Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 775) (1892 05 31)
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weer Zl Zi CASA. i > < (tt ht nt pig «\ f 2 . _ Nee vaio BO» ~ oe Tit am, eel hl, Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 775. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 Cents. Vol, XXX, IANA Copyrighted 1892, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, May 31, 1892. ; SOL IINITIN| —S i ely Lay —— = Pay ! \ } HI | i} Nit OR, MATERIALIZING ‘THE SPOOKS, The Romance of the Rundle Case. BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ BROADWAY BILLY ” NOVELS, ETO, CHAPTER I, BILLY OPENS FOR BUSINESS. ‘* SWEET PERTATERS! Mom, it can’t be possi- ble! Why, I don’t feel any bigger than I did yesterday, and I'l] bet I can’t eat one bit more! Ain’t there some mistake about it? Haven’t you got dates discombobbled somehow? Where’s my whiskers! [ haven’t even an apology for a mus- tache yet. Mom, you must be mistaken.” BROADWAY BILLY HAD MATERIALIZED THE SPOOKS, AND HAPPY HARRY CELEBRATED, Broadway Billy, of course! BY A WAR DANCE OVER THE RESULT, Many weeks had passed since his return from
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9 a Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. his Wild West cruise, and this morning was Billy’s birthday. He was now twenty-one years old! «There is no mistake about it, Billy,” assured his mother, with her pleasant smile, ‘‘ You are of age to-day, and a man, But, you know it well enough, for this is the day you have been looking forward to.” It was early morning, and mother and son had just met at the breakfast table, together with Roger Watts, who was still ‘‘one of the fam- ily.’ Many changes had taken place, and we find Billy ina new home, He had taken a flat in a good neighborhood, furnished it nicely, and in- stalled his happy mother there. The old place and the old life had been left be- hind forever, and Mrs. Weston, proud and con- tent in the love of her son, declared herself to be the bappiest woman in the world. Greeting Billy on this morning with his usual birthday kiss, she had made a remark that led to the quo- tation with which our story opens, ‘Low me ter congrattylate ye, too, me son,” cried the old ranger. “It ain’t s’prisin’ that ye don’t fee! no different bein’ a man this mornin’, for ye have been a man fer some time past, I take et. Hang me, if you don’t look every inch a& man, too, even if thar ain’t no wkiskers yet. Billy, I’m proud of ye, and I hev been proud of ye ever sence I first seen ye.” ‘*And he is a boy to be proud of, too, Mr. Watts,” averred Mrs, Weston: **Course he is,” rejoined the ranger. ‘* An’ he’s a man, ma’m; nota boy. But, then, you’re his mar, and he would be youm boy jest ther same, even it he was forty-one. That’s natur’.” ** You are right, Mr, Watts; he will always be my boy. I wish every mother had one just like him, too. He is a good boy, has always been a good boy; and a good boy cannot fail of making a goodman, Iam proud of my Billy,” illy stood blushing like a rose, ‘Let up, mom!” he-pleaded, “or you will spoil me, and then I won’t be so good. If there is any good in me, Rover, it was mom, here, that madeit. She’s a mother to be proud of, I tell you, I knew what she said was so, every time, and 1 followed her advice,” ‘*Good for you, me son,” ‘* There, now, Billy, there, now, the mother admonished, ‘I won’t say any more about ye, Come, let’s get at our breakfast before it gets cold.” And so they sat down to the inviting repast. Let us take a brief glance backward. Billy and “Skinny,” so long partners at the old corner stand, bad passed that business over to a younger brother of Skinny’s, and together had taken a store, It was chiefly, Billy’s money which went into the enterprise, Skinny giving his time and ex- perience to offset, From the start this store had scored a success, and its prosperity was as- sured, Skinny was fatter than ever, yet the same old Skinny in spirit, and he, like Billy, had removed his mother and the rest of the family to better uarters than they had ever kefore enjoyed. {verything was well with them all, and the future looked bright. Billy bad rented an office on Broadway—no other thoroughfare would do for bim, he had de- clared; intending on this, his twenty-first birth- day, to bang out his shingle and open for busi- ness as a full-fledged detective. He had receiv- ed encouragement from many sources, and there was every reason to believe he would be success- ful in the field he liked so well. Anyhow, he meant to try it. Our first notice of Broadway Billy was when, asa lad of seventeen, he performed his initial piece of detective work that was really worthy of record, Previous to that, for some time, he had in many ways proved himself useful to the polico and detectives, and the dream of bis life— the goal of his ambition, had been to become a detective himself and win the confidence of the chief of the Metropolitan force. Following him step by step, through bis prin- cipal adventures, we have seen him gain his de- sires, He served an apprenticeship tbat rivaled the record of many a professional, risking his life many times and having any number of narrow escapes, so was well qualified for the business he was about to undertake, While the meal was progressing, and while the three were busily talking, there came a ring at the bell, “That’s Skinny, I'll bet on it!” exclaimed Billy at once; and rising from the table he pull- ed the wire that would open the outer door to the caller, A moment later a heavy and slow step was heard on the stairs; then came a tap at the door and Billy, ready to open it, admitted the fat partner into the room in all his rotundity. ‘** Great ginger!” Skinny cried, ‘‘ you look just the same as you did yesterday, Billy. Why, I expected to see a man here.” ~ “Sweet pertaters!” retorted Billy, as hearti- ly, in his boyish way; ‘‘.give me half a chance,, won’t you? Give me time to raise a mustache and a pair of chops, and then I’ll show ye.” Both laughed, and Skinny congratulated Billy upon his having arrived at the important age that entitled him to take part in the affairs of his country, Skinny was urged to partake of breakfast, but declined, saying he had just had his, so he sat down and waited until Biily finished. Then, eae some talk, the two young men took their eave, Both went to the store, where Billy’s presence was needed upon a matter of business, Skinny was acknowledged manager here:—already he had two clerks under his charge, and there he can be seen any day. After attending to the business, Billy went on to his office, At the main door of the great office building, he tore down a square of paper that was tacked up, disclosing a new and neatly painted sign bearing his name, “ WILLIAM WEsTON, Private Detective. Room 20,” A ffush mounted to his face as he looked at this for a moment—a flush caused by com- mingled pride and modesty; then he sprung up the stairs to the second floor, and when he came. in sight of the door of Room 20 he discovered oo sitting patiently before it on a bootblack’s x, He was a sturdy-looking little fellow, a tad of fifteen, short of stature and strong of limb, and his face, clean and shiny as soap and water could make it, was bright and intelligent. He was rather good-looking, as boys go, with black hair and eyes, but was clad in a suit that evi- dently had seen hard service. The lad rose as Billy appeared in sight, and with a single movement his box was transferred from the floor to his shoulder. ‘** Hello!” exclaimed Billy, at sight of him, ** you are on hand, I see, Harry.” **You bet!” was the exclamation. ‘“ It’s bound to bea cold day when Happy Harry don’t keep bis ’p’intments, Mr, Weston.” Yet again did that flush mount to Billy’s cheeks, In this lad he saw himself as he had been—it seemed only yesterday, and yet he was called ‘‘ Mr. Weston,” But, he realized that it was all right, “Thatis right, Harry,” heapproved. ‘* Punc- tuality is one of the mainsprings of success, That is to say, never fail to connect, unless you are in a difficulty and can’t get there. If you make that rule, your friends will know some- thing is wrong when you don’t turn up,” ‘““That’s just the kind of a warbler I am,” the Jad declared. ‘‘When I say I’ll be there, you can set it down fer a fack that I’m going to be if the wheels stay on. When you said you wanted to see me this mornin’, and asked me ter be bere at nine, sharp, and I said I would, that settled it. I was ere before the clock stop ved strikin’.” Well, we will fo into the office, and then 1 will tell you what I wanted to see you for.” * Allright; ’m your daffodil.” Tbe upper half of the door was of ground glass, and here another sheet of paper “was fastened, This Billy tore down, revealing another sign handsomely lettered on the glass; “ WILLIAM WESTON, Private Detective.” ** Office Hour—9 a, Mm,” “If not in, drop note.” Billy unlocked the door and ke and the boy entered, A neatly furnished office was disclosed, one which did not savor too strongly of newness, either, since Billy had bought the carpet and some of the furniture from the previous oc- cupant, he carpet was a neat one, though a little worn, The desk was a good one, large, roomy, and somewhat dignifi The rest of the furniture was substantial and necessary. There were two windows, with curtains, Billy closed the door and looked around bim with the air of one who was monarch of all he surveyed, ‘*Sweet pertaters!” he exclaimed under his breath, “I wouldn’t ’a’ believed it if mom her- self bad told me. Is it possible this is you, Willyum?” His pause was only momentary, and he cross- ed the fioor and sat down at the desk, at the same time inviting bis young friend to help himself to a chair, which the boy promptly did. ‘*Now, Harry Hillyard, we will come to busi- ness at once,” Billy opened. ‘‘ You area boy Ihave had my eye on for some time, and I think I can make use of you, if you are willing, and put you in the way of making more money than you are making now. Do you want to work for me?” ““Want ter work fer ye? Mr. Weston, you jest say you want me and J’ll stand on my head on my box and kick the flies off the ceiling! Do I want ter work fer you? Well, I should warble! I have read about all your doin’s, and I’ve made up my mind that I’m goin’ ter foller right after ye and see if I can’t be a detective, too—one of the get-up-and-go-it-fer-all-ye-ar’- worth kind.” “Well, I think there is good stuff in you,” acknowledged Billy, earnestly, ‘‘and I’m going to see how you will pan out,” CHAPTER II. BILLY’S FIRST VISITOR. Harry HtLuyArp, or ‘‘ Happy Harry,” as he was better known on the street, was a boy whose acquaintance Billy had made some time pre- vious, Billy had been on the lookout for just such a boy-adjutant. Entering the lists,‘now, as a professional, he wanted some one to take up the role he was laying down; that was, to be the boy detective he bad been himself, and in looking around for such a lad, bad found this one, who, at a glance, he believed would ‘fill the bill,” admirably, and so, on the day previous to this, his birth- day, Billy bad requested the gamin to come to the office at nine in the morning, “You told me you have neither father or mother, didn’t you? That being the case you baven’t any home, I take it.” ‘*No home? All New York is my home, Mr. Weston. In cold weather I sleep at the lodgin’- house, and in summer I hunt a box and save up my dimes, And as fer grub, Néw York is full ‘of that.” “That is all right, Harry, but that won’t do, You must have a home, and [ am going to take you to my bhomeand make you one of the family. My mother will be glad to have you with us, I know, and you must be a second Broadway Billy to her. How will that suit you,” ‘Ob, Christopher Columbia! You don’t mean me ‘‘ Yes, I do mean it, But, there must be an uaderstanding between us before we go any fur- ther, “‘ And what is that? Iam willin’ to agree to anytbing you say, ferI know you won’t ask any- thing of a fellow that ain’t right. What is it?” ‘Well, I'll put itto you plain and straight. You bave got to promise me you won’t chew, smoke or drink; that you won’t swear; and that you'll never lie or steal. If you can’t promise all that I don’t want you.” ** Ob Christopher!” cried Happy Harry. ‘* You bit me right where I’m at home, now, Mr, Wes- ton. Iam cured of all that a’ready. When I used to read about you, at first, I did smoke and chew, as other street walkers do, and sometimes I’d swear; but when I found you didn’t do any- thing like that, why J quit it, right off sharp.” ‘Well, ’'m glad of that, and I’m glad my mother’s influence has spread out a little further than myself. More than that, if you have been taking me for your model I am glad my record is clean all the way through. I tell you what it is, Harry, no boy can hope to be the right kind of amanif hedon’t begin by being the right kind of boy; and the boy that chews, smokes and drinks, to say nothing about worse things, is all wrong, and will sooner or later go wrong. ‘“T know it. Why, I’m twice as strong as I was when I sucked cigarettes all day.” ‘Of course you are, Then you _promise all the things I have named, do you? I want your honest word on that point.” **T promise, you bet. And ['ll stick to it, ‘* Well, that point is settled, then, and you are to have a home at my house and be one of the family, Ill give you that free of cost, and will pay you something besides, for a year. By that me can tell what you are good for.” “That suits me, All I want is a good chance, and I guess I can prove how worthless I am in a good deal less time thau a year,” |
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| | ** Well, it is all settled, then. We'll see about fixing you out for clothes, for of course you won’t play bootblack all the time, though that is one of the best cards you can have in hand, I want you to do your best, Harry, if you are going to take the place of Broadway illy.” At that moment the door opened. The person who entered was Billy’s patron saint, the person above all others whose confi- dence he cared for, the metropolitan chief! ‘** Good-morning, Billy!” be greeted. ‘I see you are open for business, as you said you in- tended.” ** Good-morning!” Billy responded, rising and offering his hand. ‘* Yes,I am on hand, but business isn’t crowding me very hard, yet.” The chief smiled. ** Don’t expect too much,” he advised. is your birthday, I believe.” ** Yes, sir.” “* And you are twenty-one,” “e Yes.’ ‘* Well, I am your first caller, I suppose.” ‘Yes, sir.” ‘*Exceptin’ me,” put in Harry. ‘I was on hand before the office opened fer business.” ** And who are you?” the chief asked. ‘““Mr, Westoa will tell you that, sir.” “He is a boy I have engaged,” Billy ex- plained, ‘** And a likely boy he looks, too. What is he You want him in the office, I ** This going to do? suppose,” ‘**{ want him to take the place I am stepping out of,” answered Billy. ‘‘ He is going to be Broadway Billy, second—to do the work that only a boy can do.” ‘**Ha! I see. Nota bad idea, But, I doubt whether he will be able to fill your old shoes, Billy. That remains to be seen. I have con- fidence in your judgment in that respect, how- ever. Now,I have not come here for an idle purpose, but on business,” ‘* Anything [ can do?” Billy asked, ** That will have to.be seev. Let me explain. In the first place, I wanted to bring you good luck.’ ‘Glad to bear that.” ‘*Some folks believe that the first caller or customer at a new office or place of business de- termines the success of the establishment. If there is anything in that, and if my standing counts for anything, here I am.” tm sure I’m thankful for your kindness, sir. “Don’t mention that! Besides that, business brings me here, As/this is your birthday, and as you have just opened for business, I want to put a case into your hands. I don’t mean that I want your help on a case, but I am going to turn one over to you entirely.” **]T’m balf afraid to take it, and that’s the solid truth,” “Nonsense! It may not be an éasy one; in fact, I am sure it will not be; but, I want you to take aold of it, all the same.” ** What sort of case is it?” “ That I intend to leave for the person most interested to explain in his own way, so that you can draw your first impressions rigbt from headquarters, as it were, You know there is some advantage in that.” ‘*'Yes, so there is, Who is this person you speak of?” ‘*His name is Matthias Rundle. He will probably call here about ten o’clock. I have al- i sa him to you.” ** Well, I don’t know how to thank you, sir, and I'll try to do my best, and so not make you ashamed of having referred him to me, I never felt so little confidence in myself as I do this morning.” ‘Don’t let your feelings trouble you any. When this man comes to see you he may ex- oings some surprise at finding so young a man, ut you can soon convince him that your head is older than your appearance, and it will not take you long to impress him the right way.” ** Perhaps.” “*T know it, I have measured your capacity more than once, Billy Weston, “I would not take this interest in you, if I did not know what there is in you. That San Francisco badge of yours is a_whole volume in itself. Then your record at Denver is one not to be ashamed of, There is no perhaps about it.” ** Well, [ only hope your confidence isn’t mis- placed, sir.” ““SodolI. If it should ever turn out so, then T'd be convinced that my observing powers do not; amount to much,” ** And I hope some day you'll have confidence jin me, too,” spoke up Happy Harry, boldly, Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 3 ** That’s what [{’m goin’ to work for, the same as Billy did.” ** It remains to be seen what you can do,” was the serious response, ‘* You are beginning on a record already made, you must remember. If you hold your own you will have good reason to congratulate yourself.” Then the chief took his leave. CHAPTER III. RATHER A REMARKABLE REQUEST. AFTER the depurture of Billy’s first caller, Billy and Happy Harry fell to talking again, and Harry strengthened the good impression he had already made upon the mind of his young employer. Harry’s history was brief, and it was the same as the history of many a poor boy in mighty Gotham. Born of pocr parents, his father dying when he was yet a babe, and bis mother follow- ing soon after, be had been kicked upon tbe streets and was a genuine specimen of the genus gamin. ‘* Well,” said Harry, finally, ‘‘hadn’t I better take myself away fer the present? I ain’t a very sightly ornament to a gentleman’s cffice.” ‘No, don’t go yet,” ordered Billy. ‘Stay and get a look at this Mr. Rundle when he comes, It may be useful for you to know him by sight, As soon as he comes you may go.” * All right.” ‘‘ And then, if I don’t see you again before , noon, you go bome and introduce yourself tomy | I heve spoken | mother and tell ber I sent you. to ber about you, and it will be all right.” ‘*-You’re the boss, sir, and I'll do jest as you say. Christopher Columbia! I can’t hardly be- lieve this is me! Ter tbink that I should be in the ’ploy of the genuine Broadway Billy— It ’most takes away my breath. Can’t seem to re- alize it yet, nohow. But, seems ter be the fack, sure enough,” ‘“Ob, it is so, Harry; and I want you to do all you can to prove how much you care for me, “And [ll do it—crackers an’ cheese, yes! Jest as you had the ambition to win the confi- dence of the great mogul, so J have a desire to get there in your regard. I’m goin’ ter try, hard,” | A step was heard in the hall, a step accom- panied with a hard thump, and the door opened. A little old man came in, a heavy cane in his right hand and bis left on the knob of the door, with which he closed the door after him softly. He scrutinized Billy, and then Happy Harry, and in a moment made known the object of his call, in a high, thin voice. ‘Where is Mr, Weston?” be demanded. “Tam Mr. Weston, sir,” Billy answered, The old man brought bis cane down upon the floor with a hard thump, shaking his head, “No! no!” be cried, impatiently; “I mean Mr. Weston the detective, Your father, I pre- sume, seeing that is your name. Where is the other Mr. Weston?” Billy bad to smile. “*Tam_the only Mr. Weston who has anything to do with this office, sir,” he declared, ‘Is your name Matthias Rundle, sir?” he inquired. “Tf it is, 1am probably the person you are look- ing for.” The old man had straightened up with a start, at mention ef the name. “That is certainly my name,” he admitted; ** but, how came you to know me? I am not aware that I ever saw you before.” Happy H had been edging toward the door, having