Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 746) (1891 11 10)
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AN VEN i rn Cont | a I en Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. di ) ( | | | | DETECTIVE TO DEATH, WHEN BOTH WERE STARTLED BY: ‘*‘ WELL— I—GUESS—NOT]” Copyright 1841, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, November 10, 1891. No 746 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. \ Acal |! L! | Price, 5 Cents. Too Much for Red Leary. The Story of the City Park Tragedy. BY DAN DUNNING, (Of the Secret Service Corps.) CHAPTER I, THE MURDER IN THE PARK. *TWas a stormy night, The raiv, falling in torrents, bad caused the usually much-frequent- ed City Park of Brooklyn to be deserted, when, just before closing time, three men entered the Park—two of them fairly carrying the third, who appeared to be very drunk. They stopped about the center of the Park, where the drunken man was placed on a bench under a tree, and one of the others said: “
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*¢ Now, Jack! Be quick about it, or he’ll come to before you’re through!” The man addressed as ‘ Jack” hurriedly be- gan removing money and papers from the drunken man’s pockets, while the other stood uard, a Suddenly, the robber dropped something, and stooped to recover it, but the other, with a curse, ordered him to let it go, at the same time taking the drunken man’s watch from his pocket. This action seemed to arouse the latter, and he started asif to get up, but the guard caught him hy ehe throat, and held bim down, ‘* Quick, Jack!” he cried. ‘‘ He’s coming to! Smash him over the head!” The drunken man appeared to understand | what was said, and begen to struggle desperate- | ly, but the clutch on his throat only grew tigbt- er, and when Jack struck him on the head he fell back—dead! It had been robbery up to this point. became murder! “ We're in for it now!” exclaimed the bigger man, hoarsely. at Hold on! Now it ** Let’s get!” We migbt as well have this ring. Curse it! I can’t get it off!” Cut it off! Hurry up!” A minute later, the dead man’s finger was sev- ered, and the coveted ring removed. Next morning, after opening the gates, the policeman strolling through the Park found a man dead—murdered, it was plain, on one fof the benches, and, hailing the first person who passed, sent word to the station-house, The dead man was about forty years of age, well built, and looked as though well able to take care of himself—yet, it was evident he had been choked to death. It was a little after five o'clock, when the body was discovered, and at nine o'clock, a permit |saving been obtained, it was removed to the morgue, During this interval hundreds of people on their way to work, and almost every one living in the neighborhood, had viewed the body, but no one identified it, Among the early arrivals, was a quiet, un- obtrusive man, who remained until the body was removed, and who was present at the inquest, and could have told something, but did not, This was John. Austin, a Secret Service offi- cer—‘‘ Quiet Jack,” as his comrades called him. He was about thirty-five years of age, and scarcely known outside his profession, but fa- mous in that, Atthe date of the murder, the illicit distill- ing of whisky was not only the quickest and most profitable method of making money, but also, apparently, as safe as any of the slower, if more legitimate callings, and from Red Hook Point to Blissville, “* private” stills were scattered thickly through the City of Churches, The “business” was carried on so openly that at length neither political influence nor of- ficial blindness could longer prevent a determin- ed effort on the part of the Revenue Depart- ment to break up the whisky ring, and ‘‘ Quiet Jack” Austin was specially detailed to assist the local officers in the work. The very heart of the business lay in the im- mediate neighborhood of the murder, and for that reason Austin had been for a week in that section. ; During the night of the tragedy, he had been watching a suspicious house near Blissville, and had become satisfied that a raid would prove nrofitable. He was coming home through the Park in the early morning, aud on stopping to look at the dead man, was surprised to recog- nize one whom he had seen at intervals durin the past week, in the company of several heel characters—among them the notorious John, otherwise ‘‘ Red,” Leary. ‘Red Leary,” was not suspected of being actively engaged in the whisky business; it was too slow for him; but it was more than likely he was interested inone or more of the private stills—backing them. The murdered man was always well dressed, had, apparently, plenty of money, and was spending it freely whenever Austin had run across him; but further than that nothing, except that he was known as Martinez, was known of him, Austin attended the inquest, which revealed that, iv addition to the choking, Martinez had received a severe blow on the back of the head— which pene stunned him, and then the strangling was done, Further than this, noth- ing was ascertained, and the positive state- ments of the policemen, that no one was in the Park when the gates were locked the night be- Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. fore, only served to deepen the mystery, for the tough sporting—thieving element as a safe iron railing was twelve feet high, and not at all easy to get over, With the exception of some small change, place for cock-fighting, dog-fighting or prize- fighting. Just as Austin was about to enter this den, nothing of value was found upon the body; bis | happening to glance across the street, he thought watch and a fine diamond ring, (both of which he had when last seen alive.) were missing, as was the little finger of the right hand, and there was not a scrap of writing to indicate who he was, or where he lived. The verdict of murder against party or parties unknown being rendered, Austin de- parted to obtain a warrant, and the men neces- sary to carry it out, tosearch the house near Blissville, The murder was no affair of his, the local de- tectives were working on it, yet he could not get it out of his head, and so absorbed in thought was he, that be ran plump into a man standing at the entrance of the building in which the U. 8. Commissioner’s cffice was located. ff By Jove! We'll have to change it to Sleepy Jack,” began the stranger, extending his hand and smiling at Austin’s surprise. “Why, Piil, what are you doing here?” in- terrupted Austin. ‘Come to work with and under you. Fact is, Austin, there’s more than a suspicion in the Department that these fellows are being pro- tected,” In response to this, Austin related to his com- rade, Philip Morris, what he had done so far, and that he was then about to geta warrant. ‘All right, Jack! But you’ll only scare the other birds, and, if what we suspect is true, you won’t get these either,” Austin hesitated; he knew Morris spoke the truth, but decided to go ahead, for he remarked: “T want to show them that the stills are working right under their noses, and that they either can’t or won’t see them! Perhaps it would be as well for you to wait here, and follow us when we start. None of them know you, do they?” ‘*No, and ’Jl keep them so as long as _ possi- ble,” replied Morris. ‘* You go ahead for your warrant; [ll be with you whon you get there,” The difficulty and delay Austin encountered in securing the warrant, rendered him more than suspicious that it would prove useless, and when finally, at the end of two hours, it was issued, he placed it in his pocket without com- ment, and left the « flice. At the corner he saw Morris, and signed to bim to follow. After two or three turns, Austin assed into a quiet street, where Morris joined im. Both jumped ona car going in the direc- tion of Blissville, but, after riding a few blocks, they got off and entered a chop-house. Morris, who, while wondering a little at Aus- tin’s movemenis, knew all this was not done for nothing, now received the looked-for explana- tion. ‘*By George, Morris! From the way those fellows acted, from the commissioner down, I wouldn’t be surprised to know they have fol- lowed me!” and Austin relate: what bad oc- curred in the U. S. Commissioner’s office, add- ng: Band, of course, I could see it was plainly a game to gain time to notify the people. But, I fooled them by not asking for any help, We will go out just for curiosity, but Vl bet a shil- ling there’s nothing there now.” CHAPTER IT. IN THE ‘‘ RED LIGHT,” It was about five o’clock when the two detec- tives approached the suspected house, and long before they came to it, Austin could see there bad been a sudden and radical change, At the same bour the previous day, a fat- rendering business was in full blast, and a wagon, in which were several barrels, presuma- bly the day’s collection in the city, stood at the door. j Now everything was still, The place was closed up and apparevtly deserted, while on the door was a sign—‘‘ For Sale or To Let,” with the additional information that particulars could be obtained at the saloon across the street. Austia smiled grimly as he glanced at the sign in passing, and said: “The scare must have been a bad one, I didn’t expect them to clear out altogether, However, I must learn something more, now that I’m here,” : After a few minutes’ conversation, Morris de- parted .and Austin sauntered across to the saloon, outside of which was a large lamp, the glass in which was stained red, and gave to the saloon the name by which it was generally known—‘‘ The Red Light.” The “Red Light” was well-known to the | f or &@ moment he saw a face at one of the upper windows, but another look convinced him that he was mistaken; so, entering the saloon, he called for a glass of beer. Austin was not mistaken, however, for on the top floor of the suspected house there were three men—desperate fellows, who would he-itat3 at nothing, and who appeared deeply interested in his movements, ‘“Well, he’s in, anyhow,” announced the one who had been at the window, “Yes, and it won’t be my fault if he ever comes out!” exclaimed another, a big, powerful ruffian, ‘‘TPll go over now. You chaps keep things ready!” As he spoke the big fellow left the*room, and passing down-stairs let himself out at the back of the house. He was the famous ‘‘ Red” Leary, then a young man, and not so well-known as he became subsequently—especially at the time he escaped from Ludlow Street: Jail by tunneling right through the wall of the prison, into a room in an adjoining house hired by confederates, On leaving the house, ‘‘ Red” Leary walked about for a few minutes, and then into the Red Light Saloon where he saw Austin, who had taken a seat at one of the tables, talking to the owner of the place. Austin, immediately on finding Red Leary in this out-of-the-way place, connected him with the house across the road, and was strengthened in this by the familiar way in which he greeted the proprietor of the saloon. ** Hello, Jim!” he cried, ‘‘ Give usa drink!” and then, apparently just noticing Austin, continued: ‘*What’ll ye have? Take something!” This was the very opportunity Austin was looking for, and rising, he approached the bar, while Smith, the owner of the Red Light, was explaining: ‘“‘This gentleman, John, is askin’ *bout the house across the road. Wants to hire it for a saw-mill, but, ’ve been tellin’ him I don’t think it'd be let for that.” ‘*Saw-mill, eh? Well, [don’t know ’bout that; but they left a key with me, ’n’ if ye want to take a look atit yecan. Here's luck!” Leary said this carelessly, and, as he finished, drank the liquor which he had poured out, Austin, taken off his guard fora moment, eagerly assented to the proposition, but had no sooner done so than he regretted it. Each thought he bad the advantage of the other in that he was unknown, but the only dif- ference between them wasthat Leary did not know Austin’s name, although fully aware that he was in the revenue service, and therefore pos- sessed a complete description of him. Austin knew Leary to be a desperate character, and while anxious to get a glimpse of the cellar, began to feel that this meeting was not quite so accidental as it appeared. Nor was the offer to let him examine the house to be accepted care- lessly. ‘All this flashed across Austin in a moment. He did not know exactly how to get out of it, and yet avoid creating suspicion, but, lookin calmly about the low-ceilinged bar, as though it was a matter of no consequence, remarked: ‘Ob, L don’t care about it particularly. To- morrow willdo justas well. It’s getting too dark to see much of it, Red Leary was disappointed, and for one mo- ment showed his chagrin—just long enough for Austin to notice it, and become more wary, “Well, suit yourself! If you’re about this way to-morrow any time, drop in, Jim, here, will give you the key.” This speech again disarmed Austin’s sus-* picions, and he began to think he was wrong regarding Leary’s intention toward him. “Very good! Tl probably get around to- morrow,” he answered. ‘ And now, I guess I'll be getting along.” “Hold on a minit! _Take something before ye go!” urged Leary. The Red Light was a miserably furnished affair, but it boasted a small mirror at the back of the bar, and, small as it was, this served to show Austin that Leary meant mischief, for, as he turned back, he caught in the glass a signifi- cant look passing between the man in front and the man behind the bar. ; That settlod it as far as Austin was concerned, and when Smith placed one bottle in front of him, and another in front of Leary, he prompt- ly declined the liquor, saying: ‘* No, l’ve enough now! Give mea cigar.” Then, with a hasty ‘‘ good-night,” the dete
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tive passed out befora any objection could be offered, ** Blast him! He must have smelt a rat!” ex- claimed Leary, and for a moment seemed as though about to follow Austin. Instead, however, be turned and held an ex- tended conversation with Smith, who in reality / was only Leary’s figure-head as owner of the Red Light. Smith was Leary’s father-in-law, being the father of the notorious Kate Leary—one of the cleverest ehoplifters in existence, even at the present day, Meantime, the Secret Service Spy was hurry- ing to meet Morris at a well-known saloon and lodging-house, within a stone’s throw of the Navy Yard gate, running yet, but under a dif- ferent proprietor. The detective suspected this place to be deal- ing pretty heavily in whisky from private stills, as they were called, if not running one on its own account, and having been there two or three times, he had sent his partner ahead to see if he would notiee anything. When Austin arrived he found Morris sitting ip the back room, with a glass of ale before him, apparently deeply engaged in the evening paper. e took a seat beside bim, ‘* Jack,” whispered Morris, after a few min- utes’ conversation, ‘‘let’s get out of here— quick!” and Austin arose and invited him to take a walk, A short walk brought them to the Park where the murder had been committed, and here they took possession of a settee, “* Jack, they’re making the stuff right in that place!” averred Morris, as soon as they were seated. ** Sure?” “Sure! Why, bang it! I could almost see * fitinthae worm! Just before you came the odor of it filled that room,” ‘*Ha! Good, Phil! Good! I suspected it, ed could not locate it! Where is it? in the cel- ar?’ “‘No, Right back of where we sat, There is a large room there, containing a sbuffle- board; but, shuffle-board is played out there, just now.” ** Well, how shall we fix it, Phil? Risk a war- rant, and the subsequent notification before we can get there, or go right in and seize it? You must be sure of your case, my boy, or we'll get / Old Nick!” “The case is sure enough,” responded Morris, “and I would not trust a warrant with those people, Let’s go at it ourselves! You must ar- | range how it’s to be done, but to-morrow morn- ing about nine, when everything is quiet, would be a good time, it seems to me.” And having decided bow the affair should be managed, the two detectives left the Park. Parks iv Brooklyn are managed differently from those in New York; ‘' keep off the grass” signs are rare, and, although it was nearly clos- ing time, many people were still in the Park— most of them sitting or lying on the soft green- sward, Austin and his partner had been gone fully five minutes, before a man who had been lying at full length bebind the bench they had occu- pied raised to a sitting position, **So ye’r’ goin’ to drop in on Barney, eh?” he muttered. ‘* Well; I guess he’ll ve ready for ye, me revenue buzzards!” After a cautious look around, the man arose F and walked quickly to the place the detectives intended to seize the next morning, where be was rewarded for his story with a drink .of whisky distilled on the premises, Preparations were at once made for the ex- pected visitors, and word was quietly passed - around to the others engaged in the business, that two revenue spivs were now on the scent, CHAPTER III THE VISIT TO THE MORGUE—THE EMPTY CoOF- » PY FIN, ) THE discovery of the murdered man in the | Park had, of course, created something of a sen- sation, and the reporters had not neglected the opportunity—with the result that both the New be York and Brooklyn evening papers fairly pho- tographed the man, and the little that was known about him. That same evening, & newsboy running along crying ‘‘ Extree!” was hailed by a young man, Just about ascending the stoop of a handsome residence in the upper part of New York, ““What’s the Extra for, sonny?’ asked the young man, taking some change from his RED , pocket to pay the boy. D Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. ‘*Don’t know, sir! Extree! Extree!” and the gi darted off, Vhen the young man reached the hall, he stood under the gaslight to look at the heading. In a minute or two he became interested, and before stopping read the entire article, **Good heavens!” he exclaimed on finishing: ** It’s Julie’s father!” The young man was Harry Hammond, and a fine looking fellow he was, Although but just of age, he was fully developed and the picture of health, and strength. Together with bis mother, he occupied a handsome residence in the fashionable quarter of New York, where we now meet him for the first time. As soon as he had finished reading the article, Harry hurried to bis mother, and explained that be must go out again at once, ‘“‘And I may be late—perhaps stay away all night,” he added, ‘** Very good, Harry. Take care of yourself!” was Mrs, Hammond’s injunction, She never questioned his movements, and, in exchange for this confidence, always Jearned, sooner or later, and from Hurry, bimself, where he had been and what doing. Harry Hammond’s destination was a residence neither so fashionable, nor as‘ fine as his own, further down-town, and in what might bs, called the shabby-genteel quarter of the city. Here his ring brought a beautiful girl of about eighteen to the door, She was in deep distress and had evidently been weeping. As the door swung back into the light of the hall gas-jet, ~ eae ** Martens” was plainly visible on the plate, The girl was Julie Martens, and a moment later she was joined by a middle-aged lady, who came from the parlor—Mrs, Martens, the girl’s aunt, and the only mother she had ever known. Hammond saw that what be feared was al- ready known, and silently followed the ladies into the parlor, Two hours later, a carriage drawn by a pair of foaming horses stopped at the morgue in Brooklyn, and two men jumped out, It was after nine o’clock, and the older of the two men rung the night-bell, which was quickly answered by the keeper himself (bis assistant having gone home), who admitted the visitors, One of the men was Harry Hammond, and the other the most influential ponsicas of his we in New York. We will call him Green, n beholding Green, the morgue-keeper looked surprised and pleased, and warmly shook the hand which the former extended. It was to Green that he owed his appointment, Hammond was then introduced, a short con- versation followed, and the young man then went out, and returned a moment later with Mrs. Martens and her niece, As they entered, the keeper pointed to the stairs, and Harry led the way up and into a large room on the second floor in which wers several slabs, only one of which was occupied, A solitary jet of gas burned above it, One glance at the occupant of the slab, and, with a piercing cry—‘‘ Papa!” the girl had fainted, Harry caught her in his arms, and locked in alarm at Mrs. Martens, lest she, too, should succumb, but though very pale and troubled, and weeping bitterly, the elder lady kissed the forehead of the dead man, and then motioned Harry to leave, Down-stairs, seated in the keeper’s easy- cbair, Julie quickly recovered, and Harry joined his friend, and the keeper, _ Just as Harry reached them, Green was 'say- ing: ‘““And Mike, be careful! Make no mistake about this, for I take great interest in tho matter on account of this young man, Here are the papers, and you will need some money.” Next morning the papers contained a notice of the death of Henry Martens—“ Funeral private,” and two days after, three carriages and a hearse left the residence of the late Henry Martens for Greenwood Cemetery, When near the cemetery, another hearse came from a cross street, and took its place abead of the Martens hearse wond the three ec r- riages, Then for a couple minutes, there was to be seen the rather unusual spectacle of two hearses in one funeral, At the next crossing, however, the second hearse, the one which had left Mr. Martens’s house, turned down the road and was driven rapidly to a near-by hotel, where the driver made bimself comfortable until the usual time for returning to New York. When the bearse driver