Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 726) (1891 06 23)
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5) mia a mn ‘44 | hl bt | XC EE, NUR NU ‘J fi i aS eal a we ia Cl a a eat a ) 2 x Bonen [ea TE ed as Second Class Matter at the rerte rk, N. Ys. Post Offic 7 ‘ ovy yright 1b91, by BE AMS, ¢ ue June 2, 1691. ei n 2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. T N O. 726. Year r . 5 ck Vol XXV VIL. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. ran cm i CO 7 a o Ce he pe j Aiton ny | WS 1) IIPS i & S NY) : :> Si SRO | me Mes 7 ) Vi i 4 \ <( a \ \ i ayy YY) 5 ff) / y i y; S | : y Uy : Ss | Wy ae Ww ia —a1 (IN sere bay i i CD = I TONY Vv =, tll i vif PSUS) AA A | The Covers and Blinds of Gotham BY op mine iN Mm ja fie Hh SSS \ = H\\ — . IJTHOR OF ‘SP Icy JIM.” ‘“* PAVEMENT PETE,’ ——— wt \ b SP eae art wcebrral peat® ; \ AY ; : TARTAR TIM,” ‘‘ WRESTLING REX,” ETC, CHAPTER I. THE BLOW AND THE THREAT. New YorK was in the rush and confusion of its daily business life when a man stood on Mur- ray street looking a a vehicle which stood by the curbstone. It was a private outfit, and the carriage was trim and_ elaborate, the horses were handsome and full of life, and the uni- DAIN'T | THE STYLE AT OIL GUTTER TER LET ONE MAN ,DO ALL THE BROOSIN’, formed driver on the box was true to the pe- LOOK OUT FER ME! I’M COMIN’) culiar model of his class.
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Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. © The man who was regarding the equipage was neither trim nor pre ssing, and it needed only one look to see that he was not a New Yorker. He wore clothes which did not fit his gaunt form any too well, and a soft, slouch hat, but the clothes were of good material, and a diamond glittered in the front of his shirt. This man iad evidently been wooing the liquids that bring profit to the city saloon and loss to tbe saloon’s patrons, for his eyes were dull and heavy, and he blinked frequently in an attempt to keep his visual organs open, Intoxicated he was not, but be was under the influence of drink to a certain degree. While he was still looking, and, plainly, re- volving some idea in his mind, a young lady descended the stairs which led to the second floor of the big business building near at band, She was handsome and stylish, and any one might have been excused for looking at her with interest. The gaunt man did more: he awkwardly raised his hat and accosted her, ** Good-mornin’, Miss Eiliston!” An expression of regret and uneasiness ap- peared on ber face as she saw him. ‘‘Good-morning, sir,” she returned, coldly, and was going quickly to the carriage when he checked her. “Don’t you know me? I’m Vandevere Van Decker.” ‘*T am aware of it, sir.” ** Been out on business?” Miss Elliston gave the persistent questioner a glance far from friendly. ‘‘ It is a pleasant day, sir,” was the evasive re- sponse, Quickly she entered the carriage, but Van Decker put one of his heavily-booted feet on the step. **P}l ride up with ye!” he remarked. oc Sir?” ‘*T said I’d ride up with ye.” “Pm not going home,” ‘Never mind; a ride anywhere in sech com- pany will suit me wal;” and Mr, Van Decker grigmed in a foolish way. e was not yet inside the carriage, for Miss Elliston had sat down on the side next to him, and he was considering bow he could en- gineer his big boots and long limbs past ber skirts, ‘*Wouldn’t it be well to wait until you are asked?” the young Jady demanded indignantly. “Ha! ba! Very good joke, You New York- ers bev a kind o’ bumor that ain’t never beard out in the oil regions, Say, jest hitch over an’ let me in!” ** You can’t ride, sir!” “* No? and why not?” ** Because I have not asked you. Do you know it is very ungentlemanly to try and force your company On any one in this way?” “En? Darnitall! what do you mean? You pretend ter give p’ints on behavior ter me? 1'll bev you ter understand that we know as much about perliteness at Oil Gutter as any New Yorker does, an’ you can’t afford ter put on no airs, anyhow, over me! Not much! Let me in, now; you've on yer bigh hoss, an’ ’'m goin’ ter ride, whetber or no. Move over, an’—” The liquor was working in Van DVecker’s head, and he was insisting on his points in a cracked voice and peevish manner, but at that moment a hand grasped his collar and he was jerked back from the carriage with force which made his neck snap audibly. ‘*You scoundrel!” exclaimed a deep voice; * how dare you insult my sister?” The man from Oil Gutter looked into the in- -dignant face of a handsome young fellow, and the shock of the first surprise paralyzed his utter- ance for a moment, Robert Elliston motioned to the driver. **Go on!” he directed, and, a moment later, the vehicle was moving toward Broadway with ‘the lady as its sole occupant. Tbus far, much to the relief of young Elliston, no crowd had been collected by the trouble, and, though bis tones were intense as he proceeded, ‘they were purposely made low, ‘*This is an infamous piece of work, Van Decker!” “ Right! You yanked me by the collar as ef I was only a dog.’ ‘* Why were you so meanly engaged, then?” ** I was only goin’ ter rido with Irene.” ‘* Her name is Miss Elliston to you, sir. Well, she objected, didn’t she” ““'Yes, she did that!” “Were you not man enough to heed the ob- jection?” “Now, you ses here, Bob Elliston; you nor she can’t afford ter put on no airs over me. You dassent—” **T dare defend my sister from a scoundrel, at whatever cost!” was the quick retort. “Ob! you dare? Scoundrel, bel? Blast you! take that!” % Vandevere Van Decker reached out quickly and caught Robert’s nose between bis thumb and finger. He did this with an insolent grin, and his manner was peevish ratber than angry. “Til learn you New Yorkers—” So said Mr. Van Decker, and then he went sprawling on his back, upset by a blow from ltiston’s hand, Iv point of fact the latter was nut indifferent to Van Decker’s assertion that be “dared” not be severe with him, but the un- pleasant position into which Miss Elliston bad been driven, and the attack on his own nose, was too much for endurance. Nevertheless, the blow was only a light one on Van Decker’s chest, but it was enough to push him backward, and bis heel had caught against some obstruction and sent him down. Elliston was immediately startled at his own temerity, and he took a basty step forward and gave the man from O11 Gutter a hand to help him up, ‘* Boss, you’re sp'ilin’ the pictur’,” cried a new voice, ‘‘ av’ it’s against aJi the rules o’ the prize- ring ter belp bim up. First knock-down for you. Go in an’ settle it up loike you was out fer a purse, See?” Robert paid no attention to these words, or the speaker. If he had turned be would have seen two persons who had just come out of Greenwich street—persons who furnished a sharp contrast to his own elegant, but modest attire. They were a boy and a girl who seemed to be representatives of a class who never dine at Delmonico’s, or ride hehind spirited horses in Central Park. Plain, coarse and without pretense to fashion was their attire, and their faces, though bright and alert, were not scrupulously clean. Their hair, too, needed attention, while their inde- pendent, nonchaJant air bespoke them as much usecl to the streets as any other niche in life. The boy appeared to be seventeen years old; the girl was about two years younger. Vandevere Van Decker came up unsteadily. “T trust you are not injured?” added Robert, uneasily. “Did yer ever, Molly?’ cried the boy. ‘* Where’s the rules o’ the prize-ring?, Do they order a pugilist ter ask his antygonist ef he’s hurted?” ‘* That was a mean trick o’ yourn,” declared Van Decker, trembling with anger. ‘* Remember the provocation.’ ‘* What I remember is the blow.” ‘‘Niver moind!” urged the boy, ‘‘Go in fer the 7 a Brag nie e 1 quiet, Denny! the gir ‘* Quiet, whin Sheedy te coaaee for fun? Shame on you, Molly McGinnis! Give me alift, will yez? Say: ‘Sic ’em, Tige!’ an’ start the fun iy ‘** You have only yourself to thank,” continued Elliston.” ** Right,” Van Decker agreed. “I owe you no thanks,” aoe cannot expect me to endure every- Ps Fvsints you ter give me satisfaction. No man strikes me without gettin’ his money back, with interest! ’Tain’t the style at Oil Gutter ter let one man do all the broosin’, Look out fer me! I’m comin’!”; ‘* Hooray!” shouted Dennis. Van Decker put up bis bands, though not ina way that gave promise of scientific work, and trouble seemed inevitable, but at that moment the proprietor of the store before which they pret 3 hustled out, followed by a clerk, Un- like most New Yorkers this merchant had no desire to see a display of pugilism, and he promptly collared the belligerent in the present case, ‘“What do you mean, sir?” he demanded, ‘“* How dare you fight in front of my store? Stop it, or I'll have you arrested!” Van Decker swung his fist wildly. ‘*Tcave gol” he cried. ‘‘ Lemmealone, or I'll floor you fer a starter, you old fossil!” ‘* Fossil! You're the worst of the lot, and ought to be ashamed to fight at your age, You’re drunk, too!” ‘‘Drunk? Never, sir, never! I’ma teetotala- tor!” ‘* Keep your hands down. Don’t strike me!” ‘Pll strike whoever I please!’ shouted Van Decker, ‘I come from Oil Gutter, Penn, where they raise men. Wasp-waisted dudes ain’t in- egenous ter that soil; not by a Jong shot!” The speaker was making efforts to hit the ido. peacemakers, but without success. The held E estill —~ | bis hands, but he would not be quiet. thirsted for a fight, and found an abettor in the boy named Dennis, This denizen of the streets had a mischievous twinkle in his bright eyes and he put in side-remarks, whenever be had a ebance, in these words: “Two ter wan ain’t fair fightin’, at all, but I'll bet on Soft Hat. He’s the boy for my money. Look at the muscle of him! Why, Jovun L. wouldn’t hev no show wid him! Bet yer he kin do them both up. Oh! they can’t scare him! He’s goin’ ter get away wid the both of them, An’ he kin do it easy, too!” Which remarks had due effect on Van Decker, who had unbounded vanity, and, spurred on by the strong drink in his stomach, likewise, he was determined to whip the meddlers in the most ap- proved Oil Gutter style, He bad lost sight of Robert Ellison, and not strangely; the latter bad seized the chance to leave the neighborhood, and was out of sight, ** Boy,” directed the merchant, turning to Dennis, ‘‘ go for an « fficer!” ‘* Major-gineral or corporal?” inquired Dennis, gravely. “You young duffer! T'Jl show you which, later!” ‘‘Duffer? That’s me; you've hit it right. Dennis Duff is m* name, sometimes called the Little Duffer. Office bours from eight a. M. to two o’clock next week, Business attended to wid dispatch an unfaithfulvess.” A hand fell upon Dennis’s arm, and he looked around to see a tall, rather handsome man be- side him who was clothed in brown from head to foot. ‘* Hello, sport!” the gamin promptly saluted. ‘*Dennis,” the new-comer burriedly whis- pered, ** we must get that man away!” “Who? Soft Hat?” ‘Yes, He’s a friend of mine.” ‘* More’s the pity!” ** The fool is Sovak. and that will get him into trouble. His wits work slowly, He mustn’t be arrested, though; it never would do. I will en- age this merchant in talk, and do you steer bi oo i off and save him from the coppers, ee CHAPTER II, THE BROWN SPORT AND HIS KID. DENNIS DUFF was not the person to need much explanation, and he quickly answered: ‘“‘T see, Heave ahead, boss!” The manin brown turned to the merchant with a very bland manner, “My dear sir, I beg your pardon for interfer- ing here, but this man is a friend of mine, Un- fortunately, he has taken a drop too much—” **No man has a right to make a fool of him- self, and that is what a drunkard does,* ‘You are right, sir; whisky is the curse of those whe drink the vile stuff, In explanation of my friend’s wretched condition, just now, let me say he is from the country, and has yielded to the fascination of city life. I beg that you will overlook his offense, and allow bim to go to his boarding-house, He will suffer both men- tally and p ysically when the effects of the liquor vanisb,” | ‘ But I’ve sent for a policeman already.” “Pray don’t press the charge, sir,” ‘*T can’t unless an officer comes,” *« There he is, now,” added the clerk. A blue-coat was seen approaching with quick steps. A wonderful amount of dignity encom- sses a street guardian of the peace, and he re- alizes it. This man came up promptly, Hw saw the crowd, but no disturbance. ‘*Phat does all dis m’ane?”’ he asked, ‘Oj was towld there was a riot, but where be the rioters?” “The peace kas been disturbed,” explained the merchant, “and I want you to arrest this man, He turned toward the disturber of the peace, as he thought, but failed to see either him or the man in brown. ““ Why, where is he?” the speaker added. A laugh rose from the crowd, “*Catch your bare before you cook it!” one man advised, and a second added: “You've lost your prey, sir. While the man in brown engaged your attention a boy escorted the other man away, and while you looked at this officer, the man in brown made tracks, him- self, He is probably over by the ferry now, going so fast you could play a game of ¢ eckerg on his coat-tails,” The merchant showed chagrin for & moment, but accepted the situation all the more readily because he had an idea that he had been hasty, He laughed, and let the matter drop. : SS ae —
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j | | ( aT tie ' wouldn’t be after doin’ that, mesel ‘Bo ask anny wan. * In the meanwhile the man in brown had walked briskly to Greenwich street, and then vorth until be found Dennis and “an Decker on a corner. The latter looked sheepish and un- easy. ' “Well, this is fine business for you!” exclaim- ed his adult friend. ‘¢T—JT couldn’t help it.” “Tf we hadn’t run you out, the cop would have run you in,” **T know it, an’ I’m sorry.” ‘*-You never got this way before.” “That's a fact, but I took a little spirit fer a toothache, an’ it flew ter my head,” ‘* Hev that tooth yanked out!” gravely advised Dennis. “Whisky is a demon that should be let alone.” ‘Listen ter the Brown Sport!” Dennis added. ““The Duffer and I never imbibe,” pursued the man in brown, ‘“‘and you see the result, Clear heads and full pockets. The drunkard has only a thirst anda pain up in his cranial depot, which would bea head if he gave it a chance, But I won’t reproach you, Van, for the best of men make slips now and then. Suppose I see you home, for I want to talk with you. Dennis, may call to see you, soon.” ** All right, boss,” ** This kid,” the Brown Sport added, ‘is my right hand man, Heé’s young, but there’s coal evough stowed in his bins to keep a fire the year around, If Iever send him to you, trust him fully. Eb, Dennis?” ‘Right you be, boss! airs,” ‘*Here’s balf a dollar. Buy something for yourself. Come on, Van Decker!” The man from Oil Gutter had now so sobered off that he exhibited but slight signs of his po- tations and walked without a lurch beside his companion, but, no sooner than they were out of Dennis’s hearing, the Brown Sport exclaimed: ‘* You fool! what have you been doing?” “Don’t say a word,” Van Decker humbly re- quested, ‘*T shall say a good many words. You have insulted Irene Elliston and been knocked down by her brother.” ‘ “* Curse him!” “Curse yourself, rather, mit this folly?” “The infernal whisky was in my head, Mon- tague. But, I didn’t say nothin’ rude ter the gal; 1 only tried ter git a ride in her carriage —a fool game, [ admit, but it might ’a’ been worse,” * You have shown the Ellistons just what you are, “*T ain’t showed them what I can be.” **Don’s bully, even here. Roland Montague and Vandevere Van Decker must be respectable intheir eyes, or our game never will work. Thank fortune, I was not mixed up in your break.” ** Anyhow, they’ve got ter dothe right thing.” “Leave that tome, You are too aggressive, How many titnes must I tell you that soft and easy is our watchword? I'll bend the Etllistons, or break them, but it wants heads, not hands, to do it. If you will be sensible we will win, yet.” While the men were retreating, Dennis Duff ‘was having a conversation on the corner. They were barely gone when Molly McGinnis made her reappearance, ‘*Denny!” she spoke rather sharply. “ Hi! Molly; you there?” ** Pye been watchin’,” 4 Good !” “* T ain’t seen no good,” ** No?” “You took money from the Brown Sport. I f. ‘* Why, he’s my boss,” ‘“*T know he is, an’ that’s jest what worries me. I don’t like him, Denny. Molly made the assertion with emphasis, but Dennis opened his eyes in surprise. ‘‘He’s a sport, sure, but every wan says he’s the squarest man in the business.” **T don’t like him!” ‘* He plays the races,” pursued Dennis, warm- ing to his subject, ‘“* but he does it above-board. He hates a ‘tout,’ and won’t take pay for tips, though w’ot be don’t know about hosses ain’t no ppod, sure, He goes ter the teayter, but when t’s over, he goes home an" ter bed, He's a poli- ‘tician, but says it’s a shame ter barter votes. Now, then, what could you’s ask fer a squarer ‘man than the Brown Sport? Ef my word don’t ve y knows him, Cause he dresses in brown all the toime, an’ men who niver heerd bis reel name o’ Roland Monta- ue kin tell ye of the Brown Sport,” Me an’ you work in Why did you com- OLIN TET TN MN IE HE NT eR CEPI WS oh Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. ei TTP “ett ~ 7 Een caer ie oxy #X te ‘* You've been after doin odd jobs fer him, fer | then, and supposed to look to everything per- at least two years, Didn’t you’s never catch | sonally, but Robert was the only one who knew him in anny crooked work?” * Niver!” “They call you the Brown Sport’s Kid,” re- marked Molly, ‘‘an’ you’s stand up fer him as loyally as you do fer all yer friends, Maybe it’s all roigbt, but I don’t like the man, you’s’ll get into some trouble along o’ him, ree ** Your judgment ain’t good,” returned Dennis, a twinkle suddenly appearing in his eyes, ** Sure, yours niver fails!” she retorted. ‘*'That’s right, Molly.” **An’ all because you’re a traveled man! Didn’t yer father come all the way from Bally- ragget, Kilkenny county, in the steerage?” ‘Ab! me jewel,” retorted Dennis, chucking Molly under the chin, ‘‘ but he didn’t work his passage,” ** Who did?” ‘Sure, I don’t know, but I’m after remember- in’ that Mr. Patrick McGinnis told me once the r’ason he growed a beard whin he landed was because he had no money ter pay fer a shave,” ‘*He could have got shaved ef he’d madea trade with thim I know.” “ ho?” “I’m callin’ no names, but Mr. Michael Duff towld me once he’d got enough city mud on bis clothes whin layin’ pavements ter make a farm, an’ niver yon no tax on it.” Dennis laughed good-humoredly. “T's tax enough on Mr, Duff and Mr, McGin- nis ter hev kids like us,” ‘* Sure, an’ we can’t twit each other, fer ain’t we cousins?” “Your father an’ mine both say so, but your gran’-father wa’n’t mine. They were cousins, too, an’ it’s twistin’ relationship inter a cork- screw ter say the same of us. But then, wasn’t your father an’ mine both born in Bally- ragget? Sure, Kilkenny air keeps the heart o’ man fresb, fer our elders say so.” “New York air must affect the heart, too,” asserted Molly, with a pout. “Why?” ***Cause I seen you wink at Maggie Meehan, Friday week.” “ An’ what of it? Friday’s an unlucky day, an’ a wink give then always means nothin’.” ** You're a flirt; that’s what you be; but I'll forgive you ’cause you’re me cousin, But won’t you go over an’ see me mother, now? Ste was after tellin’ me this mornin’ that she wanted to inquire how Mrs. Duff’s rheumatis was doin’.” here was much good will between the Duff and the McGinnis families, and Dennis and Molly shared in that good will, They had been reared in the very part of the city where they then were, and Greenwich street—the street where merchants keep the bulk of their goods on the sidewalk—was as familiar to them as Fifth avenue was to the children of the wealthy. But Dennis and Molly liked Greenwich street. It was hoine, and they and their surroundings fitted as if made expressly one for the other. CHAPTER III. TRE BROWN SPORT’S DIPLOMACY. THE Elliston residence was on Madison avenue, and was one of the many that stood in the fashionable part of that city thorougbfare. Colonel Carlisle Elliston was the nominal head of the family, but age lay heavily upon. him, and he bad retired from all active business. He was weak physically, and far from being in his old mental strength, but was passing tha last years of his honored and honorable life in digni- fied and happy rest. He was a proud man, and his pride was of a kind strictly of the world, Rich and poor, friends, business associates and servants had alike always found him one of the kindest and most considerate of men, but under the surface lay the feeling that he, his ancestors and bis children, were equal to the best, and far superior to the mass of men, rich or poor. After he left the army, in 1865, he had establish- ed a banking business in Wall street, in partner- ship with Mr, Andrew Iber. They bad prospered ; their reputation for good judgment, solidity and honor was high; and around the house of Elliston & Iber the colonel’s affections hung as firmly as ever man’s did to anvthing. “Mr, Iber was still able to be at the office every day but he was old, and the management devolved upon Robert Elliston and a force of salaried men, Robert, thus trusted with the sole conduct of a great business, wags twenty-six years old. He was thoroughly able, and, really, bad been the manager from the day he was twenty-cne. The colonel and his partner were both at the office, | | the entire business, day by day. It had been soever since, Young as he was he had since bad unlimited authority, and, with the singular lack of care not uncommon in busi- ness circles, was not required to give any ac- I’m afraid | count of bis ‘‘ stewardship.” Clerks in the office had expressed wonder be- fora then, one to the other, why such a shrewd manager as Robert did not overbaul all the books and learn just where, and how, Elliston and Iber stood, The old partners never bad done this, but Robert ought to be up to modern ways, and aware of the lessons taught by modern failure and embarrassments, not to speak of defaications, Later in that same day when the preoune recorded scenes occurred, a cab rolled up Madi- son avenue and, finally, paused in front of the Elliston residence. A man dismounted, and, going to the door, rung the bell. He was clothed elegantly, but in a color far from common, Every visible garment was of brown, A servant, black and uniformed, opened the door promptly, and tbe caller inquired: ‘Ts Mr, Robert Elliston in?” ‘*T will see, sir,” replied the discreet servitor. “Very well.” The caller presented bis card, which was duly carried to voung Elliston, He read the name, * Roland Montague,” and a shadow passed over his face. He hesitated for a moment and then directed: ‘* Conduct bim bere!” The sei vant retreated. “Trouble ahead!” murmured Kobert, gloomi- ly. ‘*Van Decker resents the blow I gave him, and Montague will use it to harass me further, Would to Heaven I were free to meet him as I wish; I would welcome poverty rather than this persecution, but it would kill my father. J must temporize further.” The Brown Sport came in quietly. He wasa sleek and aristocratic person, and though well aware that he bad Elliston in a hopeless predica- ment, did not show any airy or insolent sense of power. He bowed blandly. ‘*T trust I don’t intrude?” he questioned, ‘Be seated, Mr, Montague,” was the evasive reply, which Elliston felt obliged to make lite, ‘* Thanks!” Montague sat down, and gently brushed his smooth face, ‘*T was afraid I should not find you at bume,” ‘*T came back early.” ‘‘And Miss Elliston? I trust she did not ex- perience any ill-effects from that unfortunate affair?” ‘* How could it be otherwise?” ‘‘T am deeply annoyed, There is no real ex- cuse for Van Decker, but you see he is in from the country, and Le yielded to the power of the villainous saloons and drank too much, That is the story in brief. He is now sober, repentant ani ashamed, and has requested me to come bere and apologize for him,’ Robert could not answer as he wished. He made virtue of necessity, and returned: ‘“*T hope the future will prove him sincere.” “Sodol. Itis painful to be mixed up with sucb @ man,” ‘*T am well aware of it!” Elliston exclaimed, impulsively, “You refer to the Eldorado Oil Company?” 60"'Yer,” ‘*T hope that matter can be straightened out.” **Van Decker will not allow it. “He isa miser!” the Brown Sport declared, warmly. “Itis absurd to try and get more ovaag' out of you. The work is unworthy of im. “Ts it not in ek ae with bis character? His demand is blackmail, pore and simple. If he were not a scoundrel, he would not make the demand. Game and man are off from the same piece,” n " ‘*T wonder you ever invested, Elliston.” “Have I not explained before? It was the folly of youth; it was a fatal mistake; it w s criminal! Simply because I knew the business | well, my poor father and Mr. Iber thought 1 was worthy of being trusted with the business of the house of Elliston & Iber, They bad specu- lated wisely, cautiously, moderately, I was a boy of twenty-one, trusted unreservedly. Fatal error! Fatal, criminal folly on my part!” ‘* My dear sir, you wrong yeurself—” Unbeeding the Brown Sport’s bland interrup- tion, Robert went on with suppressed vehe- mence:
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‘* Eager to. emulate and excel the record of my elders, in the money-making line, I withdrew funds from the business and invested in the Eldorado Oil Company, of Oil Gutter, Pennsyl- vania. Enticing name! Why did not ‘Oil Gutter’ warn me? All my money has gone into that ‘ gutter!” : ** Others lost—” ‘* Their own money, let us hope; I squandered ‘what was not mine—stole, if you will, to sink in wild speculation, The oil scheme was a failure; the Eldorado uever has paid a dividend; and the money invested is sunk. My stock is not worth five cents on the dollar—no; not ove cent, perhaps,” ** Losses will occur to the best—” ‘*T could lose my own money, and charge the loss up to experience, but to wreck the house of Elliston & Iber! Great heavens! think of it! My father—” Robert stopped sbort. The Brown Sport knew all the particulars of the unfortunate speculation, so frank speech on such facts could do no harm, but to dilate on the fact that financial ruin would overwhelm proud, infirm Colonel Elliston would be to sharpen the wea- pons of one who was already suspected of being a secret enemy. But the Brown Sport was not dull-witted. **T know,” he agreed, feelingly, ‘‘ it would be a terrible blow to your poor old father. He loves the business house he built up; he loves the family honor; he likes the position in society whicb bis family occupies,” Robert drew a quick, deep breath, but was silent. ‘* Vandevere Van Decker bas all of the grasp- ing nature of a miser,” pursued Roland Mon- tague, carefully choosing his words, ‘ He sees how you are placed, and has come to you with an offer to give or take, What he is willing to give is a sum so small that it would not help you any, and you are auxious to hold on to the stock in the oil concern, in the hope of getting your money back by some new discovery, there.” **That no longer influences me; the repeated tests have convinced me that the land at Oil Gutter is of uo value. I’ve been there myself. But a condition of Van Decker’s offer to buy my share for a pittance, is that he may boom the Eldorado on the New York market, using my mame. In fact, he threatens to boom it, any- how, and use my name, unless I buy him out.” *« Which you can’t do.” Elliston moved uneasily, but made no reply, “*T understand,” added Monta e, feelingly. ** The money you took out of the banking-house of Elliston & Iter, five years ago—covering up the withdrawal by means of a little bookkeep- ing of your own, more ingenious than honest— has been a millstone upon yourneck. You were supposed to have certain resources, You did mot have them; you had dropped them in Oil Gutter, And at every turn, for years, the dis- sipated funds have barassed you. Asa snake coils and turns bere and there, in and out, so the shadow of the scattered money has embarrassed you. To-day, the bouse of Elliston & Iber, sup- posedly strong, is insolvent!” The words were strong, but the Brown Sport spoke them with skill, An uninformed listener would have Said he felt deeply for kis companion, ~ ‘ Robert was not deceive. ‘*Not so bad as that, I hope,” he replied, bis face flushing. ‘* Embarrassed, then,” **'That state of affairs may come,” * And Elliston & Iber go under?” “*Don’t speak of it!” exclaimed the young banker, ‘ ‘*But, suppose I speak practically, with a view to helping you out of your predicament?” Robert regarded Montague doubtfully, “cc You?” ‘“Yes, Suppose I use my skill upon Van Decker, and so move him, by argument, plea, threat or device—whatever plan I can think of —if I save you from financial ruin, what will be my reward?” or the first time Montague betrayed eager- mess as he awaited the reply. CHAPTER IV. OTHERS ARE INTERESTED IN OIL. RoBERT ELLISTON studied the Brown Sport’s face closely. He had become acquainted with the man since he met Vandevere Van Decker, and knew little of him personally. He was aware that, among sporting-men, Montague had a bigh reputation for ‘“‘square” dealing, but she lacked faith himself. eh Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. ‘* How do yon expect to change Van Decker’s purpose?” he asked, after a pause. “As I said, by argument, plea, threat, or de- vice. I know not how, at present.” ‘*Van Decker is after cash.” ‘* Tf necessary, he shall have that,” ** From whom?” ‘From me, I might loan you enough to buy off his claim.” The words were quietly, but modestly spoken. They surprised Elliston, He had a vague idea that a sporting-man who managed a big enter- prise usuully made some money, but that the one who only played the races, and kindred lines, and spent his time about town, generally lived from hand to mouth. He had not looked upon the Brown Sport as a capitalist. ‘“*Two thoughts occur to me,” he finally re- sponded, ‘* Name them,” Montague requested. ‘* First of all, if anybody pays Van Decker, be pays for aclaim of no value, The Eldorado oil plant is not worth as much as a common Pennsylvania farm. In brief, if Van Decker gets the money, it will not be that.I buy out his sbare in the oil plant, but simply blackmail ex- acted by him whereby he agrees not to boom Eldorado stock in New York, or elsewhere, with my name attached,” ‘That is about the size of it.” ‘*Next, suppose the money is raised, I only change masters, as it were, and plange deeper into debt. I buy what is, and always will be, worthless, and add to my liabilities just what sum I borrow, I get nothing into the business of Elliston & Iber; I do not replace the dissipat- ed reserve fund of that firm; I do nothing vo put that firm on its feet,” : ‘* But you silence Van Decker.” * By submitting to blackmail,” ‘“Yet, you save your own and your father’s honor.” Robert was silent. “Don’t let me over-persuade you,” continued Montague, ‘‘ but I am here as a friend. The Eldorado stock must not be boomed!” ‘* That man is a villain!” Robert cried. ** He is the chief owner of the Eldorado.” ‘“ The majority of the stock is bis, I admit.” ** He is a vulgar fellow who is bound up in the greed of gold. Let us buy his wretched soul and get rid of bim.” ‘And how,” thought the young banker, “would I then get rid of you ?” But he prudently answered: / ‘Tf I bad the money I would buy, but ‘ ifs’ rarely make the groundwork of a bargain.” ‘Let me arrange all that?” ‘Where does your reward come in?” “It is enough to me if I can help an bonor- able man of business,” The —_ was ready, and bad an air of sincer- ity, but Elliston was not satisfied. He did not trust the Brown Sport, and doubted if relief was to be found by following bis advice. That a sting lurked somewhere he did not doubt, and he was well aware that the cunning of a city sharper made him the worst of all enemies, Better by far was it to have the lank Penneyl- vanian for an opponent than Montague, But, were they not already in league? Robert was wise enough % suspect that they were, and he decided to gain time—though he saw no great good to be gained from delay, Nevertheless, he thanked the Brown Sport, and asked for a fewdays to think the matter over. The latter referred to Van Decker’s ob- stinate nature, and said he doubted if he could keep the fellow iu check for more than a day or two. At his suggestion the time of the next in- poh gil was set for the evening of the following ay. ‘Then Mr, Montague took his departure, He marched down Madison avenue in a very satisfied frame of mind, but saw little by the way; he was thinking too busily. “The match has been applied to the already lighted train,” be soliloquized, ‘‘and if an ex- plosion don’t follow it will be because my foot is set on the flame before it touches the powder. Elliston must bend or break. I have not brought Van Decker here for child’s play. I wanta share of the Elliston boodle, and all of pretty Irene. Unless she becomes Mrs, Mon- tague, the old colonel will get a biff between the eyes, as it were.” Finally recovering from his deep meditation the schemer deviated from his course, walked to Sixth avenue, took the Elevated Road and returned to the lodgings be had secured for Van Decker, He found that person shaking dice for amuse- ment. . “It’s a great game,” he declared, ‘an’ I’d like ter be a sport, myself, Ef I could git the drinks™ g on ter somebody else,as you do 1u the saloons, 1 could afford ter ’ile my j’ints, now an’ then.” ‘You want to forget the drinks,” the Brown Sport answered, sharply. ‘‘ We bave too much at stake, and your bead is too weak, for non- sense, Have you been drinking any more?” ‘*Wal, I took one swaller,” Vau Decker ad- mitted, ‘in the saloon.” **So you’ve been there, you fool!” ‘*Say, don’t be hard on a feller; I was as dry asa fish, I made a nice acquaintance, tco: a in chap tbat would ’a’set them up fer me ~ a I wanted, but I wouldn’t drink but once. He was from old Penn., too, Lives at Oil City.” ‘*Did you introduce the subject of oil?” ‘* No; he did.” *“*And did you say you were interested that way?” ** Ye-es,” “Then you’ve been trapped !” ‘*Eh? You don’t think he was a detective?” Van Decker cried, in alarm. * Hardly that, but some meddler fell afoul of you. Meetings like that occur only by design, The man may have been a bunco man who learned who you were, and sought to swindle you, or some sharper who wanted a share of your plunder by methods little less honest, I suppose you let hiin pump you freely? Didn’t you talk oil?” “ Ye-es,” ‘*What did you say? Out with it!” Montague was angry and peremptory, and Van Decker was alarmed, so it was no easy matter to get particulars, Finally, the man from Oil Gutter admitted he had told of the Eldorado, and boasted of its richness as an oil- plant, but he stoutly denied having said any- thing that could endanger their scheme, ‘*Did he want to buy?” Mortague asked, ‘* He said he would see me ag’in about it,” ** Where?” “He didn’t say; here, I s’pose. He give me his keerd, an’ said we’ile men ought ter stand in with each other.” ** Let me see the card.” It was given to the sport, and be studied it. carefully. It had the name of an alleged oil company printed on it; the location of ttie fields. was given, as was the name of the New York agent and bis office, ‘‘He said that was him,” Van Decker ex- plained. ‘Probably the man never was in the office in his life. He is a swindler, He is not the man whose name is on this card, and’he has buncoed you, or intends to,’” “ Bigglin’ pancakes! how d’ye know?” “The ways of bunco men are not strange to the citizens of New York, if they are to you,” “T b’lieve be was all right, an’ I’m goin’ ter that office ter see!” ; The rural gentleman was growing indignant, and he started up with emphatic movements, The Brown Sport did not seek to check him. To that crafty person, bimself, it seemed to be the best way to settle the matter. If the stranger was what he had claimed, it would be a great relief to know it, while if he was a spy, the sooner the fact was established the better, If they were under suspicion, all of Monta- gue’s shrewdness was needed to avert danger. Both went out and walked toward the address given, and the leader formed a suitable excuse for the call as they went, The address proved to be a substantial building, and the name was found on the marble slab at the door. This proved nothing, and they went on to the office. Tho first look inside was enough to satisfy Van | Decker, and he nudged the Brown Sport, and es ee “That’s him!” ; A gentleman was bending over his desk and engaged in writing. As they advanced he ‘look- ed up, smiled when he saw the Pennsylvanian, and observed: ‘“T didn’t expect to see you so soon,” Van Decker made his excuse for the call and introduced his companion as ** Mr, Shaw.” Both wished themselves away, but they were in for the interview, and had to endure it as gracefully as possible, The stranger talked business from the start, partly in the way of oil, but brought in politics, stocks, and other things dear to the heart of man. The call was not prolonged, and when the schemers were again on the street, the Brown Sport remarked: } ‘The joke ison me; that man is all right. I was too suspicious,” , ; He might have returned to his original opinion if he could have looked into the office again, When they were fairly away, a man, wko had ‘
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Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. _ not been seen me Sheet, emerged from a closet which had been barely large enough to shelter him. The office-tenant laughed: ** So you’re not smothered?” ‘** Almost.” ‘*Then you’ve bad a double escape.” ‘* The first was narrow, anyhow. If I had not chanced to look out into the ball just as that lank countryman was advancing, I sbould have been caught here.” ‘* But would he have been the wiser?” ** His running-mate would,” “ec Shaw?” ‘Shaw, nothing! His name is Roland Mon- tague, and if I am not away off, he is a rascal, He is called the Brown Sport, and is a big gun at the races, and a man about town. Square as a die, most people say, and the police have no charge against him, but the doubts I always have felt grow big. I have wondered how one so green as Van Decker would play any game on New Yorkers, but it’s a different matter if the Brown Sport trots with him in double-har- ness, ‘*- You feel sure of your grip?” ‘Yes; but I shall ask no more of you, Dave. Montague is suspicious. Their visit to you was but a blind; as soon as Montague heard I had been pumping Van, through you, he tumbled in & degree, as I should have known he would, bad I known he was in the game.” ‘* See what it is to be Tom Tracer, Headquar- ters detective!” exclaimed Dave, smiling. — «om Tracer has work to do before he will ‘be onto this game,” replied the man who had come from the closet, one, or Montague would not be in it. fortune! he did not see me bere.” ‘* What will you do, if I am out of it?” P aoe detective meditated; then replied thought- ully: ‘* There is a boy over on Greenwich street who is known as the Brown Sport’s Kid, because he does errands for that person. I am going to see that boy. I think he and [ can be useful to each other.” WoT CHAPTER V. THE BAIT AND THE HOOK, ‘“*The scheme is a rs Than ‘ ‘*APPLES! Fresh-laid apple-es! Oranges! North-pole orange-es! Ancient fruit of all kinds!” The speaker was Dennis Duff, and his voice was pitched ina cracked treble as he stole up behind a girl who carried a basket on her arm, In the basket was a variety in the way of fruit. The girl was Molly McGinnis. She and the bas- ket were old companions; she had sold fruit in the lower part of the city for years, finding cus- tomers among business men, L She turned quickly as she beard the youth’s mischievous words, “Ah! be off wid you, Denny!” she retorted. “You're loike a hen that cackles when she ain’t laid no egg.” ‘“‘T know some bad eggs,” Dennis suggested. “‘ There is such, an’ I pity your mother for it, whin sbe’s taken so much pains with her son.” “Mrs, McGinnis Says sons are easy ter raise, but girls are no good. “ Strange you bang around thim, so much.” ‘Sure, an’ ’'m a missioner, an’ I know who needs reformin’,” ' ‘* Yes, an’ you know it’s easier ter repent fer others than fer yerself.” “*T know them as needs it the most. But le’s = fightin’, Molly; here comes a biped who’s as full as a royal duke, an’ you may be able ter sell some dilapidated fruit. Port yer helm, boss, or you may run inter a lamp-post an’ take a wheel off yer carriage.” _A man was advancing toward them, and he did seem to be under the influence of strong drink or some other kind of spirits, for bis man- ner was hilarious, He had bis bat off, and was making absurd gestures as be walked. Nevertheless, he was not so intoxicated as Dennis had indicated, for he walked straight enough, It was he, of the day last referred to, and Dennis and Molly had been alone on the street, as far as could be seen, until the wanderer made his pupesratce. “Hi! Molly,” the Duffer suddenly added, “‘that jim-jam student ain’t no stranger, It’s Van What's-his-name Van Decker.” “So it is, sure.” “Sell him a Havaneer apple, or Greenland apple. “Go in, Miss McGinnis; make money while the gas shines,” 2 The man from Oil Gutter was accosted Promptly. ' “Apples, sir?” inquired the girl. ‘‘ Apples Phe, an’ oranges? All kinds o’ fresh fruit! Buy some, sir Van Decker squared himself away and took a good look at the speaker. ‘* Wal, now, what’s this? Peddlin’ the stuffin a basket the size of a thimble, be you? Why, I’ve taken a two-hoss load down ter old Steve Martin’s store, afore now, an’ never yelled like that over them, nutber.” ** Won’t you buy, sir?” ‘* Ts it reg’lar city style ter do it?” ** All the fast young men buy,” insinuated Dennis, pinching Molly’s arm slyly. “They do? Then, by mighty! give me a bushel—no; you ain’t got a peck. Never mind; here’s a dollar—take it an’ be happy. Darn the fruit! I don’t want it. Fact is,” added Mr. Van Decker, confidentially, ‘‘I am out ter bev a good time, an’ Ill do it ef I bu’st my gallus- buttons all off. Tl paint the town yarler.” ** Red, you mean,” “Ts that it? Wal, red, then. Anyhow, I’m out fer a bender, an’ don’t you forget it. Whoop!” The Pennsylvanian flourished his hat in mid- air, and shuffled bis beavy boots about in a clumsy attempt at dancing. **See bere, colonel,” observed Dennis, ‘ef you whoop things up in that style, you'll get pulled in.” ‘** Pulled in where?” ‘“* Arrested.” “Tbunder! An’ I’ve only jest begun my spree. I won’t yell ag’in.” ** Wot would the Brown Sport sey, ter see ye now?” “Bub, if you hev any benevolence in yer rae don’t let Roland G, Montague know on this! He would lick me like sin; I do b’lieve he would, Keep it dark sonny, fer I must see life, an’ he ain’t willin’s Here’s a dollar. Take it, an’ don’t let on ter Montague!” Dennis calmly pocketed the bribe. ‘You'd better go home, now,” he advised, “Not much.” * But you'll fall afoul o’ thieves.” “Say, do you s’pore there is a chap in New York who cculd get the best o’ me?” ‘Only about a million on ’em,” ** A million who could fool me ?” te Yes.” y had gone her way witb her basket, bound for the western terminus of the East River Bridge, and only the countryman and Dennis saw the approach of two men who came frum the direction of Broadway, They were cheap-looking persons, who tried to make con- siderable show at small expense, but had a rakish air which spoke distinctly to Dennis, “Lucky I’m with this gent, or he might get buncoed,” the Duffer thought. The strangers looked hard at Van Decker, and then one of them suddenly advanced and held out his band. **Why, how are you, Mr. Van Decker?” he exclaimed. “* How-de-do! How-de-do!” returned the Penn- sylvanian, shaking the other’s hand warmly, ‘I pron ie aig ye, but I'm glad ter see ye, by ‘osb! ‘* You are the Brown Sport’s friend.” “Right you be!” ‘* So are we,” f ** Good! I knew I ought ter be glad ter e. ““ We met you and Montague in a saloon, but there was a crowd, and I ilare say you don’t re- member us. My name is Garland. My friend is Jake Dowling. Where is the Brown Sport?” ‘** Duuno where he is.” ‘I’m sorry, for we could give him a sight well worth seeing: something only five men in New York have seen up todate. The whole city will be wild over it in a week, and Montague would appreciate the honor of being among the first, here is nothing a New Yorker likes more than to get ahead of his million-and-a-balf of neigh- bors.” ‘* There’s a bait!” thought Dennis. ‘*You don’t say!” exclaimed Van Decker, ‘© What is it?” ‘* Mermaids!” “ Eh?” Seven mermaids have been captured in the South Sea, among the rocks of Tataolboy Island, near Weweropem Point. We have arranged a big tank where they can disport themselves, and there they stay, combing their bair, admiring themselves in looking-glasses, and siuging siren songs.” The agent from Oil Gutter always had sup- that mermaids were myths, but was ashamed to confess it. ‘* Wal, now, that’s clever,” be asserted; ‘* what does it cost ter see this show?” ‘* No price will be charged until the doors are regularly opened to the public. Just now, oo a few of the men about town are admitted, That's why I wanted the Brown Sport.” ‘Say, let me in as his deputy, will ye?” ** We-el, I don’t know about that.” ‘*'Why not?” ‘* We were to let in only ‘the boys.’” *)m one op’em. I’m from Oil Gutter, the smartest town in Pennsylvany. Yes, sir; an’ I know a reason why that town is goin’ ter hev a boon, You bet! You see, ’'m a strong per- sonal friend o’ the Brown Sport, too, an’ one 0’ the boys. Id like ter see that show, mister!” Ven Decker was eager, and the stranger smiled slyly as he saw the countryman was on the book, In the mean while, both men had seen an ob- stacle to the success of their plans in the shape of Dennis Duff. Van Decker was green, but ore look at Montague’s Kid was enough to show that be was keen and experienced. If Calvin Garland and Jake Dowling had known the Duffer they would not have tried to tamper with, him; as it was, while Garland talked to Van Decker, Dowling gave attention to Dennis and offered him a dollar to take a message to Har- lem. Negotiations were at this point when the Pennsylvanian succeeded in getting Garland’s consent to conduct him to the mermaids, but the former broke in: ** Don’t serd the youngsteraway! I want bim along to see the fun. Bub, you go with me!” Cal and Jake looked disappointed, but Dennis was equal to the emergency, He saw that Van Decker was bound to go to the lair of the alleged mermaids, and that no one but the Brown Sport could stophim. Since he was going, anyhow, it certainly would be best for a companion to be with him, The Duffer saw just what part he must play, and whatim- . pression he must make on tbe sharpers; so he secretly pulled Jake’s sleeve and whispered: ‘*Say, boss, give us dat dollar, an’I kin be jest as mum in this section asin Harlem. See?” His eegerness, and the “tough” air he as sumed, swept the man’s doubts away ; he thought the boy was one who had the making of a ras- cal in bis young head, and would never betray other rascals if paid to keep quiet. It was formally settled that he should be one of the party, and the four moved away north- ward Dennis was well aware that Van Decker was in the bands of some sort of bunco men, but the victim’s own obstinacy stood in the way of res- cue, Even if saved by appealing to a policeman it would do no good; he was bound to be plucked by somebody before morning. On the other hand, Dennis bad no great liking for the Penn- sylvanian, and thought a lesson would do him ‘ood, e The sharpers finally paused in front of a house, whose reputation the Duffer knew to be bad. It had been raided, twice by the police, to bis knowledge, but bad gone along unmolested dur~ ing the previous year, If there was «ny species of evil-doing unknown to the house, Dennis knew not what it was, “Purgatory Coop,” Dennis bad once named it when talking with other boys, and the name clung to it. They entered. After ascending the stairs they entered a square room, where three other men were found to be present, Cal introduced Van Decker to all, and them said with perfect gravity: ‘“* We are going in to see the mermaids!” CHAPTER VI. ’ VAN DECKER LEARNS A NEW TRICK. ‘‘ THe mermaids are not to be seen just now,” was the ready reply. . “Why not?” “They are asleep.” ‘¢ Wake them up.” “Can't do it for an bour, yet. I will, then, You are not in a rush, are you, Cal? Sit down and make yourself comfortable.” ‘Can we see the mermaids in an hour?’ Sure!” “* How is it, stranger?” The last question was asked of Van Decker, and though he was eager tosee the ex-dwellers in the sea, he acquiesced and said he was will