taken a good look at the old man, and now, as the visitor advanced into the room, opened the door and slipped out. Billy noted his going, and that he had obeyed his injunction about taking a mental picture of Mr. Rundle before leaving the office. He noted, too, that he had not gone till he had heard the man’s name, These points pleased the detec- tive. “Harry will do,” he told himself. ** And I am sureI have never seen you before, sir,” be made response to the visitor. ‘‘ I guessed at; your name from the fact that I was expect- ing a man of that name to call on me,” oe Then you had been told of my com- in f I had been told that you had been directed to my office, sir.” “Hum! aman in whomI had much confidence; but I expected to find a man bere, and not a boy.” ““Well, please be seated,” requested Billy, “ and we will talk it over. Take that chair; I think you will find that one comfortable, No, I am not very old, I admit, but I have bad ex- perience,” Yes, I have been sent here, and by | “0m! Whstdo you think you can do ina case like mine?” **T can do the best I can, sir, and no man can do avy more than that, When I take hold of a case I make up my mind that Iam going to work it cut, and I have never been defeated yet. I am prepared to render the best service Il am capablejof, sir.” ** Well, well, I suppose it is all right, or a man like the chief would not have recommended you tome. He spoke highly of you, and it is plain that he bas confidence in you. He sent you word, then, that I would call on you, did he? That was kind of him. Wanted to make sure I'd find you in, I suppose.” ‘‘He came here and told me himself,” an- swered Billy. ‘‘Ha! Came bere in person, did he? Well, well, it must be all right. And he spoke about my case, did he? What do you think of it?” ‘‘- Yes, he spoke about it, sir; but before I give you my opinion I want to bear all about it from your own lips. We are alone here, and you may speak out freely. I will pay atten- tion,” The old gentleman looked around. ‘‘ Where is that boy that was here?” he de- manded, ** He bas gone out,” answered Billy, only a bootblack.” ‘* Well, he disappeared mysteriously, that’s all. He was right there the last I saw of him,” “You did not notice him, that was all, sir, But, let me hear your story, if you please, if you are going to trust me with the matter, and we will talk it over and see what can be made out of it. ‘1m! Yes, business must be attended to. Let me tell you, young man, before I begin, that my case puzzied the:-chief: when I laid it before him.” : “JT have no doubt of it, sir. A case that is not puzzling is not worth takins to a detective atall. The more puzzling the matter the harder the work, and the harder the work the more de- termined we are to win,” ““T see, I see, I begin to think I have not been sent amiss in being directed to you.” Mr. Rundle rested his chin on bis bands for some moments, his hands crossed on the head of his cane, and was silent and thoughtful. ‘**No; I cannot understand it,’ he declared, presently. ‘‘I can’t understand it. I can’t un- derstand it at all. Not at all) Why my dead daughter should appear to me so regularly, week after week, is more than I can fathom.” Billy pricked up bis ears at this bit of infor- mation. What manner of case was he about to take hold of, anyhow? Was this old man in his right mind? ** And you can’t understand what I am talking about, either, I suppose?” the old man observed, “You can’t understand that any better than [ can understand the mystery of the affair. Why should a dead girl return and demand money of her father? Can you tell me that, sir?” ‘*No, lam not prepared to explain it yet,” was Billy’s reply. * And r am afraid you never will be prepared to explain it, either. You are not a spiritualist, are you, sir?” ‘No, sir,” Billy answered promptly. **So I sup . I have failed to find a detec- tive whois one. It seems detectives do not take to that faith.” ‘*T guess you are right, sir, Detectives gener- ally bave enough to do in looking after flesh and blood, without fooling away any time on spirits, Besides, the two ideas don’t hitch very well,” ‘** Maybe you are right. Bethatas it may, I failed to find one of that faith. You see, sir, I thought if I could find one who was a spiritualist be would be better able to understand the situa- tion than one who was not. Failing, I must do the best I can, you see.” “ Exactly.” ‘** Now, I am very glad to see my daughter, sir, and it gives me great comfort when she tells me of her bappiness in the other world; but her demands for money are becoming rather wear- ing on my nerves, to say nothing of its making a hele in my funds, and [ want to know what becomes of the money,” ‘‘Sweet pertaters!” Billy exclaimed in mind. Ris position was now too dignified to admitof bis using bis pet ejaculation aloud. ‘‘ What ia wanted of me, anybow? Does be want me to disembody myself and go on ap exploring expe- dition into the land of shadows? This is likely to be a little wearing on my nerves, the same as it is on his and his bank account,” ‘¢ You are silent,” the old man observed. “IT was thinking,” returned Billy. ** He was “Do
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spirits have any use for money in the other world?” ‘* No, positively no!” was the reply to that, At the same time as he spoke he thumped vig- srously on the floor with his cane, as if summon- ing somebody from below, ** What are you pounding for?’ asked the de- tective. ‘*It is not I, but the spirits,” the old man an- swered earnestly, Billy looked at him in half pity and half dis- gust. He considered him only a little short of non compos, **T see you do not understand,” the old man wenton, “ITamamedium, Spirits operate on me aud through meat pleasure. The rappings you heard was spiritual approval of my state- ment,” “ That they have no use for money?” “Exactly, Am I right?’ The last was asked in a different tone, as iz to some other person, and again the cane beat a tat- too on the floor, ‘*- You see the approval,” the old man called attention. ‘‘ They bear witness to my statement that they have no use for money in that happy land. Ha! it is a great science, young man,’ ** And you believe in it fully, of course.” “To be sure. And why should I not? I have been there, sir, actually been there, Once I lay ina trance twenty days, while my spirit held high revelin the halls of delight. Ha! if your blind eyes could only see!” ‘*T wish they could,” declared Billy, solemnly. **Then I might be able to tell you what became of your money.” “Um! Yes, that is the point. What does become of my money? What use does my spirit child make of it? And why does she come so often? I cannot understand it, can’t understand it, ** And what do you want me to do, sir?” **T want you to find out what is done with - sir, since we know it cannot be taken to the lan of spirits.” Broadway Billy had to scratch his head, Here was something new in his experience? How was he to deal with such acase—to shadow shadows? Perbaps it was a hoax! But, no, that did not seem reasonable, for that would imply that the chief was a party to it. CHAPTER IV. MR, RUNDLE’S STORY, ‘* Waar do you think about it?” the old man asked, impatiently. “* That’s a agers enough question,” Billy made response. “‘I suppose you want a plain an- swer.” “Certainly, sir; the plainer the better. Right?” hat query was addressed to the spirits. Again did the cane thump the floor with considerable vigor. ‘I see the pari approve of it,” remarked Billy, ‘‘so I will talk pretty plainly to you. I think you are being beautifully humbugged. That’s my first impression,” “Ha! Hum! You mean to say that spiritu- ajism isa humbug?” **No, I don’t say that, for I do not know enough about the merits of the faith to condemn it; but, when your spirits begin to bleed you of your substance I think itis about time to sus- pect something wrong.” “You may be right, you may be right; but, how do you account for my daughter’s coming to me from the other world once a week to get money ?” ** Are you certain it is your daughter?” “To be sure I am. Don’t you suppose I know my own child?” “Well, that ought to be proof enough, I suppose. Does she tell you what she wants the money for? You admit that money is of no use in Spirit Land.” **Of no use whatever there, sir. No matorial thing or substance can passin to that mysterious country. Only the immaterial, the spiritual, can cross the border and enter there. Right?” Another tattoo of the cane on the floor in re- sponse, ‘* Have you asked the spirit of your daughter what use she makes of it?” Billy inquired. ** Yes, I have put that question,” the old man answered, ‘** And what did she say?” “She assured me it was made the best of use of; that it relieved distress and advanced the cause of spiritualism in many ways.” ** And her spirit is substantial enough to re- ceive this money from your hands and disappear with it, eh?” “My son, my son, you do not understand, Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. You do not know even the A B C of the wonderful science yet, Even we who are aged in its practice are but children in it, as it were, Right?” Again were the spirits called upon to verify, and again did the cane thump on the floor, B ** Then it isn’t managed that way, eb?” queried illy. “No, no, no. What is spirit? Spirit is im- material 2ssence, Spirit is nothing, yet some- thing. It is superior to everything else in the universe, Spirit is the first and the last, Spirit iseverything. Right?” Some more thumpings, ** Spirit is even superior to money, ehf” ** Money is a base substance, sii, It belongs to the material world, Spirits have ‘10 ase for money.” ** And yet—” ‘Exactly. Spiritualism is a material thing. The world is material, and to advance the cause the material must assist the immaterial. Don’t you see?” **T don’t see very clearly,” answered the young detective, ‘‘ You are drifting away from the main question, How does the spirit of your daughter manage to get away with this money when you give it to her?’ ‘* Not so fast, young man, not so fast, I am older than you, and know what I am talking about. You say I am drifting from the main question. Not so. I was coming to it. You cannot understand; you are spiritually blind— as blind as a bat,” ‘*T guess you are right,” Billy thought. ** Yes, I was coming to that at once, I repeat,” the old man wenton, ‘** WhatI said was, that to advance the cause the material must assist the immaterial; and that is to be taken vice versa, of course. Do you follow me?” ‘*T understand what you say, sir.” ** Very well. Now, when a spirit desires to have to do with material things, bow is it to be accomplished? Spirit is not matter; it is, as I said, immaterial essence, How can it act upon material things? In other words, bow can the spirit of my daughter accept and take away money?” ‘There, you have come to it,” Billy admitted. **'Yes; and now to explain. In order for spirits to make their influence felt in the world, in order to bring themselves to the observation of material beings, they must have media; plural, media ; po er medium, I am a medium, Do you still follow me? You see, through me spirits respond to questions Rue by that which is material; I am material. Now I ask: Am I right?” That last was again addressed to the spirits, and the cane thumped on the floor as before. ‘Sweet pertaters!” cried Billy in mind, *‘ but this is gettin’ to be a medium singular case, and that’s a fact. I wonder when the old fellow will run down and come to the point? I shall have to take him in hand if he don’t come to business pretty shortly.” ‘** Do you begin to understand?” the old gentle- man ask He had worked himself up toa high pitch of interest in his own ideas, by this time, and it was plain to be seen that he was a fanatic, ‘*T understand it all as far as you have gone,” answered Billy. ‘‘ You areslow in coming down to solid facts, however,” ‘*- Yes, yes, you are right, pane: but, you raised questions that demanded a ull explana- tion in order that you might go into this case intelligently, as it were. Too bad I could not find a spiritualist detective.” Billy agreed with him, pene, in mind. ‘* The point raised was,” the o d man went on, “how does a spirit receive money from me and take it away, when spirit is only essence? Naw I answer: In order to come to me in visi- ble shape, the spirit of my child must havea medium, That medium must be a living body, It come, and by the voice, the affectionate terms, and the expressed knowledge of things which only my child could know, fecaoaninn it as her own spirit,” “Ha!” cried Billy. “Now I begin to get there, as it were, The spirit comes in real flesh and blood, and takes away your ducats just as Tor any one else might take them, Now, this begins to look like a case. I had my doubts about being able to cope with these beings from another realm, at first, but now that I find they come in mortal guise I guess [ will stand some chance. We are getting at the facts in the right shape, Now that I bave bad my lesson in spir- itistics, so to say, let us stick right to the mate- rial facts in the case,” ‘* Young man, I am glad the chief sent me to you,’ cried the aged spiritualist. ‘‘ You havea manner of grasping things that is gratifying. You understand so readily, take bold so prompt- ly, as it were, that I shall hope that we may yet eproll you among us of the faith, But, yow are eager to get at the material facts, as yow term them, will gratify you, and I must not. impose too long on your time, either. Now, im what manner will you have me proceed? Shall I tell the story in my own way, or will you draw the facts in your way by asking questions? I want to please you, and at the same time do what is best,” “‘{ understand that you simply want to know what becomes of this money; is that it?” ‘* That is it, sir, I want to satisfy myself that the judgment of my daughter in the matter is sound; also to gain, by this means, further proof that will convince the skeptic mind that our faith is all we claim for it.” “Exactly. And if you find that good us» has been made of the money, as you have reason to believe has been the case, then you will be satisfied; but, on the otber band, if you find that you have been duped, bled by an artful dodger, then you want the offenders pun- ished as they deserve,” There was a moment of silence, “Young man,” Mr. Rundle demanded, ** how can you read my innermost thoughts? I fail to understand it, How could you guess that away down in my soul there is a doubt in this matter? Tell me, sir.” “Well, out West they would call it hose sense,” answered Billy. ‘‘ That is, I apply the rule of common sense to it, and figure it out by that rule. In the first place, if you had no doubt you would not seek the aid of a detective in the matter.” re It was my doubt that led me to do so, I ad- mit, “ And having a doubt, ged spiritualism is just a little shaky, especia ly as you see your pocketbook ett 3 thinner.” ‘No, no, nol can’t admit that—I won’t admit it, sir! My faith is all right; but I want to know what is done with my money, My daughter comes for it, that I know; but is ber judgment souud? Or, perchance, is she being overru'ed by spirits of evil? I cannot tell; that is what I want to know.” “ All right; that is what we will set about finding ovt, Now, for the points; you may go ahead and tell the story in your own way, keep- ing strictly to the material facts.” ‘Young man, I like you;—I like you very well indeed. I like ycur brief and blunt man- ner. I like the way in,which you hold the main point in mind, I am sure the chief knew what be was doing when he sent me to you. If it isn’t a case of old bead on young shoul- ders I’m mistaken, that’s all.” Billy was silent, giving the man full oppor- tunity to go ahead and get his story out. Mr. Rundle beat about it no longer, but came right to the matter in its material bearings, “My name, as you know,” he began, ‘is Matthias Rundle. I live at No. — —— street. My wife has been in the other world many yor, and | live alone with my old housekeeper. have one son, who is here in New York, but who is not a spiritualist. He denounces it as sheer, stupid humbuggery. But he is blind, sir; blind, blind, ‘“*T had a daughter, a dear soul, who died five years ago, She wasa believer, and one of the best mediums [ ever saw. She was the light of my declining years, and were it not that she comes t me now from the spirit world, life would be unbearable. She was once in a trance for several days, and she wrote a beautiful book about her experience in the otber land.” ‘“* Keep to facts regarding the present case,” said Billy. Yes, yes; thatis so, One is so apt to wan- der into enticing pee Well, I am a man of some means, and having no faith in banks I keep all my money in my house, in a little, old- fashioned safe in my bedroom. ag daugbter knew this well enough, and in life it was open to her at any and all times, and she was as free to use it as I was myself, She was careful of it, too, and I could trust ber fully. 1f anything, she was a more restricting manager than I was myself.” : ‘Then it is only since she bas been a spirit that she bas made inroads into the funds, eh?” said Billy. “You say aright, my son, But, she explains it. She sees now the folly of hoarding up that which, to-day, somewhere, is needed so badly by our fellow-creatures, and she can see cases where it will do the most good, cases which I could never know anything about. And so I have given money to her, time after time, until now — So ne i a i ——_—_—_ + —
