Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 744) (1891 10 27)
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$2.50 a Year. Ait Hb Ue THE WATER WAIP'S DEAD PASt BY JO PIERCE, AUTHOR OF ‘BOB 0’ THE BOWERY,” ‘THE VAGABOND DETECTIVE,” ‘‘ BROOKLYN BEN,” ETC., ETO, CHAPTER I, THE FIGHT AGAINST DEATH, Tue North River pier was soon to be the scene of one of the many mysterious tragedies which mark the course of life in New York, At the extreme end of the pier a boy of fifteen sat looking down into the deep water. *Oue o’clock,” he commented, aloud. ‘“ Et’s about time fer fun ter begin.” Even as he spoke a covered carriage came along the street and paused at the pier. The PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. ut a at el tt ‘ov LEN, Nisa! (elMe NaN eNell Metall Nataly TTT AMAT SS JS Ze ALA re : ‘ X tiipjitttiéa NAHI { 2 W. OBR=So - 9) eS ala Hl AS October ¢7, 1891, Price, 5 Cents. Vol, XXIX, Copyright 1891, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, _ Ha i} \ O LIFT HIS BURDEN FROM THE RIVER AND BEAR HER UP THE SLIMY STEPS WAS A SEVERE STRUGGLE AND STRAIN FOR THE BRAVE NIGHT-WATCHER,
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~ ter justify me in interferin’. a eo Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. boy saw it, and kept his gaze upon that quarter. His remark had been merely a general one, and he had no reason to expect that carriage or any other, but he was interested. In point of fact he was interested in all things of the night, and a practice of observing what occurred after darkness closed over great Go- tham had gained for him the sobriquet of ** Night-Watch Dick,” Several persons alighted from the vehicle. He had not expected that the matter would furnish anything of moment to him, but he sud- denly grew more attentive, There was a delay by the carriage, as if some one was rebelling against the plan of leaving it, ‘** A gal, b’*jinks!” commented the Night-Watch- er, asthe delay was broken by the appearance of another person, ‘‘So she is tho one who didn’t want ter git out? I don’t blame her a bit, This here locality ain’t pretty ter any eyes at night, an’ no fly female would fall in love with it. Wonder w’ot is up? Hello! they’re comin’ this way!” The party advanced a few steps along the ier. By this time Dick could see there were three men and two women. He could not imagine what brought them to the locality, for it was one which seemed without attractions to the or- dinary person at that hour. He was not wholly satisfied that he was look- ing at honest people, and suddenly but quickly assumed a prone position, to guard against dis- covery. Light soon came, in part. They paused at the south side of the pier and gave indicatious of descending, and for the first time Dick perceived that a row-boat was there. He could not reconcile himself to the belief that any ordinary object should make such a party leave New York by night in such a way. : is Kin it be they’re all toughs?” he murmured. ‘ r— The pause expressed a good deal, for the Night- Watcher remembered the hesitation by the carriage, / “Still,” he added, “‘I ain’t seen nothin’, yet, Mebbe all’s well.” There was no further hitch about the case, The unknown men worked with celerity, and the whole party were soon in the boat, Then one of the men took the oars, and the craft was pushed away from the pier. The water was by no means smooth, and as it fully caught the boat in its grasp the latter was tossed about roughly, This cireumstance seem- ed to rouse sudden fear on the part of one of the females. She leaped to her febt, and Dick saw her arms thrown up toward the heavens, ; ** No, no!” she cried, ** I will not go! back or I will scream for help!” “You idiot!” growed a man in reply, ‘‘ hush your noise, or I'll knock you overboard!” ‘* Heaven knows what you intend to do, any- way;I don’t. Oh! why did 1 consent to come here; I will go nofurther, Take me buck, or Pl ery for belp!—I will scream, ‘ Murder!” Oue of the men sprung up aad grasped her arm roughly, ‘“‘ Silence!” he ordered, harshly. «Then take me back—” ‘We will not!” ‘¢ Then I will summon help, fear for my life! Help! he— The last word was balf-smothered as his hand fell upon her throat, but i¢ was easier to stop the outery than to prevent her from struggling. She did struggle with desperation, and Night- Watch Dick remained inactive no longer, He had sprung to his feet, and now he ran toward the scene of the struggle, crying out as he went: > Let up on that, you gallus critters! Stop it, Great heavens! I or ; The threat remained unspoken, The boat gave a sudden lurch and went over, throwing the whole party into the water. One moment they were visible to Dick as they went over in con- fusion; the next he could see nothing but the blackness of night, But the sound of legs and arms splashing the water was audible enough, and Dick was alert to meet the emergency, He was a strong and skillful swimmer, and it was far from being his nature to remain idle when women -were in danger, e cast off his shoes and coat, and leaped into the water. A few strokes took him to the overturned boat, but, somewhat to his surprise, no one was cling- ing to it, and no one was to be seen near at hand! e struck out to find the imperiled persons, ‘but they had disappeared wholly, it seemed. “Not a little puzzled he came to a stop, but at that Take me moment something occurred so suddenly as to startle him. By his side there rose a human form, The arms beat the water feebly, and a sound passed the lips which could not be mistaken. The per- son was in the lust stages of drowning—probably, had risen for the last time in life. Quickly Dick acted, He seized the dimly-seen form, and, finding his grasp was upon a woman, was spurred on to use his strongest endeavors, He raised her head well above the water and be- gan to swim lustily, and as he held a passive burden there was no impediment to his freedom of movement, He knew bow to do the rest, and made his way without delay to the head of the pier, where, on the south inside corner, narrow plank steps led to the pier floor above. To lift bis burden from the river and bear her up the slimy steps was a severe struggle and strain for the brave Night- Watcher, but he succeeded at last, and the rescued person was soon laid on the plank floor. “ it’s the gal!” Dick decided. He took a step toward tbe front, thinking of the older woman, but paused. There had been no outery. Before that time she had either saved herself, been saved by others, or was drowned, 1t was useless to think of her, Returning to the girl he was about to seek the street for a policeman and have heroic measures resorted to in order to revive her, but a brief ex- amiaation satisfied him that such measures were not necessary. Narrow as her escape from drowning had been, her unconsciousness,’ he decided, was a swoon from fright, pure and simple, and he did not doubt that she would soon recover, He was not a little interested in the case, for he knew the party that bad gone tothe boat was not one with friendly feelings and confidence, The objection of the girl to leave the carriage, and the fight of the woman after entering the boat—a fight made too late—spoke strongly. ‘*Bit’s another gallus job,” soliloquized Dick, ‘“‘Sech things are always goin’ on, an’ decent people wouldn’t bev no show ef it wa’n’t fer me an’ the perleecemen, Now, as I figger et up, them men was takin’ the females away fer an evil objick,. W’'ot is the racket?” There was no one at band to explain, and his own speculations were cut short by a sigh from the person he had rescued, He quickly knelt and raised her head, and after a few minutes she opened her eyes, looked around and made a move toward regaining her teet. ‘* Don’t be scared; you're all right,” heartily assured the rescuer. ‘* But—but how did I get so wet?” she asked, in surprise, ‘‘ Oh! you fell in the water, you remember.” ‘* T don’t remember!” ; ; ** You don’t?” ‘*No, Why am I bere, at this hour of night?” ‘© Why, you come with two men and the other | woman, you know.” **T did?” 6¢'Ves,”” They were now standing face to face, and she first looked at him intently, and then put her hand to her head in a bewildered way. ‘*T remember nothing about this, But, even if it was so, how did I get wet, like this?” ‘Say, don’t you remember nothing?” 4s No.” “Wal, by gum!” . By this brief exclamation Dick expressed the fact that he was very much astonished, and he gazed at the girl in that frame of mind. He could not conceive how any onecould forget such an experiencs, but her manner shut off all chance of doubting her sincerity. ‘** Who are you?” she asked. “Wal, ’'m Richard Henry Brazer, but you kin know me as Night-Watch Dick. I’m not a night-watchman in the reg’lar sense o’ the word, but [ sort o’ perambulate around after dark an’ see that no villainy ain’t done in New York. I’m an honest fellow-citizen, and know ev’ry patrolman along the water-front. Now, w’ot’s your name?” ‘* My name?” “ Yes,” “Tt is—it— Why, I can’t think of it!” she exclaimed. ‘* Gosh hoss-flies! you don’t say so!” ‘Tt is very strange, but my name has gone from me, I can’t think of it.” ‘“* Where do you live?” | “T don’t know.” ‘* Where do yer friends live?” She did not answer at once, but clasped her hands to her head and stood motionless. Sud- denly she started and uttered a cry of alarm. ‘What does it mean?” she demanded. ‘*‘ Why has all this gone from me? What horrible thing has overtaken me that my memory is a blank?” Dick knew what it was. He realized, at last, that the horror of those few moments when she was struggling in the water had done the mis- chief, but he had not had experience enough in life to know how many other people had lost their memory, temporarily or permanently, from causes more or less like this, Witnessing a case wholly new to him, he gazed at the young woman in a species of awe, ““How am I to go home when I don’t know where it is?” she added tremulously. ‘“¢ By jinks! you needn’t worry about a home,” Dick declared. ‘lve gota place sech ez it is, where I hold forth, an’ you’re jest ez welcome to it ez a toad ter flies, es, sirree!” She uttered a sob but said nothing, “Come,” he added. ‘Jest you go with me an’ I'll see you among honist folks, an’ then I'll come back an’ look more fer signs. Ketch on?” CHAPTER II. THE STREET ROBBERS, THE girl passively acquiesced in Dick’s plan, and he conducted her from the pier to a not distant street. He paused in front of a re- spectable looking apartment-house, opened the door by ‘means of a key, and led the way up- stairs. Tbere he gave her in charge of his friends, and hastened back to the starting point. He first hunted up the patrolman on the beat and told his story. : 4 ; Well, you're a corker!” the officer declared, Why so? ‘You find more crookedness than any three officers along the river.” ‘*That’s my business,” Dick returned, calmly. ‘*T tol’ you perleecemen a year ago that ef you would give me free play along your beats, an’ stand by me, l’d manage ter see, things that you wouldn’t see; cause the crooks is always on the watch fer yer brass buttons, but nobody thinks rol suspectin’ a ragged, meek-lookin’ kia like me, ‘* You done all you promised, and can smell out mischief in a surprising way. But, now, let’s take a look at tbe pier. Do you think the others were drowned?” ‘‘The men wa’n’.; you kin bet high on that; but the woman J am fearful about.” ‘*¢ You probably are right.” They went to the pier, and- found the boat bumping against the piles, there, wrong side up. It was finally righted, and then they entered and made a search as thorough as possible. They found absolutely nothing bearing upon the case, and were finally compelled to give it up. ‘‘This must be reported,” remarked the patrol- man, ‘‘and I’!] teil the roundsman as soon as he shows up.” “‘Hev it kep’ quiet,” Dick urged. ‘The gal ain’t in fit shape ter tell the facts, an’ we’ll hev ter go slow and light; while ef the newspapers git the story our name is Dennis, Them papers notify crooks of ev’ry move the perleece make, generally, an’ it’sa wonder any rascals ever is ketched. Now, keep this mum, an’ give the perleece a show.” } The officer agreed to do what he could, and Dick left bim. The boy was a good deal interested in his new case, The young woman would have been an object of interest, auyhow, with her past life lost so strangely, while the chances of adrama of . crime in the past made her doubly so. He was thinking of all this as he made his way homeward, but his thoughts were abruptly diverted before the journey was over, He was aroused by a half-stifled cry for help, and, looking up the street, he saw on the next corner several men engaged ina struggle, The scene was one which bad an attraction for him, not because of idle curiosity, but because it was in the line of his duty. A Jurch of the mass of men took them outi of sight around the corner, but Dick knew they would not get far away, so tramped along leisure- ly, but when he rounded the corner no struggling men were Visible;—in fact, he saw no men what- ever. 1 A more peaceful block than that ahead of him it would have been hard to find, He was bewildered: for a moment. Enough time had ela to enable a man to run out of sight, the block being short, but that the victim of the assault should have covered ground so rapidly was not to be expected. A. faint moan almost at bis feet made him leap backward, but it gave him a clew to the mystery. There lay a man, close to the building, and it
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Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. | 3 became clear that he had been felled by the others, who bad then run away, Quickly he bent over the unknown. He saw a well dressed person with thick gray hair. The latter was lying face downward, and gave no evidence that be was conscious of the condition of affairs, or of Dick’s presence, ‘*Hullo! w’ot’s the riffle?” the Night-Watcher inquired. There was no reply. ‘* Be you hurt?” the speaker continred, “Go away!” was the faint response, followed by a groan. ‘* You have killed me; now be decent enough to let me breathe my last in eace,” ** Hold on a fraction, boss! I ain’t the man that slewed you. Them gallus chaps hey let out alink an’ skipped, an’ ’m a good Samaritum, See? Be you stabbed, or shot dead?” The unknown turned his head slightly. ** ‘You are a boy.” ‘*T be, this year.” “Tt was not you who assaulted me. they really left?” “They hev, fer sure. did they fall onter you?” ** The villains! the cowards! to one, and I an old man,” “Ef you’ve got a wound that is bleeding, it needs ter be seen to, mister.” ** Give me your hand,” Dick obeyed, and the old man turned and slowly rose toa sitting position, He then put his hand to his head, “The burt is hers,” he explained. ‘* They struck me repeatedly with some blunt weapon; possibly, with a slung-shot.” ef was after yer money, wa’n’t they?” The old man felt in his pocket and drew out a small roll of money, which he counted, “They have not taken anything from me, and I am left in doubt as to the motive of their assault, I don’t know that I ever saw one of them before. They may have been influenced siinply by motives of malicious mischief, or, possibly,” he more thoughtfully added, ‘‘ they were set upon me by some of my enernies,” Moved, evidently, by a sudden thought he thrust his hand into the breast-pocket of his coat. Then his expression suddenly changed and he felt about burriedly, **Gone!” he exclaimed, ‘* What?” There was no immediate answer, and he con- tinued to search for some time. Then he gave ues and his face told that the loss was keenly elt. ** All is now clear,” he finally announced, ‘T have been robbed, and there is no mystery about the assault. Those men did not even look for my money, but seized the paper and ran away. Ican surmise who set them upon me. ‘* Was ‘the paper’ vallerble?” ‘¢- Yes, very valuable,” ‘* Wal, that’s hard lines, but ef you know who set them on ter you, you kin teli the perleece right off, an’ hev them arrested,” ‘“That’s not so easy;” and the old man shook bis bead. “Why not?” “‘T can’t explain, nor can I take any step, at present, to punish them at law, I’ve got to manage the matter delicately, and,” he added, with a pause between each word, ‘‘ get my pores back the best way I can—if I can get t at all.” Up to this time be had been leaning against me building, He now dispensed with ' this ai Have Who was they?) Why They were three ‘“My head swims dizzily,” he remarked. “Can I get you to go home witb me?” ‘Sure, mister! I’m always glad to give a feller-citizen a lift,” “Let me rest my hand on your shoulder, then,” The order of march was begun as planned, and they walked away just in time to escape being interviewed by a slow-moving patrolman, who was treading ponderously toward the spot. It was somewhat of a walk to their destina- tion, and the old man was nota sociable com- panion, Dick was anxious to learn more about the affair, but the old fellow’s mind was run- ning wholly on his late adventure, showing that the loss of the paper had been a severe shock to him;and he wholly ignored some of the boy’s questions, ‘ All the latter learned was that the old’ man was named Aleck Goodwind. After awbile they reached and entered a plain, old-fashioned house. Goodwind led the way to the second floor, passed into one of the rooms, and dropped heavily into a chair, **T am lucky to get here alive,” he declared, clasping his head, ** Don’t you want a doctor?” ‘No. A doctor is a butcher of men; I won't have them fooling around me, I think I shall be all right in the morning. Will you stay with me to-night?’ [have three rooms bere, and you can lie on yonder lounge. Will you stay?” Dick thought of the young woman he had rescued from the river, and felt that he ought to return to see her, but as she was in good hands, he decided to oblige Goodwind, He gave his decision accordingly, and then, at his companion’s request, aided him to retire. The latter was still in poor condition, but Dick believed he would be all right in the morning. When he was disposed of, and stowed away in bed in the next room, Dick returned to his own quarters, He looked around critically. ‘*Good, plain, comfortable outfit,” he com- mented. ‘‘Reckon Aleck is a gent o’ some financial means— Great Scott! w’ot’s that?” CHAPTER Iil, RICHARD'S OBSCURE MISSION. DICk’s roving gaze bad gone to the wall, which was ornamented with pictures of various kinds, all of which proved of no interest until his observation reached a portrait done in crayon. At this he looked in open-eyed surprise. ‘* B’jinks! et isthe gal I fished out o’ the dock!” he declared, He could not have met with a greater start. He had been thinking of the nameless girl, but not for a moment as one who could be connected with his later experience. Hence, it was a total surprise to see the portrait, ‘* Yes, sirree, it’s ber,” he added. ‘Same eyes, nose, mouth an’ gineral make-up. Looks ez much like her as two peas arealike, Gosh all pitchforks! w’ot is her picture doin’ here?” It was a hard question to answer, and all his efforts only landed him deeper in bewilderment, He was tempted to go in and question Aleck Goodwind at once, but finally decided not to be so precipitate. He walked around and viewed the portrait from various points, It was of large size, and the subject seemed on the point of speaking, so natural was the likeness, ‘© Et beats me; don’t hardly seem possible. Ef her an’ him know each other it is right queer [ hev run ag’inst both on’emtbe samenight. But it must be they do know each an’ t’other, But— Wal, et ain’t no good ter lose time in specula- tion.” Despite this decision he could not dismiss the matter from his mind, and even when he had turned off the gas and Jain down on the lounge the matter kept him busy until he fell asleep. It was daylight when he awoke, aod as he beard Goodwind stirring in the next room he rose bastily and prepared to meet him, It was not long before the bost made bis ap- pearance, He was pale, but Dick decided from his appearance that he was not suffering from his adventure to any great extent. ‘So you are astir,” Goodwind began, ‘I looked in awhile ago, but you were sleeping so peacefully that I let you rest.” ‘* 1m afraid I’ve played glutton on thesleepin’ racket, but I’m on deck, now. How do you come out, mister?” ‘* My head is very tender to the touch, and I feel weak and ‘ broken-up,’ but, otherwise, am all right. My mind is clear, and I feel sure I have no fracture of the skull. In fact,” the speaker added, assuming a cheerful air, “I feel like doing justice to breakfast, which I have ordered for two. Here it comes, now!” . There was a knock at the hall door, and when Goodwind invited the applicant in, a servantap- peared with a well-laden waiter. He set the table aud left them alone. ‘* Fall to, without ceremony,” Aleck directed. His manner was unusually bluff, and Dick was not at a loss to see that the speaker realized the difference in their worldly stations, and wished to put him at ease—though whether his motive was one of unalloyed kindness was an- other matter, So the well-dressed old man and the shabbily- clothed boy sat down together. Dick was not in the least embarrassed. ‘* You’ve got a fine lay-out here,” he observed, calmly, ‘* | like the good things of life.” ‘** Me, too, but I don’t git them often.” ‘Kat hearty, now.” “Pll try to make my mark.” Richard fully carried out bis plan, and show- ed an appetite which put his bost’s completely in the shade. When they were done Goodwind lighted a cigar and proceeded to business. “ Last he he remarked, frankly, “I did that which I should not have done had | been in my usual mental condition; I invited a boy who was a stranger to me to stay here and make himself at home. You could have robbed me and left the house, and the fact that you did not leads me to regard you as a very worthy youth,” ‘*General,” Dick returned, with dignity, ‘a faller who would hcv took advautage of yer broke up state would ’a’ been a Hottentot, an’ though some would, I ain’t built that way.” ‘**Good! And now—excuse me, but you don’t look like a rich boy.” Dick calmly turned one of his pockets inside out, ‘*That’s my bank, mister.” ‘* And empty! Your answer is brief and de~ finite. Well, [ take it you are not averse to earning money. How is it?” **Correck! I’m lookin’ fer ducats ef they comes bonest.” ‘“*Then I will hire 7%: if we can make a bargain. Lust night I was robbed of an im- portant paper. I believe—in fact, Iam sure— that I know the source of the attack, but I wish to get evidence to that effect, I want to send you on an errand to a certain man’s house, The mission will be one requiring shrewdness, but I think you will meet with no danger.” ‘*Ts it ter git yer lost paper back?” ? ** No; for such an effort on your part would be folly. The errand is very simple, except that you will have to be at once polite, bold, natural, and ready to repel possible suspicions. In brief, you will go to one Cyrenus Slade and say that you are an oflice-boy for Park & Woodley, lawyers, and that your employers wish to know if Slade has yet gained evidence enough to goon with his lawsuit,” Dick closed one eye meditatively. “General, wo’t’s the riffle?” he inquired. *T cannot give you particulars, Slade is my enemy, and we are liable to lock horns at law, at any time. If he says to you that he is ready I shall be sure that he’s got my paper. That’s all you need to know, for your errand is simple. You willrun norisks.” — ‘*S’pose I git arrested fer false pretenses?” ‘* How can you?” ‘*Wer claimin’ ter be office-boy ter Park & Woodley.” ‘““ Why, even if he disbelieves you, he willonly refuse to talk with you,” ‘*T ain’t so sure o’ that, but ez there don’t seem ter be no great wrench at the hip-joint 0’ the law, I reckon TPll go ahead an’ do the errand.” Goodwind’s face brightened, and he expressed his approval of Dick’s decision. He also gave more minute instructions, and made the boy’s course as plain as possible, Dick listened in due form, but he had an- other idea in his mind, and proceeded to work it at first opportunity. Pointing to the portrait he observed: ‘*T wish I’s one o’ them fellers,” ** What fellows?” ‘That makes sech “Ob! an artist. to all.” * That’s a fine pictur’; looks as ef she was jest goin’ to speak, b’jinks! Is she yer daughter?” ‘*T have no daughter.” sf Niece, then, mebbe.” Oo | ictur’s.” ell, the profession is open “The face kinder attracts me. Who is she?” ‘*No one you will see bere,” Goodwind re- turned, curtly, “Is she alive now?” p ‘* The matter is one of no importance, and wa will dismiss it, Let the subject rest, and I will get you a more respectable suit of clothes, You would never pass for an office-boy in your pres- _ ent costume, And by the way, can’t you im- prove on your English, and taik more like an educated person?” “T kin sling on cart-loads 0’ style when I set out, boss,” Dick avowed, without undue modesty. He saw tbat his question in regard to the picture bad irritated Aleck, and that the latter was not likely to give bim any information, so he let the matter rest. He was, however, more interested than ever. He felt sure that Good- wind knew the gir] he had rescued from the river, and that his bost bore ber no good will, The Night-Watcher then and there resolved to sift the matter to the bottom, and, if she had been wronged, to see that justice was done her, She was his charge pow, he proudly felt, Aleck took him out and purchased a suit of clothes, and Dick, for once, thought he looked unmistakably fine in the outfit, i
