Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 694) (1890 11 11)
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—. , Nae IS ~ —_ Tree a a — ant en 2a “hah a Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright 1890, by BEADLE AND ADAMS November 11, 1894 2.80 | PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. P No. 694, a'Year. : 5 Gents _ Vol, XXVIi. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, pm Ok ; ax ex SO il Sa mn ttn ay pr = Md ‘en | fe Fe hi ¥ | i be <M, Gi bi a | =a il mM m a ea 3 Heading Of the Crooks. BY JO PIERCE, AUTHOR OF ‘' FIVE POINTS PHIL,” ‘‘ BOB 0’ THE BOWERY,” ‘‘PAVEMENT PETE,” ‘‘ WHIST- LING JACOB,” ‘‘GAMIN BOB,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I, = STREET-BOY’S SINGULAR ENCOUNTER, NSN ‘ MEND yer umbrella, sir?” A The iaquirer stood in Washington Node WW New York, He was a boy who evidently ha SS seen hard knocks in life, but had come up smil- RY \\ “~~ DBR \\ ing from each encounter, Hard knocks bad had . . more effect upon his apparel, and a breeze from JIM TURNED QUICK&Y y FROM INVESTIGATING THE MYST Macdougal street found divers rags to catch and IT AN APPRAITION? SSS SSS SSS . ERIOUS BOX TO BEHOLD—WAS
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— —_—, Spicy Jim, the Oniy One of His Kind, flutter around the person of the young citizen of the metropolis, Under his arm he carried tbree umbrellas which had seen their best days, and these, to- gether with the inquiry he made, indicated his calling. He had addressed a tall, slender man of about fifty years, and all things indicated a business opportunity—the latter carried an umbrella of most dilapidated appearance, He started as the boy’s clear - business-like voice sounded at bis elbow, and looked down wonderingly. “Eh? What’s that, my lad?’ ‘* Mend yer umbrella, sir?” * Bless me! why should you mend it?” ** So itll sbed rain.” ‘* But novrain is falling.” ‘It'll rain some tire, [ reckon.” “ True, true; I had forgotten that. Now you mention tbe matter, I believe I have one or two umbrellas, at the house which might well be mended. The one I have with me, however, is nearly new.” The boy cast a bewildered glance at the um- brella. Wind, sun and rain had bleached it nearly white, and one brace was protruding in an open-faced way. 2 ban going home, now,” added the speaker, **Tf you will come with me you shall have the chance to repair the old ones,” * Allright. Which way is it?” ‘““Which way? Bless me! I hardly know, What park is this?” ** Washington Square.” ** Oh! yes; I_remember it distinctly. live on Rivington street, * Hold on! dougal.” The gentleman stopped short and laughed. “Don’t wonder at me, my Jad. 1 was born and reared in this glorious city of New York, but am very absent-minded. I sometimes do queer things. My friends say so, and I think i shall have to admit it. But I have weighty matters on my mind. We are going toward the Bowery, now, are we not?” ‘** Sartain.” “Then weare all right— What did you say your name was?” Well, I Come with me.” Youre going toward Mac- “ I hadn’t divulged the impertant fack, but I am Spicy Jim.” ‘* Very well, Mr. Jim. My name is Professor Hannibal Jones. Iam glad to meet you, sir!” Mr. Jones paused in the middle of Mercer street and gravely shook hands with his com- panion, Many persons might have fallen into the error of supposing, that the gentleman was a mild kind of monomaniac, but Spicy Jim was too shrewd and observing to think this. Spicy Jim had his own peculiarities, and these traits enabled him to recognize and appreciate their countepart in others. He realized that Mr, Jones was absent-minded and lacking in what was practical. This explained his oddities, not the least of which was the carrying of the old umbrella, Spicy Jim was, in most things,. Jones’s opposite. Jim was practical, wide-awake, and on the alert for any business chance. He never Jost his way in New York; he knew its streets as well as any person from the Barge Office to High Bridge. . ‘ He was fourteen years old, but might well have passed for sixteen. He was old in ex- perience, too, for necessity had made his exist- ence one devoted to business ever since he was big enough to work, Down on Bond street lived Joshua Green, an unibrella-mender. Joshua had early taken Spicy Jim into his service, The latter had learned the trade well, and could adjust a brace, rib, or other accessory, to a mutilated umbrella in the best of style. It was a humble life, but Spicy Jim was not a member of the Four Hundred, cr a lost prince, or one too good to make the best of necessity. He rather liked his calling, though he’was boy enough to crave a life affording more excite- ment, Professor Jones did not reside in an aristocratic Jocality—the most loyal of the dwellers in Rivington street would hardly claim that distinc- tion for their street; and the most earnest search would fail to discover the footprints of one of the Four Hundred on the sidewalk, Yet, whenJones opened the door, Spicy Jim saw a hall whi was a model of neatness, and the result of quite Pe outlay of money in the way of furnish- }efore more could be said a young lady sud- denly came out of the back-parlor, and greeted the professor brightly. : “So you’re home again, Uncle Hannibal? We were beginning to wonder what had become of you.” ! “Yes, yes; no doubt. Where are the um- brellas?” ‘*The umbrellas?” ** Yes, Bertha.” The young lady glanced st the collection under Spicy Jim’s arm and smiled slightly. ‘* Were you thinking of having repairs made?” “cc Yes. ” ‘Then you need not have come home.” “Th? How so?” “The only old umbrella belonging to us, of which I know, is the one you have with you.” The professor raised the dilapidated specimen which he carried, One brace still protruded through its almost-colorless side, and, on the whole, it was so badly demoralized as to be use- less. ** Bless me!” he exclaimed, ‘‘I thought I had the new one, This ismost singular, I have caused this estimable youth to come all the way here for nothing! He must be remunerated for bis trouble.” ‘*Ts he an umbrella-mender?” ‘** Yes; I think so, at least,” ‘“Thav’s my line o’ biz,” declared Jim, in a breezy voice. ‘* I’m employed in the great em- porium o’ Mr, Joshua Green, Esquire, where we jine broken ribs, dislerkated braces, et setter- atum. All orders attended to promptly, an’ charges as low as the lowest, ef not more so, Terms, cash. Old ribs an’ braces returned ef desired,” The speaker warmed to his subject, and waved his old umbrellas in gestures fit for an orator. ** Bless me!” uttered Professor Jones. ‘* Kind treatment given the sick while their ribs is healin’,” pursued Spicy Jim, gravely. ‘* All modern improvements of a horse-pittal. Color restored ter faded ginghams, an’ Central Park parasols.” **Indeed! And what, may I ask, do you mean by: ‘ Central Park parasols? ” ‘** Giddy ones carried by girls w’en they want ter ketch a beau.” ** You seem to be an observing young man,” ‘*T knows the ways o’ the world. Il’ve lived on this globe ever sence I was born, an’ I noticed when I drawed my first breath that my lungs was like a blacksmith’s bellows. I commented onit ter my grandad, at the time. He asked me ter holler, ter prove the power o’ my lungs, on’ I yelled so loud I skeered my nurse inter a *sensible fit.” The umbrella-mender made these surprising statements with the utmost gravity; and Bertha was impressed with the idea that she had meta very original. character, The professor, too, had been studying Jim at- tentively, though he now proved that it was not with an eye to the boy’s peculiarities by ab- ruptly asking: ** Are you strong?” ‘“* Kin only be beat by an elephunt,” readily returned Spicy Jim. *“*Do you make much money at your busi- ness?” ‘* We ’cumulate debts, mostly.” ‘© Would you like to enter my service?” ** Table-girl, or cook?” “ Eb ” ‘*T say, do you want me ezacook” ** Nonsense! what an idea. No, I want you to—to—well, to help me aud my assistant in sci- entific work. ‘** Goin’ ter visit the moon?” “Certainly not. Don’t be so absurd, boy. Our work is in a particularly attractive field, and consists in ding and examining old ruins,” ‘** 'm in that biz, already.” A Spicy Jim held up the umbrellas and looked at them quizzically, 7 “Ef them ain’t old ruins, where’ll ye find any?” he added, “*Uncle,” observed Bertha, “if you want a helper you had better take this young man, Clearly, he is an original, and I think he will take kindly to your work.” ““Work an’ me is — intimate, though I can’t say we are overly friendly. I try to be, but work has got a vicious cast o’ temper, an’ it’s inclined ter raise high jinks with me. See them wounds on my hands? Them was made by work, withthe jagged end of an umbrella rib. That ain’t true friendship!” Bertba smiled upon the speaker, Spicy Jim’s mapner was as queint as his expressions, and sbe duly appreciated them. Professor Jones, however, looked bewildered. “T hardly follow you,” he admitted, “ but you look to beastout, honest lad, and that is ——s what I want. Lalso desire a strong man, Do you know of one?’ ** Josh Green is afflicted that way.” What way?” “With strength.” Jones shook his head gravely, “) fear my mind is not of proper caliber to follow the levity of the youth of to-day, but I dare say it isallright. Pray enter my museum, and I will elucidate matters more fully.” 6 se ai on,” Spicy Jim graciously direct- ed. The professor led the way to the second floor. The space originally divided into two rooms was then allin one, and its contents made the Bond street gamin stop shortin wonder. He had never seen anything like it. Jones bad well termed it a museum, and it contained a little of every thing; things that be had collected during his scientific career, Spicy Jim did not at first see the minor arti- cles; all that be could take in at first was a human skeleton which stood facing the door, and the sight, so vuut of the ordinary line of his practical life, rather startled him. He stared at it like oue fascinated, “You notice my giant,” observed the profes- sor, with a gratified look, ‘* Notice it? Wal, I should remark that I do!” the boy admitted. **To you know what it is?” ** It’s emaciated enough fur a dude, but alter- gether too wide across the shoulders.” ‘*T dug it up from a mound,” ‘From a which?” *““A mound. It dates back of Columbus.” “ Was it his father?” **No, no; I mean that it was, in life, a person who lived in this vicinity, before Columbus dis- covered America.” ‘** Was he a friend o’ yourn?” ‘*T have, indeed, a very friendly feeling for it,” replied the simple-minded professor, ‘‘ but I am not yet able to place his line of descent. No true disciple of scientific investigation now be- lieves that Columbus was the first European in this country. Many combat the idea that others came before him, and the world is not ripe for the full, glorious truth, but Iam not a doubter, It is certain, I assert, that, in the year 986, Bjorne Herjnefson was driven in sight of our coast by a storm, and, that more or less active explorations followed.” ; ** Was he your relation?” Who?” “ Binks Tae, ** Nonsense! He was an ancient naviga- tor. He paved the way, as I bave said, Then, in the year 1001, Leif Erickson, the Icelandic navigator, discovered Labrador, and sailed along the coast as far south as Rhode Island. Six years later, Thorfinn Kérlsefne explored the coast of Massachusetts, and settle- ments were; I claim, made all along the coast, and continued until 1850, when the great plague which depopulated Iceland and Greenland caused communication to be cut off with the New World. See?” “Oh! cert!” Spicy Jim answered glibly, but with a polite fiction. He was not so well informed on the days of Columbus as he would have been if he had gone to school instead of mending umbrel- las, while as for the northern navigators, he had never heard of them. Herjulfson, Erickson, Karlsefne, Freydis and Madoc were names which, to the best of his knowledge, had never been made famous in Bond street. Professor Jones had become a very different kindof aman, He had warmed to bis subject, which, plainly, was one of great interest, and all -, his absent-minded peculiarity bad disap- peared. ‘** Look around you!” he wenton. “Tn this room you see the skeletons of three persons—the remains of pre-historic man. I bave taken them from mounds—old burial-places that date back of known periods in this country, On _ the shelves which run around the room yon will see other relics of the unknown age—pottery, arrow- beads, battle-axes, stone vessels, and other ob- jects too numerous to mention. All were taken y me from the mounds.” ' ** Cheerful occupation ” **Tt is glorious!” ‘*’Pay ye welll” “Money I do not seek. As a scientist, it pays me wonderfully well? , Jes’ so!” Spicy Jim grimly commented, “You've got a reg’lar upheaved graveyard here!” “ Now, hie know my profession, If I engage you it will be to go along on my trips and aid in > ag -_
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{ ; ; a 6) the work. The strong man I want asa wielder of spade and pick, our own work would be lighter. What do you say?—will you enter my service?” CHAPTER II, UNPLEASANT VISITORS INTRUDE, Spicy JIM was wise in worldly wisdom, and as keenly attentive to business aims and chances as any banker on Wall street. He was not fas- cinated by the description of Professor Jones’s occupation, or the chance to become connected with it, but he was not slow to decide that his swer would depend upon what Jones would a * pay bim, He made his position known, and the bargain was made inside of three minutes, Jones offered no glittering inducements, but did promise, without circumlocution, to pay a sum greater than could be made in the umbrella business, Spicy Jim promised bis ewn services, and declared that he was sure Joshua Green, «too, would be glad to join the party. The professor insisted upon showing some of his treasures, but his apprentice could not im- bibe his own enthusiasm. Only the skeletons affected Jim, and he did not care whether the owners had died five years, or five hundred years before, ‘* A skelington is a skelingtor, fix it as "hed will,” he gravely asserted, ‘‘an’ they send a creepy sensation up my backbone. Ef the de- funct persons feel as cut up over the affair as I do, I pity them fur bein’ tied up with wire like that. Sbould s’pose their ghosts would haunt ye, by gum!” Mr, Jones was too much absorbed in business , thoughts to heed this plain speaking. **] will accompany you to your home,” he remarked, ‘‘and see Green while there is a chance, Before going 1 have an errand out- side which will occupy me half an bour or more. Will you wait in the parlor with Bertha until I return?’ “ Shall be delighted. Spicy Jim ain’t got any aversion to female sassiety.” e ‘ We will go down, then.” They went, and the professor’s plan was car- ried out, The umbrella-mender liked the change from the museum and its trophies. The parlor was bright and pleasant—and so was Bertha. The more he looked at her, the more he gave way to admiration,. She was plump, rosy- cheeked, bright-eyed and sparkling. James es- timated her to be seventeen years old, and wished he was of suitable age to admire her on @ more substantial basis, “So you think of going to work for Uncle Hamibal?” she questioned, pleasantly. “© -Yos.” .“ Do you think you will like the occupation?” “Dunno, I’ve never robbed a grave, yet.” “My dear boy, don’t rin be by taking that ‘view of it. Uncle kas been in the business ever since before I was born, and has hardly ever found human remains.’ Quaint things in stone and clay form are bis principal prizes.” ‘**T seen ’em.” ** His work is considered more than honorable; he is doing grandly for science,” ‘Ever see ghosts?” “ Never!” “Should think this house would be full o’ them, _Ef my skelington ever gits strung up on wires, I’]l haunt them as do it, by gum!” Bertha abandoned the attempt to convince the boy, but referred briefly to similar trophies of scientific search, as seen in museums of various cities, and explained that it was the general opinion that another race besides the Indians had existed in the country before Columbus ever saw our shores, and that Mr, Jones and many other learned men were anxious to estab- lish the fact and learn more of them, , They were still talking when the bell rung, and, in a few moments, the servant appeared at the parlor door. ; ‘* Miss Bertha,” she announced, * there is a—a lady and a gentleman here that want to see | you,’ Her manner was uncertain, but Bertha at once replied: ** Show them in!” The servant stepped back, and the visitors ap- peared. First came a tall, over-dressed woman who carried an abundance of paint and powder on her face, Spicy Jim took a dislike to her at the start, and thought her a poor companion for pretty Bertha, ; é man was a stout fellow of middle age who looked very much like a prize-fighter, his smooth- shaven face being particularly grim, brutal and Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. Spicy Jim instinctively glanced at Bertha, and was surprised to see the effect the intruders had upon her. She rose quickly and regarded them with unmistakable evidence of alarm, the color changing in her face, and her eyes growing large and startled. The painted woman gave her blonde head another ungraceful jerk, as substitute for a nod. ‘** Hullo, Miss Pert!” she exclaimed. ‘‘ How is your Highness, to-day?” Bertha made no answer, and the pugilistic- looking man commented in a hoarse voice: “ Didn’t know she was deef an’ dumb,” The woman waved her hand toward a chair. ‘*Sit down, Tom Bates! Manners is manners, if guests have to set the example.” **Correct, Mrs. Parsons!” The unprepossessing pair sat down with all the coolness in the world, but Bertha remained standing, The so-called Mrs, Parsons regarded her maliciously. ‘* Have you turned to stone, miss?” **-You, here!” faltered Bertha. “Of all idiotic questions! Where else can we be? Don’t you see we are here?” ce Yes. ” ‘*Did you say you were pleased?” '“No,” Bertha admitted, faintly. Mrs, Parsons laughed in a high key, and Tom Bates, taking his cue, laughed in a very deep key. Spicy Jim looked on in wonder, unable to understand the scene, and the audacity of the intruders, ‘* What a little fool she is!” commented Mrs, Parsons. Bertha suddenly gained a measure of courage, ** Why have you come here?” “To see you,” **T don’t want to see you /” ** That’s undutiful.” ‘*T owe you no duty!” ad No?” ‘** Not a particle.” **Perkaps you will explain why not?” ‘*Simply because I don’t believe anything that you ever told me.” “Mrs, Hannibal Jones was not so skeptical.” “You deceived ber, but you cannot deceive me. Mrs, Parsons’s evil-looking eyes glittered, * To you mean that you propose to defy me?” **T mean that I don’t believe you. “Do you know that I proved all this to your aunt, years ago?” **She thought you did.” ‘Stop this waste o’ time!” put in Tom Bates, hoarsely. ‘‘ You’ve got ter put on the screws,” “TI will put them on—I will prove to this in- significant creature that I am what I assert, Girl, I can read your rebellious, impudent nature, and will make no appeal to your filial nature. No; I will at once assert my rights, and demand of you what you are not inclined to yield willingly—obedience. Remember, Iam your mother!’ Spicy Jim’s mouth flew open. He stared at Mrs. Par ons for a moment blankly, and then exclaimed: ** 'Yowlin’ wild-cats!” The painted lady turned upon him sharply. ‘“ What rag-bag is this?” she demanded, “A rag-bag free from paint an’ powder, mum,” serenely replied the apprentice, . eee ear ; ey urray Hill English language, ’cordin’ ter the label on it,” “ yi ‘* Don’t you dare to insult me.” “* Jés’ so, by gum!” ‘ Mrs. Parsons turned to Bertha with fresh anger. ** Who is this hoodlum?” ‘* What do you care who he is?” **T am not going to be insulted by him.” ‘** Then I advise you not to set the example, as you did a moment ago,” “Tf he opens his mouth again, out of this house he goes!” **Do you own the house?” “ I do!” “This talk is foolish—” The painted woman removed a package of apers from the bosom of her dress, and, flour- ishing it, interrupted in a manner even more intemperate than before: ** Pil show you if it is foolish, before I am done here. Isay, I own this house, and I will prove it. Your gang sailed fast and high when I was dead broke, a few years ago, but times have changed a good bit. I came well heeled, this time, and don’t you forget it. It isin my pone. to turn you into the street, my flippant miss!” ‘Your claim is too absurd to answer. If you have nothing more important to say I would be glad to have you go. Have you any business here?” “ Have—I—any—business!” om Mrs. Parsons repeated tie words with a slow | and ominous pause after each, and then Tom Bates laughed in bis husky way. . “The gal don’t know bow funny she is!” he declared. ‘PIl show her; I'll show the young tiger-cat!” cried the painted woman, venomously. ‘*Took-a-here!” uttered Spicy Jim, ‘do you want a perleeceman called, Bertha? Ef so, jest lisp the news an’ this chick is off. “Yowlin’ wild- cats, yes! We'll jug this pair, an’ give ’em a country residence up at Sing Sing, by gum. Only whisper the order, an’ [il race fur a co per like mad. Spicy Jim knows snakes w’en he sees em, an’ he sees em now. Why, cert!” The visitors were looking daggers at the boy, but, at that moment, the door opened and Pro- fessor Jones appeared, CHAPTER III. WHO WAS THE THIEF? THE professor’s change of expression showed that he was surprised to find callers present, but, absent-minded as he usually was, he never forgot to be a gentleman, e now bowed to Mrs. Parsons, and looked at Bertha inquiringly. ** Here is the old duffer!” quoth Mrs, Parsons. Anexpression of such complete vulgarity, from a woman’s lips was enough to startle ever Pro- fessor J ones, and he again azed at the speaker, ** Looks like a broomstick with whiskers,” re- marked Tom Bates, huskily. ‘* Bless me!” Jones muttered. “‘Uncle Hannibal,” interrupted Bertha, ‘‘do you know this—this woman?” ‘* Lady!” corrected Mrs. Parsons, severely. ‘*When you deserve the complimentary name you shall receive it,” returned the girl, with spirit. ‘* Uncle, this is Mrs, Parsons, You re- member her, don’t you?” It was needless to ask the question, The mo- ment that Mr. Jones heard the name he recoiled, and hisexpression betrayed consternation. ‘We are here, old chap!” the painted woman declared. ‘*Come ter see our relations,” growled Mr. Thomas Bates, facetiously. “ Better look in the pig-pen!” observed Spicy Jim, frankly, but without attracting attention. **T—I did not know where you were,” stam- mered the professor. “Tt don’t matter where we were! It is where we are that concerns us all,” answered Mrs, Parsons, “% We have come to stop with you, Hannibal,” “You promised to keep away!” suddenly cried Jones, with more vehemence than ary, one would have thought him capable of show- ing. « I come merely because you are in my house.” “ Your house?” “ee Yes,” ‘¢ You are absurd,” ‘*For once I don’t blame you for saying a foolish thing; itis natural. I ama kind-hearted woman, and don’t wish to play on your feelings. Hence, I will come to the point at once. When Amos Case died ? Ae! wife inherited this house as heir-at-law. It was supposed that old Case left no will, for none was found at that time. A will has been found since. The house is not yours, ‘Do you expect me to believe this¢” “ Yes. » ‘*T do not believe it.” ** You doubt my word?” “Yes.” ‘*T expected you would. need to rely upon any is in existence to spea Luckily, we do not rson’s say-soy the will for itself, and it will speak, I presume you know Amos Case’ hand- writing?” : ‘ “ec Yes,” : ** Read this, and study the signature!” She flaunted a legal-looking document before him, and Tom Bates croaked: ““An’ mind, cully, dat you don’t try ter tear the will up, I'll be watchin’ you, That’s why I'm here, See?” “Who is this man?’ Jones asked, indig- nantly, addressing Mrs, Parsons, but motioning ates, ‘* My protector.” ‘“* Dat’s straight,” Tom agreea. t “Tid you think you were coming among outlaws, that you should take such a—a person along to ‘ protect’ you—if that is the word you prefer?” f “ : be z : ‘ : ji : ay i” ¢ Raa < 5. Flee pe hb et al ie fo