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- - a ST: SF ee ee een! : i fe ee | | it has come to be a regular thing, each week, for ther to bring some case to my notice, and the de- mands have been growing larger and larger until I can foresee that my fortune will not stand the constant drain. Still, J hesitate about refusing, for every case brought to my notice is more distressing than the last.” CHAPTER V. HAPPY HARRY ON HAND. *¢ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBIA!” So exclaimed Happy Harry, when he left the office, after the arrivalof the old spiritualist, as shown, ‘*] can’t seem ter think that this is me,” he muttered, as he went down toward the street. ** Wish somebody would come along and lift me one behind, jest to remind me shat there ain’t no mistake about it.” He evidently quickly concluded that would mot do, however, since the fall to the bottom of two landings would not be an easy one, so skipped on down, and was soon at the bottom. There he stopped and looked at Billy’s sign in the hall, ‘“No, it don’t seem real at all,” he mused. ** That I should come to know Broadway Billy, and then be really-and trooly in his ’ploy, and more’n that, to have him ask me ter take up the de he is jest layin’ down, In_ short, to be roadway Billy myself; Broadway Billy, Junior, mebby. But no, that won’t do, fer Happy Harry is the banner I am going to fly.” While he stood there he became aware that two persons were standing just outside the door, aud he glanced to see who they were, One was a man and the other a woman, Tho man was a dark fellow, with black eyes, hair and mustache. The woman was vailed, and was somewhat richly dressed, but in too vulgara style. ‘They had their backs partly toward him, and did not notice him, and he, in turn, would have taken no further notice of them, had it not been for a name which fell from the man’s lips at the same moment. ‘* Old Rundle is too rich a prize to be allowed to get away,” the fellow said, 1n response to some remark the woman had just made, Happy Harry pricked up his ears instantly. What if they referred to ths Rundle who was at that moment up-stairs in the office of Broad- way Billy! : The boy had fixed in his mind much of what be had read concerning Broadway Billy, and especially of Billy’s manner of doing things on the spur of the moment, when occasion re- quired, So, the thought coming to him that behind the big door was the place for him, he put him- self there with all baste. There was a wide erack, and the man was leaning against the jamb with his head only a few inches from the crack, the woman only a little further distant. Outside the crowd passing up and down, a constant stream, and these two had drawn back to be out of the way. Happy Harry was not soon enough to hear what rejoinder the woman made, but he was ready for the next observation the man offered. **] know it,” he said; ‘* but if he is going to run after the police and private detectives he must smell a mice, and I’m going to be mighty wary of him.” ‘Don’t be afraid, for the police and detec- tives won’t bother with him much, It won’t take much of bis kind of talk to convince them that be is a loony, and then they will drop im.” ‘But, it is plain that he is suspicious, and can’t be worked much longer.” ‘*Then we must make the best of him while he can be worked, that is all. Wemust have one more pull at his money-bags.” ** What’s the use, unless we can milk him dry? Little dribs at a time ain’t any good to us no more, We must take a grand haul and be done with it, Hither that, or I’m out of it,” ‘* Well, maybe that can bedone; but, let me tell you, five bundred dollars in less than three weeks isn’t doing so bad. You have run bigger risks for asmaller sun}, Many atime, The main thing is, Gus, to keep him away from these places.” _** And how are you going to do that, [ shouhi like to know?” , “We'll have to set the spirits after him so strong that he will be glad enough to drop it.” .. * That is all rigbt; but, his suspicion is up, and it will be like drawing teeth to get any more out ofhim. As I said before, whole bog or none wext time,” * Well, we'll plan for all of it, then.” ‘* And what are you doing here? What good did you think you could do by following bin?” ‘“ Why, won’t it be worth a good deal to know what detective he has? Seems to me you must be sleepy this morning, ain’t youl” ‘* Mebbe you are right, Rosa. I didn’t think about it, that way,” ‘* You see, knowing what detective he has, we can play our cards to send him on a false scent, and while he is nosing around in a cold spot_we can be laughing at bim and shouting—‘ Hot, hotter, hottest!’ to urge him en.” is And at the same time bleeding the old spook, eh?” ‘** Certainly.” ** Well, that isn’t slow.” **But, who is this detective? him, Gus?” ‘Tl know of him. He is thesame boy who once sent Sharkey Dan higher that’a kite,” ** You don’t say!” ‘The same cuss, Billy, then,” ‘* And now he’s got to be a regular, has he? Well, he must be a good one, for he stands in well with the chief of them all.” : ‘* How do you know that?” ‘¢ Tt was he sent the old man here.” ** And how do you know that?” **The same way that I know a good many things. More than that, the chief has been here this morning himself,” ‘* Well, if Billy Weston is a pet we shall have to look out all the more, that isall. 1 tell you I am going to fight mighty wary, Rosa Dubarre.” ‘Wight just as wary as you want to, and the more wary the better, We are not going to miss a good thing when we have it almost in our own hands, But, as you say, we had better make oue job of it.” **T think so. What are you going to do next?” ‘When do you mean?” > - mean now, What are you stopping here or “Oh! Why, I am going to fall in with the old man and have a spiritual talk with him.” **Won’t he suspect that you have been shad- owing him?” ‘* No, not at all, for he bas perfect faith in me. I have closed the eyes of smarter men than he. Once in the spirit line they are quite willing to be bamboozled,” “se Do you know They called him Broadway We, you and I, are not alone in it, how- ever.” ‘*Gus Casmore, you don’t suppose I have any partner with whom I am going to divide, do you? ‘** You will ante up with me, or you don’t get my belp, that is all.” “*T can get other help, then. I am going to pay you for what you do, the same as I pay others; but there will be no dividing with you.” Happy Harry noticed that the man’s, face grew darker than ever. _ ‘You seem to forget you have partly let me into your secret,” he growled. ‘* What’s to hinder my posting the old fellow and blocking your game?” The woman laughed. Neeiless to say, Happy Harry was bound to let nothing escape him now. **T will tell you what will binder you,” the woman made answer. ‘‘ The fact that I have too much knowledge about you. You do not suppose Rosa Dubarre is a fool, do you, to take any one into her confidence unless she has the master hold?” _ Confound you! you don’t mean to deal fair in this thing.” ‘Ob, yes, 1do!_ I mean to pay you well if we succeed; if not, then notbing. And you must use your Own wits to keep you out of trouble.” ‘Well, you hold the best cards this time, that Iadmit. What I have said bas got to stand, rt ag got to be a clean sweep next ime, or nothing. won't try i ai r apy- thing less.” * ie aatadliy r ‘*And I bave agreed to that. Come around this afternoon and we will talk it over more fully. The old man may not make a long stay up there, and you don’t want to be seen.” “That’s so; Pil be going. He will see you, though.” ‘* He won’t know me, as I’m fixed now. I'll take care to handle him in a scientific manner,” They both laughed, and stepping away from the door a pace or 80, exchanged a few more re- marks, when the man took his Copartare. ‘“* Crackers an’ cheese!” cried Happy Harry to himself, ‘‘ woat ort I ter do now? What would Broadway Billy do, if he was me? Would he foller his shakes and see where be goes to?” He had little time for reflection, for the wo- a Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase, 5 Sa ca 1 ee eee ——oooooooaoaoaoaDBBaBBB99@QnsSsaqaeaxTSaanangngagjgejejos$=s=Ss=s=sSsSs=S SSS man stepped back and leaned against the door in the very place where the man bad stood. “The idea of thinking I would share with him!” she said to berself, ina spiteful tone just loud enough for Harry’s sharp ears to catch. ‘*He must be a fool, I have fed and clothed bim, and now he thinks he has some claim upon me, Ha, ha!” ‘* You’re a Tartar, and I’m bettin’ on it,” said Harry to himself. ‘‘And if it is you the old man up-stairs is complainin’ about to Billy, you bet there will be a hot time for you in the near by and by. If Billy don’t do up your back hair in a hard knot it will be funny.” The woman said no more, but waited. **T begin ter see a’ready that I ain’t a Broad- way Billy,” Harry mused, ‘ Here I am gettin’ some facts that p’int to what be would calla consarned diffikilty, and bless meif 1 know what to do with ’em, What am I good fer, anyhow? Think I'll sell out cheap and resign my commis- sion. But, I must put the boss onto this thing first.” He was thoughtful, trying to consider what he should do, ‘I’m ’most ‘fraid I made a mistake in_ not fol- lerin’ that man,” he said to himself. ‘* But, how was I ter do it, the way the land laid just then? If I had gone out and after him, the woman’d ’a’ twigged me, and she'd ’a’ give the feller the tip before I knowed it, No, that wasn’t ter be did; and besides, she didn’t give me any chance, fer no sooner was he gone than she planted her- self here against the door. Reckon I did allI could do, and that was—nothbin’.” Harry bad quite a long wait, for the conversa- tion between Billy and Mr, Rundle was a lengthy one. Finally, however, the old man’s cane was beard thumping on the steps, and immediately the woman left her place and hastened away up the street. Happy Harry was out from behind the door in a second, and looked after the woman to see what she was going todo; and hesoon saw. She ran a little distance, and then suddenly turned, ber vail raised, A moment later old Mr. Rundle emerged upon the street, and the woman walked toward him at a very slow pace, as if taking a leisurely stroll, and when they met the old man stopped ber with an exclamation of surprise and greeted ber in the most friendly way imaginable, Harry’s work was not done yet, he knew, and with box ready for business he moved toward the couple with the bootblack’s usual cry. If anything of importance was going to be said, he wanted to catch a word or two of it if possible. CHAPTER XI. WHAT HAPPY HARRY HEARD, ‘Sang, sir? Sbine? I kin polish ’em up so slick you'll think there’s a big rory-bory-allis in the sky, to say notbin’ of two suns and halfa dozen moons, Shine? I kin turn common cow- hide to patent-Jeather by a simple twist of the wrist. Shine? I will do’em up so slick you'll think you’ve got ’lectric lights in your boots, and tbe boots made of glass, Shine, sir? Shine?” * No, no, no! bother me!” And as the old gentleman turned upon the boy be thumped upon the sidewalk with usual vigor. * Allright, mister, all right,” cried Harry. ‘* You, needn’t speak at me so sharp, though, for ng are likely ter injure my nerves, Won’t ye et me polish up yer understandin’ fer ye? I kin do it while ye talk, and ye won't lose any time at all by it, ** No, no, no! Kun right along now and don’t bother, or I will take my cane to you. Dear me, dear me! What plagues these little street tramps are!” “That settles it,” cried Harry, “I won't mention it again, boss. If you want to go with rusty boots it ain’t my fault, Shine, sir? Shine?’ addressing other passers-by, To be out of the way of the stream of human- ity, the woman and Mr. Rundle had stepped to the curb, where they talked. Happy Harry was not trying very bard to get a customer just then, and ceasing bis cry be dropped bis box on the curb just behind Mr. Rundle, planted his own foot upon it and pro- ceeded to polish his shoe, In order to hear each other, the man and woman had to speak aloud, and Harry was able to catch what was said without much effort. “ And what are you doing away down here? the woman asked. Get along with you and don’t
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** Ob! I bad a little business to attend to this | way myself. Still, you ought to be able to trust morning, thatisall. It isunusual tomeet youas | your daughter, | should say. But, 1 must ex- far away from home.” **'Yes; but, like you, I am out on business; that is to say, I was on business, but having attended to it [ was taking an idle stroll. Oh! we had a delightful seance last night, Mr, Rundle,” “ee Yes?” ‘** Yes, indeed! unusual power, and once we could really see the shadowy forms of dear friends with us in the room,” ‘* Wonderful! I am sorry I was not there. But, I shall attend soon. It is almost like miss- ing food and drink to remain away, when one’s whole soul is in the great faith, Oh! if others could only see!” “Others will see, one day, sir, The true faith is growing day by day, and it isonly a uestion of time. Yes, I longed to have you there last night, for your dear daughter was with us again, and she called for you many times,” ‘The dear child!” ‘But she was depressed, for there was some- thing heavy upon ber mind.” ‘** My poor, dear Betty!” “She entered Miss Smith, her favorite medium, you know; and for several minutes talked with us,” ‘* How sorry I am I was not there! When do you hold another seance, Miss Dubarre? I must be on hand and not miss another.” ‘* To-night we meet again, Mr. Rundle, and it will give us the greatest pleasure to number you ' with us. You must not remain away, for one does lose power so rapidly, you know.’ **T know it, 1 know it,” ** And then, too, with loss of power one is so likely to lose faith; and nothing is so harmful to our cause as lukewarm interest.” “That is true, that is true; I have experienced it myself, I must be on hand at your next me+t- ing. I must talk with my dear child as often as Ican. It gives me pain to know she was de- pressed lagt night,” “ Yes, it was too bad, and I longed to have you there. She seems to have but one idea now, and that is to relieve the needy and push forward our cause. It might alarm you, Mr. Rundle, were I to reveal a truth she made known to us last night.” ““No, no; anything she revealed I ought to know.” ‘* Yes, you ought to know it, truly; but it is painful to me to make it known,” “It was about me, then? You lead me om susyect it was, by your mannez of speaking of it. “‘ Yes, it was about you.” _ “Then tell me what it was. Bad luck com- ing?” f Indeed, no! And yet it is something we can- not face without some fear. The material body is a coward, you know.” ‘‘Ha!l Am T nearing my dissolution?” cre thought I would Jet you guess it yourself, Happy Harry was polishing away at his shoes with a will, and seemingly deaf, dumb and blind to everything else, A sly look at the old gentleman showed the boy that his face had assumed a ghastly, yel- lowish pallor, and for a moment bis cane aamaek the sidewalk with vigor more material than spiritual. “Hum!” he muttered. ‘‘Hum! Hum! So, I am nearing the pcrtals, am I?” “*T tried to break it to you asgently asI could, dear brother. That was the revelation your child made.” ** That should not have made her low in spirit, I should think, Often has she expres the wish that I might soon join her and her mother, to share their happiness in that better land,” “Ob! 1 am sure it was not that, sir, that affected her,” “* What then?” “She did not tell us plainly, but I inferred it was concerning the disposition of your materlal goods before the time comes,” “ Um had “That, however, is between you and her; J must have nothing to say about your private - affairs, and especially about money matters, Let your own heart be your guide. You must not ask me to advise you.” “* I am troubled about one thing, Rosa,” “* And what is that?” “I should like to know the exact use that is made of my money,” “‘ Well, that is natural, from the material point of view. Perhaps I would feel the same The mediums seemed to have | press no opinion in such a matter, Mr. Rundle; pray do not expect me to do so,” ‘* Did she say how soon the change is coming, Miss Dubarre?” ‘“*T inferred that itis tobe very soon— There, I have startled you! Forgive me for speaking out so plainly.” “Hum! Hum! Hum!” witb a furious pound- ing of the cane. ‘‘ What a coward the flesh is, to be sure! This news, this good news, this glo- rious news, has actually made the material man tremble.” ‘* But the spiritual—” ‘*Ha! the spiritual will triumph, and the ma- terial shall be put down. Do you not see that already the spirit part is gaining the mastery ?”’ ‘** Yes, so it is, so it is, Ob! Mr. Rundle, if we could only put the mortal out of sight, and be wholly spirit!” “If we could! But, nature will bave her due, you know, The mortal must perish and return to the dust. The spirit has but one way of es- cape. Death is the only door to the happy state we long for.” “And death, we know, is painless, so why need we tremble? As the Yy grows weaker the spirit grows stronger, and as soon as the spirit triumphs all pain is atan end. We have seen dear friends die, and we know whereof we speak, Is it not so, Mr. Rundle?” “Yes, yes, so it is. There was poor Betty. She was full of pain and anguish for a time, but as the body gave way the spirit rose in its beauty, and at the last her face was wreathed in smiles; and with ber spiritual sight she told us of ithe beautiful scenes opening before her, and at last she fell sweetly asleep. Ob! there is nothing to fear,” ‘* Well, Mr. Rundle, now. that I bave told you of the revelation, you must prepare for the change, I was given to believe that it will come within a very few days, at most.” ‘** I shall be prepared to meet it.” ‘“*That is well. But, here we stand, and Iam detaining you. Now, do not fail to be on hand to-night.” **Oh! I willbe there, if alive, that I promise; and if not alive, then maybe I shall be permitted to come iu my spirit form, What a glorious faith is ours!” : ““ Yes, indeed! But, I must be going on, Mr. Rundle. Do not allow tbe mortal to depress the spiritual, now, but let the spirit rise in the beauty of its strength and power above the earthly.” “It shall! Yes, it sball!” They shook hands in the most affectionate Way, and parted. he woman continued on down Broadway, and after gazing after her for a few moments Mr, Rundle tottered away in the other direction, ‘Christopher Columbia!” cried Harry, as he pitched his brushes into his box and flung the box to bis shoulder. ‘* Whatsort of a consarned diffikilty is in the wind here? That’s what Billy would want ter know, at my age, and that's what J am after, too. Seems ter me there must be ghosts abroad to-day, Whew! it made my flesh creep to hear ’em!” He gazed after the woman, and then after the man, in turns, “‘ If this don’t peel the posters off the bill-Loard, then my bead is a punkin, that’s sure,” he cried. “*Crackers an’ cheese! They have talks with folks in the other world, do they? I have heard of sech things, but never took much stock in it, I must put the boss onto this racket, sure. Meb- by it has some connection with what the old man wanted ter see him about. Harry, I'll bet five cents to a nickel that you are going to have a case on hand this very day, to celebrate the birthday of your boss and the opening of the office!” Still looking after the two persons, he watched them till they bad become Jost in the throng, and then bent his steps toward the cffice, ** Yes, sir-ee!” he cried. ‘There is going to be a ruction im spirit circles; I feel it in my bones. I shouldn’t wonder if there was a ghost-walk to- nigbt, in which the mortals will take a band. Crackers an’ cheese! a fellow would want a big dictionary in bis head ter grip fast ter all the big words they used! I'll bet Billy kin understan all about it, though, for he bas got learinn’, sure. He told me about the books he had waded through, an’ 'vised me ter begin the same course. Made my blood run thin in my veins ter think of et. No use talkin’, if expect ter be what he has been I hev got ter git up and hump. But, I’m goin’ in fer it, if it kills me, 1 bave made up my mind ter be Billy Number Two!” By the time he came to the end of his mutter- } ate - ae sa) Aad} Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase, ings he was at the door of tbe office, and open- __ ing it and finding Billy alone, he dropped his box on the floor on its side and promptly stood on it on his head, with arms and legs out- stretched. CHAPTER VII. BILLY OPENS THE BALL, BROADWAY BILLY had been pacing the floor, witb his bands clasped behind his back, and he pea oc and looked at bis youthful ally with a smile, ‘Well, what seems to be the trouble, Harry?” he asked, when the boy had maintained his posi- tion for some seconds, ‘Something must have happened, either very good or very bad, to make you stand on your head,” Bringing down his bands and giving a nimble spring the lad was upon his feet at once, ‘*Christopher Columbia!” he cried. ‘‘I don’t know whetber I’m a bowlin’ Hottentot or a Hin- doo idol! If I ain’t either one, then I don’t know whether I’m a ghost, a goblin, or a de- funct mortal, The fact is, my head is so full of notions that I reckon it’ll bu’st.” ‘*What do you mean?” Billy demanded, “Were you listening at the dcor all the time that old gentleman was in here?” ‘*Nixey. Haven’t been near thedoor. Was down on the street al] the time. I have been *tendin’ a spiritual see aunts, or somethin’ of that sort, whatever it is they callit, Oh! I tel} you there is goin’ ter be a ghost-walk to-night, and you must be there to ses the fun, Rec kon lil take it in m’self, if I kin git in,” “See bere, Harry, what are you talking about?” ** Ghosts, goblins, spooks, shadders, speerits of jus’ men made perfec’,” ‘Yes, but what do you mean by.itall? Out with it!” “That old man was here about ghosts, wasn’t 7 ‘““What has that got to do with it, if you wasn’t listening?” “It’s got all ter do withit. If he was here about ghosts, then I'll bet a cent that I’ve got his chief spook right by the tail,” “Well, yes, be was telling me about his. spiritual dealings, but if you were not listening at the door how did you find out anything about it?” ‘Let me give it to yeeasy; ye might not be able ter take it all at one dose, Ever bear of Gus Casmore?”’ **{ believe I have; and if it’s the one I bring to mind, I have never heard any good of him, either,” ‘** You remember Sharkey Dan?” ‘* Yes,” “Well, this Gus knows him.” “Then it’s the same one, But, what about him?” ; ‘‘ And do you know a fairy named Rosa Du- barre?” ‘* No, I believe not.” ** Well, she and Gus are in the ghost business: at present, and they are going to work old man Rundle fer all he is worth, and maybe more, too. Oh! I tell you they have got a beautiful lay-out,” “Look here, Harry, if you don’t get right down to facts and tell me the whole business at once, l’ll shake you in a way that will make it appropriate for you to resign your commission as my assistant,” Under which threat Harry unbosomed him- self promptly enough, telling all he had heard and seen, " ,“*Sweet pertaters!” cried Billy—out aloud, too, when he had heard all. ‘* You were right in guessing there is a consarned diffikilty a-brew- ing. There is a big piece of rascality on foot here, and we have got to run it, like a rat, to its hole. You nave made a big stroke already, Harry, and I am proud of you. I believe you are going to prove yourself as good as I ever was at your age, if not better,” “Git out! You will make me blush, boss, if you keep on.” ‘Blush all you want to. But, Harry, it is: now in order for you and me to take this thing in hand.” | “Tm willin’, you bet! But, I don't see what I am goin’ ter do ter help, Seems ter me I made: a mess of it in not follerin’ all of ’em to see where they went to and what they did,” _ “Nothing of the sort. Your judgment was. good. If you had followed tha fellow Casmore. you woul can pick up their {trails when we waut them, All we haue to do to find Rosa is to keep am have missed the best yart of it, and wouldn’t have done any good at all. We