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4. Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. At as early an hour as a visit from a lawyer’s boy would be proper he was started off for Cyrenus Slade's residence, “Tm in the swim,” he soliloquized, as he went, ‘an’ I’m goin’ ter see the game through, though there’s no knowin’ w’ot measly diffikilties I may git inter, arenes may set down on me with a dull thud. nyhow, I’m goin’ ter keep in with Aleck, an’ find out why he sports that portrait. Wonder ef he’s the pestiferous gent who tried ter drown’d the gal? The journey to Slade’s was made without event of importance, He found that Mr, Slade lived in a better house than Goodwind, and suspected that the former bad more money at bis call. He rung the bell, and when he told the servant that he was a boy from Park & Woodley, was at once ushered into the parlor to await the coming of the master. It wasa well-furnished room, and, when left alone, be looked around with natural curiosity. At first he found nothing to interest him greatly, but his wandering gaze suddenly became fixed, and an expression of astonishment appeared on his face, On the wall hung a crayon portrait so much like that at Goodwind’s that he could hardly be- lieve it was not the same une! ‘‘ The gal ag’in, by jinks! Say, be I awake or * dreamin’?” Dick rubbed his eyesin bewilderment. It was odd, certainly, that the likeness of the mind- stupefied water-waif should be at Goodwind’s, but it was far more that a copy should grace Slade’s parlor. * Cricketty-jim! but ain’t I in it!” the ec- centric Night-Watcher added, under his breath. “Both these men know the gal, an’ you kin bet yer gallus-buttons there’s a Heap in all this! vat’s my opine.” The door opened and a manentered, He was, like Goodwind, past middle age, and carried over two hundred pounds of flesh and bone, He was well-dressed and somewhat pompous-look- ing. Dick did not fail to see that the new-comer was looking at bim keenly, even suspiciously, he thought; but the boy was equal to the emergency. ‘Mr. Slade?” he inquired. ‘*That’s my name,” was the curt response. ‘Pm from Park & Woodley’s—” “ Are you sure?” was the sharp interruption. ‘“ Why, certain,” ‘* Perhaps you are, but you will have to prove it or take the consequences. I suspect— Night-Wateb Dick heard a slight sound behind Slade, near the door. He looked, and saw a ae woman standing there, The river-waif, or er double—which was it? The resemblance startled Dick, and he forgot to listen to Slade, and could only look in bewilderment. CHAPTER IV. DICK HAD USE FOR HIS WITS, RicHARD Henry Brazer did not have long view of the young woman by the door, When she saw she was thus under observation she turn- ed away as auddenly as she had come, and dis- appeared from his view. Oddly enough, Slade did not notice the abstrac- tion and surprise of his visitor. For a moment the man’s gaze had wandered, as he made some remark which Dick did not bear. The latter felt, rather than saw, when those keeneyes were again turned upon him, and he braced up sud- denly to meet the danger. He had seen a young woman enough like the river-waif to be a copy, yet, the observer felt sure, one who was wholly another person, The fact was surprising, but surprises were pressing upon him so fast that he was beginning to be prepared for them. 6 rallied, and met Slade’s gaze rig hh ‘*Have you a note from Park & Woodley?” the master of the house added, “No, sir,” Dick confessed. ‘* Yet you ask me to believe they sent you?” . * That's it,” ‘“*T don’t believe it, I know all their em- ployees, I never saw you before.” ‘Pm a new boy,” explained Richard, candid- ly. ‘‘ That does not account for your coming with- outa note. I told Park & Woodley, long ago, that I would pay attention to no messenger un- less he had a note from them,” Slade’s regard grew more suspicious, but Dick’s ingenuity was equal to the occasion. ‘“* Being a new boy,” he admitted, meekly, ‘IT eer 9 have done wrong. Last night my said to me I was to come here early in the morn- ing on an errand to you, first off, soon as we opened up, Well, they dido’t show up this a, ™. as soon as I did, so I thought I’d save time by getting in one errand ahead of them. If I’ve done wrong I’m sorry.” His meekness had effect, and Slade’s expres- sion grew less severe. ‘What is the errand?’ he asked, after a pause, “They want to know if you’re ready to go on with the lawsuit,” ‘*Ts that all?” “ Yes,” ‘*T can answer that question freely. Iam not ready. Matters stand just as they did, and I am still waiting. You can say to your employ- ers, however, that I have confidence that I ehall soon be all prepared for hostilities.” * All right, sir. Anything more?” ‘*Nothing. You can go, now.” Richard did not want to leave, but he saw no way to avoid it, He sent a glance toward the door, where the young woman had been, but did not again gain sight of her. Then he looked at the portrait on the wall, That object was less remarkable since he had seen the water-waif’s double, but the fact that it was precisely like that at Aleck Goodwind’s and that each was a fine likeness of the waif, made the matter still remarkable and perplexing. i rose to go, but Slade regarded him criti- cally. : “Bo you expect to stay at Park & Wood- ey’s ‘*Tain’t no idee of changin’,” returned Dick, forgetting for once to use good English. “ You are a keener-looking boy than the law- yer’s previous one.” ‘*He was kind of a dough-bead,” frankly re- turned Richard, recklessly libeling a youth he never had seen, ‘* J presume you are faithful?” ** Sure as a new gimlet,” “Tf Park & Woodley recommend you as trustworthy I may yet find work for you todo.” **You’ll find me one o’ the white hen’s chick- ens,” modestly asserted the Night- Watcher. ** We will see.” Slade had gradually moved toward the outer door, and they now stood in the hall. Just then the bell rung. Mr. Slade was not a man who would lower his dignity by opening the street- door to any applicant, so looked back to see if a servant was in sight, but Dick was ready to go, and he turned the knob and swung the door ck. A trim-looking boy stood on the stoop, ae Dick, the second youth bowed to e ‘A letter from Park & Woodley, sir,” he an- nounced, holding out an envelope. Slade looked from the speaker to Dick, and back again. “*T thought you had left the firm.” “T, sir? Oh no!” ‘Then what is this boy doing there?” Slade indicated Richard Henry, and the sec- ond boy looked surprised and answered: ‘“* Why, he don’t work for Park & Woodley, sir. I never saw him before. Does he say he is with them, sir? If he does, he is an impostor.” Dick saw that he had been unmasked by this unlucky meeting, and the gathering scowl] on Slade’s face indicated that the latter might make it unpleasant for the pretender, but the latter was not at the end of his resources, yet. #8 Young man,” he pronounced, with great dignity, “what you don’t know about them legal gents’ private affairs would fill a bicyclo- pedia, b’jinks! You walk up ter their desk, ter- day, jest afore you go out fer yer frugal hash- an’-pretzels lunch, an’ you will get p’inters b the quart, You will also get the g. b., whic is grand bounce. On your way home you kin look fer another job, fer Park & Woodley are dead onter you, an’ yer name is Dennis K, Mud, junicr, See?’ This glib address alarmed the lawyers’ boy, but Slade was not so easily convinced, All his suspicions returned, and he sharply averred: ‘* I believe you are lying!” ‘*Sir, down in Kentuck that’s a fighting re- mark,” declared Richard, ! ae ou are not employed by Park & Wood- ey. ’ ‘* Jest as you say.” , ‘You came here as a spy, and I can surmise who sent you, but your trick will not succeed. will have you arrested for your pe and if — don’t get six months on the sland I shall surprised. Jones, look for a policeman, and get him here at once!” Night-Watch Dick was troubled. He did not know what, if anything, was the penalty of his deception, but he valued his reputation, and did not want to get mixed up in any trouble. It was clear that Slade intended to carry out his. threat. How could he be beaten? Dick thought of only one way. He was not. sure he would hit the mark, but he determined to try the experiment. He took Slade by the sleeve. **Cyrenus,” he coolly began, ‘‘Ive got one word fer your private ear, an’ ef yer head is no leveler than the bottom of a bowl, you'll do well ter listen ter my warble, Ketch on?” He winked wisely, and Slade first hesitated and then returned: “You can speak,” Dick was about as much at sea as his com- panion, but ne lowered his voice and made a. bold push: f ‘*Mister, there’s a certain girl who looks. enough like that portrait in yer parlor ter be its twin. I know where that girl is, but nobody else does, I’ve got command o’ her fortunes, an’ I mean ter push things ef you cut up rusty.” The last sentence would not have been added had not Dick seen that he had already made a cen- ter shot, Why it was he could not tell, but by the time he had spoken of tue girl, and avowed that he knew where she was, Slade was troubled— more, he seemed alarmed. But he made an effort and answered boldly: ‘¢ What do I know about such a person?” ‘*Shall I tell before him?” and Dick pointed to the other youth. \ ‘There is no need of explanation,” the owner of the house hastily declared. “You are all at random, but now that I have time for thought Iam not disposed to molest you for what was, no doubt, a boyish joke. Vl not have you ar- rested.” “Thanks, awfully,” Richard returned, witha rin, ‘‘1 see you’re 4 philanthropist, an’ that’s ae the kind of a biped I like ter meet. I'll go now,” Slade looked at the lawyer’s boy, and seemed inclined to request Dick to remain, but he was ros cool enough to manage the affair properly, then. The result was that he allowed the Night- Watcher to use his own judgment, and the lat- ter lost no time in getting away, ‘*Wal, that’s a close call,” Ricbard solilo- quized. ‘If it hadn’t been fer my chance bit the old gent would ’a’ fell on me with malice aforethought, an’ I might ’a’ been mashed inter a human pancake, b’jinks! Guess I won’t do no more shady errands fer Aleck Goodwind. Et ain’t healthful. But how does Cyrenus come in on the mystery of my water waif?” _ He meditated on this point, but in vain, all the way back to Geodwind’s. Once there he told all about his visit, with the exception of what occurred after the genuine office boy’s arrival. 5 “Strange!” Aleck muttered, “4 oe “al 1 ] ” ade hasn’t my Jast r, yet. “Then you een iinvies hev it?” ‘Certainly. I believe, as I said before, that he instigated the assault on me, But perhaps those who attacked me have not yet reported.” ‘* Mister,” returned Dick, earnestly, ‘‘ w’ot is all this row about, anyhow?” CHAPTER V. MYSTERIOUS MAGOUN, GoopwInD hesitated before replying. ‘¢Oh! it’s nothing,” be finally returned, ‘‘ ex- cept that Cyrenus Slade is my enemy.” . ‘Is it a fight over money? “ No,” ‘* What then?” Dick persisted. “‘ Nothing that would interest you.” ‘* But ain’t I worked in your interest?” ‘* Certainly.” .“*Then why not let me inter the swim?” Aleck shook his head emphatically. ‘You have helped me, and I am going to pay you in hard cash, but my secrets are private property.” ‘How about her?” Richard suddenly pointed to the portrait, but ‘did not succeed in impressing Aleck as he had Slade. His companion betrayed only mild sur- rise, ner What you mean?” : ‘*T know that gal is in the riffle.” ** How do you know?” ‘‘Wal, Slade has a pictur’ jest like it—” ° ‘* T presume so,” ‘An’ the original sets heavy on his mind. General, d’ye s’pose he would do her harm?” “ T don’t know or care, Ask me no more ques- tions about the matter, for I have nothing to say. As muchas you have done for melam not disposed to tell secrets which may rosult to my harm. Now I will pay you and let you |
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eet fe ner =m pee T - PZ0, but I want your address, for I may want - toemploy you again.” He paid, and so liberally that Dick was not sorry they had met. The Night-Watcher ac- cepted his rebuff and made no effort to learn more, Feeling that he was on his way to success, already, he left the house and went back to where he had found a refuge for the water- waif, When he entered it so happened that he did not encounter any of the family, but, entering the bumble sitting-room, first saw the rescued irl, She was seated in an easy-chair and ooked pale and down-hearted, but her face brightened at sight of Dick, ‘Oh! I’m soglad to see you!” she exclaimed, ‘So you know me?” ‘* You’re the brave boy who saved me,” ‘‘Pm that goggle-eyed kid,” Dick confessed, *** Now, I hope you’ve found out who you be.” ‘*T have not,” ‘* What? you don’t remember nothin’, yit?” * Not a thing.” ** That’s bad.” “The past is all shut out from my mind. All that has occurred since I recovered conscious- ness on the pier is very distinct, as you will see, but back of that there is only a blank.” Dick experienced a feeling of keen disappoint- ment. He bad hoped that rest and sleep would restore her memory. ** Not a thing.” “Ever hear of Aleck Goodwind?” ‘* Not that I remember.” ‘Or Cyrenus Slade?” “© No,” b> “Wal, b’jinks! we’rein fer it, an’ hev got ter worm our way by inches, I guess.” y Richard rubbed his nose doubtfully, and felt that the ‘‘ worming” process was a serious mat- ter, but he was not inclined to giveup. He was interested in the water-waif, She was about twenty years old, pretty, avd naturally intelli- gent. Her helpless state appealed toall bis sym- pathies, and he was determined to do all for her he could, ** Yes, sirree!” he asserted, ‘I’m in this fight ter stay, Miss— Wal, we don’t know yer name, do we? S’pose we call ye ‘ Eve,’ fer short?” * Anything will do,” ‘‘Et’s pretty late ter give ye a front name, but tbe first Eve was older than you when she was born, ef | rec’leck right. Et will do, any- how. Now, lll prance down ter the pier an’ see ef there’s anything new in that section. The ‘patrolman who had that beat, last night, agreed ter be there this mornin’, too, but be may got tired 0’ waitin’ fer me an’ turned bis heels on the river-front, I°ll see.” , Dick went, but his blue-coated friend was not visible. The day patrolman had been told of the affair, and he said there was nothing new, but that the police were keeping the matter quiet, and hoped it would not get in the papers. Observation of the pier and vicinity had brought nothing new. So Richard went down on the structure alone and sat down where he had been at the time he first saw the unknown party, the night before. The dock was quiet enough, and gave no hint of ‘the tragedy, but on Dick’s memory was vividly impriated recollection of the moment when the boat overturned, He was meditating on the affair, and thinking of the woman who, be supposed, was drowned, when footsteps sounded beside him, He looked up and saw a man who looked as if he had just stepped out of a sporting paper that made a spe- pert 4 of cuts of pugilists, ** Hullo, younker!” greeted this man, ** Hullo}” * Fishin’?” “Wal, peer), when I fish I ginerally hev a hook an’ line, or some other belongin’ of the trade,” and Dick held up bis empty hands. “Right, younker; never mind that. Been here long?” % “Wal, I ain’t timed myself, but { guess no more than a day or two,” ‘** Dou’t be so fresh, younker; you gives me a pain,” returned the pugilistic individual, with a grimace; then he grew more mild of manver and added: ‘ You's a likely lookin’ iad.” ‘“* Mister, w’ot ax hev you ter grind?” Dick de- manded, bluntly. The stranger looked disconcerted, *T nin’t got none, an’ dis isa square deal, I's Sep consn fer company ’cau:ze |’s lonesome an’ wpiuin’ fer a chance ter talk, See?” ne, OE A a ae ae SES ne Diok of a i sss sss DN eeeEeEEEeEEEE——————eeeee ———E—E EEE EEE eee ee ‘*Oh! fire ahead, general; I ain’t a-tryin’ ter rebuif ye.” ** Hine place, here,” : "Yes, W’ot yer peerin’ inter the dock af- ter? D’ye expect ter see a mermaid?” Again the rough-looking man appeared dis- concerted, but he pulled himself together, ‘* Et comes natural ter me ter take notice of the water, ’cause 1 used ter be a sailor. See?” ‘Why, cert! I see, though I ain’t much of a sailor, an’ couldn’t furl the anchor nor run the boom up ter the mast-head.” **You’s a comic kid, an’ I like sech, Now, Pll bet you know more than you let on erbout sailor ways. Ef. not, you'll come to et. I’ve learned a good many things in my day. I’ve been a sailor, a miner, an explorer, a soldier, an’ more things than you kin shake a stick at, W’ot d’ye s’pose I be now?” ““You look like a bouncer in a one-hoss sa- loon,” This frank statement plainly irritated the stranger, but he overlooked it. He continued to talk in a way meant to be friendly. He said his pame was Bat Magoun, and though he did not claim great wealth, or Knickerbocker blood, he conveyed the impression that Mr, Bat Magoun was equal to the best of the human race. Dick bad seen at the first that his good will was clesired, and as Bat persisted in the attempt after repeated rebuffs, it became evident that the man had an object of no small importance, Then, again, no matter upon what subject he talked, he had a habit of looking down into the water every few moments, bis manner being furtive after Dick’s pointed question at the be- ginning of the interview. All this impressed the Nigbt-Watcher, and brought vividly to mind the previous night’s scene there, when the boat was overturned. Was Magoun one of the men who bad figured on that occasion, and had he returned to learn mare about the results of thataffair? @ was & man whose personal appearance made him a fit subject for all kinds of suspi- cions, He was rough and unkempt, and his heavy jaws, flat nose, small eyes and bulging brows did not make a prepossessing face, Richard ceased to irritate bim, and their acquaintance went on very smoothly, outwardly. inally Bat abruptly asked: ‘‘ Want ter go over ter my den?” ‘* Whar’s that?” ““'Mree or four blocks away.” ** Allright, general; heaveahead. I’ma gent of leisure, an’ allays ready fer a change. Me city men kinder git stagnated at times. ced Mr. Magoun agreed with this fully, and they left the pier and walked away. Dick was by nomeans certain that he was acting wisely, for bis companion did not look iike one who would let scruples stand in the way of a settled pur- pose; but as the Night-Watcher could not see what Bat was to gain by injuring him, he took the risk. He was conducted to an old rick house whose exterior told of neglect, even as its in- terior spoke loudly of dirt, Dick had seen bumble and poorly-kept homes before, but never one quite as bad as this hc use, Mr, Magoun did not heed the dirt, but whis- tled a cheerful tune as they went up-stairs, Theroom they entered was a little worse than anything seen before, and scettered around was an array of old clothes, sporting papers, boxing gloves, pipes, tobacco-bags—mostly rege bes other articles which almost bewildered Richard, He was invited tosit down in an alleged easy- chair, but in the seat of which were divers springs which were all too prominent; and