did return to New York, his employer received back the elegant, but stone-filled casket, which had been carried out of the Martens residence that afternoon, Among the reports made by the morgue- keeper next day, was that of the burial of Mar tens—the mardered man. CHAPTER IV. A “HOD-CARRIER” ON THE TRAIL, AFTER seeing bis mother safely home from the funeral of Mr, Martinez, or rather Martens Harry Hammond called on Mrs, Martens an Julie. ‘‘It may seem unfeeling,” said Harry, plung- ing at onve into the subject and object of his visit, ‘‘ but it’s absolutely necessary that we should get to work on this matter at once. I shall have to ask a good many questions, and you will, of course, tell me anything you know that I fail to touch upon.” And then he plied both aunt and niece with questions, until be bad extracted all they knew of the dead man and his affairs—which was: First: Mr, Martens was supposed to be a very wealthy man, and his expenditures at homs and abroad were lavish. Second: Neither Mrs. Martens nor Julio knew in what business, if any, be was engaged, for he was a man who never mentioned business at home, and would not allow others to do so, Third: That he was frequently absent from home for a week or more, but never even hinted where he had been, or for what purpose. Fourth: Both Mrs, Martens and Julie believed there was a great deal of money due the dead man from various people, but bis papers con- tained no memorandum of it, Fifth: Mr. Martens bad always carried a great deal of money, and only a few days be- fore the murder, Mrs, Martens had seen a pack- age of Government bonds in the inside pocket of his overcoat, And that was all either Mrs. Martens or Julie knew. Hammond had known a great deal of this be- fore, and on hearing of the outstanding debts, suspected that Mr. Martens had been something of a money-lender. As he apparently carried the evidences of debt with him, which were of cocrse stolen by his murderer, or murderers. Harry counseled con- cealment of the way Mr, Martens had died, until steps could be taken for their recovery, or some- thing learned concerning them, It would net do to trust too much to the honor of needy borrowers, As he was leaving, Harry met Julie coming down-stairs, and as he bade her good-night, he said earnestly: ‘* Julie, we can’t bring your poor father back, but if money and brains can do it, we will clear up this mystery.” It wasno idle boast, Harry, through the death of his father, whose only heir he was, became, at the age of twenty-one, a wealthy young man, He thought deeply over tbe affairs of the Martens family on his way home, and his first act on reaching there, was to send for the head of a famous detective agency, It was nine o’clock when the message was sent, but Mr, Wilson, the manager, responded promptly. At the end of an hour, Wilson had heard Harry’s story, asked a question or two, and when about leaving, said: ‘* T will look after these notes, and other in- debtedness which you speak of, but you. will have to go over the whole story again with the man whom I'll send you to-morrow, He will take up the affair at the Perk.” Harry looked annoyed at this, and asked: ‘* What necessity is there for my seeing your man? It’s only delaying the matter, which [ would like to have begun atonce—to-night, if it were possible!” ‘‘ Well, it so happens this man is to be at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, at balf-past ten to-night, to meet me. If you wisb, you can come with me, and start him to-night.” “Very good! Delays are dangerous—espe- cially in this case, Tl go with you and see tim at once.” With the last word, Harry was on his feet and led the way out. It still lacked a quarter of ten o’clock, so they walked slowly, and on the way Harry learned something about the detective they were going to meet. ‘“ He always insists on seeing and talking to the people he is working for,” explained Mr, Wilson, ‘‘ and he is so vahiabl that we cannot refuse to humor him,” ‘* He is a very good man, then?” asked soe “I’ve never had one as good! He’s just t one for this matter, and I've only given him to you because you’ve been 80 liberal with me,” Standing outside of the hotel, and a little to
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= a aA hy ae SS — 5; Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. ap ge eh ey ta nem me Se — es «ees es RAPE IY eke $B ves one side of the entrance, was a man about forty- five years of age, roughly dressed and stoop- shouldered—apparently from very laborious work, The whole appearance of this individual was that of a hod-carrier, except that his clothes were not as good as those usually worn after work is over by that class of men, Yet this was the person who came forward to meet Mr. Wilson. When he came into the light, Harry Jooked a little amused at what he considered the ‘‘ make- up,” but was somewhat disgusted when the man responded to his ‘‘ Glad to know you, sir!” with ** At yer sarvice, sur!” This brogue was kept up whenever, during the recital of Harry’s story, Mr. McVeigh (as the detective was introduced) asked a question— which was often. “* Hang it!” said Harry, at last. ‘* Why don’t “you speak natural?” © An’ ain’t I sp’akin’ natheral! But, niver ** Yes,” returned Harry, innocently. Thin it’s not you at all, at all, but you ?? Harry looked angrily at Wilson, “The fellow’s a fool!” he thought, and was still mcre angry when Wilson asked McVeigh very meekly: **Ts it really necessary, Mac?” *¢ Yes, sur.” “But these ladies will not care to discuss their affairs with a pir 2! wim 6 in their present frame of mind!” cried Harry, hotly. “* Faith, thin, yell have t)wait a bit, or get some wun else,” was the calm by oe Mr. Wilson here interpo and soothed Harry, preventing the angry outburst which he saw coming, and, after some further argument, it was finally arranged that Harry and the **hod-carrier,” as the former mentally termed McVeigh, should meet at the Martens residence, early next day. It required no little persuasion to get Harry to consent to this, but Mr, Wilson finally gained his point. CHAPTER V. THE ‘‘HOD-CARRIER” ON THE TRAIL, Arter hearing the same story from Mrs, Martens as was related by Harry Hammond the night previous, McVeigh asked: ** An’ wuz he never in business?” “ No—not that I know of,” replied Mrs, _ Martens,” ** An’ bow did he make his money in the be- ginnin’? He must have done somethin’,” per- sisted the detective. “I think, that years and years ago, he owned <i gamma in the West. I know his father id. Mac’s eyes sparkled for a moment; then, with a triumphant glance at Harry, he arose, and said he must go. Half an hour after leaving the Martens resi- dence, Mac, still looking like an old hod-carrier out of work, or taking a holiday, entered the saloon which Austin had contemplated seizing, and called for ‘‘ a glass o’ mixed ale, if ye pl’ase.” The two or three regular hangers-on, after a moment, continued their conversation, which ’ had been interrupted by Mac’s entrance. One of them, a typical young tough of the neighborhood, who was looking at a newspaper, said to the barkeeper: ‘*T see dat Spanish bloke was buried yest’day. Tn bet Red Leary knows somethin’ bout that ‘* Yes, ’n’ Kelly, too!” chimed in another, _ Here the old hod-carrier, who had been busily filling a short, black pipe, came to the end of - the counter to get a light. To do this he had to pass between the loungers, and in doing so saw it was the “ Martinez Mys- tery,” as the newspapers dubbed it, to which the | young tough referred, ‘Dey wuz all in here togedder—wuzn’t dey, _ Jimmy?” _ It was the first speaker again, addressing th bartender, who spoke. mar it ae _. “Look here, Skinny!” exclaimed the latter, ly. ‘‘ You’se fellers better mind yer own business! Don't forget dat!” That closed the conversation. The barkeeper is king in such aren and of such people, and a minute or two later the loungers slouched out, ae Having relieved bimself, ‘‘ Jimmy ” felt better; Mac was a stranger, anc a cash customer, and he said: j ‘Drink up, old man! Have another!” Mac cheerfully obeyed, and, while ‘‘ Jimmy” was refilling his glass, remarked carelessly: ‘¢Thim gossoons is alwus intherf’arin’ wud uther paple’s bizhniss, It’d sarve thim betther t?mind the’r own.” “ Ye'r’ right, old man! ble over it some o’ dese days, luck!” ‘* Good luck to ye, sir!” ** Nice old chap, that!” thought the barten- oe Fu at the respectful tone, and then, aloud: ‘* Live ’round here?” “No, I kem over ft look fur a place in Hudson avenue, ’n’ thin I tuk a walk over t’ the Park where th’ Spanyard wuz found. Did th’ find anythin’ about him, d’ye know?” “ Naw—'n’ I guess they never will! Ye kin bet the fellers that done that job know the’r aS, book too well t’ leave any marks behind em| The significant look which accompanied the words, caused McVeigh to think “Jimmy” might be a person worth cultivating, and he was about to invite him to drink, when the door was flung open, and a tall, powerful man of about thirty entered. The detective knew him instantly. It was Red Leary. But, why had he shaved off his mustache? Leary favored the old man with one sharp glance, and then in response to the barkeep- one Seer query as to what he would take, replied: ‘* Whisk’, of course! trade, ye know, Jimmy!” Jimmy joined in the laugh and then, at a nod from Leary, asked Mac what he would drink—at the same time whispering: ‘‘ Take whisk?!” ‘* Whisky fur me!” replied Mac, as ordered. **That’s it!” exclaimed Leary. ‘‘ Stick to the old stuff—'specially when it’s home-made!” He was in great bumor, had evidently been drinking, and spoke loudly. f The barkeeper looked alarmed, and noticing this, Leary laughed contemptuously. “What ye afraid of?’ he exclaimed, ‘‘Thet duck won’t trouble ye’ any more, ’n’ somebody hit his pardner on the conk last night. He’s laid up for awhile I guess!” Both listeners understood the latter part of what was said; the old man sucked away at his pipe while Jimmy asked: ‘Where's de oder duck?” ‘* Kelly’s watchin’ over him now. We fixed him up ute house the other nigit, Got him into the Red Light, an’ that settled it! Here! Give’s another drink, quick! I must git!” ‘That’s a nice man,” remarked the detective, as Leary hurried out, but the barkeeper merely said ‘* Yes,” and in a tone which showed that he did not intend to pursue the subject, “‘ Well, I ong T’ll be gettin’ home, I'll see ye ag’in mebbe, if I move over,” said Mac, after a minute or two, “That's right! Drop in when ye’r’ around!” returned the barkeeper, as the old man ,pa' out, e ‘The Red Light! Now, phwat the divil is goin’ an at the Red Light? Vll have t? go an’ see what’s up—but he’!] know me, now.” He paused oa the corner, and looked about him doubtfully. It was eleven o'clock, and, even in that sage | populated district, the children were nearly all at school, while the mothers of them were busy preparing dinner, The old man started down Hudson avenue looking sbarply into every hallway as he slong, and, coming to a large tenement, darted An’ dey’ll get in trou- Well, here’s ‘Must favor yer own Five minutes after the old man bad gone into the tenement, a fresh-faced, good-looking ycung men some ae sed ae oe : was Mac, but the gray whisker passing passing from ear to ear under his chin, had dis- appeared, his black sack coat had turned gray (with a black lining), on bis head was a light- colored soft nat, covering black instead of gray hair, and he no longer stooped. “Now for the Red Light!” he said, and, at rapid gait, started in the direction of Blissville. CHAPTER VI. TRAPPED—LIFE OR DEATH? _AND now to return to Quiet Jack Austin, and his partner, The contemplated seizure was not made, be- cause, after talking it over aguin, the two de- tectives agreed it would be better to locate as s many places as possible before moving, and ther come down on all at one swoop, Instead, therefore, Austin next day, early in the afternoon, called at the Red Light, leaving Morris to look after things in the heart of the whisky ring. Atthe Red Light, Austin found only Smith and another man present, and the latter left al- most immediately after the detective entered, — Mr. Smith was very pleasant, and joined his visitor in a glass of beer. ! ‘¢T suppose you’ve come to take a squint at the house?” he said. ‘* Well—yes, I suppose I may as well do it now,” replied Austin. ‘‘ Have you the key?” ‘¢ Yes—here it is, but—” Smith seemed to hesitate about giving up the key, and this aroused the curiosity and suspiciom of the Secret Service officer—just as it was in- tended it shoul”. ‘But what?” he asked. ‘* What’s the trou- ble?” ** Oh, I i a it’s all right!” replied Smith still a little doubtfully. e see there’s a good many things there yet anJ— Well, they might- n’t like a stranger to go over it alone.” Austin felt he was on the right trail, and om the eve of u discovery—and he was, After waiting a moment for Smith to decide, Austin called for another drink, and when the glasses vere ces on the bar, asked: ee Well? hat are you going to do about it Smith scratched his head, looked hard at his questioner, and then laid the key on the coun- ter. ‘“‘There! Take it—right or wrong!” he ex- claimed, irritably. Austin thanked him and walked across to the suspected house—all suspicions of evil arising from Smith lulled to sleep. He had been especially anxious to get into this place, because he suspected that not only whisky was being manufactured, but also that from there came the paraphernalia by which others made it. After entering and locking the door to pre- vent being disturbed, Austin began his search and was rewarded almost at once, Right in the room he stood in, covered with a. lot of old canvas, Quiet Jack discovered a broken worm, and a lot of separate pieces of piping. ‘Sent to be repaired,” muttered the detective, and then, with a smile, “Lard rendering, eh’” There was nothing else in that room, and he passed into a larger one in the rear. . Here he espied a similar pile, covered with canvas, at the end of the room, and hastened toward it. Had he looked above, he would have seensthe face of Red Leary who was watching him. through a trap-door in the floor, Under the second canvas, Austin found five barrels, ‘‘ Whisky of course,” he thought, and. was about to bore into it with a small gimlet which he took from his pocket, when he sud~ denly became couscious that some one was near him—that he was in danger! In an instant it flashed upon him that be had been trapped; that Smith’s reluctance was merely to lull his suspicions, and his hand in- stantly sought his pocket. He had awakened too late, however, for be- fore his band reached his pocket, the floor gave way beneath him and he feli down, down, into the deep cellar. } How long he lay there, Austin never knew, but when he recovered consciousness he was still in the cellar, with his bands and feet tied. It was pitch dark; he could not see a foot before him; bis: head“had been hurt in the fall and ached terribly; one of his legs, too, felt as though it had been injured, and his mouth was parched with thirst, “Water! Water!” he cried, but there was no se. ‘ J Surely. they did not mean to let him die there like a dog? ; “ Quiet Jack” had been in a great many close corners, but he now, for the first time, fully realized the desperate character of the men he was dealing with. tA? These men were not only crimiuals, but some of them of the worst kind—criminals with a good name to keep unstained; men not suspect — ed by the public of the illegal traffic in which they were awaned, aud who would do—or have done—anything to prevent the fact becoming known. Austin’s thirst soon became unbearable, and again and again he called for water. At length the trap-door was opened, voice asked, tauntingly: “ How would a little whisky do” and @ £ 3 net tree Et
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*““Two!” he muttered, as the officers bent to examine the prostrate man, ‘*Two! I wonder what's up to-night?” Seeing the officers carrying away Morris, he returned to the Red Light, and related to Smith what had taken place, ‘*Ha! That’s why so many of them were here awhile ago! Somebody’s given away the fight to-night. We'll have to send’em word t’ keep away!” * A fight! Who is it?” asked Jim, excitedly. ‘* Miller and Grogan,” replied Smith, adding: ** Some one must stop ’°em from comin’. Can ye go down +t? South Brooklyn?’ It’s worth a fiver.” Jim would like to have earned the money; he was only the tool—the slave of the others, and got little or none of the spoil, but he did not dare leave—in fact, this reminded him that he should be up-stairs now, looking after the pris- oner, ‘*Come!” said Smith, noticing his hesitation, “Tl look after him, and it won’t take ye long, anyhow. Besides, if there’s a raid they'll find him, sure.” The reasoning suited Jim’s inclinations to a dot; it would be a good excuse, too, and after taking a drink he started off, saying: ‘Ye might give’im a bite’n’ a drink, when ye git a show.” ‘And thus the two men commissioned to put him ‘out of the way,” failed to perform their murderous work, and Austin had, all unknown to himself, and to those who had decreed his death, gained a respite of twenty-four hours, “ Jim” delivered his message allright, and then got very drunk with the sports, who were grateful for the warning. Tbe other party, however, arrived long be- fore the appointed hour, and the police saw them enter, After waiting until past one o’clock, the cap- tain concluded that the entire crowd was in- side, and placing several men around the house, ee himself with a half-dozen men at his ack. Smith was behind the bar busy serving his guests, but aside from that, and a little loud talking, the captaia could see nothing wrong. In his chagrin, he ordered Smith to put on his coat, “Tl take you anyhow,” he said, and then ordered the grinning sports to ‘‘ clear out)” Smith protested, but it was useless, *Tt’s half-past one, now!” said the captain, who was very angry at the way he had been fooled. ‘ wea him along!” When Smith locked the door he gave the key to one whom he could trust, with instructions, to deliver it to his daughter, Mrs. Kute Leary, atonce, It was too late to obtain bail, and he knew he would not be free in time to open the **Red Light” in the morning. The key was duly delivered to Mrs, Leary, who lived near by, and the *‘ Red Light” was opened by her at the usual hour next morn- ng. Little business was done at the “‘ Red Light” until night, and Mrs, Leary had but three or four customers during the forenoon. About noon, a fresh-faced, good-looking, and also rather innocent-looking man, apparently about thirty, entered and called for a glass of eer, It was McVeigh, and the brogue was plainly discernible in his speech, He drank his beer slowly, watching the woman behind the bar all the time. As he finished his beer Mac sail: ‘*T’ye know, ma’am, where a poor fellow could get a job about here?” Kate Leary was even then a shrewd, sharp, woman, but the innocent face and brogue took her in. Besides she wanted a man bebind the r, ‘‘What can you do?” she asked with a smile, *‘Oh, anythin’, ma’am! I used t? dhraw beer meself onc’t in th’ ould country.” i: Indeed! Do you think you could ’tend bar e “Indeed I do, ma’am! Will ye give me a chance, ye Kate ry laughed—the fellow’s anxiety to try his hand in the Red Light, so quiet now, and go like another Inferno at night, aroused her, ‘* Well,” she said, ‘‘ I need a man just now. I Aon’t kuow for how long, but, if you will take the chances, go up-stairs and you will find an apron in the top drawer of the bureau, in the front room overhead.” Mac started off immediately, but on reaching the bead of the stairs tried the rear door, instead of going to the front, as directed, The door yielded; he entered, and saw Austin sitting bound to the chair, and almost dead from weakness. Whipping out a knife, Mac severed the cords, and then forced some whisky from a pocket flask down Austin’s throat. This brought the Secret Service man to his senses, and in a few minutes he had hurriedly given a brief outline of his experience. “Just skip down-shtairs an’ wait fur me *round th’ corner,” said Mac, when he finished, and, after taking another drink of the liquor to brace himself up, Austin quietly stole down- stairs and out of the Red Light. A minute or two after Austin had gone, Mac rere at the bar with a white apron in his and, ‘‘f say, ma’am!” he said, in a very embar- rassed way. ‘‘Could you let me out a minit or two fur me dinner? I furgot all about it ’til now!” ‘* Yes—certainly! But, for Heaven’s sake, don’t. be all day about it!” and Mrs, Leary laughed at the half-frightened, half-horrified ex- pression of the new bartender’s countenance, Mac immediately left the ‘Red Light,” and around the corner met Austin. A full hour elapsed before the new bartender returned, ‘¢ What's your name?” demanded Mrs, Leary, when he came behind the bar, where she was sitting, ‘‘Mike CPary, ma’am. But the’ call me Mac.” ‘© Well, Mac, if you ever spend as much time again at your dinner, you won’t last long in the ‘Red Light!’ ” And, when Red Leary returned early that evening he found a new man behind the bar, ‘‘Where’s Smith?’ he asked, looking at the new man in surprise. ‘*¢T don’t know him, sorr!” was the reply. ** And who put you here?” ‘‘Missus L’ary, sir! An’ a fine lady she is!” answered Mac, looking straight at her ques- tioner. Red Leary saw something had gone wrong, and walked out of the saloon, On arriving home he learned what had oc- curred during his absence as far as his wife knew, He then secured bail for Smith, which was only a nominal affair, and as he left the latter, said: ‘“-You might as wel] keep that duck! He’s pretty green, but you can make use of him. See what you can get him for, and make him board with Kate!” When Smith returned to the “Red Light,” he found Mac busily engaged washing glasses, and this pleased him. Making himself known as the proprietor, Smith engaged the new man permanently, ata nominal sum, and thus McVeigh, the detective, became Smith’s—or rather Red Leary’s bar- keeper, The latter did not, after going through the house on his arrival there, suspect for an instant that the detective had escaped the trap-door. Smith did not know it and, of course, could not tell him what Jim could, if present, but Jim was still drunk in South Brooklyn, and when he did return was too much afraid to do so. Smith, of course, had told Leary about Morris, -_— CHAPTER X. A FATAL FIND. THREE days had from McVeigh, and ae pk 9 haunted the office of the detective agency like a restless spirit, and on the third day he re- lieved his mind considerably by saying to tbe manager: ; “That man, McVeigh, is evidently just what I thought he was from the beginning—a fool! I’ve told you already to spare no expense—now put a man on this case! If necessary put a half-dozen on it—but for God’s sake, hurry up!” Mr. Wilson en:leavored to pacify bis client, It was not unusual, he said, for Mac toruna week without reporting—in fact, they never heard from bim until he had discovered some- thing of importance. ‘© So, evidently, he has found nothing in the last three days! A valuable man, truly!” Mr. Hamilton bad been very liberal, had given the agency a carte blanche as to expenses, but this irritated the manager, and he was about to.tell his client that the case must be conducted as they thougbt proper, or taken somewhere else, when a messenger-boy entered with a letter. assed without any report ammond began to become Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. It was from McVeigh, and read as follows: “I’ve got a job as barkesper over here in Brook- lyn, in a place called ‘The Red Light,’ and will call on you when I get my day off—probably in a day ortwo. There’s nothing to tell you as yet, except that some of the dead man’s personal property is very near here at this moment, I believe.” There was neither date, address nor signature to the letter, but Mr. Wilson smiled triumph- antly as he read the letter to Harry.” ‘You see,” he said, ‘‘Mac’s on the trail al- ready !” But Mr. Hammond would not be pleased at anytbing that day—the report was too ambigu- ous, the delay too great he said, and then, think- ing over the report of McVeigh, Harry crossed Fulton Ferry. He had no motive, not even curiosity, in visit- ing the scene of the murder, but shortly after crossing, Harry found himself in the City Park, sitting upon the identical bench where the mur- dered man was found, It was about four o’clock in the afternoon, and Austin, who had been free just about three hours, was already back in the illicit whisky center. The conversation he had had with ‘* Mac” was very much to the point; in the one hour they were together each had learned the busi- ness of the other, and Austin departed fully satisfied that the ‘‘Red Light” was in good hands, At first he had intended to raid both the Red Light and the house opposite, but after hearing Mac’s story abandoned that idea. Disguised as a sailor, he passed through the Park, on his way to the place he and Morris had contemplated seizing, and as he passed, glanced at Hammond sitting on the now famous settee, The face of the latter looked somehow famil- iar, and for a moment Austin paused—hesitat- ing whether he should sit down or not, but he was too anxious to goon; he wondered what had become of Morris, and hoped to meet him where he ‘was going. Had he waited, he would bave seen Hammond ariss from the bench, and throw himself on the grass back of where he had been sitting. Hammond put his hands back under his head, and immediately after came to a sitting posture with something in them. < It was a pair of gloves, rolled in a ball, and he was about to toss them away, but on second thought put them in his pocket. Shortly after Hammond arose and returned home—forgetting all about the gloves, and a most dangerous “find” they proved to be. Harry was a fine looking fellow, elegantly dressed, apt to attract attention anywhere, and came under the notice of two local Hawk- shaws, while sitting on the bench—but they, too, failed to see him pick up the gloves. This amounted to nothing at the time, but proved of fearful consequence later. Next day, lute in the afternoon, Harry re- ceived a message from Wilson, saying McVeigh would beat the Martens residence taat evening at eight. y f . Promptly at the time named McVeigh arrived, looking precisely as when last seen, even to the broken-brimmed derby. He did not sit down, but stood near the door while making his report—and he began the mo- ment he entered. 4y ‘‘ Mister Martens had a watch?” he said, inter- rogatively. ‘¢ Yes,” replied Harry. y : Mac paid not the slightest attention to him; he simply looked at the ladies, and did not ak again until Mrs, Martens replied in the affirmative, : ‘Kin ye describe it?” he asked, taking a note- book out of his pocket. ‘‘ Julie can do so better than I can,” replied Mrs. Martens, Mac looked inquiringly at Julie, and the latt began at once: ’ “Tt was of gold, made with four knobs, which being at right angles to each other, made it loo} almost square, and there were nine diamonds set in the back of the case,” “That's it! Look.at this!” and Mac handed his note-book to Hammond. The latter read from the note-book an almost: exact repetition of Julie’s words. Everybody looked astonished—even Harry, who was determined not to be pleased at any- thing. ‘*' Well?” asked Harry. Nae ** Well, I guess ’ll be off! The time is nearly up! Good-night! Ye’ll hear from me soon ag’in,” and before any one could speak, Mc-~ Veigh had gone—the door closing behind bim before they realized that he had left the room, f ' ‘g : pd is eo te Phat et Pree. Pe é | % ree A fF Vee ites tes . ee , pe saa sume se ; See = a -_ te
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CHAPTER XI. A DEADLY COMBAT. MEANTIME, Austin’s escape had been discov- ered by Leary—who was the big man of the party that bad entrapped him; and it came about thus: Jim, after getting over his drunk, returned to the Red Light, but dared not say anything until the return of Jack, who was released through Leary’s influence. Mac was talking to Jim when Jack entered, He stared in surprise at the new barkeeper, and looked inquiringly at Jim. ‘Hello, Kelly! Got out!” exclaimed Jim, “Yes,” replied Jack, still looking askance at the new barkeeper. ‘“\This is th’ sew man—bhelpin’ th’ boss out,” said Jim. ‘This is Jack Kelly, Mac!” Mac was duly grateful for the introduction, and stood treat. Just then Leary entered, following Kelly from the jail. After another drink, Leary called Jack to a side table. Kelly,” he said, ‘‘that went through all right?” **T don’t know nothin’ about it. moe before I could do th’ job!” ‘““What! D’ye mean t’ say ye didn’t see it through?” demanded Leary, angrily. “How could 1? Don’t ye see, they grabbed me before I could do anythin’! Jim put it through, I suppose,” ‘‘Jim! Why he couldn’t spring the trapin a year! Jim! Jim—-come here!” Jim came over, trembling. He knew instinc- tively what was coming. ‘Jim, did ye put that job through all right?” demanded Leary. J There was no use lying, and Jim did not dare to anyhow. He dreaded Leary. “No; I couldn’t pull the trap!” he replied sheepishly. *'Then what became of the man?” thundered Leary, looking from one to the other. Neither spoke—Kelly had been in jail, and Jim had been drunk almost up to date, Leary was now furious, and after exhausting his vocabulary of epithets, ordered the instant removal of everything in the house across the road, to the cellar of the ‘* Red Light.” It was quite Jonely in that viciuity, and there was little danger of any ove observing what was done. ‘*Put them in the sub cellar, and see that you fix the trap right this time!” he ordered, and — seeing the work started, Leary came to the ar. What bad become of the chair to which the prisoner had been tied? __ This was what puzzled bim, and after ordering a drink, he asked: ‘*Eiver been up-stairs?” *Yis, sorr! Th’ furst day I wuz here I wint up t? get an aprin,” * Back or front?” y sg Ty frunt, sorr! That’s where I wuz tould 0. “*Humph! Well, there’s a chair missin’ from the back room. It you run across it, just tell me, (ye hear?” “Yis, sorr! Isit your chair?” asked the bar- keeper, innocently. Leary grinned in spite of bimself. “Never mind that. And, look here! Lot me or Smith know th’ first time any one comes nosin’ around here, or across the way—'specially if he’s a—” and Leary described Austin closely and carefully, as be had last seen him, It did not occur to Leary that Austin would be apt to change his appearance; in fact, after the first outburst, he began to think be had scared the Secret Service man 80 badly, that nothing more would be heard of him, “Other- wise, Why had there not been a descent upon They grabbed », both houses by the police? Austin’s treatment, and what he had seen, would certainly warrant it, and yet he had been gone three days without making any trouble. — Burglaries bad been nuzerous of late in the City of Churches, and the night Jack returned he, together with Leary, Jim, and two strangers tothe Red Light habitues, but whom Mac im- mediately recognized as second-rate New York cracksmen, left the Red Light about closing time, and did not return until after the saloon Was opened next morning. All hands took a drink of whisky, and then Went up-stairs—-except one of the strangers, Bul- by rame, who stayed behind to get two more drinks, This man, a big, powerful fellow, looked as weak asa child, and his hand shook as he poured out the whisky. Mac had of course observed all this, and when the morning paper was delivered, scanned it closely, with the result that he found two burglaries had been attempted and a murder committed the previous night, man who had been awakened by the burglars, and came down to his parlor, was shot dead. He was well to do and highly re- spected in his neighborhood, and, so the paper stated, the police, at length aroused to the neces- sity of apprehending these midnight marauders, were close upon the heels of the murderer, About noon the men above returned to the bar, and the first thing Leary sought was the paper, reading with great attention the article referred to, while the others were drinking— Bullard still very pale and nervous. When he had finished reading, Leary called the others into the back room, where Mac could hear him reading the article aloud, There was a dead silence for a few minutes after Leary stopped reading, and the reader was the first to break it, ‘Bill [Bullard] you'll have to skip,” he de- clared. ‘IPll be too hot for you bere, for awhile, Let?s go up-stairs an’ divide, ‘x’ then you'd better “light out lively!” ‘The entire party then went up-stairs, and Mac heard them enter the front room—directly over- head, For some time everything was quiet above, and Mac stood looking out of the window, It was the quiet time of the day, and the dark, gloomy weather, together with the cold, piercing rain that was falling in torrents, ren- dered business duller than ordinary, but Mac could not risk going up-stairs; Smith was liable to come in at any minute, Suddenly, he heard loud talking in the room above, which quickly grew louder and more threatening. Then came the sound of blows, and, in an in- stant, Mac realized that the men above were fighting over the division of the spoils of the recent burglaries. From the uproar, it was evident that a ter- rifie struggle was going on between the five men, and it bad not Jasted five minutes, before the lis- téner heard some one fall, instantly followed by the crack of a pistol, and auother fall, anda second later another fall, Then, all was silenf for a few minutes, Presently, the door above was opened and shut with a bang, and Mac heard the heavy tread of Red Leary descending the stairway. ‘““Get a pail of water and a mop, and go up- stairs!” he ordered, sternly, and Mac, anxions to get a look at the slaughter-house, hurriedly set about obeying, while Leary, striding behind the bar, helped himself to whisky. He looked like one who had been engaged in deadly combat: his usually florid face was pale as death, and he spoke through clinched teeth; his clothes were torn, and there was a deep cut over his eye. Evidently Bullard and his mate had made a hard fight for life. The moment the water-pail was full, Mac hurried up-stairs, and entered without knocking, From the sounds which had reached Mac, he expected to see the results of a terrible combat, but his imagination did not border on the reality. The front room, which had been fitted up as a living room, contained a half-dozen chairs and a table. Every one of the chairs had been broken, as had two heavy cuspidors, and a leg had been wrenched from the table, and from the quantity of blood on this, it evidently had done deadly service. In one corner of the room i Jim, with the blond streaming from a horrible wound in the forehead; along side of him Jay Jobnson, Bul- lard’s mate, apparently dead, though there was no visible wound, and leaning across the over- turned table was Jack Kelly, a ghastly sight, with the blood oozing from his head, and stream- ing over his pale face. ac had barely time to take in this, when he beard Leary’s step coming up-stairs, and turned quicky to begin mopping up the blood, As he turned be almost fell over Bullard, lying near the wall, with a bullet-hole between his eyes, from which the blood was slowly run- ning, Mac shuddered; he was a brave man, but this / was too much like a slaughter-house, Leary entered in a moment with a pitcher of water and a bottle of whisky, and, beginning with Jack, gave each of the mena glass of the liquor, except Bullard, He was past the aid of whisky or anything else, Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. Jack was the first to revive, and when ho opened his eyes Leary ordered Mac, who had been working like a beaver, to go down-stairs, ‘*Smith’s there now,” he said, ‘Send him u with a couple towels, and another pail of water,” CHAPTER XII. QUIET JACK MAKES TWO CALLS, HAF an hour elapsed before Smith came down again, accompanied by Jack, whose head had been bandaged, and the blood washed off his face. “Some brandy!” said Smith, who looked as pale as Jack, and after each had disposed of a very stiff drink, Smith said: ‘““T suppose ll have t? go down and help ye?” “ Yes, let’s get it over.” In a minute or two, Mac, listening intently, heard a sharp noise above, like the violent clos- ing of a door, followed, a moment later, by a dull sound from below, as of a heavy body fall- ing into the cellar, Bullard!” was Mac’s mental comment, and, accustomed as he was to scenes of violence, the detective shuddered. Shortly after, Leary came from above, and Kelly and Smith from below, ‘** Bring over a barrel of quicklime an’ chuck it in there to-night,” said Loary to Smith, and then addressing Kelly: “Jack, you’d better get up-stairs again! Ill send up some stuff for the three of ye, Keep an eye on him, ’n’ if be tries any funny business, drop him!” After Jack had gee up-stairs, Leary told Mac to go to his house and get three or four blankets, * And tell her to bring around a big basket 0’ rub!” he added, as Mac went out the door, This suggested a plan to Mac’s fertile brain, although he did not put it into operation then, He was a prime favorite with Kate Leary, and these verbal messages were frequent; why not go some day, when Leary was away, and search his room for the missing papers and valuables? When he returned with the bundle of bankets, Leary was alone in the Red Light, ‘* Look here, Mac!” he said, ‘‘ you saw a good deal up-stairs?” Mac nodded. ‘© Well, just ramember that if even a whimper of that comes cut, ye’ll wake up some ee with yer throat cut! Now take them up, an leave them at the door.” There was no doubting the brutal earnestness of the threat, and Mac obeyed the order with alacrity. Not that Mac feared Leary—’twas himself, his own temper, he feared, He had seen so much of the brute’s character, that be was afraid Leary would goad him into shooting hin: down — mae he was ready to close the job he had in and, ; Next day, Mac started to put part of his plan into operation, by writing to Austin, asking him to call at the Red Light. Johnson, the wounded burglar, was looking sullen and revengeful over the loss of his friend, a Mac thought perhaps he could be induced to talk, , Austin had just returned from visiting Morris, when he received the message, The police having found the Secret Service badge on the latter, notified the Department in Washington,and through the Department Austin had learned Morris’s whereabouts. Immediately on receipt of the message, Quiet Jack prepared bimself for the visit, and an hour later a good-looking negro, dressed in a cheap suit of flashy clothing, entered the Red Light, Red Leary, sitting one side talking to Jack, scarcely noticed the new-comer, until the latter, in true negro style, pushed back bis hat, In doing this, Austin moved back his wig a trifle, showing a streak of white about his fore- bead, which Leary’s keen eyes quickly noted, with a start of surprise, — ; Mae, standing with his back to the counter the cause, Taking acard fronr his pocket, and apparently continuing a conversation with the negro, he said: “Well, gimme yer name and address, an’ ll see what I can do,” Austin immediately saw something was wrong and mumbled a reply, while Mac wrote as fol- lows: “Your wig is pushed back! Leary has seen it! Get out quick!” “ That’s right—isn’t it?” asked Mac, showing him the card, J A \ yet eae ae i ia a t z 7 “ ‘Sy f aw og { pedi 0,” Sas ae : hh, 4 ty 1 ertat te uy et oe of ee “ . , o a we s al. ‘i + y and facing the mirror, saw the movement and c : ” + oe ~ aan
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tO Sed HOR jis Austin nodded, and with a ‘‘Good-day, sir!” got out before Leary could interfere, Leary became suspicious at once, ** Let’s see that card, Mac!” he said. But ‘*Mac” was not to be caught; before writing the card he had shown Austin, he had written another bearing the address: ‘** Wash- ington Janes, No. 122 Thompson street, New York,” for sésing the sudden and suspicious start of Leary, be knew there would have to be something to show after Austin was gone, Leary looked at the card, and returned it only half satisfied. ** What does it mean?” he asked, haar where th’ poor divil lives, sorr—that’s ” ** And what’s that got to dowith you? D’ye know him?” . * Divil a bit, sorr! He just axed if I would take his fumber, an’ let him know ifIsawa chance for him any where,” But Leary was suspicious now, and while he said nothing more he was doing a deal of think- ing. He had seen the white skin—what brought it under a black coloring? There was good reason now to be suspicious of everybody, and Mac quickly saw he was un- der a cloud. Meantime, the negro was hurrying home, Now that he had slipped upon the ‘** Red Light,” he was determined to push the whisky men in the lower district, Once home, Austin’s face reappeared from the coloring, and very shortly after he was at the Second Precinct Station House, Old Captain Craft, then a fairly young man, was at the desk, and, after hearing what Austin had to say, brought him into his own office, ‘* How many men do you suppose you'll need, Mr, Austin?” he asked, ‘*T’ve got four places to cover,” replied Aus- tin. ‘“‘How many do you think necessary? You know the people,” ‘Three men will be enough to each place, I guess,” said the captain. ‘‘ Now give me the points for each, in writing, so that the head of each ‘party will know what he has to do, and just where he has to go.” Austin wrote the requisite directions, and at 8 o'clock that evening, (it was Saturday) thir- teen men left the station house—one party of four and three others of three each, “An unlucky number,” muttered one, and it was—to a certain extent, Austin’s party headed for a groggery in Little Water street, which, notwithstanding its poor appearance, he had reason to believe was put- ting out more goods in a week than it took in, in a year. It was in the middle of a block, in a base- ment, and the small bar was full when Aus- tin entered with the three men in citizens’ clothes, One of the officers was a member of the Clan-na-Gael; so was Ned Shanley, the proprie- tor, and a moment after eatering, the latter re- ceived the danger signal, followed by a signifi- cant look at Austin. Shanley was at loss to know what it meant; whisky never struck him, and a more important matter was on hand at the time, Ina minute, even while Austin was calling for a drink, the whisper had gone from man to map, (every man at the bar was a member of the Clan-na-Gael,) that a spy was present—and that spy Austin. While standing at the bar waiting to be served, a man fell back against Quiet Jack, and, on regaining his feet, angrily demanded an apology. Austin, unfortunately; began to remonstrate, and a minute Jater was stretched on the floor by a blow from the nan he had offended. For ten minutes, the place was a perfect bed- lam. The police, following strict orders, drew their sticks and protected Austin—that is; two of them did. The third man fell almost as soon as Austin. In falling, Austin’s badge came off and one of the dozen assailunts picked it up and, guessing the object of the call, shoved it over to Shanley. The latter, who bad been a silent non-combat- ant, immediately pressed a buttov, and ten bar- rels of whisky were sent on their way to the East River; the still, then not in operation, was removed in portions to various places in the vicinity, and Shanley, being safe, began to inquire what all the trouble was about. ** Unlock that door!” he cried, ‘‘ Call an of- ficer—the first that