Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 771) (1892 05 03)
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@ | Disa mk cat na 1 LSA Ul bac ri Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y¥., Post Office. Copyrighted 1892, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, May 3, 1892. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price No. 771. + eee Seater ant iteal Pa Vol. XXX. a Xear. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. CULS. a. ee FNS Hit l) Hi aN iif x FED ae “as q Jl: “a FOXY FRED HAD SAVED HIS DETECTIVE COMRADE’S LIFE BY HIS TIMELY BLOW,
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Foxy Fred's Odd Pard: | The Keener’s Huge Hustle. A Romance of the Strange Otis Case, BY JO PIERCE, AUTHOR OF ‘“‘ TOM THISTLE,” ‘‘ SPICY JIM,” ‘* DENNIS DUFF,” ‘‘BOB 0’ THE BOWERY,” ETO., ETC. CHAPTER I, A BLOW THAT WENT HOME, THERE was a sonsation in the household of Harding Otis, That morning no breakfast-bell had rung in the house, and when those who com- prised the family were aroused, it was in a very unusual manner, A servant bad rapped at Mr, Otis’s door, ** What is it?” the ex-merchant asked, ‘Mr, Otis, I want to see you at once. Please to open the door,” It was the voice of Julia Day, the chamber- maid, and Oiis threw on his dressing-gown, unlocked the door and faced her, er eyes were unusually large, and her expression was startled. ** Oh! sir!” she exclaimed, ‘‘ something terri- ble has happened, down-stairs!” What is it?” ‘““When I went down no one was in the kitchen, and when I looked for the cook, I couldn't find her for a long time, She was in her room, tied band and foot, and gagged. Some men did it, in the night.” ‘* Hat robbers, eh?” **T don’t know, sir.” ‘* Robbers, certaioly. I'll look to it.” Harding Otis seemed angry, but not alarmed, Before he retired from mercantile life he had made enough money so that he would never know the difference if burglars carried «ff all of the portable articles in the bouse, and he could afford to disregard the financial loss, if there was any. It was, however, exasperating to think that any one would have the audacity to make free with his premises, He dressed with dispatch, and went down to see the cook, Mrs. Ruby White, As if in de- fiance of her name she was very black; a colored woman who was of ample proportions and, usually, of great good-humor, Just now she was groaning dismally. ‘*Et’s been a hard night fer me, sah!” she de- clared. ‘They tied me up wuss’n a Christmas turkey, an’ afore mornin’ my j’ints ached that bad I thought they was rent a-thunder.” ‘* Who were the men?” . ** Deed, sah, I dunno how they luoked. They was masked an’ gloved, an’ may have been white, or black, or Chinee, fer all I knows,” ‘* Did they speak of plunder?” ** Didn’t hear ’em, sab,” **Tt don’t matter; we'll see what they secured, Come, Julia!” The chambermaid followed bim, and he went first to the safo where the family silver was kept. The safe was closed, and not a scratch was to be found upon it, Mr. Otis opened it, still unconvinced, but not a thing was missing. Not a little puzzled, be next went to his wife’s room. She always had been careless, and in the habit of leaving her diamonds lying around as freely as bair-pins, but, when she was aroused, it was found that all her jewels, ber watch and her money were intact, When they had gone to the room of their invalid daughter, Madeline, and looked through the parlor, the tempting things of the house bad all been accounted for. If burglars had been there they had iguored all that was really of value—and it could not be found that anything was gone, or disturbed, “Strange!” Mr, Otis commented, in per- plexity. ** Julia,” added Mrs, Otis, ‘‘ go to the rooms of Mrs, Stannard and Miss Walbridge.” **T will accompany you,” added the master of the bouse, quickly. " So they went to the upper floors together. Mrs, Stannard was ‘‘ companion” to Made- line Otis, while Clarice Walbridge was a young lady whq was endeavoring to instruct the twin sons of the household in the mysteries of early education, ‘‘Governess” was the name by which she was known, but the boys were 80 lpg that it was hard to teach or govern em, ' : 5 Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. A knock at Mrs, Stannard’s door brought her to view promptly. She had just finished dress- ing. 1t did not take her long to say that she had seen no burglars, but her face was anxious until she had made sure that her small possessions were safe, Only one thing remained, ard they went to the top floor of the house, The chambermaid knocked at Clarice Walbridge’s door, There was noreply. She knocked a secoud time with the same result. ‘She is asleep,” Julia remarked, “Then she sleeps soundly. Try the door.” Julia obeyed, and, very much to her surprise, it opened readily. She sawa vacant room. A woman’s apparel aM as it had been disposed of for the night, but Miss Walbridge was not there, ** Why, this is odd!” exclaimed the maid. She noted the fact that the bed had been oc- cupied, and that the governess’s modest little watch was ticking merrily on the mantel. Then she turned to her employer. Mr. Otis bad been a strong, ruddy-faced man, and she had not heard it said that he was ill, but ill he certainly looked, now, His face was pale, and singularly haggard, and his eyes had a strange, glassy— almost a frightened appearance. This occupied her attention but momentarily, then: ‘* Where can Miss Walbridge be?” she added. Otis walked to the bed. Giving the covers a shake he developed a fact he believed he had noted before; the blanket is missing. Julia noticed this and commented upon it. ‘* Search the house for her!” the master order- The maid hurried away. Left alone, Harding Otis looked around as if he expected the burg- lars to burst upon bim in a body, with hostile in- tentioas. ‘* Merciful heaven! it has come!” he whisper- ed, consternation and terror in bis voice. i any one bad overheard that exclamation the question would have been natural: What was there in the disappearance of a salaried girl, and a late arrival, at that, to cause the rich man to fall into a panic? The bare walls seemed to interest bim, as if the story of the night might be written there, | | | ‘* What is the girl’s history?” “Tt is unknown.” ‘© Where are her relatives?” ‘Equally unknown. She came from Toledo, with a recommendation from a friend of mine who had employed her, but who was about to leave for California. He remarked in the letter, I think, that she was not of Toledo, herself, but that her faithful service entitied her to a recommendation. Further than that I know nothing of her history. Where my friend is I cannot say. He went to California to look for a location, and may be anywhere between Oregon and Mexico. I never heard that the girl had relatives or acquaintances in this city.” Mr. Otis seemed to anticipate that a good many questions would be asked, and had an- swered them in advance by this comprehensive statement. lt left the officer downcast. » * We don’t seem to have much of a clew,” he remarked, gravely. ** Not especially.” “The intruders did not even care for plunder, for they neglected to take what was at their fingers’ end, so tospeak. Hence, it is clear that Miss Walbridge, and she alone,- was what brought them here. Now, why could they want her? There is a bistory back of all this, These men knew her of old, and wished to get posses- sion of ber, in order wreak vengeance upon her, or keep her silent, Which?” ‘ ria y is the question,” answered Otis, list- essly. 42 Bince we are so poorly informed, we can only hustle and try to locate her on general principles. Have you any suggestions?” ** Suggestions?” ** Since the search will not fall to my lot alone, I will reruark that a reward offered by somebody would stimulate the force.” ‘Oh! well, say that I'll give two hundred dol- lars for her safe recovery,” : Otis seemed to grow more indifferent as the conversation progressec, and, finding there was nothing to be learned there, tbe officer rose, said that be would question theservants, though be did not expect to learn anything thereby; and hut when he had looked to all points of the com- | then return and put the machinery of law in pass, he began to pace the room with quick and . nervous steps. Once he wrung his hands, be- traying emotion still more surprising. Julia. finally returned. ‘* Miss Walbridge is nowhere in the house, sir,” she anuounced, Otis did not look surprised, Neither did he answer. ‘* What can it mean?’ the maid added. ‘ Not a thing was stolen, anywhere.” ‘* Robbery was not the motive.” ‘* What could it bave been, then?” “T don’t know.” ‘Mrs, Otis wants to know what we shall do,” * About: what?” ‘* Sending for the police.” P Oh!” ejaculated Harding Otis,” with a start; and then he more quietly added: ‘‘Ob! of course. Well, have some one go around to the police station; I don’t care who. I trust break- fast will not be delayed, I will be in my study.” And he walked rapidly out of the room. ‘*Dear me!” quoth Julia, ‘‘he takes it very coolly.” But Mr. Otis went to his study, locked himself in. staggered to the lounge and fell thereon in a fuint. He, the strong man, lay there pale and limp, as helpless as a feeble woman, Strange fact! Why had he fainted? CHAPTER II. WHO DID IT? EITHER those left to Cothe work were not prompt about sending for the police, or the lat- ter were not prompt in responding; it was some time later when an officer arrived, On being conducted to Mr, Otis’s room, the latter met him in a perfectly calm way. He was somewhat pale, but wholly at bis ease. He told the story quietly. ‘‘The missing girl must have been in league with the intruders,” remarked the officer. A Otis was silent, whereupon the former speaker added: ; ‘*No; that cannot have been it. Nothing was taken but the girl, and she went without her clothes, The missing blanket indicates that she was hurriedly wrapped up in it, and, really ab- ducted,” “Do you think so?” asked Otis, with polite in- ‘* What else could have been case?” ‘*No doubt you’re right,” eel SD operation, He left the room, and then Harding Otis rested his bead upon his band. “This is horrible!” he murmured. ‘Two hundred dollars? Why, I would give tens of thousands, if necessary. But what is money in | this case?” Outside his room matters were fast assuming the former tranquil state of the bouse, It was shocking, of course, to bave any one thus spirited away, but Miss Walbridge was only a hired per- son, and nearly a stranger to all there. Mrs. Otis aud Miss Otis grew calm; the Masters Otis, freed from the necessity of study, waxed bila- rious, and even tbe servants began to joke mer- rily over the affair. After noon, however, when Mrs, Otis was congratulating herself that matters were no worse, her daughter’s *‘ companion,” Mrs, Stan- nard, came to her with a serious face. ‘* Mrs, Otis,” she began, abruptly, ‘‘ this trou- ble has made me ill, Can I bave leave of ab- sence?” “D1? Why sbould you be ill?” “Tt is the shock, madam,” ‘* What was Miss Walbridge to you?” ‘* A sister woman; no more.” * And her abduction has made you ill?” *“ Yes, madam,” ‘Then you are weaker thanI thought, Go away? ‘Nonsense, Stannard! you should not in- dulge such fancies, Suppose we all have had a seare. why, that is the best of reasons why we should feel safe, Lightning never strikes twice in the same place; we sball not have another invasion of our house.” ‘“*[ think you under-estimate my courage, madam, and slightly misunderstand my mean- ing. All I desire is to. go away to recuperate. After that, I certainly bope to return,” Mrs, Otis was not an indulgent woman, but Mrs. Stannard bad been so eminéntly satisfac- tory as companion to the lady’s invalid daugh- ter, that sbe did not deem it prudent to be too dictatorial. Reluctantly, therefore, she finally consented to let ber take a few days’ vacaticn. ‘Singin’ ’skeeters!” The exclamation was uttered by a boy of about fifteen years. He sat in a plain room of a house on Morton street, and was busy over sev- eral pieces of complicated machinery which were on the table. i “So you are here?” he added, “ Wal, I’m fe ‘a i! ie") ae a a ro) oe Pie A ae 4% 7 Gt a ‘ey > | 7 ee oS as oo id iM rh” rh hes, a ep iste! ad aa ih 7 Ae a) aa Te G ‘a ee , ’ i Pi (‘4 ‘ “9 4 eo) be
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P surprised, an’ you came in like a ghost, but you're welcome. You’re just in time, too, ter advise me erbout my flyin’-machine. I’ve got the frame o’ the thing planned out, an’ all that’s necessary, now, is ter know how ter fly it. Have you any idee as ter the best way o’ doin’ that?” He addressed a lady who bad just come in, and if Mrs. Harding Otis had been there she would have recognized the employee who had been taken ill, though Mrs. Stannard did not look especially out of health at that moment. Ignoring the last question, she replied: ** Tt bas come!” * What?—the motive power?” ‘+The blow from Percy Berthrong.” Down went the boy’s handful vf metal. **Say! you don’t mean it?” **But Ido. LItold you when he escaped from the bands of law that I should hear from bim again—” ‘Then you’ve seen bim?” “No. IfI had I should not be here, Fred, you will find it hard to believe, but his tools, with or without him—probably the latter—ipn- vaded Harding Otis’s house, last night, to steal me, but through some mischance they got the wrong woman, They carried her away and left no sign. Jt was a complete success, except that I was not their victim.” ‘¢ Who see them?” * Nobody, except when they were masked.” ** Then how d’ye know it was Perce Berthrong, or his hired crooks?’ Fred asked. ‘* Who else should it be?” ‘““Mebbe tiey really got the one they was after.” ‘““No,” Mrs Stannard answered, in a con- fidant manner. ‘‘ At the first 1 was sure the abduction was intended for me, and I never have changed my mind, Percy Berthrong is seeking for revenge. He has started off with a mistake, but he will try again. It is a fight to the death between him and me!” CHAPTER III. TAKING BIG RISKS, A GRAY-BEARDED man of rather fine appear- ance stood at the corner of Broadway and Great Jones strees. He was in a meditative mood, but he suddenly aroused, crossed the latter street and accosted a boy who’ was passing. “Say, my lad, what’s your name?” he asked. The boy regarded him doubtfully.’ “Et might be Washington Adams Bonaparte,” he replied, after a pause, ‘*But it is not, Ain’t you Fred Walsing- ham?” “Ter be frank, you’ve guessed it, in part. Frederick Walsingham Mather is my handle; commonly called Foxy Fred. Now, how’d you git onto it?” **T saw you in court, during the trial of a man named Percy Berthrong. You were instru- mental in bringing bim to justice.” ‘*T was, a few.” , ‘““He had a wife who figured in the case, also, Can you tell me where she is?” ‘“* Dead!” ** Indeed! that’s bad!” The sudden gravity of the man’s face attested to his sincerity in making the exclamation, Foxy Fred bad been eying him with attention, which was a good deal tinctured with sus- Lape but this disappeared visibly as he noted is companion’s change of expression. “Et wight be worse, mister, fer the dead sometimes rise, Ef you kin give good reasons fer it, I reckon she might rise from her shroud.” ‘Don’t trifle with me.” **T ain’t goin’ ter.” “Then your words must mean that she is ire wk “*That’s erbout the size of it.” ‘You doubtless had your motive in keeping back the fact, at first, so we will let that pass, I want to see this lady—Berthrong’s wife,” “ Why?” ‘You seem determined to get information, rather than give it, but I will be frank, You are aware, of course, that he was sentenced to State Prison for a long term of years, but that he escaped before they could get bim to the doors of Sing Sing, Since then no trace of him has been found, The police have been duly active, but be has not been located. Now, I am a detective—Jethro Warden, is my name —and I have been following the clew patiently, At last I think I have the clew, andI want Mrs. throng to see a certain man and decide whether it is he.” ** Do you want ber ter git done up?” ‘** What do you mean?” “Perce Berthrong would kill her at sight, J eon ee SS SSNS sss esses — Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. » rae think, ef he got achance. His cruelty, crimes an’ desertion put her ag’inst him, an’ of course he is p’izom mad ag’inst her fer the share she had in bringin’ bim ter justice, before, She would be runnin’ a big risk ter go near him, or the man s’posed ter be him,” ‘But it would mean her final safety, as he would be unmasked, recaptured and sent to prison.” ‘* Now, see here, general: ef you reelly mean w’ot you say there ain’t no need of callin’ her in. I kin identify Perce Bertbrong as wal as any- body else. See?” Warden looked thoughtfully at the speaker, and did not answer for some time, Finally be returned: ‘*Perhaps it is just as well so; perbaps it is better. [ had not thought of you in connec- tion with the identification, for my mind naturally turned to the one who knew him best, but your claim gives me a new idea, Are you a boy of nerve?” “Try me!” ‘* By entering a certain place we can see the object of my suspicions at once, perhaps, and I should be glad‘to have it so, Will you go?” ‘* Where is it?” “A man named Berlong keeps a printing office not far away, but his place is more than that, He bas a good deal of space, including a small hall and several smaller rooms. It is a resort for men who have uo love for the law, Crooks go there and are welcome, for Berlong is no angel. He prints ‘green-goods,’ and circu- lars which would not be approved of By the police. I have only lately learned of the place and its character, and by a lucky stroke I have been introduced to Berlong as one*of the fly fraternity. Ihave his promise to print me some documents, and can make this an excuse for going there.” “But where does Perce Berthrong come in?” ‘*T think he’s the foreman, there.” “ Ah!” ‘*He is flying very light, if it is Berthrong, but that is natural. Now, I would like you to see him,” ‘* Has it occurred ter you that he will see me, too?” asked Foxy Fred, dryly. ‘“‘ He is not likely to take much notice of you, and even if he does, what then? I sball arrest him on the spot, and he will have no chance to do you harm,” f Fred meditated, It was not pleasant to think of going into a place avowedly the resort of law- breakers, where many u.en might chance to be present, with one among them who had reason t» hate him bitterly, and was desperate enough to do any evil deed, but, from the time when Berthrong escaped, Fred had been anxious to see him recaptured, There could be no safety for the crook’s wife while he was at liberty. The boy suddenly arrived at a decision, ‘* Heave ahead!” he directed. “Good! Come with me; but let me observe as we go that you must becareful, Don’t at- tract attention to yourself by staring fixedly at the foreman, Take your survey secretly and casually, as it were; and be sure to act as if wholly at your ease,” * All right; P'll be ez cunnin’ ez a fox, fer my name comes from that beast. Foxy Fred, the Keener, is my full handle. I ought ter do some- thin’ on that, but mebbe I can’t. The Fifv avenoo dudes travel on their shape, but they look like umbrella-sticks,” Warden was pleased to find his companion so cool and nonchalant, and much of his fear bad abated by the time the place of trial wes reached. He expected Berlong, the printer, to receive him as a full-fledged crook, and he hoped he could work ‘the Keener” through satisfac- torily, if the latter kept his nerve. On the other band they were going among desperate men, and any little mistake might cost them dear, The printing-office was on the second floor of a plain brick building, and when they bad as- eended the stairs and entered the rooms thus used, there was nothing to distinguish it from an ordinary printing-office, The main room was larger than seemed neces- sary, for the equipments did not fill it, and, for that matter, only one press was busy and but three compositors at work, Warden gave them a sweeping glance, and ng turned to the right and entered the ‘* of- ce. Evidently they went on style but little at Ber- long’s, The office was long and rude, and boxes and barrels, dirt and confusion, and other things, attested to the fact that order was nota feature of the business, A stout, florid-faced man sat at the desk. ‘*Good-morning, Mr. Beriong,” spoke the de- tective, politely. *“ Ah! isit you, Mr, Nash? Glad to see you. Sit down! Anytbing I can do for you?” ‘* Are you very busy?” “ec No ” ** Well, I’ve got a job of printing, and I don’t know just how to make up the blanks thereof, I wanted your a‘vice,” “allright. Heave ahead!” ‘* Well, then, I’ve got a scheme for making an honest dollar out of ministers, I want cir- culars printed which will inform them I am compiling what I term ‘The Year Book of Preachers,’ lt will give, my circular will say, the year of each preacher’s birth; year of bis graduation from college, if at all; year of his ordination; each pulpit he has filled, and a lot of other statistics. To get this I want a big neat-looking blank, a copy of which I shall send to every minister in the United States.” ‘“‘With an invitation to pony up?” suggested Berlong, smiling. ‘*- Yes; it costs ten dollars a head to go in.” ‘* And the book will be issued— when?” ** About the year 2500!” **T thought so. Well, Pll help you on the blank, and I hope your honest endeavor will be rewarded. I see you have a draft of what you want. Let me look it over, and I will soon de- cide,” They began to confer. All this while Foxy Fred had been sitting in silence, and no attention being paid him. He had kept his eyes open, hoping the foreman would cross the space of which he had view through tbe open door, but no one appeared. The compositors in the next room dawdled over their work, and it was clear that they were not genuine, honest type-setters. They had faces like sneak-thieves, and an air which bespoke their lawless nature, Warden and Berlong did not agree upon the circular, avd their discussion was prolonged, Warden insisted upon a system which the other man claimed was almost impossible, and the lat- ter finally said: ‘Let me call my foreman in, He is a prac- tical printer, and will tell you just what is best, “ All right; call him,” the detective agreed, Berlong whistled through a tube, Warden exchanged glances with Foxy Fred. The crisis was at hand, and the man believed to be the escaped convict would soon ba at hand, too. Jt was a striking and momentous period, The ‘‘ Keener” sat well back and hoped to get the first view, but Percy Bertbrong surely would recognize him as soon as he saw him, Then—what then? The Keener and Warden were alone. Five men would be opposed to them; all law-breakers and criminals; men, perhaps, wbo would not hesitate to do murder, if necessary. A step sounded at the door. A coatless man, unshaven and ink-smeared, walked in, Foxy Fred recognized Percy, the convict, CHAPTER IV, THE RULE OF THE REVOLVERS, Ir was evening. Harding Otis was walking slowly along the street, his head bent in thought, During the day, when in the company of an member of bis household, he bad preserved bis air of being indifferent to the disappearance of Clarice Walbridge, but, nevertheless, the mat- ter had set heavily upon bis mind, He was now returning from an errand, which, if known to others, would have surprised those who thought him so indifferent, The street wes lonely and nearly deserted, it seemed, and the locality one not noted for devo- tion to the precepts of law, but he could not have told, if asked suddenly, whether he was on that street or Fifth avenue. ‘ A footstep sounded behind him. He raised his bead suddenly. e In bis present mood almost anything might have occurred in front of bim without attract- ing any real attention, but a footfall in the rear. never a thing pleasant to the ear, meant a good deal to him. There were reasons why he had cause to fear anything secret. He tried to turn, but, as he did so,a blanket of some sort was thrown over his head, Then an erm encircled his neck, and be was pulled off from his feet, , He tried to call for help, to escape. He strug- gled fiercely, but the power against him was too strong. He was borne intoa doorway, and held by more than one pair of hands. Every moment he expected a stroke which would end his career; perhaps the thrust of a ns me a8 at die