then Bat filled a pipe. ‘* Have a brain-weakener?” he asked, hoiding up a half-used package of cigarettes. “*T pass,” ‘‘Shows yer good sense, Pipes an’ cigars is all.wool an’ a yard wide, but cigarettes ain’t fit fer bumans. Fift’? Avenoo dudes is jest their size, but I would prefer old rags from an Eye- talian den fer my smoke,” ; Bartholomew did justice to his black pipe and talked volubly, but Richard was sure that he had not been taken up ‘or any trivial purposes, Finally bis companiou inquired in a careless way: Ph ca you’s related ter Nick Brazer, ain’t ye?” ‘* Yes; he’s my uncle.” _ “ An’ he’s an undertaker, ain’t he?” + Yes,” ‘*S’pose I kin git him ter do a job fer me?” ** Wot kind of a job?” “The fack is, my young frien’, I’ve got a woman w’ot I want buried!” ‘the Docks, the Night-Watcn. a — “ag CHAPTER VI, DICK FACES A REVOLVER. MaGoun tried to make his manner careless and matter-of-fact, but the whole matter was so irregular that Night-Watch Dick tooked at him in wonder, ‘*-You’ve got a woman you want buried?” he repeated, +4 Yes,” “Ts she alive?” . ‘**Great Scott!) of course not. Wot would T want a live woman buried fer?” ‘*T cun’t see no pertik’ler need of it, my- self. Wal, my unc is in the biz, an’ you hev only ter step around ter bis place an’ give the order.” ; “T ain’t much used ter cemetery joints,” ices. “Couldn’t you do the biz for me Richard was not so simple as to remain un- suspicious in the face of this irregular proceed- ing, nor was he foolish snough to give utterance to his doubts, ‘*Mebbe,” he returned, quietly. ‘* Whar is tbe dead woman?” “We don’t jestly know where we will hev the obsequious ceremonies,” was the answer, Dick made a pretense of examining bis shoe to see if it was sound, ** W’ot did she die of?” he mquired, There was a significant silence before che answer came, but the Night-Watcher did not betray undue interest by looking. Finally, Ma- goun replied: “* Drownded!” Dick’s eyes glittered. it might not mean anything, but be remembered how Bat nad gazed down into the dock—the place where the boat had been upset. Nesta o’ yourn?” innocently mquired Rich- ard, Old enough ter be my mother,” ‘“ Wal, ef you see my unc an’ put up the scads, | kin promise. he will give yer a fune- ral that’l] make all yer neighbors green with jealousy,” asserted Dick, assuming a ‘‘ tough” air. “That ain’t the kind [ want, younker. Ye see, the diseased wuz a modest woman, she wuz; an’ she wuz so averse to vain show dat it wuz her last request that she should be buried humbly, Them wuz her dyin’ words, an’ jest like her.” Mr. Magoun sighed deeply. It occurred to Dick that they were rather singular last words for one who had perished by drowning, but he let the matter go, His companion leaned forward on the rickety old table and went on: ‘Yer see, we want this matter quiet, young feller. We don’t want no show, We want her buried in the cemetery of the Evergreens, an’ we will be there ter water the grave with tears; but we want yer uncle ter drive his wagon inter an alley w’ot is beside uhe house, load in from the side door, an’ drive awa ari same as Aunt Matilda ordered, ee? ‘““You say she was drownded. MHez the coroner set onter the case?” ‘*No, but I’ve got a doctor's ’stiffycate that she died from nat’ral causes, See?’ passed it to Dick, The latter did not know enough about such matters to be able to tell whether it was in due form, but the name of the doctor cigned to the document was enough. It was that of a person who bore a most unenviable By hag ‘he Night-Watcher clearly perceived that Bat wished to work a scheme which he dared not have the light.of day shine upon, and the only puzzling thing about the burial was the natural question, If he wanted a secrot burial, why did be not follow the example of many a New York evil-doer who had acted before him, and sink tbe body in that bolder of guilty secrcts, the North River? \ ‘* Where kin my uncle call around an’ make ae Ron fer the funeral?” Richard asked, care- essly. v ‘* All yer uncle has ter do is ter drive inter the alley, take the box—which will be all ready --an’ yo ter the Evergreens; an’ when he agrees say where he’s ter drive. See?” Taere was a half-sullen way about Bar- tholomew now which told that he Jid not want to be questioned further, and Dick was too wise to irritate him. The Night-Watcher would have given a good deal to know where the unknown woman had been drowned, but Bat’s furtive interest when on the pier was not forgotten, “4 hal * ate a3 a a tea =i ee ms | iA He drew a folded paper from his pocket and _ ter do the work—do it ez I want it done—I'll .
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SL OT nT A eg ee gE a. Was the woman of the present case the same who had been “‘ Eve’s” companion? Silence did more than questioning, for Bat, after a pause, slowly growled: ‘*New York is jest rotten! The city puts a lot o’ blamed fools inter blue store-clothes an’ brass buttons, an’ gives’em a club, an’ them cusses goes nosin’ around in honest folks’ busi- ness,” : ‘You mean the perleece?” “Sure!” “They be fresh.” ** Fresh!” echoed Megoun, with a burst of tem- per; ** Why, them devils don’t give a feller no show fer life. His private affairs are meddled with, an’ he can’t breathe widout the lousy blue- coats measure his breath, ter see w’ot his chest kerpacity is!” And to strengthen his assertion the speaker added a few violent remarks, which need not be put on record here. At this moment a slovenly-looking woman opened the door and held a bit of pasteboard out toward Magoun. ‘* Wot yer got there?” he growled. ‘* A visitin’ card.” “ A wot?” ‘‘A card with a name on it, sech as stylish folks use w’en they go a-callin’,” ‘*T b’lieve I’ve heerd o’ them, but I don’t care fer sech rubbish, T’row it away!” “But there’s a woman ter see yer, an’ this is her name.” ‘* Thunder!” Bat’s contempt changed to astonishment, and he wert forward and took thecard. Holding it to the light he studied it attentively, but as no ray of intelligence appeared in his face, Dick strongly suspected that the tough could not read, **Tll go an’ see her,” he finally decided. ‘‘ You stay here, young feller, an’ I'll see yer ag’in pretty soon, He went out, holding the card gingerly in his big fingers. ichard did not know that he had any inter- est in the woman, and certainly saw no way of seeing her, so he settled down to await Magoun’s return as patiently as possible, He had no in- tention of leaving. Magoun bad interested him, and he wanted to learn the exact nature of the man’s scheme, ‘* He’s got a drownded woman that he wants put out o’ sight on the sly,” the Night-Watcher mused; ‘fan’ he was lookin’ inter that pertic’ler dock as ef he expected ter seo drownded folks cavortin’ around there, The question is, Was Bartholomew inacertain boat whenit keeled over an’ spilt its load inter the wet?” The sound of voices in the next room caused Dick’s meditative expression to disappear. ** You kin set down there an’ chin!” came in Magoun’s voice, barshly. A woman’s voice answered, but Richard did not catch the words, and be obeyed a sudden im- pines and rose and went close to the wall. Their arrier was not thick or substantial, but the voices were now lowered so that he could not catch enough words to help him. Bat and the woman were talking in ill humor, which was all he could make out for some time, but, presently, she grew angry and raised her voice, ‘*T say you are deceiving me!” she declared. ** Prove it!” Magoun retorted, ‘Rather, it is for you to prove your inno- cence,” “That's my affair!” ** And mine,” ‘ ‘*See here, d’ye think you kin bulldoze me? ain’t built that way. See?” ‘* You are the one who is trying that course, but I wish to say that your efforts will avail noth- ing. Youarea man, aud I but a weak woman, but I can match you in one way, if not with brute strength,” ‘ What way?’ Magoun growled, ‘* By appealing to the law.” **T ain’t broke no law.” ** Do you want to prove it incourt?” **T want you ter hev some boss-sense |!” “It is because I have that very article that you are now kicking. I am wise enough to sus- pect that — false to we, and playing into Cyrenus Slade’s hands,” “* Cricketty-jim |!” The breathless exclamation came from Dick, who thus gained fresh proof that Bat was con- nected with the characters of the original plot. ‘Instead of keeping your promise,” the un- known woman pursued, “‘ you have spirited away the persons I paid you to bring to me. Isay you are a traitor, and bave sold your soul to Slade.” ‘** Ef Slade paid over three cents fer it, he got cheated !” Dick muttered. 6 | | ick of the’ Doo eS ee oe a — Site oe ee st 4 as ks, the Night He pricked up his ears, eager to learn more, but at that moment a footstep sounded behind him. He turned quickly and saw a revolver leveled at him, held in the hand of a burly ruffian. ‘“*Spy and listener!” the latter grated, ‘* Pll stop your meddlin’!” CHAPTER VII. PLAYING A BOLD GAME, Nieut-WatcH Dick was taken aback, He had supposed while he had proof that Bat Magoun could not enter and catch him acting the listener he was safe enough, but, now, he had undeniable proof that he was caught, and by one not inclined to show mercy. The new-comer looked like a fit mate for Magoun, and his face was even more brutal. The revolver still bore upon the boy, and he had good reason to fear an immediate and fatal shot, but his presence of mind did not de- sert him. Not betraying the trepidation he really felt, he put up his open hands, ‘¢ Hold on a bit, boss!” be requested. ‘I don’t want no quarrel with you.” ‘*Oh! you don’t!” was the sarcastic retort. ‘““Wal, I didn’t reckon you did. I’m the one that is raisin’ my warble. Here a gent has took you in here as an honored guest, an’ you go ag’in’ him an’ act the listener. The penalty o’ that is lead |” : “‘ Hold up, mister, an’ I'll explain.” ‘* How will you explain?” This was just what Richard Henry Brazer wanted to know, for he had been caught so fully and squarely that he did not see how he was to save himself, He put his wits to work, however, and managed to grasp an excuse without any betraying hesitation, ** All Ll ask is a chance,” he returned, assum- ing an air of resentment, ‘‘ but it shakes a fel- ler all up ter look inter a revolver an’ see the bullet makin’ faces at him, an’ diggin’ its toes inter the cylinder in an attempt ter git out an’ gasb his flesh; it does, b’jinks!” “Come ter the point!” ‘‘Turn that shooter away!” Dick spoke commandingly, and the rough obeyed. ‘ ‘Now, heave ahead, spy.” - ‘*T ain’t no spy, but a feller took mein here an’ used me decent an’ square, an’ wben he went out I heerd a woman a-threatenin’ on him in the next room—I didn’t ketcb the cause—so I made m mind ter take a band ef there was any racket. always stan’ by my friends,” “You tell it wal, don’t yer?” “T don’t ask you ter believe it. Jest you keep yer gun away, an’ me an’ Bat kin settle his, P ‘* I'm Bat’s friend.” **Do you use him ez you do me?” ‘*T always wing a traitor when [ see one,” “Wal, this ain’t your circus, Me an’ Bat kin run italone. All we ask o’ you is ter mind yer own affairs, See?” The man was not sure whether he saw, or not, but the Night-Watcher’s bold stand bad done more than any other course would. Dick had, at least, deferred trouble by bis nerve. After some hesitation the rough put up his revolver. ** You can sit down and wait for Bat,” he an- nounced, ‘but [ll see to it you don’t listen no more.” “Oh! come off; you give mea pain, you do!” declared Dick, assuming a swagger suited to the society he was mixing with. There was no answer, and Richard went back | to the chair, put his feet on the table, and pro- ceeded to a himself comfortable. For awhile no: particular attention was given him!by the rough, but, presently, the latter began to study him‘unostentatiously. By putting on the airs of a hard young citizen, Dick had made the man suppose, faithful or not, his young com- panion was of an extremely vicious class in life, and for a boy of that kind, a man, like the present one, who lived by his wits, always had use, But was the boy to be trusted? In a short time, though no more of the conver- sation between Bat and the unknown wornan was audible, they were heard to leave the room, and presently he re-entered the place where the others awaited him. He greeted the second rough as “‘ Tom,” and then the latter promptly told what he had seen of Dick. Bat scowled and looked ugly, but the object of their suspicion was equal to the occasion. He “Watch. | —— coolly and nonchalantly made his explanation, and Magoun accepted it without much hesita’ tion. Really, he did not like the matter at all, but, being well aware that he had already put him- self in Dick’s power to a certain degree, he saw fit not to wake trouble, To bind the boy more fully to bimyand his in- terests, he proceeded to be very friendly, out- wardly, and to give the impression that if a young fellow wished to get a good start in life he could do no better than be in union with Bar- tholomew Magoun. Dick took all this for what it was worth, and acted the amiable part, himself, but Tom was not inclined to follow their lead. The second rough was disposed to let Bat manage his own affairs, but he could not forget the picture he had seen when he detected Richard with bis ear pressed close to the wall, He did not trust the boy in the least degree, After considerable talk the Night-Watch an- nounced that he woulé go, and Bat did not ob- ject. The latter only asked that he would see bis uncle at once, and Dick not only made the promise, but kept it. He went to the second house without delay, His uncle, Mr. Brazer, heard the story with undisguised suspicion. * The whole thing is an unlawful conspiracy!” he declared. “Think so?’ Dick returned, **Of course, The doctor you name has served time in prison, and ought to be there now; he has considerable practice, but it is all in ‘shady ” eases, I would not spply for a burial permit on bis certificate, nor would I bandle 9 subject of his, in any case, where there was the least chance of my name being associated with bis,” ‘*T want you ter take this case, unc.” **T decline!” ‘*Ob! I'll stan’ between you an’ harm.” ‘*Richard, you are getting too self-conceited, and I shall advise your father to spank you at nine o'clock, every night, and put you to bed, instead of letting you act the detective,” The Night-Watcher chuckled with delight, ‘“*Phat’s all right, unc, but you are a trifle off yer pedestal, I don’t want you ter injure yer perfesh’nal rep, bet jest lay a trap fer Bar- tholomew.” ee How ” ‘‘ Carry out the first part o’ his plan, an’ then hev. : the perleece at yer elbow ter swipe the cof- fin. Mr, Brazer looked thoughtful. ** Murderous Magoun bas set out ter work an unlawful game,” Dick pursued, ‘tan’ he. will do it ef he has ter use the river fer a grave; which is jest about w’ot be will do ef yer show suspi- cion by refusin’ of the job. Now, why not ac- cept, right off, an’ then slide around an’ tell the perleece the whole biz, an’ hev them at hand ter gobble the coffin, once you git hold of it?” r. Brazer’s expression bad changed during this address, and after a moment’s thought, he readily answered: ‘“‘Your head 1s as level as usual, Dick, and I will follow your plau. We will do our best to foi] this iniquitous scheme, whatever it wend d be, Perhaps your father had better not span ou. 7 Uncle and nephew laughed heartily, for they had the best of feeling for each other, and then they arranged their plans more fully, It was agreed that Nicholas Brazer should see Magoun, and after sundry apparently cautious questions, as if he were guarding against danger to himself, he was to accept the duty of consign- ing the body of the unknown woman to the cem- etery. This matter being arranged, Dick went his way, “ve got hold of a mighty big case, I reckon,” he soliloquized, ‘* but it’s a big tangle. Eve, my water-waif, an’ her companions who wuz in the boa®are mixed in some way with Cyrenus Slade an’ Aleck Goodwind, and ef Bat Magoun ain’t in the same swim I’m ’way off my guessin’ pivot. Got a drownded woman on bis hends, hez he? An’ he was lookin’ down inter that dock as ef he expected ter see strange sights. R. A, Brazer, ef you kin git a hip-lock on this case, glory will be yourn!” : The speaker wanted to be doing more active work, but, not seeing how be was to accomplish it, just then, he wandered down to the North River. That noble stream had never Jooked more ma- jestic, and he sat down and watched it thought- fully. Few persons knew more of the water front than be, Since he began his peculiar work as an ally to the police he fairly haunted the vicinity between the Battery and Christo-
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«i a Ma _ iz r ig street Ferry, and its every peculiarity was nown to him, On this occasion he was interrupted by the arrival of a twelve-year old boy slightly known to him, and who rejoiced in the name of Bob Blinks. ‘¢ Hullo, cully!’ Bob exclaimed. * Hullo, general!” ‘¢ Takin’ life easy?” “T ain’t takin’ life, now.” ‘‘ You know w’ot I mean, you don’t work much,” ‘“No; we toil not, nuther do we spin, an’ we don’t keer whether bulls or bears ravage Wall street, seekin’? whom they may devour an’ eat up. I’d ruther bea lazy man than a million- aire,” ** Right you be, cully!” Young Mr. Blinks agreed heartily, but Richard slyly winked his Jeft eye. Believing that Bob did not know he was a hard worker in the police interests he enjoyed the sensation of pos- ing as an idle nobody. Several commonplace remarks were made, and then Blinks abruptly asked: ‘Kin you read?” ““ A few.” ‘* Read writin’?” ‘“* Why, cert!” “Then I’ve got suthin’ fer you ter peroose. Me an’ Petesey O'Neil found a paper last night, an’ Pete, he kin read jest enough ter make out et’s about a money affair. One name on it is Aleck Goodsend, I believe, an’ t’other is--is—” Dick gave a start. “*Cyrenus Slade?” he inquired, quickly. **T b’lieve that is it, nibsey.” ‘© Where'd you git it?” ‘* Found it on the street.” Blinks mentioned the exact place, and it proved to be the corner where Aleck Goodwind was assaulted. ‘* We think, mebbe it’s somethin’ will bring us money,” Bob added, ‘‘an’ef you kin read ink-straddlers I wish you’d come up an’ tell us w’ot it’s about.” Dick sprung up. en at yer service,” he declared. ou Anyhow, me an’ ** Lead CHAPTER VIII. BREAKERS AHEAD, Bos BuinKS set out with Dick by his side. The latter had but little knowledge of Bob, having only known him casually as one of the boys who frequented that vicinity, but of Petesey O’Neil he knew more, The Jatter was an honest youth “who, to a certain degree, was Dick’s friend. The Night-Watcher was excited over the pros- pect of recovering the paper which Aleck Good- - wind had lost, and felt that developments were sure to follow, With/the paper in band he could gain some clew to the drama which connected Goodwind, Slade and the water-waif. After a walk of several blocks, during which Blinks talked volubly, they reached an old house on a retired street, The door was not locked, and Rob opened it and entered, Ae . ‘s ‘ af HF oh ey yen Presently one of them left the room, and there was a long voices of the men in consultation, luil, He judged that balf an hour had elapse when his single guard was joined by other per- sons, They came straight to the barrel, The latter was lifted and carried away. Dick vainly tried to call for help, Mechanically be marked the course of the car- riers, They went down the stairs and out tothe street; they dumped the barre] into a wagon: the vehicle moved away with the horse at a trot, The barrel bounced aboutin the interior, and the Night-Watcher was off on the most lugubrious ride he ever had tuken, Was it his last ride? He could not judge as to the progress of time, but, after being bounced about for some time, the wagon was stopped, Again the barrel was borneaway, Whither? And what did the dread journey mean to him? There was a pause, and be knew the barrel had been set down again. What meant its new, strange motion? What meant a peculiar splash- ing sound? ‘bey were ina boat! \ Brave Dick shivered. His fears suggested an explanation of all this. Was he to be drowned in the river? The oars of the men struck the water and the boat moved away. Once beyond the pier it was caught in the strong current and tossed up and down until the prisoner’s head swam dizzily, On they went, and he decided that their course was nearly straight down the river, What did that portend? hat, unless that the end of the affair was to come in the waters of the Bay? At last the oars ceased to beat the water. The rowers moved, They had gonealmost in silence, but now he heard the order given: ‘Over with it!” He believed it to be Jake's voice, The barrel was lifted and poised for a mo- mentin air. Then it fell with a splash, and Dick knew his worst fears were realized; he had been consigned to an unmarked grave, Through the holes in the barrel came the water, and its contact quickly convinced him that, with tkese orifices, the barrel could not long float, There was a sound of oars, and a voice hoarse- ly called: ’ ** Good-by, meddler, an’ give our compliments ter Davy Jones!” Then the sound of oars grew fainter, and Dick was alone on the bosom of the bay, with the water steadily percolating into his prison and adding to his peril. CHAPTER IX. IN THE DEATH-TRAP, Nor one of those who bad left Night-Watch Dick to his fate had any idea that be would ever again be seen alive, ‘ Were they right? Had all ite departed? Not at any time in his peri! had Dick’s pres- ence of mind deserted him, and what hope he had entertained all rose from one fact which had occurred at the very start. When Bob Blinks obeyed Jake’s order and bound the prisoner the young rough bad done his best to render the job thorough, but even then Richard noticed that the cords were not ad- justed as an older, more experienced person would have placed them, Upon this fact he based all his hopes, and it was a great relief when Jake did notexamine them. Once in the wagon Dick bad trusted to the rattling of the vehicle on the pavement to deaden any rustling of the straw he might make, and then began the effort to regain a measure of hberty. ‘ After a good deal of work he freed his hands, The gag was soon removed, but he could not very well get at his feet without danger of be- traying himself, and be had done no more whe he was cast into the water. As he realized bis peril fully he whipped out his pocket-knife and cut the cords around bis ankles. He was now free from bonds, but still in the barrel. — : He was not in a frame of mind to speculate calmly on just how long it would take the bar- rel to sink, but he was aware that he was get- ting wet, and that breathing was no longer eas . He Ba for a final effort, which he had already planned, Moving partially around he put his back against one side of the barrel and his knees against the other, and then with all his strength he essayed to burst the living tomb. The barrel creaked, but did not give way, . CF: OIE ce 5 yy
