breck took a key from his pocket and un- locked a door leading into the next room, which they entered. This room was also unfurnished. There was a door communicating with another room, Bd ia: handed the key to this to Deadwood ick. “You can go in,” hesaid. ‘I'll takea quiet sneak,” “What for?” ‘‘ Because I don’t want to meet Lester,” ‘You are afraid of him, eh?” ‘*No, but I'd rather not meet him.” ‘*Well, go ahead.” Breck did not wait for the second invita- tion, but immediately hurried away, evi- dently glad enough to get off so easily. Dick then unlocked the door, and entered the next apartment. * 4 was inky dark until he turned on his ight. “This room was furnished with a cot hed- stead and mattress, a jwash-stand and an old cook-stove. Two men were reclining upon the bed, fast asleep. One of them was English Jack. The other was a tall, gracefully-built young man of dbout Dick’s own age, with light curling hair and mustacbe. The room was close to suffocation, there being no window to the place to give it ven- tilation. ) ‘Hello, there!” cried Dick.. fellows dead, or are you asleep?” Both men sat up with a start. ‘ But it was several seconds ere they could accustom their eyes to the light, so they could make out who their rescuer was. Finally the Englishman leaped to his feet ‘*Are you } with a glad ery. ** Deadwood Dick!” he ejaculated. .. * e “ ** At your service.” ‘* And you have come to rescue us?” ‘* That is the order.” ‘*Well, you came in the nick of time!” ‘* How so?” ‘* The farmer threatened to kill us between now and daybreak, unless we signed. a paper.” ‘* What sort of a paper?” “‘One exonerating him from all blame.’ They caught both me and Pat as we dropped down the chimney. I was run in here for safe-keeping, and Pat is gagged and held prisoner in another room.” ‘‘So 1 suspected; hence I dropped down another chimney in search of you!” ‘Bully for you! You are a trump, Mister Dick. But where are the boys?” ‘They are attacking the front door now. I reckon it is a little strong for them.” ‘‘Who’s got charge of the party?” ‘* Bleecker-street Bob.” ‘‘Then you can bet he will bu’st in, for there ain’t no door as can long resist him.” ‘Ts this Mr. Lester?” ‘‘Yes, 1 am Frank. Lester,” replied the young man. ‘‘Who all were in this conspiracy against ‘My uncle, Josiah Lester, was the origin- ator of the scheme, I understand; but m foster-sister, Louise, was the one who put it into execution. In this she was aided and abetted by her father, Bill Breck and Fred Ferris, whom I had always counted upon as. being my friend.” ‘‘ But what caused Louise to send for me to investigate the matter of your disappear- ance?” ‘*To divert suspicion from herself, for m disappearance created a sensation at my clu when it was know I had so much money on my life, and that the policies were in favor of Louise; so, to disguise her hand in the dia- bolical plot, Louise hit upon the expedient of hiring a detective, never supposing, I pre- sume, that he would be able to ferret out the mystery, especially as she had chosen a estern man.” “Did you have a quarre] with Louise be- fore your were incarcerated here?” ‘‘No; she was, apparently, always solicit- ous for my welfare.” ‘*Did you dispose of F fase insurance pol- icies to satify gambling debts? ‘‘No. They are deposited with the Gar- field Safe Deposit Company, corner of Twenty-third street and Sixth avenue.” ‘‘Then the story of their being in posses- sion of Breck and old Josiah is untrue?” | “ Yes; it was in order to get possession of them that | was decoyed here. Louise and old Josiah put their heads together, and figured it out that.by establishing the fact. that I was really dead, they could secure the insurance on my life, and keep me locked up here until they hati time to carry out their scheme, and them to skip to parts un- known.” 3 eae Iam glad their little game is baf- ‘*Old Lester and Ferris—what of them?” ‘‘ Both are prisoners.” ** And Louise?” ‘She has fled the city, as Breck informs” “Where to?” ‘Gone south, he says—bound for New Orleans. Will you pursue her?” “No. Let her go. Iam only too glad to get rid of the treacherous viper,” was the earnest reply. Just then the report of firearms came from the — ethane ail rn SOE “Our boys have gained entrance, | reck-— on,” said Dick. ‘“‘ Let’s off to the rescue!” ‘*] have no weapons,” Lester announced. ‘‘Here! Take one of my revol ers,” and Dick handed him one. “Don’t fire to kill unless forced to for self-protection.” ** All right.” f
Page 14
14 j Then, with drawn weapons, they rushed from the room. “ Out into the hall they went, and down the stairs. But, when they reached the lower hall, all f sounds of conflict had ceased. 45 The countryman and his lank sons had if vanished, and Bleecker-street Bob and party held the hall. ‘‘They fled like a pack of sheep,” said | Bob, ‘‘ and we didn’t see fit to foller’em, as | | nothing was to be gained by it that we could | see,” ‘‘Let us go,” urged Lester. not worth bothering with.” A search brought forth Pat McCoy, bound | and gagged, and most happy to be released; | then the entire party set out for the station, where they arrived in safety, taking Josiah Lester with them. The old man protested his innocence, but it was no use; not one of the party took any | stock in his claim to honesty. at Little more remains to be told. On his arrival in New York Frank Lester } proved that he was not as impecunious as i had been represented, for he drew a large sum of money from the bank, then, hand- somely rewarding his friend, the detective, by. he divided the remainder among the other ot members of the rescuing party. 1 After a brief trial Josiah Lester and Fred he Ferris received well-deserved sentences. b} Neither Louise nor Breck were again seen on nage ““They’re | a train for the far West. As Frank Lester does not propose to prose- cute, it is not probable that anything more ; i in New York up to the time Dick boarded will ever be heard of Louise or her felon hi father. a THE END. Mt | Beadle’s Dime Library. ‘a4 BY J. C. COWDRICK, 390 The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. 