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knife, It did not come, but he bade fair to suf- focate. No air could enter the folds of the blanket, and the supply first imprisoned there was about exhausted. While he was thinking of this he was again lifted and borne away, but only for a few steps. He was thrust into some place which he supposed was a door, but a new sensation quickly pro- claimed the truth. He was in a carriage, and being borne away. Dimly be heard a voice beside him, and then the blanket was loosened, but only toallow of the introduction of a revolver which was thrust against his temple. *« Be silent, or you are a dead man!” came in a sterr and menacing voice. Otis said nothing, and the unknown went on: ** We don’t want to do you harm, but are pre- pared to shoot you if you force us to it. We won’t let a life like yours stand in our way. If you call for help it would go hard with us, and we won’t have it. You give an alarm at your peril, Itis silence or death!” The blanket was still further loosened, evi- dently to give him a chance to breathe, but not a word passed his lips. He was too wise to shout for help with the weapon against his temple, and, strangely enough, he did not im- prove the chance to speak in an ordinary tone, Naturally, almost any one would have been quick to ask the meaning of such violent work, but Harding Otis allowed himself to be carried away without a question or a remon- strance. At last the carriage turned from the street into an alley, and thence toa stable at the rear, The captors alighted and took the prisoner out with them, All went to the office, There, Otis was left standing alone, but on each side of him was a masked man, and four revolvers bore upon him, He regarded them - during the pause which followed in a manner apathetic to the observer, but his face was =. and drops of perspiration stood on his fure- ead, Presently one of the party spoke: ** You know us?” ts **T suppose I do,” Otis answered. “ It is years since you saw us last—” *¢- Yes, and you promised, then, never to mo- lest me‘again!” suddenly, sharply interrupted the risoner. ‘* Tt is your own fault that we meet again.” Otis was silent. ** We need explain nothing. You know how hear came between us and our purposes, of late, nviting death; and if you suffer thereby you have only yourself to thank,” Evidently a reply was expected, but the cap- tive looked somberly at the wall and seemed al- most to forget them. His gaze came back wher the leader impatiently continued: ** Whers is the girl?” ‘* Where, indeed?” Otis echoed, with a shiver. ‘*-You have spirited her away, but, we are not to be baffled. The world is not wide enough to hide any one we seek, Where is she?” ‘* Why do you descend to force?’ cried Otis, with a return of emotion, ‘‘ You came to m house and stole her away. I know notif she is living; I know not whether you have one grain of pity for the innocent, suspect you have none.’ ‘You are right. Pity is a quality which makes strong/men weak fools; we want none of it. Butdo you think you can turn the tables upon us? You know we have not been in your house. Whatever you do, don’t attempt any such siallow trick.’ . ‘*Men,” Ovis returned, ‘I am your prisoner. ‘and you can do with me as you please. I realize that, and realize the folly of an appeal for mercy. I make none; Iam prepared to take whatever fate you allot me. Goon with your work with- out circumlocution; but for that girl I ask your pity. She never did you barm; why should you injure her?” ‘ We can’t, until we find her,” ** You have her now,” ‘*T say we have not,” Otis evidently did not gi credence, but the mask ly added: “Do you expect us to believe you had no band in her disappearance?” ** You know I bad none,” ‘Then where is she?” ’ The prisoner made an impatient gesture. “ This is childish, I had only just brought her to my home, Even if you were not concerned in her abduction it must be evident to you that I would not bring her there, keep her a few days, and then spirit her away. If I were going te do ve the denial the least spokesman more 'slow- o ‘ | oa , ‘J P é Wf, A) Pen ETS ET ERT Oe em AG PT te i tn “ane Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. all? For the first time the spokesman looked at his companions and seemed to be in doubt. He hesitated, and then made a motion to one of the quartette, after which the two left the room. Otis’s position was not improved. He still had two revolvers bearirg upon him, Now, however, he began to rally from what had seemed apathy, but which, really, had been the stupefaction of despair. He regarded his companions closely, as if he would fread their faces through the masks, ‘*Men,” be said, presently,” have I ever seen you before this night?” ** No,” one of the pair answered. “Then you have nothing against me.” “Well?” “Men, I am rick. I can make other men well-to-do and never feel the loss of money. This I will gladly do to you if you will de- serve it. What is life with your comrades to the pleasures you could have elsewhere, Money is grand; it is potent; it is the lever that moves the world. Think what you could do in Europe, for instance, with money, This you can have it you will allow me to go out of this place. Allow me to make a dash for liberty, and promise not to shoot,” It was a rapid, earnest plea. but the only reward was the cold response: ‘** We shall shoot you dead if you try .t!” ‘** But the money—” ‘* We disdain it. Be silent! Would you make ustraftors? No: we would rather shoot you!” It was an implacable response, and Otis’s brief hope ‘fled. His heart seemed to lie in his breast witlf the weight of tons. Hopeless, in- deed, was his cause. The other men -returned, -and the former spokesman again broke tbe silence: ‘We have decided that you are tying; that you do know where the girl is. Reveal her whereabouts, or you are a dead man!” He touched the revolver to Otis’s head. CHAPTER V. THE CONVICT AT BAY. Percy BERTHRONG stood looking quietly at his superior. There was not the least trace of suspicion in his manner, and ke did not once glance toward Foxy Fred, He could hardly have had a better disguise. In former days he had been an elegantly-dressed sport; now, he had a two weeks’ stubble on his face as.an incipi- ent beard, and his ink-emeared hands were even cleaner than his ink-smeared, coarse old clothes, Foxy Fred easily recognized the fact that this ink, 80 lavishly spread on, was a part of his dis- uise, nj Tbe old-time sport was not there in appear- ance, and a casual acquaintance of past days would not have recognized him, The Keener was not at fault, however. ‘* Mr, Brown,” began Berlong, **sit down here and discuss this blank with us,’ Yhe foreman readily obeyed, and chance brought bis chair so that his back was toward Foxy Fred. Beyond them ail was a mirror, and in this the Keener could see the escaped convict’s face, lt was calm, and he gave unsuspicious at- tention to the paper which Berlong and Detec- tive Warden put before him. The latter was duly cautious, and talked about the blank and tbe circular as if it was the hight of his am- bition to carry on the swindle he claimed to have in mind, but, finally, he contrived tu look at the Keener in a way which betrayed nothing, Foxy Fred nodded, and then Warden knew he had found the escaped convict, The detective did not betray himself, but went on with the argument until a decision was reach- ed on the disputed points of the circular, about which he ‘really cared nothing. In the mean while, he arranged bis plan. Since entering Berlong’s establishment he had learned that he had, indeed, to deal with men not to be trifled with, Accustomed to the crim- inal classes he knew that any one of the five was ready for murderous action, if necessary. They had served full apprenticeship in the school of crime, and placed their interests above fear of the law. Warden was well aware that prudence re- quired him to get help before proceeding to action, but he wanted the glory of making the capture alone, He was resolved to do it, and bis plan was to let Berthrong pass the office door, and then pounce upon him and, with the con- trolling power of a revolver, get him out of the establishment before the gang fully realized the situation, _ Up to this time Foxy Fred, realizing that the ‘ it uk he A ahs Sani ies ve Fag PS ee ‘ Prait *» + ' Ee SSE. 2) ON AME Se Me eee Ed Wee gates sts the latter, why should I[ take her to my house at glass meant danger to their purpose, had ke pr 3” | behind Berthong so that his own face would not ~ ee be reflected, but, as the three men straightened up after their conference, the Keener lost the line. He was squarely caught by the glass. ; Worse than that, Berthrong saw the reflection of his face, The ex-sport seemed to change to a statue, ‘In the very act of rising he stopped short, and his gaze was fixed on the shape in the glass. Alarm, doubt and perplexity were pictured on his face. Then came realization of a part of the truth, and everything else gave place to rage, He re- cognized one whom he knew to be his deadly ene- my; who ‘had done more than anybody else to bring his arrest about before, and the instincts of revenge and self-preservation rose within him at once, His hand was thrust into some recess under the apron he wore; it came out clasping a revol- ver, and the weapon was hardly bared before he wheeled and presented it to Fred’s breast. “Spy!” he snarled; ‘* you shall die!” It really seemed that he intended to press the trigger, but bis purpose was never fully_demon- strated. If he was quick to act, Jethro Warden was not less active. The detectiva knoched up the revolver, and, in another instant, a shining six-shooter, held in his: own hand, covered the: convict, ** Don’t do it!” he warned. Perce Berthong was not too dull to take a very perceptible hint, and be turned his gaze almost quietly upon the detective. ‘¢ What have you to do with it?” he demanded, ‘* That boy is my helper,” “Tn what?” ‘Private work.” ‘*That won't go down,” “Tt’s a fact, and I won’t see him injured. ps it! we didn’t come in here to be butcher- ‘* Perhaps you come as volice spies.” The ex-sport’s wits were flowing sbrewdly, at last, and he did not fail to suspect thetruth. He did not believe Foxy Fred would be the ally of a crook, and his knowledge of the Keener’s char- acter served to put Warden under definite sus- picion, The latter, however, answered coolly: ‘Your charge is an insult, but I will not let. it worry’me. A man who bas been hunted from one end of the United States to the other hasn’t much use for the police; he only asks to be left alone, A murrain on the police! Don’t be absurd.” Berthrong had lowered bis revolver half-un- consciously, and Warden followed his example, but they sat facing each other, both ready for work, and that meant a good deal when it was considered that they were good shots. Into the pause came Berlong, the printer. ‘*What in perdition does this mean?” he de-~ manded, : ‘Simply that your visito.’ is a spy.” ** It is false!’ Both Perce and Warden spoke with emphasis, but that did not help matters, Berlong rung a bell, and the three compositors appeared at the door. Matters began to look very ugly for Jethro and the Keener. “We will settle this, right away,” declared Berlong. ‘‘ Mr. Brown, what grounds have you for your charge?” “This boy,” Perce returned, motioning vicious-- ly toward Foxy Fred, ‘‘ is an amateur detective, aid to detectives, police spy, or whatever you see fit to call him. He was the cause of all my re~ cent troubles. But for him I should now be walking the streets of New York fearlessly,” The ex-sport glared at Fred. By his way of meeting the danger he had thrown off all pre- tense of secrecy; his disguise was such no longer, and be made no pretense of being anybody but Berfhrong, the escaped convict. He added, before any one else could speak: ‘*T know the boy well, and a demon he is.. He can have but one motive in being here, and that is to ruin me—to capture me. He is a. police spy, and it’s likely tbat this fellow has a. detective’s badge under his coat.” ? ae speaker motioned to Warden, who smiled easily. “Wrong, all wrong,” he averred. ‘I don’t: know what personal trouble you and my boy may have had, but he is a good helper of mine in just the lines I have indicated, Iam sorry that. any clash has occurred, for I hope much from the work you are to do for me; I hope for good,, hard dollars.” Glancing meditatively at Foxy Fred, the de~ tective seriously added: “ We want to smooth thisover. For my parts i
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i] ne i ie . 1 the kid shall keep bis hands off. He is my helper, and must obey me,” **' That looks fair,” remarked Berlong. ** Looks are mighty deceptive!” cried Perce. **T am not to be deceived, These fiends are af- ter me, but they won’t get me. Eb, boys?’ The last question was to the anarchist-like compositors, who answered ina breath: **'You bet, he won’t!” ** Long live the free life!” added Perce, “ Ay, ay Wa ‘*Down with the police spies!” *““ Down with them!” These prompt responses pleased Perce, and he turned again to his enemies with a half-smile, confident and vindictive. CHAPTER VI, AN OLD GRUDGE TO BE SETTLED, ‘*You are in for it!” the convict declared, “You will never go away to betray me, These bold fellows are ready to back me up, for they jhave no love for the cause you represent,” ‘* Down with the police!” chorused the trio ‘Dy the door, Foxy Fred’s face was grave. Hesaw that no ar- gument could convince Percy Berthrong,. which only showed his common sense, for the past had shown him just bow he and the Keener stood. ‘The odds were too great to think of successful resistance with the so-called compositors counted in, Type-setters they undoubtedly were, but sag trade had grown out of their lawless mode of life The Keener looked at Walden. What would the do in such a dilemma? ‘*It seems to me,” spoke the detective, com- plainingly, ‘‘ that you are giving us a cold deal. We came here in good faith, and now a ridicu- Jous charge is trumped upagainstus, Do you uphold this course, Mr, Berlong?” ‘* Brown can manage this case,” **] decline to treat with Brown,” ** You'll have to!” the convict asserted. ‘* You ‘are not going out of here to blow on me,” ‘* What does that mean?” ‘Simply that we have quarters here for just such men as you, and you will have to walk in and occupy them. You are prisoners!” ‘¢ Prisoners! Never! We will not submit!” ** What will you do?” As if to guide the answer, Perce motioned to ithe trio, and each man drew a revolver, “Do you want to argue?” the convict tersely masked, Walden sat in silence, He was. cool, brave aman, but these very qualities showed him that there was a limit to resolute action, He was armed himself, but the enemy counted five, and it was absurd to suppose be could dispose of all of them What would they be doing in the amean while? ‘* Your methods are infamous,” he finally an- swered, ‘‘ but Iam willing todo what I can to avoid trouble. I will submit to temporary re- straint on one condition: that you send to a man who will prove me what I claim to be,” ** Who is he?” “A man named Fly Pete,” ** Never heard of him, and we decline to treat. ‘We can, bowever, learn more of you in our own ‘way than may be pleasant for you, and this we will do. You can march into a room of re- straint, and we will see you again when we feel fike it.” Berthrong was insolent in his hour of triumph, and not at all inclined to abate an inch. Wal- den at first insisted upon being allowed to re- amain in the office, but this demand was not heeded, and when be bad exhausted all means, he submitted to the imprisonment, Surrounded by all of the gang, he and Foxy Fred were escorted to the rear of the buildin and locked up ina room 'there. Berthrong ha ‘asked for the detective’s revolver, but the latter had forcibly declared that he would shoot the first one who tried to take it, and he had his way in this, The door closed upon the prisoners, “Wal, this is a fine high-jinks!” the Keener observed. “It is highly unjust,” agreed Walden, with a ¢cautious look backward which was a mute in- quiry as to whether the ears of the enemy were busy trying to trap them, ‘Fer folks ez highly recommended as them it passes belief,” pursued Foxy Fred. ‘ Wouldn’t ‘a’ thought it, by Susanna! I’ve had a skirmish with one 0’ them in the past, but old scores is Settled. 1 hold no grudge,” This diplomatic conversation was kept up for some time, but when convinced that they were . wna) We Was ree Gl eee | ee " gree ’ ST mreny se i" — : 2/25 ee sea: se NEES | Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. I promise that, whatever the old trouble was, | not shadowed by listeners, the prisoners moved nearer together. “Say, ain’t we in fer it?’ the Keener asked, ‘* Weare indeed,” ‘** Dennis K, Mud is the name that fitsus, The gang is dead onter us, an’ Perce Berthrong won't let up a fraction. He’s a corker, Perce is. ‘* We are surely prisoners, and I have a vague notion that Berthrong has a clew to my identity. If he should bring somebody here who would succeed in identifying us—” The speaker stopped short. “We wouldn’t git out alive,” Foxy Fred finished. ‘*Frankly, that’s about it.” ** Kind o’ creepy, ain’t it?” The Keener did not seem to be overwhelmed by the situation, and Wardeu nodded his ap- proval. It was pleasant to have such an ally. The room was one which gave no promise of escape, he door was heavy and tightly fitted, and the plain board walls bad no window in their surface, or other break, Indeed, the room might have been nearly air-tight had there not been an iron grate fixed in the ceiling, some ten feet above the floor, Up there, too, was the faint light of a gas-jet, It did not take them Jong to satisfy themselves that escape was out of the question, and they settled down to take matters as easily as possible, Warden recognized with considerable uneasiness, however, that pvight was not far away. It was the time when the lawless part of New York’s citizens chiefly did their dark work, A good deal of thinking was done in the room in the two hours which followed, Then the captives had cause to turn there minds on visible, and away from speculative things. They heard the bolts slid on the otber side of the door, and Warden bade Fred keep close to him. The door opened, and four men appeared— Berthrong and the evil trio. The detective at once discovered a somethiag in their facial appearance which gave him an involuntary shiver, Somehow, even then, mem- ory recalled accounts he bad heard of the tools of tyrant kings who had gone to prisoners’ ceils to assassinate them, As the present gang looked, so might the old- time assassins have looked. Berthrong carried a lantern, and this he held up so he could look around more fully. Then he lowered it and doggedly said: ‘**You are wanted!” With this laconic remark he pointed to Foxy red. 2 baat be I? Who wants me?” ** What fer?” ‘* You two are going to be separated, ** When then?” Warden interrupted, ‘* That is my business, Come!’ He motioned to the Keener, but the latter did not stir. He was as observing as Warden, and felt sure that the separation was to be no tri- vial matter to him, If Perce had announced that he was to be killed off-hand it would not have surprised him, after seeing what was ex- pressed in the convict’s face. ‘* Take him!” Berthrong impatiently went on, after a brief pause, speaking to one of his fol- lowers, _ The latter started forward, but Warden again interrupted. “Stop!” he ordered, ‘‘ This boy is my friend, and I will not allow him to be separated from me. I have yielded much to you, but I'll yield no more, Where I stay the boy stays, too!” Hie held his revolver ready for use, and his purpose was not to be mistaken. **Fool!” Berthrong exclaimed; “ will you go to ruin with him?” ‘*T will defend him,” ‘* Then you shall both die!” ‘* Ha! so you confess you meant to kill him ?” “Have it as you will,” almost shouted the convict. ‘‘ Weare here to take him away, and we're going to do it, If you resist, you sign your death-warrant. Advance, men!” CHAPTER VII. ; WARM WORK, THE deteetive drew back the hammer of the revolver and leveled the weapon. **I give you fair warning,” he firmly replied, Keep away, or I will shoot the first man who tries to molest us!” here was no mistaking his resolution, and Berthrong and bis tools stood still. They had the odds with them, and were well supplied with weapons, In the long run the fight was sure to go in their favor, but no one was anxious to give up his life for the cause, 5 It was a striking lull, but presently, Berthrong addressed Foxy Fred: ‘“* Will you drag your friend down to ruin with you, or are you manly enough to come out?’ ‘“‘ Admiral,” the Keener replied, coolly, ‘‘my wisdom teeth ain’t in nobody’s head but my own, I am content to be a small toad in the puddle, Guess 1 won’t go ter walk with you, ef it’s all the same ter the gents present,” Berthrong put his lantern under bis coat, hid- ing it wholly. Then he whistled sharply. It was a signal, and was answered promptly. The gas-light above went out in a twinkling, and the room was plunged in darkness, This trick bad not been suspected, and it could not but startle the prisoners, but Warden’s wits worked quickly. ‘* Make a dash for liberty!” he whispered, in Fred’s ear. The Keener was only too glad toget a chance, and he plunged forward like a Texas steer. He was shrewd enough to realize that it never would do to run up againt the enemy squarely. He took a circular course, keeping close to the wall. Once he touched somebody else and an arm was reached out, but he dodged under it and reached the door, He feared to find it fastened, but such was not the case, It yielded; he tore it open. He was face to face with Berlong. For an instant the Keener was dazed. He re- alized that.the man was there to cut off retreat, and he never had looked so big and strong as then, but the boy knew a trick which even avoirdupois could not: render useless, Lowering his head be made a dive forward, striking Ber- long full in the stomach, and the fellow went over hke a ten-pin. Unfortunately, Fred could not check his own impetus, and be fell upon bis victim, Then, be- fore he could rise, somebody fell upon bim, and otbers were added to the pile until it was a con- fused mass of wriggling bodies and flying arms and legs, The Keener was aslippery customer, and it did not take him long to get out of the heap, Warden bad been there, too, but be was in luck and got clear at the same time. “This way !” he exclaimed. He pointed toward an open door at the rear, Fred cast a wistful glance at the front door, but, even then, read Warden’s fear, that it was lock- ed. He darted toward that at the rear, and both he and the detective crossed the threshold. A strong breeze touched their faces, and the saw they were in a court of some kind, Build- ings, large and small, but mostly shanties, were around them, and it was not plain which way they were to go forsafety. The voices of the crooks sounded behind them, bowever, and there was no time for investigation or study, “Run!” Warden ordered. ‘*‘ We must break through, somewhere!” They burried on, nearly falling over barrels and boxes that were in the way, but soon found their condition even worse. They were in a cul- de-sac; three buildings which connected made three sides of a square, The tramp of the pursuers sounded close be- hind them. ‘* Here’s for liberty!” cried the detective. At ons side a window showed a light beyond and he eaught up a barrel, swung it aloft, and then sent it crasbing through the glass, It clear- ed everything away, even to the sash, and War- den then rested his hand on the silland leaped through. Foxy Fred followed like a gymrast. Then both stopped short, surprised at a scene unexpectedly presented to their view. They were in asmall, rough room, with several horses vis- ible beyond and the odor of astable in the air. while just in front of them were several men, all masked but one. And one of the masks was holding a revolver to the head of him who wore no mask, “Harding Otis!” muttered the Keener, me- chanically. : ‘The police!” eried one of the disguised men, “Get out of this. Run!” And as ene person they dashed out of the room. Foxy Fred was looking at Otis in wonder, but Warden remained attentive to practical things, He turned in time to face their own pursuers, ag Bertbrong and bis tools hurried to the window; and they suddenly found a revolver thrust for- ward and bearing upon them. The scene had. chavged vastly since they were in their own quarters, and a revolver became more an object of dread, They wheeled and dashed back whence they had come,
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6 Warden stood in irresolution, eager to follow and capture the ex-sport, but deterred by pru- dence, ‘Singin’ ’skeeters!” exclaimed the Keener; “how did you git here, mister?” The question was asked of Harding Otis, but the rich man regarded hin inquiringly. **7 don’t know you,” be returned. “Didn't spect you did, but I know you! When I git interested in a feller I ginerally contrive a way ter git my opterkel eyes on him an’ see bow he looks.” ‘‘Onut of here, all!” the detective ordered. ‘*Tt seems that there are two gangs abroad, and though I don’t know what the second, is driving at, there are enought to clean us out. Besides, we bave business elsewhere,” He burried out of the office and stable, and along the alley toward the street, and bis com- anions were not reluctant to follow, Foxy red was looking at Otis wonderingly, curious to know how tbe rich man had chanced to be in the stable with a revolver at his head, but Otis’s face was set, and he made no step toward ex- planation. They reached the street, and there was general rolief. ‘*Guess we're still ‘in it!’ the Keener de- clared, “There is work to be done,” added Warden, hurriedly. ‘*We have located Berthrong at last, and he must not be allowed to escape. will remain and watch the building, Fred, and do you hurry to tbe police station for help. See?” “Dm ‘on,’ an’ I’m off!” The Keener answered the more readily be- cause Otis had already taken the same direction. He was socn by the latter’s side, and his inquisi- tive propensity brooked no delay. ‘* Say, mister, we found you in a p’izon fix, didn’t we?” “ You did. Your coming relieved me, Allow me to thank you.” Otis’s manner was as curt as his words, but Fred was not to be discouraged. ** W’ot was it all about?” ‘* Merely a personal affair,” “ But why was them masked fellers goin’ ter shoot ye?—fer I seen them have a revolver at yer head,” y ‘*The matter is all over with,” answered Otis, “and I owe.you thanks, You came just in time, I trust your own business will end as well, whatever itis. As toits nature you need not explain, for I am interested only in my own affairs. It is a good rule to follow,’ The speaker’s voice had gro \n very civil, even kind, but the hint was too plain to be lost upon the hearer, Foxy Fred realized that he had been very distinctly told not to pry into Mr, Harding Otis’s affairs, He was not in any degree bashful, and it was doubtful if he would have heeded the injunction, but at the next street-corner Otis left him abruptly and walked away. CHAPTER VIIT. THE DECRER OF DOOM, ** Wat, I guess 1 ain’t in it!” The Keener made the remark dryly as be ‘watched Mr. Otis recede. If he had been at leisure the rich man might not bave escaped so easily, but Fred was not one to shirk his duty. He let the man go and hastened on his own way. ‘* Great goin’s on, ter-night, by gum!” he com- mented. ‘‘Can’t imagine who them masked critters was, but they bad H. Otis, Esquire, right by the wool, One tap on the trigger of that six-shooter would have put bim ter sleep, Wonder ef his case was connected with ourn? But why should it be? His servant was stole, but that is noreason why anybody should prac- tyse shootin’ with him fer a target,”’ By that time the precinct station-house was reached, and the Keener dashed in and called for police reinforcements, The order was obey- ed sooner than he expected,’and in a comparative- ly short time he had the men back where War- den still awaited them, “No sign from the enemy,” remarked the detective. ‘‘It really looks as if we have them housed,” He rapped on the door, and, when no reply came, forced it open, Resistance was expected, but none was met with, nor was any one found to resist, The closest survey failed to bring ‘one of the gang to light, and Warden was com- pelled reluctantly to decide, that they bad made good their esen pe, . “*Deuced hard Inck!” be commented, The stable was visited. There were two sleepy: looking bostlers there, but they professed Foxv Fred’s Odd Pard. ignorance and innocence, They explained the scene in the office, in which Otis had taken such an uncomfortable part, by saying that all those concerned had been strangers to them, They thought it only a drunken row, but were not in any degree certain, Foxy Fred, at least, took their statements with a large grain of allowance, but the rebuff he had received from Otis had not left him eager to work in the latter’s behalf. Utterly failing to get any clew to Berthrong, Warden led the way to the street and dismissed his polices aids. Fred lingered with bim, ‘My lad,” then observed the detective, “ you have done nobly and proved yourself possessed of great nerve, Although we have failed, I am very grateful for your aid.” “That's all right, general; but w’ot about Perce?” ‘**T shall search anew.” ‘Ef you find a young woman with the gang, look after ber, will ye?” “A young woman?” ‘“‘T may as well teil you ali,” Fred decided; whereupon he related the story of Clarice Wal- bridge’s strange disappearance from Harding Otis’s bouse, and the suspicions which he and ‘* Mrs, Stannard ” entertained. ‘Et would be jest like Perce ter take re- venge on his wife,” the Keener said, in conclu- sion, ‘‘an’ we argue that such was his first thought as soon as he escaped. He watched, found out she was workin’ fer Harding Otis, an’ sent in his men ter kidnap her. In some way, mebbe, they thought they knew where she slept, but they didn’t. Anyhow, they got the wrong woman,” “And you think Berthrong has Miss Wal- bridge, now?” “ Yes.” “Tf she is not the woman he wanted, why doesn’t he allow her to go away?” ‘““Mebbe he dassent, an’ then, ag’in, mebbe she’s pretty enough so he thinks he’ll be less lone- some with her around,” ‘* Logical, as usual. Iam converted to your belief, and will make her an additional feature of my search. By the way, call on me when you can, I’d like to keep track of one who bas shared my dangers, and it’s possible we may be able to work further together,” “Tm with ye, general; I'll call.” The Keenér spoke heartily, and they shook hands and separated. ‘* Seems like old times ter be buckin’ ag’inst Perce,” soliloquized Fred, as he walked home- ward. ‘I’ve got ter keep it up, too, for Mary Stannard won't be safe while he’s at liberty. Yes; an’ I’ve got ter rescue Clarice Walbridge, too—fer Perce has got her, sure!” But what would Foxy Fred have thought could he have looked over the shoulder of an ac- quaintance in the same house from which Clarice bad disappeared and read the following letter as its recipient read it, the next morning: “ Harpina Orts:—With the luck which some- times attends the perjurer and th» traitor you es- caped us last night, Chance defea'ed us. Do not, however, flatter yourself that you have triumphed. You merely have areprieve. The Power still lives, and its hand will scon be at your throat. We wil be frank enough to say that the girl 7s in our hands; why we took the course with you, last night that we did, matters not. The Power bas reached her, but its work is not yet done. Tremble, you, for the next blow concerns you. Your doom has been pronounced, According to the custom of the Power, you are not to know when the blow is to fall. It may be at morniog, nocn or evening; or it may be at the dead of nignt. You mav awaken to find the slayer at your bedside, The Doom is pro- nounced, For the Committee of Death, , ** AZRAEL.”” Harding Otis dropped the paper. “Tt was to be expected!” he murmured, His fuce was pale, but there was a calmness, outwardly, in his manner which was not to be expected. No gleam of defiance appeared in his eyes, however; he acted more like a man who, doomed to die, had given up hope and resigned himself to his fate. Anon, he rose and began to pace the floor, Deeply he meditated, and his features began to work strangely. “T ean die!” he cried, at last, ‘‘ but she must not. She must be saved! But how? Is there power enough in New York City to do it? I will call upon the chief inspector, and all his force— But, no; I may as well adhere to the original plan, One shrewd man may be able to do more than a score. Pray Heaven the child may he saved from those fiends!” Late as it was, Foxy Fred did not think of retiring until he bad seen Mary Stannard, eee SSS ‘ You are late,” she remarked. “I’ve been busy. Stopped ter play craps,” Fred replied. ‘*You fail to convince me, You never let trivial things delay you. Have you seen any of the enemy?’ yi : “* A few.” ’ ‘‘ Was it Percy Berthrong?” “ He saw me!” the Keener dryly remarked. ‘“‘ Listen ter the chronikel!” And then he told the whole story. He haia rapt listener. When Mary Stannard married Percy Berthrong she had been inexperienced in the world. He dazzled her with his good looks, good clothes and aristocratic ways, Gradually she learned that be was far from perfect, and, later, that he was a crook, He abused her, but she clung to him devotedly until his many crimes compelled her to leave bim, To frustrate his plans in an infamous scheme she assumed the disguise of a boy and worked hand-in-hand with Fred to accomplish the desired end. He was captured and sent to prison, and she as- sumed her maiden name of Stannard and tried to lead a quiet life, but his escape and the re- newal of hostilities, was proof that quiet was not yet hers. , J “The battle must be fought over again,” she sighed. ‘Fact, by ginger!” “You have seen how he hates you. He hates me even worse, for it maddened him when I dared to turn against him. You are right in thinking he is after revenge. Yes; and, unless we beat him again, he will kill me!” CHAPTER IX. THE DETECTIVE COMRADE’S RISK, ““-You must hide!” Foxy Fred declared, “T will do better than that,” Mrs. Stannard firmly answered, ‘I will again disguise my- self asa boy, and once more we will be detec- tive comrades in bringing Percy Berthrong to justice,” ¢ “But say; he’s seen you in boy’s clothes al- ready, an’ he will know ye, first off,” Fred cautioned, Mrs, Stannard smiled calmly, _ ‘We will see. Before, I practically had no disguise except the clothes of a boy, This time it will be different, When | heard that he had made his escape my first idea was to flee; my next, to disguise myself so as to look like an entirely different woman. I finally decided to goto Mr. Otis’sshouse and sink into quiet life, which I did, but the idea of a disguise has not been out of my mind, To-morrow morning I will show you what I can do, Then we will take the trail.” . ‘¢ Be’s resky.” ** Don’t I know that?’ *¢ You do, sure.” ‘¢ Whatever I risk, I will do my best to save or Clarice Walbridge.” J “ Bt’s hard on her ter suffer fer somebody else, I allow.” “Yes, and we will rescue her!” Mrs. Stannard spoke confidently, but, though she had on former occasions proved her courage, the Keener was not wholly satisfied to have her venture within reach of Berthrong. He had faith in her judgment, however and opposed her no further. Shortly after he retired to rest, and slept well until morning. He was late in knocking at Mrs. Stannard’s door, but, when be did, it was at once opened. Some one whom he took to be a stran- ger stood there, “Mrs, Stannard in?” he asked. ‘She has gone to Chicago.” ** Gone—to—Chicago?” The Keener repeated the words in amazement. What could have sent her to Chicago, and with- out seeing him? ; “Why,” he added, “ what the dickens— Sing- in’ ’skeeters!” ‘ ; ‘yt The ‘‘stranger” had smiled, and it was this which made Fred stop short and, later, utter the exclamation. ‘Wal, I'll be darned!” he added, For it was Mrs. Stannard who stood before him, but so changed that she had deceived even him. Not until he was in the room and had look- ed still further did he realize the extent of the change. ‘ ; She had colored her straight, light-brown hair nd erratic; she had darkened ber skin until it asa peculiar shade of brown; and in place of | her usual costume she wore a man’s fancy suit, — “* Why, you look like a stage feller!” Fred de- clared. re “* How about a Cuban?” . ‘« Singin’ ’skeeters! you’vehit it, [ketch your on ee black, and curled it in ringlets sbort i ; w
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idee, You look it ter the life, an’ nobcdy would ever suspect who you be.” “*T am going to test it thorougbly.” “ How?” ‘By bearding the lion in his den,” ‘* You don’t mean Perce?” ‘* Have you noticed the similarity in the name, Berthrong, and that of the keeper of the printing- ; Costa; by nativity, a Cuban. office, Berlong. Once, when I was with Percy, | something occurred which made m3 think he had | a brother, but the man did not bear the same name. It was Berlong, aud in looking into the matter, I found out just what circles the other man movedin, They were crooks,” ** An’ you now think you're right?” Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. CHAPTER X. A DESPERATE CHANCE, THE disguised woman bowed quietly. **Good-morning,” spoke Beriong, somewhat | stiffly. ‘Will you be seated? [I shall take | pleasure in learning who you are.” ‘That is easily told. By name I am Juan I bring a card to you.” ‘**So [have seen, Is it yours by right?” ‘By gift, ouly. My health,” and the alleged Cuban smiled, ‘‘ requiring me to leave the land of my birth, I wished to meet those here whose ideas would match mine. <A friend gave me the card, I came with it, his blessing, and a miser- ‘*T think this Berlong may be Percy’s brother, and I am going to improve my knowledge of bis | associates to go into bis circle. I think tidings | may be had of Percy, and of Clarice Wal- | bride.” | » “ You'll run a p’izon big resk.” “Think of my motives—to save Clarice; to save my own life, perbaps, for lam sure Perey Berthrong will strike at me again.” ; Foxy Fred was not yet satisfied, and a long conference ensued, but Mrs. Stannard was firm, aud he bad to yield. Dangerousas it was, it was arranged that she should go at once to the crooks’ quarters, and that Fred should hover near the place, after going there by another route, ready to watch for signals and help her if needed. They had breakfast, and Mrs, Stannard then left the house. She had added a tall hat, a cane and kid gloves to her attire, and looked like a genuine Cuban sport. This character she tried to strengtben by assuming an appropriate air, and, Fred had declared, with great success, Sbe did not allow her jaunty manner to lessen as she approached the place of danger. The place bad its pecularities. It was under the control of a ‘‘ society” of crooks. Looking at it in front the chance observer would see two ' buildings. One was a wide concern with 2 mat- ter-of-fact, honest business carried on upon the ground floor, and offices above; the other was a di welling-house, No one not in the secret would suspect that there was any connection between the two, but, if the woman detective was not misinformed, such a counection did exist, She boldly rung the bell, and, when a ser- vant appeared, airily inquired- ‘* Lady of the house in?” ‘ She be, that.” ** Give her this, please,” A card was handed over. It bore a somewhat unique and mysterious inscription: ‘Lock HEART, New York. **B, B. B. Soc., W. Div.” The servant gazed at it for a moment, and then phlegmatically bade the applicant enter the parlor, This done, she disappeared with the card, When she returned Mrs, Stannard was not surprised that a man, instead of a woman, accompanied her, ; He was a commonplace-looking man, There was no trace of suspicion in his manner as he intently gazed at her, *¢ This is your card,” he remarked. ‘*I¢ is.” “The inscription is strange,” ‘** Not to those in the secret,” ** For what?’ ‘* Booty, Blood and Beauty, the three Bs.” Tbe man smiled. “The Western Division of the Society wel- comes you. Come up-stairs, and you shall talk with one higher in authority than [,” Mrs, Stannard breathed a sigh of relief that her first effort had succeeded so well, In the old days she had gathered a little of the forms and secrets of the particular fraternity of crooks to which Berthrong had belonged. The card was a part of their secrets. Any one holding a copy was thus introduced, and if he could give the password, as she had just given it, he would be received as a friend if he fur- ther proved satisfactory. ‘ Thus far all had gone well, but it was only a pegiening, he woman detective followed her guide up the stairs. On the next floor he threw open a door, bidding her enter, and she obeyed, her glossy hat and stylish cane held in a jaunty manner, There, a man rose to receive her, and she stood face to face with Berlong, the crook printer. She saw at once that he would be more critical than the other man, for he fixed a keen and searching gaze upon her. ly sum of money.” ‘* Who was he?” ‘* His name was Join Ambrose, once of New York,” Here the ‘‘Cuban” took a risk, He did not know whether the ‘‘ Society” was systematic enough to have a list of members, or not. If one was kept, the fact might expose his false claims. Berlong, however, gave no sign of fresh suspicion, ‘* What do you, wish to do in New York?” he asked. “ Live!” “ How?” “ By my wits!” ‘* How did you live in Cuba” ‘*In the same way.” Juan Costa crossed his legs, assuming an airy manner, and lightly added: ‘*T wish to be frank. I'll confess that I was born tired. Work and I never seemed drawn toward each other. The only attraction money and I had for each other was when the precious stuff stack to my fingers. 