Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 800) (1892 11 22)
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“Lhe peeens ign Detective Pathfinder in fo tide odes ehcrtats y AY x NON \Y KW O™’ WW NN fh WY ANY \ N \ AY » | I __Entered as vescona Class Matter at the New York, N.Y ; ost OMice, me ie Copyrig shted 1892, ATID LE AND AD OT EE a ef vember 22, 1892 $2, 50. PUBL ISHE D WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 800. a Year. No. 98 Wi LLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. Pad Cents. Vo. XXXL SSS —= _—_—_ > 7 ——— ——S ial a ii iu raya LASER RW my ee \ a Av) ns =) Sos LS Eo pe a ! Bi iin (ssi pow a a iw gy | ii Ze sh ll i : Ce Mie INN hi im Mm ) ff il Hi Pgh oS ibaa iy slit / i ; ‘ iti ite hil lil i i q ay ih on = i ‘2 : f ty th is i Ws Lt a “ t SNS AMAsS att 373 i tt SW SAN i A) EAN A AN \ WY \ fen, < ie WwW MC i tt SI as Hi: HI) HUTT eR ti i Asi "Hp M Wi aM! mt (}, : meet OR, in HE TEAMS TOUGHEST TUG. The Romance of the Steel Hand Fraud. BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF “‘ BROADWAY BILLY ” NOVELS, “‘ ERC, CHAPTER I. A QUESTION FOR DEBATE, “SETH, you are twisted. You had better go anc stand around behind yourself till you get straightened ott,” on . we SSS Tae two boys—Broadway Billy’s Team—were ru a ‘5 alone togetber in the office of their chief, and pe x had been talking over a new “case” which he had recently tiken hold of. | ee i Le Ne lh i Happy Harry was doing most of thetalking, ‘TF LOOKS As THOUGH BROADWAY BILLY HAS BEEN B BAFFLED—DONE, FC FOR, AT LAST oP
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Broadway Billy Baffled. as usual, but Seth now and then put in a word, And a remark of his had caused Harry to break fortb as quoted. ; . well maybe I am twisted,” Seth quietly re- joined, ac Don’t you see you are?” persisted his chum, “* We can’t see ourselves as others see us,” the ** Stoic ” quoted, “That seems to be your case, anyhow. If you only would talk more I’d like you better, Seth; it’s hard work to keep a-workin’ the pump ) all the time, I tell you.” ‘*Then don’t work it,” “That’s easy enough for you to say; but, if you wanted to draw me out as badly as I want to draw you, you would pump too,” ‘Not necessary to pump you; all there is to do is to turn on the faucet and let you run,” ** You're talking now!” ‘* Because [ had a fact to state!” “ Well, this is gettin’ away from the subject, as the surgical students said, after one of ’em had jabbed bis scalpel into a cadaver and the said cadaver set upa howl of protest that caused ’em to git out in a hurry—” ‘Turn on the faucet,’ ‘Ha, ba! You Ripped up that time. You meant to say turn it off. 1t is on, in good shape, But, as I was coming at, we're drifting. Do you mean to tell me that the owner of the Steel Hand is a bein’ of real flesh and blood, like you and me?” “ Sure,” “‘Then I say again, you’re twisted. ** Yes, I say you are twisted,” Harry repeated, as Seth did not speak. ‘If the Man of the Steel Hand is a real man how is it Billy can’t find him out?” ‘* That is what puzzles us all.” “It don’t puzzle me any more, for I have made up my mind that itis a ghost, How could a real man of meat and bone put his arm through the wall and never leave a mark!” Seth shook his head; he couldn’t say. **Of course you don’t know,” cried Harry. ae It is per a ghost, or—” “Or else that woman is batty, that’s all, Maybe she rides nightmares, and it is all in ber mind,” “How about the warning letter the Steel Hand left, then?” Harry scratched his head at that, — **That bad slipped out of my thinker for the moment,” be admitted. ‘ Nothing very spooky about that, was there? Still, maybe that came some other way and the woman only thought she saw the Steel Hand leave it,” Seth smiled his dissent. “Well, it’s one thing or the other, that’s sure,” Ha asseverated. “It is a real man o’ meat, or it’s a spook; that is ter sa f unless it’s nuthin’ and the woman dreams it ali,” Silent Seth had nothing to remark. ‘* And it bein’ one thing or the other, sure pop, either you are wrong and I am right, or 1 am right and you are wrong. Which is it?” h merely shrugged his shoulders, disdain- ing to notice Harry's very poor attempt ata joke, ; *T stick to it that lam right,” Harry persisted. af sonnet Poe @ spook could thrust an arm through wall and never leavea mark. You mtd waged f t the d “* Have you fo C) ger * Tis aus of the ieee dreams,” Harry declared, “It’s a ghost, and if Broadway ( Willlam don’t find anything this time he might [ as well give it up.” : The door opened and their young chief stepped into the office, The boys looked at him inquiringly. They had not heard his steps, so silently bad he put in an appearance, He was smiling as he entered. “Well, you are baving a dispute, [ find,” he observed, ‘‘[ stopped a moment and heard all. Boys, one thing I must caution you about, right Ww, - here and now, ** Not to talk so loud,” Harry gu e “That is it. And I am surprised at you, na et to find ae expressing belief in ghosts.” ; _ “ Can’t belp it,” Harry protested stubbornly. p ‘Yet you know better, I am sure,” “ Well, boss, don’t scold this time, but tell us what Se bave found out, for we are just dy- ing to know, as the school-girls put it; especial- % ly ‘*It is soon told. I have discovered prema FA ut f ‘n't di a that. scttlos iG” Harry eried; “its ghosts an Bs, a ~ e Harry; that’s non- ‘*That’s your opinion, but you might be mis- taken, Nothin’ but a ghost could enter that room and not leave some mark that Broadway Billy would find, and you are not going to make me ag any other way till you bring the roof, ‘* Well, what do you think, Seth?” Billy asked. “T know erry has not succeeded in converting you to his spook theory.” ‘*I think the steel band belongs to a real man, of course, The note and the dagger prove that, certainly, But, it is strange it baffles you so, It is a sharp scheme,” ““T agree with you, Seth, in all that,” the young chief of the trio declared, ‘* At the same time there is another view to take of it, and that is this: The story of the Steel Hand may be a dream of the imagination on the part of Miss Rudolff,” Harry bad shown some dejection when Billy favored Seth’s view of the case, but now he brightened up instantly. “Rah!” hecried, ‘* That is just what I said. She may have bats in her loft, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she bas, either. Old gals often are batty, you know.” ‘* Still,” Billy went on, *‘ that doesnot account for the note and the dagger, which, sbe says positively, the Steel Hand dropped in her room. If she is mistaken about the Steel Hand, then, of course, they came there by some otber means, for they are substantial facts enough even for Harry’s eyes,” | “They ought to be evidence,” Seth quietly observed, ‘** But, I have spent two hours examining that room, and there is positively no hole in the wall anywhere, I am puzzled.” ** Ghost, I tell vou! Only disembodied spirits pass through solid walls, Everybody knows that!” asserted Harry, contentiously. “You know better, Harry; you only talk to hear yourself,” _ ‘* Well, then, the whole business is humbug— that’s what!” ‘*One of two things, certain.” ** And what’s them?” When Harry was impatient he had little re- gard for the slight knowledge of grammar he “‘ Why, the Steel Hand is real enough, or it is all in the imagination of Miss Rudolff.” ‘* Well, then, as it is "gainst office rules to be- oi in ghosts, I'll take that view of it and stand on “There is no other explanation,” Billy went on. ‘ But, I am inclined to think Miss Rudolff’s head is level enough—that the Steel Hand is a hand of flesh and bone, and that Broadway Billy is merely baffled for the time being.” BB baffled!” cried Harry, ‘That’s very “Why not? Better men than I bave been obliged to gre up. This may be my beffler, But, we sha it, none the less, boys, Broad- way Billy and ‘eam won’t pull out of this race, “You bet we won’t—eh, Seth?” demanded Ber: with sharp decision, “Hardly,” was Seth’s response, “TI know that well enough,” said Billy, ‘‘ But, it may give us something more of a test than any race we have been in. Onething has got to be determined first of all, and that is, whether Miss Rudolff is really not the victim of a delu- sion,” “And I opine she is,” Harry added, assur- ingly. i) Tho is that to be done?” questioned Seth, * y, spending a night in the supposed haunted room, * Are you going to do that?” asked Harry. “Spite of your belief iu ng e xileww tho would not alarm you. No; I merely “* How soon, ‘*To-night. We must push matters,” ** Want us with you?” **No; I must go alone and be cautious about it. I am to be let into the house by the rear way, after night, so that no one can suspect my pres- mee. there is a ghost I will lay it, or get laid myself,” TZ ou'll look out for that.” ** Pil try to, of course— Ha! some oneis com- ings had been heard, knob and Billy's words had been Ce morsel ‘the door opened The visitor was @ woman, - ; She was about twenty-five years of age, fine- looking, and of noble presence, being above the medium height and well proportioned, ‘** Miss Rudoilff!” So Broadway Billy exclaimed at sight of the calier. ** As you see,” was the pleasant response. ‘I have called rather sooner than you looked for me, ‘* Rather, that is true,” **T have not done so without reason, you may be sure,” ‘*Of course not, But, be seated, for you look excited and tired, What has happened so soon?” ‘**The Steel Hand has been at work again, sir. Scarcely had you gone than this was found in the haunted room, where I went out of curi- osity to see what you bad been doing, should there be anything to indicate,” CHAPTER II. . A STRANGE STORY, Happy HARRY and Silent Seth had become quiet immediately upon the entrance of the client, and withdrawing to their respective places on the opposite side of tbe office sat down, Broadway Billy had taken his seat at his desk, and the visitor occupied the chair nearest to him, . The statement she made seemed to surprise Billy not a little, ** Can this be possible?” he mused, He took from her a folded bit of paper which she held out to him, and read: “‘CLEMENTINE Ruporrr:— ‘You are foolish if you think a boy of a detective can do aught against a hand of steel Dismiss him, for his own good, and warn him to think no more about the matter. No good can come to him in the undertakin He can never serve you. And you, beware! Heed my warning and: bey my commands. “THE UNKNOWN.” A Billy read it loud enough for his two allies to ear, “ This is very strange,” he said, when he bad done, ‘In what part of the room did you find this, Miss Rudolff?” “Tn the exact spot where the other note and dagger were found,” “Tt was net there when I left the room, that is certain. . * Yet it is certain that it was there within five minutes after you had gone, ‘“* It puzzles me entirely, I thought when you had cleared the room of every article, as you did at my request, I should soon be able to solve the mystery, but I failed, and hardly was my back turned than the mysterious visitor was there again,” “ True.” “« And it would look as though I had not made a thorough search, but I did. I examined every inch of the apartment, floor, sides, and ceiling. I am at loss, I admit, to account for it, I baye heard of panels movable, and have had experi- ence with such, but there are none in that room. To-night may tell the tale, bowever, for I am determined to see this thing to the end, now that I have undertaken it, t is, with your per- mission, madam,” “And that you have, you know.’ I am only too eager to have you solve the riddle, But, see the warning that has been sent, Are you not afraid for your life?” “No. I have escaped too many times just such traps and plots, and have grown to look upon danger as a@ matter of course, I mean to get at the bottom of this, now, if possible. By the way, you saw no changes in the room?” “None. It looked just the same as after the furniture had been removed as you directed.” ‘* And the door was lucked?” ** Just as you left it,” “And you came to show me this at once, so that I could take advantage of the warning if I felt so disposed?” ; ‘*T knew well enough you would not héed the warning.’ I came at once, so that you could ON, investigate, again, if you desired to do ** Useless, I think,” : “Why so? Might not your trained eyes dis- cover something where mine found nothing?” “T think not, You are accustomed to the room, and the slightest change would arrest your attention,” “ Well, that is true. I noticed nothing.” “‘Have you ge of anything more than you told me at first **T believe not.” “* Would it not be well to go over the ground oT once more, now that you are here? Something new may be brought out or suggested.” “If you desire it.” ;
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ee “You may oblige me if you will,” ** Where shall I begin?” ** With the story ot the Steel Hand.” “Very well. After my mother’s death I went to occupy the room on the right side of the hall, front, which she had always used. My father was dead, as I told you. I am now all alone, and have come into possession of all my father’s wealth. The room my mother used had the reputation of being haunted, I know little about that; it was always regarded as the invention of some prattling old servant. “One night I was awakened, suddenly, to find myself in the most intense darkness, had never known the room to be so dark before, even on the darkest night. I raised myself in bed to look for the windows, and as I did so tbere came a sudijen burst of dull, white light, and in the midst of it appeared a Steel Hand, holding a piece of paper, which it presently let fall, Then the light faded, and suddenly it was gone altogether.” Billy interrupted. ** Was the darkness the same as it had been?” *T do not know, but I think it was, at first, unless my eyes had been blinded to a degree by the light. Presently the windows were to be seen plainly enough.” “ Here is something I did not ask you before: Was there any smell in the room, such as phos- phorus or magnesium would make?’ **T noticed none,” ** You said the hand was not over the bed, but as far away as the wall on the other side of the room.” te Yes,” “ Well, go on.” When I could see the windows, as usual, 1 sprung out of bed and made a light. Iam not a coward, you will understand, At school I was held to be nervy and brave, I say it not as boasting, but tojprove that I was not beside my- self with fear on this occasion,” ‘Yes, I can believe that.” ‘Well, having made the light, I looked for the paper, and foundit, Then my next thought was to try the door. I supposed surely some one had been in the room, he door, however, was locked, and there was the mystery, If any one had been in the room at all there was no way of accounting for his disappearance, And that is the mystery stijl—which is your work to solve,” ** Exactly,” “1 read the note, then, Would you care to hear it again?” Yes, if you please,” *** CLEMENTINE RUDOLFF:— “* You are alone in the world. In me you bavea faithful guardian. Not only so, but a friend as well, if you will but heed my advice, Your hand will be sought in marriage soon, but if you value our happiness refuse the offer. You will repent it n bitter tears if you do not.. Seek not to learn any- ‘thing about me, for that will be useless. “* "THe UNKNowN.’” This she read in tone loud enough for the ea- gerly listening boys to bear. They bad not heard it before, and it can be readily inferred that Broadway Billy was bav- ing it rehearsed for their benefit, ‘You have never had the slightest idea who this Unknown is?” Billy asked, “Never.” “You imagine it to be a woman, you have ** Yes, that is my view of the matter.” ** Because you fancy the grin of the letter, which you bave studied well, is like that of a woman,” “That is the reason, Mendo not write that way. They are more tothe point, Do you see what [ mean?” Tis seems to be to the point, I would oe i ** But, men would not bother with talk about Fepenting in bitter tears, you know. A man would not have put that sentence in at all,” ** Well, I agree with you,” Billy assented, “Shall I make the story brief? I have told it once, you know,” ‘*T would prefer to have it at length; but, suit yourself.” “Well, as I told you, I bad a suitor at that time, one Barring Delawater, and only a day or two after this strange event he proposed to me, Only for the warning I would bave accepted bim, As it was, [refused, As it has turned out, fam heartily glad I did so, for he bas proven himself unwo thy the love of any woman. His refusal, however, he would not take as definite; the declared that he would wait one year and offer his hand and heart again, That year is nearly w PM, Weston, it is not pleasant for me to talk Broadway Billy Baffled. thus to you, and it is only to lend you all possi- ble help that [doso, If there is anything to be learned through it, [ would hold nothing back, ‘“*T bave anotber lover, Courtney Clelland, Him I love, and should he propose I would accept him. But, bere my self-appointed guardian steps in again and warns me not to marry him, Onan- otber occasion I saw the Steel Hand, as [ have told you. I awoke suddenly one night, and there it was, with a dagger in its grasp. For a few moments it remained motionless; then the dag- ger dropped and the hand disappeared. I got up in haste as before, and there was the dagger, sticking up in the floor, The fact of my per- sisting in keeping the haunted room proves whether I am a coward or not. To the dagger was a bit of paper, with these words: ‘ Marry not the man you love, This dagger indicates your fate if you do!’ ‘Now, as I love Mr. Clelland, and intend to marry him if be does me the honor to ask me, I want to know who this mysterious personage of the Steel Hand is, Did I tell you that the band isalarge one? It is more jike the band of a man thanofa women, Itappears tobea scaled gauntlet, like those of old, Of course a smal band migbt be inside, I suppose. But, whether the personage be man or woman, my happiness is threatened, and I must know who it is, must know why I am warned not to marry Mr, Clelland, There is the story, not at such length as I told it before; but, as you have heard it once, that does not matter, ‘*Mind, Mr. Weston, I have said things to you asa professional detective that l-would not whisper to my most intimate friend. I need not remind you that I have dove so in con- fidence,” “Things told in confidence here are sacredly respected, I assure you,” Billy said, ‘Only I and my boys will know anything of this,” He waved his band toward Seth and Harry. : The woman turned quickly, and sprung to her eet. ‘*T had forgotten them!” she exclaimed, ‘TI thought they had retired—that we were alone!” ‘““No matter, Miss Rudolff, And, let me say this: While you are my client you must trust either or both of these boys as you would trust me, Please do not forget that, You may find occasion to do so,” **T will not forget; but, it seems so strange to find such young persons in your employ. Well, it that be all, J will go. My servants will be in- structed to let you into the house to-night, as we agreed, Good-afternoon, sir,” CHAPTER III, MUCH MORE OF A MYSTERY, WHEN the woman bad taken her leave Happy Harry bounded up from his seat with a whoop, ‘* What did I tell you?” he demanded, is 1 Well, what did you tell us?” asked Broadway illy. wy told you that gal has bats in her loft and I want to know if she hasn’t proved it} Don’t you think ber mainstay lacks a button somewhere?” “* Show us your proof.” ; ‘* Why, see the way sbe talked about her love affairs! Do you suppose any girl that was right in her bead would talk to you like that?” ‘She spoke about the delicacy of it,” Billy re- minded. ‘*When a woman talks with her physician, or her lawyer, or her trusted detec- tive, she has got to go right down to bed-rock, you know,” ** Well, you made me give up the ghost idea, and now you won’t even let me hold to the idea that the woman is rocky in the head,” ‘“*T am convinced,” returned Billy, ‘that the woman knows what sbe is talking about, and that the Steel Hand is no delusion, or ap- parition, either, I want you to take that view of it, too.” ‘* Well, s’pose I’! have to.” “* What is your opinion now, Seth?” “As it was, sir, The band in that steel eors steel it is, is a hand of flesh and ood, “That is it, exactly. No other theory is worthy of thought for a moment,” “But,” argued Harry, “if that is so, why can’t you find how it gets into the room and out again? That is what stumps me,” **That is for us to find out,” assumed Billy. ‘1 shall make the effort to do so this nigbt. I am going to spend the night in that room, and if there is any ghostly appearance there Dll make an effort to Jearn what it is,” ‘** Maybe vou’ll get the worst on it,” Billy smiled, He had little fear on that score, On the contrary, he was eager for the adventure. I 69 ‘*May I say something?” asked