422 Blue Grass Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pine, 452 Rainbow Rob, the ip from Texas, 473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. 1 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. ray 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky Ranger | 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Old Riddles’ ! Greatest Riddle. at 565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective, im 580 Shadowing a Shadow. BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON. ti 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. ‘ 194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent. } 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide, 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Mission. ' 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain. y 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. at 237 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black League. ‘ 245 Barranca Bill, the Revolver Champion + 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo. : 263 lron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer. 266 Leopard Luke. the King of Horse-Thieves. Met 271 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. 1 276 Texas Chiok, the Southwest Detective, 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, . } 805 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. ; 311 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men. : 323 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers, BY LEON LEWIS. 428 The Flying Glim; or, The Island Lure. 456 The Demon Steer. | 431 The Silent Detective; or. The Bogus Nephew, it u& Captain Ready, the Red Ransomer. BY NEWTON M. CURTISS, se 120 The Texar Spy; or. The Prairie Guide. bat 254 Giant Jake, the Patrol of the Mountain, . BY C, DUNNING CLARK, 164 The King’s Fool. 183 Gilbert the Guide. y | | BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY, 82 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. * 126 The Demon Duelist; or, The e of Steel, ' ague 148 The Czar’s Spy; or, The Nihilist 150 1 Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. ; 157 Mourad, the Mameluke; or, The Three Sword masters. 169 Corporal Cannon, the Man of Forty Duels 236 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show. 262 Fighting Tom. the Terror of the Toughs. 382 Spring-Heel Jack; or, The Masked Mystery, | BY SAM 8S. HALL—‘** Buckskin Sam,” 3 Kit Carson, Jr., the Crack Shot. 90 Wild Will, the Mad Ranchero. 178 Dark Dashwood, the Desperate. 186 The Black Bravo; or, The Tonkaway’s Triumph. 191 ag es Tonkaway; or, Old Rocky and his ards. 195 ee 7 goa Star Gambler; or, The Magnolia’s Maid. 199 Diamond Dick, the Dandy from Denver. 204 Big Foot Wallace, the King of the Lariat. 212 The Brazos Tigers; or, the Minute Men. 217 The Serpent of El Paso; or, Frontier Frank, 221 pe ag Duke, the Guadaloupe “ Galoot.” 225 Rocky Mountain Al; or, The Waif of the Range. 239 The Terrible Trio; or, The Angel of the Army, | 244 Merciless Mart, the Man Tiger of Missouri. 250 The Rough Riders; or, Sharp Eye, the Scourge, 236 Double Dan, the Dastard; or, The Pirates. 264 The Crooked Three. 269 The Bayou Bravo; or, The Terrible Trail. 273 Mountain Mose, the Gorge Outlaw. 282 The Merciless Marauders; or, Carl’s Revenge. 287 Dandy Dave and his Horse, White Stocking. 293 eer Steve; or, The Doom of the Double ace. 301 Bowlder Bill; or, The Man from Taos, 809 Raybold, the Rattling Ranger. 322 The Crimson Coyotes; or, Nita, the Nemesis 328 King Kent; or, The Bandits of the Bason. 342 Blanco Bill, the Mustang Monarch. 858 The Prince of Pan Out. 871 Gold Buttons; or, The Up Range Pards 511 Paint Pete, the Prairie Patrol. BY WILLE‘ R. EYSTER. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent.Sport from Cinnabar, 160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man with the Sand. 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 192 The eye Sport. 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch, 229 Captain Cutsleeve; or, The Little Sport. 268 Magic Mike, the Man of Frills. 300 sa a in Spectacles; or, The Bad Time at unco. 833 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop. 344 Double Shot Dave of the Left Hand. 356 Three Handsome Sports; or, The Double Com bination. 375 Royal ig’, the Three in One. 396 The Piper etective. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Flat Racket. 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend. 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives. 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 503 The Dude from Denver. 525 Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. 533 Oregon, the Sport Witha Scar. 549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon. 568 The Dude Detective. 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport witha Smile, BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 8 The Headless Horseman; A Strange Story of Texas. 12 The Death-Shot: or, Tracked to Death. 55 The Scalp Hunters, A Romance of the Plains. 66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Pacisic. 74 bey om of the Rifles; or, The Queen of the es 200 The Rifle Rangers; or, Adventures in Mexico. 208 The White Chief. A Romance of Northern Mex- ico. 213 The War Trail: or, The Hunt of the Wild Horse. 218 The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter’s Ven- geance 228 The Maroon. A Tale of Voodoo and Obeah. 234 The Hunter’s Feast. 267 The White Squaw. BY CAPT. FRED. WHITTAKER. 89 The Russian Spy; or, The Starry Cross Brothers. 65 The Red Rajah; or, The Scourge of the Indies. 69 The Irish Captain, A Tale of Fontenoy. 96 Double Death; or, The Spy of Wyoming. 98 The Rock Rider; or, The Spirit of the Sierra. 108 The Duke of Diamonds. 115 as? Severed Head; or, The Secret of Castle oucy. 132 Nemo, King of the Tramps, 159 Red Rudiger, the Archer. 174 The Phantom Knights. . 187 The Death’s Head Cuirassiers, 193 The Man in Red, 206 One Eye. the Canndneer. 211 Colonel Plunger; or, The Unknown Sport. 215 Parson Jims King of the Cowboys.. 