1 early decided that I would let other men work and go down to their graves bonored and happy, while I would live on them, vulture-like, and probably wind up my career with the hangman’s noose around my neck, I carried out my views in Cuba until I was forced to skip. [I am pow in New York. My money wil] last a few days, After that I must get more, Perhaps it will be by hignway robbery, but I hope to find friends who will show me a neater way.” As this explanatiou advanced, Berlong’s brow gradually cleared. The visitor assumed the air of a reckless ad- venturer so well that the listener could not fail to be favorably impressed. “You have come with the card of the soci- ety,” be remarked, ‘‘and that is supposed to be a satisfactory recommendation, Tell me more of yourself,” ‘ Juan Costa obeyed. The lesson had been thoroughly learned, avd the alleged history of his life was rolled cff glibly. His manner was never that of a braggart; it was simply good- natured, airy and reckless. Before he was through, Berlong had laughed more than once, and the battle was won. The latter would not be foolish enough to be- tray dangerous secrets, but he had no doubt that Costa was to be trusted, and would prove a faithful belper in avy crooked work they might lay out. He therefore welcomed the new-comer cor- dially, and showed him the quarters of the soci- ety. The house they were in was a boarding- place for crooks who made up the organization, and, in addition, they bad a large room at the rear*of the adjoining building. A secret door led tothe latter place, and furnished a way of retreat in time of necessity. When Costa had seen everything which the host cared to show, be invited the entertainer out to walk. Berlong shook his head, ‘Pm in retirement now.” “ For your health?” laughed the Cuban, ‘Yes, A very unlucky thing occurred last night. I hed a place where I did a matter-of- fact business, but made good pay by taking in work which could not be trusted to Tom, Dick and Harry. A bad affair has ended my busi- ness, and force me to keep under cover,” ** Detectives, I suppose.” ‘* A womar!” Berlong scowled and forcibly added: ** A crook has no business to look at women, or think of them. If he does, he is sure to get into trouble, It’s always so,” ‘*] know, but we can’t be of ice.” **Some men can’t,” This surly rejoinder led the Cuban to believe the speaker was thinking of Percy Berthrong, but no more was added. ** You've got a jolly place here,” remarked Juan, anon, ‘If kidnapping can be carried on in New York, this would be a prime place to hold folks prisoners,” “~—- 7 ‘Kidnapping be hanged! I don’t like it.” ‘*Suppose I wanted some one shut up here, would you allow it?” - “Decidedly not! I have fought the--idea at alltimes, The boys have their games going on, but they can bring nobody here, man or woman,” Berlong spoke freely, and the Cuban was satis- fied on one point: Clarice Walbridge was not there. He longed to continue the questioning, but saw no possible way of doing it without in- evitably arousing the suspicions of his compan- ion. The only way was to gain his confidence, and this be set out to do, Talking freely, be made himself as agreeable as possible, and seemed toscore a success, but Berlong did not touch on the subject of interest. Juan finally decided to leave, and was about to mention the matter When footsteps in the hall were followed by the opening of the door. The Cuban looked up and saw a man enter. It was Percy Berthrong! : From the first the crook’s wife had foreseen the possibility of meeting her former busbaud, and had schooled herself to doit calmly, but even her courage was not sufficient then. She felt the blood recede from ber browned face, and an icy chill seemed to assail her heart. What if she was recognized. Nothing but her death would satisfy the man who hated her so bitterly. The ex-sport was looking out of trim and out of temper; indeed, his face was scowling and ugly, and he looked at the other persons like an ill-tempered bulldog. ‘Mr. Brown, this is Senor Costa,” remarked Berlong. **How are you?” With this surly recognition of the introduc- tion Percy passed the others, went to a writing- desk in the corner, seized upon pen and paper as if they had done him soine personal injury, and began to write. Berlong took this manifestation as a matter of course, and began to speak to Juan again, but the latter found it a vast task to recover due nerve and coolness. Berthrong’s wife bad prac- ticed speaking ina disguised voice, but dared she trust herself in his presence? Would be not recognize her tones at once? She clearly saw sbe had overestimated her strength, but this very fact caused all her energy to remonstrate against her weakness. Making a supreme effort she managed to command ber voice, She answered, and watched the effect upon Percy. He wrote without raising his head, Berlong spoke on, and the ‘‘ Cuban” took due part, anxious to get away, yet dreading the effects of too much baste, and anxious to see if his companions would not let drop some clew to Clarice Walbridge. H Berlong finally chanced to mention the word “ woman” casually, and at itssound Percy finish- ed his writing with a vicious sweep of the pen and turned toward his companions sharply. It was clear that he had something to say, CHAPTER XI. IN STRANGE COMPANY. “Women!” cried the convict, bitterly. ‘* Why do you forever prate of them? Why don’t you expunge the word from your vocabulary ?” “*It strikes me you kave more cause to do that than I,” dryly returned Berlong. ‘*T know them better,” retorted Berthrong. “Who knows them better? I’ve married one, and tried to marry another. The latter would have madg me rich had it not been for the for- mer, but she had to stepin and ruin all, I ex- pect to bang for her!” Again the chill settled over the Cuban’s heart, but Berlong impatiently returned: . “ Nonsense!” ‘“‘ Nonsense, is it?’ the convict replied. ‘We shall see, Everybody knows that when a man starts out in,crooked work he practically makes a bid to be handled by the bangman, as a wind- up to his career, While honest men go their even way, the crook marches on step by step in crime; he never knows when he lies down at night how soon a cell door may close upon bim; he never knows when a detective’s hand will fall on his shoulder, If he keeps bis liberty he goes the whole race of crime, First step, fast young man; second, petty thief: third, general swindler; fourth, robbery with violence; fifth, murder and the gallows. That all crooks poset a there is because they die a trifle too soon ‘* What has that to do with women?” ** With me, much!” Berlong was silent, and Percy added: *“ All the set-backs I have had bave come q 4
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Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. man!” There was no mistaking what he meant. His face told the story, and Mrs. Stannard knew that, as far as he could contro] her future, she was doomed. His anger because sbe frustrated | her strangely firm resolution to aid Clarice Wal- | other person appeared on the scene. his plans bad gone on until it had become a mania, and it was she who was menaced. Surely, there was good reason why she should sit silent and dismayed. Berthrong had freed his mind, and he, too, | the chance, He gnawed at his mustache |.rusb, and he talked airily without reference to remained silent. and stared almost wildly at vacancy. ‘You ought to put this out of your mind,” advised Berlong. ‘ No good can come of it,” ‘*T am studying how to work it,” the convict explained, ‘'I think the way to locate her is to shadow the boy, Foxy Fred, Patience will en- able us to dog him straight to where she lives; then I will find some way to get at her, I never sball prosper until—” He made a significant motion, and then rose, went to the mantel and lighted a cigar, ** Young man,” he added, addressing the Cu- ban, * take warning from me, You are young, and bave yet to grow the first down on your upper lip, Let wisdom steal a march on your mustache, Keep your mind from women, or you may get a wife who will do you up.” **You see,” explained Berlong, ‘tour friend had a wife who handed him over to the police, and that, too, when he had always been very indulgent and kind to her,” Mrs, Stannard remembered how Percy had first neglected and then abused her; how he had deliberately flaunted crime and his criminal associates before her, to shock her; how he had tried to cast her off and marry another woman; and bow he had more than once beaten her, And now all the blame was laid to ber! Berthrong evinced a strong inclination to get interested in the supposed Cuban, and was about to press the acquaintance, as the latter saw with alarm, She did not feel able to endure it, Luckily, the danger was for the time averted, Other men entered the room, and the fore- most spoke hurriedly: ‘‘T think, Brown, you had better go to The Nest?” ‘** Why?” Berthrong asked, ** Men are sulking around there, and they don’t look at all like the police, We think they must be of the gang who were in the stable, last night.” ** Ah! then they are after—” hv ea” The messenger finished the ex-sport’s sentence, after the latter paused. Tbe Cuban would have given much if Percy had said all, They were after—whom? Was it Clarice Walbridge? Berthrong meditated. He did not seem to be greatly discomposed by the tidings, but did re- cognize the gravity of the situation. He walked across the room several times with his head lowered, while every one watched him, and no- body more anxiously than the spy. Would he betray what she so much wanted to know? **T suppose I may as well go over and see about this,” he finally remarked. ‘I run the risk of being pulled in, every time I step outside, but I fancy my race is not yet run, 1s a feel- ing of triumph to walk right*among the police and not have them recognizs me.” The Cuban did not wonder that, kaving es- caped the view of those who actually knew him, Bertbrong had not been suspected. His bair, which had been cut:close when he was a ‘‘ sport,” and worn long and straight as Brown, the printer, was now rumpled up in a disorderly way; he had a heavy, drooping mustache which locked very real, and a few artistic lines in his face had made him appear ten years older and twenty pounds lighter. He suddenly turned to the visitor. ** Costa, do you want to go with me?” The Cuban’s heart began to beat fast, ‘*T shall be pleased to,” was the answer, made with difficulty. ‘*Come on, then,” Whither? This was the question in the Cuban’s mind, Had he been recognized? But no; long acquaintance with the man and his ways made the Cuban feel safe on that point. The only danger was that the discovery would come later, It was clear that Perce had taken a fancy to Mr. Costa, and really wanted his company. Ordinarily he was cbary of confiding in a stranger, but he trusted in Berlong’s judgment, that man being noted for care and prudence in such matters, The ex-sport made ready for the street, and the ex-wife felt the greatest trial of her life was coming. Could she continue to deceive both ' RA vd NOMA SRI TY Ik Settee / " Bees SiR ys AMR! natal white eee AE re A - ‘ Shei e | | SS Sess sss sss sss sss SSS could expect no more than speedy attack, for his fury would break loose from all restraint. She would have declined to go with him, through womeo, and I expect to hang for a wo- | his eyes and ears? If she was recognized she , some one I’ve seen before, though I fail to place | the resemblance now.” ** ve been told that all Cubans look alike.” Wit this comment Juan was about to make a even at the last moment, had it not been for | fresh effort to get away, but at that moment an- bridge, They left the house, Then, for the first time, Percy had a chance to see his companion’s face in strong light, but he did not improve His spirits had gone up with a any serious subject. Presently, however, they met a patrolman. He looked narrowly at the supposed Cuban, and at him only, but Berthrong fancied the scrutiny was for himself, This made bim cau- tious, and he thereafter used his eyes with un- ceasing vigilance, Suddenly he touched his companion’s arm, ‘© Don’t look around,” be cautioned; ‘*‘ but we are followed,” ** Followed?” ‘‘Yes, A peculiar-looking man has been dog- ging us for three blocks, and how much longer I don’t know, Probably he is a detective, though, if so, he must be disguised. Somebody is after us, sure,” The ex-sport did not seem much troubled, but it was a peculiar feeling for the Cuban. Of course, a8 an associate of Berthrong’s, Juan would come in for a share of suspicion, It was not pleasant to be dogged. CHAPTER XII. A MYSTERIOUS SHADOWER, THE convict did not recover from his feeling of uneasiness, and presently added; ‘*Let’s us stop and light a couple of cigars, and while about it we will pretend to have trouble to find matches, Gradually we will face toward the pursuer, and not only have more chance to get onto his appearance, but we’ll see how he will take our stop.” This plan was carried out. The Cuban pleaded a headache as an excuse for declining to smoke, but, further than that be entered into the scheme satisfactorily, While both pretended to hunt for matches, they secretly watched the pursuer, The latter did not come up to them, Instead, he no sooner saw them pause than he did the same, pretending to be deeply interested in a window and its exhibited goods. He was peculiar looking. He was tall and slender, and of ministerial cast in certain ways, He was dressed all in black, and his coat but- toned so closely, and so directly under his chin that, at a slight distance, no collar was visible, He had, however, a thin, but very long mus- tache, of deep black, which curved outward and downward over his mouth until it almost touch- ed the point of his chin. There was something almost weird about him, and Berthrong arrived at a conclusion: ** Disguised, sure!” ** He looks like it,” “Sure! He’s a police spy. Ten years ago he was probably a patrolman, intent only on flirt- ing with servant girls, and making saloons pay him for pot observing that they were open at illegal hours. He rose to be a detective, and that’s why he’s dogging us.” With this sammary of the supposed history of the unknown, Percy lighted his cigar and they moved on, " ‘*The Man in Black follows,” he added. ‘“Do you apprehend arrest?” Juan asked. ‘*T don’t know, but this much is certain: I can’t go where I intended. That trip is off, We will take a walk, and then go back. Sup- pee we ride to Central Park, and stroll around a bit?’ This was just what the Cuban did not want to do, It was a constant horror to bein the ex- sport’s company, and as there seemed to be no hope of seeing Clarice Walbridge on that occa- sion, the sooner such dangerous company was deserted the better. Juan, therefore, pleaded lack of time, and Berthrong did not insist, They prepared to separate, and this state of affairs brought them for the first time facing each other in good light. The ex-sport was saying something, but he stopped short and stared blankly at his com- panion, The Cuban’s nerve rose with the occasion, Producing a cigarette he drawled: “Give us a light, please. I won’t search for any dayvilish matches,” Percy started, extended his lighted cigar mechanically, and then suddenly aroused. “Shoot me if you don’t look in the eyes like | | He had come up unnoticed; a rough, slovenly, dissi- pated-looking fellow; and he pulled at Ber- throng’s sleeve before he gained attention. He gave Juan fresh cause for uneasiness, for he had | been a neighbor when the ex-sport and his wife were together, and was a peculiarly shrewd per- son in many ways. Another danger must be faced, ** What is it, Con?” Percy asked. ** 1m after wantin’a word wid you in private, sor.” ‘Speak right out; it’s ail right, Con,” ‘* It’s about your wife.” ‘Well, what of her?” “Sure, I’ve found out she has left Harding Otis’s, sor, an’ gone back to that whelp ave a boy, Foxy Fred. Ido be thinkin’ you would do well ter be on the lookout. There’s no knowin’ what disguise she might take this time, she worked it so n’ately before.” ‘‘She’s as cunning as the Evil One, but Pll beat her—unless she gets in the first blow.” “Your trouble is that you won’t know her whin you see her,” cautioned Con, ‘Now, she niver could fool me; let me set me two eyes on her, an’ 1 would know her in spite ave all the disguises she put on. You're a good man, sor, an’ if you'll let me act as your body-guard, Ill agree to take care ave you. I'll look sbarp at ivery man who is near you, and I defy her to get in range ave me eyes an’ k’ape her saycret; 1 do, that, Id know her first off, begorra!” The Cuban had turned his back and was look- ing at the goods in a show window. Con could not see his face; he dared not let him see it, ‘Pm very much obliged, Con,” replied Ber- throng, ‘‘ but it never would do. ou and I were once neighbors, as many of my enemies know, and it would be a dead give-away if you were seen near me.” ** But I'd k’ape well back.” ‘*T know, but it would be a constant danger, all the same, One man can’t follow another without the fact being noticed by those interested in the person followed,” The ex-sport looked back uneasily at the Man in Black, who was still keeping up bis show of looking in the window, but Con, greatly disap- ointed, stood in silent irresolution, Then he ooked at the Cuban, meditated, and made a de- cision, Stepping forward he hrought bis big hand down heavily on Juan’s shoulder, with a hearty slap. If the world had gone to pieces with a crash it would not have been much more startling to the Cuban, His heart seemed to collapse, and he in- stinctively turned to face the danger, ‘*Say, young feller!” exclaimed Con, ‘take keer ave the boss, will you’s?” If Con had been in tbe mood of ordinary dis- cernment the dismay and alarm on the Cuban’s face must have attracted bis attention, but he was so wrapped up in his own ideas that be could see nothing, and understana nothing. ‘*You’s a friend of his,” the speaker added, ‘‘and if we don’t stand by our friends, wko will?” The Cuban experienced another revulsion of feeling, When the heavy hand descended on his shoulder he bud felt sure he was recognized; now, it wasclear that Con was still unsuspicious, lt required a great effort to get control of voice, expression and composure, but he managed to reply calmly: “Pll do what I can,:sir, but, begad! I’m thinking I may need somebody’s care, myself.” An expressive shrug of the shoulders seemed to convey a good deal, and Con smiled broadly. ‘You furriners is a queer lot,” be remarked, ‘*but your hearts are in the right place, Boss,” to Berthrong, ‘you think me company on the streets moigbt not be healthy to you, so I’m off, K’ape your eye open, I'll see you ag’in,” He went, much to the Cuban’s relief, and never suspecting that his boast of being able to recognize theex-sport’s wife in any disguise had already been put to the test ancl demolished. Bertbrong scarcely heeded his departure. ‘¢ The Man in Black troubles me,” he observed, seriously. ‘*Do you really think he is dogging you?” ee Yes,” The Cuban looked in thoughtful sitence. He had no means of knowing who the shadower was, but he rather hoped that the man would keep'bis hands off, It was not time to arrest the ex-sport—Clarice Walbridge was not found, ‘* Let us move on,” Percy suggested, “I want
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to test this fellow, further. Keep witb me until it is decided. We will go down this side-street, sand if be follows I shall know be is dogging me,” The plan was carred out. They did not look around until the whole block bad been trav- ersed. Then, as a fresh survey was taken, it was seen that the Man in black had disappeared. ‘I guess you were mistaken,” remarked Juan. ‘* Perhaps so,” Berthrong admitted, ‘‘ but I do not feel at all sure of it. We will go on.” They went, but he was not so sociable as _ be- fore. His mind was on the supposed shadower, and his conversation was broken, This did not trouble the Cuban; he was perfectly willing it should beso, It took attention away from him. For several blocks they walked on, and then Percy suddenly touched bis companion’s arm, ** Look!’ he directed Juan obeyed. On the opposite side of the street the Man iv Black was at bis old trick of looking into a show-window, but he plainly had his attention upon them, also, ** As I thought; he’s dogging me!” the ex-sport declared. ‘* Now, ll throw him off the track or break my neck, In order to do it I must leave you; but you'll call again, won’t you, Mr, Costa?” sé Yes.” *« Do so; I shall be glad to seo you. I'll try to show you what New York is like, and I tell you it is the most glorious city on the face of the earth. We have the cream of America, and in a short time no European city will be in it with our great metropolis. But this is not to the point. Good-day! I’m off!” Shaking the Cuban’s hand, Percy ran out and spring on a street-car. Resolved to try an experiment, the Cuban slipped Quickly into a cigar-store, and from the window secretly watched the Man in Black, The latter had turned away from the window. He looked after the car, and he looked searching- jy up and down the street. Juan rightly suspected that, in watching Ber- throng, the shadower had lost sight of him, and was anxious to locate him again, Failing in this, the Man in Black made a decision. He boarded a car and follow after the ex-sport. Costa now perceived that he was really shadowing Percy, but the impression that there was some unusual mystery about the man grew in the Cuban’s mind. Who, and what, was he? An ordinary detective? If so, why did he not seize bis prey while he had a chance?” “I won’t bother about it,” thought the disguised woman, with a sigh. ‘* Let me be thankful I have passed through so many porils in safety. Yes; and as I am established as Juan Costa, a future is before me. Tll go to them again; ’ll go hoping to help Clarice. Providence help me if my identity becomes known!” CHAPTER XIII. THE BLOW OF THE BEARDED BAND, Ir was evening. Two boys were strolling slong a side street. Cne was Foxy Fred; the other was, to all ap- pearances, & colored boy of about the Keener’s own age. E ‘* We ain’t goin’ ter git no p’inters ter-night,” Fred remarked, with dissatisfaction. ** It looks like it.” ‘‘ Bad, by gum! I’m jest spoilin’ fer a brush with the pestiferous enemy.” “Tt may be better for us. Although it is my plan, I don’t know as it is safe for me to be seen wita you in any guise.” ‘ Singin’ ’skeeters! nobody would suspect you was Mary Stannard.” * Hush!” ‘*Oh! I didn’t breathe the name until I was dead sure nobody else would hear it, I intend ter be as wily as a Bowery thimble-rigger. Yes, old hoss: you are Jeff Washington, a colored gent, an’ nobody else.” Mrs, Stannard smiled. Once more she had shown her remarkable faculty for planning and perfecting a disguise, and in Jeff Washington there was no suggestion of Juan Costa or Mary Stannard, so Fred asserted, and he momentarily hi more and more proud of bis detective com- rade, They had made no discoveries on the trip, and as the héur was growing late, they decided: that further search would be useless. ‘* This is a dark and forbidding street,” added Mrs. Stannard, ‘‘ and I do not care to risk any- thing. We will turn back, at once.” She suited the action to the word, and Fred followed the example, but the peaceful return apon which they counted was not to take place, A strong hand suddenly grasped the supposed Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. 