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**T didn’t intend to lose the will,” the painted woman nonchalantly answered, » The professor swallowed his anger as far as possible. There were times when, in bis ab- straction, he would utterly fail to perceive sneers and insults which were leveled at him, but he was sensitive; naturally, and, being now all devoted to practical matters, he ignored the enmity between bimself and Mrs, Parsons long enough to feel hurt and indignant that a rough aon be brought there to stand guard over im. Dropping the subject, be read the document slowly and carefully. Spicy Jim, who had become very much inter- ested, inferred that Mr. Jones found little conso- lation in the paper, When it was read he again faced the female visitor. ‘*T find no bequest to you here,” he observed, ‘* There is none.” ‘*Then why do you make any claim?” ‘* Did you observe how Case disposed of this house?” ‘* He gave it to Bertha,” ** Well?” ‘© What claim have you to it?” ** Bertha is a minor, and I am her mother. Such being the case, ber property is under my control until she is legally Ler own mistress.” ‘* You signed a paper relinquishing all claim to her.” st Perhaps you can produce that paper?” “T can,’ The professor went quickly to the back parlor and unlocked a desk that stood there, lt had belonged to his deceased wife, and had not been opened, as far as he knew, in many months, Varing the last years of her life she had made almost exclusive use of the room, and it had been touched but rarely since her death, There was but little in the desk now, and half a dozen papers in pigeon-holes made the sum total of all it contained in that line, One after anotber he examined these papers, but, when he looked at the last, a peculiar “ex- pression passed over his face, It was of no value, out he gazed at it fixedly, his manner betraying emotion, not because of what he saw, but of what he did not see. He went over the whole collection a second time, bus without any change of expression. Then he called Bertha into the room. ‘* Have you removed that paper?” he asked. ‘*T? No; I never have opened the desk since aunt died,” “This is very strange. It is gone!” “ How can that be? Only you and I ever en- ter here,” ‘That makes it all the stranger. Anyhow, the paper is gone. I don’t kuow whether it would be strictly good in law, but it certainly would go a good way toward influencing matters ‘in our favor, Now, it’s gone. it is most singu- lar and incomprebensible.” “Uncle, don’t you see?” Bertha cried. ‘* What?’ “Didn't you notice that woman’s triumphant — aud pa engensi ae Se -— that rhaps you could produce the paper fe [ aid notice something of the kind.” ‘*She knew that it was gone, She, or some tool of hers, was the robber; [ don’t know just who. Possibly they bribed the servant we re- cently discharged; perhaps that brutal-looking wretch in the next room acted as _ house- ag oe ‘ , +> n any case, the paper is gone and— The professor patton In this dilemma he did not see his way clear to Rahs Mrs, Parsons.. That painted person bad grown impatient, and she suddenly appeared at the connecting door, ** Well, are you ready?” she demanded, Mr. Jones regarded ber with intentness not to be expected of one who was so often devoid of the rudiments of practical strength. ‘* Woman,” he returned, ‘‘ what have you done with that paper?” “I? Faith, old gent, I know of no such paper atall, You are the one who was prating abou it—who was going to produceit. Well, go ahead and do it!” ‘*T believe you have taken it.” * How could I?” ‘* You ought to know better than I.” ‘Tf I had taken it, I should know. I did not . take it; 1 bad oar do with its disappear- ance, if it is gone. you have lost it?” Jones did not answer. He was now sorry that he had admitted as much—there was a faint possibility that she was not the thief, or back of the thief—and saw how helpless he was in the struggle. The painted woman gave her blonde head a eee Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. triumphant swing which might appropriately : ‘“‘T'll give you time—I won’t say bow much, t be termed a swagger, ** Let’s come down to business,” she advised. ** Bar the release, anyhow; if it were at band it | don’t like, would be valueless. Let’s sit down again.” Jones mechanically followed her to the other room, “Perhaps you had better give orders to have a suite of rooms made- ready for me,” Mrs. Par- sons added, “ Eh?” ‘This being my house, I wish to move in at once, in order to be near my daughter.” ‘* We can’t accommodate you!” declared Ber- tha, with spirit. ‘* Would you refuse your mother?” ‘*T don’t believe you are my mother.” ** Jones will not deny it,” ‘The professor did not deny it, ‘* Either I move in,” Mrs, Parsons added, ‘‘ or you move out, I have been deprived of my rights long enough. By the terms of the will this house is yours, girl, but I am given full charge of the property until you are twenty- one, The law gives me full charge of you, too, 1 do not wish to seem severe, but I demand filial obedience from you. Ouraugust professor will not order me out of the house, for be knows full well what that would mean. You and he have enjoyed luxury for years, while 1 bave been barred out, but all you have goes in a lump. If you defy me I shall deprive Jones of home and money; if 1 do that, he becomes a gs =e be unfortunate professor sat silent and mis- erable before this array of facts. It meant more to him than it would have done to an ordinary man. His scientific pursuit was the passion of his life. If the threatened blow fell he would have no place for bis collection, and poverty would compel him to abandon his life-work and try to eara a living in a prosaic way. And be knew very well that he was not fit to do that, It was a pause very painful to him and Ber- tha, and their expressions told the fact clearly, but Mrs, Parsons was complacent, cool and tri- umpbant. d CHAPTER IV, FOLLOWING HUMAN GAME, Sprcy Jim found it very bard to remain silent while this conversation was taking place. He had conceived a strong dislike for Mrs. Parsons and Tom Bates, and the natural result was that he became in lively sympathy with Jones and Bertha, The professor’s odd ways were all forgotten for the time, The umbrella-mender naturally thought ac- cording to the way of tke Mg reshapes whom he had been brought up, Their way was of an emphatic nature, and the professor’s ap- rentice was confident that, if it were his case, 6 should eject the intruders summarily. He read them better than his friends, simply because he was wiser in worldly lore. He knew that neither Mrs, Parsons nor Bates could gain focthold in respectable society. The one was a genuine rough; the other was an adventuress, Just what crimes could be charged to them was not clear, but it did not seem libelous to suspect them of the whole catalogue. it was some time before Mr, Jones found his tongue, When he did it was not to meet the painted woman boldly. He denied nothing she had claimed, but, shorn ot the strength he had shown recently, he pleaded for a little time. * Their coming and the demand, be urged, had been very sudden, and be was not prepared to take action in the case then, He asked for de- lay; for an opportunity to think the matter over and look to the proofs, ‘* Ain’t all been proved once?’ Mrs, Parsons demanded. ¥ late wife talked with you, then,” “Was her judgment no good? ‘She was versed inlaw. ‘ ** Are you?” ‘Tn a measure.” ** You look iti” ** So does a mummy!” The first sarcastic retort came from Mrs. Parsons; the second, from Tom Bates, The professor bore both meekly, “You must confess that the matter is too important to take action at once,” he continued, Morr 7"l] admit that I expected this, prof., and I am going to bumor you, There is no reason why I should, except that I am accommodat- i ing.” ‘Kom Bates chuckled hoarsely. EE eee eee | won’t be long. I am going to watch you, and: shall drop on you right away if I see signs TE Look out that you don’t try to play me for an innocent; when I put the skates on,” Tbe last unique claim was very indefinite, but Jones did not ask to have it explained. He already knew enough about ber. The interview was over; Mrs. Parsons only remained to repeat her warnings. Her manner continued offensive, and she flaunted ber gaudy skirts as no womanly woman would have done. “ Bad all through!” muttered the umbrella- mender. : When tkey were gone the professor was sur- prised to see his apprentice hasten to his side and ask the questien: ‘* Be yer goin’ ter see Joshua Green, now?” “Give me time, young man. [ll callin a couple of hours, for the business is pressing, but I do not feel like it just now, Don’t burry me!’* He spoke wearily, and ina down-hearted way, as if pre-historic man bad suddenly lost interest for him, but the boy’s answer was quick and eager: “ All right! I’m off, now, Josh Green will be in whenever yer call, an’I dassay I shall, too, but Spicy Jim has got other fish ter ketch now, Yowlin’ wild-cats, yes! [’m cff!” James opened the door and beat.a retreat so unceremonious that, at any other time, it would have created wonder, but he did not go without. method, He wanted to see more of the late visitors, ‘* Pll find where they live, or wear my uppers. all off!” was his comment, as he hastened down the steps. Mrs, Parsons and Bates were going away, but not together. The painted woman led, carrying herself with a free-and-easy, independent car- riage, while Tom rolled along a few yards im the rear, puffing a very bad cigar which he had —— he full measure of their offense against good looks and manners was brought about by the broad daylight, and Spicy Jim shook his head gravely. Sing Sing has got better!” he commented sagely. hen the pair reached the Bowery they turned north and walked on until they came to Great Jones street. There they turned to the left, and soon brought up at a house, the door of which Mrs, Parsons opened with a key. She entered there; Bates, by the basement door. ‘* Yowlin’ wildcats!” the pursued observed. ‘*1'll be chased by ghosts ef that house ain’t lum’ opposite ter J. Green’s classic abode. ow, then, there may be a chance fur me ter pipe ’em off from my own room. Spicy Jim, you're in luck, Scatter!” E He went around into Bond street, climbed two flights of stairs and entered a back-room, A gray-baired, very muscular-looking man sat there mending an umbrella. ‘* Here you be!” he exclaimed. ‘* Here | be, Josh.” * Only two umbrells?” * Only two,” James went to the window and began to scan the house which had suddenly become of interest to him. Nothing was to be seen, but he was patient. “ Trade is r,” said Joshua Green, deliber- ately jabbing a broken rib through the cover to ap umbrella. Spicy Jim saw @ woman appear at a window across the way and raise the shade, It was Mrs, Parsons, She began to remove the gaudy bonnet that covered her blonde hair. “This life isa great change from war days,” pursued Joshua, Sane **T never seen an um- brell, then, from Bull Ru it rained all the time, Fact! Never seen no rain like Virginny rain, Once, the down-pour was 80 powerful that it washed the sbirt off my back. Funny part on’t was, it left my coat an’ weskit on,” Jim saw a man appear by Mrs. Parsons's side. He was young, and looked handsome and gentle- manly. They an to talk earnestly, “When I’s in Californy, in ’49,” pursued Mr, Green, ‘‘ thar was no rain fer three years. The ground got so hot in the sun that 'taters, apples, cowcumbers, an’ beans grew all cooked, an wheat-fields was jest crowded with loaves o° bread which bung 0D the stubble, Powerful hot country, Califoroy is. An umbrella-mender would ‘a’ starved there durin’ the dry spell I mention.” Mrs, Parsons took from her pocket a folded paper which Spicy Jim easily rccognized as the will of Amos Case. , Iam a daddy high-roller~ ; n ter Malvern Hill, an’ »
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Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. a Her companion examined it closely. ‘** A power behind the throne!” thought James, ** Wonder who the young feller is, an’ how he’s inter it?” ‘In 1833,” went on Joshua, fitting a brace deftly, ‘it rained three hundred and sixty-seven straight days in New York. Umbrella-menders hired the biggest stores in the city, an’did a rushin’ biz.” ** Josh, who lives across the way?’ James asked, ; ‘** Furnished rooms.” ** Who runs it?” ** Dunno.” ‘* Bver see them parties afore?” ‘Don’t see em now.” ** Josh Green, you get a move on ye an’ come here, I’ve hired you out fer the season. Your duties are ter dig up men of ancient vintage, but I allow that modern women enter inter our contrack, Spread them bow legs o’ yourn an’ come here!” ’ There was a good deal of good will between the umbrella-menders, and Josh did not resent this familiar mode of address. Instead, he good- humoredly obeyed. “ She looks like a measly, homely canary bird, or a bleached sunflower,” Green commented, regarding Mrs, Parsons attentively. ‘Think I seen her at the window this A. M. Don’t know her. ‘* An, the man?” * Hullo!” ‘* You do know him.” > ‘* Bet yer socks! That’s Temple Lloyd.” ‘*Who is he?” ‘Keeps a china store over nigh my sister’s house, an’ lives over it. Cert—I know him.” “What's his caliber?” **Porty-one. He’s a good fellow.” “What! an’ a friend o’ that monyment ©’ paint, powder, bleached hair an’ peacock colors?” ‘* Does look queer, don’t it?” ‘You are mistooken on him.” ‘“Not much. Don’t know the fellow, myself, an’ he don’t know me—J. Green, umbrells ar- tistically repaired an’ braced in the j’ints; terms, ¢cash—but you can’t fool me on Temple Lloyd. He’s a peachblow vase with diamond fillin’, over iv his section. He’s doin’ a right smart business, an’ gittin’ rich fer a young man, Everybody dotes on him; he gives piles o’ money ter city sasscieties fer benev’lent purposes, an’ they do say he sent three missionaries on his own expense ter Afrikay, fer the heathen ter eat,” ‘You've got the wrong man.” ** Not much.” ** An’ he’s hob-nobbin’ with Yaller Hair?” ‘* Looks like it,” ** Tt ain’t possible,” “You'll notice, Spicy Jim, that they ain’t Jovin’ or friendly. Itfollers that they are talkin’ biz—yes; an’ they are in dead earnest,” The last fact impressed the boy strongly. Whatever the bond between the pair might be, they had matters to talk about which they re- garded as important. The conversation lasted for half an hour jonger, and then the young man rose, as if to take his leave, **So-long, J. Green!” Spicy Jim exclaimed ; and then without pausing to answer the question the umbrella-mender sent after him, he hurried out of the room and the house. pamest to the corner of Great Jones street he went. He was not long kept waiting, for the young mhan came out and tarned toward the Bowery with quick steps. James made himself as incon- spicuous as possible, and waited to see where his game would go. A Fourth avenue car was approaching, and the unknown made for it at once, ‘*T’'m in fer the war!” quoth Spicy Jim, and, with this observation, he leaped upon the front platform at the same time that the man swung himself on at the rear. : The car rolled northward, but the journey wag not of long duration, As soon us Union Square was reached Jim’s quarry alighted, and the eed followed suit as soon as he thought pru- ent. _ Liloyd—to call the stranger by the name Joshua Green bad given him—walked briskly into the park, but bad not gone far when he turned toward a bench and joined a young lady who. was sitting there. "Nother woman in the case!” commented ames, ‘T s’pose it’s natural, fer J. Green says as how they is at the bottom of all mischief, but where does this one come inter Yaller Hair’s game! Some myst’ry here that ain’t oblivious to the casnal gaze, b’gum!” He studied the manner of the pair on the | think so, bench, They were looking into each other's face, and their general demeanor was of a kind which Jim analyzed with characteristic shrewdness, ‘Lovers, b’gum! I must git a look at—” he young lady turned her head further, and Jim stood amazed, He was gazing at Bertha! CHAPTER V. THE MYSTERY OF TEMPLE LLOYD. It was a complete surprise. Spicy Jim had not expected to see any‘one he knew, so he had made no effort to recognize the young lady, and he could scarcely credit the tes- timony of his own eyes, ‘* Bertha—there? And in apparently affec- tionate conversation with a man who bad just come from Mrs. Parsons? ‘* Bertha it is,” he reluctantly admitted, ‘‘ but Tl be cook fer a Chinee ef I undersan’ the case, See heran’ Mr. Temple Lloyd—if it’s him, really —smile on ter each other! Yowlin’ wild-cats! I'd give my Revolutionary War pension ter git sech smiles as he’s gittin’, They’re better than a dozen umbrellas ter mend!” There did, indeed, seem to be a wonderful amount of good feeling between Lloyd and Ber- tha, It was not of the pronounced type by which some lovers make themselves objects of derision in public, but, in a quiet way, they gave evidence enough to satisfy Spicy Jim. ‘* Ef he’s as rich as J. Green says, I guess the loss of the Rivington street house won’t break Bertha allup. Ef there ain’t a scheme on tho griddle fer him ter furnish another house fer her, then you kin set me down fer a blind man, Shall I go up an’ speak ter her?” t took the boy only a very few seconds to de- cide upon this point. “Not much, I won’t; I don’t know what ound is under my feet, an’ I’m not goin’ ter allall over myself. Somebody is playin’ Judas. Bertha an’ Mrs, Parsons are either enemies, or they pretend ter be. Lloyd is friends with both, or pretends ter be. Somebody is bein’ fooled. Wonder ef I kin find out who?” » There was a fascination about the idea of ex- posing a nefarious plot, and James forgot all else in an earnest desire to do it in this case, He determined to make an effort to overhear the conversation of the couple on the bench, but how was he to do it? If be went in front of them, Bertha would see and recognize him; if he tried to move up in the rear, the Park policeman was sure to fall upon him for getting on the