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Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 7 eye on Mr. Rundle; and then to find Casmore we will keep Rosa in sight. Oo! it is a beauti- ful scheme they have in motion, but I think you and I will be enough for them, I am to call on Mr. Rundle early this afternoon, and after that perhaps I shall be able to “make a start in the case.” ‘*Then I can’t do anything till I see you again after that, hey?” ‘*No; unless you take up tbe trail on your own account and follow it in some direction to learn all you can. But, I haven’t told you about the case, It is right you should know something about it, now that you are in it,” **)’ve got more in my noodle now than I can hold there,” ‘*Nonsense, I had a long talk with this old man, and it is plain that some one is bleeding him of his money. You have shown me just who the persons are, and have given mea big boost, Ill be able to surprise him not a little when I call on him. The case is, they have taken himin his weak spot, and are spooking the ducats right out of bis pocket. We have got to open his eyes and stop the business.” ‘* Why, I had all that before.” ‘Yes; but here is a point you didn’t have, This man Rundle has ason here in New York, one Jonas Rundle, whom the old man has cut off in his will for the reason that he, Jonas, would not be a spiritualist, The old man is welcome to his opinion, but my idea is that Jonas has hoss sense, Anyhow, it looks so. Well, Jonas has made threats that if he was not to have any share in the money no one else should, and lately the old man’s will has disappeared. Taking that, and this bleeding of money, it seems to me that Jonas may havea hand in it all. This is only a guess, you understand. And I’ll tell you what you can do,” ** What is it?” “Go and find this Jonas Rundle and size him up. You can let me know what you think of him when we meet at dinner. I am going in another direction, Take care you don’t give anything away, and more care tbat you don’t get into trouble,” ** How am I ter know where to find him 7” “He lives at No, — street,” ‘* Ha! that’s more like it. Well, I’m off.” ‘*- Yes, go it; and good luck to you,” ’ Gamin Harry turned a handspring over his box, bringing it up with him as he came right side up, and with itin place on his shoulder made his exit, “ [ll bet he is going to be a trump,” muttered Billy, when he bad gone. ‘“‘ He has the right spap about him, Anyhow, I'll give him a fair chance,” pe f sat down at the desk and was thoughtful for a fewininutes, Tbe boy had placed excellent clews in his hands, and it only remained for him to bandJe the affair right, in order to arrest the guilty ones, Presently he arose, stepped toa dresser and opened it, and from a box on a shelf took out an assortment of wigs and beards, From among the lot he selected a neat mustache and put it on. His whole appearance was instantly changed, and he looked to be a young man of twenty-six at least. ** This will do,” he said to himself, as he looked in a glass. ‘‘I will find this man Casmore if I can, and perbaps have a talk with bim, I’m going to be a spiritualist!” He went out and locked the door after him. His room was not @ great distance from Head- quarters; so there be proceeded, entering the office as though he bad every right in the estab- lishment that any Officer on the force had. The chief glanced up, and recognized him at once in spite of the slight disguise, This was no surprise to Billy, for he knew well the power of penetration this man had. It would bea marvel- ous make-up that concealed his identity from this expert in detective science, “That you, Billy?’ he greeted, brings you here?” CHAPTER VIII. BILLY PLAYS GREENHORN, BILLY responding to the greeting, at once made known his business. “TI want to learn something about a man,” he said—‘‘ one Gus Cassmore.” ‘Hal what do you want with bim?” “IT want to make bis acquaintance and chum with him a little.” ** Well, I can tell you all abouthim. He isa crook; my men have had him under surveillance more than once. One of his chief resorts is Brooser’s, down on —— street. The very information I was after. * What I want- ed to know where I would be likely to meet him, I have him booked for this case of old man Rundle which I have taken hold of. <A strange case, that, by the way.” The great man laughed, ‘‘ What do you think of it?” he asked. | “*] th‘nk the old fellow is a victim of mis- placed confidence.” ‘* And that he is being swindled in the neatest kind of way, eh?” ‘* Exactly—played on for a fool.” ‘** Do you think you can help him any?” ‘*l’m going to help him or bu’st, sir.” ‘‘That’s the way to go into a case; but, then, that’s your style. Have you a clew? What points you to this man Casmore?” “I've got not only a clew, but facts,” ‘** Mind telling me?” ‘*Not at all. The chief rascals concerned are this man Gus Casmore and a woman named Kosa Dubarre,” ‘*Rosa Dubarre? Why, she is one of the sleekest crooks in New York. Do you know her? ‘*No, Never have seen her.” easy there to the cabinet and look at Num- Sheet Billy stepped over to the cabinet containing the photographs of rogues, and picked out the number indicated, ** So, that’s Rosa, is it?” he observed. “That's the lady of the light finger,” ‘* What is her lay?” “Everything: confidence, blackmail, lifting, decoy— The whole gamut of crime. For some time we have lost sight of her.” ‘Well, I have found her, then, and she is now a spiritualist. She and this Casmore, and others with them, perhaps, are the ones who are duping new Rundle and taking his hoarded dollars from aim, ‘“*Tt don’t seem possible that you could get at this so soon, Biily. Has the old man learned something, and was thus able to put you on their track?” _ “No; be was as innocent asa child, The fact is just here: The woman followed him to my office, and fell in with Casmore down on the street. My boy, Happy Harry, was there, and took in what passed between them,” “Good for him! I have an idea you have picked up a jewel in that lad, Billy. What did he learn?” **Much, And, when the old man left the office and the woman accosted bim and talked with him, then the boy learned more, Heis a trump.” Billy laid the facts before the chief, since the case bad been put in his way by him and he had a vatural interest in it; and his patron congratu- lated him heartily upon his good fortune, Billy soon took his leave and bent bis steps in the direction of the place where he would be likely to find the crook Casmore, _The man Brooser, whom the chief had men- tioned, kept a disreputable saloon, or dive, on one of the disreputable streets of the great me- tropolis—a man who had a hard name, and whose place had more than once received atten- tion from the police. Arriving there, Billy walked in, looking around him with the air of a stranger who found himself in a strange place. It being daytime, and an hour toward noon when business was dullest, not many persons were present, but Billy quickly discovered Casmore, seated at a table well back ina shadowy corner. He had a bottle before him, and was smoking, _ Walking down toward him, Billy paused near him and asked: ‘““Would you mind answering a question or two, sir? I’m a stranger in New York and have to ask in order to get around,” The shark surveyed Billy keenly before an- swering, He evidently made up bis mind to be agree- able, for he pushed out a chair on the opposite side of the table with bis foot and said: by, yes, certainly, Sit down, and I'll t you the best I can. So, you are a green- orn, are you?” ; Billy accepted the seat. ,Yes, I suppose that’s what you would call me,” he answered, “ Where are you from?” “1 m from Bucks county, Pennsylvania.” Well, you can’t be supposed to know much about New York, then, Still you don’t look like a bayseed,” _\ Ob! our town is quite a big one, and we are civilized out there; but it ain’t to be compared to New York, I hadu’t any idea New York by bi 4 es, It’s quite a village. Here, won’ have something with me pe aie 5 “Thanks, but I’ve got a heart trouble and can’t drink or smoke at all. Doctor won’t allow it. “*That’s bad. Well, what do you want to know about this town?” ‘* My uncle warned me about talkin’ to stran- gers when | set out, but you seem tobe the right sort.” “You needn’t be afraid to talk to me, | as- sure you,” ** You see, I have just stepped into a consider- able fortune, having just come of age, and I thought I'd like to see the sights.” ‘That’s right. The man that basn’t seen the elephant, hasn’t begun to live, and bas no right to.settle down without seeing it, If that is what you want, I’d like no better fun than to show you around,” ‘* Would you do that, really?” ‘*'Yes; and it won’t cost you much, either. I won't charge you a cent, only of course you will have to ante the footing for both. You know what that means? You will bave to pay the little expenses as we go along.” ‘*Oh! I'd expect to do that, anyhow. say you know it all, eh?” ** Well, there isn’t much I don’t know about New York, I guess I can show you the elephant from ths tip of his trank to the tip of his tail.” “Then it’s a bargain, and I’m glad I dropped in here,” ‘* By the way, I believe I have got something on hand for this very night that will just suit you. How long are you going to stay here?” ‘* Ob! a week or two; just as long as the fun holds out.” ‘*That’s good. Then we can take this thing in to-night nicely. Do you believe in spiritualism?” i Well, I don’t know much about it, but my uncle, he is just crazy over it. I wish I could pick up some items about it here, to tell him of it when I go back.” “Well, you are in luck, then. I am partly a believer in it myself; in fact, they say ’m a medium, and I know they do make me have spells when I go there, To-night there is going to be great seance, and we'll go.” “Bully! That will just suit me,” ‘*Then it is settled, Where shall we put in the afternoon? Had your dinner yet?” ‘*No; and I can’t be with you till night, either, I have got to go and see an auntifl . can find her, and she'll keep me to dinner and *most all the afternoon.” ‘* Know where to find ber?” ‘““That’s what I wanted to ask vou about, What’s the nearest way to street? You see I’m green,” “Why, you can take the L and ride right up there. bat number is it you are after?” ‘¢ Number —.” Billy gave the address of his own home, ‘Tt won't be a long walk when you get out, and any one there can show you the direction.” ‘* All right, and much obliged to you. You see, this aunt of mine thinks I’m an angel, and will read me any quantity of goody-goody lec- tures, but I won’t say a word about you and what we are going to do.” “That's right.” **7’]] have my fun on the quiet, you know, What’s your name?” ‘My name is Gus Casmore. What is yours?” ‘Mine is William Weston, I’m sure we are going to get along famously together, Mr. Cas- more,” ‘*You bet we are. But, where shall we meet?” ‘**T can come back here.” ** What time will you come?’ ‘* Any time you say, after supper.” ** All right; you be here at eigbt, and we'll go out and coax the elephant out of his jungle.” Billy laughed. “Il think there is going to be some fun,” he declared. ‘I’m glad 1. fell in with you. By the way, how much money will I want in my pocket? I’ve got slathers of it,” **Ob, you won’t bave to spend a great deal; but it won’t be bad to bave some on hand in case it’s needed, Money is your best friend in New York, I always carry a couple of hundred hid away. Of course I wouldn’t tell any one else ” You ‘* Certainly not. I’)] be well fixed in that line, then, with some loose change bandy for use, That’s the way my uncle vold me todoit. Well, I bad better go, or I wil] be late finding that nay et my dear old aunty and her pet cats, a, ba —_—— CHAPTER IX. HARRY VISITS JONAS “CRACKERS AN’ CHEESE! Christopher Co- lumbia!”
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8 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. So exclaimed Broadway Billy’s second, as he made his way in the direction of the address with which Billy had provided him. ‘*Seems ter me the moon must bave dropped out of the sky,” he mused, ‘‘and crowned me with a sort of golden hello, as it were, Can’t get jit into my noodle yet that [ ain’t dream- in’,’ He was moving along with his box on his shoulder and his bands deep in his pockets, ap- parently as free and easy and as happy as though he owned the whole city. He was seldom seen any other way than bappy, as far as appear- ances went, and hence his cognomen, ** Wonder what Broadway Billy expects me ter do whan I get there, anyhow? Does he ex- pect me ter wade in and lick Jonas ’cause he won’t be a spirit list? Or does he want me ter clap bim on the back and holler ‘Good boy, Joney!’ But, what was it he told me ter do? I'm ter go and see this Jonas and size bim up. Now, that’s a nice job fer a greeny ter try!” Nevertheless, he went straight abead and never stopped till he came to the place of his destination. It was a quiet house in a quiet quarter, a two- story brick, and the street was one of those on the west side, which at night are filled with trucks, Happy Harry took a good survey of the house from the opposite side of the street before cross- ing over for nearer acquaintance, and decided that it was a poor but respectable habitation, He made up his mind that it was occupied by two families, There was evidence of this which his trained eye read easily enough, and the strongest was that the heads of two sets of children were to be seen at the windows of both floors, When he had satisfied himself with his out- ward inspection he crossed over, mounted the three or four steps, and rung the bell. The door was opened by a not-over-tidy girl of fourteen or so. ** Hello!” exclaimed Harry, as though he had known ber all bis life, ‘‘ Does Mr, Jonas Run- dle live here?” ‘* Yes, he does,” the girl snapped. ‘* Well, ye needn’t take my head off, if he does,” protested the boy, smiling. The girl smiled too, and looked at Harry’s well-washed face with something of interest, A bootblack with a face so clean was an un- usual sight, in Gotham, and she was inclined to improve the opportunity. Besides, Harry was good-looking, ‘‘ But, he ain’t in,” the girl informed, ‘** He’s your dad, I take it?” ‘* Yes—my dad!” laughing. ‘* What does be do?” “ Trucks,” ‘** Aad wili he be in at noon?” ‘* Yes; he is ’most allus home to dinner.” ‘Then if you'll be perlite and ask me inI guess I'll wait till he comes.” Just then a shrill voice from the rear called ut: ‘* You tell him we don’t want nothin’, M’riar Ann, and come in bere and shut that door!” “That yer mar?” asked Harry, ‘* Yes, that’s mar !” ** Well, tell ber I ain’t got nottiu’ ter sell, but that I want ter see yer dad and must come in and wait.” “You M’riar Ann! Do you hear me ?” “Yes, mar; but, it ain’t no peddler; it’s a boy what wants ter wait and see par when he comes in,” In an instant a woman appeared in the hall from a rear door, with a baby in her arms and another very small child clinging to her dress, while her absence from the room caused a third child to set up a terrific squatling, . ** You want ter see Jonas?” she demanded. ‘* Yes, ma’m, if ye please,” answered Harry, respectfully. ‘“ What ye want ter see him fer!” ‘*On business, mam,” ** Well, I s’pose ye will have to-come in and wait. Come right in here, boy, and excuse ap- pearances.” Harry advanced down the hall, while the girl M’riar Aun closed the door, and in a second she followed him, and they entered the rear room. Of all dirty holes Harry had ever seen in his life, this took the lead, he thought. There were no less than seven children present, of all sizes, three of which clung to the mother. The floor, partly covered with what had once been a carpet, was as dirty as though it had not seen a broom in a month; the windows were too dirty to give a true view of the outside, and other things were in perfect keeping. 1t was a 6 terrible looking hole, Harry dropped his box to the floor and sat down upon it. ‘* Quite a fambly of ye,” he observed, coolly, “You'd think so, if you was in my shoes,” complained the mother of the brood. **Reckon I should. Reckon it won’t come amiss when yer husband’s daddy dies and leaves ye his sugar.” The woman opened her eyes wie, ‘* You mean that stingy and spooky old Mat- thias Rundle?” she demanded, ‘* The same,” assured Harry, ‘* Never a cent of his money will we get. bas told Jonas so to his face.” ** How’s that?” ‘Cause Jonas won’t be a fool and be a spiritualist along with the rest of the cranks, that’s all,” ‘* That ain’t much of a reason,” ‘Just what I tell Jonas; but, that’s the way it stands,” ‘** How is the old man goin’ to help himself, if Mr. Rundle is bis son?” ‘* Why, he has already willed it to some spirit society or other, to p’mote the advancement of spirits, or somethin’ like that,” ** A nice old man he is, then, ain’t he; and he only got a day or two more ter live.” ‘“What! What's that ye say?” *© He’s goin’ ter die,” “Ts he sick?”, ‘* Not as-sick as he will be, I’m thinkin’,” ‘*T don’t know what you mean.” ‘* Well, the spirits have sent him a message that he’s got ter shuffle off the mortal twist, and I suppose they’d orter know.” ‘* How came you to know this? Matthais Rundle?” ‘©You bet I know bim! Nice old man he’d be, if he wasn’t so batty on spooks, Thinks he’s full of ’em, when it’s only rats in his brain,” ‘* What a boy you are! Who are you, and what has brought you bere?” ‘* Well, it don’t matter whoT am; I’m only a kid of the gutter. What I'm here fer is ter tell Mr, Rundle his dad is likely ter kick ther bucket, if spirits know all about it, and he’d better be lookin’ out fer bis interests.” ‘* It won’t be any use, for Jonas won’t bother him.” ‘That will be his lookout, not mine, My dooty will be done and my spirit will rest easy. And so Harry talked and talked, in a seeming- ly aimless manner, letting his tongue run away with him, as it appeared to be doing. The hour passed quickly and it was soon time for Jonas Rundie to appear. Harry had picked up considerable information in a general way. e had learned that Jonas was the only near heir to the old man’s money; that the old man was wortl a good deal; that it was willed to some society; that Jonas and the old man had had words; and so forth, Finally there came the thunder of heavy steps along the ball, and a man flung open the door of the miserable room, Previous to this there had beera move toward getting dinner, in which the girl M’riar Ann had taken the leading role and done the biggest part of the work Inquisitor Harry had by this time reached the conclusion that in spite of all the drawbacks the children might be to her, Mrs. Rundle was chronically lazy. He had seen mothers with big families before, but never a den like this, When the door opened thé woman’s face lengthened out into a melancholy droop of dis- tress, a heavy sigh escaped her, and where she had been all smiles before at some of the boy’s jokings, she was now more like a mourner at a funeral, The child in her arms and the two clinging to ber skirts added weight to her ap- parent distress. The man who opened the door was a big, bearded, hearty-looking pers-m, who had the ap- pearance of being a capital fellow under right conditions, ‘** Hullo!” he greeted, The woman responded with a groan, the older children by clinging around his legs, except M'riar Ann and the next oldest, who looked on. The light went out of his face as he looked at his wife and her clinging three, and took in at the same time the wretched condition of their surroundings, ‘* Such a life as mine is!” moaned the woman. “TI wish I was dead and out of my misery, Jonas Rundle.” The man had just then taken in the fact that a stranger was present, * Hello!” be cried again, ** who is this?” “This is me,” answe Harry, getting up = flinging his box to his shoulder at the same me, He Do you know ““And who the deuce is me? Speak up, youngster, and say what ye want here. Ye must be here on business, and nothin’ of plea- sure, [’ll bs bound,” “Tl be bound if you ain’t right,” admitted Harry, ‘‘There’s a dry outlock for pleasure around here. Still, your comin’ seemed ter aoe what little there was ail inter a cocked at, ‘* What do ye mean?” ‘* Why, yer wife here; she was grinnin’ like she was at a circus till you opened the door, and then if she didn’t draw ber mouth down t/other way and make a sollum enough face fer a graye- yara visit. *‘Scuse me fer mentionin’ it,” Harry understood well enough what the situa- tion was, and mentioned it on purpose, The woman looked daggers at him, while the man broke into a merry laugh that showed how little he was offended. **T allus thought there was two ‘sides to her,” he declared, ‘*I can’t never find that circus face on her any more myself. But, whatdoyou want here, boy?” ‘That brings me back to business, You are a cy Se! Matthias Rundle, so your wife tells me.” ‘ es,” ‘* Well, the o’d gentleman is booked ter die, so the spirits tell, and I thought I’d drop around and let ye know so’s you could look out fer your interests,” Jonas Rundle was interested at once, and drop- ping on a chair, engaged Harry in talk regard- less of the fact that his miserable dinner was all the time growing cold, and he did not let the boy depart till he had got out of him all he was able and willing to tell regarding the business that bed brought him there, CHAPTER X. BILLY SURPRISES RUNDLE. HARRY was the first toreach home, after his interview with Jonas Rundle, and he boldly touched the button to ring the bell communicat- ing witb Mrs, Weston’s rcoms. Tbe door opened to him, and he went in and proceeded to the floor designated in the index, where he knocked, a Come in!” Mrs, Weston called out cheer- fully. The boy entered boldly, doffing his hat as he stepped in, P “Goodness bless me!” cried Mrs, Weston, clasping ber hands and staring at the boy. The old ranger, Roger Watts, who was seated near a window, taking things easy with paper and pipe, looked on with considerable interest. But Mrs. Weston’s emotion was more than in- terest, ‘*Goodness bless me!” she exclaimed again. ** Who are you, boy? If you ain’t the picture of what my Billy was!” ‘““Then you are Mrs, Weston?’ Harry ob- served, ** Yes, and you must be the boy my son told me about,” *Reckon Iam. I’m Happy Harry, partner- in-chief with Broadway Billy.” “Then you are the boy. How do you do, Harry? 1 suppose Billy sent you here to be one of us,” and before Harry could divine what was coming, Mrs, Weston had put her motherly arms around him and given him a bearty kiss. “ Crackers an’ cheese!” cried the lad, spring: ing back in alarm, ‘* What ye doin’, ma’am?” **What am I doing?” laughing. ‘‘ Why, I had to kiss ye, because you look so much like Billy used to look, Besides, you must get used to that, if you are going to be my boy.” ** Well, I suppose it’s all right, but, it’s some- thin’ new in my ’sperience. 1 have got more clubbin’s than kissin’s in my UVrief career go far, Don’t be fended, Mrs, Weston; it’s somethin’ I ain’t used to, ye know, and I didn’t know but ye was goin’ ter bite me.” Mrs, Weston and the old ranger laughed heartily, and Roger declared; ‘* Ef be ain’t a second Billy, then I’m no jedge, Jest ther same kind of a boy, fer all ther world.” **The boss said he wanted ine ter be Billy Number Two,” announced Harry, ‘‘an’ I may as well begin right off at onze, I s’pose. Well, am I ter cast anker here, ma’m?” “ Why, certainly; this is to be your home just as long as Billy wants you to stay bere, Harry. I hope you will like it, and will make yourself right at home and be just like one of us,” “* Allright; here goes, then!” and the gamin dropped his box on the floor and sat down on it evidently thinking he was eutering into the full enjoyment of home life. ‘But, you can siton a chair, I guess,” urged Mrs. Weston. ‘‘Here, give me your hat, and put your box there in the bottom of that closet
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| > & LSeultaba floc 3 My * while you are in the house, and you will know where to find it.” ** Haven’t got a bandbox handy, have ye?” ** A bandbox? What do you want with that?” “Ye might put my hat in it,” which sugges- tion Gacned tbs ranger to have a fit, almost. Harry’s bat was nothing but the shapeless re- mains of what had once been a hat. ** No, I haven’t one quite good enough for this hat,” answered Mrs. Weston. ‘I guess we had better see about a new one first, and the band- box afterward. But, here comes my son; I know his step.” Billy was coming, true enough, and a moment later he opened the door. He had a pass-key to admit himself at tae street door, of course, and couJd enter at any time. “Smoke o’ Gittysburg!” exclaimed the old ranger. ‘‘ You are bound ter be a man, any- how, I see, me son, You went out this mornin’ without a hair on yer faee, and now ye come in with a mustache in full bloom,” **(oodness me!” cried Mrs, Weston. ‘It makes you look half a dozen years older, Billy, But, isn’t he a fine-looking young man with it, Roger!” **T should remark that he is, ma’m,” was the approving response, “That settles it,” cried Billy. ZTcan’t stand any such talk as that. Harry, you are bere, I see.” “You bet! I got through with business and thought I’d hustle right along and get here by the time you did. SeemsI got here first. It’s all the same as long as we are in time fer din- ner, ** That’s the main point, Well, what did you learn?” ‘Bless me!” interrupted Mrs, Weston, “ you hhaven’t got business on hand a’ready, I hope.” ‘““What do you want to hope that way for, mom?” Billy demanded. ‘‘Should think you would be tickled to think I’ve struck something the very first day.” ** And you kin bet she is, and me too,” averred old Roger. ‘‘ What is it this time, me son? Have ye got after some more of them ’ar p'izen rascals like you corraled the last time?” Billy gave them an outline of the casein hand and by the time he had done, the dinner was served and they all took seats at the board, * While they were eating Billy learned what Harry had to tell, and after that gave an ac- count of what he had been doing himself, great- ly to the delight of Harry and the entertain- ment of the others, ‘Well, what next in order?” asked Harry, when they rose. os You know Brooser’s place, don’t you, down one Gert,” : ‘Well, it was there I met Gus Casmore, as I told you. I thought, perhaps, if you went down there you might pick up something more of in- terest to us, and so help along this shadow chase. But, Harry, it is a bad hole, at best, so you must be wary and keep out of danger if you ean. ‘Oh! WF will, you bet, if I kin, but I won't promise, sore, as to that. Sometimes there’s fun galore 1» sich places w’en the cops don’t chip in and spi. things.” When they let Athe house, finally, each set off in a different direction. Broadway Billy to the home of Matthias Rundle, to keep his appoint- ment with him, Arriving there, a ring at the bell brought to the door an old woman, whom Billy recognized at once as the housekeeper, of whom Mr, Rundle bad spoken, “Ts Mr, Rundle in?” ‘* What name, if you please?” was the counter- question. ‘William Weston,” “Yes, sir; he is in. Come right this way, if you please.” She led the way down the hall and stopped at arear door, where she tapped lightly and then opened the door. i \ Mr. Rundle was disclosed, sitting in a reclin- ing chair near a window that was tly dark- ened, and the woman, speaking Billy’s name, withdrew as soon as the young detective had en- tered, closing the door. “You are ere, eh?” ** As. you see,” answered Billy. “Well, come this way and take a seat near me, and we will talk.” ak complied, drawing a chair close to the reclining chair, and seating bimself so he could see Mr. Rundle’s face well. “What do you think by this time?” the old man asked, ** Off it comes, Well, oi Rh sale ; “¢ ‘3 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. ‘ * Well, I have been able to learn a little, sir. ‘* What have you learned?” ** T have learned one important truth.” ** And what is that?” That you are being cleverly and successfully swindled.” The old man’s face took on a look of alarm, but quickly assumed a smile of half-pity. **] feared that would be your idea, before you had investigated at all. You men of the world are so matter-of-fact in everything.” oe in possession of proof for what I as- sert, Again the look of alarm, ‘* What is the proof?” ‘*T am not prepared to reveal it yet.” **Then how am I to believe you bave what you claim? Are you not guessing at it all?” **Not a bit. Iam guided by facts. Suppose I tell you some things Iam aware of, and see if that will convince you.” “Very well,” ‘Tn the first place, you are acquainted with a woman named Rosa Dubarre,” ‘* Ha} how do you know that?” ‘Through very material means, I assure you, More, this woman has recently informed you that you are soon to die, and that you bad bet- ter set your house in order, as it were.” The old man, greatly excited, sat bolt upright on his chair, staring at Bully with eyes dilated. Here was something, not of spirit nature, and yet that rivaled anything in that line he had ties observed, How knew this detective so muc —— CHAPTER XI, BILLY OPENS RUNDLE’S MATERIAL EYES. “TELL me how you know that,” Rundle de- manded, ‘‘ Tell me how you found that out. I demand to know,” * Detectives do not tell just how they learn what they know in a certain matter,” Billy evaded. ‘‘ Let it be enough that I do know it. Perhaps it will convince you that I may be able to learn more,” ‘Hum! Hum! Hum!” The old man had not bis cane in hand, but he rapped with his band on the arm of his chair, ** Spirits?” asked Billy. Not that he believed the spirits had anything to do with it, “Hey? Ob! yes, yes; spirits, of course,” ‘** Approving what I said?” “Hum! Til ask them, Spirit is mighty; matter is nothing. Often the spirits use my arm many time, before [ notice them at all. They never communicate until attention is gained,” ‘* Never mind asking them now,” said Billy. ‘*Let us confine our talk for the present to substantial things, You intend going to Madam Dubarre’s seance to-night, do you not?” | ‘“ Heavens and earth! Young man, do you know anything more?” ‘** Perhaps,” “Well, yes, I intend going there,” * And perhaps you will be allowed to hold conversation with your dead daughter,” ‘*T certainly hope it will be my privilege,” ** And, in view of the short time you have to live, she may suggest in what manner you shall dispose of your worldly goods,” “Hum! Hum! Hum!” ° “Why not? What would be more natural?” ‘*T haven't said anything to the contrary, have I?” ** Na; but you hum over it a good deal,” ‘“* Are you not aware, young man, that there are spirits of evil as well as spirits of good?” ‘*) have known that for a considerable time past,” roy declared, ‘‘ And Iam of the opin- ion that ¢ ere are spirits of evil in this case of ours, 70 I think, sir; so1 think. Why this un- wortby doubt in my mind, if not put there by a spirit of evil? I know Lam going to die within a few days, and why should | not listen to the spirit of my dear child and dispose of my money in time?” ** Why not will it to your son?” ‘“‘To an unbeliever!”’ ‘Yes, Let him believe or not, he is your son just the same,” ** But, the spirits would never approve of that, sir. We of tbe faith must be first for the cause.” ‘* How about asking the spirit of your daugh- ter about it?” ‘*T might do that, I suppose.” ** You like your son wal enough, don’t you?” “*I would love him, would be only open his eyes and accept the truth,” ; 9 ‘* But, as he won’t, you allow him to drive his truck daily, in all kinds of weather, while you huve money enough in your strong box to set him up nicely in business, and plenty to spare,” ‘*Look here, young man, what did I engage you for?” ** Because your hoss-sense was beginning to rise above spirit tom-foolery, and you had a suspicion that maybe you were being gulled of your guilders,” Billy allowed himself to drop into his natural oddity of expression, for be was more tban half disgusted with the old gentleman, to think he could be so blind as to let these spiritual sharks rob him so easily. ‘““)f you were anybody else,” the old man cried, slapping the arm of his chair with more than spiritual force, ‘‘I would order you from my presence and my house at once. As it is I must allow for your youth, You call spirit- ualism tom-foolery! Have a care how you talk,” ‘‘ There may be something in the faith, for all I know,” Billy admitted, *‘ but I know there is nothing in this particular case of yours but an attempt to swindle you out of the last dollar you possess.” ‘* How dare you!” ’ ‘* Because | know what I am talking about, sir.” **Can you prove it?” 7 That is just what I am going to undertake to do, sir. ‘¢ Well, prove it, then.” **T need your help.” ‘*My hélp? In what manner can I help you?” ** Well, in the first. plage, by not letting on that I have confirmed the ok pe you felt.” ** That is easily granted. bave no intention of making myself ridiculous by making known tu the brethren end sisters that I am so weak- minded as to bave any doubt in the matter.” ‘*Good enough. Remain perfectly firm, and do not let it be known tuat you have a suspicion. That, however, is known; but, you can make it believed that your suspicion has been brushed away.” re a say my suspicion is known? To whom is it known?” **To Rosa Dubarre.” ** Tmpossible!” ‘*Not so impossible as you think. She has” been spying on your track of late, and followed you to my office this morning.” The old man gasped, but could not speak a word, “It is just as I tell you,” Billy went on, ‘‘ She followed you there, and when sbe heard you coming down the stairs she ran up the street a little distance, and then returned to meet you.” The old man made an effort to say something, but was still speechless. ‘* And who is this Rosa Dubarre?” Billy de- manded, ‘‘Wiat do you know of her, outside of her spiritual seances? I'll tell you who and what she is, She is a crook of the first water, and her picture is in the rogues’ gallery. She is fleecing you in the neatest way imaginable.” ‘* Impossibie!” cried the old man, breaking out at last. ‘‘ Ts it impossible? You just go to bheadquar- ters and ask the chief to show you picture Num- ber —, and tell you the woman’s history, that is all,” It must not be imagined that Billy was talk- ing in tones loud enough for any one outside of the room to overhear, and the old man naturally falling into the same tone, they were safe from ea vesdroppers, Billy had suspicions deeper than we have yet set forth, ‘““There must be some mistake,” the old man asped. “1 assure you there is no mistake, sir,” said Billy. “I have got a dead sure case against the fair Rosa and ber ally Gus Casmore,” **Casmore! You know of him, too?’ ** Yes; he is another of the same stripe, Mr. Rundle, I have laid the bare facts before you. Do you want to go on and unmask these scamps in their evil work? Or do you prefer to allow them to swindle you furtber under the miserable mask which they wear of spirit influence and presence?” F The old gentleman was fairly panting in his ox Ts it possible!” be gasped, each word stand “Is it ible!” he gasped, each word stand- ing alone and distinct, a Have I n made a dupe of in this matter? It does not seem pos- sible— Heavens! young man, it is not pos sible!” ‘It isthe bare, naked truth, sir—just as sure as you and I are here.”
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= 10 “But, the spirit of my dead daughter-— there can be no swindle about that part of it.” ‘* My opinion is that it isa humbug from be- ginning to end, sir—a bald, bald humbug, notb- ing less,” ** My dead Betty’s spirit a humbug!” **Oht!t no; I suppose Betty’s spirit is all right; but I don’t delieve it is in the habit of coming to you and telling you to deliver your money into the hands of these miserable crooks,* Do you?” The old man bowed his head in thought, *“*T cannot understand it,” he mused aloud. **'Who but the spirit of my daughter could re- mind me of things which no one but she and I knew? Aud this has been done at these seances of Madam Dubarre.” ** We shall find out a}l about that, sir. It will be explained somehow, and in a perfectly ma- terial manner, too. Now, a word about that will you made, and which is missing. You de- clined to say much about it at the « ffice.” ** What do you want to know about it?” “T want facts, sir, and nothing else, Who would have the most interest in stealing it from you, your son or these good spiritualists?” “Young man, young man, are you deter- mined to shatter my faith in everything it has been firmly fixed upon for many years?” ‘*T want to knock out all these spiritual props that are not the genuine article, sir. And, your answer in that manner answers my question fully. You suspect the spiritual frauds more than your son.” ‘*T’ll make a confession to you, Mr. Weston.” ** What is it, sir?” **My will was made in favor of my son, with only a fair sum given to a society of spiritual- ists here in the city.” ‘Ha! now [ begiu toseedaylight ahead, You were urging yourson to become a spiritualist, and even while you threatened to cut bim off, you had already made your will in his favor.” s¢-V oa,” ‘That was a cute trick. Now, who knew about this will besides yourself?” “My lawyer, and my old housekeeper, who wit- nessed it, The other witness is dead; died some years ago. The will is not a recent one.” ** How long has it been missing?” ** A year or so.” “Tt was missing after you made the ac- quaintance of this woman Dubarre,” ‘Yes, yes.” “Exactly. Speak still in low tones. please. Have [ opened your material eyes sufficiently for you to see the truth?” ‘Yes, yes; and may Heaven blight these in- famous knaves for the evil they have done.” ‘* Amen! to that, sir. Now, a few words more and I wil) go, I am going to be at the seance to-night.” “ You “Yes, I have made the acquaintance of Cas- more, and he will introduce me. He thinks I am a greeny from the country, with considera- ble money, and he is going to relieve me of it if he can. Now, you must go there, just as you intended; do not let it be seen that you know anything against them; fall in readily with whatever they want you to do; and do not let on that you know me. And now, call your housekeeper and tell her to show me the door. Pretend rage, and say I have tried to make you believe false things, Do not, however, say one word to her, of the truth. Do you understand?” It bad taken considerable time and consider- able talk for Billy to impress it all on the old man’s mind, but at last it was understood fully, and calling the housekeeper, the old gentle- man directed her to show the visitor out, seem- ing in a hot rage. CHAPTER XII. CHATTERBOX HARRY CHATTERS, WHEN the old housekeeper had closed the door after Billy, sbe returned to the room where Mr. Rundle was. ‘* What was he trying to do, sir?” she asked. ‘*T will remember his face, if he ever dares to come here again. Shall I have him arrested, if he does?” “Hum! Hum! Hum!” the old gentleman nted, seeming likely to choke in a well- eigned choleric fit. ‘‘The rascal! Wanted to make me believe our faith is a humbug!” “Can it be possible! I'll scald him, if he comes here again, if you say so, Mr. Rundle,” “Yes, give it tohim! [ll teach him a les- son, if he bothers me again with his lying non- sense |” ‘* What did he tell you?” ““Why, I have been weak, and this is the fruits of it.” Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. **'You have been weak, you say? You mean weak in the faith? I am sorry to hear that,” **T suppose you will callit that. SolI call it, now. 1 wanted to know what use was made of the money Betty’s spirit came for each week,” “Awful! Asif you could not trust your dear child unquestioned.” ** Exactly, and I see it now.” ‘* And what of the young man?” ‘*T consulted him, and he suggested the possi- bility of my being imposed upon and swindled,” ** Worse and worse!” ‘* Yes, you are right,” ** And what did you tell bim?”’ ‘*T ordered him out, as you saw.” ** And then you don’t believe his lies?” *“*How can 1? He declared Betty’s spirit was a fraud.” ‘* The—the—I can’t find a name bad enough for him, As if you would not know better than that.” “So I told him, Hasn’t the dear child told me of things which only she and I knew? How could an impostor do anything like that?” ** How, indeed!” ‘*Yes, 1 have been weak, but I'll repent of it in sackcloth and ashes, No matter what tbe next demand is, it shal] be granted, even if it is to give up my last dollar and become an object of public charity.” ‘** Nobly spoken, sir, nobly spoken.” ‘*] have not told you the latest.” ** What is it, sir?” “*T am going to die.” “ce Die sta ‘Yes, and soon. Betty has revealed it to the society. I was told of it this morning very gently by Miss Dubarre.” “Oh! is it possible! I am so sorry to hear it; and yet, ought we not rather rejoice? We know it is only a harmless change into a bet- ter condition, It is nothing that can hurt.” ‘*] know it, I {know it. I am resigned. It is a dreaded thing to meet, but it cannot be avoided. And, now, being aware of it, I can feel that I am growing more and more feeble. The change is coming soon, I know. For that reason I have a work to do in the world,” ** And what is that?” “To obey Betty’s last request, no matter what it may be,” “* Yes, that is true,” “Tam going to the meeting to-night, and it may be the last one I shall ever attend. I feel that critical resuJts will follow.” **Ttis possible, sir,” ** You have been a good housekeeper for me, and I shall not forget you. When I am gone Aye will find something laid away for you. hat is yours alone, and cannot be given to the society.” ‘*T had rather see it go that way, sir.” ‘No, that is yours; but, everything else is to go as Betty may direct.” They talked for some minutes longer, in about the same strain, when the old man requested the woman to leave him, saying he desired to be alone, She withrew, and as soon as she had ‘gone a smile lighted the old man’s face aad to himself he muttered: ‘* Well, well, the seed has been sown, and if that young man’s suspicionis correct it cannot help bearing fruit. e shall see, we shall see.” He lapsed into thoughtful silence, In the tnean time what of Happy Harry? Separating from Billy, be laid his course in the direction of the low saloon Bijly had mentioned, “Crackers an’ cheese!” be exclaimed, as he went along, “‘ but I would like ter do somethin’ ter make myself useful in thiscase, Seems ter me I ain’t gittin’ there the same as the ’riginal Billy used ter do, Wonder what’sthe matter? Guess it must be because I ain’t got any inner workin’s in my think-box.” What he was going to do, or what be could do, did not make itself clear to him. He recalled what he bad read of the adven- tures of bis model, and tried to fit some of them to the present case, but not with much success, There seemed to be a difference all around, and the one wedge that would not seem to apply anywhere was himself. And the more he thought about it the less he believed he was go- ing to fill the bill. ‘* No use talkin’,” was hia final comment, as he neared his destination, ‘‘this business and me ain’t goin’ ter fit, I ain’t a Broadway Billy, not by any means, and never will be. Now, if it was Billy bimself, he would ’a’ had this beast by the tail, and would ’a’ yanked him out of his lair by this time, and spilled him all over the street. Why is it I can’t do the same? ’Cause it ain’t in me, that’s all,” Pea From this, it can be seen be was not in @ very confident mood when he reached the neighbor- hood of Brooser’s dive. As he drew near he observed Gus Casmore standing in front of the place idly picking his teeth. ‘* Shine, sir? Shine?” So Happy Harry cried, unslinging his box and preparing for business, ‘Yes, I don’t mind if ye do,” responded the tough, and he braced himself against a post and lifted his foot, Harry was upon his knees in a moment, his box was in position, and bis brushes were plying away with all the rapidity the skilled expert’s band could lend. ‘* What’s your name, boy?” the customer in- quired, arr Bob Jinks,” was the gamin’s prompt an- swer. ‘*- You don’t belong around here; never seen ye afore.” ‘« [ uster be down by the bridge, but I had ter move out 0’ that.” ‘* How was that? The police chase you away? Mebby your fingers got too light in the pockets of the crowd.” “No, ’t wasn’t that; "twas jest spooks !” ‘¢ What:do you mean by that?” ** Speerits,” ‘‘What the dickensare you talking about? Are you crezy?” ‘No, I guess not; but you asked me a ques- tion and I’m allus willin’ ter answer civil ques- tions with flush facks.” Sahe ‘* Well, just explain yourself, will you?” A sudden idea had come to Happy Harry, and taking pattern after Billy, he was acting upon it. He knew this fellow was at present inter- ested in spiritual matters, and he thought a little fiction in the same line might lead to a conversation. It seemed his idea was about right. “*Give me yer other foot,” Harry invited, having finished one. It was promptly given, and again the fellow urged for an explanation of wkat the boy had sald, “Why, it got too spooky around there,” Harry enlightened, ‘‘and I had ter give up a good snap and mosey out, that’s all.” “That ain’t what I want to know, though, boy. In what way did it get spooky? Did you see ghosts around there? Come, you have in- terested me in this thing.” ‘“Mebby you're a reporter,” Harry remarked, OTe jest like ter show that old codger up in print.’ ‘* What old codger?” ‘The man that spooked me.” “Well, maybe lam a reporter, my boy.” “Crackers an’ cheese! Areye,though? Then T’ll tel] ye all about it. Ye see, this old codger, don’t know bis name, he used ter look at me bard when he'd cross the bridge, and every time he did that I'd go off.” “es Go off?” “Yes; get spooky, you know, IT would seem to go out of myself, and couldn’t do nothin’ only what he told me, Then he’d make me talk, and I don’t know but be made capital out of the in- fermation he got out of me,” The tough whistled. ‘Ig this the truth, boy?” be demanded, ‘* If you knowed me you wouldn’t have ter ask that,” Harry answered. ot “There may be something in this, boy,” the rascal said thoughtfully. ‘‘How long has it been going on?” ** Long enough fer me to get enough of it, you bet. I wouldn’t go to the bridge at this time o” day fer balf a dollar, you bet on that,” “Why, is this about the time the old gent is there?” ‘Yes, about now or a little later. are, sir; flip me yer nickel.” ‘“‘ Here’s a dime this time. I want fo talk with you a little more about this matter. Won’t you come in here?” : ‘Time is money ter me,” objected Harry, *Oh! hang that, DP tip you a guarter when you have told me your story out in full,” “ All right, on them condisbuns I'l) be yer calla lily, every time, I'll tell ye all about it, and in short meet ’er, too.” ’ Gus Casmore led the way into the saloon, Harry following bim and congratulating bim- self heartily upon tbe success of bis simple ruse. What was going to come of it, anyhow? Once within, the tough seated himself at a. table, pusbing a chair for Harry at the same time, and called for something to drink, of which be invited the boy to partake, But, that was There ye
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f } } j : : i —_—__—___-_——_+ useless, for the gainin would have none of it; | could he know my name? This is something and, while the man drank and smoked Harry unv ound fiction to him by the yard. without making a lasting impression, either, Tue boy was doing better than he could have dreamed of, CHAPTER XIII HARRY’S SUPREME EFFORT. Gus CASMORE was a fellow wuo, in spite o more than I can understand. And not | little while he is in the trance.” Again he fixed his eyes on Harry’s. ‘* Where am I going to-night?” he asked. Harry hesitated; then came the answer, slow- ly, quietly, mechanically; ** To the seance at Rosa Dubarre’s. You have | something important on hand there to-night,” f | The fellow gave vent toan ejaculation that his being the rascal he was, and of being con- | was very like an oath, cerned in spirit frauds, so to say, had some be- lief in spiritualism. ‘* How is it to be accounted for?’ he asked | himself. ‘‘This gets abead of my time. Vl Not that he understood it, but for the reason | put another to him.” that be did not understand he telieved toa cer- tain extent. He believed, for instance, that dium. If that was so, she was the medium of evil spirits rather than good ones, but that made no difference to Gus Casmore, So, when Happy Harry had told his story, and he had made it a strong one, too, Casmore believed it fully. He believed there was some- thing in it more than the boy was able to tell, and certainly more than he could fathom, ‘*Say,” be suddenly spoke, “Well, say on,” Harry invited. “ Let’s go tothe bridge. I’d like to see you in one of these spells,” ‘*Nixey! Not fer half a dollar!” “Pll give you a dollar if you will go. I’m in- terested in this thing, and maybe [ can put you in the way of making money.” ‘“* How’s that?” ‘* Why, I believe you are a medium, that is, a fellow the spirits can talk to, and if you are, you needn’t blacken boots any more for a livin’, that is sure.” “lm yer joker, right from the pack. Give me yer dollar and [ll goif it kills me. I want ye to promise one thing, though.” “ What is that?” “That you'll watch out fer me if we seo the old fellow, and he throws me into one of the spells.” “Tl do that, sure; but, how do you mean?” “Why, see that I don’t git killed, maltreated, run in, nor nothin’ of that kind; and see that I don’t do nothin’ T badn’t orter do,” * All right; I promise that, Bob,” “TLet’s go right off, then, fer it’s near his time ter’pear now, Reckon you will say you would steer clear of tbe old fellow, too, if you see me in a spell.” They left the saloon and set off at once in the direction of the bridge. Happy Harry was highly elated now at the success he had had with his victim, for such the tough certainly was. When they reached the entrance to the great bridge, Harry came to a stop and drew aside out of the way of the crowd, Casmore with him. “We'll stop right bere,” Harry said, “ and Vl see him if he ’pears,” ** All right; let me know when he’s coming, and Pe try and see how he works the spell on ou. They waited, for the most part in silence, and Harry was hoping some old man would beppen along whom he might make use of for bis pur- Finally an aged man did appear, stepping slowly up thesteps to the entrance gates, and as he did so he cast a glanceiu the direction of the place where Harry and Gus Casmore stood, He went on, and the tough turned to Harry, “Was that him?” be asked. But, Harry was staring straight ahead, his eyes fixed on nothing. Great Scott!” ejaculated Casmore, excitedly, ‘it was him, sure enough, and he has fixed the bo ” He looked after the jold man, who had now passed the gates and was making his way toa waiting car, Innocent of the attention that was being paid to him. Casmore turned again to Harry, shaking his arm. “Come, rouse up!” be called, over you?” Harry’s gaze remained fixed, though, and he ae not seem to hear a word that was said to m. “This beats the deuce,” the tough muttered. “T must take this boy and let Rosa Dubarre see him, if it can be done, How the deuce am I ‘* What’s come going to get him out of it?” Stepping in front of Harry, he looked square- ly into his eyes, “* Boy, do you know me?” be asked. “Gus Casmore,” answered Harry, slowly and apparently mechanically. “ By thunder!” the tough ejaculated, “ how ‘“What is the important business I have on | hand?” be asked, having again put his eyes on Rosa Dubarre, in spite of all, was really a me- | line with those of the boy. And he appeared excited as he awaited the reply. , The augwer camein the same manner as be- ore. ‘You are going for the money of Matthias Rundle,” was the answer. ‘* You will tell him what to do with it, as he is going to die, It is importapt, and you will be successful. Rosa gets the biggest share.” This was said in a tone altogether unlike Harry’s natural tone, and still the boy’s eyes re- mained fixed on nothing. Gus Casmore could only stare in open-mouthed amazement, ‘This beats the fakirs!” he cried. ‘I never saw anything like it. No wonder the lad changed his quarters, He must be a su! ject easy to handle, when the old man merely glanced at him and nothing more. He has got to go to Rosa’s, if I have to take him there by force, that’s flat.” Again he shook Harry, trying to bring him out of the spell into which he had been thrown, It took several shakings to accomplish it, however, but when the boy did come to it was as suddenly as he had gon: off into the spell. ‘What's the matter?” be asked, as he rubbed his eyes and looked around him in a foolish way. ‘*Come on with me, and we'll go back,” an- swered Casmore, He took Harry by the arm and led him away. “Was I ina spell?” asked tbe little impostor. “T should say you was, Didn’t you see the old man?” ‘“* Yes, yes; that’s so! He looked at me, didn’t he? That was the last I remember about it.” ** Don’t you remember what you said?” “What Isaid? Did I talk?” ‘You know what my name is, don’t you?” ‘How should I know yer name when ye baven’t told me what it is.” ** Well I'll be ham-strung!” the fellow cried. ste Pie did I say?” Harry asked, as if inter- ested, ‘You told me what my name is, for one thing. This is more than I can understand. You have knocked me clear out.” “* Well, that’s the kind of spells that old codger throws me into, and do you wonder that I don’t care ter bang around there where he kin get his awful eye on me? [I guess not.” ‘* No, I should say not. But, Bob, see here: Ihave got an offer to make you, and I don’t want you to say no,” ‘* What is it?’ Any scads in it” “Have you ever heard of Rosa Dubarre, the spiritualist?” ‘Rosa Dubarre? Who's she?” demanded the pretender, ‘* Wonderful, wonderful,” muttered Casmore. ‘* Well, she is a woman who is a great spiritual- ist, and I believe you are a wonderful medium, though you don’t know it. Now if you will go with me to this woman’s bouse she will test you, and if )ou are good she will pay you well every night she bas a seance,” ‘* What does she want ter see aunts fer?” “You don’t understand me. That means thst : ‘Pm Rosa’s own Bob, then,” Harry declared. Escort me to her palace, and I will see if I can’t work upa ghost or two just to make it lively.” ‘* All right; we'll go there. Come along,” Changing their direction, Casmore led the way to a station of the Elevated, and ina few miu- utes they were spinning away toward up-town, **T don’t look very nice for makin’ calls on ladies,” Harry remarked as they rode along, ‘** No matter about that: and I guess Rosa had rather see you just as you are than togged outin your Sunday best,” Pll try him a Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. | ; , | | } ax ‘* Crackers an’ cheese! She will have ter see me just as lam, or not atall, This is the best and all ’ve got. I’m no Jay Gould in disguise, you bet!” It did not seem long till they were at their destination, It was well up-town, and asbort walk from the station brought them to the house of the | clever Rosa, A ring at the bell brought a servant promptly to the door, and a word from Casmore admitted them to the house, where they were soon in the presence of the woman Dubarre, ‘What have you there?” she immediately de- manded. ‘* A diamond in the rougb,” was the answer, ‘* He’s a boy with a natural tendency to go off.” “To go off —” “To go into a trance. than half an hour ago,” ‘* What do you mean? Come, tell ane all about him, and why you have brought him here to me, I don’t want him, I"m sure.” ‘I think you'll change your mind, when I tell you about him,” ** Well, tell me, and we’ll see.” And tell her, Casmore did, giving the full par- ticulars of his meeting with Harry, and all that bad taken place subsequently. The woman listened with much interest, and when he bad done, asked: ‘Did you know the old man?” ‘* No; never saw him before,” ‘Ke must be a great mesmerist. boy in that line.” * Don’t you go ter hurtin’ me,” cried Harry, atonce. ‘* And don’t ye put me in no spell that ye can’t bring me out of, either, mind that,” **Oh no; don’t have any fears about that,” Harry laid aside bis bux, and the woman placing bim on a chair made some passes before his face with her hands. It was not long when Harry sunk back, his eyes fixed and staring, and Casmore was quick to declare he was gone. And then followed some ex periments, arry answered questions, and made revela- tions which they knew it was impossible for bim to have any knowledge about, or so they thought, at any rate; and altogether he passed a most satisfactory examination. CHAPTER XIV. BILLY'S SECOND TAKES LESSONS. HARRY certaiuly had remarkable command of emotions. Here he was, playing off under the very eyes of these shrewd and experienced adventurers, and they unable to suspect it! With the knowledge he bad of them, he could answer questions in the most surprising man- ner, and they marveled greatly at what, in spite of all their pretensions, they could not under- stand. ‘* What do you make of it?” Casmore asked. ‘*T know not what to make of it,” the woman answered, **Can you understand it?” **No, I cannot.” ‘Is a plain case, and no fake about it this time.” “You are right. Thereis more in this busi- ness than we have ever been able to make out.” ‘Well, can you make use of the boy, do you think?’ **l] be afraid to try it,” “Why?” ** He tells too much that is true.” ** Yes; but can’t we post him and bave him) play off?” “Think he'd do it?” ‘“* He’l] do it fast enough, if the bait is big.” “* All rigbt, we’ll try bim as soon as he comes: out of this dream.” “ Bring him out of it.” “Ph try it.” The woman made some passes before Harry’s face as before, and presently the boy came to with a start. ‘““Where am I?” he demanded, sitting up and rubbing bis eyes. “Don’t you know where you are?” asked asmore, ‘ Don’t vou know me?” “Oh! is that you? What’s been tbe matter with me? Have [ been off again? Guess [ have.” “* Yes, you have been in another spell.” ‘“* A fine statue of Apoller Jam, ain’t 1, Guess. I must lack a button or two somewhere, [J] be: afraid ter trust myself anywheres, if this thing keeps on.” “Do you remember anytbing I asked you?” in- uired the woman, “ Nary a thing,” Harry fibbed readily. “ Was: you askin’ questions of ther oracle?” I saw him in one less I'll try the