9 colored boy by the collar and burled him against the wall of the adjacent building. He then fell to the sidewalk and lay perfectly still, appar- ently senseless. As for the Keener, he saw three men confront- ing him, and one sternly exclaimed: ‘** Boy, you are our prisoner. Don’t dare to call for help, We will kill you if you do!” ‘** Kill’ is a big word, mister,” returned the unabashed Keener, ‘‘ You ain’t no New York- er, or you wouldn’t use sech expressions, Say, d’ye think ye kin blow in here from the wilds of Arizony, Canada or Weehawken, an’ bluff a city gent like me?” Fred talked glibly, but he was not idle in other ways, He was trying to defer trouble, and in the meanwhile he used his eyes freely, There was good cause to say the men were not New Yorkers, There was that about them which proved it at once. Ona the contrary, they had a certain freedom of dress, and picturesque disorder of hair and beard, which made his reference to Arizona seem not inappropriate. Nevertheless, they were keen and alert, and had an ample supply of a certain kind of intel- ligénce, They let him finis), and then, seeing he had nothing of importance to say, the spokesman pulled at his collar, ‘* Come!” he tersaly directed. ‘* Where?” ‘*'Y ou will learn that, later.” ‘*T want ter learn now, I don’t go ter walk with no gent without finding out jest w’ot he’s drivin’ at, you bet. Besides, [ don’t like the way you used a poor little black kid,” Foxy Fred looked anxiously at Mrs. Stannard, who remained motionless. His first idea had been that it was she at whom the attack was aimed, but as no further attention was given her, he changed his‘mind. He was afraid, how- ever, that she had been injured by the fall. The man showed a disposition tc delay which was not then easy to understand, and in the meanwhile a carriage came briskly down the street, Fred had an eye on it, and when it came nearly opposite him, he suddenly cried: ‘Hi! mister, this way! I’m bein’ done up by mean skunks, Help!” The carriage pulled up by the curbstone, The Keener’s face fell when he saw the driver calni- ly keep his seat, and one of the other men open the vehicle door, but before be could form any new plan of action, he was flung unceremoni- ously inside, his captors followed, and the car- riage resumed its way. ** Look here!” Fred looked, and saw a revolver. **T don’t think you want to throw your life away,” thespeaker added. ‘ Be silent, and you will avoid all trouble,” “Trouble? Say! w’ot d’ye call the dif, I am in, now? Ef this ain’t trouble, w’otis it? You may think it’s fun, but 1 don’t. W’ot are you tryin’ ter do?” “For a while you are our prisoner, Ask no questions about it, and all will be well,” It was a very cool direction, for the Keener believed he had more interest, and more cause to ask questions than any one else, but it was elear that he could not successfully resist three mep and a revolver, so he did not attempt it. His first, natural idea that he owed the attack to Percy Berthrong had been abandoned, and he was curious, as well as troubled by the situ- ation, These men, he felt sure, would let nothing stand in the way of their purpose. _ Lhe journey was not long, and they drew up in front of one of a row of miserable houses, He was told they were to enter, and sternly cau- tioned not to make any outcry or resistance. If he had seen any one to whom he could ap- peal, the warning might have been ignored, but nobody was at hand, He was obliged to suffer himself to be led into the house, He was conducted to the back parlor, and the bearded trio again confronted ‘him, There was no mercy in their faces or manner, ‘“‘ Boy,” began the spokesman, ‘‘ what is your name?” ‘* Call me Blicke*ty.” * No jesting, sir.” “I don’t know ez I’m obliged ter giv a family pedigree. Ef you don’t know who I be, you Ought ter bev found out afore you gobbled e, ** We have seen you before,” ‘ YA you?” nd you’ve seen us,” ‘free vee oe . At a certain stable which I need not name,” ie Oh! be you the gorillas in the masks?” We were the masked men,” was the frigid raply. ‘‘ Now, where are those who were then with you?’ ** Don’t know.” “it is false! Of course you know, and you must tell, Oneof the party was a man called Brown, In all probability the name is ficti- tious. We want toknow his real name, whoand what he is, and what game he is playing. You were one of his companions, and must know what we wish tolearn. You are to tell us this.” Foxy Fred had grown interested. These men had captured Harding Otis and turned their re- volvers upon him, and they desired to know all about Berthrong. The Keener lost bis appre- hensions in keen curiosity, and at that moment he was rather glad he was 1n their company. His meditations were eut short by the sharp order: ** Speak out! out!” We will have no trifling. Speak CHAPTER XIV. THE KEENER’S CAPTIVITY, ‘* MistrER,” repiied Foxy Fred, diplomatically, “it is possible that we may be able to make a bargain—” ‘“*T bave no bargain to make!” sharply in- terrupted the spokesman of the strangers. ** You are our prisoner; you are in our power, We want information, and we’re going to have it. Now, understand me: We are not your enemies; we have nothing against you. You never did us any harm, and we don’t want to harm you,. Tell us what we want to know and you can go free, safe and sound, Refuse, how- ever, and we'll force the truth from you, if need be, by torture!” : : He spoke with candor that was impressive, and as Foxy Fred did not feel wholly at ease sitting there with the grim trio for companions, he replied: “* Drive on, mister!” ** Who is the man Brown?” ** A crook,” ‘* What is his real name?” ** Percy Bertbrong.” ‘* What.is his line of crooked work?” ** Ccnfidence man, bunco-steerer, an’ so on.” ** No more?” ** Not ez I know of. Yesee, he ain’t iu actyve business life, now. He an’ the police had a little misunderstandin’, a few montbs ago, an’ they in- vited him ter go ter State’s Prison fer a vaca- tion. I dare say they bad a room all selected fer him, with clean sheets on the bed an’ costly paintin’s on the wall, but Perce didn’t move in, Op the contrary he jest shook his keepers here in New York, an’ sence then he’s been hidin’ from them, The fact that they wanted ter put him in bas put him out.” The Keener smiled at his own joke, but no one else did, ‘You are in his confidence, of course.” “Not much, He’s dead ag’inst me.” “IT know better.” * Ask hin,” ‘““T would if I bad a chance, Now, see here: What do you know about a girl who was stolen from a bouse up Murray Hill way? The owner of the house was one Harding Otis,” Foxy Fred opened his eyes widely. A ques- tion of more interest to him was, what did these men know about the circumstance? And what did they care about it? His silence was not al- lowed to grow to undue length. ‘* Where is she?” added the spokesman. “T don’t know.” “ Be careful, boy!” “I'm givin’ you a straight deal, mister.” ‘*Why will you be so idiotically stubborn? You are a friend of this Berthrong, aud, no doubt, well informed as to his affairs, You must know where the girlis, Tell us that and we will not only guarantee you Rite usage, but give you fifty dollars if you will inform us at once,” “ What do you wanto’ her?” ‘That is our business. Don’t expect us to re- turn any confidence. You can’t expect it, The power is with us, and we shal] use it without mercy.” This was plain enough, but Foxy Fred’s naturally inquisitive nature was not to be kept down, He persisted in his truthful statement that he did not know where Clarice was, and, oceasionally, interjected a question seeking to get some light in return, He was devoured with curiosity to know who his companions were, and what interest they had in the matter. His pertinacity seemed to show them the folly of trying to check it, but, instead, all of bis questions were ignored. As for his assertion that he could tell no more, the spokesman was evidently somewhat influenced. He left one of
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pT lI a Re 5 li ae NLS EILTE 10 his companions to guard the prisoner, and went aside with the other, for consultation. When they returned, pen, paper and ink were placed before the Keener. ‘* Write!” order the leader, ** What?” “What I tell you. Begin thus: ‘Percy Berthrong, Dear friend—’” ‘* Say, who’s goin’ ter sign this?’ Fred de- manded, “ You,” ‘* Singin’ ’skeeters! theridee o’ my addressin’ Perce as ‘Dear friend!) Why, man, you're crazy as‘a man who thinks all his political party is square,” **Go on!” angrily cried the leader. ** Write as I tell you, or you never will leave here alive,” “That settles it, Reel off yer rhetoric, an’ Ill write English, French, Choctaw or Hunter’s Point dialect.” The letter, when written, was certainly a re- markable composition from the Keener’s point of view, It read as follows: **PrrcY BERTHRONG:— ** DEAR FRIEND:—I am in trubble, an’ wooed like youre as’isterance without Delaigh. I fownd owt hat They wuz ou 2 owr sch em abowt Clarriss, an’ That They-wuz goin’ 2 Git Hir away unless I took roomp’ mazures 2 keep her away frum Them, so changed Hir abowd an’ bro’t Hir hear. Kum 2 this number an’ taik charge ov Hir agen, Will You! I don’t feel able ter do it. That’s w’ot My trubble is. “T hav Diskovered a good ’eel w'itch We Did knot no befour. Unless you are verry kwick you are liabeill 2 Bee seezed an’ incusserateated in priz’n. * You Are a.square man, an’I like you. You no you can depend Onto Me, 2. We will Help One another. Kum at once. “Yore trew friend, “ Foxy Freep.” There had been no especial need of the Keener giving his real name, but the humor of the sit- uation had appealed to him so strongly that he could not resist the temptation, If the Jetter really was delivered to Berthrong, that *‘ dear friend” would be staggered by it. The leader read the missive through, ‘* Where did you learn to spell?” he asked. “ Berthrong teacbed me,” was the demure reply. *‘Heisa graduate of Yale College, an’ he put me onter the Yale system,” For a moment the faintest trace of a smile was Visible on the man’s face, He never had seen worse spelling—nor had Fred. He did not claim to be perfect, but he bad willfully outdone himself in bad spelling, this time. ‘Put Berthrong’s address on this envelope,” the leader added. The joke lost force. It never would do tosend the letter to the house where ** Juan Costa” had seen the ex-sport, for this would cause the gang to move out at'once, The only chance left was to address it to Berthroag’s printing-office, and this he did. The leader did not seem favora- bly impressed by this, but after considerable questioning, he had to be content. One of his men was sent with the decoy. “Now, I s’pose J go?” questioned the Keener, ‘No; you await Berthrong’s coming.” “Whew! then I'll winter with ye. 1 tell you fair that.he bates me like p’izon,” ‘“*T prefer my own opinion. i shall hold you until i know you can’t give him warning, to keep him away, Our business, boy, is not of trivial nature. We havs a great-work to do, and we shall do it, though one-half of New York opposes us. Through blood, if necessary, we go to attain our end, and woe be to those who oppose us, Death is likely to be their re- ward, Igive you fair warning; beware bow you trifle with us!” CHAPTER XV. THE MAN IN BLACK, ‘ THE Keener argued the matter no More, He had seen that this was folly, and he settled down to take matters as calmly as possible. He had considerable faith in the unknown’s assertion that they did not seek to harm him, though he was of the opinion thata gale would blow around his ears when they saw that Bérthrong was not to be entrapped thus. These’ men interested Foxy Fred, Who were they? What did they want of Clarice? These and other questions floated through his mind as he sat and watched them in the silence which followed, In a certain way they were impressive of a pearance. Their faces were intelligent; tbeir physical proportions, muscular. Then their ap- arance of having come from some distant nd; their bronzed skins and bushy beards; ‘ hin RS 9 GRR GAR ee A cl NS. Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. their grim and grave air; their serious way of taking all things—these peculiarities made them impressive. ‘* New Yorkers would order up a pitcher o’ beer an’ settle down fer a game o’ poker,” thought the Keener, *‘ but they set like Quakers in meetin’.” They were more patient than he, for they kept their positions calmly, long after be had grown nervous; but then, he knew that delay would be an utter failure, Nothing in his favor was to be expected; trouble was to be looked for. The monotony of theaffair was finally broken, A woman knocked at the door, and when she was admitted, she beld out a card—which, plain- ly, was not ap orthodox ‘visiting ” card—and announced: “A gentleman to see Eldred,” This seemed to be the name of the leader, He took the card, and presently passed it to his companion. They conferred for a moment, and then turned to the Keener, ** Boy,” said Eldred, ‘both of us wish to see this man, and as we want to be sure of your presence when we return, we shal) have to put you under a trifle of restraint.” In w’ot way?” ‘*Simply to bind your hands, and tie you to yonder sofa,” **T ain’t old enough ter vote, an’ I s’pose you'll do ez you please,” Fred replied, ungraciously. Their idea was carried out, and they then left the room. The Keener was alone; the window was near; but be was perfectly helpless, ** Frederick Walsingham Mather,” he remark- ek, ‘‘ you can’t drag this furnitnre through the winder with ye,so you'll hev to take things as coolly as you kin, ou may not lose anything by bein’ with the Bearded Brethren—unless its your head!” He smiled humorously, for nothing could dampen his spirits; but at that moment the door reopened, He looked, expecting to see one of the bearded men, but what he really did see gave him asurprise. It wasa tall, semi-ministerial-looking person, and one not unbeard of by Foxy Fred. ‘*The Manin Black!” he unconsciously mut- tered, remembering Mrs. Stapnaru’s account of the man, It flashed upon bim that the standing of the mysterious shadower was fixed, and that he was proven an ally of the Bearded Brethren, but the new-comer quickly made that theory doubtful. He crossed the room with long, light steps and stood by the Keener’s side, ‘*Do you want to escape?” he asked, in a low, entle voice, ‘Do 1? Wal, try me an’ see!” **'You will not be precipitate?” * W'ot’s that?” : ‘* Hasty, headlong. Wemust go out slyly if at all, or we never shall get out,” ‘*Mister, ’m on! Set me free, an’ you sball see l kin be assecret as a mouse afer cheese, Let ’er go!” Deftly the Man in Black untied the cords, and Fred rose up and stretched his limbs, once more ree, ‘* You’re a brick!” he declared, ‘““We must waste no wordsor time. Follow me, but abate not your caution for a moment, We must pass near the enemy, and though [ hy 4 pause for a moment to see what is the drift of their remarks, all may be ruined, in any case, by indiscretion,” 4 ‘Don’t you worry,” impatiently advised the Oy. Tbe Man ia Black said no more, and they pass- ed into the next room, The Keener quickly caught onto thesituation, The two Bearded Bretbren and their caller were there, end it would bave been impossible to pass them had they not been seated behind a fancy screen. Why they were there was not certain, unless it was in the lineof habitual practice of secrecy, but it had worked against them, now, It en- abled the Man in Black to enter, and the latter and Fred might uow have gone out at once, but the leader stopped and madea motion of cau- tion, They were close to the screen, and everything said there was plainly audible. Eldred was speaking, ‘As for us,” he «xplained, “we are in New York by order of the Committee of Death.” ‘You are fortunate,” ’ ‘The Power bas spoken, and we obey.” ‘* You have come @ long ways,” ‘Yes; and on an old trail, Those long lost sight of have been relocated; hence, our mis- sion, ** Who is the recreant brother?” ‘Our mission concerns a woman—a girl,” ‘* Ah! then your work is not pleasant,” “Tis the will of the Power.” ‘‘IT know, and I doubt not you will do the work well, But the few women admitted to the order rarely come under the ban thus.” ‘*In this case sbe never was admitted. The case is peculiar, and more unpleasant than you suspect. Very likely the doomed one never heard of th Power, With her,” added Eldred, som- berly, ‘‘ another must fall. He is a recreant brother.” ‘* When is the deed to be done?” ‘*Not until our handeg are on the girl. We have been troubled by lack of knowledge of the city, and when victory bas seemed in our grasp, some mischance bas put us all at fault. Soon, however, we shall bave our prey. When our grasp is on her, look out for a sensation in which a rich man shall figure as the victim. His name is Harding Otis.” Foxy Fred looked at the Man in Black, but the latter’s face was immobile, If this conver- sation conveyed any particular meaning to bim, he gave no evidence of the fact. But the Keener began to see more clearly how the rich man stood, ‘Slay without mercy,” advised the visi! or, “The order has not yet come, He is duly doomed, and has been warned, in order to ren- der his few remaining days of life more wretched, but the full decree of the Power is not yet at hand, When it comes, he dies!” The cool and relentless way in which these words were spoken made Foxy Fred shiver. It might be true, as the Bearded Brethren had said, that they had nothing against him, but he would prefer other company to theirs, The Man in Black shook bishead, Fred sus- pected it was because he was annoyefl at not hearing anything of direct value tohim, He grew more attentive to outside things, too, and after a pause, motioned toward the door, They started, but, just as that point was reached, and they stood by the passage from the parlor to the hall, the outside door was opened. A man entered. Foxy Fred started. It was the absent Bearded Brother, and he wasin their path of escape, CHAPTER XVI. BEHIND THE DOOR, Ir Eldred’s messenger had been looking to- ward the parlor door he must have seen the es- caping pair, at once, but he turned a little to one side as he entered, and the Man in Black was net slow to improve the opportunity. He seized Foxy Fred and drew him behind the parlor door, and by the time the messenger had closed the oufer one, be had nobody within range of his vision. He walked ivto the parlor, and at sound of his footsteps Eldred rose. “*Soivs you? What luck?” ‘ ‘“‘None. I found nobody.” ** How was that?” ‘The printing-office was closed, and I saw no sign of life, Tbere was a bell, and I rung it un- til I was afraid I would puli the walls down, No one came, and I could only infer that nobody was inside.” ‘*T am not surprised, The boy is an obstinate fellow, and I feared he might make us trouble, but I think we can bend his stiff neck. We'll see him again!” Eldred started for the parlor, and, as there was no chance for Fred and his companion to make their escape, the former glanced uneasily at the Man in Black. That person, however, was as stoical as ever, The leader of the bearded men paused. ‘¢ We will wait awhile,” be added, ‘* A bro- ther is here; you can meet him, We will at- tend to the boy, later, He tells his secret to- night, or—” The pause was quite as significant as words would have been, The late messenger joined the others and was duly introduced to the visitor, Conversation was then renewed, but not on matters of interest to Foxy Fred. All, it appeared, were total strangers in New York, and they spoke of the place as strangers naturally would. As this did not concern Fred and the Man in Black they would gladly have said farewell to the scene, but this they could not do. The addition of one to the party by the screen made room 60 scarce that one sat wholly beyond cover, and facing = directly toward the hall. Fred and bis ally were prisoners behind the | i door. ; ey Naturally, the Keener was disposed to let the — Black act as leader, but he looked at Man in t € him without getting any sign in return. The man was motionless as a statue, Ifhe badany