Seth. ** Hello!” cried Happy Harry. ‘The Stoic has spoken; be must bave somethin’ to pro- pound, Let’s hear from you, Philosopher, and hurry, tov!” ‘*As I understand, this steel arm and hand appears to come through the wall opposite the door, If that is the case, then it comes from the adjoining house,” “That is it,” Billy agreed, ‘'I have been into the adjoining house, however, and can find nothing, ‘bat house is unoccupied, and the agent let me bave the keys to make a thorcugh examination,” ‘* Worse avd worse,” muttered Harry, © Dil stand on my bead if you bave to ccme around to my views at Jast, see if I don't.” ‘*-You’ll be welcome to do that.” ‘‘ Well, boss, what is the progran:?” “T hardly know whett er one can be mace, at this stage of| the game,” answered the yc ung chief, ** We can look over the ground, however, and sum-up the points,” ‘* Well, that’s good enough fora starter, bees,” “In the first place, then, comes this Miss Clementine Rudolff, a rich young woran whose father and mother are dead, Ske lives clone with her servants in the old family residence, You have heard the story she told about the Steel Hand, the mystericus warnings, and so forth, ‘*She spoke of one Rarring Delawater, Ho is something of a sport about town, a fellow who stands well with the ‘ boys,’ but who would not make exactly a model husband, Then, too, she mentioned Courtney Clelland, who is now her lover. He does not ‘stand in’ with the ‘ boys,’ but he is a fine man, I believe, from what I have been able to learn, ‘* These two are, of course, rivals, Delawater would not eccept Lis refusal as final, but said he would appear at the end of a year to ask again, Clelland is vey as good as accepted, There may be trouble between them before long, So much for that part of the matter, Now, forthe mysteri us personage of theSteel Hand, When Miss Rudo'ff was iu danger of accepting Dela- water, ube Unknown warned her against him in a friendly way. Now, however, that there is a rospect that she will marry Clelland, she is for- Biaden to do that, and her life toreatened, ‘* What do you boys see in all this?” * Another woman in the case,” answered Harry, promptly, Silent Seth nodded his assent to this inference, | ‘Yes, that is the way it looks,” Billy admit- ted. ‘*And, Harry, that is another clincher against your ghost theory, Miss Rudolff sus- pects a woman as being at the bottom of it all, and it looks as though she were correct. The question is, who isthe woman?” ‘*Give it up.” ‘ ‘Well, let us see, It is some one who was at first friendly enough to warn Miss Rudolff of her danger, yet whois now vengeful ne to threaten her, Why did she warn her? hy' threaten her?” ** You'll have to tell us.” I can only surmise. Supposing her to be one who bad no liking for Delawater, sbe would nat-' urally balk his designs against Miss Rudo‘ff, Then, supposing her to love young Clelland, would she not order Miss Rudolff off that ground?” * Thavs it!” cried Harry. ‘‘ You have hit it, dead center!” ‘Then your ghost idea falls flat.” ‘* Let 'er fall.” “Then it does not appear that Miss Rudolff is at all crazy.” “Unless she is crazy in love, and dreams all’ these things, I won't let go of that just yet.” “*She couldn’ tdream up a real Jagger, and real notes on real paper! But, all this will come) out in good time, or at any rate I hope it will, Tbe question is, wbo is that woman {” **Maybe that won’t be bard to find out,” “ How would you do it?” ** By shadowing Clelland and finding out some gal who is stuck en him.” ‘*Fasier said than dcne, I am afraid, I am trying it, but not with any great success. His circle of female acquaintances is large, and I. have not been able to bring suspicion against any particular ono of them.” “ How about Delawater?” * About the same, Some of his acquaintances are of shady reputation, but so is he himself, and there is nothing strange about that, Now, you will understand wh am talking with you at such length about the case,” “It's so that we’ll get it well into our think- ers, “Exactly, You now know as much about the
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mystery as I do myself, and are prepared for ; anything that may crop out regarding it.” sa ** But, we won't be in it with you to-night,” ‘No, but, whatever I learn, ll unfold to you when we meet here in the morning.” ** And then we'll raise our banner and sail in for victory, hey?” / ‘ ** Our banner, as you call it, is always flung a hacy 8 to the breeze,” corrected Billy, ‘*‘ And we are on if the side of right, every time. You two boys are in part responsible for our banner, too, and I want you to see to it at all times that no stain gets upon it.” ‘*'You bet we will!” cried Harry, with much ; enthusiasm. z Seth did not waste words to declare, on his -part, what was readily enough understood. At this stage of the conference the door opened, The personage who entered was the well- known superintendent of police, who was friend- ly to Billy and who had Jent him his ‘patronage from the first, ‘* Nothing to do?” be asked. ‘We are not doing it fast, at any rate,” was Billy’s response, smiling. , The two boys had retired to their seats at once, looking at the superintendent with something akin to awe, There was an ambition in their lives, and that ambition was, to rise in the confidence Ks “ this man as Broadway Billy had done before ‘ them, The superintendent bad taken a seat. ‘* What case are you on?” he asked, ‘Merely a little family mystery,” answered Billy. “Do you want to tackle something bigger?” rage ‘¢ 1m ready for ie Bagi you Know.’ i many ‘* Flow does a murder case strike you?” ‘* Hirst rate, if there is mystery about it. If it’s only the result of a drunken brawi, then I don’t want it.” ‘* That ,would be hardly a case, as we talk about cases, Billy, Here is one with all the mystery needed for a French novel, If you want it I'll give you the facts.” ba . Are not your men on it?” ue ‘Oh! to be sure; but, there’s room for you. It must be that you have not heard of the murder yet,” ‘* No; I haven't.” **It was too late for the papers to got hold of it. VIl give you the points, Barring Dela- water, a sport well-know about town, was found murdered in his room this morning—” “ Barring Delawater, you say?” Yes, hat interest have you in bim?” ‘*No use denying that I bave some, for you can read me like»an' open book, He is deeply concerned in this fumily affair I spoke about.” ** And what family do you refer to?” The Rudolff family, though it is now com- posed of only a single member,” “The deuce! Broadway Billy, you alee ie seem to turn up in the right place at the right CH time. Here is work for you to do, sure enough, work which you are probably well fixed to up- dertake,” * What has the Rudolff family to do with it?” J ‘“Why, suspicion points toward Miss Rudolf as the one who killed Delawater!” Broadway Billy was upon his feet, showing willingly the excitement he felt at this revela- tion. . : “Ts it possible!” hecried, ‘* What proof have ' they against her?” Bar| ‘*A handkerchief with her name on it was +e found in the room, stained with blood. It bad the appearance of baving been used to wipe a et It was a dagger the man was killed with.” Billy’s ‘* Team ” were all attention, ** Here is a case, aure enough, now,” Billy said aloud. ‘‘I don’t pretend to know much about it, but I want to set my first impression down in he favor of Miss Rudolff, I don’t believe she did ho this thing. She was in this office not more than __ twerty minutes ago,and | know she believed - Delawater to be alive then,” CHAPTER IV, ARRESTED UPON SUSPICION. xii THE great thief-catcher, as he has been called, looked at Broadway Billy in a wondering man- ner, _ Here was something, evidently, which he could not well understand, cr at any rate something of which he required fuller particulars, “T see,” be said, ‘‘ that you are going into the case with the conviction that Miss Rudolff is innocent.” . I ee a “That is the situation, sir,” declared Billy, decisively. *ytrert r v dvs : pt ' ‘ 2 Broadway Billy Baffled. ooo a Beane ea Gs a a ere Se Ss a Ae a eR SR, SR Ne ‘*¢ And you base that opinion upon the fact that she was here recently and said something to lead you to infer that she believed Delawater alive then,” ‘* Yes, tbat and ber good character.” ‘¢ You have need to go slow, Billy. Don’t de- clare yourself too soon, She may be only plan- ning to make a witness out of you. If she is -guilty this would be a neat little by-play for her to make, don’t you see?” ‘*T don’t believe her guilty all the same, chief!” ‘‘ What was her business kere?” ‘*'You ask that because you know I am ever ready to reveal my hand to you, and, since our two cases seem to run together to a certain de- gree, Pll hold nothing back. But, there must be a condition,” ‘* Name it,” ‘** You are not to put your men on this lay.” ‘* All right; I promise that.” 4 ‘* And you are not to let them interfere with any of my plans in working it as I see fit,” ** Both reasonable, Billy. I agree.” ** Very well, here is the story, then.” And with that Broadway Billy told all that has been made known to the reader concern- ing Miss Rudolff and the mystery of the Steel and, The superintendent rubbed his chin, “There is something back of all this, Billy,” he said, ‘I can now see good reason for your belief in the innocence of Miss Rudolff,” **T thought you would, chief.” ~* However, we will let the police take their own course and bring all the evidence against her they can.” “Why?” **So that your work in this other direction may remaininthe background. By so doing the suspicions of the guilty one may not be aroused, and we may nab him, or her, before the said be or she is aware of it,” “Then you'd let them imprison Miss Rudolff if it comes to that?” ‘Yes; it won't kill,” “Nor is it very pleasant. But it cannot be avoided anyhow, till some other suspicion is made stronger. She has not been proven guilty yet, however; that is to say, has not been arrested,” ‘*She bas found my men awaiting her when she returned home from here, She will be re- quired to tell how her handkerchief came there,” ri ‘*T think T will go to her at once,” ‘With what object?” “To prevent ber telling anytbing about this mysterious Steel Hand,” ‘Not a bad idea, but you may be too late. She has probably been overcome by the arrest, and you will find that she has n. tellin everything. And, too, upon that will depend ina measure my estimate of her guilt or in- nocence,” “c How id ‘*My impression as to her guilt or innocence, I say, wiil depend much upon how she conducts herself when arrested,” “Tf she tells about the Steel Hand, what then?” ‘Tt will have the appearance of a pretty fairy tale made up by herself to deceive, You have never seen this Steel Hand, nor bas any | one else, save her, and it would be easy for her to write the notes and produce the dagger, tell- ing how she had found them.” ‘Then you believe that of her” ** Not at all; I am only dwelling upon the pos- sibilities,” “Do not condemn her till there is blacker pronf against her than at present, There are a undred ways of explaining bow her handker- chief came there, you, know,” “I do not condemn, Billy: I merely look at both sides without bias, That is what you would do had you not formed your impression by what you have seen of this lady during the brief time you have known her,” ‘“‘My impressions seldom lead me astray, chief.” “ Well, let’s. see how near you are right. this ime, I want you to bring the murderer of Bar- ring Delawater to me, no matter who it be; that: is, if you can get in abead of my men.” “Pil try it, with the belp of my Toam.” “ Still stick to the Team,eh? Well, they have served vou. efficiently, that I know. Besides, I remember what you were yourself, as a boy. and the caller took hisleave, No sooner had he gone than Harry was stand- ing on his head in the middle'of the room, - - ’ i \ ‘the dogger! How came these things in your’ Now, I go, and you may carry out your plan;” m1 mention of the mystery of the haunted room. — Seth bad got up from bis place, too, but ex- : a Ce h We any ae rary i a pate en a titan ee he hibited nothing of the excitement his partner ee was manifesting,” ** What’s the matter, Harry?” asked Billy. With a spring Harry righted himeelf to re- spond, : ‘The fever is on me,” he declared, “TI feel it gettin’ higher an’ higher, now, an’ if the tcp don’t blow off the jigger it will be funny, that’s all, The pressure 1s getting bigh.” ‘** What do you think about the ghost now?” “What do you think about Miss Rudolff's’ being sound in the head?” ‘*T see you won't be convinced by anything but proofs. Well, we'll go into the case end see if we can’t make something out of it, You boys may accompany me to the house.” ‘* Whoop!” cried Harry, gleefully. ‘That is just the stuff, you bet! Come on, Seth; here’s a treat fer us,” “Tm ready.” "You ain’t got no more feelin’ than a clam, Seth, Why don’t ye show how glad ye are that the boss hasusked ye to come along? Why, it’s all I can do to keep from yelling right out.” Seth was as stoical ard unaffected as though he had been asked merely to step out to post a letter, His heart, however, was beating bigh, and he was glad enongh for the opportunity. Arriving at the Rudolff residence, they found two policemen on guard at the door, bat on Billy’s showing his badge, he and the boys were admitted readily encugh. They found the bousehold in a state of excite- ment. The old housekeeper and other servants were in the hall, while within the parlor on the rigbt were seen officers with their prisoner. Miss Rudolff bad been arrested! Broadway Billy entered +t once, the boys. with him, and at sight of them the excited woman cried out: ‘ “Oh! Mr, Weston! Can’t you save me? Can’t. you prove to them it isn’t so?” “*Hal Broadway Billy, el?” one of the cflicers remarked, looking at the new-comers, Billy noddeu, and responded to Miss Rudolff,. **Can’t I save you from what, Miss Rudolff?” he asked. ‘‘ What has happened? What is. the meaning of this?” ‘“Ob! they tell me Mr, Delawater is cead— bas been murdered, and they accuse me of the: deed! God knows I did not do it.” ‘“‘On what grounds is she accused?” asked Billy of the « fficer, “Suspicion strong enough,” was the reply. ‘“ A bandkerchief witb her name was found near the body of the murdered. man, all stained with blood,” “Ts that all?” ‘* Not by a good deal,” ‘‘ What more?” ; ‘*Oh! I am innocent! I am innocent!” the young woman cried, and she wrung her hands. in agony. “What more? Why, in ber room was found a dress all stained with blood, and as if that: were not, enough, in a trunk we found this dagger, blood-stained as you see it, What more evidence is wanting?” Broadway Billy saw a clear case, ‘* At what time was the deed done?” he asked. ‘*We do not know; the body was found this: morning.” © ‘‘ When was Delawater last seen alive?” * About eleven o'clock last night. ft was dis- covered about six this mornivg.” ‘‘Seven hours, You have heen some time im getting here, have you not? Why thedelay?” —. ‘‘Mr, Weston, I was not aware that you bad any right to put me.on the stand,” . “Nor bad I any intention of doing so,” an- swered Billy. |‘! I was only trying to get at the- facts, you see, officer,” “Tf that was all, no offense is taken, The delay in coming here was due to the fact that no one recognized the handkerchief unti)] some of the blood was washed ouy of it to see whether it bore a mark or not, Then it was that the name of Clementine Radolff was revealed.” Ps This made that point all clear. | ‘ ‘ But, it is alla mistake,” the prisoner cried, ‘““T swear that itis all a mistake, or—a terrible plot against me,” . beh e, “Can you explain how the blood came on. your dress?” asked the detective who had made the arrest, ‘‘Can you explain about. room i Broadway Billy kmew she had not yet made: ** Miss Rudolff,” he , ‘whatever you say now will be used against you at the trial. Be very careful what you say. And, if there iz: be \ ' “4 f ' rr)
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a * mysterious Steel Han ot ra which you have not yet told, do not tell it at all, 1 advise that, in your own in- terest.” Her eyes looked a question, ‘Shall I keep the secret of the Steel Hand?” he read there, And the answer he made, in words not to be mistaken, was— ‘“ You keep that secret well! By it you may be cleared of this terrible accusation, I have, as you know, excellent reason for thinking you innocent, so be wise, prudent and reticent,” CHAPTER V. HARD TO UNDERSTAND. WHEN Billy said that, the fair prisoner bowed her head as if with the resolve to be asone dumb, almost, The detective in charge looked from her to Billy in a wondering way. ** What is this?” be demanded, “Itis something which cannot be told yet,” Billy answered, “Tf itis anything that has bearing upon this case, I demand to know what it is.” ‘Sorry, but your demand does not amount to anything. I do not know anything that can brush away these evidences, at present, so your arrest is all right.” ‘* But, you believe the prisoner is innocent?” **] most assuredly do, officer!” “sé Why?” * To tell you that would be to tell youall. I ean’t doit, If lam not ’way off in my facts you wiil find out in good time.” ** And you, Miss Rudolff; you declare you are innocent?” ‘**T am as innecent as your own mother, sir!” * Then why will you bot say something to clear yourself? You need not say anything that ean be used against you, you know,” ‘*T will not say anything. There is no nse in my saying anything.” ‘* Have you come here to take a hand in the nie and the detective in charge turned to illy. “Yes, Lam going to try my hand at it.” “* And you are beginning with the assumption that the prisoner is innocent?” ‘That is the stand I take—yes!” ‘* Well, I hope you will bring the proof to that effect, for in my heart I am sorry and pained to be obliged to make this arrest,” The man meant what he said, Billy knew him, but not as well as he knew some others on the force, His name was Woodmansy, and he was held ‘to be a good detective and a thoroughly reliable man, ‘Yet it cannot be helped, under the circum- stances,” Billy assamed, ‘* You must bear up, Miss Rudolff, and if- you are innocent the proof will be surely forthcoming. Knowing what I lo, Ihave good grounds to work upon, so be brave now—as I[ know you will be.” “‘T trust all to you, and will await patiently for you to solve the terrible mystery.” ‘Will you permit me to see the proofs you have, Detective Woodmansy?” “Certainly, Jones has them there in that bundle. Jones, let him look at the articles.” The man addressed laid the bundle on the floor and opened it, First he took out a house dress, one which Billy had seen Miss Rudolff wearing only a day or two before! The bottom of the skirt, and nearly the whole front of it, was stained and bhespattered with blood, It looked as though a bloody hand had been wiped upon it, ‘When did you last wear this dress, Miss Rudolf? Billy asked, ‘Only yesterday,” was the prompt answer. ** You see how it looks,’’ put in Woodmansy. **- Yes, it looks dark enough.” Tie next articls displayed was the dagger. Billy recognized at once the weapon Miss Ru- dolff bad showed him, the one she claimed the d had left, It had been wiped, but was still somewhat stained, Broadway Billy was puzzled. There was in- deed much here to raise doubts in his mind, Then were displayed a slipper with blood- stains on it, the handkerchief that had been found near the murdered man, and one or two other articles bearing the same dread string, Then were these things found?’ asked y- ‘Im the corner of a closet in Miss Rudolff’s room,” was the reply. ‘ Tbat is, all saye the handkerchief,” ‘‘Had they the appearance of being hidden away?’ ! ‘*Decidedly. They were packed close down | bad, from the first, suspected the mysterious in the corner, with a lot of other things over them.” Billy was thoughtful. ‘Your case is a clear one, Woodmansy,” he said. ‘There is no excuse for your not making the arrest. At the same time, Miss Rudolff, 1 believe you are innocent, and will do all J can for you. Only do asI havo advised, Make-no statement, whatever, for the present, to any per- Miss Rudolff was permitted to prepare for the change, and when ready, was taken to the station in a carriage, the house being left in charge the weeping housekeeper, Broadway Billy and his Team remained there, ** You do not, you can not, believe her guilty?” the housekeeper asked, ‘No, Mrs, Beauforte, I do not believe her guilty,” Billy declared, ‘*‘We must prove her innocent; that is our highest duty now.” ‘*T only hope we can do so quickly, sir,” “Tt may take time, We must be patient, By the way, bad your mistress said anything to you about admitting me into the house after dark to-night?” ‘* Yes, sir; she gave me orders that you were to be let in by the rear way after dark, None of the others are to know anything about it,” “Well, I will be here, so be looking out for me.” ce Twill” ‘* And these two boys, they are my assistants, If I have occasion to send them here for any- thing, trust them as you would trust me.” ST will,” ‘* And now, Mrs, Beauforte, let us go to the haunted room, I must look around there once more, and at the same time I want my ‘Team’ to see that apartment of mystery.” **Gladly, sir. Come this way.” {it was a house of sorrow, Every servant was weeping, and their grief could not have been greater had their fair mistress been cafried out a corpse, The housekeeper led the way and Billy and the boys followed her to the room in question, The door was locked, the key on the outside. ‘* Was this door locked last night?’ asked Billy. ‘* Yes, sir.” **- You are sure on that point?” ‘*T am positive,” ** And how about the door of the room where Miss Rudolff slept?” ‘* Tt was her old room, sir, the one she used to occupy. She went back to it when she had the things moved out of here, as you desired, She always slept with the door secured,” Billy was puzzled. - Tho housekeeper now opened the door. All entered, the two boys for the first time, and Billy looked keenly around. “* So, this is the ghost’s stampin’-ground, is it?” spoke Happy Harry, who bad now been quiet for an unusually long time, for him. ‘tT bis is the place,” answered Billy, ‘ And, Harry, if you will explain the mystery of that Steel Hand business I will promote you and raise your pay. Here is a chance for you!” s guess you aro safe enough in making the offer,” was Harry’s response, . Seth was surveying the room swiftly yet thoroughly, and soon crossed to the opposite wall and laid his finger on a spot. Turning, be looked at Billy. The others joined bim at once, eager to see what he had found. ** What is it, Seth?” demanded Billy, ‘Ts it not a spot of blood?” the silent partner questioned, If it had been such, it was such no longer, for the spot’had been scraped as with a knife! Only here and there was a tiny particle of red left visible, ‘** How did you discover it?” asked Billy, ‘* By chance, I suppose. It didn’t look like the rest of the wall, so 1 wanted to know what made it,” “ Your eyes were quicker and sharper sighted than mine, This spot was not here when [ ex- amined the place last time, Iam sure of that, unless I am growing color blind,” ‘And that can’t be so.” put in Harry. * Guess we'll score one for Silent Seth, boss,” ‘* We shall have to.” Billy was examining the wall with care, hop- ing to discover something that had escaped his attention before, but he was baffled, There was not the slightest suggestion of a panel or secret door to be found anywhere, search closely as he would, The spot on the wall bad given him a hope, Believing Miss Rudolff innocent, as he did,'he agent of the Steel Hand of tho crime, It had all come to his mind at once—the en- trance of the murderer by a secret way, and the damning evidences against the innocent one purposely prepared and left where the police had found them!—a horrible plot indeed, And that being so, did not this spot of blood indicate where the panel was? Had it not been imprinted there by accident, and hastily but carefully removed with the blade of a knife?” The theory was reasonable, but the search for the secret way was as fruitless as it had been before, ‘“‘Your discovery was a good one, Seth,” Billy said, ** but it leads to nothing, It is, how- ever, one link in a chain co save Miss Rudolf.” | “Thank God for that much!” muttered Mrs, Beauforte. This spot on the wall, as Billy told his adju- tunts, was about in the place where Miss Ru- dolff had seen the vision of the Steel Hand, That added to the strength of his theory, but the failure to discover anything further made it of no value, They finally left the room, feeling that they were only the further mystified. Seeing the door locked, and giving directions that it was not to be opened again until his re- turn that evening, Billy and his‘ beagles” re- tired, ‘* Well, what do you think now?” Billy asked, as they went back to the cffice. ' ‘‘My thinker has stopped,” answered Harry, ‘*Somethin’ bas clogged the works, and that somethin’ is this mystery. It’s too heavy for me.’ ** And what say you, Seth?” “T say there is no secret way out of that room, sir. If there were, you would have found it long ago, carefully as you have looked, It has got to be explained some other way.” ‘That thought has come to me,” Billy de- clared, CHAPTER VI, INTERVIEW WITH: CLELLAND, ‘Say, see here,” spoke up Happy Harry. ‘‘Well, what have you to offer, Harry?” Billy inquired. ‘“‘Seenis to me I had better draw out of this combine right away.” ‘““Why so?” ** My opinion don’t seem to count for anything any more,” “Bless your happy little heart, Harry, wo couldy’t spare you, That would stop our clock for us, sure, Besides, you didn’t express any opinion.” “Not express any opinion! What do ye call it, anyhow? Didn’t I “ge ghost? And there you shut me off. Didn’tI say the woman bad rats? And there you soton me, Now if Isay I believe she’s guilty, you’!l jump on me,” **) wouldn’t wonder if we di,” agreed Billy. ** Our combination is not going to say that,” ‘Well, I didn’t mean it, but I tell you I’m stumped.” “So are all ofus, But, we'll get there by and by allthe same, Come, now get your smile on your face or we'll have to change your name to something else.” % Harry gave up his little by-play, and was as smiling as ever, They cid not talk further »bout the case till the office was reached, when they went over it at length. With all their study and speculation, how- ever, they came every time to the same dead wall, the mystery of the Steel Hand, There, they felt sure, was the key to it all, J Léaving the boys at the office, Billy set out to find Courtney Clelland, ‘ The young man was employed in a down-town bank, holding some responsible position, and was easily found, Billy sent in bis card, with a few words pen- ciled on it, and was soon ushered into the young man’s office, ‘*You'are Weston, the detectivef? the young man asked, “* As my card told you,” answered Billy. * And you wanted to sec me?” “Of that, too, you were informed, I have called on what may prove a serious errand,” The young man’s face was grave. ' “Well, please state your business,” he ~e- quested. “You are acquainted with Miss Clementine Rudolff, I believe,” *T am.’ “Tn fact, are regarded as her lover.” ‘‘ What is your reason for speaking thus tome’
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‘ Eee 5 air i en aoa er f : ? 0 ; - EP 9 FR inn rT) t meer. aod 2 om. | Come, sir, be out with it at once, What have you come here for?” ‘¢ One moment and you shall know all,” Billy was giving the young man time to show whether he knew anything of what had taken place. He was now satisfied that he did not, ‘¢ You had a rival, I believe,” he added, **{ shall refuse to answer your questions, ar, till [ am made aware what your o! ject ‘* And that rival was Barring Delawater.” Billy paid no attention to his refusal to answer the query. y **You seem to know all my affairs,’ Clelland remarked, Perhaps you can t'’’ me something ore. **] think I can, sir, But, do not get angry, for I may be able to render youa service, if Na are innocent of the murder of Barring elawater.” The young man was upon his feet, his face pale but his eyes flashing. “What! .Barring Delawater dead?” he cried. **You amaze me. And has he been murdered? Surely you do not seriously suspect me of the crime, Tell me all about it, if you please.” Billy had watched him narrowly, That he was innocent of the crime there was no doubt. Of course, the young detective had not thought him guilty, but had sprung the news upon the young banker to note the effect, ‘No, sir, [do not suspect you of the crime,” | he assured. ‘* At the same time you may be able to throw some light upon it,” “ “ Yes,” “ Pray how?” ‘* You may be able to point out some one who would do the deed—that is to say, who might be found to have had a motive for it,” ** [Tmpossible,” “Think well, sir.” £ ‘It is useless,” **Then let_ me know that Miss you, and—” Mg Bir, are you not exceeding the length of ‘our— “‘T think not, You are thought favorably of, 1 said, and it ny 8 be that some one else had an object in killing Delawater—” ** You talk in riddles, at once to tho point?” re Your interruptions do not tend to hasten the uestion you. I happen to udolff thinks favorably of Why do you not come “ Well, well, go on. Still, I cannot see in what way the death of Delawater has to do with me and Miss Rudolff.” ‘“*WhatI had just started tosay, Mr, Clel- land, [ will put second to another thought. Are you aware that Miss Rudolff has a rival for your regard?” *T am not, sir,” “Very good, Now, I know that Delawater ‘would not take the refusal that was given to his suit, but declared that he would press it again at the endofa year, Thattime is now nearly gone, Do you aorpow out of her love for you, Miss mer ies would kill him to remove him from her path ** Good heavens! How dare you mention her name in such aconnection? Not a breath of sus- picion can blow upon her,” ‘*TIn that you are mistaken.” VK hat!” ‘* Yes, mistaken; for, Miss Rudolff is now un- der arrest charged with the murder of Barring Delawater.” “My God! Surely you are not in earnest, Mr, Weston, Say you are only trying me, for some purpose or other, and—” “It is the truth, She is now in a cell,” “The fools! To think she would, or could, do such a deed. What were they thinking about?” ‘“* The proofs are all against her, though.” ** And what are the proofs?” The young man was pacing the floor in the greatest of mental anguish, Broadway Billy laid the facts before him, and ' by the time he had done, Clelland had sunk into a chair with a moan, ‘* You see how it looks,” said Billy. ‘* Yes, ves, I see, I see; bat, she is innocent, as surely as the sun shines she is innocent,” ‘*T believe it, sir.” The young banker sprung up and grasped -Billy’s band and wrung it, “ yi hank heaven for those words from your lips,” he cried, ‘* Will you help me to prove ber innocent?” ““T have already set out to do that,” Billy “God bless you in your work, then. But. what do you know? Whom do you suspect of the crime?” ‘*I know nothing, I suspect no one, yet. I have come “%& you for help,’ ** Would to God that I could help you,” “I hope you can, The question I asked you a moment ago is on important one, Think well and answer agaj~ ” ** What qnostic:’ was it?” “Is there an7 other woman who thinks well enough of you to lead her to take rneasures for removing Misc Rudol” out of her way‘*” “Ho! now I catch ‘our meaning. JCilling Delawater and throwing the suspicion upon Miss 1tudolff would be an easy way of accom- plishing such an end, But, think of the horror of it all—” ‘* Then you do not know of such a one?” ** No, -no, I do not.” **] had hoped you might,” The young man had resumed his pacing to and fro, his face a picture of mental agony, “No, no, lean think of no one upon whom suspicion can rest,” be declared, ‘1 am all at loss» How damning the evidence is!” ‘* itis, indeed.” ‘* Why, it is enough to hang her!” ‘“‘Nothing but the sworn testimony of eye- witnesses could be stronger,” ‘*My God! And sbe is innocent—she is inno- cont. To save her, Mr, Weston, I would take the guilt upon myself,” ‘Impossible for you to do so, sir. How would you explain away the evidence they have discovered against her? No; the only thing to be done is to try to bring the truth to light.’ ‘Would that 1 could point out the guilty wretch to you.” ‘*T wish you could; but that, too, is out of the question, In the sight of the public Miss Rudolff is guilty. How are we to clear her?” ‘If you can do it, Mr, Weston, I will give you ten thousand dollars,” ‘“*No amount of reward can make me put forth more effort than I shall exert on my own account, sir,” “T know, I know. But, what can I do to assist? You have only to direct me, and | will never tire. She must be saved, and set free as speedily as possible.” ‘* You are very sure you can name no one who could have an interest in throwing this sus- picion upon Miss Rudolff, eh?” ‘*T am very sure.” ** And do you feel as sure that Miss Rudolff has not done it herself, driven to despair by the persecutions of that man?” “Heavens! would you cast such a shadow upon her good name? She is innocent, I can swear toit., I “would still call her innocent, bad she been taken red-handed on the spot.” ‘* Well, my coming to see you has brought me nothing. suppose you will go and see the prisoner?” ** Assoon as possible, sir, get there.” ‘* Well, she may tell you things she would not reveal to me. If so, you can render her no greater s2rvice than to remember well every word that falls from her lips. Something she may reveal to you may be the means of saving her life,” As soon as I can CHAPTER VII. YET ANOTHER PHASE APPEARS, When Broadway Billy bad taken bis leave Courtney Clelland lost no time in setting out to see Miss Rudolff, The terrible news of her arrest had come upon him like a heavy blow, and he staggered under it, hardly able to realize that it could be rue, “She is innocent, she is innocent,” he kept saving to himself, ‘How can they think her otherwise? Ob! that they only knew her heart as I know it! She isinnocent, innocent,” . With such evidence against her there could be but the one result, She was held on the charge, and at her hear- ing there could be no other course than to com- mit her for trial, When Clelland reached the place where she was iinprisoned he was excited and impatient. He could hardly wait till the doors were opened im, As soon as he was permitted to see the prisoner he caught her to his heart, “My darling!” he eried. For the first time since her arrest Miss Rudolff showed emotion, Laying her head upon his shoulder she wept, clinging to him as though for protection. ‘You need not tell me it is not true,” Clel- i 6 Broadway Billy Baffled. | ae 7 land spoke. “I know that, and you shall be speedily set free.” ‘Yes, I am innocent, Cou: tney.” ‘*No need to tell me, But, why did you not send for me? Why did you not let me know of this trouble?” ‘*T have bardly been able to think, It came upon me so suddenly, and it is all so horrible, Who can have done the deed?” ** Would that Il knew!” * You do believe me innocent of it, don’t you?” ‘* How can you ask that? You are as guiltless as the angels of heaven,” ‘* But, they will not believe me so, See the terrible evidence they have found against me.” ‘*Can you vot explain that away?” ** Alas! I can not.” . ** Do you mean you will not?” ‘© No, no; I mean I can not, mystery.” ‘‘Is it possible that you do not know how the blood came on your dress, and how the dress came in your closet?” “7 tell you truly that Ido notknow. I wore the dress only yesterday, and did not see it again till it was discovered by the « flicers,” ‘¢ Heavens! what a mystery! I know you are speaking the truth, for you could have no object in withholding anything from me, How can it be explained? 1t must be explained, somebow, or—” 4 “ Or I am lost,” ‘*‘ My God! how terrible the thought!” “But, I have a Lope, Courtney; I do not greatly fear.” ‘Ab! that lifts a load off my heart, Tell me what it is, dear one.” “lt is this, that the young detective, Broad- way Billy as be is called, can clear me,” ‘'Tt was he who told me of your arrest, What Has he some clew to the mur- I am lost in does he know? ‘¢+Thank Heaven! Tell me what it is,” “That I cannot do,” “You cannot te!l me!” ‘“‘No, lam pledged to not even speak of it to any one, 1 nade the exception of you, and you must not breathe it.” ‘¢ Trust me, I will not, This gives me a hope, But, have you engaged a lawyer to defend you? — That must not be neglected,” Zi ‘“] had not thought of it, But, Mr. Tilfrey will do that.” ‘*-Yes, and he will come to you as soon as he bears of this, Ob, my darling, to find you in such a situation!” The rest of their talk may be left unrecorded, About the same time there was an interview at Police Headquarters in which we may take passing interest, The superintendent and the inspector were there, and Detective Woodmansy had just come in to make bis report of the Delawater case, “Tt looks like a clear case,” said the in- spector. ‘Yes, it looks so,” admitted the superintend- ent, ‘‘ but it is far from being a clear case.” The inspector and the detective looked at him, **-You doubt her guilt?” sey do,” “But, see the proof, And, there was an obj:ct, She bated Delawater, and he was con- stantly persecuting her with bis unwelcome at- tentions, We have found that he bad sworn she should never wed apy other but him, She loved Clelland, and may she not, in a desperate mood, bave done the deed?” “The argument is good.” “You must admit that, And, had she not dropped her bandkerchief there she would never have been suspected,” ‘The handkerchief was found, however.” The experienced superintendent spoke with “some stress, “T catch your meaning,” said the inspector, “You think the clew was left on purpose to im- plicate Miss Rudolff.” “T do,” “Will you explain, then, how the blood- stained dress was in the closet in her room? It has been shown that her door was Jocked at night,” ; “That I cannot do, at present, But, while you are at work on the case, give that young woman the benefit of a liberal doubt, and do a you can to find some other person who might have had an object in killing Delawater.” ‘**Tt shall be done,” “Tbere are some noints in her favor, spite of all that is against her, Cool enough to have done the deed, she would have been far too care- ful to have lost. her handkerchief there, Then, a i i Se Ge es ee oe See
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~ - she would never have allowed her stained dress to remain in the house over night.” ** Yet she might.” “True; but not probable,” ** You are giving her credit for great shrewd- ness,” said the detective. ‘‘She has not dis- played much of it since her arrest. This blun- lly work seems to me tobe about natural for er. * Well, well, we argue without proofs, What proofs there are are all against her. She must suffer, unless something to the contrary can be discovered. Do what Bhi can for her, for she will need every friendly turn she can com- ’mand,” The superintendent took his leave, at that. ‘* He knows something he has not revealed, I am sure of that,” spoke the inspector, Zi Strange, then, he would not let us know, ‘He has his reason for not doing so, be sure of it. Well, we must take the hint as has drop- ped, and do what we can for the poor girl. I only hope we can clear her, Woodmansy, * Andsodol, If there is wd clew we have not got, it is the one Broadway Billy holds,” ** Ha! is that young wonder on the case?” ‘* Yes; and there is something between him and the prisoner. He told her not toreveal a cer- tain thing to any one.” “That is the secret, then, depend on it. If that young fellow keeps on, in ten years’ time he will be the greatest detective the country can show,” “T am aware of it.” At that moment a telegram was handed up from the operating-room in the basement of the building. The inspector read it, ** Hello!” be exclaimed, more, Woodmansy.” '** What is it?” “ Hear this: ° ““*To INSPECTOR WILLIAMS:— “*Tf you want further proof in the Delawater case, examine well the dead man’s private papers. I would bring you this word in person, but I have no desire to spend a termin your House of Detention, For the same reason I sign myself— “** ANONYMOUS,’ ”” ‘© What do you think of that?” asked the listen- ing detective, “*T don’t know what to think about it. Some- body knows a good deal about the murder, it would seem,” “You are right, There may be something in the super’s belief.” “‘He isnot the man tobe fooled, There ig something in it, depend on it, I will see what I can find ont about this message.” at that was to be learned was soon ascertain- The message had been left at one of the sub- stations by an unknown person, who disappeared _ before it was read, There was no clew to that person, and it was useless to try to find him, now, Whoever it had been, he had taken care not to let himself be known at the station, and he could not be de- scribed, “No use, now,” decided the inspector. ‘* And sball I act upon the information?” asked the detective, ‘“* Yes; go at once and make the search, and let me kuow what you find, noting well how you find it.” An hour later the detective was back again, ‘* Well?” the inspector asked. ‘** Here, evidently, is what was meant by the telegram.” a He banded a letter to his superior as he spoke, and the inspector opened and read it, It ran thus: “BARRING DELAWATER!