226 The Mad Hussars; or, The O’s and the Mac’s, 230 The Fiving Dutchman of 1880. tl 242 The Fog Devil; or, The Skipper of the Flash. 247 Alligator Ike: or, The Secret of the seennae 253 A Yankee Cossack; or,The Queen of the Nihilists, 265 Old Double-Sword; or, Pilots and Pirates, 272 Seth Slocum, Railroad Surveyor. 277 The Saucy Jane, Privateer. : 284 The Three Frigates; or, Old Ironsides’ Revenge, 290 The Lost Corvette: or, Blakeley’s Last Cruise. 295 Old Cross-Eve, the Maverick-Hunter. 303 Top-Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw, 310 The Marshal of Satanstown; or, The Cattle- Lifters’ League. 326 The Whitest Man in the Mines. 878 John Armstrong, Mechanic. 406 Old pe Showman. 412 Larry ke, the Man of Tron. 445 Journeyman John, the Champion, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. ee BY GUSTAVE AIMARD. 15 The Tiger Slayer; or, Eagle Heart to the Rescue, 19 Red Cedar, the Prairie Outlaw. 20 The Bandit at Bay; or, The Prairie Pirates. 21 The Trapper’s Daughter; or, The Outlaw’s Fate, 24 Prairie Flower. 62 Loyal Heart; or, The Trappers of Arkansas, 149 The Border Rifles. A Tale of the Texan War. 151 The Freebooters. A Story of the Texan War. 153 The White Scalper. ’ BY FRANCIS JOHNSON, 25 The Gold Guide; or, Steel Arm, Regulator. 26 The Death Track; or, The Mountain Outlaws, 123 Alapaha the Squaw; or, The Border Renegades 124 Assowaum the Avenger; or, The Doom of the Destroyer. 185 The Bush Ranger: or, The Half-Breed P.ajah, 136 The Outlaw Hunter; or, The Bush Ranger. 138 The Border Bandit; or, The Horse Thief’s Trai. BY ISAAC HAWKS, Ex-Detective, 232 Orson Oxx; or, The River Mystery. 240 A Cool Head; or, Orson Oxx in Peril. BY NED BUNTLINE. 14 Thayendanegea,the Scourge; or, The War-Eagle., 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. 23 The Red Warrior; or, The Comanche Lover, 61 Captain Seawaif, the Privateer. _ 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy. 270 Andros, the Rover; or, The Pirate’s Daughter, 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail. 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King, BY E. A, ST. WOX. 471 The Heart of Oak Detective, 491 Zigzag and Cutt, the Invincible Detectives, BY EDWARD WILLETT. 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man’s Sacrifice, 209 Buck Farley, the Bonanza Prince. | 222 Bill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack’s Crime. 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp, 274 Flush Fred, the Mississippi Sport. 289 Flush Fred’s Full Hand. 298 Logger Lem; or, Life in the Pine Woods, 308 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True. 315 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squatters’ League, 827 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective, 337 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp. 348 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut. 368 The Canyon King; or, a Price on his Head, 483 Flush Fred, the River Sharp. BY PERCY B. ST. JOHN. 57 The Silent Hunter. 86 The Big Hunter; or, The Queen of the Woods, BY WM. G. PATTEN. 545 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. 571 Old Dismal, the Range Detective. MISCELLANEOUS, 6 Wildcat Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10 Vidoegq, the French Police Spy. By himself. 11 Midshipman Easy. by — Marryatt. The Scrapes of Collegians, 32 B’hoys of Yale: or, By John D. Vose. 60 Wide Awake, the Robber King. By F. Dumont, 68 The Fighting Trapper. By Capt. J. ¥. C. Adams, 76 The Queen’s Musketeers. By George Albany. 78 The Mysterious Fp By Arthur M. Grainger. 102 The Masked Bands By George L. Aiken. 110 The Silent Rifleman. By H. W. Herbert. 125 The Blacksmith Outlaw. By H. Ainsworth. 133 Rody the Rover. By William Carleton. 140 The Three Spaniards. By Geo. Walker. 144 The Hunchback of No tre Dame. By Victor Hugo, 146 The Doctor Detective. By George Lemuel. 152 Captain Ironnerve, the Counterfeiter Chief. 158 The Doomed Dozen, By Dr. Frank Powell, 166 Owlet, the Robber Prince. By S. R. Urban. 179 Conrad, the Convict. By Prof. Gildersleeve, 190 The Three Guardsmen. Gee pera g Dumas, 261 Black Sam, the Prairie underbolt. By Col, Jo Yards. 275 The Smuggler Cutter. By J. D. Conro $12 Kinkfoot Karl, the Mountain Scourge. ris Redwing. 830 Cop Colt,the Guaker City Detective. 350 ram Pa the Society Detective. J. Cobb. 353 Bart Brennan; or, The King of Straight Flush, By John Cuthbert. . . 366 The Telegraph Detective. By George Henry Morse. 410 Sarah Brown, Detective. By K. F. Hill. 500 The True-Heart Pards. By Dr. Noel Dunhar. 518 Royal Richard, the Thoroughbred. By J. W, sbon, 534 Green Mountain Joe; or, The Counterfeiter’s Cave. By Marmaduke Dey. 542 The Cen Dees or, The Fight for Two Lives, . F. Holt. 566 The Dauntless Detective: or, The Daughter Avenger. By Tom W. King. A new issue every Wednesday, 1 meee petayer ob ea oat A is for oe by all ewsdeale n cen r copy, or sent by on receipt of twelve cents cach, BEADLE & DAM, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, By Mor- C. Morris, y Weldon
Page 15
oa BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME« LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. — BY PHILIP S. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Captain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; cr, The Mountain Vompires. 888 A Tough Boy}; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornados or, The Outcasts of the Glen, B78 Little Jingo}; or, the Queer Pard. S88 Little Oh-my 4 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly ; or, A Race for a Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Carse, 481 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 480 Three Jolly Parda. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Reacue. 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 656 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life, 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Doga, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout. 648 Happy HMarry’s Big Find. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 ane Low aptaias or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the n Polar Re 200 e Boy Bedoutns; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Mille Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World anderer. 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 4 895 California Joe’s War Trail. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 oe eye **Boyeess; or, Benito, the Young Horse- reaker. 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ; or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula o fasts or, Giant George’s Revenge, 807 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt, 818 ero w hooey, Ker-w acl or, The Tarantula of Taos, 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, 88 rio Fred 3 or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. B49 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front, 857 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. 864 &nap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 875 Chiota, the Oreek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front, 8 Romeo and the Reda; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 49? Tho Thode Pontherny or: Old Rocky on th Ram e ree Trallers; or ocky on the °. 442 Bluff Bills or, The Lynx of the Leona, Lot a. ) 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo. 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asn Scott, the Sreamboat Boy. 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Clip the Contortionist; or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY J, ©. COWDRICK, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. Bey Thanh ng ot At icoy tak By ion ¢ Name Dd tive’s rentice ; or, y a $ 424 Ofkexe Soun $ or, Pi Hot Times at Ante Bar. 439 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the og | Dude. 490 Broadway ly. the Bootblack Bravo. 606 Redlight R . the Prince of the Road. Broadway BI i Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 536 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diffikilty.” 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. Bes Broadwa Billy's Death Racket. » Air-Line Luke the Young Engtneer, 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. 592 The Boy Pinkerton. p 605 William 0’ Broadway} or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 28 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward, BY JO PIERCE. 89T Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Malberry Street 415 The Vagabond Detectives or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Hetspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The awyer’s Shadow; or, Lake's Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, bos aie , ee vii , Buteher Boy Detective, ae er e Bu 516 Tartar 1 fas ro) Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 588 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, 541 Jeff Fiieker. the Stable Boy Detective, 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective. 77 Pavement Pete, the Secret Sifter, 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer, 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harleon Hummer. 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set. BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout, id !;_or, The Dug-Out Pards. et pock 8 5 iis or, The bwanlenan of Zacatecas, BY1 Kid-Glove Kia the Dandy of the Rockies, 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King, 406 The Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Mystery of Golden Guleh, 505 Powell's Pard3 or, The One-Armed Giant, ' BY WM. G. PATTEN, 489 The Diamond Sports or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Captain Mystery 3 or, Five in One. S21 dD Dare the Sport from Denver. BST Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire. The % ramp Detectives or, The Double Grip Witness $32 wicket ane, the Velvet S : smal Dave’s Dandy Pard. BY ALBERT W, AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ef a Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 7Y Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 268 Joe Buck of Angels and His Bey Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps im Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince, 498 ‘Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective, 515 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuo; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge 3 or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The tiaunted Maid of Taos, BY CAP. J. F. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Mazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whilflles’s Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian}; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Bueckram; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, RAT Old Grizzly and His Peta; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Lige}s or, Gaceola, the Firebrand, 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp, 288 The Scalp King; or, The Human Thunderbolt. BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes, B48 Fire-Heele; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp}; or, The Odd Pards, B6L The Phantom Light-house. 870 Breaker Len, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIAM RP. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Franks or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pardes BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion ofthe Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desamonds or, The Gambler’s Big Game, BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim}: or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas. BY ©. DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE ©. JENKS. 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581i Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective, 5S Flute, the Singer Detective. 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foll; or, Double Curve Dan’s Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detective; or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR JU, 8, A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the my Bullwhacker, 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY CHARLES E. LASALLE, 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest, BY JOHN J. MARSITALL. 