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dence—all of which was very unpleasant to the latter. He might have to act without a definite plan. Finally one of the bearded men advised: “Close the door. We are too public here. I don’t know the ways of New York, but I should imagine a closed parlor door would keep others out.” His theories were not of interest to the fugi- tives, but bis plan was. Once let that door | swing*away from the wall and they would be revealed. Then— The Keener set Lis teeth tightly. What then? ! He who had made the suggestion rose to carry it out. He advanced to within two yards of the door, but Eldred interrupted: - ‘* Let us retire to our own quarters, and then we shall be sure that we wili not be troubled. Come!” He set the example, and the others roze. The foremost man paused with his hand outstretched to lay hold of the door, aud then followed his comrades. All went toward the back parlor, Fred nudged the Man in Black. It was clear that his es ape would be discovered at once, and no time was to be lost. The fugitives glided from their cover and gained the hall unseen. Eagerly the Keener laid his band on the knob of the outer door. He turned it; the door yielded; they passed out, ‘Singin’ ’skeeters! ain’t this prime!” he ex- claimed. “Get away rapidly,” the Man in Black or- dered. ‘ By dihgent use of our legs we may manage to avoid being seen, and if we can throw some mystery about your escape, it will be a wholesome lesson to them.” No more was said until the end of the block was reached, There was still no sign of pur- suers, and the leader paused around the corner. ‘“* We part here,” he announced. ““Wal, mister, ’m mightily obliged to you, sure. You pulled me out of a fix that might have growed hot for me. I’m yours truly. Guess you ain’t no friend o’ that gang?” ‘“*T am not.” ‘* How’d you git in? ‘* T watched my chance,” was the evasive re- sponse. ‘Wal, why did you come in?” * Are you sorry I came?” “No, but—” ** f thought you would not be,” Foxy Fred perceived that he was not advanc- ing any. He hesitated, and, before he could say more, the Man in Black added: “You noticed what they said about some girl?’ “e Yes,” “Do you know where she is?” “No; I wish I did. Do you?” “Certainly not. Well, my young friend, I will not trouble you with my company any more. Itis bed-time for both of us. We sep-. arate here, but you will, of course, have no fur- ther trouble ip keeping clear of the men we have just left. I would impress upon you the fact that they deliberately spoke of taking human life. See to it, that you don’t fall into their hands again,” “‘T won't; but say,-mister, before you go I would like some light on this matter. You are a mystery terme. May I ask who you be?” * Possibly a man from a remote land, like them; possibly not. Now I will leave—” “But w’ot game be you workin’ in New York?” ‘*T am not in regular business, Good-night)” This time be did: not wait for an auswer, but walked rapidlyaway. Foxy Fred watched him, chagrined and disappointed, ““Novuse,” he agreed, ‘‘ Mr, Man in Black is bound ter keep his own secret, an’ [ see no way ter prevent it. He grows more an’ more mys- terious. He don’t belong ter the Bearded Breth- ren, unless he’s w’ot they call a recreant, an’ bis work in New York is as much of a puzzle as ever. But it’s him; he looks jest as Mrs. Stannard said, Can't be another jest like bim in town, Wal, Mr. Mystery, I'll bid you so-long fer now. I wonder where my detective com- Boonen thoughts were suddenly recalled to the fat that he had left her lying prostrate On the sidewa'k, and he returned to that point, He was not surprised when he failed to find any trace of her. Next he went to their quarters, where he was relieved to see Mrs. Staunard, in her proper character, Her own expression told how much vleasure his return gave ber. . “Thank Providence, you are back!” she ex- plans he did not seek to take Fred into his confi- | } Ro _ claimed. “I bave been terribly worried.” Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. ‘Mum, the Keener tribe always turn up all rigbt. But you—be you hurt?” ‘*No. I was momentarily stunned by my fall, and when I recovered, you and our assailants wrre goue, Who were they? What has hap- pened? Have you been a prisoner? If so, how did you escape?” ‘The Man in Black did it.” ** Ts 1t possible?” ** Kis so possible that you wouldn’t see me here ef it hadn’t been fer him, But this is how it come about,” and thereupon Fred told the whole story. It left Mrs. Stannard in a state of perplexity equal to his own, CHAPTER XVII. SOME ONE ELSE THREATENS, THE following morning Harding Otis had a caller. No card was sent up, and his only in- formation was that a boy wished to see him. After some hesitation be went down, and at once recognized Foxy Fred. *“* Ah! so it’s you?” “Et ain't nobody else, turb ye in any active pursoot, but I called on Anything new sence I see you last?” i | I hope I don’t dis- biz. | ‘*No,” Otis returned, sourly. ‘* No furder sight o’ the men who tried ter re- volver you in the stable, eh?” “ No.” ‘“*Say, mister, who was them fellers?” “Really, I can’t say,” was the siiff reply. ‘Some city gang, perhaps. Have you come here to bring up that past-and-gone affair?” “There ain’t no visible need o’ your bein’ so cranky about it,” retorted the Keener. ‘ Ef you want ter sail light, doet; you needn’t tell me yer secrets, by gum! Bui I ain’t goin’ ter be bluffed out o’ tellin? why I am here, ef it dves concern you alone, fer it migbt result ter your hurt. Fact is, I hev reason ter believe I hev seen them ag’in, an’ w’ot they remarked was just w’ct you ought ter know. They, or somebody else, are goin’ ter do you up!” ** How do you know?” ‘*Heerd them say so. Fact is, they gobbled me, had me pris’ner, an’ talked in my hearin’. Who they was I don’t know, except that one was called Eldred, an’ they had come from a distance, More than all, they hey planned ter kill you,” **'You heard them say that?” Otis’s manner was no longer indifferent, and the Keener was duly encouraged, “‘Idid, that; an’ there’s another they’re goin’ ter kill, She’s a girl. Who kin sne be?” Foxy Fred watcbed his companion sharply, and the latter’s change of expression told a good deal., Really, it was no news to him, but mental distress was visibly betrayed, _ “Tell me all about this,” he requested, in a voice which certainly bad no curtness, The Keener told as much as he saw fit, He did not mention Mrs. Stannard, but spoke of his captivity; the conversation he had over- heard, there, and bis rescue by the Man in Black. Otis was an attentive listener, though he asked but few questions, When he had heard all he rose and began to pace the room with his forehead thoughtfully knit and his head lowered, Finally he paused in front of the visitor. ‘*Did they seem sincere in trying to force from you the whereabouts of the parties named?” he asked, “ Yes, ” Again Otis began to walk his beat, “Do you know anything about it?’ Fred asked, Otis suddenly recovered his caution, _“T don’t think I do, Of course we are all liable to have enemies, and I bave been going over the list of all the men I know who could possibly have anything against me, but the only result is that I think it isalla mistake, These men doubtless live at a distance, as you have suspected, and have come to New York to pay off some real, or imaginary, grudge, By some mischance they have erroneously settled upon me as’ their man, but tlley are wrong. Perhaps, too, they are not half so bad as they tried to make out; their talk was not of the kind usually heard at this day, This Committee of Death and Power business is ridiculons,” While he was speaking Foxy Fred read be- tween the lines, and it was very evident to him that no amount of urging would make Otis confide in him, He did not attempt it. “ All right, mister,” he replied, ‘Ef you kin afford ter ignore the matter, I can.” The Keener arose and ‘nade ready to depart. “IT thank you for your kindness in coming | 11 here,” added Otis, the natural courtesy of a gen- tleman breaking through his reserve. “It shows your good will, and 1am grateful. If—if you learn anything—anything more, I really should like to have you come again,” It was an after-thought, dictated by prudence, and he struggled somewbat over the choice of words. Fred was shrewd enough to suspect that he really felt deeply troubled, and did rot allow tbe want of confidence to vex him, ** Tl] do it,” he agreed. ; Then he left the house, Oace more alone, Harding Otis resumed his thoughtful pacing, but was soon interrupted by the coming of a servant. ‘* Mrs, Otis would like to see you, sir, in her room.” “Very well.” The interruption was rather timely. Mrs. Otis bad been a model wife, in his opinion, and though be could not confide in her and receive her sympathy, be was not reluctant to havea chat with ber. It would soothe his troubled spirit. So he reasoned, but when he entered her room he was unpleasantly undeceived, First of all she Jocked the door, and then she confronted him, He noticed that ber face was rigid and her eyes flashing, and he began to be amazed, ‘“*T have something to say to you, sir!” she annonnced, frigidly. ‘You have?” he answered mechanically. ‘“*T certainly have. Who am 1?” ‘“Whoare you? My dear, are you ill?” ** Answer me, sir!” He was sincerely troubled. Had she gone insane? He gently replied: ‘* You are Mrs. Otis, my wife.” ** Are you sure?” . “Sure?” She clinched her hand angrily. “Can you do nothing but repeat my words, parrot-like? Yes; I ask you again, are you sure? Toat I pave been called Mrs, Otis is true, but are you surelam your wife? DolI legal- ly hold tbat position, or is it some other wo- man’s?” ‘““You ameze me! I cannot feel that you would jest idly on such a subject, and I um forced to take you seriously, though all in the dark, Are you my wife? Most emphatically, yes; no one else has any claim on me, and your right is unimpeacbable,” She smiled scornfully. “The reply was to be expected, but can you prove it, sir?” ‘“*Tcan prove that any claim to the contrary is false,” Otis declared. “On the other han‘, I am afraid others could prove it to be true. I have been informed that you bad a wife before you ever met me, and she is still living!” “Who dares make the charge?” ‘**T notice that you don’t deny it.” **T do deny that any woman upon the face of the earth has any claim upon me, save you.” His manner was so hovest that, fora moment, Mrs, Otis wavered, but she then tore a letter’ from her pocket and flung it at him. ‘** Read that!” ste directed, He looked first at the envelope. It was superscribed in a bold band, and bore the New York post-mark. Further than this he read nothing from the outside, and bis delay to seek furtber information brought a bitter smile to Mrs, Otis’s lips. “You hesitate,” she remarked, ‘‘What do are erent to find within that need startle you He nervously drew out the letter. CHAPTER XVIII. THE VICTIM STRIKES BACK, ~ Making a pretense that the hght was poor, Harding Otis gained a little time by going to the window. Forcing himself to a measure of colon he read the Jetter, which was as fol- ows; ““MapaM:—In justice to you, and as a kindness, I write this t> novify you that unknown to yourself, you are occupying a false position in the eyes cf the world. It will be painful to you to know the truth, but it is best so, ‘Before vou ever saw Harding Otis he met and married Gladys Marchmont. Aft r a while he found that. while sh+ had many noble qualities, she lacked wealth, refinement. education and intimacy | with the ways of polite nage & “ Believing the last two, at least. to be essential to the woman of his choice. he, at, the end cf a& year, when bis love had cooled, deliberately de- serted her, ’ “ Later, he married you. e _ “ITdonor wish to meddle with your affairs, but it is a fact that the first—the legal—wife still lives.
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a ae a ST on Re 12 Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. I have felt it my duty to acquaint you with these facts. “With pity and respect, Iam, madam, yours with ‘best wishes for the future. ’ “Ong WuHo Knows.” Harding Otis needed all of his composure ‘then, and Mrs, Otis read the dismay which was pictured on bis face, It seemed to proclaim his guilt. She waited for him to speak, and he nerved himself for the ordeal, Turning, he tried to assume a look of reproach, ‘*Do you base your charge on this letter?” be asked, ‘* Isn’t it enough?” ‘* Decidedly not, for it is false. Surely, you would not condemn me on the evidence of an mF paral letter?—always the work of a cow- ard, ** You don’t deny it,” ‘*T do deny it, emphatically, The letter is a ‘tissue of falsehoods, I know not who wrote it; possibly it is the concoction of a practical joker, »ut, more likely, some enemy of mine, failing ‘to reach me in any open and manly way, has taken this method of disturbing my household peace. Itisacowardly attempt, and the letter as an infamous falsehood,” ** Don’t you know this Gladys Marchmont?” **T do not.” ‘* The statement is clear,” ** On the contrary, it is obscure to a marked degree, If the writer was sincere, why didn’t he give you a chance to prove his assertions? Notice how carefully he refrained from mention- ing any place. Why didn’t he say where the alleged first wife lived, so you could inquire of ‘those who knew her? Why didn’t he say where ‘she is now, so you could investigatein that way? Why didn’t he give bis own name? With all his charges he has not made it possible for any one to prove what heso boldly claims. Does mot his insincerity show in every way?” “You talk well, but I knew long ago that you were cunning. His statements stand until you disprove them.” ‘*The burden of proof rests with the accuser.” ‘Not in this case.” “* How am I to disprove what is false, when I do not know the accuser, or any of the supposed parties to the case?” Harding Otis talked well, but he did not con- vince his wife. She bad grasped at the accusa- ‘tion, and would not see that, if innocent, her husband could not show its falsity. A logical jperson wou!d have realized this at once, but logical she was not, he now rose with a so-called queenly air of ce and pride, such as befitted her rank in ife, ‘* We need not discuss this matter further, but until you have cleared yourself, we live under ‘this roof as strangers, sir.” She moved away. ‘* Mrs, Otis—” ‘*T have no more to say, sir!” She entered her own room, and cviosed and locked the door, He hesitated ; then went forward and knocked. She ignored the call, and he was forced to go away, ‘** Cowards!—cowards!” he murmured. He went to his private room. There he stayed most of the day. Occasionally he left it, hoping ‘to meet his wife, but sbe kept her seclusion so well that she did not even appear at Junch or’ dinner, He found himself an exile, but the very ‘fact seemed to arouse all that was combative in his nature. Driven to bay, he did a good deal of thinking, and meditation bore fruit. After dark he went quietly up to the garret and selected a few articles of clothing which hung there. These he carried to his room, and put on in place of his usual apparel. Thus equipped, he looked wholly unlike himself. The garments he had put on were old and ‘coarse, and as they were somewhat too large, ‘they not only gave him a slouchy appearance, but made him look at least twenty-dive pounds heavier, and considerably shorter of stature. In place of the immaculate white shirt he usually wore was ove of flannel, and his tall hat was succeeded by a soft one of felt, When he had eg ag up his beard, he cer- tainly looked little like himself, but he added a. or disguise by browning his skin with some uld, The total result satisfied him. Next he went toa locked drawer and brought ‘out a revolver, He loaded it most carefully with fresh cartridges, and put it in his pocket, When all was done, he left the room and the house, He had expected some trouble by meet- ‘ing a servant, but no one, as far as he could see, moticed bim at all, and he was soon on the street, He walked rapidly away, never hesitating as to his course. When, at last, his steps grew somewhat slower, he was in a locality not un- familiar in the pages of this narrative. It was the same block where Foxy Fred had been held prisuner, the night before, by Eldred and the other ‘‘ Bearded Brethren.” Otis noted the numbers of the houses, and slowly approached that particular house which the Keener had mentioned to him, Even the brown coloring on his face did not hide the fact that he was deeply moved; the pal- lor struggled through the dye. Despite this he was calm, and his nerves of the best, He had desperate work before bim, and did not intend to hesitate in it, Before jhe turned back he in- tended to have an accounting with his enemies, or leave his lifeless body as a tribute to their own valor, It was his intention toring the bell, but the necessity was done away witb, Just before he reached the stoop the door unclosed and a man came out, It was Eldred! The old foes stood face to face, Tbe hour was no longer eaily; the street was one but little traveled. They had the scene to themselves, Eldred looked but casually at tue man-hunter ; he failed to recognize him. Whether the form- er’s face was familiar of old to Otis or not, he did not appear at fault, As the man turned to walk away Otis raised his revolver, He thought he had ample time, and took deliberate aim. He pressed the trig- er. . It seemed almost impossible that be should miss at that distance, but at the very moment he fired it could have been seen that Eldred writhed, rather than leaped, to one side. Then, with a long bound, he gained Otis’s side, The revolver was raised for another shot, but it was af twisted from it’s owner’s grasp. He stood helpless, Eldred laughed mockingly. ** You don’t know the art!” be coolly observed, Otis stood speechless, He was almost stupe- fied by the calamity, He was well aware that Eldred was far more than a match for him under equal conditions. The revolver had seemed to even matters up, but it was now on the wrong side, ‘“*So you rebel?’ Eldred added, meant to shoot me?” ‘*T intended to shoot you dead!” Otis plainly, feverishly declared, ** Don’t you know that I never sleep? I should be unfit for my work if I were to be taken un- aware like that. It is well, Harding Otis, that you proved a recreant. No follower of the Power is fit for his exalted place if he would allow bimself to be foiled so easily,” ‘* Exalted! And in a gang of assasins!” ‘* Man, your words fall on deaf ears. Why should I be angry, why should I heed what:a re- creant says? The Power ignores you, as the mighty sun in the heavens ignore the wax candle on earth. Mighty is the Power, and strong its arm! I am proud that I serve under its banner, Its will is my law; its commands I do, If I have strength and sagacity to outwit its enemies I am thankful, ~Man, you have fail- ed, but I shall not!” Eldred’s utterance had grown deep and somber, In its way it was strangely impres- sive. So was he, with his dark and immobile face, All, combined, made a weird effect which would have led a stranger to shiver. How must Otis have felt? Deeply Eldred added: ** When J strike, I kill!” CHAPTER XIX, THE DISGUISED ENEMY. AT an earlier hour on the same evening Foxy Fred was out on the streets. He returned hur- cays and entered the presence of Mrs, Stan- nard, ‘*Somethin’s up!” he announced, ‘© What?” she asked, “Perce Berthrong bas taken a lesson from you. He is in disguise, an’ has got some scheme in view—mebbe he means ter try an’ abduct you, but [ don’t see the need of hevin’ a disguise on ter do that,” ‘* Has he learned where we are?” **Reckon he has,” the Keener replied, ‘‘ You see, when [ first went out, a spell ago, I seen a man kind of sizin’ this house up, At this stage of affairs it don’t do ter let nothin’ go fer granted, an’ I tnought I’d shadder bim. did so. Wal, sir, w’en he’d gone a few blocks “So you he met another man: a slovenly, dirty-lookin’ feller; an’ they settled down fer a talk, Now, ef I hadn’t had my suspicions aroused I do admit I’d never got on ter it, the disguise was so good, but ef I ain’t way off my horizontal, t’otber feller was Perce.” ec Ab \” ‘‘ Put one an’ one tergether, an’ w’ot do you hey?” inquired Fred, ‘‘T see, One man came here to spy on the house; he met a second man whom you take to be Percy. From this you infer—” ‘¢ First, that they know where you be; second, that some p’izon scheme is afoot.” Mrs. Stannard needed no convincing. To add to this evidence was the fact that just such activ- ity was to be expected from Berthrong. He hated her so bitterly that, as she had herself heard him declare, he intended to seek violent revenge. Now, it seemed, he had located her, and intended to hasten matters, She remained cool in the face of the danger, but did not under-estimate it. ‘‘ What do you advise, Fred?” she asked, ‘Dve been thinkin’, 'We don’t know Perce’s plans, so we are in the dark, but this much I do believe in; you’d better face the music than run, fer ter-night. Now, I know of two stout, honest men nigh here. S’pose we smuggle them in at the basement, as a measure of precaution, an’ then let things run?” “A good idea.” None better was thought of, and it was duly carried into effect. Foxy Fred saw the men, and, after their arrival, they were furnished with quarters next to Mrs, Stannard’s "room, The Keener, too, was to sleep there, and the least disturbance in her room would bring in the three defenders. She also counted something on the revolver she intended to have within ber reach, These elaborate plans were destined to ke up- set, however, and they had a surprise when, about nine o’clock, the servant came up with the message: ‘* A man to see you, ma’am,” **To see me? Who is be?” ‘*Sure, I don’t know, for he said his name was of no account, but I’m after thinking you don’t want to see him. He’sa very ordinary person in coarse clothes, and they’re ragged, too, But the worst is, he’s that dirty he would discolor the whole North River.” Mrs, Stannard and Foxy Fred exchanged glances, ‘*T think I will see this man,” returned the former, ‘* You can show him up, Katy.” The servant went out, looking dissatisfied, “Well?” Mrs, Stannard quest cned, ‘Perce, sure-pop!|” the Keener decided. ‘“‘Then we will see what he has to say, It may be dangerous, but we will risk it. Notify our men, and bid them keep near the door, ready for instant service.” ” ‘Tl arm myself with a sand-bag, b’jinks!” This was done, and none toosoon. Katy re- turned, and with her came the visitor, It was Percy Berthrong, but it would have been hard to make the discovery had they not been prepared. His disguise was perfect, He eluoked like a tramp. He was not ragged enough to be offen- sive, but he was very much unlike himself in his old, coarse clothes. He loowed far shorter and stouter, He bad bushy hair and bristling beard, avd the question of dirt had not been exagge- rated by the servant. ; ; He stood by the door, turning his felt hat in his hands, and pretending to be embarrassed, ‘* Come in!” directed Mrs, Stannard, He advanced a few paces. ‘* You are the man who wanted to see me?” ‘* Yes, mum,” he returned, in a wheezy voice. ** Sit down, then,” He obeyed, and continued to show rare gifts asanactor. He planted himself on the chair as if if were of glass, and liable to break under him. He sat on the extreme edge, and kept himself bolt upright, still turning his bat in bis hand. It was a good imitation of a man of humble life, out of bis usual sphere, Mrs. Stannard’s composure was wonderful, and Foxy Fred never had been more at his ease. The former opened conversation, ‘* Have I ever seen you before?” “No, mum,” he returned, in the same wheezy voice, p ‘* What is your name?” ** John Appleton, mum,” ‘You have business with me, have you?” “Yes, mum, I hey. I hey come as a good Samaritan, trustin’ I kin be of some use ter you. {ama bumble man, mum, an’ I wear old clo’se, but my heart is in the right place. I like ter act out the Golden Rule, mum.” “Yes? Well, you can proceed.”