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ing to wait. He was introduced, and all sat down. Dennis Duff’s chief wish was to be looked at as little as possible, and be found a chair in one corner, He wondered what kind of a trap was to be sprung. Young as he was he was confi- dent that no such thing as a mermaid existed in the bouse or anywhere else, Did the trap lay in a bogus mermaid, or somewhere outside the do- main of the charmers of the sea? He soon found an answer. Conversation was general and brisk for several minutes, and then one of the men, who was called Toby, observed to Cal Garland: } **] was showing Pat a new trick to-night, and I knocked him out of a V:” ** What was the trick.” ** T’ll show you, just tor fun," From his ket Tuby took three halt-shells of walnuts anda bean. He showed them that all but the shell of the walnuts had been cut out, leaving a cavity inside. **The trick is to put the bean under one of these shells; you to see me doit, plainly, Then I move the three shells about on the table—shuf- fle them, as it were—and when I stop, you which shell the bean is under. If you guess right, you win; if you guess wrong, J wi ” n, ** Thimble-riggers!” thought Dennis, in dis- ““ Well, that is new!” Cal admitted. “Old as Methuselah,” muttered Dennis, in dis- st. ai I'll go you, once,” declared Cal. “Tl beta dollar I guess the right one,” ** Done!” Toby turned all the shells over. Under ons he put the bean, Then he moved them about on the table for awhile, after which he directed: ** Raise your choice!” Cal picked up a shell. The bean was revealed, There was a laugh at Toby’s expense, and he insisted upon trying it again, This was done, and Cal lost. He lost four times in succession, and was three dollars out. Then he quit in pre- tended disgust. Vandevere Van Decker had been an interested observer. He never had seen or heard anything like the game before, but he was stocked with enough sporting-blood to be fascinated by any eof chance, He wished himself in Cal’s place, or every time the shells had been moved about, he had followed the one with the bean without trouble. He regarded Cal as very stupid to be deceived. He ought to have been a winner j .» -%0 the extent of four dollars, instead of losing three. The Brown Sport’s Kid expected to see him come in when the other man stopped, but he ‘ did not, and the thimble-riggers did not urge him. i: 23 General conversation was resumed, ay One of the y soon made an excuse to get Cal to one side, and they went out of hearing of the other men, but near enough to Dennis so that, having unusually keen hearing, what they said was audible to him, ae le d’ye know the fellow you have in Ww ‘ “ His name is Van Decker, and he’s from Billy Penn’s State,” “T know, but what more?” “Oh! the Brown Sport has him under his wing, and I presume the old lad is to be “ He is big game.” © ** How do you know?” “He owns a big oil plant in Oil Gutter, Pennsylvania. A friend of mine who has the rocks was there and tried to buy it, He offered a good, round figure, but the Americanized Dutchman was too shrewd to take it. If you can > 2 \ get him to break the balls for you, perhaps you Vi can get an interest in the oil biz for a song.” - ou sure of what you say,” Cal asked, thoughtfully. “ Well, not personally, but I got it straight.” of *““f suppose we might throw up the thimble- rigging, and work him for a bigger game, If he ‘ee plays cards, and will drink a little more stuff, ‘ perhaps he would sign away a shake in the wells,” “Try him!” At that moment Van Decker’s voice rose an audibly. He had been looking wishfully at the te shells, which still lay on the table, and was able vi to control himself no longer, ime “‘Say, stranger,” be remarked, ‘‘I’d like ter \ try, you on that little trick, myself!” ‘All right; I feel prou! of my luck, and had as soon have your money as any other person’s,” replied Toby. ‘‘ But make thestake twenty-five cents. I don’t want to rob any one.” Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. Confident as Van Decker was he did not object to beginning light, and be agreed, The old pro- cess was gone through and he lifted the selected shell. The bean was under it; he was the winner. His face beamed with triumph, and he tried it again. Four times in succession he won, Toby looked downcast, but the Pennsylvanian was in high spirits, ** Let’s increase the bet!” hecried. ‘‘It ain’t enougb. I’ve won four times, an’ only got a dollar.” Toby pretended to hesitate. “The trick has lost its charm for me, and seems childish,” he finally answered, ‘but Vl go in once more on a revised plan. The stake shall be raised, Til let you fellows bid, one against the other, and run the wager up as high as you please, if it’s five dollars or more; and then I'll meet whatever sum you fix. See?” Everybody ‘‘saw,” and Toby put the bean in place. Van Decker watched the shuffle keenly, and when it was done he simply knew that he could tell which shell the bean was under, Bid- ding started at one dollar, but went up rapidly, the sharpers showing the jovial, fp Poon air that always proves so infectious, Ten dol- lars, twenty, thirty and forty were called, with numerous bids between the round figures, Van Decker was determined to have the chance of betting against Toby, but bets of this size he had not been accustomed to before. He grew a little anit and the sharpers saw it, He finally called out, ‘* Fifty dollars!” with an air which told that it was his last bid, and no one went further, Toby ene the opinion that he had been a fool to make the compact, but vowed he would not back out, He and Van Decker each put fifty dollars on the table. p to that time the Pennsylvanian had not re- move his gaze from the right shell. He was not suspicious, but did not want to get confused. Just then Dowling, as if by accident, dropped the ashes and a few hot ks of his cigar on Van Decker’s hand. The latter cried out with pain and instinctively danced up and down, but soon recovered his nerve and accepted Jake’s apology. ** Lift the shell!” Toby directed. Van Decker obeyed, and then stood aghast, No bean was visible! He had lost! Toby coolly scooped in the fifty dollars, ‘*Luck always has to change,” be calmly ob- served, Not a word said Vandevere Van Decker. He simply bad been sure of his position—or thought he had. How had the ruin occurred? When he had recovered a little he raised one of the other shelis, and found the bean, ‘*T can’t understand it,” he said, blankly. Everybody else could, “Your eyes deceived you,” remarked Cal Garland. ‘* Well, never mind; you can stand such a trifle. Lucky we didn’t run the bid- ding uphigh. Have a drink, old boy?” Sh took the drink, but even then he re : ‘Darn me ef I see how I made sech a blunder!” Dennis Duff, silené but watchful, was not so much in the dark, The episode of the cigar ashes was only a trick to divert the Pennsyl- vanian’s attention, and, while his gaze was turned away, Toby had quickly and skillfully changed the relative positions of the shells, Tae time-worn trick of thimble-rigging had been worked successfully, with a slight varia- tion in minor details, After another drink all around Van Decker forgot the pang of his loss, and grew eager to see the mermaids, He was directed to wait awhile longer. Dennis was growing anxious. He did not have any great good will for a man who would indulge in strong drink and make himseif ridicu- lous, but the man from Oil Gutter was the Brown Sport’s acquaintance, and Montague’s “* Kid” felt that he ought to be rescued. : But how could it be done? He was in the whir! of dissipation, and would object to leav- ing, even if the sharpers would allow it. Dennis was growing nervous, Once, he went to the window, pulled the shade aside and look- ed out, determined to call a policeman if he saw one, but, assoon as the men saw his position, he was ordered away. Faces at windows were something these vultures did not approve of, More liquor was offered the victim, and he did not refuse, The gang’s liberality in this respect was proof that they were not done with him, What further did they contemplate? Dennis ponderei on the point, but without get- ting ight. Perhaps their design was simply to rob Van Decker of his last dollar, and them turn him out into the street—and perhaps their design was darker. as it certain that they would allow Dennis, himself, to leave in safety? The last speculation was so interesting that the boy fiaally obeyed a sudden impulse and walked quickly to the countryman’s side, ‘** Boss,” he said, ‘‘ it’s about time fer us ter meet the Brown Sport!” ** Eh?” cried Van Decker, with a start, ‘*Hev you’s forgot the engagement with the Brown Sport?” ** Did I hey one?” ** Why, bev you forgot it?” oy Darned ef I hadn’t, an’ I don’t remember it, now. ‘* Never mind that,” added Cal, sharply. *‘ We like your company, and can’t give youup. You are going to stay right here, old mav!” CHAPTER VII. ON HAND FOR THE CRISIS. THERE was an emphasis to Cal Garland’s de- claration which troubled Dennis Duff, but Van Decker answered: “By gosh! I don’t want ter go. I’m all right, here!” “Would a be after breakin’ yer promise to the Brown Sport?” Dennis persisted, ** Bub, I don’t remember no such promise.” “* He will.” “That's so; he don’t forget nothin’,” “Go while you’re sober,” urged the boy. . “The Brown Sport will take your skin off ef he sees you drunk ag’in,” The Pennsylvanian started up. “ That’s a fact, by mighty! I'll go!” Garland gra : his coat-tails and pulled him. back into the cha ‘“You will stay here!” he declared, peremp- torily. ‘‘ You are drunk already, and this is the safest place for you.” ‘‘ But the Brown Sport will be mad,” Dennis: insisted. ‘* He be hanged!” ‘¢ He ain’t no mean enemy, me good sir.” “Do you threaten, boy?’ blustered the: arper. Ro but it’s time fer this gent ter go.” ‘An’ get arrested for being drunk, and bab- ble on us all? I guess not!” ‘* I'll steer the ould tippler home.” ** He stays here.” ** All right; then I’ll go alone.” ‘No, you won’t! You want to go out and tell a copper of us, do you? It won't work; you will stay right where you are, to-night. In the morning, if we can fix things up, you can go,” Dennis placed no confidence in the last prom- ise, and was uncertain when he would be at liberty again. The house bad a bad reputation, and, before then, men had been found in the street drunk, moneyless and beaten, near at hand, who never could account for their mis-- haps. When suspicion pointed to “ Purgator Coop” some silent, unseen influence was used, and the place, despite an occasional raid, never had experienced any severe blow. Just what crimes were done there no outsider knew, but our young friend felt that, in his case, a lifein- re policy might not be a bad thing to ave, : ’ Not being in accord with the plan laid out he slipped away from the restraining bold Cal had put upon him, but another of the gang suddenly thrust out a revolver, ‘* Stop!” he ordered, It was an argument not to be defied, Dennis obeyed, “Sit down pb Reluctantly he ripe ake the chair again, There was no visible sign of frigbt, and his eyes flashed indignation and defiance, but he was not rash enough to throw yeaa and judgment to the winds, His break, however, had done much to sober Van Decker; the revolver bad frightened that person, and his heart seemed to be down in the vicinity of bis boots, There was a long pause, and the crooks looked ateach other in a way which indicated uncer- tainty on their part. A drunken man could be beaten into insensibility and thrown into the street, and he would forget where he bad been when he regained his mental faculties, perhaps but how was a keen, alert boy to be render harmless? They bad presumed on the fact that he was of humble life, but had found that he possessed unsuspected courage, The.word had gone around that their pigeon was be plucked further, but, in a certain way, they were afraid of Dennis Duff, He was no pigeon! } sh
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While the period of general hesitation was still unbroken, there was a sound of footsteps on the stairs which led to the outer door. This would have been strange to no one had the steps beep quick and buoyant, or even uncertain like those of a drunken man, but they were slow, shuffling and deliberate, Ali looked with in- terest. Then a white, bushy head rose to view, and was followed by that of a young girl. Both reached the top of the stairs, and Dennis Duff actually turned pale. The girl was Molly McGinnis! Her young friend was borrified. Molly in that, den of vultures! What madness had sent her there? The man with her looked to be very old, feeble and poor, and, more than that, blue goggles told of poor eyesight. This ragged old traveler held out a bunch of lead-pencils and spoke in a cracked voice: “* Gen-tle-men, will you please help a poor old blind man?” Cal Garland recovered his presence of mind. “Tl help <b down-stairs with the toe of my shoe!” he cried, starting forward threateningly. Molly extended one of ber arms. os gl ye dare ter touch him!” she cried, de- autly. Mechanically the crook paused. “Don’t anny man dare ter touch him!” she added, ‘*Hullo! here’s a new Joan of Arc!” ex- claimed Cal, ‘* My opinion o’ you can be put in words that'll not be after needin’a dictionary!” Molly retort- ed. ‘Only a coward would lay his hands on a blind man!” ‘Say, Dame Spiteful, how did you get in here, anyhow? “Sure, it was at the door.” “The door was locked.” “We knocked, an’ an illegant red-headed Trishman let usin. It was no great trick, fer I watched an’ see how the rest ave you did it whin you knocked.” “ Tt’s all right, I guess. Here, old man, here’s half a dollar. Take it, and get to Halifax out of here.” “Ab! kind sir, me brother and son are here, and I am wanting them to come home with me, the blind beggar explained, ‘‘Are they not here, daughter “You bet, pop!” Molly responded. ‘‘ There they are!” She pointed to Dennis and Van Decker, but the crooks were not so callow as to believe this. “Now you're lying! These fellows are noth- ing to you. Get out, before we'fire you!” “ We insist upon having the men,” continued the beggar, in a firm voice. “Ob! youdo? Well, for a blind man you are rather flip. Girl, lead bim down-stairs,’ “She will do nothing of the kind.” “Then Dll drive those blue goggles through your apology for eyes, Get out!” “ One so old as I must take my time,” asserted he of the goggles, ‘ A$ for your throwing me down the stairs, I base my objections on the same basis that I demand the company of your ests, ** What's that, you old idiot?” ** Because it won’t be safe for you to refuse.” Suddenly the. speaker drew his form erect. He cast off the boggles and revealed eyes keen sod pene ine The crooks gazed as if fasci- nated. “Gents,” spoke the beggar, ‘‘ you will do well to let me alone. Iam Tom inter, detective!” “‘Glory Ebenezer!” cried Dennis Duff, ** you’ve come jest in time, Mister Detective!” For awhile the dumfounded crooks had noth- ing to say. Nearly all of them knew Tom Tracer, und knew him as a man who stood hig : in favor among the detectives of Police Head- yah Although still young, the very men- on of his name was enough to send cold shivers along the spine of the average law-breaker of Pet resuirebeil f speech recover S$ power oO " “Bay, Tracer, we haven’t done anything out of the way.” “Oh! haven’t you?” the detective retorted, “Why do you object to parting with your ests cs ra don’t object, if you want them, sir,” do,” “ Bure, an’ it’s good ter be wanted, ef the call comes from the right quarter,” interrupted Den- nis. ‘No mermaids an’ cannibawls in mine, ef lease!” you “And you?’ Tracer asked, addressin Van Decker; and that person, a good deal sobered, replied: ant ter go home,” meek “ ‘His mother’s after lookin’ fer him,” added Molly, tossing her head disdainfully. Cal Garland and his companions were all in a quiver of apprehension, and they began to assert their innocence of all wrong intentions, but Tom cut them short: ‘*T am not after you, at present, and need not |e words with you. Ill bid you good-night. .3) The direction was given to Van Decker, who went humbly down the stairs. Dennis and Molly followed, “Sure, ye jewel, you’s come just in toime!” the boy declared, admiringly. “Dennis Duff, you’d better go straight home ter yor mother, an’ stay there!” ‘ “Hold a bit, Molly, hat’s the riot?” “*D’ye know w’ot would become of yeef it hadn’t been fer me an’ the detective? I see you look out o’ the winder, an’ knew no good was afoot wid you in this house, I looked fer a ypeeery but didn’t see none, an’ I asked what thought was an old blind beggar ef he bad seen wan; but it was Tom Tracer, an’ in we come, fer we knew the secret knock, an’ we fooled the doorkeeper. Now, Mr. Duff, where would you be ef we hadn’t come in? Sure, you'll be breaking the mother’s heart yet!” Molly was both frightened and indignant, but Dennis answered in pacifying tones: “Easy, me jewel, till you hear the verdict. We don’t hang nobody in New York until the jury sets onter him, an’ then ag’in, ropes ain’t fash’nerble sence the new law’s got ter toddlin’. Don’t be after scoldin’ yer cousin afore you know the fox, or there’ll bea break in the family at Ballyragget.” ** Dennis, I never wouldn’t scold, but ’'ve been scared so fer you. ** Jes’ so; an’ I’ve been skeered fer myself, b’ mighty!” y this time Tom Tracer was through with the crooks, and descended the stairs with bold, firm steps. They passed out on the street and expected to see Van Decker, but found that he had taken advantage of the lull to beat a bur- ried retreat. “Let him go,” the detective directed. ‘I have nothing to say to him, but with you 1 have business, if you will tell what has happened.” “Sure, yer Honor, I shall be proud,” asserted Dennis, ‘*Then let us go toa more distant place and talk, My good girl, do you care to wait?’ ‘*T may be necessary ter see Dennis home, for it’s meself is thinkin’ he’s taken leave o’ his senses,” “‘Y'll answer for that; he is all right. But keep with us, My business will soon be done.” CHAPTER VIII, THE BROWN SPORT SENDS A MESSENGER. Tom TRACER led the. way until two blocks separated them f:om the lair of the crooks. ‘Now, give me the whole story!” he directed. Dennis obeyed. The fame of Tom Tracer as one of the keenest of Headquarters detectives was well known to him, and he was glad to be of service. Detectives and detective work had a charm for him, too, and he was proud of being thus honored. Tracer listened attentively, and then re- marked: “T am not investigating Purgatory Coop, just now, though it seems that somebody ought to. You bave done well to help Mr. Van Decker out of the fix his bullet head put bim into. By the way, if he lives in Pennsylvania, what is he doing here?” ‘Very careless was the detective’s manner, and Dennis did not suspect that the question covered any deep purpose, Py “Dunno exactly w’ot he is here fer,” the boy replied. “Sure, be’s sellin’? sewin'’-machine ’ile,” ex- plained Molly. ‘ Petroleum,” Dennis corrected, ‘*He owns a farm where all he bas ter do is ter take an auger an’ bore inter the ground, an’ up will come enough kerosene ter more’n fill a Jamp,.” **T don’t bel’ave it!” Molly declared, ‘““That’s where you git yer kerosene, anny- how.” : Tom Tracer smiled quietly at this argument, “So he is selling stock in the oil plant?’ he questioned. ‘**T s’pose so, but I dunno.” ** Has be a partner?” **Can’t tell yer, boss, I’m sure.” “‘ Haven’t 1 seen him with the Brown Sport?” ‘Yes; but I don’t reckon he is interested in ‘ile. Roland Gustavus Montague ain’t the man ter s'ile his hands with ‘ile /” Dennis elevated his nose at the mere idea of _ Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. —————— LLL Se eee his elegant employer dabbling in such a gross roduct, and cer saw that he would have to cautious, Honesty, plain and straightfor- ward, was perceptive in the boy in all ways, but it was also clear that he was devoted to the Brown Sport. The detective questioned him as closely as he dared, but witbout eliciting anytbing very im- portant. He was convinced that Van Decker and Montague were engaged in some swindle together, but just what it was he did not know. vidently the Brown Sport had kept Dennis ignorant. Tracer decided not to press the point so as to arouse his companion’s wonder, so he smoothed it over and quieted down allcuriosity. He asked both Dennis and Molly to keep his share in events secret from all, and, proud of his confi- dence, they promised readily. Then he left them. They walked home, talking of Tracer and the recent adventure, and separated at the door of Molly’s home, There her bantering spirit re- turned, ‘““Wouldn’t it be well fer me ter call me father?” ‘What fer?” Dennis asked. “Ter see you home,” “Say, w’ot d’ye take me fer?” he asked, indig- nantly. “‘Name it, an’ you kin hey it. Sure J can’t name you after w’ot I’ve seen the night of your foolishness,” **Miss McGinnis,” quoth Dennis, with dignity, **T scorn ter be after noticin’ your dispersions on me character, It is very clear that the Irish blood in yer veins is gettin’ mighty thiv, fer there niver was anny Irishman before that wa’n’t generous.” Molly’s heart smote her. ‘Sure, Dennis, you don’t think I meant it?” she asked. Didn’t ye?” * Indeed, I did not; an’ you ought ter know I wouldn’t scold you. But you scared me so!” ‘* Mary, you m’ane well, an’ it’s all rcight; of coorse I know me cousin would not go back on me, Shake bands! ‘That's de stuff! An’ now Molly,” he added, in the old bumorous vein, “ft reckon the cousins in Ballyragget, Kilkenny county, will breathe freer. There’s after bein’ no danger ave a scrap between the Duffs an’ the McGinnises!” Both the young people knew it was impossible for them to quarrel. Even as children they had always been the best of friends, and the recent sparring had no significance. They separated; Dennis went home and to bed; and it was broad daylight before he was astir again. During the forencon he kept watch for Van Decker, but saw nothing of bim, Tom Tracer or the Brown Sport. Purgatury Coop was calm and innccent, outwardly, and it was hard to realize that he bad gone through such a narrow escape there, only a few bours before. Calvin Garland and his fellows were invisible, Perhaps they were enjoying what they had won from Van Decker by thir ble-rigging. Shortly after noon Roland Montague «ppear- edto his young associate, The former’s face was calm and contented, and it was clear that he did not know of Van Decker’s latest break, During the interview which followed Dennis felt that he ought to know, and experienced a ey sensation that be should keep ete a, ack, but the majesty of the law, as personifie in Tom Tracer, was not to be defied. ; “« Well, old man, how are you?” Montague sa- uted. ‘“*? Way up in G, boss,” the Duffer replied. * All quiet along Greenwich street?” “So-so! Ef you look you'll see every dealer has got bis whole stock o’ goods on the sidewalk, as usual, Say, ef 1 did biz there I wouldn't pay no rent, I wouldn't. wry should I, when the sidewalk is my main store? ’ “The point is well taken. Great is Greenwich street; great for all things except pedestrians, They are notin it unless they can climb over the merchants’ goods, or keep in the middle of. the street. Are you busy, Dennis?” “ No.” ““T have a job for you,” “Then you kin hev me fer a job.” “T want a letter delivered on Madison ave- nue.” a ‘1m the lightnin’ racer fer the job. ** You are to go in a hack.” ‘St. Patrick defend us! Js it to a ball of the Four Hundred I am goin’? Why, I ain’t got no dancin’ pumps, nor cane, nor eye-glass; an’ I can’t walk like a dude, with my elbows stickin’ out like yards on the mast of a vessel,” a ~ Oh. A er
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Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. ** You are not to fill that role.” “Bully! Anything but a ‘slim’ fer me.” ‘You simply are to go in the hack—or, rather, on the the seat with the driver, and de- liver the letter. that the receiver thereof will leave her house, enter the hack and go to a place mentioned in the letter. You will continue to ride with the driver until the corner of Canal street and Broadway is reached, when you will alight, go to Cob Tolman’s and wait until I join you. You know the place, don’t you?” ** Sure!” ‘“‘ Very likely the lady in the case will ask you certain questions. Jf she does, you are to know nothing whatever except that a business man, whose name you do not know, gave you this let- ter and told you todeliver it with all possible haste, See?” ** Sure!” ‘* Don’t mention me in any way.” “* Certain, not.” ** And don’t know any more than I told you.” ** Tm mum.” ** Here’s the letter, Now, come around to the stable and I'll see you off on the hack.” “They went, but the Brown Sport repeated his directions before he let Dennis out of his sight, showing an anxiety not usual to him. And when the vehicle rolled away he stood looking after it in a very thoughful way. Dennis was by the driver’s side and inclined to be sociable, but his wishes were not gratified. The driver was surly and curt, and gave no word that was notin keeping with his nature, Under these circumstances the Brown Sport’s Kid soon took refuge in the company of his own thoughts. ‘*Wonder w’ot the boss has got under way, now?” he meditated. ‘‘Sone hoss-race, or pugilistic work, I guess, though why there should be a woman into it [ dor’t know. They play the races, but I didn’t know the Brown port bad any on’em under his wing. He looked anxious, an’ I'l] do the job up brown.” The driver knew their destination, and Dennis did not look at the address on the letter until they had drawn up infront of an elegant resi- dence on Madison avenue. Then he read the name on the envelope, *** Miss Irene Elliston!’ I do believe that’s the same as had the adventure un Murray street, though I didn’t lay it up. No matter, though.” He rung the bell and sent the letter in, and then returned to the vehicle and mounted to the box. He was sitting there in a placid mood, when, a few moments later, Irene Elliston came out of the house bastily, equipped for the street. She hurried to the hack, and then looked at Dennis. ** Come inside with ms!” she directed. ** Miss, I’ve got on ol’ clothes, an’—” ‘Never mind your clothes. Come, and be quick!” Dennis noticed that her manner was agitated and troubled, and his naturally strong sympa- thies were aroused at once, She was pfetty, re- fined, gracious and ladylike, and he took a fancy to her. He obeyed at once, and leaped down from the box, “Drive back with all then said to the driver. He made a surly reply, and Miss Elliston and Dennis entered the vehicle, “Did you personally see my brother?” she asked. “Eh? the boy questioned, i Did you see the gentleman who was in- ‘*T didn’t know nobody was hurted, miss,” ** Where did you get this note?” “A gent give it to me ou the street. didn’t give his name,” ‘Then you have no later report?” “ No.” , ‘Put didn’t you hear if he was dangerously injured?” persisted Irene, not willing to takea negative reply, **T ain’t up in the case, nohow, It’s asI said; I don’t know nothin’ about it, except that the letter was give meas I said,” Dennis spoke the truth, but his mind was hardly at ease. The young lady’s remarks in- dicatei that she hs been informed in the letter that her brother was injured, and he doubted if such was the case, A wave of suspicion rolled over him. Was she being deceived? If so, why? ‘See if you know this place,” added Irene, extending the letter and pointing to a certain lace, ‘‘Itis wherelamtogo, Do you know if it is a business house, or residence? Read the the address!” Dennis read, and his eyes dilated. The place was Purgatory Coop! possible haste!” Irene q He The result of said letter will be AN EXCITING ERRAND FOR DENNIS, **T WOULD like to know,” added Miss Elliston, ‘* wheter the building is one devoted to business, or if my brother is in a private residence where | he can receive good care,” ‘* What does the letter say?” Dennis Duff asked in a low, peculiar voice. ** Read it!” He obeyed. It was as follows: ‘Miss IrENE Evtisron:—I regret to say that my friend your brother Robert, has met with a painful and serious accident. Ido not regard his injuries as necessarily dangerous, but the situation is extreme- ly grave, and I weuld suggest that you come here immediately. Robert is eager to have you near him. The hackman will uwrive you to the proper address. Sympathizingly yours, : “E. D. Ciinton.” Then followed the street and number, to which Dennis’s attention had been drawn already, and it was the infamous house known as Purgatory | CHAPTER IX. | ‘* The driver is going very slowly!” exclaimed Irene, ‘‘ Why don’t he hasten? I want to get to my brother.” ‘* Had you heerd o’ his bein’ hurted afore you got this?” Miss Elliston was too much bound up in her troubles to place any hidden construction on the question, but Dennis was looking at ber in a fixed way. A painful and startling theory had been forced upon him. She was being decoyed into a trap! By whom? He studied the handwriting of the letter. Had the Brown Sport been deceived, also? The writ- ing looked unfamiliar, at first, but as the mes- senger scanned the words further, well-remem- | bered peculiarities in the formation of certain | letters began to reveal something more to him. It was Roland Montague’s own cbirography, disguised, but not completely masked. The Brown Sport’s Kid was dumfounded. Why did that man want Irene to go to Purga- tory Coop? | Michael Duff and his wife always bad been poor, but they had given their children the most valuable inheritance of all—honor! By means of precept and practice they had taught the great lesson well, and Dennis had been a good pupil. Dishonesty and meanness he shrunk from and despised, and, now, he would not for a mo- ment think of aiding to do wrong to Miss Ellis- ton. But was not wrong intended? ‘ Purgatory Coop ” answered for itself, and the fact that Mon- tague was luring the girl there was equally em- phatic. The Brown Sport’s own reiterated com- mands that be was not to be mentioned was the blow that clinched the nail; it showed tbat he was working an underhand game, and had some- thing to conceal. Ligbt broke suddenly upon the boy; he knew Montague as he was—knew thut a great wrong was intended, Dennis’s own course was quickly decided upon, i “Ee W’s you, miss, ’'d go ter yer brother’s office, first off,” he advised. “ Why?” ‘* Do you know E. D. Clinton?” a7 No ” ‘*Did yer brother hey any business in that section?” ‘* Not to my knowledge.” “*Then,” said Dennis, with the air of a dis- coverer, ‘‘ you kin depend on it that the Robert who is hurted ain’t your brother Robert. Some other feller, sure!” " Irene’s face brightened, but only momentarily, ‘* How can that be, when the message came to me so direct?” she asked. The boy was equal to the new emergency, ‘¢ When Robert No, 2 was burted they looked in the Directory, seen Robert No. 1’s name, an’ s’posed they got the right one. Now, you take my advice an’ go ter your brother’s office, first off. It’ll only take a bit longer.” ‘* But the other place is this side of there?” ** Yes, but—” “Then I will first stop there, If there isa mistake, that is the quickest way of learning t. Dennis saw that he must come to the point. ‘* Ef you value yer life an’ safety you won’t do it!” he declared, plainly. ‘*I wanted ter save the facks fer yer brother’s ears, first, not yours but here goes, Miss, 1 do know that house, an a worse you'll not be after findin’ in New York, Confidence-men, bunco-steerers, gamblers, an’ a good share of the Old Nick’s children hang out there, an’ you’d be no safer than a lamb among — _ - wolves. Thisis alla plot ter decoy you there, you bet!” Irene was startled, and, for a few moments, rendered speechless, When she rallied, her first question was practical and to the point: “If you are advising me right, now, why did you act as the decoy you mention{” “Cause Iwas tooken in as bad as you, an’ hadn’t no idee where you was ter go until I read it in the letter, You go ter yer brother’s office, first, an’ ef I’m wrong you'll know it cheap, but ef you go ter Purgatory Coop you'll git yer ex- perience dear, See?” “*T will obey you, I think.” “Decide quick, fer we’re most ter the Coop, an’ there’s no backin’ out when youstrike there!” ‘Tell the driver to change the route,” Dennis obeyed, but the surly backman jogged along and did not even turn his bead. The boy called again, and again he was ignored, “ The man is in the plot!” cried Irene, chang- ing color. ‘He is determined to drive to that Bae, anyhow. Great heavens! what can we oF ** Do?” echoed the Brown Sport’s Kid, sharply. ‘Ef be don’t let up I'll show ye—yes; an’ I'll show him! Ill smaSh his measly old back inter flinders!” ‘i Raising his voice the indignant speaker ad- ed: ‘* Hi there, you gorilla on the box, you drive where I say, or lll send a shock o? ’lectricit along yer spine that'll tear all the buttons o yer weskit! You bear me? Obey orders, or 11 smash outa winder an’ yell fer the police like a cyclone. That’s biz! DoT yell, or do you cave?” The driver turned sullenly. ‘* What do you want?” ‘* We want ter be drove where I said.” ‘* But the man who hired me said—” ‘Don’t keer w’ot he said. Do one o’ three things, mister: Take us whar I say; drop us out here: or ‘let me introduce yer to a per- leeceman. Ketch on, cabby?” The driver saw that his ‘‘ fares” were not to be trifled with, and he drew up by the curb- stone. ‘*Git out, ef you want to!” he growled. ‘Sure, you’re wonderful koind. Did the cop- per over beyanst be after changin’ yer moind?” There were times when Dennis broke forth broadly in the Irish dialect he heard talked so much at home, and now be was sufficiently elated to feel his best. A policeman and a cab were in sight, and the Brown Sport’s Kid was cilm as he assisted Irene cut of the back. Ina short time the second vehicle was engaged, and they were on their way to Robert Elliston’s office. The first person they saw on reaching Ellis- ton & Iber’s was Robert, strong and well, giv- ing orders to a clerk, and Dennis’s veracity and judgment were established in Miss Elliston’s mind, She could bardly control herself until they were in the private office. Then the story was soon told. Robert listened, surprised and startled, but when he knew the facts, he shook the boy’s hand warmly. ‘* You are a trump card!” hecried. ‘‘ Yes, but not the knave o’ trumps.” “You are ace-high. Believe me, my lad, I shall not forget this great favor,” ‘* Don’t mention it, boss,” ‘¢ Robert, from what, from whom has he saved me?” Lrene asked, tremulously. ‘Does not suspicion point all one way?” “* [¢ points to one of two men,” ‘My lad, will you clearly describe the man who hired you to carry the note?’ Robert re- quested, ° j Dennis was ready with bis answer. For months he had done errands for the Brown Sport, and had admired that person greatly. Believing bim honorable and ‘“‘square” he had never thought to question bis works or bis mo- tives, and had been truly faithful, but, almost as swift as the revelation, had been the change of his opinions and allegiance. Tbe Brown Sport certainly was guilty, and his ** Kid ” wanted no more of him. : y ‘Et ain’t necessary fer me ter describe him,” he replied, ‘* Miss, when you asked who give me the letter I told you he didn’t give me his name, He didn’t need ter, fer I knew it already, It was Roland Montague!’ Brother and sister looked at each other in silence, : “« He told me not say who I got it from, an’ I didn’t, but I never s’pected mischief was afoot till I see where we was going, by the letter, But I knew that house, I did; an’ | kicked right off,” \
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Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. ** And we know the man /” added Robert, in a deep voice, Dennis experienced a desire for information. ‘*'What is he?’ he asked. “ Gambler, adventurer, blackmailer!” Elliston bad asserted mors than he could have proven, in his excitement, and Dennis was star- tled afresh. And this was the man he had be- lieved in so fully! ‘*Trene,” Robert added, ‘‘I think I sew what Montague’s plot was. Once in that house you would have been drugged, or otherwise de- prived of coherent thought, and decoyad into marrying the Brown Sport. From the first I have had a suspicion that he hoped to win you out of all this wretched muddle, sudden idea, I think—led him to play a bold and desperate card,” . “Tt failed,” cried Dennis, ‘an’ now you’ve bunco-steerer and Robert shook bis head, ** Why not?” the questioner persisted, ae I cannot explain why, but ,it is not advis- able, The explanation which was refused was read by Dennis in the faces of his Companions; they dared not make the arrest. “The Brown Sport has got some holt on aay thought the street boy. ‘‘ What a rascal e is The heir of the house of Duff would not have | been so radical in his change of opinion, even in ‘the face of strong evidence, if he had not read the Ellistons so well. It was plain to him that co f were bonorable and worthy of respect and lef, Robert’s troubled expression cid not vanish, and, presently, he took Irene aside and talked with her privately for some time, Then he re- turned to Dennis. ‘* Young man,” he spoke, earnestly, ‘‘ we will allow you to leave us now, but let it be with a full understanding. You have done us a great, a vast favor. Words can not begin to express it; you have bound yourself to"us with rivets proof against time and rust,” ‘** Don’t mention it, boss,” was the protest. ‘*T must, because you shall be rewarded if I live. I want to know you better; to see you often; to help you as you have helped me, That is for the future. Now, take this for the present,” He extended a ten-dollar bank-note, and Dennis was human enough to take it without demur, ‘* Now, one thing more, If you hear of any- thing of interest, turther, will you come to me with it?” “You bet!” ; The bargain was made, and after a little more conversation, Dennis left the office. He started toward Broadway, but bad gone only a few steps when a hand was laid on his shoulder. He turned and saw a keen, athletic young man and, despite the very different guise in which be had once before met the same person, he now ga) ene him promptly, “Tom Tracer!” he exclaimed. “Hush!” returned the detective, ‘* Don’t ak my name; the walls may have ears, hat have you been doing in Robert Elliston’s office?” CHAPTER X,! STARTLING NEWS. ; “lve jest sold out a hundred shares in D. L. & W. railroad stock. Dennis Duff made the assertion gravely, and tbe detective smiled slightly. “You feel more funny now than you did when ou were yelling to the cabman to let you outof is vebicle,” ** Hi! how did you know that, mister?” ‘“My story follows yours. I want to know what you have been doing to-day.” “Sure, an’ I'm at yer service, Mr. Tracer,” Dennis had not lost his admiration for the gen- tleman from Headquarters, and he told the story in full, except that he did not give the Brown Sport’s name. He always referred to himas “the man.” ‘ Tom Tracer was patient, and it was not until the narrator bad finished that be asked: “Who was ‘the man’ ?” “* Roland Montague.” ** What! your loved employer?” “Say, mister, don’t jump on me—don’t! I feel as mean asef I’d been after stealin’ a wid- der’s goslin’s, by mighty! Yes, an’ goslin’s with- out pin-feathers or hair, too,, 1 never thought the Brown Sport was such a map.” “ih a bia Something—a_ ‘Shall you stick to him?” ‘*Shall 1? Great sneezin’ cats! I guess not. father ever sence they jined their hearts, hands an’ Irish stews; she would wollop my young spirit, an’ trowsers, with a strap, ef she knew o | nis, shaking his head. ‘‘ Women is naturally | full o’ evil propensities, rebellion, bigh-jinks, Margaret Katherine Duff—which same is my | an’ spite ag’in’ work, an’ ef a strap ain’t took ter mother by marriage—she’s been related ter my | them occasional, they ain’t no good,” ** Sure, an’ men are no good annyhow. The trouble is, they dou’t get licked enough when they’re boys. Every family ought ter hev a her Ballyragget offspring keepin’ dubi’some | machine ter do it, an’ strap the boys to it ivery company, an’ my trowsers are sensitive ter | noight, an’ let it paddle them just an hour: an’ eas 4 ‘* Who are you going to serve, then?” **Don’t s’pose you want a homely kid, with freckles on his face, an’ a wart on his wrist, do you?” was the bold inquiry. “T want you!” You do?’ ° “cc Yes. ” ** Honest Injun?” ac Yes,” “‘Mr, Tracer, I can scarcely b’lieve it! Me, be an ally of an A 1 detective? Borin’ mus- keeters! you don’t mean it! No, you don’t; but 1 won't let you back out. I take yer up at yer own offer, I do; an’ here is ten cents ter bind the bargain!” He extended a dime with perfect gravity and sincerity, but Tom Tracer assured him that a fiaancial consideration was not necessary. when not on the machine, a missionary ought ter be wid the boys all the time.” **T notice the girls take ter that kind o’ mis- sioner work!” ** They don’t take ter the boys,” *“ They take after thim,” **- Yes; a long ways after thim.” Dennis and Molly would not have been in their usual spirits had they not indulged in one of ther good-natured brushes, Having done this, the former told Maggie all about his recent ad- ventures, This was no breach of confidence. Tom Tracer already had made friends with her, and had decided that she might be as useful in her way as Dennis. Hence, sbe was to know everything, and was requested to be watcbful. “Tv’s a right serious matter ter break away He stated, further, that he believed Van | from the Brown Sport,” Dennis remarked, in Decker and the Brown Sport were engineering some big plot, and that, of course, meant trou- eonclusion, ‘‘I ain’t never done no errands fer him but simple ones, but he’s always told w’ot ble and loss to somebody else, and violation of | he would fer me when I growed up, an’ I the laws of the good State of New York. The plot was still obscure, and Tracer had found it hard to grasp, but he believed he now saw his way clear, ‘*Tf you will enter my service I'll bave you continue right along with Montague, do his er- rands as of old, act as of old, but learn more than ever, and keep me constantly informed, And as one event after another occurs, I shall prob- ably see a point where I can work in counter- demonstration, and get at the plotters’ secret,” “* Pll doit, b’*jinks!” Denniscried. ‘ But, hold on! Before now cabby has gone ter Montague an’ told him how I knocked out his scheme.” **Wrong! Cabman’s mouth is closed, and I have the key. He brought me here.” “c Eh?” ‘* By mere chance I saw you and Miss Ellis- ton leave one carriage and enter another, after rf had alarmed the driver into letting you out. immediately engaged the discarded driver to bring me here, and he told his story on the way down. ThenlI sent him away.” ‘* But won’t he peach?” “No, The fellow is‘ an ex-convict, and I know of an old offense which I could bring up against him at any time. I have not done it, for his former sentence seemed to be enough. I have, however, closed his mouth by threaten- ing to bring up the other charge, 1am positive be will tell the Brown Sport only what I have directed bim to, and that is, that, on the way to Purgatory Cocp, Miss Elliston insisted on get- ting out at a drug-store to get a remedy for sud- den faintness; and then evaded him and you. ou are supposed to be shadowing her, now, and that is the yarn you must corroborate when you go to Montague.” ‘St. Patrick defend us!” Dennis cried, ‘What now?” “Ef you ain’t a dandy I'll sellout. Why, that little fiction is foine as silk, an’ ivll knock Roland Gustavus gally west an’ up in high G!” ‘Don't let it put you in the way of fictions, but the only way to run down a rascal is to beat him out in the game of wits,” Tom Tracer gave some further directions, and Dennis avowed his determination to serve the man from Headquarters to the extent of his ability. Then they parted and the new recruit started homeward, It was two hours later when he encountered Molly McGinnis near her home, ‘“* What’s the matter wid you?” she asked, “Tm well,” ‘*'You’s don’t look it.” **'You see too much.” ** Sure, an’ why shouldn’t I be watchful of me cousin? Only the day me father was sayin’ that them who come from Ballyragget ought ter stand by each other,” ‘* The Ballyragget cousins always were great on that p’int. Sure, I've been after seein’ many the wan of them licked like a carpet because his ffection wa’n’t strong enough fer his cousins, he only way some men kin make their wives keep on a-dotin’ on them is to thrash them once a ‘ day.’ “ it’s meself would like ter see a man try it with me!” cried Molly, with spirit. “It bas ter be done,” gravely asserted Den- thought I’s on the road ter glory an’ cash, He even told me he could hire me out, right away, ter a horse ‘tout,’ but of course I’d not be after ‘oin? in ter no sech disreputable biz as that. ot fer Isaac i” ‘*Tom Tracer will use you better than him,” ‘‘ Thomas is a slick chap, I’m after tellin’ you, an’ I guess he’s honest. Annyhow, he’s snapped the Brown Sport’s game off the hook, an’ Roland Gustavus ain’t got no suspicion that he bas been done up. Yes; you an’ me will stick ter the gent from Headquarters, Molly, an’ 1 reckon we won’t be sorry. Now, l’m goin’ home an’ turn in early. I’m about fagged out, an’ nobody knows w’ot the next call will be. No Bally- ragget man ever kuows jest when ter fight an’ when ter pray, unless he does both at once,” Dennis went home, and only waited to eat supper before turning in. Y ut he was not to get the long night’s rest he bad calculated on. He was creaming that be had hired the exclusive use of the East River Bridge fora year at fifty cents a week, when the great business scheme dissolved and some- body began to sbake him rudely, “Sure, be you’s gone cl’ane out ave your own body an’ moind?” demanded the voice of Mrs, Margaret Katharine Duff. : . “The ‘grip’ has broke, an’ two trains hev smashed into aich other right over Vandewater street,” murmured Dennis, drowsily, still think- ing of the big briage. [ ‘‘ Begorra, Oi’ll show yez dbat de grip is all roight, me lad!” quoth Mrs, Duff; and she lifted her son bodily and set him, on his feet. “*A foine duck, you are, ter be dr’amiw’ loike a lazy Turk whin you’re wanted, The Duffs ave Bally- ragget niver would own yez, an tbe loike ave you will niver free ould Oireland; but phwat is ter be expected ave a b’ye that neglected ter be born in Kilkenny county, where his ansisters hev lived ever sence Brian Boroihme was king ave the Emerald Isle?” “Yes, an’ they all died there, too,” returned Dennis, now fully awake. * Ab!” none ave your back talk nows sure, you’s want ter get a move on, fer yer cousin, olly McGinnis, do be waitin’ at the dure ter ” Why didn’t ye say so afore, instead o’ talkin’ about Ballyragget an’ Brian Boil-me. Molly’s great- grandfather’s father was father ter my great- an’ I don’t neglect my rela- “Molly? Great hump-backed cats! grandfather, foine family, though not aiquil terme own, the rian ‘*Go ’way! W’'ot is it?” ‘“‘[’m afraid Tom ‘racer has come to grief.” “ How?” ‘*‘ Drowned in the river by the toughs!”
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~ ee a ve i, Coda me r. ks bh ot x a 6 ae SK Ce nt em a ee eames ein sna. 5 yeh nace na origina ameter Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. CHAPTER XI. DENNIS TO THE RESCUE. “GREAT Cicero!” Dennis uttered the exclamation in dismay. Then he added: ‘Sure, you don’t mean it; you can’t!” ‘“Well, that’s what I’m afraid on,” Molly amended. ‘They hev captured bim, an’ taken him away in a boat, an’ if they ain’t goin’ ter drownd him, what is it?” ‘*Gobbled Tom Tracer?” *“*Sure!” ‘“Where? When? How?” Dennis was startled and excited. His admira- tion of the Headquarters detective bad increased since he entered his service, and he wanted to win glory side by side with that gentleman. But where did the alliance, the glory, and Tom Tracer come in, if the latter had gone to the river-bottom? ** Tt was like this,” Molly explained. ‘‘I was over by the ferry with my basket of fruit as late as I felt like stayin’, an’ then I walked up West street. When I got ter the pier where Ti.n Kil- lion used ter watch, [ see how much darker it was than when Tim took care of it, an’ while lookin’ that way I see three men.” “Tom Tracer was one?” ‘Yes; an’ be was behind a bale o’ somethin’, pipin’ the other two.” ; ‘ Jest like Thomas; thar ain’t no sand-fleas on m,” “‘T had jest made out that ’twas him when the other men left the further end o’ the pier an’ walked toward West street, They went care- less-like, an’ I hadn’t no idea they meant any harm. I guess Tom Tracer hadn’t, neither, fer he kept still where he was; but when the men got there, what did they do but turn quick an’ just jump onter him.” ‘*Sneezin’ cats!” ““T was that scared,” continued Molly, with a deep sigh, ‘‘ that I couidn’t get a joint ter mov- in’ for a while, an’ all the toime them three men was thrashio’ about like they were crazy. Then I got a move on an’ went for a copper, but I didn’t find none.” i *¢ An’ Thomas got drownded?” ‘* When I got back a boat was jest leavin’ the pier an’ three men was in it, an’ as the light o’ the lamp fell full on them for a bit, I seen one was Tom Tracer. They had him prisoner.” “Did ve know them?” : a 0. *“* Where did they go!” “Straight out on the river until they disap- in the dark.” “Mary Katherine, be you sure it was Tra- **T be, that.” Dennis shook his head. ‘“*No more sleep fer me, ter-night. I’ve got ter go an’ rescue my boss, I don’t blieve they ’ve sunk him in the river, so I won’t take no hook an’ line, an’ I ain’t got time ter buy anny bait. Tve got an idee. You come with me, Molly, an’ we'll see if we kin get track of these measly ab- ductionizers.” They hastened to West street. “*There’s the watchman, now,” added Dennis, “It’s Mart Meroigan, a good-hearted feller; but he will sneak away from his post now an’ then, Ef he’d been there, there wouldn’t ’a’ been no abduct, I take it.” The speaker marched out on the pier and ac- costed Mr. Meroigan abruptly. The latter at first denied having been absent, at all, but the strength of evidence forced him to confess, finally. As Dennis had said, Martin wae a good- hearted fellow, and he became interested, at once, on hearing of the alleged kidnapping. * Sure, it war Water Bill who did it!” he ex- claimed. ** Who's he?” * 4 waterman that Oi know no good of,” ** How d’yo know he did it?” **Oi seen him an’ anither mon sneakin’ around with a boat, an’ I once thought he had come iz under me pier, but “i could foind no signs ave him, Water ‘Bill is a sneak-thief ave the river, an’ we have ter look out whin he’s around, He’s the wan, begorra!” Dennis thought the evidence weak, and said so, but Meroigan persisted until even the doubter began to believe, ‘Sure, ef Oi was off dutv Oi’d take me boat an’ row you's over ter Water Bill’s store- house.” ; “Where is it?” “Tn Jersey City.” * But where?” “Mum is the word, Dennis, an’ ef Oi tell you, you must kape it still, Sure, we watchmen along the water-front have all we kin do ter look out for river-thieves, annyhow, an’ wance we get them down on us, our lives would be miserable, Besides, there’s no knowin’ what foggy noight they would sneak up an’ give wan a bullet.” The young detective had heard this before, and did not wonder at Mart’s caution. **So,” the watchman added, ‘‘ though Oi know where Water Bill’s quarters are, Oi wouldn’t dare tell the police unless there was a chance Bill would be railroaded fer ten years, or such a matter.” ‘* Wal, you jest vociferate the p’int o’ compass ter me in a husky whisper, an’ I’ll help ye keep the secret, You're a Ballyragget man, an’ I won't throw ye down,” ‘““You know where Pat Norris’s schooner ‘Sure.” “Well, over beyanst the landin’ you will see an ould buildin’ which looks as ef it had been built a thousand years—” **T remember it,” ‘* Water Bill lives there, all alone. Ef the — were ter raid the ould hulk they would oind Bill’s plunder, but it is supposed ter bea deserted place.” ‘Mart, will you’s loan me yer boat?” ** Do ye be goin’ there?” “T be, Martin!” ‘* Water Bill will gobble ye.” ** Not with my permission. I mean ter be sly, but ef I do get set on, why, I’ll hey ter take my medicine,” Mart protested further, and so did Molly, but Dennis was not to be moved. He did not intend to do anything reckless, or pit his strength against the river thief’s, but he could not rest easy when there were indications that Tom Tra- cer bad met with trouble, Mart finally agreed to loan his boat, and made it ready. Then Molly furnished a diversion by insisting upon accompanying her “ cousin.” ‘“* You?” cried Dennis. ‘Sneezin’ cats! who ever heerd of sech a thing? Sech business ain’t built right fer girls,” ‘*T ain’t afeard,” she pefsisted. **T’'m afeard for you.’ ‘*T guess I can go where you kin, an’ it ain’t right fer you ter go alone. ou can’t go alone; I’m goin’, too. Now, there!” Denais found it harder to prevail over her than with Mart, and considerable time was wasted, but the watchman came to the rescue and declared that he would not let the boat go if a girl was to dare the river by night, and its natural dangers, So Dennis went alone, but the last thing he saw as he rowed away in the darkness and fog was Molly standing on the pier, looking after him fixedly. ‘Sure, that girl is a trump!” he murmured, “There ain’t many cousins so devoted, an’ she only me great grandfather’s great granddarter, But she’s after ‘resemblin’ Brian Boroihme, who me mother tells of, a good bit, an’ she’s a hero, T reckon ef she’d been old enough when the war was down South she’d been a major-gineral, or oogpenel or some high officer.” olly faded from view, and the young adven- turer pulled on across the river. He was one of the many New York povs who, from abundant practice, were able to pull a boat with wonderful skill when current and tide sent the waters of the old North River strongly end fiercely toward the bay. More than a hundred times he had been out, wholly at ease, while in- experienced persons stood on the piers ard wondered whence came the strength that defied the swift, curling water; and the present expe- dition was nothing, as far as the river was con- cerned, The river was crossed uneventfully, oe he approached the other shore all was quiet. _ He brought his boat up to the pier and se- cured it, Then he clambered up and looked around, Satisfied, after a few moments, that no one was watching, he left the pi r and sought the building said to be Water Bil!’s lair. Its a; pearance corroborated what Mart had said about it, and Dennis could see no sign of life. It stood in an isolated position, and he was able to walk aroundit. Atno p int did a light show, . This at first caused him to doubt the reliability of his information, but a little reflection showed that if the river-thief was using it se- cretly, he would, of course, avoid all betraying gns, Dennis listened at the door and windows, but could hear nothing to indicate that it was ———— _ $$ occupied. He found, on examination, that the door and windows were fastened, He hesitated to act further. If he forced an entrance he might get into trouble, for there was no proof that Tom Tracer was there, or that Water Bill had molested the detective, The only evidence was guess-work on Mar- tin’s part. For awhile Dennis wavered, but he finally resolved to take the risk, If he went in he would be able to settle the matter one way or the other, and if Water Bill had not been con- cerned in the fight on the other shore, he prob- ably was away on some marauding expedition. It was not bard to pry up one of the old windows, and he entered. He was in a big, silent, musty-smelling room. Lighting a match he looked around, and found himeelf the only person present. He located a door and went on, and, in a short time, had looked through the lower part of the house, Except for a small quantity of decay- ing furniture, nothing was to be seen there. He ascended the stairs. Above, a door stood open, and he went on into another rgom. Then, suddenly, he saw a gleam of light ahead, and one which seemed to come from under a second door, As he made — this discovery, and came to a halt, there was a loud bang behind him, The door at the head of the stairs had blown to with a sound audible through the whole house, CHAPTER XII, THE MAN IN THE BOX, DENNIS was startled. It was clear that some one was in the house, and he did not see how any one but a deaf man could help hearing the noise, DMP pa it bring immediate discovery upon im He retreated to a corner of the room, and made himself as inconspicuous as possible, and the precaution was taken just in time, The door beneath which the light showed was open- ed, and @ man appeared to Dennis’s view. In his hand he carried a lantern, and the light re- vealed a figure remarkable for its breadth, and a bushy beard which framed in a red face like a glade iu a forest. ' This person advanced across the room, His gaze was directed straight ahead, and as the young detective was not m range, and the lan- tern’s light was by no means brilliant, no dis- — covery followed at that moment, , Dennis was satisfied that the big man was Water Bill, and it looked very much as if the man knew intruders were in the building, and intended to seize them. It was just the time for bold action, and, be- lieving tliat Tom Tracer must be in the other room, bis ally was about to make a quick move- ment in that direction when, through the open door, he saw a second man. He recognized Calvin Garland, Sight of tbe thimble-rigger checked Dennis’s lan of action, and the chance was goon lost, Vater Bill opened the door at the head of the stairs, looked into the dark expanse below for a moment, and then calmly reclosed the door and locked it. ‘ This done, he returned to the other room. “‘Caged, by St. Patrick!” : Dennis muttered the words in a seriv-comie way, but to most persons there would have been only what was serious in the situation, The locking of the door cut off bis retreat, and he practically was a prisoner. ' Before entering he bad noticed that the win- dows were clear on the outside, but examination, now, showed they were boarded up on the inside, More than this, the boards were thick and sub- stantial; they seemed to be nailed securely; and there was no chance to push or pul! ttem off, Dennis had entered a veritable place of im- prisonment, and the chances of getting out were not promising. ‘‘An interestin’ applesade, by ginger! My thirst fer adventure bids fair ter be gratified, un? I*guess it'll be a reg’lar Noab’s flood. By the time I git clear I won’t be thirsty an artom, an’ the police force o’ Gorham may losea bright an? new-found star, There would be weepin’ among the Ballyragget contingent, an’ fer their sakes I'd kind 0’ like ter pull through. I don’t want ter be mean!” His thoughts drifted away from the general house of Duff, and ics cousins, ‘Cal Garland is in there. What does that mean! Is it merely a game o’ the thimble-rig- gers, ter git square with Tom Tracer fer robbin’ them o’ their prey, Vother nigbt?” Dennis was reeovering his nerve, He easily” perceived that Water Bill had attributed the
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eo ney & ww Vw yo 3. OD Oe _ = Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. aE EA Re 11 violent closing of the door to the wind, or some natural cause, and that he was not under sus- picion. He could not escape, but was it not pos- sible to act inside? He was determined to learn if Tom Tracer was near. He went to the door and listened. There was & murmur of voices beyond, but no coherent words reached him, He lay down and tried to get some points by looking through the crack where the light showed, but this attempt re- sulted in nothing. Being in a mood for risky venture he now seb gcd to take a bold step. He deliberately ut very carefully, opened the door, Fortunate- ly, no betraying sound followed. A large room was revealed; one almost desti- tute of furniture. It was only poorly lighted, for only the lantern broke the darkness, and that was far from being as good as the avérage of itskind. It set on top of a dry-goods case of considerable size, and two men were playing cards by its apology for light. They were Water Bill and Garland. Dennis could not tell whether a prisoner was present or not, so, relying upon the darkness, he entered the room fully and closed the door, Under more Favorebila circumstances he would have seen that the place was fitted out witha rickety stove, the dry-goods case, two smaller boxes used as chairs, anda bed on the floor. These, with a few cooking utensils, made up Water Bill’s visible property. He and Garland were playing poker, and were deeply absorbed at that moment, Each hada hand upon which he placed some confidence, un- less he was bluffing, and the betting, though slow, was firm, Dennis could see that Water Bill held three kings and a pair of queens. For a moment he vaguely thought that the river- thief was in the way of winning, but bis mind soon turned to other matters. The room received his closest scrutiny, but nowhere could he see Tom Tracer, and, while it was possible that he was stowed away in some remote corner, there was no reason to believe this true. “‘T call you!” suddenly exclaimed Water Bill, throwing down his cards, Cal scanned them for a moment, and then smiled grimly and turned the faces of his own 2 tee a to the light, He held three aces and a pair of queens. * Perdition!” Bill exclaimed. “Pm just one over you, William,” “You always have three aces, Whar d’ye get them?” ** Out of his sleeve!” The last words came in a hollow voice, and Water Bill kicked the dry-goods case, “Shut up!” be growled. “As my guardian,” added the hollow voice, “*T advise you to look out for Esquire Garland. He is a slippery fellow, and probably lined with aces and kings.” jeg Ne “Don’t mind him, Bill,” interrupted Garland. “*I play a square game,” ; x "Ask him what the game is, William,” ad- vised the hollow voice. , ** It’s poker!” snapped Calvin, ‘*‘ Do you want to ats me a back?” ‘* Not unless you cut off your sleeves,” ‘* Bill, don’t mind bim; he is sore, and wants to make trouble between friends.” ‘‘ Between sbarks, you mean,” averred the hollow voice, 4 Puzzled at first, Dennis had not been long in deciding as to the source of the voice, There was a man in the big box! Was it Tom Tracer? 2 In vain the boy detective tried to settle this point. ‘be box and the almost-empty room were alike against any such discovery, and all speech there had about the same sound. Still, Dennis’s hopes went “p greatly; if the man in the box was not the Headquarters detective, who was it? Tom Tracer’s ally believed he was on the c . Cal Garland dealt with that careless grace never seen but in an old card-player. ater ert pete peng found he bad a “ bob-tail ush "—the ace, king, queen and ; and the five of diamoale. ao ghbvesoany He hesitated. Of all bands the straight flush was the hardest to fill. Should he draw to it, or not? The decision was finally made, and be flung down the five of diamonds, ‘*Gimme one!” he directed, Cal took three, and the fresh cards were dealt. Water Bill had acquired the five of clubs, and he Was a supremely disgusted man. He tried bluff- ing and run the betting up a little, but lost his nerve and called. Garland threw down a pair of fours, * An’ I had a bob-tail flush!” lamented Bill. **One more card would have done the biz, but never a tenner came my way.” ‘*Lcok up Cal’s sleeve,” suggested the man in the box, “You think you are mighty funny, Tom Tracer!” cried Cal, angrily, **but 1 reckon we have as much reason to laugh as you. You won’t see Headquarters again, right away.” ** Are you sure?” OT ara k ‘Other men have indulged in the same fond hopes, only to get left in the end. Some of them have become proficient workmen at Sing Sing. ‘ Perhaps you will make their acquaintance, later. ‘*Ob! you won’t slip out of the Brown Sport's grip!” Cal retorted, ** Hush!” Water Bill sibilated, angrily. ‘Let the gentleman talk,” answered the man in the box. ‘He can tell no more than I know already. The Brown Sport hired you to kid- nap me, though what he has against me, I don’t know,” ‘* Ask Vandevere Van Decker,” suggested al, “Oh! So the Pennsylvanian has overcome his fear of Montague enough to tell the latter that he went into Purgatory Coop and got plucked by you and the thimble-riggers, has he? And the sleek Mr. Moptague scents—what?” ‘* Bill,” requested Garland, ‘‘let the detective out of the box. I want to talk with him, and I can’t chin with a man I[ can’t see,” **He’s all right wbhar he is,” the river-thief owled, ‘*‘ When he’s in thar I know jest where ) is, It’s the most convenientest prison I know on. “‘ But why vot have him out to look at?” ** Look at me, ef you want ter use yer peep- ers, * William, a are not handsome enough.” ** Anyhow, I’ve got the stuff, there!” Bill patted the muscle of bis big arm, and the argument was one not open to refutation. Gar- land looked disappointed, and followed up his remarks with further words which gave Dennis a new idea; he suspected that Water Bill was as loyal to the Brown Sport, his master, as the typi- cal ‘bull-dog he so much resembled, while Cal was interested chiefly for himself, The idea was strengthened when it came out that Montague had hired the river-thief to ab- duct Tracer, leaving him to select an associate, and he had chosen Cal, Whether the employer would have approved the choice, wasa matter open to doubt, and the watcher suspected that Cal was all ready to turn traitor if he could further his own interests by doing so. But this did not help Dennis in the existing emergency, and, no doubt, the thimble-rigger would figbt as zealously as Bill, if there was need of it. Only cash in hand could turn his allegiance. 