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- 9 ok 5 PCS a! *. Pe Re ax! mee, oe ; Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. Again he strained every nerve. Then— There was a rending sound, and it flew apart so abruptly that, almost in a twinkling, he found bimself struggling in a wreck of staves affairs public, but she liked to talk, and there did not seem to be any danger in being confi- dential with a psf ‘You see, this place once belonged to Mr. Gurdon Maclay. He died when in the liberty, oner,” Mrs, Snow was shocked, but she managed to hide her feelings. ‘* Who is this woman?” she asked, She is, to speak plainly, to be a pris- and hoops. The water ingulfed bim, and he be- | prime of business life, and with many business “*She belongs in New York, Her naine need gan to sink, Down, down he dropped! He]! schemes on hand. He had one plan to make | not be mentioned now, though she doubtless will tried to swim, but fragments of tha barrel de- | this ground the so-called New York terminus of | tell it to you freely enough when you get her fied his efforts to cast them off. He grew alarmed; the water roared in his ears like the voice of doom. But at last he was free. His limbs moved strongly, skillfully. He rose to the surface, He drew in the fresh air in great gasps. With the current of life once more flowing naturally, all bis resolution returned, and he felt able to meet any danger that might follow. He looked around for the boat, but it was barely distinguisbable, as the oarsmen pulled back to- ward New York. He was further dows’ the bay than he had supposed, and this fact led him to decide to swim to Staten Island. By doing this be would keep out of sight of the men, and, once there, could take a ferry-boat from St. George and re- turn home. ‘the first part of this plan was quickly put into effect, and he moved ‘southward. is adven- ture had not weakened him, and the pleasure of escape, gave him a feeling of exhilaration which made swimming a light task. In due time he was on Staten Island. He was not sure just where he was, so, seeing a house somewhat back from the water-line, he walked toward it, shaking the water from his better fer them skunks who barreled me up ef I was down with McGinty, now. Job was a meek man, so be I, in spots, but when I see Jake an’ Bob Blinks, ef I don’t climb all over their necktie Tm a perjurer!” He had reached the house, and now he knocked at the door, A woman appeared, gave one look at him and exclaimed: ‘*Sakes alive! you’ve been in the wet!” ‘‘ Yes, an’ the wet has mighty near been in me,” the Night-Watcher humorously replied, **Do come right in, and we'll give you dry clothes, I never did see such a year for folks to get drowned, and half drowned. I’m glad you’re alive, and we will help you out.” Richard had not planned to’do any more than ask for directions, but the woman was kind and motherly looking, and he was not disposed to re- fuse such an invitation. He went in, and she conducted him to a room and brought from the closet a suit of dry clothes, ‘* These will just about fit you,” she stated, ‘Mum, you’re the right kind, but I want ter git back ter New York as soon as I kin, an’ I ain’t got the collat’ral fer ter buy these clothes, mum.” ‘** Don’t you worry about that, We make a business of helping folks who get drowned, or half drowned, and you’re one of them, Put on the dry clothes, and it will be all right.” ** Mum, you’re a trump card, b’jinks!” Dick sent the compliment after her as she re- treated to the door. She smiled and went out, and he was soon inside of the dry garments. He then rejoined her in the sitting-room, “You shall have a good bed, to-night,” she promised. “Youre very kind, but I’ve got ter git back home, I hev business ter attend to, an’, thankin’ you, I’ll hustle. You see— Hallo! w’ot’s that?” “ What?” “That pictur’.” He picked up an imperial{photograph from the ble, “* That’s our landlord, Mr, Slade.” o Dick had been well aware that the picture one of the great railroads that go West, and had matters so arranged that the company in which be was a stockholder is still trying to carry out his plan. If really carried out, this land will become valuable, Slade and Good- wind are both stockholders, and each claims control of this land, through papers from Maclay, Why they don’t go to law, and settle it, [don’t know. Slade has control now, to the oe of getting the rent paid over, but that’s a Dick had listened closely. ‘* Ts there a gal in the case?” he asked, ‘* A girl? Not that I know of.” “ Hum’ !” ** Why do you ask?” ‘*T thought mebbe there was, Ain’t somebody got a daughter?” ‘*Your question is indefinite; but I do not know that either Slade or Goodwind has a child!” ‘* Tell me all yer do know.” ‘ ‘“‘T have. You've got the whole story.” Dick was disappointed, and his expression showed it. He had hoped to learn of his water- waif. Suddenly the woman started and exclaimed: ‘* Why, there comes Mr, Slade now!” PERIL FOR THE WATER-WAIF. Nicut-Watcu Dick heard the woman’s an- nouncement with a start. He believed that he owed his late perilous adventure to just the man who was now said to be at the door, and the lat- ter’s untimely arrival might indicate that the gang was again on the Night-Watcher’s trail. “Slade here!” Dick exclaimed. ‘* W'ot does he want?” , ‘**] don’t know. I'll see,” the woman replied. ‘*Waita bit! Be you his friend?” “No, I don’t like him,” ‘* Me, too! Say, munm,I hev reason ter feel like keepin’ out o’ that vampire’s clutches, I never did him no harm, but he hasme, Kin ou hide me, an’ say never a word ter bim that ’m here, or that you hev seen a half-drownded kid o’? my size?” “Certainly. Step into yonder room and I will not mention you.” Richard got out of sight ina hurry, and then, as the bell rung a second time, the woman went to the door, She soon returned with Slade, Dick had never fancied the man, but the color- ing of personal grievance now entered into the matter, and the visitor appeared repulsive and villainous, ‘‘Mrs, Snow,” began Slade, abruptly, ‘‘ how do you like this house?” “Tt is a very pleasant house, sir,” she re- turned. _ **Good! How would you like to live in it one year, rent free?” ‘* Don’t I pay my rent, sir?” You do, madam; excellently well. Still, a house rent free is better than a paid house. Now, I can give you free rent if you will help me out on a certain matter, ait, madam! Hear the condition before you answer, and then you are likely to answer yes,” : ‘But how can you make it free? You con- trol, but don’t own, the place,” “y skould pay the rent out of my own pocket, which I am quite ready todo, Your partof the bargain would be to wr a boarder for a time— perhaps a week; more likely, a month; possibly, a year, If the time run on until her stay seem- here, I trust you will not judge me harshly in this case, madam, for I should be reluctant to do barm to any one, but she is very offensive, and has made a life a burden. She would up- set important plans of mine, and must be put aside for a time. No harm will be done her, however. Will you take her?” Mrs,. Snow had waxed indignant, and was about to refuse point-blank, but at that mo- ment she caught sight of a sharp young face behind Cyrenus Slade, and at the door of the next room—the face of Richard Henry Brazer. Dick nodded sharply, and the lady caught the spirit of his plan. She pretended to hesitate, and finally replied: ** Will there be danger for me?” ‘** Not a bit,” Slade assured. “*T might do it, I suppose,” “If you will, you shall be well paid. I want a quiet place for the girl, and will relieve you of all care, except what naturally falls on a land- if I will send a man along—whose board I va pay—and he shall be the one to watch the girl It was evident that Slade was prepared to spend his money freely in the case. The whole affair was one which shocked Mrs, Snow, but another nod from Dick decided her, ns clothes. The door-bell rung, ‘** You will stand between me and harm, sir?” cr ae “Tm a good deal better off than a dead ‘** Certainly,” Slade declared, : man,” he commented, aloud, ** but it would be CHAPTER X, ‘*Then I will take the—the boarder,” Slade was pleased, and he said as much, He bad not been quite sure of Mrs, Snow, though, as money was bis own god, he believed it would accomplish almost all things with others. He had tried, and succeeded, So be thought. ~ He remained for some time longer, and stated just which room the prisoner was to have, and what was to be done, ‘*Go it, Old Hickory!” muttered Night-Watch Dick, in bis ambush, ‘I kin guess w’ot gal you are aimin’ ter incusserate in durance ie. but Kon ain't got my water-waif yet—not by a six- egged jack-rabbit’s jump!” he visitor was done at last, and he rose to go, Mrs. Snow saw him to the door, where they separated, but she had no sooner relocked the door than Dick’s hand fell upon her arm, ** Ym off ter foller that Malay pirit’,” he ex- claimed, hurriedly, ‘‘I think I know the gal he’s seekin’ ter devour, an’ he’s the meanest man that ever chawed pork, Ill see yer ag?in, but do you keep right on in the work an’ receive her, ef she comes, Will yer?” “ Yes,” ‘Allright; but I don’t guess he will git her, by gravy! He’s a pirit’, an’ we'll beat him ef we kin. How’s that, mum?” Mrs, Snow caught the speaker’s enthusiasm, and answered affirmatively. Dick burriedly ave bis name and address, and asked her to noti- vy him if there was anything new; and then he hastened away in pursuit of Slade. He bad no difficulty in getting sight of him before the ferry at St, George was reached, and there be made a new discovery. <A big, rough- lookiug man was lounging by the gate, and ee recognized “Jake.” The latter joined lade, Dick no longer doubted the origin of the at- tack upon himself, that night. The police assistant determined to take the same boat with them back to New York, and this the large size of the craft enabled him to do with some degree of safety. When they were once on board, the men be- gan to talk earnestly. Dick watched them ata represented Cyrenus Slade, He had recognized | ed to be robbing you of a good bargain, I would | distance, ready to change his position if they ot at once, and became correspondingly interest- pay you direct any sum you wished for, I say | changed theirs, He was not. compelled to play He was now seized with a desire to learn more about the original, her’ stay, for the boarder is a young woman,” - r friend of yours?” 0. hide-and-seek, however. On arriving at the Battery the men left the ** So he’s yer landlord?” boat and walked up Broadway. Dick kept “Yes. just now; but we are going to leave “Then why are you arranging for her?” patiently on their trail, and what followed did here. He isa rich man who lives in New York, ‘* Because she is my nape 2 not surprise hii in the least, and h.’s a good landlord, but there are reasons Slade spoke bluntly, and Mrs. Snow would When they paused it was in front of his own why we don’t want to remain here.” have been dull not to see that some underhand | home, ° Why?” : = work was contemplated. She was an honest| Dick then did some quick work. The house ‘Well, it’s like this. This house is in dis- | woman, and was about to decline all connection | was ona corner. He entered by the side door, ute, r. Slade and a Mr. Goodwind are ghting over it, and we are tired of being on premises that are under a state of siege, as I may a ye % What are they fightin’ fer?” The woman hesitated fora moment. She felt that it was not a good plan to make private af- with the affair, but curiosity led her to seek for more light before declining the offer. ‘* People are not apt to be so kind to their ene- mies,” she observed, “The young woman may think there is not much kindness in my method,” be answered, grimly, ‘'The fact is, she is not to have her passed through to the room next to the men, ce stood by the window only a few feet from them, The blinds were closed, but the lower sash was raised. Thus he could hear all that was said, “T think the plan will work,” Slade re- marked, : es
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2 oh f coffin should be empty?” > “You're sure the gal is here, be you” Jake asked. ‘Oh! yes; she has been seen here. In some way she was rescued by the young cub you drowned tonight. I’m glad he is out of the way.” Richard Henry smiled grimly. “Wal, I'll agree ter get the gal ter-morrer night,” promised Jake, ‘‘ unless the folks here is kept up a-grievin’ fer the kid,” ‘They would be fools to do it,” *‘The kid was bright, anyhow,” “ But not enough so to beat you.” ‘*Not much,” Jake agreed, complacently. **Get this job off your hands as soon as you can, and then look to Bat Magoun, [am sure that knave played me false. I do not for a mo- ment doubt that he attacked Aleck Goodwind and got the paper away, but if so, he is holding it, bimself.” **T never did like Bat, an’ I'll smash him with pleasure. Et’s right in my perfesh’nal line, ye see,” Jacob added, with dignity. * All right, but attend to the girl, first.” ‘* ll gobble her ter-morrer night,” “Good! Now, let’s move on, and avoid all risk of discovery.” : ’ They went, at once, leaving Dick chuckling in great good humor, ‘*Gobble her, will ye?” he muttered, ‘* Not ter-morrer night. I'll hey a whole regiment of perleece, ef necessary. An’ so it reely was Cyrenus who set the robbers on ter Goodwind? That’s prime! I like dead-sure facts when I kin git them, an’ I’m gettin’ points enough on Cy ter fill up a war-bulletin from Europe, b’gosh !” he door-bell rung, and Dick answered it. He found his unele, the undertaker, there. ‘* News for you, Richard,” was the announce- ment, ‘I have further word from Bat Magoun, and he wants the burial to take place this very night.” “*T s’pose you said Yes?” “The fellow’s ignorance so surprised me that I almost told him that cemeteries had rules and regulations which would make such a bead- long course out of the question, but as hedid not ary any better, I thought it just as well to say nothing!” “Une, .you show a proper degree o’ hoss- sense, an’ I’m proud o’ you!” Dick declared. ** An’ is the funeral reely goin’ on?” “Tam to go to a specified point, at one o'clock, and get the coffin,” ** Prime!” ‘“ Of course we'll have the police on hand.” ‘“Waita fraction. Did Bartholmew plan ter take passage with yer ter the cemetery? ‘*No; he said he would trust all to me after he once delivered the coffin to me.” ** Jim-hickey! then we won’t hev no perleece inter it, I like the blue-coats, an’ them an’ me pull tergetber like two expert car-hosses, but it’s a lurid fact that the perleéce usually make a botch of their jobs, They tell the re- porter fellers, an’ then the newspapers publish the facks from Gowanus Bay ter Walla Walla, an’ put every crook on his guard. D’ye foller me, unc?” be You state only the truth. But what is your ea. ‘* Take the coffin right ter your shop.” ** And then?” “*See who it is—ef anybody! W’ot ef the ‘*Richard, I always thought you a frivolous humbug, but you bave a long head, after all. Pll do as you advise, and you shall aid in the adventure,’ CHAPTER XT, | THE COFFIN CLEW. Mipnicut was close at band, and prepara- tions were begun for the next step. Bat Magoun had been anxious that no one should know what _kind of a burden he was getting rid of, and had stipulated that Mr, Brazer should bave a wagon of innocent appearance, rather than a hearse, The outfit was made ready, and at the a inted hour the undertaker and Dick started or the scene of action, On their arrival they found the alley to which reference had been made, and Brazer drove into itsshelter, A side door opened and Bat Magoun appeared, **So you’ve come?” he spoke, somewhat nerv- sare “T never am late at a funeral,” Brazer dryly answered, “ Everything seems clear, don’t it?” “Clear?” **T mean, nobody seems unduly interested in the case, Eb?” Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. ren “Only us three are in the game. Don’t be worried. Bring out the freight!” Brazer spoke in an off-band way, to give the idea that he was indifferent to the finer feelings of life, and Magoun breathed a sigh of relief. Law-breaker and rough that the latter was, he feared detection enough to be timid now the rest of the job was to be intrusted to a stranger. [t was a good deal of satisfaction to bear Brazer speak like one both bold and unscrupulous, ‘* Ef you'll give me a lift on the box, Dick kin bss with the team,” Bat suggestod. his plan being approved of, Mr, Brazer went in, but he, Magoun and another man soon ap- neared carrying a rough, coffin-shaped box. his was duly placed in the wagon, and when the latter was closed at the back part the cover concealed the gruesome load from the chance passers on the street. ** Anything more?” Brazer asked. “Yes; wait a bit.” The two principals hurried into the house. but returned, presently, carrying a slab of marble. ‘Put this at the head o’ the grave” Bat di- rected. ‘Ts it inscribed?” ** Yes; all ready for use.” The stone was put into the wagon, and then Magoun said that nothing remained undone, He bad several warnings to give, however, and grew so nervous that he once spoke of taking the trip with the others; but when the under- taker carelessly remarked that it was unneces- sary, Bartholomew changed his mind, Dick was nervous lest some mischance should rob them of their prize, but Brazer took things coolly, showed no baste, and finally backed his horse out of the alley as nonchalantly as if the business was trivial, ‘** Be careful!” Bat continued. * All right,” ““ Dodge all the cops you can,” ce Yes, ” Brazer touched up his horse and drove away. The Jast that was seen of Magoun he was looking after them anxiously. ‘* He’s afraid he will git snaked inter perleece- quarters,” Richard commented, “ but I ain’t no pity fer him, Great Scott! w’ot sort of an inno- cent is be ter think folks kin go ter the cemetery | an’ bury coffins ez off-hand ez they would goats in Harlem?” Mr. Brazer did not test Dick’s knowledge of the art of interring Harlem goats, but drove on steadily, Now and then they passed a patrolman, but none of them gave particular heed to the orderly team, and in due time they drove into the passage connected with the under- taker’s shop. The Night- Watcher made haste to close the big door next to the street, and then they were free from observation, ‘There's letterin’ on that gravestone!” Dick then announced, ‘‘ an’ I want ter see it. I want ter know why they mean ter advertise her death ef they want the burial so secret. Bat is pretty foxy, but he ain't the only gent in this case, Armed with a lantern he climbed into the wagon again, The first thing that impressed him was the fact that the stone was not fresh and clean, but dingy, and patched,.nere and there, with bits of moss, as if it had been in use for some time, He read this inscription eagerly: ‘*MARGARET ALDRIDGE, AGED 49. Born Aug. 12, 1837, Died Nov. 28, 1886." ‘What do you make of it?’ Mr. Brazer asked. ** Say, be I abead o’ time, or is this the year 1889?” ** Tt is 1889,” ‘* Wal, this stone says she died in 1886,” ‘That's odd.” * 1 reckon it wa’n’t so odd when the stone was cut, Ef I ain’t ’way off my reckonin’ that article bas been in use before. Et ain’t fresh in no .way, an’ et strikes me it may hev done duty already at the bead o’ some mound,” The undertaker gazed thoughtfully at the stone, He noted the facts mentioned by his nephew and his ern confirmed all that Dick had surmised, ““He wants people to think that the death occurred three years ago,” Brazer murmured, ** But why?” Dick shook his head, “*T give it up,” ** And how does it happen that the stone was cut three years eee ey seems probable,” A flash of intel ‘*Say, ef there is a woman in that box, she is, accordin’ ter Bat’s plan, ter be buried under a name that wasn’t hers,” ‘* By George! that’s the idea!” Brazer agreed, ‘*It is just the scheme they are trying to work. She and Margaret Aldridge were two different rsons, but the idea is to have it that some- ody died three years ago, instead of now, Puz- zling, very puzzling; but you have undoubtedly struck the main facts of the case.” ‘s a I opine that the coftin ain’t got a human in ‘““You may be right; we'll see,” Brazer procured tools fitted to chat use and forced up the cover of the box, Inside was a regular coffin, and he next gave attention to the cover of that receptacle, He raised it carefully, ‘*Gee-whillikens!” Dick exclaimed, ** You had better stand back, Richard.” **T ain’t nervous,” Mr, Brazer had seen just what of all things ho did not expect. In the coffin was a skeleton, Around it was wrapped a woman’s faded and mildewed dress, and an abundance of human hair lay near the head. ‘¢They’vedug up a person long dead!” Rich- ard uttered, with a lowered voice, But the undertaker, after a long glance, made answer: ‘*Thank heaven, it is not so bad as that, Your suspicions are-natural, but incorrect; my long experience enables me to say this confidently. We have here another trick on Magoun’s part, Seen now, it looks as clumsy as most of bis work, but if he had succeeded in getting the coffin consigned to the earth, a few years might have made the cheat plausible.” ** W’ot is the riffle?” “The things you see here were all gathered especially for this occasion, _The appearance of the skeleton leads me to believe it was obtaine from a doctor, or medical student, and ‘t is likely that the same doctor who gave the certifi- cate also furnished this object. Possibly, ke gave the hair, too, while the dress may have been from any source,” ‘You figger it up naturally.” ‘* And correctly. No grave was robbed to get these things.” Both investigators experienced a feeling of relief, Whatever might be the scheme of the crooks, there was no grave-robbing further than the taking of the head-stone, The coffin contained no further evidence, When satisfied that they had found all that could be gained, they stored all these articles in an out-of-the-way place, and their work was done for the time, ‘‘Pm goin’ ter find out who Margaret Al- dridge was,” declared Dick, as he prepared to gohome, ‘Fer ter-morrer my work is ter look up the history of Gurdon Maclay, an’ the job ought not ter be hard, fer he was {a land-owner an’ railroad schemer. Once I git his history, I guess I’ll hev plenty o’ light.” CHAPTER XII. THE SKULKER’S KNIFE, . A FARM-HOUSE in New Jersey, a few miles from the North River; an old man, sitting on the piazza, dozing in the sun, Richard Henry Brazer walked into the yard and*to the house; and his footsteps made the old man stir out of slumber, “*Ts Mrs, Cummings in, sir?’ Dick asked, ‘** My daughter, sir; my daughter,” returned the old man, ina cracked voice, ‘ No, air; she isn’t in, Gone away for the day; gone away, I’m alone, except the children, I am Napoleon Jones, at your service: N. Jones, formerly fish- merchant,” “I’m sorry Mrs, Cummings is away.” “IT can do the business, sir; can do all busi- ness, Yes, yes; I was a business man, Fish- merchant, at your service. Business man! Speak out!” i Dick saw that his companion was no longer of strong mind, but he decided to come to the oint, Pm I wanted to ask Mrs, Cummings if she ever knew anything about the late Gurdon Meclay.” ‘Did she? Why, she was his housskeeper.” ' ‘So Pve been tol’ in New York, an’ I come ter her as one iikely ter know as much of his private affairs as anybody slse, Do you think she could enlighten me, sir?” “*She coud tell you all about him, young man, All? No, no; for J am the only person that knows all! I know a secret about bim that I never told to a living soul, Ha! ha:” igence came to Richard’s face, . er