passes! I want to know what this is all about!” To an instant one of the policemen, a tall, slim- , - built fellow, jumped to the door, “Take the side door, Pete!” be cried, and ’ ‘ 4 » 5 ' . } { ‘ ‘ = d > : 2 . i ’ 4 4. * , ewe ba 9 > Ome’ Pads coe 7 y ; F - i) » ¢ ~ oo » =a tT Sears | Se % , : - Me * . faked a orth Be or © > ae? aan ad 43 ped ah eG i — * Ghat ae aime Mead sete a cs SR laid fe EE DLE PR ey ERS I Fp Rt 8h Es re a a er ; ~ge ‘ a= uy ty * 7 j . wean a ee. See open a my peasy * ep i ole ee > E as eens sei ee OO wine ah Em ye = PET an cans - a ’ ORT iw Keen Oe ied > Pores ; ie i he ee, (pointing to Austin, whose head had struck the foot-rail), and see that he recovers quick, or you'll be sorry for it!” Ten minutes after, the party left Shanley’s, convinced that there was nothing thers, but not by any means satisfied that there had not been. All three of the other raids, however, had been successful, and that night whisky flowed down the gutters of Irishtown like water. ‘*Neilly, the policeman who took command when Austin fell, helped the latter to his hotel before leaving bim, The raids struck terror into the whisky ring; machinery was smashed, or removed, and whisky thrown out in every direction—every- one expecting his turn would come next, for the former ‘‘ protectors” seemed not only unable to protect, but could not even warn. But for some time every thing was quiet; con- fidence was restored, the stills were again in full blast, and the owners working in fancied security before the next raid came, CHAPTER XIII. ARRESTED FOR THE MURDER, FURTHER than tbe discovery of Martens’s watch in Kelly’s possession, and that the ‘ Red Light,” as well as Leary’s house, was full of stolen goods, the detective agency had been able to learn practically nothing, and Hammond was growing impatient, Two weeks had elapsed since Mac had report- ed, when there came a message from bim asking that the pawn-shops, and certain ‘‘ fences,” be searched for Martens’s watch—it was no longer in Kelly’s possession! ‘This is progressing crab -fashion!” exclaimed Hammond, on learning of the message. ‘‘ We are worse off now than we were at the begin- ning! You must do something at once, if it takes the whole office! Cost what it may—do something!” Regarding the murder part of it, Harry was correct: but Wilson’s acquaintance among banks, and bankers, had enabled him to locate several notes payable to Martens, now, of course, the property of the banks that discounted them, Strangely enough, too, these notes were all made by men in the whisky trade—small job- bers, and retailers! Wilson also learned that there was twenty thousand dollars insurance on the life of Mar- tens, although no policy could be found. This was payable to his daughter Julie. In view of this, Wilson would have been jus- tified in remonstrating against the injustice of Hamilton’s remarks, but he had noticed a change in his client recently, and ascribed his irritation to worry, and anxiety to have the matter cleared up. Fhe true cause of Harry’s trouble was a new acquaintance of the Martens family—a hand- some, well-dressed man of about thirty, who called about a week previous to pay a small sum, which he said was due Mr, Martens on a note, He had announced himself as Manuel Rodri- guez, and was singularly agreeable, though un- business-like, regarding the note, which, of course, could not be found, Mrs. Martens promised to make another search for the missing note, and Rodriguez was in- vited to call again—which he did, Indeed, be- fore the week was over, he was on quite a friend- ly footing, and no longer needed the note as an excuse for calling. Although nothing in the way of courtship had passed between Julie and Harry, the latter had come to regard her as his property—to be claimed when the proper time arrived, and he noted the good impression made by the new- comer upon both aunt and niece, with great dis- pleasure, Harry was angry, worried, irritated, by the interest taken by the Martens in the stran- ger—Julie, especially, seemed fascinated by him. After leaving the detective agency; Harry went to Brooklyn, and visited the scene of the murder, as he now did quite frequently. All unknown to himself, Harry’s every move- ment was now being carefully watched by the Brooklyn detectives, who were beginning to sus- pect him of the murder of Martinez, and just at this time his babits changed; he became reck- less and somewhat dissipated, and this, with his constant haunting of the spot where the murder was committed, excited suspicion. - After returning from Brooklyn that evening, Harry called at the Martens residence, and re- hg a warm welcome from Mrs, Martens:and ule, , \ He felt correspondingly happy, and became . . . i * bis former self until there came a ring of the door-beil, and Mr, Rodriguez entered. Up to this moment Julie, too, was as she had formerly been, frank, free and engrossed in everything that Harry said, but, as the needle turns to the magnet, so she changed en tha en- trance of the Spaniard, Magnetism, mesmerism, bypnotism, ‘or what- ever it was, Julie’s attention was given to Rod- riguez, and it enraged Harry, although had the latter looked closely, he would have seen it was not, as he thought, love. A few minutes after Rodriguez's arrival, Harry arose and bade the company * good-night.” He was wearing the same suit of clothes he had on the day he picked up the gloves, and, as he pulled out his handkerchief, they fell to the floor. Rodriguez, all grace and politeness, picked them up, and as he did so started, but, recover- ing himself, handed them to Harry with a sharp, suspicious glance, Next merning, the Brooklyn detectives receiy- ed an anonymous letter saying that the gloves of the man found murdered in the City Park were in the possession of Hammond! Harry spent a bad night after leaving the Martens residence, and did not leave home until late next day, but, when he did get out, went as usual to the detective agency, and from there wandered over to Brooklyn, and to the Park. He was not there long when he became aware that be was pion watched, and, uneasy under the surveillance, Harry arose to leave, but before he had gone ten paces, two men were at his heels, and just outside the gate one of them tapped him on the shoulder, saying: ‘Mr, Hammond I would like to see your gloves!” It was in the early autumn, and Harry, not being very fastidious, carried none. ‘*T have none,” he said, too surprised to resent the apparently unwarranted demand, “Oh, yes you have, Mr, Hammond!” said one of the detectives, and, before Harry could pre- vent him, pulled the gloves out of his pocket. ‘You might as well come along quietly!” said the other, snapping a pair of handcuffs on his wrists, and before he could realize it, Harry was lodged in the Second Precinct Station House. At the staticn-house the gloves were examined, and, on being opened, a diamond pin belonging to Martinez, (or Martens), was found in the inner one. CHAPTER XIV, HARRY IS HOPEFUL—THE ‘“ HOD-CARRIER 4 HILARIOUS, Once again the Martinez murder came to the front in the newspapers, It was no longer a mystery, as far as the identity of the murdered man was concerned, and the papers teemed with theories as to the motive of the murderer, Mrs, Martens and Julie received the first news of the arrest, from Rodriguez, who called that evening, but notwithstanding Harry’s pos-— session of the gloves and pin, wOu!d not listen to the slightest intimation of his being the mur- ‘ derer, They believed his stcry Yegarding the finding of the gloves, and expressed the most_ implicit faith in his innocence. What motive could be have? yh Rodriguez looked rather discomfited, and said, apparently somewhat embarrassed ; “Then you bave not heard, Miss Martens, that you are supposed to be the motive!” ‘‘T am supposed to be the motive!” exclaimed Julie in astonishment. ‘* Yes, that is, one paper Says your father ob- jected to his attentions to you; that they quar- reled, and—and he killed your father!” Julie blushed and paled again, but answered bravely that Mr. Hammond had never paid any attentions to her, other than those which Would come naturally in the course of a friendship which had existed from the time they Were children, Z _ She was very excited, and the influence Which Rodriguez appeared to have gained over her, was no longer visible. o Quick to appreciate this, Rodriguez, after of. fering to escort the ladies next day to Brooklyn, to visit Hammond, said “ yood-vight looking . decidedly out of temper when his offer was de- clined. \ Next day, Harry had four visitors—the first being Mac, looking the same as ever, and,to him the prisoner accorded a very cool reception, but that didn’t worry Mac the * hod-carrier.” He asked several questions, and finally: ‘“ Mister Hammond, did anybody know ye had | thim gloves? Did ye ever take thim out?” t ‘No— Hold on! yes, I pulled them out of ? 1 ‘
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ee See Pe my pocket accidentaliy, night-before last. But why do you ask that?” ** Never mind that, now! Who saw them?” A little puzzled, Harry told Mac how the gloves had fallen out of his pocket, and were picked up by Rodriguez, Then followed questions as to who the latter was; how long he had known the Martens fam- ily, and how he hai formed their acquaintance. ‘* Well,” said Mac, when he had been informed on all these points, “‘ well, it’s a mighty good job fur us that ye wor’ arrested!” “Eh! What's that?” ** Ob, av coorse, ye don’t like © be locked up, but it’s wan more clew to work on. Shure, ye’r’ not fool enough t’ think thim omadhauns saw the gloves in yer pocket before arresting ye? How did they know the gloves weren’t yer own?” ““ What the deuce are you driving at? Do you mean that some one told them I had the gloves?” a, poe Misther Hammond! An’ [ll ate me bat, if it wasn’t your friend, Misther Rod!” “By Jove! It looks like it, don’t it?” ‘* Faith, ye can lay yer life onit! But just don’t worry for a bit, an’ mebbe we'll change things a little. I’ve got t’ be off now, they’ve sint from the office fur me, but ye’ll hear frum me soon,” Mac had gone only a short time, when Harry’s mother, accompanied by Mrs, Martens and Julie, appeared at his cell door. ulie burst into tears, on seeing him behind ‘the grated dvor, and sobbed: ‘Harry! Harry! But for me, you would not be here!” Harry, not having seen the paper containing the theory based on his ‘‘ attentions” to Julie, mis- understood her, but his mother quickly set him right, and he laughed the visitors into a better frame of mind, on learning the supposed motive of the murder, Mrs. Hammond had called on a famous crimi- nal lawyer before coming to Brooklyn, and Mr. Bowe was Harry’s next visitor. He listened attentively to Harry’s statement and asked a great many questions, to all of which satisfactory answers were returned—ex- cept one, but that was a question of the most vital importance. Harry could not account for his whereabouts on the night of the murder! Mr. Bowe shook his head gravely on hearing this, and declared that this point must be cleared u p. **T would bave you out in two hours, but for that!” he said, ‘t‘and you must endeavor tore- member where you were. Many a man has been found guilty on weaker evidence than that against you, I shall puta first-class detective on your trail, and you must aid me by telling bim all you can remember. He will call on you to-morrow,” Next day Mac called again, this time meeting Harry’s salutation with a broad grin. ‘*Pve come frum Misther Bowe t’ get a sthate- ment of yer,” he said, “What! Are you the man he spoke of ?” “Yes, | wuz hired yesterda’, but, av. coorse, it won’t cost him anythin?!” replied Mac, with an- other grin, ‘‘Well—what are you going todo?” demanded Harry. ' “T don’t know yit. I must know first why ye won't account for where ye were the night 0’ th? urder! mt What do you mean?” “ Just that an’ nothin’ else! I know ye had mayther band nor part in it, but that won't do. Pve got t prove it. I made him (Bowe) rep’ate wurd fur wurd what passed between ye, an’ | noticed that it wasn’t that ye couldn't but wouldwt say where ye war that night, Now will ye tell me?” \pesitiy Mac spoke earnestly and impressed Harry, for the first time, favorably, For five minutes the latter thought deeply ; then he said: ‘ “Mac! Get admission in here and I'll tell you something!” ’ Mac had no difficulty in obtaining admission to the cell, and for a half-hour he and Harry conversed earnestly, When Mac left he looked bright and cheerful, a slapping Harry on the shoulder said, laugh- ingly: i fi Shure it’sa mighty fine mare’s nest ‘they’ve found! Faith it’s nurse girruls, not detectives, th’ ought U be—God help them!” Harry, t00, smiled and looked quite cheerful. Immediately on leaving the jail, Mac hurried away to meet Austin, who was waiting for him further down-town, They bal not given up the idea of searching ee SS ————————_—_—_—— Quiet Jack, th Red Leary’s residence, and, as he (Leary) was to be in New York that afternoon, Mac decided that the search should be made that day. Meeting Austin at the place-appointed, a con- sultation was held, and then Mac hurried back to the Red Light, He had been away almost all of the past two days—burying ‘ the only fri’nd he had in New York,”—and he took good care to pick outa man whose death was announced in the news- papers, Immediately on his arrival, Smith, who was behind the bar, said he was going out for a few hours, and would return during the afternoon, when Mac could go off for an hour or two— which just suited Mac, It was quite some time, before Smith saw his barkeeper again, CHAPTER XV. A FIGHT FOR LIFE, Ir was about two o'clock in the afternoon, when Austin reached the Red Light, As expected, there was no one in the den ex- cept Mac, but, asa matter of precaution, Quiet Jack had disguised himself with an auburn wig and whiskers, and wore a very cheap suit of clothes, altering his appearance so much that Mac did not know him until he spoke, #4 That’s a fine suit!” said Mac, laughingly. ‘*Yes—the regular prison rig; the kind they give convicts when leaving!” Mac then informed Austin that Smith would not return for a couple hours, and that, of course, nothing could be done until then. They were sitting—Mac facing the door, and Austin with his back to it—discussing how the search should be made, when Leary suddenly appeared at the doorway and stood for a mo- ment looking in at Mac. Mac returned his glance quite calmly, and while so doing opened his mouth slightly, and without moving his lips, uttered one word—‘ Leary,” barely loud enough for Austin to hear, but that was sufficient. Quiet Jack was on guard ina moment, Motioning Mac to come to the door, Leary asked: ‘* Who is the fellow with the suit?” _On the spur of the moment, and with Aus- tin’s remarks about the suit still fresh in his mind, Mac replied: ‘Just out of prison, I guess!” “Hum! Suppose we have a look at him,” Leary entered, and taking a seat opposite Austin, invited the latter to drink, ‘* Just out?” he asked, “Yes,” replied Austin, not knowing exactly what to say, but the next question gave him the cue. ‘“* What were ye in for?” “ Burglary!” replied the other, promptly. Leary regarded him curiously: possibly he could use this fellow. ** Where were ye?” “Trenton—for ten years! I bad four more, but skipped out last week.” ‘* H-caped!” exclaimed Leary, admiringly. ‘Yes, I can’t touch Jersey ag’in fora while,” This suited Leary, and he invited him up- stairs, ‘* Maybe we can do somethin’ fur ye,” he said, Up-stairs, Leary wanted to hear how Wil- liams (Austin) bad escaped, and while the lat- ter was relating this—manufacturing It as he went along—Leary listened, and regarded him meditatively. Suddenly, it occurred to Leary that convicts are not allowed to wear long hair, much less beard, which would alter their appearance from that in the prison album, and, for a moment, there was a ferocious gleam in bis eye. The next instant, he recollected that this was an escaped prisoner, and the hair and whiskers probably a disguise, His keen eye—(he did not weer the famous green goggles then,) quickly confirmed this, and he asked: Re “Where did ye get them?” indicating Aus- tin’s whiskers, : The question was rather startling, but Austin bad also been watching; he saw it was not an altogether suspicious question, and promptly re- plied: “From a friend in New York.” “Take ’em off an’ let’s bave a look at yer mug!” was Leary’s next and startling demand, but Quiet Jack had not obtained his sobriquet accidentally, “Td rather not. They’re fixed right now, and I don’t care to stir ’em,” he replied, very coolly. e Secret Service Spy. ‘Well! ye don’t expect me to do any busi- ness, until [ see yer mug—d’ye?” Leary was growing a little suspicious, and the longer he looked, the more he was inclined to think he had seen Williams before, Just then, Leary heard Jack laughing at some- thing Mac had said, and this fixed his course of action—for, although not suspecting it was Aus- tin, he was determined to see Williams's face, ** Well,” he said, carelessly, ‘suit yourself; but we can’t do anythin’ until ye show yer right mug! Vm goin’ down for afew minutes, Did ye have anythin’ t' eat?” “Yes, I had a little bite before I came over,” All right! Ill be back right away, an’ I'll bring up somethin’ t’ drink,” Leary left the room, but Austin never thought of stirring until he returned, The Secret Service man was satisfied that Leary did not suspect who he was, and, by put- ting off the ‘‘unmasking” until evening, he hoped to be able to so alter his face that the burly burglar would not recognize him when he removed the whiskers, He had colors in his pocket, but there was neither glass nor water on the floor, as far as he could see, Once down-stairs alone, or with Mac, Austin had no doubt of his ability to dupe Leary as to his identity. In a few minutes Leary returned, accom- ipsam by Jack, who carried a bottle and some glasses, For a moment Austin looked suspiciously at the bottle, but quickly realized that he need not drink until the others did-—-which course he fol- lowed. ‘Now, Williams,” said Leary, as they sat down, ‘‘ Jack agrees with me that we must bave a squint at yer bare mug before we can do any- thin’. Well, you know why I don’t want to move ’em now; but, if you'll wait till to-night, I will give ye a chance to look all ye want.” Austin supposed this would settle the matte> of the whiskers, and it did, but in an unexpected manner. ‘*Oh, what’s th’ use of waitin’ so long!” said Kelly, with a grin, and then suddenly snatched the whiskers from Austin’s face, The surprise was so great that neither moved or’ spoke for nearly & minute, and that alone saved Austin from instant death, ‘* Hell and furies!” yelled Leary, ‘‘ We have ye this time!” He bad whipped out a revolver, and Jack a heavy dirk knife, But Austin was now standing with his back to the wall, with a cocked revolver in bis hand, ** Stand back!” he cried, covering Leary, who jumped quickly to one side, ** Now, drop that pistol!” commanded Austin, He scarcely noticed Jack—the knife, except at close quarters, he thought, was useless, Leary, also, was too much engaged to pay any attention to his ‘pal,’ and he promptly obeyed Austin’s order, _Just as Leary threw down his revolver, Jack’s right hand went back over his shoulder; some- thing sung like an arrow througb the air, and the heavy dirk sunk in Austin’s arm, knocking the revolver out of his hand, As the revolver fell, Jack jumped at Austin, and in a moment both were rolling about the floor, fighting like demons, Leary stood over them, dealing Austin a kick whenever opportunity offered, which was sel- dom, owing to their quick movements. ' For the same reason he dared not risk shoot-~ ing. x falling, Austin bad instinctively pulled the re out of his arm, and it was for this they ought. He was getting a little the better of the ruf- flan, when suddenly Leary, seeing an open- ing, dealt bim a tremendous kick on the already injured arm, and Austin dropped the knife, ‘Now, Jack! Give it to him!” cried Leary, But Jack was not to be permitted to fulfill bis leader’s order, for, a8 be grasped the dirk, the door was thrown open, and Jim and Mac rushed into the room in the order named, One glance was sufficient for Mac, He was not a big man, and Jim was not heavy, but the force with which Mac hurled him across the men on the floor was amazing. Jim had scarcely left his grasp before he had caught up one of the heavy chairs, and hurled it at Peare, j > His actions were so lightning-like and unex- pected, that Leary was taken unawares, and the heavy chair sent him flying into the corner of the room, Without waiting to see the effect of the first, (