— “How many times mustTI tell you your suit is hopeless? I tell you so for the last time. I will not marry you, positively. Now, if you do not leave me alone I will take measures to make youdoso, 45s to your threats against C———, beware! Before I will s e him barmed by you I will kill you with my ownhand. Do not goad me too far, Ta for I mean what I say. “No signature necessary.” “It looks darker than ever,” the i Stine ’ nspector “Yes, it does; but, who was the person who knew letter was among the murdered man’s Ts ‘Ha! that is the question—who? Some one who is no friend to Clementine Rudolff, that is certain, Woodmansy, I see here much room to mre her guilt, I agree with the superintend- ent. _ “ And the man we want, bad, is the one who _ sent that telegram to you.” ‘* Hereis something = ke warning, Broadway Billy Baffled. CHAPTER VIII. BILLY HOLDING THE BEST HAND, In the mean time, when Broadway Billy had a out from the office, Happy Harry and Silent th fell into a lengthy discussion of the merits of the case, That is to say, Happy Harry did. He talked at Seth rather than with him, for Seth, as we know, was not one to waste words in idle argu- ment. When he spoke, however, his words told. And thus they were engaged when a caller en- tered the office, It was a man, one evidently well along in years, for his hair and beard were quite white, ‘*Mr, Weston is not in?” he observed, looking around, ‘* No, sir,” be was answered, ‘* When will he be in?” ‘* Maybe in an hour,” **T cannot wait. I suppose you boys can tell him something for me, can you not?” * That’s what we’re here for,” said Harry. ‘* Well, I have come in regard to the Dela- water case, and havein my possession what may be an important clew,” Tbis was something that caused the boys’ hearts to beat wildly, but they did not let it be seen by their faces that they were unusually in- terested, ‘*T believe he has some such case as that on hand,” spoke up Seth, ‘I think that was the name; was it not, Harry?” ‘* Something like that,” Harry agreed. The visitor was eying them keenly, and he seemed to feel relief as,he noted their apparent lack of interest in their master’s affairs, But, he knew not the sort of material he had to deal with in Broadway Billy’s Beagles, Short as had been their interview thus far, the boys had decidedly the best of it. ‘Yes, that is it,” the man assured, ‘‘ He has interested himself in it, as I happen to know.” ‘‘ What name shall I mention to him?” asked Harry. ‘**Obh! name does not matter,” was the reply. ‘* He does not know me, and it does not signify anything anyhow. Tell hima stranger called.” “All right, a stranger culled,” Harry, like a parrot, . The boy was making himself to appear not over bright, and the man apparently made that estimate of him, “Yes, a stranger called, that will do,” she man went on. ‘‘And you may tell bim the stranger said he was sorry he did not find him in ‘* To bo sure.” ‘* He had to leave town, though, and could not wait,” * Just so,” ** And then, you may tell him that the stranger bad some knowledge about the murder and thought it best to tell somebody,” * Exactly.” It was Harry who made most of the replies, “‘T thought of telling the police, but they would detain me as a witness, and 1 have not the time to spare,” “Then did you see the crime committed?” ‘Bless you, no; but I have some idea that I can help the officers to find some proof,” ‘* Most likely that’s what they want,” ““ Well, I can’t stay long. Tell your employer to look well among Delawater’s papers, and he may find something, unless the police get ahead of him.” * All rigbt, sir.” Neither Harry nor Seth allowed himself to show more than passing interest in what the man said, **T will make it a little clearer,” the man offered, ‘I knew Delawater slightly, and I saw him the other day, with a letter in his hand, He talked to himself about it, and I heard him mutter something about Miss Rudolff. She, I understand, bas been arrested for the crime, cong letter may shed some light upon the mys- ery. ‘* That’s so. Well, we'll tell him,” “Sorry I could not find him in, and sorry I can’t wait,” { The old man was making his stay very brief. Having said what he had come to say, he was ready to go, “It’s all right,” Harry assured, ‘We won't forget to tell him you have been here, Stranger quite an old man, andinaburry, He'll ask all about that, you see, so I’ve got it.” ‘*That’s it. Yes, tell him an old man,” The man opened the door and was gone, at that, and the partners looked at each other repeated quickly, ‘“‘ He has picked us up fer flats,” cried Harry, in a whisper. / “He may make up his mind to drop us for sharps, before he is done with us,” responded Seth. ** Who shall follow him?” Aa. You, if you want to; I'll stay and tell the 83 Toere was no time to debate the question, and Seth was already preparing his disguise, He had flung open the door of a dresser and taken out another coat and hat, and putting a wig on his head and a mustache on his lip, be was ready, The man could meanwhile no more than have reached the street, Harry had taken his station at the window to see him leave the building, and when Seth ap- peared below he looked up and Harry indicated the direction the man was Laan, It had all been dove remarkably quickly. “Seth is onto bis baze,” Harry said to him- self, as he drew his head in at the window. ‘If he shakes him cff he’s a smarter chap than I take him to be, Wonder what in all creation be came here for, anyhow?” The answer did not appear, “There isa bagful of mystery here,” Harry cogitated. ‘Dll be glad when we can see the bottom, for it is so deep at present that it makes my head swim to look down, But, give Broad- way Billy a show, and see if be don’t unmask the mystery for ’em, And as for me and Seth —well, I don’t amount to much in the com- bine, but ’m ready to rally round the banner, every time,” When Harry bad no one else to talk to he talked to himself, and he kept it up on this oc- casion till Broadway Billy returned. ‘* Where’s Seth” Billy immediately asked, “Give it up,” answered Harry. ‘' He went out after His Whiskers, and hasn’t got back et. “Who was it?” ** Man with white hair and whiskers, came in here soon after you bad gone out.” ‘What did he want!” Harry stated the facts in a straight manner, ‘¢ Was that man in disguise, do you think?” ‘Billy asked. ‘“Weuldn’t be amazed greatly to learn that he was,” answered Harry. ‘'He didn’t look half as oid in the eye as he did in the whiskers,” ‘And the eye is the place to look, I’m glad you are always on the alert for such games, This fellow came bere with a purpose, and he took the chance to come while I was out,” ‘*Guess he wouldn’t have left so soon if you had been in,” ‘“‘ Hardly; and he knew it.” ‘* It popped into my head to try to detain him but it popped out again when I thought it would be best to let him think be had blinded us and then follow him and learn something about ; ’ im. “You did just right. Your judgment is sel- dom at fault, or Seth’s either. I am proud of you. Well, P’ll take his hint, anyhow, and see if there is anything in the pretended clew he has put into our bands,” At that moment a messenger came in, with a — me 6 from the superintendent, ‘‘ Something has turned up,” Billy said to Harry, when be bad read it. ‘ There is some- thing for me at the cflice, and I must go there at once, If Seth comes back you and he wait for me.” In ashort time Billy entered the office of the superintendent, in response to the call, " * You sent for me,” he said, ‘““Yes! There is a new phase in this case,” ** What's that?” ‘The police have a blind clew.” , ‘‘They are not of much account—blind clews, I mean,” ‘*Sometimes not, but in this case I consider this one of considerable account, in one way.” “ And what way is that?” ‘In the way of bearing out your theory that — Miss Rudolff is innocent,” d ** Ha! now you interest me.” ; . “Yes, A man sent amenegs to Beets Gy. telling us to look well into the private papers 0 Barring Delawater, and there our man found an oreo letter, Hereit is, Whatdoyou think — of it j Billy read the letter, the one quoted in a pre- “It is a fake,” be declared. “*T do, most assuredly.” “Why? a ha i" “ “‘ Well, because in the first place Miss Rudolff ig
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5 Na ~ am we eas ee es aah gi ‘the ae. ey = ror a ee Ge ee leh 1 ine thought of killing bim—” Papa sheisa little insane on the matter, eh? Tbat was something of Harry’s theory. ‘“*She is not insane,” Billy declared, ‘‘ Her fhead is level enougb. She would never write what she had once told him so plainly, No means no, and no matter how many times repeated it can’t mean any more. Besidex, I have the second chapter of this little by-play.” ‘* Your argument is strong or weak, justas itis looked at,” commented the great chiettain of the detective art, ‘* But, since you say you have more information in the same line I'll give you the bevefit of the doubt, What's your story?” Billy told about the man who had beer at the Office diring bis absence. ** You have it,” the superintendent declared, “Tt is thesame man, and if your boy does his ed well the game will bein your own hands, trange they could not leave well enough alone, But, then, thatis the way they are caught, a good many times; they overdo it,” **Silent Seth will follow bim, no matter how long the trail,” Billy confidently assured, ‘* And when he reports, [il Jet you know what the re- sult bus been. Now, I must go and prepare for the night. If I turn up missing, you will kaow where to look for me.” CHAPTER TX. SETH GETS POINTS. . In the mean time Sileat Seth had done well the duty he had undertaken, Taking the cue from Harry, as explained, be set off up the street, and in a moment had his man in sight, lu appearance the man'was old, but there was @ roundness to his legs and a spring to his step that gave the lie to his appearance, when closely observed, ‘“‘He is in disguise, and I know it,” Seth said to himself, The man had not gone far when he stopped suddenly and looked back, taking a good survey in the direction of the office, Silent Seth did not hesitate av instant, for to do so would be to invite susp cion, He kept straight on, passed the man without looking at Lim, and turned the next corner, There was a book-stall, and he stopped there and fingered some of the volumes that lay ex- posed to sun and wind, He did not intend to remain long enough to jose sight of his man but he had good reason to suppose the man would continue on and soon cross the street. And he was not mistaken, In balf a minute or so the man appeared, and @s3 soon as he had passed the next corner, Seth resumed bis pursuits, mi About half-way up the vext block the man came to a waiting cab, which he entered, and the driver started up his horse and the vehicle went whirling away, For the moment Seth was at loss, but not for mae. 6 glancea about, in the hope of seeing a cab he might engage, but none wasin sight, A car came along, however, and as that would make about as fast time as the cab could make, the street being crowded, Seth boarded that and continued the chase, keeping his eyes ‘constantly upon the cab, W ben Union Square was reached the cab turn- ed aside, and Seth left the car and followed again on foot, He had not far to go now. ; The cab soon drew in to the curb, and the man got out, tossed the driver his fare, and immedi- ately entered a carriage that was in waiting. Seth was prompt to act, here, Seeing another cab drawing near, he bailed it and said to the driver; ** Want a fare?” _* Yes. “Well, pry insight, Here’s your money in advance, Look alive, now.” His words were to the point, andspringing in- to the cab he drew the door shut and the vehiclo rattled off after the coach, Seth made it his business still to watch and not _ trust all to the driver, and he kept the coach in sight and noted the direction it was going, At last, after going some distance and having made several turns on the way, it stopped. Likewise tha cab. A mau got out of the coach,a man about thirty-five, apparently, and closing the door and dismi missing the driver, sprung lightly up the steps would not write sucha note if she really had ¥ hi EP Ome Broadway Billy Bafiled. and entered the house before which the vehicle had stopped. There the door closed after him, and the coach had already started on. Silent Seth was again in quandary for a mo- ment, If this was the man he had seen get into the coach, then be bad laid off his disguise, On the other band, if it was not he, then the first man must be in the coach still, and be must make sure of that, It would not do to take anything for granted. The cabman poked his bead around to ask: ‘That all ye want, boss?” “No,” answered Seth, ‘‘Keep it still in ‘sight, for I must know whether there is any one else in it or not.” ‘Allright. Gee up!” Seth bad noted the number of the house, and even if he lost his man there it would not be im- possible to take up tbe trail again, with that cjaw to work on. The chase continued some distance further, when the coach drew up before a stable and the trail ended, When the cab passed it was easy for Seth to ascertain that the coach was now empty. That gave bim the proof of his guess, that the man had been in disguise. Orijeri g the cabby to take bim back to the neighborbood of the house, be finally dismissed the cab there, His thoughts bad not been idle, There were some points he had taken into careful consideration, This house was not a great distance from the place where Barring Delawater had been killed. Then, too, it was about an equal distance, in another direction, from the Rudolff residence, where the damning evidence had been un- earthed, It seemed plain that, whoever be was, this man knew something about the crime, and it was not at all improbable that be had a hand in it himself. Ifso, he had done a foolish thing in trying to fasten it the more strongly upon Miss Rudolff, Still, as Seth thought it over, with the evi- dence against the young woman so very strong, was there not just the possibility that she was guilty, after all? Maybe they were mistaken in ber, As to that, if remained for Broadway Billy to determine, The mystery of the Steel Hand would throw the right light on the riddle, when that came to be solved, Seth considered that his work would be but half done did he not make some effort to learn the name of this man of mystery, and be set about doing so, He walked past the house, leisurely, looking at it as any idle stroller might. There was nothing about it any more con- spicuous than thousands of other houses in a city, and there was no name-plate on the door, Going on, he stopped at the corner, Here was a news stand, A bright-eyed girl was in attendance upon it, aud Seth stopped to ask some questions. ** Do you deliver morning papers in this neigh- borbood?” he inquired, ‘ Yes, sir, my pa does,” was the answer, ‘* You take orders, I suppose?” “i Yes, sir.” ‘** Well, if [come to board here I'll give you mine, By the way, do you know who lives down there at 5202” ‘That where you’re going to board?” ** No; just wanted to know who my neighbors would be, Is that a boarding-house, too?” ‘' Ye ; but a mighty toney one,” “Then maybe I'll change my mind and go there to live, I’m that way myself, you see,” Seth spoke jokingly, and as a joke it was taken, This girl was about Seth’s own age, and as Seth was good-looking, he had found favor in her eyes at once, ay ‘* Have you got the rocks?” she asked. ** Lots of ‘em, you bet, Maybe you and I can get acquainted, later on, But, I asked you who lives there,” ; “ That is Mrs, Liverwort’s house,” _ Good name. Do you know the man who lives there—fellow about thirty-five, with red face?” ‘‘He is Mr, Perrymore, He’s one’s of pa’s customers,” ‘*Seems like a nice man.” » ‘I don’t know; pa says he’s rich.” ‘** Chance for you,-then, 1f you work it.” | The girl tossed her head, ’ $ bat . : . ; o) fe be, sy fr, OE aad spun Fries 27 > el ER ra Srey co ae ‘I’m not marrying right away,” she declared? ‘Besides, I guess he has got a wife. Ihave seev him out with a lady often enough,” ; “That alters the case. Suppose she lives where he does, eh?” ‘*No; and, that’s the funny part of it.” ‘S What is?” ‘“ Why, if she is bis wife, J should think they would live together, wouldn’t you?” “On! to be sure, unless they can’t agree, when they ought to stay atout as far apart as they could get. That would be my plan,” ‘* Well, I don’t know.” “Maybe it is cnly a lady he is courting, though.” “Toat’s a.” ** Is sLvu young and pretty?” ‘* She Las been pretty, but she is very pale- looking.” ‘* Mayt-e we are wrong in both views, It may be asisier he takes riding. He couldn’t do bet- ter than that.” * Maybe so. Jl tell you what Vl do, Pll take a day off and find out al] about it.” geo Jaughed, and dropped the matter at that, “IT wen’t bother you any more about it.” he said. ‘It’s no business of ours, anyhow. Well, if L do come vp bere Til make your acquaint- ance, sure.” ‘*Come along, if there is any ice-cream in it.” ** Lots of that, you bet.” ' © All right,” \ Seth went on, and as soon as he had turned his back upon the girl his face assumed again its | serious expression, ; “There is a woman ip the case, then,” he com- | muned with himself, ‘and thisisthe one, Ten to one she is the person who has been working sgainst Miss Rudoiff, We are on the right track now, sure,” He lost no time in getting back to the cflice, Billy was still cut,so Seth lent himself to Harry’s ‘“ pumpi:g machine,” as be called it, to while away the time. When Billy came in Seth madea full report of all be bad gleaned while cut, Needless to say Pilly was interested, ‘We are getting there, boys,” he cried, ‘Keep the banner up, and we’ll come in by and by witb flying colors.” ‘* That’s what we'll do, you bet.” The case was talked over again at length, and plans laid as far as could be done, after which the cflice was closed fcr the day, CRAPIER X, THE HAND OF STEEL, Harry Harry and Silent Seth had each his work to do, but for the present let us leave them and follow Broadway Billy, It was-along in the evening when he made his way to the rear of the Rudolff residence, as had ~ been arranged, Giving the signal that bad been agreed upon, the door was soon opened to admit bim. . He was met by the housekeeper, Mrs, Beau- orte, “You are prompt,” she observed, * AsI always try tobe, Has anything else taken place here?” “Nothing. The house bas been as quiet as the grave, and it is like a house of mourning.” — *T do not wonder at it. Can 1 get to the haunted room now without being seen going up there?” ‘“Why are you so secret about it, now that you are in the house?” ‘Tt is just as well not to be seen,” ‘You apparently do not trust any one here but me.” , ‘« Perhaps I would not trust even youif I could gain the desired end without belp from any one.” ‘* Well, I suppose you know your reasons, but 4 I do not think it would matter a bit if every one © in the house saw you. Yes, the way isclear to the room,” Lead the ‘*[ suppose not, Mrs, Beauforte, way, please,” The woman started, in the dark, and in a mo- ment the door of the haunted room was reached, | It was locked, as it had been all day, as she bi and the key was iu the lock on the outer side, suppose?” Billy asked, ‘Nothing, sir.” , y ‘TI would like a chair, as comfortable a one as you bave handy.” ‘ ‘There is one here in this other room, sir; I will get it in a moment. Of course you could not stand up all night.” , i Billy waited in the dimly-lighted hall w © woman went to bring the chair from the “Nothing has been replaced in the room,I — \ | Wed x |