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Sst eo i * a | ee! TO i Mr. Jones laughed gleefully. ** W’ot wuz the secret?” Richard asked, 's* Pj] tell ye, but don’t you betray me. Maclay died and never made it known, and of course I can’t, He pledged me not to tell it, and I won't, But—he was married!” Dick had no means of knowing whether Gur- don Maclay had been married once or a dozen times, but he answered encouragingly: ** Oh! was he?” ** Yes; to Margaret Aldridge,” The Night-Watcher’s eyes glittered, Itseemed there was more than idle babbling in the old man’s talk. ‘* Who was she ?” the boy asked. ‘* A young girl then; pretty, nice, and as fine a girl as you would meetin aday’s walk. At least, the one he married was. There were two of the name, cousins; both named Margaret Aldridge.” ‘* What became o’ her?” **T don’t know, There was trouble and un- happiness, and Maclay died so sudden that he never mentioned the marriage, and if sbe was living, sbe never claimed her rights. Yes, yes; they bad trouble, and I always believed the other Margaret Aldridge was at the bottom of it, Yes, yes!” ‘** Did you ever know Bartholomew Magoun?” te No.” * Or anybody named Slade or Goodwind?” ‘*They were stockholders in one of Maclay’s business ventures,” ** But not connected with him gr the two Mar- garets, eh?” **T never heard that they were,” “Teil me all you kin about Maclay an’ the two Margarets, will yer?” “That isn’t much, In thosedays Gurdon Mac- lay was a young man, with a strict old father to please: the old gentleman being rich, and bound to be master while he lived, ghee! Maclay met the two Margarets, and fell in love withone. He married her, too, but dared not make the fact public, They were happy for awhile, but finally drifted apart. What the trouble was I never knew, but, as I said before, I believe the other Margaret Aldridge was the cause of it, I think she loved Maclay, too, and mude trouble between her cousin and Maclay.” ** W bat nore?” “That is all I know.” ‘* Who kin tell more?” ** Nobody!” ‘* But where did the good Margaret live, after she married Maclay? .She must hev had a land- lady or a servant, didn’t she? Waere dre they, now?” ** Dear me man named I don’t know.” ** How long sence you see ber Jast?” ‘* Must have been nearly twenty a hn I re- member she was taking care of Maclay’s child when I called there on some errand,” ‘*So there was a child?” ** Yes; a daughter,” “By his marriage ter Margaret?” ‘Oh! yes. If she is now living she must have grown tobea young womau. Dear me! what an unhappy affair that was! Parents make a big mistake when they interfere with the mar- riages of their children. Who js to marry, any- how, the child or the parent? No one picked out my wife but me, and old Stuyvesant Maclay made a big mistake when, by trying to run his son’s affairs, be was the means of the latter marrying secretly, Had the marriage been pub- lic it isn’t likely the young folks ever would have quarreled.” _ The speaker rambled on, but Dick no longer listened, The fact that the Maclays had once had a daughter put strange ideas in his mind. Where was she now? Who was the water-waif? Was there any connection between the two? Dick was aware that he was making a surmise which might have no foundation in fact, but it was but natural, He plied the old gentleman with other questions, only to find he bad exhaust- ed the supply of information, He also learned that his daughter had never served Maclay as housekeeper after the latter’s marriage to Mar- garet, and, hence, had no knowledge of the pri- vate affairs of that day. Jones could not sug- gest any one else who would be likely to give in- ormation and help, and’ so, reluctantly enough, the Night-Watcher took his departure, As he disappeared down the road the old gen- tleman exclaimed: “IT declare! I forgot to ask why he wanted to know all this, But it don’t matter.” Dick walked along without an idea of the route he had taken. es; there was a landlady; a wo- rs, Ray; but what became of her very clear hen once he headed for home his thoughts became centered upon what he had heard, and he believed that +r was beginning to fall on the mystery a ittle, If Bat Magoun could be induced to speak and tell why he bad been so anxious to plant a grave- stone to the memory of Margaret Aldridge, an- other great step would be gained, But which Margaret did Bat know of? One of the cousins bad parted with that name when she married Maclay. Had one of them really died November 28, 1886, according to the headstone? If so, which? The wife of Maclay never had claimed ber rights. Had she died and been buried under her maiden name, or was it the other Margaret? The Night-Watcber aroused as he reached a turn in the road. When going toward Mr. Jones’s he had learned that a good deal of travel could be saved by taking a path which crossed tne field, there, and he now acted accordingly. He went on with quick steps, After a few rods he entered a piece of sparse woods, The trees were large, but not so thick but that grass grew by the way, and only where there was an occasional thicket was free view obstructed, Dick, however, did not look behind him, and he missed seeing the, to bim, most important sight of all, He was not alone in the wood, As he went, a man suddenly fell in behind him, and began the task of overtaking him by means of quick, silent steps. The man was one upon whom Nature had brauded an unenviable mark. His coarse, brut- ish, evil face was that of one lost to all the nobler impulses of life, and which betrayed the habitual criminal. In bis hand he carried a long-bladed knife, and his eyes gleamed ominously as he cut down the distance between him and Dick, the soft turf deadening the sound of his oo ps Nearer a he came, until only a few feet separated him from the prey he coveted. othing told the Night-Watcher of his danger —nothing, until a twig suddenly snapped under his feet, At this note of alarm he sprung for- ward with uplifted hand. Then, too, Dick wheeled suddenly, The knife gleamed almost in his face, CHAPTER XIII. WHAT THE KNIFE DID. Niegut-Watcna Dick recoiled. The uplifted knife was bad eaough, and the face back of it told of unrestrained passions, He appeared to be face to face with death, and the danger came so suddenly, so unexpectedly that he had no time for coherent thought. He was like one chained to the ground, and incapable of motion, Every instant he ex- eted to feel the touca of that murderous knife. What followed was astonishing, The would-be assailant uttered a yell of strange inflection, and then, as Dick saw an expression of terrer appear on his face, he turned and fled madly, bis long bounds taking him rapidly away. But it seemed that it was a blind flight, for the Night-Watcher saw him plunge into a thicket, There the way was tangled, and his foot caught on some obstruction—be tripped and and fell heavily. Mechanically Richard watched, expecting to see him rise, but this he did not du, Instead, he lay writhing on the ground, as if suffering from some deadly injury. The observer did not grasp the trutn for some time, but as he saw that the man’s bands, which were clasped to his breast, were gradually assuming a red hue, realization of the truth came to him, The fellow had fallen upon his own knife and received a severe wound. Richard could not see that he need be in- terested in the fortunes of such a person, and he would have gone on his way had not the recent occurrences so excited his curiosity. Why had the unknown paused in the moment of success and_.fled in terror? : ; a” hev a look at him, anyhow,” the boy de- cided, He went forward. The man had ceased to roll about, and, groaniag dismally, lay motion- Jess upon his back, One look was enough for Dick’s face to light up with recognition; the fallen man was ‘ Jake,” the leader of the party that had consigned him to death in the bay. ‘* Hullo, general!” he exclaimed, Jake’s eyes opened. ‘** Bit’s his ghost!” be groaned. *¢ Ghost o’ Christopber Coltmbus! W’ot d’ye mean?” ‘*Tt’s said the grave gives up its dead, an’ Se —s Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. | ™S even the deep waters o’ the bay can’t keep his ghost down!” the bravo added, Light broke upon the Night-Watcher. “Say, Lain’t so much ghost ez you take me ter be. I’m the healthiest spook in New Jersey, b’jinks! Get a move on, Jacob, an’ don’t be catawaulin’ erbout any fossilized old ghost!” Jake’s eyes opened wider, and after a long stare the truth dawned upon him, * Alive!” he muttered. *€ An’ kickin’,” Richard assured. “ But I thought—I thought—” “That you could drown’d me by barrelin’ me up an’ droppin’ me in the bay? Not much, you couldn't, general; I’m all right, ye see,” ‘* An’ you’ve got the best o’ me; you, a mere child, an’ lastrong man, I was goin’ ter rob ye; only rob ye, fer I used the kuife only ter scare ye, See? You was so wal dressed »— Dick then wore the clothes given him by Good- wind”— that I didn’t know ye. I thought you’s some rich man’s son, an’ I crept up ter rob ye, but when yer turned an’ I see yer face I thought it was a ghost: un’ it scared me sick, I took ter my heels, but fell. Yee, I fell; an’ I’m a dead man. The knife has gone through my heart,” Richard suspected that the wound was not morta], for Jake did not seem to lose strength; but be did not say s9, ‘Your conscience must trouble ye,” he re- marked, insinuatingly. **Conscience I know not, but I fear/ I fear death: I fear the awful things ter foller! Ou! that I could avert thedoom which will be mine!” ‘** So you’ve been a tough one, hev you?” *¢ My soul is black with crime!” ‘* Like w’ot you’ve done fer Slade, eh?” ‘* He led me on; he was to blame. ButT did not mean ter drown’d the woman in the dock, Slade says the gal escaped, an’ I am glad of it.” ‘¢ But the woman was drownded?” ‘*T suppose so.” ‘‘ How did it all happen?” ‘Slade wanted ter git the gal out o’ the way. The woman was her enemy, too, though the wo- man did not trust in Slade, and was reluctant ter help him, but he coaxed or scared her inter it. The plan was ter take the gal from New York, in a row-boat, ter Staten Island, an’ the woman went erlong so the gal would not suspect ° “A decoy, eh?” / ‘Kinder that. But when we left the car- riage, nigh the pier, the gal objected, not likin’ the look o’ the river front. We persuaded her, an’ all went wal until we was in the boat. Then the woman herself got scared. Al] her sus- picion come back, an’ she vowed she would scream fer help ef we didn’t set her on the ea! ag’in. I grappled with her an’ tried ter eep her still, but over the boat went, spillin’ . us all in the water.” Dick nodded sharply. That scene was very vivid to him, as he witnessed it the openin night of this story. “ ‘¢Me an’ my pals was afraid o’ bein’ gobbled by the perleece,” Jake went on, ‘‘ an’ we swum away ez fast ez we could, Somehow, it seems, the gal was saved, but I reckon the woman was drownded,” * Wot was their names?” “The gal was Olive; her last name J don’t know, he woman was named Margaret Aldridge!” Margaret Aldridge! How the name sprung up in odd places and odd ways, “ An’ she was drownded?’ Dick murmured, half-unconsciously. ‘*Sbe must’a’ been, an’] don’t see how the gal got away. Mebbe she could swim,” ‘* Why did Slade hate her so?” “*T think it was more that he wuz afraid o’ her; et looked that way. He was afraid o’ Mar- garet Aldridge, too, but be had bound her to him by money, yersee, Sech a hold ain’t never hi an’ he was afraid she would turn ag’in’ im. drownded, I don’t know why et was,” added Jake, with a groan, “ but the affair by the pier has ha’nted me ever sence. We could hev savcid the women, but we swum away an’ left them ter drown’d, Ever sence I see them in my dreams, Their voices ring in my ears, an’ thoir white arms beat tho water, I reckon they will ha’nt me in the next world!” He groaned again, and closing his eyes, lay in a species of collapse, : Richard bad not changed his opinion of the fellow’s wound, Jake’s voice did not weaken, and he now and then moved his. arms freely, His manner was not that of a man wounded to his death, and the Night-Watcher did not be- lieve such was Jacob’s condition. The rough had simply been terribly alarmed He was right glad ter hear she ia
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| | | > y by seeing what he, in his ignorance and super- stition, thought was a ghost; and when the wound followed, he had magnified the injury, and lost all his nerve. Dick questioned him further, but elicited noth- ing of importance. He had never seen, or heard, of Slade until recently, and knew noth- ing about the latter’s secrets. The Night-Watcher decided that he wanted no more of the bravo, so he prepared to leave, Jake was very humble, and when the former promised to send help to him, he accepted the offer eagerly. Richard went his way, and duly notified the nearest neighbor, who promised to visit Jake and ‘‘see what was left of him,’ and then the messenger went back to New York. * He first visited his uncle, and, together, they considered all that had been learned. This was not enough to enable them to grasp the mys- tery, but it gave material for fresh speculation, Coming down to Jake’s case, it suggested to Dick the inquiry: “How about the abduction of my water- waif, which Jake was ter try fer Slade? Is the engagement now off?” ** Looks that way.” ‘‘T’m sorry fer that.” “Still,” Brazer added, thoughtfully, ‘if Slade don’t bear of Jake’s injury, he may go abead with the men still left him.’ ‘* We'll lay fer Cyrenus, anyhow, an’ ef he tries any mean tricks we will set down on him like a rbinocerhoss on a terbarker worm, I’ve got biz, now, an’ I’ll leave yer.” Dick left, and went straight to Aleck Good- wind’s house. He found that person with his head still bandaged, but so far advanced on the road to recovery that he was hardly to be re- garded as aninvalid, The visitor had come on business, and he soon plunged into it in his straightforward way. ‘* Aleck,” he began, ‘‘ where is Margaret Al- dridge now?” Goodwind started nervously, and then, after a pause, slowly returned: ‘¢ What do you know of such a person?” **Oh! I know enough to make things lively, an’ the best you kin do is ter waller on yer knee- caps an’ own up.” ‘You talk absurdly, boy!” ‘* Would the perleece say so?” ** Do you threaten me, sir?” ** Aleck, I don’t think you’re the worst gent in the gelorious city o’ New York, but the time has come when you must own up or git caught in the landslide, Se? Cy Slade is aimin’ ter nip ye, an’ he will do et ef you don’t git in out o” the wet ahead o’ him. Mebbe you don’t know nothin’ erbout that thar picture?” The Night-Watcher pointed to the portrait he had taken to be the water-waif’s and his man- ae} was aggressive, but Goodwind. remained calm, ‘*T confess that it is Margaret Aldridge’s likeness,” he answered, Richard’s eyes opéned widely. “ W hose?” sy La, Pee Aldridge’s,” ‘‘ But I thought she was middle-aged.” ‘She is, now, but the portrait was made twenty years ago; at least, the original was. Said original was a painting; this crayon is a copy.” Bick looked at the picture wonderingly. He believed the speaker, but even this revelation did not serve to make it look unlike the water-waif, On the contrary, it was like her in every way. Recovering bis wits, the investigator pointed to the portrait and continued: ** An’she married Gurdon Maclay, did she?” ‘*She was supposed to.” ** Supposed?” ““T am told the marriage was not legal.” **T don’t believe that.” ; “Can you give contrary evidence?” Good wind asked, eagerly. ‘* No; Tallow I can’t, Wish I could,” "So do I,” Goodwind thoughtfully returned, ‘* Aleck, s’pose you tell me all you kin about this case.” ‘* T have no objection, The case is pair such phases-I must change my plans, You sha hear all I know.” CHAPTER XIV. A VAILED WOMAN TO THE FRONT. GoopwWIND began with a determined air: ‘Gurdon Maclay married Margaret Aldridge, or thought he did, He was under the thumb of an imperious father, and the marriage was not only oats secret, but, to Jeave no trace, was performed in such a way that, itis claimed, it was not legal. ” — a —— Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. | ’ **TIn course of time, Maclay and his wife had trouble—I don’t know over what—aud separat- ed. In time Maclay’s father died, but the younger man did not announce the marriage, nor did Margaret put in her claim. ‘* Years passed; then Gurdon Maclay, himself, died, It was supposed he wasa bachelor. His money went to relatives. He, however, had large business interests, not yet brought to the point of consummation, In this line Slade and 1 bad been his agents, We were both in the same business, and, vaturally, rivals, ‘*When he died, we both claimed control of certain interests on the strength of papers he had given us. Really, neither of us was sure of his position, and we dared not invoke the law to decide our-rights. The executor of Maclay’s interests remained in nominal charge, while Slade and [ really did the business, and continu- ed to pocket rich fees, “Of late I have been suspicious that Slade meditated some bold move to get me out of his way, and I was not at a loss to determine the source of the attack when, on the night I first met you, I was waylaid by roughs, The paper of which I was then robbed was one I had ob- tained by chance, and which would have proved Slade guilty of defrauding Maclay. ‘* Of course be had learned of my movements, and he hired bis ruffians to get the paper. They saan: and I am powerless to down my rival. Goodwind ended, Dick Brazer cared but lit- tle for the selfish quarrels of the rival agents, and he did not press the point, but quickly | asked: ‘* What about Maclay’s wife?” **T don’t even know where she is,” * And her child+hers an’ Maclay’s?” ‘* Was there a child?” ‘* Why, cert.” ‘*T believe I dimly recollect that they had a child, but if my information is correct, it died,” ** Sure?” **No; I am not sure. vaguely remember, and I there a child who lived?” The last question was eagerly asked, for it oc- curred to Aleck that if Maclay had a living child it would be well to look up the evidence of that disputed marriage. If legal, it might be panne to injure Slade by bringing forward the heir. ‘*T don’t know ez there is,” Dick answered, ‘*but I’ve heerd there was a child, an’ I hoped it was alive, now.” **T only wish we could prove it,” Goodwind walked about the room in a nervous way, and Dick saw that he would make a good ally if needed. The man had unbosomed him- self with an appearance of great frankness, and the listener believed he was sincere. The latter read between the lines and saw that Aleck, like Slade, was an unscrupulous sharper, but he be- lieved the former’s connection with the case ended there, After some further’ conversation the Night- Watcher took his departure, He had gone two blocks when he was brought to a stop by sight of a familiar face. A cab had stopped _ by the curbstone and a man alighted. It was Bat Magoun, and his face bore a sullen, ugly expression, even for his ugly face, Dick did not care particularly to be seen, and he stopped by the window of a small store, and pretended to be busy there. Really, he kept close watch elsewhere, and was rewarded by seeing a tall, finely-formed, but closely-vailed woman alight from the same vehicle, Bat moved toward the nearest house, but the lady paused and looked in doubt, It was not a prepossessing building, and she evidently hesitated to enter. She cast a glance up the street, and, seeing Dick, spoke in a rather imperious tone: ** Come here, boy!” Richard hesitated, and then went obediently. ‘*T will give you one dollar to keep me com- pany while Iam in that house, There will be nothing for you to say, or do.” , The Night-Watcher glanced at Magoun, but that person, who would have ot ae to any other boy, had nothing to say. If Dick was as trust- worthy as be thought, it would be all right; if not, be was hopelessly in Dick’s power already, The latter analyzed the situation quickly, “Allright, mum,” be returned. ‘1 ain’t got my dress suit here, but mebbe it won’t make no dif. Wen I call on the ‘swagger set,’ on Fift? Avenoo, I allays hev a b’iled sbirt, c aw-bammer coat, cane, eye-glass, dog, an’ a sickly expression 0’ face, but no ‘swagger’ lives here, b’jinks!” The vailed woman made an impatient gesture, I only tell you what I may be wrong. Was 25 7 c—% ter and Magoun unlocked