Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 709) (1891 02 24)
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‘| aS Copyright 1891, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, February 24, , 1891. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 709. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 Cents. Vol XXVIIL i| | i\ i i i i | ill mi i ‘ re i" J : | A i) ny YODAMELENDALEDTOOUOO TUE DAA HAAR 4 ea = F q » e : — q i Sartell Aly Ay ey, Harry aad Big Beat. BY. CHARLES MORRIS, AUTHOR OF ‘! DETECTIVE DICK,” ‘‘ BILLY BAG- GAGE,” “‘ BRED HADYARD,” ‘‘ FRED FLYER THE REPORTER DETECTIVE,” ETC, OCHAPPER, I. LOST, AND ROUND. “TELL yer what. it is, Jake, it’s *most "bout time you and me was strikin’ ont fer a new biz, We'm gettin’ too old fer shinin’.” “Dunno but ye’re’bout got itrthere, Harry. Nickles don’t roll in’s fast as the ey used ter, an it ‘‘ IMPERDINCE AND POLISH—THEM’S MY LINE 0’ BIZNESS; NOW GO ON WITH YER THIEF- _—— a ty keep us’an it did when we. was ittle stu CATCHIN,” AND HARRY SETTLED BACK ON HIS BOX DELIBERATELY, t
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2 The Curbstone Detective. *¢-Yer head’s level there, Jake.” The speakers were a brace of boys who were comfortably seated on the curbstone of a New York side thoroughfare. The boxes beside them and their generally dilapidated attire indicated that their business was that of ‘* polish- ing the understanding” But both were well grown, and looked too old for their business, ‘Pm layin’ out my hooks,” continued Jake. ‘Had some chin music yesterday with the eap’n of a fishin’ smack down there on the Bast River. Reckon it’s goin’ to bea go. ‘I’m goin’ to bea jolly fisherman,’” he sung. “That’s prime,” rejoined Harry. ‘‘T ain’t It’s all blue ahead. But, it’s a-comin’, Jake. I kin feel it in my bones,” ‘The blazes you kin! Wheat kind o’ feelin’ is it? ’Tain’t nothin’ like toothache, or sick?” ‘*-Yer needn’t be sniggerin’. It’s in my bones, I tell yer. Ye’d be kind o’ s’prised ter see a bi lump o’ gold tumble right down ’fore me, f reckon.” ““Maybe I mought, and maybe I moughn’t; but I guess we’d go snacks if it did,” ** Well, *twon’t be a lump o’ gold: I tell you that aforehand. But my fortune’s comin’, fer allthat. An’ ’tain’t fur off, nuther. Did yer ever hear 0’ second sight, Jake?” ‘“‘Nary time. ’Tain’t nothin’ like them there eyeglasses, is it?” ‘it’s a kind of eyeglasses on ther brain, that let’s a feller see what’s a-comin’. I’ve got it. Ther’s somethin’ a-comin’.” *’Tain’t a cop’s club, is it? Or three months in the lock-up fur playin’ Zip Coon?” Harry turned ,in disgust from his unappreci- ative companion, and looked out moodily over the scene before him, The street was a busy one, Carriages, drays, and business wagons, dashed or dragged to and fro. In the center [ran a line of street cars, the well filled vehicles rushing by at frequent intervals, The pavement was well thronged with foot passengers, some hurrying as if life and death depended on a moment, others loitering as if their only business was to kill time. The pair of curbstone ‘ operators” seemed stranded in the midst of a great stream of human life, which ebbed and flowed constantly around them. As Harry sat looking moodily into the street, an event was preparing in which he had a more vital interest than he dreamed of. That change in the tide of his life and fortune of which he had spoken was at hand, A street-car dashed past, well filled with pas- sengers, From the door of a business-house near by a man ran, hurnying for this car as if it was the last for the day. He was an oldish person, portly in dimensions, dressed in sober and respectable black, and hard- ly the figure for such a wild dash. He was in- fected with the true New York spirit, to save the minutes whatever became of the hours. Harry’s eyes involuntarily followed him, He caught the car, seized the side-iron with a fran- tic clutch, and got bis foot on the step after a ade that almost broke his hold. Breathing ard, the old fellow entered the car and took his seat. Harry’s eyes had noted something else. ' The jerk he received had thrown from his pocket a eavy leather book, which fell to the ground un- noticed by bim. SY 3y imminy! there’s that lump o’ gold now!” ejaculated the boy, springing to his feet and darting hastily into the street. In e minute he had the wallet. The car had ained some twenty feet in advance, Harry ooked after it, and was about starting in pur- suit when a clutch upon bis arm stopped him, He turned hastily. There was Jake, looking at him with an avaricious glance. “Snacks!” he ejaculated. ‘‘That was ther bargain. I want my sheer.” **In what?” eect That there pocketbook.” ‘““Why, you blamed blue-p’int eyster, that ketbook ain’t yourn nor mive neither! Yer don’t s’pose ’'m no thief, Jake Brown? I ain’t made that way. It’s that old coon’s, and ’'m goin’ ter take it to him, you bet.” This short conference had allowed the car to et half a block in advance. Harry broke loose rom the grasp of his comrade and dashed along the street, threading his way in and out among the vehicles as only a genuine gamin can, ‘‘ Blame bis. derned picter!” growled Jake, “he’s too thuncerin’ honest! _Mought ha’ wait- ed fer the reward, anyway. I bet high that old coon don’t guv him the price of a shiner.” In this last conjecture Jake was right, as Harry was destined to discover, got nothin’ laid. ee | } The boy continued his pursuit of the car, tak- ing more than overisk of being knocked down by a passing vehicle, whose drivers bothered them- selves very little about the fate of a bootblack. The car bad gained a block and a half from the point of the loss before Harry overtook it, and sprung upcn the ‘platform with the agility of a squirrel. Into the car he dashed, heedless of the dubious looks of the conductor. The loser of the wallet sat there in calm ignorance of his loss, intently engaged in studying some financial calculations upon a sheet of writing paper. His soul seemed absorbed in the making of money. “Say, mister, didn’t you lose somethin’?”’ ejaculated Harry, with what breath remained after his plunge. ‘Lose something?’ exclaimed the old gentle- map, looking up.. ‘‘ Have you lost your head, boy?” ** No, nor I ain’t found yours: and I wouldn’t be much better off if I had,” retorted Harry. * Tf you didn’t lose nothin’ then I didn’t find nothin’, that’s all,” The old man bastily thrust his hand into the breast pocket of his coat, and a sudden look of consternation came upon bis face. ‘*My pocketbook!” he exclaimed. gone! ave you got it, boy?” **Thought ye didu’t lose nothin’, and I lost my bead,” ‘“*Hand it here, instantly!” cried the old fel- low, angrily. ‘Well, yer needn’t git on yer ear ’bout it; that’s what I’m yere for. I didn’t race this car ‘most two blocks to catch a butterfly.” Harry produced the wallet, which he bad hitherto held bebind him, as he spoke, The old man’s face, which had been a combi- nation of fright and offended dignity, lightened up at this spectacle. With a quick snatch he jerked the wallet from Harry’s grasp, bis eyes, as he did so, having all the avaricious look of a miser. A quick scrutiny at the fat leatker receptacle convinced him that it was his. Tightly clutch- ing it with one band, he thrust the fingers of the other into his vest pocket, fished up a piece of money, and handed it to the waiting boy. “Here, my lad. And I’m much obliged to you for your honesty.” Harry looked at the coin in his hand. It was a ten-cent piece! A change came over his face. He held it up that all inthe car might observe oe Rae it. “Dye see that, folks? Ifthat’s guv for re- ward it’s a mighty little pertater out of a big patch,” A laugh in the car followed this speech, A look of anger came upon the old man’s face. ‘“* Tf it’s guv to pay me fur honesty it’s too big. Honesty don’t take no pay.” Turning to the old fellow, he flung the coin disdainfully into his lap, **Guess you'd best keep this, mister. It won't pay for a dinner at Delmonico’s, where I gen- erally grub. An’ you mougbt want it to pay for your next plate of poor-house soup.” A shout of laughter in the car intensified the anger which had been growing on tbe old man’s face. At this last thrust he rose inafury and strove to grasp him by the collar. He might as well have tried to catch an eel. Harry darted back, pursued by the infuriated old man, who kicked .at him viciously as he leaped from the car. ‘ The boy’s spring brought him to the ground in aheap. A look of satisfaction came upon the old fellow’s face, as he saw the impudent boot- black thus stretched on the earth. He returned into the car, oblivious of the fact that he had failed to return the wallet to bis pocket. It had been held in his hand during the scene of excite- ment. It was no longer there! The old gentleman regained his seat, breath- ing heavily and perspiring freely from his exer- tion. He mopped his face with his bandkerchief, and fanned himself for a moment with it, while from all parts of the car looks of scorn and con- tempt were cast upor him. Evidently all pres- ent took the boy’s part, The car had gone two or three blocks before he recovered snfficiently from his excitement and heat to regain his usual judgment, Then his hand traveled involuntarily to his pocket, to ascertain if the recovered wallet was safely there. He started as if he had been stung by a hornet, while his face grew fiery red. ‘** By all that’s devilish!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ it’s gone again!” : A roar of laughter burst from all in the car at this. There was not one there who was not glad to see the old fellow overreached, Spo **- You had it in your hand when you ran afté the boy,” said a young man in the corner. ** He has got it again, and you’re the worst sold old Plutoin New York.” ‘* Stop the car, conductor! Stop the car!” The old fellow bustled back, and leaped from the car before it was half stopped, in conse- qnence of which he emulated Harry’s feat of measuring his length in the dust of the street. A renewed laugh greeted him as be scrambled to his feet and hurried away. Evidently he had not left much sympathy behind him. All this was lost on the old miser. Only one thought filled bis mind as heran at full speed down the street, jostling against many indignant individuals, The loss of his treasure was all he could think of. Reaching the point of the recent affray, as nearly as he could locate it, he looked with an eager and frightened air around bim, Harry was nowhere ‘visible. No trace of the wallet was to be seen, For a block or two he sought it, asking questions of all be met. It wasall in vain. No one had seen the affray. None had found the wallet, Noone bad noticed the boy. After half an hour.of fruitless labor the loser gave it up, and walked away with a dreadfull downcast countenance, He had played and los Meanwhile what had become of the boy and the wallet? Let us see, When Harry scrambled to his feet, after bis involuntary roll upon mother earth, it was with no pleasant feelings toward bis assailant. “The money-grabbing old curmudgeon,” he grumbled. ‘ Blame his ugly pictur’! [ve most knocked my nose flat gettin’’way from bim, Bat, my eyes, didn’t I'salt bim heavy! I don’t b’lieve there never was nobody madder. Poor- house soup! That was a good one!” He burst into a gleeful laugh, and clapped his knees with satisfaction, As he did sohis laughter suddenly stopped, his form became rigid, his eyes opened wide as they fixed themselves upon a spot on the ground, “ Here's larks!” he shouted, after a moment in this attitude. '‘* My eyes, ain’t this rich? Kick me fur a rooster if the old bunks ain’t gone and lost his pocketbook ag?in!” He stopped and picked up the wallet, which lay on the ground below him. A carriage pass- ing at that moment forced Harry to seek shelter on the pavement, but he carried bis treasure with him. ‘Shall I chase the car ag’in? Ob, yes, I'll chase it!” be said satirically, as be thrust the wallet into his pocket. “I told Jake Brown as my fortune was a-comin’ today; an’ it’s come, I ain’t goin’ ter steal the old chap’s money, nary time; but he ain’t goin’ ter git it back fur no ten cents, I’m goin’ to make him advertise fur it, blame him, And be’s got ter offer lively, too, ‘fore I fotch in the plunder. I wouldn’t do this to everybody, but that old bunch o’ bones wants — to be teached a thing or two,” Harry walked away with a swagger, toward the point where he had left his box. On reach- ing there he discovered that it bad disappeared, while that of Jake’s, a much inferior one, had been left in its place. A look of anger came into the boy’s face. **He’s hooked my box!” he cried. ‘ That’s like Jake Brown! He's got the blood and bones of athief in bis hide, Bntif 1 don’t take the worth of my box out o’ bis thievin’ carcass fore sundown you can hang me up on @ clothes-line to dry! lreckon Jake Brown don’t know how bigh a tree he’s a-climbin’. I was goin’ snacks with him, blame him! You bet he’s got to take bis sheer now in a lickin’.” } Harry was as good as his word. First secur- ing bis treasure in a safe place, he spent the rest of the day in searching for bis thievish com-’ panion. He found bim at last, in an out of the way place cn the wharves, and kept bis promise, Before sundown Jake Brown was a thoroughly whipped bootblack, ' Of the two be was rather the larger and stron- ger, but Harry had double the spirit, and was, besides, smarting under a sense of injury. In consequence Jake went home that night with sore bones and an aching conscience, CHAPTER II. ‘ HONESTY THE BEST POLICY. Our story next leads us to the interior of a large, but dilapida ted brick Luilding, on the East River side of New York, the residence of numerous families, who herded in here much too closely for health and comfort. Ina small and very sparsely-furnished room on an upper floor of this building sat Harry Hale, the youthful bootblack whom we have recently introduced toour readers. He was evi- dently at home here, for his coat was off and he Nes
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ae | A. a ib eee om | whe aruie ie The Curbstone Detective. was lounging in a crazy rocking-chair with all the air of a householder, Harry was not alone, Seated opposite him was a much older personage, a man apparently between thirty and forty years of age. He was not ill-looking in face, though he seemed to have Ted a fast life, and had about him marks of dissi- pation, There was an effort at smartness in his dress which indicated the same tbing. “‘T tell you,” said Harry, laughing heartily, **it was jist the neatest go you ever see’d, The old my ae was sold as cheap as six herrin’s for a enn oar Good, » laughed his companion. “Jt was rich, and no mistake. You've got the pocket- book now Ain't ik though? You bet he won’t get it back for no ten cents, this time! It’s a good deal too fat to sell that cheap. I’m goin’ to wait now till he offers a smashin’ big reward. And he’s ot to pony. it down, too.” ‘F don’t know,” said the other, rubbing “Somehow that don’t Harry. Honesty ’ and that’s the up- sy his head reflectively. look quite the square thing, has only, got one fade, my lad, per side.” ‘“*What d’ye mean, Bill?” asked Harry. don’t quite catch the hang of that.” “ Tt isn’t the thing to wait for a reward. It’s your business to return the book at once.” Harry looked at his companion curiously, while a long whistle came from his lips. “ What did you git fur breakfast this morn- in’?”’ he asked. “ Honesty’s the best policy,” rejoined Bill. “Reckon maybe it is; but I didn’t know it was your policy. How’m I ter know where the old rooster is, anyhow—till be puts his name in the apers?” he hastily continued. aa can find that out from the pocketbook. There are papers in it.” “JT didn’t open it ter see. honesty struck in.” “Very good. But it’s amine ar enough to fin Sa 7 There’s where my our business to ex- out who the owner “T ain’t good at readin’ writin’,” rejoined Harry. “Tam. And whatI don’t know about New York ain’t worth knowing. Fetch it out, and lev’s run over it. If we can find out who the owner is, it’s your business to take it to him at once, reward or no reward. If he was mean, Harry, that doesn’t give you the right to keep ‘what isn’t yours.” Harry whistled again, with a surprised look at his companion, who appeared the personification of honest poverty. The boy was about to speak, but checked bimself, rose, and crossed the floor to a closet at the side of the room. A look of cunning came upon Bill’s face as he watched bim, _* Harvey Wilson’s the man,” he muttered to himself. ‘“‘He hasn’t made any secret of his Joss. And I know he carries ‘ that’ document about him. He’s afraid to trust it out of his ket. If I can only lay my hands on it, won't i make him squeal!” Evidently Bill's honesty wasn’t even skin deep. It was much more show than substance. Harry turned from the closet with the prize in his band. It was a leather wallet of about ten inches in length, bulged out with the pres- sure of its contents, and closed with a couple of stout rubber bands. “Fat and juicy,” he said, tm gr threw it on the table between’ them it's ‘ee bu’stin’ full o’ bank-notes. "Nuff there to make us both’ ricb.” ‘“‘ They aren’t yours, lad,” rejoined Bill, shak- . ing his head. “Don’t covet what don’t belong to you, ** Covetin’s one thing and pocketin’s another,” . retorted Harry. ‘Ther’ ain’t no law ’g’inst wishin’, as I ever heerd tellof, I wish it was mine; and that won’t hurt the owner.” ay Right there, Harry,” laughed Bill, as he picked up the geet and removed the bands. ** You’re sound on the ste ,my boy. Now let’s see who’s the owner. hen, if you take my ad- vice, you'll hike it back to him, instanter.” The wallet came open in his hands as he spoke. Harry’s eyes opened wide as he saw a great wad of bank-notes, laid flat in one of its compart- ments, and evidently of considerable value. Ys Whew!” he whistled. ‘’Most a million there, Lreckon!” “Them we've nothing to do with!” re ejoined Bill. ‘* Here’s where our work comes in,” A second compartment of the book was well filled with neatly folded papers. These he took out and began to examine, Harry cia ge pe him ‘curiously. He was not quite satisfied in — with Bill’s sudden conversion to ri Bill ran over them rapidly, one by one, a glance sufficing for each, ‘* Here’s his name,” he said, at length, ‘‘ Har- vey Wilson; whoever that is. Confoundedly queer he don’t give his address.” He checked himself suddenly, with a chuinge of face, as he opened the next paper. It was but a flash, how- ever; his former expression instantly returned. He held this paper in bis hand as he opened the two succeeding ones. ‘Ah! here it is. Number—, Wall street. Confound it!” he ejaculated, as the papers slip- ped from his fingers and fell to the floor. He stooped bastily and recovered them. ‘*Getting awkward in my old days,” he mut- tered, as he laid the regained papers on tho pile. “Don’t he give bis house address?” He ran over the few remainder, ‘‘No, ’Tisu’t here, Any- how, we’ve found where the old chap hangs out his shingle.” He returned the papers to the wallet, and closed it with the rubber bands, ‘‘Tt’s your funeral, my boy. But I'd advise you to take that back to him bright and early to-morrow morning. He’ll give you something for your trouble, no doubt.” “A nickel, I reckon,” muttered Harry. ‘* Wait, if you like it better. Maybe he'll offer a reward.” Bill rose as hespoke, and put on bis hat, “ Goin’? **-Yes, Guess I'll toddle on.” ‘* Write down them directions, won’t you?” Bill penciled the address on a slip of paper. ‘* Bright and early to-morrow mornin’s the word,” said Harry. ‘ You’re sound on the goose, dashed if you ain’t! The next feller as says you’re acard-sharp, I'll shut up his peep- ers.’ Bill smiled with lofty virtue. ‘*When I do anything off the square the moon will come down,” he said. ‘ Da-da, Harry! ‘Toe the mark, my lad, every time. Honesty’s the best policy.” He walked from the room, Harry following him with his eyes. ‘You've got to know a feller a good while fore you know him him at all,” be muttered. ‘““Yesterday I wouldn’t bave left a soft-shell clam out where Bill Fisk could find it. pitied I'd leave a wagon-load of watermelons. pannin’ out prime, he is.” Ashe spoke a woman bustled in from an ad- joining room. Her faded, cheap attire bespoke great poverty. Her face, hardened and wrinkled by toil and privation, resembled that of tie boy. She was evidently his mother. “You've hed that Bill Fisk here again!” she cried sharply. ‘* Haven’t I told you to have nothing to eas with that man? He’s not safe company for you.” febbe ye’re too hard on him, mother,” ‘Nota bit. He’s a bad lot.” * Anyhow he talks straight as a die. He wants me to take it back instanter to the owner, and not wait for the reward. He says that’s the way straight folks act.” ** Hesaid that?’ she dropped into a chair. “Yes, and he went through it and never laid a finger’ on the money.” Mrs. Hale sat bolt i na in her chair, “Sure of that?” * Dead sure; I watched him,” ‘ ‘* What did he open it for?” ‘To find out who the owner was, Here’s his Bill found it on one of the papers. You He didn’t touch a penny. name, needn’t look, mother, Bill acted square up * And “te told you to take it back, and not wait for the reward?” “* He did that,” ‘*There’s a screw loose somewhere,” rejoined Mrs. Hale, solemnly. ‘‘ A leopard don’t change his spots; that’s Bi le truth. Wait: we'll see,” She got up and left the room, as if quite over- come by the news. Harry followed her with a smile of confidence on bis face, “She’s struck funny,” he said to himself, se hs [ll bet my money on Bill Fisk. He guy e good advice, anyhow. ‘Dunno what he'd pp if he’d found the prize, but you've got ter guv a feller credit fur what you know.” Harry was as good as his word. At an early business hour of the next day he set out in search of the Wall street office of Harvey Wilson, the vier mb find safely laid away in the inner pocket of his coat. He found the office wien difficulty. The sign outside read; ‘HARVEY Wison, “BANKER AND BROKER,” Inside, a half dozen clerks were busily at work, and piles of money indicated the money- changing business of the establishment. ; “Mr, Wilson in? asked Harry, indepen- ently. The clerk. addressed looked at him supercili- ous] from head to foot, es; but can’t be seen,” as Can't, eh? Not with a spy-glass?” queried Harry, who did not like bis tone. **Come, young man, none of your bootblack slack!” ‘* How’m I goin’ to shine him up if I can’t see bim?” i Sbine him up, is it?” ‘cXe “ He'll shine you up, if you don’t slide,” “See here, my duck, if he know’d you was playin’ this on me, my eyes, wouldn’t be guv you a jolly eye-opener! i'm here on biz, I tell you; bustlin’ biz! So make tracks and tell the old man I’m a-waitin’.” By this time the attention of all in the office was drawn to this ‘conversation, and some of them were laughing at Harry’s independence of vn old te n older personage stepped ‘* What is it, my lad?” he naned, “ What is your business with Mr, Wilson? He is too busy to see any one except on pos pga business,” “That's me!” ejacula Harry. ‘ Impor- tant? You bet! I’ve got somethin’ in my pocket he’d uv half the money round yere to git.” « What? Are you the finder of his lost pocket wallet?” “That ain’t fur from the size of it.” “That is quite another affair, Give it tome and I will take it in to him,” “Tt don’t weigh more nor a ton, mister, I reckon I’ve got grit enough to carry anything under aton. If you’re ’fraid I can’$, s’pose you carry me an’ the pocketbook both.” **Come, come, youngster, you are too fresh.” *That’s why you want to salt me, isit? I'm sponsible for that pocketbook. If Mr. Wilson’s too busy to take it lll give him my address and he kin toddle round and git where J hang out.” Harry’s first questioner had now the laugh on his successor. ‘*-You’re a prime one,” said the latter, a little sourly. ‘ Wait, ll see if Mr. Wilson will re- ceive you,” “Tell bim not to put hisself out, ‘I kin wait. [ll jist toddle down to the Park, an! sbine up a few jobs while he’s gettin’ ready.” The gentleman evidently thought that silence was the best policy with Harry, for he made no response. Laughter from the other clerks followed him as he entered the inner office, Harry took a seat and whistled quietly to himself while waiting. Hecould not see what they found to laugh at. He did not have to wait long. returned after a minute. © Walk in,” he said; ‘‘ Mr. Wiison will see ou. ‘* T reckon he will if I walk in,” Harry strode independently into the inner of- fice, none too well pleased by his reception in the outer, He recognized at a glance the gentleman who The gentleman sat here. It was his late street-car acquaintance, He seemed to recognize Harry as well. ** So it is you that have got it!” hesaid sourl **You waited till the reward brought you, e eh? tobi a fifty dollar offer to stir you up to hon- esty.” ‘* Fifty dollars!” ejaculated Harry. “ That’s prime. I didn’t know ‘bout it, mister, My hon- esty ain’t that sort. But, I reckon I'll rake itin all the same. It’s better than ten cents,” “You didn’t know of it? Then how did you find “em way here?” nd your name and place of biz cn some of the rs—here’s the thing, Mr. Wilson. And I’m ’bout as glad to git rid of it as you are to git it.” Harry took the wallet from his pocket and tossed it on the desk in front of Mr. Wilson, He seated himself, while the latter hastily snatched it up and began a nervous examination of its contents. He took out the roll of notes and hastily counted them. “You'll find them "bout right,” assured Harry, “J ain’t kept out even my ten cents.” A few minutes sufficed to satisfy the banker, **'Yes, the his eyes and looked at Harry with a different expressiow from that be had worn. Friendliness — had taken the place of distrust. ‘*Then s’po sort to flunk on yer word.” are all here,” he said. He lifted — se you fork over that there fifty. I didn’t know ’bout it, but I reckon you ain’t the — You have fairly earned. it, my boy, I acted “a