grass. While he hesitated Bertha and Lloyd rose and came toward him. He pretended to be ab- sorbed in surveying a tree close at hand, and kept his back toward them. hey soon advanced near enough to make their conversation audible to him, **T hope you will not let this worry you,” re- marked the man. “Pll try not to worry, Temple,” she returned. ** Remember that I am with you.” ‘*T do, and it is a great consolation.” ** You will find me a great general.” . * You ought to be, after all your successful business enterprises.” “Let us be modest as to that, but notin re- gard to the cause we are now engaged in. Trust me and you and your friend shall be winners; the enemy must fail.” How am I to meet Uncle Hannibal natural- ly? ‘Surely, you bave not begun a career of deceit only to falter now?” returned Lloyd, smiling slightly. ‘*T)] try not to betray myself.” “That’s right. Once let Mr. Jones suspect our plot and he would head us off.” ** And Mrs, Parsons?” Lloyd laughed unconcernedly,. ‘‘ Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. Now, here comes your car, my dear; take it and return home before you are missed. It’s getting late, too.” He signalled to the car; he and Bertha parted with a warm hand-clasp, and she was soon on her way down the street, Lloyd watched for - moment, and then began his own journey on oot. Thanks to their preoccupation, Spicy Jim had escaped. notice. He had heard some of their conversation, too, but it was very indefinite. Lioyd had spoken of their “deceit” and their ** plot,” but against whom they were leveled was not clear, F There was a chance that every one was against Professor Jones, but James preferred not to a } He did not like to abandon his ad- miration of Bertha, Temple Lloyd did not look behind bim as he went, so he remained unconscious of one fact— he was being followed. Spicy Jim was humoring a desire to get more points concerning the merchant. The day was fast nearing anend. The home- ward rush of the army of daily workers was falling o:?, and most of them had reached their residences and were engaged in wrestling with food more or less palatable. But in New York the going down of the sun does not mark the end of the city day, however it may be with the solar day. The average New Yorker does not fairly begin to live, as he regards the term and its application, until the moon, gas and electric lights don the sun’s discarded crown, If James had been under any doubts they would soon have been removed. His quarry went straight to a large store over the door of yore was the name, ** Temple Lloyd,” 1n large etters, The pureuer saw him enter what seemed to be a private office. Jim waited. Nearly all of the employees had departed. Others soon followed, Then Lloyd come out, leaving the porter alone, Jim saw that the young man’s face was earn- est and thoughtful. ‘* He starts off as ef he had vallerble biz on hand, It a be about chiny plates and butter dishes, but I'll pursoc him a littlelonger, Spicy Jim, patent leather ain’t so dear that you need ter hesitate about wearin’ off yeruppers. Gita move on ye!” He fell in behind Mr. Temple Lloyd and fol- lowed with quiet alertness, but the chase was but short, Lloyd entered a dingy room where, according to the sign over the door, billiards was the absorbing amusement. James followed, and was interested at once, Mr. Temple Lloyd was shaking hands with tbree men who, evidently, had been seated together at a table before his entrance, ‘The plot thickens!” muttered Jim. The conclusion was natural. One of the men was Tom Bates; the others were very much like him in appearance. Between them and Lloyd some understanding seemed to exist, He was bland and gracious; they were hearty and familiar. The party sat down, and Spicy Jim took posi- tion at an adjacent table, keeping his back to Bates, and burying bis face in a comic paper. “We will come to business, at once,” Lloyd declared, as he distributed a handful of cigars. ‘*Go on, boss,” Bites encouraged, ‘Gentlemen, [ take it you all possess nerve?” There was an eager affirmative chorus. ** And can hold your tongues?” Again the chorus. ‘Then you are what I want. You came well recommended when Mr, Bates vouches for you; he is a gentleman of bop : ‘¢ You do me proud, boss!” declared Tom. ‘‘ Now, as to to-night, Isuppose all of you are ready for action?” “We that.” “Then all will be simple. I have a close gar- riage engaged which will take you to the scene of action, I shall be there when you arrive. You have only to ride up, and then work under my directions,” : ‘* That's the stuff,” Bates affirmed. ‘*No ghosts around there, is there, boss? one of the other men asked. ** Not a ghost,” : ‘Pye heard a man was killed there,” ‘* His ghost don’t walk.” ““T’ve knowed them as did, Slumpy Tim, the night watchman on a sart’in pier, used ter see a ghost—” : > “I've heard of men seeing snakes, too, The house we are to visit is old, but you neéd have no fear of trouble from ghosts, or creatures of the flesh. Noone ever goes there unless it isa stray tramp. Such a person we can pick out.” ‘* Who’s the woman in this case?” ** An estimable lady,” Lloyd affirmed, * Bates has been actin’ as ber dog.” This was said with a grin, and Tom waxed in- dignant, “Sally Parsons isa hummer,” he asserted, ‘an’ you chaps would give yer ears ter be in her good graces, But she knows a gent better when she sees one, an’ it’sme she has took up wid, See?” . a “Tom is all right,” Lloyd asserted. “ Now, then, man, you are to go to the corner of Third avenue and Fourteenth street at nine o’clock, You will see the carriage waiting there. You don’t want to make any mistake, so you will ask the driver what his name is. If he says Pete Connor, he’s your man, Get into the vehicle,
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al an "he re a? 4 Ty . — ilertoe’ aah aid tel ee bo ee 6 . Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. Eee keep sober, ride where he drives, and you will have rocks in your pockets when the sun winks atthe towers of the East River Bridge to-mor- row morning.” aaore arose and tossed acoin down on the table. * Drink to our success, but go light. Whisky steals a man’s brains,” The merchant went out followed by the good wishes of his allies. Spicy Jim lingered wiih the hope that Bates and the others would in- dulge in gossip, but they did nothing of the kind. On the contrary, they soon left the saloon, their matter-of-fact manner showing that they had exhausted comments already. The boy watcher also went his way, * Spicy Jim, you’re in luck!” he commented! **You ain’t got nary an idee what is up, but you’re goin’ ter know, by gum! Youare goin’ on this trip, too, ef it kin be arranged, Yowlin’ wildcats, yes!” He walked rapidly for several minutes, and then entered a stable, An honest-looking man was sweeping the floor. ** Hullo, Pete!” * Ah! me boy, an’isit you it is?) Begorra, it’s been a long toime siuce I set me two peepers on ye. How goes it wid yez.” “Tolerable, Petey. My ribs is all hunk, an’so is my braces, My kiver may be bleached a bit, but the stuff is still there. I’m. genuine silk, with gold plates an’ trimmin’s. Five dollars apiece—discount ter the trade, Say, Petey, what’s up?” ‘* What about?” ** Your job, ter-night.” ‘* How’d ye hear ave that?" *‘ Nevermind. Where ye goin’?” “Up oorth ave de Harlem, somewheres; don’t know just where. Oi’m ter get de full dirack- shuns later, Why?” ** Who ye goin’ ter take?” ** Three men Oi’m ter mate at de corner ave de avenoo an’ Fourteen’ strate, Wan Timple engaged me. Why?" Petey, I want ter go along.” ** All right.” ** But I must go hid.” Why?’ ** The fellers will objeck.” ** Spicy, phat’s up?” Mr. Connor ceased work and leaned upon his broom as he asked the question. Previously, he bad not had reason to suppose that the ex- ore aa was out of the ordinary run though he ad been cautioned not to mention it. He had disobeyed to the excent of confiding in Spicy Jim, but he did this because he and Jim were good friends, And, from the same reason, the boy dia not hesitate to talk freely in return. CHAPTER VI. THE NIGHT DIGGERS ANQ THE BOX, ** HERE’s the carriage!” ** Make sure of it,” “Cert, I will. I’m no slouch!’ It was the appointed hour, and Tom Bates and his friends bad found a closed carriage waiting at the corner of Third avenue and Fourteenth street. He now walked up to the driver. ‘*What’s yer name, me man?” ** Peter Connor, begorra!” ‘ * All right; we’re yer cargo.” ** Tumble in.” This iat: seggmen was satisfactory to all par- ties, and Tom and his friends entered the car- riage under the impression, that they had taken every necessary precaution, Once inside they began to smoke, and gave no further heed to affairs around them. Unknown to the trio, at the time they entered the velticle at onedside a boy had agilely mounted to the box at the other side. When Connor sat down he spread out a rubber caps over his shoulders, the cloudy state of the sky making some excuse for the step, and those inside did not suspect that a slender youth was nestling close up to their Jehu, The carriage rolled northward. It was no short journey to the Harlem River, but Connor had a fine team, and the ground was covered in good time. After crossing the stream Spicy Jim knew but very little about .the way they took, for the annexed district was out of, bis line of business, but Connor did not hesitate. He drove rapidly, and the street ‘grew to look less and less like a part of the great American city. _ Anon they turned into a side street, and, five minutes later, paused in front of a house. The building, which was extremely ancient of appearance, was unlighted, It bore no signs of 4 ‘ duit ; anh it a ae eo oS Wee ef 40] Feb : — 4 A , wl ad fli a 7 - wr A A [ us Poikd ied ae ¥ ett 4 . : ees Tee uy Ne ll Se « ris sO ib a ami ae 2 = Sete le “sr ee m (oO he wi a a a ne oe en Ra ee life, and, as it stood in the middle of a wide lot, with no other house near, had an extremely lonesome, unpleasant aspect. Spicy Jim did not wait for any ceremony, but leaped off and stood behind the horses while Bates and his friends alighted. P They went toward the house, but Connor re- ascended to the box. His orders were not to linger near the old house, but to be on hand ata specified bour, ‘* Oi hate ter Pave yez, Jimmy,” he declared, “Pm all right.” ‘Don’t yez git ketched. Oi make me no doubt thim fellers hev mischief in their hearts, an’ they w’u’d niver stop ter think’ twice ef dey ketched yez spyin’ on ’em. Luk out, Jimmy!” ‘*My amiable frien’, you mean all right, but yer don’t know Spicy Jim, You'll find his ribs an’ braces sound as steel when the smoke o’ bat- tle clears away. So long, Petey; Dll see ye when the sun gues down, Remember me ter any good-lookin’ damsel yer see!” Waving his hand the boy skipped quietly from thecover of the horses to that of the fence. Following the latter on two sides of the square | it inclosed, he approached the bouse by tae rear, Abundant shrubbery gave him ample conceal- ment, As he had expected, he found four men on the scene—Temple uloyd had met his allies, ‘¢ Now to work!” he exclaimed, just as James got within hearing. ‘*The owner won't ketch us at it?” “*T happen to know that the owner is even now within a few yards of the Bowery.” ‘* Guess you're right,” coincided B ves. ‘‘ Old Jones ain’t the sort ter go out nights.” ‘* Hush! No names here!” Lloyd spoke with an appearance of vexation, but the damage was done already. Spicy Jim, quick to arrive at conclusions, decided that Pro- fessor Hannibal Jones was the person referred to as the owner of the estate, Jim did notallow this belief to be interfered with by the fact that Jones was such a common name, After this caution Lloyd directed the men to follow him, and led the way to a point near the north-east corner of’ the lot. There he drew spades out of the shrubbery and tersely di- rected: , ** Dig there!” The point indicated was where a rose-bush put forth an abundance of pure white blossoms, each one showing clearly in the semi-darkness, The men began at once, “* 1 s’pose this is all right,” muttered the pro- fessor’s apprentice, from his hiding-place near at hand, ‘‘ but I don’t ketch on, They ain’t grave- robbers, as fur as I kin see, an’ ef Spicy Jim has been lured all the way up here ter see a rosebush dug up, he will go off an’ commit some desprit deed, He will, by gum!” The boy was a good deal perplexed. He had felt sure that something of great im- portance was at hand, but’ the rose-bush had staggered bis faith. It did not take the laborers long to dig under the bush and tear it up. When it was cast aside they continued at work, and an excavation was rapidly made, im’s wavering faith returned as he saw Tem- ple Lloyd go close to the laborers and watch with unfeigned interest. Suddenly one of the spades gave forth a pecu- liar sound, ** Carefully!” cried Lloyd, ‘There is a tin box there, and it must not be injured. Give me a spade!” e leaped into the excavation, and began to work, ‘*Cap’n Kidd’s gold!” quoth one of the men, aside, ‘* I’ve heard it said that ghosts guard buried gold,” answered his companion, “Only when a murder has been done,” ** A man was killed in yender house.” “*T ll bet his ghost is nigh!” The two looked around nervously, but no ghost appeared on the scene, **Yowlin’ widcats!” muttered James, ‘‘ this is growin’ oxcitin’. I kin feel my hair sizzle an’ dance on my head. Myribsan’ braces is sprung, by gum!” Temple Lloyd was not beset with any super- stitious fears. He used the spade, with care, and soon uncovered a small tin box. His compan- ions began to be excited, but when he stooped and easily lifted the box wivh one hand their ex- pectations fell. Anything of such light weight could not be a depository for gold ‘coin, ‘So far, good\” Lloyd commented. ‘* You will remain bere, men, all of you. Iam going to the house to examine this box, but will return shortly. When I come there will be more work for you to do—I hope!” e walked away without waiting for an an- swer. His allies remained, but he did not go alone. The discovery of -the box had aroused Spicy Jim’s keenest interest, and he was resolved to see it opened, if possible, The wild mass of shrubbery was all in his fa- vor, and he followed without danger until the house was reached, Lloyd opened the door and entered. Jim waited a moment to see if he could hear key turned or bolt drawn. No such sound came, and he boldly followed after the leader. The latter was ascending the stairs. Thedark- ness was intense, but the pursuer did not hesitate to keep on. With all the caution possible he continued the chase, Once on the next floor he bad to be less pre- cipitate. He heard a door closed, and yentured to light a match. It was not hard to locate the room where Lloyd was, but the closed door pre- sented a barrier, The spirit of decay had full swing all around, and the door of the adjoining room was off its hinges and leaning against the wall. Jim had just time to see this, and then his match went out. It brought a new discovery, however—a ray of light in the second room proved that Lloyd had made use of a lamp in the first. The spy entered the former, There was a connecting door, and a broken panel gave the boy just the chance he desired. He hastened to secure a view, and the broken panel gave him the chance, while the crevices were not wide enough to expose him to dis- covery. He saw Lloyd at once. The merchant stood by a table upon which were the lamp and the box, and he was prying the lid from the latter, Spicy Jim watched with breathless attention. The work was soen done; the cover flew back. James could not see the interior, but Lloyd’s face became a panorama, The merchant had been all eagerness, but the light suddenly died: out of his eyes, bis face became downcast, and he stared blankly at the interior of tke box. ** His name is Dennis K. Mud!” commented Spicy Jim, in a whisper. There was a pause, during which Lloyd’s manner told of keen disappointment, and then he muttered words which the watcber could not understand, but which did not seem expressive of joy. He lifted the box and examined it nar- rowly, as if hoping to. find a secreb cavity, but it was of the plainest nature, ; He finally set it down with more force than was in keeping with good temper. This done he meditated, disappointment stil} expressed in his face, and walked up and down the room several times. : q “His High-jinks is laid out,” Jim decided, ‘*an’ he’s tryin’ ter see his way clear under the new dispensation. Ef he would call me in, an’ pay erbout a saw-buck fer a retainin’ fee, I might mebbe belp him out. As ’tis, he must steer his own toboggan; it costs cash ter git first- class primers on delikit pints.” Lloyd did not seem to gain any inspiration, but after pacing the room for awhile, went out with slow steps and lowered head, Spicy Jim stood still until he heard the outer door close, and then boldly invaded the other room, Intentionally, or otherwise, Lloyed had left the light burning, and the irrepressible boy was bound to have a look at the box, He made a discovery at the very first. Upon the cover was painted a name, and he read it without trouble: ** AMOS CASE!” ‘* Whew!” murmured the lad, ‘ that’s the same man whcse will Mrs. Parsons talked about so much at Jones’s!” A footstep sounded near, Jim turned quickly from investigating the mysterious box to behold —was it an apparition?” CHAPTER VIL. THE WOMAN IN WHITE. ‘* By gum!” The words fell from the umbrella-mender’s lips in a serio-comic way, He bad turned with a feeling not devoid of alarm, for he expected to see Temple Lloyd back again, but the reality was very different from the expectation, A buman being was there, but it was a wo- man—more than that, a woman appareled in most spectral style. From head to foot she was clad in white, Even her face was covered witb a vail of that hue. She was tall and slen- der, but that was all that could be discovered. She returned the boy’s regard, and each satis- fied an inquisitive inclination to a certain de-