and opened the door, She followed him in, and close after ber came Dick. ‘* Remember,” she cautioned, ‘‘I am to look from garret to sub-cellar,” ** You shall ‘* And,” she added, firmly, “if Iam molested I shall defend myselt. I have this boy, too, as a safeguard,” ‘Don’t you git yer antic on!” growled Bat. ‘*-You are jest ez safe ez in yer own parlor.” Richard took this statement witha grain of allowance, and it is probable that the vailed woman did, likewise. She bade the boy keep close to her, and the search wasbegun. She had no cause to complain that she was restricted in her movements; Bat was easy, airy and insolent, but he revealed every nook and corner of the house, At last the search was completed, ** You kin see I told the truth,” he remarked, with a self-satisfied air. ** You have tricked me again.” ‘*No; but you hev been wrong.” ‘Tt is false! I know you have had the girl] in your possession,” Bat cast an anxious glance toward Richard, and then returned: “Mum, you are ’way off.” ‘‘T say you had herimprisoned here, You have sp.rited her away, but you still know where she is, Tell me her whereabouts, or take the consequences!” The vailed woman bad lost the steady calm- ness which before marked her manner, and spoke with quick and nervous emphasis, “T don’t know—” ‘Tt is false! Tell me the truth, or I will shoot you in your tracks!” Out came ber revolver, and Bat found himself fairly covered, The hand which held the wea- pon trembled a good deal, but her vehemenco showed how much in earnest she was, Magoun looked alarmed, Both he and « ick realized that in ber nervous mood she was liable to press the trigger by accident at any moment and send a bullet through his villainous body, The Night-Watcher was as much interested as any one else, and he was of the opinion that he desired a private talk with this woman—it was not prudent to speak freely there. He had recognized her voice as the same wo- man who had interviewed Bat in the latter's home the night when ** Tom ” caught him listen- ing to the couple, and would have dealt so severely with him but for Bat. Furthermore, her questions regarding some girl whom Bat had spirited away were of deep interest. But he would take no part in the con- versation, then, Magoun backed away from the revolver. ‘*Say, put that gun up, please,” he requested, anxiously, ‘ Et might go off.” “Tt will! I tell you I will shoot if you don’t tell me where she is,” ‘“‘T swear ter you I don’t know—” “Your oath is wortbless.” “Tell yer wot Til do: Pll join ye an’ make the best kind of a hunt fer her—” The owner of the revolver brought her foot. down angrily on the floor. ‘Speak the truth, or I’ll fire!” she cried, “Then, by the fiends! I'll die fightin’!” Bat cried, He sprung toward ber likwa tiger. » BS, Hor RES ‘ ‘ CHAPTER XV. STRANGELY WARNED, THE vailed woman pressed the trigger. A report followed, and a bullet sped on ite way. Bat Magoun sprawled on the floor. For a moment Dick thought that the fellow had received his last injury, but, really, his fall had saved is life. In his headjong rush he had failed to get good footing, and had tripped over a floor-rug. He went down none toosoon; the leaden messenger just missed bim, The vailed woman bad grown excited, and she did not pause then, She recocked the weapon and fired again, and only her nervousness saved the rough, By that time he was a badly-frightened man, but be realized that his only oN lay in activity, and, having regained his feet, he made another heaclong dive toward her, Ho was just in time to seize the revolver. * Now, i have you!” he shouted, He wrested the weapon away. “You tiger-cat!” he hissed; ‘* I’ll serve you as. you would ’a’ served me!” He aimed the revolver, but Richard caught his arm and exclaimed; ‘‘ Hold yer hosses, general! Wedon’t want no exsassination here, b’jinks! lLe’s taper off, an” ‘e ‘sg _free.. 4 | “at Ao ; es. 4
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4 ; é let dogs an, cats delight ter scratch an’ slug. { don’t want ter be a witness ag’inst you in court,” ’ It was a very quiet hint, but it reminded Bat that he was not sure that he could trust Richard fully. He grew duly prudent, and tossed the re- volver aside. “ All right,” he agreed, ‘but, by sin! I ain’t oin’ ter be shot full w’ holes ter please nobody. ut o’ the shebang yer 70, woman, an’ ef you see fit ter kick up a row, yun kin!” He seized her by the shoulders and started her rapidly toward the door. She resisted, but in vain, and the exit was soon reached. He shoved her out on the stoop rougbly aud locked the door behind her, “There, tiger-cat! you’re fixed!” he comment- ed. ‘Ef she wants ter make a kick an’ call the perleece, why, let her. I’m all right!” _ Who is she, Mr. Magoun?” quietly asked ick. ** A crazy woman; no more, or less, Aba! she is goin’ ter take her old hearse an’ amble off, Good!” The glass by the side of the door enabled both Bat and Dick to watch, and the latter was as depressed as Magouu was jubilant when he saw that the woman had, indeed, given up the at- tempt and was entering the cab, She was going away, and the coveted chance of addressing her was not vouchsafed him, for he had no way of getting out, The woman sat down in the cab and threw back ber vail. Her face was exposed. Dick saw it and started. ‘ She was of middle age, but, despite this fact, he was startled by her resemblance to the por- trait in Aleck Goodwind’s room, and—to the water-waif. It was asif he saw the latter with twenty years suddenly added to her age. A moment later the cab was in motion, and the lady was whirled rapidly away—whither, Dick had no means of knowing. He would have given much to see and talk with her, but the chance was lost. Bat Magoun was to blame for all this, and the Night-Watcher could hardly avoid showing bis disappointment and anger as Bat breathed: ‘Wal, I’m red o’ her!” *Reg’lar Tartar, wasn’t she?” Dick returned, with an effort. “Yes,” ] *¢ Wot’s her name, an’ whar does she live?”/ **T don’t know either thing, She’s been an- noyin’ me serious, but et’s a case o’ mistaken identity. I ain’t the man shethinks. See?” “Who is it she wants, anyhow?” ‘*A five-year old gal, an’ [ don’t know any sech.” Dick was not satisfied to let the matter drop, and he asked other vain questions. He made them as careful as possible, but Magoun avoided every pitfall for his feet, and finally grew sus- picious, ‘* Don’t be so blamed inquisitive!” he growled. **T won’t answer, fer—fer I can’t. I don’t know. See? I ain’t the man she takes me fer, an’ I don’t know a. blessed thing about it all, She’s been barassin’ me without cause, she has; an’ [ fee] burt!” Dick knew just how deep this grief was, but had to let matters rest just as they were, There seemed nothing to be gained by lingering in such company, so the Night- Watcher beat as raceful a retreat as possible, and had soon left the houss behind. He again sought his uncle and told the story. ‘* Ef we knew where the woman is,” he added, “T guess we could git on ter the puzzle in about two shakes of a jack-rabbit’s leg. She’s got one end ©’ the chain, an’ we the other. Now, I’ve got ter find her ef et takes me from April Fool ay ter next St. Valentine’s.” Night was fast approaching, and they went over to Richard’s home to prepare for the pos- sible attack from Slade’s tools, Dick first interviewed tho water-waif, and found ber ill and suffering, ‘* My head is giving me great distress,” she explained. ‘‘f am not only confused and un- certain, but sharp pains shoot through my head, I fear 1 am going to be very ill.” ‘*Mebbe your memory is comin’ back,” the boy suggested. ‘**T have lost hope of that,” “Oh! ef you don’t git a new grip soon we'll bev in a doctor, an’ he kin cure ye right off, quick. Don’t git cown-hearted. I'll stand by ye, b’*jinks!” 2 With this genuine sympatby he tried to cheer her up, and he also tested her memory with the new names he had heard, but none of them found responsive echo in her darkened mind, Richard’s wide acquaintance along the water- ~ Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. front enabled him to select aids for the possible adventure of the night in a discriminating way. He decided upon two muscular ’longshoremen, and they were ready and anxious for the adven- ture, t an early bour he introduced them to the house as secretly as possible, and the defense were ready for action, All that now worried them was the fear that Slade, being rtoinus Jake’s services, would not make the attack, At ten o’clock the door-bell unexpectedly rung. Dick looked out before answeriag, but, seeing 1t was only a young woman, opened the door. She stepped in quickly, uninvited. ‘*T want tosee you,” she announced, ‘ All right, mum,” he returned. ‘‘ Step inter this room, an’ we'll loosen up our jaws,” The bali was dark, but there was ample light in the parlor. They entered, and then, as she faced him, he saw her face plainly for the first time, As he did so he started in surprise, She so closely resembled the water-waif that it seemed as if she must be that girl, herself. The likeness was remarkable, _ ‘I have come to warn you!” she began, hast- ily. Mi Warn us? About w’ot?” ‘* You are going to be attacked!” ‘*Oh! are we? Who by?” ‘*That I cannot tell, but it is a fact that this house will be attacked before morning by a gang of roughs, Their purpose is to abduct a lady who is here—a young girl.” Richard was not surprised. Now that his first shock was over he remembered the girl be had seen at Slade’s house when he went there on Goodwind’s errand, Even then be had noticed her striking resemblance to the water-waif, and ‘he knew his visitor was the same person. ‘* What is this ter be done fer?” he asked. **T cannot tell you,” she responded, ** How did you hear of it?” ‘* You must excuse me from answering.” Dick saw she did not intend to reveal the facts, and he bluntly asked: ‘* Hev you gone back on Slade?” She was silent for a moment, and evidently disconcerted, but finally made answer: “* Your question is vague,” ‘* Not a bit,” was biscbeerful declaration. ‘I know you hev been at Sladv’s, an’ I kin guess some more, but not all, You show your good sense by comin’ over ter the side 0’ law an’ the right, but some more light will be welcome. S’pose you make a clean breast of it, an’ elooci- date the whole mystery. En?” ‘* Be satisfied with what you already have,” she returned, showing vexation and uneasiness, ‘*You ought to be thankful enough for the warning not to press me for what I cannot tel).” ‘T ain’t ungrateful, b’jinks! an’ I thank you a heap, but he ie told jest enough ter rouse my curiosity, see you at Slade’s with my own eyes, an’ the fact sort o’ gives rise ter some in- terragotations, Be you related ter Slade? Ef not, why wuz you there? An’ why be you now givin’ of him away? Them is the p’ints,” “IT do not admit anything that you allege,” the girl answered, coldly. ‘‘ You have the warning, which is all I can tell, and it remains for you to neglect or heed it.” *“On! We'll beed it; never you fear; an’ I thank you kind an’ hearty, miss. You'll stay with us ter-night, won’t yer?” He expected a refusal, and was not a little surprised when she agreed very promptly. After some further talk he left her in the parlor and went to find his uncle, ** Jeho-gosh! how much she looks like my water-waif!” be muttered, ‘‘The mystery is gettin’ deeper than Jersey mud, an’ I don’t know head from tail. Say, w’ot ef she ain’t on the square? W’ot ef this is a scheme 0’ Slade’s ter work an enemy inter our camp?” He stopped short as this thought came to kim, meditated, and then went on his way. ‘** Anyhow,” he added, ‘‘ we hev got a pretty solid garrison here, an’ when Slade comes with his gang we'llbeready. Et willbe a mighty hot time! CHAPTER XVI, THE FORCED ENTRANCE, AND AFTER. WHERE Nicholas Brazer heard of the new arrival, and of her peculiar position, he was even more suspicious thau his nephew, It was singular that any one from Slade’s should come to warn them. Of course there wasa chance that the latter’s best friend would turn against him, but if such was the case, now, why did the new-comer refuse to answer questions? ‘* And her resemblance to your water waif,” Nicholas added, thoughtfully. ‘‘ That is very odd. I don’t see through it,” ‘We are goin’ to, later on!” Bah bee Dick asserted, with emphasis, ‘‘ We'll know all about this, or swaller our collar-button in tryin’.” ‘*Then keep an eye on your visitor, I have an idea that if she means us well she would be a good deal more free with her tongue if Slade wasin prison. If she is a traitor to us, then she certainly needs watching.” ' ** We will eye her like a cat!” The resolution was kept. They could do no more to prepare for the attack, but the unknown girl was kept constantly under watch. If she was aware of this fact she gave no sign to that effect, but sat in the rear room to which all had gone, to avoid showing a light, and waited with calmness greater than that shown by any ono else, Midnight arrived and brought no change in the situation. It was the same at one o’clock, Dick and one of the *longshoremen were contin- ually on watch, but, ofatside, only the usual scenes of night came under their observation, Half-past one! Dick saw a man walk down the street, His manner was quiet, and nothing showed that he had unusual business on hand. He passed. the house;.then turned, retraced his steps and dis- appeared, A very brief pause followed, and then he came into sight again, this time accompanied by two other men, They drew near, and one word pas-ed Richard’s lips: “Slade!” Then he turned to the ‘longshoreman. * Put the garrison on; fun begins!” Tbe man addressed obeyed without question. The defenders became on the alert, and all wait- ed to see where the attack would be, Slade and his followefs allowed the patrolman of the beat to pass, Then they came quickly to the side door, Oue of them introduced some kind of a burglarious instrument into the key- hole, and a soft clicking followed. The lock did . not at once respond, but he was evidently an adept at tho business, He persevered, and final- ly took hold of the knob, The door yielded to his touch; it opened. They paused and listened. ** All’s clear!” whispered one, ‘Be very careful,” Slade urged, ‘‘and don’t do harm to any one if you can help it,” ‘You want ter win, don’t yer?” “Of course, and if any one molests us, they must take the consequences,”’ Low as this conversation was, it reached Dick Brazer’s hearing. He retreated softly, and gave them cbance to enter fully. One of tbe party evidently bad been there be- fore, for he passed along the dark way without hesitation or mishap. They entered the room where were the defenders, crouched in ambush, Nicholas Brazer stood by the gas-fixture, ready to turn on the light when he thought best. ‘‘ Get up-steirs at once,” Slade urged. ‘* We want to get the girl, and bave this over with, I don’t like this darkness,” Brazer turned his band quickly. The tiny point of flame which he had been hiding flashed into a broad blaze; the room was suddenly lighted jolene B The housebreakers found themselves covered by a group of revolvers, with grim and deter- mized menu back of them. ‘ ‘*Hands up!” cried Night-Watch Dick, com- mandingly. The intruders stood aghast, Explanations were not necessary; the dullest of the ti10 could see they were in a trap. ‘¢ Be still!” Nicholas ordered. ‘‘ Attempt to use your weapons and we will shoot you in your tracks!” One of the trio, whom Dick recognized as “Tom,” the friend of Jake, flung down the long knife he had held, ‘*T ain’t no fool,” he asserted. ‘‘ I cave!” Slade stood speechless with dismay, but the third man, the cracksman, turned and made a rush for the door, He did not reach it; one of the ’longshoremean knocked him down, and then sat upon his chi st. ‘* Mister Cyrenus Slade, Esquire, your game won’t work,” remarked Dick, coolly. ‘*You miserable spy!” the baffled villain hissed, ‘‘I only wish I could getat you!” ‘‘ Keep yer mind on yer own biz, Cyrenus; my affairs are all right an’ bloomin’, ot do yer want here, anyhow ?” Slade was about to reply, but second thought caused him to close his lips. From that mo- ment all of the intruders were silent, and nothing could be extracted from them. Dick had borrowed a quantity of old handcuffs, and these were duly placed upon the prisoners, + rendering them helpless,
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a Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. After a vain attempt to make Slade talk, Dick went to the unknown girl. ** We hev the gang in quod,” he remarked, “*T know it,” she answered, quietly. “Don’t you think et would be a good notion fer ne ter tell all you know?” “ hy Qo ** Because you'll be called ez a witness ag’inst them, an’ the questionin’ there might not be so friendly as mine,” ‘* Your explanation implies a threat, but it does not influence me, There is no especial reason why I should not speak freely, pow Cyrenus Slade has fallen, ou shall hear my story. ‘* My name is Dora Evans, and I have always lived in poverty. A short time ago Slade came to me and made a proposal by which he offered to divide a fortune equally with me, if I would aid him to get it. ‘* This was his plan: ‘A man named Gurdon Maclay, long dead, had left a large estate, and moneyed interests. I was to claim to be his daughter, and my resemblance to Mrs, Maclay—the rssemblance was purely accidental-—-was so strong that he declared it could be done, ‘*T was poor, and I yielded so far that I went to his house, to undergo a regular system of study to fit me for the false claim. ‘« He had told me the real daughter was dead, and my conscience was easy enough until, yes- terday, I overheard a conversation which show- ed me that Maclay’s daughter was living; that she was in this house, and he was going to ab- duct her, to get her out of the way. ‘* My sense of right may be dwarfed, but that was more than I could endure, I deter- mined to come here and warn you, You know the rest.” ‘Dora, you are a trump! Much obliged fer yerinfermation, So Maclay’s daughter is here?” ‘¢ Slade said so,” ** No doubt he knows, W’ot he don’t know of measly tricks, an’ honist folks he kin prey on, ain’t worth lookin’ after.” Dick subjected the girl to more questioning, but only succeeded in convincing himself that, while fully intending to use her as & means of gaining his end, Slade had been too prudent to betray any more of his pie than was noces- sary. Dora seemed to feel relieved now that it was over, and showed such interest in giving help that the Night-Watcher decided to trust her fully. A room was given her for the night, and then, when the prisoners had been stowed away, the members of the garrison lay down to get what sleep they could. Dick had acted upon the belief that there would be no further demonstration, for the risoners were securely bound, and outside aid did not seem to be a thing they need fear or expect. Shrewd as he: was, he did not prove far-sighted enough, for once. Dora Evans was supposed to be at rest in her room, perbaps jto sleeping. Her inten- tions had been of the best when Dick left her, but she did not sleep, She lay down for awhile, fully dressed, but sleep did not come to her as desired. She tossed restlessly on the bed for many minutes, but finally rose hastily. ‘* He is calling me! Uttering this singular exclamation she stood with clasped hands, looking at vacancy. She saw no person, and had heard no voice, but her declaration was of positive nature, She now seemed to bein a state of mental pais, and, suddenly, she clasped her hands to er head, ‘Shall I never be free from his power?” she added. For some time she stood inactive; then she walked to the door. There she canie to a halt, and the powers of sre and evil sirngales in her mind. The battle ended with a sigh, and she opened the door, The hall, and, as far as she could see and hear, the whole house was dark and silent, Dark though it was she had learned enough of the place to be able to thread its passages blind- ly, and she went on, feeling her way and tread- ing like one in a dream, yet with a definite object in view, ben she paused it was where she had seen the ees placed for the night. She hesitated by the door, pressing her hand over her fast- a heart, and then turned the knob and en- red. _ The prisoners were still there, handcuffed tied together by their ankles, and helpless; and by the dimly-burning light they and Dora saw each other. . ee eee ee Cyrenus Slade gazed at her in blank wonder, ** Olive!” he muttered, ** Not Olive,” Dora returned, ‘‘ but her unfor- tunate double,” A bitter exclamation fell from Slade’s lips. ** At last I know to whom I owe my down- fall!” he cried. ‘You are the evil one, the female Judas, the traitress. But for you all would be well with me, As it is—see these ac- cursed things!” Hefheld uphis manacled hands, and shook them fiercely at her. * Betrayed!” he added, “and by the woman I would have made rich with gold! “The gold of crime,” Dora murmured, like one soliloquizing. ‘*Gold that would have brought comfort and luxury; gold you did not despise until you saw a chance to betray me for ricber payers. I bave wondered how I was so signally defeated, but sight of your face makes all clear. And now As have come to taunt me with my downfall! oman, exult if you can, but my curse will fol- low you!” CHAPTER XVII, TREACHERY. SLADE had grown vehement, The self-con- trol of years, and the babits of a nature al- ways cold, did not prove sufficient, then, to check the fierce hatred aroused by the belief that Dora had betrayed him, He glared at her fiercely, and only his helpless condition saved her from attack, ‘“*You do not know what you say,” the girl made answer, in her apathetic way. ‘‘ Who planned this case? Who tempted me? Who held out promises so alluring that, to escape a life of poverty, I sacrificed my sense of honor and consented to rob a sister-woman of her right? You!—you, always and wholly! From the first your hand has guided the plot, and I have been but the creature of your will, If I have struggled, what has it.availed me? I am stilla slave. Now, you have called me and I come, What is your will?’ - He looked at her in a puzzled manner, ‘*T have called you?” be repeated, ify Yes,” “When? How? ‘* By the power you bold over me.” Slade was more than ever mystified. ** What is that power?” ‘*k know not; the arts of a fiend, of a sub- tle something which I feel but cannot name,” ** And I called you?” “ Yes,” “© How do you know?” “* Because I felt your power, here irresistibly—I came! Had Cyrenus Slade been of a coarser organ- ization, he might have met this statement with scornful unbelief, but he was experienced and shrewd, Of any such secret power he knew nothing, practically, but he had beard of hy notic influence, He never bad taken the trouble to inquire if its claims were grounded on any- thing tangible, but an idea came to him now, If there was such a thing, was it not possible that the power was his, and that he had exer- cised it unconsciously? In his captivity he had wished for help, and that_some frieud was there. He had thought i ene Had he, indeed, drawn her to his side He was cunning enough to seize at the chance, ‘* Yes, I called you,” he agreed. ““T know it but too well!” ** And now?” ‘*Now? It is you who are the master.” The arch-plottér’s eyes twinkled. ‘* We want to escape.” She sighed like one weary to an extreme, *¢ What can I do?” He glanced at the irons on his wrists, ‘* These accursed things must come off,” ** How can I do it?” ‘You can, at least, cut the ropes whicb bind our ankles, This will give freedom to our legs, and we can get out of the hose. But the hand- cuffs will remain, a thing which a policeman may chance to see as we travel the streets, This would mean ruin, Again, if we flee precipitate- ly, we must give up all here.” Slade spoke musingly, and the old desire for victory returned. Dick Brazer and his friends bad settled down to rest. Was there not a charce to beat them, after all; then seize the water-waif and make their escape? Dora turned her head away. She knew Slade was a villain, and her wish to see bim beaten was as strong as when she talked with Dick, but either she was subject to the man’s will, or she imagined she was, I was drawn He looked at her keenly. J After a pause be spoke commandingly: ‘*Cut our bonds!” * ‘*T have no knife.” “You will find one in my pocket; a small knife, but fit for the purpose, Get it!” She hesitated for a moment, and then obeyed. | She obtained the article named, and a little labor sufficed to sever the ropes on their ankles, The handcuffs remained, and were not sv easily dis- posed of, but the leader’s purpose did not waver. Ue determined to win or lose all, ‘* Where is Dick?” he asked, “*T don’t know,” Dora answered, ‘* He must be somewhere about the house, and I want you to Jook bim up. When our hand- cuffs were locked, he put the keys in the left- hand pocket of his jacket. They are there now, of course. Go and get them!” . The girl turned pale. **T dare not!” she exclaimed. covered !” ‘Nonsense! A clever girl like you ought to be able to work such a scheme as that, The fel- low is young, and young folks sleep heavily. I dare say you could roll him over half a dozen times and never wake him up; but you have only to thrust your hand into a loose-fitting gar- ment and get the keys.” **T shall be dis- **T feel sure I shall be discovered, And then—” She clasped her hands and trembled. ‘* Would you leave me to my fate?” Slade de- ’ manded, roughly. ‘*T would if I could!” she murmured, ‘*T command you to obey me!” He fixed his gaze upon her, and, for the first time in bis life, endeavored control another per- son by will power, To what degree he was suc- cessful, he did not have means of knowing; per- haps it was only the old influence working with- in her, but she drew a deep breath and faintly answered: ‘*T hear you.” “Will you go?” “ Yes,’ ** Go, then!” She turned with a bewildered, mechanical air yb and left the room, The prisoners looked after her in a frame of mind which may be imagined. ‘*Cap,” spoke Tom, suddenly, ‘‘ call her back!” “ce Why” ‘*She’ll betray us.” **T think—I hope not.” ‘Ef she wa’n’t a traitor she wouldn’t be here! She will go straight ter that infernal kid an’ give the snap dead away, Tben whar be we?” ’ ‘“*T hope for better things; I hope the power will hold its mysterious grip,” ‘‘Dang me ef 1 understand the riffle at all, fer: ’ I don’t ketch on ter no secret power. There is some peculiar thing gnawin’ at her mind, fershe. went off like one dazed by a blow, but I don’t , reckon et will hold,” “Tf it don’t we are gone up.” * Jest i notion, an’I advise that we skip. while we kin, b’gosh!” 4 ‘*And have a patrolman see our manacled: ' hands and arrest us?” ‘* Would we be worse than now?” “*T want tobe better off. Be patient, Tom,,. and let us hope for the best. Somehow, I have V confidence in that girl, I hope it will be all Paes: right. : espite his assertion of confidence Slade was f very much lacking in ease, and he kept his gaze riveted on the door. Where was Dora? hat was she doing? If she tried tocarry out his orders would she succeed? Despite what he had said about the young being ‘sound sleep- “I ers he was full of anxiety. He had seen f enough of Dick Brazer to understand that he - { was sbrewd and alert, Would it be possible to ! remove the keys from his pocket without awak- ening him? The schemer had cast his lot on a single and desperate chance, and he was more disturbed at that moment than when the irons , were first locked on his wrists, Then, be had no hope; now, it was possible that he was throw- _ ing away all he bad lately gained. He looked } at the door and strained his eyes and ears to 7 secure the first evidence for good or evil tidings. j In a meanwhile the girl had gone about the- errand. | After some reflection she decided on where Dick was to be found; certain ye rations she had seen made indicated that all of the outsiders intended to occupy one room. . Pk Toward this place she went, Cautiously she opened the door, _ The gas was burning dimly within. By its light she saw a row of human figures stretched out on blankets which had been spread on the floor. All were athletic save one, and she was.
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Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. SS i recognize Dick and his *longshoremen allies, All were asleep. The crisis was at hand! Dora hesitated. It seemed to her that her heart beat with ten times its usual force, and that it must arouse the sleepers like the sound of a drum, More than this, she did not want to betray her new acquaintances. She had come to them in good faith, and that power, real or imaginary, was driving her on to work against them. Her reason forbade her toyield. She struggled—she failed. **T must do it!” she whispered, faintly. She moved forward, Softly her feet fell, and hardly a betraying sound resulted. She drew near tbem, and still they slept on. Dick lay upon his left side. easy, and he was resting as only the young can. Relying upon the secure way in which the pris- oners had been secured, and never dreaming of treachery, no shadow troubled his rest. Dora saw that if the keys still remained where Slade said they had been i the youth’s left hand pocket—hers would be no easy task, but she went about it without delay, Investigation showed that the corner of the jacket did not lie smoothly under the sleeper, but had been pushed nearly clear of bis person. She could insert a finger in the pocket, but not a hand. The faint clinking of metal told that the keys were still there. Holding her breath with fear she began to draw the jacket further away from him. It was a hazardous attempt, and one on which much depended. Little by little she gained; the available space grew larger; she pushed her hand into the pocket; she touched the keys, The way of treachery was growing easier, CHAPTER XVIII. IN THE WATER-WAIF’S ROOM. ** fr is mine!” Dora whispered the word as she drew out the first key, and there was a peculiar mixture of relief and regret in the utterance. Then her hand was again introduced to the pocket, and its entire contents removed, She had all that was necessary to accomplish her purpose, and still Dick Brazer slept on, She rose to her feet. ** May Heaven forgive me!” she prayed, She was tempted for a moment to fling down the pieces of metal, to arouse the sleepers and tell all, but it seemed asif the voice of Cyrenus Slade was calling her, and she turned away. Softly she went to the door. She opened it; she reclosed it, She was in the hall, and no dis- covery had yet come. As carefully as ever she went back to where Slade and his companions awaited her. Great relief was expressed in their faces as she entered, “The key?” exclaimed Cyrenus, got it?” She held up the bits of brass. ‘*Good!” he cried. ‘* Now then, be quick and unlock these accursed irons!” ‘* Tt is not yet too late to change your plans—” “Change them! Well, I reckon not; they need no change. Here, girl! get to work!” Again Dora yielded. She applied one of the keys to Slade’s bound hands, and the result was soon known, « He grew jubilant. “*Tt’s done!” he cried. ‘‘ Now give me the rest.” Free, bimself, he gave immediate attention to his companions, and _ all were finally relieved of their irons. Tom insisted upon shaking bands on Sa taper but grew serious when the leader said: > ‘* Now for the girl.” ‘* Hadn’t we better sneak?” Thomas asked. ‘* Nol” was the authoritative answer. ‘‘ We have the way clear to get the girl.” “My appetite is fer a sneak,” Tom frankly admitted. ‘* Pause, Cyrenus Slade, before you do this,” Dora requested. ‘I feel for this girl. I do not know why I ever agreed to pass myself off for her. Even when in your house, being drilled for the part I was to play, my conscience smote me severely. Now, I see clearly what an evil deed it would be to usurp her rights. I beg of you, do not do this deed. Let her rest in peace—” “You are talking rank nonsense, girl!” Slade declared, ‘‘I am managing this affair and want none of your help, Your presence in this house is yet to be explained, but I can wait un- till get you under my own roof, In the mean while, hold your tongue! Now, you are to fol- ‘** Have you His position was . low at our heels, and if you make a sound, or in any Other way betray us, it will be a sorry job for yon, Do you comprehend?” Yes.” She spoke faintly, and no other word of con- sent or complaint passed her lips. Slade looked at her keenly and decided that all was safe. She was, indeed, a plastic tool. Further questioning showed that she knew just where her double, the water-waif, was con- fined, and she was ordered to lead the way. Cyrenus decided that a lamp must be taken, and as one was at hand, it was lighted and taken along. The march to the other room was very care- fully made, for Slade knew he bad only one man, besides himself, upon whom he could de- pend. Tom was a coward, and not to be con- sidered in a fight. At last they stood before the door. Beyond that frail obstacle was the victim. The leader turned the knob, The door was not locked. Victory seemed to be at hand. They entered. Upon the bed lay the water-waif, fast asleep, and Slade’s eyes glittered with satisfaction. 8 had planned to wrap her in the bed-covers and bear her to the side-door, where a carriage was to meet them. The delay might have caused the driver to leave, but he was near enough to be summoned easily, ‘“Wrap her up,” he whispered, ‘and rely upon me to silence her if she awakens, Now, go on! “* Snosen you wait a hair ?” The suggestion came in a quiet voice behind them, and the trio wheeled asone man. Down went their hopes at the sight then revealed. Before them stocd a stout youth upon whose face was a grinof amusement and confident power. It was Dick of the Docks! ‘¢ Gents,” spoke the Night-Watcher, ‘‘ et may put ye ter some inconvenience, but you’ve got ter cave or git all minced up fer hash. See the pint?” He threw the door further back, and at his heels were to be seen his own force, Nicholas Brazer and the brawny ‘longshoremap. Worse than all, for Slade, this force was well armed, each man having a revolver ready for use, ‘*T cave! I cave!” cried Tom, throwing up bis hands, ‘* How about you, general?” Dick put the question to Slade nonchalantly, but that man’s face was a picture as he made re- y Pk May the fiends seize you!” ‘The fiends can’t do et, this whack; we're go- in’ ter seize the fiends. See, general? Ef you don’t, me an’ these herculean ‘longshore gents is jest pantin’ ter knock you down, roll yer over on the floor, an’ set on you in gineral an’ partic’lar. Is that ppt Will you give up the ghost?” Slade was full of figbt and courage, but he re- alized that it would be folly to fight armed men when his own party had empty hands. Sullenly he returned: ‘*T give up now, but my day will come.” ‘Sure! Every dog has hisday. So does every crook—he has his day in Sing Sing!” ‘* Mock me while you can.” ‘* Mister, w’ot I ought ter do ter you ister smasb the toe o’ my sboe full 0’ dents on the fly- in’-jib o’ yer coat, b’gosh! Sech p’izon critters as you be don’t deserve no decent usage. Still, I’m content ter git the bulge on yer. Feller- gobblers, handcuff an’ tie them snakes ag’in!” There was no resistance, The work was soon done,and the prisoners returned to their old quar- ters. One of the ‘longshoremen agreed to stand guard over them, and no further fear was felt that they would get away. Then Dick gave attention to the cause of all this trouble. ‘* Dora, I’m surprised at yer!” he declared. ‘“*Heaven forgive me, for I cannot forgive myself!” she bitterly exclaimed. ‘*That’s about the way TI feel, too.” *¢-You don’t know all.” ** Td like ter.” ‘* He charmed me, as the rattlesnake does its victim.” \ ‘* Oh! did he?” There was a world of unbelief in Dick’s tone, but Dora proceeded to explain amid a shower of tears. Dick was not one to be obstinate in the face of good evidence, and his doubts gradually diminished. He had heard of hypnotism, and though he was not prepared to believe in it fully, he did not see any reason why he should be too severe. Nicholas Brazer readily came out for Dora, and this decided Richard. ‘* All right, miss; we’ll bury the hatchet, but ef I’s you I wouldn’t dig round nigh it, here- after, fer fear it should pop up like Banquo’s ghost. You kin stay here ter-night, and ter- morrer we will see—” ‘*No! Iam going at once!” “Where?” ‘* To friends [ have in New Jersey. I will ap- pear at Slade’s trial if you wish, but, now, I want to getfar away, where I shall not be tempt- ed. Say not a word; I am going.” ‘*Mebbe et’s best so. I don’t think you de- serve much blame, though I guess you an’ Slade would hev got my ward away ef I hadn’t woke up jest after you stole my keys, missed ’em, an’ got on yer trail. But let et pass!” ‘“*T am going now. Pray for me, asI pray, myself, that I may be freed from Slade’s secret hold. Farewell!” And Dora went from their sight forever when she went out of the house. They did not call ber back to appear in court at any trial, nor did she come. All they bave learned of her was one brief line, a year later: ‘* ree from all influence, I am happy now!”’ And they were glad to hear it. Early in the morning Dick held a conference with bis uncle, and, as a result, the house was left in charge of the others and uncle and nephew left the house, They bunted up a friendly policeman who was not then on duty, and all three went toa certain house. Up in a second- story room a man sat smoking and drinking. He had not heard any one admitted to the house, and it was a surprise when the door opened and persons unceremoniously entered. : He sprung up, and found himself facing Dick, Mr. Brazer and the policeman, He knew them all, and their coming impressed him as being so ominous that he dropped into bis chair again. “Mr, Bat Magoun,” spoke Richard, quietly, ‘*is yer orfice open fer biz?” Not a word replied Bartholomew, The pres- ence of the policeman indicated so much that he was upset. ‘¢ We called,” pursued Dick, a twinkle in bis eyes, ‘ter ask ef yer thought that coffin would sp’ile ef it wa’n’t buried right. Also, we would like ter know w’ot you kin tell o’ Cyrenus Slade an’ his plot ag’inst the Maclay estate an’ family.” Magoun found his breath. **T don’t know nothin’ about any such af- fair!” he asserted, ina voice rendered sharp by alarm. : ‘‘Gammon! Bat, you are up a stump, an’ yer only way is ter confess. Rats desert a sink- in’ ship. You want ter do the same an’ git un- der cover. Weare dead onter you. Will you talk, an’ save yerself, or go down with Slade’s glass ship?” Suddenly there was a loud knocking at the inner door, : ‘Let me out!” cried a female voice. ‘ Help, help!” CHAPTER XIX, THE STRUGGLE ENDS. Bat MAGOUN sprung to his feet, a desperate gleam in his eyes, but the policeman drew a re- volver. ; ‘¢ Sit down!” he ordered. Magoun glared at his visitors; then, realizing how helpless he was, dropped sullenly into a chair. The knocking and the voice had come from beyond a door directly back of him, and opposite that which led to the hall, Toward this door Dick quickly moved, He believed he recognized the voice, and was eager for the next act. He turned the key ; a lady came out promptly; he beheld the “‘ vailed woman” who had vainly visited Bat the day before. She was excited, and she at once pointed to Magoun, and exclaimed; ‘““Gentlemen, I ask you to protect me from that wretch; to help me escape; to arrest,him, if you have the power, He kidnapped mé last nigbt and brought mehere, He is my enemy, and a desperate man; I know not what crimes he has committéd!” Richard touched herarm, ‘*M’um, w’ot might be yer name?” he asked, “Tt is Margaret Aldridge.” ‘ ** Not Mrs, Maclay?” She turned quickly and met his gaze. ** What do you know of such a person?” she demanded, imperiously. Magoun sprung to his feet, ; “Say!” be cried, “ef you'll let up on me I
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- kin furnish proof that your marriage ter Gur- don Maclay was legal!” She gave bim a look of scorn, ‘Spare yourself the trouble. I too have that proof at last. What I ask of you is to state where my daugbter is.” ‘* Don’t ask him, mum!” cried Richard; “‘ not until after you’ve seen a certain young woman we kin show yer. But we’re awfully mixed on your case, b’jinks!” ‘*T can explain itin few words. I, Margaret Aldridge, married one Gurdon Maclay, but I had a cousin who bore the same name as my- self, and she made trouble between me and my husband; how, it matters not. He and I sepa- rated, never to meet again. My cousin had con- cealed her evil work from me, and, after separa- tion, sbe made me believe my marriage had not been legal. Through long years I believed this; long after my husband was dead; but the truth came to me at last. ‘“*T had one child, a daughter named Olive. I had put her out with a family in New Jersey, but while I was away, five years ago, they moved, and I lost all trace of them and my ebild, ‘*Very lately I met this man, Magoun, and —how he knew of my affairs [ know not—he agreed to produce my child for fifty dollars’ re- ward; but he played me false, and did not keep bis word.” Bat interrupted, eagerly: ‘*Don’t blame me fer all, fer yer cousin, the other Margaret Aldridge, was the starter o’ the plot. Three years ago she found out your mar- riage was legal—she said she bad thought other- wise, before, an’ I guess she told the truth—an’ she"set out ter git rich. ** Her scheme was ter hev’ you thought dead, an’ then she could git control o’ your daughter, an’ suck the money-sponge dry. She bought a gravestone which said you had died at that time, an’ set 1t up over in Jersey, claiming et was your grave; but jest then she lost track o’ your daugh- ter, so she never tried, as she intended, to lure you away.” ** And she—where is she now?” * Dead!” **Do you speak the truth?” se Yes,”’ ‘* How did she die?” ‘*verybody was plottin’ ter get a grip on the Maclay money. Slade and Goodwind were rival agents in :ianaging it, and bitter enemies, Slade found a gal who looked ez you did when you was young, an’ he has been waitin’ ter put her forward as your daughter, ‘* But then he learned that the reel heiress wuz alive, an’he knew be must git her out o’ the way. Yer cousin, t’other Marg’ret, was on the scene, He got her to join hands with him, by coaxin’ an’ by threats, an’ Jake, Tom, me an’ another feller was added, ‘*Margaret was the decoy, an’ my pals I’ve jest named wuz the guards—I did not go—when the party set out ter go ter the prison fer the gal which Slade had selected; but the boat was upset by the pier, an’ the gal was lost to us. The other Margaret was drownded,” ** Have you proof of that?” ‘** Her body bas floated ter Staten Island, an’ ou kin see et, That’s good proof, Tom’s rother found it.” ‘* But my daugbter?” ** Safe, mum,” Dick put in. “At last! Am I to see her after so many years?” Mrs. Maclay’s manner was so thankful that Dick regretted having used the word “safe,” and he proceeded to explain the water-waif’s mental condition, adding that a doctor probably would bring ber around all right, Then he turned upon Bat abruptly. “Say, genera], w’ot wuz yer idee o’ buryin’ an’ empty coffin, or same as that, an’ settin’ up a moss-covered head-stone over it?” ** All Margaret Aldridge’s idee,” Magoun ex- plained, ‘* You see, when her scheme failed out in Jersey, as [ told you, the stone was hid in the woods, there. Lately, when she decided ter try it ag’in, she thought the Cemetery of the Ever- greens would be a better place for the bogus grave, av’ that the old stone would answer jest as wal, if the burial could be secret, “T did not know sure she was drownded until this mornin’, an’ when I hired you it was my notion ter carry on the game, share with her ef she showed up alive; an’ ef she didn’t, ter run the racket alone, an’ see w’ot I coulddo, That’s the whole story.” ‘An’ a fine yarn it is!” cried the Night- Watcher, ‘Everybody was jumpin’ on poor, dead Gurdon Maclay’s property, but I notice the birds 0’ prey ain’t made much by it, You've Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. 