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_ The Curbstone Detective. foolishly and hastily the other day. I owe you some reparation.” He counted out some notes from the bundle in his hand, and passed them to Harry, ‘* Here is your reward,” he said. “Much ’bliged,” rejoined the boy, thrusting them into his pocket with as much carelessness as if he was used to receiving such sums, While he did this Mr, Wilson occupied himself with running over the papers in his wallet, ‘Now I reckon Dll git,” Marry rose and stretched bimself, slapped his pocket tosee if the notes were all right, and walked toward the door, ** Hold!” cried the banker, in an altered tone, Harry turned. A remarkable change of ex- pression bad come upon the old man’s face, He am pale as a corpse and wore a look of deep right, “The paper!” he gasped. ‘* Where is it? The missing paper?” ‘* What missing paper, mister?” **Do you mean tosay you have not abstracted ? ‘Nary paper.” ** You lie, you young thief!” Mr. Wilson rose and rushed to the door. ‘Jones, run for a po- liceman! All of you see that this young rascal don’t escape! I’ve been robbed!” CHAPTER III, WHO STOLE THE PAPER? THERE was considerable curiosity and debate in the outer office of the Wilson banking estab- lishment during the clerk’s journey in search of a policeman, but in the private office quiet reigned supreme, After his first outbreak, and a few short ques- tions which Harry answered as shortly, Mr. Wilson relapsed into silence, dnd began again to examine his papers, with a very disturbed face, Harry, on his part, picked up a newspaper, set- tled ‘himself comfortably, and began to read, They bad not long to wait. Within ten minutes the messenger returned, accompanied by a stalwart officer of the force. ‘‘ Here, my good fellow, I want you to take this boy into custody,” exclaimed the banker, more sharply than politely. The officer looked inquiringly from one to the other, while an expression of recognition marked his face as he gazed on the boy’s knowing coun- tenance. Harry, indeed, met his gaze with a decided wink, ‘On what charge?” asked the officer “Robbery,” returned the banker. him in charge at once,” ‘**T reckon not!” rejoined Harry. ‘* Why not?” ‘He ain’t got no warrant, That’s why. Can’t tetch this chicken ’thout a warrant,” “Very true,” rejoined the officer, ‘I have no right to arrest any one on an indefinite charge. You will need a magistrate’s warrant. What has the boy really done, if I may ask?” ** He has a stolen a valuable paper from my pocketbook,” ‘*TIs there not some mistake, Mr, Wilson? I know this boy well. He bears an excellent reputation.” ‘“*Ax him how I come ter have his smashin’ old book,” broke in Harry. ** He found it,” rejoined Mr, Wilson. ‘I ad- vertised for it and be brought it back. He has taken a paper from it worth far more than all the rest of the contents,” The officer looked at him inquiringly. Mr. Wilson was evidently very much disturbed and agitated. He was certainly not his usual self, ‘“*How much money did the book contain?” asked the officer, ‘* About two thousand dollars.” ‘* Very well. And this paper, which is worth ry ae to you, what would it be worth to this Oy Mr. Wilson hesitated and stammered. This question put the matter in a new light, *‘ Nothing, likely,” he managed to say, **Then he has returned you two thousand in money, and kept a worthless piece of paper? This is not robbery, Mr. Wilson, If the paper is lost, it must have been by accident.” This was a common sense view of the case. The banker began to look as if he had been too hast * ed never tetched the paper nor the money neither,” exclaimed Harry indignantly. ‘* You kuow me,” he continued to the officer, ‘' Did ye ever know me do anything that weren’t on the dead square? It’s all ony *bout that paper. He guv me ten cents fur findin’ that pocketbook ; uv me a fifty, he wants ter git . e * Take and now he’s back by rakin’ up that yarn "bout a paper. -weren’t no paper. It’s all a go.” : pas / ‘* How about this?” asked the officer of Mr. Wilson, ‘* May you not be mistaken about the paper being in your pocketbook?” ‘‘No. It was there, There is no question about that.” **T never tuk it,” exclaimed Harry. opened the blamed old book.” ‘** That doesn’t agree with your former story,” rejoined Mr, Wilson. ‘ You said you found my name and address on some of the papers—and come to think of it, that wasa le, My address is not on any of them.” ‘“‘T reckon it is, then, Bill Fisk found it, Here itis. He wrote it down for me.” Harry produced the written address, ‘ Bill Fisk!” cried the officer, quickly. ‘* How was he mixed in it?” ‘Tell ye how,” rejoined Harry. ‘ This is the way it was; Bill Fisk said as how ’twasn’t hon- est ter keep it fur a reward, and axed me ter fetch it right back, He said he’d look through it and find where the owner lived. And so he did. And this is what he found.” He pointed to the written address. ‘* Bill Fisk? He did this?” ** Sure as shootin’.” The officer whistled in a knowing manner, ‘*You know this Fisk!” asked Mr. Wilson, quickly. ‘*He’s one of the keenest rascals in New York.” ** Then he has the paper.” ‘** His show of honesty is suspicious, anyhow, You say your address is not in the book?” ) AS Ne **T never ** Did any one know you had lost it?” ‘* Yes. I talked of it some,” ‘* Who knows the value of the lost paper be- sides yourself?” ‘*Only one person in the world, And he isin the Rocky Mountains,” ‘* You are mistaken, Mr. Wilson,” rejoined the officer, confidently, ‘‘ This man, Bill Fisk, knows about it. He has the paper, and intends to use it.” **He hain’t!” cried Harry. ‘I was kinder feared of him and watched him sharp. He didn’t take no paper.” ‘**Sure of that? Didn’t he distract your atten- tion?” 4, ha “Dunno what ba mean by ’stractin’ my "tention. He did drop some o’ ther papers on the floor, but he picked ’em right up ag’in.” A slight laugh broke from the officer’s lips. *“You’re not old enough, my lad, for Bill Fisk, He has done you neatly. Do you see how it is, Mr. Wilson?’ be continued, ‘“ The boy is innocent, This rascal’s pretending to honesty is proof enough taat he had some scheme in train. He has the paper. Think a mo- ment. Did you ever know the man? Can you recall him?” Mr. Wilson shook his head. ‘*He knows you, then. He knows the value of that lost paper. And if it gives him any squeeze on you, he’s going to use that squeeze for all it’s worth. Take my word for that.” Mr, Wilson looked at the officer admiringly. ‘** You should have been in the detective ser- vice,” he said, ‘‘ You are wasting your talents on the street force, Youareright. This Fisk has the lost paper.” ‘*Then the scootin’ blackguard’s shet up both my rs!” exclaimed Harry, in a burst of sion. ‘Itstruck me comical when he guv me all that taffy bout honesty’s the best policy. If I hadn’t been the biggest fool in New ate and that’s bein’ a scrougin’ big one—I’d seen through his little game. But, ’m gris’ git ry Nahas him. If I ain’t, salt me fur a mack- erel, ‘What is to be done?” asked Mr, Wilson of the officer, ‘This Fisk must be looked after, arrested, and searched. His rooms must be searched,—I am afraid this plan will be of little use. The fellow isno beginner.—But it is the first thing to be done.” ‘© What next?” “There isn’t any next. The next don’t begin till the first is through,” **T know where he hangs out,” announced Harry, excitedly, ‘And I know some of his sportin’ places, I’m on this lay!” ‘“ Will you take the job?” asked Mr, Wilson of the officer, ‘I will pay you handsomely for the return of that paper.” _ ‘You will need a detective. I have not the time nor the experience for such work,” **Can you recommend a good detective?” ‘Yes, By the way, I will be off duty in half an hour. If you wish, I will, with the boy’s aid, look up Bill Fisk and search his rooms, He may not yet have got rid of his prize. If you will obtain a search-warrant, Mr. Wilson, from the nearest magistrate, I will return in half an hour.” ‘Very good. I will do so,” ‘And [Pll hang ’bovt here and see how they make money out o’ paper,” broke in Harry. ‘* Tt’s a nice little trade as I’d like to learn, It. beats blackin’ hollow.” The officer laughed as he walked away to his. post of duty. Mr. Wilson followed him quickly to obtain the warrant, Harry seated himself in a corner of the banking office to learn the skill- ful art of which be bad spoken. “* How is this, young fellow !” asked the elderly clerk who had spoken to him before. ‘ Mr. Wilson sent for a policeman to arrest you. How is it you are at liberty?” ‘* He bit off more than he could chaw, that’s the long and short o’t,” rejoined Harry. “He tried to climb up the-wrong tree.” ‘* What is the difficulty, my lad?” ‘* Tt’s a bit o’ flummery, that’s what!” «Yes, but the nature of it?” ‘Tt ain’t got no nature, It’s all huckleberry uddin’,” ‘* But what has happened? What did he ac-~ cuse you of staaling? All the other clerks were listening curiously. ‘* Don’t b’lieve he knowsthat hisself. He’s off his base, the old man is.” ‘* But there was some charge, to let you off?” ‘He got holt of a hot tater when he picked me up. Burnt bis fingers and had ter drap me, ‘*But what did you steal? Or what did he say you stole?” ‘“How much do you git a day fur pumpin’, mister? Yer ought to git paid mighty well, fur it’s goin’ to be mighty hard work ter fetch ile.” ‘““Why, you cantankerous young rascal! are you poking fun at mef” Harry’s answers and the laughter of the others bad considerably r’iled the questioner, ‘“Nary fun. But it’s way down rit and you'll have ter pump hard. I know Mr. Wilson wants me to keep shady ; and [’m the shadiest little coon you ever see’d when I sets out fur it,” A roar of laughter followed, and the boy’s questioner retired discomfited. ** You found his pocketbook?” asked another. oo a ! ‘* What did he give you?” ‘*Ten cents. An’ didn’i even offer me a hoss: and cart to haul it home in,” ‘* What did you do with it?” ‘““Fiung it back and told him to buy poor- house soup with it,” “You were a confounded little fool, then,” rejoined the other, ‘* You don’t know Mr, Wil- son. He is not the miser he seems.” ‘* He plays it well, anyhow!” ‘* He is peculiar,” rejoined the clerk, ‘That is one of his old tricks. If you had taken the ten cents be would have rewarded you prop- erly, 8 vou bet he has, then,” returned Harry, slapping his ket. “I’ve got a fifty here. I’m just the richest little snoozer this side the Atlantic.” Further conversation was prevented by the entrance of customers, and during the remain- der of Harry’s stay the attendants were too busy to ask questions, ; At the end of the time fixed Mr, Wilson re- turned, and soon after the policeman entered, dressed in citizen’s clothes, The remainder of the day was spent by Harry and his ‘friend on the force,” Will Wallace by name, in search of Fisk. But no Fisk was to be found. Harry had known him for several months, in a boyish way, and had been somewhat culti- vated by Fisk, who liked the boy’s shrewd wit. He therefore had some knowledge of his ordi- nary places of resort and associates, But in none of these was he to be found, and no one could give any information concerning him, His place of resideuce was next visited. He occupied two roomsina shabby house, There was little furniture in these apartments, and the search of them did not take long. It ended as might have been expected. No trace of the missing paper was found, Fisk had not been fool enough to leave such a document lying round loose, Harry spent the next day in search of his. recent associate, He even enlisted a corps of bootblacks in the service. The policeman, Wal- lace, joined jn.as soon as he was relieved from duty. But the search ended as it had done the day before. No trace of Fisk was forth- ne ' : On the succeeding morning Wallace, the po- How came he
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te Oe Wi igtes eA 5 ie as 4 — ons o er ee © = Laan” Grae Aparna = ae ee ~ —— Fr. > —— j * rman, entered Wilson’s office. The latter was busy examining bis mail. **The thing is too deep for me,” remarked thv officer. ‘‘ Fisk has gone out of sight. He evi- dently means business. Nothing remains but to put a keen detective on his track,” ‘You said you could recommend one,” an- swered Mr. Wilson, as he continued to open bis letters. **T think I know the man you want. Heisa Pinkerton officer, who has not been long in the service, but is said to be sharp as a razor,” “Send him here, I will make it all right with you for your trouble. This man must be found. Ha! What's this?’ The letter at which he had just glanced dropped from his fin- gers, while his face grew suddenly pale. ‘‘ What is the matter, Mr. Wilson?” ‘*He is at work already!” cried the banker, snatcbing up the letter and running his eyes over itagain. ‘Itisas I feared, The affair is going to be an awkward one,” “* What is it, sir?” ‘* Blackmail! He knows the value of his find, and is trying the squeeze game already. Here is a demand for a thousand dollars secrecy money.” # Yon will not give it?” **T dare not refuse!” rejoined the banker help- lessly. ‘‘ You little know what the loss of that paper means to me. I would givea small for- tune for its recovery.” CHAPTER IV. THE STRANGER FROM LEADVILLE. THE next morning Wallace, the policeman, in- troduced his friend, the Pinkerton detective, to Mr. Wilson, ‘This is the man I told you of,” besaid. ‘* Mr, Francisco Finelli. He is an Italian, you see, but sharp asa Yankee. I fancy he will do your work for you.” Mr, Wilson looked up inquiringly at the man who stood before him. He was slim and of mid- dle height, but wiry looking. His complexion was very dark, his hair jet-black, while black whiskers and mustaches adorned his face, He wore a thick rimmed puir of spectacles, and in no respect was the sort of looking man the banker expected to see, **Glad to see you, Mr. Finelli,” said the banker witha nod, ‘‘ Has Mr, Wallace told you what I want?” ‘“*We have talked it over a leetle,” answered the detective, with a very slight foreign accent, and in a somewhat hoarse voice, ** And can you take hold of the case?” **T must know all about it first,” At this hint Mr, Wilson invited his visitors to ‘be seated and entered into an explanation of the circumstances; taking care, however, not to re- veal the nature of the missing paper, “ Let me see that blackmail letter.” The detective examined the letter closely. ‘“ Handwriting deesguised,” he remarked. * —_ yuu going to send this money, Mr. Weel- son ‘IT must. He threatens to make public that paper. I would not have it published for five times the sum.” ; “Very goot, sir. Isee, It must be kept se- cret. You are to send a messenger to meet bim in Central Park, and he is to make a certain sign 80 that the messenger will know him.” “Can I not have an officer in hiding, to follow and arrest him?” The detective shook his head, “No, Tbis man iscute, He will not carry that paper. If he isarrested his friend will make the a public.” ‘ “What do you advise?” asked Mr, Wilson, rubbing bis head reflectively. As he spoke the door of the office opened, and Harry Hala, the bootblack, entered, box in hand. ‘* Want a shine, any o’ you gen’lemen?” No,” “On that biz, be ye? Well, I’m on that biz, too! Like to hear what yer got to say.” He turned his box on end, and seated himself without waiting for an invitation, “Young man, it seems to me you are not wanting in impudence,” from Mr, Wilson, se- verely. ; “Couldn’t never git along if I was. Imper- dence and polish—them’s my line o’ bizness; now go on with your thief-catchin’,” and Harry settled on his box deliberately. “You keep your polish in your box, I fancy. You are one of my detectives, though, so I sup- oo stig stay. Here’s your brother officer, Mr. Finelli, Harry looked at the Italian curiously. He seemed rather taken aback at the appearance of the detective, The Curbstone Detective. ‘* Well, I’m dished,” he ejaculated. detective, Looks sharp, though. paw, Fin.” “You'll get it on your ear, youngster, if you get it at all,” rejoined the officer, angrily. ‘*Gittin’ on your ear, be ye?” retorted the boy ‘ High set up, I reckon, All right, if yer don’t keer to sbake, I don’t,” Harry settled comfortably back on his box again. Mr. Finelli turned away with an expressive shrug of his shoulders. ‘““Have you a messenger you can trust to hold his tongue?” he asked Mr. Wilson, **T am afraid not.” * Very well. I propose this: } will be your messenger.” ‘Ah! that is well-advised| But you may be known to the New York rogues,” ““No, Iam from Chicago, I only been here a short time. They know menot. I will give this man the money, see his face, and take him if I can.” “Good! Very good!” **It may not be easy, Mr. Weelson. Some men are hard to follow, without making them suspeecious. If it were safe to arrest bim on the spot—” “That would never do,” rejoined Mr Wilson, hastily. ‘‘ Your planisa good one, Let it be followed, I will provide you with the money,” “* Very goot, sir. I now know where J stand. This is the firs§ step. What follows must de- pend on this,” ‘Tt isn’t a bad idea,” broke in Wallace, ‘To send a detective as messenger!—the fellow will never dream of it,” ‘*Ther’s on’y one thing better,” remarked Harry. she Whatis that?” ‘Send me as messenger! like a breeze.” “And Bill Fisk knows you, wouldn’t work.” ‘* Maybe not, I don’t want ter handle none o’ the old man’s money, anyhow. He’d snatch me next for stealin’ some o’ that,” “Why, you impudent young hound!” ex- claimed Mr Wilson, angrily. ‘‘I’m the old man,amI? That’s polite, at all events, Get out of this instantly, or Pll break some of your bones.” ‘*Didn’t mean it, Mr. Wilson. It came: out. That’s what they call you behind yer back, any- how. I never goes behind no man’s back.” ‘* They call me?—Who?” **Tain’t tellin’s, Mr, Wilson, If I’d let that eat outer the bag, next thing I’d let out. some o’ your cats. I don’t tell nobody’s secrets cept my own. ‘*That’s a good rule, boy,” remarked Mr, Finelli, approvingly. ‘*You bet it is|—We'’re goin ter be pards in this job, Fin Let’s git out and chin it over. I kin let you inter some p’ints.” ‘* All right,” rejoined the detective, with a laugh. ‘‘ When will you be ready for me, Mr. Weelson?” **In an hour.” ‘Very good. Ip one hour I be back.” The two officers and the boy left the cftice, and proceeded through the outer banking room to the street, As they left the front door of the establish- ment a man turned from the street toward it at sight of whom Mr, Finelli gave a perceptible start, Harry, who had familiarly taken bis arm, felt the quiver run through him aud looked up quickly into his face, There was a strange expression on it, which he could not understand, and a suppressed exclama- tion came from bis lips. All this passed in an instant. The detective was quickly himself again, He had evidently had a decided surprise, Harry turned his eyes keenly on the man who had caused this sensation. He was a tall, somewhat stout personage, dressed rather shabbily, and with something of a western cut in his garb. The face was weatherbeaten, and showed evident signs of dissipation, There was something in the cut of his features not unlike those of Mr. Wilson, though the expression was entirely different. He passed them without notice, and entered the banking-house, Harry, with his usual im- pulsiveness, was about to speak to the detective bears tire | his surprise, but checked himself, and looked again into the face of his companion, The lips were set, and there was a peculiar glit- ter in the eyes, ‘*See’d him afore, eh?” said the boy to himself, “*There’s somethin’ shady twixt the two’ ye, But, I reckon ’tain’t none o’ my biz,” 'A Dago Hand us your I know Bill Fisk That game The officers walked away, conversing as a did so, while Harry contented himself wit listening. He wasrather proud of his connection with a genuine detective. Meanwhile the man whose appearance had star- tled the detective entered the banking-house, and requested to see Mr. Wilson, After some par- leying, it appearing that he had business of im- portance, he was admitted into the private office, Mr Wilson was seated at his table, busily engaged on some a ig that lay spread before him, and did not look up at bis visitor The latter shut the door carefully bebind bim, and stood with his back against it, gazing down with a meaning glance upon the banker As they remained thus the likeness between them, which Harry had noticed, became very evident, It was intensified by an avaricious loos that marked both faces, A minute or two passed. Mr, Wilson seemed to have forgotten that he had a visitor, The stranger evidently soon grew tired of his. ** Harvey,” he said, with a peculiar intona- tion, Mr, Wilson looked up with astonishivg quick- ness on hearing this voice, He not only looked up, but sprung hastily to bis feet, with such suddenness as to send his chair tumbling to the floor. “George!” broke in husky accent from his lips, while his face grew ashy pale, “You haven’t forgotten me, at any rate, You still have eyes for a brotner’ ** You here!” gasped the banker He had to put both bands on the table to keep himself erect. ‘*You!— By Heaven, man—” ‘There, there, Harvey! Keep your temper. That’s your old way, bursting out like beer out of a bottle, Keep cool now. It will pay bet- ter, ‘*Keep cool!” exclaimed the banker, in a growing passion. His face, from being pale, bad now turned red. ‘‘ You profligate rascal, if you bad your deserts you wouldn’t be walking about here at liberty. So you have come here to dog me, have you?” ‘“‘This isn’t kind, Harvey,” said the other, a little abashed. ‘‘ It isn’t brotherly.” ‘Brotherly! I disown you as a brother. What brings you here? So you bave chosen to break our compact.” His voice was very barsh. ** You broke it first, Harvey. You refused to send thatlast remittance. I can’t live on stones. 1 must have cash,” *“*T baye sent you your allowance. If you choose to gamble it away, or spend it fcr drink, that is your affair, I will not add a penny to n it. ‘“‘You’re too hard, Harvey. enough to live on, band me over that note. I don’t have Tell you what, old chap, Til burn it before your eyes, and will pever ask you for another cent. Mr. Wilson looked at him keenly “Is that what brings you here? You have treveled from Leadville to New York to make that proposition ig ‘* That’s about the size of it.” * Well, you cun take the next train back, I[ have got you by the throat, you rascal, and in- tend to keep you there. I am not quite fool enough to put the power into vour hands, Per- haps you are not aware that 1 can send you for five years to the Penitentiary by a turn of the nd, _A fierce oath came from the lips of the visitor. “Tll have that, or somebody’'ll get hurt,” he hissed. ‘‘You’re playing iton me too rough, Harvey Wilson,” : “You would like to bave the half of my estate, wouldn’t you? To throw it to the dogs, or waste it in dissipation? Well, you will not getit. What is more, you will not receivea enny from me while you remain in New York. You can only bave your allowance in case you remain in the West.’ The visitor looked at his resolute brother with a strange expression. For the moment it secmed as 1f he were about to leap upon bim wit the fury of a tiger. RN Mr. Wilson retreated a step and laid his hand on a bell-pull behind bim, “That won’t work, George. Weare not in the wilds of the West, now. They don’t do things that way in New York.” : George Wilson threw himself in a chair, breathing heavily as he did so, He seemed to be repressing some strong passion. “Tell you what, Harvey,” besaid. ‘“ You are playing it rough ona fellow. Lam net going to hare you. Icould kill you if I chose before - | Fy x ap 4