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‘ Mac grasped another chair, and the two ruffians just then scrambling to their feet on either side of Austin, received the full benefit of this, Both were sent to the floor again—Jack re- ceiving a tremendouscrack on the temple from one of the legs. Mac fairly reveled in the fight. “‘ Hurroo!” he cried, and, as Austin jumped up, away went the last chair at Leary, who had managed to get on his knees, and was reaching for bis revolver, * Quick, now! Outof the window!” shouted Mac. ‘There’s more comia’ up!” Sure enough! Austin conld hear footsteps hastily ascending the stairs, and as he went through one window, and Mac the other, sev- eral men rushed in, It was only one story to the ground, and they were down and away before the new-comers re- alizod what had happened. CHAPTER XVI. MAC LOSES HIS JOB—THE LETTER. AS soon as they reached the roadway, Mac halted. ‘* Let me tie up yer arm!” be urged, There was, of course, no danger of pursuit in the open daylight, and Austin gave him bis hand- kerchief to put around the wound, which was bleeding freely. *¢ Well, we made a bad hand of it!” said Mac, after.having bandaged the wound quite skill- fully. ‘¢-You’ve got a bad arm an’ I’ve lost my job! The doleful tone in which this was said, caused Austin to smile, “Yes,” he answered; ‘I’m afraid you'll have to look for another job.” ‘* And now, I suppose, ye’ll be wantin’ yer re- Vinge at wance?” ** How do you mean?” ‘* Well, av coorse, they’ll get everythin’ out o’ the way as soon as th’ kin, but, if we hurry back from th’ station-house, we’ll ketch somethin’, fur th’ cellar’s full. We won’t get th’ min so aisy though—they’re off be this,” Mac ep pti Austin would insist on closing the Red Light for good and all, and was much pleased to hear the latter say: **Oh, let it go until wecan get at the house! This will keep him, and the rest, pretty shady for awhile, and some night, when we’re sure he’s not at home, we'll make the search you are so anxious for.” ‘*Some night!” repeated Mac in surprise. ** How will we get innow? She'll know all about this before night.” ‘Get in? Why, we’ll get in as he would into your house—with skeleton keys—a jimmy, or whatever's necessary |” Mac stopped and looked at Austin in admiring surprise, for a few seconds, Then he said: ‘* Yell have t’ excuse me, but I beg yer pardon for it!” ‘*What the deuce is the matter with you?” asked Austin, laughingly. “Ttuk ye furan omadbaun like the rest o’ them,” replied Mac humbly. *'Ye’r’ so quiet like!” he added, after a moment, “‘That’s what they call meat home—Quiet Jack,’” said Austin, after be ceased laughing, ** Faith, it’s a good name! But ‘still wathers run deep.’ I should have known betther!” This comment caused another outburst from ** Quiet Jack,” and he did not recover his usual gravity, until they boarded a car going down- town, At his hotel, Austin received a message that Morris was much better, and wished him to call next day. This he showed to Mac, saying: **T will not need to go to-night after all, you wish, I'll go with you to Néw York,” Mac “ wished,” and both started at once, At the detective agency, Mac reported the loss of bis ‘* job.” This was on account of his original engage- ment by Hammond, in the Martinez case, Then on account of his recent engagement by Mr, Bowe, he said: ‘*T baven’t found out yit where Mistber Ham- inond was that night, but ye can jist tell Mis- ther Bowe that I’ve found that there’s a man that does know, an’ if it comes t’ th’ worst, I kin bring it out. i ‘* it’s no use thryin’ that yit, an’ mebbe we kin git along without it altogether, ‘*)’ve found out where he was, up t balf-past tin. Th’ other man knows the rest,” Mr. Wilson was pleased, said so, and tben in- formed Mac that the company in which Mr, Martens’s life was insured, had that day received a communication asking for an extension of time to file proof of death. If - ee er ae CEE Ne ce eg The letter, written apnarently on behalf of Mrs. Martens, bore the office-heading of a law- yer of not altogether stainless reputation, As the era ey, had already granted this re- quest to Mr. Wilson, they sent the letter to him for his information, and he now handed it to Mac, with iastructions to find out what Mrs, Martens knew about it. CHAPTER XVII. A STRANGE SCENE. AUSTIN accompanied Mac to the Martens res- idence, where inquiry revealed that neither Mrs, Martens nor Julie knew anything about the let- ter, or the attorney. Jahie appeared to be very nervous, and quite agitated while Mac was talking. To Austin, who was watching her closely, she Jooked like a person trying to say something, but either could not remember, or muster cour- age enough to do it, When about leaving, and while all four were standing in the hall—Mac warning the ladies not to mention the fact of bis inquiry about the letter to anybody—Julie suddenly shivered and exclaimed: “Mr, Rodriguez!” The next instant the bell rung; and Mrs, Mar- tens going to the door, admitted Rodriguez! Mac and Austin exchanged looks of surprise. Mrs. Martens, too, looked a little startled. Julie accompanied Rodriguez into the par- lor, and the two detectives left, after again cautioning Mrs, Martens against speaking of the insurance letter, **T’d like t? know more about that lad,” said Mac, as they walkei toward the corner, ‘‘ He certainly possesses some queer influence over her,” returned Austin, adding: “That was a queer trick about the bell!” “Yes,” assented Mac, rather absently, ‘‘ Very queer.” : He was evidently thinking deeply, and Austin did not disturb hiin. When they reached the corner, like one who had come to a sudden resolution, Mac said: * Austin, ’m going back to watch that fel- low, and, if I can get in, to hear what he is talk- ing about,” For once Mac had forgotten his brogue, and the other smiled. Bidding Austin ‘‘ good-nigbt,” and promising to meet him at the hospital next morning, Mac started back to the house, Ringing the basement bell, Mac explained to the gir] who came to the door, that he was a detective, and that Mrs, Martens wished him to hear the conversation going on in the parlor. The girl hesitated, but when Mac showed her his badge, she admitted him and he crept up- stairs, The door of the back parlor was closed, and, from the sounds issuing from it, Mac judged it was there the company would be founa, After listening for a moment, he passed quiet- ly and cautiously to the front parlor, The room was dark, the door open, and he stepped in, The folding-doors were only partly closed, and a faint light penetrated the room be was in. Suddenly, Mac was startled to find that there was another person in the room! | Looking about he saw a figure in a chair near the window, but the lhght was so faint he could not make out who it was. Listening intently, end expecting an outcry every moment, Mac stood still, and then sud- denly realized that whoever it was, the person was evi He could hear the deep regular breathing of a person in sound sleep, and stealing softly to the window, saw it was Mrs, Martens! Reassured on this point, he hastened to the folding-doors, and peeped into the rear room, Facing him was Julie, sitting in a low chair near the opposite wall, Her eyes were closed, and the watcher would have thought her asleep, but at that moment she began talking. “They were detectives!” she was saying. ‘‘ What did they want? What were they talk- ing about?’ demanded Rodriguez, in a com- manding tone, ; He was standing a little to one side of Julie, and Mac could thus see both the actors in this strange scene, é Julie did not reply immediately, and Rodri- guez repeated the command in a peremptory tone, ; Julie’s face looked troubled, *©Oh, I can’t! I can’t!” she protested. ‘You must! Tell me at once!” be urged, threateningly, and Mac was about to rush in when the answer came: » Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. SES SS ee SE BS ee ee ee eee ee es Se 2 ee eae ee ee ee eae : : . a rs They came about a letter—an insurance let- ter! ‘¢ Who were they?” **T don’t know—I don’t know!” was the weary reply, and then Rodriguez released her from the we peer spell. n a few minutes Julie opened her eyes, and looked about in surprise. Rodriguez, seated at the piano, was playing low, sweet music. Where is auntie?” exclaimed Julie, starting up. ** Ah! awake, are you?” said Rodriguez, smil- ing. ‘**Thisisa sleepy house to-night, and ’m afraid “auntie” has gone to sleep in front, Let us see!” As he arose from the stool, Mac tip-toed into the hall and down-stairs, where he found the servant girl watching for him, ‘* Well?” she said inquirinugly. Mac hesitated for a moment as to what he should say—not that it was necessary to say anything, but he had always found it good policy to have the servants on his side. ** Well,” he replied, slowly, ‘‘ ye did a good thing in lettin’ me up without botherin’ Mrs. Martens, but [ can’t make anythin’ of yit, I'll have t’ come anuther night—to morrow, meb- be ” Mac did not care what she told Mrs, Martens, and hearing voices in the hall above, rightly conjectured that Rodriguez was leaving. ‘“T must be off!” he exclaimed, and hurried out, and across the street to wait for his man, While waiting, be removed the gray whiskers from under bis chin, and then sacrificed another old stiff hat, which was replaced by a soft one— usually termed a slouch hat, which he pulled well over his eyes. In a few minutes Rodriguez came out and, walking r: pidly across to Third avenue, jumped on a passing car going down-town. Mac accompanied him, of course, but re- mained on the rear platform, As they neared Chatham Square, Rodriguez jumped off the car and entered a house, where the largest and squarest game of faro on the Bowery was played. He was allowed to enter without any objec- tion, but the iron door was closed firmly and politely in Mac’s face. Remonstrance was useless, and Mac entered the concert saloon on the ground floor. The place was in full tblast—music, dancing, drinking, singing, swearing, smoking, loud talk- ing, and occasionally a little fighting, was going on, and taking a seat near the door, Mac called foracigar, - : Presently a young Jady, in a very abbrevi- ated costume, sat down beside him, and asked if he was going to treat. ‘ - Mac replied in the affirmative, to get rid her, but in this was disappointed, ‘* What's the matter with ye?” she asked, and then without waiting for a reply, continued: ‘Ye look blue! Have ye been playin’?” “No, L wanted to, but the coon wouldn’t let me up. T’d give a dollar t’ get a crack at the game to-night!” sa He was grasping at the metaphorical straw, in say!ng this, and was surprised when the wo- man said: * «¢ Hand over the dollar!” Mac thought it was simply a game to get the _ money, but passed over the dollar. ** Come over to the bar!” she said, leading the way. cf Now stand us another drink!” was her next demand, ; Mac did not hesitate; be saw she meant busi- ness. When the drinks were placed on the counter, the woman said to the bartender; ‘*Pete! This is a friend o’ mine;—pass him up-stairs for me!” “Want t? play?” asked “ Pete,” looking at him sbarply. ‘* Yes, if I get a show.” , “ Allright! Here, Jack! (toa lounger), Tell that coon t? let this gent up-stairs.” And up-stairs Mac went, but a thorough search at the different tables failed to find Rod- riguez, CHAPTER ‘XVII. AN UNCEREMONIOUS ENTRANCE, WHERE could he have gone? Mac had not Jost five minutes down-stairs, and he could scarcely believe a man, who came so far to gamble, would have left so scon, Still, this appeared to be the only solution of his disappearance—for he was evidently not among either spectators, or players, As he was about to go out, Mac noticed an- _ us
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ane era asses Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. other grated door, barring the way to the floor above, Now he knew where Rodriguez had gone; but, could he get up? As he reached the door, apparently about to go out, Mac pulled out a roll of bills, and selecting a dollar handed it to the darky, say- ing: R I want you to remember me next time I come! [I lost a friend through your delay to- night.” : *“ How’s dat, sah? I’m sorry, but I didn’t know ye!” i “Why, I saw a friend cume in, not two min- utes before me, and when I did get in he wasn’t here,” Mac then described Rodriguez closely, and when he finished the darky said, with a grin: “Why he ain’t gone, sah! He’s up-stairs!” ‘“Up-stairs! Then I guess I'll go up, too.” “No, sab! No, sab! 1 kean’t let ye up ‘less the boss says so!” protested the darky earnestly adding. p “‘ It’s a private party, sah!” ‘6 Can you tell me who’s in it?—maybe I know them!” said Mac, adding as he handed the door- keeper another bill: ‘Of course, if they’re strangers, I don’t care to intrude.” The second dollar was too much for the negro; there could be no harm in telling this liberal gentleman who was up-stairs—especially as he had a friend up there. ‘* Well, sab,” he said, ‘‘dar’s yoah friend ’n’ de boss, ’n’ a yemmen called Jack—doan’t know his las’ name—’n’ Mistah Leary, ’n’ a young gemman—tut I can’t tellhis name. Get fired shuah, ’f I did.” ‘““ Why, it’s the very party I’m to meet!” ex- claimed Mac. The well-assumed air and tone of pleased sur- rise, overcame the doorkeeper’s scruples, and e said: “T s’pose it’s all right, sah. De boss said not sturb him, but Pll go up ’n’ tell him soon’s | git a chance.” The man who hesitates, ’tis said, is lost, The doorkeeper was hesitating when Mac pro- duced another dollar saying: 3 ‘‘ Never mind about going up—lI’ll be responsi- ble for that, Besides, I want to surprise them.” And then the doorkeeper was lost—or rather, he open the grated door and allowed Mac to go up-stairs, but it was the latter, not; the darky, who wasin danger. As Mac passed up-stairs, the door behind him shut with a loud click, that made him stop unde- cided whether to go up or return, Again, the man who hesitates, etc,, and once more it was Mac, for instead of obeying the im- pulse to return, he drew his revolver, and cau- tiously crept up-stairs. : Moving cautiously, but quickly, the detective reached the door at the head of the stairs, and listened, Five minutes’ li-tening resulted in nothing, ex- cept to convince Mac that a game of some kind was in operation. The oan ge of the chips and the muttered exclamations of the players told him that much; but that was not what he was there for, : Over the door was a fanlight, and beside Mac was a step-ladder, which had probably been used that day to clean the aforeside fanlight, and had been forgotten. So reasoned the detective, and rightly, too, as he fixed the ladder firmly against the wall, preparatory to ascending it, “Tl have a squint at them, anyhow, and then I'll go below and wait,” he thougbt, as he stepped lightly on the ladder. Up, up, oh, so gently, he climbed, Tat A misstep, or a heavy one, and then it might —probably would be a fight for life, but at length the fanlight was reached in safety, and Mac peeped in, Around a table in the center of the room, were the five men mentioned by the doorkeeper. They were playing faro, and one of them— “de boss”—was dealing, while three played against the bank—Rodriguez, who wasnot play ing, acting as *‘ lookout.” he “ young gemman ” whose name the door- keeper was so careful not to mention, appeared to winning heavily, although his thoughts were quite evidently not on the game, for twice Mac saw a winning bet taken up—once by the dealer, and once by Leary. “I#ll be Jack’s turn next,” muttered the watcher, wondering where he had seen the hand- some, well-dressed, and gentlemanly-looking young man, whose luck appeared to defy his Own inattention, and the tricks of his com- panions, a ——— eee Mac had a good memory, and was not long in “* placing ” his man. ‘It?s young Gordon— Barker & Gordon’s cashier,” he muttered, after a minute’s thought, ‘and he’s on the shortest cut to Sing Sing. What would his uncle—” : Just then, Gordon cut short Mac’s reflections regarding him, by pushing back from the table impatiently, and speaking to his companions, The watcher spent no time in useless regrets over the ignorance disp'ayed in keeping the fan- light shut—and incidentally preventing him from hearing what was going on—be simply cursed it, and crept down to the door. Here, by placing his ear to the woodwork, Mac could hear every word that was uttered. He did not hear the first words, which were: ‘* Hold on! Don’t make that turn until I’ve, had a word with these gentlemen. I can’t play until I do.” The dealer paused in the act of drawing a card, while the others stared bard at Gordon, why, as Mac reached the door, continued: ‘You, gentlemen, have been constantly assur- ing me that you would arrange to have Harry Hammond released from prison, and freed from the charge of murder, but, as yet, I cannot see that anything has been done, nor does it seem likely there will be, till I go to the front myself.” ‘*Pbew!” softly whistled Mac, ‘can he be a murderer, as well as gambler?” “Now,” continued Gordon, ‘if you will tell that you can’t do anything, or won’t do any- thing, Pll know what to do, **One thing I will not do, and that is, let him suffer any longer. He wlll be on trial for bis life next week, and something must be done—” When Gordon began the last few words, the doorkeeper happened to look up the dimly- lighted stairway and saw Mac apparently stand- ing at the door, Recollecting what the latter had said about wishing to surprise his friends, the doorkeeper chuckled and said: **'You"ll look a good while ’fore way t? git dat door open! Guess I he wuz pretty good t? me.” And the well-meaning darky pulled a handle, releasing the spring of the door above, which flew back under the pressure of the man leaning against it, and Mac pitched head-first into the room! Then the door snapped shut, and the door- keeper remarked: ‘Golly!’ He musta been leanin’ ag’in’ it, Hope he won’t be mad.” CHAPTER XIX. CAGED—CURIOUS CONVERSATION, AS may be supposed, Mac’s sudden entrance created no little alarm. Indeed, the first, and n&tural, supposition was that tbe police were making a raid, and those in the room were panic- stricken, but as the door closed, and nobody followed the man lying on the floor, they recov- ered from their fright. When he struck the floor, Mac uttered a cry of pain, His right wrist was broken or sprained -—useless at all events, and, as he could not use his pistol, he lay perfectly still, feigning uncon- sciousness to learn from the conversation that was sure to follow, who and what be would be you find de jl help him; taken for, that is: if he escaped recognition by |, Red Leary, The latter was first to recover himself, and springing toward Mac, pistol in haad, turned him over with his foot. ** Who is he?” ** Do you know him?” ‘* He must have hurt bimself!” These, and similar questions and exclamations greeted Leary’s action. *I don’t know—seems t’ me I_kuow that mug,” replied the burly ruffian. He had seen’ Mac without whiskers, but the latter had looked like a fresh-faced young Irish- man, while. the man on the floor was pale— deathly pale from the excruciating pain he was in—and was about forty years of age. Still, there wasa great resemblance, and Leary continued: ‘** Yes, I think I know this duck, but I can tel) better when he opers his eyes, and talks. If it’s the one I think, he goes out 0” bere feet first,” “Surely, you wouldn't murder him?” said Gor- don, and the horror expressed in his tones caused Mac to think: ‘* He’s not so bad, after all!” And Leary to say, savagely: ‘Call it what ye like, but dead men tell no tales! If this is the duck I think he is, he’s been listenin’ and heard too much t’ be lét Joose, and you're just as much in the mud as we're in the mire, * + sag how did he get by the nigger?” asked ack, “Pll soon find out!” exclaimed the keeper of the den, pressing a button that summoned the doorkeeper. In a few seconds, the darky appeared, and, om being questioned, explained bow Mac came to be admitted to the private room, All were surprised to learn that Mac claimed them as friends, and Gordon said: ‘* Maybe he does know some of us,” ‘** How did he come to fall?” asked the ‘‘ boss,” ** Was he drunk?” Perceiving that he was not suspected of pull- ing the catch, and that there was something very ih) about the wan on the carpet, Sam replied: ‘* Well, not edsactly, sab.” ‘*Which means that be was about able to walk!” laughed Rodriguez. ‘* He’s in a drunken stupor,” said Gordon. ‘Hold ona minit! How long is it since you let him up?” asked Leary. “Bout ten minutes, sah,” * That’ll do—get out!” ‘But there’s a gemman t’ see you ’n’ Mr, Rod —Rod—I kean’t say thename. He’s a dark gem- man—just come in,” “Montez!” exclaimed Leary, looking signifl- cantly at Rodriguez, and to Sam: ‘Allright! Send bim up!” ‘* Here, Jack!” he continued, as the negro left the room, ‘ Bear a band; we'd better sling this fellow into the other reom,” Mac hung limp and motionless while being conveyed to the next room, where he was throwm upon the floor, the injured wrist coming under him, and causing most exquisite agony. Fortunately there wasno light, the ruffians did not see the agony expressed in the detective’s face, and, with the remark that he would be there when wanted, they left him—locking the heavy folding doors after them. The moment he was alone, Mac rolled over and released his injured wrist; then he lay quiet for a few minutes—fearing Leary would return —and then, bearing the door in the next 100m opening and shutting several times, arose and went to the keyhole in the folding doors, Tnexy had removed the key, thus leaving Mac an unobstructed view of that part of the inner room in front of the keyhole, and he saw the former, with Rodriguez and a stranger, seated at the card-table. ; ‘*Anotber Spaniard,” was the detective’s mental comment as bis eyes fell upon the third man—a swartby, black-bearded, evil-looking fellow of thirty-five to forty. The precious trio were engaged in earnest couversation, but not a word could Mae catch until they were about to leave, when Rodriguez, . as he arose from tbe table, said: ‘¢ Then it’s settled that you will prevent this fellow from talking—at least until we are out of the country?” ‘Yes, Dll tend t? him,” replied Leary, “It must be done, you know, and done at once—no matter how, or at what risk or cost,’ said the stranger. ‘‘Can’t ye leave it t’ me?” growled Leary, adding: “Tf be makes any fuss, I'll fie bim—don’t you fret bout that!” With the last words, the gas was turned out, and the party left the room. ; Mae was now monarch of all he could survey which was not much until he lighted a smalb pocket bull’s-eye lantern, and then he sat down to consider the situation, That his position was a truly desperate one, he well knew. When daylight came, and Leary returned, there could be no further feigning; he must meet the gaze and return the questions. of the burly ruffian, who he knew—even on mere suspicion—would not have the slightest. hesitation about cutting his throat—or rather having it cut, for Leary generally managed to confine his part of particularly dangerous work to the planning and directing of it, Without a weapon—bis revolver was missing” —had probably fallen out of his pocket when he struck the floor—and with his right hand dis- abled, so that he could not use the bits of color- ing always in his pocket to alter his face, Mac felt that his chances were very, Very slim. “Tf I could only change my eyes,” he mut- tered, “the rest wouldn't matter so much, but he’ll know me the instant 1 look at him. Mac had peculiarly bright Perhing eyes— eyes that were alwavs concealed behind glasses. when the character he assumed would permit, Red Leary had seen those eyes; had remarked their brilliancy, and there was not the slight~ est hope that he would fail to recognize them, And, to Mac, that recognition meant death, , % et xu itp hee RgeQRe Pe: rete Len Re i / Ae: wee Kbt.3 i he CM z ¥