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Inquisitive eyes they were, and he noted all things there. Especially did he take heed of Foxy Fred. Something like sullen dissatisfac- tion seemed to come of the last scrutiny, but he was not turned from his purpose. ‘¢Mum,” he proceeded, ‘* you kin see fer your- self that [am a poor man. I don’t need ter say that. I ain’t poor because I’m lazy, but ’cause I ka hey played in bard luck, I allays work when I 2 it a chance, an’ it is alongside my last job that F nev come to you. I bear a message.” ‘from whom?” “Wal, mum, et’s like this: 1 gota job over on Hudson street ter do heavy work fer a gent that I guess ain’t no gent. Among my other duties wuz ter carry water up ter the top-floor, where there wa’n’t no runnin’ water. I had ter leave a pitcherful on a shelf ev’ry mornin’, an’ orders wuz ter hev it there by five o'clock, ‘ ‘Wal, mum, I ain’t meddlesome, an’ I didn’t even know who bad the room, but this mornin’ ‘a voice riz in the room when I -put down the water. " It wuz a gal’s voice, an’ it kinder give me a start. ‘She axed me ter hold on, an’[ held on. Then she interrogated me, wuz I an konist man? I tol’ her [ wuz, an’ thea she stated ez how she wuz a prisoner there, an’ wanted ter git out. We had a talk, an’ when she found I wuz reliable, she says, says she: ‘**] want you ter go on an arrant.’ ** All right,’ says I. “*Et’s ter a lady,’ says she, ‘an’ I want her ter come an’ rescue me,’ says she. ‘I want her ter come in person, fer she is the best frien’ I hev, an’ I know she kin advise me,’ *** Tl do ez you say,’ says x, ‘**Go, then,’ says she, ‘an’ may Providence be with you. Say ter her that it is Clarice Walbridge who wants ter see her!’” CHAPTER XX. HOW THE CONVICT SUCCEEDED, THE ragged man ceased, and looked at his companions. He tried to keep the dull expres- sion befitting John Appleton, but his eyes bristled with keen interrogation points, He was eager to learn the result of his attempt. rs. Stannard would bave been dull bad she not perceived the trap laid for ber, but she did not boty. any suspicion outwardly, or even glance at Foxy Fred. “So this Clarice Walbridge is a prisoner?’ (‘eaer she returned, A i * Yes, mum,” Appleton returned. i . ue ** Of whom?” abe, _ Wal, the feller who hired me is a one-legged Rie man named Abe Woods, Then there’sa woman ae who is called his sister, Mrs. Shaw.” Wh ‘* Why do they hold the girl prisoner?” **T don’t know, mum.” * How did she know where I was?” ‘J don’t know, but she bid me ter come here, -an’ ef you wa’n’t here I wuz ter go to another place,” and the speaker gave Harding Otis’s residence by street and number. *“AmI1 gee to rescue her by main force?” continued Mrs, Stannard, ‘The way she planned it wuz this: You wuz ter take a stout, brave, trusty man, an’ bim, an’ you, an’ me wuz ter go along ter the house, an’ we was ter go in an’ take the poor gal out. See? They did see, Nothing could be plainer. The trap was as tse as the bewhiskered head of the trapper, and no more explanation on his part was necessary. Mrs, Stannard answered: ‘*] am but a casual acquaintance of this Miss Walbridge, and 1 am not sure I should be doing myself justice to risk anything for her, Why didn’t she send for the police, if she is in trou- ble?” “How much?” _ ‘Your meanin’ ain’t clear.” bi Neither ain't your face,” . acetate re! Beck ¥ ‘¥ ’ i at = | ’ , 7 4 Paty ™ ‘ : ee f Mr, Appleton rolled his eyes around the room, Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. ‘* Et ain’t clear o’ dirt, 1 mean. Mister, with so many gallons o’ drink rollin’ along the North River ev’ry mornin’ afore sun-up, you ought ter find a place big enough fer you ter takea bath! ‘* Boys should be seen, not heard,” declared the visitor, scowling. “All right; look at me, Et won’t cost you a cent, though I dare say you could develop gold- pieces from every pocket of yer wardrobe. Git it in Paris?” ‘Git what?” “Yer raiment. I kinder like it. The goods ain’t so smooth an’ glossy as some o’ the tip- toppers on Murray Hill wear, but it’s all there. Fits yer wal, too, ‘Them pants can’t never bag at the knee, fer when you move ag‘in they would spring out like the sail on a vessel, I reckon, er left leg is a bit crooked, ain't it?” ‘* My legs bev nothin’ ter do with you,” “Ef I bad ’ern I’d use ’em fer the frame ter a lacrosse stick, Put stringin’ on them an’ they’d be jim-hickeys. You never’d make a football player, fer the whole rush-line would go right between yer legs an’ never touch the posts.” Foxy Fred spoke with an air of generous can- dor, but bis comments were not relished, The visitor’s scow] grew deeper. ‘That'll do!” be declared. ‘* Hope I don’t offend, Mr. Applejack.” ‘* My naine is Appleton.” ‘* Excuse me, Mr, Applegate.” The man turned to Mrs, Stannard, but bis anger was so aroused that his face did not look like that of the kind and Samaritan-like in- dividual he professed to be. He forgot his wheezy utterance, and sharply inquired: ‘“« Are you going, madam?” **T don’t think I will” ‘* Have you no pity or the young lady?” ‘‘T have abundant p y; but if you are so con- cerned on that point,! by did you not take her out at the time? You vere alone with her; you bad conversation wi 1 her. You area strong man. If you felt so L2enly on the subject, why didn’t you take her away at once, instead of coming to me, a woman, to do it?” The visitor hitched about in his seat, this time in real uneasiness, perhaps. ““There wa’n’t no show at that time, fer the, captors were all down below, in the way; but the coast will be clear after ten o'clock. I could let her out, then, alone, but she’s shy an’ timid, an’ declares she wants a wowan there, an’ a friend at that, whom she kin trust,” ‘** Shouldn’t wonder ef she’s afraid o’ you, Mr. Applepie,” interpolated Foxy Fred, candidly. he ragged man would not deign te glance at the speaker. “Perhaps I can improve on your plan,” re- marked Mrs, Stannard, evenly, “but tell me your way, in detail.” “Why, you git a stout man, an’ him an’ you go along with us, an’ we jest go ter the house an’ take Miss Walbridge away. We do it on the sly, but iy 4 ter fight, if necessary.” ** Do you think J would be safe in the house?” “Ob! we'll take keer 0’ you, mum!” “Right, Mr. Appleseed!” quoth Fred; “ you would!” “You shall see what I can furnish in the way of a man to keep me company,” quietly re- marked Mrs, Stannard, ‘‘Come in!” At the order the door opened and the two guards walked in. Mr, Appleton had specified that the man should be a stout one, and he had his fill, now. Two more muscular fellows he rarely had seen; they looked capable of any deed. of muscle and daring. More than this, one of them hada revolver, and this weapon he brought to bear upon the visitor at once. ““I guess I’m the huckleberry you want,” he remarked, in a matter-of-fact way. Appleton bad started, and he now turned his gaze npon Mrs, Stannard. ‘* What does this mean?” he demanded, ‘* Simply that I know you, Percy Berthrong!” She answered swiftly, knowing the time had come for action, but not with her usual coolness, Now she was facing the man who had openly avowed his intention to shoot her, she, knowing his nature as she did, dreaded the next few seconds. Nor had she miscalculated. The convict saw tbat his plan had failed, and that be was unmasked. e had oue resource left, and be proceeded to use it. With fiercely flashing eyes he jerked a revolver out from under bis ragged coat, and turned it | upon his ex-wife, “‘ Die, traitress!” he cried, madly. The other men sprung forward to check the shot, bie? dl were too late. Ever quick witha revolver the visitor pulled the trigger. The Weapon was discharged, CHAPTER XXI. IN THE NICK OF TIME, HARDING. Oris folded his arms and met Eldred’s gaze without perceptible emotion, ‘“‘Tam at your mercy,” he admitted, ‘ Kill. me, if you wish.” ‘*Your time has not quite come,” Eldred re-- plied, like a machine, “T know of no rule of the Power which re-. quires its followers to torture as well as kil). You say you have certain orders, Why not carry them out at once? I have given up bope. I came here, to-night, resolved that if I must die- I would not be the only victim. I did not think to save myself, but pride would not let me fall like a craven. I say plainly that, if my will had availed anything, you and your associates would have fared bard. Luck was against me>, I failed. Do your own work, now.” **'No,” Eldred answered, unmoved, “ You are warned, but the hour of your death is not: yet set. I await due orders, and will do nothing until such orders come, Go, now; I have no- more to say to you!” Otis hesitated. His enemy was larger than he, and had the advantage of the revolver. Despite this he was tempted to make a fresh attack, and. only the probability that it would end in morti- fication, rather than tragedy, deterred him, Eldred was like a rock. Convinced, at last, of the folly of further- effort, the rich manturned slowly away, With— out another word to his enemy, without a back- ward look, he walked down the street. No fear: of thus exposing himself to attack in the rear- troubled him, and his movements were deliber-- ate. ‘ As he turned the corner of the block he took ae glance. Eldred still stood as he had left. im, ‘Insatiate monster!” he murmured; “ why- don’t pg do your work and return whence you came Step by step he retraced his way until agaify before the door of his own home, He entered. Chance again favored him, and he reached bis own room without being seen by any member of” the household, Once there he removed his dis-- guise and replaced everything as before, Them he produced another revolver, loaded it, laid it: on the table and sat down to smoke, “Events must take their course,” he remark- ed, quietly. ‘‘I cnly hope I may be able to sel my hfe dearly!” Percy Berthrong had fully intended to take- his ex-wife’s life, and the other men had been too much dazed to interfere in time, but one. member of the party was thoroughly alert. That one bad looked for ee pg ) of the kind.. When the revolver was raised the Keener leaped: forward agilely. Just as Perce pressed the trig- ger the former struck with the sand-bag,’ and the bullet plowed a hole in the ceiling. Plaster fell ogg Ne no further damage was done. Foxy d had saved bis detective comrade’s life by his timely blow, and in another moment. the two men had disarmed the ex-sport, and: raised him to his feet. “Wal, you’re a jim-hickey, ain’t you?” ex~ claimed Foxy Fred, derisively, Bertbrong had nothing to say. “ Ef you give the word,” put in one of the defenders, ‘‘ we'll throw the feller down the: stairs an’ break hisneck. He deserves it!” “Et might break the stairs, too,” returned the- Keener, nonchalantly. Mrs, Stannard looked only at the foiled as- sassin. He was glaring fiercely at ber, but was wholly helpless in the hands cf his captors, He had played bis cards and failed; he could do no- more, but his hatred was as bitter as ever, “Percy Berthrong,” she spoke, presently, ‘“* you bave been saved from being a murderer,” ‘“*May destruction overtake those who pre- vented it!” he retorted. ‘““Knowing you as I do, I am not surprised at your sentiments, Yet, despite all I have suffer- ed at your hands, I should age to find you in: a different frame of mind, y death would do you no good, much as you desire it, for ycur- purpose is known to so many that arrest weuld follow fast upon your crime, wherever it might. be committed, and you know what would follow arrest, Think of this, and do not pursue your desperate purpose further.” le sneered scornfully, ‘You need not preach to me, for it will avail’ nothing. My purpose is fixed, and only m own death can change it. You are doomed, woman. Further than this 1 have nothing to- ny. Do with me as you will!” e closed his lips, and was resolute in the pur— pose to say no more,
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SS A, Se ee vw 14 The Keener and Mrs, Stannard conferred. The former was in favor of banding the prisoner over to the police at once, but it had become a assion with her to rescue Clarice Walbri:!ge. elieving this could be better done with the ex- sport at liberty, she insisted tbat he should be set free, Of course, her wishes prevailed. Berthrong was led down-stairs and out of the front door; and there the dissatisfaction of one of the men that such clemency was shown him found vent in asturdy kick which almost raised Perce into theair, Painful it must have been both to his person and bis pride, but, beyond one glance at the kicker, he made no demonstration, He walked down the block and was soon out of sight. ‘* Thar goes a man that’ll make trouble!” dark- ly prophesied he who had done the kicking. Foxy Fred returned to Mrs, Stannard. ‘* We must leave here, at once,” she announc ed. And that night they slept under another roof, The next morning, when Fred went to his de- tective comrade, he was surprised and not a lit- tle disturbed to see herin the disguise of Juan Costa, * Hullo! w’ot’s this?’ he demanded. ‘*T am going to rejoin the gang,” she calmly replied, ‘Singin’ ’skeeters! I wouldn't do it!” he de- clared, **T cannot, will not rest until Clarice Wal- bridge is found, Remember that she is suffer- ing for me; that they took her by mistake when trying to abduct me. My duty is plain.” ** Dunno whetber it is or not,” F'red contended, _ “ This last scrap will only put Perce on the alert, an’ he may see, this time, that Juan Costa ain’t so much a stranger as he looks, S’pose you got gobbled, too; I’d hev a regular old high-jinks of atime tryin’’ ter rescue both you an’ Clarice, wouldn’t I?” It was a strong argument, but Mrs. Stannard was not to be turned from her purpose, After breakfast she took her tall hat and fancy cane, and walked over to the crooks’ resort. She found Berthrong and Berlong both in, and was cordially greeted. The only sign Perce gave of bis adventure wasa slight limp which indicated that the kicker had worna boot too heavy to be pleasant under such circumstances, Conversation beeame general, but most of the visible high spirits were on the visitor’s side, “Tm getting on finely,” he observed, airily. ** All I need now is money and a wife, You have promised to put mein the way of filling my pockets; now, whatcan you doas to a wife? The question was so put that Perce looked doubtful. * Are you in earnest?” he asked, ** Yes, fully.” **Then, by Jove! you shall have the wife!” : CHAPTER XXII. THE EVENTFUL NIGHT, THE ex-sport spoke with the air of one who has an inspiration, and be added: “We have just what you want. It’s your duty very naturally inquired: ‘* Where does this divine creature live?” ** Right here in New York.” ** Ay, but where?” ‘** Fact is, we have her under a trifle of restraint now, but the matter is not serious, Our men abducted her by mistake, They supposed they had au entirely different person until she was got to The Nest, as we call her present residence. ell, there she was, by Jove! the wrong wo- man; but we couldn’t send ber back, She knew our secrets too well. We have, however, used her with the utmost respect, and if she could be right at the starting-point. — Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. prevailed upon to get interested in one of our friends, of course we could set her free without any danger to ourselves.” ‘** Perhaps she would not take to a Cuban.” **You are only different from our people in that you are a bit dark, and more vivacious, Certainly, she could not find fault with you.” ‘* Td like to see her,” **'You shall, This girl is a white elephant on our hands, so to speak, and your proposition makes the way clear. You shall pose as her rescuer; a genuine knigbt errant, and all that sort of thing. I have been considering the ad- visability of taking ber to a place we have on Staten Island. We will do that this very night, and then we'll arrange a plan to bring you in as a hero, There must be no positive, immediate rescue, for she must get infatuated with you be- fore she’s liberated, All this can be arranged,” ‘* By Jove! 1 like this plan!” declared Juan, ‘Tt is clever,” Perce admitted. ‘t Now, let it be like this: This evening you take the boat at the Battery, and meet Berlong in the ferry- house at St. George, which is on Staten Islaad, He will conduct you to the proper place. Let your meeting be at nine o’clock, About eleven land some of my men will take the girl from where she now is, and convey her to the same place in a sail-boat,” “ Capital!” Juan eed, ' * Hnough said! Berlong and I must now f° out, but we'll not be gone over two hours. Do ou remain here, and when we return we would like to have you spend the day with us,” ‘*T will, or until the middle of the afternoon.” **Good! Well, we're off, now.” Perce and Berlong went out. The first thing the honest Cuban then did was to sit down at the desk and write. His pen flew rapidly for several minutes, When he was done he inclosed his work in an envelope and went out and mail- ed it, ‘6 . Fred will soon get it!” he murmured, as he returned to the house, And the Keener did getit indue time, He found a full account of Berthrong’s plot, and a counter-plot to beat him. ‘“They must never get Clarice to Staten Island,” the Cuban had written, ‘‘ You must see Detective Warden and form a plan to rescue her, right in New York. Todo this you must know whence they start, and this I will learn during the day, Then you can intercept them As for me, of course I shall not go to Staten Island, I shall leave them by three, or four, o’rlock, Will then sea you, or send you word as to the point whence they start out,” Foxy Fred read this with much satisfaction, “Singin’ ’skeeters! I do b’lieve we've got ’em!” exclaimed the Keener, ‘‘ Certain we hev ef things don’t go all ter smash—but it would ba jest like Perce ter work in some dodge that will knock us out, [Jl call on Jethro Warden, right away.” The night which followed was dark and foggy. Ata certain time two persons left the new re- fuge. Mrs, Stannard had passed the day suc- cessfully with her enemies, and had finally rejoin- ed Fred and told them definitely where Clarice then was, unless Berthrong had lied; but the ex- wife did not think it prudent to take part in the adventure, She remained at home, and Warden and Fred started out alone, Adding two men on the way who had been previously engaged, they went uear the house where Clarice was said to be, ‘‘This will be a great triumpb,” remarked Warden exultantly. ‘* Huge!” the Keener agreed, ‘** Yonder is the house. I wish we could look in, Who comes here so fast?” A man was striding toward them, passing the ouse, ‘* Looks like a parson out feranairin’, Hello! Singin’ ’skeeters!” ‘What now?” ‘Say, I b’lieve he’s a gent I call the Man in Black, He is, sure-pop! Say, he’s a great an’ vexatious myst’ry;heis. Vl stop him. Hullo! neighbor, where so fast an’ fleetin’?” The Man in Black came to a halt. ** What! are you here?” ‘** We ain’t nowhere else,” The man of mystery ran bis gaze over the crowd; then again addressed Fred, and bis words were hurried: ‘* Why are you here? speak quickly! But let me break the ice. Is it to rescue a girl from yonder house?” Warden! made haste to pee a direct an- swer, but Foxy Fred was abead of bim, “That's just why we're here, mister,” re Ses bo ‘Then you’re too late!” Too late?” **Sbe was taken out but a few minutes ago, and has been conveyed by carriage toward the North River. I wason my way for help to res- cue her, but-—” He hesitated and looked at the party as if he thought the desired aid was at hand, The Keen- er thought so, too, ‘* Wall in with us|” he directed. ‘‘ Quick, fel- lers; we may be able ter drop on’em yit, ef they start from the pier they said they would. It ain't far, Ef they took a carriage et wuza waste of money, unless their scheme was ter drive about town a bit, an’ deceive their pris- oner as ter how far they go. I’ve heer’d o’ sech things. Hustle, feilers!” Long before this speech was finished the ener- getic Keener bad his force in rapid motion, and they made good time to the pier. On their ar- rival there was no sign of unusual action. Too early, or too late? That was the all-important question, and Foxy Fred agreed to ‘‘scout” and see if any boat lay there, CHAPTER XXIII. THE STRUGGLE IN THE STREET. Tur Keener showed bis usual] skill, and moved down on the pier without making bimself at all conspicuous, He soon decided that if the boat was still there, no guard was set, and he pro- ceeded to get a view of the water. ‘* A> boat, by jiminy!” he muttered. ‘ Yes? an’ there’s two men init. They are layin’ there as quiet az you please. It’s dollars ter dough- nuts they’re waitin’ fer somebody, an’ who should it be, unless Perce an’ his beelers?” The scout returned to Warden and the other men, and made his report. “There is yet hope,” remarked the Man in Black. “*May I ask,” inquired Warden, ‘‘ what your interest in the case 1s?” ‘* All honest men should be interested.” ‘It is sometimes doubtful to know who the honest men are,” retorted Warden, dryly. Foxy Fred touched the Man in Black’s sleeve, and asked in a low voice: ‘* Did you know Eldred an’ his crew afore they came ter New York?” ‘* Never!” ‘* But you have some grudge against ’em?” ‘¢ None whatever,” ‘*Tnen why are you against them?” ‘*Those who are not against them are for them.” With this enigmatical reply, the man of mys- tery turned aside, and Fred hada to let the matter rest. He was, however, more than ever puz- zied, Who and what the Man in Black was, he could not tell, The sound of a carriage was heard, and the rescue-party concealed themselves, They were none too son. e street and approached the pier. It halted, and a mau who had been sitting on the box with the driver leaped down. ‘ ‘** Perce Berthrong!” the Keener whispered. The ex-sport crossed the pier with rapid steps, going to a point above the men in the boat, e could be heard in conversation with them for a few moments, after which he retraced his steps, He opened the carriage door, and two otter men appeared, Then, last of all, came a wo- man. No one there knew Clarice Walbridge by sight, but they did not doubt that they were then looking at her, She was not bound in any way, and no rudeness was offered her, but she evidently was ill at ease. Berthrong spoke with her and pointed to the pier, but it was clear that the dark area filled her with fresh forebodings, The ex-sport took ber by the arm, but she shrunk back. ‘I don’t want to go!” she was heard to say. Foxy Fred and his companions remained pas- sive, They were almost in the track of the ab- ductors, but to uncover themselves too early might be to defeat the purposes of justice, At this time, like Bertbrong and his men, they were so intent upon looking at her that they failed to see anything else. More might have been seen, From the side street dark forms moved for- ward like phantoms in biack, and with but little more noise. They closed upon the crooks un- seen; then, at alow word of command, sprung upon them with a flerceness which reminded the observers of the attack of panthers, Heavy blows were dealt, and the woman was torn away a ' from her former companions, The vehicle rolled down a side,