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I didn’t know detectives could _ selves inter darnin’ needles an’ craw] through _ keyboles, Don’t b’lieve I’d be wu’th shucks in _ that branch o’ the ' We learn those things But I don’t mean you any harm. lve spent my last fe could ring that bell. n the West. I want money, that’s all. copper to come here.” “Tf I give you enough to take you back, will you go?” ‘* What’s to keep me when I get there?” **T will send you some money then, I will not give a penny now more than for food and e ge. ** You’re hard ona chap, old lad, I’d like to gee a bit of life hereaway.” “Very well. You'll see it starving. Back you must go instantly, or I'll cut off the allow- ance for good.” y He spoke with inflexible resolution. George Wilson looked in his face, and weakened at what he saw there. **T suppose I'll have to take it,” he muttered, * You're a bard man, Harvey.” *““Come back here at three o'clock. I will have your ticket for Denver and some money for you. Leave me now; I am busy.” The visitor lounged out of the office witha subdued look in his face, His brother followed him with his eves. ‘He must go without a day’s delay,” he said, **Tf he should learn of the loss of that paper all would be at risk, The consequences might be ruinous,” On leaving the banking-house, George Wilson turned down the street. He fuiled to notice that a pair of keen eyes were Open him, or that a spectacled Italian put himself on his track. But a bootblack at a distance noticed it, while a knowing look came into his face. **Finelli’s struck ile, for sure,” he said. ** There’s somethin’ up ’twixt them two chaps,” CHAPTER V, HARRY MAKES A DISCOVERY, THE last chapter left affairs in a somewhat peculiar situation: The banker overcome by the visit of his dissolute brother, and in dread of serious consequences; said brother lounging out of Wall street, followed at a distance by the de- tective; and at astill greater distance the boot- ooh Harry Hale, on the track of the detec- ve. “Cause why,” said Harry to himself, ‘‘ this is *bout the size of it. Fin knows somethin’ shady "bout that rooster, and that rooster’s been havin’ a confab with old Moneybags. The thing’s kind o’ mixed, fur sure. Dunno as ther’s any snacks in it fur me, but I’m goin’ to trail ’em, any- how.” It was very evident that George Wilson had not spent all bis life inthe West. He was no stranger in New York. He walked through street after street with the assurance of an old inhabitant, and finally entered a house at the end of his route like one who felt himself at home. Finelli observed the house keenly, crossing the street and noting it from all pointsof view. He at length entered a neighboring alley and van- ished from sight, It seemed as if he was seek- a, Sa extend his observations to the rear. arry sat on his box at a distance, watching ‘him, ‘*My eyes!” he exclaimed. ‘Fin’s bound ter know that house Boe If he’d see it in Chin he’ know it, onder if he’s feared they'll may? it in the night, so’s he'll have ter hunt fur Leaving his box Harry approached the house. There was nothing very peculiar about it. It had done good service and was the worse for wear, but did not differ essentially from a hun- dred others in that vicinity. Having — through the same performances outside as the officer had done, Harry followed him up the alley. He was on duty now asa de- tective, and thought he could do no better than to imitate an old hand at the trade. The alley opened into another that brought him to the rear of the house. The detective had disappeared, hat had become of this worthy was not very clear. The alley ended here, There were gates leading to various houses, but they all were locked, One of them opened to the house in question. It, too, was fastened on the inside, e boy seratched his head doubtfully. He “That Dago detective ain’t a bird, nor he ain’ta mole. And if he was a fish ther ain’t no water here to swim in, Where’s he absquatu- ? He’s a cute one, Fin is, you bet. squeeze the’r- felt nonplused, biz.” “t% Ts NST, ooh TG et ed j 2.08 The Curbstone Detective. He looked around him again, observing the house as well as he could over the top of the fence. From where he stood, the second floor windows could not be seen, A crack in the fence, however, enabled him to take a closer ob- servation. One of these windows was now visi- ble. The sash was raised, and in the opening Harry saw a bead crowned by a slouch felt hat, which a glance convinced him was that of the inan the detective had pursued, ‘There he is-—treed,” said Harry to himself. “But where’s Fin? That’s what gits me, Reckon he’s got in there somehow and is scoutin’ round.” The man in the window seemed engaged in conversation, to judge by his movements, and the subdued sound of voices that came from that direction. As the young scout listened these voices grew louder, He listened intently to hear if he could make out any words, Keen as bis ears were, however, he failed in this effort. But he caught some- thing else that gave him a start as if a hornet had stung him, ‘Who's that?” he cried suddenly. ‘* What’s that? Jebosaphat, but it sounds like it! Pm goin’ inter that house, fur sure.” Leaving his lurking place in the alley he sought the street again, with a look of resolution on bis face, The house door stood partly open, and_ with- out knocking or ringing Harry entered. He had no particular dread of consequences, whoever he might meet, A genuine shoeblack is not easily taken aback. Fortunately no one was visible. He found himself in a long passage, leading to the kitchen, while midway a flight of stairs ran up. It was these he wanted. Up the stairs he went, as cautiously as possible, though the crazy flight crcak:d dismally, be careful as be would, He gain d tbe second floor, however, without giving the alarm. Here was a second passage, opening into a side and a front room, and leading in the rear to the foot of another flight of stairs. The sound of voices came to bis ears from the side-room, The door of this was ajar. Peering through the opening he saw that a door from this room led to a second room in the rear. This was the apartment be was in search of, The door between the two rooms was closed, but the sound of voices showed clearly where the talkers were, They evidently had no fear of listeners, Harry glided rather than walked across the floor, making not the ghost of asound, He ap- plied his ear to the keyhole of the door, “It’s him, sure as shootin’!” he said, in glee. ‘“‘ But, where’s Fin? He oughter be scoutin’ round here, It'll be jolly fun if I beat bim at his own biz.” The two men who seemed to be within were talking freely, without fear of a listener, and the boy had now notrouble in making out their conversation, ‘* Hand it over to you!” said the voice which Harry fancied he recognized. ‘‘What do you take me for? I happen to know you, Friend Wilson. If you got that in your flippers once my cake "ll be cooked. Share and share alike, that’s the aes motto.” “And that’s ‘what you always were; a land “9 out and out,” rejoined the voice of George son. ‘*T was never your match, Georgy,” came the laughing reply. ‘‘ You could give me odds and beat me hollow, But {hold the trump hand this time, and you’ve got to follow suit,—So he ordered you out of New York, did he?” ** Yes, shoot him!” ‘Well, you needn’t go. We'll squeeze him; you and me.” “There ain’t no sell in this?’ ** Nary sell.” “Then it’s a go. Here’s my flipper on it. Salt his hide! he’s done me out of a clean fifty thousand of the estate, and as long as he holds that doc, I daren’t squeal.” “It’s him that’s got to squeal. I’ve told you what I’m up to, Georgy. It ain’t a bad dodge, I take it.” . ‘“* It’s a good one, Bill.” Bill! This name almost brought an exclama- tion from the listener, Stooping, he i his eyes instead of his ears to the keyhole, and strove to get a glimpse of the persons in the room. In this attitude he could not hear, and at first saw nothing but the opposite wall, But steps told him that the man be wished to see was walking up and down, A minute or two brought bis head in Harry’s range of sight. rola glance was enough for the crouching boy. _ ats J 4 widlaodle duiks TRE en PT RO rose nviselessly to his feet, while a suppressed laugh convulsed his face, ‘*Tf it ain’t Bill Fisk, then bile me fur a ’tater!” he ejaculated. ‘‘To think o’ my nailin’ Bill here! And he’s got the dockyment, too. He as good as said so, There’s a bit 0’ news as the old man oughter bleed lively to git.—But where the deuce ’s Fin, that he ain’t nosin’ it out? Dunno what ter make o’ him, nobow.” ‘“‘T had better go now,” remarked Bill. will lay plans and see you to-morrow,” ‘Goin’, are you? Then I guess Ill absquatu- late,” was the listener’s mental remark, Harry stole from the room as noiselessly as he had entered it. He made his way down stairs and reached the street without being seen. - He was not through, however, with his game. Bill Fisk had talked of leaving the house, Where was he going? That was|the next thing Harry wanted to know, On the opposite side of the street was a small grocery store, with a row of empty boxes along the curb, Behind these boxes the young detective con- cealed himself, with nothing of him visible but the top of his head and hiseyes, The latter were fixed keenly on the door of the house opposite. Ten minutes passed, but no one appeared at the door. ‘“‘That’s what he calls goin’, is it?” grumbled Harry. “It’s a slow go, that’s all I got to “ty say.’ Ten minutes more passed. Still no one ap- peared. His patience was fast disappearing when the door slowly opened and a man stepped out, at sight of whom Harry almost dropped over in a faint. It was Finelli, the detective! ‘* Well, salt and pepper me and gobble me down! if that don’t bext me there’s no snakes! Fin!—And I thought I was discountin’ bim!—If that there Dago ain’t a coon ther’ ain’t none made. Where the sin was he? I dunno, but I bet high he’s heard every word that went om *twixt them roosters, and has got their game down fine. All I know is that they’re goin’ to squeeze old Moneybags. Fin’s ’way ahead 0° me! i Harry’s first impulse was to follow the detec-~ tive and question him. But, Bill. Fisk had not left the house, Finelli might not care to watch him, but the boy did. He kept up his watch for a quarter of an hour longer without seeing the man he was on the lookout for. At the end of that time George Wilson left the house, What to do now Harry hardly knew, Should he wait longer for Fisk, or follow this suspicious stranger? A moment’s thought told him that Fisk, who was decidedly in hiding, might bave made his exit by the rear, and thus given him the slip, He therefore put himself on the track of the old westerner. To his surprise, the latter led him directly to the office of Harvey Wilson. '* It’s the thickest soup I ever waded in,” con- jectured the boy. ‘‘ What the sin does he want there?” The visit was a short one, George Wilson soon left the banking house, There was a look of satisfied cunning on bis face that made Harry follow him egain. ' This time he was led to the office of the Erie Railroad Company, where he heard the fellow negotiating for the return of a ticket to Denver, which had been bought that day, but could not: be used, After some parley the agent acepted the ticket and returned the money, minus a discount for the trouble the company a been put to. The next point to which Harry traced his quarry was a drinking house in the vicinity, where the stranger took a seat and began to himself with whisky at a diligent rate,_ Harry turned away, scratching his head furiously. ‘* He's anchored now. If he keeps on imbibin” at that rate they kin send him home in a wheel-, barrow in an hour, I bet it’s mighty cur’us, the whole biz, I'd like to ax old Wilson what that chap wanted with bim, on’y I’m ‘feared he'd kick if I’d ax any more. And what's ‘come 0” Bill Fisk? And pa a eomar hid while they was confabing. It jist gitsme! : He walked on lost in deep cogitation. His. first day’s experience as a detective bad not panned out well. All he had learned was but a whet to his appetite, He might as well have k hing. nown nothing. most of all was that And what vexed him m Finelli had so decidedly beaten him, for he had an had somehow over- no ey whale yet heard t scheme. “Tn git even with that Dago yit, or I bu’st,” ejaculated the disappointed boy. “ Tain’t » (a Da ban Sp ge, > —> a SSeS ee ~ > 1\ oer c 5 et - ae
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e fer no. imported furriner to git his work Hahead of a true blue American born. I bet high I'll discount him yit.” CHAPTER VI. THE BOOTBLACK’S REPORT. “ D’yEe know what I think ’bout Fin?” queried Harry of Wallace, the policeman, the next mornin’, * Rin?—Who’s Fin?” “ Why, that Dago. *Finelli you mean?” **{ don’t keer what’s the tail of his name. Fin’s ’nough fur me. D’ye know what I think o’ him?” “oe No,” “* Well, he’sa daisy—a reg’lar butterfly, Fin is! Sharp?—you bet? You could shave yerself with him and not leavea hair. I’m dead gont on Fin.” ‘* What makes you think him so sharp?” “Did ye ever see one 0’ them devil’s darnin’- needles?” “ Yes,” ‘* Well, Fin’s one o’ them. more o’ goin’ through a keyhole than you would ©’ waltzin’ through a barn door. You kin drop him down anywhere, an’ when you go ter lay yer hand on him he won’t be there,” “What do you mean? What bas Fin been doing?” Harry now told his late adventure, much to the surprise of the policeman. ‘* You’re not a bad detective yourself,” he re- marked, ‘‘ As for Finelli, [ knew he was a keen one. No doubt he was hidden somewhere in that house and overheard the conversation you report, But for fear he did not, you had better tell it to Mr. Wilson. Your discovery of Fisk is important, And what you tell me of Mr. That Etalyan sharp,” He don’t think no there?” News are always welcome,” ‘¢ Then here goes.” —* With Harry to decide was toact, He made his way without delay to the banker’s establish- ment, and with little difficulty obtained admit- tance to the private office. The clerks were now beginning to look upon him as a privileged visitor. Mr. Wilson looked up at his entrance. “Well, boy, what is it?” be asked shortly, ** Seen Fin this mornin’?” “Yes,” “Well, what’s he got to say for himself?” **Do you think that is any of your business?” You bet itis! I ain’t been suoozin’, Mr. Wilson. I’ve jist been down a gold mine since you see’d me. You had here twice yesterday?” “Yes,” anwered the banker quickly. ‘* What do.you know about that? What of him?” **T know somethin’ ’bout him that’s worth money. He’s been collougin’ with Bill Fisk, And be’s sold a railroad ticket that maybe you v him, an’ is transmogrifyin’ the price of it nter whisky as fast as fun.” ‘*Mr. Wilson turned very pale at this news, It’meant far more to him than the speaker dreamed of. Ho rested his hands on the arms of his chair for support, and looked up with a haggard face, ‘What have you found out? Tell me the whole of it,” | ** My news is worth money, Mr. Wilson, And more than a ten center, too,’ an oldish chap come | io Ha pay you what it is worth. Now what i “ My question comes in fu’st; I axed you what Fin reported, money?” y “ec Yes. ” TO ls Teeth * No. sk sent an nt to receive it, The detective followed the fe ri ~ * And holed him?” k ‘*No, The fellow was too sharp,” ** Broke the trail, did he?” _ “He did, Fisk has so far been witted for Finelli.” _ “Does Fin say that ?” pict Rem” j _ That he ain’t seen Bill Fisk?” ... Exactly.” Has he guv that black-mail too sharp- Harry sat back on bis chair and whistled, “ What is the matter, boy?” — “Dyer want to know what I think o’ Fin?” , ‘*T presume [I’m bound to know.” Hea shnaowner, Finis. Ar lar moun- The Curbstone Detective, He’s playin’ it on you, Mr. Wilson. He’s tryin’ to make a big job o’ this an’ squeeze you hard. Wants to git you up to high pay pitch, then he'll flop down on Fisk and rake in the plunder—he’s a keen un, Fin is,” Mr, Wilson looked reflectively at the boy. He seemed decidedly in earnest. And he ap- peared to know what he was talking about. ‘* What do you know about him?” he at length asked. ‘* You have learned something?” ‘* Lots. Geta whole bag-full. Square your- self and [ll let it out.” The banker sat back in his chair prepared to listen. His face was greatly disturbed. What he had already heard was not reassuring. ‘*Go on,” he said briefly. Harry proceeded to tell the story of his ceding day’s adventures, to which Mr. Wilson listened with the most intense interest. It re- meant much to him; far more than the boy im- agined,. The story of the conversation between the con- federates particularly excited him. “Tt isas I feared,” he said. ‘‘ This Fisk knew the value of the paper, And so they are goin to squeeze me for fifty thousand dollars?— fancy I will not bleed as easy as they think. Go on. What followed?” orn, Chiat nag with his story, bis auditor again becoming absorbed in hearing of the strange appearance of Finelli from the house. ‘** He said not one word of this,” “That ain’t his lay,” rejoined the boy confi- dently. ‘‘ Fin’s a good deal like a sponge. He sucks up more than he lets out. He’s savin’ up fur the big stakes.” ** Have you told him of your discovery?” ‘*Nary tell. Iain’t that sort, I’m layin’ out fer a detective, and I’m goin’ ter foller Fin. He knows the biz.” Harry, thus desired, completed his tale, end- ing with his tracking of George Wilson to the whisky-mill. ‘The dissolute wretch!” hissed Mr, Wilson spitefully. .“‘He was always a disgrace to all connected with him,” ‘* He’s a heavy band atthe whisky bottle,” in- formed Harry. “Tf he would only kill himself with it!” ‘?Tain’t so bad,” continued the boy. ‘A full head makes 4 loose tongue, It’s my notion I'd best foller him up, catch him drunk ag’in, and chin to him when his brainsis floatin’ round iscuous.” ‘*Chin to him? What do you mean” “Pump him! Git him talkin’ *bout this biz, and rake in what’s he’s up to,” Mr. Wilson shook his head doubtfully. “Tt won’t work, J fear. He is too old a hand at the bottle.” “T mougbt try.” “Tt will be well to keep on his track, at any Finelli is evidently trailing him, but it is You j Keep I will pay you for rate. clear that you bave the detective instinct. have learned some things of great value, up your quest, my boy. your work,” “That’s talk. How much?” “Two dollars a day, and an extra for every bit of important news you bring.” **Pass over your flipper! l’m yer hoss,” de- clared the boy, ardently. He caught hold of Mr. Wilson’s somewhat re- luctant “flipper ” and shookiit with a will, “Yer don’t mind my doin’ a job o’ shinin’ be- tween times?” “ No.” “Then good-by. I’m onthat. And I’m goin’ fur the extrys too, you bet.” Harry left the banker’s office, as much elated at heart as if his fortune had been made, while he hurried home to tell his mother of his good luck. Mr. Wilson sat back in bis chair with a look as if twenty years bad been added to bis age. He_ hoped for the best, but feared the worst. Dark clouds seemed gathering over bis pathway. Harry went ardently to work at bis new vo- cation, but with no promising success. For two days be hung round the vicinity of the mansion in which he had had his recent adventure, but no trace of Fisk or Wilson was to be seen. They appeared to have deserted that locality. The young detective was a little nonplused at this. The task was not going to be so easy a one as he had hoped. As he lay in bed the next morning, before rising to bis daily labor, a luminous ides came to bim. He soon found it was not so easy to play this game on the Italian as he had thought. Finelli appeared to be too old a hand at the business for a youngster to get the best of him. He seemed instinctively to feel that he was being followed, and day after day threw the boy from his track, The thing was getting monotonous, Harry got his blood up, and determined to run down the detective or spoil in the effort. The next day he got on his track again and followed him persistently. It was no light task. Finelli seemed dashing over New York without a purpose in view. Now be would run at full speed up the stairs of an Elevated Station, and dash into a passing train. Now he would hail a cab and drive at speed for several miles across town. Now he would dart into a drinking- saloon, and pass through it to another street in the rear. His motions were those of one who is fying from pursuit, and it needed all the tact an agility of the boy to keep on his track. He did so, however, and at the end of three hours of this game of hide and seek Harry still bad him in view. They were passing along a quiet street, Finelli walking along in front with no indication that be had anything on bis mind, the boy twenty paces in his rear, alert in his motions, and ready to spring into a sheltering doorway if his quarry should turn, After proceeding some distance Finelli turned sharply into a crossing street, and disappeared from view. : Harry burried to the corner, fearing this was a ruse on the part of the detective. e was sure so on turning the corner, for no trace of Finelli was visible. He had disappeared. ‘* Dash it all! has he flung me?” cried the boy. ‘* 'W here’s he slid to?” ‘* Here!” came a voice at his elbow, At the same moment a hand caught him firmly by the arm. Harry turned to see the Italian gazing upon him with satirical eyes. He had been hidden in a depression of the corner building. my ia, young man, how do you like running down a detective, eh?” ‘** By golly, but ye’re a sundowner!” was all that Harry could say. — Finelli laughed. ‘* You’ve tried it on three days now, young- ster. To-day you have done well, Very well.” Harry felt like swearing. ‘** Ye don’t mean ter say as ye’ve been playin’ with me?” * “Trying your mettle, youngster, down, Tell me what you want.” ‘* Want tosee where ye’re goin’,” “For what you want to see that!” ‘Tell yer why. Old moneybags axed me ter hunt up Bill Fisk. I tried that on and got flung. Then I thought I’d bunt you up, ’cause I believe you know where Bill Fisk is.” The detective laughed knowingly. “‘T know? How should I know?” ‘“?Canse ye’re as sharp as a steel-trap, and as cute as tkree foxes, that’s why. I’ve been watchia@’ you, Fin, and I know you ain’t no slouch, You know where Bill Fisk is, sure as sbootin’.” The officer continued to laugh in the same knowing fashion. “* You don’t?” ““Nary know. He’s flung me.” ‘Well, boy; you’ve got the making of a de- tective in you, I see that. If Mr. Weelson wants you to help me, very well. Come to my office to-morrow morning, and I'll tell you a thing or two. Tl put you at work.” “You will? “ Yes.” : ** Jolly papers! I’m yer hoss.” ‘* Now leave me for y. I have work on band that you would only spoil.” : Thus admonished Harry dutifully obeyed. Finelli went on bis errand unwatched, His work did not seem very ‘successful, fo: that night an event occurred that startled all New York the next morning, and which indi- cated that in this case the villains hac quite got the best of the true men and the detectives. CHAPTER VII. TRAILING THE RRIGANDS. THE sensation referred to at the close of the last chapter was a startling one, The papers of — the next morning had in them this item of Now seet news: ne ““ MYSTERIOUS CRIME! |“ AppucTion of A WEALTHY BANKER! “The well-known stock-broker and banker, Harvey Wilson, whose bold operations on Wall street have “ Track Finelli! That's ry go! He’s on their trai!, Til git on his! Fin’s playin’ shady with the old man. Schemin’ to bleed bim heavy, he is. I’m goin’ fur that Dago, sure pop.” _ tain daisy, My eyes, ain’t hea sockdologer!” “Come, come, boy; what kind of language is this? What about Finelli?” “He knows all ’bout Bill Fisk, that’s what, | s Wilson’s visitor may be more important,” “He is right ia keeping his ‘secrets, but he “You think he won’t kick me out if I go | should have told me. Goon with your story.”