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oo, wie wi eat OPC tae ESTE US aie PETS a = HY 3 - no Saee Se ey ‘ire a iy Be Pt ee 4 oh Spicy Ji im, the Only One of His Kind. ROS Atay a ME ee gree before thesilence was broken, She evinced no disposition tospeak, but her companion did, at last. ‘‘Great snakes!” Spicy Jim exclaimed, “ be youa livin’ ghost, or a dead one?” She shook her head sadly. *‘ Unfortunately, I still live.” ‘‘Then there’s hope fer you ter reform,” ** Reform?” ** Yes; ter quit goin’ *round in spook’s bleach- ed-out raiment, an’ skeerin’ folks out o’ their nine senses,” ** fam in sackcloth and ashes,” **T see the sackcloth, but where's the ashes?” *T speak figuratively.” “Don’t do it, mum! Figgers I don’t know nothin’ erbout. Maf’matics an’ me ain’t on good terms, ses gs awlgerbray, deuter- onomy, an’ sich, I never: studied, I kin tell how much it costs ter hev a rib or brace put in; or a new cover spread on a skelington of a hashed-up umbrell; but thar my pussona] famul- iarity with figgers ‘ends, Don't speak that way, mum!” “You do not understand, but let it pass, What are you doing here?’ ‘* Hevin’ a wild flirtation with you, mum.” ** How did you enter the house?” ‘‘ By the chimney.” ** Impossible!” ** All things is possible with muskeeters an’ me—” ; ** You talk nonsense!” The vailed woman turned impatiently, and then her attention fell upon the box, She re- garded it curiously. ‘* What is this?’ she asked. “ {ts an egg-rejuvenater. No matter ef an egg is old, wrinkled, bald-beaded, toothless, an’ worse-smellin’ than a New Yor k street, it can be made young in that box!” This remarkable statement was gravely made, but the vailed woman suddenly saw the lettering on the box. : ‘* What have we here?” ** A’man’s name.” ** And the name is— Merciful heavens! it is the name of the man who was murdered in this room! ” Spicy Jim leaped back like an acrobat and looked around in a startled way. He was startled, at leugth. Matter-of-fact as he was, the deserted, decaying old house, the vailed wo- man, the various mysteries and the personal danger he knew he was in, combined, bad had effect upon him, and her almost hysterical an- nouncement upset him entirely. He expected to see a real ghost, but they had the scene to themselves, The woman wrung her hands nervously, and almost sobbingly murmured: ‘* His box!—his box!” ** An’ where is he?” James asked, ‘* Ask those who murdered him?” “They did it bere?” ** Yes: in this very room!” The boy moved uneasily. **Hadn’t we better go out” he asked., ‘‘ The air is p'izon damp, here, an’ roomatiz is yankin’ at my nigh hind leg, already.” here is fresh earth on tiais box. Where did you get it, boy?” ““Tt was somebod else,” ‘*Who is he? Where is he? Show me the man! Some one bas dug up this box. Let me see him at once. Do you hear me?’—at once!” Her manner had become imperious, and she took a step toward the boy, Her vail was not thick enough to hide the glow of eyes which seemed mwnost unnaturally bright, just then. James, however, had become as calm as ever. ‘**Le’s hev an understandin’, Who be you, an’ what do yer want ter do?” ‘Never mind! Sbow me the man!” “Go slow! lain’t goin’ ter rush inter this ad until I know jesthowI stand, EfIdid know might be ready ter help ye, mebbe, Until Ido know, [ll bet ye a century bank-note I won't meddle, Jest say who ye be, mum, wll yer?” **T will not!” ‘* All right, Fourtk-o’-July.” “Do you refuse to show me?” “ce Yes se Sow dare you?”* ~ “Mostly because I dassent consent,” “What does it matter?” she cried, suddenly, “The freshness of the earth shows that the ou has just been dug up. If you were not the digger, he is in the garden, now. I will go there at once!” She turned away quickly. Spicy Jim called after her, but she gave no heed. She hastened out of the room, and down the stairs. “ Yowlin’ wild cats! there is fun ahead!” \ ' **T want ter see it, an’ I'll I may git James commented. jest hang on ter the tail o’ the kite, a ride ter the moon,” He followed with speed 5 to her own, Once outside the house he could see her plainly, her white dress making her a conspicuous object, She was hastening along through the grounds, and he knew that, unlossthe men had deserted the place, she would soon find them. As chance would have it, he discovered them first, for she passed on one side without noticing them. He paused. ** No better place ter see the circus than here, She will be back, and then the band will pla an’ the sua will stand still. Earthquakes won’t be no comparison!” He took refuge in the bushes, Temple Lloyd and his associates had begun work ata new point, and the wielders of the spades were laboring in earnest. Jim rather hoped that the woman in white would let them alone, for he was curious to know what they ex- pected to unearth next. He was not allowed to know, After a short pause he saw the woman again approaching. She was not long in discovering the men, and she came on with quick steps, but so lightly that she was only a few yards distant when one of the diggers, as he raised himself to oe aside a spadeful of earth, chanced to see er The effect was startling. The spade fell from his nerveless hand; he stared for a moment in mute terror; and then a yell broke from his lips. Springing’ out of the excavation he started to run, Naturally, his associates were not long in mak- ing the same discovery, and all but Lloyd yield- ed to terror equal to the first discoverer’s, Lloyd had more intelligence, and, ordinarily, would not have yielded to belief in things super- natural, but example goes a long ways. He saw bis men in swift and terrified retreat, and he turned his face the same way and did not al- low them to increase the lead, “Go it, January!” sbouted Spicy Jim, in hilarious glee, gt Mauda S. won’t never. shine her shoes on the turf ag’in, ef she hears o’ the time you made!” Nobody heard these words, but there was good reason for such obliviousness, The woman in white was as much ipterested as the men, if not so badly frightened. She paused by the ex- cavation and watched antil the fugitives disap- peared, What was in her mind Jim could not tell, but he was curious to see what she would do next. At the point where she stood there was an elevated ridge in the grounds, The excavation had been made therein. She descended and looked at the result of their work, but there was nothing to be seen but the barren soil, If they bad expected great results, and used judgment in their expectations, the fulfillment lay below. Spicy Jim looked first at her and then toward the street, and repeated the action several times, It had occurred to him that the late diggers might be so badly alarmed that they would i take the carriage and hasten back to the city. “Then where would Spicy Jim be?” he solilo- quized. “I’m no pedestrian, and no swine. Reckon Tl shake my fair white lily an’ hustle pcbag the four-legged hoss-line run by P. Connor, gent!” A few moments later the boy was beside the fence which bordered the road. Then he saw, Lloyd returning with resolute steps—the other men had disappeared, The merchant was both ashamed and angry. The way in which he had fled had been too cow- ardly for a practical man to endure tamely, and he was resolved to learn the meaning of the late excitement. Back he went, followed at a dis- tance by Jim, but the woman in white had dis- appeared, Lloyd searched both the grounds and the house to find her, but all in vain. He saw her no more, When he abandoned the attempt he tried to find Tom Bates and the other helpers, but they, too, were conspicuous by their absence. He could discover no one, though, unknown to him, he was all the while watched by Jim. It was very plain that Mr. Temple, Lloyd was an angry man, but he had to make the best of it. e covered the excavation Over with boards and earth, concealed the tin box, and, at the appointed bour, met Connor in front of ‘the house, Then, too, Bates and the helpers came stealing back, half in fear, half in shame. Lloyd sternly so, and Connor drove them away. Then ies ise Ghaoioce Active Gaon Sua ake Eee went to get his own conveyance, By using good judgmeut Spicy Jim went back to New York as he had come away from it, and without being discovered. That night he ‘slept soundly, When be joined Joshua Green the next morning, the latter remarked: ** We go ter-day ter help Professor Jones dig pd tombs, or the like of that, in the yard of an d house north 0’ the city.” ‘* Where?” cried Jim, in sudden excitement. “Don’t know. Weill see when we git thar.” CHAPTER VIII FURTHER EXCAVATIONS, ‘‘ HERE We are, gentlemen!” The sun was nearing the zenith when Profes- sor Jones made this announcement, He had conducted his apprentices, Spicy Jim and Joshua Green, along the same northern road Jim bad gone before, but not in a way quite so easy. They had an Express-wagon which was drawn by a horse which, never remarkable for beauty perhaps, had become old bony, thin in flesh and devoid of ambition, r, Jones drove, and he made a rare driver. He held the reins gingerly and awkwardly, and excited much amusement by the way. Now and then a misguided boy shouted disrespectfully to him, but it is doubtful if the professor heard a word. He had relapsed into his old, absent-minded mood, and all troubles were forgotten in his all- consuming Ze al to secure new trophies in the cause of science. Ever since Joshua Green’s announcement Spicy Jim had been eager to learn their destination, and, when Mr, Jones made the announcement above recorded, the boy was not surprised to see before him the very house in and around which the scenes of the previous nigbt had occurred. He gazed at it eagerly, but it gave no evidence of the strange events Jim had seen. Thus far he had said nothing to Jones about these adventures, The professor had been to Bond street, the previous evening, and, as has been indicated, made all necessary arran ger ments with Joshua, whereby the latter and became apprentices in the cause of science. The only chance for a plain statement had been during the recent ride, and Jones’s abstrac~ tion was not the only impediment to revelation -—Jim was very uncertain as to the standing of Temple Lloyd. Lloyd and Bertha were on very intimate terms; their manner was tbat of genuine lovers. Were both sincere, or was he deceiving the girl? Were both ‘true to Jones, or was one a traitor? Or were both traitors?” There was double dealing somewhere. Bertha and Mrs, Parsons were enemies, Lloye seemed to be on very good terms with both, Which one was he deceiving? It was a complete muddle, and, when the boy would have divulged all that ‘he knéw, some power seemed to hoid back the words, They drove into the yard, and Joshua began to unload the spades, picks, and other imple- ments they had brought. “Jim improved the chance to address Mr, Jones, ‘* That house ain’t new, boss.” * It is very old.” $ Any body live there?” “ No. “‘ Been deserted long?” ‘‘ Many years,” ‘OTain’t haunted, is it?” “There are rats there.” ‘*T mean, by real ghosts?” ‘Bless me! there is no such thing,” the pro- fessor returned, coming out of bis abstraction a little. ‘ Ghosts exist only in the minds of people who are horribly ignorant. You are young, and your views are just forming. Don’t let any one make you believe in humbug of that kind.” ‘* if there was ghosts, or glostesses, the house looks fit fer them. It exercises a pecooliar in- flooence onter me, I feel a funny sensation along my backbone, as ef somebody was curry- in’ me down with a nutmeg-grater, Ever feel that way, Prof?” Jim regarded the learned scientist with great gravity, ‘and the latter responded: “Bless me, no! That is very odd, indeed; I never heard of anything of the kind, It comes outside of my profes-ional field, but I will men- tion it to my friend, Professor Clemens Schuden- meister, who deals with justysuch phenomena.” ‘“Do so,” advised the impenitent apprentice, solemnly. ‘‘There must be a reason fer it, Never was a murder done in the house, was there?” Von ordered them to enter the carriage. They did ** You don’t say so!” ; ’ ‘ PWS 4. ~) bre a i et acne: ~ , = 7 pelea ars eee Sh Yt = } : Win ega ee at, a.
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or = Ae, i oe ee x “rad ae Bt **Tt is only too true.” “* Who got the worst on’t?” ** A certain Amos Case,” ** Why was it done? Who done it?” ** Perhaps I will tell you, later, but Mr. Green has everything ready for work, and we will begin at once, Follow me!” Jones took a spade, and his apprentices secured te otner implements and followed him. Spicy Jim noticed as a peculiar fact that the leader took the same path that Lloyd and his allies had traveled the night before, and it was not long before the elevation, or ridge, appeared to view. There was, however, no sign of Lloyd’s excavation; the earth had been replaced, and the turf so carefully put in shape again that no casual glance would detect that it had been molested. This surprised Jim, for, having gone back to New York with the subordinates, he knew they had not belped refill the pit, The professor paused within twenty feet of it. *“Do you see this bigh point of land?” he asked. “We do, that,” Joshua answered, **Tt isa mound, and was made from five hun- dred to eight hundred years ago,” “Did you help make it?” Spicy Jim gravely asked. “Tt was the work of the pre-historic met of America—of that I am convinced. As yet, no part of the mound has been opened, but that is merely because the attention of archeologists has never been dzawa toit. Tis for us to dis- cover the glorious truth.” “Bf truth has been buried eight hundred years, it’s high time ter dig it up,” commented Spicy Jim. The professor did not heed him, ** While there is a chance that I may be in error,” he continued, warming to his subject, ‘‘ I feel sure of my position. - Nature or modern man did not make that mound. Far back inthe days regarding which no historian’s pen ever wrote definitely, and, now, never can write, the mound was made. By whom? The followers of Herjulfson, of Erickson, of Kar!sefne, of Frey- dis, or of Madoc? I don’t know; I may never know. Many persons stoutly disbelieve that European navigators were in America before Columbus, but I sincerely believe that the Nor- wegian, Welsh and Icelandic explorers were all that is claimed for them; I believe that the re-histori¢ man of our country came over in a ship commanded by one. of ‘those bold spirits, settled here, lived, made our mounds, and died!” All this had been said with enthusiasm. Jones was full of his subject. He had removed his hat, and stood with uncovered head, as if in homage to the people he revered. What he said was all Greek to his compan- ions, and Joshua spoke in a low voice to James: **Reminds me o’ the time I was sojerin’ in Verginny in 64, It rained continual fer eleven months, an’ the army badn’t an umbrella ter its name; but the wetness caused the mightiest toad- stools ter Spring up that you ever seen. They was four foot in diameter across the tops, an’ when we finally marebed on Richmond, every sojer carried a toad-stool umbrella over his head!” _ Joshua spoke with a trace of resentment. He felt that the professor was getting ahead of him in personal recollections, and was determined to keep his end up. Mr. Jones meditated for some time, and then aroused. . “Dig here!” he directed, pointing. . Joshua and James went to work. \* Do ye own this place?” Jim asked, *“ Yes,” Jones answered. “* How long since?” **f purchased it but recently. It was once the property of Amos Case. He was nota man who cared for the fine things of life, and he let the grounds go to waste as they saw fit. Since his death no ono has lived here, I never knew of the mound until, when pass- ing here lately, 1 wandered in from a motive _ of curiosity. IL saw how promising the case was, and bought the whole lot.” ** What d’ye expeck ter find here?” “It is idle to speculate, butI hope to benefit science.” “Be you sure the mound is old?” ‘* What modern man should make it?” “* Had Amos Case relatives?” ‘* Bertha was ore.” ** Anybody else?” ‘“*No near relative. But this talk is idle; let us think only of our work.” The professor spoke with some irritation. He was wholly absorbed in the excavation, and watched the progress made by the diggers or German. ne SS | Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. ~~ anxiously. Joshua proved to be a ready and rapid, but phlegmatic worker. He chewed to- bacco and muttered about heavy rains seen, or alleged to have keen seen, during his ca.n- paigning days, and was wholly ‘indifferent as to pre-historic man. Closely as Mr. Jones watched the work he failed to see anything of interest for a long time, If they bad been toiling in a garden of ordinary nature just as many discoveries would have rewarded them. The earth was firm, showing that it had not been distarbed for a long time, but neither pottery, arrow-heads nor pre-historic man ap- peared at their call. Several times Spicy Jim was on the point of telling all that he knew about Temple Lloyd, Mrs. Parsons, the: Woman in White (as he bad definitely named her) and the events of the previous night, but, as often, he checked him- self. “Tt ain’t my sewin’-society, an’ I ain’t got no license ter gossip,” he decided. Afternoon succeeded forenoon, and as steadi- ly hastened away. The sun neared the western horizon, but no discoveries bad been made. Jones was in aserious mood. Quite a trench had been opened, but the mound had yielded nothing. p What bad become of pre-historic man? Joshua’s spade struck some bard substance. ** Don’t feel like a stone,” he remarked, carefully!” the professor directed, y. **We may beon the verge of a dis- covery. Turn the earth with great caution.” Joshua proceeded calmly, but every step told, Little by little he uncovered an oblong object until it was fully revealed. A box, earth-covered and moldy, was before them, Its contents remained to be seen. CHAPTER IX. WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE MOUND. “HERE we be!” quoth Joshua. ‘ We've got some old-timer, but he must ’a’ been a dwarf, ter hev sech a wounded small coffin.” ‘It is only a modern box,” Jones returned, in a tone of disappointment. Spicy Jim said nothing, but one fact impressed him strongly. The box was the exact counter- part of that which Temple Lloyd and his party had dug up the night before. ‘* Throw it out,” the professor added, indiffer- ently. scotia lifted the box. / ** Say, somethin’ is in it!” he declared. ‘“ It's heavy. He tossed it to the higher ground, and the way in which it fell corroborated his last state- ment, “Break it open!” Mr. Jones directed. — Spicy Jim took a pick, and easily forced back the cover. When this was done they saw a quantity of paper inside—a number of pieces rolled around certain cylindrical substances, All was in fair state of preservation. The boy did not wait for orders, but unrolled one of the cle * The covering gave way suddenly, and a score of five-dollar gold-pieces dropped back loosely into the box, Silence followed the discovery. The gold was a rare sight to Joshua and Jim, while the pro- fessor was simply astonished. Then a lock of disappointment appeared on his face. “There is nothing ancient about that,” he re- marked. ‘* It?s mighty pleasant modern stuff,” declared his younger apprentice, “Only money.” ** Only money! Say, boss, ef it raises a feelin’ o’ contempt in yer mind, jest say the word an’ Vll take it off yer bands. I hate ter see a feller bowed down with affliction, by gum!. Do I hear yer whisper thet Spicy Jim kin relieve yer of the yarler boys?” j The professor did not answer, but, kneeling by the box, looked further. He could see nothing except similar rolis, but he did not look to see if they contained money. He disarranged the whole, anxious to satisfy himself whether there was anything more, and another discovery fol- lowed. He found a paper, neatly folded and but a trifle discolored, and proceeded to unfold it. When he had done so he perceived several lines of writing, or printing, in strange char- acters, ‘“ What does it say?” Spicy Jim demanded, ““T don’t know; it is in a language unknown tome. It is not English, Latin, Greek, French Can it be—” Deluded by the momentary hope that he had encountered a trace of pre-historic man, he / 5 o Be ee ee = — 2 oo) a looked more closely at one of the golden coins, It was of United States manufacture, and bore the date of 1859. There was nothing pre-historic about that, ‘* The paper seems to be a cipher,” he went on, indifferently. ‘‘Some one had something to say which he would not trust even the earth to keep secret. It may refer solely to the money, but it is likely that there is more to it.” ‘May be the hist’ry of a crime!” interrupted Spicy Jim, eagerly. ‘** It is possible.” ‘** Ain’t there no way ter read it?” ‘*Tf it isa simple cipher, in which each letter of the alphabet is represented by a private char- acter, and the arrangement is adhered to strict- ly, it can be deciphered easily. Certain letters, like the vowels, and so forth, ogcur much more frequently than others, and any one who has had a little practice cannot long be baffled.” ‘* Hev you had practice?” ‘* A little.” ‘* Better try yer luck.” “T will, though I am not encouraged by the looks of the cipher,” ‘* Tt does look atrocious.” ‘* A shrewd maker can so juggle a cipher that a vast deal of labor is needed to unravel it, If this has been done, I can promise nothing.” ** Anyhow, we’ve got the money.” set ‘Tt?s good ter see!” Spicy Jim rattled the yellow coins in his hand and was strongly impressed, but the professor was calm and indifferent. Had he been a practic- al man he would have exulted in the possession of the money at that particular stage of affairs, when Mrs, Parsons threatened to take possession of the Rivington street house. He was not prac- tical, and his principal feeling was disappoint- ment that science had not been benefited thus far. , ‘* They’re dandies!” Jim declared. ‘ Tell yer what, we’re the boys fer bigstrikes, Why can’t we go inter ther biz reg’lar? We might an- pounce in the papers that we does sech work. Wot’ll we call ourselves? I hev it—the Bowery Band! That’s us—the Bowery Band, gold dig- gers an’ treasure-eloocidators. Yowlin’ wild- cats! wot ascheme! Makes me see a wision in which I hev a bank-book on every cash institoo- tion in N’ York. Yes, by gum?’ The professor aroused from thought. Carry the box and contents to the house,” he directed. ‘I want to search it carefully.’ ‘© Wot's this mark on’t?” Spicy Jim knelt quickly and brushed a little accumulated mold from the cover. ‘* Here we be!” he added. ‘* What?” cried Jones. ‘*‘ Amos Case!’ Why, be was the former owner of the old house.” ‘The murdered man?” “é Yes.” ‘“ We're gittin’ down ter sole-leather facks.” ‘¢ We must have buried the gold.” ** Why should he?” , ‘*Case was one whose life was not wholly happy. That’s about all Ican say of him. He was a relative of my late wife, and of Bertha, but his affairs were clearly known only to bim- self, I don’t know why he should bury this old.” : . Mr. Jones made a motion, and Joshua took the box and carried it to the house. Spicy Jim experienced a peculiar feeling when, by the professor’s direction, he saw it set upon the same table where its mate had rested the other night. Where was the first box now, and where the Woman in White? Once more the apprentice was inclined to con- fide in Jones, but he again postpoaed it. He had a sudden idea, The professor went all through the box. He looked at every piece of paper, hoping for fur- ther clew, and then, — none, turned to the cipher. He gave half an hour’s study to this, and then shook his head and looked at the time, “The cryptogram is not susceptible to ordin- ary methods,” he remarked, ‘‘ and, as the hour is growing late, we will cease work and return to New York. This paper I will put_into the hands of an expert, my good friend Professor Emile Lajeunesse. If any one can solve it, he can, “Reckon you don’t need no solver on the old.” Wie Mr, Jones glanced at the glittering coins with perfect indifference. ; “Money is all right in its way, and, as I dare say this really belongs to Bertha, if will take good care of it, James, you may get the horse ready for our return.” 5 he : “Say, kin I hev a favor did onto me?” * What is it?”