40 Roving Ben. A Story of a Young American. 9% The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes. BY HARRY 8T. GEORGE. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattlin Rubes or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, 59 Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 108 Daring Davy ; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf, 166 Hickory Harry ; or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Welf-Herder. BY MAJOR E, L. 8ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of ‘ Sand,” 859 Durango Dave, the Young Chany ion Wrestler. 871 Kingbolt Ch the Young Hard-Shell Detective. 0 Avalanche » the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper, 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. - Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. ‘rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Puen Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON. 278 The Three Treppores or, The Mountein Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit of the Hills. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Wand t or, The Man of Mystery. 132 Wila-Fire, ‘he Bout of the Road. i ; rat ue . d Bar. 171 Ebon Dany ar, The Matin ee 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, n BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 56 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard B , The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG. 89 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. . BY CAPTAIN MAYNE‘REID. 78 Blue Dick: or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. . IBC The Helglece fends br, Bacteneas Recioution ae Hand ; or, ion. 289 The Gold-secker Gulde ; or, The Lost Mountain. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang pes nagt The King of the Plains. 186 Night-lhawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers ; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, 810 The Barranca W olf’; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Rider}; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide : $55 The King of the Woods: or Danie! boone’s Bast Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. . 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood ; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Single Hand; or, A Life fora Life. 72M ad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGUT, 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Mentauk Point. BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Tomy; or, The Demon’s Trail. $42 The Mountain bevil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL. A, F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giant« of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man trom Hard Luck, 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the ‘ etersn Detective. - 620 Little Lightning’« League; or, The Mystery ofthe Island 688 Plucky Paab the Boy Prospector, BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shote, 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Parda, BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM, 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Pards. 621 Truthful James, the “Pecooliar’” Man. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg. 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules, 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Combine. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS. 4 The Wild-Horse Munters, By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen,. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 tao Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan wis, 88 The Ocean Bloodhounds or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By S, W. Pierce. 86 qhe Boy Clown} or, The Queen ofthe Arena, By Frank nn. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 51 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie S. . Tron: 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, ‘Ihe Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George erson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. : 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, per: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- ‘ en re, nepal — ¥ wk Boy. By@. ZL. Ath 2 « Fearnau e New . le on. o86 Kil Yar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ens’ . Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Clif, By Captain Comstock, 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Liga tenant Alfred Thorne. : 828 The Sky Poowivet or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honos, r Mickey \. : 850 Red Ralph, the aoee Rover} or, The Brother’s Re x un 5 5 Thaltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morrias ta Teast Tom} or, Ben’s Double Match. “By George H. ree, 876 Caitfornta Joe’s First Trail, By Colonel Thomae ‘lover Monastery, 418 Biily Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F, S. Winthrop. 75 The Black Ship. By JohnS Warner. asa Comanche Pick and His Three Invincibles. By Henry J. Thomas. S28 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport, By Arthur F. Holt. 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin ke Forrest. 552 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton. Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, RY A New Issne Every Tuesday- ~ ‘The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdenlers, five cents per copy, or sent by mat! on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York