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fom mentioned, and when she came back they sntered the haunted chamber together. They did not carry a light witb them. The young detective had reasons for not doing 0, the chief of which was that a light might re- ‘veal his plans. ‘\Isthere anything more I can do for you? tthe woman asked. i ‘‘ Nothing, unless you will pass around the room and see that everything 1s in order as it was,” ‘‘ Why, there is nothing here—” “7 know; I meant satisfy yourself that the wall is as it was.” ‘Why, I will do that, certainly. What is your object in having me doit? 1 cannot see,” ‘‘Tf necessary to prove bow I found the room, I can call upon yor to testify. That is all, Mrs, Beauforte,” Oh!” The woman made the circuit of the room, in the dark, and was soon back to report. ‘¢The walls are just as they always were,” she said. ‘Very well; that is all. When you go ont you will please lock the door on the outside, the game as it was last night.” The woman looked at him, ‘* What will you have it that way for?’ she asked, * And why not that way?” * How will you be able to get out?” , ‘tT don’t intend to get out, If I want to go I will make noise enough to rouse you up to let me out.” ** But, your object in it? I don’t see that,” ‘* Is it necessary you should?” No; but—” *« Nevertheless I will tell you it. I want the room to appear as though no one is bere. Ifl Jaave not been already discovered I do not want it suspected that any one is in this room,” “ Well, ’ll do what you say, but I don’t sea anything in it.” “Maybe you will, later,” ‘* What do you mean?” “Just whatIsay. If I learn anything to- might, and the locked door plays any part in it all, Pll tell you about it to-morrow. See?” She said she did, whether she did or not, and withdrew, Billy heard her turn the key in the lock, and trying the door, found it was locked fast sic a ‘‘Tbat woman is no coward,” he said to him- self. ‘‘And, she wants to know considerable ofmy purpose. Am I wrong in not suspecting ber, more than I do? I wanted to test her merve, the reason I asked ber to make the circuit of this baunted room,” He _e the question considerable thought. lf she was concerned in it, be could not see just what her part had been unless a chief role, And it seemed harsh to accuse her of such per- fidy to one who had been so good to her as Miss Rudolff was known to have been; and yet, if Miss Rudolff herself was innocent the suspicion must fall somewhere, But, be was not busty to judge. He recalled what Silent Seth had learned, and knew he had to find yet an: ther woman in the case, Having placed his chair in a corner, he sat down and began bis vigil, The noise in the street came to him as a dull, monotonous roar, and besides this few sounds _ were beard, “ Several times he heard doors in the house closed; but, finally, al) was still, and the night dragged on its gruesome pace, be remaining as silent as a part of the night itself, He certainly bad no thought of sleeping, yet sleep he did! It must bave been the very stillness of the house, together with the drowsy hum of the street, that lulled him without bis knowledge. Be that as it may, the fact remained that he slept, and he knew it not until ne suddenly awakened, to find that mysterious hand of steel all too plainly visible! Strong of nerve as he was, Billy gave a start. There it was, simply a hand ard forearm, and mothing more, and these being in the form of a great steel gauntlet, All around the terrible apparition was a halo of dull white light, light that did not appear to illuminate as natural fire would do, but which seemed to make the background even blacker. “Well, here weare,” Billy saidin mind, ** And, now that I confront the thing, what am I going to.do about it?” He sat still, his hands upon the arms of his chair and holding himself in readiness to spring up instantly if occasion required. Broadway Billy Baffled. The hand of steel was motionless for some sec- onds, the palm downward and the fingers list- less, but presently it began to stiffen and straighten up, and the index at last pointed straight at the wondering detective! ‘ve a notion to try a snap-shot at it, just for luck,” Billy decided. ‘Til bet there would be a howl of pain if 1 did. see what’s coming of it. with tbat finger, that’s sure, the girl was frightened,” A voice now spoke, in low but distinct tone, ** Broadway Billy,” it said, ‘‘make no at- tempt to use that weapon your hand is on, To do so will be to give tbe signal for your death,” As he had thought, he was seen, “ Allright,” Billy answered, promptly. ‘ But, come out and show yourself, like a man, and give me a chance at you,” ‘Thank you; but 1 come not for that pur- pose; I came here to warn you.” ‘* 7 am not greatly in need of warning, Mister Spook of the Steel Hand.” “You were warned before, but you heeded it not. It might bave cost you your life. Be warned now; drop out of this matter, and let events take their course. There is nothing to be gained by pushing on.” ‘*T bave only your word for that.” ‘‘- You shall have the proof of it, too, if you make it necessary for us to act against you.” ‘‘And I suppose you want my answer here and now, eh?” ‘* You guess aright, sir. We must have your pledge that you will give up the case, or—” “a ( yr what?” ‘* Or the worst will befall you.” ** Have you ever had any acquaintance with me?” ** Very little,” ** But you have heard of me?” ** Yes; and who has not?” ** And you know the reputation I enjoy?” ** Yes; you are said to be a very bulldog when you take hold,” ‘* Well, I have taken hold here,” Billy fear- lessly declared, ‘*My banner is waving, and I’m on deck. I give you fair notice that I am going to sift this thing to the bottom if life is spared me,” ‘*You mean that?” “T do.” ** Then you will never carry out your intention. Now, bere is a proposition we have to offer you, Leave this house, and wash your hands of this case, and you shall live, You will never hear of us again, If you persist in remaining you will surely die, Take your choice,” The dread band of steel seemed to advance a little, and the index finger to point with more deadly intent, ‘*You have heard whatI have to say,” was the fearless response Brotdway Billy made, ** You are welcome to do your worst, If death comes, well and good; I should hold myself as unfit to live wereIto provea coward to tbe trust that bas been reposed in me, and Clemen- ee Rudolf suffered for the crime she never did, ‘ How do you know she never did it?” “Well enough.” ‘You are mistaken, She is guilty, and ber soul is black with crime, She has duped you as she bas duped many auother before you. Trust her not, but take your life and let the law deal with her as she deserves,” **T will not,” ‘*Then upon your head be the consequences of your rashness,” * So be it, And now, if you are going to open the ball, why, let the fun begin at once.” CHAPTER XI. BILLY IN BONDAGE. BROADWAY BILty felt that a struggle was to come, and be thought the sooner it was begun the better his chances, As he uttered the words he leaped from his chair and darted forward straight at the Hand of Steel, He believed thata man of flesh and blood like himself was there somewhere, and be had enough confidence in bis own prowess to cope with him, The instant he left his chair the light vanished however, and he found himsel groping in dark- ness, But, he did not stop for that, for to do so would invite defeat, The room, he knew, was empty, and there was nothing for him to run agaipst unless it wags the mysterious personage of the Steel Hand. He heard, or fanciee he heard, a movement somewhere, and then came a mocking laugh, But, no; Pll wait and It’s got the drop on me I don’t wonder 9 ‘Ha, ha, ba!” itdefled him. ‘* Do you expect to catch a shade from the otber world, Broad- way Billy? You are good at catching mortals, but here is something proof against you,” ‘¢ You dare nct show yourself,” Billy cried. ‘You have geen the Steel Hand; there is nothing more to see.” “ Let me see it again,” ‘Ha, ba, ba! What good will it do you? Know you not that it is not of this world? It is the band of knighthood of a Rudolff of old.” ‘You tell a detestable lie.” ‘“*Haveacare, sir; your life is in the bal- ance,” Billy knew he could see just as far in the dark as any other person, and that no one could see him here, He had a purpose in making this personage talk. He wanted to locate the direction of the voice, intending to make one more effort to grapple with bim., And now he had done so, Moving forward in the direction of the voice, as the man spoke, he gave a,leap just as he fivished, and in doing so he came into collision with a man! The fellow went crashing back against the wall with force, and an oath escaped him, ** Curse you!” be hissed, ‘*- You're a pretty solid ghost,” cried Billy. In the same moment the young detective had hold upon him, and the struggle in the dark was begun, ‘* Curse you!” the man hissed again, ‘* You'll repent this, Ill bave your life and leave your body here, another mystery for the police to study upon.” ‘““Two can play at that game,” averred the detective, ‘Surrender to me, or take the con- sequences,” os Never ” Billy found the man, wasa match for Him, sturdy youftg giant that he was, in strength, and realized that be had his bands full, That did not make him any the less able to cope with the Unknown however, Fe exerted all bis strength, and the two rock- ed to and fro, each determined to gain the mastery. This bad lasted fully a minute, when, findin that the victory was not bis, the man _ utter the single word in a hoarse whisper—‘' Help /” Instantly the dull light flashed forth again, and the Steel Hand appeared, It was close to them, and advancing rapidly, it Jaid bold upon Billy’s shoulder with crushing force, ’ Billy felt as if the very bones were being crushed in that terrible grasp, and under the sickening pain he was obliged to let go of his adversary. By the dull light he could see the man with whom be had grapple, He was a thickset fellow, with broad shoul- ders, and a mask was over his face to hide his features. Behind the Steel Hand, too, was another per- sonage, as could be seen at close quarters.. A film-like garment charged with the luminous substance bad made him invisible before, But such strength did not seem possible for a buman being to possess, . Upon Billy’s shoulder it was more like the grip of a powerful machine than like anything else, The young detective could not avoid uttering a groan, ‘Ha, ha!” laughed the man with whom he had grappled, ‘* What do you think of it now?” ‘Let go!” Billy ordered. ‘‘ Be you man or devil, Pll test you with a bollet if you don’t! Let go, I say!” For answer the grasp only tightened the more, and Billy was. made to howl with the agony it produced. Never had he experienced the like, ++ Another threat,” be was warned, ‘‘and this Handa of Steel will crush your shoulder to pulp.” Billy mosned in his almost excruciatin agony; but, brave soul that he was he woul not compromise, “Do yon surrender?” was demanded, ‘‘ Never!” Billy grated, ‘¢ A movement to draw that weapon,” warned his recent opponent, * will signal your instant death.” Billy bad been making an effort to get hold of a revolver with his left hand, but now he saw his intention was discovered, so he desisted, ‘© Well, you hold the best band now,” he ad- mitted, “And you are our prisoner, willingly or not, Are you ready to listen to reason?” “I will not compromise one iota, It is use-
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10 less for you to waste time harping on that, It is war to the end,” ** Then you will not take your life and liberty, and drop out of the case?” **T will not /” “That settles it, then, us.” On one of Billy’s shoulders was the Hand of Steel, and on the other a hand of flesh was now id You will come with Tbe man with whom he had had the brief struggle now took his hands and snapped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists, thus rendering him helpless, “There you are, in good shape!” he said, **The way you have fixed many others you yourself are fixed at last. How do you like it?” That terrible Hand of Steel had now been re- moved, and Billy could speak without being in- fluenced by the excruciating pain. **You have got me, I must admit,” he an- swered, ‘* And we are going to keep you, too. You are a smart fellow, in your line, but you are young yet. You have many things to learn,” ‘Of which I am well aware,” ** And you will be even better aware before we are done with you. Now, the next step is to blindfold you.” Not a great deal of noise had been made thus far, strauge as it may seem, and care was being taken to make as little as possible, Billy offered no resistance, but allowed the blindfold to be put on, He did, though, note well the position in which he stood, in order to determine in which direction he might be taken out of the room, He would take care to note how far he was turned around, when the start was made, and in which direction. From that he would be able to judge on which side of the room the secret exit was, As soon as the bandage had been securely fixed over his eyes he felt the pair of hands laid again on his shoulders, He was turned partly around, and knew that he was facing the wall opposite to the door, There, then, must be the secret exit, in spite of all the care he had used to discoverit, He wondered how it could be concealed so well. But, he was not sure, There was a moment of hesitation, and then the order; * Now, step forward.” At the same time the person behind pushed bim along. He advanced, and in a few steps felt himself passing through a narrow opening somewhere, ‘* Mind the steps,” came the caution, There was a breath of cold, damp air coming up somewhere, and at the next step Billy’s foot descended to a stairs, Down this be was guided till four steps had been passed; then he was turned abrupily tothe right and seven more were descended in that direction, The steps were narrow and quite high. At the bottom of the seven another turn to the right was made, and seven more steps followed, the way lying through a very narrow age, and so it continued until a long descent ad been accomplished, Broadway Billy’s mind had been at work the while. He had been trying to find some explana- tion for this mysterious passage, acd now be- lieved he had bit upon the truth, In the room, in that side from which he had parsed, was a big chimney with a broad, heavy mantel, but with no fireplace in it, and in the 2 pa house was the same arrangement, jit must be that these steps were arranged within what was supposed to have been a chim- ney, but which, in fact, was this secret passage, 6 had examined tnat chimney well, in the haunted room, but finding notbing suspicious about it, bad finally passed it over. However it was opened, it was too well hidden for him to discover the secret way, At the bottom of the last of the short flights a balt was made, and Billy heard an iron door opened, Here the air was culd and damp, and he knew be had been taken below the surface, \ The door opened, he was pushed through, and the door clanked shut after they had passed, Then followed a walk of some distance through a low, narrow passage, until another iron door wa finally reached, This being opened, warm air was felt immedi- ately, and Billy was not mistaken in believing the end of the mysterious journey had been s ued, vt this iron door clanked shut, a voice said: Broadwav Billy Baffled. ** Well, you have brought him, eh?” ‘** As you see,” was the response, ‘He would not be reasonable, so be must suffer the conse- quences,” ‘* You bet! Well, wait till we mask and then you can remove that bandage and let him take a look around bis new quarters to see how he will like the situation, You areinfor it this time, Broadway Billy; you'll never drive your tandem colts again!” CHAPTER XII. BILLY IN A NEW ROLE, BROADWAY BILLY was in a desperate strait, and be knew it, Those two locked iron doors between him and liberty gave him much concern, for being hand- cuffed he could not hope to pass them, And, the secret way beiug so very secret, he could entertain little hope that bis friends would discover and rescue him, The outlook was dark enough, certainly. He remembered, though, that he had told the superintendent all about the Steel Hand, and the mystery of the haunted room, and felt ac- cordingly hopeful, for if any one could help him he was the man. ‘*- Yes, it looks that way,” he cheerfully re- sponded to the observation made. ‘* And you will find the facts don’t belie the looks, either,” was the assurance, ‘* You’]l never get out of here,” ‘*Or if he does,” spoke another voice, ‘‘ he will go without eyes or tongue, so he will not be of much use as a detective any more, How will you like that, my gallant William?” **] had rather you kill me than that,” was the firm answer, ‘*Ha, ha! We don’t doubt it.” A moment passed, and then the bandage was taken from his eyes, Billy’s first glance took in the situation pretty well, and he realized that he was in the com- pany of some five or six masked men, He was in a well-lighted apartment, the floor and sides of which were of stone and the ceiling of bricks in arches supported by iron beams, The ceiling was low and frowning. The place was lighted with gas, and in one corner glowed a heated furnace, an open chim- ney over it giving draft to the fire and vertila- tion to the room. On the right was an archway, opening into another similar apartment, where some sort of machinery was in motion, Billy could not get a good view of it from where he stood, ‘¢ Well, what do you think of us?” one of the masked men inquired, grimly. ‘* By the looks of things,” answered Billy, “I think you are a precious set of rascals who are afraid of the light of day.” **Ha, ba, ba! You do us rank injustice, boy. No one is fonder of the daylight tuan we, and not a day passes that we don’t enjoy it more or less, How would you like to be one of us?” ‘* Tt seems I am one of you, or with you, just now.” ‘“That’s the fact, and bere you will stay as long as we want youto live, If you make your- self nseful, you may not fare so badly,” ‘* Useful in what way?” ** At work.” **Then you want me to earn my keep?” * Just so. You will have a good home here, and the world will never know what has become of you,” “You don’t imagine 1 will stay here and not try to escape, do you?” ‘“*Of course not, but your efforts will be in vain, When we are here we can watch you, and when we are out you will be secured so that you cannot help yourself.” ‘That will be rough.” ‘*Tt’s the best we have tooffer you, If you carry yourself straigbt, you will be allowed to live, but if you give us trouble you will be put out of the way with mighty little ceremony.” “You talk as though you mean business,” ‘* That’s what we do mean,” ** And you mean that I am here tostay.” ** Just so,” * Dead or alive.” ‘* Exactly; and it makes no difference to us, and can’t make much difference to you, The only thing is, if you live you will feed on hope, if there is any satisfaction in that thought,” ** Well, there is, some, A live man is wortha dozen dead ones.” Billy had by this time taken in the full mean- ing of this den, avd made up his mind he had gotten into a counterfeiters’ headquarters, “Then you agree to work for us, and to give us as little troubie as possible, do you?” Pere ae oo, , Oe ee ee ee ee ee. = > ae st eps ee i% Le uve ps ‘ ntey a Se as ee en ‘*-You demand my answer now?” ** Yes, the sooner the better.” ** Well, then, I take the terms offered,” ‘* There you show your sense, for life is sweet. Do you comprehend the meaning of what you see here?” ** It looks like a bogus mint,” “Ha, bal That is just what itis. You see, we have no fear of telling you the secret, now that you are here and there is no escape for you. Weare trying to aid the Government all we can in tte matter of coinage.” There was no doubting tbe truth of it. Billy had seen sucb places before iv his career, and recognized the tools he saw in use, He looked around for the steel band, too, but that had disappeared, It had probably served its purpose and was now laid aside, There was still, bowever, much to puzzle the young detective chief. What were these fellows to the Rudolffs?: Whv was the exit from their den in the Rudojfft house? What had they to do with the happiness of Miss Rudolff? What had they had to do with the murder of Delawater? It was still a great mystery, and bere wasa part of it which had not been dreamed of—tbis den of counterfeiters. Ifthe police were in search of such a place Billy bad not heard of it, and be had reason to believe he bad fallen into an unexpected piece of information, But, little good it was likely to do him, A pair of great iron balls were chained to Billy’s ankles, and that done, he was disarmed and bis hands were freed, “There you are,” one of his captors cried. ** And a good joke it is. Here isa spotless de- tective actually going into the counterfeiting business,” = laughed at his joke, and the others witb him. Billy knew there was little use weeping over what could not be helped, and it was not his nature to give up. ‘* Well, where will you have me begin my ap- prenticeship?” he asked, “You can take hold there and blow the bellows, for your first lesson,” he was told, All was said in a joking tone, though the men were in deadly earnest, “That isa good as anything, I suppose the pay will be good, with the Preenech of advance- ment as I grow more useful,” ‘* You will be given your board and a place to sleep, and our cast-cff clothing will be good enough for you.” ‘* And it’s a lifetime situation, is it?” ‘*Ha, ba, ha! Yes, you will never need to look for anether job as iobe as you live,” ‘“That’s good. 1 like that, It bas always/ been a hustle for grub with me as far back as I can remember, and this is a relief,” You take it easy.” ‘* What is the use of repining?”’ ** Well, it wouldn’t do any good in your case,” “The only thing I object to is this chain and ball business,” ‘You will get used to that, in time. A man can get used to anything when be has to.” ‘* Well, seeing that 1 am in for it, there is one favor I would ask.” ‘* And what’s that?) You are so cheerful that we are inclined to be reasonable with you, since it is all one-sided.” ‘““My detective fever has been away up, to learn all about that Delawater mystery, and if att will explain that it will ease my mind and "}] feel quite content to make the best of the fix.” The men looked at one a: other, . ‘* How should we know anything about that?” asked the one who had done most of the talking, and who was evidently the chief of the band, Tf you do not know about it no one vrs, for you have means of knowing whether Miss Ru- dolff is innocent or guilty.” ‘* How do we know that?” ‘* You could enter her house at any time, night or day,” **Even so, we could not spy upon her at all times.” ‘*But, I have seen the notes the Steel Hand left for her, and the dagger. If sbe did not kill Delawater, then your band did,” ** What leads you to that conclusion?” “ Horse sense,” * Well, which do you think is guilty?’ “It looks prettv dark against the young wo- man, I must say.” ** You are inclined to believe she did it?” ‘It will take some strong proofs to clear her, that is certain.” Again these men exchanged glances with one another, the meaning of which did not appear, %