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at If ee: Dl eee ‘*Let me stay here over night.” “But there is no bed.” *“T kin sleep on the floor.” ‘** And no way of securing the house,” “T ain’t afeerd.” ‘““ Tramps may come in.” ‘* Then they’ll tramp out ag’in. lll sail inter them so impetu’s an’ rabid that they'll lose their kiver, an’ their ribs an’ braces will all fall out. Serious, boss, w’ot’s the use o’ my goin’ all the way ter the home-roost 0’ the Bowery Band? T’'m young an’ need a p’izon sight o’ sleep. Let me take it right here.” The professor was not wholly insympathy with the idea, though it was plain that, with proper conveniences, it would be the best way toremain on the scene if their work was to be prolonged; but he finally yielded and gave consent. Josh Green winked at the boy. ‘“‘There is them who is fly, an’ them as ain’t fly,” he sagely remarked, ‘* Durin’ the big rain in Virginny, when I’s a soldier, in 1863, ev’ry ox an’ hoss was drownded off the face o’ the land, but it was a powerful year fur alligators an’ sharks,” The remark was wholly obscure to Jones, but Spicy Jim knew that Josh had penetrated his desire to use his eyes during the night. The professor gave his young assistant money to buy food, and then, a little later, the two men entered the wagon and drove away, taking the money with them, 3 Jim was left sole occupant of the field”of ac- ion. “* This is right_ interestin’,” he observed, witb satisfaction, ‘I’ve got the house ter myself, an’ I feel clean through my ribs an’ braces that I shall git paid for spreadin’ my umbrella here, ter-night. Ef the Woman in White, or Temple Lloyd, don’t show up, it will bea wonder, Bet yer there’s fun ahead, Spicy Jim!” He improved the last of daylight to go over the house thoroughly from top to bottom, but without result. It was precisely like any other dilapidated, deserted house, as far as he could see. . There was a hotel one-fourth of a mile away. He went to that place and bad supper, and then returned. He brought with him a lantern, filled and ready for use, but did not light it. He was not afraid of the darkness, and did not intend to warn off any possible visitor by thus betray- ing his presence. It was well that he was so prudent, for most exciting events were at hand. The hour was tn i ten o’clock, he believed, when he heard unusual sounds in the yard. He went to the window—a team was driving in, with two persons in the vehicle, CHAPTER X. A STARTLING DISCOVERY, ** HuULLO! this is more of a blow-out than I expected, Either the inemy is bold, or this ain’t theinemy. What’s up? Who be they? Wot they goin’ ter do?” Spicy Jim peered out of the window and watched clogely as these questions passed through his mind. The occupants of the vehicle were a Man and a woman, be former assisted the latter to alight, and then secured the horses to a tree, P Other trees, the shrubbery, aud the house, itself, then made the team invisible from the street. The new-comers lost no time, but proceeded to enter the house as soon as other preparations bad been made, ‘“‘That’s right!” was Jim’s mental comment of encouragement, ‘ Waltz right up ter the bar an’ take yer bitters, Dll lay low an’ see yer brand,” : Up the stairs came the couple, and entered the room, where, during the last few hours, the two tin boxes had set on the table for awhile. Spicy Jim entered the adjoining room and again utilized the broken panel, There was darkness and silence beyond, but the man was moving, and he soon struck a match, Then a light was made by means of a lamp he had brought along. He turned up the wick, and he and his companion were brought into plain view. Spicy Jim looked eagerly. ‘By gum!” he muttered. The intruders were Temple Lloyd and Mrs, Parsons! For some time neither spoke. He was looking at her, she was looking all aroundtheroom, Her mavner was curious, but perfectly calm: “7 can hardly believe this is the same room,” she observed, at last, ‘* But it is?’ Lloyd questioned. “Oh! yes; here Amos Case lived for years, and here, I suppose, he died—of old age!” A smile accompanied the last words. ““He was old—yes,” Lloyd replied. “ But ! who killed him?” ——VS eS tense 1 ‘*How should I know? A tramp, a thief—he was lawful prey for whoever was on the make, and lived by crime.” ‘Yet, you do not think they secured his gold!” “That is uncertain, but, as I’ve told you, it’s dollars to cents that the old man fooled them, He was as shrewd as he was selfish.” Mrs. Parsons went to the wall and sounded it thoughtfully with her hand, ‘‘This is out of .my line,” she added, ‘‘ How ought a secret receptacle to sound, anyhow?” ‘Hollow. If Case tore away the wall to hide his effects, he would leave a gap behind him— unless it was re-plastered.” Lloyd was imitating Mrs. Parsons, and knock- ing upon the wall at various points. Spicy Jim grinned with satisfaction. . Apply ter Prof. Jones ef yer want the yaller boys,” he advised, but not in audible tones, As if to answer this, Mrs. Parsons remarked to Lloyd: ‘“*T don’t suppose there was much money, though old Amos was tooshrewd to let any one know the truth, but the papers we must have, They are conceuled in this house, and T know it. * Or buried.” ‘* That is not likely.” “Tf thrust into some obscure place, the rats may have eaten the paper before now.” Well, if we can’t find them, possibly, we’ll burn the old ark down, Nobody else shall have them, and I feel that harm is bound to come, now that old Jones has bought this house, Something must be done.” ‘“‘T’m ready to help all I can; do my level best.” Mrs, Parsons was standing near Lloyd, and she suddenly laid her hand affectionately upon his arm, ‘“You dear boy!” she purred, like an amiable cat,” you don’t know how dear your good will is to me!” ‘“*T hope Ilcan judge by my own feelings,” Lloyd answered, as‘he returned her smile and earnest regard. And you really care more for me than that odious child Bertha?” ‘“*How can you ask? She is,as you say,a child—a pretty one, perhaps; but unformed mentally, you know. Asfor you—ah! you are in the prime of glorious womanhood!” It was a lover’s tribute, and seemed to be sin- cere, Lloyd gazed at her admiringly, and her smile broadened. She could not blush, for, not only had paint and powder made a barrier, but blushing had become a lost art when modesty deserted her, ‘*Yowlin’ wildcats!” whispered Spicy Jim; ‘tef that air Yarler Hair’s a specimint 0’ gee- lorious womanhood, Pll put up with them as ain’t geelorious, by gum!” Mrs, Parsons’s manner grew more affection- te. ‘You shall never regret loving me!” she as- serted. ‘“* How can I?” “Love is one thing; money is another. shall have both,” “Do not couple the two in speaking of you—” “My dear boy, be still! You are younger than I, I know the value of money. You think your store pays you well. Bah! wait un- til we have downed old Jones, and I'll show you what a woman’s wits can do. Ill make you rich—as rich in money as you are’ in my love. Which will you prize most?” “Can you ask?” cried Lloyd. Can I? I will not, for 1 know. More than that, I know you duly prize what you have—a good woman’s priceless, tender love!” Spicy Jim promptly lay down on the floor, ‘** Hit me with a brick!’ he groaned, ‘ Smash me witha perleeceman’s billy! Climb all over me! Let a Chicago girl step on me, and then, ef I’m alive, make me wear a Boston girl’s specks or live in Feladelphy, Let them dire disasters come, but spare me from hearin’ Yar- ler Hair make love. It’s a-tearin’ the linin’ righ orf my stomach, an’ I’m pooty sick all over, by gum!” The eccentric youth did not venture to look again until he heard them resume practical work, A thorough search was made of the room. The walls were examined, and Lloyd looked carefully to see if any floor-board had ever beeg meddled with, [ While they worked Spicy Jim meditated, You oes. ¢ Laie Mand, Leni be UGH Eyre Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. 9 ** Bertha is goin’ ter get some primers on Mis- ter Man, yender. I b’lieve she’s a nice little damsel, an’ she shall know how her best feller is sighin’ an’ breatbin’ up lurid flamean’ brimstone in his love fer Yarler Hair. I notice he didn’t glue bis lips ter Yarler Hair’s an’ he may be bamboozlin’ ber, but Lallow I ain’t got no great faith in him. There’s a brunette nigger in the woodpile som’er’s, by gum!” Lloyd ceased work with an air of impatience. ** Nothing here!” he declared. **'You are right.” ** What can we do next?” **T don’t know what to do, I confess, This house is big—-if old Amos did not hide his be- longings here, they may hare been put in any other of the dozen rooms, It’s a wide field to go over,’ Mrs. Parsons spokeina voice of irritation and deep disappointment, ** Hadn’t I better dig again?” continued Lloyd. ** ‘You have no men to help; it would be a big task for one.” ‘* But we must do something. I regret now that we did not bring a lantern, instead of a lamp, Ican go and get one inside of twenty miuutes, as there is a store over east a short dis- tance, I suppose it is closed, but I can arouse the man who keepsit. What do you say?” Mrs, Parsons did not look favorably impressed, but she answered: ‘*Use your own judgment. We ought to have the lantern, as I now see, Itis better to use in the house, too, if we are to search thoroug!:ly.” “Then I’li go and get it. You are not afraid stay here alone, are you?” **T?” she laughed. ‘‘ Hardly! Even if Old Case’s ghost should appear, I am not afraid of it, I had him on the hip; I think I could down his ghost, too.” ‘*Then I’m off. Perhaps you had better turn the light down a bit, so as to make secrecy even more certain, Some one might notice it, safe as I think we are,” Mrs. Parsons agreed to the suggestion, and the light was dimmed just enouga to take away its glare. Enough remained so that a face was still distinguishable across the room. Lloyd promised to return in a short time, and then went out. Spicy Jim beard the door close after him when he left the house, The pony woman, on being left alone, began to walk about the room and look it over. Evi- dently the place had many memories for her, and they came inatroop. Here and there she agp and, once, Spicy Jim saw her shiver, @ grew tired of watching her, finally, and turned his gaze away. When he did so he made a discovery. Mrs. Parsons was no longer alone, By the door stood the Woman in White! She had come in noiselessly and, pausing, was watching Mrs. Parsons closely. She sent a mo- mentary cbill over Jim, In the semi-obscurity she looked particularly ghostly. Then more practical thoughts came to him. The two women were sure to meet—what would ‘ be the result of the encounter? Mrs, Parsons’s back was toward the Woman in White. The former turned, after a little pause, and, raising her eyes, saw the white-robed figure, ben she made a nervous start—a backward spring—and a scream of terror escaped her lips, Her gaze was riveted upon the intruder, and, after the first cry, she seemed struck dumb with fright. . The Woman in White advanced a few steps and stood in the center of the room in al] her ghostly impressiveness, She raised one arm, and the gesture broke the spell which was upon the adventuress, ‘“* Powers of darkness!” the latter cried, ‘* what do you here, nameless thing ?” Slowly, hollowly came the response: **] seek you, murderess!” CHAPTER XI. TWO WOMEN AND A KNIFE, Spicy Jim could not repress a shiver. The whole scene was dramatic in the extreme, and, though he knew the Woman in White to be as much a creature of the flesh as himself, her manner impressed bim strongly. As for Mrs, Parsons, she was the victim of terror, and in- capable of coherent thought. y She shrunk further back, and was pallid of face wherever the paint did not rule. gum!” Spicy Jim commented, “the ghost is gettin’ in her fine work like a hero!” It was a striking pause, but it came to an end at last. Mrs. Parsons was not a fool, and the strong sense in her nature asserted itself much more quickly than it would have done if she had i ~ aes St
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10 yo a: aa a a PUSS, TEE eT ER ETS 1 eS EE CO VR ee led a life less adventurous and unwomanly, Her attitude changed, and her manner suddenly grew defiant, ‘“* What mummery is this?” she cried. “Tt is no mummery.’ “Bah! You startled me, at first, but the host racket don’t go down with an old stager ike me, What are youdoing in this house?” * And what are you doing, Sarah Selwin?” Again Mrs, Parsons started, but from a dif- ferent cause. Quickly she moved forward and turned the light up to its fullest limit, Then her hostile gaze sought the face of the Woman in White. A quick, gasping breath escaped her, and she leaned heavily upon the table, “So it is you /” she uttered, “Tt is I!” **T thought you dead.” ‘© Yet, you do not think me dead, and present euly in ghostly form, as you thought of Amos ase . The painted woman made an impatient ges- ure, ‘IT speak of you. How dare you come here?” “Why not I, as well as you, Sarah Selwin?” ‘You and I are enemies,” * Granted!” ‘* Suppose—suppose I should have you arrest- ed for’a crime, real or alleged?” Spicy Jim clearly saw that the speaker did not finish as she intended, at first. ‘* And suppose” retorted the Woman in White, * that I should have you arrested for murdering Ames Case?” ‘* Where would you get A bo proof?” ‘*T have not said that have proof, but I db believe you were party to the deed.” ** Nonsense!” ‘* Amos Case wasslain here. Who could wish to kill him except you? Who could plan it more coldly, cunningly, safely? Who could more art- fully avoid arrest?” Mrs, Parsons moved restlessly. “ Bitterly as you hate me,” she answered, ‘vou surely are joking, now. I, kill Case? Absurd!” “Your manner gives the lie to your denial!” ‘**'You mistake the liar.” “The law dealt with the murder,” pursued the Woman in White, with increased force, ** and decided that Amos Case died at the hands of persons unknown, I was not seen, nor did lL . seek to speak on the subject. I would have helped them if 1 could, but I could not. At times I had vague suspicions; they never took shape until to-night, Now, I suspect you !” ‘* Great snakes!” muttered Spicy Jim, ‘‘ she’s a daisy!” The comment was not misapplied. The Woman in White had become an accuser, and her manner was full of force, yet so tempered with dignity that every word had effect. , Mrs. Parsons regarded the speaker in silence. “Can it be,” the accuser added, *‘ that Mr. Case died at the hands of his wife?” ‘* Who was his wife?” Sonal’ The painted woman drew a deep breath, ‘** What mad idea will you have next?” **Do you deny it?” e I do.” “You deny in vain. You bewitched Amos Case, destroyed the happiness of his final years and robbed hiin; yet you did it under the shield of law. Do not deny it again; unknown to you, I witnessed the marriage ceremony!” “It occurs to me that you are a dangerous woman,” ‘ ‘*T am dangerous to you.” ** Have you counted tae cost?” ** You cannot hate me more than you do,” ‘Hate you!” echoed Mrs, Parsons, in a hard voice, ‘‘On! what a weak and idiotic thing is woman’s hate when it vents itself solely in breath! That may be your idea of what a woman of nerve does when she hates; you may thiak she relieves ber mind only by the use of words; but you are not too old to learn. I will give you a lesson!” The situation had changed. It was now the painted woman that exhibited impressive force, She did more, There was something in her manner which made the Woman in White move back a step. “Ob! fool, fool that you are!” the adven- turess added, harshly. ‘* You accuse me of having slain Amos Case; you think me bold enougn—wicked enough, if you like the term— to do that deed, yet you imagine me so weak that I would stand still and let another woman ruin me. Fool! fool!” ‘* What do you mean” Mrs, Parsons suddenly caught her accuser by the wrist, Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. “ That we will settle this matter right here!” she hissed, in +e The Woman in White struggled to-escape. **Let me goi” she panted. The adventuress laughed scornfully, ** Let you g0? Let you go to make public ac- cusation against me? Fool! fool!” ~“T command you to let me go!” returned the prisoner, her voice trembling, and as weak as | her own slender wrist, “You shall go—out of the world !” ** Release me!” ** From life? Yes. I will. You shall go—go where you will never tattle against me. Ohi fool, fool! Did you think you could stand face to face with Sarah Selwin, in this lonely house, and defy and threaten her? How little you measured our respective strength of body and mind! You are all woman, I am part man and part fiend. I own it, I glory in it! Woman, this was Amos Case’s death-room; it shall be yours too!” Rapidly, vehemently, mercilessly spoke the adventuress, and, suddenly, she drew a knife from the bosom of her dress, It flashed in the lamp-light, and the Woman in White uttered a startled cry. “Lat go my wrist!” she gasped, seeking to break the tenacious hold, ‘* Why don’t-you plead for mercy?” * Noevor, never!” ‘‘ Then die—die unprayed for by yourself, or anv one else!” Up went the knife. Murderous fury was in its owner’s eyes, and another moment would have seen it fall with fatal effect—but there was an interruption, As the band went up another set of fingers closed around Mrs, Parsons’s wrist, and herarm was jerked backward over her shoulder with force which, it seemed, nearly dislocated it. The knife feil harmlessly to the floor. One more exhibition of strength on the part of the unseen assailant, and her hold on the Woman in White was broken, Instead of a triumphant murderess she stood a baffled assassin, She was not crushed mentally, and she turned upon the one who bad interrupted. Spicy Jim stood there in nonchalant composure, one foot planted close to the knife, which was sticking in the floor where it had fallen point downward. “That’s bhigh-jinks enough fer now!” the Bowery boy coolly declared, ‘* We'll perceed ter take a period off-duty, an’ ef anybody's killed, it won’t be her!” Mrs. Parsons did not recognize him as any hew our bigness, regardless o’ cuticle, bones or sech trifles. Yes, by gum!” The apprentice’s happy-go-lucky composure was not imitated by the adventuress, ** You little wretch!” she sibilated, ** What say, Lady Yellow Hair?” 7 will kill you!’ ** When?” “When? I know not, but the time will come; Til have satisfaction for what you have done to-night. Tl follow you; I'll hunt you down. The world is not wide enough to hide you; eter- nity is not long enough to make me forget my hatred. Beware of me!” **Mum, you make me tired!” Spicy Jim calm- ly responded. ‘* You weary me. Chestnuts is nowhere compared to you, You wrench my jints all asunder—an’, fer that matter, all ter thunder—with yer cheap talk, Better go on the Bowery stage, as a yowlin’ Mazeppa, or some sech crazy whooper-up!” Mrs. Parsons did not heed this address. Hav- ing freed her mind, she abandoned heroics, and turned ber gaze from the Woman in White to Jim, and then back again. She was calm and dangerous, but at fault, “T suppose, woman, this boy is your ally?’ she questioned, addressing her enemy, “MNO. ; **I’m nobody’s ally,” Jim asserted. “I'm a partner in the Bowery Band, with all my ribs and braces sound, an’ my kiver on, unfaded an’ unworn,” ‘** Why did you meddle here?” “To save a decent person from a female tough,” ‘*T begin to see, next?” She looked at the Woman in White, but the latter shook her head, ‘**T can’t explain. I would not if I could, but, now, my plans are unformed. Ill say this much to vou, and that is all I have to say.” She made a motion to leave the room. Mrs, Parsons glanced longingly at the knife which remained sticking in the floor, but Spicy Jim winked sagely and, picking it up, put it away in his pocket. The Woman in White walked to the door, and there turned for a moment, ‘* Young man, if you value your life you will not remain here any longer than is necessary!” she declared, and then went out quickly, Mrs. Parsons did not stir, but the Bowery Boy could imagine what a hard thing it was for her tosee her enemy go. The latter had made severe charges. She had admitted that she could What will you two do one she bad ever seen before, but the interrup- | prove nothing, but there are times when the tion made her furious, Was she to be thwarted by a mere boy?” pointing of a finger will fan the smoldering fire of vague doubt into the furious blaze of sus- ‘* Little wretch!” she hissed, ‘* was it you who | picion. interfered here?” ** You bet it was!” _“ Then take the consequences!” Not yet was she disarmed. Out of her dress came a revolver, and she expertly leveled it at Spicy Jim’s breast, CHAPTER XII. SPICY JIM’S NERVE, THE Woman in White uttered a cry of alarm, for it looked as if Mrs, Parsons certainly would be able to carry out her desperate purpose, In her hands the revolver would do fatal work, and two shots, if well aimed, would dispose of | Spicy Jim and.the Woman in White forever. It was the purpose of the adventuress to make a clean sweep anc hide her secrets from the world, When the revolver was presented and her fin- ger on the trigger, success seemed certain, but right there was where the two women made an error in so thinking. Spicy Jim was not in love with the idea of being sacrificed to accommodate an evil woman, and his courage only rose the higher in the face of danger. Realizing the necessity of prompt action, he darted at Mrs, Parsons like a flash. He had only a step to go, and, just as the revol- ver came to the Jevel, he knocked it up and made a clutch for its possession. The struggle was brief. The adventuress was strong, but Jim’s impet- uosity was too much for her. Before she could collect her own energy fully, he bad wrested the weapon away. He put it behind him and nodded to her coolly. ‘* Got any more thingumbobs in yer arsenal? Got a rifle, cannon, boomerang, bomb or stiletto? Ef so, trot ’em out! Let the circus o on, by all means! ’Rastle out the weepons o’ war, an’ we'll use ’em cordin’ ter West Pint tick-tacks.. We'll cut, an’ slash, an’ slay, an’ Perhaps the Woman in White would go straight to an officer of law—and Mrs, Parsons could not prevent it. ; Seeing that she was all absorbed in thought, Jim bethought himself that he would never have a better chance to withdraw from the scene, Noiselessly he retreated through the door with the broken panel, and, from there, out of the house, He wanted to find the Woman in White and make an alliance, offensive and defensive, with her, but she had disappeared entirely, While he was searching, Temple Lloyd re- turned with the lantern. The young man ap- peared unconcerned, and entered the house at | once. Anxious to hear what was said, Jim followed. ‘* Now, Mrs, Parsons, we are ready for work,” the merchant announced, displaying the lan- tern. ‘*T am going back to New York, at once!” the adventuress declared, *« Going back?” “* Immediately !” ** But our search—” ‘“* Must be postponed. I cannot attend to it now i1—I have had ashotk, and’ can endure this place no longer. The house is gloomy, dark and damp. 1 can’t exist here any longer. Let us go!” “ Has anything happened?” “ce No ” . “ I will go if you say so, but we lose a fine op- portunity by leaving with our work undone,” ‘“*T care not; I want to get home and think!” ‘* We will go as you say.” : Loyd spoke in a tone of disappointment, but with perfect submission to her will, She went quickly to his side and laid her hand on his arm, “Temple, whatever happens you will be true to me?” f ; : “*Can you doubt it, Sadie?” ; < I do not doubt, but I want your lips tc say it, -—