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* excited much comment, was mysteriously ab- duct.d last night. All that is known of the affair is that a stranger called at his mansion on Fitth avenue about nine o'clock in the evening, and that | the two left the house together. “A half-hour afterward tte attention of officer Jones was called to a struggle between several men, acry for help, and the thrusting of one vf them in- to a carriage, which immediately drove off at full Speed. “ The officer pursued, sounding an alarm as he did so. But the speed of the horses soon distanced him, and the villainous attempt was completely suc- cessful. ‘“At the locality of the struggle there was found a hat which has been recognized as that of Harvey Wilson, so that there is no doubt that he has been abducted. The purpose of the crime can only be conjectured. It may be intended to hold the unfor- tunate prisorer for ransom. “This event is almost withous} precedent in our city. Brigands seem to be infesting the streets of New York. An earnest effort will need to be made to capture these villains and break up what may be adangerons gang. Detectives are already on the track of the mysterious carriage, and success in tracing it is hoped for. Few such dastardly crimes as this escape the vigilance of our active, vigilant, and skillful detective force.” “Taffy!” exclaimed Harry in disgust, on hearing the startling news. ‘* Heerd o’ sich things afore. The perlice is allers on the track, but somehow they never git there. Fin’s the lad fur this job. He'll smell it out if anybody kin. And I’m goin’ tq help Fin.” The detective had promised to put him to work this day, and here was work cut out. Harry lost no time in seeking Finelli. ** Yon’ve heern tell of it, I s’pose?” a3 Yes, ” ‘* The sky's come down in the night.” ‘* A leetile piece of it.” ‘** Who’s done this? **Some rascal.” ‘Think so. Fin? Mebbe’twas some preacher,” The detective laughed. ‘*Ye’re jist so close-mouthed as an eyster,” continued Harry, disgustedly. ‘‘ You know jist aswell as you're settin’ there, it was Bill Fisk and that other snoozer that done it.” ‘* What otber snoozer?” **-You bloomin’ innocent! I’d guv you a ban- eeyen if I had one, You take the cake, you 0, ‘*Oh, you mean the man that veesits Mr. Weelson?” “* That’s bout the heft of it.” ‘** You are no fool, youngster. Come, I am on my way toMr. Weelson’s mansion, You may go with meif you will.” Nothing could bave have suited Harry better, The abduction had roused all the detective in- stinct in him, and he was bent on taking a ~band in the search, There proved to be little to do at the house. Only one of the servants had seen Mr. Wilson’s visitor, and he could not give a very clear de- scription of him. The size and shape of the man might haye suited George Wilson, but it was too vaguely stated to be of much use, ‘** Where did this interview take place?” ‘* Here; in the parlor.” ‘*Did Mr, Wilson go out from here, or did he return to bis room?” “ He went first to bis room, where he stayed about five minutes. Thay then went out to- gether.” { ‘Show me his room.” The servant did so, Finelli looked round the apartment with an observant eye, his spectacles ee to peer into every nook and corner of it. A desk stood open at one side of the room, In front of this was a chair which looked as if it had been recently used, and pushed back in ris- ing. : Some papers lay scattered on the desk. The pigeon-holes were filled with otber's, neatly ar- ranged. Thrust into one of these holes was a check-book, that stood an inch or two out, All this Finelli took in ata glance. He open- ed and ran his eye over the scattered papers, The check-book attracted bis attention, and he looked on the stub for the date and amount of the last check, ‘““No guide here,” he said, flinging it down again. ‘“*How was Mr, Weelson dressed?” he asked the servant, ‘ Did he change his clothes before going out?’ “He was dressed in black. All he did was to change his dressing sack for his coat,” Finelli asked other questions, thongh without sang any useful information. While he was loing so Harry curiously picked np the check- book and looked at the stub. He did not un- derstand it, but he saw the date of the day be- 55, ET a ee tke ; ve mea ie IST eae he - ) } The Curbstone Detective. ————————— ria fore, and figures indicating one hundred dol- lars. There was a name, too, but that he couldn’t read. He shut the book again. “Fin knows,” he said to bimself. ‘‘ ’d been fool enough to think the old man ’d been seen fur a cool hundred. But J*in knows,” ‘““Come,” said the detective, having com- pleted his éxamination of the servant. Harry followed obediently, looking on the officer as he did so with an air uf deep ad- miration, His opinion of the detctive skill of Finelli was growing. The quickness of action and secrecy of purpose of the detective im- pressed him deeply. ‘*He knows, Fin does,” the boy repeated to himself. ‘* He’s a sundowner, Fin is.” The detective’s next visit was to the officer who bad seen the struggle and abduction, Him he questioned keenly as to all the particulars of the affair, the number and appearance of the men, the size and sbape of tho carriage, the di- rection taken, bow far he had followed, and various other questions, ‘“*What was the character of the cry you heard?” *** Help! help!’ “There was no outcry afterwards?” ** None.” ““Could he have been stunned? see any blow given; or hear any sound like a blow?” : ‘“No. None I could be sure of. There was an active hustling. “It was all over in a min- ute. I started to run as soon as I heard the That was all.” Did you 1 cry, but the carriage drove off before I made twenty steps,” “Old hands, evidently. Up to their game. The plot bad been fully laid, and was carried out skillfully,” ‘Tt seems so.” ‘* Ave there reports in from other members of the force?” ‘* That I don’t know.” ‘**T must find out.” Finelli’s next move was to Police Headquarters, Here an examination of the reports brought out the fact that a closed carriage, driven rap- idly, bad been observed by several officers. Its course had been toward the Jersey City ferry, and ferry reports indicated that sucb a carriage had crossed about 10:30 P, M, Nothing peculiar had been noticed about it, The driver was a slim, tall man, to whom no attention had been aid, ¢ ‘‘To Jersey City next,” said the officer to No sound had issued from it, Harry. who had accompavied him in this round, ‘* So far we are on the track,” ‘“*Think you'll run ’em down, Fin?’ asked Harry. “There, boy, you bave me, It seems easy enough so far. But we are following old bands, I am afraid of the sards of New Jersey.” Harry looked questioningly into his face. ‘Think they'll get planted there?” ** Too deep for us, perhaps.” “They'll come up watermelons, I reckon.” “You're a wit, youngster,” laughed the offi- cer, ** Reckon I ain’t got no wit to spare,” rejoined Harry, with a smile at the compliment, Jersey City, as the cflicer bad feared, did, not pan out well. Little trace of the carriage cculd be found after leaving the ferry, One cfiicer had seen a closed carriage, at eleven o'clock, running in the direction of the road to Newark, but this was the last bit of information to be had. If this was the vehicle sought for; it bad vanished from that point. ** Now, my lad, do you know what I brought | you here for?” ‘“*For company, I reckon,” rejoined Harry. “Hardly. You area keen scout, youngster. You have chased me balf a week round New York. Now I will give you something more profitable, We have followed that carriage to this point. “You can follow up the trail.” ** Ain’t you goin’ to?” asked Harry. “Not now. I[haveother matters to attend to. I must go back to New York. You have learned something of our ways. You try what you can ** Dunno bow I’m goin’ ter git my two dollars a dav if I don’t.” ‘* What two dollars?” ‘Maybe ye don’t know. Fin, that old money- bags, hired me fer a detective, and he’s to guv me two dollarsa day. Who's goin’ to pay me if I don’t find him? Got ter dig him up.” ‘‘Ha, ba!” laughed the detective. ‘ That’s what ails you, is it? Go on, then. You bave a chance to earn your money,” ; ** He was to pay me higher for extrys.” “Find that carriage. That will be a big extra,” laughed Finelli. ‘*‘Good-by, now, port to me when you’ve done,” He walked away. Harry looked after him in some surprise, that bis Italian accent did not seem nearly so strong as it had been, ‘*That comes of keepin’ good American com- win he he said to himself, ‘‘ Fin’s gettin civi- ized, The boy was not a little proud of the task. as- signed him, The two dollars a day was with him a minor matter, To be put on duty of this kind, made the trusted agent of a skilled detec- tive, seemed to him a pcsition brimful of glory. He was bound to turn in a good report, At times, indeed, there came across his mind the fear that the Italian might be making game of him. He had laughed now and then in a way that seemed significant to the boy. ‘* But he’s tracked the carriage that took away oldtWilson; there ain't no two ways bout that. That’s straight as a gun-barrel. And I’m to keep on trackin’ it. Reckon ther’ ain’t many things straighter than that.” The young scout put himself with vim at the work assigned him, It quickly seemed, too, as if he had picked up the trail that Finelli bad lost, Everybody he met, man, woman, and child, was questioned about the carriage, and before long he met a person who had seen such a carriage, about eleven o’clock the night before, running swiftly out toward Newark. This trail be did not lose, Step by step he followea it. Some had heard the sound of wheels; others had heard dogs barking and a driver swearing; another had heard the crack ofa whip. Mile after mile he followed the trail, whick soon turned toward the suburbs of Jersey City, and approaching the Hudson again. It was seven o’clock that evening when his task ended. Ho seemed to bave run down his game. The carriage he had been following bad been seen to turn into the yard of Howard Thompson, a beef butcher of that locality. There it stood now—a shabby and dilapidated affair, but still a clored carriage, Harry now got very sly in his questions. Fortunately he found an employee of the butcber who was will- ing to talk. “ Mr, Thompson—yes, be came home late last night. I see him come in,” ** He brought something witk bim?” te Yes. ” S. bs ‘What was it?’ asked Harry, quivering with expectation. ‘““What was it? Why, a bull calf.—What you want to know for, hey?” , Harry wanted to know no more. And the exclamation that broke from his lips was more forcible than polite. He had been badly sold and bad walked for miles on the trail of a bull calf. ; CHAPTER VIII. A SHINE FOR AN OLD PARD. Ir ever there was a disgusted boy it was Harry Hale. To pursue an abducted Wall street banker for a whole day, and find at the end of bis trail ‘a bull calf!” It was enough to make a,saint swear, The thought, indeed, came to him that per- baps this was a ruse, to throw him from the track, But further investigation satisfied bim that his informant told the simple trutb, He even saw that identical ‘ bull calf.” A sturdy little chap he was, that lcoked as if be might row to be boss of a ten-acre field; but as little jike a Wall street banker as could well be ima- ined. es turned away with odd thoughts in bis mind. ‘*Tim’s playin’ it on me,” be said to himself. ‘* Bizness in New York? I don’t take no stock in tbat. He knowed it was a blind lead, blame him; and he set me adrift to git sold. Not much he’d left the trail if ther’d been anything in it. He walked on, fuming and fretting. “I bet bigh be don’t sell me ag’in. I’m goin’ torun this circus myself. Aud won’t I crow over him if { nail old Moneybags fore be does!” This hope was enough for the sanguine boy to dream upon for that night. But he rose the next mcrning downbearted and disconsolate, How was bo to get on the track of these villains? They had left their old baunts, The carriage trail had vanished. What was he todo? Un- less he should run across them by accident, all hope seemed lost. Harry quietly resolved to go tack to the prac- tice of his profession, What troubled bim most was the belief that he had been sold by Finelli. He felt that he would be willing to give bis. hest toe to get even with the sharp Italiande tective. Bi, , t ie 4 sae aa , in : rie ae ore Fae, oe aa ile gaye aaa ae - 1 He’ 3 = Suieweg evil Sek Cae a ae
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2% ral 2 ‘j ‘ — Two dollars a day!” said bis mother shrew- shly to him that morning. ‘‘ Where are your two dollars?” ‘¢ The bank’s bu’sted, and the cashier’s vamosed to Canada,” replied the boy. ‘Got to wait till they fotch him back,” ‘None of your slack,” she retorted. ‘* You ‘go to work and bring in some money, or I'll make things lively for you. We can’t live on the wind,” ** Ain’t I got my box on?” rejoined Harry, pettishly. ‘‘ I’ve guv updetectin’, and I’m goin’ to shinin’. An’ don’t you be ‘feared ’bout them two dollars a day. Old Moneybags’ll turn up and fork over yet. Mind I say so.” ; He got hastily out, not caring to keep up this conversation, which might end in. the argument of the broomstick if he provoked the testy matron too much. Harry, for certain reasons of his own, had said nothing to his mother about the fifty dollars’ reward, The day proved not a bad one for business, It seemed to Harry that everybody be met wanted a shine. By nightfall his pocket was well lined with nickels, while he was tired enough for a long night’s rest, His week of de- tective work had spoiled him for the regular practice of bis profession. ‘ll take a shine, I judge,” spoke a youthful voice above him, as Harry was replacing the - brushes in bis box from the last job. “ Mist up yer continuations, then,” he said, without looking up at his customer. He was more interested just then in feet than faces, **T want a prime Al polish, mind,” remarked the customer, a8 Harry began his task. ‘‘ None o’ yer nickel rubs. Thisshine’s good for a dime.” ** All correck!” rejoined Harry. ‘I'll make lookin’glasses o’ yer shoes. If you squint inter them when I’m done you'll think yer head’s took the place of yer heels,” The customer laughed, and- puffed away at the cigarette he was smoking, while Harry rubbed diligently at his very rusty pair of foot- gear, Not till he had finished did he look up. He saw first a well frayed pair of coarse trowsers, whose stuff seemed familiar to him, then a short, sailor jacket, and finally a face that made him jump to his feet with an angry exclamation. “Jake Brown!” he ejaculated. ‘‘By the blazin’ bullfrog ye’re playin’ it on me, are ye? Gettin’ me ter shine yer dirty clay-kickers? 0 yerself, Jake, fur ’'m goin’ to polish you off all over.” : This was more of a shine than Jake seemed to ancy. **] guess my money’s as good as anybody’s,” he hastily rejoined, ‘‘Here’s yer dime. Old Vanderbilt wouldn’t guv you more.” ‘¢ He wouldn’t guv me a pair o’ bog-trotters like them to shine. Tell yer what it is, Jake; ye’re a good deal too fresh, and I’m a-goin’ to salt you.” ; “Dry up,” cried Jake impatiently, ‘ I’ll guv ou ashineif you want to square the jobs,—And ’m out.o’ that business, too,” he rejoined, with a whiff at his cigarette. *“Ye’re out of it?’ queried Harry curiously. “* What yer doin’ now, Jake? Seems to me ye’re puttin’ on style.” “Tm a jolly sailor lad,” answered Jake, with an affected nautical air, ‘Told ye I was goin’ aboard a fishin’-smack, I’m full sailor there now; hand ’fore the mast, And it’s jist gay fun, You oughter in, Harry. It’s time you was lookin’ fur sometbin’ bigher than sbinin’.” This was said with an air of infinite superior- ity that would have been amusing to an on- looker; but it r’iled Harry, “ Somethin’ higher!” he ejaculated, ‘ When I git climbin’ 1 won’t stop at bait-digger fur a rgy fishin’-boat. That ain’t my idee of git- tin’ up in the world. I’ve got my job laid out, and I wouldn’t trade with you fur big boot.” “What yer goin’ to be?” asked Jake curi- ously. “That's tellin’s. But it’s’ way up. Bait-dig- gin’ ain’t no patch to it.” es g *“Oh! you dry up on the bait-diggin’! We don’t do our fishin’ with worms,—Say, old pard, bow did that job turn out "bout the old feller’s pocketbook? You was goin’ snacks with me on that; and all the snacks | got was a lickin?,” “Cause you hooked my box,” retorted Harry. ‘I didn’t say snacks, nother. If I did, I on’y got a ten-center, which I flung back to him,” “I seen him since,” said Jake, in a tone that attracted Harry’s attention. “When?” be asked, quickly. .. Night ’fore last.” a hae EI i Naa as now, Jake; ye *. givin’ me cold . — oe ee The Curbstone Detective. ** Tt mought’n’t been him, but it looked like him, anyway.” Harry was burning with interest. Was the lost trail about to open again? If Jake had really seen Mr. Wilson, and at the time named, it meant something important. ‘* When did ye see him?” he asked. “That's tellin’s, Can’t guv it away. It’s a queer go all through.” ‘* Ther’ was somethin’ crooked *bout it, wasn’t there, Jake?” ‘*Ye wanter know too much. When I axed you *bout yer bizness, you shet me up. I ain’t opened out since,” ‘*Tell yer what,” rejoined Harry, confident! **T don’t mind tellin’ you, bein’s you’re an old pard. I’m goin’ ter be a detective.” ** You?—Oh, come, now, dish that!” “Tt’s true. What’s more, there’s somethin’ crooked ’bout this old snoozer, and I’m on it. Put me on his track, Jake, and I'll go snacks this time, sure.” ‘Square? No artful dodges? Won't lick me an’ call it snacks, like you did afore?” * Nary lick, if you don’t steal my box.” ** Tell yer what, Harry, I’ve ’most a mind to leak. Got ter think it over a bit, though. Say, pert don’t you want to take a cruise on the ively Nelly? She’s goin’ out fur a short trip to-morrow mornin’, Come aboard, and [ll tell you all I know ‘bout the old chap. It’s mighty cur’us. The Lively Nelly catches other things besides fish.” As may be imagined, Harry was not slow in accepting this invitation, Jake’s inanner, even more than his words, indicated that he had something mysterious to tell, and the young de- tective began to feel bimself already on the track of his game, Learning where the Lively Nelly was docked, he faithfully promised Jake to be on hand bright and early the next morning. He tried again, it is true, to learn Jake’s story then and there; but the young fisherman was obstinate, and would agree to tell it only in his own time and way. With this understanding the pair of confeder- ates parted, none the less friends from the fact that their last meeting had been a bostile one, Jake strolled away with an affected sailor swagger that made his companion laugh. ‘** Ye’re catchin’ it, Jake,” be called after him. ‘* You'll git the hitch arter you've been out two or three years more,” He walked away toward home, though the fates had decided that he should not reach that haven for hours to come, and that important events should happen in the interval, For to his surprise, as be walked carelessly onward, he saw before him the form of Finelli, the detective. The pace of the latter was not a lounging one, It was that of a man who meant business, A moment’s thought decided Harry.. He disposed of his box in a safe place and put himself on the track of the detective, ‘* He’s bamboozled me, Fin bas. Let’s see if he’ll do it ag’in. If he’s on this job, ’m on bim.” ' Remembering his former experience in track- ing the acute Italian, Harry was doubly careful now. Finelli, however, seemed to have no thought of pursuit, but made his way directly toan “ Elevated” station, where he took an up- town train. The young scovt managed to board the same train without being observed. A for- tunate rush of passengers enabled bim to gain a car unseen by the detective. A look around showed bim that he was in the same car with Finelli, who, bowever, had his back to him, The boy leaned back as if asleep, pulled his hat down over his face, and took otber steps of concealment, in case the sharp eyes in front should turn in his direction. But Finelli seemed devoid of suspicion, At every station Harry opened his balf-closed eyes, but the detective sat impassive. Only when the train reached its final station at Harlem did he move. He now rose and quickly left the car. Harry followed more deliberately. Luck had favored himso far. He did not wish to spoil his chances by impatience. When he reached the platform Finelli bad de- scended to the street. He followed. There was the Italian, a hundred yards distant, walking rapidly away, “Tf I ain't got Fin by the flipper this time there’s no use talkin’!” said the delighted young scout, ‘‘ He laid me out in Jersey City. See if I don’t lay bim out here.” Former experience, however, made the boy cautious, He kept far in the rear, barely keep- ing Finelli within the range of vision. This was easy to do here, there being few persons about. The detective made his way northward, and re TS 9 finally stopped before a house on the outskirts of Harlem. He turned ard looked behind him now for the first time, but Harry was safely hidden behind a big tree that adorned}the sidewalk, And now an event happened that filled the pursuer with surprise. A man stepped from the house and shook bands with the detective, the sight of whom gave Harry a start. It was the form and build of Mr. Wilson’s vis- itor, the man whom Finelli bad formerly pur- sued. He turned his face so that Harry gota glimpse of