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**See here,” the leader demanded, “‘ were you working for Miss Rudolff or against her?” “Well, she had engaged me to investigate about the Steel Hand before I knew anything about the ngorder, in fact, before the crime was committei,.” ** And after that you had your doubts,” “Wouldn't you have bad?” ““Any man would, Well, we'll answer your question: Miss Rudolff did murder Delawater, and we know it.” “It is as I feared.” ** Are you satisfied, now?” **T shall have to be, I suppose.” ‘*We can tell you more, We saw her come to her room that night, with her dress all bloody, and we saw where she hid the things.” “ That settles it, then,” ** And does your fever go down any?” “Tt bas dropped to zero. But, would she have escaped, only for the tell-tale handkerchief?” ** Not at all, for we would have put the police upon her track, giving the:n the proofs we beld, e were saved that trouble,” ** You were not friendly toward her, then?” ‘* How could we be, when she was the bitter foe of the leader of our gang?” “Hal that was it, eb? That explains it all, Now my mind is easy, and I'll blow wind for you with a will.” Billy was ever quick to recogniza truth from falsehood, and be believed this statement con- cerning Delawater was true. The case seemed a little clearer, now, but he was in no positioa to take advantage of his discovery, CHAPTER XIII. SETH’S LONG VIGIL. LEAVING Billy at work at the bellows, some of the men drew apart to talk together. Others went on with their work, and Billy was given every opportunity to see what their work was, This very liberty was all he needed to con- vince him what their intention concerning him- s-lf nust be. They meant to make use of him as long as he was useful, and then kill him. It was plain they never expected him to leav» their den alive, The coins they were making were gold imita- tions, five and ten-dollar pieces, and their pro- cess was their secret. Billy was allowed to handle some of the stuff, and had to admit to himself the perfection of the counterfeit. The weight, the color, the “ ring” —everything seemec to be there, “We are doing a thriving business,” the chief remarked. ** You seem to be, that’s the fact,” *'Yes, we are. And at the same rendering valuable aid to the Government,” “For which they would amply reward you, if once they could surprise you at your work.” “Ha, ha, ba! Yes, that’s so. Wouldn't you like to be the one to carry the news to them? It would be a star in your crown,” *‘] warn you to take good care that I don’t get the chance,” ‘Never fear, We'll look out for that,” There was a clock in the den, and Billy noted the hour. It was past one o’clock, and from that time to three the men bent to their tasks and had little to say. At three o'clock they stopped, and their tools were putaway. The fire was raked down, and in a brief time they were ready to go away. A chain was pow put around Billy’s waist and locked there, and when his hands had been hand- cuffed as at first, they were secured to the chain, leaving him only enough freedom for necessary needs, He was shown, then, where some food and water could be found within his reach; a place was pointed out where he might sleep if he felt so inclined, and the men took their leave, closing the iron doors upon him and leaving him there a helpless prisoner. “* Sweet pertaters!” Billy muttered to himself, making use of his old-time exclamation, ‘‘ Here is a diffikilty, sure enough. I’m swallowed by a horned dilemma this time, and that’s the fact, They seem pretty confident, too, that ’m not going to get away, and I don’t know but they are right, It looks as though I have come to the end—that Broadway Billy has been baffled— beaten, done for at last! ** Don’t see bow they are going to find me,” he further communed, after a pause in which he did some hard thinking. “I'll show up missing in the morning, and they wil] make a bunt for me but that secret room will baffle them as it baffled me, Then they will set up a howl, and Byrnes will let loose the dogs of war; but, without a | Broadway Billy Baffled. 11 clew, what can they do? Still, it will be a des- perate case, and they may go for the walls of that room with an ax.” He was thoughtful again, “Yes, they may do that, but they can’t get here without these fellows having plenty of warn- ing, and I’\] be a goner before they can help me om It I only had the use of hands and feet—” ut, be hadn’t, and he stopped short, There was no use speculating with ‘‘ifs,” for that word was an unknown quantity in his pro- fession, One gas-jet had been left burning, out of his reach, and by its light he was enabled to study well the situation in which he found himself, He scanned the place well, only to arrive at the conclusion he bad formed at the first—that he was indeed a helpless prisoner, and likely to remain one, For the present, at any rate, he gave it up. Helpicg himself to some of the food and drink that bad been left for his use, upon one of the benches, he finally dropped upon the rude bunk underneat!: the bench, and went to sleep. ‘4 Resins him thus, let us return to Harry and eth, When they went from the office at closing a that afternoon, each bad his work to do, as said, Seth was to go again to the neighborhood where the man Perrymore had been located, to ol to get some further knowledge concerning im, Happy Harry was to observe the movements of Courtney Clelland, to learn whether he had been holding anything back that might bave im- portant bearing upon the case, Ifa woman had killed Delawater for love of him, throwing suspicion upon Miss Rudolff so as to make a marriage between her and Clelland next to impossible, that woman might be dis- covered by keeping close watch upon Clelland’s movements. She might seek him, Let us follow Seth first, since by chance his name has been first mentioned, When he came to the neighborhood of the place where he had run his man down, he looked for tke chic little girl at the news-stand, She was not there now, but a rough-looking man had her place, and having little to gain and much to risk by entering into conversation with him, Seth passed on without stopping. He passed the house, keeping to the opposite side of tbe street, and observed it closely with- out appearing to do 80, There was nothing to be gained by tbis as was proved. Still, Seth bad hoped that by rare chance he might see his man at one of tbe windows, if he was in, That chance, however, proved too rare to fall to bis luck, ani when he had gone by, he could not say whether Perrymore was in the house or out, and he did not see clearly how he was to learn. But, he had his instructions. To go to the house to iuquire for the man, without some reasonable excuse for doing so, would be to arouse suspicions. Broadway Billy bad told him, simply, to watch the house, If the man was within he would come out sometime, and if not, he would sooner or later return, since it was his boarding- place, The uncertainty of it, however, nettled Seth, nevertheless, He was a boy of rare patience, however, and finding a suitable place to watch, he began his vigil. @ was rewarded sooner than he had thought reasonable to expect. Just as it was growing dark, and when he was thinking about moving nearer to the house, his man came out, Stopping on the stoop, he looked up and down the street for some moments, while he idly ee his teeth, Then glancing at his watch, e descended the steps and strolled away, Seth had been watching from behind a friend- ly sign, an undertaker’s monstrosity. that stood near the curb, and so had escaped being seen, He bad taken his station as far from the house as he could trust his sight with certainty, too, Allowing the man to have a good start, he fell in behind and shadowed him, He had not far to go, at first. Two blocks away the fellow turned into a handsome saloon and billiard parlors, and hur- rying forward, Seth saw him greeting some others, Being in disguise as a young ‘ blood” of the day, Seth entered after him, and strolled around the place as though he owned a good-sized slice of the establishment in his own right, \ Perrymore talked for some minntes with the three men he had met, and after a time the four took possession of one of the tables and began playing pool, Seth took a seat on one of the leather-covered settees and watched the games, but watched his man more, though not appearing to do so, Perrymore and hiscompanions played steadily for nearly two hours, At the énd of tnat time, glancing at his watch, the suspect put up his cue and donned his coat and hat, Seth took the hint and strolled out, taking his station now onthe opposite corner, where he could watch the entrances to the saloon on both streets at the same time and so run no risk of losiug his man, He could have remained behind and followed him out, but doing that, some of the man’s friends might trike notice of bim, Presently Perrymore came out, alone, He moved away at a lively pace, and Seth took up the trail again, This time it was of considerable length, the man keeping up his rapid stride for nearly thirty minutes, Seth kept mental note of the route, and at last had the satisfaction of seeing his man mount the stepsof a darkened house, where he let himself in witha latch-key. This house was in a respectable quarter of the town, but fhe street was not very light, and few of the houses displayed more than a hall- light, with here and there lights in some of the rooms, Seth noted one thing peculiar about the man’s. conduct as be entered the house, and that was, that he deposited something in a niche at the head of the stoop railing, Having done that, he entered and closed the door after him, After a time, while Seth still watched, another man came along and mounted the steps of the same house, Tbis man, Seth observed, felt in the niche where the first had left something, and after unlocking the door, returned that something to its place, ** That is the key!” Seth exclaimed in mind, The temptation was great for bim to take it and let himself into the house, but Broadway Billy bad enjoined caution upon him, He was not to put himself in the way of dis- covery, fcr that might be to foil everything. Once suspicion was aroused, the case would be- come ten times more difficult, ‘*No, ('d better go slow,” he said to himself,. ‘Pd better follow orders and not try any- thing on my own account this trip. That key will come in handy, though, if the boss wants to raid ’em,” Presently yet another man came and let himself in in the same manner, he, too, re- turning the key to the place where he had found it. And this was kept up till no less than six mem had entered the house, Seth's mind was busy with the problem of guessing what their business therejcould be, since not a sign of a light had been seen from within. And, as he thought, he remembered that this house was in the same block with the Rudolf? residence, and the idea came to hiny like a revelation that these men, in some way, eer ReanOnainis for the appearance of the Stee aud, That idea having taken root, his vigil was tire-less, He felt that he was destined to play an important role in the game, The hours dragged by, and never had a nist seemed so long to Seth, It was not till after three in the morning, nearer to four, that the men reap- peared, CHAPTER XIV, TERRIBLE TESTIMONY, Now for Happy Harry. His instructions had been similar to those given Silent Seth, He was, as said, to play the spy upon Court- ney Clelland and learn what he was able to learn about bim and his associates, Knowing the young banker's apg be set: out for bis residence as soon as be had forti- fied bis inner man for the work before bim, he and Seth dining together and parting immedi- ately after. When be came to the house he was just in time to see a cab draw up before the door. 4 The driver sprung down and ran up to the oor,
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12 It was opened to him, and after a few words to the personage who had answered his ring, he returned and mounted his vehicle, Happy Harry stationed himself near in a place where he could see all that might take place, Presently the door opened again and young ‘Clelland came out, He hastened to the cab, and giving a hasty di- rection to the driver, got in and -was whirled rapidly away. it was not yet dark, and Harry had to use caution, About the time the cab started a grocer’s wagon dashed along, and Harry caught on be- hind that and clambered in. The driver did not notices him, and he was borne safely along, close to the cab, till the lat- ter turned down one of the avenues and the wagon turned up, going in opposite directions, Out of the wagon bounded Harry and caught on to a car that bappened to be just in time for his purpose, and in this manner the cab was held in sight for a considerable distance further, when it made another turn, and Harry had ithen to make use of his legs, The final destination of the cab was the place where Miss Rudolff was imprisoned. There Clelland sprung out and entered witb impatieut baste, Harry could not follow without running the risk of discovery asaspy upou Clelland, so he stopped at a safe distance away and set about wecovering his wind. While be stood there his attention was drawn toa woman who was pacing up and down the opposite side from the prison, Ste had a vail on, and appeared to be nervous. Only a little distance from her was another cab, the driver of which was watching the woman. It was growing dark, now, and the shadows made it possible for Har ry to draw quite near without fear of being suspscted for a detective, Tbe woman was certainly watc hing the doors of the prison on that side, asif in waiting for some one to come out, and Harry watched her, determined to learn what her interest was, if possible, Clelland was gone a considerable time. With our license of privilege we may look within the walls and learn something of his errand there, ‘*Then you declare the writing is not yours, dear one?” he was just ssking the prisoner, as he held ber in bis arms, “It is mot mine,” she responded, wrote such a note to hin in my life, would say so.” ‘*T know you would, to me if to no one else.” ‘* And yet you blame me because I have one secret from you,” ‘*Yes, darling, for this reason: The secret Sought to be known so that every possible help could be brought to your aid,” ‘**I am trusting that young detective, fully,” “T never If I had J ** But, be is oung, and may not handle the matter Just right. An older head would be bet- ter, love,” a Well, I must wait at least till I seehim once more and hear what he has to say. Then I will ask leave to disclose it to you and others,” ‘* But, you are mistress of the situation; he is mot your muster; you only hire his service, you know,” **- Yes; but I trust him.” ee Well, I will say nothing more about it now, then.” ‘* And where are you going now?” To sea Tilfrey.” ** Re has been here,” ** But, he does not know of this letter the police have found.” ‘*No, I suppose not; but, that makes it only the blacker against me, and whatis the use of trying to defend me?” ** Pshaw! do not despair that way, loved one. We know you are innocent, even if the whole world calls you guilty, and we will fight for you without a moment’s rest till we bave proven you 80. **J hope you can do that, for this is terrible.” ** Would that.I might take your place!” There was then a fond farewell, and the young banker took his leave of the prison and entered his cab again, Happy Harry, watching, had noted a change to come over the vailed womanyat the sight of Clelland, and she hastened to her own cab, spoke to the driver, and got in. When Clelland was driven away the woman followed him. ‘*Here’s a go, sure pop!” Harry cried, ‘ This BR ee i en (hs a OY Billy Bafiled. cab i is goin’ to follow t’other one, and here goes me,’ with that he caught hold behind the second vehicle, yet keeping a watch upon the one ahead, to be quite sure he was not mistaken in his idea, ‘*Christopber Columbia!” he ejaculated to himself, ‘‘ This here is gettin’ to be rich, bless me ifitain’t, This must be the other w oman in the case, sure. Crackers an’ cheese! how am I goin’ ter foller ’em both when they divide again?” He gave it up. ‘Broadway Billy would give a dollar ter know all about this woman, | know he would,” the lad mused, ‘ At the same time my orders is ter foller Clelland an’ see what he does, an’ who he talks to, an’ who talks to him— Helio! ain’t I gettia’ at it all in good shape?” He thought further upon it ‘Sure I am,” he decided. ‘Sure, Mike, Crackers an’ cheesa, matter wi’ Hanner, Selah! yes! That’s what is the The jeebeeb hath spoken, I’m ter foller Cleland to try to get on track of the woman; that’s the object, And if this is the woman I’m after, why, here the trail ends so far as the man is conc erned. Any one Ww ith brains would ’a’ thought it all out an hour ago,’ He was trotting along after the cab, and it was not hard work, since be was able to support most of his weight with his arms, There was no longer any doubt now that the one cab was following the other, for it kept it close in sight. A considerable distance was traversed, but finally the leading vebicle drew up before a bouse, The second went along and drew up to the curb on the opposite side of the way. Harry remained where he was, for the pres- ent, the cab being in a shady spot and he not likely to be discovered, The woman got out at once. ** What street is this?” she asked of her driver. She was informed, ‘And can you tell me who lives over there in that house?” ‘* No, ma’m; not bein’ acquainted, I can’t,” At that moment a colored man came out of the area gate of the house nearest to them, The woman accosted him immediately. ‘* Do you live here?” she asked, ** Yes, ma’m,” th Well, who lives over there?” and she indi- cated the house she meant, “I prides myself on de fack dat I knows ebery famil ily on dis street, tween dese avenoos,” de- clared the darky with a grin. ‘‘Datam where Mister Tilfrey, de lawyer, done lib, lady.” ‘* Thank you, sir,” She dismissed the man at once, turning her back upon him and giving her attention to the other side of the street. There had been a dim light in the front room, but now it brightened up, and the shasdows of two men appeared upon the white curtains, One was portly and heavy-looking, while the other was plainly that of the young man who had recently entered, They engaged in conversation, the younger man showing by his manner that he was the more excited, No words of what they said could reach the watcbers without, and since we can imagine the drift of the talk, we will not give ear to it. Clelland was in the bouse about half an hour, when he was seen to take leave of the lawyer, and soon after appeared at the door and came down to bis cab, At sight of bim the woman crossed the street, and as he was about entering the cab, she called to bim, He stopped short, and touching his hat re- spectfully, waited for her to address bim, “* Will’ you step this way, so I may havea word with you, sir?” she asked, *T do net know who you are,” was the re- “My time is not my own to-night, As I will not detain you long, and I will make mvself known to you.” She led the way bask across the street again, and young Clelland followed ber reluctantly. They stopped behind the cab which had brought the woman there, “You are working tc free that girl,” the wo- man now spoke, bitterly, ‘She is unworthy one pure thought of yours, Why will you not accept love such as mine?” “In Heaven’s name who are you, then?” ** Look and see,” ** Roselle Beauforte!” “The same? who loves you madly.” By * “You, you speak as though you have somé knowledge of—” ‘‘Of tbe murder of Delawater? Yes, so I have, I saw the deed done,” ‘* Heavens! Yousdaw it done?” te Ve s,?? Tell me, not mean—” “Tie one who did that deed was Clementine Rudolff, I saw it with my own eyes. Only say that you will take me to your heart, Court- ney Clelland, and I will never tell what I know, and she that you love more than me may escape her doom,” then, who did it. Surely, you do CHAPTER XV. A DECISIVE STEP TAKEN, COURTNEY CLELLAND, as Happy Harry could see, stood as one struck dumb with horror, And the woman, no longer young, but faded, pale-faced and sad, beld out her bands to him in an imploring manner, ‘* Are you sure of what you say, Roselle?” Clelland asked. “That I love yon?” ‘‘ No, no; that vou saw Clementine strike the blow that Killed Delawater,” ‘‘Yes, lam sure, Ob! if you could but know how false she is! She killed bim in his own roon), late at night, you know,” “Tf you speak the truth, Clementine is un- worthy to be saved from the fate she justly de- serves.” ‘the woman caught his hands, ** And I do speak the truth, Will you not believe me? I tell you I saw it all with my own eyes; I rely not on the report of anotber, Still, I would lie to save her, if that would please ou.” ‘* What would you say?” ‘‘T would swear that I spent the night with my mother, and that I slept with Clementine, if need be, and thatshe did not leave the house that nizht, That is, I will do this if you will only give me the love my heart craves, Will you? Say that you will, and I am your slave,” Tney spoke in low, earnest tones, but Happy Harry, under the back of the cab, could hear well enough. ‘Tt is so sudden, Roselle,” the young man pleaded. ‘‘Give me time to think it over, be- fore I reply.” ‘* How much time do you ask?” ‘*Give me till to-morrow night.” ‘* Well, I will do that, and then I will come to you for my answer—” ** No, I will go to you, Meanwhile, I will see Clementine and force her to own to the truth, if I can,” ** You had better not see her, for she will lie to you and you will then doubt me, Oh! if I could only show her to you for what sheis, I would die to save you from her, Courtney.” “TI can well believe it, Roselle, But, your statement must be proven, you are aware, be- fore it can bave weight against her.” ** And I will prove it, never fear,” “Why did sve kill Delawater?” **Can you not see?” “T ask you,” ‘Why, her good name was in bis hands, and she loved you. He threatened her, and to rid herself of bim and the danger of exposure at the same time, she dealt bim the deadly blow,” The young banker mopped bis brow as these words fell upon his ears, Could it be possible that Clementine Rudolff, so fair, could be so false at heart? He thought of the damning evidence against her, and knew that if this woman’s story were told, nothing could save her, Still be loved ber! ‘*Ts it possible—can it be true!” he gasped, ‘** You still doubt me? Let me tell my story to the jury and see if they will doubt.” “No, no, Roselle, you must not breathe this to another ‘soul, Even if she is all you say, I cannot forget that I loved her, Let her escape if she can, and let ber conscience be her punish- ment,” **Only love me, Courtney, and I will ‘do any- thing.” ‘*Youn would even swear falsely to save her?’ ‘* ‘Yes, yes, anything.” ‘* Well, give me the time I have asked, and in the meanwhile I will make up my mind wkat my course shall be,” ‘“‘ Very well; but, take warning. Unless you grant what I ask IT will tell what I know and furnish the proofs to béar me out in my state- ments, I am prepared todo it. I have notbing saeings Clementine, but I will never see ber your wife, : : ; :
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_ Billy bad oooupied, and there was nothing to Have no fears; I would not wed a murder- ess. She now released bis hands and moved toward the door of her cab, and he retreated across the street, ** To-morrow nigkt at this hour,” she called out to him, ‘* Yes, to-morrow night at this hour, or sooner ” he answered back, And so they parted. The woman entered her cab, and it started away immediately. : Needless to say, Happy Harry went with it, having made up his mind what his duty was, ** Christopher Columbia!” he said to himself, ** but this is gettin’ thick an’ no mistake about it. Wonder if t’other gal really did do the deed? If she didn’t, then I guess 1 know who did, Selah !” Be keptas far under the cab as he could, in order not to be seen, for this was about the surest way of following he could adopt, Crackers an’ cheese!” be further mused, ** Wonder what William o’ Broadway will say when 1 pour this little tale into his ear? Guess he’ll think there is meat in the egg somewhere, sure pop. Wonder if Silent Seth is reapin’ a harvest like this? I bet we will get there now, with both feet,” To quote his musings at length were to leave room for nothing else, The destination of the woman was finally reached, and she alighted and dismissed the cab and entered the house, Happy Harry took note of the street and number, and presently dropped off from the cab and set out in the direction of home, much elated at the success of his work. On the following morning Harry and Seth compared notes, Both were elated, and were apxious for the arrival of their chief so they might give in their reports, They were somewhat anxious about Billy, for he had not been at home all nigot, and nothing had been heard from him, And, finally, when the opening hour passed and he had not yet appeared, they concluded that something ad happened to him. ‘* What's to be done, Seth?” Harry asked, ‘If you ever talked, talk now.” “| think we had better go right to the superintendent, the first thing,” was the Silent Shadower’s suggestion, ‘*That’s the stuff,” Harry agreed. ‘‘ He will know where Billy is, if anybody, for he is in this cage, too, And if he don’t know, he'll help us find him. Come on,” Leaving a brief note for their chief, they locked the office and set forth without delay. The superintendent knew them by sight, and €s soon as they entered his office he read in their faces that something was wrong. ** What is it, lads?” be asked. ‘ Has Broad- way Billy not turned up this morning, after his night in the haunted room?” **No, sir,” answered Harry. must ’a’ happened to him,” , ** Sol fear, Here, Jones, go with these boys at once to the Rudolff residence and Jearn what you can about Billy Weston,” The man addressed was a detective on his staff, and he set out with Harry and Seth imme- diately. Arriving at the place of their destination, their ring was answered by the housekeeper, Mrs, Beauforte, * Has Mr. Weston gone away from here yet, madam?” the detective asked, ** He has, sir, and very mysteriously,” was the somewhat excited reply. ‘*The door is locked just as I left it last night, but he is not there.” ** Show us the room at once.” The woman obeyed, and they were soon at the door of the haunted room. “Why, the key is on the outside, madam,” cried the detective.. ‘‘ How is ; this if he was within?” ‘He told me to lock bim in, and so I did,” the woman truthfully testified, Jones looked at her searchingly. Whatever his thoughts, be made no comment, but opened the door and went in. The room contained nothing but the chair ** Somethin’ indicate the means of his exit, ‘You are sure you did lock the door, madam?” the detective asked, re ** Yes, sir; to be sure [ am,” ** And it was not unlocked during the night?” “Not to my rise dal “And what time did you come up here this mornicg?” “As soon as a ‘I was up, for I thought the Broadway Billy Baffled, young raan would want to come out. [ opened the door, when, what was my surprise to find him ;zone,” ‘** And the door was still locked?” The door was still locked.” Jones shook his bead in a puzzled way; and began a close inspection of the room, ‘‘Here are some pretty sbarp heel marks on the floor,” Silent Seth called attention, ‘* It looks as if there bad been a struggle here,” ‘* Ha! that is so!” cried Jones, ‘Yes, and here’s a button!” cried Happy Harry, with delight, ‘There has been a struggle, that is plain,” the detective decided, ‘‘ but it has been a bloodless one. Broadway Billy has been taken pris- oner.” ‘* How can it be possible?” queried the house- keeper, in amazement, ‘* We sball bave to call upon you to help us in explaining that,” was the detectivé'’s response, ‘* Consider yourself under arrest, madam,’ ** Under arrest!” ‘Exactly. One of you boys go and bring a couple of policemen as soon as you can, Sit down, madam, till their arrival,” The woman took her seat in the one chair the room held, ber facé very pile and her hands twitching nervously,and Happy Harry hastened out to obey the directions of the officer, ‘“* Why am I under arrest?” the woman asked, ‘* Because, madam, this is a house of mystery, and the police are determined to get at the bot- tom of it.” ‘Then you do not believe that [ have spoken the truth?” **T see only the facts. Detective Billy Weston came here last night to spend the night in watch- ing, and he is gone. We are determined to know how he went and where he went to, The fact that the key was on the outside of the door is very suspicious, to say the least.” ‘* But, it was by his orders; to that I will swear, willingly.” **The chance will be given you. Let me warn you that anything you may say now will be used against you.” In a little time Harry was back again with the officers, and Detective Jones left ttem in charge of the house while he went to procure the proper papers for the arrests, and a thorongh search of the premises. Harry and Seth went with him, and the two were soon closeted . with the superintendent in his private office, Here was marked the beginning of the end, CHAPTER XVI. THE POLICE TO THE RESCUE, THE stories told by the two boys were listened to with rapt attention. When they bad done, the superintendent con- gratulated them warmly upon the manner in which they had done their work, “T do not wonder. Broadway Billy puts so much reliance on you,” he declared. ‘* You have done work here that veterans might well be proud of, You have as good as solved the mystery,” ‘* Not too thick, please,” said Harry, blushing violently, ‘We're young and modest, and we can’t stand it, specially Seth,” Seth was as imperturbable as ever, Nothing in bis face indicated what his thoughts or feelings were. ‘Well, I'll say no more about it now, then,” the superintendent laughingly returned, «‘' I will, however, act upon this information imme- diately, and you boys shall enjuy taking part in it, Jones?” ‘Yes, sir.” “Find Woodmansy, if you can, anu you and he together take this. matter in hand, Goat once and arrest Roselle Beauforte and Jacob Perrymore, separately, and. separately brin them here, Arm yourselves with warrants, o course, Do not let them see each other till they meet here for the first time.” ‘* But, what about Broadway Billy?’ asked Harry, anxiously, ‘He shall be attended to next,” was the re- sponse, “I believe his safety depends on oar getting hold of these two persons before they take alarm, and if heis yet living, we may rescue him unharmed,” Seth nodded his head approvingly, but did not waste words to say that he bad thought that would be the proper course. “That's the cheese!” Happy Harry cried, gleefully...‘ Christopher Columbia! if there won’t be a surprise for somebody you can call me a-gosling, ell do’em, up, you bet! The jeebeeb has spoken, They went out, then, etective Jones, eee #5 S ESE EY 2 8 Ge525 * 38°98 se YS Fo S82 & Bos =¢ 8 POSES Sener Oo a. 2a Se See eee in and the superintendent sent at once for the in- spector to consult with bim, While they. were talking Courtney Clelland entered, somewhat excited. He made himself known, and immediately: asked: ‘* Can you tell me where I can find Mr, Wes~ ton—tnat is, Broadway Billy?” ‘* We are about to make an effort to find him ourselves,” was the response, ‘'I have reasou to fear he has gotten into trouble, sir,” “Tf that is the case | must make a disclosure to you, gentlemen,” “'Wuat is 1t?” ‘*] believe [ have found the person who killed Barring Delawater.” ‘*So do we, too. Whom do you auspect?” ‘*A woman who is partly, if not indeed quite, demented, Her name is Roselle Beauforte.” ‘Tt is the same,” was the quiet return, ‘‘Sbe will be here under arrest in a short time. My advice to you is not to meet her, for she might kill you, if she bas a weapon,” ‘* Why, what do you know concerning her and me?” ‘*T happen to have knowledge of the conver- sation you held with her last night, and that ie what has led to her arrest.” The young man looked at him wonderingly. ‘Then there is nothing 1 can tell you more,” he said, ‘You may depend on it that Mire Rudolff is innocent, and in my talk with this woman last night I merely played into ber bands to pacify ber.” ‘1 gee, Well, the chances are that Miss Ru- dolff will speedily be cleared, if. our suspicions are correct, Wecan promise nothing definite- ly, however, till we rescue Broadway Billy. We believe he holds the key to the situation, if be is alive,” The young man went away, and the officials continued their plannings, In the mean time Harry and Seth had gone with the detectives to make the arrests, F Woodmansy bad been found, Jones knowin where to look for him, and Seth accom ate one tomake thearrest of Perrymore while Harry went with the other to find and arrest the wo- man Beauforte. Both quests were successful, Perry more was found ia bed, and when arrest- ed his very actions betrayed his guilt. The woman, too, was greatly excited, and her wild talk about murder, counterfeiting, and what not, led them to believe her out of her mind bad-: yD hey were taken to Headquarters at once, Perrymore was the first to arrive, and as he confronted the superintendent and the inspector he tried to brave it out, ‘* What am I[ here for, gentlemen?” he demand- ‘¢ You have been arrested for your part in the Delawater murder,” was the cold response. At that moment the door opened, and Roselle Beauforte was ushered in and the guilty pair faced each other. ** Curse you for the confession you have made!” cried Perrymore, flercely, ‘It is to you we owe our ruin! No otber way could suspicion have come upon us!” *T hive confessed nothing,” cried the woman, ** What are you talking about?” “That is enough,” spoke the inspector, stern= ly. .““By your own lips we have a confessiom of guilt. You are both to be held to answer for the crime and for all the mystery that at- taches, Here is the butten wanting on your coat, ‘Is that all we are to be held for?’ asked the man. ‘*No; you are to be responsible for the life and safety of Devective William Weston, ‘* What do you imagine I know about him?” ‘“‘Rverything, and it will be the better for you if you make a clean’ breast of the whole matter.” ‘‘Ha, ha! Do you think me a fool? Well, make the most of it. I guess you will have to let me go in the end, As for Weston, [ know nothing about him, and if I dia—” “ And if you did?” “Why, I certainly would tell you, of course.” And as the man said that, a light laugh came from his lips, as if of defiance, The man and woman were sent away to be locked up, with strict orders that they be not al- owed to communicate with each other, The superintendent and the inspector had arranged their plans, and when they had given instructions to the detectives, the latter set forth to carry the plans into execution. Harry and Seth went with them, LEY Detective *Woodmansy and his men, with
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14 Broadway Billy Baffled. Silent Seth, went to the house to which Seth had followed Perrymore on the previous night. Detective Jones, with his men and tireless Harry, returned to the Rudolff residence to continue their investigations there, with the de- termination to solve the mystery of the haunted room if possible. At this house the policemen were yet on guard, and Mrs. Beauforte was still a guarded prisoner. Armed now with a warrant for her, Detec- tive Jones took her into custody properly, ‘* You may as well confess, madam,” he said, *“* Your daughter, Roselle, and Jacob Perry- more, are locked up, and they have told enough to make it useless for you to deny anything.” ‘* My daughter arrested!” the woman cried, ‘* Hard and fast, madam,” was the assurance, “* And for what bas she been arrested?” ‘* You can answer that question yourself, so there is no need for me to tell you what you know already.” The woman protested, and would reveal nothing, thinking it was a trap laid for her, mo doubt, so she was taken away, and then began the examination of the mysterious haunt- ed room, Two or three of the men were armed with hammers, aud they began sounding the wall in earnest, having little regard for the amount of hard-finisk vam knocked down as they pro- ceeded, and finally the chimney claimed their undivided attention, Under the beavy blows it gave forth a sound that was not natural for a genuine chimney, and attacking it with vigor, an opening was at last forced. A piece of the wall crashed in, and the stairs were revealed, When the hole had been made larger, some of the men crowded in, and when a light had been provided the secret was laid bare, There was a framework of steel filled witha layer of bricks, and upon that the wall had been finished. Machinery moved the chimney apart, and so well concealed was the joint that it could not be discovered on the outside, So much had been gained, They went down the stairs, and finally came to the iron door, which they set about breaking Open at once, This occupied them a considerable time, but finaily it swung open tothemand the passageway was revealed, along which they hastened, wea- pons ready for use, wondering into what manner of secrets they were forcing their way. Meantime, Woodmansy and Silent Seth, and those with them, had gone to the dark house of mystery. Arriving, they did not force the front door thinking it might be useful for the catching of others in the scheme, if their work could be kept secret for a time, to leave the door as it was. There was a passage between this house and one of its elbow neighbors, and through this the detectives made their way to the rear, Here they forced an entrance by one of the windows, and began to explore the premises thoroughly. Their search was not a long one, for they were trained searchers. There was a plain trail leading from the front door to the rear stairs, over the bare floor, and down the rear stairs and to the door leading into the cellar, This they followed, and in the cellar they came to an iron door, one similar in all respects to those the other detectives had encountered in the Rudolff residence, and in a similar way they proceeded to force it, Meanwhile, what of Broadway Billy? Once falling asleep, the stillness of the place was such that he did not awaken for several hours, / When at last he did open his eyes he did so with a start, at bis unusual surroundings, but immediately his adventures of the night came to him, and he realized the fix he was in, The gas was burning steadily, and by its light Billy glanced at the clock, It was after ten. ‘* Sweet pertaters!” he exclaimed to himself, ** What a snooze I have taken! I guess I am here to stay, sure enough. Wonder what they think has become of me? I'll bet my boys are bustling to find me. But, they'll bustls in vain, d fear, this time,” CHAPTER XVII. THE END OF THE PLAY. Briuy stirred about as much as his slight degree of liberty of action would allow, a ing to his wants and partaking again of the scant store of provisions the locker contained. While he was thus engaged the sound of dis- tant pounding came to his ears, and he dropped everything to listen. He was not mistaken; there were the heavy sounds, sure enough! “*Tt can’t be the rascals themselves,” he de- clared, ‘‘ for they would bave no need to make such a noise as that. Is it possible it’s a rescue party, and that they have got on the track of me so soon? Some clew must have been left in that room last night, after my struggle there,” He listened eagerly, Finally the pounding ceased, and fora time all was still. The next he heard was the sound of voices, then the hasty tread of feet, and after that came a heavy rap upon the door of his prison. ** Come in!” Billy called out cheerfully. ‘*That’s him!” cried the voice of Happy Harry. ‘*Bu’st’er open, pards! Weare after ye, Broadway Billy. Hooray—hooray!” ** Good for you!” Billy shouted back, ‘ Break down the door, for i am helpless to do anything on this side. Here isa pretty surprise for you, I can tell you, Sock it to her!” The men worked with a will, and while they were at work on that door there came the sound of heavy blows on the other one, ** Bang away!” cried Billy. ‘*The more the merrier. You will find me here when you get in, and you will find me in a new role, too.” is That is Broadway Billy,” he heard Seth de- clare, ** Hello, Seth!” cried Harry, across the yet un- seen room, ‘* You on deck also?” ‘*Don’t waste time shouting,” Seth shouted back, ‘t Break your way in!” Tho doors were strong and offered a good deal of resistance, but presently they gave way, and both fell in with a crash at about the same time, Then followed a scene for a few minutes which almost baffled descriptiou. The two boys em- braced their chief; the detectives went into ecstasies; and everybody talked at once—except Silent Seth, Presently, though, the first burst