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Published Every Tuesday. ~~ RBEADLE’S+H ALF-DIME* LIBRARY. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, BY OLL COOMES, Deadwood Dick Novela. Pa - : : 7 The Flying Yankee} or, The Ocean Outcast. 5 V. 4 y 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer} or, The Fugitive Yacht, 18 ree Don a. Rech W a tf 20 Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. £28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 62 The Shadow Ships or, The Rival Lieutenants. 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. 35 Wilda Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 25 The Boy Dnelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea- Wolf, 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 42 Phantom Miner}; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 49 Omaha OLL; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 57 Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Paris of Flood Bar. | 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, @7 Corduroy Charlie ;_or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Dendwood Dick as Detective. 129 Boagwase Dick’s Double}; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s au le 188 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. : 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivuls of the Road, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture. 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam}; or, The Black Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide ; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of regon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ings. 851 Hendwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim, 365 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Defianee. 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand, 459 Flush Fam, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- 465 Phitlo ow of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Racket at m 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral, 476 Humboldt arry the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s wtective, 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood, 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick 589 Deadwood Dick Jr, in Texas. 544 Deadwoed Dick, dr. the Wild West Vidoog. 549 Deadwood Dick on His Mettle, 606 Deadwo Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay, 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnati. 624 Deadw Dick, Jr, in Nevada. 680 Deadw Dick, Jr. in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood aes Dick, Jr. After the Queer. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Chase Across the Continent. 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 F or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, | BB Jim Bludsoe, 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. ! 69 Gold Rifle, the — iter; or, The Be Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. | $4 Idyl, the Girl Miner} or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, ta Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. Arabs and Angels of a Great City, Jack Moyle. the Young Speculator. He ane aged: Dick, the Sport Detective. #8 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, onanza Bill, Miner. x Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks, Solid Sam, the Boy Road-A r., the Boy Phenix, etective. s ¢ Sierras Scamps, ' ve. , 18 Fritz to the Front} or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 26 ty aid the Boy Shierp: or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo B Ra, 35 Denver Doll’s Decoy } or. Little Bill’s Bonanan, 1 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 96 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen, 2 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. r 808 ik Jane, tte 4 fs egy i. bread ptewtpt cH mesa © eke '0., the Detectives o a ia, B80 Fitte Quick shot 2 The Dead Face of Daggersvillo, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 9 Kangaroo s Racket. 8 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 8 First-O Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Lottery of Life. ¥ ’a Prize. ote xreke wa or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 Cool mis, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Ven, 885 Yreka Jim's Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nowe, 44 Blieycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 40 ‘ Yuba Dam, Freke im ot Tht Watce Detective. oO 416 ! the Base Ball Detective. 426 is® Slataldes, the Boggar-loy Detective. — 458 Santa ¥ Bnd ap, rete Dotectiren } nm e e A 56 Scalskin Sax the Sparkler, ) 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Hussar Captain ; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 216 Bison BIL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimaon Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captale 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer}; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. 264 ane Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure sland, i 269 The Gold Ships or, Merle, the Condemned, 276 roris Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold Ship. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merie Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 be Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long rail. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot ; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WIL, the Boy Phantom, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conapirator or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta, 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refogee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luek; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Ralder. ' 441 The Ocean Firefly; or, A Middy’s Vorkeance. 446 Haphazard Harry}; or, The Seapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WiIl: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts, 462 The Born Guide; or, The Salior Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloats or, Wizard Wi!!’s Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Rauger. 495 Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy t or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 5611 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Bue .skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rie, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BUI, the Prairie Shadower, ‘665 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Seont Detective. Boe ane acest — or, The False Detective, e Buckskin Avenger, Bot Banaowte. the Young Sea Rover. 