it, It was undoubtedly the same man. After a minute’s talk the two entered the house. Harry was taken aback. What did this meav? Finelli hand and glove with this man, who very probably had something to do with the abduction! Was he also conspiring with Bill Fisk? Was he, while professing to play the detective, himself leagued with the abductors? Sucb were the thoughts that passed through the boy’s mind as he moved cautiously toward the house. He wished to locate it, and geta better idea of its character. The locality was the dividing line between city and country. The house stood alone, though others were scattered here and there. It was a small, three-story brick building, suited to a small family, and people of moderate means, Night was vankdly cout on as Harry found a good lookout place behind a large log that lay in the open field opposite the bouse in question. It was a log of irregular shape, one end being lifted so that the boy could see under it while stretched at full length on the ground, Here he lay for nearly an hour, bis eyes fixed upmovingly on the house, waiting for develop- ments, The development came in an unexpect- ed form, The sun had gone down, the light wae rapidly fading out, only a faint gleam remained in the west, when the door opened and a man looked out, at sight of whom Harry almost gave a shout of surprise and triumph. The face he looked on was that of Bill Fisk! CHAPTER IX. - THE TRAIL OPENS. THAT it was Bill Fisk on whom he looked, the concealed scout was very sure. Night was ap- proaching, but there was abundant light yet to make out his face at that distance. After standing a minute, looking around him, Fisk moved away. What should he do—follow him, or remain to watch the house? Before Harry Me a settle this query in his mind it was settled for him. The man he was watching stopped at a lamp-post letter box, de- posited a letter, and turned back toward the house, He re-entered and closed the door. *¢ Who'd ever thought that Fin was that sort?” said the boy to himself. ‘* Him collougin’ with them coons! My eyes isn’t it funny! They’ve run the old man off betwixt ’em, and Fin’s in it on shares.” As he continued to look, a light appeared in the second-story front windows, and the form of a man was seen moving past them, ‘“‘Havin’.a confab, they are,” considered the watcher. ‘ Layin’ the’r plans fur a squeeze. Fin’s run ‘em down and they’ve roped him in; that’s "bout the size of it. He’s a nice detective, he is! playin’ fur snacks with the kidnappers! I’m goin’ to try hard to git even with Fin.” As these thoughts passed through bis mind be continued his observations, but without seeing anything further. “Tf they’ve got the old man holed in that shanty it’s an easy job,” was tbe next thought that passed through his mind. “I could run the police on it easy as lightnin’ and scoop him in. But I ain’t the coon to guv no false alarm. Got to look fore [leap.” What was going on within the house? How was he to find out? Those questions followed each other through his mind, He left his lurking-place and approached the bnilding, observing it closely, The light still shone from the second-floor window, which was ned to the evening air, but on the first floor i wan darkness. He tried listening. There was a murmuring sound sbove, as if talking was going on, but no words were distinguishable, Nor was there any re) a _ means on the outside of getting nearer the light-_ ed window. : Was it safe to venture inside? With bis usual impulsiveness Harry tried the door, It resisted bis band. It was locked. : “Well, that’s settled anyhow,” he said to him- self, ‘* They ain’t takin’ no chances.” The house, as we have said, stood alone, Grounds surrounded it on both sides, inclosed by a picket fence. An open gate gave easy
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+ coe, Eee v Re hers Ny ne) +e z x = = = 3 - 3) , sea ae 10 ’ make of all this be cou re Png" passage through this, purpose of exploring the rear of the building. There were a number of windows on the first floor, but the shutters were all closed and locked, Reaching the back door he tried this, and found it also tightly fastened, The whole house seemed to be a case of ‘‘ no admittance.” ‘Looks as if ther? was di’monds in the box,” he considered. ‘‘ What ’d they lock it up so be. -f fur if ther’ wasn’t nothin’ wu’th steal- int The more he found himself shut out of the house, the more anxious Harry grew to enter it, But how was he to do this?) That was not clear. There was no shed at the back door, by which an active lad might have climbed to the second floor windows. No trace of a ladder was visible. He walked round and round like a tiger at bay, seeing no way to gain his ends, This quest finally ended in areturn to the front, with the hope that the speakers might have raised their voices, They were talking louder, it is true. Occa- sionally something was said in quite loud tones, as if there was an approach to a quarrel, Now and then a word or two could be distanguished,. But though Harry listened intently for nearly an hour be heard nothing that had any im- portant meaning. k The boy was decidedly disappointed, He had found a nest of conspirators, but there seemed to be no eggs in it for him. He saw nothing better to do then to return to the city, report his find, and have the place searched by the police, Before giving up ths quest he took another round of the house, with a hope of better luck. It was useless, No means of entrance could be found. Retarning, he was about to step out front, when the sound of an opening door made him — He crouched down by the side of the ouse, and awaited developments, _ It was the front door he had heard. Steps now were audible on the pavement. They stop- ped and voices were heard. ** To-morrow thev’ll get the letter.” It seemed the voice of Bill Fisk that spoke. ‘*The next day we may look for the answer, Finelli will bring it.” He laughed, as if much amused. “That’s a mighty rich go, Georgy, eh?” “oTain’t so bad,” answered the voice of George Wilson, ‘Somehow, though, [ think he’d bleed better the other way.” “Tt isn’t certain. It might take a big lawsuit, and who’s got the needful? A quick squeeze like this suits my ideas best. You can try t/other afterwards, if you like.” : ‘**T guess this ‘Il fetch enough to drown me in whisky,” growled the other. “What's to be done with him, that’s the ques- tion?” rejoined Fisk. ‘If we had him here it’d be nearer town.” “’Tain’t safe goods to move,” replied Wilson, « Best leave well enough alone. There’s no good holdin’ places in this house, like there are in tother.” ; Some further words of minor importance were spoken. Then Harry heard steps moving towardhim, He crouched lower, while his eyes y were keenly on the alert, The darkness was thickening, but the light at the win: ow threw a faint gleam below. The crouching boy was able to distinguish the pass- ing form. To his surprise, the form he perceived was that of Finelli. There were the dark skin and “spectacles of the Italian, Harry had been won- dering what had become of him, for only Fisk and Wilson had spoken. Had he stood listenin to their talk without a word, and then walke silently away? The case seemed curious, He listened for more words between Fisk and Wilson, but nothing was said. After a minute the door closed again, and all became silent. ‘ Harry remained in a apandery What to ld not decide. It was strange that Finelli bad not spoken a word dur- ing that conversation, and that Fisk and Wilson, who had talked so glibly before, now entered the house in silence, Harry listened again under the lighted ‘window. All was still, Conversation seemed over for the night. He tried the door again. It was locked. The young scout walked slowly away, Of one thing he felt sure. The prisoner was not in_that house. That had been decidedly stated, Where was he? R Just then he could think of but one way to find out. If this was the domicile of the kid- _ mappers they could be watched and followed. } Harry entered, with the The Curbstone Detective. That, however, was a matter for the next day. Just now the thing to do was to go home for a night’s sleep, And the next morn- ing he had an appointment with Jake Brown for a sail in the fishing-smack. Jake had something important to tell. He must have hissay. The trail of the kidnappers could wait until his story was told. Harry slept soundly that night, He had done some good detective work, and his conscience was easy. He felt sure that he was on the track of the strange event of which the papers were still full. The mystery of the abduction seemed in his hands, But there was another thread to the trail, and this Jake Brownheld. His story was next in order, - iy Harry was on time the next morning at the dock of the Lively Nelly. She proved to be a not very clean and tidy Nelly, and a little of the water tbat swirled below her might have been usefully employed on her decks, Harry iooked over her with a critical eye. She was sloop-rigged, and of a long, slender shape, with narrow cutwater. The Lively Nelly looked as if she might be light of heel, “Hallo, Harry!” cried Jake, who just_then appeared from the hold, ‘‘Jump aboard, We'll cast off in ten minutes,” “Ts this the boy you talked about?” asked a scowling-looking fellow near the bow. “ Yes,” ‘ Well, he can have a trip if he keeps himself out of the way, and if he takes a hand at the lines.” Harry waited for no second invitation. He jumped to the deck, shook hands with Jake, and at once began an inspection of the vessel under the guidance of his friend, whose knowledge of fishing-sloops was enormous, considering that it was but a week or so old. { Jake was overflowing with nautical terms, and had the slang of the salt water already at his tongue’s end, Long before he got through introducing Harry to the Lively Nelly, the said Nelly was in full flight up the East River, with a broad show of sail and a stiff breeze. At the end of a half hour the two boys seated themselves on a coil of rope near the mast, the eT of the Lively Nelly having been com- eted. é From where they sat they had a good view of the New York side of the stream. They were now running past the upper portion of the city, the thickly-clustered houses beginning to show open spaces, which would soon broaden into green fields, : The ta.k that followed was long and confiden- tial. Jake had, just now, no duties to perform, and was quite free to do the honors to his friend. ‘It’s jist as I said, pard,” he mysteriously re- marked, ‘‘the lively Nelly carries more nor fish, You won’t split on a feller?” ‘“‘Nary split, You know me, Jake,” “ And you'll go snacks?” ‘Tf you put me on the track I want I’m good for fifty dollars,” ‘Oh, come now! You're swellin’,” “ Not much,’ I’m iu on it.” ‘It’s jist bout this shape, Harry,” said Jake, his voice falling almost toa whisper, while he looked carefully round to see if there was any one near, ‘* We shipped some live stock aboard Wednesday night that wasn’t pulled out o’ salt water,” “ Live stock?” ‘*Human live stock, It was ’bout half-past ten or thereaway. I was snoozin’in this very identical coil when a cab drove down to tke wharf like tosplit. 1t stirred me up wide awake, but I didn’t move a peg.” Hairy listened in close interest. A carriage? This was growing important. ‘“*T see’d ’em takin’ somethin’ out of it, and carryin’ it down, It wasall bunched up ina biack cloth. They lowered it aboard and car- ried it back to the cabin.” ““ Without a sound?” ‘Not a whisper, Mought been a dead log for all the noise it made; but it was "bout the size of aman, Jistarter that old Snip, our skipper, found me here and kicked me up. e axed what the blazes I was doin’ here and told me to git below or he’d guv me a hidin’,” * And you went below?” “Oh, yes!” with a wink. “TI smelt a rat, pard, and was bound ter see it out, So I kept wide awake, with both ears open, ‘Long ‘bout one o'clock I beerd a noise on deck, and managed to git a peer up, There ty. was, carryin’ that bundle ag’in, and lowerin’ it into a boat at the sloop’s side.” ** Who carried it?” “Two men I never saw before, Old Snip a ee eee ee helped them. When they got it inter the boat these two men jumped in and rowed away.” a I thought you told me you!saw that old man. “So I did, While they was lowerin’ it inter — the boat the cover come loose and slipped and £ see’d a man’s face. The sbip’s light shone right on it, If it wasn’t that old fellow you, chased *twasn’t nobody.” “Tell you what, Jake, this is prime! What came after?” ‘* T bunked, that’s what. Snip. When I came to in the mornin’ we was back in dock.” *‘ And do you know where this happened?” “You bet high I do, f took a look ashore, and know the ground like a breeze. Show it to you in ’bout an hour,” “The two men thatcome in the cab, What was they like?” ‘ Jake described them as well as he could. Their size and share as described seemed to agree with those of Bill Fisk and George Wilson. Harry began to feel sure that he had now struck: a rich trail. . CHAPTER X, A BARGAIN AND A RIDE. “This is the spot,” said Jake Brown, about & half-hour after the date of the conversation re- corded, ‘Here? Sure of it?” queried Harry, looking out, over the swirling waters and the smooth green river borders. ‘‘How can you tell? Water don’t take no mark, nor green grass puther.” ‘You ain’t no sailor,” rejoined Jake, with in- finite contempt. ‘‘ When you’ve had my ’spe- rience of salt water you'll know a thing or two.” “‘-Yourn?’—Harry looked into his face, and burst into a loud” laugh.—‘‘Oh, come, Jake? wait till you run foul o’ some softy ’fore you spread,” A shade of laughty disdain for a moment overspread Jake’s face; then, with a revulsion of feeling, he, too, burst into a laugh. ‘“ A feller learns fast when he’s a-fishin’,” he explained. ‘‘ Anyhow, this is the spot’.” “* How do you know?” ‘““Tt?s a way we old salts have,” rejoined Jake, ‘You see them two big trees ina line, back 0” the hill there?” ** Yes,” ‘‘ And the house with the red roof back o? them?’ **T kin shet one eye and see all that,” ' ‘« Well, them’s what I seen that night, There’s where they went asbore. An old sailor, you know, jist jumps at them things.” “An old blowhard! Ef you don’t dry up P’lR pitch you overboard, You make me sick, you do. Ye're’nongh to give, the blues to an old goat, Now jist shet yer ‘tater trap and let me look round!” Harry rose and observed the scene keenly, noting all the features of the locality, the vari- ous houses scattered here and there, the groves of | trees, the character of the vm Island shore, and all the landscapes that were likely to fix the situation in bis mind. ‘“You dunno what house they went to?” he asked. ’ ‘No; I was ‘feared to keep peepin’, fur fear I'd get a settler ’cross the jaw,” * Anyhow you kin swear to what you said!” “] kin, Harry; on a warehouse full 0’ Bibles, and me on the roof.” hen if I find the old man ye’re good fura fifty—if I have to sell my box to raise it,” The events of the remainder of that day drove all thoughts of the abduction from Harry’s. mind. The Lively Nelly ran on till her fishing rounds were reacbed. Here a considerable freight in oysters and fresh fish, the product of the local fisheries, was taken on board, The crew of the fishing sloop made some con-* siderable additions to this by the products of their own lines—a sport in which Harry took nof small interest. But the next day’s market had to be con- sidered, and the anchor of the Lively Nelly was duly raised, and her sails set, in good time to reach her dock during market business hours, “So long. Jake,” cried Harry, as be sprung ashore, “Had a mighty good sail and a jolly good time, and picked up some scrougin’ idears, Tell yer what, if this thing pans out right ye’re goin’ to finger that fifty.” “ How much "ll you git?” queried Jake, “That pends on how they bleed. I’m giyin you astraight tip, and I’m takin’ chances. You want to go in on ch di , ; ar I was afeared of old ,
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‘No. Ill take it straight.” *‘Guess you’d better. So long. See you soon.” Harry strode away, with his head full of thoughts, “He thinks a fifty’s a big pull. Idon’t. I’ve riz in price, you bet. Fin °’d want a five hundred out of this job, and I reckon I’m more use in it than Fin is.” He set his Jips grimly as he thought of the uliar kind of use Fin was, “A traitor’s wuss than a mangy cur,” he thought; ‘‘ and Fin’s a traitor from the word go. But you bet yer peepers I’ve got Fin where the hair’s short; and I’ll make him squeal ’fore [’m done. An early hour of the next day found Harry at the office of Harvey Wilson, He was met by the elderly personage with whom he had had the ex- change of words on a previous occasion. ‘‘ Well?” asked the latter with a smile. He evidently bore no malice. “* Any word o’ Mr, Wilson yet?” “None.” ** Ain’t on his trail nohow?” ‘The affair still continues mysterious. The detective has poees it is true; and—” ‘‘ Detectives allers has hopes,” broke in Harry. “‘ Detectives is born that way. Fin has hopes, I know; but they’re cross-grained ones.—But you was Sai ter say somethin’ else when I choked you off.” “Perhaps I’ve said enough. I’ve no further time to talk to you.” ‘*Who has time? I’ve got a bag-full o’ news *pout Mr. Wilson, If I’d untie my bag bere, I’m ‘feared you folks ’d open yer eyes so wide it’d take a derrick to shet em ag’in. I want to talk to somebody as kin talk biz.” The clerk looked at him curiously. ** What have you learned?” he asked. _. “Lots. But tain’t fur everybody to hear.” **Come this way, boy. It will be well worth our while if you can give us any tidings about hg Wilson.” He led the way to the private office. Harry seated himself in a nonchalant manner. He looked Mr. Johnson, the clerk, knowingly in the face, “You bet it’s got to be wu’th my while,” he said. ‘‘ And ’fore 1 open that there bag I talked about I want ter know how much it’s wu’th my while.” “Have you really learned anything?” ** Haven’t 1? Lots, I told you, Now, tell me what you’re doin’ an’ I'll let you inter a thing or two.— You gota letter from the kidnappers yis- terday?” 7 Mr. Johnson, who had heretofore listened to the boy with an incredulous smile, as if he be- lieved him to be merely vaporing, started sharp- at this remark. ‘* How do you know that?” he questioned, ‘‘ It has not been made public.” “That's not a pea to whatI know. Tell yer what, I’ve near away teched bottom in this job. a By Jove, boy, you are not romancing?” *T ain’t lyin’, if that’s what ye mean. What was that letter ’bout?” “Tt demanded « ransom of fifty thousand dol- lars for the return of Mr, Wilson.” “Whew! Them coons is steep in their idears, How are you goin’ to answer that letter? Won't it put you on their track?” _ They threaten to kill their prisoner if we try any detective game on them,” ; “They'll do it, too. They’re that sort.” “What do you know about them?” “T know more’n anybody in New York, ’cept themselves. I ain’t square on the track of Mr. Wilson, but I’m gittin’ there, you bet!” “Tt will be a thousand dollars in your pocket if you can put us on his track,” * A thousand?—And ye’d guv the kidnappers fifty thousand?” queriec Harry, concealing his delight at this offer. — ““T doubt if we'd give them anything.” “You'd give sometbing to discount ‘om, and somethin more to nab ’em?” “Ti tell you what, my boy, We will give three thousand dollars cash to any one who bles us to rescue Mr, Wilson, and as much ‘more for the capture of bis kidnappers, There is an offer that’s worth working for.” “Now ye’re talkin’!” shouted Harry, “ Put ae down on paper, mister. I’m yer hoss on it! And arter old Wilson gits his leg loose m goin’ to make him pony over as much more.” — : “ How?” asked Mr, Johnson, who was writing. ey ing my tongue.” ‘ ‘ + The Curbstone Detective. What I offer will be lived upto. Now tell me what you know. Or, stay—let me send first for the detective.” “Send fur Fin? Fur that Etalyan detective? Send fur that Dago? If you do Pll fling up the job! Ain’t takin’ no Fin in mine! He playeda bull-calf game on me, Fin did, and I’m goit’ to play a spring-lamb game on him,” “What do you mean, boy? You must talk plain English if you want me to understand you.” ** All correck. Here’s the size of it.” Harry hereupon began the story of his recent adventures, with one slight but important vrriation. This was to the effect that it was Bill Fisk that he followed to Harlem, not Finelli. The direct connection of the detective with the kidnappers he preferred, for the pres- ent, to keep to himself, ‘* You won’t tell a word of this to Fin?” ‘*Not a word. I have learned the artof hold- Iain’t makin’ balls fur him to fling. I’m bound to pay bim up fur that bull calf, Ther’s a perliceman on this beat that’s as sharp as a steel-trap, and I’m goin’ to take him in,” » ‘* What are you going to give him?” ** Reckon "bout a twenty.” Mr. Johnson laughed. ‘*You’re a born financier,” he said, ‘* But the place where the men went ashore; do you think you can find it?’ “Tf IT can’é ll sell out, Tell you what I want youtodo.” =~ ‘* What?” “Play with ’em on that fifty thousand. Let on you bite, but you want time, You've got ter consider. Jist play off and on. Git *em writin’ letters. Make time, that’s what I want. Do it mighty sly, though. Don’t let ’em see yer little game.” “Trust me to manage that right. And if you rescue Mr. Wilson the money is yours.” ‘* A feller I know is got a tandem bicycle. I’m goin’ to nail him fur a ride up the East River. Been out with him befcre, and kin turn the wheels like fun.” ‘“That’s a good idea. Go to-day, if you can. Report to me to-morrow.” ‘*Solid papers. Here goes.” Securing his important document Harry left the office, where Mr, Jobnson remained lost in a deep quandary. He could hardly bring bim- self to believe the boy’s story. ut how then bad he learned about that blackmail letter? and had given evidence of great shrewdness, If he had told the truth the affair was promising. Mr, Jobnson returned to business with the feeling that he had done a good bour’s work. Five o'clock that afternoon found Harry and his bicycling friend rolling along a road leading up the East River, beyond the built-up bounda- ries of New York, It was a gentlemanly little fellow that rode with him, far better dressed than our bootblack hero, and the pair seemed ill-assarted to all who saw them. But Will Lindsay had been attract- ed to Harry by his genial, off-handed manner, and had the wisdom not to look upon poverty as a badge of disgrace. He and Harry were, therefore, fast friends, Mile after mile they rolled along the smooth, level road. Harry at length became keenly on the alert, watching every point they passed with careful eyes. He/ recognized that they were near the locality pointed out by Dick. “What are you about there, Harry?” asked Will, pettishly, as the machine gave a lurch. “You are not attending to your end of the wheel,” ‘“‘T am goin’ to fotch my end of the ship to anchor,” answered Harry, pressing heavily on the pedals, “Hold yer level, Will. Ther’s somethin’ back here I want to squint at.” He sprung from the wheel as he spokeand ran briskly back a hundred paces. Will, wondering at his action, turned the wheel in the road, and rolled briskly back after him. On reaching the point where Harry had stop- he found him curiously engaged. He seem- ed to be intently regarding two trees in the dis- tance, with his hand up to bis eyes, as if lining them, Then be turned and gazed at a red-roofed house a little to the forth. “* What’s up, Harry?” ‘ Without answering the hoy looked from point to point about bim, finally turning his gaze across the East River to the distant Long Island shore. A minute of this sufficed. He slapped his knee ardentlv. anc exclaimed: 11 ‘* What’s the matter, Harry? Are you going crazy?” Now for the first time Harry turned his atten- tion to his companion. ‘* Nary crazy,” be said. ‘Sound as the goose, you bet. Hop off that machine, Will, and climb up here on the fence. I’ve gotsomethin’ pretty to tell you. You kin keep a secret?” ** Like an oyster.” ‘* Then squat here, I’m goin’ to orate.” CHAPTER XI, 4 SQUEEZE AND A DISCOVERY. * You got plenty o’ money, Will, You won't ming helpin’ me make a pony?” ‘*I'd give money, Harry, for the chance of helping” you work out this affair, I never heard anything more interesting.” “I’m goin’ to ‘vestigate that there house with the redroof. I've got it in my noddle that that’s the Bee Kin you hide yer wheel anywhere and come along?” A ee hiding-place was found in the depths of a small thicket that fringed the sides of a running stream, and the boys made their way toward the house. Harry, who was getting to be an old hand at this. business, advised the utmost caution in approach, and they used every means of concealment as they drew near. Finally they found themselves behind a hedge that surrounded the immediate grounds. From this. point the house couid be easily observed. It looked deserted; the lower shutters were tightly closed, and. the Ls ar ones nearly so, while not a sign of life was. anywhere visible. After several minutes of vigilant observation,, Harry and Will started in opposite directions aroun the hedge, so as to se* the house from all sides. They met at length in the road infront. All appear- ed the same. There was nothing to indicate that the house was inhabited. Will was for proceeding to the immediate vicinity and making a closer investigation, but Harry was: too cautious for thi:. It was not safe to trust ap- pearances. **Somehow it kinder looks too dead,” he remark-~ ed. ‘‘I calculate we best go slow. S pose we ax somebody "bout this place fu’st. You streak fur tre house down the road there, behind them trees; I’lb take the one down this way. Find out all you kin *bout this shanty.”’ This a was adopted, and the boys met by the hedge half an hour afterward. “What luck?’ asked Will. “Mighty scaly luck. Couldn’t git near ~ house: on ‘count of the blamed dogs; they howled like wild- cats, I'd bu’sted the head of one of “em if I'd found astone. But nary stone. ThenI t-ddled on to the next house, and came across a surly old chap that. didn’t know nothin’. I don’t b’lieve he knowed enough to come in when it rained.” ‘*T had better luck,” rejoined Will. “I meta very polite person, who told me the house had beem empty for some time. He understood it wes rented now, but the family had not muved into it.” “That's more like the thing.” “We met different kinds of people.” ‘“Dunno "bout that,” remarked Harry. ‘“ Treckon if you’d gone my way and l’d gone your way, we'd had the same luck,” “ Why hi “It’s clothes, that’s why. ‘‘Ye’re got up likes. entleman, and me lke a tblack; and you know te tocome the polite dodge, and I don’t. I telh you, that counts.” “Iphink it does?” “T know it does. I’ve been there.” What was to be done next? They had been long enough on the outside of the hedge. It seemed safe- now to try the inside. With anotber careful look at. the front of the house, the boys passed through the: gate and approached the mansion, They stopped and listened. All seemed deathly still within, “We must try the doors and shutters,” said. arry. ‘‘Some of them moughtn’t be fastened.” ‘If they are, what then?” ‘ “Then we'll have ter rig some way to climb to the: second story. As long’s there’s nobody "bout to ee hed iy: vata hie band in- sigan OF e sto d abruptly, raise s hand in c ddemtion cat foe intently listening, Will did the same, and was soon aware of a slight: sound from within the house. It grewlouder. | “Dust’s the word,” exclaimed Harry, taking his. companion by the arm and dragging him aves. He stop behind a large bush that grew thickly” - near a corner of the house, “What do you think it is?” asked Will, in a half~ frightened tone. P ligt Not ghosts. Them things don’t walk by day- ht, Wait.” : Their waiting was quickly rewarded. The click of 6 lock sounded, a door was heard to open, and a. eavy step came upon the porch. The boys looked Puriously through their screen of leaves They could dimly make out the form of a. large man who seemed to be standing apd looking about him, ‘ After a minute or two he locked the door behind ‘ . ; “That's a little secret tween me and the old ‘Nailed, by Jumbo! Hit the bull’s-eye square ‘and ste upon the gravel oe map. Can’t guv it out to nobody but him,” center! I’m bound to finger them there spondu- om hp hve Fg ong nc ag aslld, Harry a “Well, here is my proposition in writing, | lick’s,” started and gripped Will’s arm tightly. Re [
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3 He, = Sates 7 XE fs ¢ aes ee 3 i = 12° “Know him?” asked the latter, in a low voice. ** You bet,” rejoined Harry. Low as were those tones some sound from them seemed to reach the man. He lifted his head quick- ly, looked around him, and appeared to be on the | But a moment’s | thought evidently convinced him that his ears had | been deceived, and he walked on down the gravel | point of making an investigation. path and into the road. — Tne scouts moved cautiously round the bush as , he did so, so as to keep themselves safely screened. The man walked on, however, without further heed. He followed the road for some distance, and then took a path across the fields toward a railroad station that was visible in the distance. ** Who is ho, ifarry?”’ ““One o’ them kidnappers. He’s the 6ld whisky vault I told ye of. Dunno his name, but he’s sud- ‘den death on whisky bottles.” They waited till the man had full time to reach ‘the station. Immediately afterward the whistle of aa approaching train was heard, ‘““Ho’s off fur York,’ suggested Harry. ‘know what I think?” “ No.” “Mr. Wilson's locked up somewhere in this shanty. I’m goin’ to git in and find out.” “ How?’ . “Tl rig up some plan. I want you to stay here on the watch and guv’ me the tip if anybody c>mes. Jist as sure’s you’re alive I’m goin’ through that “shanty.” At first sight the best means of obtaining ac- eess seemed to be by the porch, The shutters of the second floor windows over the porch were closed, but there was a possibility that they were not locked: A railing ran along the porch front, and corner pillars sustained the roof. Harry was like a cat at climbing, and it did not take him long to reach the top of one of those pillars. To climb from this eee to the roof was a much more difficult job, but y the aid of Wili, who mounted the railing and ‘helped him up, it was at last aceomplished. After resting himself for a minute from his severe labor, Harry approached the windows, with mingled hope and doubt. His hope soon disappeared. Every. window was tightly fastened. He was no nearer success than he had been on the ground. He stood cogitating. The third-floor windows were evidently not lucked, but they were ten feet above him. ow were they to be reached? Even if he had had a ladder, the sloping roof on which he stood would not have supported it. And there was momentary danger of some of the neighbors dis- covering his attempt. ‘*Things look squally, Will!’ he called to his com- panion. “They certainly do.” “T don’t see nothin’ else, though, Look around and see if you can’t find a ladder. Will was five minutes absent on this quest, and re- turned with a report of ill-luck. “There is nota signof one. I found nothing but a pole in the grass, and that don’t look strong.”’ “Fetch it along! Something’s got to be did!” Will departed again. He returned after a shorter ‘absence. ‘*The pole’s gone up,” be announced. ‘It was so rotten that it would not carry its own weight.” “ That's bad!’’ * But there’s something else. covery.” ‘What is that?” cried Harry, quickly. “There is a cellar window back here that don’t seem to be tizht. One end of itis loose. We might work it out.”’ “Could a feller git down it?” ‘With a tight squeeze.” “T’minon tight squeezes. winder.” Harry descended the porch pillar in much less time than it had taken him to climbit. Springing to the grass, he called out cheerily: ‘: Where’s that winder?” “‘ Here it is!” Will led the way to the rear. The window he ‘pointed to was closed by a wire framework, of which, as he had said, one end was loose. It stood in a bricked recess, half above the ground Jevel. Pulling it out as far as he could, Harry man- aged to get his arm behind it, and with some diffl- culty succeeded in unhooking the other end. Ina moment more the screen lay on the ground. As Will had said, it was a tight squeeze. The opening was not much wider than his body, while the recess threw it at an awkward angle. He tried to force himself into the opening, but ‘soon found himself fast, unable to move either u or down. It was evident that to force himse through would be to break his back. ‘**Pull me out, Will. I’m stuck,” he cried. It took a hard ad to get him loose, he had wedged himself so tightly into the opening. - Getting on his feet again, he stood looking sourly atthe window, He hated to acknowledge defeat, ‘You'll have to give it uv,” said Will. “Not much, I ain’t built that way.” Harry had been studying the situation. The bricks which formed the recess had been set in Yather shabby mortar, and time had weakened its holding powers, Some of them came out almost at a touch, and the shrewd boy soon had a cavity in the wall, The earth backing to it, yielded to his heavy Shoe, and a few hard kicks quickly made a sloping Space back from the window. “* See that. lad!”’ he called triumphantlv to Will. “It’s a regular toboggan slide. I can slip down it like a breeze.” “ D’ye Ihave made a dis- Here’s fur the e-llar ‘ae ee — The Curbstone Detective. In fact, he now had little difficulty, as he did not have to bend his body at an angie, as before. Ina minut?, with Will’s aid, he had slipped through the opening, and was hanging to the inner edge of the | window. ‘‘Here goes!”’ he cried, loosing his hold. A fall of a iy of feet brought him to the cellar-floor. ‘You keep up the lookout dodge, Will. Whistle | twice down the cellar-window if there’s any danger. I'm goin’ ter slide through this house like a weasel | through a rat-hole.” Enough.light came through the window to enable him to make his way easily to the stairs. Mounting | these, he found himself in a dark passugeway. Fortunately, be had some matches in his pocket, and one or two of these enabled him to investigate this part of the house. The doors ali stood open, and it was quickly evident that no person was con- cealed there. A search of the second floor gave the same result. The third floor presented cne large room in front ! and two smaller ones in the rear. The door of one of the latter was locked. Harry tried it. It was securely fastened. The door was a heavy one, with a large lock, He shook it. It failed to yield, but a sound as of somebody moving came from behind it. “Who's in there?” he cried. ‘** Who's out there?’ came faintly from within. “Ts that you, Mr. Wilson?” ‘*Yes. Who are you?” “lm Harry Hale; the boy that found your pocketbo, k. D’ve been on the hunt for you, and I've found you,”’ *“Open the door. V’'ll make you rich,” “Tcan’t. There is no key.’ “Break it open. Get an ax. Smash it in. Set me free, young man, and your fortune is made,” “Tt'll be wu’th more than ten cents this time, hey?’’ Harry could not refrain from asking. ‘Yes, Release me, and—”’ “Hush!” From far below there came very faintly the sound of a whistle, twice repeated. “I've got ter slide,” cried Harry. ‘‘ There’s the danger-signal. Keep a stiff upper lip, old man. I'll be back soon,”’ ‘* You won’t fail?’ ‘*No. Keep mum. If you let this out it’s all up. If I don't git back to-night, look for me to-morrow.” The signal came again. ‘*Danger’s gittin’ close. spirits.” Down the stairs dashed the boy, at breakneck speed. As be reached the cellar-door he heard the sound of a key in the front-door lock. Calling in a low tone to Will for aid, he scrambled up into the window, and was quickly pulled tothe grass without. ** There are two of them,’’ whispered Will. ‘The first one must have gone to the station to meet the Fea I did not see them till they were close at and. ‘* Let’s fix this winder up ag’in. Won't do to leave it this way. Got to put it back as we found it.” Get me oat of this prison and Good-by. Keep up yer CHAPTER XII, ON A BLIND TRAIL. Harry’s suggestion, expressed at the close of the last chapter, was not immediately carried out. A new thought came to him that made him pause, “Let it stand a minute, Will,” he remarked, “T’m goin’ back.” “Stay where you are. It isn’t safe.” ‘*They won't cotcbh me, nary time. I want to see them two chaps, Did you clap yer eyes on ’em?”’ One was the man we saw before. The other was a dark-skinned, Italian-looking fellow.” * With spec’s on his eyes?” ‘Yes, he wore large spectacles.” ‘*Finelli, sure as shootin’, I’m goin’ back, though, Wait. Won't be long.” Before he cou d oppose Harry had slid like an eel through the window, Wiil remained in doubt as to what he should do, His companion was certainly in danger. Should he go to his aid? — He was long in making up his mind, and before he was ready to act, Harry reappeared at the window. “Guv us a lift, old lad,” : e said. ee you learned anything?” asked Will, curi- ously. “Ain't I though! I’ve made a discovery that’s wu'th a fortune. You betI was fotched up all standin’. Gut the pig by the tail this time, gure,” * What is i/?” “No time to tell jist now. Let’s fix up this win- der and slide.” Darkness was falling rapidly as the two boys mounted their wheel and began their roll back to the city. Avery good day’s work had been put in. The beginning of the end was at hand, “What did you learn?” asked Will, as they rolled rapidly al-ng the level road. “You won't leak?” “ Your secret is safe with me.” “It’s fist the biggist go as was ever seen in this city of New York. A reg’lar eye-opener, I reckon you onght to know, Will. But my game’s bu'sted if you let it out.” y “You can trust me.” - “Here goesthen, You've only got to keep mum ' fur a day or two.” ¥ Harry hereupon told Willa story which greatl? in- terested and surprised him. Just what this story’ was the reader must wait to learn It was a secret ' which we are not yet ready to reveal. 7 e+ te Ly : P’ : 4 bi Py 1 ts yan d TY See ‘ Ne SC gee . SSG AEE IM «OOS Sill el : ie ee — 4 u ¥ “4 ‘ ¥ y's & 3 + * . ———— = The evening was well advanced when the™ reached their homes, wearied by their exertions y® full of hope and enthusiasm. Harry slept soundly that night, though not with- out dreams of success and fortune, An early busi- ness hour of the next day found him at the office of the banker. Mr. Johnson advanced to meet him. ‘* Any news?” he asked. ‘Big news. I’m goin’ to finger them spondulicks, rn nll ig inside and chat. Too many ears round ere. Mr. Johnson led the way to the inner office, and seated himself, waiting quietly for Harry to cpen his budget. ere however, had other purposes, “Did ye answer that there fifty thousand dollar letter?” he asked. “Yes. As the letter directed, I sent a messenger to a place in Central Park, where my answer was to be deposited in a cavity in a certain tree, which was described in the letter. This was the post-office ar- ranged by the kidnappers, and we were given to un- derstand that if the tree were watched our letter might remain there till doomsday.” * Mighty cute that, How did it work?” ‘*‘My letter was taken, and an answer returned, which I have here, the money can be paid and the prisoner returned, without danger to the kidnappers.” ‘**T tell you, them fellers is wide awake. Who did you send fur messenger?" ‘* Finelli, the detective.” answered Mr, Johnson, with a smile, as he felt that he had acted very shrewdly. “Yousent Fin? Yousent the Dago? My eyes, if that ain’t a go!” cried Harry, slapping his knees energetically. ‘*It wasn’t a bad idea, eh?” Harry looked at him in a curious manner, and broke into a laugh that vexed Mr. Johnson. “ What ails you, boy?” ‘*Ob, yes! it was cute. Fin was bound to fotch you an answer. if be had to write it hisself. You thought he'd git on their track?” “T thought it pos-ible.” ** He didn’t, I reckon?”’ “No. He did not think it wise to show distrust.” “My eyes, it’s cute!” exclaimed Harry, laughin in the same curious manner as before. “He seomedl unable to contain himself. ‘See here, hh man, I have had about enough of this,” said Mr, Johnson. severely. ‘ You see something very amusing perhaps, but I dou’t And lam notfond of fun that is all on one side.” * T jist can’t hold iu!” broke, out Harry, “ I ain’t told you all, Mr. Johnson, and ain’t goin’ to jist yit. All that I’ve ot ter say now is that Fin’sa sundowner. He'll keep without saltin’ down, he will.—See here, that’s a straight tip ’bout them six thousand?’ If you fulfill your part of the bargain, I will fulfill mine.’ % : “I'm ‘feared not, if it’s old Moneybags that’s to doit. Every dollar o’ them six thovsand ‘Il squeal like a nipped rat ’afore it leaves bis hand.” “You don’t know Mr. Wilson. What I promise he will perform.” ra ** He said he’d make me rich if I’d git him off.” “He wilt do it then. But what do you mean? Have you seen him?”’ } “No, But I’ve heard him, I know where he is, Mr. Johnson, and I’m goin’ to earn that six thou- sand afore tue sun pegs out to-day.” “Where is he?” asked Mr. Johnson, with deep in- terest. “Couldn’t tell you that so’s you could find it. You kin go ‘long, if you want. That'd be better. I’m goin’ to git friend Wallace and another police- man.” “Good. T’ll be glad to go.” ‘And see here, Mr. Johnson, don’t Jet this out in the office, And don’t tell Finelli boutit. The dog’s dead if he gits the hang of it.” ‘Finelli! Why do you distrust him so?” “If [tell you, will you keep mum?” “| will not breathe a word.” ° Well, then, he’s one of them kidnappers his- *Finelli? Impossible!” “ Reckon it is. But it’s true, fur all that.” Mr. Johnson fell into a minute’s deep thought, while Harry closely watched him. “If what you say is true it is of the utmost impor- tance,” be at length remarked. ‘‘ You need not fear my speaking now, The necessity of caution is too urgent,” “Seen Fin to-day?” f “ No.” 4 “ Know if he’s at his office?” ‘**T do not.” “Well, I want you to guv me a letter to him. » Somethin’ "bout this job. Say I’m to wait fur an, ae at us ‘ geet ‘* What's that for? “It's part of my game. I jist want to prospect & little, that’s all. : See's Mets nor nobody : ow, and ain’t goin’ to jist yit. ‘ Harry set his lips in firm decision. He Sage 1 meant business. Mr. Johnson looked at oe tah ' ously, After a moment’s hesitation he wrote a brie note. “Don’t do it un. Ili take it an show it, so folks "Il know I’m to wait. Ten minutes afterward Harry was_on the street, making hig way toward Finelli’s office. Reaching the vicinity of the building in which said office was situated he waited outside, watcbing all comers and ‘OP's. ° His vigil did not last long. After a short time . I want to ie ‘ana Atel TP.» ty oie AS lecasigy, Sai It arranzes a method by which .