4 Dennis meditated while the men continued to play poker. He had found Tom Tracer, but how was he to help him? Certainly, he could not overcome tae captors, and there was no way for him to summon help, The situation was all against him, and bis own boldness had placed him where he was liable to be discovered at any time, and made a fellow- captive with Tracer, CHAPTER XII. DENNIS BECOMES ACTIVE. THE attention of both card-players suddenly wandered. They had been running the betting up, with Water Bill playing a ‘‘ bluff,” when there was a loud pounding below. “Somebody at the front door!” Bill ex- claimed. ‘Have the police got track of us?” Cal asked, apxiously. “ Mebhe, ” “ iow ooh and see.” an’t do it here; gottergobelow. Say, thi jigger must be atlenoed ob . deity The river-thief caught up a piece of cloth, and unceremoniously stuffed it into Tom er’s mouth, making it impossible for him to ery out. ‘¢Come with me!” he then directed, ‘ Ef it’s the perleece, an’ they try ter break in, we've got ter fight them every inch; that’s all. We might as wal be hung fer sheep as lambs,” He drew a big revolver and marched out of the room, and Cal followed bim. The latter’s expression did not indicate that he would enjoy a fight with the police, but Water Bill’s manner was so commanding that be did not yet inter- pose an objection. He, however, had less to fear than his rough companion, for less could be proven against him in court, If they had tarried by the door after passin it, they might have heard a suspicious soun back of them, but they neither heard nor saw what was transpiring there. No svoner had they disappeared than Dennis Duff sprung up out of the dark corner and crossed the floor with quick, light steps, The door never had been provided with a lock, but Water Bill bad fixed a cross-bar which was a good deal stronger than any lock, This bar Dennis hastened to put in plaee, and the kidnap- pers were fastened out. Then he bastened to the box. ‘‘ Hi! be you there, Mr, Tracer?’ he cried, eagerly. The detective was there, as could be seen plainly, but was not in condition to speak. An apology for a bed had been made there, and Water Bill bad put him inside so that he would be under their very eyes, as it were, while they engaged in their game, Dennis's first act was to pull out the gag. ‘“‘Hasten!” Tom exclaimed. ‘Release my hands,” ‘* You bet, me hearty!” The ce 8 had drawn his pocket-knife, and he severed the cords on his employer’s wrists and ankles as soon as possible, Tracer hastened out of the box, For the first time he recognized his rescuer, but cnly gave bim a hearty band-shake, wasting no words, : ‘* What's the situation?” he demanded. ‘Sure, there’s no name for it, but it’s a seream- er. I don’t know who's knockin’ at the door, but the man-trappers bev left the room, an’ ’ve barred them out, See?” . roar to the door, ‘““You are a brick!” the detective declared. “Can we get out of here?” He glanced at the open windows, and Dennis ran to one of them and tested the fastenings, They seemed to be strong enough to defy their efforts utterly. “There ain’t nothin’ here ter pry them off witb, neither,” he observed, “The room is still our prison, The windows are fast, and to pass the door means to encoun- ter the enemy.” ‘*T hope the perleece hey come.” **As far as our foes’ theory is concerned we may as well dismiss the hope; it is not at all likely I bave been followed from New York. The one hope is that the local officers are raid- ing the old watermen, and that, I don’t im- agine is the case,” ‘* Hark! there’s yellin’ down below!” Dennis quickly stretched himself out on the floor by the door, and put his head close to the crevice below it. “Go away, you drunken fool! or Pll be out thar an’ masb you in the jaw!” This belligerent speech was from Water Bill, and it told the whole story. The disturbers of the waterman’s peace were not policemen, but common roysterers of tLe night, Dennis rose, “They'll be back in a jiff, an’ when they find the door borred agi’n’ them, there will be a tall cyclone with whiskers on top of its head, beller- in’ around here an’ tearin’ up the yarth with its horns.” Tracer looked around the room, and then shook his head. ‘‘We are utterly without weapons,” he con- fessed, “Fact, by St. Patrick!” ** All depends upon a a the door intact. The dry-goods case will make the burrier a little stronger; let us wheel it up against the door,” This was done, and none toosoon; Bill and Cal were heard approaching, and angry words from - the former were audible, “It was a gang o’ young toughs who livea few blocks away; fellers that every policemen is onter, yet they never did a decent job in their lives, Before they will be any good in the broth- erhood of rogues they must hev some o’ their freshness cut out, like.weeds, by time. A boy, bet ween a einer and twenty-five, thinks be knows it all, but his brains wouldn’t fill a thim- ble, Freshness, an’ gall, an’ conceit, witbers bis brain up, an’ it’s got ter smell with age afore he can tap a till, work the docks, or— Hullo! what makes this door stick?” Water William had attempted to re-enter the room with the same ease which had marked his exit, but the door did not yield. He tried it several times, “ That’s confounded odd!” he added, “* What is the cause of it?” Cal asked, * Just w’ot I don’t know.” ‘* it isn’t the latch.” “No, Darned ef it don’t act as if the bar was up! A “Cun Tracer bave got free?”
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ve Nie ; Lies > hg - hi t aye. fi ; x vt “* € ‘ eer if r » ..) Sh a 7 ie . A | \ oe Be ii\ he So 9 ais, et . " f ’ ah Thy oy a) ‘ , a R Las te } : 1 ond i | ba ate peti aeat oye Da “a oe eae pee yes linet =m 12 EN eT Oa o Not by a long shot, when Water Bill tied the rings. “ But I believe the bar is up.” ‘*T know itis. Gosh all thunder-claps! what does that mean? Say, one o’ them toughs has got in an’ fastened us out,” ‘¢ Break in the door!” Cal advised, burriedly, “Tf he sets that detective free it means Sing Sing boarding-house for us!” Bill flung himself against the door. It stood firm, ‘¢ He can’t break that bar,” chuckled Dennis. ‘« He can do worse, as soon as the idea occurs to him,” Tracer gravely observed, ‘‘ The bar crosses the dvor at its strongest part, and must be well-nigh impregnable, but the panels would not long resist assault. Once they get a hole through, too, they can turn their revolvers on us, wherever we may stand.” This startling fact troubled the heir of the Duffs, and made him more than ever anxious to get away. How could it bedone? The windows ad been tested and were out of the game, They must go down or up, if at all, His gaze wan- dered, and then he suddenly grasped Tracer’s arm, “Say, mister, w’ot d’ye call that?” he de- manded., Following the boy’s suggestive forefinger, Tracer saw in the ceiling something that had be- fore escaped their notice. A space had been cut in the top of the room, and there would have been a hole three feet square had not a board cover been over it. The detective caught the idea at once. Js + !’ he whispered. ‘‘Get the box under it, e must go up, unless that cover is nailed down.” ~ “Correct fer Dennis! I don’t want no bullets fired inter my figger, fer my‘bones would jam them all out o’ shape. Ez the minister said when the old sheep butted him in a belated part o’ bis anatomy: ‘the impact was painful; an’ ’twonld be so ef a lump o’ Jead shook hands with my hip- jints. Up we go, Gallagber!” Mr. Duff's spirits were rising, and so was his rson. He leaped to the top of the case and reached for the cover of the aperture. All de- pended on whether it was fastened down. He touched it; it gave way. He seized the firm sides.of the opening, and, as Tracer gave his help, went up lightly. The detective followed without any great trouble. They were ina very dark loft, the roof of the house being so low that Tom could not stand erect, ‘* Where was Moses when the light went out?” Dennis demanded, ‘The chestnuts o’ that joke are here, an’ this is the place where Moses was, It’s sacred soil. Mebbe McGinty, Gallagher an’ Little Annie Rooney room here. Better hev ro ene than Whisky Bill an’ Thimble-rigger al, ‘“ What we need most is that lantern.” “Say, [ll git it!” Tracer stopped his impetuous ally, Bill and Col were flinging themselves heavily against the door, which was beginning to crack and splinter. It is not safe.” ? “But we must hev that lantern. Somebody gets odds by means of it, Shall it be us, or them? Say, mister, I must go!” ‘* Then make haste!” Down through the opening Dennis went. It took him only a brief time to reach the lanterr, but as he did so a part of one panel flew in, and he could see through the ragged hole thus made. He sprung back to the box, the lantern was up, and his friend seized bis arms, ‘Hold up, thar, or I'll shoot yer!” roared Water Bill from the outer room, A merentet was thrust terough the broken panel, With one leap, aided by Tracer, Dennis gained the loft, and the waterman growled an angry ex lamation at having bis target thus disap- pear, ‘* We are the roosters on the top ave the heap, sure!” the boy exclaimed. The detective did not answer, He was using the lantern to look around, He knew the enemy would try to follow them, Had they any means of repelling an attack? He caugbt sight of a stout stick which was well calculated for a club, and caught it up with an air of relief. ‘*Tt¢ means sore heads for them, now, if they try any hostilities at close quarters,” he de- clared, Tbe door gave way entirely before repeated assaults, and, as it flew from its hinges abrupt- ly, both Bill and Cal followed it and fell sprawl- ing on the floer, * Say, sometbing’s been after droppin’!” taunt- ingly called young Mr. Duff, ‘‘ Get a derrick, an’ raise up the old stiffs!” But the fallen men sprung to their feet much quicker than was to be expected, and Water Bill raised his revolver. The fugitives prudently made themselves invisible. ‘Say, come down out o’ that!” roared the waterman. No one answered, ‘*T mean biz, an’ don’t yer forget it,” he add- ed. ‘Come down, or Ill shoot the both o? you!” CHAPTER XIV. A NEW DANGER APPEARS, “Ter him talk,” Tom Tracer calmly ob- served. ‘It is action, not words, we have to fear,” Water Bill was no coward, and he made a mo- tion to leap up on the box, but the detective dis- played bis club at the opening. ** Keep down!” he quietly directed. ‘‘ If you show your unsightly head up this way, it will be the first sufferer.” **See yere!” cried the waterman, ‘‘ w’ot do you mean by such infamous conduct?” ‘* What's the trouble, William?” ‘* What business have you up thar?” “My friend, feeling the difference in our worldly station, I have decided that I ought to inhabit your garret, rather than your parlor. Observe my extreme humility, and let me have my way. I don’t feel at home with you.” “You talk like a cbild, but I am a mano’ business. I don’t know how the dickens you got loose, but there you be. Now, ef you don’t come down Pll wing you.” ** Proceed, waterman!” ** Do you see this revolver?” “No; and I don’t care to, I am not big enough fool to exhibit my head to you and get a bullet as a reward. I can’t see you, and you can’t see me, but I have you foul. In this case clubs are trumps and a long reach counts. Ican defend my position without showing so much as a finger, and you can rest assured that the man who dares get on that box will get a broken head!” Water Bill was angry, and be proved it by an extemporaneous, lurid and disconnected series of remarks which would have shocked a person who was opposed to violent language. In fact, he tore passion in tatters, and discharged words which, as Dennis Duff averred, ‘‘ raised a right smart smell o’ brimstone,” , When the waterman calmed down somewhat be and Cal Garland consulted. Although the former had come near getting a sbot at Dennis, they had not seen the boy distinctly enough to recognize hima, or, indeed! to see that it was not Tracer bimself. They were greatly puzzled to know how the detective had escaped. They had left bim strongly bound, and experi- enced Water Bill bad tied the cords with theskill af the sailor and the roughness of a merciless captor, et, the cords had been neatly cut, and he was gone. They could not understand it in any degree, but they abandoned vain speculations on the past to plan for energetic action in the future, How were they to recapture him? Water Bill had been given to understand that it was a matter of great importance that Thomas Jefferson Tracer sbould disapnear from the haunts of men foratime, Mr. Vandevere Van Decker bad told the Brown Sport of the adven- ture with the thimble-riggers, and the part Tracer had played, and the Sport’s fears had been aroused at once, He hired Bill to seize the detective, and re- iterated the importance of holding him fast, The men did not see their way clear to get at their prey. There was but one means of access to the lot, and sight of tbe club Tracer had waved over the opening convinced them that he could defend that point. In the mean while, at the detective’s sugges- tion, Dennis hed taken the lantern and made an examination of their new quarters, The place was at once a refuge and a prison, It had no skylight or window, and was a bare, unfinished w ne igagge of rough timbers, s»linters and cob- webs. “There ain’t no way out except by the roof,” he announced. **Can you break through that?” Tom asked, ‘‘Dupno. It seems pretty solid,” ‘* Time ought to bave decayed it.” ‘* Guess it’s been in other business; don’t see no favorable symptoms, I[ allow.” Dennis pushed stoutly against the roof, but failed to make an impression, ‘*We have got to force our way out, some- eget ee ae er mee } Kid, a how,” Tracer declared. ‘‘ Even the coming of day would bring us no relief, for we cannot get the attention of an outsider, We simply are bottled up bere, where we can depend pe on ourselves, You have done me a vast service, Dennis, but I fear you will have cause to regret your brave ccurse in coming to my rescue,” _ “Go ’way!” was the emphatic advice. ‘“ I’m jest in my glory. S’pose sech a smull thing wer What if we stay bere until at if we stay bere until you get bungry?” “Why, then I’ll send a icine cor ae: monico’s fer a dish of r’ale Irish stew,” “We are in a stew, already, but it’s not the kind so dear to the heart of St. Patrick’s fol- lowers,” Water Bill now claimed attention, “Say, up there; be ee goin’ ter surrender?” “Tthink not, We haven’t heard of such a move,” ‘* We are goin’ ter smoke you out.” **Ts it possible?” **'Yes, We'll build a smudge bere; the smoke will all ascend, an’ you'll be smothered,” William, you amuse me, Go on with your fun. When the smoke is started I will simply put the cover over this hole in the ceiling, and ae enough will get up here to tickle our nos- trils. The waterman again indulged in forcible lan- uage, “Say,” he added, “ef you don’t come out we’ll set the old house on fire. It will burn like tinder, an’ roast you alive.” ‘*“That’s better, Go abead!” *““VVe mean it.” ‘** Proceed, William!” Bill was growing more anc more angry, and be vented bis wrath in the usual way, Then he added arguments and threats, He was ugly enough, just then, to do anything, but he pre- ferred to frighten his opponents, The old building bad been a home to bim for months, and though the theory that he had stolen goods stored there was not correct, he disliked to de- stroy his own refuge, Yet, if Tracer escaped it would be a refuge no longer. He was disposed to go down with flying colors, Once more he tried tomove Tom Tracer, but without success, Then he left Cal Garland on guard and went to the lower floor, He return- ed bringing en armful of small boards and splin- ters, hese he piled up against the partition be- tween the two rooms, ~ “Ttll make a mighty lively blaze,” he ob- served, in a loud voice, ‘‘ Every part of the old ruokery is dry as dust, an’ it will burn in a twinklin’, Five nvinutes after I touch her off with a match, the whole ranch will be a fiery pit of roarin’ flames.” “Suppose the blokes above make a rush for life?” questioned Cal, in the same tone, “Ob! we'll stay until there’s no hope for them, an’ shoot the elbows off of ’em ef they ow up. ‘* Tt will be smoky and hot in the attic, won’t ? Water Bill langhed hoarsely, “Say, old man,” he returned, ‘won't they have a pile o’ fun?” om Tracer knew this talk was simply to frighten them, but there was no denying that the case was very serious, They could not go down, and there was no visible way of going up; the fire certainly would devour the old ruin in ashort time; and even if the police discovered it in due season, they would be too late to save the adventurers in the loft, ‘The detective tried bis luck on the roof, but failed to make any impression. ‘*T wish [ knew what would be the result if you were to surrender,” he remarked, thought- fully. ‘Why, mister?” Dennis asked, ‘fam not disposed to give way an inch, but if those men had one grain of human feeling left, they would consider your age and let you go free, if you surrendered,” *“Sneezin’ cats!” cried Dennis, “but they won’t get_no chance, Surrender? Notef the house o’ Doff ain’t lost its backbone. Why, in Ballyragget, Kilkenny County, when a Duff got inter a fight he never showed the white feather, Either he won, or kept on fightin’ till he died of old age, Say no more on that head, boss; I won’t desert the flag!” ** You are a hero,” ‘*I’m just wonderin’ ef I ain’t a strategy- feller, too.” Dennis had been giving some attention to the chimney, It was old-fashioned, and, in the loft, pierced for the entrance of a stove-pipe, that be- ing the method of heating the house, And i yy peek ? =a <<)
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around the pipe there was an irregularity of the bricks which gave him an idea. He proceeded to disconnect the pipe, and one of the bricks which had rested upon it fell down. He borrowed Tracer’s club, and found = could pry them away without much trou- a. “The mortar was no good,” he commented, ‘though I’ve heerd they made good mortar in old days, ginerally. This don’t prove it.” There was now an opening big enough to admit the body of a man, and he held the lantern up and scanned the interior, _“ Say, boss!” he exclaimed, “‘we kin go up like monkeys, Things was fixed here fer the chimney-sweep. There’s cross-pieces 0’ iron bars, an’ it won’t be no work at all, Whoop!” Tom Tracer had been too busily engaged in watching the men below, who were about ready for their bonfire, to give much heed to his young ally’s operations, but this low-spoken, but jubilant, revelation fully aroused bim, “Ts this really so?” “Sure!” ‘Is the chimney big enough to let me up?” “Sure, ag’in!” “Dennis, your head is a good many years older than your body.” “Jain’t got no gray hairs, or flies, boss, Now, jest let us hustle. We want ter git on that rcof in about two shakes of a mule’s north- west heel,” “Hold a little, my friend. I must remain here until there is no danger that the enemy will follow. If we both desert this loft they will soon know it, and jump ourclaim; astep which would give them a big advantage. Go you up, Dennis, and see what the situation is, See if there is anyway to get down from tbe roof, if once we go out there.” “Pm on!” Dennis made for the chimney, and was soon as- cending, He never had acted the chimney-sweep, and knew but little about the place, but now found the odor anything but pleasant. Natural- ly bad, the air was filled with soot by bis own movements, and he could not avoid sn2ezing. “Tl soil me clothes, too,” he muttered, in serio-comic vein, ‘‘ Hullo! w’ot’s that?” One of the bricks near him loosened and fell. CHAPTER XV. WATER BILL KEEPS HIS WORD, For a moment Dennis thought he was caught ina bad trap. The fallen brick had connected with the iron rod he had seized last, in his ascent, More than that, it had fallen ina bed of soot, and the stuff floated up so he could not breathe with comfort for several seconds, His chief worry was about tbe condition of the chimney, however, and when he was able to investigate he found to his relief ‘that the bar was still firm, He resumed his way and reach- ed the top. Then it was easy to drop to the roof, The top of the building was nearly flat, and he now hada good view of the surrounding area, but nowhere could he see any person mov- ing, nor was there any inhabited building near at hand, as far as he could see, There was no perceptible way of giving the alarm, Cdr that they would have to depend upon their own efforts, he made a hurried examina- tion, The old rookery was not high, consider- ing its number of floors, but was sufficiently so to make a leap for safety far too hazardous to be considered. No fire-escape was to be expect- ed, and there was none, Only one chance could he find. A stout pipe for water extended down from the eaves, and when he had tested it, he felt sure he could slide down in safety. But how about Tom Tracer? The latter weighed down well, and there was reason to doubt that the Pipe would hold him. eturning to the chimney Dennis was about to go down and rejoin Tracer when he heard a scrambling inside and saw the detective ascend- ing. Under the latter’s weight the whole struc- ture showed signs of going to pieces, but he came up in safety and soon stood beside his ¥. ‘The house has been fired!” he announced, ___“Speezin’ cats! Then their nibses is in earn- est, be they?” The match has been applied, and the old building undoubtedly is doomed. As Water Bill said, it will burn with a rush, I kept at my post as long as possible, and then beat a retreat, Bill again tried to move me, but I res- olately refused to surrender. They saw the Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. 