subsided and while explanations were made all around the men set about freeing Billy from his shackles, “Then it seems I owe everything to hg Seth and Harry,” said Billy, as he shook him- self, once freed, “Yes, everything,” declared Woodmansy. “Only for them you might have rotted here, They are the best pair of young detectives in New York to-day.” ** And tbe case is theirs, and they have all the honor of it,” Billy vowed, ‘‘I was not in it, this time, at all—or, rather, I was in it only too well, As you said, Woodmansy, only for them I might never have got out.” While they were preparing to leave the place, still talking among themselves, there came to them the smell of smoke, ‘“* What is that?” questioned Detective Wood- mansy. ‘“*T should say it is smoke,” Detective Jones made answer, “Oh, I know that well enough; I mean, where does it come from?” Broadway Billy had noted it, too, and he and - others wére looking about for an explana- on. They were not held long in doubt, for pre- sently a great volume of it rolled into the den from the passage on the right, ** Christopher Columbia!” cried Happy Harry, “They have holed us, and they mean to smoke us out like rats!” “Or smoke us in, like herrings,” added Silent Seth, in his dry way, “Tt means something, sure, cried Billy, **'You did not notice any fire when you came oem that way, did you?” 0. ‘*Then the rascals have discovered you, and they mean to finish us, The smoke has a vil- lainous smell, that is certain, and it may be poisonous.” ** Let’s get out as fast as we can, then,” sug- gested Jones, “But we don’t want to desert the den,” re- minded Woodmansy. “Nor must we, if we can hold it,” cried Billy. ‘‘ Here, let’s put up the broken door in place, and see if we can’t s it.” hs laid hold upon the iron door to lift it to ce, As they were in the act they heard a noise behind them, and looking that way, were start- led by what they saw. | oI There, in the passageway, and just behind where the door had been, a huge iron shutter was being let down into place with a rapid run, and before they could move to stop it, it bad blocked the passage, ‘** Trapped!” cried Woodmansy, ** Look out here, for another the same,” Broad- way Billy called attention, He indicated the opposite passage, the one through which the smoke was coming. And, even as be did so, the creak of another descerd- ing shutter was heard, **Quick!” Billy cried. ‘‘ Let’s shove this iron door under it, and so stop it and keep the pas- sage open, If we allow them totrap us, we may die bere by inches of starvation,” Willing hands caught hold upon the ‘unhinged door afresh, and it was pushed forward quickly, but luck seemed to he against them, The door caught by one corner on a stone that stood above the rest of the floor, and before a second moore could be made, the shutter had fallen to ace, ; Then it was a taunting laugh was heard: ‘*Ha, ha, ha,ha! There you are, like rats in a trap! “Crackers an’ cheese! Christopher Colum- bia!” exclaimed Happy Harry. “We are in for it now, sure enough,” Billy observed. ‘* We may get done up yet, pards,” ‘““We must batter our way out. one way or the other,” spoke Silent Seth. ‘‘ No time to be lost about it, either,” ‘Right you are, Seth,” agreed Billy, ‘‘ Lay hold upon something to batter with, men, and we will try to get out this side opposite where the smoke is coming in,” The smoke was still coming in, finding its way through numerous small holes in the iron shut- ter, and even as they looked about them there came a thump against the shutter, and flames poured in through every hole, crack and crevice, ‘* Ha, ha, ba,.ha!” rung out again the taunt- inglaugh. ‘* Die, like the dogs you are!” “Tt looks pretty dubious for us, I'll be hanged if it don’t,” muttered Woodmansy, as he was helping to get one of the iron doors into position to be used as a ram against the shutter, ‘*Never say die,” cheered Billy. ‘* Make haste, boys,” ‘*That’s what’s the matter!” cried BAPE Harry. ‘We may beat ’em yet, if we loo alive about it.” ‘* We haven’t got long to do it in, though bet,” said Seth, in bis business-like way, ‘“ smoke means death, if we don’t get out of it,” ‘Or get it stopped,” added Jones. “And there’s no stopping it,” averred Billy, ‘* with the flame coming through with it, They have run.a fiery furnace right up against the door, and the advantage is all on their side,” ‘* Ain’t there any other way of escape?” ques- tioned a policeman, ‘*No other,” Billy declared. none.” The battering-ram had now beer made ready, and those who had it in hand went forward with a rush toward the iron shutter, There was a crash, a sharp metallic ring, and arecoil that nearly carried the men off their feet, and again came to their hearing the sound of that hated Jaugb, At TFa, = ha, ha! Little that will accomplish for you, This place was made for just such a pur as this, You have discovered us, but your discovery will mean death for you.” **1t would mean that for you, if we could face you,” cried Billy. You bave got all you want to face right there,” came back the taunting reply. ‘ You are facing death, and it is not far away, either, Ha, ba, ha, ha!” \ Bang! went the battering-ram again, and yet again, rn his “This way or ut with no more effect than at first. he officers were inning to look at one an- other with blanched cheeks, “ Be hivvins, but it’s a bad fix we are in,” re- marked one. ** You are right, man,” his companion agreed. ** And can’t you be after getting us out, Mis- ter Broadway illy?” yet another crisd, “ Sure, it’s dhe devil’s own imp ye have been fur getting out av scrapes yourself, as Oi have read about n e. “I'm going to get out or bu’st a button, you can bet on it,” answered Billy. ‘‘ Keep a stiff Bppet lip, and remember you are one of the inest, ‘Have hs got your life insured, Mike?” asked another of the officers, forcing a jest. wi Oi have dhat same, thank my stars,” was 6 nse, Again they made a rush with the ram, this time with more force than ever, if possible, but ‘ Lai =. get 2. {
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——y ae a a "+ ~. a ee eae i j ee 3 lest egdes: —— ~, port, a shock that flun still with no success, and the recoil sent some of them to the floor, By this time the air bad become almost-ex- bausted, and the smoke was stifling, It was plain they could not stand it much longer, Suddenly a thought came to Broadway Billy, and he condemned himself severely for not Lav- ing thought of the scheme before. ‘* Hers, lend me a hand,” he cried, springing to where the forge and bellows stood, ‘* We'll see if we can’t blow some of that smoke the other ge Here, too, is a vent to open!” e opened the vent through which the forge smoke had been allowed to escape, and the bel- flows was speedily placed facing the place where the smoke was coming in, together with the hot flames, and two of the policemen set at work blowing with a will, nba bettered their condition in a few min- utes, In the mean time Harry and Seth had not been idle, but had been making a most thorough ex- ploration of the den, in the hope of finding something that would help them in their desper- ate efforts to escape, » Presently they came upon a small iron box in an out-of-the-way corner, It had a lock to it, bu&S the lock was open, and removing it and raising the lid they wondered what their find was, There a full dozen or more of objects that look- ed not unlike buge candles, except that they were black, Then, too, long strings on them gave them more the appearance of firecrackers. ‘What are they, Seth?” asked Harry, eager- ly. ‘Give itup, Harry,” wasthe response. ‘‘ We'll show them to the boss,” Taking the box up, they carried it out into the other room; where Billy was, and there showed their find, “It looks like powder,” Billy said immedi- ately “And dbat same it is!” cried one of the police- men, ‘‘ Sure, many a wan av dhem Oi foired on dhe Boolevard, before Oi got on dhe force, We'll be out now, me lads, and don’t ye forget it!” CHAPTER XVIII, ESCAPE AND CONCLUSION, NrEw hope was now in every breast, and their faces bad taken on brighter looks than they had bad for some minutes, The policeman who declared himself to be an expert with the powder was given charge of the explosives, and Billy told him to'go ahead and blow one or both of the shutters down, ‘Oi will dhat same,” was the assurance, ** Vian av dhe pieces will be enough to do dhe business.” “Which one should he try?” asked Wood- mansy. ee The one where the fire is, by all means,” said Billy. c We may get a shot at the infernal scamps, “ ‘ Best; that is what I was going to suggest, Go ai , Gallagher, and show us what you can oO. “Yes, let ’er go, Gallagher!” cried Ha Harry. ‘“‘Andif you blow them all upat t a same time it won’t matter a bit,” ‘* Oi only bope Oi can do it,” All this had spoken in low tone, for it was thought best not to let on to their enemies the find they had made, The policeman got down and crawled to the door, and eet one of the powder-bults in sition, he lighted the fuseand burried away, say- ing to the others: ** Into dhe other room wid yez, now, loively!” He had picked up the powder,box, closed the lid, and with a couple of lengtny strides had cleared the space and was out of danger. The rest were right with bim, and all crouched in the furthest corner of the inner room while they waited for the blast to go off and tear a passage for them out of their novel prison, The seconds seemed minutes while they waited, but they were not kept a great while in suspense, There came simultaneously a cannon-like ro them back against the wall with no gentle force, anda tearing and crunching as though the very rocks were being torn asunder, ant ber > an ue sah So cr © policeman who had managed the thing, in the lar sing-song way of a gang- boss on the pu ks, He led the oy a vie wea “Me Li all e other room, ark, now for the lights had been extinguished by the con- Bits of fire lay scattered all around, where the Broadway Billy Baffled. iron shutter had been, and by the dim light they made the effect of the blast could be partly seen. The sbutter had been torn loose from one side, and was bent backward, leaving the passage open. tr Bully for Gallagher!” cried Happy Harry. ‘‘Dhe same furall av us!” cried the happy policeman, ‘* Dhat was phwat did dhe business fur dhem, me b’y,” * Let's after them,” urged Broadway Billy. ‘* We may nab tuem before they make their es- cape.” ‘*¢ Better go slow, boss,” suggested Silent Seth. ‘They may give us a dose of the same medicine if we don’t look out,” ‘* We'll take the chances, Not likely they had any explosives except these in the iron box, Come on, Woodmansy; come on, all of you,” The smoke was now so thick that nothing could be seen more than a footahead in the dark passage, even with the light from tbe scattered coals, and as soon as they had been passed every- thing was absolute blackness, Broadway Billy led the way she dy the others close upon his heels, all proceeding as rapidly as possible, and in due time they came to the house by which Woodmansy, Silent Seth, and those with them, had gained entrance to the underground den, where they found a door barred against them, ‘*They have reached here first and escaped,” Billy cried, in disappointment, “Begorra, dhey left before dhe explosion,” declared Officer Gallagher, ‘“‘If dhey hadn’t, we would have found dhem on dheir backs in dbe tunnel.” ‘I guess you are right, and thero is nothing to be done but to go back, now, and let you blow open the other door, They no doubt think they have left us there in the deatb-trap to die,” ‘*Dhe which same dhey haven’t dhough, be- gob,” They retraced, their way to the den, where a light was made, and acharge of powder was put under the other door, or shutter, This, like the first, was blown aside sufficient- ly to admit their passage out, and so, thauks to the powder and the boys who had found it, their escape was made sure. They had been in a tight place. “That’s the stuff!” cried Happy Harry, filled with delight, ‘* That is what they didn’t have down on their programme!” “And you two boys are something else they. did not figure on as largely as they should have done, either,” commented Detective Jones. “Sh! don’t talk that way before Seth,” Harry cautioned, aloud, ** You don’t know how modest he is, He don’t say much, but he hears a good deal, and when you talk about him it makes him blush all over.” : ‘““Which Harry never does,” spoke Seth briefly. ‘His face is never still long enough, The others laughed, and that was the end of their jesting, for Billy called them to business preparatory to leaving the place that had come so near to being their tomb. Some of the detectives, well-armed, were left in charge of the dev, while Billy, the boys, and the others, went to ‘Headquarters to tell their story. The disclosure of the counterfeiters’ den made & great sensation, and steps were taken at once for the aprehenes of all concerned in it, With the help of Seth, who bad seen most of the rascals, the arrests were speedily made, and the entire gang imprisoned. A good deal of the bogus stuff was found in the place, and so well was the counterfeit ex- ecuted that it was bard to estimate how much oe the product of the den might be in circula- on, Thorough search, too, discovered the Steel Hand, It was a huge gauntlet of steel, into which a man could put Eis band, and by simply closing the hand the gauntlet closed with a force that could be made to crush a block of wood to splin- rs, : Attached to the gauntlet was a great cloak of black, covered with some greasy substance which was the source of the tight that had sur- rounded the hand when it had been seen, By rubbing theclouk with the hpi the incandes- | cence could be made to appear, Its. disappear- ance was occasioned by the mere opening of a bottle of some volatile substance in the posses- sion of the wearer. The examination of Clementine Rudolff was set for that day, but it did not come off, She was re , and the other prisoners were held to answer for the crime that bad been laid | to her charge. When the work of the detectives was done the 15 case had been made complete against them, and there was nothing to save them from their merited fate, These counterfeiters bad operate) in New York for many years, They bad confined their product to a certain quantity, steadily, in order not to create suspicion against themselves, and were rapidly amassing fortunes, For their perfect security they bad bought houses in a respectable quarter of the town, and made their den as it has been disclosed to inspec- tion. Later they sold one of these houses to Mr, tudolff, one being enough to answer their pur- pose, or rather two, for the ove adjoining the Rudolff residence was in their bands, Mrs, Beauforte, the bousekeeper at the Ru- dolff residence, was one of the band, and her daughter was the ‘ queen” of the gang. She it was who passed most of the ‘ goods” into the channels of trade. Barring Delawater was the captain of tha band, and Roselle was his “ife, so called, Later, lie fell in tove with Miss Rudolff,: and Roselle showed jealousy, at first, but when she found his suit was spurned, she was delighted, From that time Delawater hated her, and cast her off. She made friends then with Perry- more, the second in command, In her spying upon Miss Rudolff, she came to learn of Courtney Clelland, and fell in love with bim at sight, She tried every way to win him, keeping her true character in the background, but ber efforts were useless, That being so, she resolved to make a bold stroke. She killed Del- awater, baving arranged everything to lay the crime upon Miss Rudolff, and Perrymore helped ber, for be thought could they get a hold upon the young banker they could push their counter- feit product the faster upon the market, and soon reach the amount of fortune they aimed at, Basides, by Delawater’s death be would come in- to the first place, which he bad so long coveted, So, the crime was done, as it bas been set forth, But, asis usually the case, they overreached themselves, and in the end came their merited disaster. Needless to say, Miss Rudolff was cleared and fully exonerated, while the guilty wretches were punisbed as their crimes deserved, The den was cleaned out, and it was blown u with explosives and filled in with earth, all traces of it being removed and the houses re- stored to their former order, Courtney Clelland and Clementine Rudolff were married, but tbey did not go to reside in the Rudolff residence, That bad too many un- —— memories; and besides, the young ban- er bad a new and finer residence already pre- pared for his admirable bride, in which they are auly bappy, as they deserved to be, he press and the police made much of Broad- way Biily and his tandems, but they did them no more honor than was justly earned, Billy’s ban- ner bad been lifted even higher than before, and around it bis devoted allies railied for further conquests in their chosen field, Seth bad not much to say, but his determined face was index enough to his intentions. Harry was outspoken, of course, * Here we are,” he declared, boldly; ‘riper than ever for any diffikilty! We'll tackle any- thing, from a ghost to the mafias, Christopber Columbia! but we did make things hum that time, though! And we'll do it aga too— crackers an’ cheese, yes! The jeebeeb hath spoken, Selah!” THE END. ‘ Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY COL, A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buekakins or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, B28 The Dandy Sports or, The King Pin Consplrator, 678 Headlight Harry's Hazard; or, The Lightning Express 6 etective. Neadlight Marry’s Haul, Headlight Harry’s Siren, Headlight Harry’s Heritage. BY GEORGE ©, JENKS, 456 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Fit Thar Owney’s Pledge, 518 The Demon Doctor, 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. BS Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 The Pitcher Detective’a Fotl; or, Dan’s Double Play, 616 The Ocean Detectives or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussle, 86 Larry the Thoroughbred; or, n on Every Side 79 ron Hand, the Charmed Detective, A New issue Every Tuesday- The Half-Dime Library is for sale by ai! newadealers, dive ‘ eonte per copy, or sent by mall om receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Btreet, New York, e327 759 ~ ee etal en Ps aa ~ “ ie ee aie 4 an 7 (eS ee eee
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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 Bully 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, 703 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. 735 Broadway Billy’s Business; or, Waking Up‘ Wind Canyon Camp, 738 Broadway meme Curious, Case;, or, The Mysterious . Disappearance at. Manitou Springs. . Ffroadwvay Billy lovels in leadle's flame | ibe 4) The Gamin Detective’s Double Snap at Santa Fe. 753 Broadway Billy in Denver; or, The On-the- Catch Combination, 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Tbree Detectives in Denver, 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective; or, How the City Buzzards Were Brought In. 775 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase; or, Materi- alizing the Spocks. x . Tho Mysterious Disappearnnos at Maxiton Springs 4 BOMANCE OF CoLemsDO 783 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Detective Trio’s Uncanny Quest, 786 Broadway Billy’s Team; or, The Detective Gombine’s Big Pall. 790 Broadway Billy’s' Brigade; or, The Case of the Dead Alive, 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest; or, Sifting the Santvoord Secret, 800 Broadway Billy Buffled; or, The Team's Toughest Tug. —— = —— —_—_—_ ary. Latest and New Issues, 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device; or, The Tussel with Satan. By Edward L, Wheeler, 793 Dick Doom in Chicago; or, The Ferret of the Golden Fetters. By Col, P, Ingraham, 794 Headlight Harry’s Hunt; or, The Railroad Pards’ Tough Run in Satan’s Camp. By Col. A, F. Holt, 795 Kit Bandy in Rd Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind of the Halls, By Ol! Coomes, 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest; or, Sifting the Santvoord Secret. By J, C, Cowdrick. 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Venture. By Edward L. Wheeler. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild West; or, Shadowed to the Stades, By Col. P. [Ingrabam, 799 Kit Bandy’s Big Rustle, By Oll Coomes, } 800 Broadway Billy Baffled; or, The Team’s Tougbest Tug. By J. C. Cowdrick, 801 Kent. Kirby, the High-Kicker from Kill- buck, By Lieut; A, K, Sims, 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. By Edward L, Wheeler. 803 Dick. Doom in Washington. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Ready December 13th, A New Issue Every Tuesday. BEADLE’s Hatr-Dimg Liprary 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.