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, i 12 whee apti POO ee O°? ‘ Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. “Well, if the wound would only heal before he had a chance to look at it, ’d soon be one- eyed. I must find out when he’s coming back. If he isn’t back in the morning, that nigger will probably bring me some breakfast, aud it will be queer if I can’t pump something out of him. “ And now to take another look at the place; perhaps I’ve missed something.” With the last words—for he was unconscious- ly giving utterance to his thoughts— Mac arose and again went over the apartment in which he was confined—which was the center one of three rooms, without a window and as dark as a pocket, except when the heavy folding-doors on each side were open. ** No. Imissed—” As Mac was speaking the murmur of voices caused him to stop, and think he was wrong— that he had missed something, and following the direction of the sound, he found that a dumb- waiter, built into the wall, had escaped him on dis first tour of inspection, Sticking his head into the opening, the pris- oner listened, and this was what he heard—Red Leary being the speaker: “So you go up, Jack—hbe woun’t be so sus- picious of you. “Tf it’s him, you'll know them eyes in a minit, ‘ny’ then we can fix him before he thinks we are ontohim. Keep yer gun ready, I'll stand at the foot of the stairs,” CHAPTER XX. DRUGGED— OR POISONED? WITHIN & minute after hearing Leary’s or- ders to bis confederate,‘Mac heard some one un- locking the folding-doors; then they were thrown back. ‘*Takin’ a pretty good snooze,” remarked Jack, as, standing between the doors, lantern in one hand and revolver in the other, he surveyed the sleeping man on the floor. ‘* Come, get up!” he continued, advancing and giving the sleeper a kick. Mae groaned, rubbed his eyes, and moaned as he held up bis injured band. “Get up!” repeated Jack. Very stiff and sore, apparently, and very care- ful of that injured member, Mac obeyed. ‘*What’s the matter with yer hand?” asked Jack. ‘*Reckon I must have been fallin’ on it, mister, Feels ez if it wuz broke, Say, be you the jailer?” Jack grinned, and reaching up lighted a gas jet which Mac had not seen, “Does this lvok like a jail?’ he asked, as though the gas had been lighted to show Mac that it was not. The latter, however, knew that the light was for the purpose of seeing bis eyes, and turning, he looked deliberately at Jack, drawling: ‘Well, I swan t’ goodness! If this bero’s jail, it hain’t like ourn,” Jack started when Mac looked at him, and, when he turned to leave the room, his face wore @ puzzled expression, ‘*T say, mister, what’s yeour breakfus’ time?’ asked Mac, ‘* Aw—give us a rest!’ was the surly reply. Jack was evidently annoyed, mixed up, about something, and when he re-entered the room below, Mac, at the dumb-waiter, beard bim say 30. ‘* Well?” asked Leary. **T don’t know. I’m all mixed up!” replied bis pal, adding: , “The chap that wuz at Red Light looked Pounger, though he could fix that easy enough, ut this duck is cross-eyed!” “ Sure?” He wuz asleep when I kicked him up —talks like a greeny, ‘n’ bas a broken wrist. And, besides, be’s gray-headed,” ** Bat he looks like the other duck?” “ Yes—but—” began Jack, his confederate, hesitatingly, then stopped ‘short, and for a few minutes, silence reigned below. <oBy: J upiter, I'm in luck! Who would think ‘they could be fooled so easy? Guess they’re thinking they have a white elephant on their bands!” é While Mac was thus joyously communing with ‘himself, the scene below was quite different to what he had supposed, and what it actually was, when Jack stopped speaking. The sudden stop was caused by Leary point- ing significantly to the dumb-waiter, which had just caught his eye, and both moved noiselessly across the thickly carpeted floor to the further end of the room. A short, but very earnest conversation fol- lowed—Leary apparently trying to persuade his <owpanion to do sometbing trom which the lat- ter shrunk, and argued in turn in favor of some- thing else, ending with: ‘Better let it go my way, Cap; there's been too much of the other lately.” “All right,” agreed Leary, sullenly, ‘‘ but look out you’re not sorry for it.” Returning as noiselessly as they had gone, Leary renewed the conversation in a loud voice, saying: ; ** Well, Jack, keep an eye on him for a couple days ’n’ if he turns out O. K., we'll turn him out.’ Mac heard a laugh follow this, and be joined in it willingly, though noiselessly. ‘* He’s lookin’ for breakfast. Will I send him somethbin’?” next struck the listener’s ear, ‘* Yes, send Sam up; now we'd better git,” re- plied Leary. ‘*A narrow squeak!” muttered Mac, as he heard the others leaving the room below, Shortly after, and while Mac was still con- gratulating himself on the success of his ruse, the door was unlocked and Sam entered with his Long On the tray—which contained a very good breakfast—there was one thivg for which Mac felt really grateful; a pot of coffee, and while Carat himself to this, he asked: ‘*Where are the gentlemen who were here last night—or were there any gentlemen here last night?” ‘* Dey’s all gone, sah,” replied Sam, who was staring in open-mouthed astonishment at the man who had become cross-eyed during the night. “What a chance! If my wrist was only right—or even if I bad my pistol, ’'d be out in -five minutes!” So thought Mac as he helped himself to a second cup of coffee, and resolving to make the attempt, asked: ‘* Who keeps house, when all the rest are gone?” ‘‘Me, sab. Nobody in de house ’cept me ’n’ de bartender.” ** Do you—would you like—to make—” began Mac, and then stopped short. What did this queer, drowsy feeling that was creeping over him, mean? Already his head was sinking on bis breast and he was fast losing The coffee! Ab, yes—that was it! The cof- fee was drugged, poisoned! And with this last effort of his fast fading faculties, Mac fell for- ward to the floor. CHAPTER XXI. MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES—THE ‘* DRUNK,” TEN days have elapsed since Quiet John Aus- tin parted with his friend, Mac, at the residence of Mrs. Martens, Since that time nothing bas been seen or heard of him. Had the earth opened and swallowed him, Mac could not ha ae disappeared more completely and mysteri- ously. _ Many people were worried over this, Even Manager Wilson had become uneasy, and quiet- ly set several men to hunt up the missing man. As for Austin, he felt certain that Mac had fallen a victim to some snare of the Leary gang, and haunted the vicinity of the Red Light, Since that time Mr, Hugh Gordon, cashier of the banking-house of Barker & Gordon, had, also, disappeared—and as completely and mys- teriously; for on an examination of tbe books, ordered by his stern old uncle, the young man’s accounts were found correct, Many people were worried over this—but, par- ticularly Agnes Hammond, who had just re- turned from Europe, and whose grief appeared to be equally divided between the sad predica- ment of her brother, and the disappearance of the man to whom she was secretly engaged. Since that time, the case of The People vs. Hammond, had come up for trial, but by a vig- orous effort of the prisoner’s counsel, had been set down for the next term. * But,” assured Mr, Bowe, ‘‘it cannot go on in ‘control of his faculties. this way, Mr. Hammond. You must give me your entire confidence, or I must give up the case, ‘* I will considerwhat you say, sir, and let you know my decision to-morrow,” replied Harry. Next day Mr. Bowe was sent for and held a long consultation with bis client, who promised a statement which ho made, with: ‘* This is in the strictest confidence, Mr. Bowe, and must be used only with my consent.” “ But, why was [ not informed of this before?” indignantly demanded Mr, Bowe, when his cli- ent bad unbosomed himself. ‘ This man may be dead, now, for aught we know to the con- trary!” Ft ee ee a ee 8 — —————eeEeEe——————EeEeEeEEeEeEEE—_——E—_——eEe————EE—————EE—EEe ‘*Tt seems to me, what I have told you con- tains plenty of reason for secrecy,” quietly re- plied Harry. ‘“For me, perhaps — yes. good, bad and very bad—no/ However, better late than never. I'll see what can be done, and let you know the moment I learn anything of importance,” Apparently Mr. Bowe did not learn anything of importance, for the day before that set for the trial he called on bis client to say: ‘* Mr. Hammond, I’ve bad the best detective talent in the country working on this case, but can learn nothing. ‘*That house is closed, and of its former em- ployees, those that we can find, profess to know nothing of you, although your friend, (confound him!) appears to have been recognized by one man, “You must, therefore, allow me to make use of what you have recently told me.” ‘“‘Not yet—not until the last moment,” was the firm reply, and Mr. Bowe left his client, thoroughly disgusted and strongly tempted to throw up the case. His last argument before leaving was: ‘*Don’t imagine the State has been idle, de- pending on your possession of the gloves and pin, Detectives have been tracing your career just prior to the murder, and it is known that it suddenly became a dissipated one. Why? They say, because you were forbidden to visit Miss Martens and quarreled with her father. The assertion to the contrary will count for little —since she loves you, ; ‘* Andas your record will be brought out, why spare his?” ‘** Because mine is my own.” And then Mr. Bowe left his obstinate client, For twelve men, It rained heavily during the afternoon of r. Bowe’s last consultation with his obstinate client, and the celebrated lawyer got a little wet before reaching his office in New York, but had he been compelled to visit Biissville, as we now must, ‘‘ wet” would not begin to express the condition be soon would have found himself in. Blissville, thatday, was a sea of mud, and, about eight o’clock that night a man entered the Red Light, bearing every appearance of baving enjoyed aswim through it: also, of having spent an injudicious length of time in refreshing the inner man—in liquid form, He was covered with mud, and appeared to be full of bad whisky. : “Gi? ush a drink!” he said, staggering up to the bar. ** Produce the dust!” Business was bad, and Smith felt ugly. ‘*Got plen’y dush—shee!” said the “ drunk,” producing a handful of change, adding: ‘* Moun’ er pockerbook t’day.” ** More likely lifted it!” muttered Smith, ‘* Wha’ shay?’ demanded the other, ‘* Nothin’! Whaw'l]l ye bave?” ‘* Whishy.” Having disposed of a moderate drink, the inebriated, mud-covered individual asked if he could sit down for a little while beside the stove. ‘¢ Ye shee,” he explained with drunken gravity, “been iner rain all day ’n’ wan’ er get dry. Give er dollar get dry.” ‘* All right!” assented Smith; ‘‘go into the back room,” ‘‘Mush er ’bliged. Treat ye by’n’ by,” re- turned the other, as he staggered into the rear room, Smith had seen some bills among the cur- rency and, knowing the heat would set the drunken man asleep, resolved to have part, if not all, of them, The rain baving ceased, however, customers— men whom Smith knew, and would trust just as long as his eye was on them—began to straggle in, and he was compelled to remain at the bar until the man who succeeded Mac as bartender, entered, Although off duty for the night, the latter willingly acceded to his employer’s request to “relieve him a few minutes,” and Smith went into the back room. ; ¢ ; Instead of a mud-covered man lying in a drunken stupor, Smith found the room empty! As he gazed around in angry surprise, the “boss” of the Red Light saw that the back door was open, and went out, hoping to find the missing man somewhere around the premises, In a few minutes he returned cursing the luck that had robbed bim of bis victim, and after another glance around the miserably fur- nished back room, returned to the bar mutter~ — ing: t ‘ “fi ) ‘ k os ~
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*~ - - aa Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. 4 13 “Well, that sucker’s gone, anyhow!” _ $mith was wrong, however, for the individual referred to, looking quite sober, was on ths next floor, witb bis eye applied to the keyhole of the ’ door of the back room, paying strict attention to - @ conversation between Red Leary and a man sitting bound to a chair placed over a trap-door, At the very time Smith returned to the bar the burly burglar was saying: “You've got just one minute, ’n’ then that trap ‘ll spring! Now’s ver chance t’ talk— you'll never bave another!” CHAPIER XXII. THE TABLES TURNED, WueEn Mac recovered from the effects of the drugged coffee, he found bimself in a room which he quickly recognizad as the “‘ trap-door room” of the Red Light. A Fortunately the sunlight streaming through the curtainless window of that crime-stained - apartment struck him full in the eyes, causing him to blink like an owl suddenly brought into the light. ’ Had it been otherwise, Mack would have been a subject for a barrel of quicklime in a very few minutes, for his confederate, Jack, was sta- tioned at the foot of the bed to watch for the moment when he should open his eyes. To make sure of this, Jack placed the un- conscious man so that the light would strike his ; face, and now, in his eagerness, made a slight noise, as he leaned forward to look, Slight as the noise was, it seemed to put Mac on his guard, and when he opened his eyes again, Jack ‘saw they were the same as when he saw them before, He so reported to Red Leary, but the latter was still suspicious. Who was this fellow, and what was he after? Being unable to answer this double-barreled question himself, the prisoner was desired to do 80, but aside from saying that he came from down East, and that his name was Chase, the latter either could not or would not tell anything further. } * But what were you doin’ at that door—the it door of that gambling-room? And how did ye -__ git there?” Leary demanded, peremptorily. # He could have answered the last question him- self, but wished to’see if Mac would lie about it. The latter, however, knew nothing at all about the matter—‘t must have been too drunk to know ay what he was doing.” For nine days, in one form or another, this questioning (accompanied by the frequent sudden if entrance of Leary, Jack, Smith and Jim), was __ kept up; but, fully alive to his danger, Mac was . never caught unprepared to answer, and was always cross-eyed, AN ‘* Be heavens, it’s cross-eyed in airnest Pll be, | if this keeps an much longer,” he muttered, on | the tenth day. F But, that day was destined to end his sus- pense, ‘ Toward evening Sam, the doorkeeper of the gambling-house, arrived at the Red Light, with asmall package for Leary, The latter was ab- sent at the time, and the negro, wet and muddy ag he was, sat down and waited for him, The package was too precious to be intrusted to any one else for delivery, + ae Pa ee ee Aa Ls if there was any message for Leary, «Yes, there’s a coon here got a package for him, and won’t -ive it up to any one but him,” } a About seven o’clock Jack entered and inquired i replied Smith. Jack looked surprised on seeing Sam, but find- rn ing he could not obtain the package, hurried off for Leary, with whom be returned in a few : minutes, and the trio retired to the rear room, ' There was a gleam of ferocious satisfaction in 4 as oe “See! I was right! Now we've got him!” he cried, turning to Jack, and then to Sam: ‘s Where did you get ’em? How?” _ * Well, ye see, sah, we'’se a-goin’ t’ open up agtin Mohnday, ’n’ I wuz kinder cleanin’ up dis - mawnin’, ’n’ a-found dem yere aricles ohn do floor o’ de private room,” “Good for you! Here's somethin’ for yer trouble. Come, Jack; I guess we kin make him talk now /” and handing Sam some money, Leary _ led the way to the room above, where, planting . If directly in front of Mac, he said; ___ ‘Now, Mister Man, I want t’ know what yer little game is, There’s no use keepin’ up the H Re eaey bluff—that’s played out. See ?” By @ tremendous effort Mac controlled him- : ,and made no sign of recognition, when his > and pistol were suddenly placed before ‘* Ye see, we've got ye dead t’ rights!” contin- | ued Leary, watching bim closely. **T don’t understand ye, mister, but I hope it’s somethin’ that'll get me out o’ this confounded chair,” calmly returned Mac. ‘* Yell understand bloody quick, if ye don’t drop yer bluffin’! Now, wiat ’re ye after? I don’t care a rap who yeare. Iknow what ye are, and you'll never leave this house alive until I know what ye’r’ after!” Again Mac noted that Leary’s anxiety was all centered on what he (Mac) * was after,” and he | was puzzled by it. If Gordon was the murderer, as his language | at the gambling-table would seem to indicate, why was Leary so anxious about it? ‘* Well, what have ye got t? say?” impatiently demanded Leary, ““Say!? echoed Mac, “J hain’t got nuthin’ t’ say, I guess. You're boss of the job.” ** Pull that chair over the 'death-trap, Jack!” savagely exclaimed Leary. ‘ You'll say some- thin’ bloody quick, or you'll never say any- thin’!” The chair was dragged over the trap, and the unscrupulous ruffian continued. ‘*Now, you’ve got just five minutes t? make up yer mind! “Jack, you take that fellow, Jim, ’n’ when you hear the bell, pull her for all she’s worth!” Jack left the room, and, watch in hand, ‘Leary sat before the victim, Soon came the words: ‘“You’ve got just one minute, ’n’ then that trap’ll spring! Now’s yer chance t’ talk; you'll never have another!” Mac made no reply—no sign of having heard him. Rapidly the seconds ticked off, and when the minute was up, Leary arose and walked toward a bell-handle projecting from the wall, ‘‘Blast ye!” he savagely exclaimed, ‘‘if I had time, I'd make ye talk; but you'll be in kingdom come in two minutes, anyhow!” Red Leary’s hand was almost on the bell-. knob, whose signal was to consign the detective to a borrible death, when both were startled by: * Well—I—guess—not!” Turning ers they saw the rain-soaked, mud-covered, but no longer drunken individual, introduced in the previous chapter, covering Leary with a pistol. **Come away from that bell—quick !” » The order came so short, sharp and impera- tive—so different from the first slow, drawling words, that Leary jumped back from the now doubly dangerous bell-handle, as if a shot had been fired, / Still keeping Leary covered, the man of mud walked to the side of the prisoner, and, with a clasp-knife, which he carried in bis left hand on entering, cut the cords binding Mac’s arms, ‘* There—l guess, you can do the rest,” he said, dropping the knife on Mac’s knees, ‘* As soon as you are loose, put those bracelets on this fellow,” continued the new-comer, draw- ing a pair of handcuffs from his pocket, and Mac then recognized him. ** Be the holy posers its Quiet Jack!” he ex- claimed, mentally, and quickly severing the cords, picked up his own pistol and badge, as well as the handcuffs. ‘¢What’s this for?’ demanded Leary, after Mac had snapped the bracelets on his wrists, * Anything you like, but [ guess we had bet- ter call it the murder of Martinez,” : “Oh, that’s it, eh?” returned the prisoner, breathing a sigh of relief. ‘‘ Well, you’re bark- in’ up the wrong tree this time,” A ‘Possibly, but I’ve got enough to keep you under lock and key for the balance of your life,” quietly replied Austin, adding: \ “Mac, here’s another pair of cuffs—there’s SonaDaay. coming up. I'll cover him—you cuff m. The words were hardly spoken when Jack, tired of waiting for the bell, entered and was mace prisoner, greatly to his astonishment and chagrin, y CHAPTER XXIII. — RED LEARY ‘ SQUEALS,” “Now, we might as well start,” said Austin, when Kelly, that is to say, Jack, was secured, ‘* Hold on a minit! wih ye on—on the other things, if I te the Spaniard?” It was Red Leary whospoke, He hadalready resolved to secure, if possible, immunity for himself by selling his friends, Honor among thieves! ‘“‘Ttll be too late, ef ye don’t hurry up!” he added, looking from one to the other, The detectives exchanged glances, and Aus romise t? let up you who done tin, who knew Mac’s heart was set on catching: the murderer of Martinez, said: ‘* As far as the whisky is concerned, Pll give. you a week to stop it, if you have any informa- tion worth hearing. Go ahead now—we’ve no- time to waste,” ** Well, you’ll find the men that done Martinez on board the steamer that sails at eight to-mor- row for Cuba. ‘* Martinez was in the whisky business as well as us, but most of his stuff went to Havana, an” places down there, ‘The two that done Martinez worked for him —one here, an’ the other there, an’ he found out. thay were ‘ skinnin’ him, “They had good jobs—makin’ barrels o’ money” on the outside—an’ when he swore he'd fire them, they swore they’ do him—an’ they did. “We knew all about it, but, of course, it was none of our funeral—yougll find all. Ais papers. *n’ money in Jack’s valise,” “In whose valise?” asked Austin, remember~ ing the watch, and looking at Kelly. “Oh, I don’t mean him—I mean Jack Rogers —oneo’ your men. He calls himself Rodriguez, an’ looks an’ talks like a Spaniard. The other is a Spaniard, named Montez,” “How about this Jack having the watch?” asked Austin, **Oh, Montez was afraid t? carry it ’n’ gave it to him.” “Well, you'll sleep in the jail as witness for to-night,” said Austin. ‘‘How it will be to- morrow night depends on the truth of your story. **Come along—and make no noise, if you value your life.” ‘* Hold on!” exclaimed Mac, ‘t There’s anoth-- er chap in front—locked up, and goin’ mad, too, be the way he goes an.” ‘* Who is it?” sternly demanded Austin, There was no help for it, and Leary replied: ‘A young fellow named Gordon! * Rodriguez got to know bim through some: bank business about notes, an’ then got him t” playin’ faro bank, Then he got Gordon inter- ested a little in the whisky business,” “What is he doing here?” ** Well, the night Martinez was killed, he came: to that joint in the Bowery—you know it—with the young fellow that’s locked up for the murder. ‘“*They stayed all night, so, of ccurse, this Hammond couldn’t have done the job, and when Gordon heard be was arrested, he wanted to go to the front an’ prove it—tbough, his uncle would ’ve fired him for gamblin’! ** We persuaded him to hold off for a while— t? oblige the other two an’ give them a chance t? get away—an’ when he got kickin’ too much: we locked bim up. \ “Tt’s too late though—Rodriguez stayed too long tryin’ t? marry the daughter, an’ get the insurance. ‘You'll find the policv in his bag.” “Very good,” said Jack; “if your story proves true, all the better for yourself, ‘* Come along, now; we've no time to lose,” Mac, who had not waited for the latter part: of Leary’s confession, now entered with Gordon. ‘You scoundrel!” exclaimed the latter, ad- dressing Leary, ‘If there’s law in the land you shall suffer for this--not so much for merely im- prisoning me, as for preventing me from doing justice to the man who is sacrificing himself for ox sake.” he burly burglar shrunk back as the evrag-- ed young man approached, but Mac interfered, saying: “Time enough for that, by-’n’-by, Misther Gordon, We've got t’ lock thim up, now.” ‘** Right you are, Mac! Hurry along, now, If your story is true, you’ve nothing to fear.” As he spoke, Jack took Red Leary’s arm, and Mac did the same with Kelly, while Hugh Gor- don brought up the rear. Passing quietly down-stairs and through the hallway adjoining the saloon, the party pro- ceeded to the nearest station, where, at the re- quest of the detectives, the prisoners were held over night, ““Now, Mac, ro hour of triumph is at hand,” said Jack, house, .