13 folly of talk, and, determined to silence me, plied the match.” The detective had spoken rapidly. ‘*Hope they’ll singe all their whiskers off!” averred Dennis, ‘* What are our chances of escape?” Tracer’s aid led the way to the water-spout, and the former quickly tested it. ‘*Go down!” he directed. ‘* Ill hold fast to the oP, which will add somewhat to its secur- ity. Dennis obeyed promptly. His companion en- abled him to get a strong and steady start, and down went Dennis in the best of shape, He was both light and strong, and he scored a victory. He shook his head doubtfully as be saw Tom prepare to follow. Would it bear the strain? Tbere had been no shaking before, but it was to be tried severely now. A fall from the top might mean death, he detective swung himself around carefully and began the descent. Really, he expected a fall as soon as all his weight was trusted to the spout, and it did creak and tremble, He was not disposed to flounder around in mid-air long, not having the skill of a boy; and he promptly allowed himself to slide as fast as possible and not run fresh risks, While he went he could hear sounds inside which proved that the fire had already gained strong headway. Probably Bill and Cal bad opened the duors, creating a current of air which fanned the hun- gry flames. ' “Glory St. Patrick!” Dennis uttered the unique exclamation joy- fully as his leader’s feet touched the ground, ‘“Chafed and splinter-pierced, a trifle, but still in the ring!” Tracer coolly 9 ve ‘* An’ where are Bill Mud an’ Cal McGinty? Still inside, an’ ketched with their shoes un- shined an’ untied, Sure, theyll niver win a race ef any other horse is in it!” ‘* The flames must soon break out, and I have some hustling to do. I am unarmed, and Bill and Cal are well heeled and ripe for business, I want to arrest them, and the only way is to get help. We can’t defy their revolvers, Come with me! We must find police and firemen,” In the mean while the waterman and his ally were on the lower floor, At first they expected their coveted prey to succumb and come down, but when the floor above becamea roaring vault of fire which no one could defy, they looked at each other blankly. ‘“*Kin it be he will let himself be burnt up?” asked Water Bill, wonderingly, “The idea is wild; no man would be such a fool. You told me he could not break through to the roof, but that’s just what he has done. You can depend on that.” ‘* We'll see!” The waterman ran outside, secured a long ladder, raised it and mounted to the roof. There, his belief seemed to be confirmed; there was no break in the roof. He thought of the chimney, though not with seriousness, but when he looked over the top, the fierce heat drove him back, He descended and rejoined Cal, The man is dead!” he announced. ‘I know t! Garland looked bewildered, but failed to oa the theory, impossible as it seemed to im. At that moment the flames burst out and the ery of ‘* Fire!” soon sounded froma vessel, Bill and Cal retreated toa distance. After awhile the firemen came with a rush, but too late to save the old shell, It was ablaze from end to end, and doomed, The incendiaries went forward and joined the crowd, They wanted to see if Tom Tracer was there, and believed themselves sharp enough to see, and yet remain unseen, if he was alive, This, Bill did not regard as possible. For some time this fond belief received no check, but just as the waterman decided that the detective had gone to ruin with the building, some one put a hand familiarly on his arm, He turned, and then stood aghast. Tom Tracer was beside him!” “ A lively blaze, William!” remarked the man from rg Spb calmly. Water Bill was chless. *T live in New York,” added the detective; “but as you hang cut on this side of the river, perhaps you can inform me on one point: Un- der the laws of New Jersey, what is the num- ber of years im on a man who commits ie when human life is endangered there- The river-thief had nothing to say, and he made a move toescape in the crowd, ap- ‘One moment,” Tracer requested, ‘‘ Let me intrcduce you to my friend, Mr. Nipper. He_ is a detective, and has very taking ways!” Tom deftly grasped one of Bill’s arms, and, a moment later, the stern-looking man face- tiously referred to as ‘“‘ Mr. Nipper”’ had ad- ju bandcuffs to Bill’s wrists. Cal Garland was under waich, too, and was arrested at about the same time. ] Both men slept under police surveillance, that night. In due time Dennis and Tracer crossed the river together. When they separated the for- mer went home and retired, is sleep was not of the best, for he passed through a new, but imaginary, set of adventures, in dreamland, but he awoke feeling fully himself. He found Molly McGinnis already at the house, and she took oc- casion to speak with him privately as soon as possible, “Did you's have any adventure last night?” she asked. ‘‘Niver the wan!” Dennis replied, falling in- to his broadest dialect; ‘that is, not anny as was after bein’ fit fer a disciple ave Brian Boroihme. Sure, the toimes have gone out ave joint since great Brian was king ave Ireland. fe mother says so, an’ she ought ter know, fer there’s niver a rock or tree in Ballyragget she don’t know an’ be on speakin’ terms with, Mary, I’m obliged ter say all was serene last night. ‘ I’ve done some detective work!” “You hev? Goaway!” ‘“‘T mean it. I tried to find you, last night, to tell yeabout it, but I couldn’t see you nowhere. To-day is goin’ ter settle things between the Brown Sport an’ the Ellistons.” “It is? “So I heerd Montague say. I spied on him an’ Van Decker, an’ got paid fer my trouble,”. ** W'ot’s up?” ‘“‘The Brown Sport said Tom Tracer was pipin’ bim, an’ must be in Robert Elliston’s em- ploy, an’ the fact that Robert was makin’ such a fight showed that be was gittin’ dangerous, So the Brown Sport tol] Van Decker they would call on Robert an’ bis sister this forenoon, an’ two things must be done before night: Robert must buy out Van Decker’s share in the Eldora- do Oil Company, an’ Irene Elliston must marry the Brown Sport.” “Wal, b’jinks! that jigger has got gall that ’ll weigh twenty-one ounces ter the pound!” Den- nis exclaimed. **Ob! they say Robert an’ Irene dassent re- fuse, for ef the whole truth was out it would ruin the Ellistons, in a money way, an’ that would kill feeble old Colonel Elliston. Robert an’ Irene would part witb all their money before yielding an inch, but they can’t bear to see their old father suffer.” ‘* An’ matters are goin’ ter be pushed to a crisis, right off, kerslap?” en,” \ “Mary Katherine, I think I have business with Thomas J. Tracer, immediate. Farewell, Miss McGinnis!” Dennis hastened down the street, and had soon poured the story into the detective’s ears, Oh cis got ter go right to the rescue!” he “ Whatcan wedo? Montagueand Van Decker are bound to bleed the Ellistons by means of the worthless oil-plant, and the brother and sister evicently object to having them arrested for blackmail, as that would make all public, and bring it to old Colonel Ellieton’s ears. I don’t know how to help them.” ‘“*Can’t somebody else buy the kerosene pond?” ** You forget that it is worthless,” *“T gin’t so sure o’ that. 1t suddintly comes back ter me that I beerd sore o’ the thimble- riggers say—I don’t jest remember who—that old Van Decker’s oil farm was valuable, and he refused a good sum for it out there,” Dennis paused, meditated, and then his face suddenly grew eager and he exclaimed: “Say, mister, w’ot ef Van Decker is playin’ a deep game?” ‘““You have an idea, What is it?” ‘¢ What’sall this commotion over the Eldorado oil barrel fer, anyhow! Of course Roland G. Montague’s game is plain, but mebbe there’s more to it. What ef that oil biz has suddenly panned out rich?” ; Tracer started, and then slowly replied: “While this hardly seems likely, your idea is worth thinking about, Young Elliston ought to have advices right from headquarters in Oil Gutter.” ‘“‘ But the Brown Sport won’t give him tire,” ‘¢‘He must, aud shall. He has had a clear road thus far, but it is time for some one to block jdt ot 2's hae ee
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a oy ; k —— = ing bis reply to Montague, ‘ but it is him. I will see Robert and his sister, at once. I don’t know as they will allow me to act in their behalf, but I feel sure I can help them out, The Brown Sport and Van Decker must be arrested on the charge of attempting my life. I don’t suppose the Pennsylvanian had any band in it, but it will do no harm to infer that be did. With these men locked up, and kept away from reporters, they can’t spread the story of the Elliston financial weakness,” ‘An’ there'll be time ter see ef the oil dairy has got down ter biz.” “ Yes,” **Do it, mister; do it!” Dennis spoke with excitement, and Tracer rose, ‘* Til go to the banker’s house, at once,” ** May I go’long, too?” “Tf you wish.” **?'m wid you!” Dennis cried, gleefully. CHAPTER XVI. DENNIS SERVES TWO MASTERS, Two bours later, when a train left Jersey City on the Pennsylvania Railroad, there was among the passengers a gray-bearded man of impressive appearance, his gentleman had a history as a business man. He had made a large fortune in oil, thanks to the product of William Penn’s once silvan land. Many years’ experience in that line had made bim an expert. Now he had retired from business. He had purchased a short-distance ticket be- fore starting; a ticket which took him only to the first stop of any'importance, At the latter station be alighted and hurried to the office, ** Ticket for Oil Gutter, Penn. !” he directed. It was given iim, and he returned to his old seat in the train. If this traveler was off on sucha journey, why did he take such a peculiar way of buying bis ticket? Was there any reason why this expert in oil did not want his destination Recent Did be fear that, if he purchased his ticket at New York, or Jersey City, the fact might by some chance become known and do harm? Important must be the errand of a man who would take such extreme caution, While the oil-expert was being whirled along in his car, Mr. Roland G, Montague walked up the steps of a Madison avenue house, On the door-plate was the name, fancifully inscribed, of Carlisle Elliston, The Brown Sport was about to ring when the door was ig ap by the uniformed black boy. “*T wish to see Robert Elliston,” the caller ex- plained, ‘*T am sorry, sir, but he is not able to receive any one,” ** Not able?” ‘*No, sir. Perhaps you have not heard of the accident?” “ What accident?” *.While riding, this morning, Mr, and Miss Elliston were thrown from their carriage, and both were severely injured.” Montague grew suspicious. ' “ How did that happen?” “The horse was frightened, turned suddenly, and threw both out, sir,” ** But I will not irritate them—” ** Miss Elliston is in a state of coma, sir—I think that is what the doctor called it—and Mr. Robert is suffering severely from sprains and bruises,” “A trick,” thought the cunning adventurer; ** they ex to beat me off by a dodge as thin as boarding-house soup.” Then he said aloud: “T should be happy to console Robert. Pray tell him I am here.” ** There comes the doctor, sir; I will ask him,” A professional-looking man descended the stairs. “ This apr esen sir, has called to see Mr. El- liston,” the servant explained. ‘‘ Would you advise that he go up?” ** Sorry, sir,” the physician returned, address- uite out of the question, Mr, Elliston is suffering from sprains and shock, and it would be hazardous for him to receive callers, I am going away for half an hour, and shall return with a second physician, and remain here until my patients are better, While I should be glad to accommo- date Mr, Elliston’s friend, I must decidedly re- fuse to let him see any caller.” The Brown Sport knew there was no such thing as appealing from that verdict, and he ac-, cepted the situation with outward composure, but was far from being convinced. “*T don’t believe there has been any accident,” he thought, as he left the house, Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. A patrolman was advancing with slow and | directions and cautions, and then told him to go stately steps, and when the physician was out of | and look for Tom Tracer. the way, Roland accosted him, ‘* What do you know about the accident to the Ellis ons, officer?” he asked, courteously. ‘* Bad!” was the reply. ‘*I helped them into the house,” ‘* Ah! did you? Do you consider their injuries severe?” ‘Very. Miss Elliston had to be carried, and her brother was but little better off.” ** Did they get bruised?” “ Yes, badly.” The officer twirled his club and looked wise, Really, be knew nothing about any bruises, but he was rather proud of having been of service to wealthy people, and was inclined to make his case strong. Montague gave it up and walked away thoughtfully. He was not wholly satisfied, but all this evidence was not to be defied, He went down-town and to Vandervere Van Decker’s room, ‘* What! is it settled, so soon?” the Pennsylva- nian asked. ‘* No; it’s not settled, and that’s not the worst of it. Fate, or deep design, has played a trick — us that makes our cards look doubt- ful.” Montague then told of the latest develop- ments, Van Decker was not a man of nerve, and it was lucky for his steadfastness that he did not share the Brown Sport’s suspicions, He was not deep enough, himself, to believe that any artifice so cunning could be played. ‘Tvl all be right,” be averred. ‘‘ All we have ter do is ter wait a bit, anyhow. Even if boing was shammin’, they can’t keep it up no great Jength o’ time. We’re bound ter wip.” ‘*What if Tom Tracer is after us?” “*Say, that chap makes my blood cold!” Van Decker confessed, ‘‘ He’s got an eye like an cagle: ; we ain’t got no such men at Oil Gutter as im. ‘*He is about the city, as usual, to-day, and Water Bill bas not come to make a report.” ‘** Prob'ly he ain’t got a whack at the constable —at the detective, I mean, yit.” ‘Tf I knew where he lived [’d go there. It is somewhere in Jersey City, but I don’t know where, I always thought Water Bill was a man of his word, but he don’t seem to be,” **T guess it’s all right.” { ‘*Guesses don’t count. Tom Tracer troubles me, However, I have a scheme to get points on him, and if the device works well, I may yet know whetber he is in our way or not. h! here comes some i There had been a knock at the door, and when he a the applicant enter, Dennis Duff ap- ared, ‘* So it’s you,” greeted Montague. ‘ You are prompt.” ‘**T got your word from the messenger, an’ jest ut myself inter my hat ar’ trundled over here,” nnis returned, with all the coolness possible. ** Boy, you have served me well in the past, but I never have tested the extent of your in- genuity. How sharp are you, anyhow?’ ‘*Sure, all the Ballyragget stock are sharp as a,needie’s point!” ‘Can you act a part you don’t feel?” te Eh?” ‘*Can you pretend to be friendly with a man when you are not?” ‘* Guess I could, at a pinch,” ‘** And detective work—could you do that?” **T might try, boss,” ** Well, see here! Chance introduced you to Tom Tracer when he raided Purgatory Coop. Are you still in bis good graces?” ‘* He ain’t said otherwise,” “Good! I am afraid of that man—I confess it—and I want to knowright away if heis really dangerous, He raided the thimble-riggers, and must be piping that gang. Now, by making some talk about them, and hinting at new things to be discovered, can’t you keep near Tracer, give an idea you are shrewd and useful, and see what you can worm out of him? He knows you have served me, | think, Youand I will pretend to have quarreled; you will be bitter against me, and wish to get revenge. See? Then he will be likely to show his hand, if he means mischief against me,” Dennis declared that the plan was good, and worth trying, He expressed a wish to give Montague ‘‘a boost,” and said he thought 4e could get into Tracer’s good graces, if that man was not too opinionated to accept such help. All this was regarded as indicating wisdom on the boy’s part, and he was directed to make the venture, The Brown Sport gave him numerous | | nest Dennis obeyed. When he reached the lower hall, be saw a letteron the table, and, as a cas- ual glance showed it was addressed to Van Decker, he paused and looked closely at the re- turn-address in the corner. Some idea seemed to enter his mind, for he nodded several times in succession, Then he went out and rejoined Tracerat once. His story was told in a short time, and he was so amused over the fact that he was expected to humbug the detective, that it lost nothing in the telling. Then he spoke of the letter in the ball, ‘That letter was from Oil Gutter, Penn,,” he explained, ‘“‘an’ writ by P. P. Lang, attorne: - at-law, Now, wo’t is Vandevere Van D, get- tin’ letters from a lawyer, there, fer, ef the El- dora !o kerosene-lamp is dead bu’sted?” ‘*T catch your idea, Dennis. I’m glad wesent the expert to the Jand of William Penn.” ‘* But, can’t we git a hip-lock on Van Van, right bere?” “ How?’ ‘¢ ve gota plan. Mrs, Biddy mabey she’s a-doin’ Van’s washin’ now; an’ this is the day fer it ter be carried bome. Why can’t we decoy Van away, an’ then let Molly McGinnis carry the wash? Molly kin read writin’ faster than Salvator kin run, an’ she could about size up Van’s epistle in a brace o’ shakes,” ‘* But the letter is in the hall,” ‘* Give the kerosene-man time ter read it, an’ then decoy bim away, There’s only two stum- blin’-bJocks in the way: Van may keep it in his ocket, an’ Molly may not git inter bis room; But it ought ter be tried, Is it a go?” Three hours later Dennis and the detective were in the same room, when Molly walked calmly into aie 8 ae a ‘* What luck?” Dennis asked, eagerly. “Sure, you don’t expect a descerdant of the McGinnises 0’ Ballyragget to get left, do you’s?” she airily returned, It’s meself has done all you told me. I’ve delivered the wash in Mr. Oil Gutter’s room, an’ I’ve read the letter.” ‘* What does it say?” “First, I don’t believe Van owns one-tenth part ave the kerosene farm, but he’s advised to buy! Sure, the lawyer told him the well was sure to flow big, an’ advised him to try an’ buy Elliston out, no matter at what cost.” “Glory, Bridget Jane!” Dennis cried. ‘The hen is on!” CHAPTER XVII. : AN ENGAGEMENT WELL KEPT, THE Brown Sport could bardly curb his im- pases during the twenty-four hours that fol- owed, but his apprebensions were allayed somewbat by @ report from Dennis that he had succeeded inftalking with Tom Tracer; that the latter bad asked many peoekes about Van Decker, Cal Garland and Jake Dowling, but bad referred to Montague only casually, and then only as a possible ally of Van Decker and the thimble-riggers in some vague scheme, All this seemed to show that the detective was far wide of the mark, and the Brown Sport felt easier in mind, but be was too world-wise to be- lieve indications implicitly. Anxious to win the Elliston game before news of any kind should go forth from Oil Gutter, he wrote to Robert urging an interview the next day, and received a reply before night. tt was to the effect that, though far from well, be would see Montague and Van Decker that evening, at his home, : ‘““We may decide to concede a point, if you will do the same,” Robert added, and the schemers built fresh hopes on the sentence. The appointment was kept. — They found Robert in his bolstered up in an easy-cbair with pillows, and looking pale and languid. Fora moment fresh doubts came to Montague. Why sbould a strong young man be so upset, even if he bad been in an accident? The Brown Sport had seen men smile and look bright when suffering from broken legs and a lacerated head, But business made bim forget his doubts, Van Decker paused to condole with the inva- lid in his usual clumsy way, but they soon came to business, “T wish to request a new line of settlement,” observed Robert, wearily. “What?” “{f I forfeit my share in the Eldorado Oil Company, utterly, will you consent to let me drop out, and bond yourselves never to adver- tise the concern with my name attached, or use my name in any way?” rivate room,
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t 4 saw a glorious chance, and would bave jumped at it greedily, but Roland was the leader, and, as be well knew, had further plans. Van Deckers’ eyes glistened. He thought he Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. ——$—$—$<—$—$— * All this has been discussed before,” the_ Brown Sport returned, impatiently. ‘* But, surely, you can ask no more than that I forfeit the money I put in the Eldorado,” — “TIT do want more. I want Irene for my wife.” ‘* She objects,” ‘*Oh! very well; if sbe prefers that Colonel Elliston should hear the whole story, just let bim be called in.” ‘* My father is visiting a friend, this evening. But state your position, sir.” * All this is old talk, Why harp on chest- nuts? But, in my plain words, I demand I[rene’s hand in marriage, and a good slice of money, For the latter, being modest, and inclined to come down a peg, I'll take a nominal sum— namely, your share in the oil-plant.” ‘* And if I refuse you will tell to Colonel Ellis- ton and the world news that will break my fa- ther’s heart?” * That’s the plain English of it.” ** But it is blackmail.” ** Call it what you will; that’s the demand,” ** We're right modest,too,” added Van Decker. ** T’ve sunk all my money in that darned old oil racket at my town, an’ [’'m bu’sted all ter smash. You can’t expect a man ter go ter the poor-house when be sees a chance ter fill up his wallet, can you?” \ “Mr. Van Decker, what will you take for your share in the oil-plant, and sell outright?” ‘** A hundred thousan’ dollars.” ** Yet, it is worthless?” “Fer oil, it is; but ter bleed you, I guess it’s about as smart a piece o’ property as I need.” ““My dear sir, you are hardly ingenuous, You twist and turn laboriously, I have a bet- ter opinion of the Eldorado than you have. In days past, when it was declared worthless, I paid men to look it over and see if there was any good in it. You were my agent: you said experts really did make examination; unfavor- able reports came to me from men said to be these experts, Lately, I have sent frem this city a man I know to be an expert, and honest, and I have his report,” The plotters begun to Jook startled. __* Hestates that the Eldorado is a very promis- ing piece of property; that recent ventures there have demonstrated that it is capable of a rich flow; that he will stake his reputation I can, to- day, sell my shares for double what I paid for them, but advises me to hold on to them, In ner I have been deceived and lied to by you, Elliston no longer appeared like a sick man, He had started up from the pillows; bis head was held erect, end his eyes were bright and om- inous, Van Decker’s lower jaw fell. He was dis- mayed and speechless, . ‘“ But,” interposed the Brown Sport, hastily, your quarrel with Van don’t apply tome. As I said, I want Irene for my wife, or your fath- er— ‘Mr, Montague, I have to-day negotiated a loan whereby the house of Elliston & Iber is made firm as arock, The money I withdrew to speculate in oil is made good, and no trace of any indiscretion on my part remains. Were the matter to be investigated, now, you could not bs nun i img, 6 ieve this is a bluff)” i ioely. iff!” Montague cried, * You shall see!” Robert waved his hand, and from behind the drapery at the end of the room came three per- rag at sight of whom the conspirators Jot color, One was a stranger; the others oer and te yi a ication ese men, obert added, ‘a esses to the fact that you tried to blackmail i ‘Yes, an’ a heap more!” added Dennis, “ If bs ee a gt se —_ you Sona begin