15 run upon a snag, Bat; Slade an’ Tom is pris’- ners; the false cousin is dead an’ Jake wounded. Kind of a losin’ game, wa’n’t it, general?” Magoun sighed dismally. ‘*Even Aleck Goodwind, the cleanest o’ the lot, got done up,” added Richard, ‘‘He got proof that his rival, Slade, was defraudin’ the es- tate, an’ had the facts on paper, but Slade learned of it an’ set men onter Aleck, an’ they swiped him silly an’ stole the paper.” Bat moved uneasily. ‘*Magoun has that paper, here!” declared Mrs. Maclay, ‘I saw it, not an hour ago.” The rough threw up bis hands, **Dor’t all jump on me at once!” he groaned. **Et was Tom an’ some o’ the gang who did the job, aw’ knocked Goodwin over. They brought the paper here, but I ain’t responsible fer it.” **Gammon!” Richard returned, ‘* You led that gang, Bartholomew.” ** Anything else?” Bat asked, dismally. ** Nothin’, except you an’ the others will hey lots o’fun up ter Sing Sing. Now, Mrs. Maclay, le’s hustle an’ see yer daughter!” At Dick’s home! After due discussion it was agreed that Mrs. Maclay should appear suddenly before the water-waif—otherwise Olive—and see if any good would result from it, Mother and daugh- ter had been separated for six years, but noth- ing is stronger than the voice of Nature, and they had all heard of cases where lost memory had been regained abruptly by means of some such start, Would it be so now? They had taken a quiet look at Olive, and had found her sitting in her room, her brows knit ina frown as if she was trying to rend a thread of remembrance from the pall of ob- livion. Mrs. Maclay opened the door and entered, Olive looked up, The two gazed at each other, The mother held out her bands, ‘* Olive—my daughter!” she murmured, brok- enly, wistfully. The water-waif rose. Her eyes grew startled; her face was pale. How mucb, and yet how little, that gaze expressed, “Olive,” Mrs. Maclay added, ‘don’t you know your mother ?” A cry broke from the girl’s lips; she clasped her hands to her head; she reeled, and would have fallen had not her mother caught her. Then she Jay senseless in those loving arms. The mother called for help, and Dick came in with one bound, ‘* Wot shall it be—a doctor?” he demanded. ** Not yet! Bring water, campbor, a smelling- bottle—any reviving mixture!” The Night-Watcher rushed out, and did the errand so well that he brought nearly a whole drug-store. Mrs. Maclay had placed the fainting girl on the bed, and she now sent every one else out, asking them to remain within call, and answer quickly when summoned, They went, and a long period of anxious waiting followed. It was broken, not by a call for help, but by the ap- pearance of Mrs. Maclay. Her eyes were tear- ful, and ber lips quivered, ‘*T thank Heaven,” she said, ‘ that my daugh- ter is restored to me—restored fully. Her mind is again clear; she remembers all, Her past is recovered!” ‘* Cricketty-jim!” Dick exclaimed; ‘“ that’s news fer a cheerful cast o’ countenance, Say, feller-citizens, we sin’t fit in vaio. Glory BE Pluribus! I guess our side has won!” The prediction proved correct, for the triumph was complete. Mrs, Maclay presented her case in court and proved beyond question that she had been Mac- lay’s legal wife, She received her rights, and she and her daughter are enjoying the use of the property. The ‘‘ water-waif” fully recovered her mental and physical health. Cyrenus Slade deservedly went to Sing Sing, and he had companions there in Magoun, Tom, Bob Blinks and Jake—the latter having recover- ed from his wound after a long illness. Aleck Goodwind was not prosecuted. Dick continued his career as aid to the police, and became a water front patrol whom crooks and night-hawks learned to dread as the very genius of danger for them, THE END. | | | er Beadles Half-Dime Library. BY FRANK DUMONT, 120 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boas of the Road. 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rosky Bar, 171 Ebony Danyj or, The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY HARRY 8ST. GEORGE, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; or, the Nighthawks of Kentucky, 59 Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellie's oor. 108 Daring avy ; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf, 166 Hickory Marry}; or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Tomy or, the Wolf-Herder_ BY ROGER STARBUCK, 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar, 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes, 848 errecsneeley ots Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow, 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Light-house, 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS. 6 Bill Biddon, Tra 1 ne 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, 310 Nat Todd or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive, 2: xne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, ~~ 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Muge Munter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. . 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death, 178 Dandy Rock’s Rivals or, The tiaunted Mald of Taos, BY FREDERICK DEWEY 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots, 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Parda, BY ARTHUR C, GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Parda. 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecoollar’” Man, BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 198 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws, 282 The Typo Detective; or, Wensel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quarteville. $11 The Seving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta. 840 Clip the Contortionist; or, The Montana Vigilantes, BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport, B12 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimatone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombatone ‘Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand.” 859 Durango Dave, the Youny Shanes ton Wreatier, 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide, 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountuin Mail-Line, BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout, 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards, 846 Rapler Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, 891 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies, 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pardy; or, The Gold King. 406 The Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Golden Guich Mystery. 505 Powell’s Pardy or, The One-Armed Giant, : BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dicky; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. S87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island, 187 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution, 289 The Gold-seeker Guide? or, The Lost Mountain, BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 15 The Sena-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page ; or, The Doge’s Deughter, 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso}; or, The Children of the Chaco, 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise, 200 The Boy Bedoutna; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Romer the Animal King; or, Round the World, 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle, 881 Black Ntek the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe’s War Tratl. BY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 rh On Eye, the Groat Shot of the Waste 54 Ned Huzel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whitlles’s Pet; or, In The Valley of Death, 60 The White Indian; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods, 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buckram ; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-houae Liges or, Osceola, the Firebrand, 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The bay te Camp. 288 The Scalp King: or, The Human Thandervolt, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by All newsdealers, five conta per sopy, or sent by mai! on receipt of six cents onck BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York
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EI NU AOR Rf eae aaah lin FF aap in nn x ~ - BEADLE’S*HALF-DIME*]IBRARY. Nc ee eh Beare ert ae ee > { ' Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, BY EPWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Deflance; or, Double Daggers. r+ | en pate ne ie ir eee or, Buffal, Ben 56 Deadwoor ek ia « Caatle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o-, The .«antom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omsha Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. $4 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity ¢ ne, the Heroine, m+ 3 Spang belo pea Leet ei or, Corduroy Charlie, end woo ek in Leadville. ao tote ha to ~_ yee ph The Double Cross Sign. endwoo ck as Detective, 129 Deadwood Dick’« Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Hase; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadweod: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivuls of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 208 Soe pabee ee ed Tao cr ey Sa Jane’s Adventure. eadwoo ck’s Dea eal. R21 Dendwood Dick's Death- Meant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughwand Toughs, Bas pesdweod i ph iivade ore a8 Spirit of Swamp Lake. eadwoo ck’s Death Trall. B09 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, B21 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. rid ep ree my Play se esang or, The Terrible Vendetta. endwood ck’s Claim, 405 Dendwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonda. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case,” b vt Reaawgod een past or, The Chained Hapd. ; end woo ek, Jr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Defiance, 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up, 465 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, ath gage dba pice 5 hat lls bin Bill. 76 Deadwood ek, dr.’a, Do etective. 481 Deadwood Dick. Jr., In Desks 604. 491 Dendwood Dick, Jr's, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, 615 Deadwood Dick, dr.'s, Protegee. 622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three, 529 Deadwood Dick, dr.’*, Danger Ducks, 65684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. S40 Deodweed Disk) Ye. on alla’ Mettle. © é endwoo dick, Jr., on « Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. tS Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afioat. 584 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 690 Deadwood Hick, Jr.'s, Decree. o2e Peadwood pick, ZPes a Boerncha b's Basin: cadwoo ek, Jr., at Cone sland. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Leadville Lay: 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. a Soceeret Be Se: eee cadwo ck, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer, G42 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In_ Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. $63 zee picks ; te gt ig tay’, 1 Gage. end woo ck, Jr., Back In the nea. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durangoy or, * Gathered In.” 484 pesdweer ieee 5 r.7Ry pcererss or, Found a Fortune, eadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. + peer tang 4 oe $r Xs Danger Divide. ead woo ek, dria, Drop. 204 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Francisco. 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disgulse. 784 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch. RY CHARLES MORRIS, ill Somers, the Boy Detective, *hil Hardy, the Boss Boy. Picayune Petes or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags, fandsaome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. lack eas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. ike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. {ll W idfire in the Woods. illy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. Trum ards or; Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, ob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York, ob eeneets the Bank Runner. he Hidden Hand an Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 7 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 9 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 6 Shadowed ¢ or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. of Rane Be a ag an ave, the Dandy De ve. 220 Tom We cmar a oF The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 285 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’« Jobs or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored, 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Keporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blissard, BGT Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. B79 nee & 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 Invinelble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Briek, the Jolly Vagabond, 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. / 433 Wild Dick Rac st. 501 EBoota, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, be6 The Secret “ervice Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 62T Tom Sas of Arkansas: or, The Wolftn the Fold, 655 Pincky Paul, the Koy Speculator. 667 Rob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Deteevive; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, 1 == ROPSTOANWNGSSEDS Ssezs es pa a kjk fk fk kk kt sexe 4-473 \ ty, Violet Other Novela by E. L. Wheeler, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Fuee, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, , 80 Rosebud abt or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miners or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 18 Jack Moyle _ the Young Speculator. 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 21 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 88 LBosa Kob the King of Bootblacka, 41 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 4 erret, the New York Detective, » 61 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, \ 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, — 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator. 244 Kierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 248 Slerra Sams Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sawi’s Pardys or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Blerra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, Thé Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 286 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Driit: or, The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Tron-Nerved Sport. B25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 880 Little Quick-Shot ; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher, 4 868 Vreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. fi; 878 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 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective. 426 Sam Slabsaides, the Roawar Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher, 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler, RY T. ©. MARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Nights or, The Boy Spy of 76. 87 The Hidden Lodge} or The Little Hunter, A? Nightingale Nat} or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Tral) 82 Kit Hnrefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mostanger. 189 Judge Lynch Jr.s or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tomy; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw ;¢ or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Tonknot’s Crusade. 281 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Rei Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoliv, tne King-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Kuckakin Detective. 2TY Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 Dynamite Dany or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa, 02 The Mountain Detective y or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Ble Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasro. 845 Pitileas Matt; or, Ked Thunderholt’s Secret, 656 Cool Sam und Pardy or The Terrible Six. 886 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 8BR6 Captain Cutlass; or, Ihe B ccaneer’s Girl Foo, 896 Rough Rob: or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso? or, The Rose of Ranch Robin, 418 Fellx Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler, 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 61 One Against Fifty 3 or, The Laat Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Roy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt, A?? The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter, A99 Bingle Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret, 512 Dodger Dick, the Whar!-Spy Detective, 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Faicon, the Bowery Shadows. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. S 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodeer Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq, 678 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard, 626 The Champion Parda. 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. ee 701 Photograp 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. %82 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The PWiamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. 581 Da Dare the Sport from Denver, 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire, 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport, 641 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Pard. 651 Bound Roy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 66% Violet Vane’s Victory. 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 692 Violet and i) ay, the Posy Pards. ane’s Vow; or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft, 714 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeance. t BO Violet Vane’s Verdict. Z41 Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidooq. 7 sata a rh neat NA of) es Laie y BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, = The Siving Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast. Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. ? 4 Diamond Dirk i or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 2 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants, & The Boy Dnellat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 2 Dick Dend-Evye, the Boy Smurgier, 1 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midehipman’s Legacy. 6 The Hussar Captain 3; or, Tie Hermit of Hell Gate, 7 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 4 Gold Plume; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider, 216 Bison BALL, the Prince of the Reins; or, Butfalo 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 3 or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman utineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned, 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, “The Gold Ship’ Chase, 250 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirate's Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande, The Dead Siuct Dandy ; or, Bemto, the Boy Bugler. 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterlous Marauder} or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail, 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WII, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawaltf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Iaodor, the Young Consplrator 3 or, The Fatal League, 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtsamany or, The War-Cloud’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sca Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly 3 or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Waphazard Harry; or, Tne Seapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Wills or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. A462 The Born Gulde; or, The Satior Boy Wanderer, , 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. ATA Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard, 488 Ferrets Afloat: or, Wizard W11)’s Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 495 Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, - 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy: or, The Shark ana the Sea Cat, ” 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Bue skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son, 555 The Creole Corsair. 5@0 Pawnee Bll, the Prairie Shadower, 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective, 5680 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea- Rover, 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; er, The Rio Raiders, 644 The Hereules Highwaymun. 650 Rutterfly Billy, the Pony Rider Deteetive; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover, 679 The Sea Bhadower}; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name. €92 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout, 697. The Searlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Blue Jacket Bil]; or, The Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racket 707 The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail, 718 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen, 719 Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper. 725 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid+ 781 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. %87 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive, <= Sete 2S ak ph ph pt t= BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F, Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hoods; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. lly Winks, the Bell Boy Detective; or, Breaking the 749 Billy. Whe Golden Coll, By T. C. Harbaugh, 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, bi V44 Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch; or, The Water : Wait’s Dead Past, By Jo Pierce. ' 2G Ab Kanans Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective; or, The Raiders of the _ Kari Rahge. By Lieut. A. K, Sims. , in , fet Jack, the Secret Service Spy; or, Too Much for Red ' bo ; oon By Dan Dunning, (of the Secret Service Corps). VAT Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet; or, The Tandem Team of Teddy’s Tailings. By Edward L, Wheeler. J Ready November 11. 7 748 Silverblade, the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Pard. By Jos. F. Badger, Jr “ ¥ Ready November 24- ' A New Iasue Every Tuesday. The Half. Dime Library 1s for asle by al] newsdealers, five centa per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, | ; BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, — _ 98 William Street, New York. \ é A rf \, ™ F ~ %, a . nf Be