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. jas 4 f / and then to ‘Hear me, then! We have met and formed eur opinions under circumstances not wholly “right, Well, the darkness only makes the bond te stronger, Ordinary persons can afford to aver in their loyve—to fall by the way. We -annot! Whatever is. dark makes the tie more -inding; we cannot change. No; come what jay, Sadie, I shall always regard you asI do “ow, _“* May heaven bless you! I will kill off all my ' hemies so they cannot harass mo; I will maka ou rich out of the pockets of susceptible nabobs; 6 will soon go to Europe and live out our lives, ib! you shall know what woman’s love is!” | The adventuress was all in earnest, but Spicy Jim was too much amazed to make his usual omment. The matter-of-fact way in waich she mixed ‘eferences to love with thoss to plot and crime vas amazing. If Temple Lloyd shrunk from her he gave no ign. He smiled upon her, and she seemed well tisfied, Lloyd was far above the social lina to hich she belonged, or ever had belonged, and ‘he thought it no small matter to captivate him. Yet, there was much of unselfishness in her ‘passion, and she would have made great sacri- ces for him, ; Possibly she then regretted that her whole ast career was black with plots, evil deeds and rimes, ; ‘ They did not delay any longer, but left the house, entered the waiting vehicle and drove away toward New York, ** So-lonz!” quoth Spicy Jim. ‘ The air isa ood bit purer here now you're gone, an’ I feel tronger in my ribs an’ braces, Sally Parsons wipes the ginger-snaps—she does, by gum! he’s wickeder than an alligator with a week’s beard on his teeth, Now fer the Woman in White. 1 want ter j’ine forces with her; she’s a oud kind of a ghost ter know,” | Hesearched both the grounds and the house, 4 Pe then the street, but failed to find any sign ner. Evidently, she had been more frightened than he adventuress, and had hastened away as soon possible, After waiting until he became sleepy the Bowery Boy decided to bumor that feeling. He lay down in a closet near the outer door, where he naturally would hear any intruder, and went M sleep with the revolver and knife seized from { 1 Mrs. Parsons by his side. The night, however, brought no more adven- _ tures, | In the morning he ate an early breakfast, and ‘then left the house with a definite purpose in view, He wished to interview an old resident, and believed he had just the man in view. He found him leaning on the fence, and pro- | ceeded, first of all, to talk upon trivial subjects, ind around to that nearest his mind. Proceeding cautiously, ne finally reached the question: “What do yender?” you know about the old house over CHAPTER XIII. THE WORK OF AN ENEMY. THE old resident blinked unsuspiciously as he looked at the storm-beaten walls of the house. ‘*That’s oue 0’ the oldest buildings in these parts,” he returned, ** Nobody lives there now, eh?’ Spicy Jim in- quired, ‘*Oaly mice, an’ sech,” ‘Did you know them as did live there?” ‘Amos Case was the last,” the old resident replied, with a sigh. ‘* He was killed there, an’ nobody has keered ter live under its roof sence. Many folks says the house is haunted, an’ will be until his murder is ae see, they ain’t never found out who did id,” ‘Who do you think?” “Dear me! if I had a theory I'd a? made it known afore now. I ain’t got any.” ** Did Case live alone?” ‘‘- Yes, He was a queer man, an’ more or Jess a miser, but not the worst person in the world by any means, Yes, he lived alone a good TEU UEUUEE USEEIEISEISIERSSSSSISEe ani Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. venturess, Isay. How Amos met her I never | an embankment made since Henry Hudson first knew, but meet they did, an’ he got bewitched. He who had been a hermit branched out asa gallant, an’ many’s the time a livery team come ter his door an’ took him an’ Sadie Selwin— that was her name—out ridin’. Yes, poor old Amos made a fool of himself in his last years. He died, but she never showed up at his funeral. It kinder surprised me, for I had fer some time been thinkin’ that they was married,” ** An’ you think so now?” **? dunrio, The question is, ef they was mar- ried, why didn’t she claim her property, instead 0’ lettin’ it go ter other heirs?” Here was a puzzler, It perplexed Jim more than the old resident, for Jim had heard the Woman in White declare she had seen the mar- riage take place. ‘* Who was t’other heirs?” the umbrella-mender asked, after a pause, ‘*The stuff went ter a gal named Bertha How land—jest how she was related I don’t know. When I first knowed Amos he had two relatives who passed for sisters, Really, though about of an age, they was first cousins, once removed, ter each other, One married Hannibal Jones, who now owns the old house; the other mar- ried Abner Howland.. Both is dead, now.” ‘** But Rertha ain’t?” "No. She was Mrs. Howland’s da’rter, and heired all the property, owin’ ter the way the line 0’ kinship run. ? “You are sure she was Mrs, Howland’s da’r- ter? ** Certain.” $ ‘* Did they know tuat Sadie Selwin?” . ‘*Dear me, no! Do you suppose nice women like them would soil their skirts by touchin’ an adventuress like the Selwin woman? I[ should hope not. No; they would never even speak ter her, an’ it made her boilin’? mad. She was bad, all through; that woman was -the worst I ever seen,” Spicy Jim shook his head gravely. He was getting deeper into mystery. When at the professor’s house Mrs. Parsons, in Jim’s presence, had told Jones that, a few years before, she bad convinced his wife that she— Mrs. Parsons—was Bertha’s mother, and, in the face of that assertion, Jones, on that occasion, had not dared to order the adventuress out. How there could be doubt on that subject Jim did not see. There was silence for some time between the Ye pei and the Bowery boy, and the latter asked: **Do you know a woman ‘round here who wears a white dress, white vail an’ white gloves?” ‘*Hev you heered of it?” was the subdued inquiry. ‘** Heered o’ what?” “* The ghost!” **Oh! there’s a ghost, is there?” ‘-T ain’t goin’ ter say that, after havin’ disbe- lieved in ghosts all my life. No, I won’t b’lieve it, but there is them who do, This woman has been seen severial times at night, lately, an’ many rushes to the belief that she’s a genuine spook— but that’s nonsense,” ** Who kin she be?” ** That I don’t know,” ‘* Where does she travel mostly?” **Oa! around the old house.” *‘She must live near here.” ‘*Should s’pose so, but where? Ef anybody knows they won’t tell.” Other questions Spicy Jim asked about the Woman in White, but without gaining any fur- ther light. Until within a fortnight no one had ever seen ber, as far as the old resident knew, but since that time she had several times been observed around the old house. Superstitious persons believed her to be a phantom; practical ‘people, who had tried to catch her, had been frustrated utterly by her agility and the tangle of the shrubbery back of the hous =~ When the old resident bad been talked dry Spicy Jim went back to headquarters, and was oe in time to meet Professor Jones and Josh yreen, looked upon Manhattan Island. Spicy Jim had something to say. to his employ- er, and did not long neglect the chance, ** How’s the folks, perfessor?” ** Quite well,” ** You're lucky ter hey sech a charmin’ young lady as Bertha ter brighten yer home.” ‘*T am, indeed,” ‘*1 b’lieve her mother was yer sister?” ‘*No; she was sister tomy wife—at least, so they were pleased to term the tie of blood. Really, they were first cousins, once removed; but they loved each other so that they always claimed to be sisters, Many never knew differ- ent, as they were reared together.” ‘““Ef there was sech good will, how does it happen you’re on the outs with Mrs, Parsons, now?” . ‘* With Mrs. Parsons?” ‘*-Yes, Bertha’s mother.” ‘¢ She is not Bertha’s mother! At least—” Jones paused, hesitated, and said no more. ‘*She claimed ter be,” put in Jim. ** Would you believe her?” *‘ Conferdential-like, 1 wouldn’t, But, ef I may be so brash, w’ot is tbe state of affairs which makes it possible fer her ter put in the claim?” Ve ‘* That I can’t tell you.” ‘But I might help yer.” ‘* Never mind; let the subject drop. are you ready for work?” The professor’s manner showed that he meant. all he said, and did not intend to have family secrets invaded, Perhaps he made a mistake just then. Spicy Jim felt that he ought to telb all he knew, and was eager to do so, The rebuff, however, changed the current of his mind, and he determined to keep his secret awhile longer. Labor was resumed, and, until three o’clock, the spades and picks were kept busy. Them Jones suddenly rose from where he had been sit- ting. Tobrry the tools to the house,” he directed, ‘* We will go home at once!” ; His gloomy utterance satisfied Jim that he had, nearly, or quite, given up hope of finding any- thing pre-historic in the mound, but neither of the apprentices‘;commented on the early cessa- tiov of work, They obeyed orders, and a few yal ag later, they were on their way to New York. Nothing of importance occurred on the jour- ney, and their homes were reached in due time. At twilight Spicy Jim sat in the room where he and Joshua had mended so many umbrellas, looking across the yards to the room occupied by Mrs, Parsons, He had a glimpse of her sev- eral times as she passed the window, but she ap- peared to be alone, and he saw nothing of in- terest. rae He meditated a good deal in the oor to decide upon some plan by which he could learn more about her, and about her past crimes and future plots. He was bold toan extreme, and was ready to take a good deal of risk, but he did not see how he was to accomplish bis work at once, 2 After the affair at the old house she would be sure to recognize him if they met again, and this fact stoo? in the way of many schemes which occurred to him. He retired at an early hour, for work and loss of sleep had made him weary. On thisnight he hoped to make up for lost time and rise in the morning refreshed. He was soon deep in slumber. After awhile he had a dream, He thought that an enemy had taken him to the top of a high mountain and rolled him over a sloping bluff. He went down slowly, butina way not to bis liking, bumping from one point to another. On reaching the bottom he was placed on a railroad bhand-car and an- other journey began which was quite as un- pleasant as the first, for the way seemed strange- ly rough. At last .bey entered a dimly-lighted station, and his captor kicked him vigorously to arouse him, Green, 4). Many years.” . They had driven up from the city, and were| He did arouse—in reality. i as he ever married?” , ready for fresh work on the mound, He awoke from his dream and looked up, but Q The old resident pulled vigorously at his Operations -were re-commenced, and the | the awakening was not pleasant. beard. spades and picks kept busy. Hours passed and| Tom Bates was standing over him. Me DHOY says not.” the excavations grew lerger, but no sign of 3 ie Don’t you say so?” pre-historic man or his handiwork was discov- CHAPTER XIV. * I don’t mind statin’ that I’ve had my doubts, | ered, TOM BATES PLAYS HIGH CARDS. a In Case’s last years there was a young woman By noon Mr. Jones was in a very serious mood, Ir was a most astonishing discovery, but an- o4 around there a good ’eal, an’ folks seen an’ | The work was not completed, but over half of | other followed close upon it. Spic. Jim was bs talked about it. She was a high-flyer, an’| the mound had been opened, and he was not | not in his own room, but in one which, strange had yeller hair, an’ daubed her face over | enough of a fanatic to be sanguine at that stage | to him though it was, was plainly a basement with paint an’ powder. It took only half an | of affairs, He was reluctantly arriving at the | kitchen. ; | eye to see that she was a bad lot—a mere ad~j conclusion that the “mound” was nothing but! 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= Poa Cate Spr sr ee oe re cee - sat vie 12 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. familiar to the umbrella-mender, and he was utterly bewildered to know how he had changed places, The fact was almost as strange as the things he bad imagined in his dream, Bates bestowed another kick upon him, ** Be you awake, youngster?” asked the rough, in his usual husky voice, “T seem ter be,” Jim admitted, ** Git up!” The boy was not reluctant to obey, but, as he did so, he made a new discovery, ‘*Say, w’ot are my wrists tied tergether fer?” he demanded, with spirit. ‘Ter keep you out o’ mischief.” **Untie them!” **Oh! say, come off; you make me weary, young feller. Ter save talk let me state right in few words that I went inter your room; give ye a dose of chloroform; carried ye down-stairs on my shoulder; put ye in a cab an’ brought yer here. Now, don’t wrench yer jaws apart by firin’ questions at me!” Spicy Jim comprehended that there had_been some fouhdation for his dream, but how Bates a gained entrance to the room was not so clear, ‘* Where be I, now?” Jim proceeded. **Can’t you see?” ** T mean, what house is this?” ‘* None o’ yer business!” ‘* What yer goin’ ter do with me?” ‘¢ What we please,” ‘¢ Well, you’d better leave me go, by gum!” ‘*Boy, I expect the boss in this job every minute; when she comes you kin spin all the orations you want ter. I’m only a passenger— ‘though, havin’ bought a ticket, I guess I shall be heerd from more or less from this on.” A door opened anda woman entered. Jim was prepared for what he saw; it was Mrs. Parsons. A sarcastic smile overspread her painted face as she met the prisoner's gaze, “* How do you like this?” she asked. ‘‘ Any improvement over the situation of last night?” “ Ruther—for you.” ‘** You do not seem so pert.” “*My canary-haired friend, don’t you jump at conclusions; there may be a hook under the bait which will wownd yer delikit gills like Peter X, Carvin’-knife, Folks sometimes smile when they’re unhappy, especially drunkards. Then, ag’in, a contented mind may lurk behind a frown on a Roman nose, That’s me!” The Bowery boy’s coolness was proof against all things, but be did not fail to see that he was in danger. The fact was printed, as it were, on Mrs. Parsons’s face. ‘* Boor!” she commented, scornfully, and then, after a pause, added: ‘‘ Matters are not all your way on this occasion. If I had recognized you, last night, as a friend of Old Jones I would have found some way to conquer you. I did not rec- ognize you, though I saw something familiar in your face. Afterwards, when it flashed upon me that you were the same boy I saw at Jones’s, I was startled. You have been spying upon me! ‘Guess that don’t trouble you mucb.” ** Why do you think so?” ‘*-You area pretty tough old hen, and I shouid piy the hawk that gobbled yer upin his claws!” he adventuress ignored the comment. ‘* What have you learned?” she added. ‘¢ More than some folks forget.” ‘‘ Where is your friend, the woman who dresses in white?” ** Don’t know.” “Tt is false—you do.” ** Mebbe ‘you know my biz better than I do.” ‘“‘Tam positive that you know where she is, and lam going to learn. Will you tell me at once?” ‘No, sir!” ** Think again,” **T can’t tell, fer I don’t know.” ‘Listen to me! You are im a room which, when the door is closed, is so constructed, thanks to the work my companion and I have to-day put upon it, that no air can enter or escape. If you refuse to tell me where that woman is, your feet, as well as your hands, will be bound, and then the illuminating gas will be turned on. Do **Mum, I’m givin’ you the straight tip when I say I can’t tell ye where the Woman in White him was all a pretense?” : | is. I never seen her except at the old house, an’ she skipped out like a will-o’-whisk’um an’ couldn’t be found after. That’s all I know.” ‘** Bates, bind him, and then turn on the gas!” The person addressed tipped his hat rakishly down over one eye before he replied. ‘Sally, before we do thet,” he made answer, ‘jest waltz ter the other end o’ the room, I hev a word ter whisper in yer ear.” ‘* Make haste, then.” Mrs. Parsons followed him without further argument, but with an air of impatience, They imagined themselves wholly beyond Jim’s hear- ing, perhaps, but, if so, they reckoned without knowledge of the keenuess of his hearing. “See here!” began Tom, ‘‘ I’ve been a good helper ter you. Eh?” The adventuress looked at him sharply. Even one a total stranger to him could have seen that something of importance was coming. Her an- swer was sweet and amiable, ** Yes, Tom,” she agreed. ** How about my reward?” ‘* Haven’t you bad your reward?” ‘*T should be a fool ter deny that your good- ness ter me has made me as happy as a clam at high tide, an’ we hev gone on tergether like kit- tens. But, Sally, how about Temple Lloyd?” ** What do you mean?” ** It looks ter me as ef you’re propésin’ ter put him ahéad o’ me in yer regards,” “That is nonsense!” “You're sweet on him, an’ he on you,” de- clared Tom, sulkily. ‘*Haven’t I told: you my supposed love for “Don’t you know J kin read? You ain't besn so crafty in your pretended love-making so but I could see it was reel. You are stuck on the dude!” Mrs, Parsons was accustomed to subduing her rough follower by subtle arts, and she would have followed her usual course on the! present occasion had it not been for the last word, That angered her so that she lost her prudence, ‘1s that any of your business?” ‘© Yes; it is my business!” Tom declared, his husky voice growing menacing. “I ain’t goin’ ter be throwed over fer him.” ‘* How are you going to prevent it?” **Now you come right down ter hard-pan. Yonder is the boy. You say he’s dangerous ter you, an’ you want ter put bim out 0’ the way. J say that ef you cut up rusty you shall never hev the chance ter throw me over fer Lloyd, Ef you defy me the boy goes away from here safe, an’ what he don’t know o’ your secrets, I'll tell him. See?” The adventuress did see, She was no fool, and, her unusual burst of temper being over, she made haste to undo the damage she had caused, She forced a laugh. “Tom, you are the most absurd fellow I ever knew, I am disposed not to forgive you for ’ thinking I could take up with Lioyd. Haveno _fear; I promise not to take up with him,” “ An’ you'll stick ter me?” oe Yes,” ** Prove it!” ** How can I?” ‘* By marryin’ me!” Mrs. Parsons recoiled, ‘*By marrying you!” she echoed. “Yes, I’ve got tired o’ bein’ a star-gazer, I want ter know jest where I stand, Ef you care fersme as you cay you do, prove it by marryin’ me, Then V)) know Lloyd won’t come between us, ‘But I can’t, without committing bigamy. I have several living husbands, already. One must be legal; you would not be that. Don’t be absurd, Tommy!” “That’t all a bluff!” the quick-witted rough declared, ‘I’ve knowed ye fer years, an’ never heerd of a husband before. But it ain’t of him, or thedack o’ him, I want ter speak, Ef you marry me Dll. know you can’t marry Lloyd. See? Come, now, prove yer devotion ter me; don’t talk of a busband you ain’t got; give Lloyd the shake, an’ marry me!” When? “Now!” : ‘* Now? Where is the parson? ** We'll go ter him at once,” ‘*Give me a little time and—” ; “No!” Tom declared. ‘It’s now or never, Sally Parsons! I’ve worked this thing up, an’, ever sence you got sweet un Lloyd, hev waited fer the proper chance, It hascome now, Be- fore you turn on the gas fer Spicy Jim you must go out an’ marry me! If you refuse, the kid an’ I will be spreadin’ yer secrets afore an- another hour. What’s yer answer?” \ yee CHAPTER XV. A GAME OF WITS AND MATRIMONY. Ir was an important question, and of vital - interest to all there. Tom Bates, big, burly and brutal, with the face of a prize-fighter and the heart of a byena, was deeply in love in his peculiar way. He bad aided Mrs. Parsons a long time, and worshiped while he aided, Nobody knew better than he that by education, intelligence, rearing and practice, if not by respectability, the adven- turess was far above him, but that only made ‘the prize the more desirable, He awaited her reply eagerly. ; Mrs. Parsons was troubled. She knew her brute worshiper well, and now, was well aware that he meant all he said. She wished him at the bottom of the East River, but that was not . where he was, She had no intention of marry- . ing him, and she did intend to marry Temple Lloyd. But how was Tom to be managed? It was a most perplexing situation. Spicy Jim had not lost a word of the conver- sation, private though it was supposed to be, and, naturally, he was the most interested per- son there. His life was at stake, and depending upon the sequel to the conversation, **T think you are very inconsiderate, Tom,” the adventuress finally made answer. ‘ After we have cruised together in harmony so long you now turn against me—” ‘+ Never! never! I ain’t turned against ye!” Tom declared. ‘* Kin you call it that when a man asks yer ter marry him?” ‘That's allright, but I object to the way and the time. You seek to drive me into it. I would object most strenuously, for I feel that I ought to be angry, but I bet re with you, Tommy; I like you too well. ear my promise: ‘To-morrow morning I'l! go with you to the par- son, and we'll be married!” Bates shook his head doggedly. ** No, yer don’t!” ** Do you refuse%” wO OY Ota" “ Why?” ‘Sally, your word an’ mine ain’t worth a inch o’ snuff. We know each other of old; now each other too well to trust: in promises either has made,” j ‘“*Tom, you are a fool!” Mrs. Parsons cried, ngrily. , ‘** Fools are dangerous, sometimes,” was the sullen answer, ‘* You try my patience fearfully.” “That ain’t the point. Will you marry me, now ?” ‘The adventuress glanced at Spicy Jim. ** Jest so,” Tom added, ‘‘ His future depends on yer decision, Go an’ marry me at once, an’ you kin dispose o’ him, but the gas will never be turned on until you do marry me, See?” The umbrella-mender waited for fhe woman’s answer greedily. It was a great crisis in his life. - ‘‘ Have your own way,” Mrs. Parsons finally replied, ‘‘ We will be married at once,” Tom’s face brightenéd wonderfully, He was a very easily-satisfied lover, for her manner was full of irritation, but he cared not how the end was reached. The victory was all he thoughtof then. ‘““That’s my own girl!” he declared, with grizzly-bear-like tenderness, ‘Pll go for a parson at once,” she added. “No!” was the quick, suspicious response, ‘Tl attend ter that; | know jest the man we’ want. He ain’t overburdened with scruples, but, bein’ a full-fledged parson in good standin’, will tie the knot as tight as the parson of Trinity or Grace Church,” “ Very well; I don’t care who does it. Bring him to the basement door, and wé will be’ mar- ried there—” ‘Why there?” “T won’t go away from my prisorer,” she ex- plained, with decision, pointing to Spicy Jim.” “ Allright. Light the basement ball—” “No. I’m not going to illuminate the lower part of the house all through, and expose us to prying eyes that may have seen the boy brought . in. Your parson shall stand at the door, just inside the stoop; we'll be right in front of him, No strong light, and no publicity for me, when we have work here to do.” Again she indicated Spicy Jim. ‘All right, Sally,” Bates returned. ‘‘ We won't argue over a small point like that; I don’t keer how much blamed darkness we are mar- ried in, Shall I go for the parson now?” ‘“‘Yes, How far away does he live?” *¢ Three blocks.” ~ _ . * p Pen wa & a — pay “=