— . ‘““My hour of triumph, is it? Faith, that’s purty good, for a quiet chap like yerself, Jack, ni I ust tell me, now, phare the divil d’ye think I'd be, if it wasn’t for you? 2 ; “ My triumpb—ay, whin white blackberries grow on apple-threes!” ; That Mac felt bad, was quite evident, and, although strongly tempted, Jack forbore laugh-. ing at the other’s disconsolate tone, ‘ “ All right, Mac,” he responded, ‘if you think I’ve done you any service by bs in at the right moment, you can repay me by keep~ as they left the station-.
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Se ae 14 Qui | ing quiet about my connection with this affair, for, as you know, my business is whisky—and nothing but whisky.” ‘*But how— What am I—” began Mac, “Just get your men,” interrupted Austin, “Pll go with you as far as nabbing them, but after that I must disappear. ** ve traveled with pretty good men, but you suit better than any I’ve met so far, and when this toing is settled, I'd like to havea talk with you—about something big. ** Poor Phil Morris must give up the business, That crack he got was too much for bim, and I’m going to make the scoundrels that caused it sweat.” Immensely pleased, although dark, Mac placed himself at orders at any moment, “But it’s not fair t’? give me the credit o’ tnis,” he protested. ‘Indeed! Pray, who discovered this Gor- don?” asked Jack, adding: ‘*Dou’t underrate what you've done, Mac, Without Gordon, there might be no end of trouble yet. By the way, he’s gone to assure Hammond’s mother of her son’s safety, isn’t he?” ** More like Hammonu’s sisther,” replied Mac, witha grin, ‘‘Come on, we'll get over to the dock an’ meet our fri’nds,” uite in the uiet Jack’s CHAPTER XXIV. A SURPRISE ALL AROUND, THE steamer for Havana was to sail at eight o'clock on the morning following the arrest of Red Leary, and having satisfied themselves that their men were not aboard, the detectives await- ed their appearance with that untiring patience that distinguishes your true human bloodhound. They were aboard with the purser before six o'clock, but it was within ten minutes of the hour for sailing before the murderers alighted from a cab, toat came tearing down the pier, ** Hould on a minit, Misther Rod!” called out Mac, as the gentleman thus addressed started up the gangway. He emphasized his words with a jerk that brought the Spaniard (7) back on the pier, and the next instant he had snapped a pair of hand- cuffs on the wrists of his man, Quiet Jack, meantime, had performed a similar service for Montez-—it being agreed that Mac should have the pleasure of taking ‘* Mis- ther Rod”—and the same cab that carried them to the pier brought them to Police Headquar- ters. Just outside of the big building in Mulberry street Quiet Jack slipped away, after telling Mac where to find him. The superintendent’s eyebrows raised a little, when be beard Mac’s charge, “Got a man on trial for that, over in Brook- lyn, haven’t they?” he asked, Mac looked as if he was making a tremendous effort to remember the circumstance, and fail- ing, replied; ‘*Sure if they’ve got one in Brooklyn, we’ve got two in New York, an’ we've got the right ones, They’ve got the evidence with them in their trunks,” ‘*Eh? Where are the trunks?’ asked the superintendent, looking much more interested than he had been, while the changing color of the risoners proved that Mac’s shot had struck the Fallnave: “Where are the trunks?” demanded the super- intendent, and being told that they were on the cab, ordered them to be carried in and opened. The keys of the trunks were found on the prisoners, andin that belonging to Rodriguez were found a large number of business and private papers—letters, memoranda of debts, etc,, belouging to the murdered man, “Faith, the red fellow tould no lie,” said Mac, on meeting Quiet Jack an bour after- ward, ** About the trunk?” ‘*Ay. There was enough papers, an’ one thing an’ another, t? hang twinty white men,” “This is the morning the trial begins, is it not?” asked Jack. ‘It is, Let us hurry down t’ the coort, I hope that young Gordon hasn’t spoiled it for me.” Evidently Mac did not want to be cheated out of the sensation his story would create, and it was his anxiety on that point which made him suspicious of Gordon, for he had warned the latter not to tell Mrs, Hammond or a9 daughter how or why he knew Harry was sale, Having nothing particular on hand, Jack ac- companied his friend to the court, and on the way learned that Montez had confessed the mur- der, making Rodriguez the principal, and him- self the accessory to the crime, To make the affair as dramatic as possible, Mac did not hurry himself, and the trial had be- gun when the detectives entered the crowded court-room, The prisoner, his mother and sister, Mrs, Martens and Julie, Gordon and the prisoner’s counsel—all looked expectantly, auxiously, at Mac, and unable to resist the appealing look of the mother, the detective whispered to Mr. Bowe: *Tke right men are at Headquarters; they’ve made a confession,” The famous lawyer was well accustomed to surprises, but this time he was—as he said after- ward, ‘* taken off his feet.” Recovering frum his surprise, Mr. Bowe arose and interrupting the District Attorney, who was opening the case, said: ‘* My learned friend is wasting his breath, and uselessly taking up the time of the court, as he will himself acknowledge when I tell him that the men who committed the crime for which my client has been so unjustly imprisoned, are at present confined in Police Headquarters, They have confessed the crime, and as soon as I can put the confession in writing I shall demand the immediate release of my client.” This speech created a great sensation, and the judge, knowing the famous lawyer’s love for the dramatic, and thinking he had purposely al- lowed the trial to begin Waters springing his sur- prise, asked, very sharply: 3 Vhy did you not lke this statement at the opening of the court, Mr. Bowe?” ‘* Now for your triumph,” whispered Quiet Jack to his companion; but, alas! Mr. Bowe dashed the cup from the lips of the expectant detective. ‘* Your Honor,” replied the lawyer, deter- mined to make the most of vhe situation, ‘I trust, does not think that J would allow the case to proceed if this information was in my posses- sion. Only now—not five minutes ago—I re- ceived it from a man who has been working unceasingly—night and day—to trace the perpe- tration of this foul crime to the actual crim- inals! ‘To this man—this prince of detectives—who has done what the officers of the law could not— is due the credit of freeing my client from the stain of crime. ‘* There sits the man!” Mac would have been more than human, to remain unmoved under this unstinted praise, and many eyes were already fixed upon him, when Mr. Bowe finished his speech, and with a dramatic wave of his hand pointed straight at— Quiet Jack Austin! For a moment or two, Mac remained motion- less. Mortification, rage, disappointment, anger —a combination of all four—heid him as if para- lyzed until the thunders of applause that greeted the eta of the lawyer’s speech bad almost sub- sided, Then with an exclamation which would not look well in print, Mac tore out of the court- room, Quiet Jack was possessed of a keen sense of humor, The expression of Mac’s face as he jumped from his chair, proved too much for the quiet man’s gravity, and the peal of laughter that burst from his lips caused much astonish- ment among the spectators, caused Mr. Bowe to ay his error, and caused justice to be done ac. Having rappec his gavel very vigorously, while the court officers cried for ‘‘ order in the court!” the judge was about to administer a stinging rebuke, but Jack forestalled his pur- pose by rising and begging the pardon of the court, “But, your Honor,” continued Austin, “ ill- timed as my mirth may have been, no one un- derstanding the situation, could have resisted the inclination, My companion is the gentle- man entitled to the credit in this matter—the one Mr, Bowe meant to indicate—and the ex- pression of his face when I was—” Quiet Jack could utter no more, The mere recollection of Mac’s countenance caused him to sit down, choking with suppressed laughter, and the audience, quick to appreciate the situa- tion, fairly roared—even the judge was unable to suppress a broad smile, That settled the rebuke, and when Jack Aus- tin reached the sidewalk he found that his gener- ous disavowel of credit in the Martinez case, had gained him a frieund who could and would er ce his generosity. his friend was Mac, who met him outside, and taking bis band, said: “‘T heard you, Jack, and right or wrong, a ainst friend or foe, I am always at your ser- vice, et Jack, the Secret Service Spy. | CHAPTER XXYV. RETRIBUTION—MARKIAGE—RETRIBUTION, AFTER leaving’ court, Mr. Bowe proceeded at once to Police Headquarters, where he had the confession of Montez, (and the admission of Rodriguez that it was true,) reduced to writing. Armed with these important papers, and two bondsmen, the lawyer had little difficulty in having Harry released on bail, and, in a few hours he was ati home receiving the congratu- lations of bis friends, The evening papers teemed with accounts of Harry’s sensational escape from the toils of tn- justice, and great credit was given Detective, McVeigh—which was the first notice his em- ployers received of his success. After the short conversation recorded at the end of the previous chapter, Quiet Jack and the some what excited Mac, were captured by Hugh Gordon, who politely informed them that he was under instructions to remain in their com- any until they decided to go with him to Mrs, Hastanend’s residence, “They want to know how you solved the mystery,” said Hugh, ‘‘and as I can’t tell them you must, It’s business; so you bad bet- ter"save time by going there at once.” Business!” The word caught Mac, and turning to Jack Austin, he asked; ** Will ye come an’ belp me out?” § “* Willingly,” laugbed Jack, Already the news of Harry’s escape was spreading throughout the city, and when, after stopping for a much-needed and belated break- fast, the detectivesarrived at Mrs, Hammond’s, they found quite a number of that lady’s friends awaiting them. The presence of so many fashionable people— notwithstanding the pretense of ‘* business ”— and the praises heaped upon him, caused Mac to lose his usual self-possession, and Quiet Jack was compelled to tell the story. This he did to perfection, but despite his de- preciation of his own part in the matter, Mac’s occasionul protests put the listeners very nearly right, and the quiet man was compelled to share the honors with his friend, The story was barely finished when Harry and Mr. Bowe made their appearance, and during the joyous excitement that followed, the detectives slipped out, Both Rodriguez and Montez paid the extreme penalty of the law shortly after Harry’s final release. A year after the death of her father, Julie was persuaded that there would be no particu- lar disrespect to his memory in her acting as one of the principals in a quiet wedding. To encourage har. Agnes Hammond consented to marry Hugh Gordon, whom Harry had ac- companied to the gambling-house on the night of the murder, to see if he could devise some means of preventing another visit, At the double wedding no guests were more warmly welcomed than Quiet Jack and Mac— no longer the ‘‘hod-carrier’ in Harry’s eyes— and when the latter shook their hands on part- ing, neither was the poorer for that frequently false token of friendship. Of our other: characters but one remains whose end is worth recording—Red Leary. This ruffian continued his plan of preserving his own liberty at the expense of that of otbers, until a comparatively recent period, when he paid the penalty of his treachery to those whom he called friends, One stormy night in the early part of Novem- ber, 1887, his doom was sealed by a half-dozen well-dressed, and some of them _ intelligent- looking men, seated in a room, in his own house, at Coney Island, and just over the bar where his wife was then engaged in serving hct drinks to some stable-boys from the race-track, These men had been in conference over an hour, but no decision was arrived at until one— a short, slim, little fellow, whose gray, soft hat was pulled over his eyes—exclaimed: “There’s no use beating ’round the bush! You all know what he knows and what he is, Now, the question is: how are we t’ get rid of him?” Once the bull was taken by the horns, the rest was quickly settled. ’ Just one month after, Red Leary was killed— accidentally—in front of the Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth avenue, His slayer was a western bunco-man who formed one of the party with whom the burly burglar had spent the night drinking, never sus- ting that it was to be his last in the land of he living. THE END. as oo aetna ell -
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2 —asese ere OE a oe ore - 688 Plucky Published Every Tuesday. READLE’S« H ALF- [)IME«[_ IBRARY, Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Pri BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies, Ai Lusso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Zl Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Wawk-eye Marry the Young Trapper Ranger, S88 Kollo, the Boy Ranger. 284 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 448 Scar-F ace Saul, the Silent Hunter. 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper, AS2 Little Murricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Prospect Pete; or, ‘The Young Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Trampa, 218 Viger Tom, the Texas Terror, 22.4 Dnshing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger, 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. s S84 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hereules; wr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. Al? Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giunt of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedfoot Fred j or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Ola Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, tlie Boy Trojan. $62 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper, 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 680 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia. BY BUOKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Old Rocky a ** Boyeers or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George's Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taonr; or, Giant George’s Revenge. 807 The Strange Parad; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 ker-whoop, Ker-whoo3 or, The Tarantula of Taos. B27 Oreeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, B82 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaway’s Trust, $44 The Fighting Trio or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. B49 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front, 857 The Ranch Ratders: or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. 864 &nap-Shot, the Boy Kanger, B75 Chiota, the Creek 3 or, The Three Thunderbolts, BSl Bandera Bills; or. Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and the Reday or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. ane ane Paley i qpomrans ia Rock The Three Tratlera; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Billy or, The Lynx of the po 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giart BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe}; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. Waptain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game. 198 Captain Mask}; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vompires. B88 A Tough Boy ; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. B68 Little Warnaiet or, The Outcasts of the Glen, BIR Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. B88 Little Oh-my $ or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly 3 or, A Race fora Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo!s Curse. 481 Little Ah Sting or, The Curse of Blood, . 451 Oolorado Kate. A Tale of the slines. ” Three Jolly Parda, 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. S27 The Jolly Pards to the Reseue, $47 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast fora Life. S74 Old Weansel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 5698 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy, Blazer; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. ] 685 Oklahoma I, the Blue-Coat Scout. $48 Happy Warry’s Big Find, 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special, BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy, 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion ofthe Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp.. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta, 840 Clip the Contortiontst: or, Tha Montana Vigilantes. | BY 20 PIERCE, 2 Rob o’ the Bowery: or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Wotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective, 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. 472 Jnaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Points Phil. 509 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective, 588 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 541 Jeff Flicker, the Stabie Roy Detective. 6551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, BSS Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. OR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer. bite Sunrise Sauls ppd byl sb a! Ferveb, 9 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Sif Se €58 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. cid Rene re 638 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator, $34 &pley Jim, the Only One of His Kind. 6 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detective, Z1Z Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin. $26 Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. BY J. Ww. OSBON,. 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’s 498 Cactus Kurr, the Man from Hard Luck. 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective. 620 Little Lightning's League; or, The Mystery ofthe Island, aul, the Boy Prospector. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl, 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taos Ted, tae Arizona Sport, 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective, 518 Cool Colorado in New York, BY GEORGE 0. JENKS. 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor, 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 5S Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foll; or, Dan’s Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detectives or. The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussel. 786 Larry, the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side. BY J, C. COWDRICK, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Nane, 424 Cibuta Johny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the peey Dude. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, 606 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle, 524 The Engineer Detective, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Dittikilty.” 5648 Mart, the Night Express Detective, 557 Broadway Billy’«s Peath Racket. yal Air Line make se Young Engineer, 579 The Chimney Spy: or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. 592 The Boy Pinkerton. 4 7 ener 605 William © Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 615 Fighting Warry | the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 628 Brondvay Billy’s Dead Act. 640 Barebrek Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgun, the * Pizenest ’? Man of Ante Bac. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad. 675 Broadway Billy’s Best; or,Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Brondway Billy In Clover, 696 Brondway Billy in Texas. 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand. 785 Broadway Rilly’s Business. %88 Broadway Biily’s Curious Case. BY FREDERICK DEWEY 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shote, 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 5642 The Canyon Pardi:. Pee BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Pards. 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar’ Man. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Kedtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of Sand.” 859 Duransro Dove, the Youny “hanu ton Wrestler, 871 Kingbolt Chria, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountuin Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS, 6 BUl Bladen, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones 3’ or, The Captives of the Frontier, 10 Nat Todd 3 or, The Fate of the Sloux Captive. 21 ‘xne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, 162 The Wunted Hunters or, The Strange Horseman, T 54 The Half-Blood ; o-. The Panther of the Plains, 71 The Huge Wunter; or, The Steam Prairle Man, BY BRAOCEBRIDGE NWEMYNG, 89 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or, The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Warkaway in New York, BY MAJOR WENRY 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 Pard;: or, The Gold King. 406 The Mad Man-Hunter: or, The Golden Gulch Mystery, 505 Powell’s Pard3 or, The One-Armed Giant. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 15 The Sea-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 Chihiren of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Huntera; or, The Land ofthe Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain: or, Skipper Jabes Coffin’a Cruise, 200 The Boy Bedoutnay: or, The Brothers of the Plamed Iance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. * 249 Milo Romer the Animal King; or, Round the World, 265 The Tiger Tamers or, The League of the Jungle. $81 Black N&ek, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe’s War Trall. RY CoOL, A, F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckakin: or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 19 Kenneth, the Knife-King. y A85 Vittie Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. 828 The Dandy sports or, The King Pin Conspirator, 678 Ralph Renwood, the Lightning Express Detective. 691 Weadiieht Harry’s Waul. 72? Headlight Harry’s Siren. BY ©. DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Pauls or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah ; or, The Fate of the Black Sher ef. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentuck: or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, tho Boy Tenderfoot. p ce of Five Cents. at oy No Double Numbers. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Vellowstone Jack; or, The Trappers 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Murricane BILL; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam 3 or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-ltinawk Kits or, The Daughter of the Ranch. 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Glanty; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire, 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Parday; or, Dainty Lance Unmaske, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, 810 The Barranca Wolfs; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. 885 Old Doubie Fiat; or, The Strange Guide 855 The King ot the Wooda: or Daniei Boone’s Last Trall, 4149 Kit Fox, the Border Soy Detective 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Tratler. 677 Chineapin Dan’s Second Trail. 688 Chincapin Dan’s Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head. TOS Light-Meart Lute'’s Legacy. TiS Light-Heart Lute’s Last Trall. 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone. T2Y Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beag'e at Bay, 789 Silverblade, the Hostile, BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIFUT. I. D. PERRY, U. 8, N. 176 The Boy Runaway ; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Traller; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dicks or, The Yellow Chiel’s Vengeance. 87 The Land x ieekone or, The League of Devil's Island. ; 187 The Helpless Handy or, Backwoods Retribution, 28 The Gold-seeker Guidet or, The Lost Mountain, BY WILLIAY Kh, EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank ; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Parda BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8, A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY LIEUT. A. K, SIMS, 646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge, 5676 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidoeg. 611 Bildad Barnnele, the Detective Hercules, 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task, 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Blyck Dan’s Great Combine. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range wetective, 657 Warbling W illfam, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout, 689 Billy. the Gypay Spy. 699 BShraple Sim, the Broncho Buster, 712 The Mesmertat Sports; or, The Mystified Detective, %88 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Morse Hunters. By Capt, Mayne Reta and Frederick Whittaker, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Llustrationa,) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages, 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribews. ByeS, W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clowns or, The Arena Queen. By F S, Finn. ‘BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 'S1 The Boy Riffess or, The Underground Camp. By A.C. Irona, £95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississipp). By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine, \ : 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof, Gildersleeve, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, 'heCave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion, By George eraon,. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish. 148 Bharp Sumy; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J, Alexander Patten, 227 Dusky Darrell, pa or, The Greon Ranger of the Yel- lowatone. By Edward Emerson, 261 Ferrun Fearnaught the New Y irk Boy. a 3, 1, Alken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guides or, Davy Crockett'’s Crooked Trail, By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Mald of the Clit. By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lieu tenant Alfred Thorne. B28 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy's Fight for Life and Honor By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Ked Ralph, the River Rovery or, Tne Brother's Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morrle. 874 Gold-Duat Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match, By @ H. Morvo. 876 Callfornin Joe's Firat Trail, By Colonel) Thomap Hoyer Monstery. , 418 Blily Bombatell, the Sif Climber. By #8. Winthrop. 4%5 The Black Rhip, By John S ‘Varner. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinelblea, By Henry J. Thomas, BLLZ The Cowboy Duke, By Edwin Brooke Forrest. 552 Artel the Athlete. By David Druld. BSS WILL Waters, the Bov Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Doad Peteetive’a Double. By Gerald Carlton, 21 Maverick More, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizaad or Urkos Pass. By Wl] Lisenbee. A New issue Every Tuesday, The Half-Dime sbrary 1» for -ule by ail newsdealers, five conts per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of alx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publisaers, 98 William Street, New York. a
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a TT LEO j { | i BEADLE'S«H ALF-JIME LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels, Dick, the Prince of the Road. Dick’s Detianees or, Vouble Daggers. Dick in Disguise; or, Buffal, ben Dick in His Cnatle. Dick’s Bonanzaj o:, The santom Miner. Dick in Danger; or, Oinsna Oll. Dick’s Eugles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity ¢ ‘ne. the Heroine, 77 Deadwood Dick’s Last Act: or, Cordurey Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, the Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick's Mome Kase; or, Blonde Dill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s« Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road. Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 205 Deadwood Dick’sa Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure, R17 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal. Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 8 Deadwood Dick’s Divides or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick's Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings, 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, the Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’sa Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’« Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Duat; or, The Chained Hand, 448 Deadwood Dick, 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, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective, 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact, 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 622 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, Three, 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducks 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jdr., the Wild West Vidoog 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on Mis Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago, S78 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beclzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnatl. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Lusurence Case, 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Minea, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., (a Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” 678 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’*, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune. G84 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dollara. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In San Francisco, 16 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Dominoes, 28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disgulae, rr Deadwood Dick, Jr.’4, Double Deal. ( 47 1 Deadwood | 20 Deadwood 28 Deadwood 85 Deadwood 42 Deadwood Deadwood 567 Deadwood Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. edetededered BY CHARLES MORRIS, 18 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags, Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Black Beas, Wil) Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the Woods, Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. A Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob freekett. the Bank Runner, 8 The Ilidden fond} or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 8% Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 ‘Yom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 245 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 Jhn, the Detective Apprentice. 280 aouy pins Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Iound; or, The Young Thoroughpred. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. B58 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times, 879 Larry, the Levelt ¥r; or. The Bloods ot the Boulevard, 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective, 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invinelble Loran, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Roots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 668 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas: or, The Wolf in the Fold, 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. SAMAR SS WH SAUAKAIHNBHOaLe aT z %4 z 8 eee ee Other Novels by KE. L. Wheeler, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon 82 Bob Woolf's or, The Girl Dead-Shot 8Y Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Ritle Team 69 Gold Rifle, the pherpahoetde or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Oli Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye 3 or, Arabs und Angels of a Great City, 118 Jack Movie the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 121 Ctunamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza BI, Miner. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacka, 141 Bolld Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 45 Ouptain Ferret, the New York Detective. 61 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. %7 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, $1 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 09 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 18 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Buy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trai! Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Slerra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Slerra San’s Pards or, The Ange! ot Big Vista. 258 Sierra Saim’as Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the ey Patro); or. The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’« Victory. 285 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or, Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. 209 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. BO8 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, 880 Little Qu!ck-Shot 3 or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’ Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Llood. 858 Firat-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nahob 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 Bleycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 Wigh Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Benak and Pal, Private Detectives, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, tho Sparkier. RY T. C. HARBAUGH. Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76, The Hidden Lodges or The Little Hunter, 7 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 4 Dandy Jack; or, The Ontlaws of the Oregon Trai, 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch Jr: or, The Boy Vigiiante. 155 Goll Xviaeee, the eperti er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkanaaw ¢ or, The Quen of Fate’s Revenga. 207 Navajo Nick. the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. , 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli:, tne King-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Kuckaskin Detective. 279 Old Winehs} or, The Buckskin Desneradoes, 294 Dynamite Pan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eelipac, Tramp Card of Arizona, B26 The Ten Parday: or, The Terror of Take-Notice, B86 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Ked Thunderholt’s Secret, B56 Cool Sam and Par’; or The Terrible Six, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, 886 Captain Cutlass; or, he B-cenneer’s Girl Foe, 896 Rough Rob: or, The ! win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vamnires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon, 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Roy Shadow: or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. A?7? The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eved Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 5612 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 628 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. BSR Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodecr Dick’s« Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Diek, the Boy Vidocq, 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. 626 The Champion Pardes, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler: or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Hugh; the Boy Musician Detective, 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. %82 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping B:g Game. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. 681 Daisy Pare the Sport from Denver. 687 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Doubie Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spon. 641 Dismal Dave’« Dandy Pard. 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 66% Vialet Vane’s Victory. 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider. +b a wieiee ane ag the Posy Parda. % Violet Vane’sa Vow; or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft. 714 Old Misery, the Man from Missourl. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeance. 780 Violet Vane’s Verdict. Z41 Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidoeq. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 5 102 111 116 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 204 Gold Plume; or, Buifilo Bill, the Pony Express Rider, 1 216 Bison BIL, the Prince of the Reins; or, Butfalo Bill’s Pluck, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sports or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate ; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 7 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Meric Monte’s Cruise; or, “The Gold Ship” Chase. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirate's Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Suot Dandy; or, Benito. the Buy Bugler. 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner. 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WIL, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawaif, the Boy Lieutenant, 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtamany or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, tin Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck or, The Corsair. 487 The Seca Ralder. 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Waphazard Harry ; or, Tne Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Willi: or, The Boy Ferret of New York, 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Saiior Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Back Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat, 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 5 Brothers in Buckskin, 530 The Buckski: Bowers. 585 The Buc skin Rovers, 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marander of the Rio, 545 Licutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legney: or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee Bll, the Prairie Shadower, 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 5675 The Surgeon-cout Detective. 5680 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. 586 The Buckskin Avenger. ~*~ i 5691 Delmonte, the Young Sea- Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines, 607 The Rover. Detectives or, Keno Kit’s Champions. ZT Ralph, the Den4d-Shot Seout; or, The Kio Raiders, 644 The Hercules Mighwayman, 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffale Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly BUlly’s Man Hunt, 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman, 674 The Wizard Saflor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name. 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout. 697 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas. F0O2 Blue Jacket Bill; 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. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hen. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kansas Kings or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, 68 Border Robin Wood; or, The Prairie Rever. 168 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 742 Billy Winks, the Bell Boy Detective; or, Breaking the Meshes of the Golden Coil, By T. C. Harbaugh. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 44 Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch; or, The Water Wait’s Dead Past, By Jo Pierce. T45 Kanaas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective; er, The Kaiders of the Range. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 746 Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy; or, Too Much for Red Leary. By Dan Dunning, (of the Secret Service Corps). @47 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Doublets or, The Tandem Team of Teddy’s Taihngs. By Edward L. Wheekr. 748 Silverblade, the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Pard. By Jos. &. Badger, Jr. 749 Dashing Charlie, the Young Scalp-Taker: or. The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 750 Violet. Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Struggle at. Shanty City, By Won. G. Patten. 751 Gold-Dust Pan, the Trail Patrol. By John W. Ozbon. Ready Dccenber 15. 752 Deadwood Dick,’ Jr.’s, Deathblow; or, The Little Cirens nt Last Chance. By Edward L, Wheeler. Ready December 22, A New Issue Every Tuesday.” The Half- Dime Library !s for anle by al) newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishera, 98 William Street, New Yorks