59T The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Raiders and the -Red Riders «f the Rio. 644 The Hercules Highwayman. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 65 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hood 3 or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trost, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil Harey, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 80 Detective Dick; or, The Hero tn Rags. Handsome Harry, the Boothlack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. lack Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. ill Wildfire In the Woods. lily B age, the Railroad ee Trum Nara) or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, ob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. ob pepeett, the Bank Runner, he Hidden Hand} or, Wi!! Wildfire’s Revenge. red Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers. Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. Soreness se bee Tanner; or, T 225 Sam Charesal th 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in amy > 262 The Young Sharps; or, Rollicking Mike’s Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jo Jim's Job; or, The Young Detective, — + 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored.” 805 Dashaway; of Dakota; or,"A Western Lad in the Quaker y- \ . 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective, 858-The Reporter-Detective ; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Levelers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger} or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 7 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, AT9 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman} or, Too Sharp for the Sharper. 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. j 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolf in the Fold, 5S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Hawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. 88 Rollo, the Boy Kanger, 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 148 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, ; 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Trampa. 218 Tiger ‘Tom, the Texas Terror. . 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle, 228 Little Witat re, the Young Prairie Nomad. ‘ 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger, 248 The Disguleed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkeskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy 800 The Sky Demon ; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Herculess or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. Al? Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective, 422 Patt Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul, 468 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, y 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. \ 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper, ir BY T. ©, HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of "6. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter, 47 Nightingale Nat 40" Tne Forest Captains, * 64 Dand ack} or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trali. i 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack} or, The Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. ‘ 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr.: or, The Boy Vigiiante. fr er, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. njun Jack From Red Core. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies, 255 Captain Apelic, tne koe of Bowie. e neen of the Lasso. ed Thunderbolt’s Seere' 856 Cool sam and Pards or The Terrible Six, 886 Captain Cutlass 896 Rough Rob}: or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The ‘Stiken } Bayi! 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 , 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Ken Bar, 470 The Hoy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. + att The Excelsior Sport} or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Spor in 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. PV. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detecting 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodger. Dick’s Desperate Case, 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidoeq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard, 626 The Champion Pards. t 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES, 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony | Rider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Pard. By Col. Prem 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective. By Wm, G. Patten. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, By Oll Coomes, 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. By T. C. Harbaugh. 654 Dendwoed Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. By Edward L: Wheeler 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. By Onarles Morris, 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt, By Col. P. Ingraham. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. By Lieut. A, K. Sims. 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver; gr, The Storm-Waif of Giant’s Boot. By Jo Pierce. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the “ Pizenest ” Man of Ante Bar; or, Cibuta John’s Chantplon Chase, By J. C, Cowdrick. 660 Dendwood Dick Jr’s. Insurance Case. By Edward . L. Wheeler. Old Kit, Bandy’s Deltverances or, Banner Ben, the i Wildfire of the Prairies, By Oll Cooms. Ready March 95, erfly Billy’ or, The Specter Soldier of OOF eet ee Aye Ro amet” Ready Apel 1. A New Issue Every Tuesday. : The Half- Dime Library ‘Is for sale by sll newsdealers, fi cente per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. Da ediay BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, } ‘ 98 William Street, New Y Se