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=r nen F ss F a, ey ts" er eee ~ ' with his “parson,” all — Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. . 13 ‘Very well; I will be in the lower hall, I'll let you out by the basement door.” Tney left the room, she turned the key and fastened Jim in alone. Then they went to the front door, Bates asked fora kiss and received it. A: few moments more and he was on the street, hurrying away to get hls chosen min- ister, Sally Parsons swept her hand across her S. Me The vile wretch!” she exclaimed. ‘This move of his shall cost bim dear, To-night I will fool him to the limit, and then, at first ehance, out goes his vile life. He signed his death-warrant when he tried to intimidate me and rule the roost!” The speaker hurriedly went up the stairs, and encountered the landlady in the parlor-floor hall, . ‘*T want your help!” she declared. The woman was coarse and brutal; she was unscrupulous; she was bound to the adventuress by the tie of money paid her by that employer. ‘* What is it, Miss Sadie?” she asked, ‘‘That wretch, my man-ally, is bound to marry me at once.” ‘« What, he?” ‘Yes, but Dll foil him. Where is your col- ored cook?” : ‘Tn her room.” ‘* She must marry Bates!” oe Eh?’ ‘¢ The fool did not stop to think he was dealing with a woman when he pressed his point so bravely. What is Lis stupid brain compared with mine? He shall marry, not me, but the negress!” ** But he won’t do it.” **He will, The hall is dark; the cook is my height and build; he can be tricked. As for the cook, she shall be a widow before two days have passed. Tom Bates sealed his doom when he went up against me, Your cook need not hosi- tate; as I’ve said, she shall be a widow quickly. Go for her!” Mrs, Parsons carried matters with a rush, The colored woman naturally objected, at first, to getting married in such fsshion; but she was not troubled with a conscience, and when Mrs, Parsons had put money into her hand generously she resisted no longer, f The three women united their wits to make the scheme a success, Fortunately for them they were given ample time, and, when Tom Bates finally returned was ready. Tom knocked at the basement door, and Mrs, Par- sons opened it, “* Here we are, Tommy,” she observed, ‘The landlady and the cook are here as witnesses. You had better stand right there, reverend sir, for, otherwise, you may run against the refrig- erator.” The “ reverend sir” did not object. Tom had tried to account plausibly for a marriage in a dark basement, but the minister—he had dis- graced himself and been expelled from the church some months before—had interrupted and declared that he did not care whether be married them there or under a street light. After a few preliminary words all was ready. Tom reached out for Mrs. Parsons’s hand, A faint light came through from the street and barely touched the minister’s back, but the rest of the place was in utter darkness, A hand was slipped in Tom's, and Mrs, Par- sons’s voice whispered: “ All ready!” *‘ Heave ahead, parson!” Tom directed. The ceremony began, Mrs. Parsons was nervous, and excusably so, The negress had no race peculiarity of speech, and was a clever woman, but there was danger that Bates would discover that it was not his adored one who was making the responses, When the first crisis came the cunning adven- turess rusiled her skirts, so that the brides yoice would be less distinct, Tom said nothing. The ceremony progressed, and not a suspicion entered the m’s mind. He was so elated that there was even less danger than Mrs, Par- sons supposed ; he scarcely heeded the tone of the replies, as long as they were freighted with the right words, t was over at last, and luckless Mr. Bates bad married the colored cook! He wanted to seal the compact witb a kiss, and was not disappointed. It was Mrs. Parsons wh? accommodated him, and he was in the bighest realm of bliss, “You've done a good job, parson!” he aver- red, ‘‘an’I hope I kin do as much fer you, some time. I can’t act as parson at yer weddin’, nor Ss ss esses —. find ye a bride as beautiful as mine, There ain’t another so lovely in New York!” . os slight laugh involuntarily escaped the land- ady. ‘“You may snicker!” quoth Tom, with dig- nity, ‘‘ but you ain’tin it. I say my wife is the pootiest woman in this city!” ‘** Some likes blondes, an’ some likes brunettes,” answered the landlady, *‘ an’ so some would like a complexion jest opposite ter your wife’s; but it ain’t fer me ter critikise, I wishes ye joy, | ’ sir!” She went up-stairs with the cook, and Bates proceeded to dismiss the minister. When this was done he had Mrs. Parsons to himself, ‘** Now, darlin’,” he remarked, ‘‘ we'll see ter the boy.” “True. Spicy Jim must die, at once!” The adventuress unlocked the door of the kitchen, and they entered. The gas was still burning, but Spicy Jim was not where they had left him. " Mrs. Parsons swept a < Sipe glance around, Spicy Jim was not to be seen ! He was no longer in the room, CHAPTER XVI, THE JAWS OF THE TRAP, It was the following evening. The hour was nine o’clock, Two persons turned from Broadway into Great Jones street, One wasa boy who had a soft hat pulled well down over his eyes; the other was a woman who was dressed in black, even to the vail which covered her face, The first was Spicy Jim; the second was she whom he had been accustomed to call the ‘‘ Woman in White.” In her black apparel the name was not appropriate, and, as she bad told Jim to call her Mrs, Hunter, we will now know her by that name. They paused a few feet from the corner. . No signs 0’ his nibs yet,” Jim observed. ‘I'm afeerd they will ‘light out.” “Then we will have them arrested at the door. But [ think they will not go to-night, anyhow, for our new ally said there was no sign of their vacating. Mrs. Parsons, as she calls herself, isa desperate and defiant woman, and her reckless courage bas run away with her judgment, it seems.” ‘** We'll fix "em, ter-night.” “Unless they beat us out. dare a good deal of danger.” “It’s worth it ter find out jest how Temple Lloyd stands, Pretty Bertha believes in him, an’ we must know fer sure whether he is sairt or sinner afore we spring our trap.” “Your description of her makes me willing to —- a& good deat for her sake,” Mrs. Hunter re- pli We are going to ‘* You are a hero; that’s what you are!” Spicy Jim declared, with enthusiasm. ‘‘ Nobody short of a hero would ’a’dlared comein an’ rescued me as you did last night.” ‘“* There was danger, but, baving made up my mind to baffle that woman, I invaded the house in Houston street boldly.” “* An’ did a tremenjus job.” “How vividly it all remains in my mind,” added Mrs, Hunter, “I traced Mrs, Parsons and Bates from this street to Houston, and, later, saw you brought in the cab, insensible, and con- veyed to the house. When the servant went out = an errand I boldly entered by the unlocked oor. ‘* Bravo for you, mum!” **T soon learned that you wera in the kitchen, but they were there, too, talking of suffocating you with gas, When Bates went for the minis- ter, and Mrs, Parsons hurried up-stairs to see the landlady. I perceived my chance. She had left the key in the door, I turned it, entered, and released you.” **-You bet!” i “The return of the party cut off our retreat, and we were obliged tohide at theend of the hall while Tom Bates was being married to the colored cook.” “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed Jim, gleefully. ‘*When the minister was sent away, Bates and Mrs. Parsons again entered the kitchen to carry out their infamous plot against you. That was onrchance, We ran to the basement door, unlocked it and burried out on tbe street. Prob- ably we were not clear of the area when your escape was discovered, but we boarded a street- car and saw your enemies no more.” ‘* You saved my lize, that’s all,” Jim returned, “They was goin’ ter turn on the gas an’ do me up, sure,” * That is true,” “As fer the janitor where Joshua Green an’ | Parsons’s servant, me lives, we scared him, ter-day, inter a con- fession that Bates bribed him ter let Tom inter the house. Then Tom come ter my room, cbloro- formed me, carried me out, put mein the cab an’ took me ter Houston street, I had had dreams through it all, an’ they’d been a heap worse ef I’d known Bates had me.” * Anyway, his feat at bribery, gave us a sug- gestion, and we have retaliated by bribing Mrs. I hope good will come of it,” ‘* Mebbe the servant won’t show up.” “Wait! I believe this is she!” A slovenly-looking girl was coming rapidly down the street, ‘* Here I be!” she panted, as she came up. “*Is anything wrong?’ Mrs, Hunter asked. **No; quite the contrary. It is now certain that Temple Lloyd will visit Mrs, Parsors. Come with me and I'll soon have you in the room next. to bers.” ** Lead on!” The direction was obeyed, ard all were soon in front of the house where Mrs, Parsons and Bates had quarters. As neither was then in, it was thought safe to proceed boldly. They entered the house, No one appeared to challenge or scrutinize them, and, as the servant had promised, they were soon ensconced in tb room next to Mrs, Parsons’s, A transom, which was supposed to be fast closed, afforded means of overhearing what was said. By looking across the yard the windows of Joshua Green’s quarters could be seen, That room was dark, tut, having made due arrange- ments, Spicy Jim was sure that Josh was on the watch, and ready to go for a policeman upon a given signal. 4 . Jim and bis companion settled down to await. the coming of their game, They were not delayed a great while. A key rattled in the lock; the door opened, and the adventuress and Temple Lloyd entered. Mrs, Parsons was in a tender mood, and began to say various sweet things to the mercbent, but his mind was running on practical matters, ‘*Time is precious,” he finally observed. Suppose we do our business, first of all?” ** A good idea.” ‘* Where do we begin?” ‘* Anywhere, so that we sbape our plans to ruin Hannibal Jones and the girl.” ** You are bound to move into their house?” SY Ga ‘It probably can be done, for Jones is not the man to make a big fight. Once convince him, and he would go down like a ten-pin. But we do not want to act rashly. He may have a lawyer, and, if he does, we either must have good proof, or be able to head off any efforts to catch our evidence tripping. You have the pa- per of release with you, I presume.” . “Yes. It made me laugh to see old Jones search for it in his desk when ‘Bates and I called there. I had bribed their servant—an easy thing, as they bad given her warning—to steal it for me, Jones searched in vain; even then I had the release.” ‘Tt is possible that, when he had it, it was shown to some of his friends, who may be ready to swear toits terms. Pray let me read it.” She promptly passed over a folded paper. He read it carefully. “Tt is merely an,agreement on lead part not to claim or molest Bertha,” he added, ‘*That’s all,” He laid the paper on the table beside bim, “Who was that white-clad woman who made such a scene in the country house?” . Mrs, Parsons hesitated before making reply, but it was only because she dared not tell of her own misdemeanors; ske did not doubt L'oyd’s loyalty to her. * As I’ve told you before, I was once ac- quainted with Amos Case, At the time I met bim he was contemplating marriage in his old age, and the object of his passion was a Mrs. Hunter. When he saw me his feelings changed, and he deserted her. That’s why she hates me—though why should she? J would not have married Case, even if he had lived to ask me,” The adventuress was v2ry much afraid that Lloyd would press matters at this point, and bring out the fact that she had married Case, so she went on glibly: ‘‘ Old Amos was a very queer man. “I have told you hefore about the two tin boxes he bad, and bow he wrote out some sort of statement in cipher, and buried it in one of the boxes, The statement of his ex-servant that he buried one of the boxes at a certain point, and planted a white rose there, caused us to dig there and find one box. It was empty—a trick of the cunning old man. Where is the otber box®’ Lloyd shook bis head, -
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i4 *©T don’t know. Do you?” oe No,” **T wish we did.” ‘*T shall not féel safe until that box is found,” Mrs. Parsons pursued, uneasily. ‘‘I don’t know what Case wrote, but he had learned many things I would not like the world to know— things which ought not to be weighed against me— but the world is merciless!” arrrae.” “ You would not be influenced, though, would you?” “Sadie, my feelings toward you cannot | change. We have gone through paths not the brightest, and not bordered with roses, but that makes the tie all the stronger.” ‘* You are the noblest of men!” Mrs, Parsons declared. * To return to our main subject: You claim to be the mother of Bertha, and propose to as- sert the rights which go with such a position. It is a bold claim, and, as I am to fight your battles, we must weigh the evidence,” “The adventuress looked uneasy. “ T trust your proof is good,” Lloyd added, **T convinced Professor Jones’s wife, in her lifetime.” ‘“*Was the proof genuine?” Lloyed asked, quietly. Mrs. Parsons moved restlessly. ** I told Mrs, Jones,” she explained, ‘‘ that my child and her sister’s child had been exchanged in infancy; that Mrs, Howland’s died, and she purchased mine to replace it; and that Bertha was that child. My proof satisfied Mrs, Jones;” * But was it true?” ** Why need 1 answer that?” ** Merely because, if I fight’ your battles,” Lioyd persuasively replied, ‘* t must know every item of evidence, and know the facts from the fictions.” ** So be it, then; I'll be frank. [ lied to Mrs. Jones. As far as I know Bertha was Mrs, How- land’s daughter’ Certainly, she was not my child, nor did lever bave a child!” CHAPTER XVII. WHICH TELLS OF MANY SURPRISES. TEMPLE LLOYD quietly rose to his feet. ‘*T am glad to hear you make that statement, Mrs. Parsons,” he remarked, coolly. ‘“* Why?” she asked. ** Because it tears the vail of hypocrisy away from my association with you. “You have con- fessed your infamy—now know me as I am; your most bitter enemy.” The adventuress turned pale, and hurriedly Tose. ‘Surely, you are jesting!” she exclaimed, ‘**Tamnot. When you began your infamous crusade against Professor Jones and Bertha, this last time, I saw that you were a dangerous woman who, because of sharpness of wits and superior knowledge of the world, was likely to prove more than a match for the simple-minded rofessor. As we had met some time ago, I knew of your plot before you visited him—I hanced to overhear you and Tom Bates talking. I determined to beat you with your own weap- ons. I pretended to be enamored of you, and won your confidence. I did it only to beat you out in your infamous game!” ; The adventuress gazed at Lloyd blankly. She did not need to ask if he was in earnest, His voice and manner told enough; they were full of coldness and severity, and expressed ouch of loathing. **Ob! woman,” he went on, “did you think I could desert Bertha for ycu? You were mad, mad! As for Bertba, I recently confessed to her just what I was doing, and, though Mr. Jones knew not of it, she has been fully in my confidence.” The adventuress drew a deep breath which ‘was almost a sob. “Now, the end has come,” the merchant stefnly added, ‘‘ Amos Case’s second tin box is in Jones’s hands. Wivhin it was the cipher you coveted. After long study 1 have deci- phered the secret paper, and by it you are con- demned. I know that, at the time you claim to have sold your bogus child to Mrs, How- land, you were in Europe. You had been there five years; you did not return until five years Jater!” Still Mrs, Parsons said nothing. “*T leave you now,” pursued Lloyd, ‘‘ never to return, I hope I shall never see you again. In one sense [am ashamed of my association with ou, but I was determined to frustrate your infamous plot, I have done so, Now, woman, if you ceaso to annoy the professor and Bertha ee “e Ahh ete Svicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. you will be allowed to go your way; butif you molest them in the least I will have you arrested at once!” | Sternly, pitilessly sounded the words of doom, and Mrs, Parsons knew that her last hope was one. 4 She had been crushed, wretched, while he was pouring out the accusation, but her courage now returned with a rush, and, with it, fierce hatred for the man who had baffled and deceived her. ‘““You wretch!—you scoundrel!” she hissed, ‘do you think you can have your own way like this? Do you think youare an absolute mon- arch?” ‘“You can carry your case to court if you wish.” “To court! Fool! do you think that would satisfy me? A case in court is nothing to the pleasure of vengeance! You have played the Judas; now you shall meet the consequences, You sball die!” The merchant bowed gravely. ‘*T presume you have a plan?” ‘* T have,” She rushed to the hall door and opened it. She supposed Tom Bates to be on the lower floor, and intended to call him; but Tom had been acting the listener during the last part of the conversa- tion, and the opening of the door brought him face to face with her, Her face gleamed with triumph. **Tom, knock the bead off of that scoundrel!” she cried, fiercely, and in the language of her class, ** Tl do more; Pll kill him!” growled Tom, his eyes blazing with hatred. ‘* Beware how you try it!” Lloyd retorted. ‘* You have dared play fast an’ loose with this woman, an’ you die for it!” ‘*TDo him up!” urged the adventuress. “T will.” ‘* What is she to you—” So began Lloyd, intending to dwell upon the fact that Mrs. Parsons had deceived Tom and showered her affections on himself, but the rough interrupted sharply: **She’s my wife!” “ Your wife?” ‘Yes, sir! We was married last night!” ** Not much, you wa'n’t, old hoss !” — It was a new voice, sharp and clear, just back of Tom Bates, aud the rough turned quickly. : ‘‘The fiends! it’s the kid!” be growled, husk- ily. ‘“*You bet! Here I be, Spicy Jim, at your , y service, nove the worse fer yer intention to do me up with gas. Here I be, Giant Grim, an’ dead on ter you.” Back of Spicy Jim was Mrs, Hunter, pale but composed, ‘ ‘* Better and better!” cried Mrs, Parsons; “all shall die together!” r Sy Right!” declared Tom, ‘‘ an’ I’m the chap ter 0 it! ’ ‘* Hold yer bosses!” coolly interrupted Jim, “You ain’t dead on ter this game, old gent. You my this damsel is yer wife; I say she ain’t. seen you married myself. Do you know why yer lady-love insisted on bein’ mar- ried in the dark? She played a trick on yer—” ‘Silence the boy!” shrilly cried the adven- turess. m “ Hold up! 4 say, Thomas, do yer know who ye married?” “ Yes,” “You don’t. Look on your bride now—she is here, Look!” The colored cook appeared, with the landlady close behind her. “That's your bride, Thomas—the negress!” **Tt’s a lie!” shouted Bates. “It’s true. Yarler Hair duped ye, Ask the landlady, or yer wife, the colcred lady.” “The boy speaks truthfully,” asserted the landlady, ‘* You insisted on marrying Mrs. Parsons against her will. By our help you were tricked, and you married my colored cook!” These statemeuts bad not been made without repeated and strenuous attempts on Mrs. Parsons’s part to silence them, She saw ber danger, and was almost maniacal in her efforts to prevent Bates from knowing the truth. Her efforts failed, however; he heard the others’ charges, and the adventuress’s own manner pro- claimed ber guilt. .Tom Bates’s face grew ghastly, . The loss of the woman he loved, and the un- feeling trick played upon him, were bad enough, but the fact that be was married to a negress was too mueh for him to endure, ) His brutal face became convyulsed with fury. “Traitress! fiend! devil!” he yelled, ‘* you shall not live to profit by your diabolical work, As you killed Amos Case, so will I kill vou!” He drew a knife and sprung toward her, but Spicy Jim leaped upon his back like a cat- amount, _‘* Perleece! perleece!” the boy cried. He did not callin vain; into the room came blue-coated officers, billy in hand. Long before, Spicy Jim had signaled across the yards to Joshua Green, and the latter bad sent the policemen, ‘‘Here they be!” shouted Jim. ‘Here's yer ix brindled mastiff an’ yer painted lily 0° the valley, Wade inter them an’ nab two p’izon dangerous mf coves!” ; Tom Bates shook off the umbrella-mender and essayed to cut his way through with the knife, but a few blows from the cfficers’ clubs over- powered him before he could do any harm, During the excitement, Mrs, Parsons, unseen by any one, put a small vial in her mouth, crushed it between her teeth and swallowed its liquid contents, ‘ ‘¢ Yowlin’ wildcats!” commented Spicy Jim, “ that’s aright smart houl. Mr. Coppers, you skeercely ever, or never, spread the legal net an’ got s» many p’izon rabid sharks at one haul, Jes’ so, by gum!” ‘Sarah Parsons will never go before an earth- ly court. She died in prison, last night, having managed to swallow poison. Bates declared it was she who killed Amos Case, but she must an- swer the charge elsewhere,” Such was the announcement Temple Lloyd | made at Professor Jones’s house the day follow- ing the scenes last described, and such the end of the adventuress, With ber death the whole plot collapsed.. Tom Bates considered his fate even worse. It was not hard to find evidence against him, and he went to serve a five-years’ sentence in prison. This was bad enough, but one thing was even worse to him—he never re- covered from the shock of knowing that he bad ; married a colored woman, and it haunted hin © continually, Temple Lloyd and Bertha were married, and the once-buried gold of Amos Case made a wel- come addition to their finances. Professor Jones never found any pre-historic relics on his country place, but, in other local- ities, he followed his favorite calling, and was much esteemed among men of science, ‘ Mrs. Hunter, otherwise the Woman in White, became a strong friend of those she had aided, Spicy Jim was duly rewarded for his services — } by Lloyd, but he and Josbua Green hung grim- ly to the idea of pursuing their old work. This ‘they did until Lloyd established a _ business where, among other things, umbrellas were manufactured. A few days ago a certain young man was promoted to the position of superin- tendent of the concern, The young man had once been called Spicy Jim. THE END. i } é Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. —~ BY JO PIERCE, 897 Rob o’ the Bowery; °T; The Prince of Mulberry Streets ; 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom. ‘ 452 Hotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. . 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King, iy 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Points Phil. 509 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 626 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 538 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 5A1 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. p 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detectives 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter. 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. ROR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer. 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping % Slippery Set 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. 683 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator '- Ps - BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentuck?: or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Ben or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG, 89 Island Jim? or. The Pet of the Family. 91 The Gaptain of the Clubs or The Rival Athletes 101 Jack Markaway in New York. | A New Issue Every Tuesday, The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, fivo cent per copy, or sent by mail on recerpt of 1X cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers. 98 William Street, New York. /
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7) 1 i" el ’ BEADLE’S* H ALF- DIME* | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. { "BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 6% Patent-Leather Joe: or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 275 Capvam Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game. 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vempires. B88 A Tough Boy} or, tbe Dwart’s Revenge. 268 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. &7B Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. 888 Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 4401 Little Shoe-F ly; or, A Race fora Ranch. 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 451 Little Ah Sin; or, The Curse of Blood. 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the slines. 4580 Three Jolly Parda, 517 Jim Gladden’s Beputy. 627 The Jolly Pards to the Resene, 547 Sandy Andy3 or, A Good Man Down, 656 Lariat Lil; or, The oe for a Life, 674 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 598 Keen Clem, the Kanch Imp. 699 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout, 648 iiappy Harry’s Big Find, BY CAPTAIN FRED, WITITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb hg +4) 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 The Lost Ceptain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. 200 The Boy Bedoutina; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World oa 1. 265 The er Tamer ; or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black Rick, the Demon Rider. : 895 California Joe’s War Trall. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8. Fall.) 284 aon eens © **Boyees; or, Benito, the Young Horse. reaker. 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack 3 or, Giant George’s Pard, 297 The Tarantula of Taos or, Giant George’s Revenge, 807 The Strange Pard; or, bitte Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo: or, The Tarantula of Taos, 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, BES Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. 644 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. G49 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory, 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 875 OChlota, the Creek? or, The Three Thunderbolts. SSL Bandera Rill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. 892 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. ai4 Phe Dalay from Denver. 427 The Three Trailers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 6534 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat 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 Phils or, The King of Quartzville. 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, B22 Nemo, the etectives or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta, 0 Clip the Contortioniat: or, The Montana Vigilantes, BY J, ©. COWDRIOK, 869 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 860 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Petective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name. 424 Olbuta Johny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, 506 pedlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road, 5 sroa iway Tiliy’s Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 588 Broadway Billy’s ‘Difikilty.” 648 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Rroadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 671 Atr-Line Luke the Young Engineer. : 79 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party, ? he Boy Pinkerton. 605 William 0° Broadway3 or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 6 Brondway Billy’s Dead Act. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle 6 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. BY JO PIEROR. 