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—— 12 “Yes; and you gave some remarkable an- swers, tqo.” ‘*Guess they must ’a’ been ’markable, when I was out of my head. Seems ter me I’ve been off on a journey somewhere. How long was I iv the spell?” ‘Oh, only a few minutes,” ‘“Seems it was a day or two,” ‘* Well, Bob, how would you like to work for ‘this lady at good regs asked the man, “What ter do?’ Harry demanded, ** Let ber experiment on you, the same as she lhas done now,’ ‘* What d’ye call good pay?” ‘* Well, say two dollars a day and your keep.” ‘‘Nixey! It’s a poor day that I don’t pick u two dollars with my box, and my keep besides.” ‘‘ How would four dollars suit you?” the wo- man asked. ‘* Now you're talkin’, that figger.” ‘* And can you stay here now?” ‘* Does the pay begin now?” ‘“* Yes,” ** Then consider me a fixture.” The pair bad to smile at Harry’s quick and sharp responses, ‘* Very well,” spoke the woman, “ It is agreed. Now, I must have a talk with you and see if you can do what is required of you,” ‘* Crackers an’ cheese! thought I filled the bill anyhow.” ‘* Well, maybe you do, but we must be sure of it, you know. Iam giving you big pay and I must have good service,” ** Of course,” ‘*Do you think you could make believe go into one of these spells, and tell a few things purposely ?” ‘* Well, yes, if I could keep from laffin’, and mebby 1 could do that. I’m not very easily tickled, anyhow. Never had much ’easion ter daugh.” ‘Tf you did that it would spoil everything.” ** And I’d be out my four dollars?” ** To be sure.” ‘*Then you’d never ketch me laffin’, The thought of losin’ that money would make me as sober as Jedgo Duffy.” ‘* Let me see you make believe go into a spell.” ‘* Crackers an’ cheese! You will hev ter tell me how I act, so’s [ll be able ter work up the counterfeit.” ** Well, you drop back, fix your eyes straight ahead, and talk rather slow and steady like, Something like this,” The woman gave illustration. *“*T guess I can do that all right,” averred the ‘boy. ‘See if this comes anywhere near it.” He placed himself in the position he had been in at first, and stared at nothing, the only differ- ance being that purposely, he did not hold kis eyes quite so steadily, To have done so might have aroused sus- picion. ‘* That will do very well,” the woman decided. ‘* Now answer me a question, in the most solemn way you can speak, The yoice must not be dike your own if you can help it, you know.” ** Ask yer question.” “* Well, bow are you to-day, my little man?” **So’s to be able ter set up and take my meals, thank ye,” was the answer, in slow and meas- ured tones, **The tone is all right,” said Madame Du- barre, “‘ but not the language, You must talk “as near like polite folks talk as you can, you know; not say ‘so’s,’ and ‘ter,’ and like that, you see, Try again,” ** Ye don’t take me fer a p’fessor o’ langwidge in a college, do ye?” the boy demanded, ** No; but don’t talk quite as you do on the street. Now, try again. Who is going to be our next President?” ‘“As near as I am able ter—I mean to kalky- jate, it will be the man that gets the most votes and the squarest count. Don’t you think so?” “That is a little better, but still that will not ‘* What's ther diffikilty now?” ‘* You are inclined to make a joke of your re- plies. You must appear to be in real earnest,” ‘* Well, try it again.” Harry fixed himself for another test. “Now, spirit, when am I going to die? Can yyou tell me that?’ “You will die on the Twenty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight bundred and ninety-nine.” Tbis was better. In fact, it was said so well I’m yer tally-wally at that the woman paled for a second and looked to see if the boy had not really gone off into one of this spells. He had sot, however. ‘* How was that?” Harry demanded. ‘*Splendid!” was the compliment, ‘ That is just what I want.” ‘“‘ All right, then, I guess I can fill the bill for you, if you don’t ask me anything too funny.” ** Nothing funny will be asked, I assure you, Do you think he will answer the purpose, Gus?” “Finely,” was the answer. ‘ Keep him, by all means.” ** We will.” ‘*There’s only one thing fer ye ter look out fer,” warned Harry. ** And what is that?” ‘* You must take care not ter put me off inter a real spell, or no knowin’ what I might tell.” ‘Ob! there is no danger of that, for I will not attempt to mesmerize Fron, and you are not likely to go off, as you call it, unless some influ- ence is brought to bear upon you,” ** Mebby not,” ** And now are you ready for your lesson?” ‘* Yes, let’s have it, and see that ye drill it inter my thick head mighty well, so it won’t leak out.” ‘*T guess there is little danger of your forget- ting your part. Remember, your pay depends on the correctness with which you do your act,” ‘*That’s so. Dll grip it, you bet.” “Now, pay attention, and listen well to what Isay. To-night, as it is arranged, there will be a spiritual seance here, and perhaps a good many persons will be present. You must not let that confuse or frighten you, however,” ‘* Numbers don't interfere with my nerve,” boasted the boy. ‘That is well, Now, among these will be an old man named Matthias Rundle, I will speak his name so that you will know him when he comes, It is to interest him I want you to take part. You understand? Well, [ want you to make believe the spirit of bis deaa daughter is in you, talking to him, and you must say what I shall arrauge for you to say, Do you see?” ** I guess I git hold of it, ma’m.” “Very well. You must make believe go off into a spell, just as you have done now, and then talk and answer questions. I will do the questioning myself, and you will know what answer 1 want you to make by the way in which I ask the question. I shall drill you on that this afternoon until I have you perfect. Then, too, you must have a good deal of knowledge about Mr. Rundle’s affairs, so you will be able to make him believe it is really the spirit of bis daughter who is talking to him, I can give you all that knowledge,” ‘*Guess I kin do it, if it ain’t put on too heavy. [used ter spout lines from plays that I picked up at theaters, when 1 dropped in some- times and chawed peanuts with tbe other kids in the loft.” **T have no doubt but you will answer the purpose well, If you do real well, and make no mistakes, 1 will give you five dollars instead of four, and [ll give you the full y for this half-day, too, You must not make any mis- takes, for that would spoil everything, you know,” ‘* Bet I don’t make a single flop, then, I’m goin’ fer thet fiver, or bu’st in tryin’ ter git thar.” ** Do you think he’ll do, Gus?” ** Yes, I believe he’s going to be the best de- a yet,” was the assurance, here was a long talk, then, between the man and woman, in which their plans were laid. Casmore told her about the young stranger he was going to bring that night, and it was all talked over freely in the presence of the boy. And then after tho departure of Casmore, the woman began to drill the decoy on the lessons he had to learn, in which the lad made the most gratifying progress. The remainder of the afternoon, without interruption, was given up to that business, with a persistence wortby of a much ‘better cause, CHAPTER XV. BROADWAY BILLY SURPRISED, WHEN Broadway Billy left the residence of Mattbias Rundle, he paid another visit to Head- quarters, Not that he had any particular business there, but he felt that be owed it to the chief to report progress on the case, and had to kill time some- how until the hour for his meeting with Gus Casniore, He was welcomed, of course, and when he had made known what he bad been doing, it was a great satisfaction to find that he had the appro- val of his patrov. And when he came away, finally, be had some valuable suggestions in mind given him. by one who had had so many ‘ years’ experience in the detective field, Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. Bas: lan NS EE ES ES ET EE TS A SS LS ESTES SNES 20OATS TETRA = From there Billy went to bis office, There was no evidence that any one bad been there, and no communication was found in the door letter-box, ‘“*Reckon many a day will pass with no callers,” the young man mused, ‘I have got to make a bigger name than I have already, I spose. But then, I am being helped, and I sup- pose a good many cases will be put in my way till I get a footing and can command attention on my own merit.” Opening his office dresser, he took out a new disguise and put it on. When he had done this he appeared as a man, with a full beard, and so well was the beard fitted, that it would require a very close inspec- tion to discover the cheat. He was well dressed, but not in the height of fashion by any means, and looked not unlike a prosperous man of business frum some country town. Bully could take on ageor lay it off at pleasure, and could play either man or boy. In this outfit he looked to be about thirty years old, and being broad of shoulder and strong of neck and limb, he was every inch a man, and of no small bodily proportions, either, . He was a man, yet with a face so boyish and béardless as to deceive any one who did not know him, Locking his « ffice again, he paid a visit to the home of Jonas Rundle, He found things there about as Happy Harry bad found them in the morning, but oan was not at bome, Inquiring where be might probably be found, Billy went for bim, and found Jonas with his truck waiting for a load from the place where he was emploved, **- You are Jonas Rundle?” Billy asked, ‘“*That’s my name,” was the answer, “Son of Matthias Rundle?” ** Yes, sir.” ‘Then you are the man I wanted to find,” ** Well, you have found me; what do you want?” ‘** A little talk with you that will be of interest to you.” ‘** What about?” ‘* Your father’s property.” ‘“ Ha! what do you know about his property? Who are you, anyhow?” Billy had drawn the man aside from the others wos 4 he talked, and now that they were alone, said: ‘*My name is Weston; Lamadetective. Iam working up a case to cheat a set of rascals out of getting hold of your father’s money. You can or me a little, and I can help you a good eal, “*T don’t know about that. The old man is dead set against me, and won’t bave moet es sa do witb me. because I won’t be a spiritual- ist. ‘*That is the front he has presented to you, I know, but I know something tbat lies behind it all. Your father’s will was made in your favor, leaving you the bulk of his property,” Mi The deuce you say! How did you find that out? ‘‘ Your father told me so, himself,” ‘* Well, I can’t understand it. He has always deqared I shouldu’t handlo a cent of his money unless I would be a spiritualist.” ‘That was only to try to force you to be- come one. Now, that will has been stolen, and it stands to reason that you do not know anytbing about it, The question is, where is the will?” “T give it up.” “Can you tell me anything about that old housekeeper of your father’s?” ‘*Ha! Pll bet you are on the right track, sir, That woman is a deep one, if there ever was one, I know sometbing about her,” ‘* What do you know ?” ** Well, I know she is not the innocent old lady she looks to be.” * That bardly answers the question. Can you ae me anything about her which you positively now?” ‘* Yes, I can do that, too, but it will be no use telling the old man so, He would not believe it, He sees nothing that isn’t spiritual, so to call ” it. “*T don’t know about that, He is getting his material eyes opened wonderfully, and I think he'll be able to see things in their right light pretty soon, But, what is it you know about the woman?” ‘She bas a daughter in this town who is none too good,” ** Who is she?” “Ob! there’s no telling what name sho fs under now, She was sent up onee, and her picture is in the rogues’ gallery.” : i ; . ° a {
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= oe ee ee eee ene ae! 3 _ . Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 13 **Can you tell me any name she was ever known by?” ‘Yes, she was once called Fairy Fingers.” ** Sweet pertaters!” “ What you say?” “T have my eye on that damsel now, and if she isn’t concerned in this case I miss my guess, In fact I know she is, and I’m going to have her, n ‘© Well, what is the case, and what are they trying to do to the old man?” illy gave the son an outline of what was going op, and needless to say Jonas was in- terested. ‘** Did you ever tell your father about this wo- man’s daughter?” Billy asked. “TT started to tell him once, but he reminded me that the mother could not help what the daughter was any more than he could help hav- ing ason a common truck-driver; and there I ati it.” ‘*He didn’t mean it,” declared Billy. ‘‘ He likes you and admires you, and you will find him out when I once break this spell that is over bim, As for being a truck-driver, that’s honest, and many a driver is a kiog beside seme men of means this city might show up.” ‘*Maybe so. But, you said I could help you; what do ye want me to do?” **T want you to be on hand to-night when this thing is unmasked, and the rascals are shown up, Can you manage it?” ‘** Maybe so, if you'll post me a bit.” That Billy could do, and did do. If he had once suspected this man, he now saw he had been wrong in doing so, and wanted to make amends for it, When they parted it was with the understand- ing that Jonas was to be at Madame Dubarre’s seance that evening, in disguise if be could adopt One, and that he was to take some part in the business, Billy took his leave, and set out for the residence of the female shark. The chief had assured him that his disguise was almost perfection, so he was not afraid to venture there. A girl answered his ring at the bell, and he asked to see Madam Dubarre, Madam Dubarre, by the way, was a woman who, besides her spiritualism trade, advertised as a seer, one who could read the past, present and future like an open book; and all that. *“ What do you want, sir?” the girl asked. “I want to consult with the great Egyptian oracle,” Billy answered. ** You want a private interview?” ‘* Yes, strictly private.” “Very well; come to this room and I will in- form the madam,” Billy was shown into a small rowm on the right of the hall, and the girl shut him in and disappeared. Presently Rosa Dubarre entered. ‘* You desire to see me, sir?” she asked, “Yes, if you are the Egyptian oracle,” “Tt am, sir.” ‘*T want some information.” - * Of what nature, sir?” ‘*] want to find a missing person.” “Very well; that may be very simple, fee, you know, is five dollars.” ‘* Here is the money,” ‘* Now, tell me the circumstances, sir.” ‘“Well, I have a boy who has run away from home, and I want to find him, He is ten years old; 1am from up in the State, you know.” ** What place are you from?” ‘Sand Hills.” ** Very well; I will ask the stars. You re-nain perfectly still and perfectly passive while I fall asleep, and in my sleep I will talk.” The woman laid her head back, closed her eyes, and was motionless, Presently she began to talk. “‘f see a boy,” she began, “and he is leaving home by stealth. Isee him again. He is ina city, and I know it to be New York, I see him again he is on the cars. The train moves West, I see him again in the city as before. It is Chicago.” She said no more, and presently came out of the sleep. ‘“* Have I told anything?” she asked, ‘Yes, you say cd is in Chicago.” ‘Well, it must be so, then. Remember, I have no knowledge of what has been said by my lips. I did not speak, but the oracle within,” oi Ape atts” assented Billy. ‘To ison I 5 ou iri ist, are you no go; iron ot hae are a spiritualist, 7; My ** And you have meetings here sometimes?” “Yes, sir. There is S be a grand seance here to-night, Would youlike to attend?” “Yes, for I am greatly interested in such things, although not quite a spiritualist myself. What is the price of admission? How must I apply?” ** The admission is five dollars, except to mem- bers of the faith. You simply come here at the hour, eight, and pay your fee and enter, that is all. I think you mill go away greatly bene- fited.” ‘* Well, maybeI will call, if I have time, I certainly will if 1 make up my mind not to go away to-night,” Billy bad got all the information he wanted, and prepared to leave. He was not detained, the woman seeming as ready to have him goas he was to depart, and oe the door and stepped out into the a “Shine, sir? Shine?” Billy stopped short and stared at the boy, What was Happy Harry doing there? How had he gained entrance? Billy was ‘at a loss to know, ‘* Why, Bob!” exclaimed the woman, stepping out right behind Billy, ‘*‘ What do you mean ea this? This is no place to ply your trade! hat do you mean by it?” CHAPTER XVI. THE GRAND SWOOP MADE. BROADWAY BILiy had already given Happy Harry their secret sign, letting him know who he was. Harry promptly made response to the woman’s demands, ‘* Nothin’, ma’m, only I thought I’d combine business with pleasure, that’s all, Shine, sir? Make ’em look so slick you’ll be proud of ’em, Make it half price ter you, too, seein’ that ’ma fixture in this ’stablishment.” ‘*Bob!” the woman cried in anger. ‘Shut right up this moment and go back in the room there. Iam surprised at you!” “Really, [do not care if he does black my shoes,” assured Billy. ‘‘They need it bad enough. If you will allow him to do itI will consider ita favor. I never could bear the idea of having it done outside where everybody gapes at me,” **Ob, well, I don’t care; but = must go down to the next floor and doit. I will have no more of this, Bob, and you must understand it,” ‘*No need ter go down there, fer I could black forty pairs here and never get a spot on the carpet,” * Well, do it, then, and be quick,” cried the woman, She stood by to watch the operation, and Harry fell-to with a will. One shoe was quickly done, and Billy raised his foot for the other. Just as Harry rolled up the leg of his trousers Billy felt the lad slip something into the top of his shoe, The work was soon finished, Billy tossed the boy a dime, and then with thanks to Madam Dubarre, took his leave. ** Sweet pertaters!” he muttered, when clear of the house, ‘‘ that young cub is better than I ever thought of being, He can Rive me odds and leave me away behind, I really believe. What was it he putin my shoe? Can’t look now, but will as soon as I get around the corner, I used to think J was pretty fly, but I guess the rising generation can give me some pees and the delegate of them all is this same Happy Harry,” Billy was soon around the corner, where he stooped and drew a folded piece of paper from the top of his shoe, Opening it he read: *Boss:-— ‘I’m bettin’ it’s you, fer I think I know yer voice, and I write this to put in yer shoe if you give me the sine and I get the chance. If it ain’tyou, you won't see this and no harm done. I am here as big as life. I'm ‘gaged fer the first act to-night. I’m to play. roots on old man Rundle, Don’t you Iet on, put if you don’t see a cireus here you kin lick me. Il] tell ye all about ft later on when I kin orate. I have had a streak of luck as wide as the Boulevard. 4 PY Harry.” Billy laughed heartily. ‘*The young rat!” he exclaimed. ‘ How has he ever managed to get a footing in that house? It is more than I can guess. it was high time I reached twenty-one and retired from business as a boy detective, for I would stand no show with this fellow. Ha,ha, ha! Well, weil, this beats me all hollow, and no mistake. He calls it luck, too, but I know better’n that, fer luck don’t drop onto a fellow like a fortune from a rich daddy, I don’t know any such word as luck. The only luck I know anything t is the luck th hard work brings,” — ” At the appointed hour that evening Billy met Gus Casmore, and together they went up to the woman’s house, after a supper together at a res- taurant at Billy’s expense. Billy was let to kuow that the usual fee was five dollars, but owing to his erage, Hy Cas- more, he was allowed to enterfree. The woman conducted them to the rear parlor, where she had just been giving Happy Harry his finishing lesson before the opening of the meeting proper. It was near the hour, and persons were gather- ing in the front room, This boy,” said Casmore, ‘is one that was picked up to-day on the street, and Madam Du- barre says he is the most wonderful medium she ever saw.” ** Possible?” “Yes, I believe he could tell you your name, where you are from, and all you want to know. And you can swear he never saw you before, of course, He sur prised me, I tell you.” “Wonderful!” , ““T would show you,” said the woman, “ but it is near time for the seance, and it migbt spoil him for that to throw him into a trance now,” ““T don’t believe it would,” spoke up Harry himself. ‘I feel wonderful like goin’ off now, and mebby if you send me off I'll be better able ter keep awake when ye want me to,” “Ts that so?” “Sure thing! {t acts that way sometimes,” ‘Well, if that is the case I will mesmerize you and you can auswer some questions for this gentleman.” Sbe passed her hand before the lad’s facea few times, and he was gone, ** Now, sir,” she said to Billy, ‘ask him any- thing you wish, and my word for it be will as- tonish you. Ask bim something which you are sure he can have no knowledge about.” ‘* What is my name?” Billy asked, loudh’, He knew Harry would know to answer, if his memory was any good at all, for he bad told him everything at dinner that day. “Your name is William Weston,” came the answer, in slow, deliberate words, ‘* Where am I from?” the next query. **From Bucks county, Pennsylvania. You have come to New York to see the sights and have fun,” ‘* What did I tell you?” demanded Casmore *Pshaw!” Billy exclaimed, ** you told him all that, Mr. Casmore.” ‘*On my oath I did not!” the rascal protested. “He told me things just as wonderful, and Madam Dubarre, too.” ** It is so,” the woman affirmed, ‘* Everything is a]] right,” Harry spoke again. es Everything is all right. Everything is all right. & What in the world does be mean?” cried Casmore and the woman together, as they look- ed at each other, Broadway Billy knew well what he meant. He knew this was especially directed to him. “Why, he assures us that everything is alk right,” Billy repeated. At that moment Harry came to, and sat up rubbing his eyes as before, asking what he had been saying. “You have assured us that everything is al? right, whatever that means,” the woman said, laughing. ‘Then it must be so,” declared Harry. ‘My spook never tells lies,” Casmore now conducted Billy out into the other room, where quite a company was assem- bled, and among them Matthias Rundle, Jonas Rundle, and some others whom Billy had use for. Presently the great Dubarre entered the room and made her little speech. She requested the company to draw their chairs up ina circle, to take hold of hands every one with those nearest, and to remain in thar position while she turned out the gas, And she assured them there was no danger, This was done, and the room was darkened. ‘* Now,” the voice of the managing medium spoke, ‘spiritual manifestations will soon begin to be heard and felt. Do not be alarmed. Noth- ing will harm. It is my hope that the spirits may be with us in power on this occasion, Now, silence all and keep tight hold of bands all around. the circle.” There was an interval of-silence; then strange sounds began to be heard, There were whispers,. moans, sighs; then followed the tinkle of musi- cal instruments in the air above the heads of the circle. These increased, until, finally, vague flashes of light appeared here and the and these were succeeded by the appearance snowy forms here and there for a moment at a. me.