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a — ee a passe: Finelli himself came out and walked away. Harry watched him eagerly, taking good care to keep out | of sight. Not till Finelli had vanished in the dis- tance did he leave his covert. “Reckon ye won't play no bull-calf game on me this time, Mr, Fin,” c.nsidered Harry as he entered the building. ‘Somehow I’ve a notion that I hold the winning band.”’ ‘Which is Mr, Finelli’s room?” he asked of an attendant. Second floor, rear room; name on door, But he is out.’ ““ Be back soon?” “That I can’t say.” “‘T’ve got a note for him, and was told to wait for an answer.” “ Well, you can wait. likely be back soon,” ‘ Without more words Harry sought the room in question. He tried the door. It was unlocked. “Then he’ll be back soon,” he muttered, ‘I’ve ‘ot to be spry.” 2 Spr: pit wi he was. An open desk lay before him, its pigeon-holes well-filled with papers. Harry ran over these with rapidity, listening keenly for approaching steps as he did so. He had gone over about one-third of the papers when he stopped, with a look of high gratification in his face. 7 “Nailed for sure!’ he cried, slapping his knee in “Got Fin down fine tunis time. If his room is open he will Ss usual manner. Now I'll git.” y é He thrust one of the papers into his pocket, put the others back as he had found them, and hastily left the room. On the lower floor he met the man to whom he bad before spoken. “Will you guv this to Finelli when he comes back? Tcan’t wait.” ; * All right,” said the man, receiving the note. A minute or two afterward Harry, from the oppo- = side of the street, saw Finelli approaching his office. d “Got you, Fin,” said the boy triumphantly, ‘Got the nippers on you. I reckon I’m @ pretty good de- tective myself. If I ain’t I’m a rattlin’ 'prentice.” At six o’clock that night a party of five left the cars at the railroad station in the vicinity of the red- roofed house. This ty consisted of Harry Hale and Wili Lindsay, ur. ohuson, Officer Wallace, and another policeman in citizen’s clothes. The “agemegery were duly provided with searcn-warrants, ease of any opposition to their proceedings. It was not a long walk to their goal, and they were soon near by. The house looked as silent and dead as before. No trace of life could be seen or heard. There was no longer need of caution, They boldly approached, he house was firmly locked up, as before. : “What's to be done?” asked Wallace. “Is ita sure enough thing to break in?” “Sure? Bet it is!” rejoined Harry. “ But I know a better way in than breakin’. Me and Will has been here before.” ‘ In a very few minutes he had the cellar window again open and io condition for entrance. aa “Wait & sninte,” he said, as he slid in, “Vl Open out quick.”’ An two minutes afterward the bolt of the back door was heard to slide, and the door opened with a creak, “Come in,” invited the scout, “Where is Mr. Wilson confined?” demanded Mr. ohnson. “ Lead us there at once.” “Poller me,” said rary. Up:stairs they tremped in file. No sound was heard. The cemen went first, on the alert if the kidnappers should be encountered. But the third floor was reached without any trace of them being seen. aie door of the prison room was closely shut as ore. “This is the room,” said Harry, knocking. : : Hey, there, Mr. Wilson! Here Iam back again, ’cordin to promise.”’ o sound came from within. 2 The others pressed curiously up. The affair be- n to wear a ques‘ionable look, ‘Maybe he’s asleep, or somethin’s happened to m ’ “Try the door,” suggested Wallace. Harry did so. It opened to his hands, All eyes were turned to the open room. But no sign of the captive was visible! The room was empty! The bird had flown! CRAPTER XIII. THE HOUSE IN HARLEM. Ir ever there was a surprised boy it was H Hale. He stood looking into the empty room as if he could not believe his eyes. His sense of defeat was the more bitter that he saw the others looking at him with distrustful eyes. “ Sure’s you're livin’, he was here last night!” ex- Claimed the discomfited scout. “I talked to him fur a good five minutes through that there door.” reek 5 as here last night where is he now?” asked Mr. Johnson, distrustfully. ‘* He’s somewhere else,” answered Harry, shortly. “That we can depend on; but it looks, my boy, as if you had been making fools of us. “IT was here with him last night,” remarked Will. “ What Harry says is the truth, every word of it.” 5 won youin the house with him?” ‘No. “Then how can you be sure that he heard more than an echo?” “ That the boy was here I can testify,” said Wal- lace, the policeman. ‘ But he wasn’t quite as mmr asl gavehim credit for being. He has put the kid- ‘ a eee Sy ae ee: Metts on bg 4 ‘ dct <a ’ bg im é “VE eal y prtas ‘the cit The Curbstone Detective. nappers on the alert, and they have removed their captive.”’ ‘What do you mean?’ asked Mr. Johnson quick- ve ee to him, ‘ How can you possibly know is?’ “ Here is my proof of it,”’ rejoined Wallace, point- ing to some dirt marks on the stairs and the floor of the passage. ‘‘Do you see these? They are foot- rints, and of the size of the boy’s shoes. Put your foot here, Harry.” Harry did so. His foot just covered the clayey impression. “ After you worked at the window, youngster, you forgot to clean your shoes. The marks are’ faint here, but down-stairs they are stronger. You bave left your trail through the,whole house. No wonder the kidnappers too« the alarm and removed their prisoner.” Harry struck his head violently with his clinched st. : “Loughter go out and butt it ‘gin’ a brick wall,”’ he said testily. ‘“‘Ther ain’t no more brains in it then in a carrot. a detective lam! Me talkin’ *bout beatin’ Fin! Won’t somebody kick me?” “The best of us are liable to make mistakes,” re- joined Mr. Johnson, ‘* You did the best you could my boy. You are dealing with older heads, that’s all. But you may have been deceived in the man you talked with through this door. If we only had some sure proof of Mr. Wilson having beeu he: e.” “What is this?’ cried Will, who had been search- ing a closetin the room. ‘Here is a handkerchief. And here in the corner are the letters H. W.” M-~. Johnson snatched it from his hand. “Tt is his handkerchief!” he cried, ‘‘ Those are his initials. He has surely been here, But they have removed him, and we are as much in the dark as ever.’ “Bet yer head we ain't, then!” exclaimed Harry, suddenly throwing off his depression and rezaining his old vivacity. ‘‘ We're jus. in broad daylight, we are. Iknow where they’ve tuk him to, and we kin nab Lim yit ‘fore the night’s over.” “Where?” ; “Tt’sin Harlem. That’s near enough for now.” “Are you sure, this time?” ““Tve quit bein’ sure. But I'll go all I’m worth he’s there. It’s one o’ their dens, I reckon they ain’t got more nor a couple of ’em.” “Trne enough,” rejoined Wallace. wanting in good ideas, Harry.” “Then let us go there instantly, before they have time to take a new alarm.” ““That’s my idea,” exclaimed Harry. ‘Strike while the iron’s hot.” The suggestion was too good a one not to be acted on at once. They left the house as they had en- tered it, Harry rebolting the door and making his exit by the cellar window. They made their way without delay to the rail road station, where it was learned that a train for was due in about an hour, This enforced delay did not agree ve:y well with their impatience, but there was nothing to do but to cool their heels on the platform aud await the slow coming of the ¢ “You ain’t ars. While waiting Harry told them his reasons for be- lieving he was still on the trail. He had been ro mortified by his late failure that he did not care to bear the brunt of anotner, “Finelli combined with them!” exclaimed Wal- lace. * Are you sure cf this?” ‘“*Sure’s I’m standin’ here.” “T would not have thought it. He has not been long on the force, but is considered a very capable and shrewd man.”’ “There's a fifty thousand pull in this, Detectin’ don't pay that way. What’s more, I ain’t told you allI know ’bout Fin; and I ain’t goin’ to jist yit. But you kin bet he’s a reg’lar salmon trout.’ “There she whistles!"’ cried Will, as the shrill sig- nal of the locomotive sounded in the distance. In a few minutes more they were on board the train and rattling merrily off for the Harlem station. A few minutes more sufficed to bring them there. They landed, and the train rolled on toward its final resting-place in the great city. “ Now, folks, foller me," said Harry. ‘It’s a good “~~ out, but I reckon ye're all fresh and lively.” ight bad now fallen, The street lamps were lit. Harry had little acquaintance with that part of the pf and after some doubtful efforts found himself obliged to seek the Elevated Railway station, and make that his point of departure. His difficulty was nowat an end. He remembered his former route, and led the way directly to the scene of his recent exploit. “There’s the place,” he said, stopping at a dis- tance and pointing; ‘* that house yonder that stands alone, I reckon we'd best dodge and prospect a lit- tle, and look out fur signs.” This suggestion was acted on. t and approached the house cautiously from various directions, observing closely as they did so. But all remained quiet about the mansion; the only sign of life in it was that given by a light at an upper at Everywhere darkness and stillness reign- They finally came together in front. After a con- sultation in a low tone, and a trial of the door. which proved to be locked, it was decided to station the second policeman at the rear door, place Will and Mr. Johnson at the windows on the two sides, and pan ie Harry and Wallace to seek an entrance by the mt. This arrangement was accordingly made. Wallace now gave a pull at the bell. “Let me talk “Stand aside, Harry,” he said. They waited for a minute or two. The separated, with whoever comes.”’ Harry did so. ! 13 Nobody came: Wallace gave a harder tug at the bell-pull. Still no answer. A third tug was given. “This is the last, Harry,” hesaid. “If there is no answer to this we must find some other way in. Ah!. I think I have brought them. Steps are com- ing. Keep out of sight.’ The door opened. Wallace saw before him a stout, oldish man, with a red and somewhat bloated ace. “Well, what do you want?” he asked. “Does Mr. Wilson live here?’ The man started, as if in surprise'and alarm, and seemed about to slam the door in the face :f his visitor. Wallace advanced his foot over the thres- hold to prevent this. But a moment’s thought seemed to give the inmate a different idea. “No,” he said, with some hesitation of manner. oo lives in the second house onthis side. Good- night!’ e shut the door suddenly. It met with an ob- struction, however, in the strong boot of the police- man, which was firmly planted within. ? Not so fast, old man! I am not done with you yet.’ “Who are you? What do you want here? Take away your foot, or by the Rock y Mountains Ill give you a settler!” blustered the man, making a threat- ening movement toward the officer. “Don’t budge, Wallace! That’s him! That’s our game!” cried Harry, advancing. ee judge itis. Keep still, man, or you'll get into trouble.” ; George Wilson, for it was he, found himself Jook- ing down the barrel of a revolver, and concluded to e this advice. ; He stepped back trembling and with a blanched ace. ‘* What do you want?” he hesitatingly asked. “T want you!” “Then, by the blazes, you won't get me!"’ cried Wilson, dashing back into the house. Wallace and Harry followed. The obj<ct of the fugitive was not clear, and the officer pursued him with all baste, hesitating to use his pistol till it should become necessary. His flight followed the lower passage. In a minute he had dashed into the rear room and was slipping the bolt of the back door. He tore this open and leaped out. At the same moment Wallace gave a shrill whistle of alarm. There was a cry outside, the sound of a struggle, and a blow. “This way, Wallace! I’ve got him,’ came in the second policeman’'s voice. Wallace ran cut. It was not so sure that he had him for the two were struggling on somewhat even: terms. But the arrival of a reinforcement soon set- tled the semanas In a minute more George Wilson was a prisoner, handcuffed and secure. “The game’s up, old man! Is yourconfederate im the house?” : The prisoner sullenly refused to answer. “Very well. We'll soon learn. Hold him, Joe. We'll go through the establishment.” The captor remained on guard over the sullem prisoner, while the others entered the house, It took but a minute to search the lower\floor. It was unfurnished and seemed to have been unused. There were no places of concealment, ‘'fry the cellar, Harry. We will go up-stairs.” Harry obeyed, lighting his way with matches. The cellar proved to be one long room, with no in-~ closure but a coal-bin.. A glance was sufficient to prove that it contained no prisoner. Leavi it, he burried up-stairs after the others. It was evident that they had been through the sec- ond story. All the rooms wereopen. None of them seemed to contain any furniture except the one in which the light was still burning. The sound of excited voices was heard from the floor above. There came a crash, as if a door had been forcibly burst open. Harry dashed for the stairs. “Mr. Wilson!” came the voice of Mr. Johnson, ‘*Fettered! Chained to the floor!” His tones were full of horror. ‘Free, I think,’’ answered the voice of Mr. Wilsom with remarkable calmness. “It looks Jike a res- cue.” “It is one!” cried Wallace. ‘‘We have counter- marched on the villains, and you are free,” “To Whom do I owe it?” asked the prisoner. “Where is the young lad with whom I talked yes~ terday, and who gave me hope of release?” ‘** Here!” cried Harry, springing into the room, *“And you owe your liberty to him,” said Mr. Johnson. ‘ He alone has traced the kidnappers and led us to their den.” ; t “T shall not forget him,’’ rejoined the now re- leased captive, with a grateful look at Harry. “ Now break this lock and sef me free.” * How came you here? You were in another: house yesterday.” , “They took the alarm, and brought me here late- last night, gagged and fettered.”’ In a few minutes more the fetters were broken,. and the late prisoner stood forth, a free man! ” — \ CHAPTER XIV. A TRANSFORMATION SCENE. THERE was quite an ovation at the banking house of Harvey Wilson on the morning after the events: just narrated. All the persons concerned in the res- cue were present, with those employed in the estab-. lishment, and the place was filled with the atmos- phere of co: tulation. 7 ’ After sb ig hands twice over with all his em- pioyees, Mr. Wilson entered his private office, ask~
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‘manded the detective. The Curbstone Detective. ‘ing Wallace and the two boys to accompany him. Mr. Johnson also formed one of the party. “Have you sent for Finelli, the detective?” Mr. Wilson asked the latter. ‘*Yes. He will be here soon.” “Take care nobody outside tips him the wink,” suggested Harry. “If Fin knows you’re here he'll amake sudden tracks!” * Finelli? Why?’ “Cause he'll be afeard the old chap we nabbed mought split on him!” “What do you mean?” asked Mr, Wilson. “You ain’t lettin’ on you don’t know that Fin’s one o’ them kidnappers?”’ ** Finelli?—Impossible!”” *“ Reckon it is; but it’s true, all the same!”’ ‘“Finelli? An officer of the law? What nonsense is this, boy?” é “ Fifty thousand dollars is a big stake. Detectin’ don’t pay like that. And that ain’t all. Jist wait till J git through with my eye-openers! Tell ye what, friend Wallace, when Fin comes in, don’t let him slip out ag’in. He monght have sudden bizness *cross the street, and jist now we can’t spare him.” ‘“*T will take care of that.” “You offered the boy a reward, I b.lieve,” asked the banker of Mr Johnson. “Yes; three thousand dollars for your recovery, and as much more for the capture of the villains.”’ “The first has been earned, and shall be paid. As for the second, we have only got one of the men et.”’ we The others are Fin and Bill Fisk,” exclaimed Be “ll guv you them both inside an hour.” id hege do the money is yours. And I would willingly make the sum ten thousand for the re- covery of that stolen document.” * You would?” cried Harry, in delight. “*Yes.—Do you know anything of it?” “ Don’t 1, then? I’m goin’ fur them ten thousand flat-footed.—You hear me?” Further conversation was interrupted by the en- trance of Finelli, who walked briskly into the room, but pobyet hastily on seeing Mr. Wilson. His face grew e under all its dark hue, and he visibly trembled, Wallace, in accordance with Harry’s suggestion, set his back sturdily against the door. “Mr. Wilson!” exclaimed the detective, in a shaken voice. “At your service,” replied the banker. ‘‘ You were rather too slow in your work, Mr. Finelli, and I concluded not to wait on your movements,” ‘T_{ don’t understand this.’ TFinelli looked nervously around him. He did not fail to catch sight of the stalwart policeman, with his back to the door “It means just this,” rejoined the banker. ‘TI had other detectives on my track besides you, and they have had better luck. I was released last night, and one of the kidnappers caught.” “ Other detectives?” Finelli seemed so shaken up that ail his nerve was g>ne. “You bet!” cried Harry. Fin. Got tired o’ huntin’ over Jersey City fur bull- calves, and reckoned I’d go fur bigger game.—Struck ile, too, Fin!” ““What does all this mean, Mr. Wilson?” de- *T see you are free, but do ‘not know how it was managed. I have been track- ing the kidnappers, have traced them to their den, and would have rescued you to-day. Somebody, it seems, has got ahead of me.” “Tt looks that way, Finelli.”’ * All he wanted was:a fifty thousand pill, and he’d fotched you on the spot,” Harry declared. “You young hound, what do you mean?” ex- claimed Finelli in the best of English, his dark face glowing with anger. “T mean that you’re spotted, that’s what! “7 was one of ’em, You’re one o’ them kidnappers yerself; and you've been ar by a nice little come and go game on these OLKS, An oath broke from Finelli’s lips. He made a fierce grasp for the boy, but was checked by the strong arm of Wallace. ““Not so fast, Finelli. I faney the boy is right. Here is a second witness,” pointing to Will. “He saw you in league with the man we captured.” “Tt’s an infernal lie!’ roated Finelli, thougb his ! face blanched again, thing of the kind.”’ “We will wait to see what your confederate has to say to that, Mr. Finelli,”’ said Mr Wilson calmly. “if what these boyssay should be true—” “Tt is a lie, Lsay,”’ repeated Finelli, hoarsely. ‘If ag want to know more you will find me at my of- ce.’ He turned to go. “Not so fast, Finelli. We can’t spare you,” re- marked Wallace, guarding the door, “Have you a warrant to stop me?—Out of my path, or Vi make you ek ‘The accusation against you is warrant enough. BS br! take lg of sweating.” * __,He’s number two of the rascals,” averred Harty, “Hold ontohim like grim death. If we only had Bill Fisk now we’d have the whole gang, and I’d earn my three thousand.” “Very true,” replied Mr. Wilson. to know Fisk well. I have seen too much of him these few days past, Put him into our hands and the money is yours.” * That’s what I’m here for.” What! can you do it?” 7. 60 “TI defy you to prove any~ “T have reason Reckon I can. And mighty sudden too. Ever -been to the theater, Mr. Wilson?” ue Why do you ask such a question?” wae one o’ them transformation scenes?” es. : “* Like to see another?” ‘ phe si ea / oR Dace ite | zh he f eas ee os Gal VEPRLD Ys eialy | ¥ iv aca , aT a ct oral oe eae » Wats if ae Te a Ns 4 Ce A Jhis hes: ** What nonsense is this?” ‘“Show you one, anyhow, and won’t charge only three thousand for the ticket.’’ Ashe spoke Harry had edged up behind Finelli, who stood with his eyes warily fixed on Wallace, as if half inclined to make a break for liberty. In an instant the quick-motioned boy, with an upward sweep of his arm, knocked off the hat of the detective, and with it a black wig, revealing a close cut crop of sandy hair beneath. Finelli turned in fury toward him, but this was just what the shrewd boy wanted. Another quick movement brought down over the dusky face of the Italian a sponge full of water, which Harry had held concealed in his lefthand. Off went the spec- tacles which shielded his eyes, and off with them went most of his dusky hue! The dark-faced Itai- ian was in an instant changed into a light-complex- ioned individual. Only the black mustache and whisker remained of his former appearance. These re under another quick stroke from the boy’s and. ‘*There’s yer transformation, Mr. Wilson! Know him now ?”’ ‘Fisk, by all that’s good!” ‘Bill Fisk, and as pretty a little joker as eyer you seen.” The discovered villain made a tiger-like clutch at the boy, but Harry slip away like aneel. Be- fore he could make another movement Wallace had him by the shoulder. “Keep quiet, my man, orit will be worse for you. —By Heaven, boy, but you have unearthed a villain- ous game, So Finelli, the detective, and Fisk, the rascal, are one and the same!” . “Tam astounded!” exclaimed Mr, Wilson. ‘* This is the man who held me prisoner.—He and—” he hesitated. , ‘Your brother, George Wilson,” interrupted Fisk, spitefully. ‘‘No use to try to hide that. You can take the disgrace of it.” “Yes, he ig my brother,” acknowledged the banker. “ And a pair of unmitigated scamps you and he are. I owe you more than ! can ever repay you,” he con- tinued, turning to Harry. ‘ How did you discover this masquerade, whieh has deceived us all?” “T see'd Fin takin’ off his outside; therein that East River house. He was gittin’ ready fur a eall on you, Lreckon, Didn’t know I was peepin!—Told ye all along that Fin was a sundowner.—Ain’t he one though!—But, I calculate I’m a bit of a eye- opener myself.” During this talk Fisk had stood glaring from one to another, the picture of suppressed fury and dis- may. Only the strong grasp of the officer prevent- ed him from springing with the rage of a madman on the triumphant boy. : Now, with a sudden change of expression, he turned to Mr. Wilson: ‘* You have discovered my secret,itseems. What do you intend to do?” q “To punish you for your dastardly action to the full extent of the law.” ‘Very well.—But if I am not free by night that lit- tle document will be made public, I hold the win- ning hand, Harvy Wilson., Uniess you want all the world to know what that document contains you'll be careful what you do,” This threat affected, Mr. Wilson, strangely. His chin fell on his breast and a dejected look came upon his face. ‘* What is your price for it?” he at length asked. , “Freedom, and ten thousand dollars. Not a cent ess.” A dozen conflicting emotions showed themselves in the banker's face. He seemed affected by a series of doubts and dreads, mingled with the desire for revenge.” “T accept the terms,” he at length sa‘d, in a tone as if the words were torn from him by force. ; * All correct,” exclaimed Harry, pressing eagerly forward. ‘ But, not from him.” “Not from him? Why not?” “He can’t sell what he ain’t got.” “IT don’t understand you, boy. Is this some new mystery?” ‘Nary mystery!’’ protested the boy. ‘Them ten thousand is mine, and here’s yer dokyment!” He drew a folded) paper from his ket and handed it to the banker, who almost leaped with surprise and joy on opening it. : 4 isk, on his part, was the picture of consterna- ion, “It is the stolen document!” exclaimed the over- joyed banker. ‘‘‘ Where—how did you get it?” ; yu be your death, you young thief!” hissed Fisk, n fury. ores * Bill Fisk oughtn’t to hid sich a vallyble docky- ment in Finelli’s desk,” retorted Harry. ‘It wasn’t smart!” This was a crushing blow | The villain’s last card had been played, and had failed. His head drooped; a look of dismay and fear overspread his face; his late defiont attitude was changed to one of defeat. At a sign from the banker, Wallace led him away, As crestfallen a spec‘men of humanity as it would be easy to see. Mr. Johnson, Harry and Will remained. The banker turned to Harry with a grateful look. “My promise shall be kept! and, more than kept,” he said, “You have exposed one of the most well-laid schemes that was ever devised, and have saved me from serious loss and danger. To think of this fellow playing the double part of de- tective and rogue! An artful scheme indeed!’’ _ “He shut my eye up the worst way,” explained Harry. ‘I’ve been follerin’ Fin a and “ind 0’ got mixed up between him and Fisk. Only got straightened out night afore last. when 1 seen him peelin’. Then I struck square fur Fin’s office, wen ’ - sk M) sli Pik At, 4 vi 4 wT through his papers, and lighted on that. I don’ want nothin’ fur it, Mr. Wilson. It was my bizness to guv it back with the pocketbook; and I’ve done it now.” ““You shall be rewarded, nevertheless. As to what this document contains, I will only say this: It represents a criminal action of my dissolute brother, and if made public would reflect disgrace on me and my family. That is why 1 want itso badly. I would give my fortune to avert disgrace tomy name. Ido not destroy it, because it gives me a hold on George Wilson. Did he dare, he could ive me no end of trouble about my prope. e has an awkward claim. But, while I hold this he dare not move.—I shall take the best of care it shall not be lost again.” What more shall we say? That the pair of villains were punished for their crime searcely need be said. Fisk suffered most severely, there being against him the extra charge of personating a detective for the purpose of consummating crime. It was proved that he had yA this double part for a considerable period, and had aided and abetted in more than one robbery under his mask of detec- tive. Ten years to consider the enormity of his misdeeds was none too heavy a sentence. As for the Curbstone Detective Mr. Wilson did not fail to keep his promises. A small fortune was placed to his credit, and he was given a position in the banking house which he still fills with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employer. The grateful banker proved anything but the miser which Harry’s first experience of him led him to believe. Jake Brown, Harry’s old chum, was not forgotten by his faithful partner. He got in due time the fifty dollars promised him, and thissum was doubled by the banker on learning the useful part which Jake had played in his rescue. ; But the skipper of the Lively Nelly found busi- ness in another part of the country when these events were made public. The part.he had played in them was one that might have won him a home in the State Prison, so he judged it wise to emigrate. THE END. Beadle’s Dime Library. BY CHARLES MORRIS. 380 Cop Colt, the Quaker City Detective. 589 Prince Hal, the Rattling Detective. BY J.C. COWDRICK. 390 The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. 422 Blue Grass Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pine, 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas, 473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky Ranger 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle. 565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective. 580 Shadowing a Shadow. 591 Dike Daniels, the Society Detective, 598 The Dominie Detective. : 612 Sheriff Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry. 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. MISCELLANEOUS, 6 Wildcat Bob. By Edward L, Wheeler. 9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10 Vidoeq, the French Police Spy. By himself. 11 Midshipman Easy. EY Captain Marryatt. 32 B’hoys of Yale: or, The Scrapes of Collegians. 60 Wide Awake, the Robber King. By F, Dumont. 68 The Fighting Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 76 The Queen’s Musketeers. By sie ge Albany. 78 The Mysterious Spy. By Arthur M. Grainger. 102 The Masked Band. By George L. Aiken. 110 The Silent Rifleman. H. W. Herbert. 125 The Blacksmith Outlaw. By H. Ainsworth. 138 Rody the Rover. By William Caneton. 140 The Three Spaniards. Geo, Walker. 144 The Hunchback of Notre Dame. By Victor Hugo. 146 The Doctor Detective. By George Lemuel. ; 152 Captain Ironnerve, the Counterfeiter Chief. 158 The Doomed Dozen. By Dr, Frank Powell. 166 Owlet, the Robber Prince. By S. R. Urban. 179 Conrad, the Convict. By Prof. Gildersleeve. _ 190 The Three Guardsmen. By Alexander Dumas. 261 Black Sam, the Prairie Thunderbolt. By Col, Jo Yards, 275 The Smuggler Cutter. By J. D. pee 6 y Mor. 312 Kinkfoot Karl, tbe Mountain Scourge. ris Redwing. 850 Flash Falcon. Society Detective. By W. J. Cobb, 853 Bart Brennan; or, The King of Straight Flush, 266 rhe Y nhen bo By Geo’ + e lelegrap etective, By . Morse, 410 Sarah Brown, Detective. By K. F. erin. 518 Royal Richard, the Thoroughbred. By J. W, Osbon. ‘ 534 Green Mountain Joe: or, The Counterfeiter’s Cave. By Marmaduke Dey. 542 The Ocean Drift; or, The Fight for Two Lives, — By A. F. Holt. } ap iy 566 The. Dauntless Deteciive: or, The Daughter Avenger, By Tom W. King. | A new issue every Wednesday, Beadle’s Dime Library is for gale by all Newsdealers, teu cents per copy, or sent by receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE @ a AMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, > a ee a oat ~~ a ae a TE : 1%