897 Bob o’ the Bowery; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob's Boom. 452 es Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. vit Jannsy dam, Det & Hore-King. Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Pointsa Phil, 5609 Jack Jagrers, the Butcher Boy Detective, 616 Tartar Tims or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 626 North River N at, the Pier Detective, Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective, Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. oo et sacks the Oca tay Dateative, rooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook tective Davamant Pete, the Secret Sifter, ~ 588 Fack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer, 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Ald, 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret, 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scouping Slippery Set. BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout. 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards, $46 Rapler Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas #91 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pardy; or, The Gold King, 406 The Mad Man-lHunter; or, The Mystery of @ojden Gulch, 605 Powell’s Pards or, The One-Armed Giant, ' 4 SY WM. G. PATTEN,~ 489 The Dinmond Sport; or, The Double Face of Roek. 619 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, Bea 651 Daley are the Sport from Denver. 6587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective, 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. " G19 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Dowbic Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport. 441 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Parad, Ss | tae BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant I rapper. 288 Joe Buck of Angels ana His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 laos Ted, toe Arizonn Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective. 518 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Roek the Man from Texas. 90 The Drend Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The ‘Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Kock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Kock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death, 178 Dandy Rock’s Rivals or, ‘The Haunted Maid of Taos, BY CAP1. J. F. ©. ADAMS, £4 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick W hifiles’a Pets or, In The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Wooda. 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Bueckram; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Peta; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Liges or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 283 The Sealp 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 Floea. 848 Fire-Heela; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow, 854 Big Morn Ike, the Hfll Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Licht-house. 870 Brenker Ken, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIA'N *. EYSTER. 190 Dandy Parke} or, The Tivers of High Pine, 210 Faro Frank}; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Seay or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; 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 Prairiea. A Story of Texas, BY ©. PUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Panl; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains, 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE ©. JENKS, 445 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Ourve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 598 Flute, the Singer Detective. 608 font eemer Detective’sa Foll; or, Double Curve Dan’s oudle ave 616 The Ocean Detective: or. The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bull whacker, 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or. The Gambler Guide. BY CITARLES E. LASALLE, 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest. BY JOWN J. MARSHALL, 40 Roving Ben. A Story of a Young American, 9% The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpe, BY MARRY 8ST. GEORGE, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, 59 Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 08 Daring Davy ; or, The Trail of the onaee Wolt, 166 Hickory Bartz! or, The ‘Trapper-Brigade’s Spye 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder. BY MAJOR E. L. 8T. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimstone Keb, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand,” 859 Duranre Wave, the Youny «nani ion Wrestlers 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche AIf, the Foothills Guidé, 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountuin Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS, 6 Bil) Blddeo, 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 itunted Hunter}; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood ; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter}; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trappers; or, The Mountain Monster. 238 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit of the Hills. . BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Wand: or, The Man of } le 187 Wild-Fire, the Boas 9f the "ep abet ue azer; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of 171 Ebony Pansy or, The Rival Reaweaes inh a Sa 185 Evil Eves or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Voung Keptuck: or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Bens or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE NWEMYNG 89 Taland Jim: or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Harkaway tn New York. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dick: or, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance, 87 The Land Pirates: or, The League of Devil's Island, 187 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide: or, The Lost Mountain, BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowatone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retrest, 65 Hurricane Bills; or, Mustang Sam and His Part, 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-saowk Kits or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport’ 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainvy Lance to the Rescue, 160 The Isluck Giant; or, Dainty Lance in J-opardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 ‘The Koy Trailers ; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmagks. 211 Crooked Vale, the Caliban of Celestial Cite. 810 The BRarranca W olf; or, The Beautitul Decoys 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist; or, | be Strange Guide $55 The King of the Woods: or Uone soone’s Last Tradh 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avenga 66 Single Handy; or, A Life for a Life. 72 Mad 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. il. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Bey Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bayy 180 The Sea Traller; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, BY HARRY HAZARD. B28 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines, ! 829 Red-Skin Tomy; or, The Demen’s Trail, %42 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw. BY COL. A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Ruckakin;: or, The Masked Men of Death Canpes, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, 5387 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow, 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. 609 Bolly Porrit, the \ etersn Detective, 620 Little Lightatng’s Learue; or, The Mystery of te TatneyvA, 688 Plucky Paul, 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 Parda, 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar” Man, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 6588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver 601 Happy Mana, the Dutch a , 611 Bildnd Barnacle, the Detective Hercules, 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’« Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Combine, 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Relic and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchansen, 12 Gulliver's Travels. By Dean >wift, 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Ulustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sallor, His Seven Voyages. 22 yaa Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juas wis, . . 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribers, By S, W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena, By Frank 8. Finn. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 Phe Boy Rites; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie “ Lrons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippt, By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Ilood, the Uutlawed 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 Nunter; or, ! he Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion, By George epson. 128 The Young Privateers or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. . 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. Bw J, Alexander Patten. 227 Pusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Ye lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New York Boy. By G, L. Aiken. 266 Killb’ar. the Guide; »r, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail, By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Cliff, By Captain Comstock. . 817 Pencock Pete. the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Liew tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honoe- By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Rea Ralph, the River Rovery or, The Brother’s Re venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris. 874 Fae Dart Tom} or, Ben’s Double Match. By George H- oree. 876 Cailfornin Joe's First Trail, By Colonel) Thomas over Monstery. 418 Billy Rombshell, the Cliff Climber, By F. S. Winthrop, 75 The Black Ship. By John S Warner. Comanche Dick and His Three Invineibles, @y Henrv J, Thomas. & S28 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt, The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. 552 Artel_the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Wil Waters, the Bov Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, A New Iaaue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1s for sale by al! newsdealers, fico ents per copy, or sent by mat! on receipt ot six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMRA, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York:
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= = eile ae BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME« LIBRARY. Published Every BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 3° Enea woos tom - 5 eg new Pa Buffalo Ben > Dead wooc ck in « Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o , The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards ot Flood Bar, 7B Dead wood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, 193 Been wand oe em Pier il or, Corduroy Charlie. 0 enilw oot ck in Leadville, od zemewove as es lee; is The Double Cross Sign, 9 Deadwood ck as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Gorgon’s Guich Ghost. 188 Deadwood bick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivuls of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel, 05 a phe ome ry 3 or, emg Jane’s Adventure. eadwoot ck’s Dead Deal. Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Rongh+ and Toughs, eae os Hm oh abd vy og hg Spirit of Swamp Lake. ead wood ck’s Death Trall. Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Dendwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. poses eas Dick’« Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. end wood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood ) Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Dick’s Claim, Dick In Dead City. Dick’s Dinmonda, Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Care,” Bick 's Pucks or, The Chained Hand. ck, dr. Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bir Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, z vee hiner | preks kag verre or, peewee Bill. endwoo ck, dr.’*, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, ig ings. % Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, Deliverance, b&b Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducka, 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Death Hunt, 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on His Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Gotham, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. % Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree, agen Dade tod ag aha a trey bt a i endwoo ek, dr., a Joney Island, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Lendville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, dr., in Cincinuatl. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick. Jr., In Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent a4 Berdesed pices $n, Arsates ange oa v < '. . “e Case, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Durangoyj or, “ Gathered In.” noaacers pick: Sicha eaversi or, Found a Fertume. . eadw o ek, Jr.«. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Ritle Team. 69 Gold Rifles the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob Fe ugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Pheto rep PHIL; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 W agen Exe zor, Arabs ond Angels of a Great City. 18 Jack Hoyle _the Young Speculator. 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 1 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. King of Boothlacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret,stie New York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevadas or, The Sierras Scamps, 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Eaeuerens Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the By Sharp: or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo BAll, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Saw’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprinte, 258 Sierra Saw’ Pards or, The Ange! of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen, ba enre Paite A eg m ‘ enver Dolls Decoy ; or. Little BIll’s Bon 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. arte 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or. The Road Queen, +44 Ps Nod the meshing bape siza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved § Bae Kelley, Hickey & Co.,, the Detectives of Philadelphia. Little Quick-Shot ters The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 anenroe Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. sce ee ge Free is Etoee Gopher. reka Jim, the Cold-Gatherer; o e Li ttery “872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. eri er Pryce any, Dick Sentenced; or, the Terrible Vendetta. . Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 62 The Shadow sh The Hussar Captain 3 or, ‘Ihe Hermit of Hell Gate, Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 204 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport, 216 Bison BIIL, the Prince of the Reins, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 5 Merle, the Middy ¢ or, The Freelance Heir. The Midshipman Mutineer; or. Brandt, the Buccaneer. The Floating F eather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned, Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, * ‘the Gold Ship’ Chase. Merle Monte’s Fate ; or. Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. The Dead Shot Dandy 3 or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail. Bonodel, the Buy Kover; or, The Flogless Schooner, The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, Warpath WII, the Boy Phantom. Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. Inodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League, The Boy Inaurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta, The Wild YVachtamans; or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise, Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, Tne Corsair. The Sea Raider. The Ocean Firefly 3 or, A Middy’s Vergeance, Maphazard Marry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, Wizard Will: or, Tike Boy Ferret of New York, 454 Wizard WiII’s Street Scouts. The Born Guldey or, The Salior Boy Wanderer, Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagavond Pard, Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Wil!’s Last Case, Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, Buck Taylor, King oft the Cowboys. The Royal Middy ¢ or, The Shark and the Sea Cat, The Hunted Midshipman. The Outlawed Middy. Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. Brothers In Buckskin. The Buckskin Bowers, 5 The Bue skin Rovers. Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, Licutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son, & The Creole Corsair. Pawnee BIIL, the Prairie Shadower. Kent Kingdon, the Curd King. Camille, the Card Queen. The Surgeon-Scout Detective. The Outcast Cadet; or, ‘he False Detective, The Buckskin Avenger. Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. The Young Texan Detective. The Vagabond of the Mines, The Rover _ Detective; or, Keno Kit's Champions. Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scouts or, The Rio Raiders. The Hercules Highwaymuan. Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para, Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt. Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Sallor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower;}) or, The Freebootr's Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name, 1 i 19 2 BY BUFFALO BILL (ton. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 lbeadly-Eye, the Unknown Sceut, 68 Border Robin Hoody; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 18 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 22 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 26 Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 80 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 42 Mandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 47 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, 52 Black Ress, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 57 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 62 Will Wildfire in the Wooda, 65 Billy Baggage. the Railroad Boy. 70 A Trump Card j,or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 74 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 79 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 88 The Hidden Hand} or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 87 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 Tom Tanner}; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway: or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps? or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice, 289 Jolly Jin’« Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound: or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway, of Daketas or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote! Boy Detective. 41 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. 3 Fireily Jack, ihe River-Rat Detective. 8 The Lost Fingers or, The Entrapped Cahier, 428 Fred Fiver, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret, 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagaoond, 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper. 566 The Seerct Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves, 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas: or, The Wolf in the Fold. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Mata ule Via Ror se ey caren of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. mt =) BY OLL COOMES, 5 Vagabond Joa, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knuilfe, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Laxso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 68 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Renyer Spy. 74 Mawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Reager. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 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 Mercules: or, Vhe Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dicks or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. The Disguised Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. The Sky Demon 3 or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. B84 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. AIT Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. Alt Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaar. A457 Wingedfoot Fred 3 or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big Teaprer Boy. A478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemiea 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan, 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trappoe. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance, 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 680 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia, RY T. ©. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl: Hunter, 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Toe Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregen Trafi, 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Quees, 128 Kiown Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr.: or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trig er, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger, 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkanasaaw 3 or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet ; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Rei Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apolic, te King-Pin of Bowie. 7 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 Dynamite Dans or, The Bowie Blade of Gochetopas. £02 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parda; or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 836 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitilesas Matt; or, Red Thunderholt’s Secret. B56 Cool sam una Par’; o The Terrible Six, 8466 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, ‘he B ccaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The (win Champions of Blwe Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Rebie. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon, 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keod Bar, 470 The Jeg Shadow ; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. AtT The Exceistor Sport} or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-ELyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. at a0 and Taleo _ peer aes 8 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 heiney Dick’s Doubles: or, The Rival Bey Detectives, B58 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows, er Dick’s Drop. 594 Littte Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Kkinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sherp on Guard. 626 The Champion Parda. 4 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. ‘ ; 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or. Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Hugh, the Boy Musician Detective. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 688 Chincapin Dan’s Wome Stretch; or, Tre Conspiratore of No Man’a Land. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy; or. Working Out the Mystery of Two Lives. By Tectenast A. K. Sims, . 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dollars; or, The Humming Bird of Honeysuckle, By Edward L. Wheeler. c ‘ade 691 Headlight Harry's Flaul; or, The Railroad Pards’ Big Jay. y A. F. Holt. q 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Seont- By Col. P. Ingraham. Recket at R 698 Violet and Datay, the Posy Pards; or. The Racket at Red Hot. By Wm, G. Patten. = 694 pley a ag Se Only One of His Kind; or, Crooks, y Jo Pierce. " 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Devil's Divides oF, Develop- inv the Dead Secret. By Edward U. w healer, Up the K 696 Hroadway Billy in Texaay Rounding Up the Rev iver Rustlers, By J. C. Cowarick- - 697 The. Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas, By Pee YY * . 698 Old Gnaat, tha hice Withont 9 Heed; or, Lighthenrt Luke’s Cc Swey : eph E. Badger, t+ 699 Airanie & a the Bemene Buster; or, Playing the Fool for Big Stakes. Br Lieut. A. K, Sims. Ready Deeentber 16. The *Soj 200 Deadwood Dict. Fr.’# Drops or, The Sojourn at Satan’s Spring, By Edward L- Wheeler, Ready December 23. A New Iasne Every Tuesday. a Library fe for * ile by all newsdealers, five hedaniraies, Past yt mail on receipt of s1x cents each, - BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street New York. Heading Off the