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14 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. ‘* Wonderful!” cried one believer, unable to -control his tongue longer. Immediately there was a grand ending to everything, and no more sights or sounds were heard. **You have spoiled it all by speaking,” spoke the voice of the great Dubarre. ‘*Some min- utes must now pass before the reappearance of our dear departed ones. I will light the gas again, and then prepare for other manifes- tations,” The gas was lighted, and the circle winked and blinked at one another in the blinding glare. For an hour there was a great performance, the woman showing all manner of impossible doings, declaring the spirits to be in full posses- sion of the house, and at last she made mention of her new discovery, a boy of the street who was the most wonderful medium she had ever met with. Atasignal from her.Happy Harry was led into tha,room, by the servant. He was cool and easy in manner, and gave a queer blink at Billy as he took his placeina chair in the center of the circle. Billy had plans of his own, but had decided ‘not to put them into operation until he learned what Harry was going to do, or what was going to be done with him. He felt that he could trust the boy fully. The woman made a long speech, in which she dwelt upon the mysteries so little understood; the near ties that bound the living to the dead —the mortal to the immortal; and a good deal more in that occult line, and finally came down to the subject in hand. *¢ And now,” she concluded, ‘I will command this boy to sleep, and he will immediately be in condition to communicate between the material and the immaterial. See; I speak! He is gone!” She had spoken, and Harry dropped back in his chair, staring straight ahead, Broadway Billy looked on with keenest inter- est, wondering what it meant, and how it was coming out, ‘‘ Now,” the woman went on, “the spirit of this boy is out of the body. As soon as it is gone, another spirit takes its place; the boy will speak, Now, silenceall,” All were silent, and presently Harry spoke. ** Father?” he called. The woman raised a finger to prevent others from speaking, and asked: ‘* Who is it that speaks?” “T am Betty Rundle,” was the answer. want my father!” Billy looked over toward the old man, and saw that he was trembling, and that his face ‘was pale. *“*Can you prove that you are Betty Rundle?” the woman asked. ‘‘ Give some proof that your father will positively be able to recogniz2.” ““Father,” epoke Harry’s lips, ‘‘do you not remember the present you gave me on my tenth birthday? Thering I was so proud of? It bad two pretty red stones in it, and I lost it.” **It’s so!” cried Rundle, ‘It’sso! It’s so!” “Then you recognize me?” asked the spirit using Harry’s body. ‘Yes, mychild! Yes, yes!” “Then pay close attention to what I say now: ‘You are going to die, some time, but maybe not ‘very soon, These swindlers are playing for ‘your money, This woman—” Madam Dubarre made arush at the medium, as did also Gus Casmore, but Broadway Billy and the others sprung up and held them back. “This women,” the spirit went on, “isa fraud, and she bas been bleedin’ you fer all you are worth, and more too. This night sbe intended to make you give ber all your money, but her little game is nipped in the bud, and— Crack- ers an’ cheese! J’m the gentle kiss-me-quick ber had a hand in it, hoop! ’Rah fer our side! “eT The seance had broken up in confusion. Rosa Dubarre, Gus Casmore, and their deluded fol- lowers, were making the greatest kind of ado, but the detective and his helpers had the two arch crooks handcuffed before they could escape, as they at once endeavored to do, and the Shadow Chase was ended. Broadway Billy had materialized the spooks, and Happy Harry cele- tg it by dancing a war-dance over the re- su The doors were locked, and a thorough search was made of the house. The will of Matthias Rundle was found, together with a private diary that had been kept by his daughter, and out of which the woman Dubarre had learned so many events of her life as to enable her to | carry on such a deception. It was an exposure | complete, and the faith of the spiritualists present received a shock frow which it never re- covered, Billy, duly armed with warrants, held fast to his prisoners, while all the others were held as witnesses, and were taken to the house of deten- | tion. A policeman was left in charge of the | place. The woman who was acting as house- keeper for Mr. Rundle was next arrested and sent to join the others, Broadway Billy had all the proof needed, and more, and when the case came to a hearing the guilty ones were sent down to await the trial that was sure to termi- nate in their being sent up—up instead of down —and for a considerable period, too. Billy received the congratulations of his patron, and Happy Harry came in for the ap- proval of his chief, Billy could not praise Harry enough, and could not get over the splen- did start he bad made, He told more than one person about it, and declared that Happy Harry was destined to make a greater record by far than he had.made himself as a boy. Harry took it all with modest mien, declaring it had been nothing but dumb luck, but Billy would not allow that to be said of it, Mr, Rundle was cured completely, and his will was made stronger than ever in favor of his son, Of course, the young detective was handsome- ly rewarded, and he immediately put a ‘‘ nest egg” to the credit of Happy Harry in one of the city banks, Some days later Billy met with a surprise at home. His mother, standing with one arm of the old ranger, Roger Watts, around her when Billy opened the door, informed bim that she and Roger bad been married that day, and that Roger had changed his mind about going up to his home in the northern part of the State, where he had now no friends, and had made up his mind to spend the rest of his days with tbe boy he had learned to like so weil, And all Billy was able to say, at first, was—** Sweet pertaters!” Billy declared that his birthday had been a glorious event, but now he hardly knew which pleased him most, that or this, He had learned to love the honest, brave old man, and it was an arrangement that suited him exactly, Billy is in the harness now in earnest, and, with happy Harry as his adjutant, is bound to do some signal work in his line, THE END, Beadle’s Dime Library, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON, 323 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers, 311 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men. 305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover, 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 276 Texas Chick. the Southwest Detective, 271 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. 266 Leopard Luke. the King of Horse-Thieves. 263 lron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer. 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo, 245 Barranca Bill, the Revolver Champion 287 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black League. 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom's Mission 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. 194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent. 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY. 332 Spring-Heel Jack: or, The Masked Mystery. 262 Fighting Tom. the Terror of the Toughs. 236 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show. 169 Corporal Cannon, the Man of Forty Duels 157 Mourad, the Mameluke; or, The Three Sword masters. 150 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. 143 The Czar’s Spy; or, The Nihilist League 126 The Demon Duelist; or, The League of Steel. 82 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 267 The White Squaw. 234 The Hunter’s Feast. 228 The Maroon. A Tale of Voodoo and Ob-ah. 213 The Wild Huntress; or. The Squatrer. 213 The War Trail: or, The Hunt of the Wild Horse. 208 The White Chief. A Romance of Mexico. 200 The Rifle Rangers; or. Adventures in Mexico. 74 The Captain of the Rifles; or, The Lake Queen. 66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Pacific. 55 The Scalp Hunters. A Romance of the Plains. 12 The Death-Shot: or. Tracked to Death. 8 The Headless Horseman. ~ Daca titaane oe Per : P ul ei ate BY WII. G. PATTEN. 689 The Sparkler Sharp. 676 Hurricane Hal, the Cowboy Hotspur. 669 Old True Blue, the Trusty. 663 The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan. 56 Old Piug Ugly, the Rough and Ready. 648 Gold Glove Gid, the Man of Grit. 641 Aztec Jack, the Desert Nomad. 631 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp. 602 Captain Nameless, the Mountain Mystery. 571 Old Dismai, the Range Detective. 545 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. BY JACKSON KNOX—*‘ Old Hawk.” 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellborn, the Upper Crust Detective. 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. 574 Old Falcon’s Double. 561 The Thug King; or, The Falcon Detective'’s Foe. 548 Falconbridge. the Sphinx Detective. 536 Old Faleon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective. 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective. 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Detective’s Sere 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective. 477 Dead-arm Brandt. 487 Mainwaring. the Salamander. ‘ 462 The Circus Detective. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective. 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand. 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy. 886 Hawk Heron, the Falcon Detective. BY CAPT. FRED, WHITTAKER. 614 The Showman Detective; or, The Mad Magician. 609 The Texas Tramp; or, Solid Saul. 445 Journeyman John, the Champion, 412 Larry Locke, the Man of Iron. 406 Old Pop Hicks, Showman. 878 John Armstrong, Mechanic. 326 The Whitest Man in the Mines, The Marshal of Satanstown; or, The League. Top-Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw. old Cross-Eye, the Maverick-Hunter. The Lost Corvette: or, Blakeley’s Last Cruise, The Three Frigates; or, Old Ironsides’ Revenge, The Saucy Jane, Privateer, Seth Slocum, Raiiroad Surveyor. Old Double-Sword; or, Pilots and Pirates. 3 A Yankee Cossack; or,The Queen of the Nihilists, Alligator Ike; or, The Secret of the Everglade. 2 The Fog Devil; or, The Ski yper of the Flash. The Flying Dutchman of 1880, i} ‘he Mad Hussars; or, The O’s and the Mac’s, 5 Parson Jim, King of the Cowboys. Colonei Plunger; or, The Unknown Sport. } One Eye, the Cannoneer. The Man in Red; or, The Ghost of the Old Guard, The Death’s Head Cuirassiers, The Phantom Knights. 59 Red Rudiger, the Archer. Nemo, King of the Tramps. The Severed Head; or, The Castle Coucy Secret, The Duke of Diamonas. The Rock Rider; or, The Spirit of the Sierra, Double Death; or, The Spy of Wyoming. The Irish Captain. A Tale of Fontenoy. The Red Rajah; or, The Scourge of the Indies. The Russian Spy; or, The Starry Cross Brothers, MISCELLANEOUS. 566 The Dauntless Detective: or, The Daughter Avenger, By Tom W. King. 542 The Ocean Drift; or, The Fight for Two Lives. By A. F. Holt. 534 Green Mountain Joe: or, The Counterfeiter’s Cave. By Marmaduke Dey, 518 — Richard, the Thoroughbred. By J. W. sbon. 410 Sarah Brown, Detective. By K. F. Hill. 366 The Telegraph Detective. By George H. Morse, 353 Bart Brennan; or, The King of Straight Flush, By John Cuthbert. 350 Flash Falcon, Society Detective. By W. J. Cobb. 312 Kinkfoot Karl, tbe Mountain Scourge. By Mor- ris Redwing. 275 The Smuggler Cutter. 261 Black Sam, the Prairie Jo Yards. By J. D. Conroy. Thunderbolt. by Col, 190 The Three Guardsmen. By Alexander Dumas. 179 Conrad, the Convict. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 166 Owlet, the Robber Prince. By §. R. Urban. 158 The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell. ; 152 Captain Ironnerve, the Counterfeiter Chief. 146 The Doctor Detective. By George Lemuel. 144 The Hunebback of Notre Dame. By Victor Hugo. 140 The Three Spaniards. By Geo. Walker. 133 Rody the Rover. By William Carieton. 125 The Blacksmith Outlaw. By H. Ainsworth. 110 The Silent Rifleman, By H. W. Herbert. 102 The Masked Band. By George L. Aiken, 78 The Mysterious Spy. By Arthur M. Grainger, 76 The Queen’s Musketeers. By George Albany. 68 The Fighting Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 60 Wide Awake, the Robber King. By F. Dumont, 82 B’hoys of Yale: or, The _Scrapes of Collegians, 11 Midshipman Easy. By Captain Marryatt. 10 Vidocgq, the French Police Spy. By himself, a 9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. f 6 Wildeat Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler, A new issue every Wednesday. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per pone oF sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each, BEADLE & AD Publishers, 98 William street, New York, ree —— - \ fea
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BEADLE'S«H ALF- DIME« LIBRARY: Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. Dendwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffaly Ben Deadwood Dick in His Castle. Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The .antom Miner. Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll, i Deadweod Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 28 Dendwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity ¢ ‘ne, the Heroine, 77 Deadwood Dick’s Last Act: or, Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign, 109 Deudwood Dick as Detective. 129 Dendwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 166 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. eLxeee ceuss 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 205 Deadwood Dick’a Doom; or, Calamity Juane’s Adventure. aes peak ood ere moed mont R. Jendweod Diek’s Death-Plant. 2B2 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Rough« and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood ae oe Trail. , B09 Deadwoot ek’s Deals or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. $21 Deadwood Dick's Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats BAZ Deadwood Pick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. ros4 paadweed ee tenet or, Lhe Terrible Vendetta eadwoot ck’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamantina. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case.” 430 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. ire poss eocd ae . Den A+ ead wood ck, dr.’s, Definnee. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Biz Round-Up. AGS Deadwood Bick, drs, Racket at Claim 10, T1 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. rit poadwees Dich or My poe pe s eandwood Dick, Jr., In Deadwood, APL Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Inheritance. $00 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Bick, Jr.'s, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. S22 Deadwood Vick. Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, Danger Ducks 5A Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 5414 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoeg 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on His Mettle. BS4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Philadetphia, HT2 Deadwood Dick, Jr, in Chicago. 57S Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. HS4 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Decree, 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr-, at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati, #24 Deadwood Dick. Jr., in Nevada, 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 626 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick. Jr., in_ Buffalo. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. reed ene Pa oe Bien? ts page ae Sane. 5 endwood ck, dr., Bac n e Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tu Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” ris Deady ood mee Sree, Discerers} or, Found a Fortune. é eadwood ek, Jr.’s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide, Sof Steg be = op Jr.’s, Dror Pp C endwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. T10 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Franclaeco. ais sar baa ee? drs, Still Hunt. endwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise. 784 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 4° mend woes Bick ore peace atch, end wood ck, Jr.'s, Doublet. be Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathblow. 58 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Desperate Strait. + BY J. ©. COWDRICK. Broadway Biliy Novels. A90 Brondway Billy, the’Bootblack Bravo. 20 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand. 85 Broadway Billy’s Business. 88 Broadway Billy’« Curious Case. 4 Broadway Billy in Denver. Other Novels by J. ©. Cowdrick. B60 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery, B69 Shaata, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The petective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuia Jonn?: or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 4389 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 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. 592 The Boy Pinkerton. , 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, areback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, $35 Pp Pewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the “ Pizenest ” Man of Ante Bax, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom & Dy t or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trappers 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, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn bills or, The Red Rifle Team 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. 92 Cannda Chet ; or, Oli Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eyes or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City. 18 Jacek Moyle the Young Speculator. e 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 21 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 7 Bonanza Bill, Miner. - 8 Boxe Bob the King of Bootblacks. 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. > Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 7 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 1 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 4 , > $6 Apollo BIll, the Trail Tornado. 10 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Slerra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 48 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, » 58 Sierra Sawm’sa Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista. 58 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or. The Rival Heirs. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen, 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or. The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 880 Little Qui ck-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miuer. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. B58 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jdim’s Prize. : 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A” Viilain’s Vengeance. BS5 Yreka Jim's Jokers or, The Rivals of Red Nose. BRO Bieycle Bens or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Bal! Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 456 Seulskin Sam, the Sparkier. RY T. C. WARBAUGH, 28 Nick o° the Nights or, The Boy Spy of 776. 8&7 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl: Hunter. AT? Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jacks: or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trali. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Miduight Jack; or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mostanger. 189 Judge Lynch | or, The Boy Vigiante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tomy or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw ¢ or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 231 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoliv, te King-Pin of Bowle, 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective: or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Curd of Arizona, $26 The Ten Pardas or. The Terror of Take-Notice, 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitilesas Matt $ or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. B56 Cool am and Par’: om The Terrible Six, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, ‘he B ecnneer’s Girl Foe, 896 Rough Robs or, The win Champions of Blue Blazes. 411 The Silken Laaso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vamniresy; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Againat Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow: or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The Exceisior Sport: or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Might, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Rest Dodge. 528 Fox and Faicon, the Bowery Shadows. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double: or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodger Dick’s 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 Pards, j 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Roy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler: or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Hugh, the Boy Musician Dete wave. ZOLr pevenrapn Fred, the Camera Sharp. 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. 782 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective: or, Trapping B:g Game. 42 Billy Winka, the Bel] Boy Detective. 54 Billy Winks, the Boss Boy Shadow. gid an BY WM. G. PATTEN. e amond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 forsee Mystery ; or, Five in One. 581 Da | Pare the Fooes from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Doubie Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spon. 641 ge a A Dane Pard,. 651 Bouné oy Frank, the Young Amater tive 66% Violet Vane’s« Victory. ~ aa 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 698 Violet aud Daltsy, the Posy Pards. 705 Violet Vane’s Vow: or, The Cratty Detective’s Craft. 714 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. 724 Violet Vane’s Veneeance. TSO Violet Vane’s Verdlet. TA Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidocq. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished. RS RD RO OD OO ee pe vat te pe et pt et wwe —— | BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 7 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Ontcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. The Boy Dnelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf. Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. The Sen-Bevil 3 or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. The Hussar Captain: or, The Hermit ot Hell Gate. Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or, The Stock-Tender’s Daughter. Ruffato Bill, the Pony Express Rider, 216 Bison BAIL, the Prince of the Reins; or, Buffalo Bill’s Pluck. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Troiler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain; or, The Mysterious Ranchero 245 Merle, the Middy 3; or, The Heir of an Ocean Freelance. 250 The Midshipman M utineer3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, “The Gold Ship” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirate's Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge; or, The Sea Marauder. 27 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover. $04 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. 808 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rovers or, The Flagless Schooner. 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WIL, the Traitor Guide; or, The Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant; or, The Red Clasped Hands. 402 Iavdor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Captain Carl, tie Corsair; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck, 487 The Sea Raider; or, The Hawks of the Hook. 441 The Ocean Firefly ¢ or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Maphazard Marry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard Will, the Wonder-Worker. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouta, 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Wizard Will's Vagabond Pard. 488 Wizard Will’s Last Case; or, Ferrets Afloat. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger 495 Arizona doe, the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy 3 or, 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 Brothers in Buckskin; or, The Tangled Trails in Texas, 530 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Buc skin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marander or the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsalr: or, The Golden Wings of the Gulf 560 Pawnee BUI, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen; or, The Skeleton Trail. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. bSO The Outenst Cadet; or, The False Detective. H86 The Buckskin Avenger; or, Pawnee Bill's Pledge. 591 Delmonte. the Young Sea Rover; or, Toe Avenging Sailor. 597 The Young Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders. 644 Butterfly Billy’s Debut. 650 Rutterfly Billy, the Pony Rider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para, 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buceaneer Midshipman; or, The Sea Kover’s Ruse. 674 The Wizard Saflor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name, 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout. 697 The Searlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas. 702 Blue Jacket Bill; or, Tne Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racket 07 The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail. 8 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, Tie Lariat Queen. 9 Pawnee BIll’« Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper’s Doom. 5 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid. : 8 RD kk fk Stemsls LAa woe Ruth Redmond, the Gir) Shadower. Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 9 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 56 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 0 Dashing Charlie’s Pawnee Pard. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective; or, The Great Mix~ Up at Crescent Butte. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. Broadway Billy’s Bargain. By J. C, Cowdrick. 3 Violet Vane’s Vision. by Wm. G, Patten. 4A Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand; or, Kodak Kate Secret Seven. By Edward L. Wheeler. 765 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol. By Jo Pierce. 266 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 267 Mune and Jack, the Invincibles; or, The Diabolical Three. By Dan Dunn'ng. 768 Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard; or, The Camp Spiders of Ragged Robin. Py T. C. Harbaugh, 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective; or, How the City Buzzards Were Brought In. By J. C. Cowdrick. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’as Defents or, The Tandam Team ¢ Thorny Trail, By | dward L. Wheeler. ?71 Foxy Fred's Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle, By Jo Vierce, %72 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 778 The Rustler of Rolling Stone; or, The Opposition Boom at Lucky Ledge. By Lieut, A. K. Sims. 74 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective; or, The Strange Case of Captain Sendd. By Wm. G. Patten. 775 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase; or, Materializing the Spooks. By J. C. Cowurick, 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection; or, Icicle Isaac from Frozen Flats. By Edward L. Wheeler. TTT Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 778 Highland Harry, the Wizard Rifleman; or; Tough Times at Teton Pass. ON Coomes. 9 Iron Hand, the Charmed Detective; or, Saving the Senator’s Daughter. By Ge rge C. Jenks. 280 Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard; or, Roundabout Ruth’s Pilgrimage. By T. C. Harbaugh. Ready July 5th. “ 781 Cast-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detective; or, Sailing Under False Colors. By Jo Pieree. Ready July 12th. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library !s for ssle by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, Or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yorks 76 76 76 > ee
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— Ffroadway Billy Novels in Beadle's fal ime ibrary. By J. C. Cowdrick. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo; or, Brought to Bay by a Bold Boy. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing up a Strange Case. 586 Broadway Billy’s * Diffikilty;” or, Old Rod- man’s Millions, 557 Broadway Billy’s Death Racket; or, The Street Arab’s Wake, 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party; or, The Chimney Spy. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big lnnings, 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of the Sworn Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack Bravo in San Francisco, 675 Broodway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco’s Finest. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover; or, The Ruction at Lake Tulare, 696 Broadway Billy in Texas; or, Rounding Up the Red River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand: or, The New York Delegates in Hard-up Camp. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Pard Detectives’ Clever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand; or, The Gamin Detective’s Double Snap at Santa Fe, 785 Broadway Billy's Business; or, Waking Up Wind Canyon Camp. 788 Broadway Billy’s Curious Case; or, The Mysterious Disappearance at Manitou %& Springs, 753 Broadway Billy in Denver; or, The On-the- Catch Combination. 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives in Denver. 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective; or, How the City Buzzards Were Brought In. 715 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase; or, Materi- alizing the Spooks, Latest and New Issues. 773 The Rustler of Rolling Stone; or, The Oppo- sition Boom at Lucky Ledge. By Lieut. A. K,. Sims. 774 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never-Say-Die Detective; or, The Strange Case of Captain Scudd, By Wm, G, Patten. 775 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase; or, Materi- alizing the Spooks, By J, C. Cowdrick, 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection; or, Icicle [Isaac from Frozen Flats, By E. L, Wheeler, 777 Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Black- leg’s Terror. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 778 Highland Harry, the Wizard Rifleman; or, Tough Timesat Teton Pass, By Oll Coomes, ‘ae’ New York’ Deagates t | 9 Bard-cp Camp ~~ ea ek en een 779 Iron Hand, the Charmed Detective; or, Saving the Senator’s Daughter. By Geo, C, Jenks, 780 Tonkaway Tom, the Red Shadower; or, Roundabout Ruth’s Pilgrimage. By T,C, Harbangh, Ready July 5th. A New Issue Every Tuesday, BEADLE’s Hat¥-DimE LIBRARY is for sale by all newsdealers at five cents per copy, or sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William street, New York,