ter the whole story, mister, e're on te with number “leven feet!” i Neither of the plotters had anything to say at first, for they were overwhelmed, but it needed ‘no words for the Brown Sport to see that he had n outgeneraled. Dennis would not be there unless he was arrayed with the opposition, and his former employer was shrewd enough to real- ize that the movement against him had been in force more than one day. _ How is it, gentlemen,” asked Tom Tracer, anietly n os you want to a oe amt at have to do with i ontague blustered, a. . “ l represent the law.” pe "72 ‘*T bave not broken it.” “You have tried blackmail. Do you want to keep it up?” “T shall learn whether Elliston has fortified his position as he says, before I answer.” “And you?” added Tracer, addressing Van Decker. “Pye got enough!” cried the Pennsylvanian, in a fright, ‘‘ Montague led me inter this, or I wouldn’t ’a’ done a thing, I wouldn’t!” ‘* Coward!” the BroWn Sport muttered, “What is the Eldorado worth?” continued Tracer. ‘*A heap o’ money. there, a month ago, thing.” ** How much do you own?” ‘ One share,” Van Decker confessed, sheep- ishly. ‘* And there are one hundred and oue, all told, You are not a heavy stockholder. Mr. Van Decker, if the law refrains from touching you, Eo Saba sign a full confession of your infamous p Ov ** Don’t you do it!” Montague ordered, “But I will! Gosh ter mighty! I ain’t goin’ ter put my foot inter no trap. All I want is ter get back ter Oil Gutter, an’ stay there.” _“ Thank your lucky stars you have the chancs, sir! You could be prosecuted for blackmail, but it is Mr, Elliston’s desire to drop that mat- ter, and let you go free, if you act reasonably,” **T will, mister; I will,” ‘* Coward!” again uttered the Brown Sport. “You, Montague, will not be prosecuted for blackmail—if you are reasonable—not yet for trying to kidnap Miss Elliston, nor yet for set- ting Water Bill on me; but there is another count against you. For some time I have been working up another case against you, and I now arrest you for forgery. You know the case, though it concerns no one here, You will be prosecuted for that.” The Brown Sport kept his seat with the cour- age characteristic of him. He knew he was in the toils, and was tvo proud to make vain re- sistance, or to indulge in bluster, **You’ve played your cards well,” he finally muttered, viciously, ““We sent an expert to see the oil-plaint, and, to keep you quiet in the meanwhile, gave out the story of the accident to Mr, and Miss Elliston. That was all humbug; they had no accident. But the ruse worked; we gained time,” gp ap < Dennis. magine | on’t owe this boy any good will,” headed dtsad «ve done my best ter beat you,” Dennis con- fessed, frankly. ‘**'Traitor!” “Mister, I stood by you, an’ believed in you, until you tried ter decoy Miss Irene ter Purga- tory Coop—” “Ha! #€ I had succeeded a drug would have been given her, and sbe would soon have been Mrs, Roland Montague!” “Bf it’s traitorous ter go back on sech a mean skunk, I’m glad I didit, Sure, the Duff family never ‘would ag’in hold up their heads in New York, or look back ter the glories o’ Ballyrag- get, ef one o’ the stock had gone ter the bad. I prefer ter stand up an’ be counted with Tom Tracer & Co,,an’ I bope I ain’ta cipher, There, I’ve made my speech, an’ now I'll fall back ter the rear an’ tackle the !unch counter!” Oil was reelly struck, It’s goin’ ter be a big Tom Tracer kept bis word,and Montague, after due trial, was sent to Sing Sing for for- ery. Water Bill, Cal Garland and Jake Dowl- ing also went to rusticate at the same place, The Brown Sport learned, through bis lawyer, that the Ellistons had made their position impregna- ble, and he decided not to injure himself in order to troublethem. The facts of this chroni- cle remained untold in public. Van Decker returned to his home, a badly frightened and repentant man, Colonel Ellison never knew of the danger bis family and business house had been in, and the Eldorado Oil Company has been making money rapidly, Robert has paid off all debts, and Elliston & Iber are on solid financial footing, Tom Tracer continues in business, and often ig a chance for the heir of the Duffs to telp m, Dennis has great aspirations in the detective line, but Molly McGinnis still has some doubts of his ability to keep out of trouble, and in her efforts to take care of him, she often assists, too, in aiding him to carry out the work set for him by Tom Tracer, THE END. | & Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY JO PIERCE. © 897 Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Hotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Sawyer # Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 04 Five Pointa Phil. 509 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 616 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 588 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, 541 Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective, 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, 688 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 623 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer. 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bow ery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set, 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator. 694 Spicy JSimy the Only One of His Kind, 706 Tom Thistle, the Rond-House Detective. BY PHILIP 8S. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe: or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Capraim Arizona; or, Petent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Lerther Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duellat; ¢r. The Mountain Vempires. 888 A Tough Boy; or, The Dwari’s Revenge. 868 Little Wernade; or, The Outcasts of the Glen, BTB Little Jingoy or, the Queer Pard. 888 Little Oh-my § or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly i or, A Race for a Ranch. 408 Little Leather- Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 481 Little Ah Sin; or, The Curse of Blood. 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 480 Three Jolly Parda, 517 Jim Gladdenp’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Reacue, 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 5983 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout. 648 Wappy HMarry’s Big Find. 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special, BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Vellowstone Jack; or, The pg ers 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 9 Mustang Sam $5 or, The King of the Plains. Night-tiawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. 44 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 1 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Reseue. 0 The Black Glant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 8 Deadly a me | or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 4 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 8 The Boy Pardsy; or, Dainty Lance Unmaske, Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 0 The Rarranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. 885 Old Double Fiat; or, The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boone’s Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Tratler. 677 Chineapin Dan’s Second Trail. 688 Chineapin Dan’s Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head, 708 Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. * MISOELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Refd and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Alnddin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 [ilustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sallor. His Seven Voyages, 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crasoe. By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees, pe 8S. W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Olowny} or, The Arena Queen. Ppetetetat tte) Rann 4 aw = -_ wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, 'heCaveof Death. By Burton Saxe, 124 Tippy, the Texan? or, The Young Champion. By George esson. 128 The Young Privateer}; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish, 148 Sharp Samy; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J, Alexander Patten. S27 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New York Boy. By G. L, Aiken, 266 Killb’ar. the Guide; °r, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff. By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete. the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lieu- tenant Alfred Thorne. ; B28 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honos. By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother’s Re- venge. By Ned Buntline, R65 Raltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A, P, Morris. B74 Gold-Duat Tomt or, Ben’s Double Match. G H. Moree. 876 Callfornia Joe’s Firat Trail. By Colonel Thomas Hover Monastery. 418 Billy Rombsahell, the Cliff Climber. By F. 8. Winthrop. 475 The Black Ship. By JohnS Warner. 7 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinetbles. By Henrv J. Thomas, BRL The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. BE2 Ariel the Athlete. By David Droid. 585 Will Waters, the Bov Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by aii newsdealers, five eenta por copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,
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W BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. =e peed ers ed - Miowaiees Buffal» Ben. » ead woo cK in a aatie. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The .«antom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 ‘ne, the Heroine, maf peewee’ aon aot Fo) or, Cordurvy Charlie, eadwoo ckin Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 7. pesewees picks ae a — or, i Buses - oe. eadwoo ick o ead wood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. see poeewess a hy _—— or, rarer hy Adventure, end woo ck’s Dead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 14 monewecs nee [eid ; ae Spirit of Swamp Lake. ead woo: ck’s Death Trail, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducatsa; or, Days in the Diggings, cae posewoes mere enenene S or, The Terriblo Vendetta, end woo ck’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diasente. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case,” br posawess <x Sal eed or, The Chained Hand. ead woo ck, Jr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deflance. 458 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 19. 453 eneens aan oe ey or, Sem go Bill. eadwoo ek r.’®. og Detective, 481 Deadwood Dick. dr., in Deadw ood, et , “soe bales | a 5 bates Gestpans. 6 Deadwoo ck, Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducka, 534 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt, ote Becauecd Sich Srv has 4 endwoo cK Pe, the i es B49 Deadwood Dick, Jr. on His Mettle. © 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. . 667 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. &S4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. b+ Beadwosd wie 5 ie - Plclsohnbie Rackn. eadwoo e r., at Coney 3 606 Deadwood Dick, Irs, Leeavite 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 Buflalo. ese Deagwene eg 7 tag ease herons the Sere arma ead wo x i on e Sm z 640 Deadvced Disk, Jvs, lusuranceQasee 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., (n Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Sf Gestesea fee tee beens €90 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, dr. at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwoed Dick, Jr., at Jdack-Pot. ie boars Oe: $ret ead wi ek r.’s unt. F222 Deadwood Dick, J r.’s Dominoes, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolfs or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the yer “semanas or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob es ugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs und Angels of a Great City, j 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detectivo, 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, 125 Bonanza Bill Miner. 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacka, 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. & Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 7 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, 1 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 09 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 18 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 26 Snoozer, the Buy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 86 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 40 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’ Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pardy; or, The Ange! 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 Doll'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 Sir! Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 8380 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. B58 Firat-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim. the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. BIS Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim's Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bieycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Wat Warry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggzar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 4388 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkier, 4 4 6 z 8 we - BEADLE’S*HALF-DIME+LIBRARY. — Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAMAM, 7? The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship} or, The Rival Lieutenants. 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Hussar Captain 3 or,.The Hermit of Hell Gate, 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 204 Gold Plume; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider. 216 Bison BIll, the Prince of the Reins; or, Butfato Bill’s Pluck. 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 Mutineer; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. 264 The Floating 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. 2S7 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Bemto, the Boy Bugler, 808 Keno Kits cr, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail, 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover; vr, The Flagiess Schooner, &S88 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Consptirator ; or, The Fatal League, 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Vachtaman; or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck, or, Tie Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly ¢ or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Harrys or, Tne Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will’« Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guides or, The Saiior Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Floras or, Wizard Wil!’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 492 Buck Taylor, King 01 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, 535 The Buc skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marander of the Rie, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 5650 Lalitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIII, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, Thé False Detective. 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. 607 The Rover_ Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scouts or, The Kio Raiders. 644 The Hercules Highwayman. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Saflor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadowery or, The Freebcoter’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. 702 Blue Jacket Bill; or, Tne Red Hat Rancers’ Red Hot Racket 707 The Red Sonreroc Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm, F. Oody), 8 Kansas King; ot, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom oe : 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 CHARLES MORRIS, 118 WIIl Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil marer, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Bess, Wil! Wildfire’s Racer. 5? Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 62 Will Wildfire in the Woods. 65 Billy Baggage, the Railroad i 70 A Trum ard 3 or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 74 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 79 Bob eeenete the Bank Runner, 188 The Hidden Hand por Will Wildfire’s Revenge, 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Biack Sheep of the Flock. 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps; or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s« Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound: or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway, of Daketa; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. $24 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective, 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detectives or, Fred Flyer’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 Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vaganond. ae6 Wetec ReorT: ag dae or, Putowbes Alive, ry etective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Fran earty. ah; b cre ot pag = 9 . oots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. ar 596 Jimmy the Kid; ,or, A Lamb Amone Wolves. 44 pn rece - viemseas or. The Wolf in the Fold. ucky Paul, the Roy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Detective: or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. So ieeelineediaealientonet Yo Double Numbers. BY J, ©. COWDRICK, 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 a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonn 3 OF, 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’« Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 586 Breadway Billy’s ‘ Dittikilty.” 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 571 Alr-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 Chie! of Chained Cyclone, 628 Broadvay Billy’s Dead Act. 640 Barebrek Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 'Lypevwiiter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the *‘ Pizenest ”? Man of Ante Bas, 669 prseeway Billy Abroad. 675 Broadway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadwry Billy in Texas. 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. Z1il Broadway Billy at Santa Fe. BY T. ©. NMARBAUGIL 28 Nick o”’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of '76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl Hunter, 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack} or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Tralt. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 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 Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw ?: or, The Qun ot Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Ntck, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 281 Plueky Phils or, Kosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli:, me King-Pin of Bowle. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch}; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parda; or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Rige Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitilesa Matt; or, Red Thunderholt’s Secret. B56 Cool Sam and Par’; o- The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, | he B-ccaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The | win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Rebia. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New Yori 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. AT The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Faicon, the Bowery Shadows. B88 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 648 Dodecer Dick’« Double: or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodeer Dick’« Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick. the Roy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows. BS2 Dodger Pick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sherp om Guard, 626 The Champion Parda, 687 Diek Doan, the Dock Bov Detective. 645 Kit. the Payement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. : 671 Jersey Jed, the Bor Hustler; or. Shadowing the Shadower, 685 Happy Hugh, the Boy Mnefcian Detective. 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 718 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen. By Col, Prentiss Ineraham, 214 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri; or, The Mystery of the Mountain Learue. By Wm. G. Patten, 716 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret; or, Caging the x Cormorants By T. C, Harbaugh 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunts or. The Second Round in San Francises, By Edward L. Wheeler. E 717 Moxquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin; or, Move-on Mike’s Grand Catch, By Jo Pierce. 718 Licht-Heart Lute’« Last Trail; or, The Gold Crater’s Secret. Py Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 719 Pawnee Bill’« Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 720 Rroadway Billy’s Full Hand; or, The Gamin Detec- tive’s Double Snap at Santa Fe. By '. C. Cowdrick. & 721 Maverick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urkos Puss. By Will Lisenbee. - 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dominoes: or, The Rival Campe of the Northern Border. By Edward L. Wheeler. 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone; or, The Border Beagle’s Secret Mission. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 724 Violet Vane’a Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out at White Water. By William G. Patten. 225 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s, Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 226 Dennia Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid; or, The Covers and Blinds of Gotham. By Jo Pierce, 727 Headlight Harry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge, the Outlaw Queen. By Col. A. F. Holt. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Disguise: or, Ivan, the Man of Iron, By Kdward L. Wheeler. 229 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay, Ry Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 220 Violet Vane’« Verdict; or, The Crooked Game at Coffin City. By Wm. G. Patten. 781 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower; or, The Rivals $n Buckskin. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ready July 28, 782 Dalay Dell, che Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game, By T. C. Harbaugh. ‘ Ready Augnuat 4, A New Iaaue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five centa per copy, or sent by mail op receipt of s1x cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. y