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Pal rl BY OLL COOMES. 5B Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew, 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. ' 1 Delaware Dick, ts Young Ranger Spy. 4 Hawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger, 88 Rollo, the Bo anger. 184 Sure shot Seth, the boy Rifleman, 148 Sear-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 Lig: Loew 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Aunters. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wila Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 684 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero, 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mone, the Tramp Detective. 422 veer. Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac ‘l'om, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 662 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. $3? Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. 61 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 680 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance; or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia, BY BUOKSKIN 8AM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) £84 Old Rocky's “* Boyeess or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker. @46 Giant George; or, The Ang’l of the Range, ®75 Arizona Jack ; or, Giant George’s Pard. #97 The Tarantula of Taos i] or, Giant George’s Revenge, B07 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo}; or, The Tarantula of Taos, G27 Creeping Bat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, B62 Frio Seeks or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. 844 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. B57 The Ranch Raiders}: or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory, 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. 875 Chiota, the Creek} or, The Three Thunderbolts. B81 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. S92 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage, G2t The Thrse Renthecn’ or; Old Rocky on the Ram ee Trailers; or ocky op the 442 Bluff Bill; or, The el of the Leona. oe 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 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 Phil; or, The King of Quartrville. S11 The Reving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit S guhebe Vendetta, G40 Olip the Contortionist: or, The Montana Vigilantes, BY PHILIP 8. WARNE. 6T Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Capvain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Dexpard, the Duelist; oz, The Mountain Vempirea, 888 A Tough Boy}; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. - 668 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. 878 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. 88S Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly 3 or, A Race for a Ranch. 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Cures. 481 Little Ab Sing or, The Curse of Blood. 451 Colorado K A Tale of the olines. : 4380 Taree Souy Parda. : 674 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs. 698 Keen Clem, tLe Ranch Imp. ” 9 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy, 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Cont Scout. 648 Happy Harry’s Big Find. 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special. BY JO PIERCE. 89T Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The o Street. 415 The Vagabond Detectives of, Bowery Bob's Boom. 452 Hotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. 3 74 aunty. som Oe, Young Horse-King. urly Sim, the Young Fe n De ' $04 Five Points Phil. 509 Jack Joggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 626 North River Nat, the ins Detective. ~@8 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. {s Lt Jef? Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective, 51 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. i 459 Warlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, 569 Breoklyn B77 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, B88 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, ROR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer, 614 Whietling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, byt Bauriee Panty by Ho ha soe Feet. f amin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Seoo a Blt See Bee ee ee tae Ueseters eT om $33 Saitpeter Bol, the New York Navicntor, (694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind, BY J. W. OSBON. Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, - We eee | P —s«#BEADLE’S+ H ALF- DIME+ LIBRARY. -/ ‘Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, — :@ BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy P. rd. New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and ‘iraps in Gotham, New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling. Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. ‘Taos Ted, tae Arizona Sport. 0 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective. 518 Cool Colorado in New York, BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 1B1 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Resene, 164 Dandy Kock’s preages or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival: or, The Haunted Maid of Tacs. BY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffies’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whiffles’s Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone, 7 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. 81 Light Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buckram ; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and Mis Pets; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 288 The Scalp King; or, The Human Thundervolt. 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 | ves. 848 Fire-Heels; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards. 861 The Phantom Light-house. 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY ©. DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE C. JENKS. A485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. BPS Flute, the Singer Detective. 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foll; or, Dan’s Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detective: or. The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussel. BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambier Guide. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. 631 Daisy ware the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sporn. \ 641 Dismal Pave’s Dandy Pard. 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective, 66% Violet Vane’s Victory. 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 698 Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards. BY MAJOR E. L. 8ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimatone Bob, and His Lightning Horse 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand.” 859 Durango Pave, the Yeung Champion Wrestler, 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide, 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS, 6 Bill Biddon, big: ay 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. ® Nat Todd} or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. ‘rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The 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 Tra ra; or, The Mountain Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, ERS White Spirit of the Hills. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentuck: or, The Red Lasso. Hi] Blizzard Ben: : a The Riot at Keno Camp. 6 Josh, the Bey Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG. $9 Island Jim: or. The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club;_or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Harkaway in New York. BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout. 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards. 846 Rapier Raphael: or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, 891 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockler, aed Reena pores Gees e Mad Man-Hunter: or, The Golden M 2) 505 Powell's Pard} or, The One-Armed Giant. 7 BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 15 The Sea-Oat;: or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasno; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Lm por Riders, ae The Lost Captains or, Skipper Jabex Coffin’s Cruise. 200 The Boy Bedouin; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lanse, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Romer. the Animal. King, or, Round the World. 65 The Tiger Tamer: or, The League of the Jungle. he Demon Rider. Black t $95 California Joe's War Trail. rn _ A CC ttt BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The —, a 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, a 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, ie 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains. 43 186 Night-isawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, j 144 Duinty Lance the Boy Sport. ) a 151 Panther Paul: or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. hs 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. hg 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Pafl 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. ri 810 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. ' 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ Leagea, os] 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide y 855 Vhe King of the Wooda: or. Damei Boone’s Lact Teal, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. is 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. We 677 Chineapin Dan’s Second Trail. 688 Chincapin Dan’s Home Stretch. BY W. J. HAMILTON, as 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Sanete. Hand; or, A Life a. a Life. 72 Ma om W eastern, the Texan Ranger. . 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete's Scoop. 4 BY JACK FARRAGUT. , t 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. < 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. 1 BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. poe 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. , 180 The Sea Trailer: or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, at 17 BY COL. A. F. HOLT. vs 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canya ie 419 Kenneth, the Knife*King. : 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. 678 Ralph Renwood, the Lightning Express Detective, 691 Headlight Harry’s Raul. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief's Ven ce. : 87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island, a) 187 The Melpless siand ; or, Backwoods Retribution. \ i 289 The Gold-seeker Guide? or, The Lost Mountain, Ca "BY FREDERICK DEWEY a 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifie-Shots. an 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. fem 642 The Canyon Parda. if BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. on 558 The Sure-Shot Pards, “a 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar” Man. ‘ : BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. rae 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. < 568 The Dandy of Dodge. A 576 The Silver Sport. fy 688 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow : a) 5S9 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City, ei 601 Happy Hans, the Dutch Vidocg. rr Gil Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. sae 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad f 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Combine, 646 Cowboy Gid. the Cattle-Range Detective. ‘ : 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank, ° : 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. a 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy. the Gypsy Spy. MISCELLANEOUR AUTHORS. Nee 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Relé a7 : a Frederick Whittaker. - 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. ; ‘x 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. t ue 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. ran 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) ul 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven A diay (On 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Rob neon Crusoe. By Jusa eh As Lewis. 7 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the ? } Carribees, By S, W. Pierce. " ; 86 The Boy Clown: or, The Arena Queen. By F 8. Fins, f 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 3 61 The Boy Rifies; or, The Underground Camp, By A. C. Irons, nix 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippt, sp By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. , 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green< wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain 12 The Mad Jtunt Thetiersat Declh.. ty Dysleubeanet ieee ec Ma untor; or, The Cave oP 24 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By Met i Glesson. be 128 The Young ‘Privateers or, The Pirate’s Strongheld. By cae arry Cav " y f 148 Sharp Sam} or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J.' +a Alexander Patten. Bla @27 Dusky Darrell, per: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- r, 6a erat: gl ragught the Now York Boy. By@, L. ee « Fearnaug e i ‘ oME 266 Kil Yar, the Guide; »r, Davy Crockett’s (hooded ve if . D. Warren. Roa w, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the cus! 4 ¢ By Captain Comstock. + B17 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Liew } bi! tenant Alfred Thorne. i B28 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honets} a By Maior Mickey Free. Seah 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother's at g ‘ Ba venge. By Ned Buntline. ah 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. A. P. Mor ~ Abe 874 Gold-Duat Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match, @H.Morse, — 676 Callfornin Joe’s First Trail. By | Themes j Hoyer Monstery. \ ee 418 Billy Rombahell, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winthrop, 475 The Black Ship. By John 8S Warner. aa, 484 Comanche Dick and Hix Three Invincfbles, By) 28 Wisnrd Arm, the Dandy Sport, By Arthur F. Holt, ny 5S ard-Arm, the Dandy . By . a 5&2 The Cowboy Duke. By Fawin Brooke Forrest. 4 pal OS le : ag Os. Med ‘Ag ate the Bov Ferre . * ‘ en 682 Ths Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carton { | A New Insue yi aly sagen bate i "e is fi le by all newsdeslers,@ve ~~ Re eee be matt on receipt ot lx Conte each. eae BEADLE AND ADAMB, Pablishers, . Pe 98 William Street, New Yori. yt
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:* BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novela, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Deflance; or, Double Daggers. ac Arona bal pow = aan, or, Buffal, ten ” oo ck in a uastie. 42 Deadwood Dick's Bonanza; or, The santom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, CAlamity é ie, the Heroine. 105 peeerees Pee Gre cae or, Corduryvy Charlie. 0 ead woo ck in Leadville, Be) ema Sale oe ay ice; Ki ‘The Double Cross Sign. 9 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick's Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick's Big Strike; or, A Gane ot Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwoed Dick’s Dreamy; or, The Rivils of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. ore wens neh veers hag merge d June's Adventure, 217 Deadwoor ck’s Dea eal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, one pentose. pict ewe Lor Tee Spirit of Swamp Lake. end woo ck’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. B21 Veadwood Vick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. eax open ha dene Pn ep or, ‘Ibe Terrible Vendetta, endw oo ck’sa Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Care. rt pueswese fly pad or, The Chained Hand. end woo: ek, Jr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, : hae Racket at Claim 10, pit span Meat my or, ’ rey or, Aaa Bill. ‘ endwoo CK, Bh. My or etective, 451 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. 49L Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance,, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, 5's ings. : 5608 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, De Frerance: 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. H22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, dr.’«, Danger Ducka. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on iis Mettle. 5654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Philadetphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Dendwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 5S4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer, 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Buffalo, $94 ponerse Disk a. % CBee Aoreas the Continent oD ag tagens Sm hb Mg oom Bic aici 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., ta Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” $32 Aeey Rehaaated eg Sr peeever yt or, Found a Fortune, end wo ck, Jr.’s. 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 Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the pony = penny! or, The rs Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance. 92 Sameds Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective. 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Bossa Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa, 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo BIIl, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone K It, the Young G)adiator, 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’ Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Koy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doli’s Victory. © 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, nor St Co,, the Detectives of Philadelphia. B80 Little Quick-Shots or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Eangerce Kits Racket. 44 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 8 Private Detectives, ere a aa Pag OAS SAAT AEE SO ; Pee reer ~ BEADLE'’S«H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hath Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. i The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 0 11 16 bd Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier, The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. The Hussar aptete 3_or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 04 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, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineers or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating F eather: or, Merle Monte’s Treasure, 269 The Gold Ship ; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, “ The Gold Ship ” Chase. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirate's Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Milly Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. $08 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, Tle Boy Bugler's Trail. 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover; or, The Flegless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WII, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator: or, The Fatal League, 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The 9cean Firefly ¢ or, A Middy’s Ver geance. 446 Haphazard Marry; or, Toe Scapecrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will: or, ie Boy Ferret ot New York. 454 Wizard Will’s Street Scouta. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Saiior Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Florays or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Kuck Taylor, King ot the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outiawed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Buc skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marander ot the Rio. 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son, 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIL, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, ‘The False Detective, 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover_ Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders. 644 The Hercules Highwayman, 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower; or, The Freebeotir’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name. 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout, 697 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F, Cody). 8 Kansae King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado: or The Trapper’s Trust, BY CIWARLES 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 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 47 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 52 Bleck Besa, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 57 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 62 Will Wildfire in the Woods. 65 Billy B age, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Cardy or, Wil! Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. 188 The Hidden Hand; or, Wii! Wildfire’s Revenge, 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy: cr, The Smupgiers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill ano His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway: or, A Dakota Boy In Chicago, 262 The Young Sharps; or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or. The Young Detective, 298 The Water-Hound: or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota: or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective or, Fred Flyver’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times, 879 Larry, the Leveler; or. The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Fiver, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge: or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 501 Root Lg Thos Fir Too 8 Sharper, oota, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the 5B The Secret Service Roy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkananat or, The Wolfin the Fold. 655 Plucky Paul, the Koy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, tue Daisy Detectives. ah pk pk eh rh eh ek el ph No Double Numbers. BY J. 0. COWDRIOK, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without » Name. 424 Cibuta Jonny; 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. 606 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diffikilty.” 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer. 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. 592 The Boy Pinkerton. 605 William 0’ Broadway; or, The Boy Detective's Big Inning. 615. Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 628 Broadva Bilis ‘a Dead Act. 640 Barebre Beth, the Centaur of the Cirele. 647 Typewttter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the “‘ Pizenest ’? Man of Ante Bar, 669 Broadway Billy Abroad. 675 Broadway Billy’s Best; or,Beating San Fraucisco's Sines 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in Texas. BY T. ©. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ tho Night; or, The Boy Spy of '76. 87 The Hidden Lodge} or The Littl: Hunter. AZ Nightingale Nat; or, Toe Forest Captains. 64 Dandy Jack} or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trait. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. or, The Boy Vigiante, 55 Gold Trigger, the @ ae er, The Girl Avenger. 1 169 Tornado njun Jack From Red Core, 1 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. , 294 "*ynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. ' BOR ‘the Mountain Detective: or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parday or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the La-so. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderboilt’s Secret. 856 Cool sam und Par’; or The Terrible Six. 8E6 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, Ihe Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The 1} win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox; the Boy Spotter. ) 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 1 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Red Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar. 470 The Roy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 5602 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Faleon, the Bowery Shadows. 588 Dodger Dtvk, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives 558 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidoeq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 @ld Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Shorp on Guard, 626 The Champion Pards. 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Bov Beagle. : ~~ 671 Jersey Jed, the Roy Hustler: or, Shadowing the Shadowers | 685 Happy Hugh, the Boy: Musician Detective. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without n Head; or, Lightheart Luke’o : Clean Sweep. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. R 699 Straple Sim, the Broncho Buster; or, Playing the Fool for 4 Big Stakes. By Lieut. A. K. Sima. 200 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Drops or, The Sojourn at Satan’s Spring. By Edward L. Wheeler. 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp; ot, The Fight to the Finish. By T. C. Harbaugh. 702 Blue Jacket Bill; or. The Red Hat Rangers Red Hot Racket. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. . : 4q 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand; or, The New York Delegater in Hard-up Camp. By J. C. Cowdriek y 704 Dendwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot; or, Making Crookea, ia Things Straight. By Edward L. Wheeler “” 705 Violet Vane'’s Vow; or, The Crafty Deteetive’s Craft. ; 7 By Wm. G. Patten. f 706 Tom Thiatle, the Road-House Detective; or, The Harlem Sport’s Star-Faced Pacer. By Jo Pierce. P 207 The Read Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. u 708 Licht-Heart Tute’« Legacy: or, The Lucky Lad’e Winning Hand, By Jos. E. Madger, Jr, PEON 709 The Curbatone Detectives or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. By Charles Morris. Kotak { 710 Peadwoed Dick; Ps fe Sen Jeet or, 4 ate, the Snan Shot. Bv Edward 1. eeler. : 711 Brondway ipiliy at Santa Fey or, The Pard Detectives R ever eni. v J. C, Cowdrick. 212 The Mesmerlat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective. By Lieut. A. K, Sims. { 4 : %18 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; orfThe Lariat Queen. By Col. 4 Prentiss oe ‘ eck eady March 24. A . 714 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri; or, The Mystery of the ee eee By Wm. G, Patten. ; ady Maro : . 215 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret: or, Oaging the. : Cormorants. Ly T. C. Harbaugh. * heady April 1 ‘ oe , A New Inaue Every Tuesday. a The Half- Dime Library 's for sale by al. newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. ’ t S BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, © 98 William Street, New York> bf