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Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard. ** What's that?’ Warden cried. ‘‘ Who are tiey?” The Keener grasped the arm of the Man in Black. ‘“*Say, it’s Eldred an’ his men. She'll be worse off with them. To the rescue!” The command came noue too soon. The Bearded Brethren were in retreat, and going with the soft-focted celerity peculiar to them. Fred and his companions had started to their feet; they now hastened to save the fate-buffeted ir]. 4 r But at that juncture the retreat of the Brethren were blocked by men who wore the \ blue coats of New York policemen» : } ‘“*Ha!l my men are at hand!” cried the Man in Black. If the Brethren had seemed like tigers before they were more likethem, now. The dignity of the law did not appall them; finding new foes at hand, they assailed the police with fury which drove the latter back, The feeble gaslight showed the glitter of knives, and the Brethren’s mode of attack was clear. The blue-coats would have been carved to pieces had they not known how to deal with such desperate fellows. Night-sticks bad been the weapons at first, but they could not afford to throw their own lives away. Revolvers began Bi 4 to crack, but even this did not check the mad- , dened assailants until the last one lay pros- trate. 2 The woman, frightened beyond power of reason by these occurrences, had started to _ flee. A light-footed pursuer was on her track, ; and soon ran her down. It was Foxy Fred, and he caught and held her. ‘Singin’ ’skeeters!” he exclaimed; needn’t be scared. I'll take care 0’ you,” ‘* Mercy, mercy!” she gasped. ‘*Brace up!” be requested. ‘Don’t you see the perleece are here? They’ll look out fer you. The danger is all over— Ha! they’re at it, again! Jiminy crickets! it’s my fellers and t Perce Bertbrong, now !” R There was a fight on the pier, and it was not hard to understand it. Zealous Warden had tried to make sure of the crooks, and the result was another fight. The Man in Black came to the Keener’s side, “ you x “You're ahead of me,” he observed, “ and I yk judge you will get the reward.” ‘What reward?” ‘* For finding Clarice Walbridge.” * Do you want it?” K “I can do without it, But see!—the fighting is over, The crooks are beaten on the pier, and Eldred’s men are dead, or as good as that, in the street. Let us gotothem. Stay! I will calla , patrolman to care for this girl, who has had ~*~ trouble enough.” He whistled, and, as soon as he had gained the attention of the blue-coats, one of them came quickly at the bidding. He was told to care for the girl, and then Fred and the Man in Black went to the nearest group. ‘* What is the result?” the latter asked, : ‘““We had to do it, sir,” was the deferential it reply. ‘‘ They fought like fiends, and would } ¥ have done fatal work with their knives, had we ie not taken the only alternative.” _“* T saw all, and you need not fear. Are they dead?” ‘ ** All dead, sir, I think,” aa) “The three ‘‘ Bearded Brethren” lay pros- ; trate on the ground, and there was no sign of life, but as tbe Man in Black bent over them Be and began an-examination, one of the trio open- it ed his eyes and bis lips, ‘* Let me alone!” he ordered, curtly. “You are more exclusive than when you tried to cut these officers to pieces,” the Man in Black how deferentially the blue-coats addressed the Han in Black, and the last words gave hin: more . t, : _. “Singin? ’skeeters! be youa police inspector?” he cried, in wonder. ; ; “Tam,” the Man in Black replied, briefly. @ was looking toward the pier, where he Seemed to find something of interest, and he now walked rapidly in that direction, Foxy Fred followed him, Warden and his assistants ries ARE remarked, sarcastically, . ot “T have my death-wound, and you cannot UR, add to it, Let mé alone or touch me; I care ) ae not, I despise you and yours, My curse rest RA upon you! Police birelings are never men. I mi he despise you!” — ps va Rye ““Stoutly said, but your opinions weigh but fon: ey little. Sergeant Green, take charge of all, the ey oe dead and the living.” ie ‘*- Yes, Mr. Inspector.” _ x AM Foxy Fred had been gaining ideas as he saw SS Ha Keener looked in vain for the most familiar ace, ‘© Where’s Perce Berthrong?” he asked. ‘* Dead!” returned Warden, briefly. “Eh? That so? Then where’s his body?” **In the dock. He fought like a tiger, but one of us got in a blow with a club, and it knocked him off the pier. It is probable that the blow, alone, would have been fatal, but he was doubly doomed. ned him, andif he touched water alive, he is drowned by this time.” ‘* Fitting end fora man like him,” commented the inspector. Finding no more of active work to do, the vic- tors gathered up the relics of the fight. The liv- ing law-breakers were soon under lock and key. Of these Eldred was by far the most interesting, but nothing could be got from him further. He was almost as silentasa statue, and as defiant with his life ebbing away as in his days of pow- er, The inspector went to the quarters of the Bearded Brethren. He found but liltle there, and nothing of interest except a letter which had that evening arrived by mail, He tore it open, read it, meditated, and then carried it to Eldred. The latter also read it, and though the contents did not make bis, somber expression change, he remarked: **T have sold my life in vain!” CHAPTER XXIV. WHAT IT ALL MEANT, THE following morning the inspector and Fred called upon Harding Otis, They were oc- cupied with him for some time, and then a mes- senger was sent to Mrs, Otis, to say that a gen- tleman wished to see her. When she saw that ber husband was present her eyes began to glitter, but the inspector took cbarge of affairs with an air which, somehow, quelled her rebellious pride, and made her listen against her will. ‘‘Madame,” he explained, ‘I am a detective who was employed some days ago to work upon a certain case. Your husband engaged me, and I took up the work only as a personal favor to him. I have operated in disguise,” Foxy Fred smiled. The inspector, as he stood there in his true form, was very unlike the lank and ministerial-looking ‘‘Man in Black.” would never have been recognized, “It is essential to my story,” the speaker ad- ded, ‘‘ that your husband should tell a tale of the | past,” Otis took up the subject somewhat nervously. ‘Mrs. Otis,” he began, ‘‘I have not told all the truth to you, of late. Before I ever saw you I bad married, but my wife was dead. I swear that this is true, Hear my story: ‘*When twenty years old I went to Califor- pia, and there met and married Gladys March- mont, She was a noble girl, but almost a child, Her only relative known to me was her mother. From the first I saw that the latter was peculiar, As time wore on I found sbe was more than that, She kept strange company, and I found out that she was not innocent of connection with the lawless work of a lawless neighborhood, **T could devote an hour to describing how facts gradually dawned upon me, but, instead, will be brief, There was a strange, fanatical society there, composed of men and women, It was very old, Once, perhaps, it had been ruled by some high motive, but in that generation it bad relapsed inte a society of robbers and cut- throats, and no nore, ‘* When I had been there not quite two years my wife’s mother betrayed the band, frustrating one of their choicest plans, and, helping herself to all of their money she could get, fled. ‘*Now, the penalty of this treachery was death not only to ber, but to all her descend- ants. Knowing this, my wife and I took our in- fant daughter and made a desperate attempt to | get beyond the reach of theband. They did not overtake us, but, on the way, my wife fell ill of a fever and died. ““T was left with my infant. I came North, Feer of the band haunted me. I was not sure I was in any danger, but by their infamous laws my babe wes dooned. For her sake I deter- mined to separate ber from myself forever, and I gave her in charge of a triend of mine in Ohio, torear, . “She grew to womanhood as Clarice Wal- bridge, *‘ Of late I have thought much about her, and, having never heard from the band, I deter- ‘ Hl _ had several prisoners, one of whom was Con, but ; mined to satisfy my parental feelings’ and haya Certainly, the blow must have stun- | He | ees Te | her by me, This 1 could do without her being the wiser, as she had never heard of, or seen, me since she was old enough to remember, ‘* With the aid of my friends I managed to get her here as governess, **T\ could not bave brought her at a worse time. The band had just located me, and, in some way, they ‘earned who she was, They planned ‘to seize and slay her, but Percy Ber- throng was ahead of them, He sent men to seiza Mrs, Stannard, but they made a mistake and took Clarice, instead, ‘Mrs, Otis, you know the truth, now. I had been married before I met you, but my wife was dead.” He ceased to speak, and the inspector added: ‘*Of the three men sent bere to do this des- perate work two are dead and the other, Eldred, isdying, He has just received orders from the band which removes the doom, It has been learned that Mr. Otis’s first wife, Gladys Marchmont, was not the child of the woman who claimed her, and who betrayed the band. Hence, no vendetta exists@against Gladys’s child, Clarice is safe from further trouble. “T have seen the orders of the band to Eldred. The papers bid bim Jet Otis and Clarice alone, and return to his fellows, It came a little too late for the good of Eldred and bis fellows, but if the band now has any grudge, it must be against the pdlice of New York. I think we can bear it.” The ex-Man in Black arose,and Foxy Fred followed bis example. They knew they could do no better than to leave husband and wife alone, to make their peace. Outside the door the inspector remarked: ‘* We part here, but I shall be pleased to see you at any time.” “Til call,” the Keener agreed; ‘ but say, it seems funny ter think of you as a detective!” “Otis dared not betray his interest in the case, He pretended to be indifferent, but, really, came to me almost at once, and insisted that I take the case. Then I became the Man in Black, Good-day!” **So-long, my frien’, Now, Ill go ter my de- tective comrade, Juan Costa Stannard!” The following day a city daily had this news- item: “The body washed ashore, near St. George, Staten Island, yestetday, has been identified as that of Percy B rthrong, an escaped convict. Ina fight with the police, the previous night. he was knocked off from a pier of the North River by a heavy blow. The condition of the body shows that he was dead before touching the water, so the blow was the i cause. Itis said that his real name was Berlong,, and that he was a brother of the Berlong now un- yen ag A desperate man, few will mourn his eath. Eldred died. With him went the last sign of the band in New York, for the leaders evident- ly did not see fit to wage war on the police force of the metropolis, The law did not deal lightly with the city crooks who had made life so unpleasant for the Keener and his friends, and Sing Sing received a due addition to its force in striped uniforms. Harding Otis made peace with his wife, and Clarice again became a member of the house- hold, but not as an employee, The truth was told her, and she was openly acknowledged as Otis’s daughter. Her step-mother proved unex- pectedly gracious, and the girl found deserved happiness, 3 Otis well rewarded all who had served him. He who may be known here only as ‘‘ The In- spector ” and Detective Warden continued their work in the old field, with new cases, : Foxy Fred and Mrs, Stannard were again able to move about the streets without expecting at- tack every moment, ‘‘Guess we bad better Jay back fer a few weeks an’ hev a rest on Otis’s money,” the Keener observed, ‘‘Ordo you want ter go an’ hunt Eldred’s chums, Ef so, say the word.” It was only a joke, and Mrs, Stannard shook | her head. ‘All I ask is a peaceful life here in New York.” ‘ ‘¢ Jes’so! That’s w’ot suits me best, but when p’izon skunks git ugly, an’ we buckle on our ar- mor as detective-comrades, we jest make the crooks o’ New York shake in their socks; wedo, | you bet!” THE END. 15
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a nn ae oA BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME*[_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. ——_—_— me BY 1 Deadwood 20 Deadwood 28 Deadwood 85 Deadwood 42 Deadwood 49 Deadwood 57 Deadwood 7B Deadwood 77 Deadwood 100 Deadwood 104 Deadwood 109 Deadwood 129 Deadwood 188 Deadwood 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 195 Deadwood 201 Deadwood 205 Deadwood ¢ 21 Deadwood 221 Deadwood 282 Gold-Duat 268 Deadwood 268 Deadwood 809 Deadwood B21 Deadwood 847 Deadwood 851 Deadwood 862 Deadwood 405 Deadwood 410 Deadwood 421 Deadwood 480 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 458 Deadwood 459 Deadweoed A465 Deadweod 471 Deadwood 476 Deadweod 451 Deadweo 491 Deadwood 496 Deadwood 600 Deadwoed 508 Deadwood 515 Deadwoed H22 Deadwood 529 Deadwood 584 Deadwood 589 Beadwood 544 Deadwoed 549 Deadwood 554 Deadweeod 572 Deadwood 578 Doadwoed 584 Deadwood 590 Deadwood 595 Deadweod 600 Deadwood 606 Dendweod 612 Deadweoed 618 Deadweed 624 Deadwood 680 Deadwood 686 Deadwood 642 Deadwood 648 Deadweed 654 Deadwood 660 Deadwood 666 Deadwood 672 Deadwoed 678 Deadwoed 684 Deadwooa 690 Deadwood 695 Deadwood 700 Deadwood T04 Deadwood z10 Deadwood TAT Deadwood 752 Dendwood 758 Deadwood BY J, od Dick, Jr.'s, EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novela Dick, the Prince of the Road, Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. Dick in Disguise; or, Buffal, Ben Bick in Mis Castle. Dick’s Bonanzazy o:, The uantom Miner. Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Ol. Dick’« Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. Dick on Decks or, Calamity 4 ne, the Heroine, Dick’s Last Aets or, Corduroy Charlie. Dick In Leadville. Dick’s Dev lee; or, The Double Cross Sign. Dick ax Detective. Dick’s Double: or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’s llome Bases or, Blonde Bill. Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road. Dick’s Ward . The Black Hill’s Jezebel, Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. Dick’s Dead Deal. Dick’s Death-Plant. Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. Dick’s Death Trall. Diek’« Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, Pick’a Claim, Dick in Dead City. Dick’sa Diamonds, Diek in New Yorks or, A “Cute Caee,” pie preass or, The Chained Hand, Jick, Jr. Dick, Jr.’s, Defianeé, Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand, Diek, Jr.’s, Big Reund-Up. Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, Diek, Jr.’4, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective. d Dick. Jr., In Deadwood. Dick, Dick. Dick, Dick, Dick, Dick. Dick, Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. Jr.’s, Inheritance. Jr.’s, Diggings. Jdr.’«, Deliverance, Jr.'s, Protegee. Jr.’a, Three. Jdr.’a, Danger Ducka, Jr’«, Death Hunt. Dick, Jr., in Texas, Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog Dick, Jr., on Hia Mettle. dr., in Gotham, Jdr., tn Boston, Jr., in Philadetphia. Dick, Jr., in Chicage. Dick, Jr., Afloat. Dick, Jr., in Denver. Dick, Jr.'s, Deeree. Diek, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, Diek, Jr., at Coney I«land, Diek, Jr.'s, Leadville Lay. Dick, Jr., in Detroit. ick, Jr., in Cineinnattl. Biek, Jr., in Nevada, Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Dick. Jr., in Buffalo. Dick, Jr.’a, Chase Across the Continent Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. Diek, Jr.'s, [Inauranec Case, Dick, Jr., Back In the Minea, Dick, dr., tn Durango or, “ Gathered In.” Diek, Jr.'s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, Dick, Jr.’a. Dazzle. Pick, Jr.’s. Dellars. Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. Pick, Jr., at Jaek-Pet. Dick, Jr., in San Francisco, Dick, Jr.’«, Mtill Hunt. Dick, Jr.’s, Deminoca, Bick, Jr.'s, Disguise. Diek, Jr.’s, Double Deal. Deathwatch. Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. Dick, Jr.’s, Deaperate Strait. ©. COWPRIOCK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway 514 Broadway 586 Rrondway 557 Broadway Billy. the Bootblack Bravo. Billy’s Boodle. Billy’s ‘Difikilty.” Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Brondway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act. 669 Broadway 675 Broadway 6ST Broadway 696 Broadway Billy Abroad. Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Fineet. Billy in Clover. Billy in Texas. TO8B Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe. 720 Broadway 785 Broadway 788 Broadway 758 Broudway 762 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand. Billy’s Business, Bitly’s Curious Case. Billy In Denver. Billy’s Bargain. Other Novels by J. C. Cowdrick. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. B60 Shasta, the Gold King or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 640 Bareback 659 Moonlight 158 F 424 Cibutia Johny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disce Dan, the Daisy Dade. 506 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, ( 524 The Engineer Detective. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer. 59 he Boy Pinkerton. 615 Fightine Harr the Chief of Chained Cyclone. Beth, the Centaur of the Cirele. 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. Morgan, the *‘ Pizenest ’ Man of Ante Baz. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm, F. Cody) F 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The 55 Deadly-Eye, the b 68 Border Robin Hood; ancy Frank of Color lot of the Pratrie, nknown Seeut. or, The Prairle Rover. ado $ or, The Trapper’s Trust, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, » Girl Brigand. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, t! 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the 61 Buckhorn Bills « 69 Gold Rifle, the Shar 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nuge 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda In Sitting Bull's Camp. 96 Watch-Eyey; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 18 Jack Moyle _ the Young Spveculator. 7 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 1 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 5 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 8 Boas ob the King of Bootblacks. 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. & ip 1 >Re > 45 Captain erret, the New York Detective. $12 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. ? Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampe, 1 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 9 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Ternado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sterra Saw’s Pard; or, The Angel ot Big Vista. 25S Sierra Sam's Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, tho Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 285 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk the Bey Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’« Drift; or. The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hiekey & Co,, the Detectives of Philadelphia. B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-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 Coel Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim's Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicyele Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Nat Marry, the Base Bal! Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Bergar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 458 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler. RY T. C. NARBAUGIL 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76, 87 The Vidden Lodge; or The Littl Hunter. 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; cr, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trail, 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack ; 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 Vigilante. 15% Gold Trigger, the sports er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkananw ; or, The Quen of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Ballet; or, Little Tonknot’s Crusade. 231 Plucky Phil; or, Rosen, the Ret Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies, 255 Captain Apoli-, the Kive-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Kuek«kin Detective. 279 Old Wineh}; or, The Buckekin Desperadoes, 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detectives or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parda: or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Bie Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitilesa Matt; or, Ked Thunderhelt’s Secret. BSG Cool Fam and Par; or The Terrible Six. B66 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, 886 Captain Cutlass: or, 1 he Beocnneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Kob; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Fel{x Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler, 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vamptres; or, Red Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The Exceistor Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Bight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 5612 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 621 Dodger Dick’« Beat Dodge. 528 Fox and Faicen, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dedger Dick, the Dock Ferret, 5648 Dodger Dick’« Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodeer Dick’« Desperate Case, 568 Dodger Dick, 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 Parda. 687 Dick Dean, 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 Wugh, the Boy Musician Detective. TOL Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. at none Delt d Len, the Gherer City Perets alsy Dell. the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game. 749 Billy Wihka, the Bell Boy Detective’ ee 754 Billy Winks, the Boss Boy Shadow. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. =~ Dt ad zr ~ 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, 581 Da Mare the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detectives or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport. 641 Dikmal Pave’s Dandy Pard. 651 Round Roy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 665 Viole Vane'« Victory. 682 Wild Vulean, the Lone-Range Riler, 698 Vielet and Dalay, the Posy Parda. TOS Violet Vane’s Vow: or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft, 714 Old Misery, the Man from Missourl, 24 Violet Vane’s Vengeance. 5a yisict vyane's wy Greet ele ane, t Tentriloquist Vidoeq. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished. * iy BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7 The Flytng Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the boy Buccancer; e Fugitive Yacht, 24 Diamond Dirk: of, The M he Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, ‘The entenanta. 75 The Boy Pneliat; « he f the Sea-Wolf, 162 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggi 111 The Sea-Bevils: or, The Mids! iy gacy. 116 The Hussar Captain: or, ot Hell Gate. 197 Little Gris, the wilak Tender’s Daughter 204 fulfale Bill, the! Bison BAL, the Prince Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Tr. iler. 237 Lone Stap, the Cowboy Captain; s Ranchero 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Heir of an Ocvan Freelance. 250 The Midehipman Mutinecr ¢ or, Bran 1e Buccaneer, 264 The Ftoating Feather; or, Merle Monte'’s Treasure. * 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned, 276 Merie Monte’s Cruise; or, * The Gold Ship” Chase. 280 Merle Monte’« Fate; or, The Pirate's Pride. 284 Merle Mente’s Pledge; or, The Sea Marauder. 257 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover 804 The Dead Riot Dandy ; or, Bemto, the Boy Bugler. 808 Dead Shot Pandy’s Bouble. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail, 877 Bonedel, the Buy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner. 888 The Indian Pilet; er, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WIN, the Triiter Guide: or, The Boy Phantom. 898 Seawall, the Boy Lieutenant; or, The Red Clasped Hands, 402 Ineder, the Young Censpirator ; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Vaehteman; or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Pare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Captain Carl, the Corsair; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 48T The Sea Raider; or, The Hawks of the Hook. 441 The @cean Firefly ¢ or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Harry : or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WII, the Wonder-Worker, 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 462 The Born Gulde}: or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. 474 Wirerd Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Wizard Will's Last Case; or, Ferrets Afloat, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 495 Arizona Joe, the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy; er, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman; or, The Young Sea Ranger. 511 The Outlaw Middy; or, The Young Patriot Sea Ranger. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brethers in Bucksking or, The Tangled Trails in Texas, 580 The Backskin Bowers. : 5685 The Rue skin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 640 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lalfitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creel Corsair; or, The Golden Wings of the Gulf. 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen; or, The Skeleton Trail. 575 The Surgeen-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. bS6 Pawnee Bills Pledge: or, The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor. 597 The You Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, 602 The Vacabend of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detectives or, Keno Kit’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Khot Reouts or, The Rio Raiders, The Hercules Highwayman. + Butterfly Billy, the Peony Rider Detective; or, Buffale Bill’s Boy Parad. Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt. Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buceancer Midshipman; or, The Sea Kover’s Ruse 674 The Wizard Sailer; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower; or, The Freebeoter’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 Sembrero; or, The Sharp from Texas, ZO2 Blee Jacket Rilts or, The Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racke> 707 The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail, 718 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen. 719 Pawnee Bill's Pledges or, The Cowboy Kidnapper’s Doom. 725 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid, 781 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. 287 Buck Tayler, the Comanche’s Captive, 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 749 Dashing Charlies or, The Kentucky Tenderfeot’s First Trail, 7566 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. Dashing Charlie’s Pawnce Pard; or, Red Hair, the Renegade. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 261 Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective; or, The Great Mix- Up at Crescent Butte. By Lient. A. K. Sims. Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives in Denver. By J. C. Cowdrick. Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. By Wm. G, Patten. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Lone Hand; or, Kodak Kate Secret Seven. By Edward L. Wheeler. Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol; or, Knocking Out the Kid- nappers. By Jo Pierce. Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer; or, The White Sioux Queen. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Mae and Jack, the Invincibles; or, The Diabolical Three. By Dan Dunning. Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard; or, The Camp Spiders of Ragged Rebin, By T. C. Harbaugh, Broadway Bly, the Retriever Detective; or, How the City Buneerad Were Brought In. By J. C. Cowdrick. 770 Deadwood Pick, Jr.’#) Defeats or, The Tandam Team » Thorny Trail, By | dward L. Wheeler. 71 Foxy Fred's Odd Pards or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle, By Jo Pieree, Ready May 3d. 272 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Ready May 10th, A New Issue Every Tucaday. f- Dime Library ‘6 for ante by all newsdealers, five saan eal pie or sent by mail a4 receipt of six cents each, y BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. 760 762 768